Harlequin American Romance October 2013 Bundle: Twins Under the Christmas Tree\Big Sky Christmas\Her Wyoming Hero\A Rancher's Christmas (49 page)

“I had no idea, Ross. No idea at all. I love you that much more for being strong enough to be your own person. I just wish you didn't live so far away from Houston. I missed you so terribly when you left home.”

She was a sweetie. Always had been.

“I've missed you, too. Those words mean everything to me, Georgie. Naturally I want Dad to be successful, but that life isn't for me.”

“I get that now.” She sniffed. “Have you ever told our parents what you've told me?”

“No. After I made the decision to leave Harvard, I simply explained that I wanted to serve our country and nothing could persuade me otherwise. They couldn't argue with that because it was for a good cause.”

“But you came back with that awful coughing disease. It almost killed all of us.”

“Just remember that I'm alive and doing so much better than I was back in March. They know that because I talk to them once a month.”

“Ross? Do you mind if I talk to them and try to help them understand?”

“You can if you want, but it won't do any good. I've got big plans for this ranch, honey.”

That well had to be a producer! If he hadn't joined up with Carson and Buck, he would never have met Kit. “When they've come to fruition, I'll invite all of you here. Maybe when they see my life, they'll begin to understand.”

“I hope so. Before we hang up, just tell me one thing. Is there a special woman in your life yet?”

He'd been honest with his sister about his past. Why not go all the way? “There could be.”

“Only could?”

Ross gripped the phone tighter. “It's early days yet.” He had his work cut out to convince her they belonged together.

“Can you tell me anything about her? I'll keep it a secret. I just want to know because I love you so much and can't bear for you not to have someone wonderful in your life.”

Maybe he'd changed, or maybe she'd just grown more empathetic. Maybe it was a combination of both. Whatever the reason, he felt like confiding in her. “She's a widow with a nine-year-old boy.”

A slight gasp escaped. “She has to be one of the mothers you invited to the dude ranch.”

“That's right. You'd like her and Andy a lot.”

Quiet reigned on her end for a full minute. “Then I'm going to hope it works out. I'd love to meet her.”

“Maybe one day I'll bring her and Andy to Houston to meet my family.”

“You deserve a great love, Ross. Call me if you ever need to talk. I love you.”

“I love you, too. We'll keep in closer touch from now on. I promise.”

“I'd like that more than anything. Bye for now.”

He rang off and buried his head in the pillow. By the time they got back from the campout, he needed to have convinced Kit not to leave for Texas because there was something much more important waiting for her right here.

She had her heart set on owning a bookstore. He understood that. He also understood that her best friend lived in Galveston. But why not choose a town closer to the ranch where they could see each other, like Jackson or Afton?

Ignited by that idea, he got out of bed and went over to the desk for his laptop. After carrying it back to the bed, he lay down on his stomach and started checking some real estate websites for the sale of commercial businesses. For a half hour he pored over the information and found several possibilities that could be converted. He also noted twelve small bookstores existing in the two towns. Someone might want to sell, or at least hire her.

In the morning he'd go downstairs and print off what he'd found. At the right moment he'd show the results to Kit and ask her to think about it. The possibility that she'd be leaving Jackson for good was insupportable to him.

Ever since she'd mentioned Galveston, it had been in the back of his mind that the beach pad would be the perfect safe house for them in a protected environment. Her son needed normalcy with friends and school and all that went to make up his child's world.

The problem was, she would never accept charity from him, and he wouldn't let her live there without him. His life was here.

The next best thing would be for him to fly down there twice a month and stay at his beach pad so he could see them. A long-distance relationship was the last thing he wanted, but he'd do it if he had to. She was that important to him.

But are you that important to her, Livingston?
That was the big question, the one that haunted him until he knew no more.

Chapter Nine

“Everybody ready to roll?” Kit and the children had assembled at the rear of the ranch house with Ross.

