Across the Great Divide: Texas Heat Rising, #1

By Treasa Klöth

What happens after Happily Ever After fades away… Jade, found her prince charming in Damien Kentrell. He swore to love her until the stars fell from the heavens, she was his moon, stars, sun, his whole world, but he never promised not to forget about her along the way. Caught up in making his ranch a success, Damien began spending more time with his horses and making money then with the woman he fell in love with. Eleven years after they said I do, Jade has had enough, taking their three children, she leaves after he breaks his latest promise. She is tired of competing with the horses, he is always so busy with. As an up and coming artist in her own right, she understands the pressures to succeed, but she cannot stand the idea that with Damien, she and their children come second in his life to making money. She would prefer to go back to when they had less money and more happiness. What good is money, if it only brings misery? Damien is shocked to find an empty house and soon realizes that Jade is serious about ending their marriage, if he doesn't change his ways. When she refuses to return home, he is faced with the fact that he has created a huge divide in their family and he has two choices, cross it, or let it stand between them. Unwilling to give up on his family, Damien has too find a way to make things work with not only his children, but with the woman he loves with all his heart. Now, he just needs to figure out how to cross that Great Divide and get his family back!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Magick Moon Ink Publishing
• Release date: Feb 4, 2021
• ISBN: 9780998956329

Book preview

For John,

For all the years and all the love.

This one is for you!

Love, Me!

Across the Great Divide

A Texas Heat Rising Novel

Book One

By

Treasa Klöth

Across the Great Divide

A Texas Heat Rising Novel

Copyright © 2021 by Treasa Klöth.

All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews. This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, organizations, places, events, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

For information contact:

http:// www.MagickMoonInk.com

Cover Art: Horns and Halos Photography (Katie Eklund)

Cover design: Dianne Lane

Book: Treasa Klöth and Magick Moon Ink Publishing LLC

Print ISBN: 978-1-7332190-8-2

Ebook ISBN: 978-1-7332190-9-9 

First Edition: 2017

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

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One

Jaden Kentrell frowned at the large, beautiful arrangement of long stem roses. She’d placed the bouquet on the kitchen table after receiving them. There was a little white card that was tucked neatly in them, but she had no desire to remove it, and even less desire to read it.

Jade already knew what it would say. Damien had become predictable in the worst kind of way. Sure, he’d always remembered their anniversary, she thought bitterly.

God, he never forgot them. Damien was just never around for them anymore, and that hurt worse than forgetting them altogether, she thought as she shook her blonde head sadly.

In the days when they’d first been starting, he’d always been there. He’d been romantic, sweet, and utterly charming. Damien Kentrell was a man who could charm a rattle snake out of his rattles, or so her father had always said. But to Jade, he wasn’t so charming anymore.

The first five years of their marriage had been nearly perfect, and the best years of her life with Damien. But then he'd made his fortune in the horse business. By their sixth year, he had been gone more than he was home. At first, he’d missed their anniversary, then birthdays and much more after that, until she and their three children were surprised if he were home at all for special occasions and even some holidays.

Now, after eleven years, he was hardly ever home and when he was, he was always busy out in the stables with his horses, because he couldn’t even leave things to the men who worked for him. Damien had to control and oversee everything.

She understood his drive to succeed. And sure, she'd wanted him to succeed every bit as much as he’d wanted it, but Jade had never thought she’d lose him in the process.

A tear slid down her cheek as she sat looking at the beautiful bouquet and read the card for the first time. Just one more promise he’d broken. She was tired of trying, tired of being a single parent, tired of more nights, than not climbing into an empty bed longing for the warmth and touch of her husband.

With a shaky breath, she stood up from the table. Well, it was now or never, Jade decided as she held her head high. He was due home by the end of the week, and she had a lot to do before he arrived. Damien Kentrell would not be a happy man when he returned home, well that was if he even noticed she and their children were gone.

Jaden had no idea how she was going to tell her three children they were moving in with their Aunt Kate, but she’d find a way. For now, she needed to go see her older sister Kate and enlist her help. If anyone could help her, it’d be her older sister. She pulled on her blue jean jacket and grabbed her keys from their hook by the backdoor.

