Enjoying Greta’s flustered reaction, he laughed. “And with Bart coming home, you would’ve been in deep trouble.”
“Hah! The old man ain’t getting any of this. Too much cholesterol for him. Instead of roast beef, he’s getting a turkey patty.”
“Greta, you must be deliberately plotting to run Bart’s pressure up again just to get him out of the house.”
The cook laughed and winked at him. “I’ll save you some of the roast beef. You can take it home to your pretty redhead.”
Jett opened his mouth to remind the cook that Sassy wasn’t his redhead. But he liked the sound of it so much, he let it pass. “Thanks, Greta. I’ll come back by the kitchen before I leave.”
She shot him a clever grin. “Well, I hear she’s eating for two, now. The food will do her good.”
“Finn spreads news faster than the
Gazette,
” Jett said with a shake of his head, then asked, “Do you know if Orin is in his study?”
“He should be. I just took him a fresh pot of coffee about five minutes ago.”
“Thanks,” Jett told her, then quickly left the kitchen and made his way to the back of the big house where Orin’s study was located.
After a quick knock on the carved oak door, he stepped inside a large room paneled in dark wood and furnished with overstuffed navy blue chairs and a long matching couch. Orin was sitting behind a big cherry desk, a pen in one hand and a phone jammed to his ear.
The moment he spotted Jett, he silently motioned for him to come closer while quickly ending the conversation.
When Orin placed the receiver back on its hook, Jett said, “If that call was important you shouldn’t have ended it for me. I can come back later.”
“That call was to your office. You must have read my mind. I wanted to talk with you. Sit down and make yourself comfortable. Tessa just brought up coffee. I’ll fetch us a cup.”
“Thanks, I could use it,” Jett told him.
While he took a seat in a straight-backed wooden chair positioned in front of Orin’s desk, the other man walked over to a long table holding a tray with an insulated coffee pot and mugs, along with a silver sugar bowl and matching creamer.
“So, what’s up?” Jett asked. “Are you considering purchasing some new holdings?”
“No. This is something more personal. That’s why I didn’t want to discuss it over the phone. And I’m glad you came now,” Orin said as he filled two mugs with steaming coffee. “I have to leave in the next half hour to drive into town and pick up Dad. He’s been throwing such a fit to come home, the doctor decided releasing him early would be better than him working himself into a boiling frenzy again. Dear God, that doctor deserves an award for dealing with a patient like Dad.”
“I got a text from Finn a few minutes ago telling me about Bart coming home. You must be relieved.”
Orin brought the coffee over to Jett, then sat down behind the desk with his own mug. “To some degree. But Dad’s like a volcano. One never knows when he’ll erupt.”
Jett sipped the coffee. “So, if it’s not business, what did you need to talk with me about?”
“Sassy.”
Over the rim of his cup, Jett studied the other man closely. It wasn’t surprising to hear that Orin had Sassy on his mind. Now that the DNA had been shipped off for testing, he figured the whole Calhoun family was thinking about her.
“Finn said he and his brothers talked with you about the DNA test they took this morning. But that you all decided to keep the information from Bart—for now, at least.”
“That’s right. We discussed it at length.”
“And?”
Orin shrugged and, not for the first time, Jett noticed that the elder Calhoun was still a very fit and handsome man at the age of sixty-one. It made him wonder why Orin had mostly shut himself away in this house, or why he’d not remarried or shown any interest in women since Claudia had died. But then, Jett hadn’t shown any interest in women, either. Until Sassy had come to town. Now he was more than interested—he was growing besotted.
“Whatever my sons want is what I want, too. Dad will just have to accept our wishes.”
Jett let out a relieved breath. “I’m glad to hear that. Because, frankly, Finn believes his grandfather is hiding information regarding Sassy. Do you believe Bart is holding back?”
“Yes, I do believe it,” Orin answered candidly. “But what the hell am I going to do about it, Jett? The man is too sick for me to take a run at him, demanding the truth. That’s why I wanted to have a word with you before I bring Dad home tonight. Pressing him right now is out of the question. So, the way I see it, that leaves me and you digging elsewhere for as much information as we can find. Dad always was a stickler for keeping records. If we can find anything that might pertain to Sassy, then we’ll wait for the right time to present it to him. He won’t be able to avoid the truth then. What do you think?”