“Yes!” the kids cried in unison. Their excitement was contagious.

“Have you got your cameras? Sunscreen? Candy?”

“Yes!”

“Is Fred with us?”

“No!” Johnny blurted before breaking into laughter.

“That's a relief.”

Ross grinned at Kit. He'd just packed up the truck with all the camping equipment they'd need. She decided to sit in the truck bed with the children while they drove through the forest, but she couldn't help sneaking glances at his hard-muscled frame as he moved around checking everything. His gaze caught her looking at him several times, causing her pulse to race.

His partners and their wives would drive up to sleep over and bring dinner. For now, Kit and Ross were in charge. She felt the heavy responsibility, but she had Ross with her to share it. He was amazing.

“Remember, guys. There's going to be a summer storm in the early afternoon, but it will pass. If anyone wants to stay home, let me know now.”

Kit saw the children look at each other, but no one spoke up.

He walked over to Jenny. “How about you? Are you nervous, honey?”

No one was more caring than Ross. Kit's admiration for him just kept growing.

“A little,” she answered honestly, “but I still want to come.”

“I get a little scared, too,” Kit confided. “We'll sit and watch it together until it's over. How does that sound?”

“Good.” Jenny smiled.

“Isn't anyone worried about me? I'm going to get lonely in the cab all by myself.”

“Mom—why don't you sit with Ross?”

Warmth crept into her cheeks. Andy had a little imp in him. He was learning it from Johnny. The two of them had been doing more talking. No doubt plotting.

“I promised to sit back here and make sure you children are all right.”

“I guess that's that, then!” Ross sent her a look that warned her there'd be a penalty. A curl of excitement ran through her. “So we're off with a Hi-yo, Silver!”

With that comment they all laughed. It sparked a conversation about the Lone Ranger and Hopalong Cassidy.

He drove away from the ranch house and took the road they'd traveled yesterday. There were more clouds in the sky, but it was still a beautiful day. It wasn't hard to pretend they were a family out for an adventure. Kit didn't want any of it to end. For today she'd simply enjoy the delights of being with Ross in this little part of heaven.

Along the way he stopped the truck at an overlook. Here they got out to take pictures and enjoy a sweeping view of Jackson Hole and the panorama of the spectacular Tetons. With the fast-moving clouds gathering, it took her breath.

They eventually drove on and started climbing through the pines. The higher they drove, the darker it became because of the towering trees and the approaching storm. A change in the weather added a mysterious element to the landscape the children could feel as they gazed about in wonder. She heard thunder rumble in the distance. Before she could say anything, Ross stopped the truck and got out.

“This storm's going to be exciting. Let's get you inside the cab while I throw the tarp over the back.” He reached for Jenny. “Down you go, honey.” The boys climbed out.

Ross's eyes lifted to hers. “You last,” he said as the children scrambled inside the truck. With effortless strength he lifted her out, crushing her against his hard body. Before he let her feet touch the ground he kissed her on the mouth.

“That wasn't fair,” she whispered shakily.

“I don't always play fair. You're going to find out all sorts of things about me this trip.”

On legs weak as water, she walked to the back door. “Andy? If you'll ride in front with Ross, I'll sit back here between Jenny and Johnny.”

“Okay.” He sounded happy about it.

In a minute Ross joined them, and they started on their way again. Around another curve and they came out of the trees just as the sky lit up.

“Whoa!” Johnny cried. “That lightning was close.”

“It's really far away,” Ross said over his shoulder, “but it's so bright it's like daylight.”

Kit put her arms around both children. “This is exciting being together like this.” More lightning flashes lit their way up the mountain as they wound in and out of the trees. The thunder cracked and shook the ground.

“Pretty spectacular, huh?” He reached over to rub Andy's head. “This makes the Fourth of July fireworks look like a couple of candles on a birthday cake.”

