Authors: Marin Thomas
Both children stared at him in shock. “Away from your mom?” Jenny asked.
He nodded.
Johnny put his spoon down. “How come?”
Kit wiped her mouth with the napkin. “Over the years all boys in the Wentworth family are sent to a special private boarding school when they turn nine. They can only come home twice a month if they've been good students.”
“Boy, am I glad I'm not you!”
“Me, too,” Jenny exclaimed. “My father and mother died. If I had to go to a school away from my nana, I'd run away.”
Ross groaned inside, remembering his own painful years when he'd been sent away to the same kind of school.
At this point the waitress brought their food, and they tucked in. Ross looked at Kit, who'd gone quiet and was busy eating. When he got her alone he'd find out what was bothering her. In the meantime he had an idea to change the direction of the conversation.
“Before we saddle up, we need to drive into town and get some cowboy hats and boots for Kit and Andy.”
“Goody!” Johnny enthused. “I need some more caps for my mustang. I've been saving up my allowance.”
“I'm going to buy some more caps, too,” Jenny chimed in.
“Let's get Andy a mustang, Uncle Ross.”
“Only if he wants one.”
Kit's son looked at Ross. “What's a mustang?”
“A cap gun.”
“Yeah. Uncle Ross will be the bad guy and we'll go hunting for him.” Johnny was one in a million. “Do you like cap guns?”
“I've never had one.”
“Neither did I until my dad got me one at the Boot Corral. They don't have them in Cleveland. That's where my grandparents live.”
Ross noticed a shadowed expression on Andy's face and wondered what had put it there.
“I have my nana right here.”
“We sure do, sweetheart.” Buck hugged Jenny.
To Ross, the children's conversation had been like a cacophony of enjoyable music until he'd looked at Kit's son; then the music had stopped.
He pushed himself away from the table and got to his feet. “If everyone's finished eating, let's leave for town. The sooner we get the shopping done, the sooner we can go riding. We'll take the van.” Ross shot Buck a glance. “I'll look after Jenny.”
His friend nodded. “I'll tell Alex. She's going to be at the front desk this morning. That'll give me time to finish installing that new cabinet in the office.”
The kids ran out of the ranch house to the parking area and piled in the dark green van with the Teton Valley Dude Ranch Logo. Andy followed with his mother, who climbed in the front seat. He got in back with Johnny and Jenny.
“Everybody buckle up.”
“You always say that.”
He eyed Johnny through the rearview mirror. “And I always will.”
“There's sure a lot of cars,” Jenny observed as they turned onto the highway.
“That's because it's the Labor Day weekend.”
“I completely forgot about that,” Kit exclaimed. “No wonder the plane was full.”
Ross coughed. “A lot of families want to come and have fun before school starts. All our cabins are full.” So were the shops in town. Normally the Boot Corral wasn't crowded this early in the day.
The kids looked at all the cowboy hats. “What color do you want, Andy?”
“I don't know.”
While the kids tried to talk him into hats like theirs, Ross walked over to him. “My partners and I have seen pictures of your dad. You look a lot like him and should have a distinctive hat that suits your coloring. See anything that appeals to you?”
After a minute of looking he said, “Maybe that one.”
“You mean this brown Stetson?” He nodded. Ross picked it up. “This is a Seminole Gus Buffalo felt cowboy hat.”
His gray eyes rounded. “Buffalo?”
“Genuine buffalo felt. Nice, huh? I like the sloped pinch-front crown. Want to try it on for size?”
“I guess.” Andy put it on his head and looked in the mirror.
Ross lowered the brim a little for him. “With those gray eyes you have that make-my-day kind of look. I'd say you look like a real cowboy.” He glanced at Kit. “What do you say, Mom?” His question ended with a cough.
She studied her son with pride. “It transforms you, honey.”
The kids walked over. Jenny eyed him. “It makes you look taller and different.”
“That's the whole idea,” Ross told her.
“Thanks.” Andy glanced at his mother. “You should get a hat, too.”
“You think?”
Johnny hurried over to her. “Get a black one like mine and Hoppy's.”
Her gaze met Ross's before she smiled. “You mean Hopalong Cassidy?”
“Yeah. I love him! So does my dad!”
“What a great idea! I happen to love him, too.”
“How come?”
“Because I've read a lot of cowboy books in my life and I have a collection of all the books about Hopalong.”
Kit didn't know it yet, but she'd just made Johnny's day and had given Ross a heart attack with that smile. Hopalong had been a fictitious cowboy of the Old West depicted in film whom Carson had loved. It had captured Johnny's imagination.
“Why don't you pick it out for me, Johnny?”
“Okay.” He walked back and forth inspecting all of them. “I like this one.”
