A Gathering of Memories (35 page)

“I will, thanks.”

Mandy saw the gesture for what it was: approval. She left Ross’ side and went on tiptoe to kiss Silas’ cheek. He hugged her close and then teased her about the coffee she was supposed to be bringing him.

Within minutes the kitchen was filled with Camerons, Nolans, Jacksons, and one Beckett. They were all waiting for coffee or hot chocolate. They were snitching the spice cake that was supposed to be enjoyed with the coffee, as well as the sliced apples that had been put on the table.

Becca plopped down in Ross’ lap and gave him bites of her apple. He kissed her cheek on one of those occasions and her little hand flew to that spot as she looked at him with adoring eyes.

Mandy was pleased to see that the man she loved was accepted and loved by her family. When Levi got a bigger piece of cake, Ross traded with Clovis to avoid an argument. It was a little thing really, but everyone noticed and appreciated his thoughtfulness. His eyes, when anyone spoke to him, were attentive and respectful, but no one could help notice the change in them when they turned to focus on Mandy.

They said she was the most wonderful, beautiful, desirable woman on earth and that he loved her. They said how important she was to him and that he cared for her happiness and welfare.

And Mandy’s eyes said no less to Ross. She looked at him as if he were the answer to her prayers. And as a life mate, he was.

The afternoon was wonderful, and Mandy and Ross parted with the promise that Ross would come for supper the next night. Mandy came close to forgetting to thank Aunt April and Uncle Chad for their hospitality, so mindful was she of Ross’ riding away.

Again everyone was tolerant and almost amused. It was quite obvious to all of them that Ross and Mandy had a future together.

Almost two weeks had passed, and every afternoon when Ross closed his office, he could be seen headed in the direction of the Cameron ranch. Ross and Mandy grew closer each time they were together, and Ross made mental plans to take Mandy home to meet his parents after Christmas. He admitted as much to Pete.

“Christmas? I thought you were in love with this girl.”

“I am.”

“Then what are you waiting for? I honestly thought we’d be having a Thanksgiving wedding around here, January at the latest.”

Ross looked thoughtful and then very pleased with himself. He slapped Pete on the shoulder. “Thanks, Pete. I need to go see Grandma Em. I’ll see you later.” Ross had only been gone for a few minutes when Pete answered a knock at the door.

“Hello, I’m looking for Ross Beckett.”

“Come in. He’s not here right now, but maybe there’s something I can do for you?”

“Who are you?”

“Peter Culver.” Pete’s hand went out and the men shook. “Ross and I live here together. And you are—”

“The name’s Brooks. I’ve come over from Reedsburg about my land.”

“Here it is, Ross.” Grandma Em held out a beautiful gold chain with a gold heart hanging from it, set with a small white pearl. Ross reached for it and smiled.

“Thanks for keeping it for me. I’m sure I would have lost it in the move.”

“You say it was your grandmother’s?”

“Yes. She’s no longer living but my mother will recognize it the first time she sees Amanda. You do think Amanda will like it, don’t you?” He looked so unsure that Grandma Em laughed.

“She’ll love it. Are you going to ask her tonight?”

“Yep. I hope she’ll have me.”

“Somehow I doubt you’ll have any trouble convincing her of your love.”

They smiled at each other, and Ross started for the front door when Pete stuck his head in.

“Sorry to intrude, Grandma Em, but I had to catch Ross.” Pete turned to him. “There’s a man here who I’m sure you’ll want to meet.”

“Come in, Peter, please,” Grandma Em said graciously.

She and Ross stood back as Pete entered with a man in his forties. Pete introduced the man as Larry Brooks of Reedsburg.

“I’m here about my land,” he said without preamble. “I need to see you and Aaron Marks to see if I can make this clear—
my land is not for sale!
”

“Clovis, Levi, I’ve asked you not to run through the house.” Amy’s voice checked their stride in the kitchen, but they ran again as soon as they were out of sight, calling back as they went, “Ross is here.”

