A Lost Love's Legacy (Sons Of A Gun Book 5)

by Brenda Sinclair

  “I agree, recalling the way Michael spoke when he talked about the girl he’d loved.” AJ pointed to the book. “Anything else in there about Michael?”

  Rosie felt her face redden. “More than you can imagine,” she muttered, glancing at Amanda.

  “Tell him everything,” Amanda encouraged her. “Papa, prepare yourself. Some of this is quite scandalous.”

  AJ frowned. “I doubt it concerns Michael Miller, then. A better man never walked this Earth.”

  “Listen to what I learned in these pages, and then you can decide for yourself,” Rosie suggested.

  “Fair enough.”

  For the next twenty minutes, Rosie read the same excerpts that she’d shared with Amanda last night. AJ’s expression had turned from surprise to confusion to outright anger by the end. Rosie hadn’t any idea what his response would be to her grandmother’s words expressing her love for Michael Miller who’d fathered her mother. When she finished reading the final except concerning her mother’s birth, Rosie closed the journal.

  “As you can imagine, I have so many questions about my real grandfather. That’s why I traveled here to Milestone to meet with him, only to learn yesterday that he’d passed away several years ago.” Rosie’s eyes welled with tears. “I cannot tell you the extent of my disappointment. I’ve even experienced an unexpected sadness and feeling of loss for this man I never met. But Amanda explained that you knew my grandfather better than anyone. Can you tell me what kind of a man he was? Tell me about his ranch? Tell me anything and everything you remember about Michael Miller?”

  Mrs. Sheridan knocked on the door and then popped her head into the study. “Sorry to interrupt your meeting, but it’s been a little over an hour. The food’s on the table and the boys have come up from the barns. We’re ready to eat.”

  “Thank you, Nellie,” AJ replied, clambering out of his chair heading for the door. “Perfect timing.”

  Rosie glanced at Amanda who shrugged her shoulders. Was AJ purposefully delaying further discussion?

  “Let’s eat,” Amanda whispered. “We’ll talk with Papa again later.”

  Rosie nodded. “All right,” she mumbled, unable to disguise her disappointment. She’d just have to wait to learn about her grandfather. But at least, she’d found the man who would help her discover her Montana roots. Perhaps her trip hadn’t been a colossal waste of time after all.

  Chapter 6

  Rosie followed Amanda into the dining room where four young men were seated at the long wooden table set with white china and spotless silverware on a green tablecloth. Noon sunshine spilled through the windows, providing an extra glow to the homey relaxing décor. The family resemblance between the young men was unmistakable, especially those astonishing blue eyes, and she spotted Michael McLennon among them. Were all of these fellows Amanda’s brothers?

  Michael wore ranch clothes as before, but like the others, the Stetson was absent, suggesting the offensive man was versed in table manners at least.

  Mrs. Sheridan and Amanda set platters of roast chicken, sliced ham, and hearty vegetables around the table; the food created a mouth-watering aroma in the room. Pitchers of milk and a pot of coffee accompanied the meal.

  AJ pulled out a chair beside Michael and waved Rosie over. “Here you go, Rosie. Sit beside Michael.”

  “Hello again,” she muttered as she reluctantly settled on the chair beside the frowning fellow.

  AJ startled and exclaimed, “You two have met before?”

  “Unfortunately.” Michael shook his head.

  Rosie straightened in her chair, head held high. “My sentiments exactly. I’m not accustomed to such rudeness.”

  “Now, let’s put bygones aside,” Amanda suggested, seating herself on Rosie’s other side. “Misunderstandings happen.”

  Michael glowered at Rosie. “Nothing to misunderstand about her, Amanda. I see she’s gotten you hornswoggled.”

  Rosie gasped. “I haven’t the faintest notion what a ‘hornswoggled’ is, but I can assure you I’ve done nothing wrong.”

  “I agree.” Amanda rose to her defense immediately. “Kindly reserve your judgement, Michael, until you’ve heard Rosie’s story.”

  Michael scoffed. “I heard an earful yesterday. Won’t be changing my opinion none.”

  “That’s enough,” Mrs. Sheridan interjected, standing hands on hips. “There’ll be no bickering at my table.”

