“Thank you.” She smiled and followed him, recalling the day last spring when she fled from his office in tears, believing there wasn’t any hope. He waved her toward a chair and stepped behind his desk, seating himself and leaning back in the chair.
“My goodness, it’s been quite the year, hasn’t it?” he began, shaking his head. “Your perseverance is a testament to your fortitude, young lady.”
Violet felt herself blushing. She hadn’t expected such high praise. “Thank you. I believe in fulfilling my commitments.”
“That you do. And I commend you on your character and courage.” He chuckled. “I’m certain you know what I mean.”
Violet hadn’t the foggiest notion what the man was talking about. Although, she did consider herself of reputable character and she’d certainly demonstrated a good amount of courage while surviving the past year. Her father’s passing. Being left destitute by her brother. Putting the proceeds of her loan to proper use. Well, not entirely her loan. However, she’d survived it all, and today she would complete what she’d set out to accomplish back in April.
“May I ask the amount of money you’ve received?” Violet had an amount in mind, having completed the cyphering at home. But she needed confirmation that she’d calculated the sum correctly.
Mr. Watson handed her a ledger sheet and her eyes found the amount in the debit column. Within two dollars of the amount she herself had calculated. “Excellent. I’m very pleased with the way everything has turned out.”
“Indeed.” Mr. Watson passed her a slip of paper. “Please read this over and sign at the bottom. This is the balance owing on your loan, including the interest charged, to pay the debt in full.”
Violet noted the amount of interest and it agreed with her mental cyphering. She smiled as she signed the paper.
“We will remove the sum from your account today.”
“Thank you. And I would like to finalize payment on the ranch also, please. There are two payments owing and I would like to pay that debt in full.”
“Actually, your brother paid the mortgage on the ranch a couple weeks ago.” Mr. Watson leaned back in his chair, smiling. “There are no monies owing on the Triple C Ranch.”
Violet’s mind couldn’t comprehend what she’d heard. She stared at the banker. “Roland paid off the ranch mortgage? How is that possible? He had only been in business a short time before his accident. He even arranged a loan to start his veterinarian business.”
“Yes, he paid off his business loan as well.”
Violet shook her head. “I… I don’t understand.”
“From the proceeds.”
“What proceeds?”
“From the sale.”
Violet slid forward in the chair, her heart in her mouth. “From what sale?”
“From the sale to Mr. McLennon.”
“Roland sold… to which Mr. McLennon?” Violet whispered, fearing she wasn’t going to like the banker’s answer, knowing it involved the Triple C.
“Simon McLennon.” Mr. Watson leaned forward resting his arms on the desk. “Were you not made aware of their agreement?”
Violet rose from the chair and grasped the door knob, frantic to escape the room. She finally managed to open the door and dashed down the center aisle, fleeing the bank. Once again. She paused on the sidewalk, swallowing hard. Worried she’d lose her breakfast.
She raised her head, looking heavenward, and closed her eyes. “How could you do this, Roland?” she whispered, tears wetting her cheeks. “After everything I did to save it... Why would you sell our family’s ranch to Simon?”
Just then the door to Amanda’s Clothing Emporium next to the bank opened and Amanda stepped outside.
“Violet, there you are. I’ve completed the alternations on your wedding dress. Are you here to pick it up?” Amanda inquired, cheerfully.
Violet gritted her teeth, knowing common courtesy dictated she should speak politely to her friend. But after what Amanda’s brother had done, civility seemed an impossibility. “No, actually, I’m not picking up any wedding dress. And I won’t be. I wouldn’t marry your brother if he were the last man in Montana Territory,” she blurted and strode down the sidewalk toward Doc’s clinic. She had a few choice words to exchange with her brother also.
“Violet,” Amanda called, sounding shocked.
Violet’s vision blurred with tears but she continued on her way. She couldn’t face Amanda, realizing Simon had made a fool of her. Again. It wasn’t enough that he’d stolen her pride when he secretly co-signed her loan. Now, he’d gone behind her back and purchased the Triple C from her brother. The ranch that meant the world to her.
