It Takes Two: Deep in the Heart, Book 1 (38 page)

“Or it could have been two Days laughing,” Zach murmured, “if you consider that Nancy Day probably found the whole situation as amusing as her husband did.” He gave Annie a kiss that was meant to be supportive as well as loving. “So, why didn’t she ever have the oil brought up?” he asked.

Annie shrugged before standing up and walking onto the porch of the shack. She led him inside, turning on the lamp on the small table where Mary’s carousel had once sat. “It was her idea to save it for future generations. She wrote that she liked to think she was keeping something for her daughter, or granddaughter. And Two felt that the earth’s natural resources should be left as they were, anyway. Grandmother Day wrote that, because of their love, they wanted for nothing.” Annie sat down on the bed, an intent expression on her face. “Remember when I told you that Mother once allowed drilling on the property, just to satisfy the gossipmongers so they’d leave her alone?”

At Zach’s nod, Annie said, “Mother led them away from the spot that had been drilled before, closer to the original existing property line. Nothing was found, so it was never mentioned again. And she never told me, though she’d probably intended to one day. But when she got sick, she died so fast that…”

Annie’s voice trailed off. Zach sat down beside her, taking her hands in his. “So now you’ll have a story to tell Mary one day.”

She looked into his eyes. “Yes. I like knowing that my daughter’s inheritance is greater than I even dreamed. The land was enough, but…this is amazing.”

He was quiet for a moment, just looking at her. Then he turned his gaze away. “I’m just glad you didn’t sell out to me.”

Zach looked so distressed that Annie took him into her arms. “Oh, Zach, don’t even think about that anymore, unless you think of it in a good way. After all, if you hadn’t come here to buy me out, we would never have met.” She drew near to him, nearly touching his lips with hers. “And I would have lived my life without you,” she whispered. “I don’t even like to think about that.”

They kissed, long and sweet, as quiet settled over the cabin. After a moment, Annie pulled back just enough to look in Zach’s eyes again. “Would you think I was terrible if I said I would like to see what was there, just once?”

She saw he knew exactly what she was talking about by the understanding in his eyes. “You want to see the oil.”

Annie nodded.

“But it’s your grandmother’s soul you’re really going to see, isn’t it?” he asked. “And her dreams for the children of her line, who would inherit the wonderful legacy she’d left them.”

This time she didn’t nod, because he understood her need, and it was enough to know that the bond between them was this perfect. Somehow, she had known it would be this way between her and Zach.

“Well, if oil did come in, you could have it capped and plugged later. But no,” he said, pausing to brush a kiss against her cheek, “I don’t think you’re terrible at all. I think you’re a woman of rare insight and wisdom.”

Then he gently pushed her back against the pillows, and Annie pulled him against her, telling herself to be content that she could be with Zach for now.

It was later in the evening when Annie finally uncurled herself from the protective cocoon of Zach’s warm body. He put out a hand to stop her, but Annie gently pushed it away with a smile. “I have to get dinner on,” she said.

“I’ll help.” He stood up and began dressing. Annie did too, somewhat regretful that they had to leave their enchanted moment behind.

Five minutes later, they strolled outside and made their way up to the house, holding hands. Suddenly, Mary came running outside to hurl herself into Zach’s arms.

“Mr. Zach!” she cried. “You came back!”

He gave her a tight hug, laughing at her joyous greeting. “Did you think I wouldn’t?” He gave her a fake-stern look.

“No. I knew you would.” Mary’s answer was assured.

“Good. Because I’ve come to ask you a very important question.”

Annie saw Mary’s expression turn pensive. She felt anxious as well, as she looked at the handsome man kneeling down and holding her daughter.
Please, please
, she thought,
let him stay this time forever. My little girl loves him almost as much as I do
.

“I was wondering how you think I’d rate as father material,” Zach said.

“Father material?” Mary looked puzzled as she repeated his words, then hopeful. Annie’s heart leaped in her chest.

“Do you think I’d be any good at it?”

Mary didn’t hesitate. “Good at it? You’d be the best, Mr. Zach!”

Zach chuckled, catching Annie’s eyes. “I don’t know about the best. But I’d give it my best shot, if you’ll let me.”

“Oh, Mr. Zach, I would like that more than anything. I’ll help you all I can.” Mary hugged his neck tightly once more.

Zach patted her back, never releasing Annie’s gaze. “Then there’s something I have to ask your mother, Mary.” He drew Annie down to kneel beside them.

With Mary still in his arms, Zach said, “Annie, Mary seems to think we’d make a pretty good family.”

Annie smiled. “I agree with her.”

Zach cleared his throat before looking deep into her eyes. “Well, then, will you marry me, Annie Aguillar, and make me the happiest man on the planet?”

Joy sparkled through Annie at hearing the words she’d only dreamed of hearing. But she wanted to know that the past was behind them. “What about the problems you were having in Austin? What about everything that was turning your life upside down?”

She held her breath.

“I’ve cleared up the problems that were in the way,” Zach said, his expression earnest. “But without you in my life, I don’t think my life would ever be whole.”

A luminous smile lit Annie’s face. “Then my answer is yes, Zach Rayez. Marrying you will make me the happiest woman on the planet.”

“Besides me!” Mary chimed in.

They all laughed. “I have something for the two ladies in my life, then,” Zach said. “Mary, would you reach into my pocket”—he pointed at his denim shirt—“and see what you find there?”

She put a small hand into the pocket and pulled out a gray velvet jeweler’s box. In wonder, she held it up.

“I had something I needed to return to the jeweler’s,” Zach said, taking the box from Mary. Annie knew he was talking about the emerald earrings that would never have been right for her. “And while I was there, I saw this ring.” He held up a stunning sapphire, nearly the shade of Annie’s eyes, that was surrounded by diamonds.

