* * *
Chapter 28
Dressed in pale linen slacks, a silk blouse and pearls, Leonora Morgan breezed into the dining room, where she found her eldest polishing off a plate of Carmela’s huevos rancheros from the sumptuous brunch the housekeeper prepared for the household each Sunday. The brunch was timed to coincide with the elder Morgans’ return from church services, but the entire Morgan’s Run community, including all workers and staff, was welcome. Most weeks only a smattering came unless they happened to be working.
Ben Senior followed his wife in, loosened his tie and draped a sport coat over an empty chair near the door.
“Hey, traveler, good to see you!”
As his father clapped a hand on Ben’s back, Leonora leaned down and gave him a peck on his cheek. Away the previous day at one of Leonora’s Cowbelles charity events, neither had had a chance to greet the returning riders. The host and hostess would, however, preside over tonight’s farewell banquet .
“Good trip? Didn’t hear from Harley last night, but didn’t have any complaints on my voicemail this morning.”
Ben strolled up to the sideboard and grabbed a piece of toast and a second cup of coffee.
“Good trip, pretty good weather, except the first day and night. Just as well you didn’t have the banquet last night. Some of them wouldn’t have been able to sit.”
“Ouch! Newbies?”
“You could say that.” Ben grinned, remembering the first two days when Harley had had Cassie Breedmore glued to the back of his saddle. After three hours on the trail, she was sobbing so uncontrollably that it was either put her up with Harley or turn back. She had been too scared even to flirt.
“Next time, if we don’t know their riding experience, we’d better plan a route that lets us double back with people who really shouldn’t be out there.”
As Ruthie came in, his mother brought her plate to sit beside her eldest.
“Were the women interesting?”
“I just told you, they were too scared to flirt, and in their few calm moments, they seemed gaga over Harley, not me.” As Ben saw his sister’s face fall, he regretted his words and added, “But after a couple of days, they were all too busy moaning and groaning to be interested in romance.”
“That’s not good,” Ben Senior said.
He took a seat at the head of the table, his plate laden with food. Leonora scowled at the overflowing plate but said nothing. His parents thought he was in the dark about his father’s heart attack, and Ben resolved to speak with them as soon as possible.
“It was fine. The bigwigs had a great time, and they loved pretending to look after the little women. My guess is, you’ll hear good reports tonight.”
“What’re you doing today?” Ruthie asked. She wore a frayed chenille bathrobe, hair still rumpled with sleep.
“Taking Maggie and Emma to the zoo in Tucson. Wanta come?”
“Would love it, but I have a date.”
“With whom?” Her parents and brother spoke in unison, all eyes trained on her.
“Don’t look so shocked. There is life outside Morgan’s Run, you know.”
Leonora raised her coffee cup in toast. “We know that, darling. We just didn’t know you did.”
Her father smiled and clinked his mug against his wife’s. “Who’s the lucky fella? Can’t have my baby going out with just anyone, you know.”
“Well, technically, I haven’t met him yet.”
“Oh, God, here we go,” Ben mumbled. He had a pretty good idea what was coming next.
“Now, don’t everybody freak out. I met him online. We’ve been corresponding for a few weeks. We’re meeting for coffee, in, oops, half an hour. Sorry, no time to chat, gotta go. Don’t worry, it’s a public place. If I’m not back in three hours, you can send out the posse.”
“In three hours, you could be in Guatemala.”
“Ha, ha. Thanks for you support, big brother.” Ruthie whacked his head with her napkin and disappeared before her parents could utter a word.
Ben rose. “She’ll be fine. Ruthie’s tough.”
Leonora sniffed and inclined her cheek to receive her son’s kiss. “Hmm, some Sunday brunch this turned out to be.”
Five minutes later, as the elder Morgans watched the Rover spin out of the drive, Leonora shook her head.
“Thank goodness I’ve lined up Daisy Randolph for tomorrow night. We’ve just got to get him interested in some suitable women.”
Her husband leaned over and patted her hand. “Leave him be, Nora. He’s in love with her. Ain’t nothing you can do about it. Time to get used to it.”
“The heir to this ranch and a stable hand? I don’t think so!”
“Well, I like her. A lot. She makes him happier than I’ve ever seen him before. ’Sides, Maggie’s a hell of a lot more than a stable hand. It’s her choice to stay where she is, remember? She’s bright and extremely capable, as you’ve said yourself many times.”
* * *
Chapter 29
Ben, Emma, and Maggie spent a few hot but fun hours at the Tucson Zoo, actually a zoological park within the larger Reid Park with its ball fields, hiking trails, playgrounds, lake, and even a children’s train, which Ben rode four times with Emma. The tiny cars held only two people, so Maggie stayed behind with the wheelchair. Usually when Maggie brought Emma to the zoo, Ned came, too, and they took turns riding the train, but since Ben and Emma were clearly enjoying themselves, she happily waved them off and sat in the shade. She needed the time to think.