“How could you do this?” she pleaded aloud. She’d believed he loved her. How wrong she’d been. He’d wanted her ranch; he’d made no secret about it. She’d been so naïve.
He’d stolen everything from her.
Minutes later, she stormed into the clinic and strode down the hallway. Doc and Mrs. Bennett didn’t appear to be around. Nobody stopped her from entering her brother’s room at the end of the long hallway. Unfortunate that. She couldn’t promise she wouldn’t do him bodily harm. Doc might be required to perform more surgery.
“How dare you do this?” she shouted at her brother as he lay on the bed with his eyes closed.
His eyes flew open and he rose up resting on his forearms, glaring at her. “Good gravy, you nearly frightened me to death.”
“Right now, I don’t particularly care.” She paced the room, her hands fisted at her sides.
“What has your unmentionables in a twist?”
“As if you don’t know. Did you think I’d never find out?” she demanded, glaring at him. “I talked to Harold Watson today. Received my money from the sale of the cattle. Paid off my loan. And imagine my surprise when Harold told me the ranch was mortgage free. Considering I intended to make those payments today.”
“Did Simon not tell you I paid off the mortgage? After we completed the sale.”
She stood at her brother’s bedside, hands flexing. “I’m deciding whether I should strangle you or if punching you senseless will suffice.”
Roland reared back as best he could. “What has you so angry?”
“Angry? Oh, I passed way beyond the point of angry several minutes ago. I’m furious with you. I could… I could…”
“You know I haven’t one iota of interest in ranching. Why is this coming as a surprise to you?” Roland flopped back on the pillows. “I sold my half of the ranch to Simon. It’s what I intended all along.”
Violet stood, stunned. Had she heard him correctly. “Say that again?”
“I have no interest—”
“No, the part about your half,” she whispered.
Roland frowned. “I sold Simon my half of the ranch,” he repeated himself.
“Your half?” Violet tilted her head.
“Of course, only my half,” he muttered under his breath. “I have no authority to sell your share. Pa left the ranch to us in equal parts.”
“So…”
“You own half of the Triple C. Simon owns half of the Triple C.” Roland smiled. “Actually, your future husband owns half of the Triple C. I would never have sold it to anyone else. Certainly, not some stranger.”
“But my name will be McLennon. That will be the end to the Triple C, Roland. Simon will insist we change the name,” Violet lamented. If her brother didn’t own the remaining half of her ranch, then who better than her new husband? But she hated to see the end of her father’s legacy.
“About that…” Roland reached out and took his sister’s hand. “Simon knows how special that ranch is to you, and he’s keeping the Triple C name. C won’t stand for Campbell anymore though.”
“I knew it. He will change—”
“No, he’s not. Simon explained his intentions to me. Those three C’s will now be Character, Caring, and Courage.”
Violet gaped. “Are you serious?” The banker’s comment made sense now. H
arold must have been apprised of Simon’s decision regarding the revised meaning behind the ranch’s name.
“Simon believes those three words sum up the virtues you possess and the values you both believe in. You and Simon will face whatever the future holds together.”
“Oh, Roland, I couldn’t love him more,” Violet whispered.
“He loves you so much, Violet. I couldn’t ask for a better brother-in-law.” Roland patted her hand. “Am I forgiven for selling my share?”
“Definitely.”
“Simon intended the news to be a wedding gift to you. Never again will Father’s legacy be in jeopardy with Simon at the helm, working alongside you. He won’t shuffle you aside and assume complete control either. He respects you as a rancher and as a woman.”
“I’m not the domestic type, I’m afraid. All I’ve ever wanted was to work with the animals.”
Roland waved off her concern. “Don’t worry. Simon mentioned something about hiring a housekeeper for his ranch. I doubt you’ll be doing much cooking. Which is a blessing in itself.” He winked at her.
Violet swatted his arm and then burst into laughter. “Wise man, my Simon.”