Jaden walked outside heading for her black Chevy Tahoe. As she climbed in, she pulled down her driver’s side vanity mirror to check her reflection. Her blonde hair was still neatly braided back away from her face and her usually tanned complexion was a little pale, but at least her bright green eyes weren’t too red. She stuck out her tongue at her reflection, then flipped up the mirror and started the truck.

She reached Kate’s and sat there in her truck for a few moments. Jaden looked at the large ranch house that had been her family’s home before her parents had retired to Florida a few years earlier.

They’d given Katie the house because Jade was married and already had a home of her own. Her twin brothers Nick and Brent were too busy following the rodeo circuit to care for it, but Kate had been living in an apartment two towns over after her divorce. So, by mutual agreement of everyone in the family, the house became Kate’s.

Jade pushed out of her truck and made her way to the back door, then walked in without knocking. Just as she had suspected, she found Kate sitting at the kitchen table sipping her morning coffee. Her sister looked up and raised a brow.

Care if I join you? Jade walked over to the cupboard and got a cup out as she tried to keep it together. She didn’t want to cry over this, but it was tying her up inside.

What’s up? Kate eyed her younger sister with suspicion. Jade had that wounded puppy dog look about her. Kate knew things in her marriage had been bothering her baby sister for some time now, but Jade was the type to stick it out and not walk away. She admired her younger sister’s courage.

Jaden flopped down with a sigh. I need your help.

Kate sat quietly waiting for her to continue. She watched her younger sister run a finger around the rim of her cup. When Jaden looked up, tears rimmed her eyes.

What’s wrong? Kate reached over and covered her sister’s hand.

The tears that Jade had promised herself she wouldn’t shed coursed down her cheeks. I’m leaving him. This ripped at her heart just to say the words aloud.

Kate felt her sister’s pain in her own heart. She knew how much Jade had tried to make her marriage work, and just how hurt Jade was. Kate thought sourly, ‘Not that she didn’t love her brother-in-law, but sometimes he was so damn wrapped up in those horses it was disgusting.’

Tell me what you need me to do. Kate offered as she got up and went over to her sister to hug her.

I want to bring the kids here if you don’t mind. Jaden let the tears fall free as she hugged her sister hard. Right at that moment, she felt as if Kate was her only lifeline. This whole situation made her feel adrift, and she had no idea what she should do first.

When’s Damien due home? Kate stood back tucking a wayward strand of hair back into her sister’s golden braid.

Though there were nearly two years between them, the two they could have passed for twins. Kate was thirty-one where Jaden was only twenty-nine. They were the same height and build, but where Jaden always knew just what she wanted and had married right out of high school. Kate drifted from guy to guy and had waited until she was twenty-five, then married a man, she had only had one extraordinary night with. From there the marriage had lasted only about seven months, then everything fell apart, and she had been devastated. Since she'd left him, Kate had vowed to stay single.

They sat back down and laid their plans. The thought of leaving Damien struck Jaden cold, but what choice did she have? None, at all, was her answer. She’d tried talking with him and reasoning with him, and every time he promised things would change, but in the end, he’d do something careless like today.

Jaden returned home and began fixing dinner for her children. As her dinner cooked, she walked through the house, carefully she began packing some of the things she couldn’t leave behind. There were so many things and so many memories, she wondered where to begin. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she picked up a family photo album and began flipping through it.

There were pictures of so many happy memories, but those memories began to drift apart five years ago. Poor little Skylar, she thought sadly. She realized her six-year-old son had only three pictures with his daddy, as she caressed one of them with a loving hand. This hurt her to realize how much Damien and Skylar had missed out on, with each other. Gently, she laid the album on the coffee table.

Would Damien see it for himself once they were gone from his life? Would he truly miss them? How long would it be before he realized they were gone? What would he do when he found them? She had a thousand thoughts streaming through her mind at one time. Her head ached, just thinking about it all.

When Danny, Jamie, and Skylar came home from school she sat them down at the table and told them they were going to all go over to Aunt Katie’s to stay for a while. Skylar and Jamie were excited, but Danny only glared at her. At ten he wasn’t so easily mollified as his sister, Jamie who was eight, and her brother Skylar who was six, but he said not a word about what was going on.

