Dylan: The Sons of Dusty Walker (12 page)

“Yes, baby, I’m right with ya.”

Hearing him say it was all the permission she needed to fly off the edge, her rapturous cries blending with his strangled shout. Her heart thumping like mad, she groaned weakly, too spent to move a muscle. Good thing, considering Dylan was still slumped on top of her.

Unable to help herself, she laughed. He nuzzled her neck, his arms tightening around her. “That better not be due to my performance or my ego will be wilted.”

“No, it’s due to mine. I don’t think I lasted the full eight seconds.”

“Don’t worry. That was only a practice round.”

Practice round?
Lord have mercy.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Spending the morning making slow, sweet love to Zoe made up for having to leave her at ten to make the trip into Red Creek. After tomorrow he wouldn’t have to step foot in that office again.

Rather than a huge wave of relief swamping him, he was met with an odd twinge of sadness. Truth be told, that place started to grow on him a bit the last couple of days. Maybe Abby had been onto something about dirt samples and their mystical abilities to lure you to the Dark Side.

Shaking his head at that fanciful thought, he parked the SUV and detoured to the coffee shop aptly named Heart Starter. He’d discovered the place the other day and deemed it a nice alternative to the longer wait at Cubby’s. Not to mention he was starting to get a tad addicted to Lexie’s pastries.

The owner of the shop gifted him a smile. “Let me guess, your usual?”

Damn, he had a usual? Pondering the coolness of that, he watched Lexie select a giant bear claw danish with her tongs and slip it in a cellophane to-go wrap. His stomach rumbled in anticipation. Zoe would likely give him hell for snacking after the generous breakfast of bacon and eggs she fixed. All this hot lovin’ was taking a toll on his appetite. “Why don’t you throw in extras for Abby and the gang?”

“Sure.”

Lexie boxed up a variety of the mouth-watering goodies. He accepted the package and passed her a twenty. “Keep the change.”

She nodded her thanks. “No coffee this morning?”

“Already half a pot past my daily allotment.”

Her eyes twinkled. “Sounds like someone’s been burning the midnight oil.”

Sure did. And damn if it hadn’t been the hottest, most wonderful night of his life. After taking a bath together, he and Zoe had dragged the airbed into the backyard. He’d pitched the pup tent he’d bought along with the mattress, giving them some safety from the buzzing insects. They’d fed each other the succulent slices of fruit and made love under the twinkling canvas of stars visible through the overhead tent flap. Afterwards he’d held her in his arms, the gentle beating of her heart a lullaby that rocked him into blissful slumber.

Lexie chuckled. “Judging from the look on your face, I’m guessing you’re not complaining.”

“Nope.” He pinched off a corner of his pastry and snuck a bite. “Oh, Zoe wanted me to ask if you’re able to make it to Callie’s surprise party this evening.”

“I’ll try my best. I have to make a trip out to Richfield after I close up shop. If I don’t get back in time, give the girls a big hug from me, okay?”

“Will do.”

He ducked out the door and made his way to his dad’s office.
No, not Dusty’s anymore. Mine and my brothers’.
  Assuming they didn’t sell off their shares. Initially that’d been the route he’d planned to take. But now that option didn’t call to him as much. Crazy notion, considering how dead set he’d been against involving himself in anything attached to the Walker name.

Abby’s gaze lit up when he strode through the entry with the bakery box. “Aw, you shouldn’t have.”

“Didn’t. They’re all for me.” Tossing her a wink, he strolled toward the kitchenette. He stashed the box on the counter and situated a stack of Styrofoam plates for easy access.

Abby snickered behind him. “Look at you being all generous.”

“Shh. Don’t let that nasty rumor past these walls.”

She inspected the contents of the box. “In the spirit of your largesse, I’ll leave the honeybun for Elaine.”

“Damn, I was hopin’ my largesse wasn’t showin’.” He patted his belly. “Probably should cut back on the pastries.”

“Silly man.” Giggling, Abby grabbed her plate and returned to her station.

Dylan strode down the hall. Walt and Vic were in their respective offices. He lifted a hand in greeting to both men before heading to his own workspace. His attention shifted to Dusty’s doorway, and he hesitated. The familiar ache settled in his belly, only minus its usual sharpness. Maybe his emotional scars were finally starting to scab over. Intent to test his theory, he ambled into the room and sat in his father’s chair. Running his fingers along the upholstered arms, he stared at the worn surface of the desk.