“Now, I’m looking forward to the day you become Mrs. McLennon and I walk you down the aisle. I’ve been behaving myself and following Doc’s orders, and I’ll be on my feet in no time. Go finish up your wedding plans. I know my sister couldn’t be in better hands than those of her future husband.” Roland shifted in the bed and smiled.
“I couldn’t agree more.” Violet kissed her brother’s cheek. “And you’ll be back to work before you know it also. Life is definitely looking up for the Campbells.”
Chapter 35
December
Violet stood before the cheval mirror staring at the beautiful bride in the reflection. Was that really her? For years, she’d forgone fancy dresses for the most part, favoring trousers and boots while working with cattle and horses on the Triple C. Now, she barely recognized the lady who’d miraculously appeared in the mirror’s reflection today.
Stepping away from the paneled screen in Amanda’s Clothing Emporium, Violet smiled at Mrs. Sheridan who’d happily assumed the duty of mother-of-the-bride. She’d spent time with Violet this past week to school her in the duties of a wife in the kitchen and the bedroom. Violet loved her for her kindness, and she looked forward to her wedding night with Simon. Now, Mrs. Sheridan, Amanda and Lily surrounded her, helping with the wedding dress and styling her hair before they left the clothing shop and headed to the church.
“You look wonderful,” Amanda gushed. “That dress is stunning on you. With your beautiful auburn hair, azure is definitely your color.”
“My wedding dress couldn’t be more perfect.” Violet slowly swept her hands down the delicate folds on the velvet skirt. Rhinestone beading on the satin bodice caught the light and winked at her as she slowly turned to admire the gown once again. The high neckline and full sleeves would ensure she remained warm, despite the already cold weather. And it barely being the first week in December, she feared another unforgiving winter hovered on the horizon. She anticipated happy times though, spending those long frigid days at home with her new husband, snuggled together at night in front of a blazing fireplace while admiring the flickering flames.
“Here is something borrowed.” Mrs. Sheridan handed Violet a small square box.
Violet opened it and gasped when she saw the opulent sapphire earrings.
“My husband presented me with these on our wedding day. I haven’t a daughter of my own, and I’d be honored if you wore them today. They match your dress beautifully.” She patted the bride’s hand and smiled. “Let me put them on you.”
“Thank you so much.” Violet touched the pin at her neck, one of her grandmother’s brooches passed down from Violet’s mother several years ago. Something old. “That’s everything. My dress is new and blue. I’m ready to say my vows.”
“I cannot wait to see my brother’s expression when you walk down the aisle.” Amanda fussed with a misbehaving strand of hair slipping from the jewel-encrusted comb holding the bride’s bun in place.
Violet clasped her hands and smiled. “My brother is delighted to walk me into the church. He’s finally out of that dreaded wheeled chair. Behaving himself while his leg mended has worked magic. It’s been eleven weeks since his accident, and Roland doesn’t even walk with a limp.”
“He’s one lucky young man,” Mrs. Sheridan said. “And I’d wager he’s delighted to be back working.”
“Jackson and Adam insisted Davie fetch Doc Campbell to tend to Sunrise again. That poor mare has had rotten luck with her hooves and white line disease this year for some reason,” Lily added.
Violet chuckled. “Roland told me he’s been kept so busy, he’s praying no one has an emergency today. Since Father isn’t with us, wild horses won’t keep him from walking me down the aisle.”
“No accidents or any animal getting sick,” Lily added.
“Same as Doc Bennett. I cannot count the number of times he has been called away from church or some community event to tend to an ailing patient. Or deliver a baby.” Mrs. Sheridan stepped back and admired the bride. “Perfect.”
Violet laughed. “Far from perfect. Out of my denims, Simon may not recognize me.”
“Adam is the best man. He’ll remind the groom who you are.” Mrs. Sheridan grinned, patting her hand.
“Good point,” Amanda said. “Now, let’s get this bride to the church. I can’t wait until she’s my newest sister-in-law.”
“I’ll second that,” Lily chimed in, smiling.
