Sweet Love of Texas

By Eryn Grace

*** BASED ON CHRISTIAN MORALS--CHRISTIAN ROMANCE ***

Callie Williams is on a paid mission to destroy Three Cross Faith. She doesn't want to get the dirt on the group and damage their reputation, but if she doesn't deliver the goods, her boss, Jason, has threatened to kill her, probably before she dies of terminal brain cancer. But once she meets Eric Somerset and realizes the town is full of wonderful people, she's up against the clock in more than one way to set things straight.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Eryn Grace
• Release date: Sep 23, 2013
• ISBN: 9781938350160

Eryn Grace

Eryn Grace makes her home in Wisconsin, with her husband, three grown children, and various pets. She writes as all author names on www.SweetTaleBooks.com. See her website at www.eryngrace.com.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Callie Oliver searched the other side of the bleachers at the Three Cross High School gymnasium. The basketball game was halfway over and she was certain some of the Three Cross Faith members would be in the crowd.

Will Lucas…I mean Somerset has the ball, the announcer said.

Lucas, but changed to Somerset. Jerome's kid. Callie knew the background all too well.

As she sat down on the bottom bleacher, she grabbed the latest album of the Christian band from her purse, entitled 'Sweet Love of Texas.' The newest members of Three Cross Faith, Shannon and Greg Somerset, had been added to the CD that'd just come out that week. She studied the cover and looked over to the home team side, scanning the crowd. When she saw Shannon, she smiled. Sitting around Shannon were Greg, Mac and his wife, Jaimee, and even Greg's unmarried brother, Eric. All of them were members of the band.

Will's up…and he scores! the announcer said.

The group of Christian band members stood up and cheered, clapping with smiles all around. Unfortunately, those smiles wouldn't last after she did her exposé on the group. Her boss, Jason, wanted the facts on the band. She had a month to get everything she could, or else. Her life was on the line from various angles, including her boss' threats. Once she satisfied his assignment, she had to face her own problems, vowing to quit before those problems sidelined her for good.

She put the CD back into her purse and grabbed her pills, popping a few to make it through the night. Her headaches were getting more frequent, but she had to ignore the pain. There wasn't anything she could afford to do about it, anyway. Brain tumors were usually fatal and she was reminded of that with each new ache.

Will scored another basket, and even though he wasn't very tall, the junior varsity player had a bright future. Callie watched the game and then studied the cheerleaders. One girl in particular looked a lot like Will. From Callie's research, he had a younger sister named Harmonie. Both children were adopted by Greg Somerset after their real father, the notorious criminal Jerome Lucas, gave up his parental rights.

Callie had grown up with Jerome near Atlantic City, New Jersey, so she knew what kind of person he was—downright evil. Jerome's mother was clueless about the things her own son had done. If Callie's research turned up nothing for Jason, her boss, she'd still have that ace in the hole about Shannon's ex-husband so she could escape Jason's threats. But she'd have to be careful about how she worded everything. Will and Harmonie had paid enough in the past. She didn't want anyone to suffer or the band to be really hurt, so she was walking a fine line of satisfying her boss while trying to protect the innocent.

She decided to use her real name of Callie Williams from Ohio for this mission. She'd worked hard to lose her childhood New Jersey accent so she could fit in. But, if need be, she'd just say she moved to Ohio when she went to college. Her current stage name, Callie Oliver, was the name she used for her job as a disc jockey and radio reporter in Princeton, New Jersey.

With the nursing degrees she'd earned years ago, she could fit in anywhere. But for this place, she had to remember the story she'd fabricated. Her aunt lived in Midland. Callie just wanted to take a trip south to Three Cross to meet the band before she returned to Midland to be her aunt's personal nurse. However, it was all a lie—the lie Jason made her tell.

Even though she wanted to run away, Callie needed to get closer to the group if she was to make contact. She stood up from her seat at the bottom of the bleachers and walked around the gym's perimeter to the other side. As she stood beside the bleachers, she eyed an empty spot in the crowded front, where she always sat. She couldn't climb the bleachers or she might fall from the headaches.

