One Year to Forever (Halos & Horns Read online

  Ricky Broussard walked up behind her. “How do you know I didn’t send that? I know you like Skittles and sunflower seeds, too.”

  Haley turned to face her father. “Did you?”

  “Of course not. I’d have bought you something practical, like a new pair of rubber boots to muck the horse crap out of Dakota’s stall—which needs it, by the way.” He took the time to examine the contents of the basket. “You plan on sharing with your old man? I see some peanut butter eggs in there.”

  Shurl threw her head back, filling the living room with her laughter. “You’re a trip, Mr. Ricky. Have fun checking out all those goodies. I got a hot date with my two little nephews to dye some eggs. Y’all have a blessed Easter.”

  “You too, Shurl, and thanks.” Haley called out to the girl she’d known since grade school. She set the basket on the breakfast counter and reached for her phone. “I’ve got to take some pics for Ben.” A few camera shots posted to his Facebook page later, she removed the ribbon and cellophane wrap, discovering everything from marshmallow bunnies, to licorice jelly beans tucked inside the sturdy rattan basket. “Here dad, these are for you.” She threw him the bag of licorice candy. “And mom, I believe these are for you.” She held out of box of cordial chocolate cherries.

  Her mother hugged the box close. “Oh, how sweet of that young man—he remembered these are my favorites?”

  “He must have, because he knows I can’t stand them or licorice.” She grabbed her sunflower seeds and Skittles out of the basket. “These, I don’t share with anyone, but the rest is up for grabs.”

  “Well, that was thoughtful as hell of him,” her father said, clearly touched by Ben’s consideration. He smiled, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “I’m pretty sure those peanut butter cups were meant for me, too.”

  Haley reached for the bag of candy and tossed it to him. “Here you go, dad. There’s plenty enough for everyone. Too bad big brother’s not around to help us eat all this.” The sight of her mother’s eyes suddenly filling with tears had her immediately regretting the comment.

  “Don’t remind me. I still can’t believe we had to give him up to the military for twenty years, only to have him move three hundred miles from our home and working too hard to come home for holidays.”

  Ricky lightly rested his hands on his wife’s shoulders. “Now, hon. You know Matt’s always wanted a ranch.”

  “And I wouldn’t deny him that. But does it have to be a four and a half hour drive from us? We’ve spent too many holidays without him. I want my family together.” Overcome with emotion, she spun on her heel and returned to the kitchen.

  Haley sucked in her breath and faced her father. “I shouldn’t have said that, Daddy. I didn’t mean to upset her.”

  “You saying it didn’t send your brother away. We’ll come to terms with his decision, eventually.” He sighed and ran one hand through hair peppered with silver. “I need to go feed.”

  “You want me to do it?”

  He shook his head, reaching for his boots by the door. “Nah, the girls might get jealous if I show up with another woman.” He grinned at his daughter, his eyes revealing a hint of laughter as he slipped on his boots and headed to the back yard.

  Haley stopped long enough in the kitchen to give her mother a hug. “I’m sorry, Mom.”

  “Oh honey, it’s not your fault. Matt’s made his choice, and even if I respect it, I don’t have to like it.”

  Haley went to her bedroom and closed the door. She pulled out her smart phone and hit a button. The phone rang several times before Tex picked up.

  “What’s up, squirt?”

  Haley walked to her bedroom window to watch her dad. “What are you doing, big brother?”

  “Mending fences.”

  She smiled at his answer. “Is that figuratively, or literally?”

  His low chuckle traveled through her phone’s speaker. “No, I’m really checking for posts to replace in the back pasture. How about you?”

  “I’m watching dad throw feed to his ‘ladies’ through my bedroom window.” She adored seeing her father take his afternoon stroll through the chicken yard, surrounded by at least a dozen hens.

  “The man is a veritable chick magnet.”

  She laughed at his comment. “You got that right.”

  “So, did you call to bullshit or is something wrong?”

  “I want you to do something, Matty. I want you to come home for Easter tomorrow.”