  “Sorry, ma’am,” Michael apologized immediately.

  Rosie stood. “Perhaps I should—”

  “Please sit down, young lady.” AJ waved her back into her chair. “This is my home and you’re more than welcome here. I don’t know why my son has a bee in his britches about you, but we’ll settle the disagreement after we’ve eaten.”

  Rosie bowed her head while AJ recited the blessing, and then she ate the meal, only participating in the conversation with the gentlemen at the table when asked a direct question. AJ’s sons appeared interested in the purpose for her visit, and how she’d met their sister. She’d learned there were five sons, but only Jackson, Adam and Michael lived and worked on the family ranch. Simon was visiting from his own neighboring ranch, and Daniel was employed in Chicago as a Pinkerton agent of all things. That surprised her the most. She looked forward to meeting the married brothers’ wives, especially Willow who was currently birthing a foal, if you please. She’d never met a more interesting family. And of course, she wanted to meet little Edward. Despite this nerve-wracking repast, she hoped Amanda would agree to stay for supper.

  Soon, fresh apple pie was served for dessert. Rosie continued to totally ignore the fellow on her left and exchanged pleasantries with Amanda and Mrs. Sheridan. The time passed quickly despite her being on edge, anticipating the unpleasantness to come. AJ might be miffed by her accusation that his son had been rude to her, but Rosie hoped the truth would prevail with Amanda on her side.

  AJ stood and smiled at the housekeeper. “Mrs. Sheridan, that was an excellent meal, as always. But I’m taking a short nap before I discuss the matters that brought Rosie to us.” He glanced at his youngest son. “Michael, take Rosie for a short tour of the ranch in the meantime.”

  Michael gaped. “But Pa—”

  “That wasn’t a suggestion, son. Amanda and I will meet with you and Rosie after my nap.” AJ lumbered out of the kitchen.

  Amanda leapt to her feet. “I’ll help Mrs. Sheridan with the dishes.”

  Rosie glared at her new friend. Obviously, she was being deserted when she needed Amanda most. They met eyes and Rosie blinked back the tears threatening to give her away. Amanda touched her arm. “It’ll be all right. Go settle things with Michael.”

  “Might that include doing him bodily harm?” she whispered, teasing. Well, mostly teasing.

  Amanda chuckled. “Only as a last resort.”

  “I heard that,” Michael grumbled, shoving his chair away from the table. “Let’s get this over with.”

  “Goodness, I’m so looking forward to the tour,” Rosie muttered.

  Mrs. Sheridan burst into laughter. “If you two aren’t back in an hour, we’ll send for the sheriff. Clearly, one of you will have some explaining to do.”

  “You’re not funny.” Michael shot the housekeeper a look.

  Rosie shook out her skirts. “My apologies, Mrs. Sheridan, but I’ll second that.”

  “Go on now.” Mrs. Sheridan waved them toward the back door. “Whatever burr is under your saddle, Michael, sort it out with this young lady. She’s a delight and I cannot imagine how you could have an issue with her.”

  “I know the whole story, Michael, and Rosie is not pulling the wool over anyone’s eyes.” Amanda poked her brother’s arm. “Rosie has a valid reason for coming here. Papa listened to her story, and she has written proof of her claims. Listen to her.”

  Michael glanced heavenward and muttered something inaudible. “All right. Let’s go.” He headed for the door, grabbing his Stetson off one of the hooks on the wall.

&nb
sp; Rosie considered taking an unchaperoned tour of the ranch was another one of these loosened proprieties out west that she’d been warned about. “I’ll be back in a moment.” She scooted to the front door and fetched her hat. She settled it in place with her hat pins and smiled into the gilded-framed mirror. A well-placed hat pin could dissuade an overly amorous young man, or at least, so she’d heard. She’d never found herself in a position to test the theory, but she wouldn’t hesitate, if necessary. Especially if it involved the hide of the obnoxious Michael McLennon. She returned to the kitchen. “All right. I’m ready now.”

  Michael gazed at the feathered creation on her head. He snickered aloud. Regardless of his opinion, the millinery masterpiece was one of her favorites and she couldn’t care less about his thinking on it.

