Linda Warren - Son of Texas

Caleb slowly removed his hat. “Would you have let me help Caroline?”

“Hell, no.”

“My answer is the same.”

Eli nodded. “Then I’ll go with you. Between the two of us, we can protect her and make sure no one gets the chance to hurt her again.”

Caleb lifted an eyebrow. “What about Caroline?”

“She’ll understand.”

She probably would, Caleb thought. They both cared and worried about Belle. But something held him back.

He laid his hat on his desk, running his finger over the rim of the Stetson. “I have to do this alone. I have to do it for her—and for me.”

Eli nodded, understanding as Caleb knew he would. “Just nail the bastard who put her through hell.”

“I intend to.”

“And Caleb…”

“What?” Caleb saw the concern in Eli’s eyes and knew exactly what the concern was about. “I’ll be fine, Eli.”

“But it won’t be easy.”

“No.” It wasn’t going to be easy to return Belle to another life—a life without him in it—and Eli understood that. Even though they’d only known each other a short time, their bond was close—as brothers should be.

They talked a bit more then Eli left for his office. Caleb took care of things that needed his immediate attention before the trip, then he headed home, packed his clothes and dressed for the ball.

BELLE WAS IN A RUSH all day and didn’t have time to dwell on a lot of painful thoughts. Gertie had a hundred things for her to do and she was glad to soak in a hot tub before she dressed for the evening. She stared at the black gown with a V-neck and long sleeves. Sequins decorated the bodice and glistened like tiny stars. The pencil-slim skirt had a slit up the side, showing off her leg and ankles. The dress was expensive and she’d balked at the extravagance when she’d first started working for Gertie. But Gertie insisted it was part of the job. Belle had to dress the part, so she acquiesced. But she was sure she’d never worn clothes like this before. They didn’t feel familiar.

She braided her hair, entwining a sparkly ribbon through it, and coiled it into a knot at the back of her head, curling several loose tendrils around her face. She’d done her hair like this before. When she was small, her mother had done Josie’s hair the same way. Many times. Marie would brush Josie’s hair until it shone, then she would braid it to keep it out of her eyes. As Josie grew older Marie would interweave a colorful ribbon to match Josie’s clothes. For the prom, Marie had done Josie’s hair just as it was now.

Belle’s cheeks felt warm from the memory of her wonderful mother. She was remembering more now and her heart hammered so fast she had to take a deep breath.

Later she would relive the memories until they were permanent, never to be forgotten or destroyed again. But now she had to concentrate on the evening.

She slipped on sandaled heels and buckled the strap across the ankle. Standing, she felt light-headed from the height. Good grief, how was she supposed to walk in these things? Wearing heels this high obviously wasn’t a part of her daily life. After a few trips around her bedroom, she went to help Gertie.

CALEB WAS AT GERTIE’S on time and when he saw Belle, his heart stopped. She was more than beautiful. She was radiant, and Caleb felt privileged to have her on his arm.

The night was melancholy. Caleb and Belle were both aware that tomorrow their lives would change. Caleb put it out of his mind and enjoyed the evening. The ball was in full swing and Caleb held her close as they danced the slow tunes and laughed as they cut up during the fast ones. They didn’t talk much. They didn’t need to.

They circled the dance floor to “Moon River,” his hand at her back, her head on his shoulder. Through the thin fabric of her dress, his fingers felt the scars on her back. He forced down the anger in him, not wanting any reminders of what the cult had done to her.

“I like to dance,” she said.

“I know.” They’d been dancing several times in the past year.

“Some things you just don’t forget.” She raised her head, her eyes twinkling. “We dance so well together, Caleb McCain. I must have known you in another life.”

He just smiled, wishing that was true—that he was the man in Belle’s life. But he was her protector, her friend, and another man was waiting for her. Of that Caleb was certain. But tonight she was his.

Several other men asked Belle to dance and he stood on the sidelines trying to let go. He was just amazed at the change in her. A few months ago Belle was a frightened woman, not wanting anyone to touch her. She was now unafraid of human touch, but she still had issues about her back and didn’t want anyone to see the scars. When Josie surfaced completely, he wondered how she would deal with it.

The auction started and Belle and Caleb took their seats. Gertie’s bird-hat was a big hit and Caleb almost choked when it sold for ten thousand dollars. Gertie had obviously gotten the word out.

It was after midnight when they returned to the Parker house. Gertie retired to her bedroom and Caleb lingered for a moment in the living room, not wanting this night to end.

“Are you packed?” he asked Belle.

She sat on the sofa, removing her heels. “Yes. What time do you want to leave?”

“How about eight?”

“That’s fine.” She rubbed her feet. “I know one thing. I didn’t wear heels a lot as Josie.”

He grinned. “Probably not as a police officer.”

She leaned back. “I can’t remember anything about that.”

“You will.”

“Yes.”

There was an awkward pause as they both dealt with an uncertain future.

Caleb was the first to speak. “I better go so you can get some rest.”

“Good night.”

“Good night, Belle.” He said her name slowly, reverently, and probably for the last time. As he walked out, he jerked off his tie. Tomorrow she’d find her family and answers. Tomorrow she might recover her memory completely.

And Caleb would return alone.

THE NEXT MORNING Belle was up early, her few meager belongings packed into a suitcase. She said a tearful goodbye to Gertie and her pets, then went downstairs to wait for Caleb.

Within minutes she was in Caleb’s Tahoe headed out of Austin to Beckett. She felt a sense of foreboding and couldn’t shake it. Conversation was slow as they took I-35 then the I-410 Loop toward Corpus Christi.

“Have you remembered anything else?” Caleb asked, sensing her nervousness and wanting to put her at ease.

She shrugged. “Not much. Just bits and pieces from my childhood.” She turned in her seat to face him. “The rest of it is there and even though I’m still afraid, I’m ready for it all to unfold.”

He knew she was. He suddenly realized that his issues with his father were nothing compared to what she’d been through and had yet to face. And he’d never leave her. Until she asked.

“Did you tell your parents where you were going?” she asked, and he knew she wanted to change the subject.

“Yes. I saw them yesterday and they’re very happy you’re regaining your memory.”

She smiled slightly. “You have very good parents.”

Belle had met them on several occasions and his parents liked her. She got along well with people. He returned her smile, knowing his parents were great.

“You were lucky to have Andrew for a father instead of Joe McCain.”

She always seemed to know what he was thinking.

“Yeah,” he replied. “I hope I never forget that.”

“You won’t.” She was quiet for a moment and he glanced at her. Her brow was creased in thought. Suddenly she said, “I had good parents, too.” Her eyes were distant. “My father loved my mother since they were kids. My mother’s father worked on the Silver Spur Ranch and when my mom was old enough she started working in the main house as a maid.”