AJ chuckled. “So, not a dang thing wrong with you. Sounds like denial to my ears.”
“Don’t care what you reckon you’ve heard.” Sammy waved his hand. “There’s not one blame thing for you to be concerned about.”
“Not even what you reckon is ‘getting out of hand’?”
“Nothin’ I can do about it.” Sammy shrugged. “Leastwise, not without openin’ a whole can of trouble.”
“Trouble?” AJ tipped his head. “I figured maybe, despite the age difference, you were intendin’ to propose to Nellie. Don’t reckon on that causin’ any trouble. She’d probably say yes.”
Sammy’s jaw dropped. “I ain’t proposin’ to Nellie. Where’d you come up with a hair-brained idea like that?”
Michael stepped farther into the room. “I wouldn’t call marrying the woman you’re clearly in love with a hair-brained notion. If you’re not ailing, like you claim, then why not propose to her?”
Sammy whipped around. “This is none of your business either. Dad-blamed young’uns.”
“Actually, Michael mentioned you weren’t yourself lately,” AJ confessed. “Seems Eric noticed your odd behavior also.”
“Damn conspiracy, what it is,” Sammy muttered. “A man can’t—”
“Big difference between concern and conspiracy, old man,” AJ interrupted, shaking his head.
Michael glanced at his pa. “Something else I meant to tell you, Pa.”
“What’s that?”
“I overheard Sammy talking with Anna yesterday.”
Sammy gasped. “That was a private conversation.”
“Then you shouldn’t have been shouting at each other.” Michael glared at Sammy. “Folks might have heard the two of you clear to Milestone.”
Sammy harrumphed.
“The conversation turned a mite heated, Pa.” Michael turned his attention to his father. “Sammy told Anna that Michael McLennon wasn’t her father. Of course, lots of folks believe that. Well, Anna wouldn’t hear a word of it. That’s when the shouting commenced. Caused quite the go-around. Spatting like a couple of alley cats on a Saturday night, countering each other’s claims.”
“The dang girl won’t listen to reason,” Sammy muttered.
Michael met his eyes. “You expected Anna would? She’s claiming the ranch should be hers. She’s not backing down on anyone’s say so.”
Sammy wave his hand. “She’s wrong. I can’t stand by and let her take the ranch that Michael Miller gave your pa fair and square.”
“Our Michael is right, Sammy. Anna’s got a bee in her bonnet about her paternity.” AJ shook his head. “Hopefully, a judge will get the dang woman to see reason.”
“Fool’s wishful thinking, if you ask me,” Michael scoffed.
“Well, I’ve got my suspicions about what initiated that argument. Now, I might be way off the mark here. Best I hear it from you, Sammy,” AJ declared, meeting the cook’s eyes.
Sammy grunted and shook his head. “Just trying to help you out.” He turned and lumbered out of the room without looking back.
“What was that all about? Got my suspicions...” Michael stared at his pa, waiting for his reply. What did his father mean? Did he believe Sammy was ailing despite the old fellow’s denial to the contrary?
“Let the matter be for now, son,” AJ counselled, resting a hand on Michael’s shoulder. “We’ll see what comes of this once Sammy thinks on it for a day or two.”
“I hope Sammy will be all right,” Michael whispered, recalling the old fellow was seventy-three. Could be anything the matter with a fellow at that age. But why would he deny such a thing? No shame in growing a little older every year. Happened to everyone.
“Nothing ailing the old man but a serious case of guilt, I’d reckon.” AJ nodded and then left his study.
Michael watched his father walk away. Guilt? What did Sammy do that he’d feel guilty about? He’d been caught arguing with a guest on the Double M, and although not a gentlemanly thing to partake of, to say the least, AJ hadn’t scolded the old fellow for it.
Michael shrugged. None of this made sense, but he reckoned he’d learn more in a day or two. For now, he’d bide his time with his chores on the ranch and let Sammy and his thoughts stew for a bit. In time, the old fellow would spill the beans. At least, Michael hoped so. And if need be, they’d fetch Doc Bennett at once.
