The Reluctant Rancher~Badlands (Contemporary Western Romantic Suspense) Read online

  “I do,” she said. “And I realize how eloquent you were in pleading my case, Mr. Ryan.” She leaned down to give him a kiss.

  Dark eyes skewered her. “Just don’t keep anything from me ever again, Cami. This could have been disastrous all the way around.” He closed the door and rounded the truck to the driver’s side, giving her time to absorb the full impact of his words.

  ~*~

  That afternoon, a very ancient and rusty truck pulled up in front of the store. Old Mrs. Carter ground the gears and stopped the vehicle. It chugged several times before agreeing to stop.

  Sara Beth watched the lady climb out and go around to the passenger side. She was glad to see her since there was neither rhyme nor reason to her arrivals. Mrs. Carter came to town when she had quilts to place on consignment.

  Sara Beth was really glad to have good news for the frail elderly woman. She rushed to open the door. “Good to see you, Mrs. Carter.”

  The woman came through the entrance with two large bags in tow. “Mighty nice to see you too, sweetie.” Mrs. Carter hefted the two bags. “I made some more quilts. Sure hope someone is a-buyin’ ‘em.”

  “I’m proud to tell you I sold three of your lovely quilts and the matching shams.”

  The old woman raised her hands to the ceiling. “Thanks be to Heaven,”

  Sara Beth took one of the bags from her and peeked inside. “Oh, this is just beautiful!”

  “I got two more in the truck.”

  “I’ll get them. You just rest a bit.” She indicated the stool pulled up near the counter. Sara Beth quickly stepped outside and gathered two more paper bags off the floor of the truck. Glancing at the contents as she carried them inside, she felt a lifting sensation in her chest. The prospect of having new products to sell always excited her. “Let me get the checkbook.”

  After Sara Beth had paid Mrs. Carter and arranged the four new quilts on her shelves, the old woman headed for the door.

  “I’m a-gonna go straight to your bank and cash this. Then I’m a-gonna git me some groceries and head on home.” She turned back to Sara Beth. “Bless you, honey for helpin’ an old lady out.”

  Sara Beth was stunned. She wanted to tell Mrs. Carter how very glad she was to be able to sell the beautiful handiwork, but the tiny lady was out the door and headed for her truck, the check clasped firmly in her thin hand.

  “Well, doesn’t that beat all?”

  Sara Beth called the internet service providers and selected the one with the most competitive fees. She arranged to have the monthly charge taken out of her business account.

  By the time Frank pulled up in front, Sara Beth felt an unaccustomed surge of joy in her chest. She blushed. It’s just because I’m excited about the internet thing. She took a deep breath and expelled it, hoping her color had returned to normal by the time Frank pushed through the door.

  “Hey, Sara Beth,” he sang out.

  She couldn’t repress her grin. “Hey yourself, cowboy.”

  “That’s me.” He winked at her.

  Oh, my! Am I flirting? She struggled to breathe normally. “I signed up with the ISP folks, like you told me.”

  “Great,” he said. “Let me get you hooked up.”

  She nodded, not sure what getting ‘hooked up’ entailed.

  Frank asked which company she had signed up with and made a quick phone call. He sat at the computer and very shortly announced that she was ‘live’. He rose from the chair and indicated that she was to be seated. “Do you have an e-mail account?”

  When she said no, he proceeded to direct her through the steps of obtaining an email address for her store.

  She smiled, feeling shy. “This is how people will write me when they want to buy something?”

  He tilted his head. “Well, if they have a question, for sure. But they should be able to just click a button and make a purchase. Then you’ll be notified to send it to them and the money will go from their checking account or charge card to your account. We can get that all set up when we design your website.”

  “My own website?” Thrilled, Sara Beth jumped up from her seat and swung around to face him. She threw her arms around his neck and hugged him hard.

  Frank lifted her off her feet in a bear hug. She felt his cheek against hers, sending her heart into palpitations. When he set her back down, she blushed profusely.

  “I’m so sorry.” She swallowed hard. “Oh, what you must think of me, Frank.” She stepped back and pressed her lips together.