  “We’ll start with the gardens, then walk along the river for a spell, and finally take a peek at the corrals and check if we have a new colt or filly in the Morgan barn.” He held the door for her.

  Rosie smiled despite herself. “Wouldn’t a new foal be exciting?”

  “Heart-stopping,” he muttered.

  She accompanied him through the gardens, admiring the perennials that had poked themselves out of the ground. The flowering shrubbery emitted the most intoxicating scent, and the trees had fully leafed. “This is stunning,” she exclaimed. “Our gardens back in Boston weren’t as impressive. Mother’s gardener has aged beyond competence and I’ve observed that he’s simplified the plantings the last several years. Mother hasn’t noticed, though.” Of course, her mother didn’t bother to observe much of anything beyond the arrival of invitations to local social events.

  Michael shook his head. “Mrs. Sheridan and Willow do most of the gardening, both vegetables and flowers.”

  “I must compliment them on the marvelous job they’re doing,” Rosie offered.

  Next they walked along the river and Rosie glanced at the man walking alongside her. “Are we going to discuss what happened in town yesterday?”

  Michael stared straight ahead. “Nope. I’ll leave it to Pa.”

  “You still believe I’m lying?”

  “Haven’t heard such a tall tale since Pa’s last fishing trip with his cronies.” Michael gently took Rosie’s arm and guided her around a large puddle on the dirt-packed path.

  “Thank you,” she mumbled.

  Despite enduring the company of her unpleasant companion, she couldn’t be enjoying the tour of her grandfather’s ranch more. She never imagined the beauty of the elegant house and surrounding gardens. The expanse of land encompassing the Double M that Amanda pointed out on their way here almost exceeded belief. Acres and acres of land surrounded by mountains and valleys with waterways running through the property in several places. And Amanda assured her they’d only crossed a small portion of it on their way here. Most remarkably, her grandfather had initially envisioned the entire enterprise decades ago when it was nothing more than barren frontier land. How she wished she’d known the wonderful man.

  Nothing would be gained by arguing with someone who’d made up his mind about her, so she decided to take the high road. “Well, you’re entitled to your opinion, but I’ve shown your father proof that I’m Michael Miller’s granddaughter. So, we’ll leave it at that and enjoy a pleasant stroll around this wonderful ranch.”

  Michael snorted but kept his thoughts to himself.

  Soon, they arrived at the barn and stepped inside. Rosie paused for a moment to allow her eyes to adjust to the interior. The scent of hay, leather, and horse reached her nose. Just like the stables on her great-grandparents’ property back home.

  “Willow,” Michael called softly.

  “I’m in the far stall,” a female replied immediately. “Come and see what we’ve got back here.”

  Rosie could tell the woman was smiling by the sound of her voice. Michael strode down the center aisle with Rosie on his heels, and together they peeked over a half door into a stall. A pretty young woman dressed in trousers and boots stood patting a sable-colored mare while a miniature equine version of the mare nursed greedily.

  “We have a new filly,” the horsewoman announced.

  Rosie gasped. “Oh, my, both of them are beautiful.”

  “Congratulations, Willow. Great job, as usual.” Michael smiled at her and then glared at his companion. “By the way, this is Rosie Dalton. She’s here from Boston.”

  Willow strode over to the stall doorway and dragged her hands down her trousers. “I’m pleased to meet you, Rosie. I’m Adam’s wife.”

  Rosie nodded and shook hands with her. “And you deliver foals?”

  “That’s my job. Can’t imagine any other line of work I’d enjoy more.” Willow stood, hands on hips, gazing at the beautiful new filly.

  “I’m in shock. I never would have believed it.” Rosie grinned at Willow. “But nothing on this ranch surprises me.”

  Rosie believed her grandfather would have been delighted the McLennon family had continued his work and built the ranch into such a remarkable enterprise. AJ mentioned Michael Miller had considered him equivalent to a son, and AJ respected and loved this ranch as if he’d been carrying on a parent’s legacy. Which proved there were still wonderful people in this world. Just not in Rosie’s universe.

  “Are you staying on the ranch or just visiting for the day?” Willow inquired.