When the home team called a timeout, she scooted to the seat and sat down. The Three Cross Faith members were only two rows behind her, with one or two people in between. She could even hear their conversation. Since Shannon was the one directly behind her, she could hear her the best.

So, did you like the pie I sent over? Shannon said. Callie couldn't turn to see who she was talking to.

Yeah. It sounded like a woman's voice, probably Jaimee. I'd like that recipe. Jaimee didn't have a southern accent at all, which would fit Callie's research.

Shannon continued. I'm teaching how to make that pie over at the art warehouse. Come on over and I'll show you.

Mac would love that. I know the baby does.

Baby? Callie had to look back, acting as if she was searching for someone else. But neither woman looked pregnant. From the way Jaimee talked, it was her baby. She was pregnant?

That's one thing Callie had never done…gotten married and had any children. And now, with the current diagnosis, she never would. These women looked so happy. How could that be possible? They were Christians. Christians weren't happy. That's why Callie had decided to become an atheist. She wanted to be happy in her life and not be judged. Besides, with her past, God didn't know her at all, so religion was probably a myth.

Mine too, Shannon said in a low tone. Callie watched her lean closer to Jaimee.

You're pregnant? Jaimee asked.

Yep. Just found out. I'm due at the end of October.

That's great! Jaimee hugged Shannon. Can I tell Mac?

Callie hated staring, but they were so excited, it was magnetic. She should watch the game, so she turned around. Now she felt even worse about being in Three Cross for the mission she really didn't want to do.

Greg was going to tell him after the game, Shannon said. He didn't want Mac cheering for no reason.

Excuse me, a male voice said.

Callie looked up to see a good-looking man wanting to get past her. She knew exactly who he was, too. His wide grin covering the entire bottom of his face was a dead giveaway, exactly like the cover of the CD in her purse.

I didn't see you there when I went out for…my phone call, he said.

Oh. Callie felt her cheeks heat up. I moved so I could see better. She stood up and took a step down the row. I can move.

No. He touched her arm. I'm all alone up here, with my brother and his wife and her family. Why don't you join me? He pointed to the empty seats near his family with a grin.

Callie definitely knew that smile. He was none other than Eric Somerset, the drummer for Three Cross Faith. He also had brown hair and brown eyes, appearing a lot like his older brother, Greg. The man must've worked out, because he was very muscular and attractive, just like his picture on the cover of the CD.

She looked up the two rows to where the family sat. Um…I'm not a fan of heights. I'll just stay down here.

May I join you, then?

As much as she hated it, she had to do her job, or Jason's threats would be carried out. This was definitely her way in. Sure. She sat back down in her seat, and Eric sat beside her, the others around them moving to accommodate Eric and Callie.

He shook her hand. I'm Eric Somerset.

I know. She pulled the CD out of her purse. I just love your music.

He tilted his head and narrowed his eyes a bit. You do? I'm surprised you ever heard of us.

Why?

You have no southern accent. You're not from around here, are ya?

She chuckled. It was time to live the lie because she had no choice. No. I'm from Ohio. I'm here to be my aunt's nursemaid in Midland next month, after she comes home from the hospital. She hoped the lie didn't sound too rehearsed.

Nursemaid? You do realize you're south of Midland a ways.

Yes. I told her I wanted to come down here to see if I could meet any members of the band. She told me to stay a month and return to her side when she came home. I have a nursing degree, so it works. I even get a vacation out of it.

He nodded. Where are you staying?

I have a place north of Three Cross. It's a month-to-month furnished rental, so I'm going to find a job for a month while I wait for my aunt.

There are probably jobs down in Timber Cross. I think they need nurses, now that the hospital is open.

She could do that. It would certainly help her fit in more. Granted, she hadn't had a nursing job for three months, but her license was current as a family nurse practitioner in Ohio. She'd even kept up the certification since she'd worked in the emergency room. However, if they looked at her former or current employment record, they'd find that she'd quit a lucrative career as an E.R. nurse practitioner working on her M.D. to become a radio personality in Princeton, New Jersey. They'd probably want to know why.