When Ben had arrived at her house in shorts and a tee shirt, looking handsome and tanned after his time on the trail, she considered asking Ned to watch Emma for a few minutes so she could tell Ben about his daughter before their day at the zoo, but Emma was jumping out of her skin with excitement, so she delayed again.
After the zoo, they ate at a sandwich shop that Ben loved near the university, then headed home. As he helped Emma from the Rover, her thin arms circled his neck, and she pulled closer and kissed his cheek.
She gave him one of her shy, beautiful smiles. “Thanks, Uncle Ben.”
His eyes filled as he gazed down at the brave little girl he loved as much as he did her beautiful mother. His parents had provided him with a home filled with love, but something in Emma’s eyes called to him, a familiar feeling and a sense of being truly home for the first time in his life.
“Hey, you two, should I be jealous?”
Maggie bent over to unstrap Emma’s car seat. Without a word, Ben grabbed it and walked toward Maggie’s car to reinstall it. By the time he finished, Ned was already wheeling Emma into the house.
“See you soon, kiddo.”
“Yup, alligator!” she called as the pair disappeared inside.
Maggie watched him, her expression unreadable. In a pale blue sundress that hugged her in all the right places , floppy straw hat, her canvas purse slung over one shoulder, she looked as beautiful as he had ever seen her. Ben longed to take her in his arms for a deep, passionate kiss, but settled instead for a chaste one.
“Thanks. This was a fun day for Emma and me.”
“Me, too. I loved every minute. She’s such an amazing little girl.”
Maggie was startled to see his eyes fill with tears. He loves her. No matter what happens with you, Ben Morgan is crazy about his daughter.
“Yes, she is. Ben, I have something to ask.”
“Anything.”
“Are you busy tonight?”
“What’d you have in mind?”
“I wondered if you’d be able to meet me for a drink, or early dinner? Just the two of us? There’s something I need to talk with you about.”
“What is it? Are you okay?”
“No. Yes. I mean, things happened. I’d like to tell you about that, but this is something else. Please let’s wait for when we can talk alone, okay?”
They agreed on dinner, and he said he would make a reservation at a small inn about ten miles south of town.
&nb
sp; * * *
Chapter 30
Nestled in the foothills, miles from the nearest home or business, Red Mesa Inn was a popular honeymoon spot for those desiring seclusion and privacy. The inn’s terrace bistro was one of a handful of five-star restaurants in the southwest. Despite its rating, the food was casual, as was the dress. Ben had booked them a corner table with a spectacular view of the mountains. He wore a blue sports shirt, open at the collar, and dressy jeans that were so sexy Maggie nearly forgot the purpose of the evening. She gasped when she opened the door, so perfect was her lover in every possible way.
Ben whistled, taking in every inch of her strapless summer dress, the neckline providing a delicious peek at her soft, rounded breasts. With a wink at Ned and a wave to Emma, who sat eating pizza with her grandfather, they departed and were now sipping delicious sangria, their dinner orders in. They oohed and aahed at the view, remarked about the weather and engaged in a host of other small talk, all the while staring into each other’s eyes, leaving no doubt as to their respective feelings. Finally Maggie set down her glass, her mouth set.
Before she could speak, he said, “You’ve never looked lovelier.”
“My girlfriend Jeanie went shopping with me a month ago and made me buy this dress.”
“I love Jeanie.”
He smiled as he took her hand, and his chestnut eyes drank in the sight of her.
Swallowing, Maggie cleared her throat. Here goes nothing. “Ben, there’s something I need to tell you. Something I should have told you a long time ago.”
“Uh, oh, you’re married?”
She shook her head.
“Secret lover?”
She reached out to take his other hand. “Please, let me say this, okay?”
“Sorry, of course.” He leaned forward, eyes riveted on hers.
“You’ve never asked about Emma’s father.”
“I figured you’d tell me if you wanted me to know.”
“Well, I want you to know. You deserve to know. You deserve to be with your daughter as she goes through the next few weeks. She’s crazy about you, and I know it will make things easier for her.”
Shock registered in his eyes, and Ben sat back as if she’d struck him. “Are you saying what I think you’re saying?” She nodded, frightened by the fire in his eyes, the emotion behind it unreadable. “Why didn’t you tell me? Why didn’t you get in touch when you knew you were carrying our baby?”
“You were gone. I was in New Jersey. What was I supposed to do? Call you up and say ‘Hey, Ben, our one-night drunken roll in the hay has knocked me up?’ You left for California without even saying good-bye. That sent a pretty clear message about our one-night stand. Can you honestly tell me you would have rushed to my side if I’d called?”