After dinner, Danny came into her art studio where her many paintings littered the room. She’d begun packing them up to ship to Dallas early. Each one would be featured in her next show at her friend’s gallery. Jade hoped to make a small fortune for the lot so that she could get her and her children a place of their own. She didn’t want any of Damien’s money, because it had caused her so much pain. She wouldn’t take any money from their account. Damien could have every, last single cent.

As an up-and-coming artist, Jaden Kentrell was a name on the lips of most art dealers. She had a unique style that made her work valuable. With luck, this show would give her the money she needed to take care of her children on her own. Jaden wanted to stand on her own two feet. She was through with Damien, but she prayed he wouldn’t lose their children in the end.

Danny watched her for a few minutes. Mama?

Jade turned smiling at her son. Hey sweetheart, are you done with your homework already?

Yes ma’am, Danny spoke softly, then paused for a long moment before he blurted. Why are you and Dad getting a divorce?

Oh sweetie, I never said we were getting a divorce. Jade felt her heart lurch at his words. Danny was so young to deal with something like this, and she felt more anger at Damien for putting her and her children into this situation.

Then why are we moving over to Aunt Katie’s house? Why isn’t Dad coming with us? He gave her such an accusing look that she nearly let the tears that prickled in the back of her eyes fall.

Jade knew that he was young, but a bit of honesty might help, she figured. I just need to get away for a while. Your dad and I need some time away from each other.

She looked into his deep blue eyes that were identical to his father's and begged him to understand. He was the spitting image of his father from the way he looked to the way he walked and talked.

Does Dad know? I mean about us leaving yet? Danny narrowed his gaze. He loved his dad and didn’t want to see him hurt, but he knew his mom had been hurting for a while. He had heard her tears the night of his last birthday when his dad hadn’t come home like he had promised he would, but at least dad had called him to explain. Danny was used to his dad working hard. Sure, he missed his dad, but he had always figured at least his mom was always there.

No, he doesn’t know. Jade tried to blink away the moisture in her eyes. Danny, I’m sorry if this hurts you, but I have to go and I can’t leave you, your sister, or your brother behind. Please try to understand, I know it’s hard.

I’ll try, Mama. Danny walked over to her hugging her tightly around the waist. Maybe if they lived with Aunt Kate a while his mom wouldn’t cry anymore. Maybe she would be happy again and smile like she used to.

Thank you, Danny. I need you to help me with all of this. Jade hugged him tightly to her. Convulsively, she swallowed back her tears. Jaden didn’t want to cry in front of her children. This was hard enough on everyone and she felt as if she was punishing the kids, but what was left? Jaden knew she couldn’t remain here without the rest of her heart shattering apart beyond repair.

Why couldn’t things stay as they’d been in the beginning? How had she and Damien drifted so far apart? Where, were they all headed? There were too many questions to figure out the answers right now. Off to bed with you, Danny.

Without another word or a complaint, Danny left the room and made his way to bed. Though she knew she should get her things packed. Jade walked outside and sat on the stairs off the back porch. With tears in her eyes, she looked up at the stars shining so brightly overhead.

She could remember so many good times with Damien spent under these same stars. Nights spent under them when they’d made love until dawn or walking hand in hand as they shared their greatest dreams. Once he’d sworn that he would love her as, long as the stars lit the sky, but he never promised not to forget about her, she thought bitterly.

Jade looked down at the large diamonds in her wedding and engagement rings and watched the way they winked in the moonlight. The rings were beautiful. They were what he had always wanted for her. Jade reached inside the neck of her shirt pulling out the set of cheap golden rings on a golden chain, to look at them. These were the rings he’d married her with. She looked back at the impressive set on her hand. These were what he’d replaced their love with. Money was what he gave her now, instead of the love he'd given her when they were still struggling to make life work.

Tears blurred her vision. No amount of money was worth the love they'd lost along the way. Somehow with all their hard work, they’d lost sight of their dreams and each other.