Jett thought the whole thing was pretty odd and that Bella was probably right. They were going to open a Pandora’s box. But this was Sassy’s life they were dealing with. He wanted the best for her, even if the truth splintered the Calhouns. Before meeting Sassy he could’ve never imagined feeling that way. Not when the Calhouns were like family to him. But now her happiness meant even more than that. How had that happened?
Unable to answer the question in his head, Jett asked the other man, “Where are these records stored? I hope somewhere away from Bart’s eagle eye. If he sees us digging through old documents, he’s likely to get suspicious.”
“That won’t be a problem. Most of the stuff is right here in my study.” Orin pointed to a wide door just behind his left shoulder. “The storage room in there is filled with cabinets and a combination safe. Dad doesn’t come in here all that much, and even if he catches us pilfering, we can make up some story that you needed old information for a contract or tax purposes or something.”
Jett had to smile. “Now I see where Evan got his detective instincts.”
Orin chuckled. “Not hardly, Jett. I’m just trying to solve a problem or a mystery. I’m not sure which one to call it.”
Sassy might be upsetting Jett’s peace of mind, and she was definitely creating havoc with his libido, but he couldn’t think of her as a problem. “I’d call it a mystery, Orin.”
“Well, let’s hope we can solve it with whatever we can find in there.” Using his head, he motioned toward the storage room behind him.
“What exactly is in there?” Jett asked.
“Birth, death and wedding certificates, along with insurance policies and wills. Those are the most important. The rest is older things that haven’t been touched in years, like receipts pertaining to household purchases and personal expenses. But there might be something to give us some clues. It’s worth a try, at least.”
Sipping his coffee, Jett studied his old friend. Orin seemed open and sincere. Clearly, he wasn’t expecting anything illicit to be exposed concerning himself. “I’m glad you suggested this, Orin. Because, like Sassy said, the DNA will only explain genetics. Not the who or why of it.”
Pinching the bridge of his nose, Orin sighed. “Honestly, Jett, this whole thing has kept me up nights. Ever since Finn showed me that picture of Sassy I’ve felt something deep in my gut. And then when you brought her here and I saw her in person—I was jolted.”
“So was Bart.”
Rising from his desk, Orin left his coffee and began to pace back and forth in front of a picture window that framed a view of the Silver Horn ranch yard. The Calhouns owned a cattle empire, along with more assets that most regular folks could comprehend. But their riches hadn’t necessarily kept heartache and loss from the family.
“Everyone knows Bart can be a real bastard at times. But he loved my mother so utterly. I can’t imagine him cheating on her. But what other explanation is there? Where else could Sassy have come from?”
Hearing the anguish in Orin’s voice, Jett couldn’t help but feel for him. To think of his own father being an adulterer was far worse to Jett than Gary being a wayfaring ne’er-do-well. Apparently Orin held the same sentiments about Bart. But was that only anguish that Jett was hearing in Orin’s voice? Perhaps part of it was something else, like guilt? Or regret? If he only knew.
“Orin, you’re jumping the gun. The tests results could say there’s no connection at all. Or there could be some other explanation. Maybe she’s a child or grandchild from before marriage.”
“Dad married Mom when they were both very young. Sassy would have to be a grandchild to fit that explanation. And you and I both know that’s highly unlikely.” He stopped his pacing long enough to look at Jett. “Finn tells me that Sassy is pregnant. He’s all excited about it. I tell you, Jett, if Sassy isn’t a part of the family, that boy is going to be crushed. For some reason I don’t understand, he’s become instantly attached to her.”
What could he say? Jett asked himself. He’d become instantly attached to Sassy, too. And he couldn’t understand why. “I don’t think you need to worry about Finn. He’s a practical guy.”
Returning to his desk, Orin picked up his coffee mug. “I’m sure you feel like you’ve been wedged between two rocks. If having Sassy stay with you is causing any sort of problems, she’s welcome to come here to the ranch.”
For some reason, Orin’s suggestion caused Jett to inwardly bristle. “Damn, Orin. That would hardly help Bart’s blood pressure.”
