The store she’d wanted to rent before had come available again about two weeks ago. There was a small apartment above the shop she hoped to rent and live in. But she’d had to use some of her savings the last two years, and she’d barely had enough when she’d previously planned to open her shop.
Bliss had studied and made a business plan. It would take months to start seeing a profit. She didn’t like the thought, but Sunn was right. Her only alternative was to borrow from the bank. It would take a huge leap of faith to do all of this, leave the children, move, and start fulfilling her dream.
I’m going to do it. I’ll go see the landlord tomorrow and ask for a reduction in the rent on the shop and apartment. Then I’ll go to the bank.
Walking to the window, she looked out at the familiar scene she’d known since childhood. This was an enormous step. If she faltered, Alan would let her fall all the way. Good, she didn’t need his help or want to think she was relying on him to rescue her.
This was her life and she going to take charge of it, at last.
Chapter Three
Lann parked the truck in front of the new ranch house and got out. Someone had placed hanging baskets filled with red geraniums around the wide front porch. He’d had the porch painted a slate gray, and the white rockers and colorful flowers added a welcoming touch. It looked just as he’d imagined.
He pulled the key out of his pocket and opened the front door. The smell of fresh paint made him wrinkle his nose. He’d asked Rae and Cassie to come down and see the place, choose the colors, and pick the furniture. He’d seen other homes they did and they had a knack for fitting the owner’s personality to their house.
The living room had a huge, stone fireplace at one end.
To the left were two full-length windows. The walls had been painted a very pale silvery blue. He liked the brightness it created.
As he walked through, he realized they had captured his personality. His study walls were a golden-brown wood and on the floor was a brilliant red-and-gold rug. Apparently some of his furnishings had arrived.
Lann took the stairs two at a time. At the end of the hall was his massive master’s suite. He had a king-sized bedroom set coming and chairs to go in front of the smaller corner fireplace. In here the colors went from light to a darker green.
The master bath had a jetted tub and a shower big enough for three with four jets set around the tiled enclosure.
It was time to check the bunkhouse and get his men settled. He heard the trucks arriving to bring them here. He’d check the rest of the house another day. What he’d seen pleased him.
His men stood in the open area between the house and the bunkhouse, down the hill. “What do you think?” he asked his foreman, Josh Wybert.
“I like the lay of the land. It’s going to be a good beginning. I see you got the bunkhouse fixed up for us.”
“Yes. Take the men down and get settled. Tomorrow, the cattle will be arriving, and you’ll all be busy.”
“Are you going to build a firehouse like they have at the other ranch?” Trent Noble, one of the two firemen who’d come with him, asked.
“You can’t see it from here. That rolling hill is in the way.” Lann pointed west. “I’ve had a small place built. It can grow with us. But it also has quarters upstairs with a kitchen and all. You two can start bunking there tonight. We’ve had water pipes put in to cover the places where they’re most needed. And I’ve ordered a truck that carries water.
“Great.” Trent beamed and looked across at the other fireman, Broderick Raleigh.
“Take one of the trucks and go find it.” Lann watched as they hurried off and were soon driving west.
“You got more done than I expected,” Josh said.
“I’ve been in touch with the contractor. And money does put a move on things. I’m heading back to Bern’s. I’ll be there if you need me. My furniture should be here in the next day or two.”
“We’ll be fine. See you tomorrow.”
“I’ll be late getting here. I have a nine-o’clock appointment, but I’ll drive this way as soon as it’s over.” Lann waved, got in the truck Bern had loaned him, and drove off.
Tomorrow, he’d make an offer for the Meades ranch. He wondered what reaction he’d get from the brother and sister. His body heated at the thought of seeing Bliss again.
* * * *
Bliss got the children all off to school. Buddy and Mark rode the school bus, and a neighbor, whose son was in Clara’s prekindergarten class, picked up Clara.
