Texas fury (64 page)

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forehead and to smooth the tangled hair back from her face.

From the landing on the stairwell she called down to the family. "I think we should all celebrate the New Year by emptying out Sunbridge's water tanks and hitting the sack. Tomorrow is New Year's, and I know it's going to be a wonderful year for all of us. Our numbers are increased by one: We have a lot to be thankful for."

"Hear, hear! I second the lady," Thad said happily. They trouped up the stairs, following Thad as though he were the Pied Piper.

{{{{{{{{{ CHAPTER )})}}}})}

TWENTY-THREE

Riley walked through the first floor ofSunbridge, touching the back of a chair, straightening a lamp shade, stooping to pick lint off the carpet, anything to keep his hands and mind busy. His home. He then made his rounds to check the windows and lights, wearily heading for the front door to turn off the outside light, the light that welcomed them all back to Sunbridge.

It was all his now. His, because of Cole's generosity. He frowned in the dim light of the hallway. He had to give Cole's deed back to him. There was no way he could claim Cole's heritage as his own. He should have given it back to Cole a long time ago, but the intense feeling he had when he held both deeds in his hands was so strong, so ... so right, he'd procrastinated, just as he'd procrastinated in making up with Cole.

If there was one thing in life Riley hated, it was admitting he was wrong. It went against everything in him.... He wanted to be perfect, to be right about everything. He knew it wasn't possible; it had never been possible. A man was what he was. Two wrongs never made something right. That's what he had to apologize to Cole for.

A sound jarred at Riley, a creak on the stairway. "Cole! I thought you went to bed." Thank God. Cole was making it easy for him. Cole always made it easy for him. Out of stubbornness he'd been deaf and blind to Cole and their years of friendship.

"I did, but I came back down. I thought this might be a

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good time for us to talk. Talk, Riley, no slugfest tonight; I'm too tired. I don't know about you, but I need to talk to you."

"I'm glad you came down, Cole. You don't have to say anything. It's me who has to talk, to explain, to apologize. I've been meaning to ... to give you this," Riley said, reaching into his pocket.

"If that's what I think it is, I don't want it. You know that, Riley, and if you don't, then something is wrong somewhere. I thought ... I would have sworn that you, Riley, knew me better than anyone."

"Cole ... I wanted to make amends a thousand times, but something always stopped me. I never knew what that something was until just a few minutes ago. I physically beat you within an inch of your life. You let me do that to you. You didn't fight back. All these months I asked myself why, why didn't you hit me back? You could have, you know, but no, you let me pound away at you till you were a bloody pulp. Then you really flipped me the bird when you handed over your half of Sun-bridge. You just handed it over like a candy bar. Until a few minutes ago I didn't know why. You gave me Sunbridge in anger, and I accepted it in anger. This is our home, yours and mine. Cole, look at me and tell me if I'm wrong. You knew when I was pounding away at you that I was pounding away at myself. Your pain was my pain. You knew that, too. That's why you didn't lift a finger to defend yourself. You took that beating for me. There isn't another person in this universe who would do that for me. I left you there to die when it was me who wanted to die. You knew that, too. I let you down, Cole, and I don't know if I can forgive myself for that. What you did for me ... How ... how can I ever make it up to you?"

Cole grinned. "That was one hell of an apology! And you don't owe me anything. All I want is for you to have your head on straight. Is it, Riley?"

Riley grinned. "Pretty much so. Cole, I've never spent a more miserable time in my life. I won't admit this to anyone but you: I have ulcers." He paused and extended his hand. In it was Cole's deed to Sunbridge. "Here," Riley said.

Cole shook his head and stepped back. "It doesn't work that way, Riley. Sunbridge can only have one slave. If my words offend you, I'm sorry. I would have said mistress, but the word doesn't fit. You belong here. I don't. The bottom line is, I want you to have Sunbridge. Riley, please, don't look at me like I'm giving you my life's blood; I'm not. I'm

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giving you what you want most in this life: your father's home—yours now."

"What will you do, Cole?" Riley asked softly.

