A string of curses from Mitchell accompanied them out the door.
“Well, I’ll be jiggered,” Red exclaimed, scratching his head. “Didn’t expect that tonight.”
“Another loose end tied up,” Adam declared as he headed toward the door.
“Thank you for your time, gentlemen,” Red called as he followed Adam toward the door. “That’s it?”
“Unless there’s something else we need to investigate.” Adam headed toward the ranch house, contemplating the situation. Leonard had regained ownership of the ranch. The fellow who shot Pearson and stole from the safe had been arrested. Leonard’s and Willow’s names would be cleared. “I guess we just need to find Pearson now.”
“Yes, sir.” Red held the door for Adam. “One last little detail.”
“Not so little. I’d love to see him behind bars before we leave Texas.”
Red nodded. “Makes two of us.”
Adam couldn’t agree more. He wanted that despicable man in jail for years and years, the longer the better. Willow wouldn’t rest easy until she could be assured he’d be permanently out of their lives. Adam hoped she’d agree to accompany him back to Montana in order to distance herself from Pearson as far as possible, and ensure they never crossed paths ever again.
Chapter 30
August
Even in the stifling summer heat, Adam believed he and the others had accomplished a lot in the week since Leonard officially became owner of the ranch. While armed and on the lookout for Pearson, the Montana men hadn’t budged from the Circle H or even considered for a minute returning home. And after Daniel had worked diligently on finding the person responsible for the attempt on Pearson’s life, his brother had arrested the fellow last night.
Adam had heard from Jackson back in Montana yesterday. His brother sent another telegraph congratulating all of them on settling the matter of the will and returning the Harrisons as rightful new owners of their family ranch. Actually, Leonard had become sole owner. Adam fervently wished he’d explained that detail instead of leaving it until he returned home, as one troubling part of Jackson’s telegraph played over and over in his mind.
Davie handling things well. No need for Willow to return to the ranch.
Adam paced the floor in his bedroom on the Circle H. He kicked the chair he used when pulling on his boots, and it skidded across the plank floor like a rock on a frozen pond.
“Dammit, you fool. Don’t break your hosts’ furniture,” he scolded himself.
Perhaps all his worrying about whether or not Willow would return to Montana had been for naught. Especially if Jackson considered her employment terminated. Davie soaked up knowledge like a rag in a water bucket, but had the eager young man learned that much from Willow in the few weeks she’d spent on the Double M? Dang it anyway. Adam had been the one to encourage them to work together.
“Well, Jackson, that’s just too dang bad. I know the perfect new position for Willow on the Double M… Mrs. Adam McLennon.” He grabbed his pistol off the nightstand and stuck it in his holster. With Pearson still on the loose, everyone on the property but Joe was armed, and the dog would set up a ruckus if anyone showed up.
Adam exited his room and headed down to the kitchen, hoping to discover Willow helping Mrs. Griffith with breakfast before he had to head out and help Leonard and the other hands. Even Daniel and Sawyer had cleaned stalls and the like yesterday, and not surprisingly, both men had complained that keeping the peace won out over ranching any day. Adam couldn’t for the life of him understand their reasoning, but that left more fun for him and Leonard and Red.
“Good morning, Mrs. Griffith.” Adam glanced around the kitchen.
“She’s already in the study doing the book work. Don’t be bothering her,” Mrs. Griffith warned. “The others are out in the barns. You come back at eight with them for breakfast.”
Adam sighed and headed out the back door, bound for the horse barns. Mrs. Griffith ruled this ranch house with as strict a hand as Mrs. Sheridan ruled the family home on the Double M. He’d respect the woman’s wishes and leave Willow to her cyphering. Maybe he’d invite her to accompany him for a walk tonight when chores were done.
They’d made good progress on the beginning of the ranch restoration, and he and the others would be heading home soon. Daniel had confidence in the ranch hands’ ability to defend the ranch in case Pearson showed his face. What troubled Adam now… did Willow plan to return to Montana with him? Or did she intend to remain in Cactus Plains and help her brother restore the Circle H to its former glory?
