Raining In My Heart

By Rita Hestand

Book One of the McKay's. Slightly steamy sweet romance. Julie McKay hasn't been home for years, and there is a very good reason for it. However, it's too late to tell her father, he has died and left her with an astounding admission in his will. He not only adopted her years ago, but she is his real daughter, the first of four.

Nearly ten years ago, Julie left the McKay ranch, confused and surprisingly pregnant. Not wishing a shotgun wedding on the father of the child, she ran away. Now she must return, and not only that, she has to tell her daughter about her father. Will she lose Kellie in the process?

Getting to know Cade Weston is part of the return, and Julie is in for some surprises of her own.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Rita Hestand
• Release date: Jan 9, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301300587

Rita Hestand

Hi friendsI'd like to ask a favor, not just for me but for all writers. PLease when we offer a free book, it would be wonderful if you'd take the time to rate the book. This doesn't take much time out of your day and authors really apreciate your time to do this. I know not everyone wants to sit down and write a review, but rating the book will help as well. And a big thanks to all who do this. You never know how much an author appreciates you taking the time to do this.I finally finished The Car Stalker. Hope you'll check it out. This is the second book in the stalker series. Like I said mystery is much different from romance all though there are elements in romance in my stalker books too. Today I finished an another book in my series of Vets coming home, Better Every Day. This book takes the angle of when family interrupts your plans. When a one-night stand is much more. I love this story as it hits home. So two new books out now and more coming.I'm taking the time to write while confined at home. But lack of seeing people outside, and living alone all the time is not new to me. I've got lots of stories to tell so be on the lookout for my newest releases. You might check out my Searchin g for You Indian romance on Amazon too.There are several new free books for you enjoyment, since your stuck at home. Home you enjoy them.As for a bio, suffice it to say, I'm a Texan tried and true. I have grown children and grandchildren and already some great-grandchildren. I've done multi jobs in my lifetime giving me a variety of experiences to write and talk about. I've done many different kinds of work from Texas Instruments, to City of Garland, to working for the Wylie Independent School District. I've worked for a hat factory, filing insurance claims, secretarial work, to waitress work. My writing reflects my varied background. Another note I've had a in home day care for twenty years too. So when I write about something I have a general knowledge of it too, which is a real bonus for me. Just like my public work, my writing varies too from contemporary to historical, I write romance, thrillers, children's. A lot of people might say gee, that's a lot of different jobs, and it is, but, I've learned from them all, and I use that experience in my writing.I want to thank all the readers over a length of time that have tried some of my books. I hope I've enlightened and entertained you. I hope I've shared some love in this world. Sharing love can't be bad, it's God given.God bless.Other places to see my bookshttps://www.fantasticfiction.com/h/rita-hestand/https://itunes.apple.com/us/author/rita-hestand/id365799219?mt=11www.scriptsforschools.com/rita-hestandhttps://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/search?query=rita%20hestand&fcsearchfield=author

Book preview

Raining in My Heart

(Book One of the McKay's)

Rita Hestand

copyright© Rita Hestand

All Rights Reserved

ISBN # 9781301658473

Cover by Ramona Lockwood

License Notes:

This book Raining in my Heart is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebooks may not be resold or given away to other people. Please purchase an additional copy for each person you share with. If you are reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then you should return it to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of the author.

Raining in my Heart is a work of fiction. Though actual locations may be mentioned, they are used in a fictitious manner and the events and occurrences were invented in the mind and imagination of the author. Similarities of names used within to any person, past, present, or future, are coincidental.

Dedication

This series is dedicated to families, all families because they are all so very different. I hope you enjoy meeting the McKay's

Blessings

Rita Hestand

Books in This Series

Raining in my Heart

Ring of Fire

Twelfth of Never

Stand by Me

Table of Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

About the Author

Rita's Other Books

Chapter One

Cade? Julie spoke hesitantly into the phone.