Cole grinned. "I was sort of thinking about going to Chicago and getting a job at Sears, Roebuck. That's down the road. What's important now is to get you on track. Don't worry; if you slip, I'll be here to pick you up and dust you off. Let's forget the past; it's history." Cole wasn't sure if the tears were in his own eyes or in Riley's.

Riley stretched out his hand. "You're right, it's history."

Cole ignored Riley's outstretched arm. "If that's the best you can do, we aren't going to get anywhere," Cole said gruffly. He covered the distance between them and wrapped his arms about his cousin. "I'm not afraid to show you I care. Jesus, Riley, you're the brother I never had. Family, Riley. You and I are family, and I don't want either of us to forget it ever again."

Riley thumped Cole's back. "You're one in a million, Cole."

Cole grasped Riley's shoulders and pushed him backward till their eyes were level. The single tear sliding down Riley's cheek told Cole all he needed to know.

The family, their family; all of them would be safe in Riley's hands.

"I know what you're thinking, Cole. I've always been able to read you like a book," Riley said quietly.

"Not all the time, cousin. Only those times that I... Yeah, you always could read me."

"I'll take care of them; you can count on it."

"I know that; so do they. Listen, you were a rock these past days. I couldn't have done it without you." His tone took on a light, bantering note. "If I were you, I'd call Buckalew Big Wells. This family needs some new blood. Some more new blood, I should say."

Riley flushed, something Cole had never seen him do before. "Yeah, I'll do that. By the way, congratulations on. . . Sumi. I should be the one to tell you she's a real buzz saw, and when she isn't buzzing, she doubles as a barracuda. Watch it or she'll have you dancing on a string." Riley grinned.

Cole could feel heat on his neck. "I like to dance. I love her; what can I say?"

"That pretty much covers it. She's perfect for you, Cole, and I'm happy for both of you."

This time Cole's hand shot out. "Friends?"

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"You bet," Riley said, reaching out for Cole's offered hand. "You bet."

The New Year yawned ahead of the Colemans like an open abyss. They spoke of the changes in their lives: Thad's retirement, Rand's new daughter, Cole's and Sawyer's late spring weddings. They managed to avoid discussing Amelia's failing health or Riley's business with Coleman Oil.

To Billie it seemed like a time for miracles and sharing confidences, hopes, and dreams for the future. She was happier than she'd ever been. She and Thad could travel, visit, or just hang out with the dogs at the farm. Together, they'd continue Amelia's work with the aged. She'd find a couple of bright young designers to take over Billie, Inc. She and Thad would... enjoy life.

Somewhere during these past months, she'd come to terms with the possibility that Coleman Enterprises could go under. They'd all given their best; there was nothing anyone could do. She'd even come to terms with Amelia's failing health. No one, Amelia'd said, was to hang around, or hover. What would be would be. Billie had promised, with tears in her eyes, that she'd go on with her plans.

She looked around now at her brood and the people they'd chosen to share their lives with. All she'd ever wanted, her whole life long, was a family, and to have that family be happy. Thad said she was batting a near thousand.

Cole and Sumi. She'd never seen this open, smiling, unreserved side of her grandson before. And Sumi, beautiful little Sumi. Cole's perfect match. How was it none of them had ever thought of Sumi with regard to Cole? If they had, they would have meddled, and probably ruined this wonderful relationship which was unfurling in front of their very eyes. Cole was happy for the first time in his life, and Maggie positively basked in her son's happiness.

Sawyer, Adam, and Jeff. A ready-made family. How happy they were! God alone had decreed that Sawyer live to unite this little family. Even from here she could see the love in Sawyer's eyes. There were no words to describe what Sawyer called Adam's sappy expression. The boy was beaming, too.

Maggie and Rand. Rand and Maggie. A pair, a matched set, like herself and Thad. Now they were three. Another ready-made family. A daughter for Maggie to fuss over. A daughter for Rand to share with. They were all going back to

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Hawaii—together. When she'd asked for how long, Rand had said for as long as it takes for Chesney to mend, to rest, to plan. God's hand again.

Susan and Ferris and Jessie. How happy they were with their lives and the good things their foundation made possible for other children like Jessie, victims of spina bifida. Again His hand had set them on the right path. In doing for others, they found their own happiness. Billie applauded her daughter.