Jenny smiled at her. “Put it on!”
“Go on, Mom.”
Ross watched as another transformation occurred. A good-looking woman in a cowboy hat had an allure you couldn't beat. “You and Andy will have to get boots that match your hats.”
Once they were fitted, they decided to wear their cowboy boots and hats out of the store and carry their regular shoes in a bag to take home.
After the kids bought more ammo with their allowance money, Ross insisted on paying for everything else and threw in a couple of cap guns and ammo for him and Andy. Johnny had designated him the bad guy, so why not play the part all the way?
“Compliments of the ranch,” he told Kit when she protested.
Beneath the rim of her black hat, her eyes went a darker green, if that was at all possible. “Thank you for everything.” He knew what she was really saying. In his grief Andy might think a lot of things were dumb, but he hadn't fought getting himself a hat. Progress, inch by inch.
“We aim to please.” He had trouble dragging his gaze away before turning to the kids. “I think we're ready to leave.”
“Hooray! Daddy will be waiting for us at the stable.” Johnny was the first one out the door to the van. Ross drove them back to Carson's house so he could get his cap gun, then they continued on to the ranch house. Jenny ran inside to get her gun while everyone got out of the van.
“Everyone in the truck for the ride over!”
Andy gave Johnny a nudge into the back before getting in himself. Good for him. Ross put the sack of shoes in back with the kids. Once he'd lifted Jenny inside, he shoved his hat on and they headed for the stable. Their little group was starting to mesh.
Kit watched them through the back window. “They're loading up like they're preparing to go to war, and Andy's doing it right along with them. When we flew in yesterday, I couldn't have imagined it. They all look so cute in their hats and boots. Can you see them?”
He could, but he preferred focusing on her. “Your son looks great in that Stetson.”
She flicked him a glance. “You keep saying and doing the right things. You and your partners had to have been inspired to carry out this program.”
“We needed to do something to justify our existence.”
“I'm glad it's working out so well for you,” she said in a husky voice. “Too bad there's no magic wand to take away your cough. It isn't fair.”
“Is anything?”
Kit bowed her head. “No, but you handle it without complaint. You men are role models for the rest of us.”
“Don't we wish.”
The sound of the childrens' laughter accompanied them all the way to the stable.
Chapter Four
Kit drank in the beauty of the surroundings, needing to pinch herself as a reminder that this pine-studded paradise was real. They'd only been here since yesterday, yet already she needed to tamp down her euphoria or she might jump out of her skin.
Some of the other dude ranch guests were already saddled and had started out on a trail leading away from the corral. Her host pulled to a stop near the barn and helped Jenny down from the back. The boys got out, and the children disappeared inside with him.
Kit followed. She watched with sheer feminine pleasure as he strode toward the barn on those long powerful legs. In cowboy boots he was probably six foot four of lean, hard muscle. The usual adjectives didn't begin to describe Ross's effect on her senses or her psyche.
Once inside he flashed her a comprehensive glance. “Kit Wentworth, this is Bert Rawlins, who's been running the stable for years. He takes care of everything around here.”
She put out her hand to shake the seasoned cowboy's hand. “It's a pleasure to meet you.”
“Welcome to the ranch. Have you done any riding?”
“Some.”
“Then let's get you up on Daisy. She's a gentle mare, but she has spirit.” He brought out a tan horse from one of the stalls and saddled her.
Ross took over and walked her outside to the corral to help Kit mount. “Are you all right up there?”
If he only knew. She gripped the reins. “I'm fine, thank you.”
“I'll go help Carson with the kids. He has a way with them and will make sure your son is perfectly safe on Raindrop.”
“I know that.” His letter had conveyed an almost spiritual essence that was very touching. If the owner of the ranch and former rodeo champion had half of Ross's heroic qualities, she could believe anything about these remarkable retired marines.
In another minute all three children on ponies rode out of the barn in their riding gear. The ponies were as beautiful and unique as their riders. Kit reached for her cell phone to take a picture, but realized she must have forgotten to bring it with her.
“Momâ” Andy had finally noticed her on Daisy near the corral fencing.
“Hi, honey! Just look at you guys! I bet it's fun to be on a pony.”
“It is!” His words came out on a laugh. “Ross was right. Riding one is a lot easier than a horse.”
Another small miracle.
After flashing Ross a grateful glance, she lifted her gaze to the rugged, fit cowboy trailing behind them. He looked as if he'd been born in the saddle. Even from the distance separating them, his eyes burned a brilliant blue. He tipped his black hat with a smile. “Mrs. Wentworth!”
She smiled. “It's Kit. I'm so happy to meet you at last, Mr. Lundgren.”
