Harlequin American Romance October 2013 Bundle: Twins Under the Christmas Tree\Big Sky Christmas\Her Wyoming Hero\A Rancher's Christmas (48 page)

Kit clasped her hands beneath the table. “It's enough.”

“That's what I thought.” He got to his feet.

“Where are you going?” she asked jerkily.

“To take that hike.”

“I didn't mean to be rude to you.”

“I know that. I've asked you something that's none of my business and took the risk because I care what happens to you and Andy. Get a good sleep.” He started for the door.

“Don't go yet. Please—”

He stood there rubbing the back of his neck. “I only asked because after ten years of marriage, I would have assumed you had enough money saved to keep you going a lot longer than that.”

She let out a small moan. “Nothing about my marriage was conventional. I wasn't allowed to work. That was unheard of for a Wentworth. Since I earned no money, I was dependent on Winn and his father for everything.”

Incredulous, he moved closer to her. “So what you're saying is, you had no discretionary income if you wanted to buy something for you or Andy without their approval?”

“That's what I'm saying.”

The silence that followed was deafening.

Ross stared down at her, appalled by the revelation. “Where's the money your husband made while he was in the service?”

“Winn's military pay was always funneled into a special investment I couldn't touch.”

His dark brown eyes searched hers. “So, how do you have any money at all?”

“At my grandmother's death, she willed me her books and the $3,000 she had in her savings account. I had it invested in a CD money account that grew interest before I met Winn. He didn't know about it. Four days ago I drew out $10,000.”

He hooked the leg of the chair and sat down. “Throughout your entire marriage, you had no money that you could actually handle yourself?”

“That's right.”

“So without that CD, you'd have nothing?” She felt his quiet anger.

“I know it sounds incredible. Winn and his father did it to prevent me from leaving with Andy. They never knew about my grandmother's money. I never touched it because I knew that one day I'd need it. When your invitation from the ranch came, I decided it was our passport to a new life.”

“How did you get access to the money? Wouldn't they know if you went to Point Judith to get it?”

“Yes. When Nila knew about my plans, she came to Bar Harbor on the pretext of visiting her mother and gave me some money to help me. After Andy and I flew from Norway, we landed in Providence, Rhode Island. I rented a car and we drove to the bank in Point Judith where I withdrew my money.

“I asked the bank to write me a cashier's check, then we returned to Providence for the rest of our flight out here. That's one of the reasons Andy was extra tired. The poor guy had to endure too many plane trips in one day.”

Her story was so unbelievable, she couldn't have made it up. “You still have that check on you?”

“Yes. I plan to deposit it in a bank in Galveston and pay Nila back.”

Lines darkened his features so she hardly recognized him. “I'm still trying to get my head around the fact that you lived ten years at the mercy of your husband's family. How did it work?”

“Between Winn and Charles, they paid for everything I needed.”

“And they decided
what
you needed,
when
you needed it?”

At this point Kit stood up. “Yes.” She couldn't look at him.

“And you're going to Galveston to start a new life with only $10,000?”

“Minus the $1500 I have to repay Nila for taxi money and our airline tickets. I also have the diamond ring Winn gave me. It's the only piece of jewelry I possess. It was appraised at $18,000. I plan to sell it when I get there.”

His mouth had thinned to a white line. “I'm afraid you won't get half of what it's worth if you try to sell it. There are other benefits that should be coming to you because of his years in the military.”

“I know, but I haven't seen them. Charles goes through all the incoming mail first.”

Kit heard him suck in his breath. “You need an attorney to bring a lawsuit in order to claim the investments your husband made throughout your marriage. That money, maybe all or a portion of it, is legally yours. Whatever the amount, you need it to help you get established in Texas or anywhere else.”

“I can't count on it,” she said. “I imagine Winn made an airtight will with his father's help. Any of that money will go to Andy when he comes of age. But Charles has never discussed it with me, nor would he.”

By now Ross was on his feet once more. “Were you married in Rhode Island?”

“Yes, in a civil ceremony at the courthouse.”

“That might have some bearing on your case. An attorney will know the probate laws for Maine and Rhode Island. Through discovery you'll find out the facts and go from there.”

“I can't afford one.”

His eyes studied her with an intensity that shook her. “I know an attorney who will take your case. It's the only way for you and Andy to receive what's rightfully yours.”

“I appreciate your concern, Ross.” She loved him for it. “He must be some kind of lawyer to take on my father-in-law's empire. But when you sent that letter inviting us to the ranch, I know for a fact your good will didn't extend to engaging legal counsel worth thousands of dollars to help out a stranger.” Kit wished her voice wouldn't tremble. “You and I both know what it would take.”

“For a fallen veteran's wife and child, this attorney would work out a plan that will be feasible and mutually beneficial. All I have to do is give him a call.”

“Is there no end to your goodness?” She leaned forward to kiss his cheek. “The truth is, after Winn died I made up my mind that Andy and I would leave with the clothes on our backs, my paltry savings and never look back. I've witnessed the way Charles treats people when they oppose him. I want no part of it.”

“Kit—”
he whispered with urgency.

The pathos she felt from him was too much to handle. “Have you forgotten what
you
did? You left for the military with the clothes on your back and nothing else. Look at you now! You've made a whole new life for yourself and have become a rancher. Buck left his father's business to do the same thing. You and your partners are making it on hard work and faith despite your chronic health concerns. That's what I intend to do.”

His hands formed fists at his side. “But I didn't have a child dependent on me.”

“Millions of other people do, and they still make their own way no matter how hard and unfair. When my parents were killed, they'd been living paycheck to paycheck and only left a small insurance policy.

“My grandmother had to take over my support when she was already living in a rented house on a meager fixed income. My grandfather's pension barely covered the necessities. But she did it, and I was given a wonderful life!

