TEXAS ROADS (A Miller's Creek Novel Book 1) (16 page)

The older man spoke. “Well, I’m glad to hear it. Let me be the first to officially welcome you.”

“Thanks.” Dani sent him an appreciative smile then glanced at Steve’s profile, his lips set in concrete.

Bo leaned toward her. “By the way, I like your ideas for Miller’s Creek. I hear you encouraged the people to do the work themselves. Steve tells me the whole town has come together for this project.”

“I’m sure it’s because of Steve’s input, not mine.” She cringed remembering the town hall meeting and her rude comments. “He’s the one who organized everything.”

The conversation grew quiet, but not uncomfortable, and her gaze wandered to the horses. “It’s so beautiful and peaceful here. I’m sure it’s wonderful to wake up to this every morning.”

“Do you ride?” Bo rested one elbow on the arm of his chair.

She gave her head a quick shake. “No, but I’ve always wanted to.”

“Steve would be happy to teach you, wouldn’t you, Steve?”

“Sure.” His tone remained non-committal.

Bo rose to his feet with a yawn. “I’m going in for more tea and a nap. Y’all need anything?” He ambled toward the house.

“Nope.” Steve’s voice sounded tight.

“No, thanks.” She watched the older man shuffle away then studied Steve’s expression. He could switch moods faster than any person she knew. It’s a wonder he didn’t have permanent whiplash. “I was downtown earlier this week, helping J.C. with some painting. Things seem to be progressing well.”

He shrugged, still not meeting her gaze. “I guess.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, the people are still gung-ho, but we’re out of supplies and money.”

She frowned. Already? “Have you tried going back to the companies—?”

“Yep, they’re not giving us anymore.”

Her heart skipped a beat. “So what are you going to do?”

“Good question.” Steve’s face hardened as he stared across the field, his eyes cloudy and dark.

* * *

Later that evening Dani retired to her room, her thoughts troubled. All afternoon Steve’s downcast face had stuck with her, the problem gnawing at her brain. As she readied herself for bed, the hint of an idea exploded into a plan without warning. It formed so fast she scrambled for pen and paper. An hour and a half later, hands cramping, she leaned against the iron bed headboard and reviewed her notes. Yes, this plan just might work.

Her neck tingled with the prospect, but not without some trepidation. The idea plopped her in the crossroads, and once she chose a path, she couldn’t—no, she wouldn’t—turn back. She’d never intentionally hurt these people by pulling out after offering them hope. But was this the best way? Could she commit to this plan with all her heart?

She switched off the light and lay in the stillness, listening to the crickets and bull frogs compete for solos in the nocturnal symphony. The idea might prove to be the perfect solution, but it would also be costly. Her original plan to use the inheritance to build a business would have to be sacrificed. Was she crazy for even considering this idea? What if she needed the money later? She marveled at the change in her thinking. Had Miller’s Creek bewitched her, or was this something bigger?

It felt so right. More right than anything had felt in a long time. She rolled to her side and snuggled her nose into the pillow. With a sense of peace and contentment she couldn’t understand or explain, she drifted off to sleep.

* * *

The next morning after Mama Beth left for her ladies’ Bible study coffee klatch, Dani munched on a sausage biscuit and punched the speed dial on her cell phone.

“Dani! How are you?” Andy Tyler’s friendly voice brought a grin to her face.

They spent the next few minutes catching up then she moved to the matter at hand. “I called because I need your expert legal advice.”

“Anything for you, pretty lady. What can I help you with?”

She explained the situation and her plan.

“Are you sure about this?” He sounded skeptical.

Was she doing the right thing? She took a deep breath, the aroma of breakfast still in the air. “Yes. I’m sure.”

“Okay.” Something about his tone hinted at disapproval. “When do you want to get started on this plan of yours?”

“Yesterday.”

He laughed. “That figures. You haven’t changed a bit.”