  “I think a lot of you, Sara Beth. You’re a fine woman and don’t you go having any doubts about that.”

  She could feel her heart pounding hard. Indeed, it was drumming in her ears. “I just don’t know why I did that.”

  He lifted her chin, forced her to meet his gaze. “Sara Beth,” he said quietly. “I like you too.”

  ~*~

  The top was up on the Jaguar and E.J. was trying to obey the speed limit signs.

  Jenna was a little subdued, or perhaps she was tired. She was wearing the jeans and shirt she had on when he flew in to pick her up, but she had his leather jacket on, the warm brown a perfect backdrop for her glowing hair. He risked a glance at her, but she seemed composed, gazing out the side window. He wondered what she was thinking, but didn’t really want to talk. Maybe she didn’t either.

  So much had happened in the past week. His father’s death had come as a complete shock. He had thought of his dad as invincible, even in prison. The trip to Dallas for Eldon’s subsequent interment had just underscored how very alone he was in this world.

  But he wasn’t alone. He had someone.

  A little tingle of pleasure spiraled through his chest. Thank God, I have her.

  He released an audible sigh and she reached over to squeeze his forearm. Just a quick squeeze and back to looking out the window.

  He reflected on his interactions with his old friends, how they had reacted to Jenna. Maybe he shouldn’t have been so brutal in announcing his engagement before the fact. Had he taken Jenna for granted? He had. And she had supported him anyway, even though she’d probably wanted to wring his neck. That meant she was on his side. Whatever was out there, he had one person on his side. Forever. For richer or poorer.

  Well, the likelihood that he would ever be poor was mighty slim, but it was good to know she didn’t give a damn if he had a pot to piss in.

  He continued driving to Langston, arriving just at dusk. “Will you stay with me at the ranch?” he asked.

  “I need to get home,” she said. “I need to feed my dog and my horses.”

  He felt disappointed, but drove on to her place. A dog came out from under the porch to greet her. She ran and squatted down to pet him.

  “Hey, Rufus. How’s my boy?” The dog rolled over on his back, and she rubbed his belly.

  E.J. had never had a pet. Indeed, he couldn’t imagine a dog in his mother’s perfect house. But now…

  He carried in the bags containing her new gown and jewelry as well as the other things he had bought her. Her home was neat and comfortable. Everything was ordered, but the overall effect was inviting. It looked like a real home.

  “I better be getting on to the ranch,” he said.

  She removed his jacket and handed it to him, pressing it against his chest. “I understand, but you can always stay here with me, you know?”

  He smiled at that. “Thanks. I guess I should see what’s been happening in my absence.” He leaned down to give her a kiss and she wrapped her arms around him. “But I sure will miss you.”

  She smiled up at him. “Me too.”

  When he arrived at his own place, everything was ominously dark. He parked in front of the house and climbed the steps to the porch and turned to see the sun setting to the east. The country air smelled different. He inhaled, detecting the faint aroma of cow manure, of the dust lingering after a dry spell, and something else…or was it something missing. There was no odor of exhaust fumes, no traffic noise, and no feeling of being
in the great big middle of things. Here he was in the great big middle of nowhere and it was all his. As far as the eye could see, he owned the land and everything on it.

  He turned and unlocked the door to the house, letting it swing inward noiselessly. He stepped into the dark interior and flipped on the light. Home, sweet home.

  He removed his jacket and the sealed letter from Eldon fell out onto the polished floor. He stared at it for a moment, a feeling of dread creeping over him. Swallowing hard, he reached down to pick it up. Just a letter. I’ll read it later. He carried it to the office and placed it in the middle of the desk and closed the door on it.

  Later.

  ~*~

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  The next morning, E.J. awoke to the sound of vehicles outside and raised voices. He shot out of bed and into his boots and Wranglers and flew down the stairs. As he opened the door, his new foreman was just climbing the steps.

  “Hey, George.” E.J. looked past him to the other two trucks parked near the barns. Several men were gathered nearby, talking.