She started upstairs to dress and decided to eat her breakfast of cereal and toast first and drink a cup of coffee. Alan would be out working on the ranch by now. It was almost nine o’clock. Bliss preferred to face her brother after she’d been to town and taken care of her business.
It didn’t take long to eat. She rinsed her bowl and cup and put them in the dishwasher. Buying it had taken some of her money. Alan thought having conveniences were a waste of his.
“You aren’t dressed yet?” Alan’s voice startled her.
“What are you doing coming in from your ranch work so early?”
“I have an appointment. I’d prefer you go upstairs until you’re presentable.”
“I fully intend to. I hope you don’t mind if I had some breakfast.”
He frowned when she turned to face him. “Put makeup on your cheek. I didn’t mean to hit you, and I’d rather no one thinks I’m beating you up.”
“But you did hit me. I won’t allow that to happen again.”
“You slapped me earlier.”
“I was wrong, but you called me a bitch and in front of the children. Plus, I didn’t bruise you.”
Alan started to say something and a knock on the door stopped him. “My appointment. Get out of here.”
“You can’t order me around, Alan. Part of this ranch and house belongs to me. Or have you forgotten?”
“Dad wrote his will so I have control of the ranch. If I want to tell you to move, I can. You’re under my control.”
Anger whipped through Bliss. She stepped closer to Alan. “No, I am not.”
“Hello, is anyone home?”
Her head jerked around toward the backdoor. “Who is that?”
“None of your business. Go.”
“It’s the new man, Quinlain, isn’t it? What business would you have with him?”
“We’re talking men’s business.”
“Alan, this isn’t the dark ages. Women have equal rights.”
Before she could change her mind, Bliss went and opened the door. “Come in, Mr. Quinlain.”
In her anger and frustration with her brother, she’d forgotten she was still in her nightgown and housecoat, until Lann Quinlain stepped inside and his eyes roamed from the top of her head to her feet. His gaze sent heat to her face. Darn, she blushed every time she was around this particular man.
His height and broad chest and shoulders towered over her. Bliss moved back and motioned for him to join her brother at the table.
“There’s coffee in the pot. Excuse me.” She rushed out and up the stairs. What does he want to discuss with Alan? She hurriedly dressed in black slacks, a purple blouse, and black flats. Then she brushed her hair and pulled it up into a twist. A little light makeup and she was ready. She checked the spot on her cheek. No one would look close enough to notice.
There she looked more herself than she had in the past two years. She wasn’t sure why she’d let her brother dictate to her. Sunn was right, at first she’d felt sorry for him and the children. But after living in the same house with him, her sympathy went to his ex-wife.
Bliss had been away from home for a number of years. She’d attended college, and then she’d worked in the city to save the money to come home and open her shop.
When they were younger, Bliss hadn’t realized how much Alan resembled her father and not just in looks. But she remembered her mother being worn down over the years by her father’s attitude. Marriage was definitely
not for her. She’d seen enough of the problems in her own home when she was growing up. Then Alan’s behavior had been an eye-opener.
I think I’ll tiptoe downstairs and find out why Alan and Mr. Quinlain are meeting. She didn’t want to think of him as Lann. It was too casual and did funny things to her insides. She was not attracted to him or Bern. I refuse to be.
Bliss heard them still talking in the kitchen. Her brother raised his voice.
“I appreciate your offer, Quinlain. But I’d want more money before I’d consider selling my ranch.”
“I checked around and was assured my offer was more than generous.”
“Not to me. I have work to do. Come back when you’re serious about doing business.”
Bliss slammed the swinging kitchen door open. “Like hell! The ranch is part mine. If it’s to be sold, I have a say in this.”
Alan jumped up from his chair and frowned at her. “No, you do not. As I told you before, Dad wrote his will so I’d be able to make all the decisions.” He glanced at Lann. “My father believed, as do I, that women should not be involved in making important legal decisions.”