Hell, maybe he should propose. That would settle the matter one way or the other. He swallowed hard and almost tripped over his own feet as he crossed the yard to the main barn. Will you marry me? He practiced the words in his mind.
What would he do if Willow’s answer was no?
* * *
For the past seven days, Willow had busied herself with setting the bookkeeping to rights while the men handled the business of caring for the Thoroughbred stock, following friendly advice from a neighboring rancher and the specific directions of the local vet. Willow had balked at first, wanting to work with the long-suffering horses, but her brother convinced her the bookkeeping required her immediate attention.
She hated to admit it, but her brother’s decision made sense. The depleted ranch accounts required a careful and thorough review in order to determine and report to the courts the extent of the theft by Pearson. Not that they would likely see a penny of it recouped. But the sum would be useful in properly allocating the funds Leonard had come into for replenishing purposes. Leonard insisted she retain her own funds for her personal use, but if Willow spotted a need for the money she would gladly forfeit it to benefit their family legacy.
This morning, she’d completed the tally and determined the sum Pearson had confiscated from the ranch accounts, but Leonard’s funds would easily cover the loss. Soon, the Circle H operation would be up and running and as sound as ever. Willow set her pen down and screwed the top back on her ink pot. She peeked at the clock on the desk. Two twenty. Enough for today.
She gazed out the window at the view overlooking the back yard from the study. Birds flitted from tree to tree and several people were working on the flowerbeds, pulling weeds enabling the plantings to blossom in their best light. One fellow was trimming overgrown shrubberies while another struggled to push a lawn mower through the foot-high grass. The weather seemed to have caused drought conditions this year. Judging by that fellow’s difficulty with the mower, had there been normal rain creating more splendid growth, they may have required the services of several goats instead. Willow crossed her arms and sighed, recalling how her father had loved this view from his office.
“Soon it will be as beautiful as ever, Father,” she whispered heavenward.
Mrs. Griffith and her newly hired help had restocked the pantries, and the house had been cleaned and polished from root cellar to attic. Willow had teared up, seeing her home returned to the original splendor she remembered since childhood. Her parents must have been rolling in their graves while Pearson had been supposedly in charge and doing absolutely nothing of benefit to the property. And robbing them blind to boot. The men appreciated receiving their back wages and once again enjoyed three substantial meals a day. A few even commented on how folks tended to take the simple things in life for granted until they were no longer provided. Having been fleeing discovery for so many months, mostly living hand to mouth, Willow understood exactly what they meant.
But all of that unfortunate business was behind them thanks to Judge Bailey. Favorable outcomes always prevailed over malicious misdeeds. The entire ranch, indeed all of Cactus Plains, was on the lookout for Pearson, and someone was on guard duty on the Circle H at all times. Willow prayed that despicable scoundrel would be found soon and a judge would ensure he never saw the light of day for years.
What did trouble her though, there wasn’t any reason for Daniel, Sawyer or Adam to remain in
Texas. With their womenfolk waiting for them, she understood the need for Daniel and Sawyer to return home as soon as possible. Would Adam be equally eager to return to the Double M? Would he ask her to accompany him? Or would he be content to leave her on the Circle H? She hadn’t any idea if he still required her expertise working with the Double M Thoroughbreds. Or would he assume she wanted to stay here with her brother and assist with the operation of their own ranch?
So many questions.
Absolutely no answers.
She needed a bit of fresh air. Not that she’d find much in this stifling, mid-day heat. She’d forgotten what August in Texas could be like. Would Montana be cooler this time of year? Goodness, Hades might be cooler in summer, but she loved Texas with all her heart anyway. She swiped her handkerchief across the sweat on her brow then stuffed it into her trousers pocket. Her ledgers, sales receipts, and banking records could wait. And if she happened to wander near the corrals and catch a glimpse of some of her favorite horses, well, she certainly wouldn’t have planned it on purpose.