She had to keep to the topic at hand. How far away is Timber Cross?

Not far. It's south of here. He grinned again. What's your name?

Callie Williams.

He shook her hand again. Welcome, Callie. I'd like to introduce you to the band someday. Would you like that?

Sure. That'd be really neat.

Neat? People in her social circles didn't use the word 'neat.' They were too highbrow and uppity for that. But she had to fit in.

Eric leaned closer. Do you even care about this game?

Sure. The Three Cross junior varsity team is doing well.

He pointed toward the scoreboard. They're down by twelve and there's a minute left in the game. I see you like basketball a lot.

She had to laugh. You caught me. No, I just wanted to get out of the apartment.

You probably thought we'd be here. He paused, watching her. Are you targeting the Somerset clan or me?

Yikes. No! She backed away, holding up her hands in front of her. Not at all. I just heard this was the center of all social functions in this town. I figured it might be fun. I didn't know you'd be here at all. She was really good at lying, after calling the school and acting like an old friend of the Somersets.

Eric chuckled and put his hand on her shoulder. Don't worry. I'm not accusing you of anything. He turned slightly and looked behind him. I'd introduce you to Greg, Mac, Shannon, and Jaimee, but it looks like they're excited about something else.

She bit her lips. This wasn't the time to tell Eric he was going to be an uncle, and a blood uncle at that.

He turned and looked at Callie again. So, what are you doing after the game? I'd hate for you to miss out on other excitin' social functions in this town. He even rolled his eyes.

She almost laughed at him. This place was nothing like New Jersey. What else is there? This was pretty exciting. She hoped he didn't hear her sarcasm, berating herself for even letting it slip out.

Well, we could go out for a drink.

Alcohol? She hated alcohol since her father had been drunk most of the time. When he got like that, he was abusive, as well.

No. He laughed. There's this place in Three Cross that has the best root beer floats. Are you game?

Is this a date? she whispered.

No. I don't know ya well enough for that. He grinned. Yet.

Then sure. My aunt always warned me about forward men. She chuckled, because she'd dated many men back home. She'd been labeled 'love 'em and leave 'em Callie' by various men. As soon as they wanted to get close to her, she'd dump them, because she knew she had no future with any of them. It broke her heart, but she couldn't let anyone in on her secret illness or she'd be kicked out of the industry and people would pity her. She just wanted to die alone and let her name fade into the sunset.

The final bell rang for the game and people began descending the stands. Callie stood up, and Eric turned to see the rest of his family.

Shannon and Jaimee were having a conversation as Shannon stepped down one level on the bleacher. Callie kept an eye out, because the woman wasn't watching where she was going. Shannon suddenly slid and was off balance. Before Callie could catch her, Shannon fell onto the hard wooden floor on her side. The sound was loud and Callie knew she'd hit her head. Welcome to Callie's world of head pain.

