A Piece of Texas Trilogy Read online

  “You are my only problem,” she said furiously.

  “Now, Addy,” Marjorie scolded gently. “At least hear what Mack has to say.”

  Before Addy could tell Marjorie to mind her own business, Dr. Wharton spoke up. “Marjorie’s right, Addy. You need to listen to Mack’s suggestion.”

  Addy folded her arms across her chest and burned Mack with a look. “All right. You’ve got exactly two minutes and not a second more.”

  “I want you to marry me,” he said simply.

  “What?” she cried. “Are you crazy?”

  “No, I assure you I’m perfectly sane. I’m a wealthy man, Addy. I can provide a lifestyle for you and the baby that you could never accomplish alone.”

  When she opened her mouth to tell him what he could with his lifestyle, as well as his proposal, he held up a hand.

  “Please, hear me out. What I’m suggesting is not a traditional marriage. I would make no demands on you, sexual or emotional. My offer of marriage is simply a way to provide for you and give your baby a name. I’m prepared to legally adopt your child and raise him as my own son. My home is large enough to provide you with whatever privacy you deem necessary, plus it’s staffed with a housekeeper and cook who will see to yours and the baby’s needs.

  “If at some time in the future,” he went on, “you should find our arrangement confining or you feel threatened in any way, then I will grant you an annulment but will continue to provide financial support for the child.”

  “Why would you want to support him, if we’re no longer living with you?”

  His gaze remained steady on hers, his expression maddeningly calm in spite of her accusatory tone.

  “For the same reason I’m offering you marriage,” he said simply. “To ensure that he is always provided for. I take care of what’s mine.”

  He held up a finger when she would have interrupted him. “When I adopt your son, I’ll be assuming not only the legal and financial obligations associated with him but the moral ones, as well. Because of that commitment, I would place one stipulation on granting you an annulment, should you request one. I want the same rights awarded any father at the time of a divorce. Specifically, an equitable visitation schedule and the right to remain an active participant in his life. By remaining involved, I can be sure that he is instilled with the virtues necessary for him to develop into a man of honor and integrity.”

  Addy stared, part of her awed by what appeared to be his sincere concern for her son, and the other part unable to believe he would actually expect her to agree to such an outlandish arrangement.

  “Do you have any idea what you’re asking of me?” she said to him, then looked at Dr. Wharton and Marjorie. “Do you?” she challenged. “I hardly know this man! Yes,” she conceded, before either could remind her of the fact, “he probably saved my life and that of my baby, but prior to his coming to my rescue, I’d never seen him before! And you expect me to marry him?” she asked incredulously. “Are y’all crazy?”

  “Mack has proven he’s trustworthy,” Marjorie argued. “He didn’t have to follow the ambulance to the hospital, but he did. And he didn’t have to turn around and drive back to Dallas when I called and told him that you’d gone into labor again. And, yes,” she admitted, with a jut of her chin, when Addy narrowed her eyes at her, “I called him. So sue me.”

  “And he stayed with you throughout the delivery,” Dr. Wharton interjected, taking over where Marjorie had left off. He dipped his chin and gave Addy a pointed look. “Which was at your request, as I recall.”

  She opened her hands. “I was delirious. Out of my mind with pain. Why else would I beg a complete stranger, and a man at that, to stay with me during the birth of my baby?”

  “I can understand why you might be hesitant to accept my proposal,” Mack said patiently.

  “Hesitant?” she repeated, her voice rising as she whirled to face him. “How about violently opposed!”

  Ignoring her, he continued. “In order to satisfy whatever concerns you might have, I’ve taken it upon myself to provide you with suitable references.” He crossed to the door and opened it. “Gentlemen,” he said, and spread an arm in invitation. “Would you please join us?”

  Addy stared, wide-eyed, as four men filed into the room. The first to enter approached her, his hand held out in greeting.

  “Leonard Boyles, Attorney-at-Law,” he said by way of introduction. “I handle all Mack’s legal needs and have for years. I can assure you that he has never been accused of any crime or sued in a court of law. His record, as well as his reputation, are both without blemish.”

  Speechless, Addy could only stare.

  As soon as the lawyer moved aside, a second man—a clergyman judging by his white collar—stepped forward and gathered her hand between his.

