Читать книгу Desperate Wish - Sioux Dallas - Страница 9

Chapter One

Sugar Land, Texas, 1940

“Aaagh! What is wrong with me? I’m wearing this horrible monkey suit, which I hate, and now this tie seems to be alive. My head is booming from the sickening bachelor party I was forced to give last night, and now all of this. It sucks! It’s bad enough I have to wear the silly outfit, now my tie has decided to have a mind of its own.” Twenty-three year old Daniel Leigh Cortland yanked at the silk cravat that was hanging askew below his chin.

“Shoot, Danny boy, I thought all of you rich, pretty boys lived in a tux. Here let me help you with that dangerous tie before you choke yourself. After all, the best man should look his best.” Frasier laughing, turned to help Daniel but his help was rejected.

“Put a sock in it, Frasier Burgess. You know I don’t let my family’s wealth dictate how I live. I feel more at ease in jeans, a sweat-soaked shirt, boots and - on a horse. I really enjoy being outdoors more than indoors. I feel suffocated indoors regardless. These fancy shoes are killing me. I should have worn my boots regardless -.”

Frasier laughed. “When the love bug bites, everyone goes crazy. Your time will come. We need to hurry. They’re probably wondering what’s happened to us. You are the best man. Remember? Do you need help with that dangerous tie after all?”

“No. I’ve got it.” Disgustedly Daniel straightened the knot on the tie at his throat, and then brushed his deeply tanned hands down the sleeves of his snow-white, pleated formal shirt, his calloused palms raking across the soft material.

He wondered why he ever agreed to be best man at his cousin’s wedding. He didn’t even like the creep, but Wakiza Youngblood was his cousin and Daniel loved Wakiza’s mother, Aunt Catherine. She was not only Daniel’s mother’s sister, but her best friend as well. Aunt Catherine had married a Senator from Oklahoma and had the one child, Wakiza. A dear family friend of the Youngblood’s, a full blooded Comanche, had named the boy, which meant one who fights against all odds.

Senator Youngblood died when Wakiza was six years old and left his wife and son extremely wealthy. Wakiza had grown up with servants of all kinds and had never learned to assume responsibility or respect others. Aunt Catherine is a sweet, gentle, caring person who loved her son but allowed him to become willful and too independent. Then wouldn’t you know, Wakiza, nerd that he was, would select an obnoxious society-type to marry. She had insisted on a full morning wedding followed by an elaborate brunch at the most expensive hotel in Houston.

Surrounded by ivory damask walls in a room with crystal chandeliers that looked more like a palace of Versailles, Daniel swallowed his resentment and went on with preparations to keep peace in the family.

Daniel watched his long-time buddy as he stood admiring himself before a full-length mirror. He grinned at Frasier when he looked and saw Daniel watching him. “Not bad for an old cowboy’s kid, right Danny boy?”

Childhood memories flooded Daniel’s thoughts. He could visualize Frasier and himself, on horseback, clad in jeans, sweaty t-shirts and well-worn boots herding calves away from their bawling mamas for the calves to be branded. He wrinkled his nose at the memory of the strong stench of horse manure as they mucked out stalls. They had often spent entire afternoons standing in filthy boots, laughing and hurling globs of pasture patties (dried manure) at each other ducking and screaming to stay out of the line of fire. Later they’d have breath-holding contests at the swimming hole in the Brazos River, which they preferred over the pristine swimming Pool at the Cortland mansion. Sugar Land, Texas was a wonderful place for a boy to grow up.

Friends forever, even though their backgrounds were wildly different, was a pledge that was taken seriously by both boys as they cut their palms and shook hands to mix their blood. There was almost a mystical connection between the two boys that went as deep as the history of their beloved Texas, binding them together for life.

Daniel mentally shook himself back to the present. “Yeah, you clean up pretty good, but you always look good to me. Now can we get on with this and get it over? Everyone must be wondering where we are.”

“Yeah, we can’t keep love waiting,” Frasier cackled. “Idiot. Do you even know what love is?”

“Sure I do. I’ve been madly in love - at least six times,” Frasier’s eyes twinkled, “and that’s not counting the umpteen times in grade school. I’m not an idiot; I just look like one.”

The two young men argued and teased as they quickly completed dressing for the wedding, finally donning split-tailed coats and pearl-gray gloves. Their long strides carried them to a side door of the sanctuary where Wakiza was waiting with a frown and a nervous tic of one eye.