There was a quiet moment on the other end before anyone answered, Uh…yeah Julie, this is Cade. How are you doin'?

The rich timber of his voice sent a shiver through Julie. She'd forgotten how his voice affected her.

I'm fine…just a little surprised to hear from you? I mean… it's been a while…and I didn't know you had my number. Julie sighed and leaned against the door frame as she pondered what this call could be about. Now, hearing Cade's voice over the phone brought back that strange impasse she never wanted to broach.

Cade Weston, the man Julie marked in her mind as Mr. Wrong, was the only man Julie McKay ever made love with. Not that she was in love with him at the time, but there was something deep down that niggled within her, just hearing his voice. It wasn't so much that he'd made love to her, but the way he'd made love sent a warm fuzzy feeling flooding through her she couldn't explain even now. Over ten years now, and she still hadn't forgotten how he always seemed bigger than life to her. How many times had she told herself he was the wrong man? And how many times had the feeling she'd made some grave mistake swept through her?

What should have been the clue was her own submission. She knew before they made love that she didn't want to stop and that this was not Wade Weston. Something echoed in her mind, a fact she'd hidden somewhere deep inside. It had been the one time in her life she had relaxed and let it happen. And despite all her own inner scoldings, she didn't regret that one time. In fact, she'd spent a lot of time relishing the night they made love. Cade had been everything she wanted Wade to be, tender, loving, and sweet.

Cade's voice held a certain amount of strain that she had never heard from him. Understandably so, and yet not like him at all. I didn't think you'd recognize my voice.

Well, I never told you, she hesitated, wondering if she should admit anything, but you have a very distinctive voice. Just don't let it go to your head. She laughed.

He was quiet again.

That would never happen. Cade hadn't a vain streak in his body.

Uh…look, Julie, I guess you didn't expect me to call. And that's perfectly understandable, after all this time, but this isn't a pleasurable call. And I hate to be the one to tell you this…but it looks like I’m elected.

Tell me? she queried. Tell me what? You sound so mysterious.

Yeah…it's your father Julie…he's had a heart attack, Cade said with such exaggerated slowness it took a minute to sink into Julie's brain exactly what Cade was telling her.

A heart attack…oh my God, well…he's okay though, right? Julie affirmed. He's in the hospital, being monitored, right? What hospital Cade?

Another long pause had Julie gripping the phone and holding a pen and paper to write down the number. Cade…he's okay, right?

The silence was unbearable, and tears clouded her vision as an ominous feeling swamped her from his silence.

Honey, his velvet voice melted all over her as she swallowed hard. I'd give anything in the world not to tell you this. I’m sorry I'm the one, but no, he didn't make it. Cade let out a held breath.

Taking the phone from her ear, Julie stood staring at the phone for a long moment. His words slowly resounded and made sense, and yet they didn't. She gripped the phone with a choke hold, held it away from her and never even realized that tears were beginning to blind her.

Julie…. Cade called into the phone softly.

When she still didn't answer, he made some kind of noise, Julie, are you alright?

Uh….no, of course I'm not alright. I can't believe it. I just spoke with him a few weeks ago and he was fine. Now you're telling me he's dead? she barked, her tears beginning to choke her. Please tell me this is some cruel joke. Cade…please….

I'm sorry honey, I didn't know how to break it to you, I'm probably not the best one for this job, but…I had to call, to make sure you knew… Cade whispered the compassion in his voice sending an alarming thrill through her. It wasn't the time nor the place, but it happened. Cade always was kinder than his brother. Julie never fully appreciated it until now. No one could have broken the news to her like this but Cade. I guess I didn't do a very good job. Wade should have been the one to call you, but he gave me the honor.

His voice cajoled for some reason, like a calm settling over a stormy sea. Cade had that effect, so powerful in fact, it felt as though he were putting his arm around her.

She'd pronounced him the wrong man a long time ago, but times like these, made her realize that it wasn't entirely true.

