“I guess I see that.” Gino squinted and leaned forward, nearly falling out of Matteo’s hold. “I’m not sure that sounds like fun, though.”
“You can choose to make anything fun, G. That’s what I’m asking you to do. Stop complaining so much. Stop and look around and see what possibilities there are. Can you promise me you’ll try to do that while we’re here?”
He wasn’t talking only to Gino now. He’d glanced over his shoulder to where Peyton stood, stone still, arms wrapped around her torso, razor-sharp hair blowing in the gentle wind. She looked like some kind of outcast, plucked out of one world and dropped into another, one she wasn’t entirely convinced would ever accept her.
It was that uncertainty he saw shimmering in her eyes that made him realize her discomfort was about more than being ordered into hiding; it was about facing a family and secrets and changes that scared her.
“You can’t look out at that sky and not feel powerful,” Matteo said as he carried Gino back toward the car. “We’re here. And while Big E is always touting the importance of family and connections, there’s something else you might be connected to, Peyton. You come from this land. Your father came from this land. It’s in your blood. And I’m betting you can feel that already.”
“I wouldn’t wager too high on that, if I was you.” Still, she offered a weak smile and reached a hand out to Gino’s hair, then seemed to think better of it and tucked back into herself. “You’re right, though. Sky like this deserves to be seen. I’ll try to remember that.”
“Then this was worth the stop.” He lowered Gino to the ground, then helped him up and into the SUV. “Okay, let’s get this show on the road. Blackwell Ranch, here we come.”
CHAPTER SEVEN
NEVER IN PEYTON’S wildest imagination could she have conceived of standing beneath so much endless sky. Matteo was right, she thought, as she climbed out of the car parked in front of what the sign said was the main guest house. And wasn’t that just flat-out irritating?
The pristine blue dotted with errant, fluffy clouds drifting by seemed almost otherworldly. As far as she could see, up, out, in any direction, even with the smattering of buildings and fence line, the sky seemed to be all there was.
She’d done enough research in the past few days to know the Blackwells were well-off. Very well-off. But there was a difference between fortune estimates and the acres of actual, physical land.
She took it all in, from the horse-filled corrals to the lush, green pastures stretching over the hills like a blanket of velvet dotted with the fiery colors of fallen leaves. A smattering of small cabins filled the landscape, as did a number of outbuildings and a brilliant white farmhouse. Maybe she’d seen too many cowboy movies growing up, but she hadn’t considered a working Montana cattle ranch would be so...luxurious, right down to the beautifully maintained garden surrounding the expansive building in front of her.
Huh. Maybe two weeks out here wasn’t going to be so difficult after all.
She pressed a hand to her racing heart. It was as if she’d discovered something much larger than herself, something that pressed down and in on her even as it welcomed her into its arms. Was that what Matteo had been feeling? That sensory overload of anything-is-possible that seemed to surround her? He’d been quiet on the drive, as if his thoughts had been moving faster than the SUV. Was it the beauty of this place affecting him?
Or had it been something more?
The front door of the beautiful, two-story guest house sprang open to reveal a trim brunette with an obviously pregnant belly beneath a bright yellow T-shirt. She deposited a basket of shiny red apples on the porch before approaching with a brilliant, welcoming smile on her face.
“You must be Peyton.” She held out her hand. “I’m Hadley Blackwell, Ty’s wife. Welcome to the Blackwell Ranch. Or I guess I should say welcome to the family.”
“Hi.” Peyton returned the greeting and tucked her hair behind her ear, a nervous tic she’d never quite managed to kick. The open friendliness seemed genuine. “Nice to meet you, Hadley. Big E sends his regards.”
“I’ll bet he does.” Hadley rolled her eyes. “That man gets into more trouble and mischief than all the Blackwell kids put together. Dot sends her regrets. She was hoping to be here, but she’s taking care of some family business out of town. Come on inside. We’ll get you checked in and give you the grand tour. Leave your bags for now,” she called as she headed back up the porch steps.