“I was beginning to think you wouldn’t show,” Wakiza spoke arrogantly as one accustomed to being obeyed instantly. Frasier shrugged his shoulder and walked on past, but Daniel stopped and glared at his cousin. When Frasier loudly cleared his throat, Daniel walked on in without comment or change of expression.

I wouldn’t have shown, you piece of manure, if your sweet mother hadn’t asked me.

Out of respect for Aunt Catherine Daniel kept quiet and continued on into the sanctuary.

Daniel suffered in silence as picture after picture was snapped following the elaborate, formal ceremony, shuddering as he thought of standing in a receiving line and agonizing through a sit-down dinner. Oh, how he longed to be riding across the range.

Reluctant to be caught in what he considered inane conversation, he was relieved when Frasier beckoned him to a table of groomsmen, other young men and their dates.

“Why the doom and gloom expression? This is supposed to be a joyous occasion,” Peter Falcon called to Daniel.

Sue Grayson, a bridesmaid, gazed at Daniel with adoration. “You’re the best looking man here, and the best man at that. Smile and lighten up.”

Ira Ferguson leaned over to see around a couple of people. “I have a question that has bothered me since I first knew that people got married. Why isn’t the best man the one getting married?” His date playfully smacked him across the back of his head. The others groaned.

“Hey, look at all the lovely girls ogling you, Danny boy. As far as I know, all of your male relatives, who are of age, are now married, and that leaves you, ole buddy. There’s dozens of mamas here dying for you to notice their sweet young daughters in hopes you’ll marry them and make them rich,” Frasier chortled

“Humph. All the mamas and their sweet young daughters can just look in another direction. I hope they’ll all be happy. None of these girls care about me as an individual,” he said gloomily. “They only want my family name and the wealth that goes with it.”

“Sure, and they know your pretty face will give them beautiful children that they can flaunt and brag about.”

“Frasier,” Daniel muttered through gritted teeth, “you’ve been my college roommate and friend most of our lives. We’re as close as most brothers, but I’ll rearrange your pretty face if you don’t back off and drop the subject.”

“Sorry, ole friend. Yeah, I love you, too. I was just teasing you a little trying to ease the tension. You’ve been tied in knots all day. Care to share with me what’s eating you?”

“I’m the one who needs to apologize,” Daniel spoke softly. “Dad thinks that because I’ve completed college, and a graduate program, I should be entering the family business, but I’d rather make it on my own as a photojournalist.”

“You are his oldest son and he expects you to carry on the family name and eventually take over the family businesses. Which part of the business does your dad want you working? Oil, cattle, shipping? What?”

“We didn’t get to that. When I told him what I wanted to do, he threw a major fit. In fact, I thought he was having a heart attack. Mom thought so, too, and she ordered me out. We haven’t spoken since yesterday afternoon.”

“Gee buddy, I’m sorry. You know you’re a strange duck. Most fellows would take advantage of the wealth and easy life it offers. Even if your name would be on an office door, you wouldn’t really be required to do much work. I’m sure you’d have loads of people working under you and plenty of time for your personal interests. I’m in business with my dad.”

“Your situation is different,” he answered Frasier. “More than likely you’ll probably open your own branch in a few years, but I’m expected to be on the ranch for the rest of my life. I honestly do appreciate the advantages I’ve had, but I need to make my own way or I’ll never respect myself. I’m not turning my back on my family. I’ll always be there for any of them. Sure I could hold a token position and in addition do all the social things my parents do, but that doesn’t interest me. I’m grateful that I was born into a loving, caring family, but Dad’s forgetting the pride he took in building what he has through his and mom’s own sweat, blood and tears.”

Daniel’s mouth twisted in a half smile. “My sisters are the cutest twins in Texas, or anywhere, and my little brother is a - holy terror,” he ended with a chuckle. “I’d rather work at what I enjoy doing and make a name for myself and not by my family’s influence.”

“Oookaay. I admire you for wanting to be independent, but come on, couldn’t you stay in your dad’s good graces? Once you get out in the cold, cruel world, you might find that you need and want, dear old Dad’s help.”

Daniel jumped when soft arms came around his neck from behind. He looked up into the beautiful, laughing face of his sister. He grinned and patted her arm as she leaned to kiss his cheek. She wiggled the fingers of one hand at Frasier.

“Hello Adrianna,” Frasier winked at her.

“How do you know which twin is which?” Adam Rogers asked raising one eyebrow. “I can’t tell them apart.”