Julie took a breath and sighed heavily, her hands beginning to shake. Something in her head said she wished Cade was here in person, to lay her head on his big shoulders, to smother her tears against his strong cheek.

Julie look, I'm sorry to intrude into your life, but you need to get out here, as soon as you can. Wendy is the only one here, and she's pretty choked up too. Wade's in no mood, and the lawyer is comin' out in a day or two to read the will. You'll need to help make some decisions about the funeral; I suppose. You'll get a letter, probably tomorrow from him, informing you to come home.

Of course, yes, you are right. I'll be there as soon as possible. Thank you so much for letting me know, and—She paused, there was a moment of silence. Cade, it was very kind of you. Julie murmured, still in a state of shock. I'm sorry you were elected but I can't think of anyone who could deliver this kind of news better."

Honey, he stopped as though he knew he presumed too much. I didn't want to deliver this kind of news. I just thought someone should. Cade's voice went flat. Wade told me he hadn't notified you, so I took it upon myself to call when he gave me the list. Your name wasn't on the list, but you're the first one I thought of. So, I took it on myself to find your number in your dad's things. I hope I haven't stepped out of line, I just wanted you to know.

I-I appreciate it. Hysteria was beginning to set into her voice now. I just can't believe it. It was very thoughtful of you. Tell Wendy I'll be there as soon as I can arrange it here. And Cade….

Yeah?

Thanks for letting me know…I mean personally. I may not deserve it, but I really do appreciate it. Julie tried to get hold of herself.

Sure thing. Guess I'll see you when you get here then. If you need any help or anything…let me know.

Thanks.

Talk to you soon… Cade said, his words strung out like a slow violin.

Julie hung up the phone and glanced about her. Her nine-year old daughter, Kelly stood in the living room watching her.

Is something wrong, Mama? she asked innocently.

Uh…yeah. Julie tried to compose herself, but she was literally shaking now from the news. Honey…your grandpa, he's…. she couldn't finish. She couldn't say the words. She couldn't think them. Tears blinded her every time she tried to say the words. Her daughter's brows lifted then came together in a worried glance.

She saw her daughter take her hand, saw her lead her to the couch, and felt her clutch her to her. This was her Kelly, her only child, the love of her life, and she was here for her.

Tears streamed down her face as she hugged her daughter close, Oh God. I just can't believe it.

Grandpa died, didn't he? Kelly asked as she squeezed her mother's hand.

Julie stared into her daughters' beautiful blue eyes and nodded. Yes, darling, he did.

She must have hugged her for a long time as the sun had gone down when she finally let go of Kelly long enough to look about. Kelly hadn't complained.

The doorbell rang and Julie methodically wiped her eyes and went to answer it. Her movements were like a robot, doing, but not realizing.

A registered letter from the lawyer was nearly thrown in her face as she opened the door. Please sign here. The deliveryman said, his voice uncaring, his demeanor rushed.

Julie signed the document, gave the deliveryman a quick appraisal, closed the door and was about to go back to Kelly's side when the doorbell rang again.

This just isn't the time for company… she muttered as she went to the door.

Jim… Opening the door once more, she stared at the immaculately handsome man in front of her as though she'd never seen him before. Ordinarily she'd run into his arms and kiss him, but today she didn't have it in her. She couldn't move, or function. For the first time in her life, she saw Jim from her daughter's eyes, cold, unmoved, mechanical, a walking robot of a businessman, too concerned with business deals and other people to notice she was caving into her own little shell. His briefcase and phone in his hands, it was impossible to go into his arms. She stood there staring at him as though for the first time and not liking what she was seeing. Her eyes almost wild, she barely took in the expensive suit, and the half glance he gave her.

Julie…what's wrong? Jim asked seconds later as he caught the distraught glance, she gave him and shoved his phone into his pocket. He halted not far from the door, rooted by her inability to speak. Finally, she grabbed the lapel of his jacket and stared up into his face and held on for dear life. But warmth didn't flood her. It was only a lapel and there was no one under that lapel that was grabbing her and holding her like they should. Only a cold bare feeling as though she were cuddling with a stone wall. She shook herself. It had to be her numbness of the moment she silently explained the situation to her own mind. Jim was not an unfeeling brute.