Peyton caught Matteo returning her suitcase to the car before he closed the door.
“Dad, look!” Gino darted away from his father, tiny plumes of dust and dirt exploding up over his little sneakers. “Horses! Lots of them!”
Peyton watched Matteo hesitate, the color draining from his face. Instead of turning away from his son, he headed toward Gino and crouched beside him. An arena in the distance boasted a number of people standing on and around the fence observing a variety of horses and presumably their trainers. She could hear the horses huffing and neighing and the audience applauding and cheering the display.
“I bet we can get you on one of those if you want to learn,” Matteo said to his son. Peyton hugged her arms tight around her waist. The way Matteo rested a hand on Gino’s shoulder, as if reminding him he wasn’t alone in the world, misted her eyes. Her stoic, determined bodyguard definitely had a soft side.
“I don’t know.” Gino’s voice wavered. “Those horses are really big.”
“Don’t worry,” Hadley called from the door and waved for them to follow her. “We have horses of all sizes here. Katie will find you the perfect one, Gino.”
Matteo and Gino started to move toward the arena, clearly entranced by the horses and activity.
Peyton turned toward the house, finally taking a moment to appreciate the elegant Western architecture. Pumpkins of every shape and size sat on top of one another up and down the edges of the steps, interspersed with pots of bright yellow chrysanthemums, fire-orange gerbera and delicate calla lilies. The oversize wreath on the front door declared fall was welcome, as did the chalkboard sign situated by the basket of apples urging people to help themselves.
It was obvious the buildings, not to mention the land itself, was taken care of very well. Details were pristine. There was pride in this place everywhere she looked, and she felt an immediate sense of peace, despite her anxiety about facing Lily.
“So Big E called a few hours ago to update us about Gino coming with you,” Hadley said as she took her place behind what looked like a hand-carved check-in counter. “I understand you need a work space while you’re here.”
“Not a lot of space. Just...” Peyton tried to stay on point. “Just somewhere to plug in my laptop and cell phone.”
“Got it. Fair warning, our Wi-Fi and cell reception can get a bit sketchy, especially when we get storms. Looks like I’ve got you and Matteo in one of our two-bedroom cabins. Hmmm.” Hadley continued to tap on her computer. “With Gino that probably won’t work too great. I’ve got a beautiful room here in the guest lodge. That way I can put Matteo and Gino in the two-bedroom. Unless—”
“Unless?” Peyton’s eyebrow arched. She could just imagine what Hadley Blackwell was probably thinking about Peyton and Matteo’s relationship.
Hadley glanced up. “Unless you want to stay with Lily in her one-bedroom cabin next door. She divides her time between here and Conner’s place.”
“Oh.” Her cheeks warmed. “Sorry. It’s just... I wanted to avoid any misconceptions when it comes to me and Matteo. We aren’t...you know. He’s my assistant, and that’s all.” Oh, yeah. That sounded professional.
“Trust me,” Hadley said with a knowing grin. “When it comes to relationship misconceptions—” she actually used air quotes “—I’m your go-to girl. So the room upstairs works okay for you?”
“No.” Matteo stepped in through the open screen door, Gino hot on his h
eels. “The two-bedroom will work fine. Big E said there’s a sofa bed.”
“Can I sleep on that?” Gino darted forward and gripped the edge of the counter, rising up on his toes to peer over. “That sounds really neat.”
Hadley glanced at Peyton, whose face went forest-fire hot. “Can I talk to you for a moment, please, Matteo?” She gripped his arm and led him back onto the porch. “What are you doing?” she demanded in as quiet a tone as she could manage.
“My job,” Matteo said, falling right back into that attitude of his that made her wonder if she’d imagined their time together on the side of the road. “I’m here to protect you, remember? I can’t do that if I’m in a building across the ranch.”
