Rescue on the Rio: Lilah (Finding Home Series #2) by Clay Verna

Author:Clay, Verna
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: historical romance, old west, western romance, western adventure, historic adventure, old west romance, old west adventure, western series romance, historical series romance, old west train robbery
Publisher: Verna Clay

Chapter 16: Bad Seed

The beauty of the land spread out below Rush and he moved his gaze from the east to the west. Homesickness quenched all his other emotions and he closed his eyes tightly. For the two weeks since arriving at Big G, he'd spent much time in the saddle avoiding his brother. Lilah seemed content reading in the library or helping Pearl in the kitchen. He'd intended to stay not longer than a week, but leaving his childhood home was proving to be more difficult than anticipated. Until now, he'd circumvented the family cemetery, but with sudden resolve he turned Rio to descend the hill. At the bottom, he guided his horse toward the fork leading to the graves.

In an open space sheltered by tall bur oaks he dismounted, tied Rio's lead, and entered the fenced off area through an intricately carved iron gate. Puffing air, he approached the side-by-side graves of his father and mother, then removed his hat and knelt.

"Hello, Ma and Pa. It's been a long time, I know. But I finally made it back. Didn't know if I ever would, but circumstances kind of forced my hand." He was quiet for a long time and then said, "I'm leaving soon and this may be goodbye for good. I just want ya'll to know that I couldn't have asked for better parents. I also want you to know how much I loved you. As for Trent, I'm sorry about what happened between us, and I guess I burned my bridges when I left. I only wish…" He didn't finish his sentence.

Standing, he stayed beside their graves a minute longer before walking the few paces to Katy's grave. Twisting the brim of his hat through his fingers, he read her epitaph carved in stone—Beloved Wife and Mother. Next to her grave was a small one with the simple engraving of Sweet Baby Girl.

Whereas Rush had no trouble speaking to his parents, he could not form audible words for Katy and the baby. Inhaling a shuddering breath, it was his heart that silently cried, I'm so sorry, Katy. I shouldn't have tried to make you love me when you loved him. You were a good woman and didn't deserve to die so young."

A noise distracted Rush's misery and he glanced over his shoulder to see Trent approaching on his horse. The brothers made eye contact and Rush turned back around while Trent dismounted. He heard the gate open and his brother's footsteps walking toward him.

Trent said without preamble, "After what I did, you should have killed me all those years ago."

Sudden anger swelled Rush's heart and he jerked around. "Yeah, that would have solved everything! You dead and me in jail."

Trent said quietly, "Just so you know, I died when Katy and the baby died. I've been a walking corpse for twenty years."

"You think my life has been any better?"

A tear dripped onto Trent's cheek. "I'm sorry for sleeping with your wife while you were in Kansas. I'm sorry she died birthing my child.

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