“Now it's my turn to do the same thing for Andy, and
I'm
going to do it. After I told Florence I was leaving she said, and I quote, ‘You have no skills, no resources. Nothing. How can you possibly care for our grandson?'

“Well, I'm going to show her how. I'm actually quite excited about it. I never want to be beholden to anyone again for my welfare. Thank you for your willingness to find me an attorney, but it isn't needed.”

“What they've done to you is morally wrong.”

“I know you can't comprehend it because you're such an honorable man, but please don't be outraged for my sake. It's all water under the bridge and has been for years.” Putting on her best face, she said, “Andy and I are looking forward to the campout. When do you plan to leave?”

“Midmorning after I've assembled all our gear.”

“We'll be packed and ready.” She walked him to the door and opened it. There would be no repeat of what had happened earlier when he'd kissed her until she thought she might faint. “Good night, Ross.”

* * *

R
OSS
DROVE
TO
the rear entrance of the ranch house to park, troubled by so many things, but most of all for one statement she'd made.
I never want to be beholden to anyone again for my welfare.

How far had she thought it through? Did that mean she was ruling out ever getting married again?
Could you blame her, Livingston?

Once inside, he headed for his bedroom. It was ten-thirty, but he had a vital phone call to make to Sam Donovan in Houston. He disliked bothering anyone this late, but it was an emergency.

After the speech she obviously hadn't planned to make until he'd forced it, Ross felt gutted. Talk about ten years of being in a velvet-lined prison. It pained him what she'd had to live through.

Pleased that he'd reached Sam, Ross didn't waste any time explaining the reason for his call.

“What an astonishing story. I think Charles Wentworth has been off his rocker for a long time. Don't worry about this. I'll do some preliminary groundwork first thing in the morning and see what I come up with. Without looking into the matter of a will and funds due the spouse, here's what I can tell you up front.

“The death gratuity payment is $100,000 for those who died of hostile actions and occurred in a designated combat operation or combat zone or while training for combat or performing hazardous duty. Their lawful surviving spouse is the first in order to receive payment by the CAR assigned to the reporting or assistance base within twenty-four hours of the member's death.”

Ross bit down so hard, he almost cracked a tooth. “Kit never saw one dime of that payment. Charles has defrauded her in that area alone.”

“She's definitely got a case, even without looking into the existence of a will. If you can talk her into filing a suit, I believe she'll recover a great deal more money. Unfortunately, this is Charles Wentworth we're talking about. He won't play by the rules.”

Ross coughed. “I know. My father never did, either.”

“That's a fact.”

“It's why I'm appealing to you.”

“I appreciate that. As soon as I know anything, I'll get back to you. It's an honor for me to do something really important for a retired marine who served our country with distinction. I've always been very proud of you. In my opinion, you're the finest Livingston of them all.”

Ross hardly knew what to say. “Those words mean the world to me. Thank you.”

“You're welcome. We'll stay in close touch.”

With that accomplished, he hung up and took a shower. Anything to help relax him after the horrific revelations Kit had unfolded to him earlier. Otherwise sleep wouldn't come for a while.

Before getting under the covers, he checked his phone messages. One was left by Millie Sands, a forest ranger he'd taken to dinner last month. She wanted to know if he'd like to go to a party with him on Saturday night. He left her a message telling her he had another commitment, but thanked her and told her he'd talk to her soon.

The other message was from his sister Georgianna. She told him to call her back no matter how late, but that it wasn't an emergency. Wondering what it was all about, he phoned her now, knowing he'd be too busy in the morning getting ready for the campout.

“Hey, Georgie Porgie—” He hadn't talked to her in several weeks.

“
Ross—
At last! I've been waiting hours!”

She hadn't phoned more than a half hour ago, but he didn't take issue with his dramatic sister. He hadn't seen her since March when he'd flown home from Walter Reed before coming here. “How's Doug?”

“He's fine. We both are.”

“Where is he?”

“Busy flying all over Texas with Scott and Mom and the staff to help Dad on the campaign trail. I'm with them, too, but broke away long enough to phone you. Ross—you've got to come back home. The election's in November. Dad needs you. You promised him that when the summer was over, you'd give up this ranching idea.”

Ross coughed and shook his head. “I never promised him.”

“But you told him you'd think about it.”

“No. That was simply wishful thinking on his part and you know it. He'll never change.”

“I know,” she admitted.

At twenty-two she'd been crowned Miss Bluebonnet of Texas. That was three years ago. With glistening black hair and blue eyes the color of the famous Texas flower, she was a real beauty like their society mother.

“Did you know Amanda is still waiting for you to come home and marry her?”

“Is
that
what this call is all about?”

“Don't get mad. She's gorgeous and you're already thirty-one. Dad says it's time you were married.”

If his sister ever got a look at Kit, then she'd know what gorgeous was.

“Dad was saying that to me eight years ago,” he teased. “If I'd been in love with her, I wouldn't have gone into the marines.”

“Why
did
you go? Don't you think it's time you leveled with me?”

He closed his eyes. “If I told you the truth, you'd be offended and hurt. I don't want to do that to you.”

“It's because Dad's a politician and you aren't. Right?”

“He thrives on that rat race all right, but that's not the reason I went into the military.” Ross took a deep breath. “I wonder if you're capable of handling the truth.”

“Thank you very much, brother dear.”

“I didn't mean that the way it sounded.”

“I know you think I'm some empty headed has-been beauty queen who has no substance.”

Kit had accused him of thinking the same thing about her. Meeting Kit had given him new insights.

“You know better than that.” The hurt in Georgianna's voice decided him to be honest. He confided the secrets of his life to her, leaving little out. When he'd finished, he heard her crying.