Twelfth of Never (Book 3 of the McKay series)

By Rita Hestand

Another mildly steamy sweet romance. Sandy McKay put her schooling as a vet on hold as her father's will has her back at the ranch for a year. When she meets Mike Tobin, a photographer, she is smitten and they date. But before it can go anywhere his brother returns home from the service a hero. Caught up in the excitement of a celebrity, Sandy soon finds herself engaged to Chad. Chad has it all figured out, they can both go to medical school on her inheritance and get married too.

But something is missing from the picture. And Sandy suddenly suspicions that it is Mike. Good ole Mike who supports his brother and her in their new relationship.

When her dog is run over, Mike takes the blame and Sandy is devastated. How could he be so careless. And yet, something is very wrong here.

Her sisters suggest that maybe she needs to stay away from Chad to see if she really loves him.

If she's really in love with Chad why is her mind and thoughts always on Mike? Had she made a mistake when she jumped to the conclusion that Mike ran over her dog? Did she trust her heart or the ring on her finger?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Rita Hestand
• Release date: Sep 27, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301843343

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

Twelfth of Never

By Rita Hestand

Twelfth of Never (Book 3 of The McKay's)

Copyright © 2013 by: Rita Hestand

All Rights Reserved

ISBN # 9781492838395

Cover Design: Ramona Lockwood

This book Twelfth of Never is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. It may not be copied or reproduced in any manner without express written permission of the author. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy or copies. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Twelfth of Never is a work of fiction. Though some of the cities and towns actually exist they are used in a fictitious manner for purposes of this work. All characters are works of fiction and any names or characteristics similar to any person past, present or future are coincidental.

Book in this Series

Raining in my Heart

Ring of Fire

Twelfth of Never

Stand by Me

Table of Contents

Chapter One 6

Chapter Two 28

Chapter Three 43

Chapter Four 61

Chapter Five 71

Chapter Six 87

Chapter Seven 100

Chcapter Eight 110

Chapter Nine 117

Chapter Ten 124

Chapter Eleven 132

Chapter Twelve 142

Chapter Thirteen 150

Chapter Fourteen 159

Chapter Fifteen 168

Chapter Sixteen 181

About the Author 197

Rita's Other Books 198

Dedication

Sometimes we encounter our true love and we don't recognize it at first. For all of you who didn't but later found it, this book is dedicated to you and your soul mate. Never let them go!

Blessings

Rita Hestand

Chapter One

A Johnny Mathis' song, The Twelfth of Never echoed through the sparsely lit bar like a soft breeze floating through the air, as a young couple came through the front door of the bar.

The bartender nodded to Letty and Hank as they quietly approached him. He's been playin' that same song all morning.

Letty McKay shook her head and stared at the man at the table.

Hank Silver squeezed her hand as they exchanged glances.

Mike?

Mike Tobin clenched his jaw for a moment, and then relaxed. He was slumped forward, his head bowed, his fingers circling the glass in front of him, his face a mask of emotions, his eyes trained on his actions. The barely lit bar created an almost eerie look. No cigarette smoke curled the air, only a slight whiff of beer perfumed the place.

Mike glanced up, shading his eyes from the dull lighting and shadows.

The bar's dance floor was shiny against the black tile as the waitress dust mopped it. The red neon arch from the jukebox flashed every now and then, causing Mike to turn his head and look. The waitress passed him, glancing at his nearly empty beer. She motioned to Joey, as Mike paid no mind. Mike sat soaking up the tunes Joey played as he dried whiskey glasses from behind the bar.

Letty. Mike finally acknowledged as he was setting up toothpicks on the table.

When Letty sat down beside him the toothpicks fell in a heap.

Mike's voice was steady and hollow, void of emotion. He didn't expect anything to be steady right now. He felt just a tad queasy, but he knew if he didn't move, it would go away. Lightheaded, and heavy hearted he glanced at Letty as she waited for him to look at her.

Just the way he pronounced her name, sent out a warning.

What's going on, Mike? What are you doing here? Letty asked as though she had every right to know.

He smiled to himself, dear Letty had never been one to mince words, and that hadn't changed. It was one of the things he liked about her. He could count on Letty to have an attitude, as it reassured him nothing had changed in his world.

Mike heard the tune on the jukebox, and that's when his expression changed. He sat up straight in the chair. His eyes teared up for a second as the Twelfth of Never came on, once more. The soft smooth voice of Johnny Mathis echoed through the almost empty bar like the curl of cigarette smoke.

Mike raised a finger. Listen. Listen to the words of that song.

Letty paused, listening just as Mike had asked her to. The man could sing, couldn't he?

Nobody sings it like him. Nobody. I know because I've listened to others try. Now that's talent, when no one can beat you at something. Mike cried, and then turned away for a second. Of course, I'm a big Bobbie Darin fan, too. You know he died young. Damn, he was a great entertainer. Funny how we don't appreciate someone until they are gone, huh?