His comment made everyone laugh. “We need some heat if we're going to enjoy the show.” He turned it on and they kept going. Under normal weather conditions, it wouldn't be dark till nightfall, but the thunderheads were moving in fast, blocking out the light. “We're almost to the meadow. This is better than going to an outdoor movie.”

Andy turned to Ross. “I've never been to one. Is it fun?”

“Yup. Especially when I could drive and take a girlfriend.”

What would it have been like to be his girlfriend? Kit would never know and needed to put him out of her mind, but the kiss he'd given her was still on her lips, making that impossible.

“I would have loved to take you to one, honey, but we know why I didn't.”

“Yeah. I know.”

“When my grandmother was alive, she drove us to the drive-in between Providence and Woonsocket. That was one of our favorite things to do. We'd buy treats, and she'd let me sit on the hood of the car with a blanket and pillow to watch the movie.”

“I want to do that.”

“We will,” Ross declared. “One of these days we'll take a balloon ride to Cody and go to the outdoor movie there in a rental car.”

Kit wished he wouldn't say things like that to Andy when he knew her plans.

“Can we?” Andy cried.

“Can we go, too?” the other kids asked.

“I don't see why not.” When Ross looked at Kit through the rearview mirror, it was like one of those lightning bolts spiking the atmosphere had just gone through her.

Suddenly there was another flash that illuminated the forest. In that instant they caught sight of an enormous elk with an even more enormous rack of antlers crossing the road.

“Ross!” Johnny cried. “Did you see that?”

“It's the same one I took a picture of last month. That's the granddaddy you've been dying to see. He must be nine feet from nose to rump and sure gets around. Wait till you tell your dad you finally saw him.”

Johnny bounced up and down on the seat in reaction. Just then another giant thunderclap shook the ground. Andy let out a yelp that caused Ross to laugh. “We're perfectly safe.”

Ross brought the truck to the edge of the clearing but still under the dense shelter of the trees. For the next little while they huddled together to watch nature's show. Ross passed out licorice for everyone. When the hail came down the size of marbles, it filled up the windshield and covered the ground. Soon it was followed by a downpour of rain that drowned out every other sound.

“Now you know how people felt who got in the ark with Noah.”

“Would
you
have gone in it, Ross?”

“I'd like to think so, Andy.”

“Me, too.”

“Me, too,” Kit echoed with the other children. “Can you believe that at this time yesterday there wasn't a cloud in the sky? The quick changes in weather are a constant source of wonder to me. I can see why you love it here so much. It's like the earth has been baptized. There's no place like it.”

Ross turned in the seat so he could look back at her. “Certainly not in Texas.”

“Not in Maine either,” Andy piped up, sounding very grown up just then.

Both comments disturbed her in more ways than one.

In a few minutes the rain turned to drizzle. “The storm has passed over us. Pretty soon the sun will be peeking out of the clouds again. Keep watching for the elk.”

They all kept their eyes peeled. “I can't see him,” Johnny complained.

“He's probably sought shelter under a big pine by now where it's dry and he can eat.”

“What does he eat?” Andy wanted to know.

Ross let out a cough. “Grass and low-growing plants, about twelve pounds a day.”

“Twelve?”

“Yup, and ten gallons of water.”

“My daddy says an elk has four stomachs,” Jenny informed them.

“Whoa!”

“Can we get out now, Uncle Ross?” Johnny was getting restless. “The rain has stopped.”

“You can as soon as I drive out into the clearing. After I remove the tarp, we'll eat sandwiches and go for a hike.”

* * *

I
T
HAD
BEEN
a day to remember. That evening Ross's partners arrived in the Jeep with hot food because they'd dispensed with the idea of building a bonfire. Ross couldn't recall ever having this much fun. Everyone pitched in before going to bed. All food had been put away in the bear locker in Carson's Jeep parked away from them.

While Kit talked with the girls, it was Andy who worked right alongside him like a buddy as they erected the last of the three-man tents.