“Call me Carson. Your son's a fine horseman,” he said on a cough.
Kit liked the owner already. “That's so nice to hear. As his mother, I'm afraid I'm biased.”
He grinned. “Of course. For our first time I thought we'd ride to the south pasture. It's not far and the kids will enjoy seeing part of the herd.”
“Sounds terrific.”
With Carson in the lead, they left the corral taking a different trail from the riders she'd seen earlier. He kept up a running conversation with the kids. Ross dropped back to her side. They followed the others, meandering in and out of the forested area of the ranch. The underbrush was full of small animal life, delighting her. Ross looked over at her. “You've got a mysterious smile on your face. What's that all about?”
“You'll think I'm silly if I tell you.”
“Try me.”
Ross was so easy to talk to. “When I was a young teen, I think I read every Louis L'Amour book ever published. As you know, that included his novels about Hopalong. Riding through this forest is like reliving some of them. I've got gooseflesh. Look!”
His eyes roved over her arms, taking all of her in at the same time without being obvious about it. “Carson's going to have fun talking to you. He has a library full of them at his house.”
“You're kidding!”
“Nope. I still have a backache from carrying the collection into his new house.” She chuckled. “It'll be interesting to hear the two of you compare notes on your favorite books.”
“Because we were coming to a ranch, I brought several Louis L'Amours and a Jack London to read to Andy if he'll let me.”
“
Call of the Wild
is one I'd love to be reading for the first time.”
“I feel the same way. Jack London is another American author I particularly like. Andy has always wanted a dog, but his grandparents haven't allowed one. I think he'll like that book. The trouble is, he struggles a little in reading. Now that we're here, I hope to help him get more interested in books. My grandmother read to me and it got me turned on to it.”
“How old were you when your parents were killed?”
“Eight.”
“That's a tough age to lose your parents.”
“Just a year younger than Andy.”
“He's lucky to have you.”
She was starting to feel emotional again and turned her head away. How was she ever going to repay these men for what they were doing for her and Andy?
Before long they came to an open meadow dotted with cattle. The sight of the herd combined with lowing sounds communicated a feeling of peace she relished.
Ross sidled next to her. “Another part of the herd is up on the mountain. We'll ride up there another day.”
While she took it all in, her son rode over to her. The kids followed him. “See that border collie with the stockman, Mom?”
“Yes. He really keeps that herd in line.”
“That's Buster,” Johnny explained.
“I wish I had a dog.”
“I know you do, honey.” He would never know the losing arguments she'd had with the in-laws about letting Andy have a pet. Florence had no need for animals that she didn't deem “useful”.
At that point the children got into a discussion about dogs while they watched Buster do his job. Carson gave out snacks and bottled water from his saddlebag. After another half hour had passed, he suggested they head back to the ranch.
While Ross rode next to Kit, Carson closed in on her other side, and the kids rode in front of them. “You're a good rider, too.”
“Thanks. It's the horse beneath me. But it's also this ranch and everything that goes with it. You live in cowboy heaven.” The men laughed. “I think I died and went there. With the Tetons looming over us, this is Bendigo Shafter country.”
Carson's eyes lit up. “Aha! I can see you and I have a lot to talk about.”
“Told you.” Ross's aside made her smile.
Johnny turned in the saddle looking confused. “Who's that Bingo guy?” That kid had ears in the back of his head.
The men roared with laughter. Kit tried to suppress hers. Johnny was so cute. “He's a person in a book I love.”
“Is he a cowboy like my dad?”
“Come to think of it, he
is.
” Bigger than life, like these men.
“My mom loves to read,” Andy piped up. His comment shocked Kit because he had been so withdrawn and rarely interjected into conversation.
“So do I!” Jenny exclaimed.
“What's one of your favorite books, honey?”
“The Goose Girl.”
“Goose Girl!” Johnny started laughing.
“I've read it. That author won an award,” Kit said.
“It's really good. Nana helps me with the hard words.”
“Andy and I will have to read it.”
“You can borrow it. I have it in my room.”
“Thank you. And maybe one evening you guys would like me to read a chapter of
Call of the Wild
to you. It's great, too.”
“What's it about?” Jenny wanted to know.
“A very special dog.”
“Is he a terrier like mine?”
She shook her head at Johnny. “No. He's a cross between a collie and a Saint Bernard with the name Buck, the same as your daddy, Jenny. He gets stolen and sold to a trainer of sled dogs in Alaska. The man is kind, but then he dies. I won't tell you the rest.”
“Let's do it tonight in the games room while we eat popcorn and drink sodas.” Ross's suggestion excited the children.
Andy's gaze sought hers. “Can we, Mom?”
What?