“This house is big enough that she could avoid him. Besides, I’m not going to coddle Dad. Part of his problem is that he’s had his way too much.”
“Well, I like having Sassy at the J Bar S,” Jett said honestly. “And Bella’s enjoying her company. So she’s staying put.”
One of Orin’s dark brows lifted faintly. “Okay. Just thought I’d check. Since you and Erica divorced, you haven’t exactly been, well, receptive to the opposite sex.”
Jett couldn’t remember the last time Orin or any of the Calhouns had mentioned his ex-wife. It was strange how Sassy’s arrival had them all pondering the past and wondering about the future.
“Since Claudia died, I could say the same of you.”
The older man sighed. “It still hurts too much, Jett. But that’s something you understand, isn’t it?”
“Yeah. I understand.” Glancing at his watch, Jett rose to his feet and returned his mug to the coffee table. “I’d better go, Orin. I have some work to wrap up before I head home. And you need to leave for town.”
Orin nodded. “Fine. Let’s start on our search tomorrow.”
“I’ll be here.”
Jett left the study and, before making his way out, dropped by the kitchen. As the cook had promised, she had a hefty container of the roast beef and accompanying vegetables dished up and ready for him to take home.
“This is kind of you, Greta. I hope Sassy is feeling well enough to eat.”
The cook placed the container in a cardboard box, then handed the whole thing to him. “I hope so, too. Maybe my cooking will tempt her.” She squinted up at him. “Uh...has Orin let anything slip about the girl?”
He frowned with confusion. “You mean regarding Sassy?”
Greta was clearly impatient. “Yes, I mean Sassy! What other girl has been around here?”
There was Tessa, the maid and five women working down at the business offices, but Jett didn’t bother pointing that out. He expected Sassy had been the latest gossip all over the ranch, and Greta apparently expected Jett to understand that.
“What could Orin possible let slip?” Jett asked. “You told me and Sassy that Bart was the one who might know something.”
Greta glanced over her shoulder to make sure the room was empty before she leaned closer and lowered her voice. “Bart is like a locked diary with all sorts of secrets. And I figure he has a few on Orin.”
“Greta, you’re making some wild accusations. Especially when there’s not one man in this county who’d speak badly of Orin. And that includes me. I’ve never known of him to lie or cheat.”
“I’m not accusing him of being a bad person, Jett. But he’s human. For a while after little Darci died things were like a Deepfreeze around here. Claudia shut herself off from everybody.” She leveled a pointed look at Jett. “When a man is shut out, you don’t know where he might turn. That’s all I’m saying.”
Greta’s gossip sounded reasonable. But that’s all it was—gossip. “Greta, that’s all hearsay. And Orin doesn’t seem worried about finding anything out—he’s helping us find out the truth.”
Seeing he wasn’t taking her information to heart, Greta shrugged both shoulders. “We’re not dealing with the law here. Just regular folks. But you go ahead and think what you want. I’m just trying to help.”
Frowning, he asked, “Greta, do you have any concrete proof that either Bart or Orin had an affair?”
She didn’t hesitate to answer. “No.”
“Twenty-four years ago, do you recall seeing a pregnant woman around here?” he persisted. “Any pregnant woman?”
She thought long and hard before she said, “That’s a long time ago to remember something like that. But, no. I don’t recall any pregnant women around here. Except for Claudia when she and Orin had their last one, Bowie. But he’s twenty-three—that would’ve been later. And it’s dang sure Claudia didn’t give birth to Sassy. The woman rarely left this ranch for more than a day’s time.”
“I rest my case, Greta.”
With the box of food cradled in the crook of one arm, he started out the door, while behind him Greta snorted loudly.
“Hmph! You ain’t going to rest anything until you get to the bottom of this puzzle.”
Greta was right about that, Jett thought a few moments later, as he walked back down the hill to his office. He wasn’t going to rest until he found the truth. But what was that truth going to do to Sassy? Would it take her away from him?
He wasn’t ready to say goodbye to Sassy yet. He wasn’t sure he’d ever be ready to say goodbye to her. Did that mean he was ready to love again?