After saying goodbye, she clicked the phone shut. Doubt immediately jabbed her, and she chewed the inside of her cheek. Was she making a huge mistake? She heaved a sigh and shoved the thought away. The wheel had already been set in motion. A slow smile inched across her face. Wouldn’t Steve be surprised?

Chapter Seventeen

S
teve crammed the last bite of stale doughnut in his mouth and pressed the stack of papers against his chest. He hated to even entertain the thought, but maybe he should consider buying a brief case. A mental image of his normal attire of boots, jeans, and hat flashed into his mind. Somehow a brief case didn’t quite fit his image. The wind gusted and threatened to pull the papers from his grasp, so he hugged them closer to his body and trudged toward City Hall. The attempt to locate more funding for the town had doubled the paperwork, and the daily shuffle verged on scary. What if he lost something important?

He entered the building to pounding hammers, the buzz of power saws, and the smell of fresh paint. The old geezers had spent the past week sprucing up the interior of City Hall and now worked upstairs renovating the upper floors. With an attractive shade of beige on the walls, the refinished wood floors, and donated furniture, the place was actually starting to look like an office.

Wanda glanced up from her new desk as he blew in the door. “If you ask me you could use a briefcase.”

Her way of stating the obvious scraped against his nerves like sandpaper. He hid his exasperation and attempted to sound pleasant. “You’re right. What’s your schedule like today?”

She peered at him over the top of her glasses, and he braced himself for a lecture. “Well, besides answering the phone that’s been ringing off the hook, posting water bill payments, listening to that racket upstairs, and answering questions for every Tom, Dick, and Harry who comes through that door, not a thing. Why, what d’ya want?”

He grimaced under her blast then offered a sheepish grin. “Could you help me organize these into folders?”

Wanda glared at him for a long minute, then shook her head and marched around the desk to take the papers, her expression dark. “I don’t get paid enough.”

Steve held his tongue, the phone ringing just as he transferred the papers to her arms. He made the mistake of making eye contact.

“Don’t look at me. I’ve got my hands full. You’ll have to get it yourself.” Her tone bristled.

He snapped the phone to his ear. “City Hall, Steve Miller speaking.”

“Mr. Miller, glad I caught you. This is Andy Tyler with Tyler and Coleman Law Firm in Dallas.”

A lawyer from Dallas? “Yes, what can I do for you, Mr. Tyler?”

“I understand your town’s in the middle of a renovation project.”

Goose bumps tickled his spine. Had Brighton come through after all this time? He leaned his weight against Wanda’s desk. “Yes sir.”

“I’m calling regarding a foundation that’s been created to assist Miller’s Creek with funding.”

Cotton formed in his mouth and his ears roared. Had he heard the man right? He glanced up to see Wanda’s interested stare and upturned ear. “Can you hold just a minute while I transfer this call to my office?” The words came out as a croak. Steve punched the hold button, laid down the phone, and ignored Wanda’s glower as he headed to the privacy of his office. If he wanted the rest of the town to know about this phone call, he’d tell them himself. The office door clicked behind him, and he picked up the phone. “I’m back, Mr. Tyler. Can you give me more details?”

“Actually, I’d like to schedule a time to visit with you in person. Would that be all right?”

All right? Did kids like candy? “Sure.”

“Friday morning at ten okay for you?”

“That’ll be great.” He provided the man with directions then dropped into his chair. What had just happened? A sudden smile erupted on his face and he squashed the temptation to let out a cowboy yee-haw. The meeting with Mr. Big Wig Brighton had finally paid off. Miller’s Creek had an investor. Wouldn’t Dani be surprised?

Like gathering storm clouds, he remembered the townspeople’s opposition to outside investors. How would they react when they heard the news? He pushed the question away. After the visit with Mr. Tyler, he’d mention it to the people of Miller’s Creek. Then he’d break out in a sweat.

* * *

Andy Tyler wasn’t what Steve expected. He’d imagined someone along the lines of Mr. Brighton, but not this personable man close to his own age. With sand-colored hair and a bright smile that seemed permanently etched on his face, he looked more like a movie star than a lawyer. And better yet he wasn’t wearing a suit.