Was this her glum son from a day ago? “We're here to have fun. Right?”
He nodded.
Johnny and Jenny shouted hooray.
Carson made an unexpected announcement. “After we get back we'll go for a swim and have a water fight before dinner.”
“You're on,” Kit heard Ross say.
No doubt they did this sort of thing all the time. They lived on an exciting plane she'd forgotten existed.
The six of them headed for the barn in the distance. Johnny rode next to Andy. “Tonight's the barbecue. Do you like ribs?”
“What are those?”
“Beef you eat off the bone,” Kit explained. “I'm afraid Andy's grandparents don't eat barbecued ribs.”
“Oh. They're really nummy.”
“And messy,” Jenny piped up. Both she and Johnny giggled.
Kit smiled at them. “Even so, my mouth is watering for some already. You're going to love them, Andy.”
By the time they returned the horses to the barn, it was decided they'd all get their swimming gear and meet at the pool. Carson and Johnny left the barn in the Jeep.
Ross dropped off Jenny at the ranch house before driving Kit and Andy back to the cabin.
“I'll be by for you in half an hour, unless you need more time.”
“We don't need more time, do we, Mom?”
Again her son's question took her by surprise. He actually sounded eager. Johnny and Jenny were a lot of fun. Not for the first time did she wish she'd had another baby so Andy wouldn't be an only child. It was a different world growing up without siblings. Kit ought to know. She would have loved a brother or sister to confide in.
“No. We'll be ready. In fact there's no need for you to come and get us. We'll meet you at the pool.”
He tipped his hat. “See you soon, then.”
After he drove off they went inside. She spotted her phone lying on the table. With a sense of dread she reached for it and discovered four messages, three from her in-laws and one from Nila Thornton in Texas. Kit checked her watch. It was ten after four.
She would call her friend tonight but decided she'd better phone her in-laws now. There wouldn't be time later. First she freshened up and put on her bikini beneath a change of jeans and a crew neck sweater. While Andy was changing, she phoned them without listening to the messages.
“Hello, Charles? How are you?”
“Never mind me. Why haven't you answered any of our calls?”
“We've been out riding most of the day. Now we're going to take a swim before dinner.”
“I want to speak to Andy.”
“Just a minute.” Her son had just walked in the living room. She handed him the phone.
“Hello?”
It took a long time before Andy could get a word in. “But we just barely got here, Grandfather.”
His comment gave Kit a jolt.
This was the first time she'd ever heard her son argue with Charles. She was incredulous. A subtle change had come over Andy. For him not to fall in line with his grandfather's wishes meant he was really enjoying this vacation.
“But Ross has all this fun stuff planned.”
Ross.
After another minute Andy handed her the phone. “He wants to talk to you,” he whispered. “I don't want to go home yet.”
Kit's adrenaline kicked in. “We're not leaving,” she whispered back before saying hello to Charles once more. “I'm sorry, but we have to hang up now so we won't be late for dinner. We'll call you tomorrow. Good night.”
Once she'd hung up, Andy stared at her in apprehension. “He's mad at me.”
“No, honey, I'm the one he's upset with.” Thank heaven. She put an arm around his shoulders. “Let's not let it spoil our trip. You know what he's like, but he'll get over it.”
If only that were true.
“Shall we go?” Remembering the plans for after dinner, she wrapped up the Jack London book in some towels and they left.
* * *
R
OSS
RAN
INTO
Buck's wife, Alex, in the downstairs hallway. She smiled when she saw him. “Thanks for looking after Jenny. She had a wonderful time today. Apparently our newest young guest is a good rider.”
“He's a good swimmer, too.”
“So I hear.” She handed him a folded note. “I took a message for you at the front desk. See you at the pool in a few minutes.” Alex covered the counter when they needed help.
“Thanks.” He took the stairs two at a time to his room. After a quick shower he'd change into his swimsuit. But first he looked at the message. The name Charles Wentworth caused him to pause in his tracks.
Why would he be calling the ranch? Surely he had his daughter-in-law's cell phone number. He pressed the digits and waited.
“This is Charles Wentworth.”
Ross blinked. The man sounded like Ross's father who, without preamble, assumed everyone knew who he was and expected to be catered to.
“Ross Livingston here.” He could be just as peremptory. He'd learned from a master who'd happened to be his own father. “I understand you wished to talk to one of us in charge at the dude ranch. How can I help you?”
“You're the one I want to speak to about Andrew.”
“He's a fine boy.”
“Andrew's the reason I'm calling. Can you guarantee his safety for the rest of the time he's with you?”
Ross frowned. Could anyone? It was an odd question. What about
Kit's
safety? “We're doing our best. Being retired marines, we've never had a problem protecting our guests.”