He waited for the hurt and rage to sink their claws in. The photo of Dusty and Theresa flashed through his mind—his father’s weary acceptance triggering that strange twinge of empathy in Dylan’s chest. His dad was a cheating asshole—nothing would redeem or change that—but it couldn’t have been easy juggling five families and knowing he’d have to take that secret to the grave with him. Who would willingly take on that kind of burden?

A chirp beeped from the vicinity of his pocket. Figuring it was Zoe texting him, he dug his cellphone out and glanced at the display. Not his sweet cowgirl, but Georgianna.

Hi, honey. Just checking in to see how you’re doing. Call me when you have a chance. 

Shit. He’d completely forgotten to touch base with her the last few days. Dread percolated in his stomach. No more putting this off. He needed to tell her about his brothers and the other women. Steeling himself, he punched in her number.

She picked up on the first ring. “I didn’t mean you had to call me right this second,” she laughed.

Relief crashed through him. She sounded so much better than the last time they spoke. Hopefully that meant she’d worked through the toughest stage of her grieving. “I know, but I’ve missed hearing your voice.”

“You’re such a sweetheart. I’ve missed you too. Are you taking care of yourself? I hope you’re not eating fast food every night.”

Her typical momma bear worrying brought a smile to his lips. “I’m not. Marliss and Zoe are watchin’ out for my arteries.”

“Who are Marliss and Zoe?” There was no mistaking the curiosity in Georgianna’s tone.

“Marliss is Dusty’s housekeeper. She and her husband, Lou, live at the house. And Zoe, well, she’s just the prettiest angel sent to Earth, and...” He sucked in a deep breath and expelled it slowly. “She’s the mama of your grandson.”

A lengthy pause drifted through the receiver. Dylan swallowed. “Mom, are you there?”

“Dylan Mitchell Walker, you have a son and you’re just now telling me about it?”

He gulped. Georgianna only busted out his middle name when he was in some serious shit. He quickly recounted the situation to her, praying that his ignorance of Hunter’s existence would let him off the hook. Didn’t matter that it made perfect sense to him that it should. Women could be mysterious creatures who viewed rational explanations in an entirely different light.

Fortunately Georgianna took the additional details in stride and her strident tone immediately softened. “I can’t wait to meet Zoe and our little Hunter.”

“I can’t wait for you to meet them either.” He frowned. “You’re not pissy that she kept him a secret?”

“I’m sure she had her reasons.”

He grunted. Here his mom had been ready to whop him with a frying pan when he returned home, but Zoe got the reasonable treatment.
Women.
He gripped the phone tighter, his stomach pitching in anticipation of the second part of this conversation. “I need to tell ya somethin’, and I don’t want ya to get upset.”
Though I know you will.
How could she not?

“You and Zoe are expecting twins? Sweetie, that doesn’t upset me at all. After all, Hunter needs a little baby brother and sister.”

“You’re an evil woman. Now stop your grandbaby daydreaming because this is important.” He blew out a heavy breath. “Dusty has three other sons—my half-brothers. Each from a different woman.”

Dead silence greeted him.
Fuck.
“If you need me to come home early, I will.” He wouldn’t risk Georgianna falling into a deep pit of depression and possibly doing something harmful to herself. No inheritance was worth that.

“No, hon. I don’t want you to do that. I-I’m just...processing.”

“I understand. Believe me. When I first saw them at the lawyer’s, and found out who they were, it about knocked me on my ass.”

“How are you doing? How are they? Your brothers, I mean? It has to be difficult for all of you.”

Leave it to Georgianna to focus on everyone else—including three strangers she’d never even met. The woman was a miracle. “I can’t speak for them since I haven’t seen them after we left the lawyer’s office, but I’m doin’ okay.”

“Are you?”

His mind traveled to the box of scrapbooks, and the one that he hadn’t been able to bring himself to open yet. “I’m gettin’ there.”

“He loved you. And I’m sure he loved your brothers. Family was so important to Dusty.”

“Even though he couldn’t be there for ours?” Yeah, guess he still had some work to do on that bitterness.

“He was there as much as he could be. He was there when he
needed
to be.”