“Nice to meet you in person, Mr. Tyler.” Steve shook his hand and motioned for him to take a seat.

“Call me Andy.” He glanced around the room. “Nice office you got here.”

Steve folded himself into the desk chair and swiveled to face the attorney. “Thanks. Some friends of mine surprised me earlier this week. Apparently I was close to the top of the renovation list and didn’t know it.”

Andy laughed. “Your friends must think highly of you.”

“I don’t know about that, but I think highly of them.”

“Spoken like a true leader.” The man scrutinized him with lips pursed and eyes narrowed.

What was he after? Steve intentionally kept his face blank. “I’d like to hear more about this foundation you mentioned.”

The man nodded and shifted to business-mode. “Okay. The foundation’s been organized so the city and individuals can apply for funding of improvement projects.”

He thought over the attorney’s words, wanting to believe, but unable to shake his cautious nature. What if the money came from an illegal source? “Where’s the money coming from?”

“My client wishes to remain anonymous. I’ll be your contact in all business matters.”

The news sent unease skittering across his scalp. “That didn’t really answer my question.”

Andy cleared his throat. “Sorry, but I’m bound by contract not to divulge my client’s identity. I assure you the money is from a legitimate source, if that’s your concern.”

Was this guy honest or just speaking legalese? He brought a hand up to rub his chin. “You have a way to verify that it’s legitimate and legal?”

“Of course.”

Steve pondered the information then gave Tyler a hard look. “I must admit this all sounds too good to be true.”

“I’m sure it does, but it’s the truth.” Andy maintained eye contact, the mark of an honest man.

Steve leaned forward, propped his elbows on the desk, and steepled his fingers. “I’m going to be upfront with you, Mr. Tyler. This idea won’t fly if your client’s going to call the shots.”

Andy’s brows darted upward. “What do you mean?”

“I’m the boss of this operation, not your client.” Sweat trickled down Steve’s back, but he forced himself to remain still. What if Tyler rescinded the offer?

The man eyed him a moment then spoke. “That’s understandable. The only thing my client will determine is who gets the money.” He removed a file from his briefcase, laid it on the desk, and pushed it toward him. “For the purpose of protecting our resources, the recipients will be required to send in progress reports and financial records.”

He perused the file. “I’ll want another attorney to check this. Do you mind me asking how much is available?”

“At least ten million dollars.”

Steve’s heart skipped a beat. His jaw hinged open and he shifted in his seat, leaning across the desk toward Andy. “I’m sorry. I don’t think I heard you correctly.”

The attorney chuckled. “You heard me, all right. Ten million dollars.”

He exhaled a long puff of air between his lips in an attempt to slow his pulse, which had taken off like race horses at an opened gate.

Andy continued. “My client reserves the right to pull funding at any time, but we’ll protect your interests by stating in a contractual agreement that no project will be left without enough funding to see it through to completion.”

His mind whirled. They wouldn’t come close to spending ten million dollars.

The lawyer laced his fingers in front of him and let his elbows rest against the arms of the chair. “The foundation will fund improvements to the downtown area as well as private homes. Money will also be available for advertising and other promotional expenses.”

The funding covered more than renovations to downtown? There’d be enough money to bring in businesses and customers—a dream come true—no, a prayer answered. He fell back in his chair and let out a low whistle. “Why does your client want to be anonymous?”

“I’m not at liberty to say, but I assure you my client strongly believes in this town and what it can become.”

“This person has visited Miller’s Creek?”

“Yes.”

Steve mulled over this last piece of information. He couldn’t sneeze without someone in Miller’s Creek calling to say “Bless you.” Whoever this anonymous person was, they knew how to be discreet. Brighton must’ve found an interested investor. Or maybe Brighton
was
the investor.

Andy lifted one corner of his mouth. “Trying to figure out who my client is won’t help. If I were you I’d just accept the offer and move ahead with your plans.”