Kelly seemed to watch them for a while before going toward them. Grandpa died…. She explained simply.

Jim's glance flew from Julie to Kelly and he looked into Julie's face, I'm so sorry. How did you find this out?

He still didn't take her into his arms, rather waiting for her answers.

Cade called. Julie answered, feeling a numbness surround her, as though she weren't in the same room with her daughter and fiancé.

The foreman? Jim frowned.

No…his brother. Julie corrected. She knew she was making all the right moves, doing all the right things, but she felt nothing. She wanted to go lie down, and forget the call happened, to turn back time and correct all the mistakes, to forget that Jim still hadn't taken her into his arms for comfort sake. None of that was happening. Somehow, she would have to function for the rest of the evening.

You know, at a time like this you might want to be alone, maybe I should go, he offered, shooting her a look of ill ease from the distraught expressions on their faces. Julie had forgotten that Jim was not an emotional man. He couldn't deal with emotions. He ran from them. Julie stared at him for a long moment, realizing once more Jim's lack of understanding, lack of comfort. How had she become so emotionally involved with a man who understood so little about family, love and responsibilities?

Weren't boyfriends supposed to cajole and comfort you? Didn't he have any feelings for her. She stared at him as though he'd grown two heads.

Instead of arguing that she needed his arms around her, needed his love surrounding her, she nodded woodenly. If you like…

Jim glanced at Kelly, Call me later and let me know how she is, please.

Where are you going? Julie managed to ask.

I've got a meeting with Craig this evening, I may be in for an advancement.

Oh yes, I forgot… Julie cried.

Call me…later. He glanced at Julie's lack of response.

Sure, Julie mumbled

Kelly nodded as she shut the door behind him and turned to look at her mother.

That didn't go too well did it? Kelly rolled her eyes.

No. Julie grabbed at her forehead. And I'm not ready to face that either. Let's just try to relax and get our bearings honey.

Want me to call for a pizza? Kelly asked.

Yes, please, that would be wonderful. I'm not up to cooking tonight.

I know Mama… Kelly grabbed her again and hugged her. You loved him too didn't you. Grandpa, I mean.

Of course, I loved him honey. I just wasn't very good at showing it. She held her hand tightly. Had she become a robot too? Like Jim?

It's okay. I guess he wasn't either. It's just…you quit talking about him much…

Yeah, I guess I did. Julie glanced around the apartment as though she'd lost something, then back at her daughter. Seeing the distress on her face she squeezed her hand. I don't know what I'd do without you Kelly. I can't believe you're so capable at your age of handling things. Julie suddenly grabbed Kelly and hung on for life. You've had to grow up faster than most kids, being an only child, having one babysitter after another.

Kelly smiled sadly hugging her tighter, You taught me, Mama. We always take care of each other, don't we?

Yes darling, we do. Julie took solace in her sweet daughter's face.

Kelly smiled, Come on, Mama, let's curl up on the couch together, watch an old movie and order pizza, things will look better tomorrow.

He would have loved you, Julie smiled into Kelly's cheek. I'm sorry I didn't take you there sooner.

Me too, Mama.

It's my fault, Julie wiped her eyes and pulled her daughter against her. So much is my fault. I see it now.

Chapter Two

Julie stepped harder on the accelerator, as she firmed her lips and squinted from the bright sun, she headed straight into it. Her head was about to explode, she hadn't gotten much sleep since Cade's call.

Her mind was a million miles from Sweetwater, Texas. And yet, it was only because she forced it to the back of her mind. Dealing with her father's untimely death seemed to zap everything from her. She couldn't function. She had loved him so, but she realized she had neglected to show him. Guilts and regrets made her headache.

Her business sense