“I lived near them when they were born and have known them all their lives,” Frasier explained. “They’re identical, but if you’re around them often, you can recognize the differences.”

Adrianna smiled and acknowledged everyone. Laying her cheek against Daniel’s she said, “Are you coming now? Dad wants to get home and check on the new bull.” She rolled her eyes and gave a fake shiver. “I wish he’d put that monster farther out in another field.” She explained to those sitting near them, “He’s a big sucker and he bellows every time he sees one of us.”

“The monster bull will be moved soon, and his name is Noir D’Oro. That means gold of the night,” Daniel told those around him. “He’s coal black and worth a fortune to us. No, I’m not leaving yet. Frasier and I will bring Ryan to spend the night. We’ll be there later.”

“Hey, pretty girl. What runs all around that bull’s pasture yet never moves?” Joel Hardy asked. She shook her head. “A fence,” he screamed with laughter while the group groaned and the girls on either side of him smacked his arms.

“That’s so juvenile,” his girlfriend scolded.

Adrianna waved to all of them and skipped off with a dimpled smile.

“Oh, I’m in love,” Luke Walker grabbed at his chest pretending to fall off his chair. “Wow! That tall, statuesque, beautifully shaped figure and those gorgeous gray eyes with long, dark lashes and waist-length honey-blond hair. And, oh, those dimples; Daniel, you’re probably fighting admirers away daily.”

“No. We have armed guards all over the place, and vicious dogs running loose,” Daniel teased.

“Besides they’re only fourteen, but tall for their age which makes them look more mature. I hope it will be many years before I have to worry about admirers.” Daniel leaned toward Frasier and lowered his voice. “Back to your comment about wanting Dad’s help. Maybe so, but I’d like to be allowed to make an effort to support myself. And to answer an earlier comment of yours, yes, I’d like to marry someday and have children of my own. I wish I could meet a nice girl who isn’t impressed with my family name or wealth. Dear Lord, why can’t a girl fall for me just because I’m me?” Daniel slumped down in his seat.

Frasier reached across the table and placed his hand on Daniel’s. “Don’t be discouraged. Everyone knows you’re a great person and you do have a family that loves you. You’re intelligent, kind, compassionate, loyal and -”

“Whoa,” Daniel broke in, “are you describing me or a dog?” he laughed.

“What’s the joke?” Ryan Barr asked as he sat down beside Daniel. “Don’t forget,” he went on in the same breath, “I’m staying with you tonight and then off to Washington, D.C. for my job interview. I can hardly wait. Can you imagine me with the movers and shakers?”

“You’ll do well as long as you don’t talk them to death,” Daniel teased. “My dad says, ‘if you listen, you’ll know what you know and learn what the other person knows, but if you talk, you’ll not learn anything and everyone will know all you know’.”

“Could you repeat that?” Frasier asked with a straight face and a twinkle in his eye.

“I have great aspirations and hope to do well if I don’t disgrace myself as soon as I get there,” Ryan said.

Daniel placed a friendly hand on Ryan’s shoulder. “One good way to save face is to keep the lower-half shut.”

The three young men laughed and talked as they drove the twelve miles out of town to the Cortland Ranch. They had been delayed visiting with friends they hadn’t seen for a while.

Daniel turned on to a wide, gravel driveway and drove between two large wrought iron gates with a huge C in the center. On each side was a life-sized statue of a bronze horse rearing. Magnificent Shumard Red Oaks were placed along the long driveway with big beautiful banks of azaleas between the trees. At the end of the drive, on the left, was a raised circle of flowers about twenty feet in diameter with a fountain in the center. The drive had a horseshoe-shaped circle at the front of the house and a wide sweep around to the back. At the far right, between the mansion and workers’ houses, were beautiful Cherry Laurels. Far behind the house, near the Brazos River were stately Tupelo and Weeping Willows.

“Gosh, as many times as I’ve been here, I still think of Gone with the Wind, every time I see this place, and I’ve seen it many times,” Frasier sighed. “I do love it.”

“Holy cow! How many rooms are in this mansion?” Ryan took a deep breath in awe as he caught his first sight of the house. “Daniel, I knew you were well off, but I never imagined this.”

The white, two-story house, gleaming in the setting sun, presented white towering pillars supporting the second story balcony, and a twelve-foot-wide veranda wrapped around the house. Glider swings and rocking chairs were spaced on three sides of the veranda. Potted trees and flower boxes were strategically placed on the veranda and on both sides of the grand entrance.