  A long sigh accompanied his reply. “Man, I’ve got a shitload to do on the ranch, Sis.”

  “When was the last time you spent Easter here? As a matter of fact, how many holidays have you spent at home in the last twenty years?”

  “Well Mom and Dad were gone for Thanksgiving but we’d celebrated early. And I was there for Christmas. Other than that, not a whole hell of a lot, I’d guess.”

  “Mom wants you home. Your moving to Blanco has them both really upset, even though Dad totally supports your decision.”

  “They didn’t act like they were upset when I told them about it.”

  “Because they know you’ve sacrificed a lot to get what you wanted. What you need to remember is that they sacrificed too. Years of worrying about you, wanting you home, and missing you for holidays—it was rough on them. And now you’ve moved yourself four and a half hours away—”

  “I made it in three and a half.”

  “Yeah? Well, not everyone drives like a wild man. They feel robbed. Can’t you understand that?” His pause told her he was mulling it over.

  “I’ll work late to finish up around here and leave early tomorrow morning. I’ll be there no later than ten o’clock. But don’t tell them, I want it to be a surprise.”

  “Make it nine, and come dressed for church.”

  “Church?”

  “Yep, it’ll mean so much to Mom. You could meet us there and really surprise them.”

  “Are we talking St. Anthony’s Cathedral downtown, or that new one closer to Orange? Because I could make it quicker to the cathedral and be waiting for y’all, that’d get the waterworks over with before we go inside.”

  Haley’s heart fluttered with excitement for her parents. “I can talk her into the Cathedral.”

  “You know, you might want to warn the priest ahead of time so he can pick up a second collection for the building fund. St. Anthony’s will probably go up in flames as soon as I set foot inside, heathen that I am.”

  She turned away from the window and dropped onto her bed. “Dad always says if it weren’t for heathens, the priests and preachers in this world would get mighty lonely up there trying to convert rows of empty pews.” Her brother grunted in agreement.

  “Okay, it’s a deal, but you can’t tell a soul about this.”

  “Thanks, Matty. I love you. Leave early enough so you don’t kill yourself on the drive over.”

  “I will. Love you too, Popcorn.”

  Haley lay on her bed, excited at the prospect of seeing the smiles on her parents’ faces tomorrow. She covered her eyes with one hand, wishing she’d have as much reason to smile as they would.

  She groaned, and rolled over on her belly, aching for the sight of Ben. God, it had been so long since she’d seen his face. And the calls had been few and far between lately. She grabbed her phone, checked Facebook for any messages she might have missed, just in case he’d been able to get to a computer. It was the Easter season, what better time to wish for a miracle?

  Nothing. Damn.

  Once she’d made sure her phone volume was set to the highest level, Haley tucked it close to her. She turned onto her side, hoping to sleep away one more afternoon with no word from Benjamin. Sleep—it was her only solace from the heartache and loneliness of missing her Marine.

  CHAPTER 13

  Missed Opportunities

  Nicole stifled a yawn as she checked her GPS again. She’d been driving since 5:00 a.m. and sorely needed a cup of coffee. The fact that she’d told no one her plans both frighten
ed her and gave her a feeling of empowerment. Once she’d made the decision to do this around nine o’clock the previous night, it had turned into one of those life-changing moments of affirmation—a real “I can do this” moment.

  She was in complete control of her own life, of her own future, and she was willing to step out of her comfort zone to achieve what she wants.

  So she’d risen at 4:00 a.m., thrown a few things into a bag, and put herself together as much as the early hour had afforded. She’d left a note for Meagan, explaining only that she’d be gone all day, would call her once she reached her destination, and had wished them a Happy Easter. She knew Meagan and Buck would be spending the day with Mitchell at his sister’s place. She’d been invited, of course, but had simply told her friend she would pass this time around.

  It was bad enough to risk a broken heart, but her pride wouldn’t allow her to tell another living soul about this trip, just in case it didn’t turn out as she hoped.