A memory flashed across his mental big screen. His childish whoops of happiness while his little legs pumped away, trying to keep his Schwinn bike upright as he flew down the sidewalk. Dusty jogging beside him, his shouts of encouragement alternating with his radiant smiles.

He coughed gruffly, clearing the emotion clogging his throat. “Gotta go, mom. There’s an emergency up front.”

“Okay, honey.” The gentleness in Georgianna’s voice hinted that she’d seen through his excuse to get off the line before he embarrassed himself in front of her. “I’ll see you soon. And please think about what I said. Holding onto the pain and anger only scars your soul. I don’t want that for you.”

He swallowed roughly. “I love you, Mom.”

“Love you too, sweetie.”

They said their goodbyes and hung up. He placed his phone on the desk and laced his fingers, pressing his forehead against the steeple they’d formed. She was right. He needed to get past this. Needed to heal, once and for all. Not just for himself, but Zoe and Hunter too. Because he could never build a future with them without first forgiving his past.

CHAPTER TWELVE

If he hadn’t seen the spectacle with his own eyes, he never would have believed forty-plus people could fit inside a postage-stamp-sized backyard. Squeezing Zoe’s shoulder and tucking Hunter close to his side, he followed his beautiful angel into the congested throng. “I didn’t think this many folks lived in Red Creek.”

She laughed. “Oh, they don’t. Tay trucked half of them in from the next county.”

He wasn’t sure if she was kidding or not.

“Oh, there’s Tay.” Zoe started hustling them in that direction. She released Dylan’s hand for a moment to hug the other man. “I’m so glad you got a good turnout for the party.”

He noticed the flash of appreciation in Taylor’s eyes as the man took in Zoe’s eyelet camisole and denim skirt.
Yeah, only wants to be friends, my ass.
He shook Taylor’s hand when it was extended his way, putting a little something extra in the forceful squeeze. Judging from Tay’s smirk, he’d gotten the message loud and clear.

“Glad you three could make it.” Taylor scratched his jaw. “I’m just wondering the wisdom in keeping this a complete surprise from Callie. We know how fond she is of F bombs, and that’s when she’s
not
dealing with a bunch of people startling the bejeebers outta her. Who knows what’ll pop out of her mouth?”

“We’ll pray for the least terrifying outcome.” She patted Taylor’s arm reassuringly.

They spoke for a few more minutes before Taylor excused himself to go call Callie with the excuse that Josh was ready to be picked up. Abby approached them, a man that Dylan assumed to be her husband next to her side. “Hey y’all, quite a turnout, huh? Mr. Walker, I’d like you to meet my hubby, Elbert.”

He exchanged handshakes with the man. “Great to meet you. And please, no Mr. Walker business. It’s Dylan.”

Abby’s expression turned hopeful. “Any chance you’re going to grace us with some entertainment tonight?”

He chuckled. “I would, but my guitar and amps are back in Nashville.” He’d debated bringing his old Rogue acoustic guitar along. It might not be as flashy and sexy as his Gibson Stratocaster, but it offered the same security blanket his music always provided during tough times. In the end he’d left it behind, figuring he’d be too busy to get the use out of it.

“Taylor would probably be fine with you borrowing his guitar.”

Elbert rubbed Abby’s nape. “Hon, you’re being pushy.”

She blushed. “I am. Please forgive me.”

“Nothing to forgive.” Dylan cocked an eyebrow. “I just didn’t realize that Taylor played guitar.”

“Not professionally, like you.” The man in question stepped next to Dylan and inclined his head. “You’re more than welcome to use my Rogue. I know it’d mean a lot to Callie hearing you play.”

“No shit, you have a Rogue? That’s what I practiced on.”

“Same here.”

Zoe sighed. “And so the male bonding begins.”

Abby clapped her hands. “You should perform with Dylan.”

Panic flashed across Zoe’s face. “What? No. I only teach singing.”

“Oh, baloney.” Abby grinned. “According to Sue Sweeny, you have a gorgeous voice. Time to show it off, girl.”

Dylan rubbed Zoe’s stiffened spine. “It’s totally up to you, baby, but I would love to accompany you. I’d even let you pick the song.”

She gritted her teeth. “How generous of you.”

“Yeah, everyone’s been pointing out my magnanimous nature lately.” He winked at Abby. “So what do ya say?”

“I’ll think about it.”

