Free The Texan's Christmas by Linda Warren Page B

remembered Aunt Etta’s words, but he had a feeling his brothers weren’t going to be laughing. He pushed Lucky to the furthest corner of his mind. There were just so many regrets he could take in one day.
    He went in through the back door, which was unlocked. No one seemed to lock their doors around here. Jessie was in the kitchen, stirring something in a pot with Jacob on hip. When Jacob saw him, he held out his arms and Kid gathered him close. Again, all the baby had on was a diaper and a T-shirt.
    He stared into that adorable face and wondered if his son would have looked like Jacob. His gut twisted at the thought.
    A helicopter sounded overhead and Jacob wiggled to get down. Mirry barked and trotted to the back door. Jacob took off after her.
    “Is this a daily occurrence?”
    Jessie leaned against the counter in denim shorts and a white maternity top. “Jacob’s asleep when Cadde leaves and when he wakes up, he searches for him all day. He gets so excited when he hears the chopper. He knows Daddy’s home.” She paused for a second, herdark eyes on him. “Cadde told me about Lucky and the baby. I’m sorry, Kid.”
    “Does Cadde tell you everything?”
    “Yes.” She smiled.
    “I feel like I’ve been hit by an eighteen-wheeler going about ninety.”
    “I hope you and Lucky get a chance to talk.”
    “Aren’t you going to berate me for being a heartless bastard?”
    “No.” She turned toward the bubbling pot. “I think you can do that all on your own.”
    Loud barks and excited baby jabber echoed from the hall.
    “I have to break up my two children,” Jessie said. “Jacob pulls up and tries to reach the door handle. Mirry gets frantic that he’s going to open the door and get out.”
    “He can’t open it, can he?”
    “No, but it won’t be long. Cadde’s putting a latch higher up so he can’t.” Jessie walked toward the noise.
    “Do you mind if I talk to Cadde alone for a minute?”
    One dark eyebrow lifted. “Is there going to be yelling?”
    “Probably.”
    She made a face but didn’t say anything. As she left, he reached for his cell and called Chance. “Can you come over to Cadde’s?”
    “Kid, I’ve been gone all day and I want to see my wife and kids.”
    “It’s important and it won’t take long.”
    “Have you done something stupid?”
    “Not yet.” Why did they always ask that?
    He heard a curse word as he disconnected.
    In less than two minutes his brothers strolled into the den. Angry wails could be heard from the kitchen.
    “Kid, what’s so important that you have to interrupt my family time?” Cadde was clearly upset.
    “It’s about Aunt Etta.”
    “What?” Chance was immediately alert. “I just saw her yesterday and nothing was wrong.”
    Kid shifted in his seat. “I went to tell her about Lucky and we got to talking. She said I’m a lot like Dad. Not something I wanted to hear, but the way she spoke I sensed she knew a lot more than she was saying.” He raised his eyes to face his brothers’ wrath. “She knows Dad was leaving us for another woman. He asked her to look out for Mom and us. She also knew the woman was Blanche Dumont.”
    Cadde plopped into his chair. “Why couldn’t you have left well enough alone?”
    “Because I’m tired of secrets. How many are there in this family?”
    “I’ve always felt Aunt Etta knew something,” Chance said. “I just never pushed her, but we should get everything out into the open.”
    “She wants to see you,” Kid told him.
    “Shay and I will talk to her after supper.”
    Jacob crawled in, his hands and knees carrying him just as fast as they could, straight to his father.
    “Sorry, he got away from me,” Jessie called.
    “It’s okay, honey.” Cadde picked up Jacob and cradled him against his chest. “Daddy’s here.”
    Kid thought it was time for him to leave. “One more thing. If Walker or the sheriff calls that I’ve been arrested, don’t worry about it.”
    “What are you up to?” Cadde