“Another flower sister,” Amanda and Lily added, in unison, and then they all laughed.
“Purely coincidence,” Violet observed. The McLennon women spoke often of ‘their flower sisters’ meaning Lily, Iris, Willow and now herself. She wasn’t certain a willow could be considered a flower, but close enough. Violet had dreamed of being one of those flower sisters, and today, her fondest wish would be realized. She grabbed her warm coat and veiled, velvet hat. “All ready.”
“Soon, you’ll be Violet McLennon.” Mrs. Sheridan hugged her tightly. “You’ll be taking Simon from us, but at least, you’ll be living on the next ranch over.”
“Why, think about it, Mrs. Sheridan. You’ll be cooking a lot less food now that Simon won’t be eating at home,” Amanda teased. “Feeding that cavernous pit he calls his stomach, will be Violet’s problem now.”
“I hope he isn’t fussy about his grub. I’m not the best cook in the county,” Violet admitted. “Faith does most of the cooking on the Triple C these days.”
“She’ll be next for the ‘I dos’, if Roland has any say,” Mrs. Sheridan predicted. “You’d better insist on a few cooking lessons before she moves off the ranch.”
“Simon already told me he’s hiring a housekeeper. We’re both quite in favor of that decision,” Violet said, chuckling.
“Ladies, enough chatter. We need to get to the church,” Amanda reminded them.
“We’re going.” Violet headed outside and gasped when she spotted the lovely carriage and two matching gray horses. The rig was decked out for the occasion in evergreen boughs and rustic colored dried florals which matched her small bouquet of flowers.
“Who arranged this?” she exclaimed.
“Simon, of course,” Ray Cochrane called from the sidewalk, smiling broadly. “Seems to have become a tradition with McLennon grooms.”
Violet’s eyes filled with tears. She’d fallen in love with the most kindhearted, generous and thoughtful man in Montana Territory. And even more miraculously, he’d fallen in love with her.
“Let me help you into the carriage.” Ray offered her his hand while Billy Turner from the livery stood up front and ensured the horses remained still. The mares were skittish, perhaps sensing the day’s excitement. Violet wished someone could take the time to talk to the horses and calm their anxiety, but time was of the essence. They hadn’t a moment to spare if they wer
e to arrive on time.
“Thank you.” Violet settled on the seat inside the carriage and caught herself smiling while the others joined her. Soon everyone settled back and Billy Turner clambered onto the bench seat beside Ray. The rig headed toward the church, harnesses jangling.
Violet smiled; she couldn’t wait to become Mrs. Simon McLennon.
Chapter 36
Simon paced the wood plank floor in the small room in the Milestone Community Church. In his opinion, his twin brother, Adam, was enjoying the display of nerves a tad too much. But what else would Simon expect from his twin brother? Simon had annoyed Adam in similar fashion when he married the love of his life. Always the quiet one, when Adam married Willow, Simon had sat in the family pew, calmly observing the exchange of vows. Today, he fussed with the collar on his jacket and his new white shirt was scratching him. He stuffed his hands in his pockets, continuing his pacing. How had his brothers ever survived this waiting?
Violet had worried that Roland would be unable to walk her down the aisle. And then she’d believed he’d bought her entire ranch, which led to another bout of anxiety. Simon had come close a couple of times to scooping up the beleaguered bride, driving them to town in his family’s buggy, and demanding Reverend Fitzpatrick perform their wedding ceremony and be done with it.
“She’s not going to be late.” Roland touched his arm, keeping him company with Adam until the reverend came to fetch them when the bride arrived. The town vet had completely recovered from his broken leg and he’d even returned to work. “My sister insists on arriving early or at the very least on time wherever she goes.”
“Admirable trait.” Simon had witnessed Violet’s habit of punctuality for himself on several occasions. And he appreciated it when they were busy, especially while out searching for the rustled cattle and during the roundup. She’d been awake and ready to mount up and head out with the other ranchers bright and early every morning.
Inherit A Dream (Sons Of A Gun Book 4) Page 20