“Accidents happen. People wander off course,” she muttered, practicing her fib and knowing none of the men would believe a word of it. Always dressed in her ranch work clothes when on the Circle H, she tugged on her boots and her father’s battered old Stetson and headed for the barns.
With any luck at all, she’d run into Adam.
Completely by accident, of course.
Chapter 31
Adam hadn’t been able to keep his mind on his work all day. He understood Leonard’s decision to assign bookkeeping to his sister, but how Adam wished she was working out in the barns with him. He and Sawyer were cleaning tack and sorting and hanging harnesses, saddles and other equipment where it belonged in the tack room. With such limited help on the ranch, everything had been tossed aside after use and left for sorting and cleaning later. Today was later.
Hearing a sound behind him he turned and smiled. Willow had entered the room and her gaze surveyed their progress. “This looks amazing. I couldn’t believe the muddle of leather and steel when I stepped in here after Leonard took over.”
Adam watched Willow as one hand lovingly caressed a beautiful old saddle he’d just spent an hour oiling. Perhaps it had belonged to her beloved father. Adam hoped Hartley Harrison was looking down on his children. He must be so pleased, now that Leonard and Willow had returned to the ranch.
“It was a regular mishmash in here all right,” Sawyer agreed. “But we’re seeing light now.”
“Thank you so much for your hard work, gentlemen.” Willow shook her head. “I don’t know how Leonard and I will ever thank you.”
Sawyer patted her arm. “You just did.”
“I agree. We’re not doing anything you wouldn’t have done for us if the tables were turned.” Adam smiled at the beautiful woman standing before him.
Whether dressed in the prettiest of dresses or wearing her denims and boots, he’d never known a more captivating young lady. And she would be his forever if he had his way. But did she feel the same toward him? Did her heartbeat race when they encountered each other, like his did? Having been emotionally scarred and forced to live on the run, Willow had learned to suppress her emotions to the point he could never guess what she was thinking or feeling.
“I’m off to visit the horses. I’m certain I’ll notice a great improvement in their condition,” Willow voiced her prediction as she headed out the door.
Adam dropped the rope he’d been untangling and followed her into the blinding sunlight and sweltering heat. “I suppose you’re accustomed to this weather,” he said, opening up the possibility for a conversation.
“Summer in Texas is hot. No two ways about it. But when you’ve lived here your entire life, you don’t know any other existence. Traveling throughout the country these past months has been an adventure, both challenging and an eye opener.” Willow chuckled. “Despite being on the run from the law, or so we thought, I wouldn’t trade a moment of it for the world. We saw so many new places and experienced new climates and cultures and traditions and rituals… I’ll remember the bad situations we found ourselves in, but I’ll cherish the good times as well.”
Adam took a deep breath. “What do you have planned for the future?”
Willow halted in her tracks and met his eyes. “I’ve been contemplating that myself. I don’t know. I’m not certain that Leonard needs or wants my help restoring his ranch. And it is his ranch. I have no financial interest in it, nor do I want one.”
“But you grew up here. It’s home.”
Willow nodded. “You’re right. It’s the only real home I’ve ever known. And according to the provisions in Father’s will, I’ll be permitted to live here for as long as I want or until I’m married.”
“Your father must have been a wonderful man. Kind and thoughtful and wise. Obviously, he loved his children very much.” Adam shrugged. “I wish I’d known him.” I would have asked for his daughter’s hand in marriage.
“Father was the best at everything he undertook. Yes, I’m a bit biased, but he was so talented with horses. He could have operated this ranch with his eyes closed. He respected everyone from the mayor of Cactus Plains to his stable boys. Loved his family above all else. Leonard is exactly like him.”
“His daughter, too. Your father’s traits have rubbed off on you, Willow.” Adam touched her arm. “You’re a remarkable young lady.”
“Thank you,” she whispered, blushing.
