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?”
Chapter Two
Sitting dazed on the sand Daniel stared in amazement at the woman looming over him with fists planted belligerently on slim hips and fire in her hazel-green eyes. Her red-gold hair had come loose from a twist on the back of her head and was straggling down around her flushed face. She continued to harangue Daniel while she kicked loose from a parachute.
Finally she stood facing Daniel, eyes blazing and chin thrust forward. “Well?” she demanded.
Daniel looked up at her and drew a slow, deep breath. “Are you always this temperamental, or are you just excited at our accident?”
“How dare you,” she glared at him, “but you surely heard me warning you.”
“Yes. I heard, but this isn’t a beach for parachuting, therefore, it didn’t occur to me that someone was dropping from the sky. I might have called you an angel if it were not for your unreasonable hostility.” He smiled, admiring her and struggling to think of what to say.
She glared at him as Daniel stood.
“I guess I should apologize,” she took a deep breath. “I had no choice but to bail out.” She pointed out over the Gulf of Mexico. Daniel looked to see the tail of a plane slipping under the water.
“My mechanic assured me that the plane had checked out and was safe to fly. Well, he didn’t actually say it, but he’s been with us so long, I assumed it. Usually I check for myself, but, as I was only going to Port Arthur to pick up an order, I took everything for granted. Even if he’s been with us for many years, and is a superb mechanic, I know better than to take someone’s word for the safety of my equipment.” She seemed to wilt as she looked sorrowfully over the water where the plane had gone down.
Concerned, and being a gentleman, Daniel said, “I’m sorry. I didn’t hear a plane. I have a good excuse, or at least I think it’s good. To be honest, I was wallowing in my own misery and not paying attention. I’m glad you had the beach to land on, and I’m sure glad you’re okay. You are, aren’t you? Okay?”
“I’m fine. Physically at least. My guardian angel is with me,” she stepped closer to Daniel.
“Good grief. How tall are you?” She was astonished at the sheer masculinity that seemed to radiate from his tall, powerful body.
“Six-five. How tall are you?” Daniel was surprised to be almost looking eye to eye with the young woman. For some inexplicable reason, he was drawn to this fiery female.
“I’m five-ten,” she stammered. “It’s unusual for me to have to look up at a man.” She hesitated and then ordered him in a no nonsense voice, “Here, help me get this parachute together, and I would appreciate a ride to the hangar.”
“You’re fortunate the parachute worked,” Daniel said reaching to fold it.
She shuddered. “Yes, I’m thankful. My mother says that God takes care of babies, fools and drunks. Since I’m no longer a baby and I don’t drink, I guess that tells you what I am. Can you give me a ride? Please?”
“Sure, I’ll be glad to take you. Let’s get this chute in my jeep and we’ll be off. Are you sure you’re okay?”
“I’m fine, just shaken up a little. After all, this isn’t an every day happening. Thank God for that.”
Although her shoulders were back and her head high, Daniel knew she wasn’t as unaffected as she pretended to be. He could read the uncertainty and vulnerability in her eyes. He held the door of the passenger side of the jeep for her and assisted her in, closed the door and walked around to the driver’s side.
He turned to her smiling. “By the way, my name is Daniel Cortland,” he hesitated. No answer from the woman, just a polite look. “I live just outside of Sugar Land, but my day is yours if you need more help.”
“Well, Daniel Cortland, I’m sorry I landed on you, and I’m sorry I yelled at you, but I’m grateful you’re here. Everything happened too quickly for me to be frightened. I’m Amanda Wescott, and I live here in Galveston. I have - or had - two light planes that I do pick-up and delivery for customers. Actually, my dad owns the business, but he had a heart attack four months ago and is still recuperating. I’m keeping the business open for him until he can take charge again.”
“It’s great he has you. I’m sorry to hear of his illness. I bet your mother has her hands full.”
“That’s part of the problem. Mom has been in a wheelchair for a little over a year with crippling arthritis. Dad has waited on her, kept house and run his flying service. It breaks my heart to see Dad so down and Mom helpless. They’re both very independent and adore each other. They have worked together since they married and now it seems as if everything is falling apart.”
“How