For now, he’d search for Rosie and ask her to accompany him while he checked on the cattle in the valleys to the east. The outing would occupy the better part of the day, and he required some fresh air to clear his head of all the worries concerning Sammy.
He’d ask Mrs. Sheridan to pack them a picnic and not expect them home until dusk. With all the bother Anna had generated lately, it seemed ages since Michael and Rosie had stolen some time for themselves.
Today was the day.
Chapter 30
September
Michael attached the picnic basket to the back of his saddle and turned when Rosie approached.
“I’m so sorry for being late.” She offered him a lovely smile in addition to her apology.
“Just finished saddling our horses. Your timing is perfect.” Michael patted Mick’s neck.
“Hello, I’ve missed you,” Rosie gushed, patting the old gelding and playfully tugging on his forelock. The two of them had become the best of friends since Rosie arrived at the ranch and took to riding the senior animal almost every day. Michael would swear the old horse was smiling with all the attention he’d been receiving of late.
Now that the days were cooling, Mick would be slowing down in the colder weather and mostly wouldn’t leave the barn all winter long. For now, he and Rosie were inseparable.
“I see you put the sidesaddle on Mick since you requested I wear a dress today,” Rosie observed.
Michael nodded. “And that pretty outfit is perfect for our ride. There’s a special place on the ranch I’d like to show you.” She’d dressed in a lovely dark green dress with a matching bonnet and a warm brown shawl surrounded her shoulders.
“Sounds wonderful. Just getting away from the house and mother and all the fuss and bother right now is most appreciated.” Rosie touched his arm and smiled up at him.
He rested his hand atop hers and leaned down for a quick kiss. They’d spent several days out riding, sharing a picnic, getting to know each other. They’d come a long way since their initial meeting.
“We should be on our way before someone comes and demands your attention,” Rosie whispered.
Michael chuckled. “I’ve issued enough orders the ranch hands won’t complete all their chores for a day or two.”
“Smart thinking.”
Michael helped her into the saddle and then mounted up.
“Is this your new gelding?”
“Yes, ma’am. This is Brick. Named by his previous owner for the coloring of his coat. Dumb name in my opinion, but he comes on a trot every time I call him, so he’s keeping the name,” Michael explained.
“He is pretty.” Rosie smiled, admiring the sorrel horse.
Michael shook his head. Wonderful, just what he needed, a ‘pretty’ gelding. “Let’s go. We have a bit of a ride ahead of us.”
The two of them rode in companionable conversation for the next two hours. They discussed a number of topics from the toll her mother’s lawsuit was taking on the family to the November 5th celebrations planned on the day Montana would achieve statehood.
Michael reined Brick to a halt beside a rushing creek, then turned toward Rosie and waved her closer as he dismounted. “We’ll stop here for a while and rest the horses.”
“They’ll appreciate a drink,” Rosie added, halting her horse beside his.
Michael clasped her middle in his hands and lifted her out of the saddle. He held her against his body, slowly lowering her to the ground while gazing into her eyes. The moment her toes touched the grass, he wrapped his arms around her in a close embrace and brushed her lips with his.
Rosie inhale
d sharply and smiled. “Thank you for helping me down.”
He chuckled. “You’re welcome, ma’am. Any time.” And then he winked at her.
“We truly should go riding more often,” she whispered.
“My thoughts exactly.” He released her and then led the pair of horses to the water.
Their mounts drank deeply and then he tied each of them to a low-hanging branch where they could graze until their riders returned.
Michael untied the picnic basket from his saddle and tucked the blanket he’d brought along under his arm. “I know the perfect spot to eat.” He reached for her hand and led her down a trodden path to an opening on a cliff with a glorious view of the canyon below.
“Oh my. This is beautiful,” Rosie exclaimed.
“This is a popular spot with my family for picnics. Especially when a fellow is courting a young lady,” Michael added, winking at her. Her face remained flushed, a pretty shade of pink which was rapidly becoming his favorite color.