  “Pastor Nolan, my child,” he said in a voice that invited trust. “I’ve served as Mack’s spiritual advisor since he was a young boy and can honestly say that I’ve never known a finer man or one with a more generous heart. If you agree to marry him, it will be my honor to perform the ceremony.”

  Before Addy could think of a reply, a third man moved to stand before her.

  “Jack Phelps,” he said, and gave her a hand a brisk, no-nonsense shake. “President of Commerce Bank and Trust. Mack, as his father was before him, is a major stockholder in CB&T. As the bank’s president, I can attest to Mack’s financial soundness, and offer you my assurance that he’s a well-respected leader in our community.”

  Numb, Addy could only nod.

  The next man to step forward was large, both in girth and height, but the warmth and friendliness in his eyes thwarted any fear his size might’ve spawned.

  “So you’re Addy,” he said, gripping her hand between bear-size paws. “Officially, I’m Dr. William Johnson,” he said solemnly, then grinned. “But most folks just call me Dr. Bill.” He glanced toward the bassinet, then shifted his gaze back to hers, his expression hopeful. “Mind if I hold the baby? I promise I won’t wake him. I’ve had plenty of experience with little ones.”

  She lifted a hand, then dropped it helplessly to her side. “Why not?”

  She watched as he lifted the baby from the bassinet and brought it to cradle against his chest.

  “And aren’t you just the cutest thing,” he murmured to the baby, then looked up at her and smiled. “I know you must be proud.”

  She pressed a hand against her lips to stem an unexpected rush of tears. “Y-yes, I am,” she managed to get out.

  Clucking his tongue, he shifted the baby to one arm and moved to slip the other around her shoulder. “Now, now,” he soothed, as he hugged her against his side. “It’s okay to cry. Mood swings are to be expected in new mothers.”

  Addy had to fight the urge to turn her face against his chest and sob. “I know,” she said, dabbing at her eyes. “I’m a nurse. I did a rotation in Labor and Delivery during my clinicals, so I know all about the baby blues.”

  He drew back to look at her in surprise. “You’re a nurse? Then I guess I don’t need to tell you how important it is for a new mother to take it easy the first couple of weeks, following childbirth. Takes time for a woman to heal properly and regain her strength. Did I mention that I’m a pediatrician?” he asked, then looked down at the baby before she could respond, and smiled broadly. “This little guy and I are going to get along just fine. After you get settled in at Mack’s, bring him over to my office and we’ll give him a complete checkup.”

  “But I’m—”

  He hugged her again, nearly squeezing the breath out of her with his enthusiasm. “You’re gonna just love living in Lampasas. I just know you are.”

  Addy twisted from his arms and balled her hands into fists at her sides. “Would someone please listen to me,” she cried. “I’m not marrying Mack. Okay? I’m not marrying Mack!”

  Marjorie rushed forward and caught her hand. “Oh, Addy,” she whispered urgently. “Think what he’s offering you. A worry-free life. You woul
dn’t have to work. You could stay at home with your baby, be the mother you’ve always wanted to be. And he’s willing to adopt your son, give him his name. If you marry Mack, your baby will never be subjected to the embarrassment and humiliation you experienced growing up. He’ll have a name. A father. People won’t be able to whisper behind his back and call him ugly names like they did you.”

  Addy clamped her hand over her ears, sure that she could hear the jeers of the children who had taunted her on the playground, the whispered comments from adults. She didn’t want her son to suffer as she had. Didn’t want the same questions posed to him that were asked of her. Where’s your father? Who’s your father? How come your mother’s name isn’t the same as yours?

  “Think, Addy,” Marjorie begged her. “It’s not as if you have to stay married to him. He’s giving you an out, the offer of an annulment. What have you got to lose?”

  Addy turned away, clamping her hands tighter over her ears. “Please,” she begged. “Go. All of you. I need to think.”

  She heard the door open behind her and the shuffle of feet as the crowd of people in her room filed out. She felt a nudge on her shoulder, and glanced up to find Dr. Bill standing there.

  He passed the baby to her, then braced a hand on her shoulder. “Mack’s a good man,” he said quietly. “Keep that in mind while you’re doing your thinking.”

