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“Yes.” He paused, his gaze drifting over the newly green vegetation. Amazing how quickly the rains had perked up the West Texas landscape. Flowers blossomed overnight, scenting the fresh air and adding bold strokes of color. There was no denying it was rugged country. But it was home. “It’s more than the fort. It’s our way of life. Places like Fort Kyle are hard to find. We know our neighbors, and we take care of each other. Working hard and taking pride in what we do—in our town—is a way of life. Families vacation here for that reason, I think. Sure, there’s plenty to do. Outdoors and festivals and such. But it’s also the heritage, and the sense that—since internet connections and cell service is patchy
at best out here—you can still escape to a simpler time.”
Jan’s expression shifted, her smile softening. “Some people would say that not being connected is a drawback.”
“It’s a choice, isn’t it?” He chuckled, shaking his head. “I guess it depends on how you look at it. I’d like to think that our community is more connected and present because they’re not plugged in all the time.”
“So you’re glad you moved back home?” She had an easy conversational style that almost made him forget the cameraman following them around the fort.
“I am. I’m glad my girls will grow up here.” He nodded. “And I’m glad to do what I can to keep Fort Kyle a place people love to call home and love to visit again and again.”
Jan nodded. “I think that’s good for now, Marco. We’ll do some more at lunch.” She spoke to the cameraman.
“I’ll check feed,” he said, heading back to the WQAI van.
Jan inspected the fort, her gaze traveling over the red brick structures built with their backs against the sheer face of the equally red cliffs. As defense went, it was smart—preventing any chance of rear attack. A long flagpole stood in the middle of the yard, the American and Texas flags blowing in the breeze. “I’ve never been here before.”
Brody nodded. “It’s quite a place.”
“Miss Francis was right, Brody, I’m impressed,” she said. “Not many men would give up the wealth and connections you’d made for yourself in the big city only to come home and take care of your parents and the family businesses.”
“That makes it all sound so selfless.” He grinned. “Truth was, I was already done. It took some time for me to realize I’m not big-city material. This place made me who I am. I want my girls to grow up like that, in a place where people care about them. Where things, maybe, aren’t so confusing.” His gaze wandered around the property, lingering on the barracks he and his Scout troop had painted for a badge. He grinned. “Speaking of my girls.” He nodded at his mother’s Suburban, pulling into the lot next to the information center.
“I can’t wait to meet them. Triplets. That’s a full-time job right there.” Jan turned, shielding her eyes in the morning sun. “Your girlfriend?” she asked.
He chuckled. “My mother.”
She glanced his way, then back at the Suburban.
He headed toward the Suburban, the squeals and calls of “Daddy” greeting him long before he’d reached the car. He was smiling like a fool by the time Suellen came barreling his way. He hugged her against his legs. Then Marilyn. “Having a good morning?” he asked.
“Yep,” Suellen said.
“Yes, Daddy,” Marilyn said, tugging on his jeans. “Not Amberleigh.”
“No?” he asked. Amberleigh had yet to emerge from the Suburban. “Shoes giving her problems?”
“Boots,” Suellen offered.
“Let’s go see if we can help.” He took a small hand in each of his and headed back to the Suburban.
“No,” Amberleigh said, holding her foot up as high as her car seat would allow.
“Amberleigh.” His mother’s tone was cajoling. “You can’t go stomping around here without boots on. There are cactuses. And scorpions. And sharp rocks.” She paused. “Cal will be here soon. He’ll be wearing boots.”
Amberleigh stopped flailing around then. “Cal?”
“Cal’s coming?” Brody asked, surprised on many levels.
“They didn’t tell you?” his mother asked. “He was at the school yesterday, with his mother. The four of them got on, so his mother told us they were coming out here this morning—if we wanted to join them.”
India was coming. Here? Now? The rain had left him buried in repairs and damage control, taking all his time and energy. He hadn’t responded to her text because he wanted whatever happened next to happen face-to-face. But he’d never considered a scenario where his children and his mother were present.
Amberleigh was holding her boot, her big eyes staring out the Suburban door.
“Then I bet they’ll be here soon,” Brody said, hoping to encourage his daughter. “Better get ready.”
Amberleigh sighed but put on her boot and climbed out of her seat—at the same time a white Fire Gorge truck pulled into the parking lot. “Cal?” Amberleigh asked, tugging on Brody’s pants.
