Chapter Twenty-Two

Thirty minutes later, they stood before his parents, who eyed them with equal parts curiosity and interest. “Mom. Dad. This is April. April. My parents, Delia and John.”

John’s build reminded her so much of Dusty and his other brothers. Tall and strong. He might have spent much of his career at a desk, but he hadn’t grown fat because of it. Silver hair at his temples provided a nice contrast with the otherwise dark-brown color, the short length not quite meeting his collar.

Delia, several inches shorter, had black hair presently cut in a fairly short—but trendy—style. A smile had sat on her lips since she’d spied April, as if she were pleased with what she saw. April sure hoped so. Both were dressed in slacks with nice shirts. John wore cowboy boots while Delia had chosen matching flats.

“It’s nice to meet you.” April held her hand out, nervous to finally meet Dusty’s parents. She’d heard quite a bit about them during her short stay at the ranch. Now that they met her gaze, she felt like a child at her first piano recital, nervous and excited.

“Ditto.” John reached out and shook her hand gently.

Delia smiled at her as if sizing her up for a wedding dress.

April cleared her throat and wracked her brain for something to say. “You must be very proud of Dusty.”

“We are. For lots of reasons.” Delia smiled at Dusty.

John stared at his son for a long moment. “The radio said the suspect had been tracked down and eliminated, the hostage saved.”

April understood John’s train of thought, for she’d considered the same thing all the way home. As usual, Dusty had been as tight-lipped as a clam, but she knew he’d had a big part in today’s events.

“Yeah. Excuse me a minute. I need to get some stuff from my truck.”

Ben stayed by her side, even as his eyes followed Dusty the short trip back to his truck. April watched as he pulled out a black vest and a rifle carrier.

Dusty shut the door and strode back toward them, his steps filled with confidence. He was in full SEAL mode, April realized. Intense and brimming with power and determination. She’d seen the strut before but never connected the dots. Until now. Understanding hit her like a heavy sack of flour. Dusty hadn’t just worked as a SEAL for a few years. He still was a SEAL. The qualities, skills and internal fortitude inside each man who’d achieved such a high military status didn’t simply fade away once they retired. Instead every piece sank deep, becoming part of the man. You could take Dusty out of the SEALs, but you couldn’t take the SEAL out of the man. The fact only endeared him to her all the more, if that was even possible. Since the first day they’d met, he’d touched something deep inside her.

“Dusty? I don’t suppose you had anything to do with capturing that man?” Delia voiced the obvious question.

Dusty shrugged and brushed past them, still carrying his gear.

Leaning forward, April whispered, “I don’t know what you think about your son, but he’s a hero in anyone’s book.”

“Yes. Yes, he is.” John’s voice filled with certainty and a bit of awe, as if he was just realizing the extent of Dusty’s abilities.

“He’s a great man,” April added.

“He was a good kid. I always knew he’d do something incredible with his life,” Delia said.

“He did and still is.” April’s heart buoyed at the love she read on their faces. Whether Dusty knew it or not, he had the support of his whole family, not just his brothers. The realization touched her, so she knew Dusty felt it too.

* * * *

“More cherry pie, anyone?” Delia asked.

“No thanks.” Everyone shook their head.

She liked his parents. John, much quieter, had a tough demeanor, but possessed a softer inside, especially when it came to his family. Easily, she could see why he made such a fierce prosecuting attorney, as he’d intimidated her from the first moment with a simple, blank expression and a stare that bored into her very soul. Only after spending some time with him and seeing him tease his wife mercilessly did April begin to feel more comfortable around the man.

On the other hand, Delia proved likeable from the get-go. An obvious extrovert, Delia jumped right in to help cook, talking the entire time. In truth, Dusty’s mother reminded April of the leader of the church social activities back at home. The woman didn’t know a stranger and couldn’t sit back and watch anyone work without chipping in to help.

“How’s Tess?” April had thought about the petite redhead often during the past few days. More than once she’d picked up her phone to call, but thus far only succeeded in speaking to her new friend once.

“Holding up as far as we can tell. She’s been getting her ducks in a row from our home and searching for a new job. Poor girl. She apologizes every day for being a burden.”

“She’s no such thing.” John shoved a bite of dessert in his mouth. “Besides, Brand has his eyes set on her.”

“I thought interest existed on both their parts before I left. I’d hoped he would be by her side every step of the way.” April patted her mouth with a napkin.

“Oh, he is.” Delia sipped her tea. “The brothers have a running bet on how soon until they make an announcement.”

“Really?” April arched an eyebrow and stared at Dusty. “No one said anything about a wager to me.”

Dusty shrugged and sipped his drink. “Perhaps they didn’t want you to tip the scales by telling Tess.”

April rolled her eyes. “What other wagers do you guys have?”

John and Dusty shared a look that could have meant anything.

“Nothing important,” Dusty answered.

“Uh-huh.” April stood and began clearing the small dining table in Dusty’s kitchen. She didn’t buy his evasive words for a minute, but honestly didn’t care to pursue the subject.

Ever since he’d met her in the parking lot of the hospital, she hadn’t been able to rid herself of the excited jitters, and more than anything she wanted to crawl into bed, feel Dusty curl protectively around her, and savor the sensation of safety and care. Nothing could mean more to her at that moment. If a little hanky-panky ensued prior, she’d jump in with both feet.