  “For the day,” Michael blurted.

  Rosie glared at him. “I’m not certain what my plans will entail. I’m hoping to learn more about the ranch and its original owner from AJ, but nothing beyond that has been decided.”

  “Enjoy your time here, whether just today or for an extended stay.”

  “Thank you, Willow. I’d love for us to become better acquainted. But we’ll see.” Rosie glanced at the horses. “Do you suppose the mare would mind if I patted the filly?”

  Willow considered the request. “I don’t think she’ll mind. Sunrise has birthed several foals, and she’s accustomed to people being around her babies.”

  Rosie slowly entered the stall, stepping carefully to avoid horse droppings, and allowed the mare to sniff her hand. When Sunrise returned to eating hay, Rosie patted the filly’s neck and trailed her hand down her soft coat. “She is simply delightful. I love her coloring.”

  “Sunrise produces wonderful offspring. And always a filly, it seems.” Willow shook her head. “She’s an excellent mother.”

  The mare sniffed the filly where Rosie had patted it and then licked its coat.

  “The filly found her feet and has been nursing. The placenta passed without any concern.” Willow wiped her brow with her shirt sleeve. “I believe I’ll grab a bite to eat at the cookshack now. I’ll round up Davie to watch them while I’m away.”

  “Please, don’t let us delay you,” Rosie offered, stepping aside. “We’re due back at the main house anyway. AJ decided on a nap after lunch, but he could be waiting on us now.”

  Michael muttered something under his breath and strode out of the barn, leaving Rosie to hurry along behind him.

  Willow called instructions to Davie and then accompanied Rosie outside. “Enjoy your day and perhaps I’ll see you at supper tonight.”

  “I would love that, but if I’ve left the ranch already, it’s been lovely meeting you.” Rosie chuckled and shook her head. “No one back in Boston will believe I’ve met a young lady who births foals.”

  Rosie parted ways with Willow halfway to the house. She continued on alone since Michael must have raced the entire way and was nowhere in sight. She walked around the side of the house and entered through the back door. “I’m back,” she called, considering it prudent to announce her return.

  “In the kitchen,” Amanda called. “I’ve prepared a pot of tea and Papa is already in the study with Michael.”

  Wonderful. If he hadn’t already, no doubt Michael was regaling his father with the story of their meeting in town yesterday. His version. Well, she would set the record straight if AJ questioned anything even slightly
south of the truth.

  Rosie wiped her shoes on the mat. Having spent so much time in one of the barns, she hoped she didn’t smell of horse, especially after petting the new filly. Regardless, it couldn’t be helped and more worrisome matters awaited her. She followed Amanda down the hallway to the study.

  “There you two are,” AJ exclaimed. “I’ve scolded Michael for not accompanying you back to the house, Rosie. I don’t know what’s gotten into him. He’s been raised better than the manners he’s demonstrated today.”

  “I’m certain his behavior has no bearing on you or your child-rearing efforts,” Rosie commented, trying her best to suppress the threatening smirk.

  AJ chuckled. “That’s very gracious of you, young lady.”

  Michael rolled his eyes and slouched in his chair. “Can we get on with this? The sooner she’s off the ranch, the better,” he muttered.

  “Rosie will leave the ranch when she decides to go, and not before.” AJ glared at his son. “Now, mind your ps and qs.”

  Michael crossed his arms over his chest.

  Rosie settled into the chair she’d occupied earlier today, hoping this second meeting with the McLennons would proceed as well as the first. Somehow, she doubted that would be the case with Michael present. But she had the truth on her side.

  “Now… where were we?” AJ muttered to himself. “Yes, the matter of Michael Miller being your grandfather.”

  Rosie sat, quietly anticipating his reaction to the stunning revelation she’d dropped in her host’s lap.

  Chapter 7

  Rosie sat open-mouthed, completely shocked.

  AJ had reviewed everything they’d discussed this morning for Michael’s benefit, and she’d even permitted Michael to read the entries in her grandmother’s diary. Michael had appeared slightly less skeptical about her story than before, but he’d reserved his judgement until hearing his pa’s opinion. Which AJ had just provided.