  Where the hell was her GPS sending her? Was this address so far out in the boonies it was off the grid? After thirty minutes of dirt road driving on unmarked routes she finally arrived at a sprawling, ranch-style home. To her relief, the mailbox next to the driveway indicated the physical address she’d entered in her navigator App.

  She turned in, parked, and exited her car, cautiously listening for the growl of a dog—or a coyote, or possibly even a bear.

  I can understand him wanting his space, but this place is in the middle of nowhere.

  His truck wasn’t in the drive, but she supposed it could be parked in the garage. Casting careful glances in all directions, she approached the door. Several sessions of knocking with no answer, had her wondering how stupid she’d been to do this. What the hell was she thinking by driving all the way to Blanco, Texas without making sure he’d be there?

  She crossed her arms and shook her head in frustration. “Oo-kaay. You can add this to your Stupid-Is-As-Stupid-Does list. Not your best moment, Nicole—”

  “Can I help you?”

  Nicole jumped at the voice, spinning around to see an older gentleman, maybe in his mid-seventies, approaching from the back of the house. He was tall and slim, brandishing a bright smile, and a head full of silver hair.

  She rushed her explanation. “Oh, I’m sorry. I knocked for quite a while.”

  He pointed to the back yard. “The wife and I are sitting out here, enjoying our coffee. What can I do for you?”

  “I’m looking for Matthew Broussard. This is the address I have for him.”

  “Matthew? You don’t mean Tex, do you?”

  “Yes sir, Tex. Is he here?”

  “Tex stays at the cabin down by the lake. It’s about a five minute drive from here.” He cast a woeful glance at her 2006 Accord. “You won’t make it in that thing. That road is pretty chewed up. You’d need a 4-wheel drive to get in there.”

  “Oh. Well, I was hoping to surprise him, but maybe it would be best to call him.” She pulled out her phone.

  “Is she looking for Tex?”

  A plump woman with snow white hair and a pretty face approached, dressed in what Nicole had always considered ‘Sunday best’.

  “Yes ma’am, I am, but your husband says I won’t be able to make it to his cabin in my car.”

  “It wouldn’t do you any good, not even if you were driving one of those fancy Range Rovers. Tex isn’t there. He won’t be back until late tonight or tomorrow.”

  Nicole raised her hands in the air, and let them fall to her sides. Her head drooped forward in utter defeat. “Of course he isn’t.”

  So stupid.

  She took a deep breath and released it slowly before facing the couple again.

  “I guess I came for nothing, then. I’m sorry to have wasted your time.”

  “No trouble at all, Miss. Who should we say came calling on him?” the gentleman asked.

  “Um … actually, it’s better if he doesn’t even know I came by. Would you mind terribly not telling him?”

  The woman’s brow furrowed. “Are you sure? You’re the only visitor he’s had since he’s been here. I think he’d be glad to know a pretty young woman like you came by to see him.”

  She gave the woman a brisk nod. “Thank you, but I’m sure. It’s the one humiliation I can spare myself in this situation, trust me.”

  The older couple exchanged curious looks and the old gentleman shrugged as his wife continued. “Well, if you’re sure …”

  “Yes ma’am. I’m sure. Please, don’t tell him.” She backed slowly away, raising her hand. “You two enjoy your Easter Sunday.”

  The woman’s face lit up. “You also, dear.”

  Niki thanked them for their time and waved as she drove out the same way she came in.

  She stopped in the city of Blanco for a bathroom break and breakfast at a fast food restaurant. She wolfed down a bacon, egg, and cheese biscuit, and then climbed back in her car. She sipped on the remainder of her large coffee in a more relaxed frame of mind. Niki took her time going home, far more capable of appreciating the scenic landscape of the area. Regardless of his reasons, Tex had chosen a lovely area of Texas to set up ranching. The rolling hills, roadside pastures full of wildflowers—she found it all aesthetically appealing. All in all, it was a lovely place to live.

  Too bad she couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling that Tex had chosen its remote location for one reason only; to get as far away from her as he possibly could.

