Houston outlined his plans, which had become clear minutes before.
Calvin nodded. “A man’s got to do what a man’s got to do. So, when are you leaving?”
“I’ll catch the next stagecoach. No sense putting things off now that I’ve made my decision. You can’t say anything to Coralee just yet.”
“She won’t take it well, but I’ll keep my trap shut. Until it’s time for me to do my part, that is.”
“Good.” He’d taken care of things here. Now to return to the 7 Heart, finalize things there, and face his father.
George Washington Hart shoveled in his last bite of steak, rested his fork on his plate, and tossed his napkin on the table. The three Hart brides had retired to the parlor minutes before, along with Houston’s nephew, Robbie, leaving Pa and his sons—all seven of them, now that Crockett was back—alone for the first time since Houston’s return. Normally they only gathered for Sunday dinner, but they’d all shown up that Thursday evening for a private celebration of the successful cattle drive. They would hold a dance on Saturday and invite their friends.
Pa stood and leveled his gaze on Houston. “I’d like to have a word with you before I retire, son. Meet me in your mother’s parlor in five minutes, will you?”
Houston’s chest tightened. “Yes, Pa.”
“Good night, boys.”
Pa disappeared through the open doorway, along with all of Houston’s brothers except for Travis. The curiosity on his face was likely evident on Houston’s, as well. “What was that about, Huey?”
“I have no idea.” Houston had planned to talk with Pa in the morning, but it appeared he would have the opportunity to do so tonight. Not that he was ready, but Coralee had made a good point during their ride back from town after he’d visited Collingswood & Henderson’s Hardware. If he wasn’t honest with his father, he’d be forced into a job that could become a burden.
Travis clapped a hand on Houston’s shoulder. “I wish you well. You can find me later and tell me what he wanted.”
“I will. Before you go, I wanted to thank you for stopping in to check on Beauregard. He’s calmer now.”
“I’m glad to hear it. I admire Coralee. She’s been taking care of him for over eleven years now—and not a word of complaint. That’s loyalty for you. Anyhow, I’d best not keep you. Pa wouldn’t take too kindly to that.” Travis went to join his wife and the others. Houston made his way to his mother’s parlor. He walked around looking at the items, each one reminding him of her. Except for the vase of freshly cut gardenias on the table. Their fragrance brought images of Coralee to mind.
He’d caught a whiff of the memorable scent when he’d taken her in his arms the day before. She hadn’t resisted—at first. She’d trusted him to be there for her in her hour of need, but could she trust him with her heart? Because of her encouragement, he’d found a way to stay—on his own terms. It meant letting his business in California go for a fraction of its value, but she was worth it. Would his choices be enough to convince her that he’d be here for her, no matter what?
Footfalls signaled Pa’s approach. Houston braced himself for what was to come, whatever that might be. He stood with his feet spread and his hands clasped behind his back. “I’m here, sir, as requested.”
“Relax, son. Have a seat.” Pa held out a hand toward Mother’s favorite settee and lowered himself into the green armchair reserved for him.
Houston sat poker-straight, waiting for Pa to speak.
“When did you plan to tell me that you don’t cotton to being a rancher?”
Pa’s question robbed Houston of the ability to speak. He swallowed in an attempt to remove the boulder lodged in his throat, giving him a moment to think. If Pa had already figured out the truth, there was no sense denying it. “How did you know?”
“I suspected it when you were younger, but it wasn’t until you came back that I knew for sure.”
“What gave it away? I’ve been working hard.”
Pa leaned back into the plush chair and crossed his legs, looking completely at ease—and not the slightest bit disappointed. Odd. “That’s how I knew. You’ve been trying too hard. Out to prove you have what it takes to inherit your share of the ranch, were you?”
“That was my plan.” But it had changed. He’d realized Coralee was right. Running a hardware store made him happy. Riding the range and tending to the many tasks on a ranch didn’t. She deserved a husband who was using the gifts God had given him, not one pretending to be something he wasn’t and growing more resentful by the day. If that meant losing Pa’s blessing—and the promised inheritance—so be it.
“You don’t have to convince me, son. I know you could run a successful ranch, if you put your mind to it, but I don’t think your heart’s in it.”