But with a baby? Callie's heart cried out for the unborn, hoping it was okay.

~~~~~

Chapter 2

Greg ran after Shannon, but before he could touch her, Callie jumped into action. Don't move her or let her move. I'm a nurse practitioner and used to work in emergency. She knelt beside Shannon's head, and could see the woman was unconscious. She whipped out her phone and dialed 9-1-1.

Emergency, she heard.

A woman fell at the Three Cross High school gym. She's about 30 years of age, and is unconscious.

She's pregnant, Greg said. And she's 32.

Pregnant and 32, Callie said over the phone. Like two years would matter, but it seemed important to Greg.

They're on their way, the woman said.

Callie was surprised the woman didn't give her more instructions. No time for niceties. Don't hang up yet. I'm a family nurse practitioner with a background in emergency, and we haven't moved her. Make sure they bring a neck brace and a backboard, since she passed out.

Shannon moaned. I hurt. My head hurts.

At least she was conscious. Don't move, Callie said into Shannon's ear. I'm a nurse practitioner and I've called an ambulance. She addressed the woman on the phone. She just regained consciousness, but it's important they know she passed out.

Yes, ma'am. They'll be there in a few minutes.

Thank you. Callie ended the call and looked down at Shannon, who seemed to be going in shock.

Greg? Shannon said, tears filling her eyes. Greg, help me up. I'm so cold. She began to shake.

No. You're not getting up. Greg knelt beside her, took off his coat, and laid it on top of her. You need help. Don't move.

I'm fine. She tried to roll onto her back, but Greg held her still.

Wait for the ambulance. He looked up. Eric, help me.

Eric knelt beside Shannon and held her in place while Callie did her best to hold Shannon's head still.

I'll help, too, Mac said. I know how stubborn she can be. He laid his coat on top of her and pulled out his cell phone as he knelt and held onto Shannon's legs.

Nice comment, Shannon said to him.

They were definitely siblings.

Wait. Eric stared down at Shannon. You're pregnant? I'm gonna be an uncle again?

Shannon winced, probably from the pain. My head really hurts. And yes, you're going to be an uncle again.

Congratulations, Eric said, and turned toward Callie. What can we do for her?

Nothing right now, until they get a backboard in here.

A crowd of people had surrounded the group.

Mom? A young girl pushed in between the people. Mom, are you okay? Callie guessed the girl was the cheerleader named Harmonie, Will's sister.

She fell, Greg said, holding Shannon still. Get Will. He turned toward Mac. Can you take the kids home?

Sure.

No, I'll do it, Eric said. Callie, do you want to come with me to watch the kids?

She held Shannon's head still. Sure, unless I'm needed at the hospital.

I want to go with Mom, Harmonie said. I'm going to get Will. Dad, we're riding with you.

Greg sighed. Sure. I need to tell you something along the way.

Harmonie rolled her eyes. Mom's pregnant. We both figured it out.

Huh? Greg looked up at her. How did you figure it out?

She rolled her eyes. You're so dense. It's really obvious to me. I'm going to get Will. Wait for us.

Sure.

Shannon moaned. I hurt. My head's throbbing.

I called for more help, Mac said, closing his phone.

Not Austin, Shannon said. I don't want to bug him.

He's glad I called. He'll meet you at the E.R. Mac looked over at Callie. He'd like to talk to you.

Me? Why? She knew Austin was the leader of the band, but she didn't know much more about him. Why would he want to meet with her? From his picture, he demanded respect.

Callie knew her orders. She was to concentrate on the non-singers, which included the Somerset family. She hadn't even researched Austin or the rest of the band, because she didn't have time and wasn't told to look into their pasts. At least she knew the rest of the band's names and faces.

You'll see, Mac said. He'd like you to go to the hospital to meet with him. Mac let go of Shannon and walked away, heading for the door. Jaimee took over his place, holding onto Shannon's legs.

Sirens sounded outside, and within minutes, three EMTs entered, wheeling a gurney. Callie stood up and took a step back, letting the guys do their jobs. This was one time she wished she had her bag of instruments she'd left in her car. She kept track of her own vitals with her med kit, to see if she could still function.

I'll take you to the hospital, if you want, Eric said to Callie, moving beside her. I think Greg's taking Will and Harmonie.

I can drive and follow you. That way I'll have my car.

I don't mind. I'm just really worried about Shannon.

Callie kept watching the men work, to make sure they were competent. I'm sure she's in good hands. They seemed to know what they were doing, which was good.

Just a minute. He leaned down toward Greg, still kneeling beside his wife. We'll meet you, Eric said.

Greg's face registered the concern that any husband would have for his wife. Thanks.

Want us to take the kids? Eric offered.

Greg shook his head. I'll do it. They need me right now. He sighed, seeming upset. I need you at the hospital, though. I might need to brace the kids in case anything happens.

Callie couldn't blame him. She could tell Greg was a good man and cared about people, just from that comment. If only her own father had been like that, she'd have grown up differently. But that was in the past and she'd forgiven him.

No problem. Eric patted Greg's shoulder. You know I'm here for you.

Greg leaned up to Shannon's ear. The family was more wholesome than Callie had hoped. No problem. She was certain there was an underlying rift somewhere to keep her employer happy, but not hurt the band.

This family was about to endure a very tough time because of Shannon's injury, and Callie was curious to see how it all played out. Her own family never knew she had an illness, because she didn't want them to pity her or interfere in her life. But for Shannon, these people seemed to love her. Every one of them cared. What an interesting yet foreign concept.

Come on, Eric said to Callie. Let's go see Austin. I know where to go.

Callie joined Eric and headed outside. I don't have to worry about you, do I? she asked. You're not a mass murderer or something, are you? It was a stupid question, but she could figure out a lot about someone, just from their expression.

He shook his head with a laugh. No. I'm a perfect gentleman or it'll get out to the press and ruin the band. I have to be very careful what I do, not that I'd ever go against my morals. So, you don't have to worry about me at all, ma'am.

Callie had to smile because she trusted this guy. She lived in the city and trust wasn't something she was used to. Do you ever have the press watching over you?

Every once in a while, someone will drop by town, but we don't mind. We invite them to see the band, if they want.

Good to know. But there had to be something below the surface for this guy and for the group. She couldn't think they behaved like this when no one was watching. No one was that happy in their life, and Callie had to prove how fake they all were, or else.

