Desperate Wish Read online

  “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?”

  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 are you managing? That’s a lot for you to take on your shoulders. Are you in college?”

  “Thanks. I needed that. I’m older than I look. I’ve finished college and was fortunate to obtain the job I had set my heart on as soon as I graduated. I work on the TOWN CRIER as a reporter with the goal of becoming an investigative reporter,” she sighed. “My chosen career will have to be placed on hold. My parents need me, and I wouldn’t think of doing anything else. I love them dearly and they’re the best parents in the world.”

  “We have something in common, interest in newspaper work. I’ve graduated and want to be a photojournalist, but my dad had a conniption when I mentioned it. He wants me to work in the family business.”

  “What does your mother say about it?”

  “Mom usually does whatever Dad decrees. She loves her children with all her heart, and has stood by us through thick and thin, but everyone knows Dad has the main part of her heart.

  “It sounds as if you have great parents, too.”

  “The best. Uh oh. Here comes the Port Authorities.”

  A tall man got out of the vehicle and walked with long strides to them. “Excuse me. I’m Lt. Kooper of the Galveston Port Authority. We received a report that someone parachuted on the beach in this
area. Do either of you know about that?”

  “Yes. I’m the one who parachuted. I was forced to bail when the engine quit on my plane. There was nothing else for me to do unless I went down with the plane,” Amanda answered politely. Her chin came up but Daniel could hear the quaver in her voice.

  “I’m sure you didn’t do it deliberately, and I’m very happy that you were able to get out without injury. I need to know you’re safe and what you’re going to do about the plane.”

  “She’s fine, and I’m coming back tomorrow to dive and see what I can salvage from the plane. We’ll have it lifted as soon as arrangements can be made,” Daniel said, slightly surprised at himself for taking charge. He was a little perplexed at his attitude. After all, he had been one who deliberately avoided relationships.

  “I need for both of you to come with me and give some necessary information. You won’t be kept long.”

  “I’ll drive my jeep behind you and we’ll do whatever is necessary or required,” Daniel said.

  “Thank you for your cooperation. I’ll see you in a few minutes in the office up there.”

  Daniel looked at Amanda’s white face. “Are you truly all right?

  “What came over me?” Amanda mumbled astonished, as Daniel pulled out behind the official vehicle. She turned toward Daniel. “I just sat here like a dweeb and let you do all the talking, and I just barely met you. I’m usually a very independent person and depend on no one.”

  “Whups! I guess I should apologize to you. I jumped in without thinking. Dad taught me that a gentleman always protects his lady, or in this case, the lady that needs help. It was pure instinct, and I didn’t do it with any thought that you are not capable.”

  “Oh, it’s really no big deal. I guess I’m shaken more than I realized. It never dawned on me that I would have to answer to the Port Authorities.”

  “You’re not answering to them; well you are in a way, but they have a job to do and I’m sure you want to cooperate. After all, you’re not guilty of any crime. As Lt. Kooper said, you didn’t drown your plane deliberately, and they’re not considering you a criminal.”