Read TEXAS ROADS (A Miller's Creek Novel Book 1) for Free Online Page B

trip to Watson’s for the best root beer float in the county.
    Could the town be brought back to life or was it too late? Steve shifted his weight to his left leg and tugged the brim of his cowboy hat to bring it lower on his head. Times had changed. The train came through town back then, and brought all-important commerce with it. Even though the tracks and old depot building still remained, the cry of the train whistle and the bustle of business was nothing but a distant memory. The town’s buildings now stood in disrepair, a daily reminder of what used to be.
    His jaw tightened. He’d find a way to turn things around or die trying. Not just for the town or himself, but for the people. They clung by a wispy thin thread to a place which could no longer sustain them. God, help me. I know You can make a way.
    He turned and strode to his truck, forcing his mind from the town’s dilemma. Should he make his usual stop at Mama Beth’s? The last thing he wanted was another run in with Dani, but he’d at least drop in to say “howdy” and grab a cup of coffee.
    A few minutes later Steve arrived at Mama Beth’s house, the fragrance of her flower garden hitting him as soon as he opened the pickup door. Perched in her usual spot on the front porch, she smiled when he approached, but the smile on her face did nothing to conceal the sadness in her eyes.
    He frowned and leaned over to kiss her gray curls. “Morning. How we doing?”
    “You’re handsome as ever, but I’m getting older by the minute.” A wry expression flattened her lips.
    “Aren’t we all?” As if he needed another reminder he was aging. He folded himself into the other rocker and stretched his legs out in front of him, his boots resting near the white porch railing.
    “Isn’t today your big meeting?”
    “Yep.” Conversation about the meeting with Brighton could wait. “You okay?”
    “Fine.”
    The dark circles under her eyes told him otherwise.
    “Would you quit worrying about me?” Her sideways scowl rebuked him. “You look a little tired yourself, you know. By the way, why were you so cranky last night? Even Dani noticed.”
    He lowered his head and chuckled. Leave it to Mama Beth to call him out on his bad behavior. “Where do you want me to start?”
    “The beginning’s usually a good place.” The droll words rolled out in a monotone.
    “Okay. First of all, I was starving to death. Second, I’d already had a bad experience with your niece. Third, I didn’t expect to see her in your kitchen.”
    “And that put you in a foul mood?”
    Steve rested his elbows on his knees before looking over at her. She wouldn’t let him get by with anything. “And I was jealous, okay? I know I shouldn’t have been, but I’m not used to sharing you with anyone else.”
    “So in other words, you were acting like a spoiled child.”
    He lifted one corner of his mouth in a wry grin. She’d never been one to mince words. “Yeah, I guess you could say that. Sorry. I’ll try to do better.”
    A smile erupted on her face. “You know I love you.”
    Rising from the chair, he nodded. “Yeah, I know. I’m going in to get some coffee. Want some?”
    “Good gracious, no. Already had enough to keep me awake ’til Christmas. Be quiet going in. Dani’s still asleep.”
    The reminder of her niece brought him to a hurried halt. Maybe he should forget the coffee. With a second thought he shook his head. So what if he woke her up? Her problem, not his. He needed another cup.
    The screen door squeaked when he let himself in the house, and he purposely let it slam. The smell of coffee greeted him as he entered the door. Nine o’clock in the morning and the woman was still asleep, obviously accustomed to a life of luxury and self-indulgence.
    Back on the porch, he voiced his thoughts. “I’m surprised your niece is still sleeping.” He couldn’t stop the accusation that crept into his tone.
    “Her name’s Dani and I’d thank you to remember it.”
    He