Last Chance Texas, page 19
“Nathan’s mom’s on her way over. She’ll watch Tommy. We could really use you to help us search. I doubt she went far.” Jake’s voice held a glimmer of hope as he led her over to the sheriff’s car.
Pickup trucks began lining the driveway of the farmhouse, and Kelsey felt a deep sense of gloom setting in.
As more vehicles began piling onto Nathan’s lawn, she choked back a sea of emotion welling up. It seemed half the town had come to join in the search for Jessica.
“Look at all the vehicles. It looks as though half the town’s here to help with the search.”
“Out here, we do for each other.” Jake paused for a second, it, looked at her, and continued. “Most of the people here are Nathan’s clients who’ve fallen on hard luck at some time or another. They remember all the times he cared for their livestock and let them pay him when they could. They think Nathan’s a phenomenal person. That’s why they’re here. To pay him back.”
“Yes, I suppose.”
Her nonchalant comment appeared to set Jake off.
His dark eyes narrowed as he dished out what appeared to be weeks of frustration. “You suppose? Are you kidding me! Just for the record, you’re not seeing the real Nathan Wainwright, the one who’d give the shirt off his back to someone in need. Now I know that’s a cliché that’s as hold as the hills, but honest to god, Kelsey, it’s the truth. He really would give someone the shirt off his back. Of course, you wouldn’t know that because for some reason, you seem to bring out the worst in him.”
Although the comment stung, Kelsey realized how worried Jake was about Jessica. For the time being, she decided to focus on what was really important; finding Jessica. She made her way over to the squad car, listening to the sheriff bark out orders. Within a minute, each had been assigned a place to look.
“You’ll need this.” The sheriff handed her a flashlight, which she promptly tested. When the small yellow light came on, Kelsey quickly turned it back off. Her heart sank as she considered she might actually need to use it.
Bowing her head, she uttered a brief prayer, hoping against hope they found Jess before the darkness set in. Her imagination raced as she considered how complicated the blackness of the night would complicate matters; to say nothing of the packs of coyotes that were scattered throughout the countryside.
Once again, she glanced up at the desert mountains, hoping Jess hadn’t gone far.
Little girl lost.
A rush of regret washed over her as she thought back to all the times she’d stared out the window of Mimi’s trailer watching Jessica wander about the yard. The child was lonely, to be sure. Tommy was too, but to his credit, he wasn’t afraid to let other know he wanted their attention. But the same wasn’t true of Jessica, though. She kept mostly to herself. And, of course, that’s why she hadn’t told her brother where she was going.
When she saw Nathan glance over at her from across the yard, she decided to make the first move. She’d gotten halfway over when he strode over to meet her. Although he looked strong physically, there was a look of total vulnerability on his face. She’d never seen him look this frightened, and the thought of how he’d blame himself if something happened to Jessica made her more determined than ever to find the little girl.
“I should have seen this coming.”
“Nathan, don’t.”
But when she saw him raking his hands through his hair, saw the deep crow’s feet around his eyes, she realized words of comfort would prove futile. He blamed himself about everything. And this would be no different.
By now the search was beginning to get underway. A white minivan pulled up into the drive and parked next to Jake’s truck. A tall, gray-haired woman Kelsey didn’t recognize climbed out. The woman stopped, placing a hand across her forehead, as though looking for someone.
When Nathan walked over to greet the woman, Kelsey followed.
Despite how agitated Nathan appeared, he took the time to introduce the two of them. “Mom, this is Kelsey Malone. Kelsey, this is my mom, Elizabeth Wainwright.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Wainwright. I’m just sorry it’s under such difficult circumstances.”
“Call me Elizabeth, please.” The woman stared at Kelsey, her eyes widening as she continued giving her the once-over.
Nathan had begun pacing, a look of panic on his face. “We’d better get going. It’ll be dark soon.”
“Tell me what you need me to do.” Kelsey stared up at him, waiting for him to take the lead.
“Talk to Jake. He’s got a list of places. I’m going to drive out to the north pasture again and see if I might have missed her when I looked earlier.” He paused, his mouth twisting into a frown. “She goes out there sometimes to think. Guess she’s got plenty on her plate for such a youngin.”
Without further discussion, Nathan hopped into the cab of his truck, turned on the ignition, and headed out to one of the pastures.
“I’d better get moving, as well.” Kelsey offered Nathan’s mother a weak smile before beginning the search. “I’m sure we’ll find her. Try not to worry.”
Elizabeth Wainwright nodded her head, but appeared to be at a loss for words. She was staring at Kelsey again, as though she was looking at a ghost. As much as Kelsey wanted to jog this woman’s memory about Aunt Mimi, she decided that right now, finding Jessica safe was the only thing that mattered.
~ ~ ~
Nathan bolted from his pickup truck, canvassing the fifteen-acre pasture. When he was finished with this one, he’d check the others. His eyes scanned the vastness of the pasture, looking a clue, anything to let him know Jessica was here. A swell of emotion surged through him as he tried to recall what she’d been wearing. The sheriff had asked him this question earlier, and when Nathan had to spend nearly half a minute thinking about it, he realized how uninvolved he’d been with the kids.