Delia followed April’s example, gathering up dishes and dropping them off at the sink. The men snapped lids on food and stored the leftovers in the fridge for another time. By the time April had loaded the dishwasher, Delia had wiped down the table and Dusty and John had disappeared back into the stable, presumably to care for the horses.

“You’re good for him.” Delia washed out the dishrag before draping it across the middle section of the sink.

April blinked. “I’m not sure what you mean.”

“Dusty was lost, isolated from his family, stubborn pride making him hold his head high even as his soul cried out in loneliness. Then you came along. Now look at him. He’s content, happy and banters with his brothers just like nothing ever happened.”

“The fire is responsible for their reunited status. Not me. He had no one else to call for help.”

“Hogwash.” Delia waved her hand dismissively. “He didn’t have to bond with his brothers again. Didn’t have to become part of the family again. Didn’t have to open his door in welcome to us. Yet he did. What’s changed? You’re not only in his life, but showing him some wonderful things. Reminding him what love is.”

“Dusty doesn’t love me.” April spoke the truth, though her heart protested what her mind already knew.

“Are you so sure about that?” Delia gestured toward the dining room chairs. She took a seat and waited for April to sit down.

“He’s never said anything—”

“He won’t. Not until he’s sure. Look at the trail of women who’ve taken strips off his hide. All because he fell for the wrong ones.” Reaching out, Delia laid her hand on April’s forearm. “His feelings show in his actions.”

April sighed. “We started off fairly rocky, but I think we’ve made decent progress lately, considering the bumps in the road and our dismal failures in our romantic pasts.” She looked up and met the older woman’s gaze. “But that’s a far cry from love.”

“You know what Dusty did when the radio announced the hostage situation?”

“Gathered up Ben and rushed to the rescue. He’s a former SEAL. From what I understand, that’s just who he is then and now.”

“Yes, but there’s something else you should know.”

Intrigued, April waited impatiently for Delia to continue.

“He whispered your name. Said the name of the hospital, then your name.” Delia waited a beat. “I’m sure he didn’t mean to speak aloud, and he only whispered, but I heard. You were not only his first thought, but you should have seen his face. He turned deadly serious and went into a zone, as if preparing to face the devil himself in order to battle his way to your side.”

Stunned, April soaked up the words, her mind whirling. “I’m sure he understood the hostage’s life depended upon him rushing to the scene.”

“Maybe. But that still doesn’t explain why he followed you back here and hasn’t let you out of his sight until just now.”

“I don’t know.”

“The question, dear, is do you want him?” Delia leveled a steady look at her.

“Yes.” The answer slipped out unbidden.

A wide grin appeared on Delia’s face. “Then by all means, tell my son how you feel.”

“What if he doesn’t want me in return?”

Delia patted her arm. “I might not be as young and spry as I used to be, but I’m not blind or dense. I know my sons very well, all of them, and I know love when I see it.”

April stared for a long moment, her mouth hanging open. Gradually, she shut her mouth and stood. “I hope you’re right.”

“Have a little faith, April. Have a little faith.”

Standing, Delia started toward the stable, opened the door and waited for April to follow. They entered the area and stopped, watching as the men finished carrying buckets of grain to the horses and topping off the water at the same time.

“My, oh my. Isn’t he handsome when he bends over?”

“Umm. Which one are you talking about exactly?” April’s lips twitched.

“Why, John, of course. My son is perfect, but I’m not about to ogle his butt.” Delia grinned wickedly. “My husband, on the other hand…” She fanned herself.

April couldn’t help but laugh. “Good to see the romance doesn’t fade away over the years.”

“Fade? Oh, goodness no. That man is like a sex machine.”

I really didn’t need to know that. Heat blasted across April’s face at the other woman’s candid remarks. Like father, like son. The thought kicked her dormant libido into full gear.

Dusty stepped out of Rule’s stall and turned off the hose. His father added his empty bucket to the growing pile and stood with his hands at his sides, his gaze directed toward his wife.

“Oh, goody. The come-hither look,” Delia whispered, then walked closer to the object of her attention. “Thank you for your hospitality, Dusty, but I think your father and I need to retire early.”

John arched an eyebrow. “We do?”

“Definitely. I believe you intended to explain the laws of possession to me tonight.”

John’s eyes sparkled as a slow smile appeared on his face. “Why, yes. I think you’re right.” He strode over to Dusty and held out his hand. “I know I don’t say this often enough, but I’m proud of you.”

Dusty blinked at his father and accepted the handshake, only to be pulled into a big hug. “I love you, son.”

“I love you too, Dad.” Dusty hugged him tight in return.

Delia winked at April, who remained quiet, unwilling to interfere in the touching moment.

Stepping back, John held out his arm, collected Delia and led her out the entrance gate and straight into their fancy RV.

“Now that’s something I never expected.” Dusty watched them go.

“What’s that?”

“My dad getting all sentimental.”

April grinned. “He’s proud of you and obviously thought you should know.” Slipping her fingers between his, she turned him around to face her. “Although the thought of him giving her lessons on legal possession in their RV makes me need some serious mind soap.”

He pulled her into his embrace with a warm chuckle. “Yeah, there is that.”