with needing to see her.
After Beto was shot and Mateo carried him out… and Angel screamed at me to go, I struggled with what to do. His blood was on my clothes and hands, and I had to at least get clean.
Stopping at an old-school gas station, I used the dirty restroom to strip out of my shirt, doing my best to wash my hands and arms in the tiny stream of water coming from the sink.
Wearing only my jacket and jeans, I sped along Interstate 20 contemplating my next steps. Shock drove me. For all I knew, I’d just killed a man. I’d lost my love, I’d lost everything.
How could Angel ever forgive me for killing her brother?
My life was over.
Closing my eyes briefly, I leaned harder on the throttle as grief washed over me. When I opened them again, I saw the sign for new developments in Fate, and I knew what I had to do.
Before I went away. I had to be sure the past would be made right, and I didn’t trust Winnie to do it. Leaning forward into the rain, over the handlebars of my bike, I set a course for El Paso. Rich was working on this, but I had to find the truth about the past. I owed that much to Angel and her family—especially if Beto were dead because of me.
Now Angel’s saying he’s alive. He’s going to recover… And she doesn’t hate me.
Standing, I walk along the balcony willing time to move faster.
The French doors open, and Rich walks out holding two beers. “Drink something before you get heat stroke.”
Taking one, I rub the back of my neck. “Not sure this is the right choice for dehydration.”
“It’s been a rough twenty-four hours. You just got some great news. Beer is the right choice.”
“I’m not a killer.”
“I never thought you were.” He leans back, taking a long sip of Modelo. “If a guy comes at you with a gun, that is not murder. It’s self-defense.”
“Yes, but I broke into his house.”
“You were the guest of his sister, who is an adult and invited you there.”
Taking a drink, I nod, wiping my lips with the back of my hand. “Then she screamed at me to get out.” Flashbacks of the blood, of Angel crying on her knees… all of it hits me like a sucker punch. “I’m a fucking fool.”
“Ease up on my friend Deacon.” He’s joking, but I’m not.
“I actually thought I’d introduce myself to her family, tell them we were in love and wanted to marry. I thought they’d welcome us with open arms. We’d have a party, a big wedding. Happy ever fucking after.”
“You’ve always been a cocky bastard.”
“Asshole.” I take a longer sip of beer.
He exhales a laugh, leaning forward. “You know, most couples expect the same thing. It doesn’t make you a fool. How were you supposed to know your family had a history to rival the Montagues and Capulets?”
Shaking my head, that reminds me. “How’s it going with the title search?”
“No dice.” He polishes off his beer. “Deeds that old aren’t stored electronically. But, lucky for you, I know how to search the county archives.”
“I can help—”
“You’ll just get in the way.” He rubs a hand through his messy blond hair. “Plus I’m interested now. This is fucking fascinating. You think your grandfather cheated hers out of Fate?”
“It’s what they think.” I don’t mention the baby, my grandmother, or the murder allegation.
“I want to know who’s right.” He grins at me, blue eyes crinkling in his tanned face.
The sound of tires on gravel below draws our attention. My chest tightens, and I’m pretty sure it’s her.
“Nice ride.” Rich stands.
She steps out of the driver’s side, and the wind pushes thick, golden-brown curls over her shoulders. Her dress swirls around her slim body, and using one hand to shade her eyes, she looks up at me.
She’s so fucking gorgeous. My breath stills in my lungs. “Angel…”
“Go.” A grin is in his voice.
I barely hear it.
I’m jogging down the massive wood staircase, through the open foyer, and out the front door as the words hang in the air.
I hesitate on the porch.
Our eyes meet, and a tear traces down her cheek. “Deacon…” It’s a mixture of longing and exhaustion, and my uncertainty is gone.
Closing the space between us, I pull her into my arms, tucking her sweet head against my chest and inhaling deeply… jasmine. Relief hits me like a rush of life in my veins, and the fist