Taylor’s cellphone beeped, immediately putting a halt to the conversation. He scanned the incoming text and waved his arm in the air. “Everyone, Callie’s minivan was spotted down the block. We need absolute silence from here on out.”

A hush fell over the crowd. Dylan leaned forward to whisper in Zoe’s ear. “I haven’t been this excited since getting to see you in only panties and cowgirl boots.” She pinched his arm, earning his low chuckle.

The minutes ticked by in excruciatingly slow increments. Just when he was worried folks would grow restless and start chatting again, muffled voices drifted from the inside of the house. A moment later the sliding glass door opened, revealing Callie’s profile as she said something to her son. She tossed up one arm. “I’m not climbing no tree to get that kite. We’ll buy you—”

Forty-something voices shouted “Surprise!” in unison.

Callie jolted. “Holy fuck!”

Taylor grunted. “Coulda been worse.”

Josh dragged his befuddled mom down the deck steps. Callie was immediately engulfed in a sea of hugs and Happy Birthday wishes.

Her forehead scrunching, Callie stared at the balloons tied to the crabapple in the corner of the yard. “But it’s not my fuckin’ birthday.”

Taylor pinched the bridge of his nose. “We know. Now could ya stop using that word?”

Zoe squeezed her friend’s arm, gaining Callie’s distracted attention. “Tay wanted to get your mind off of today and create a happy memory instead.”

The confusion cleared from Callie’s face. Her eyes filming over with tears, she gaped at her brother. “Y-you did this for me?”

“And Josh,” Taylor added, ruffling his nephew’s spiky ginger hair.

“Aw damn.” Sniffling, Callie wrapped her arms around her brother and son.

The emotional scene got to Dylan a bit and he hugged Zoe to his side and kissed Hunter’s temple. The love and connection this community shared was amazing. Or, more appropriately, and in Callie’s immortal favorite word—fucking amazing.

A cake was wheeled outside and Callie cut a slice before smashing it against Josh’s mouth. Giggling and sputtering white frosting and chocolate cake, he chased her into the crowd. A second later Callie faced her sad fate, laughing and cursing a storm at the kids who tackled her and held her in place for Josh’s retaliatory cake smash.

While everyone was preoccupied with the kids’ antics, Dylan grabbed three plates of the decadent dessert and passed one to Hunter and Zoe. He took a bite of the cake and hummed around his mouthful of sugary goodness.

Zoe watched his lusty appreciation with a twinkle in her eye. “Lord, you do have a sweet tooth.”

“Especially when chocolate is involved.” He waggled his brows. “Only thing missing is the whipped cream.”

She blushed all the way to her platinum roots.

Callie jogged up to them, breathless and covered in cake. “Abby says you both are gonna perform a special song for me. Do I get to pick it?”

Zoe groaned. “I didn’t say for sure I would do it.”

“You have to.” Callie’s gaze turned pleading. “It’d mean the world to me. And knowing my Tom is listening in from Heaven, it makes it even more special.”

Zoe snuffled. “Damn you. No way I can say no to that.”

Callie pumped her fist in the air before cupping her hands around her mouth like a megaphone. Considering the volume her voice carried, not like she needed it. “Listen up, folks. We’re getting a live concert from our very own Zoe Chapman and Dylan Hunter, so gather ‘round and get ready to shake what ya mama gave ya.”

Taylor clapped Dylan on the back. “I’ll grab my Rogue.”

“Thanks, man.” Dylan glanced at Callie. “What’s your first pick?”

“Honkytonk First Date.”

Zoe sighed. “What is it with everyone and that stinkin’ song?”

He grinned. “It’s a classic.”

Taylor approached with the Rogue acoustic and Dylan accepted it with a nod. He swung the strap around his neck and settled his butt against the deck post. Positioning the soundboard, he open tuned the guitar by running through the notes in the D major chord. The familiar vibrato of the box and the strings between his fingertips sent a rush of exhilaration through him. How the hell had he gone an entire week without immersing himself in that sensation?

Well, you had a mighty fine substitute every time you were balls-deep in that special little lady eating you up with her gaze over there.
He returned Zoe’s smoldering stare and acknowledged his inner voice had a most excellent point.

Zoe cleared her throat, preparing for the opening line of the song. He could see her knees shaking slightly.
Aw, sweet baby, don’t be nervous. You’re gonna kill it.
She must have somehow intuited his mental encouragement because she relaxed her shoulders. Nodding, he led her in with a strum of the C chord. She opened her mouth—and nearly knocked him on his ass with the powerhouse voice that emitted from her vocal chords.