  “Hey, Boss!” he said. “Sorry about your father’s death. He was always fair in his dealings with the tribes. Glad you and the doc are back though.”

  Bare-chested, E.J. stepped out onto the porch. “How were things while I was gone?”

  George’s brow furrowed into a frown. “We got a real problem. Either your count is off, or something is happening to your herd.”

  “My count?” Confused, E.J. frowned back.

  “I’m pretty sure someone is systematically stealing from you.”

  “Stealing?” An icy spiral coiled down E. J.’s spine. “Stealing what?”

  “Stealing cattle. Rustling takes place in modern times too, not just in the old west.” George looked grim. “The boys and I did a rough head count while you were tending to your dad’s funeral. I figure you’re missing at least two-hundred head.”

  “But how?”

  “Don’t know yet. I’ve set a night-time patrol on watch for now. We’ll see what turns up. If someone has been stealing cattle over time, they’ll probably come back for more.”

  E.J. nodded. “Hire more men, if you need to.”

  George jerked his head toward the three men standing by the corral. “These are good men, but straight off the rez.”

  “The rez?” E.J. gave him a questioning look.

  George chuckled. “Nah, we don’t have a reservation any more. I just meant I hired local Native Americans. You don’t have a problem with that, do you?”

  E.J. let out an impatient snort. “No, why would I?”

  George gave him a long look and then nodded. “Good man. Just like your father.”

  When E.J. went inside, his head was churning with all that George had said. That someone was stealing cattle from him was one thing. That George thought he was just like his father was another.

  ~*~

  Sara Beth had made breakfast for the Ryans again.

  Cami watched Breck eagerly scoop eggs and bacon onto his plate. I totally suck at this wife thing.

  “These are the best biscuits I ever put in my mouth,” Breck declared.

  Cami reached for one and broke it open. The fresh-baked aroma wafted to her nose and set her taste buds to salivation mode. She smeared a dab of butter on it and popped a morsel into her mouth. “Oh, my! This is wonderful. When I make biscuits they come out of the tubes.”

  Sara Beth blushed. “I’m so glad you like them. I hope it was all right that I cooked this food. I should have asked you first.”

  “Not necessary,” Cami assured her. “Please feel free to cook and eat anything in the house. I certainly appreciate it.” She glanced at Breck, who made positive noises with his full mouth.

  “I was making a list of food you might want to stock up on, the next time you’re at the store.” Sara Beth colored slightly. “I mean, I’m not telling you what to do or anything. I just thought…”

  “Thanks,” Cami said. “I appreciate you taking the initiative.”

  Shortly after that, Cami was in her car, with Sara Beth and the baby. She thought Sara Beth looked a little dejected. “Are you okay, honey?” she asked. “You look like you could be upset about something.”

  Sara Beth pressed her lips together and blinked. “Um, no Doctor Cami. I’m fine.”

  Cami glanced across the width of the vehicle, checked the very determined little face. “Please tell me what’s bothering you.

  Sara Beth blinked and wiped away the tears that rolled silently down her cheeks. “Oh, I’m just such a terrible person. I’m feeling so mad at Nick for getting himself killed. I know he didn’t mean to get murdered, but I keep thinking, if he hadn’t insisted that he needed to make more money, he wouldn’t have gone off and left me and Cami Lynn all by ourselves.” She scrunched up her face into a grimace. “And that’s just so selfish of me.”

  “I think that’s a normal part of the grieving process.” Cami reached across to pat her shoulder. “It means you’re healing from your loss.”

  She looked up, surprised. “It does?”

  “Yes. It was a shock and a totally unexpected loss, especially when your mate was so young. Naturally, it hit you hard.”

  Sara Beth swallowed convulsively. She seemed to be processing Cami’s words. She straightened her shoulders and sighed. “Well, that’s just how I feel.”

  Cami cast about for another topic of conversation. “Are you doing all right with the store? Do you need some money?”

  “No, Ma’am. The store is doing better than it ever has in the past.” She brightened suddenly. “And Frank brought me a computer he put together. He thinks he can make a website for the store where I can sell things to people all over the place.”