~~~~~

Chapter 3

Eric directed Callie toward the truck. He might have considered himself cautious, but this shorthaired blonde woman with the very blue eyes wasn't someone who belonged in Three Cross, from her accent, alone. It was just too coincidental that she would be at the same place where he was doing a drug buy. Being a narc cop was a tough job and this was one time he wished he hadn't been sent to his brother's school. If it got out that he'd been buying drugs, it would hurt both Greg's and Shannon's teaching jobs. It would also affect Harmonie and Will at school, and probably destroy their social lives.

The drug traffic had moved out from San Angelo, and he was one cop who just happened to be in the area. Fortunately, the kids he'd just bought from didn't know him, since it was dark. But he intended to tell his boss that it was time for him to get a desk job at night, because Three Cross Faith had gotten more popular. He was also getting too old to play a college kid looking for a score.

As for Callie, he was going to play it cool, but his first call would be to Dylan, as soon as possible. A complete investigation of this woman would be in order, since there had been too many close calls for the band in the past.

So, you're a nurse? he asked Callie, trying to break the silence. The more she talked, the more likely she'd tip her hand. A nurse was a perfect candidate for a drug dealer, being around prescription drugs all the time.

Yeah. I worked in the E.R. back in Ohio. It wasn't easy work, but now, my aunt needs me.

Do you have any other family around here?

She rubbed her arms. He'd had enough psych classes to know when people felt insecure, nervous, or were lying. No other family. My parents are gone and my siblings don't really care about our family. So, it's just me. And since I'm a nurse, my aunt really needed me. She shrugged. I guess I'm doing this to show her I care.

He didn't buy it, but smiled anyway. That's very honorable. He paused, thinking of a way for this lady to explain why she was really at the basketball game. I'm glad you knew what to do for Shannon.

Not a problem. We had many patients with back, neck, or head injuries at the E.R. They were the easy ones. Now the gunshot victims or overdoses, those were tougher.

Overdoses? It was interesting that she should mention that. If she were a drug dealer, she'd know what overdoses looked like and should've stopped dealing drugs. But she just threw the term around like it was no big deal.

Yeah. We had this one girl who was about 15, who overdosed on cocaine, she said. It took us over an hour to stabilize her. I wish I knew how she got the drugs.

Even though he was really worried about Shannon, he kept quiet, waiting for Callie to say anything else. She could've said she hated the idea that people were dealing drugs to kids that young, or that she wished she could get the name of the drug dealer and turn him in.

But she didn't. From the way she behaved, she was definitely hiding something and Eric was determined to find out more about her.

