His oldest brother shifted in his saddle, the leather creaking. “I’m counting on that. I don’t know exactly what you’re up to with all those telegrams you’ve been receiving, but Chisholm assures me you’ve got things well in hand.”
Houston set out for the Culpepper ranch, savoring the time to do nothing but ride over the rolling countryside during the cool morning hours, listen to the rustle of wind through the stands of live oak trees, and think. The past two weeks had been challenging and yet rewarding. He was adjusting to the physical demands he encountered each day, but the bookwork had kept him up until well after the sun set each night. At least he’d unraveled the cause of Calvin’s mysteriously depleted funds.
The drain had been slow and steady, the evidence carefully disguised, due to the shady but shrewd foreman. Calvin, a trusting sort, hadn’t wanted to believe he’d hired a swindler. When he finally admitted something was afoot, he’d fired the shyster. Unable to prove anything himself due to the mess his books were in, Calvin had figured all was lost.
When Houston learned about the situation, he’d offered to do some investigating. He welcomed the opportunity to put his skills to work helping a friend. The late nights he’d spent poring over records from past years had paid off. Wait until Calvin heard the good news.
Houston arrived at the Culpepper ranch just as the ladies were finishing their breakfast. He entered the kitchen to a chorus of surprised female voices. He focused on Coralee’s.
“What are you doing here so early? Is something wrong?”
“Everything’s fine. I have some news for Calvin that he’ll be eager to hear.”
She wrinkled her nose in the most adorable way. “You two have been up to something, haven’t you? It wouldn’t have anything to do with all those hours you’ve been spending in his study, would it?”
“Perhaps.” Her perceptiveness came as no surprise. Coralee was as observant as she was bright. It was a good thing she wasn’t fond of numbers, or Calvin might not have been able to shield her from the ugly truth. Her brother hadn’t wanted to add to her burden, a choice Houston understood and appreciated.
“I won’t keep you, then. The sooner Calvin knows, the sooner I can try to pry the news out of him.” She grinned. “Besides, my dear daddy will be wanting his breakfast, so I’d best get up there.” She grabbed the tray Olive handed her and set off.
He marveled at how Coralee could leave yesterday’s ugly episode behind her and forge ahead with a smile on her lovely face. Her selfless concern for others was an inspiration. Caring for her brother while his ribs healed and meeting Beauregard Culpepper’s many needs took much of her day, and yet Houston had heard tales all over town of the good she’d done and the people she’d blessed. She was a remarkable woman. But she had to be bone-weary. If only he had the right to take care of her and help carry the load.
Watching her deal with her father’s outburst the day before had caused Houston’s stomach to pitch. She’d been pushed beyond the limits of her endurance. He’d done what he could to ease her pain, but a brotherly hug and a few soothing words seemed a pitiful offering. What he’d wanted to do was throw caution to the wind, crush her to him, and give her a kiss that conveyed the depth of his admiration, respect, and … love?
Truth kicked Houston in the gut so hard it was a wonder his ribs didn’t crack. He loved Coralee. Deeply. Twelve years had passed, and yet his feelings hadn’t diminished. They’d grown. She’d been the one for him. He’d known it then. He knew it now. But would she accept what he had to offer, or would she reject him all over again? Could he take that risk?
He mounted the stairs, passed Beauregard’s bedroom, where Coralee was feeding her now docile father, and peered into Calvin’s. “May I come in?”
“Houston! By all means.” Calvin waved him in. “I didn’t expect to see you until later. You must have news.”
“Yes. And it’s good.” He closed the door and filled Calvin in on the latest developments.
“I still can’t believe the varmint hornswoggled me and that so much of my hard-earned money filled his pockets. I was sure he was going to get away with his crime, but thanks to you, he’s going to pay for what he’s done.”
“It helps to have a Texas Ranger for a brother. Chisholm knew whom to contact and how to go about getting the information we needed. He’s kept the telegraph lines busy the past few days.”
Calvin changed positions, wincing as he did so. “Once I’m up and about, I’ll thank him, too. Why, I’ll be able to throw a party.”
“Not right away. The scoundrel has to stand trial. I’m sure he’ll be convicted, though. Embezzlement is a serious crime, and since it involved stealing cattle—even though his elaborate scheme was carried out on paper with falsified documents and bribes—that won’t go over well in these parts. They’ll liquidate his assets, including a saloon in Corsicana, and then you’ll get a good portion of your money back.”
“Things will be tight for a while, but I can manage. What about you? What will you do once I’m back on my feet?”