Adam reached for Willow’s hand. She hadn’t an egotistical bone in her body. She personified beguiling, but never played games with a fellow like a lot of young ladies who made a sport of it. Adam avoided them like he would cow patties in a pasture.
“I care deeply for you, Willow, and I only want what’s best for you. I’d love nothing more than for you to return to the Double M and continue working with our Thoroughbreds. But I would never stand in your way if you prefer to remain on your family’s ranch helping Leonard rebuild your father’s legacy.”
Willow smiled at him, but her eyes held a haunted look. Was she reliving memories of the night she thought the man she believed was her uncle had been killed and she worried her brother would be blamed? If the ranch held innumerable bad memories for her, perhaps she would agree to return to Montana.
“The choice is yours to make, Willow. And I’ll respect whatever you feel is best for you.” Adam kissed her cheek and then returned to the tack room to await her decision.
* * *
Willow watched Adam stroll across the yard and disappear inside the barn. She touched the spot where he’d kissed her. Blinking back tears, she headed toward the corral.
I care deeply for you, Willow, and I only want what’s best for you.
Adam’s words echoed in her ears. She didn’t doubt his sincerity for a moment, but he hadn’t said one word about loving her. And she loved him with every fiber of her being. She wanted nothing more than to return to Montana with Adam. To work alongside him on the Double M. To become his wife someday. To bear his children. For them to grow old together.
But he hadn’t developed deep feelings for her like she had for him. He hadn’t fallen in love with her and couldn’t live without her, if he would simply step aside and allow her to remain on the Circle H. She sniffled and dug her handkerchief out of her pocket. She wiped her eyes and blew her nose before any of the ranch hands noticed she’d been crying.
Why couldn’t Adam love her like she loved him? Her decision would be so easy then. But she needed to face reality. If he didn’t love her, she might as well remain on the Circle H. Living and working with him every day would be utter torture if he didn’t share the love she felt for him. What possible future would they have together? Employer and horse wrangler? The idea held absolutely no appeal for her. She wanted all of him, especially his heart, forever.
“I guess the decision has been made for me,” she muttered, climbing onto the corral rail.
The horses exhibited more energy and loo
ked healthier already. Proper feed in correct proportions, suitable grooming of their coats and care of their hooves, and the unfailing love of their owners made all the difference.
Leonard joined her on the rail. “The vet assured me every horse on the ranch will recover. We caught them in time.”
“I haven’t received better news since the judge ruled in your favor.” Willow reached for her brother’s hand. “I have every confidence in you. You’re going to return the ranch to the success it was when Father passed. And I’m staying right here to help you.”
Leonard startled and his body stiffened. “You are?” he blurted.
“Of course I am. A ranch this size… the work is never done. I’ll handle the bookkeeping and help with the horses as well.” Willow offered him a smile, hoping her disappointment over Adam didn’t show.
Leonard opened his mouth, but then pursed his lips. Whatever comment he’d considered making, he’d thought better of it. Did her brother suspect how much she cared for Adam? She’d never find another man to live up to him. Another man who sent shivers through her body whenever she looked his way. Touched him. Kissed him. She shook that latter image from her mind. No question, Adam McLennon was the only man for her.
Willow wished Mrs. Sheridan was here. Willow would love to ask the wise woman’s opinion on what she should do. With everything Mrs. Griffith had endured, Willow couldn’t impose on her for anything more. The decision was Willow’s to make. And she’d made it. Adam would be returning home alone.
Willow’s broken heart would just have to mend, even if it took the rest of her life.
Chapter 32
Two days later, Adam found himself standing on the train platform in Cactus Plains as the locomotive’s engine chugged and puffed its way into the station. Willow and Leonard stood off to the side, having said their goodbyes. Adam’s heart pained from the idea of leaving Willow behind, but she’d made her decision clear. She’d be staying in Texas and helping her brother rebuild their father’s legacy.
Where There's a Will Page 20