Would it be that easy? With the town so opposed to an outside investor, he somehow doubted it.

* * *

Queasiness roller-coasted in Dani’s stomach and catapulted a vile taste onto her tongue. When Mama Beth mentioned who she’d invited to lunch, Dani had launched into a full-blown panic attack. Now she paced from the kitchen to the front window, then back to the kitchen again.

The crunch of truck tires on the gravel driveway drew her to the living room window like a magnet. Could she make this work? She emitted a slow breath to still her racing heart and returned to the kitchen where her aunt pulled homemade dinner rolls from the oven. Normally the aroma of fresh-baked bread made Dani salivate, but today she pressed a hand to her stomach. “They’re here.”

“Well, don’t just stand there. Let ‘em in.” Mama Beth dumped steaming baby carrots into a brown earthenware bowl.

Dani scurried to the front, her heart knocking against her ribs. Steve held the screen door for Andy and motioned for him to enter, but barely glanced at her. She frowned. Why did he look so uncomfortable? The news should have him dancing a jig.

“Mr. Tyler, this is Mrs. Davis. She’s the niece of the lady I told you about.”

Mrs. Davis? When had he stopped calling her Dani? And did he still only see her as Mama Beth’s niece? She extended a hand with a warning smile. “Please call me Dani.”

Andy, a teasing gleam in his eye, seized her hand and held it longer than necessary. His conspiratorial wink sent panic hurtling through her body. Didn’t he realize how serious this was? She ignored him and led the way to the kitchen.

Mama Beth bustled toward them wiping her hands on her apron, her voice welcoming. “You must be Mr. Tyler.”

“Yes, and you’re Miss Adams.” Andy took her hand in his. “The food smells awesome.”

Her aunt’s face lit. Leave it to Andy to win her over. It wouldn’t be long before every female in town lined up for a glimpse of his golden curls, dark lashes, and sea-green eyes.

After the blessing Andy initiated conversation while the bowls of food made their way around the table. “This is a magnificent house, Miss Adams. Have you lived here all your life?”

Mama Beth clanked a serving spoon against the bowl of mashed potatoes and shook her head. “I’ve lived in Miller’s Creek all my life, but I’ve lived in this house about thirty years.”

“My grandfather built this house.” Steve joined the conversation, his tone and expression still somber. “It stayed in our family ’til we moved to the ranch. That’s when Mama Beth bought it.”

This house once belonged to the Millers? Dani mentally filed the new information.

Mama Beth passed the mashed potatoes to Steve, but focused her attention on Andy. “Where are you from?”

“Dallas.”

“Really? That’s where Dani used to live.”

Dani choked on a carrot and reached for her water.
Stay calm!
She darted a peek at each of their faces then took a slow breath. No one seemed to have noticed her nervousness…except maybe Steve.

Andy continued to cut his pork chop, but glanced at her while he carved the juicy meat. “Miller’s Creek must be quite a change from the Big D.”

She shot him a look of appreciation. “Definitely, but I still love it.” Steve’s eyes narrowed slightly. With a bite of her hot roll she lowered her gaze. Was he opposed to her living here, or did he already suspect her role in all this? Dani turned to Andy again, but looked past him at Steve. “So what brings you to Miller’s Creek, Mr. Tyler?”

Various emotions flitted across Steve’s face. Relief. Joy. Indecision. Worry. Why? “Andy has a client that wants to invest in Miller’s Creek. They’ve set up a foundation so people can apply for funding.” His voice was tight, like a kite string in a gust of wind.

Mama Beth clapped and produced a broad smile. “I told you God would work this out.”

“Yes, you did.” Steve’s expression and tone momentarily softened, but as soon as his attention shifted back to Dani, he frowned.

Why was he acting so weird? Had she done something to offend him?

Several minutes later, Andy pushed his plate away and rubbed a hand over his belly. “That was the best home-cooked meal I’ve had in a long time, Miss Adams. I appreciate you having me over for lunch.”