Finally, he glanced at Letty, noting the jeans and t-shirt she wore with amused interest. Even in western clothes Letty managed to pull off the word elegant, he silently mused. He also spotted the tall man at her side and smiled. Hank. He nodded.

Mike, good to see you.

Mike gritted his teeth, his jaw flexing, as his slight glance penetrated. I'm celebrating.

Celebrating? Celebrating what? Letty asked, leaning toward him now as his voice got softer.

Vexation swamped Mike, but with a controlled effort he glanced at the two of them as though they were aliens from another planet. They were aliens today, they had no idea why he was here, and he was pretty sure they would try to drag him out of here. But what irritated was the way they intruded on his pity party. Everyone deserved one, at least once.

Maintaining affability, his glance hardened, and his voice grew heavy with sarcasm. An engagement. Now hush and enjoy the song. Isn't that the most beautiful song you've ever heard?

Oh yes, it is…who's? Letty persisted.

Who's what? Mike asked with impatience.

Who's engagement?

God you're nosey! But you are one well put-together lady. Always thought so. And because you are such a good model to work with, I can forgive you almost anything. he exclaimed, banging his beer mug on the table. You're also one hard to ignore lady.

Thank you. Letty shook her head and glanced about the bar.

Another beer, Joey. Mike called to the bartender. Ya'll want to join me?

Not really. Don't mean to sound controlling but don't you think you've had enough? Letty began.

The man at her side squeezed her hand and looked into her eyes.

Mike nodded just a fraction and swallowed hard. Maybe…but I'm celebrating.

Letty eyed him.

Hank and I heard you were here. Letty smiled not affected by his sarcasm.

Uh huh? Lots of nosey people in this place. You take Joey over there, he appears to be minding his business, but Joey is a professional nosey. It's his job and he does it well. A man should do his work well, don't you think? Mike slurred his words. Joey is as good as they come but he just has to get into everyone's business. And Hank…he's a good man, you should marry him someday. The two of you seem to fit each other. Yeah, that's the word, fit each other.

How long have you been here? Letty asked. Ignoring the compliment, he aimed at them.

Not long enough, Mike attempted a laugh then lit a cigarette. After a couple of puffs, he began coughing and squashed the cigarette.

Never did like these cancer sticks, anyway. Mike ground the cigarette against the ashtray.

Never knew you to smoke or drink… Letty lifted a brow arrogantly.

I don't. But as I told you I’m celebrating, and when you celebrate you do things that you never do. Don't you know? That's the whole point. You are completely out of character…because you are celebrating.

How did one compose himself with friends when he was out of his mind drunk? Mike didn't know. Mike didn't care. For once in his life, he let his hair down, and to heck with what anyone thought.

But he did care and deep down, he had to admit he did.

Mike…I've never seen you drink. Letty began a speech that sounded somewhat motherly. What can I do to help?

I've never seen me drink either. His face contorted comically. But there's always a first time. Besides, I'm celebrating my brother's engagement. I keep telling you and you don't seem to be listening. Mike did laugh this time, a mocking laugh.

That's wonderful. I guess? I thought your brother was in Iraq? Letty's brows knitted as she watched his every move.

Hmm. He was. He's back. He's been back for a few weeks now. Mike tried to put her off.

Letty frowned at him, not amused with his attempt to avoid telling her whatever it was that was bothering him.

"I guess you don't know yet. That's interesting. Your sister and my brother. He replied, his voice low and anything but calm. I guess this makes us family, huh?"

Sandy? Letty shrieked her eyes widening with disbelief.

That's the one. Mike croaked pointing his finger at her.

He tried to put the tab back on the empty beer can but didn't succeed. It fell in the can and he put it to his eye, so he could see it.

I see it, but I can't get it out.

Letty stared at him in confusion. I've never met your brother.

She glanced at Hank, and he shrugged.

Mike nodded. 'Course you haven't. He just got back from Iraq. Oh yeah, he's a big hero, ask my folks. He spent three years over there. Got shot up…

What branch was he in? Hank asked.

Marines. Only the best.

Mike seemed to reflect on that for a moment, his face going from one emotional onslaught to another. Only a year ago he was writing me. Telling me about a buddy that was killed in front of him. I could tell he was crying when he wrote it, because the ink on the paper was smeared. Either that…or it rained the day he wrote it. Anyway, he was going crazy trying to figure out how to handle it. And then six months later I find out he's partying so hard it's a wonder he can report to duty. I guess he really didn't handle it at all. He just drowned in it. People do that.

What are you drowning? Letty asked slowly.

Mike shook himself, For crying out loud, Letty. Can't a man have a beer every now and then?

What's his name? Letty demanded to know.

Who?

Your brother, Letty seemed fine with the cat and mouse questions and answers.