“Ross?” Mandy and Amy looked at one another because it was a good two hours to supper. The boys had left the front
door wide open and were on the porch without coats when the women arrived on the scene.

“Boys, come in here,” Mandy called to them. They obeyed reluctantly and only because Ross was almost on the porch and bringing with him a visitor.

The men were welcomed inside, but before Ross could make any introductions, Mandy spoke.

“Hello, Mr. Brooks. It’s nice to see you.”

“Well, hello, young lady. You’re looking well.” He smiled, his eyes twinkling, as if they shared some private joke.

Introductions were then made. When she heard that Ross and Mr. Brooks were here on business, Amy sent the boys out to the barn for Silas.

By the time Silas arrived and met Mr. Brooks, the men had a map laid out on the dining room table along with legal papers, some familiar.

“I discovered the mistake just a few months ago when there was such sudden interest in my land. Marks contacted me, as did a lawyer in Reedsburg and you, too.” Larry Brooks pointed a finger at Ross.

“I would have come over here sooner, certainly before we had snow on the ground, but I’ve been sick and couldn’t get away. Not that it would have made any difference about this contract with Marks.” Mr. Brooks turned to Mandy and her siblings who were gathered close by.

“Your father was no family man, but I guess you already know that. But he loved you—I know he did. We talked on several occasions and my willingness to buy the land was, in his opinion, money in the bank. That money he always said, belonged to you kids and your mother.

“I guess that’s why I find it hard to believe Ward would sign the contract with Marks that Ross described to me. Not that I can do anything about it,” he said regretfully.

“The main reason I’m here is because I don’t like the way Marks does business. You see, he wrote to me. Asked about my land, said something about studying rocks or some such nonsense. Well, I thought it pretty harmless until a lawyer showed up at my door and said he was working for Aaron Marks and did I want to sell my property in Baxter. I could see the man was not satisfied with the answers I gave him about selling, and I found evidence the next day that someone had tried to break into my safe.

“I got sick a few days after that, or like I said, I’d have been over here much sooner.”

“But what’s the mistake you mentioned?” Mandy wanted to know.

“It’s here on the map, the original map. The boundaries on our properties are wrong. I actually own this section of land with the rock here.” He pointed to the map.

“Believe me, Mandy, I’d have never said a word if your folks were still alive, but I don’t trust Aaron Marks and I want to make sure he’s not building anything on my land.”

“Did you give him permission to be on your land at all?” Ross asked.

“No, I did not! His lawyer showed up before I could answer, and after the incident with the safe I wrote and told him
no
, my land is not for sale and to keep off it. I said it just that plainly, too!”

Ross looked over at the woman he loved to find her leaning over the map studying it intently. As though everyone in the room sensed her concentration, all were quiet. Some minutes went by before her attention swung to the dark windows and then to Mr. Brooks.

“Mr. Brooks, did Ross tell you about the letter my father sent to me just before he died?”

“He mentioned it, yes. Said you wished you could go to a rock he referred to and look around.”

“That’s right. We thought it was Aaron Marks’ land, but I don’t think it is.”

“Mandy, what have you discovered?” Carrie asked and touched her sister’s arm.

“I think butterfly rock is on the land Mr. Brooks says is lawfully his. And I want to go there in the morning.”

Ross let himself quietly into the house and made his way up the stairs. Pete, who had been in the kitchen, came out to call up to him.

“How did it go?”

“We’re headed out to the property in the morning.”

“And the question I suspect you were going to ask Mandy?”

Ross didn’t answer. Pete watched him lean against the stair wall, his look pensive.

“I know this needs to be worked out, Pete, and I’m really pleased that Brooks has come, but I was headed out there to declare myself and it’s just—”

“A letdown,” Pete finished for him, his voice compassionate. Ross nodded and Pete went on.

“I won’t say I know how you feel, Ross, but she’ll be there tomorrow or the next day or whenever the time is right. That girl is crazy about you, and I’m sure you’ll agree that she’s worth any amount of time you have to wait.”

Ross nodded, thanked his best friend and took himself off to bed.