  He gave her shoulder a squeeze, then turned and left the room.

  Blinking back tears, Addy hugged the baby to her breasts. “Oh, Johnny,” she whispered tearfully. “What are we going to do?”

  Holding the baby in her arms, Addy opened the door of her hospital room to find the group she’d ousted earlier standing in the hall. The lawyer, the banker, the preacher, Marjorie…and Mack. They were all there, except for Dr. Wharton, who she assumed had to leave because patients waited for him at his office.

  Lined up as they were, those who remained presented a formidable wall of resistance.

  She tipped up her chin, unwilling to show any sign of weakness. “You may come in,” she informed them, then turned and led the way back into her room.

  She waited until the door closed behind Mack, then directly addressed the lawyer. “If I agree to this, I want everything in writing, including Mack’s promise of an annulment.”

  “Consider it done,” he replied.

  “And I want your assurance,” she continued, “that my legal interests will be protected, as well as those of my son.”

  He held up a hand in a solemn pledge. “You have my word.”

  Satisfied, she shifted her gaze, meeting the eyes of each person in turn.

  “You all heard what Mack said earlier, and I expect each and every one of you to serve as witnesses to the document the lawyer prepares. And be forewarned,” she added sternly, “that I intend to hold each of you personally responsible for my welfare and that of my son, should Mack fail to honor the promises he’s made to me. Understood?”

  Each person nodded their agreement.

  She drew in a deep breath and turned to face Mack. “I assume you want this marriage to take place as soon as possible.”

  “Now will do.”

  “Now?” she repeated. “But…won’t we need a license?”

  He nodded toward his lawyer, who was already drawing a document from the inside pocket of his jacket. “Lenny has taken care of that for us.”

  A bubble of panic rose in Addy’s throat. She’d thought she’d have more time to adjust, to plan…to come to her senses. “Blood tests,” she said in a rush. “The state requires blood tests, before they’ll issue a license.”

  Marjorie lifted a meek hand. “Um. That’s been taken care of.”

  “How?” Addy asked incredulously. “I didn’t give any blood.”

  “Dr. Wharton told Kenny, the phlebotomist, to use some of what he drew the night you were admitted to Emergency.”

  With nothing left to offer to delay the inevitable, Addy dropped her shoulders in defeat and turned to Pastor Nolan. “Looks like it your turn, Preacher. I suppose it would be foolish to ask if you have your Bible with you?”

  He drew a small leather-bound book from his pocket and held it up for her to see. “I’m never without it.”

  Though she tried her best to hide it, Addy was totally blown away by Mack’s home. The driveway he had turned onto was lined with massive oaks, their limbs twining overhead to create the canopy of shade they drove through. The house at the end of the drive reminded her of pictures she’d seen in magazines of Tuscan homes. Built from a combination of stucco and stone, angled wings jutted from either side of the central structure to form what could only be described as an exploding U. Beyond it, rolling hills covered with cedar, cactus and rock, served as a dramatic backdrop for his home.

  Mack parked his car on the circle drive in front, then climbed out and opened the rear door to remove the baby from the car seat. Her knees quaking, Addy followed Mack up the flagstone walkway to the front door.

  Just as Mack reached to open it, the door flew back and two women rushed into the opening, their shoulders bumping, as they both tried to pass through at the same time.

  Mack held up a hand. “Slow down, ladies. You’ll both get a chance to hold him.”

  He reached back to catch Addy’s hand and drew her to stand beside him. “Addy, I’d like you to meet, Zadie, my cook. She has an apartment at the rear of the house and pretty much rules the roost. Cross her and she’ll come after you with a wooden spoon.”

  Shaking her head, the larger of the two women stepped forward. “Don’t believe a word the man says,” she warned Addy. “The only person I’ve ever chased with a wooden spoon was him, and that was because he cut into the pie I’d made for his supper.” Smiling, she bobbed her chin in greeting. “Pleased to meet you, Ms. Addy.”

  “And this is Mary,” Mack said, with a nod toward the second woman. “She’s here from eight to five, six days a week, chasing the dust balls around the house.”