“Here. Have some more licorice on me.”

“Thanks. I wish—” Suddenly he stopped talking.

“What do you wish, Andy?” he prodded.

“Oh, nothing.”

“That didn't sound like nothing to me. Tell me what's on your mind.”

The boy averted his eyes. “I wish Mom would buy a bookstore in Jackson. Then we wouldn't have to move to Texas.”

Ross had to fight his sudden rush of adrenaline. The papers he'd printed out early that morning were burning a hole in his back pocket. “Texas isn't a bad place. I grew up there.”

“Yeah, but I don't know anybody there.”

“I thought your mom said you were friends with Nila and her daughter.”

“I am, kind of, but I really like Johnny and Jenny.”

No one could help liking those two children. “I'm sure the idea of moving to a brand-new place makes you feel nervous. But just remember your mom loves you, and she's going to do everything she can to make you happy.”

“I know.” Andy helped him lay out the three sleeping bags. “Were you nervous when you came out here after the hospital?”

“Very nervous, but in a different way.” He coughed.

“How do you mean?”

“I'd already made friends with Carson and Buck, but I was afraid I might not be good at ranching. There was so much to learn.”

“You can do everything!”

“You know how to make a guy feel good, but you should have seen me in the beginning. Carson told me it was like he was teaching a kindergartner.”

Andy grinned. “He was just teasing.”

Kit's boy just kept growing on him. “I guess what I'm trying to say is, what if I didn't like it after I got here and then had to let the guys down because I didn't want to stay? It upset me so much that I might disappoint them, I didn't feel very good for a while.”

“But you love it now, right?”

Ross nodded. “More than anything in my whole life. Maybe that's how you'll feel about Galveston after you've been there a while.”

Andy didn't respond to that. “Do you miss Texas?”

“Let me put it this way. It's where I was born, and my family lives there, so it will always have a place in my heart. But as I told you before, I wasn't happy there. Do you think you're going to miss Bar Harbor?”

“Not now that my dad's gone.”

“I can understand that.”

“Mom says she's glad we're moving. I am, too, but I'd rather move here. I like it a lot. Johnny and Jenny told me they love it here more than anything and wouldn't ever want to leave.”

This ranch had a stranglehold on all of them.

“Have you told her how you really feel about all this, Andy?”

“I'm afraid to.”

“Why? She's not scary.” He turned on the Coleman lantern to make sure it worked. “You're her son, right? You always talk everything over, so why don't you tell her what's on your mind? All she can say is no.”

“But I don't want her to say no.”

He chuckled. “Maybe she'll surprise you. Today she kept saying how much she loved it here.”

“I know, but she's already made plans with Nila.”

“Plans can be changed. She hasn't bought a bookstore yet or paid money for an apartment.” Her money problems made him break out in a cold sweat. Maybe because of talking to Andy like this, Ross would be struck by one of those lightning bolts that had lit up the forest hours earlier, but he didn't care.

“I guess I could talk to her.”

“You've got time. You haven't even finished your whole vacation here yet. Maybe tomorrow night or the next when you're back at the cabin. I know she'll listen to you. She loves you to death.”

“I love her, too. You're going to sleep in here with us tonight, aren't you?”

Ross had been waiting for that invitation. He coughed. “I was planning on it, provided it's okay with your mom. Otherwise I'll sleep in the back of the truck. Have you ever camped out overnight before?”

“No. Once my dad took me sailing and we stayed out overnight.”

“Just the two of you?”

“No. Grandfather came, too, but he got seasick.”

“That's one memory I bet you'll never forget.”

They were both laughing when they heard,
“Knock, Knock.”
Kit lifted the tent flap and came in. “You were both in here so long, I wondered if you'd fallen asleep.”

“No,” Andy murmured.

Ross smiled. “We were just talking and time got away from us.”

“Everybody has gone to bed.”

“Then I'll leave the tent while you and Andy get ready.”