Son of Texas

“Yes, dear,” Andrew replied. “There’s a box in the garage and we can make him a bed until then.”

The two disappeared out the door.

Caleb leaned against the cabinet and told Beau the news about Belle.

“Wow. That’s great.” Beau paused, watching Caleb. “Isn’t it?”

“Yes. I knew this day was coming.”

Beau patted his shoulder. “Love is hell.”

Caleb shook his head. “What do you know about love? You spend all your time with a woman you won’t even ask out.”

Beau grimaced. “Don’t start about Macy. We’re just friends.”

“Oh, Beau.” Caleb sighed. “For such a brilliant lawyer, you can sometimes be very dense.”

They heard a squeal of delight from the garage and they knew who it was—Katie, Jake’s four-year-old daughter. Althea kept her while Elise worked as an English professor at the university. Their son, Ben, was already in school.

Katie walked slowly into the breakfast room, carrying the dog. Jake was behind her. “Look, Uncle Beau and Uncle Caleb, this is Bandy. Grandpa called him that cause he’s got a white Band-Aid over his eye.”

Caleb swung her up in his arms, kissing her cheek, and shaking Jake’s hand. “Morning, brother.”

“Morning. Didn’t know we were having a family meeting.”

All the brothers were tall with brown hair and eyes, but Jake and Caleb took after their father with lean, lanky frames. Beau had more meat on his bones, as Althea put it.

Katie got down to play with the puppy and Caleb told Jake about Belle. “That’s good news. I hope it turns out well for her—and you.”

Caleb caught that note of concern in his voice. “I’m fine really, so you, Beau, Mom and Dad can stop worrying about me.”

Jake punched his shoulder playfully. “That’s what families are for, little bro.”

“Yeah,” Caleb smiled in his easygoing way, realizing he was getting a bit sensitive.

“Wait a minute.” Beau saw the extra plate in the sink. “Caleb, did you have waffles this morning?”

“Sure did. The best Mom ever made.”

Althea walked in, hearing the conversation. “Sit down, boys, and I’ll make a fresh batch.”

Caleb kissed his mom. “I’ve got to run and I’ve already had waffles. Guess I’m the favorite.”

Guffaws followed that.

“Now, boys,” Althea said, but she was smiling.

Caleb hugged his dad. “Son…”

“I know, Dad.” Caleb hugged him tighter. “I’ll be careful.”

“I’ll let everyone know when I get back.” He gave Katie a quick hug and a kiss and walked out. Jake and Beau followed him.

They embraced before Caleb got in his car. “If you need anything, just call us,” Jake said.

“Even if it’s in the middle of the night,” Beau added.

“I will, and thanks.”

“Have you talked to Eli?” Jake asked.

“I spoke to Tuck, but I’ll call Eli when I get to my office. Being a newlywed, I didn’t want to intrude on his morning.”

Caleb drove away knowing whatever happened he had the love and support of his family. And he had a feeling he was going to need it.

CHAPTER THREE

WHEN CALEB REACHED his office, Eli, his half brother, was waiting for him. Tuck was Eli’s foster brother and had told him the news. Because he’d been the one who’d rescued Belle, at times he felt responsible for her life.

“How is she?” Eli asked, a note of worry in his voice.

Eli was a big muscular man and the only son who had Joe McCain’s blue eyes.

“She’s scared.” There was no reason to lie.

“She’s been scared for a long time.”

“Yeah. But this is different.” He sank into his chair. “I think I’m a little scared, too.” That wasn’t easy for him to admit.

Eli watched him. “Let me take her back. End the relationship now and spare yourself the pain.”

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.”