The question put a bitter taste on his tongue. He wasn’t sure he’d ever felt that emotion or if he ever could. The only thing he was certain about was that he was feeling something for Sassy, and that “something” wasn’t nearly as simple as old-fashioned lust.
Chapter Nine
A
week after that humiliating incident on the sidewalk in front of the Health Department, Sassy was still suffering from bouts of severe nausea that kept her mostly confined to bed. Four days ago, she’d given in to Jett’s suggestion and allowed him to make an appointment for her with a local obstetrician, and yesterday he’d accompanied her to the doctor’s office for the health visit.
Since she wasn’t certain about the length of her stay here in Nevada, she’d been reluctant to start prenatal care with one doctor, then have to change in midstream when she returned to New Mexico. But the young doctor had assured her that she’d done the smart thing by coming to him. After a long, thorough exam, he’d pronounced her and the baby physically fit and prescribed a safe medication to help her get through the bouts of nausea. So far it was helping, but she was still weak and a bit queasy, so Jett was insisting she remain in bed until the medication took full effect. Sassy felt awful about the inconvenience she was causing, especially since Jett had been trying to do his legal work out of the house so that he could remain close and take care of her. Not being in his office on the Silver Horn was causing him extra work, but he wouldn’t hear of leaving her alone.
Now she wondered what he was thinking. Was he getting tired of being tied to a sick woman? He’d mentioned before that his ex-wife had been the fragile and needy sort, and the issue of her mental and physical state had caused their marriage to deteriorate. Had Sassy’s illness already caused him to lose his desire for her? Perhaps seeing her pale and miserable had made him have second thoughts? These past few days he’d been very caring, but distant somehow, and that troubled her greatly.
A slight rap on the door had her turning her gaze away from the window to see Jett entering the room carrying a tray. This evening, he looked weary, and that made her feel even more guilty.
“I didn’t realize it was already time for dinner,” she said.
Easing down on the side of the bed, he placed the tray on the nightstand, then reached to help her prop the pillows behind her back.
He smiled faintly. “That’s nice of you to call a cold sandwich ‘dinner.’”
“The doctor said cold sandwiches were better for a queasy stomach than something hot. And I have to agree they seem to settle in my stomach better.”
“Do you feel like eating this evening?”
“Actually, I do. I’m feeling much better. I even think I’ll be able to be up and about tomorrow. So you’ll be free to go on to the Silver Horn and work out of your office,” she said happily.
“We’ll see. I don’t want you to rush.”
She curled her fingers over his forearm. “I’ve already upset your work schedule too much. I’ll be fine. I promise.”
His gaze carefully scanned her face. “Let me worry about my schedule, Sassy. I want you and the baby to be well.”
Her eyes suddenly glowing, she squeezed his arm. “The baby is fine, Jett. Earlier today I thought I felt it move. It’s probably too early in my pregnancy for that, but the fluttery feeling reassured me anyway.”
“Sassy,” he said softly, then reached over and placed a protective hand over her lower belly. “I’m sorry the pregnancy has made you so sick.”
She dismissed his words with a wave of her hand. “Shoot, Jett, if a girl can’t take a bit of nausea, then she’s pretty wimpy. I’m already getting over this little hiccup and I’ve got my eyes on the prize.”
A slow smile spread across his face. “You’re incredible.
She said, “I hope you mean that in a good way.”
“In a very good way.” He pulled his hand away from her belly. “I’ve been wondering about something, Sassy. You’ve already told me that you don’t have any family, but what about Barry’s? Have you told them about the baby?”
She wondered if the lawyer in him was asking, or if he was simply interested as a man. “Barry’s family split up years ago when his parents divorced. The only one he was close to was his father, Douglas. I plan to contact him when it’s time for the baby to arrive.”
His expression turned thoughtful. “That’s good. The baby will have one grandfather, at least.”
Sensing something else was on his mind, she asked, “Jett, are you— Have you heard something about the DNA test?”
Shaking his head, he picked up the tray of food and placed it across her lap. “No. Don’t think about the test right now. Just eat and get well. That’s all that really matters.”