Lann glanced from her brother to her. His laser-sharp study had her feeling hot and quivery inside. He stood and walked to her. Gently, his fingers took hold of her chin, and he turned her cheek where he had a better view.
“How did you get that bruise?” His deep voice hinted of anger.
“She fell on the stairs last night,” Alan said.
“A familiar excuse for a battered woman.” Now his attention swung to Alan, and the anger in his voice was unmistakable. “Did you hit her?”
“Of course not.”
“Don’t lie. I see it in your eyes.” He walked toward Alan, who backed up against the counter.
“So what?” Alan said belligerently. “She deserved it.”
Lann grabbed Alan by the front of his shirt and pulled him up on his toes. “If you ever touch her again, you’ll deal with me and it won’t be pleasant.”
Bliss walked to her brother’s side. “Please, let him go. I appreciate your concern, but I’ll handle it.”
He let go of Alan and turned to her. “Men who hit women don’t usually stop. They’re despicable, little men.” He frowned down at Alan. “I don’t care what your sister says. I’ll still come after you if you hurt her.” Lann walked to the door, but just before he left he looked straight at Bliss. “You’re under my protection, whether you like it or not.” Then he smiled and went out the door.
“What happened between you two yesterday? Whatever it was, he thinks he has the right to interfere between us.” Alan frowned at Bliss.
“Nothing happened.” But I hate to admit it, I rather like the feeling of having him on my side. She shook her head. What am I thinking? No, no, no, I am not going to fall for a macho man.
“You’re dressed differently.” Alan apparently had just noticed her clothes.
“Yes, I’m tired of those feed sacks you prefer me to wear.” She started out the door. “By the way I’m having lunch with Sunn. You’ll need to fix your own.” She let the backdoor screen slam shut and walked to her old car. It wasn’t going to last long, but if she lived in town over her shop she wouldn’t have to use it much.
Bliss smiled at the thought of the shock on her brother’s face as she told him to fix his own lunch. Strength ran through her veins and optimism. She was finding herself again.
The town of Saddlespurs, Texas, was bustling this morning. She found a parking space near the realty office and went in to talk with Mr. Crowdy. He was the main realtor, and the owner of the shop and apartment she wanted to rent.
“Good morning, Bliss. How are you?” the receptionist greeted her.
“I’m fine, Sally. Is Mr. Crowdy in his office?”
“He is. I’ll let him know you’d like to see him.” She picked up her phone and spoke briefly to her boss. “He said to come on back. You know the way.”
“I do.” Butterflies were fluttering in her stomach as Bliss walked down the hall to the last office.
Mr. Crowdy came to the door. He was in his sixties, his hair had turned white, and he’d gained a little weight in the last two years. But his blue eyes twinkled, and he gave her a friendly smile.
“Welcome, come in and have a seat.” He walked back around his desk and sat. “How can I help you?”
“You knew I was interested in your shop several years ago, but I got sidelined for a while. Now, I’m ready to start my business. I’d like to rent the store and the apartment above. What kind of deal can you give me?”
Mr. Crowdy leaned back in his chair. “I’ve known your family for years, your mom and dad, your brother and you. I respect you for putting your plans aside temporarily to help Alan and his children. I’m sure it hasn’t been easy.”
He leaned across the desk toward her. “How much can you afford until the business takes off?”
“I’ve done a plan with estimates.” She handed him her papers. He took them and studied her numbers for quite a while. Her nerves were getting frazzled.
He raised his head and looked directly at her. “You’re on a very tight budget.”
“I know. As I wrote down, I’m going to go to the bank and see if they’ll give me a business loan. I wanted to know first how much the rent would be before I asked for a certain amount.”
“You’ve got spunk, more than I can say for that brother of yours. All right, this is the deal. I’ll charge you half of what I told you two years ago. The place is paid off, so anything I make on it is gravy. But”—he put his elbows on the desk—“once you’re established the rent will go up fifty percent. Is that fair?”