“But won’t people think—”
“I don’t care what people think, Peyton.” There he was again. That brick wall of protection her bosses had hired. “I care about keeping you in sight as much of the time as possible...and safe. We might have come to a different state, but until I’ve heard from the police back home that you’re out of danger, I’m not taking any chances. Now—” he shoved his hands in his pockets and rocked back on his heels “—we can get separate rooms here in the main house or you can stay with me and Gino in the guest cabin. Up to you.”
His determination seemed set in concrete. He wasn’t going to budge. She could see that on his face. That handsome, infuriating, daydream-inducing face.
“Fine. You win.”
He grinned. “Don’t worry. I’m sure you’ll win something while we’re here.”
Peyton’s mouth twisted. At least now she had a new goal. “Go ahead and make the arrangements you feel are necessary.”
He turned to the door, then thought better of it, faced her again. “You know, if you’re that concerned about what people think, we could always just tell them the truth.”
That she’d received death threats? “Absolutely not.” No way was she going to add to her sisters’ concerns. And even though Lily was the only other sister in Montana, sibling gossip and information spread like wildfire, from California all the way out to where Georgie currently resided in North Carolina. “I don’t want anyone to know why we’re really here.” Or that she was hiding out. It just seemed so...undignified. She’d rather them think she and Matteo were more than assistant and boss.
“All right, then. Let the rumors start flying.” He winked at her and left her speechless on the front porch.
“You two work everything out?” Hadley asked as Peyton followed Matteo back inside.
“Yes, ma’am,” Matteo said. “Ms. Harrison and I will share the two-bedroom cabin. She works better in isolation.”
Peyton gnashed her teeth. Now he was just making stuff up.
“Miss Harrison.” Gino tugged on the hem of her shirt.
“Gino.” Peyton crouched in front of him. “I thought we agreed you’d call me Peyton.”
“Yes, ma’am. Peyton.” He nodded and suddenly looked far older than his six years. “Dad says we’re with your family now.”
“I suppose that’s true.” Didn’t quite feel true, though. None of this felt real.
“Then, do you know who all these people are?” He pointed to a collection of photographs displayed along the far wall.
“I suppose they’re Blackwells.” She glanced over to where Matteo was making the final arrangements with Hadley before allowing Gino to tug her closer to the pictures. “I can’t say for sure, though. I’m kind of a new member of the family.”
“New but welcome nonetheless, cousin.” The tall and very handsome cowboy who headed toward them offered a smile as radiant as Hadley’s. “I’m Tyler Blackwell, but everyone calls me Ty. It’s nice to meet you, Peyton.”
“You, too.” She hesitated only briefly before taking his offered hand. She recognized his face from the pictures she’d found online. Each of Big E’s grandsons had made a name for himself. Ben was an attorney, Ethan a veterinarian, Jon owned his own ranch nearby, and Chance Blackwell—well, everyone who’d ever turned on a radio knew who Chance Blackwell was.
Ty and his wife ran the guest-ranch portion of the business and had been doing gangbuster business for the past two years. What was it about the Blackwell men that they seemed rather, well, for want of a better word, confident? There was no denying, however, that that twinkle in the eye was anything other than genetic, thanks to Big E. “Thanks for making space for us.”
“Not a problem. I’m sure Hadley told you, we had some cancellations, which is too bad because we’re heading into the holiday season pretty soon. Hello, there.” He turned that friendly expression on Gino. “Are you here to check in, too, young man?”
“Yes, sir.” Gino gripped Peyton’s shirt and scooted behind her, peeking out as if he wasn’t quite sure what to think. “My dad works for Miss Peyton.”
Miss Peyton. She felt her heart clutch even as she reached back to put a comforting hand on the boy’s shoulder.
“Does he?” Ty asked. “Well, that sounds great. Were you asking about who all these people are?”
“Yes, sir.” Gino’s confirmation sounded more like a squeak.
Peyton took in the photographs featuring people and landscapes from over a number of decades. It gave a sense of history, for sure. A personal touch for the guest-ranch angle, and it made her feel as if she’d stepped a little bit back in time. “Are they all Blackwells?”