“I can certainly see why.” Rosie gazed across the rugged but lovely canyon, vibrant autumn gold and orange foliage evident.
“We should appreciate what Mother Nature offers while it lasts. Every inch of Montana will be covered in white before we know it.”
“Brr…. I’m not looking forward to that.” Rosie grinned. “I am not at all fond of winter and cold weather and snow.”
“Do you plan to return to Boston before the snow flies?”
Rosie shrugged. “I don’t want to. I refuse to leave until I learn who my grandfather was, or until we settle this business with Mother. No matter what, she cannot succeed in acquiring ownership of the Double M.”
“It’s unfortunate you’re not a judge.” Michael grinned at her. “But all of us appreciate that you’re on our side in this.”
“Of course I support the McLennons in the fight for their ranch. This is your ranch. Michael Miller wanted your father to own it. No one possesses the right to question that.”
While Rosie spoke her mind, Michael helped her set out the picnic. They continued their conversation during the meal of fresh-baked bread, ham slices, and cheese. And a wedge of apple pie each for dessert. Michael stretched out and leaned on one side to rest his stomach while Rosie collected the dishes and repacked the picnic basket.
“I’ll fold up the blanket in a minute,” he offered.
Rosie sat with her skirts tucked beneath her legs, hands clasped in her lap. “It’s so quiet and peaceful out here. Nothing to disturb the silence except birds singing in the trees and water rippling over rocks in the creek.” She turned toward the horses and smiled. “Horses shuffling their feet while eating grass,” she added with a chuckle.
Michael clambered to his feet and offered her his hand. “Let’s walk for a while.”
“An excellent idea.” She allowed him to help her stand.
They walked hand in hand for several minutes until they arrived in the spot Michael had intended all along. “This is my favorite place on the ranch.”
Rosie gazed around and closed her eyes as the sun beamed down on her face. “This is possibly the closest thing to heaven on Earth.”
“I agree.” Michael turned her around to face him.
Rosie opened her eyes and gazed into his.
“There’s a special reason I brought you here.” Michael took her hands in his. “We’ve been through so much these past few months, but we’re stronger people for it.”
“I never could have imagined any of this when I stepped off that stagecoach back in May,” Rosie said.
“But we’ve come through it together. And I’ve fallen in love with you, Rosie.” Michael looked deep into her eyes. “I cannot imagine my life without you.”
“I love you, too, Michael.”
“I’m hoping we can spend the rest of our days together. Rosie… my forever love, will you marry me?” He stood, holding his breath while he waited for her answer.
A moment later, Michael noticed her eyes filling with tears and his heart almost stopped. She didn’t feel the same about him? No, that couldn’t be right, she’d just assured him she loved him. What was the matter? What had caused her to cry? Had he said something wrong?
“Yes, Michael,” she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. “Yes, I’ll marry you.”
He blew out his breath. Thank goodness.
“I have never been this happy in my entire life.” Rosie threw her arms around his neck. “I traveled all this way searching for answers. Instead I found the man created especially for me. The man I was meant to spend the rest of my life with.”
“I’ve waited my entire life for you. For the girl I cannot live without. I watched my brothers fall in love and marry. I wouldn’t admit it to anyone, even myself, but I was plagued with jealousy.” Michael glanced away for a moment to collect his thoughts and wrangle his emotions under control. He looked deep into her eyes. “But now I’ve found you. And nothing could ever tear us apart.”
He kissed her lips, deepening the kiss when she responded to him. He couldn’t love this girl more. And he knew she sincerely loved him equally as much. A minute later, he broke the kiss. He needed to halt this now, before the situation got out of hand. “All right, Rosie, time to pack up the picnic basket and blanket and head home.” Michael refused to shame his namesake by forgetting he’d been raised a gentleman.
“Thank you for this wonderful day. I’ll remember it the rest of my life.” Rosie smiled at him.
“I’ll remember it always,” he agreed.
“I love you, and I adore your family. I’ll proudly take the McLennon name,” Rosie whispered.