“Oh, more than fair. Thank you so much.” Bliss stood and shook his hand.
“No problem. I think your shop will be a huge success. When I mentioned it before to my wife, she got all excited.”
“I’m so glad. I’ll have a grand opening and save something special for her. When can I move in?”
“As soon as you like.” He went behind his door and came back around with two keys. “They’re marked, one for the store and one for the apartment. You can have more keys made if you need them.”
“Can I hug you?”
He grinned. “You sure can.”
She gave him a big hug. “I can’t thank you enough.”
“Have fun. You’re starting out on a wonderful adventure.”
“I’m so excited. Oh, I almost forgot to write you a check for the first two months.”
“Bring it by when you move in, and we’ll count it starting from that date.”
“You are a wonderful man.”
“Go, before you have me blushing.” He playfully shooed her out the door.
Bliss fairly danced down the hall. She waved to the receptionist and breezed out the door and right into Bernardo Aznar.
He caught her in his arms to steady her. “You are in a hurry.”
“I am.” She gave him a big smile. “I’ve just rented Mr. Crowdy’s store and apartment.”
“I’d heard rumors you were going to open a shop a few years ago.”
“It got delayed, but I’m ready now.”
Bern glanced at his watch. “I was going to meet Lann at the Hungryman’s Café. Won’t you join us?”
The thought of having lunch with the two of them sent her pulse tripping and desire smoldering in her core. What was the matter with her? Men didn’t have this effect on her.
But Bern did, and so did Lann. And she’d seen Bern more in the last two days than she had in several months. She’d taken pains to avoid him.
“I have to go to the bank.”
“They’ll be open until five.” Bern slipped her arm through his. “Stop, and celebrate your good news.” He walked her down the sidewalk toward the café at the end of the next block.
She tried to think of another excuse but none came to mind. Then they were there, and Bern opened the door for her. Lann waved from the back. He sat at a side table.
&
nbsp; “Look who I found. She ran right into me,” Bern said as they got to the table.
“I really don’t want to interfere with your lunch. I hadn’t planned to stop and eat.” Before she could move toward the door, Lann stood and pulled back the chair beside him.
“We’ll enjoy having your company. We can talk all we want back at the ranch.”
Seeing no way out, Bliss sat in the chair beside Lann, and Bern sat across from her.
“Tell Lann your good news,” Bern encouraged her.
Excitement was still bubbling inside her, so she told Lann about her shop and the apartment. “I’m going out on my own, finally. I’d planned to do this two years ago, but Alan and the children needed me.” At the thought of telling her brother, Bliss looked down and clasped her hands.
“Alan isn’t going to like your plans,” Lann commented.
She looked up at him and ran her tongue across her dry lips. A light flashed in his green eyes, and they shone like emeralds.
Glancing down again, she answered him. “No, Alan will be angry, but that’s his attitude most of the time anymore.”
“Are you afraid he’ll hit you again?”
“What?” Bern looked at her. “Ah, I see it now. You’ve covered it well.”
“It’s the first time he’s ever hit me and the last.”
“Let one of us be with you when you tell him. Men who hit women will continue. He’s gotten past the first shock of hitting you. Next time he’ll find it easier to do and to justify.”
“You speak with authority. Have you known other men who hit women?” Bliss asked Lann.
“Not my people, but over the years I’ve met a few. A friend of mine married such a man. I tried to help her. She kept going back until he killed her.”
“I’m sure Alan won’t go any further. I’ll be fine.”
The waitress came and took their orders. Bliss was happy to have the men distracted from discussing Alan. She was sorry they’d gotten such a bad impression of him.
When the waitress left, Bern smiled at her. “Let’s talk on happier subjects. What kind of shop are you opening?”
She was certain her face went bright red. She’d best get over being embarrassed as some of her customers would likely be men.
Capturing Our Lady's Heart [Commando Cowboys and Renegade Texans Unite 1] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Polyromance) Page 3