* * *
Much to Sassy’s relief, the next morning she was feeling like her old self and was able to eat breakfast with Bella and Jett. She also managed to convince him to go to his office on the Silver Horn, and later that morning, when she was finally alone in the house, she called the Chaparral and gave Frankie the news about the coming baby. After the woman got past the initial shock, Frankie seemed very happy for Sassy and reminded her several times that the Cantrells would always be there to help and support her in any way they could. Sassy didn’t hint at when she might be returning to New Mexico and her old job, and surprisingly, Frankie didn’t prod her about it. Perhaps the other woman could sense that Sassy’s life was taking a new and different turn, and they all needed to wait and see what the DNA test revealed.
For the remainder of the day, she texted some friends and caught up on news as she tried not to think about the DNA test or that Orin and Jett were searching through old family records, something he’d told her about this morning before he’d left for work. Compared to her feelings for Jett, learning her family identity was secondary now. She wasn’t exactly sure when she’d come to that conclusion or what she should even do about it. Jett’s heart wasn’t ready for love or marriage. And she wasn’t going to settle for less.
* * *
By the next afternoon, Sassy felt so good she was imbued with energy, and the need to get out and breathe fresh air had her donning a coat and leaving the house she’d been cooped up in for too many days. She and the two collies were walking along a cattle trail just north and west of the ranch house, soaking in the sunshine and sage-scented air when the sound of a vehicle caught Sassy’s attention.
Shading her eyes with one hand, she looked up to see Jett’s old work truck barreling toward her. A pair of startled sage grouse scattered out of its path, while a cloud of dust followed in its wake.
The man was certainly in a hurry, she decided, as she and the dogs stopped on the trail and waited for him to pull alongside her.
Before the driver’s window was more than halfway down, he called out to her. “Sassy, what are you doing way out here?”
She strode up to the truck door. “Hello to you, too.”
He blew out a breath of relief. “You had me worried. I was on the verge of calling Evan to tell him that the sheriff’s department needed to start a search for you!”
Sassy rolled her eyes. “Honestly, Jett. I can almost see the ranch house from here. Besides, Mary and Max certainly know their way back home. Were you really worried that I was lost or something?”
Lifting the battered gray hat from his head, he thrust a hand through his hair, and Sassy could see he was struggling to collect himself.
“You didn’t leave a note. I had no idea if you’d left with someone or walked away from the house and collapsed! You’re just now starting to feel normal again.”
Seeing the genuine worry on his face, she said, “I’m sorry I worried you, Jett. You and Bella never get home this early. I didn’t write a note because I thought I’d be back to the house long before you arrived.”
He shook his head. “Okay. No harm done. Climb in and I’ll give you a ride.”
She lowered the tailgate on the truck to allow the dogs to jump in before she climbed into the passenger seat and strapped herself in. As soon as she was settled, he pointed the truck toward home.
“I didn’t see you at breakfast. I figured you were still sick,” he said.
She smiled with happy relief. “Actually, I didn’t miss breakfast because I was sick. For the first morning in days I didn’t wake up nauseated. I was sound asleep. This afternoon I felt so good I couldn’t stay cooped up in the house.”
His lips twitched, but whether it was with a smile or frown, the movement was too faint to discern. Either way, it didn’t matter. Just having the chance to drink in his masculine profile was pure delight.
“The day you made the feeding rounds with me, I could tell you were enjoying being outdoors. When you talked about learning about ranching, though, I never imagined you literally hiked through cow pastures.”
She laughed softly. “Hike or ride a horse. I do both. On the Chaparral there’re lots of mountain trails on the ranch and sometimes Frankie rides with me. She’s an excellent horsewoman. I’m just a novice, but I am learning to handle a horse pretty well. And in the summer I always make a vegetable garden and donate most of the produce to the needy. Leyla, Frankie’s cook, is a good friend and we work the garden together. Plus, I like to grow flowers. All kinds of flowers. Oh, and I play on a summer-league softball team, too. And I like to fish and camp. What about you?”
Chuckling, he shook his head. “I’m out of breath just listening to all that.”
“Seriously, Jett, I’m not sure you do anything for fun. Other than the day we went to Reno, all I’ve ever seen you do is work. Don’t you have a hobby? Or things you like to do just for amusement?”
“Ranching is fun to me.”
