Deep in the Heart of Texas by Linda Warren

Author:Linda Warren
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2013-02-15T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER ELEVEN

IN SOME WAYS the next week passed quickly, but in other ways it seemed to drag.

Miranda and Jacob were busy with their recovery. Jacob spent most of his day in therapy, pushing himself, determined to regain his strength. Miranda underwent tests to confirm that she had no hidden damage.

That first day in his room, when hospital personnel came to take her down for tests, Jacob could see the fear in her eyes. She was afraid to leave because Spikes might be waiting for her. He felt helpless because he was in no condition to go with her, but he made sure the guards stayed with her every minute.

Meeting the Maddox family was a task Jacob faced unenthusiastically, at best. Midway through the week, Miranda’s mother floated into the room on a wave of exotic perfume. Even without being introduced, Jacob recognized her. He’d seen her pictures years ago, and she had changed very little. Her blond hair, the same color as Miranda’s, hung loosely to her shoulders. Her makeup was flawless, and her tan suit, worn with a brightly colored scarf, was impeccable.

A woman, obviously a maid, followed her with two suitcases and a garment bag. Her mother rushed over and hugged Miranda, blowing kisses around her face.

“Oh, my darling, you’re okay. When they told me you were missing, I just couldn’t take it.”

“I’m fine, Ali,” Miranda said.

Ali drew back and searched her face. “Oh, no! You look so bad.”

Miranda bit her lip. She didn’t think she could cope with her mother and her attitude right now. Appearance was the most important thing to her, and she never failed to criticize Miranda when she didn’t look exactly as Ali wanted her to.

“But don’t worry. I brought Ethel with me and we’ve got clothes, makeup and toiletries. Ethel will help you fix yourself up. We can’t have people seeing you like this.”

Miranda told herself to be patient, but patience with her parents was a dwindling commodity. She had to make a stand for her own sanity, and Ali wasn’t going to like what she had to say. But she’d confronted her father; dealing with her mother should be a piece of cake.

Miranda smiled at Ethel. Ethel had been her mother’s maid ever since she could remember, and Miranda was fond of her. “Hi,” she said.

“Hi, Miss Miranda. I have your makeup if you’d like to do your face.”

“No, thanks, Ethel. I don’t need anything but some nightgowns, a robe and some toiletries.”

“What are you saying?” Ali broke in. “You can’t stay like this. When you get the bandage off, I’ll get Felix from the boutique to bring you a nice wig and—”

“Ali, listen to me.” Miranda took a soothing breath. “I don’t want any makeup, and I certainly don’t want a wig.”

“I believe your father’s right, and the head injury has affected you. You’re not the same. You’ve changed.”

“Yes, I’ve changed, but it has nothing to do with the head injury.”

Miranda caught Jacob’s eye, and realized she hadn’t introduced him. “Ali, I don’t think you’ve met Jacob.

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