“Most,” Ty confirmed. “Some are longtime employees. It takes a lot of hands to keep the Blackwell Ranch running. We like to make sure everyone gets their due. This here—” he tapped a finger against a photo of five boys and a beaming, handsome couple “—this is my favorite. My mom and dad, and all five of us Blackwell brothers. This one’s me.” He poked a finger into his own overly grinning face. “As you can see, I got all the charm in the family.”
Peyton peered closer. One taller boy was clearly older than the rest, but the other four... “Are you a twin?” As someone who prided herself on the details, she must have missed that tidbit of information.
“Yes, ma’am. Chance and I arrived together. Well, one of us is a few minutes older. Makes him the baby of the family.”
She had no doubt Chance appreciated that moniker as much as Fiona liked it.
The most recent photograph sat front and center of the display, a wedding photo featuring Big E, a dignified-looking woman about his age, surrounded by the five Blackwell boys looking cover-model stunning in their Sunday best.
“That’s Dot. Our grandmother,” Ty added when she looked closer. “She and Big E got remarried a couple years back. She’s off tying off the last loose ends before moving back for good.”
“I’m looking forward to meeting her.” Something told Peyton there was no avoiding any of the Blackwells. “I think I’m going to need to make a chart to keep track of everyone.” Her family tree had suddenly become a forest.
Ty chuckled. “Don’t worry. We won’t start quizzing you until you’ve met everyone. Lily caught on pretty quick. Speaking of Lily, does she know you’re here?”
“I’m not sure.”
Gino, who had moved on and was exploring on his own, kept his hands behind his back and wandered around reception.
“So, what is it you do exactly, Peyton?” Ty asked. “Lily says you run an electronics company, and Big E suggested there might be business opportunities in the offing.”
“Maybe,” Peyton said, somewhat relieved to know Lily wasn’t pretending as if she didn’t exist. “I’m a VP of Electryone Technologies. We hunt out and invest in unique ideas for technology advancements that lessen environmental impact, like wind and solar energy, recycling and sanitation, water treatment systems, stuff like that. Doing our part to get away from the power grid and create more sustainable options. We also do a lot of investing in women-forward companies and businesses, lending capital in exchange for a percentage of the eventual successes.”
“Lily said you were a brain,” Ty said with a smile and a nod. “You know, Hadley and I have been discussing how we could make the ranch more environmentally friendly. I don’t suppose you’d be up for a consult with us? You know, just give us your thoughts as to how we can move the ranch forward?”
Feeling more secure having shifted to a business-related topic, Peyton nodded. “Of course. I’d be happy to.” So far everything seemed to be going to plan.
“Great. I’ll talk to Hadley about it tonight, and we’ll get on your schedule. Looks like she’s got your accommodation all set. How about I take you three over to your cabin?”
It was on the tip of her tongue to ask where she might find Lily, but she held back. She might be headstrong and forward thinking when it came to her work, but when it came to her sisters...it seemed she was a borderline coward. “Lead the way.”
* * *
“WOW, WOW, WOW, Dad! This place is uh-may-zing!” Gino raced past Matteo into the bedrooms of the cabin Ty had shown them to moments before. He told them to get settled in, then meet him down at the paddock for a tour of the property. “This is like the bestest thing that’s ever happened to me!” He was practically pinging off the walls.
Whatever shyness Gino had displayed back at the guest house vanished the second he, Matteo and Peyton were alone. Hadn’t Taro said something about his son not being quite so talkative? A headache began to throb behind Matteo’s eyes. Instead of pounding back a couple of painkillers, he downed half a bottle of water. Then, with Gino distracted, he hid Gino’s gaming system, along with the charger cord on the top shelf of one of the kitchen cabinets.
He found Peyton watching him from her bedroom doorway. Arms folded, brow arched, she just shook her head, then grinned and turned away.
Montana Dreams Page 9