“I’m pleased to hear that, ma’am,” Michael drawled, followed by a smile as he hugged her and kissed her lips. Breathless, he needed to distance himself from the girl he loved, if he intended to live up to the McLennon men’s stellar reputation around womenfolk. He took her hand and walked her back to their horses. “It’s going to be fun telling everyone our news.”
“Well, almost everyone. I’m not certain if Mother will welcome my engagement. She considers AJ the erroneous benefactor of her father’s will. She might believe I’m marrying into the wrong family.”
Michael shook his head. “Only thing that matters is what you believe.”
“I’ve never been more content. And I believe we’ll enjoy a long and happy marriage.” Rosie stood on tiptoes and kissed his lips.
“Exactly what I wanted to hear.” Michael helped her into her saddle. But she needed to stop kissing him. A man could only keep his hands to himself so long. “Let’s head home and share our good news.”
Chapter 31
Rosie could barely contain her excitement, waiting for everyone to congregate in the dining room in preparation for the evening meal. Michael sat to her left and held her hand under the table. He winked at her and she almost giggled but caught herself in time.
What will everyone think?
Rosie suspected their pending engagement was the worst kept secret on the ranch. Everyone, her mother being the one exception, considered her and Michael perfect for each other. She couldn’t agree more. She suspected no one would be surprised by their announcement, and her betrothed gently squeezed her hand, signaling it was time to share their news.
Michael stood and cleared his throat. “I… I’d like to say something before Nellie fills the table with food.” He glanced down at Rosie and helped her to stand. “This afternoon, I asked this beautiful young lady to be my wife. And she said yes.”
Rosie hugged his arm. “We’re engaged,” she exclaimed, unable to contain her glee.
“That’s wonderful, son.” AJ clambered out of his chair at the head of the table and strode toward Michael. “I’m delighted with this news.”
AJ shook hands with his youngest son and then hugged Rosie.
“Thank you, AJ,” she whispered, tearing up. She never would have imagined the warm welcome she’d receive from the family patriarch starting the first day she arrived at the ranch.
And despite the despicable situation concerning her mother, AJ continued to accept her as worthy of his son’s hand in marriage.
“Congratulations, Rosemary,” her mother said, her facial expression unchanged.
“Thank you,” Rosie replied. Was Anna happy for her? Or annoyed the spotlight had shifted to her daughter? Not a hug. Not even a smile. Rosie had given up any hope of ever understanding her mother.
“This calls for a celebration,” Mrs. Sheridan announced, beaming. “I baked a lovely chocolate cake this afternoon for no apparent reason. Just felt I should do it. Now, I know why the urge came over me.”
“Chocolate cake. My favorite,” Michael declared.
“We know,” Jackson and Adam spoke in unison.
Rosie burst into laughter. “Mrs. Sheridan, I don’t suppose you’d be willing to teach me how to bake a chocolate cake?”
“If she can teach me to bake, she can teach anyone,” Lily chimed in from across the table. “I almost destroyed the kitchen a couple times when I first married Jackson.”
“She’s not joking,” Mrs. Sheridan confirmed, smiling. “I discovered spatters of chocolate in the oddest places.”
AJ burst into laughter. “Nellie keeps a spotless kitchen. Or at least, she used to until my sons started bringing home their new wives.”
“I have never once messed up the kitchen,” Willow declared. “Mind you, I couldn’t boil water without a recipe, so no fear of any messes ever happening because of me.”
“And I couldn’t deliver a foal if my life depended on it,” Mrs. Sheridan teased, extending her hand. “We’ll each stick to our own talents.”
“You have a deal,” Willow playfully shook her hand.
Mrs. Sheridan beamed at AJ’s daughters-in-law. “But seriously, I’ll gladly share my kitchen with these lovely young ladies who’ve joined the McLennon family.”
“Thank you,” Lily exclaimed.
“Yes, thank you so much,” Willow added. “I know Iris and Violet feel the same as we do.”
“So do I,” Rosie piped up. “Well, I’ve almost joined the family.”
A Lost Love's Legacy (Sons Of A Gun Book 5) Page 18