  Small in stature but fiery, Mary planted her hands on her hips. “If you can find a dust ball in this house, Mr. Mack, I’ll eat it.” With a sniff, she turned her gaze to Addy and smiled. “Welcome home, Ms. Addy. If you need anything, anything at all, you just come to me and I’ll take care of it for you.”

  Mary’s gaze shifted to the baby and she rubbed her hands together in excitement, as if anxious to steal him away from Mack.

  “Uh-uh,” Zadie warned and stepped in front of her blocking her way. “Me first. You’ve got babies at home to hold. I ain’t got any.”

  Her smile tender, Zadie eased the baby from Mack’s arms into her own. “Ain’t he just the prettiest thing,” she said softly, then looked up at Mack in surprise. “Why, Mr. Mack, he looks just like those baby pictures of you that used to hang in your mama’s front room.”

  “He’s got Mack’s nose,” Mary said, peering down at the baby, then glanced at Addy. “What’s his name?”

  Shocked that the women thought her son looked like Mack, it took Addy a moment to find her voice. “Jonathan Antonio Roc—uh, I mean McGruder.”

  “Mighty big name for such a little tyke,” Zadie said, chuckling. “What’s you gonna call him?”

  “Johnny,” Addy replied.

  “Johnny, huh?” Zadie studied him a moment, then turned for the house. “Well, come on, Johnny Mack. Let’s get you inside and out of this heat.”

  Addy blinked in surprise. Johnny Mack?

  Mary darted after Zadie. “You give Johnny Mack to me. You’ve had him long enough.”

  Addy turned to peer at Mack in disbelief. “Did you hear them? They called him Johnny Mack.”

  With a shrug, Mack turned for the car to retrieve her luggage. “Lots of people around here have double names.”

  She charged after him. “But I clearly told them his name is Jonathan Antonio. Why would they stick Mack on the end? Why not Tony?”

  Bent over the trunk, he dragged a suitcase out and set it on the drive. “I suppose because he looks l
ike me.” He straightened to face her. “Which shouldn’t surprise you, since Ty and I have the same mother. We may not look like twins, but we both inherited our mother’s nose and the shape of her mouth.”

  Addy gulped. Having had the resemblance pointed out to her, she could see it now.

  Mack picked up the suitcase and turned for the house. “If you want, I’ll tell Zadie and Mary to drop the Mack and just call him Johnny.”

  “No,” Addy said slowly, deciding not to chance upsetting the women.

  And what did it matter, anyway? she asked herself, as she followed Mack to the house. It was just a nickname.

  Addy knew exactly what Dorothy must have felt like when she awakened to find herself in Oz. She definitely wasn’t in Kansas anymore.

  The suite of rooms Mary had left her to explore were larger than most people’s homes. Besides the tastefully furnished bedroom, there was a private bath, with a garden-size tub and mile-long, marble-topped vanity. A sitting room connected her bedroom to Mack’s and had been converted to a nursery prior to their arrival, complete with a crib, changing table and rocker.

  She wondered how Mack had managed to have the room transformed so quickly, then shook her head at the absurdity of the question. As he’d already proven to her, he obviously had the resources and connections to accomplish anything he darn well pleased.

  With a sigh of resignation, she slipped into the nursery to make sure the baby was sleeping peacefully, then stepped through the French doors that opened from her bedroom onto a private patio. Surrounded by a stone wall, the area was subtly lit by copper landscape lights and was lush with colorful plants and tall, lacy ferns. In the far corner, a waterfall tumbled over stacked rocks and spilled into a small pond, where koi swam lazily beneath lily pads. Finding the sound of tumbling water as soothing to the ear as the garden setting was to the eye, Addy sank onto a lounge chair and allowed the tension to seep from her body.

  It had been an exhausting day, both mentally and physically. First there was the stressful confrontation at the hospital with the friends and business associates Mack had rounded up to plead his case, followed by the brief and impersonal marriage ceremony. Then the trip to her house and the almost-manic grabbing and packing of the few possessions she had chosen to bring with her. Mack had offered to hire a moving service to pack everything up and deliver it to his home in Lampasas, but Addy had refused. She wasn’t at all sure that the arrangement she’d made with him was going to work, and she wanted her home intact and waiting for her in the event it didn’t.