  “He does, does he?” Cami had to smile at the abrupt change of mood when Sara Beth began telling her about Frank and his plans. So that’s the way it is. Good for you, Frank. “That’s a great idea. Let me know what I can do to help.”

  “Oh, Doctor Cami, I’m not the one with all the great ideas. That’s all Frank.”

  “Cut yourself a little slack, Sara Beth. You’re the one with the business sense to buy the items to sell your store. If Frank can bring the world to your doorstep, that’s wonderful.”

  “Yes, he is, isn’t he?” Sara Beth gasped when she realized what she’d said.

  Cami glanced at her, reading a lot of truth into her blunder.

  Sara Beth tucked the blanket closer around her daughter, and then fell silent for the rest of the trip into town.

  ~*~

  E.J. hadn’t slept well. He felt dull and groggy.

  He was pretty sure his sleeplessness had something to do with a lack of redhead in his bed. He tossed and turned, trying to remember how he had slept before said redhead became a part of his life, but couldn’t.

  He worried that perhaps she needed a break from him. Maybe she was rethinking her acceptance of his clumsy proposal. Seeing him in his home environment and meeting his old friends might have spooked her.

  He heaved a deep sigh.

  She’d told him she had to do some work for the ranchers with whom she had a contract and received a monthly fee. “I have to live up to my contracts,” she’d explained. “This is my job, remember?”

  He’d shaken his head and told her she didn’t need to work; that he would provide for her.

  But she laughed at that. “Let me rephrase that. This is my profession, and as a professional, I always live up to my contract. Besides, the ranchers around here depend on me. I’m all they’ve got.”

  And you’re all I’ve got. He turned over again and plumped his pillow before sinking his head down onto it. All I’ve got.

  What little sleep he’d managed to grab had been riddled with disturbing images of his father, as he had appeared at various times in his life. He could see Eldon’s face when he’d been angered. The set of his jaw and the color of his skin. E.J. tried to banish these pictures in his head, but the next time he fell into a restless sleep,
they reappeared.

  And then, there was the matter of cattle rustlers. Seriously? How could they steal a couple hundred head of cattle without his foreman, Leon, noticing?

  E.J. sat up in bed, a chill skittering across his skin.

  How could Leon not have known about the missing cattle?

  Suddenly, everything fell into place. He had always felt a certain animosity from the foreman, but he’d thought it had to do with Eldon being imprisoned and having a new, inexperienced boss thrust upon him.

  E.J. got up and paced around the room, raking his fingers through his hair. How does this all tie together?

  He gave up on sleep and took a quick shower. Throwing on some clothes, he went down to the kitchen and started the coffee. While it brewed, he stepped out the back door.

  The wide patio and pool area looked neglected. Debris floated in the water and the plants needed watering. There was an automatic sprinkler system, but he would have to figure that out too. “Sorry, Dad,” he mumbled. He straightened his shoulders and went back inside. He knew what he needed to do.

  E.J. poured a cup of coffee and carried it to his father’s former office. Might as well man up and see what the old boy had to tell me. In his imagination, he could hear Eldon expressing disappointment that his only son had not lived up to his expectations.

  Easing into the leather desk chair, E.J. sighed and unsealed the letter, using a silver dagger-like opener with the initials EJK on the handle.

  He swallowed hard. They’re my initials too.

  Unfolding the paper he felt a swell of emotion in his chest as his gaze fell on the familiar handwriting.

  Dear son. If you are reading this, it means I have passed on.

  I always had trouble telling you how I feel. Somehow, when we’re together, it just isn’t comfortable to talk about feelings like we were a couple of girls. You know what I mean. It’s not manly to hug and boo-hoo all over each other.

  I always knew I did a piss-poor job of being a husband and a father. You know I loved your dear mother with all my heart and I never strayed. She was a saint and had more class in her little finger than I have in my entire body. I tried to make it up to her by earning a good living so she could live the same kind of life her parents raised her to expect. I didn’t want her to ever have reason to regret marrying a plain old cowboy instead of some Dallas high-society type.