The tall, doublewide white doors had etched glass.

“How many rooms? Well, let’s see,” Frasier answered. “There are eight bedrooms upstairs each with its own complete bath and walk-in closet. The master bedroom suite also has a sitting room and a home office, for Mr. Cortland. Downstairs are two half baths, a small family dining room and a large, formal dining room as well as a combination library and parlor with one of the most beautiful marble fireplaces you’ll ever see. Near the kitchen are four bedrooms, each two joined by a full bath for the live-in help. There’s a butler’s pantry and the kitchen could easily serve a small hotel. There are six well-equipped cottages on the property for other workers, and a large, luxurious guest house.”

“Did you ever get lost in there, Daniel?” Ryan hardly breathed, his eyes wide.

Daniel laughed, “No, I just loved and accepted it.” He continued, “At the back you’ll pass through a loggia to an outdoor swimming pool where there is a game room, two dressing rooms, and two full baths. I love my family and my home, but, as a child, I always enjoyed playing with the children of the workers and staying overnight with them. I was often at Frasier’s house more than my own.”

“Let’s go in so you can appreciate the interior,” Frasier said.

“It’s stupendous. Daniel, I used to envy you, but the more I’ve matured, the more I realize that money doesn’t buy happiness. Sure it’s good to know your bills are covered and there’s food on the table, but there’s really more to life than meeting these personal needs. The older I get the more I realize that often the poor people are much better off than wealthy people. The poor love and respect family and friends, but they will pull together and have the satisfaction of knowing they are accepted just because they’re nice people and not because someone is making up to them because of their wealth or social position.”

Daniel looked astonished and then chuckled, “Boy, that was some speech. That’s what I meant when I said I wish a girl would fall for me and not my money or the Cortland name. You’ve heard the song, I want a girl just like the girl that married dear ole Dad. I would count myself richly blessed if I found such a girl.”

“Good luck,” Ryan said sympathetically. “I have a strong feeling it’ll happen just as you wish. Why wouldn’t it? You’re one of the good guys.”

“This conversation is getting too serious for me,” Frasier shook his head. “Let’s go to bed.”

The next morning, after taking Ryan to the airport, Frasier and Daniel visited some friends and, as Daniel’s younger brother would say, had a goofing off time. During the following week the two young men rode horseback over land dotted with cattle and fields that would be filled with wildflowers in the spring. There would be bluebonnets, Indian paintbrushes and loads of sweet smelling purple sage later in early summer.

“The time has passed too quickly,” Daniel groaned. “I know you need to get back to Oregon, but I sure would love for you to stay. Frasier, are you sure you must go back now? The law office won’t fold if you stay away a few more days. You’re one of the few people I feel I can be myself with. I’m not constantly on guard with you for fear I’ll do or say the wrong thing. Too, you know me through and through so I don’t have to impress you.”

“Hey, man,” Frasier teased. “Are you three or twenty-three? You have more going for you than you realize. Where did this lack of self-confidence come from? You weren’t like this in college.”

“Whenever I’m home, I become the Cortland’s little boy, and then I find myself trying so hard for their approval. At least my parents are now talking to me,” he sighed, “but the subject of my future hasn’t been discussed again. I dread it.”

“Take it easy. I know you respect your parents, but you must have confidence in yourself. I’m sure all will turn out all right eventually. I’m as close as the phone, and I’ll always come if you truly need me. Or just call to talk. I still feel as if you’re really my brother.”

With misty eyes Daniel hugged his friend. “To say a simple thank you is inadequate to express my sincere gratitude and affection for you. Aw, pay no attention to me. One of these days I’ll surprise you and grow up,” he smiled weakly. “Keep in touch and do come any time you can. I’ve said it many times, I, too, feel as if you’re a brother to me.”

Frasier gave a mock salute and ran to board the plane.

Several days after Frasier left, Daniel drove a jeep from the Cortland Ranch in Sugar Land fifty-five miles to a Galveston beach. He parked and walked aimlessly for almost an hour while he tried to think how he could convince his parents that he wasn’t turning his back on family; he just wanted to work, as a photojournalist.

Deep in thought, it dawned on him that he was hearing a woman’s voice yelling, “Look out!”

He looked all around to see if someone was in trouble, but he couldn’t see anyone. He heard it closer, “LOOK OUT!” the voice screamed as he was knocked to the sand and covered in a thick cloth. Fighting to get out from under whatever was on him, he collided with a struggling body.

“Idiot! Didn’t you hear me?”