Henry added, “We lived in the same foster home.” His gaze drifted to the ceiling. “Uh, what was the foster mother’s name? Mrs. Berry. No, that’s not it…”
She sucked in a breath as the memory surfaced. “Mrs. Appleton. Linda Appleton.”
He snapped his fingers. “That’s it. She was one of the good ones. Remember she ran a bakery so whenever we came home from school there were fresh pastries on the table. Muffins and scones. Sometimes cookies. I used to take more than my fair share and hide them under the bed.”
She remembered. Henry had been a thin, scrappy teenager with a chip on his shoulder. They hadn’t lived together very long. Emilia left that foster home to live with her mother, who’d completed rehab. Within six months, her mom was using again.
Henry’s gaze drifted to Bennett. The ranger stepped forward, offering his hand. “Texas Ranger Bennett Knox.”
“Nice to meet you.” Henry shook Bennett’s hand and then turned back to Emilia. “So how have you been?”
“Good, thanks.” She smiled, but it felt strained at the edges. Henry hadn’t been kind to her in the foster home. Quite the opposite, in fact. He’d been a bully.
Henry shook his head. “Man, it’s been ages since I thought about Mrs. Appleton. I left her home shortly after you did. Bounced around here and there until I aged out of the system. The state paid for college so I decided on nursing. Moved back here afterward. My dad lives in town. He got sober and we’ve patched things up so I have family nearby.”
“That’s good.” Emilia cocked her head. “I’m surprised you recognized me, Henry. It’s been a long time.”
“I have a memory for faces. I saw your name on the discharge paperwork, but it wasn’t until I saw you that I made the connection.” He frowned. “I overheard the doctor say you’d been shot. Are you okay?”
“I’m fine.”
Henry edged closer. “What happened?”
His curiosity irked her. Henry had set fire to her homework, snuck into the bathroom while she was taking a shower to steal her clothes, and lied about her to their foster mother. He’d tormented Emilia. She had never considered them friends.
Emilia gestured to the clipboard. “Is that the discharge paperwork?”
“Oh, yeah.” Henry laughed. “Sorry. I’m sure you want to get out of here.”
She took a deep breath and reminded herself to give grace. It’d been almost two decades since she’d seen Henry last. Although she didn’t have fond memories of him, Henry seemed nice enough now. People changed. Lord knows, she had. Being polite cost her nothing.
Emilia signed the paperwork quickly and collected her coat. “Thanks, Henry.”
“No problem. Hey, listen, give me your number. We can have coffee sometime and catch up.”
She hugged her coat tighter. “I’m only in town for work, Henry. But thanks for the offer. Take care.”
Emilia hurried from the room.
Bennett caught up with her in the hall. “Everything okay?”
“Fine.” She rolled her shoulders and the bandage on her arm tugged at the skin. “I didn't like Henry when we were kids. It’s a long story.” Her steps slowed. “Where are we going, by the way? Is your truck drivable?”
“No. It’s being towed to the evidence shed. My dad is in the waiting room. He’ll give us a lift home.”
“Bennett, considering the shooting, it’s not a good idea for me to stay on the ranch with your family. I’m perfectly capable of protecting myself. I’m a trained police officer.”
“You are capable. There’s no question about that.” He met her gaze. “But it’s foolish to refuse my help, Emilia. Please don’t. The ranch is safe, otherwise I wouldn’t have suggested staying there. Trust me.”
Bennett breathed a sigh of relief as the gates of One Horse Ranch swung open. He’d kept watch during the car ride from the hospital, and there’d been no sign of trouble. Still it was good to be home.
The property had been in Bennett’s family for six generations. The main house sat on a slight incline. Made of wood and stone, it sported a wraparound porch complete with rocking chairs. Christmas lights twinkled from every available surface including windows, rooftop, and the bushes. An inflatable Santa danced next to some plastic reindeer. Spotlight focused on the large nativity scene next to the walkway leading to the front door.
Emilia gasped from the back seat. “The house looks so pretty.”
“Yeah. Y’all were busy today.” Bennett chuckled. “I hate to see the electricity bill next month.”
His father, Zeke, snorted. “There’s no stopping your mother at Christmastime. You know that. She