  Tex pulled up at his cabin in time to see the digital dash clock flip to 6:30 p.m. It had been taxing to drive to Beaumont and back in one day. Especially when he had so much damn work left to do around here. No arguing with that. But the look on his mother’s face as he’d stepped out of the shadows to surprise her at the church—that had been priceless. He’d taken Haley aside post-service and thanked her for making it happen. With one call, his baby sister had reminded him what was truly important.

  She’d know that now, wouldn’t she—as miserable and lonely as she was for Corporal Bonin. Poor kid hadn’t heard from him in nearly three weeks. He could see how it ate at her—the sadness in her eyes, the strain, the stress of constantly checking her phone for a missed call or some word from him. Not once had he seen her without that phone, either clutched tightly in her hand, or inches away. He knew she’d expected to hear from Ben on Easter Sunday. But for the military personnel over there, the days, the weeks, and months blended into one other.

  There were no weekends off and no holidays for deployed Marines, only a brief period of recuperation between missions. If Ben was lucky, it’d be long enough to catch up on the sleep he’d lost, and to rehydrate his body. Maybe enough time to come down mentally from one mission before hyping himself up for another. More days of the same old shit, mixed with sand and grit. He remembered well the diligence paid to keeping his eyes focused on the horizon, for any little thing that looked out of place, like reflective surfaces, or dust trails—anything indicating covert or unfriendly activity. Avoiding the ever present IED’s and land mines placed by hadjis filled with hatred for any military personnel, but with a special hatred for U.S. Marines.

  Dear God, if Haley only knew some of what went on over there, she’d lose her flipping mind over it.

  He entered the small cabin he’d called home for nearly two months. Falling into the chair next to the door, he struggled to pull off his dress boots, and vowed to have a decent bootjack in the place by tomorrow.

  Add that to the long list of to-do’s for this ranch.

  He yawned, amazed at how sitting behind the wheel for four straight hours could exhaust him physically. Days of sun-up to sun-down labor only invigorated him. He equaled it to being in the Corps—long boring days of waiting for something to happen versus the adrenaline rush of being in the thick of things.

  Tex closed his eyes, let his head fall back on the seat, and cleared his mind, or tried to, anyway. Soon enough, it filled with thoughts of Nicole. At one point during the day, he’d been on the verge
of calling her, thinking he could drop by for a long overdue heart to heart. If nothing else, a heart-felt apology on his part for taking advantage of her. A quick conversation with Meagan had told him she’d left town for the day. It hadn’t surprised him. Missed opportunities seemed to be standard operating procedure when it came to Nicole.

  He fought the urge to let the lethargy consume his body as well as his mind, and forced himself from the chair. He slipped his feet into well-worn work boots at the door and headed outside. With a few minutes of dusk to spare, he headed to the feed shed and shelter he’d built for his horse. Captain Perry’s whinny carried to him as soon as he stepped outside.

  “Hey boy, did you miss me?” He reached out for the horse whose two snow-white back hoofs stood out in stark contrast to his otherwise solid colored body. Captain stretched his neck across the barbed wire fencing, shoved his muzzle into his master’s shoulder.

  “Hey now, there’s no need to get pushy. I’m out here to feed you, big daddy.” He stuck a finger in the face of the big red stallion. “Come to think of it, you should be damned grateful I’m even here. I could have stayed in Lake Coburn for the night. Fortunately for you, it didn’t turn out that way.”

  He entered the feed shed through the gate and filled a bucket with sweet oats to treat the best horse he’d ever owned. Hell, the stud fees alone could pay the note on this place at five hundred bucks a pop and this was only his first year at stud. Once word got out that his offspring were as fast as the daddy, they would rise considerably.

  He filled the trough with feed. “Yep, you eat up, Captain. You’ll need your strength, because first thing tomorrow morning, I’m bringing you to meet another lady friend.” He scratched between Cap’s ears and smiled to himself. “Must be nice to get paid for doing what you love to do.” He’d seen him in action enough to know he needed very little urging, which was a plus for the thoroughbred mare’s owners. He had the proper tools to get the job done as God intended. Lucky for Cap, there were still a few mare owners out there willing to try it the old fashioned way.