They reached his truck and he opened the passenger's door, helping her inside. This was one interesting evening, from the drug bust of the high school kids, to a possible drug dealer showing up beside him at the game. It was time to appeal to Callie's emotional side, to get her to tell him more.

If only she wasn't so beautiful.

~~~~~

Chapter 4

Callie sat in the front seat of Eric's truck, which seemed to be new. She ran her hand over the dash. Nice truck.

My other one died. It was only 12 years old, too. But it was cheaper to get a new one than to fix up my old one. He sighed as he drove, watching out the front window. What's the chance that Shannon is paralyzed or loses the baby?

I have no idea, she said. I didn't see her move her feet, because they were being held down.

By Mac, at first. That's her brother. They get along really well. He sighed again, as if distraught. I wonder what'll happen at the hospital.

She could go into detail, but she doubted they had specialists if Shannon had complications. We'll find out. I'm sure she's in good hands.

He took her hand. Will you pray with me for her?

She was stumped, but had to play like a fan. Sure. She'd actually turned away from God when she was diagnosed, but now, faced with this poor man in anguish, she had to help him. She bowed her head, remembering back to when God was the only thing that'd gotten her through her father's beatings. She'd pray and pray God would take him away, and one day, He did. Her father just left them and life got a lot easier. Since that time, she wasn't so sure it was God who took her father away. It could've been the temptation of something better, like a bottle or a sleazy woman for all Callie knew.

Eric began to pray while watching the road. He prayed that Shannon would be okay, her unborn baby would survive, and if God was willing, He'd help her heal. Eric then said he didn't want her paralyzed, but sometimes, good things came out of bad situations. He prayed his thanks for bringing Callie to the basketball game, because he had someone to confide in. He hated being the odd one out, because everyone else was either too busy at work or married. At least he now had a friend.

Callie turned slightly to watch him speak, her stomach falling while her heart just ached for this man. He was lonely, but probably couldn't tell anyone. For him to latch onto a stranger like that, he had to be hurting. And here, she was being forced to destroy him and the band. She wasn't a good person, but now, she was stuck between what was right and what would save her life, after Jason's threats. What a dilemma.

He finally said Amen and she lifted her head. Are you okay? she asked him.

He moved his hand from hers and wiped one eye. Cowboys don't cry.

You're allowed to cry. I'm here to listen, if you want. You sound really lonely.

Yeah. But that's a long story. He wiped his other eye. I have to be strong for Shannon and Greg. I can't let the kids see me upset. I need you to help me out here.

I'm not sure how I can. Callie wasn't the type to really take over unless she had to for her job. Why would Austin want to talk to me, anyway? I don't get it.

He's a doctor…well, he used to be one full-time. He doesn't tell the press that, but describes himself as a rancher. However, he used to be a doctor in New York and then in Los Angeles. We don't advertise it on our website or any press release, but I'm sure that's why he wanted to talk to you. It's probably to see if you want a job with him at the hospital. He works there when he's called in. It's a new hospital and until they get enough staff, he's working a lot. He really needs people.

Now it made sense. It also worried her. He could look into her background and make her life miserable if he wanted to. She'd just have to meet this Austin guy and see if he was the type to backstab and judge her. If so, she'd just write what she'd gotten already to keep Jason happy, and return to New Jersey until she could quit in a month. Then she'd see what new idea the doctors had in store for her, certain she'd be dead before the year was out. Since this was almost the end of February, in less than ten months, she'd have a tombstone and would be buried in the cold ground.

But what would the tombstone read? Was she worthy of anything other than how she'd hurt others, especially this band? Did her nursing job do anything for her, after she was dead? Would anyone remember her? Nope. She'd made a lot of mistakes.

Stick to the basics—name, birth, and death dates, unlike her mother's tombstone, which told a sentence about her life. Callie had no one left behind, really, because her siblings didn't care. And she'd be alone for eternity with no one caring about her.

The thought made her sad, but she had to suck up her tears. She had to live in the here and now, and help out this poor soul sitting beside her.

So, you're the drummer, she said, trying to lighten the mood.

He put his elbow on the