Where the hell has she been hiding
that
?
Dazzled and impressed as shit, he quickly got his groove back and finger-plucked the perfect chords to harmonize with her melody. When they reached the chorus he joined in with his own baritone and Zoe smiled at him, her vivid green eyes sparkling like the brightest emeralds. The crowd was hooting and clapping, several of the youngins creating their own dance steps. It was a blast to watch, but the best part was Zoe tiptoeing her fingers along his shoulder and swaying along with him, their voices blending in duet. In that moment they were having their own little honkytonk first date. In front of forty some people, but it only added to the joy.

The song ended too soon and several Bic lighters waved in the air, signaling the desire for an encore. He glanced at Zoe. “One more?”

“Sure. Why not.”

Callie high-fived Josh. “We want Moonshine On My Mind.”

Zoe stiffened. “Could you please pick another song than that?”

“I know it’s completely inappropriate.” Callie waved her arm. “Why do you think I chose it?”

He strummed the opening bars, but Zoe didn’t immediately join in. A glance in her direction confirmed that she was still glaring at Callie. He coughed pointedly and ran through the intro again. She picked up the chorus, her inflection flatter than the Sahara. Getting through her joyless performance of the song proved to be a trial. He breathed a sigh of relief when he closed on the ending note without either one of them getting pelted by rotten tomatoes. He swung the guitar strap from his neck and passed the instrument to Taylor.

Scratching the back of his neck, he approached Zoe. “Take it you’re not a fan of that song.”

“No.” Her face tight, she glanced up at him. “My father was a drinker. Guess what his favorite poison of choice was?”

Aw shit.
“Baby, I didn’t know. You shoulda said something. We coulda picked a different song.”

Her features slowly softened. “No. It’s what Callie wanted.” She rubbed her eyes, but not before he caught the gleam of moisture sheening their surface. “God, I ruined her song because of my stupid issues.”

His heart aching for her, he hugged her close. “You did fine. And don’t ever think the way you feel is stupid. Sometimes old hurts take a long time to heal.” Fuck, did he know that better than anybody.

She clung to him, her tears forming a wet spot on his T-shirt. “C-could we maybe go home?”

He massaged her nape. “If that’s what you want to do, absolutely.”

“I do.” She knuckled her cheek, wiping at the dampness. “I don’t want to be a wet blanket on Callie’s party.”

“She’s not gonna think that.”

“I know. But I do. Plus I could really use the quiet right now.”

He nodded. “Should we say our goodbyes to Callie, Taylor, and Josh?”

Securing her approval of that plan, they made their way to their host and guests of honor. After convincing Callie that they were leaving due to Zoe’s sudden migraine, Dylan scooped Hunter into his arms and led the way to the exit. They’d parked by the downtown office in order not to give any clues to Callie earlier, so the short walk into town gave them all a moment to wind down. He slid a sideways glance to Zoe and noticed that she seemed to be relaxing with each step she took. Good.

He had a million questions tumbling in his brain, but he didn’t dare voice any of them. Not until she was in a better frame of mind.

D. Walker Mineral popped into view, its upstairs bank of windows reflecting the orange ball of the setting sun. He dropped his focus to Dusty’s SUV and the large black conversion van parked next to it. He frowned. Not because he hadn’t seen the vehicle in town before, but rather because it looked awfully familiar. He blinked.
No, it can’t be.

Tightening his grip on Hunter, he picked up his pace. Zoe grumbled next to him. “Why are you walking so fast?”

He was close enough now he could make out the license plate. He broke into a grin. “I can’t believe it.”

“What?”

Instead of answering, he snagged her hand and hauled her along with him. He skidded to a stop behind the van and set Hunter down before kicking the rear door with his boot. Zoe groaned. “Now I know where our child gets it from.”

Giggling, Hunter got into the act by pounding his little hand on the metal. Dylan offered his son a proud fist bump.

Grumbling sounds issued from inside the vehicle. The door swung open, revealing a scowling Trin. “Jeez Louise. Some of us are trying to meditate back here.” She squinted at Dylan. “You don’t look like you’re contemplatin’ hangin’ yerself.”

“Uh, why would I be?”