Julie with the warm eyes and crinkly smile. Thad's favorite niece. Her happiness would come. Everything was in perspective for Julie now. She was so much like Thad. She'd shoulder the burden, take the blame before she'd let anyone else do it. It was easy to see why Amelia adored her and why Julie felt so close to Amelia. She'd been blessed with all of Thad's wonderful traits, Billie thought, smiling at her across the room. Julie would be happy. It just wasn't her time yet.

Amelia and Cary. This Christmas had meant so much to Amelia. All her family here to see her. She hadn't been fooled; she knew Cole had arranged it. "You don't usually think of young men caring so much. I never saw that side of Cole. He's deep, Billie. My regret is that I won't be here to see that side of him mature and grow. I don't understand why he felt he had to cover that part of him up. We had a long talk, Cole and I. He said something that astounded me. He didn't beat around the bush or anything—straight out. He said he didn't think death was something to be afraid of but rather something to look forward to. Not with glee or wild expectation. He said whatever good we leave here on earth will follow us. He said the good is like a snowball. When it all catches up, in that place we're all going to, it will be a time of such happiness that we can't even begin to comprehend. Peace and happiness, he said. He spoke with such intensity, Billie. That young man made a believer out of me. I'm not chomping at the bit to go, but I'm not afraid anymore. You keep telling me that God works in mysterious ways, and I know now what that means." Amelia was going to be all right. Cary's life was on hold now. Every waking hour was devoted to Amelia. They'd made their peace.

Riley, her first grandson. Had they placed too heavy a burden on his broad shoulders, or had he done that himself? Sometimes she wasn't sure. She could not help him now. Whatever was to become of Coleman Oil was strictly up to Riley. She was prepared, and so were the others. There would be no blame if things didn't go right. He'd done his best and would continue to

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do so until he dropped. Old Seth's bones must be rattling in his grave. Thad said Riley was between a rock and a hard place. Her eyes were loving as she looked around. Riley and the others, her family. Whatever would be, would be.

The room seemed lighter, brighter somehow, when her eyes searched out her husband.

Another holiday over. Now his life was about to open for him. He'd done his share, he'd contributed. Now it was his turn. Billie knew that he felt young and almost giddy with relief that Washington would be behind him. No more clocks, no more votes, no more meetings. He wouldn't have to listen to the lies, turn his head so as not to see the wheeling and dealing. Power—let them keep it. He even looked younger, Billie thought.

Her eyes circled the room once more. The mountain of luggage attested to the fact that all these warm, wonderful people were going their separate ways. They'd gather again, many times—for birth or death, celebration or disaster. All it would take would be a phone call, and they would all be on their way. To their home base.

Home to Sunbridge.

Thad looked around the room. It seemed lighter, brighter somehow. He held his arms open, and Billie came to him. She was smiling at him. He should have known. For years now he'd seen Maggie and Billie's smiles light up rooms.

"I'm taking you home with me," Thad whispered.

"And..."

"The rest is a surprise."

"A clue," Billie begged.

"I have the secret. If you behave yourself, I might share it with you."

"The boys in the cloakroom finally told you," Billie said, her voice filled with awe.

Thad's face was serious when he nodded. He kissed her on the tip of her nose.

"Finally, the answer. Poor Ted Koppel. But if kissing my nose is the best you can do, I'm staying here." Thad bent down and kissed her, a long, sweet, lingering kiss that promised a lifetime of togetherness. When they drew apart, the family clapped and cheered. They bowed formally, accepting the approval and love.

Their family.

The knock on the front door signaled the arrival of the

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airport limo. Ferris, Susan, and Jessie, along with Maggie, Rand, Chesney, and Julie, would be dropped off at their respective airlines. Cole was dropping Sumi off later, but for now he was taking her into town. Sawyer would return to Japan one more time—but not for long. Only Riley would remain behind to operate his EOR program and find a replacement for Sawyer. Only Riley, at Sunbridge.

Cary had his own car warming up. Amelia's bags and wheelchair were already loaded, along with all their Christmas presents.

For two days the family had wrapped parcels to be shipped to their respective addresses so they wouldn't have to carry all their loot on the plane.