Guilt tore through him like a sharp knife. He thought back to all the nights Jessica had begged him to let her sleep outside under the stars. Irene had always told her that her mom and dad were looking at the very same stars, sending good thoughts and love her way.
It would have taken so little effort on his part to set up the tent and have the kids sleep out here. Why hadn’t he taken the time to do it?
Directing his attention back to the search, he gazed up into the hills, aware they didn’t have much daylight to work with.
“Please, god. Please don’t let any harm come to her.” He hadn’t prayed in years; not since Michele’s passing.
When something caught his eye, he glanced down at the ground, praying it was something Jessica had left behind. But it was just a piece of twine that’s probably blown its way across the field on a windy day. Staring over at several tumbleweeds, he thought they almost served as a metaphor for two young children that had been tossed about one too many times.
A small figure approached him, and when she got closer, he realized it was Kelsey. Maybe on some level she felt guilty about Jessica’s disappearance too. She had, after all, severed all ties with the children, having nothing to do with them.
Crazy that a little girl could just disappear into thin air.
“We’re running out of places to look, Nathan. She may have left the farm.” Kelsey’s shoulders were slumped now as she stood next to him, a flashlight clutched tightly in her hand. Her voice sounded strained, and he suspected she felt guilty as well.
Was she aware she was trembling?
Her dark eyes pooled as she stood, stone-faced, as though searching for some way to comfort him. When he saw her lower lip begin trembling, he wanted desperately to console her. But they were nearly out of time.
God. Where was the child?
“I should have helped you out more, Nathan. I’ve been so caught up in my anger over the land that I lost sight of what’s really important.”
“Don’t, Kelsey. Let’s just keep looking. I’m sure she’ll turn up.”
Nathan looked away quickly, hoping Kelsey couldn’t read his mind. Because he wasn’t in a good place right now as he considered all the things that could go wrong for Jessica. If she’d gotten as far as the main road, no telling who’d pick her up.
The enormous amount of importance he’d placed on cooking supper for the kids suddenly took a back seat. He could have handled things so differently. Could have even asked Jessica to help make the meal. Why hadn’t he thought of that?
Because you’re too impatient to teach her.
He could count on one hand the number of people who’d supported his decision to take in the kids. Most had warned him that he was in over his head; which he clearly was. As he continued pacing about the field, searching for Jessica, he vowed to consider an alternative to raising those kids himself. Because, as things stood, he obviously wasn’t the person best suited for this job.
~ ~ ~
Kelsey watched the large, orange ball of sun gasp its last breath and slowly succumb to nightfall as it sank into the horizon. So broken was her spirit it felt as though two large, steel hands had been placed on her shoulders and were slowly forcing her to the ground.
She and Nathan had separated once again, both of the mindset that two places being scoured trumped just one.
They worked closely enough together to communicate, and for the time being, at least, Kelsey experienced some comfort knowing Nathan was nearby. And in spite of their differences, and there were definitely a slew of them, she wanted to be with him in case something happened. She quickly pushed those evil thoughts to the far corners of her mind.
She stopped suddenly when she heard a faint moan, almost like the wail of a helpless kitten. Had Carly left the farm and gotten clear out here?
“Nathan, did Jessica take Carly with her?”
“No, Tommy has her.”
“Listen, do you hear that?” Kelsey cocked her head to one side, listening for the second time.
Nathan stopped abruptly, dipped his head and closed his eyes. With nightfall beginning to blanket the countryside, it was difficult to read the exact expression on his face. But if she was to judge body language, the way his shoulders squared, the way he clenched his fists, she’d swear he recognized that cry.
“Jessica!” He was screaming out her name now, racing toward the direction where the sound came from. “Jessica, if you hear me, please answer.”
Jessica stepped out from behind an overgrown bush. She hesitated briefly, but quickly raced over to Nathan’s outstretched arms.
“Nathan!” Jessica nearly tripped over her own feet as she rushed over to Nathan, her hair blowing wildly about.
Kelsey wanted desperately to join him, but this was a moment best spent between Jessica and Nathan. Besides, her legs were about to give way from the adrenalin rush.
She watched the two of them as Nathan reached down and drew the girl into his arms. When he kissed her several times, burying his face in the girl’s hair, Kelsey suspected he might be shedding a few tears.
The reunion went on for nearly a minute and Kelsey began slowly making her way toward them. But soon, Nathan’s frustration appeared to kick in. Kelsey watched him as he began scolding the girl for running away. “Don’t ever pull a stunt like this again. We were sick with worry.”
Gripping the girl’s tiny shoulders, he shook her, and when he spoke, this time his voice had changed into something quite different. His words were shaky as he continued correcting her. “You can’t run off like this, Jess. Oh, god. I don’t know what I’d have done if we’d lost you.”