“That’s good to hear. Otherwise I don’t think you’d have any fun at all.”
He darted a glance at her. “That’s important to you, isn’t it? Having fun?”
There was a note of disapproval in his voice, as though he considered doing enjoyable things a frivolous waste of time. His attitude irked her, but she tried not to let it show. “If you can’t find a bit of fun in life, then what’s the point, Jett?”
“Hmm. I probably seem like an old stuffed shirt to you. And perhaps I am. But a person changes after—”
When he didn’t finish, she said, “After he gets knocked down. Yes, I know the feeling very well, Jett. But I don’t plan to let anything keep me down.”
“That’s easier said than done, Sassy.”
“There’s nothing easy about it. In fact, it’s really hard. That’s what it is. But you and I are cut from different cloth, Jett. I was raised poor, and though I’d like to further my education, I’ve not had a chance to do it yet. I’ve never owned much of anything, so I hardly have to worry about losing my assets. But I don’t have to party to enjoy myself. I find fun in simple things—like riding a horse or watching my zinnias grow. You say your fun is ranching, but is that because you love doing it, or because you love the money it puts in your bank account?”
He braked the truck to a stop near the barn door and turned an annoyed look on her. “Do you realize how insulting that long-winded speech was to me?”
“It wasn’t meant to pacify you,” she said bluntly, then quickly climbed out of the truck and headed toward the house.
After letting the dogs out of the truck bed, Jett followed close on her heels, but said nothing until they entered the house and the scent of cooking food met them at the kitchen door.
“What’s that I smell?”
“Supper. It should be done in about thirty minutes.”
Removing her coat, she hung the garment on the hall tree standing near the door, then used her hands to tame the wisps of hair that had loosened from her ponytail.
“You can cook? I mean more than frying an egg or making toast?”
Laughing at his amazed reaction, she turned to see he’d walked over to the oven and was peeking inside at the bubbling enchilada casserole.
“Sure I can,” she answered as she walked over to the sink to rinse her hands. “I am a woman.”
He walked over to where she stood, and Sassy was instantly reminded that it had been several days since he’d touched her in an intimate way. And now she longed to lay her hands upon his chest, to lift her mouth up to his.
She’d sworn to him that she wouldn’t succumb to his kisses. That she wouldn’t have sex with him unless love was his motive. But what about her own motives? Was she beginning to love this man?
He said, “Being a woman doesn’t automatically make you a cook. Erica struggled to heat a can of soup.”
Shrugging, she fought to rein in the erotic thoughts zipping through her head. “I’ve lived alone for a long time. Necessity forced me to learn how to cook. And this evening, because I’m feeling so much better, I wanted to give you and Bella a break from fixing dinner.”
A soft light warmed his brown eyes while a sheepish smile crossed his face. “I’m sorry if I sounded cross earlier,” he said gently. “I was worried, that’s all.”
Her heart was suddenly pounding, yearning to touch him. “And I’m sorry that I worried you.”
Lifting a hand, he smoothed fingertips along her cheekbone. “The color is back in your face. That makes me happy, Sassy.”
“Thank you for taking care of me,” she whispered.
He didn’t say anything, and as she gazed back at him she could feel electricity building between them, threatening to spark at the slightest movement.
“Sassy—”
Before he could say more, the cell phone attached to his belt rang. With a heavy sigh, he turned away and answered the call. “What’s wrong?” he asked the person on the other end of the connection. “Are you having car trouble or something?”
There was a long pause and then he said, “Oh. I see. So how long will you be down there? And what about clothes and things?”
Another pause, and then he said, “All right. Stay in touch. We’ll see you when you get back.”
He ended the call and turned back to Sassy. “That was Bella. She won’t be coming home this evening. She and her boss are leaving for Las Vegas in about an hour. They’ll be down there for a few days. Maybe a week. Something to do with a case he’s been handling.”
That meant she and Jett would be alone in the house. Together. The mere thought made her tremble with a mixture of alarm and excitement.
“I didn’t see her leave with any bags this morning. Won’t she need her clothes and things to take with her?”
“She said she had enough things stored there at the office to get by with. And, knowing Bella, she’ll use the trip as an excuse for shopping.”