He needed to pack and move out of their lives and let them get back to the routine they’d had before the mar- riage. He felt a knot in his throat. He loved Juliana and her nephews. He loved all of them and didn’t want to leave them. He looked down at the dog and squatted to scratch Red’s ears. Cal’s throat burned and he hurt. “I’m going to have to say goodbye to you, too. You lucky dog, you get to stay with them. You and that fur-ball and the horse. I’m the un- wanted one here. You take good care of the boys, Red. You need to bark if they get hurt or need help.”
Red wagged his tail happily and Cal stood, wiping his eyes. “Elnora, you ruined my life. I wonder if I’ll ever stop hurting.” He clenched his fists, knowing Elnora hadn’t ru- ined his life. Elnora had nothing to do with his problems. She had only brought Juliana and the boys into his life. With a sigh, Cal finally headed back to the house.
The next morning, his plans of moving were temporarily placed on hold when he received a call about early delivery of the mare. The corral was sufficiently finished so Cal made arrangements to have the horse delivered that eve- ning so he would be home when the animal arrived.
That night, the boys were ecstatic over the new arrival. All the time Cal worked with the horse and the boys, he was aware of Juliana sitting on the fence watching them. She wore a blue sundress, sandals, and had her hair fastened with a ribbon behind her head. He ached to hold her, to hear her laughter.
Juliana watched Cal saddle the horse, carefully instruct- ing Chris in what to do and then Cal swung into the saddle with a graceful ease and moved around the corral. If only he wasn’t so damned handsome and appealing and good with the boys! So many wonderful things. Suddenly, her eyes filled with tears and she scrambled off the fence and headed toward the house.
A week later, Cal felt the boys had a routine for taking care of Midnight, the mare. Stoddard was familiar with horses and would oversee the boys’ riding. It was time to pack and go. Late that night, unable to sleep, Cal sat on the dock as he had a week earlier and watched clouds race across the sky. It was a hot, muggy night, a hint of rain in the air. Red was stretched out beside him and Cal idly ran his hand over the dog, feeling the silky hair. Finally, he went inside, spending time packing, deciding that after work to- morrow, he would get his things and move out. This was his last night at Green Oaks.
The next day, the thunder clouds building in the summer sky mirrored his feelings. Cal left for the office, driving to Dallas, losing himself in work and thankful that he had to focus his attention elsewhere for a while.
The rain began by ten o’clock, beating in sheets against the courthouse windows, making him remember the night the poplar fell through the sun room. He glanced at his watch. A quarter past ten. Tonight, he was moving from Green Oaks, out of Juliana’s life, away from the boys. Hurt knotted his insides as Cal tried to focus on business.
That evening at ten past six, Juliana dashed into the house. Rain had stopped falling in the past hour, leaving the earth steaming in the summer heat. With the arrival of Midnight, the few meals the family had where Cal was present were no longer strained because the boys chatted incessantly about the horse. As they sat down to eat, she was aware of Cal the moment he entered the room.
He was wearing a navy T-shirt and khakis. His skin had darkened more during the summer and she fought to con- trol her emotions. His expression was stormy. His dark eyes were filled with anger and the same longing that she saw each time she looked at him.
As they ate, the sun came out. Water still dripped from the roof and off the trees. When they finished dinner, Chris looked at Juliana. “The sun’s out. Can we ride Mid- night?”
“Yes, you may, but stay away from the creek. It’ll be high after the rain.”
The children turned to run to the door, but Cal’s quiet voice stopped them. “Hey, guys.” He caught up with them, placing his hand on Quin’s shoulder. “I want to talk to each of you,” he said solemnly. “Let’s go outside.”
Juliana carried dishes to the sink. “You go on, Mrs. Duncan,” Gladys said. “That’s my job.”
“Thank you, Gladys,” Juliana said.
“He’s telling the boys goodbye,” Gladys said, wiping her eyes. “Pardon me for saying, but Miz Elnora was so in hopes you would have a good marriage. And for a while, it looked like it was going to be.”
Juliana felt as if she couldn’t get her breath. He’s leaving us. “You said he’s saying goodbye.”
“Yes, ma’am. He’s already told Stoddard and me. His pickup is packed with his things.”
Juliana hurried out of the room. Tears threatened as she went upstairs and closed her door. She didn’t want to talk to him or tell him goodbye because she didn’t think she could control her emotions. And she was going to have to console the boys because they would be completely un- done. She washed her face and went to the door when there was a knock. Taking a deep breath, she opened it, expect- ing to see Cal.
Instead, Josh stood staring at her. His cheeks were tear- stained and his mouth was turned down. “Cal’s leaving!” he cried, bursting into tears and flinging himself against her to wrap his arms around her waist. “He just told us good- bye and