Annie gasped and Mary’s mouth dropped open. “I thought about how beautiful this would look on your mother’s hand. What do you think, Mary?”

“I think you’re right,” Mary breathed.

Zach smiled and slid the ring on Annie’s finger. It was a perfect fit.

“It’s lovely,” she said. “The most beautiful ring in the world, Zach.” Leaning over Mary’s head, she gave him a kiss that promised greater rewards later.

“You’re welcome,” he whispered. He held Annie’s gaze for a second longer before turning to Mary. “But while I was at the jeweler’s, I also saw this.” He pulled a smaller ring out of the box, gold with a heart on the band and a tiny diamond inside. “And I knew this was perfect for the other lady in my life.” Gently, he slid it on Mary’s little finger.

Mary stared at the bauble adorning her hand. “It’s so pretty. I’ve never had anything like this. Look, Mama. It even has a little star inside the heart.” She looked up at Zach. “I’m going to love having you for a daddy. I can tell.”

Annie and Zach laughed together, then hugged Mary tightly between them. “You’ve answered her prayers, Zach Rayez,” Annie whispered into his ear.

“I’m glad.” He gave Annie a loving kiss. “Because you’ve more than answered mine. I love you, Annie Aguillar. I always will.”

“And I, you, Zach Rayez.” And as they stood outside, the three of them wrapped together with the night sky gathering, Annie knew that she had at last found what her grandmother had possessed as well.

Splendid, never-ending love.

Epilogue

Three weeks later, Annie and Zach stood in the fields, watching the drilling procedure. Mary ran and played nearby, but not too far from Annie’s protective sight. Cody looked on with interest, as did Travis and Gert. Annie eyed the newlyweds with satisfaction. Even her father’s heart attack had turned out to have a silver lining.

There had been many wonderful blessings since Zach had come into her life. Annie looked at him, her eyes gleaming with happiness. He was a wonderful husband, and a better father to Mary than he’d probably ever thought he could be. Their wedding had been a wondrous, candlelit affair, so much more special because Mary had been a precious flower girl. The three of them had stood at the altar, with Gert, Travis, Cody, and Cody’s mother looking on. Zach’s Pop had sat watching proudly as his only son married the woman he loved.

Since then, Cody had been patiently teaching Zach the rudiments of farm life. Zach in return was instructing Cody in financial investments. Between the two of them, some venture was always being cooked up at the kitchen table.

Zach had sold his home in Austin. Since Pop hadn’t been too partial to it anyway, he’d moved into the foreman’s bungalow Annie and Zach were renovating. Annie could tell George enjoyed living on the farm, but what he was loving most was forging the bond with Zach he’d missed all those years. Best of all, Zach’s Pop adored Mary, and she him. Mary had more people who loved her than Annie could have ever asked for.

Annie’s eyes widened as she heard sudden rumbling. She glanced toward the sky to see if lightning would follow the thunder. After a protracted tenseness when even the earth seemed to pause, oil spouted up, coming down in fat, black spatters. Annie gasped, amazed by the actual sight of what she only previously imagined. The ground turned ebony and slick, with wondrous streams of oil spreading over the land. Zach reached out to take her hand, grinning at the delighted awe on her face.

“There she is,” he said.

“I think you’re right,” she said, barely able to breathe. “I feel her spirit.” She brushed back the tears of happiness and gratitude that were filling her eyes.

Annie’s grandmother’s own tears had been shed on this ground, for the family who had forsaken her in shame. Nancy Day was surely looking down with a bittersweet smile, knowing that Annie had made the same decision she once had herself, choosing love in the face of overwhelming odds.

Annie smiled at her husband before looking toward the geyser once again, nodding her respect. Then she put her hand in Zach’s, and together they walked toward the silver-roofed, gabled old house, and a future rich with promise.

About the Author

When Tina heard that we wanted to buy her novel, she was so excited she rang us to make sure that she wasn’t dreaming! We were delighted to confirm that we thought
It Takes Two
was a great story and would make a wonderful addition to the Scarlet list.

Tina has a college degree, is married and has two children. She’s been to Bermuda, Mexico and the West Indies, and has travelled around the United States. Like Annie, the heroine of
It Takes Two
, Tina hails from Texas and her native land is obviously a great source of inspiration to her. We hope you’ll enjoy reading Annie’s and Zach’s story as much as Tina liked telling it.

Look for these titles by Tina Leonard

Now Available:

Hotter than Hot

Hotter than Texas

Never Say Never

Coming Soon:

Desperado

Even a frozen heart can melt in holiday heat.

Never Say Never

© 2013 Tina Leonard

Dustin Reed has enough on his plate trying to run his ranch while raising his young son alone. The last thing he needs is for his new housekeeper to show up with a tiny baby in her arms.

Jill McCall was all set to make a good first impression on her new boss. But the moment she sets foot on the porch with the infant she discovers on Dustin’s doorstep, the misunderstandings begin. It’s not her baby—someone left it there for
him
.
 

Dustin can’t find it in his embittered heart to turn either the child or soft, pretty Jill away. And as they settle in, Dustin finds himself envisioning a future with her, the kind of future he stopped hoping for a long time ago. But ranch life is rough, and the fight Dustin faces to keep his own child is about to get even rougher…challenging the notion that Christmas is a season of miracles.

Warning: Contains a hard-hearted rancher, two cute kids, and a feisty woman who melts his heart.

Enjoy the following excerpt for
Never Say Never:

Last week Jill McCall had thought her world was in a fairly secure orbit. Today, she felt like she’d been hit by Halley’s comet.

What a shock to discover that she’d been downsized by the company that had hired her fresh out of college. Downsized, as her boss kindly explained, meant that the company was laying off workers in an attempt to become more financially stable.