“She’s doing well. Graham brought her down to Texas, as you know. She’s looking wonderful, excited about the baby.”
Sutton turned his head to gaze out the window. “That’s good. I want my children to be happy.”
“Sutton, I know how much you loved my mother.”
Slowly Winchester turned his head back and raised his brows, looking him square in the eyes. “Cynthia was a special woman. I wished she would’ve told me about Carson, though. She left me without telling me she was pregnant. I missed out on my son’s life.”
“Mom had a lot of pride.”
“She was a stubborn one.” His eyes twinkled as if he admired that trait. As if he’d loved every single thing about Cynthia Newport. He and Brooks had that in common.
“I’m glad you loved her, Sutton. I’m glad because if you didn’t, she wouldn’t have had Carson. So I guess I have you to thank for my brother. And I’m doing that now. Thank you.”
Sutton stared at him and then acknowledged him with a nod. “I have no intention of cutting Carson out of my will, by the way. As you can see, I’m not long for this earth. Carson is my son and an heir. He will get what is rightfully his.”
It had been a bone of contention these past months, something that had grated on Brooks. That his younger brother wouldn’t be acknowledged by his father. That he would lose what was due him, being an heir to the Winchester fortune. Carson had already been robbed of a father growing up—they all had—but this was one thing that could make things right in principle. “Carson knows that now. It wasn’t ever about the money.”
“We have agreed that when the time comes,” Sutton said, speaking slowly, “his inheritance will go to charity. That’s fine by me. Whatever the boy wants. He deserves it.” His voice crumbled a little. “I have many regrets when it comes to Cynthia. Things I should’ve done differently with her. I lived my life a little recklessly, but I never betrayed her trust. I never told her secret. Seeing how it hurt you and Graham, maybe that wasn’t the smartest thing to do.”
“We’ve all made mistakes. I’m here to make peace between our families. I’m here to tell you that I was wrong for pursuing vengeance against you. I was wrong to try to destroy Elite Industries. I understand why you kept my mother’s secret all those years. I’ve only just recently come to understand the crazy things one will do out of love. I, uh, I get it now. So I’m throwing in the towel. I’ve ordered my attorneys to back off. There’ll be no more legal battles. No more disparaging comments to the press. No more trying to undermine you or your company. I’ve already spoken to Eve, Nora and Grace about this. I’ve made my peace with them. But I wanted to face you in person. To say it’s over.”
Sutton nodded, the movement slight, all he could manage. “It’s over.”
All those months of personal attacks and secrets and truths coming to the surface were finally coming to an end. There would be no more harsh statements, conniving or retribution. The Winchester-Newport feud was done. Finished.
Brooks had one more thing to accomplish to unite the families. “That being said, I’m also here to invite you and your family to Cool Springs for Christmas. On behalf of my father, Beau, and his family. We’d all like the Winchesters to share the holiday with us. Carson and Georgia will be coming. And your daughters are onboard if you think you can make the trip. I’ll send a private jet, and you’ll have expert nursing care while you are there. I promise you’ll be as comfortable as possible. It’ll be a time of healing for all of us.”
Sutton inhaled slowly, closed his eyes and seemed to give it some good thought. “I’d like to be with my family for Christmas. One last time. Yes, I’ll make the trip.”
Brooks put out his hand, holding his breath. There’d been a lot of bad blood between them, but he hoped they could put it all behind them. Sutton glanced at Brooks, then slowly offered his frail hand. It was putty soft, devoid of any strength, but he shook with Brooks and then smiled. Something Sutton Winchester rarely did. “It’s a deal.”
“Deal,” Brooks said. “I’ll work with your staff to make the arrangements.”
“Thank you.”
Brooks sighed in relief. He was making strides, and it felt like a heavy weight had been lifted from his shoulders. He was free now to head back to Texas and make things right with one hot gorgeous woman. He only hoped Ruby would agree to see him. She was a stubborn one, too. She hadn’t answered any of his messages. Which worried him. But once he returned to Look Away, he vowed not to take no for an answer.
* * *
Brooks stood on the veranda with Beau, looking out at the cloudless night. There were hundreds of stars decorating the Texas sky, twinkling brighter than he’d ever seen before. He hugged his wool coat around his middle against the chilly winds. The Douglas fir tree decorating the veranda released the fresh scent of evergreen. It was Christmas Eve, and to spend it with his father for the first time locked up his fate good and tight. Brooks knew what he wanted to do with his life.
“Well, Dad. Here I go. Wish me luck.”
“You won’t need luck, son. Just tell the truth. There’s power in that, and you’d be surprised how much it’s appreciated.” Beau faced him. “I certainly appreciated hearing it from you tonight.”
Beau wrapped his arms around him good and tight, drawing him close. Beau was a hugger, and Brooks loved that about him. When they broke apart, his father said, “I’m behind you one hundred percent.”
He had his father’s love and support and, like a young boy would, he beamed inside. “Thanks, Dad.”
“All right now, go. I’ve got a houseful of guests I don’t want to neglect.”
The Winchesters had arrived this morning, and Beau had been a cordial host. Any awkwardness that might have occurred had been wiped clean straightaway by his father’s warm hospitality.
“I’m going. I’m going.”
Beau grinned and pivoted around to enter the house, leaving Brooks alone to make his move. He took a deep breath and sighed, a smile spreading across his face. What the hell was he waiting for?
Holding Ruby’s image in his mind, he climbed down the steps and walked the distance to her cottage. A light was on in her living room, which was encouraging. He took a moment to gather himself and then knocked. When nothing happened, he knocked again, harder this time. “Ruby, it’s Brooks.”
Silence.
He reached for his cell phone and called her number. When no one answered, he sent her a text.
Still no reply.
He closed his eyes and sent up a prayer. He hoped he wasn’t too late. He hoped Ruby hadn’t gone back to Trace Evans. Though he couldn’t imagine it, Brooks knew she had a soft spot for the guy. Who knew what lies Evans might have told her to claim his innocence? Had Brooks waited too long? Had his lack of commitment sent Ruby back into Trace’s arms?
Brooks’s shoulders sagged. He’d stand out here all night waiting for her, but catching pneumonia out in the cold would be a fool thing to do. He had no other option but to go home and try to speak with Ruby tomorrow. She’d be