Chad…the Marine, Chad the hero, Chad that's his name…That's my brother's name. Mike informed them, his gaze not quite finding his targets. My older brother, the one with brains. The one that my folks are so proud of.

Letty glanced at Hank, and Hank's expression went from smiles to a frown.

They are still giving you a hard time, aren't they?

They…?

Your folks.

Oh…the usual. That's not gonna change. Because I'm not going to college, and I’m not getting a nine to five job. I won't enlist in wars I don't believe in. I'm so not the son they wanted. But you take what you get, don't you?

No, it doesn't look like it will change hon, although, for your sake, I wish it would. Letty shook her head. Mike…I can't make up for your parents' unfair treatment, but I can tell you with all sincerity that I admire your work more than you know. That I think you are a super person, a superman. And as you know, I don't dish compliments out like this very often, so pay attention. Letty smiled at him sadly.

Mike glanced at her, his brow shooting upward, his lips slanting in a smile. You silver tongued devil. He laughed.

Cut it out Mike, I mean it.

His face sobered. Yeah, I know you do. And for that, thanks. Now will you let me drown in my beer?

Let me get this straight. My sister met your brother six weeks ago, and she's engaged to him? Letty frowned.

Yep. Gonna get married after her year is up at the ranch. After she inherits her fortune. They got it all planned out… Mike slurred his words once more. He refuses to get a job until he graduates, my folks agree of course. Too much strain getting good grades and working you know. After all, he needs to concentrate all his efforts on his education, since he's going to be a doctor. Becoming a doctor takes money. So, Sandy will foot the bill, happily I expect.

How long have you been here, Mike? Hank asked eyeing him carefully.

Mike looked around the place and then back at Letty. I dunno, since they opened, I guess. Mike glanced at Hank. Want to join me in a drink?

Hank shook his head. No thanks, a little early in the day for me.

Aw…come on Hank, let your hair down a bit. Mike laughed.

How about you come home with us and we'll talk about this. Letty suggested.

Nothin' to talk about Letty. Nope, they got it all figured out. They are in love, they are getting married and I am supposed to take the pictures, how about that. I'm not the best man. I'm not a groomsman, heck; I'm not even the usher. I'm the photographer. A no-good photographer, in my parents' eyes. Mike's smile didn't meet his lips. A lazy man's job, that's what my dad calls it.

You are the best photographer in the world, Mike. Letty protested. He doesn't realize what he is saying.

Sure, I am. Mike's head swam, and focusing became harder as he almost fell out of his chair. Did Letty say he was the best photographer? Naw, he dreamed that!

Mike, we've come to take you home.

Home? Mike frowned.

Home. Letty assured him.

I don't want to go home. Mike protested. Banging his fist on the table he looked at them head on, trying once more to focus. He didn't understand why focusing was so hard. At least not back to my parents' house. I got an apartment, you can take me there, if you want.

Hank and I will take you to my house. You need some rest. Letty almost laughed. But you definitely don't need to be all alone right now.

Mike nodded. Just one more beer and I'll go…

I don't think that is wise, but it's up to you. Letty shook her head. After all, you're not going to feel too well tomorrow.

I don't feel very well, today… Mike laughed. Guess I'm just not used to celebrating.

After a long silence and Joey brought another beer, he looked at them then shook his head. Letty extended her hand to Mike. How did this happen?

What? Mike moved his body in an almost circle. What? What happened?

Sandy and your brother? Sandy has a level head on her shoulders. She's not impulsive. It's not like her to go off the deep end with a man.

Mike snickered. Charm. My brother is loaded with it. Oh, he's had a girl in every port, a girl back home, and now Sandy. My parents are so proud. Wouldn't you be proud? He was shot and got a purple heart. He doesn't even have to wear it on his chest, everyone knows about it.

But six weeks, that's not long enough to know someone… Letty protested. And I can't imagine Sandy…

Mike shook his head and eyed Letty, "That doesn't matter. We are talking about my brother. He is quite the man. That's what he is, 'The Man'. Mike flounced against the table. Yep, he's a hero, got shot up in Iraq. Came home, the family hero…wow! They're proud. Sandy's proud. Everybody is proud."

Letty glanced at Hank.

Is she really in love with him? Hank asked.

Sure, sure, everyone's in love with Chad, he's a hero! What's not to love? Mike's voice rose, filling the empty bar. We go to bars, they salute him. Talk war stories. And the girls all flock around him.

As an after-thought Mike added.We never went to bars until he came home.

What?

Sandy and me, we never went to bars until my brother came home. He muttered, staring into the beer in front of him.

I didn't know that. Letty confessed. Sandy didn't discuss her dating you much, even though I tried to pry into her business a couple of times.

I had way too much respect for you…for her to take her there. She doesn't enjoy it. You know I can see it in her eyes. She goes, because he goes. Sandy has a tremendous amount of compassion for people and animals.

Letty glanced at Hank.

"We used to just