Jade knew in her heart, she still loved Damien and always would, but unless they could find a way to fix their problems, it had to be this way. She didn’t know where she was headed from here, but she knew she couldn't leave things the way they were. If not for herself, Jade had to do this for their children. Maybe, if she took them away, Damien would realize what all he’d had, and what he had lost. Just maybe he’d find a way to fix things with his kids before it was too late. She only prayed it’d be so. Even if things were never right between the two of them again, she'd sacrifice her own happiness if only her kids didn't lose their father for good.

With sadness pressing on her heart, Jaden slipped the expensive rings from her fingers and closed them in her fist. Damn you, Damien Kentrell, don’t lose your kids as you’ve lost me. The tears fell on her closed fist as her heart ached. Walking back into the house she set them on the table next to the vase of flowers.

By the end of the week, she had most of hers and the kid’s things packed, and she’d moved them into her sister’s house. Danny wasn’t happy, but he didn’t complain. If anything, he was more helpful and began helping in taking care of his brother and sister. Jade felt as if she were on pins and needles waiting for Damien to come home.

She knew she was edgy but couldn’t help it. When Kate asked her a simple question, Jade snapped at her, then felt ashamed. I’m sorry Kate. I didn’t mean it. I just feel like a walking time bomb.

No harm done. Kate tugged her sister’s braid. You need to relax and not worry about him.

I can’t help it. Jaden paced the length of the kitchen. I’m afraid that when he comes here, I’ll just give in and go home with him.

Remember this, if you do, sweetie. Nothing, and I do mean nothing, will ever change. Kate assured her as she leaned back against the kitchen counter.

I know. Jade wrapped her arms around herself hugging her waist. It’s just that I worry about the kids so much. She paused for a moment. I don’t know if I’m strong enough for this.

Kate walked over hugging her. I’m here for you, but you need to make your stand here, honey. If you don’t stay strong, he'll just get worse. She prayed that Damien would come to his senses and see that he was truly going to lose his family because Kate knew that Jade loved Damien no matter what. She didn’t blame her sister for making her stand against him, and by God, she was planning on helping her all the way.

Before Jade could finish speaking the front door slammed, voices thundered through the house. The two women looked at each other and smiled. Nick and Brent! The two women spoke in unison, then rushed from the room.

Nick and Brent stood tall and handsome as ever just inside the front door. Unless you knew them well, one couldn't tell the two apart, they were identical twins from the top of their heads to the tips of their toes. The dark golden hair that was sun-streaked was a family trait as much as the bright green eyes. Though where the sisters were short and petite, both men towered over their younger sisters and were roped with hard muscles.

After hugging and laughing with them Jade looked the two over. Okay, what are you two doing in town? She gave them a questioning look. I know the rodeo’s not in anywhere close to here.

We were just getting’ a little home sick, honey, that’s all. Nick removed his Stetson and began playing with it. That was a sure sign that he was lying to her.

Brent? She turned her gaze to her other brother. Try the truth.

Brent was quiet for a long moment, then he broke. We’ve been worried about you since the last time we were home. He stopped, then shot a look at his other sister. Then when we talked to Kate and she told us you were living here. Brent paused to look at his brother for a moment, then looked back at Jaden. Well, I reckon, we decided we needed to come home and help somehow. Brent shrugged helplessly.

Jade turned to her sister in astonishment. You called in the Calvary?

I just thought some extra moral support would help. Besides. we’ve got the room. Kate smiled at her with pride.

So, when do mom and dad, arrive? Jade's green eyes blazed with anger, as she whipped around and stomped into the kitchen.

Nick walked in after her, he leaned against the counter watching his youngest sister slam things around with more annoyance, than anger. Wanna talk about it?

No! Jade set down the glass of water she had been drinking with a snap. Anger surged through her that Kate would have called both of her older brothers’ home.

Jady we’re not here to interfere, we’re here to help in any way we can. He watched her bow her head in defeat.

I didn’t want the whole family involved, Nick. She looked up at him with tears shining in her eyes. Do mom and dad know about all of this?

No, he shook his blond head, then reached out grabbing her arm and pulling her to him for a hug as the tears began sliding down her cheeks. Everything will work itself out, I promise, honey. Damien is a good guy he just needs to pull his head out of his ass for a minute.

I doubt he even notices us missing until he wants something to eat. Jade frowned up