Kelsey watched Nathan struggling with the best way to handle the situation. He stood back up and lifted Jessica into his arms. When she laid her head against his chest, he wrapped his arms about her, burying his face in her hair. “I love you, Sweet Pea. God, how I love you.”
Kelsey studied the two of them, her heart bursting. Nathan might not be doing the best job parenting, but the love he felt for the little girl was obvious. While he’d made some poor choices and had been guilty of not paying enough attention to Jessica, no one could deny that he loved this little girl.
”Ouch, Nathan. You’re hurting me.”
When Nathan didn’t respond, Kelsey stepped in. “I think your grip is stronger than you think.”
“Oh, I’m sorry, Sweet Pea.” He released Jessica’s shoulders as though he was touching a hot potato. They stared at one another for a second and then he pulled her back against him, wiping her tears away, smoothing her tangled hair.
“Nathan, I’ll call the others and let them know we found her. Come on, baby girl. Let’s get you into Nathan’s truck and take you home.” When Kelsey said it, Jessica waved at her, flashing a smile Kelsey hadn’t seen in quite some time.
Nathan carried Jessica over to where the truck was parked. He buckled Jess into the seat of the pickup, leaned over and kissed the child. Kelsey felt like an outsider as she watched the two of them hug one another. She watched Nathan’s large hand grip the girl’s nose and pretend to remove it.
Do they still do that?
She thought back to all the times her dad had said, “Got your nose,” and realized that as corny as it was, it probably never got old.
Kelsey hopped into the truck, grateful they’d found Jessica.
As the pickup truck barreled across the field, Kelsey’s heart skipped several beats. In a year’s time, if all went well, she’d have her baby. And the two of them would create their own memories.
“You all right?” Nathan looked over at her, a more relaxed look replacing the worried one.
It amazed her that with all the man had going on, he still managed to see if everyone in his immediate circle of people was fine.
“Yes.” She didn’t trust herself to say more.
Glancing over at him, his tousled hair looking as though he’d raked his fingers through it one too many times, Kelsey decided that it was time to leave Alpine. She’d done all she could about getting the land. She’d hired a good lawyer. The quest for the land would just have to play itself out.
Too bad she wasn’t sparring with some ugly loser instead of a man who was slowly and quietly stealing his way into her heart.
Chapter 15
Nathan sat on the back porch, reflecting on all that had happened. It’d been two hours since they’d found Jessica, and as grateful as he was for the scores of volunteers that had searched for the child, he breathed a sigh of relief when they all finally left.
Kelsey had been a godsend, drawing a bath for Jess when she got home; and then staying upstairs with Tommy while Nathan and Jess had their heart to heart talk. He smiled to himself, thinking about how surprised the little girl seemed by the throngs of people searching for her.
But Sheriff Flanagan didn’t mince words when he told Nathan that he should consider making other arrangements for the children. As angry as Nathan had been with everyone else making that very same suggestion, it sounded a little different when the sheriff said it. And, of course, Nathan had drawn that very same conclusion when he’d been searching for Jess.
Leaning back against the rocking chair, gazing up at the stars, Nathan realized that indeed, this arrangement wasn’t working out. He’d done some real soul searching during the past hour or so, and he’d made a decision. It would be in the best interest of Tommy and Jessica if someone else took them in. Kelsey had suggested it to him weeks ago and he’d balked at the notion of someone else caring for the kids. But based on what had happened today, it was doubtful someone could do a worse job than he.
The chair creaked loudly beneath his weight as he continued looking up at the constellations. He began planning tomorrow’s schedule in his head, trying to figure out the best way to cram a twelve-hour day into eight. He’d promised Jessica that tomorrow night they would sleep out under the stars. It was a promise he intended to keep.
“Hey, there.” Kelsey’s gentle voice made its way outside even before she’d opened the screen door. “Mind if I join you?”
Before he could answer, she’d glided into the adjacent rocker and set the chair in motion.
“Quite a day.” Drained from the events of the day, it was all he could come up with.
She rocked for nearly a full minute before she spoke. When she stopped the motion of the chair and stared intently into his eyes, he figured she was going to get all serious on him. Which she did.
“This wasn’t your fault, you know.”
“Can we talk about something else?”
After he made the comment, she frowned. And the topic she picked to talk about next made him wish he’d kept the focus on Jessica.
“With all that’s happened, Nathan, I really hate to do this.”
With the porch light on, he could make out her features, and he definitely saw a look which could only be described as frustration. Intuition told him this was merely a segue into the inevitable; she wanted to talk about the elephant in the room.
“This is about the land, isn’t it?”
He heard several mourning doves out near the feeder, making cooing noises. Although he’d grown accustomed to the night sounds, to the predictability of it all out here in the countryside, he couldn’t help but wonder what the next year would bring. It was anyone’s guess.
“In spite of all that’s happened, I still intend to sell Mimi’s property. I know you disapprove of how I’m spending the money, but honestly, that’s none of your concern.”
Clearly, she felt justified in her decision to take the land no matter how adversely it affected him.