He stared at her for several minutes, then shook his head, eyes a million miles away. “Hell, Maggie, I don’t know what I’d have done, but I still deserved to know.”
Their dinners arrived and went largely untouched. Neither could swallow more than a few mouthfuls in the yawning silence. They declined dessert. Ben asked for the check and waved away her offer to split the bill.
When the Rover stopped alongside her house, Maggie turned to him.
“Ben, I’m sorry. I was a scared eighteen-year-old, impregnated by an older guy I barely knew. I needed to figure out what I was going to do without other people swooping in and taking over.”
“But I’m not other people, Maggie. I’m Emma’s dad, and I’ve missed four years of her life. Look, I get it. I was an asshole back then. I can see why you did what you did. I just need some time. Absolutely, I want to be at Emma’s appointments. I think you know that I’m crazy about her. I’ll be there to take you guys Tuesday morning. With apologies for the psychobabble, I need time to process this.”
Maggie struggled to hold back tears. Where was the man she loved and trusted? She felt like she was sitting next to a stranger—a cold, unfeeling stranger.
“Will we see you tomorrow?”
“Probably not. I’ve got to run into Phoenix to take care of some stuff, and my parents have got something tomorrow night. Why don’t we say I’ll see you Tuesday, okay? Say hi to Emma for me.”
He turned away, staring straight ahead.
“I have no right to ask this, but until you think things through, I’d rather not tell people about Emma and you. If that’s okay?”
“No problem here. See you Tuesday.” Still staring straight ahead, he waited until she got out of the Rover. Then, without another word, he drove off. Stunned, Maggie watched him go, her chest aching and her heart broken into a million little pieces all over again, just as it had five years earlier, and just as it had after the accident. What a fool I’ve been, letting myself fall in love with Ben Morgan again.
* * *
Chapter 31
Angrier than he’d been in his entire life, Ben raced through town. He wasn’t sure if he was angry at Maggie, himself, or the world, but he knew if he spoke to people at that moment, he’d most likely punch out their lights. He stormed into the house, grabbed a bottle of Jack Daniels, and headed for the stables. His mother called from the living room, but he ignored her and slammed the back door behind him.
When Harley found him, he was slumped in the hayloft above the stables, having polished off half the bottle of Jack Daniels. “Never a good idea to drink alone, buddy. Lemme have that.” He wrenched the bottle from his friend’s grasp and sat down beside him.
Ben leaned back and closed his eyes. “Go away, Harley.”
“No can do. Did you know your little sister’s Internet dating?”
“If that’s your only worry, you’re a lucky man.”
“You’re slurring bad, ole buddy. Never could hold your liquor, Morgan. Wanta talk about it?”
“Nope.”
“Might help?”
“Doubt it.”
“Does it have to do with my trainer?”
“What d’you think?”
“She dump you?”
“Nope.”
“So what’s the prob?”
“She had my child and is just getting around to telling me about it almost five fucking years later.”
“So, she told you about Em, huh?”
“You knew?” Ben sat up, eyes blazing.
“Hold on, hold on. Don’t start swinging, you moron. Anyone who takes a long, hard look at Em knows she’s a Morgan.”
“And no one thought to tell me?”
“No one knew for sure, or even which Morgan. There are a few of you around, you know.”
“Is it common knowledge in town?”
“No, it isn’t common knowledge anywhere, you dope. Maggie’s never breathed a word, but anyone with working eyesight can see it. Have you ever looked at Em’s eyes? They’re yours, man.”
“She should have told me.”
“Don’t judge her too harshly. She’s had a rough time.”
“Four years, Harley! Four years of not seeing her sit up, crawl, toddle, walk, cut teeth, start talking, all those times a dad should be there for.”
“You seem to know a lot about kids.”
“Both my business partners have kids. I’ve spent many days and many hours around toddlers the past few years. And, in case you’ve forgotten, I am the oldest Morgan.”
Harley smiled, knowing his friend had not exactly been Big Brother Nanny to his siblings.
“Give her a break, man. She went through hell when she came back. This town’s ultraconservative, as you well know. Do you think your mom would have welcomed her with open arms? I seriously doubt it. Your family’s pretty formidable, buddy, especially to us lowly worker bees.”
“Don’t give me that lowly bullshit. I know you’ve got investments and enough socked away to buy Morgan’s Run twice over.”
Harley laughed and took a swig of whiskey, then handed Ben the bottle. “You really do live in a fantasy world, don’t you?”
Ben set the bottle down. “You can fool everyone else
, Langdon, but you forget, I’ve seen your portfolio.”
“You took an oath of secrecy about that.“
“Cool your jets. I’m not going to blow your cover, Mr. Buffett. Just like you won’t say a word about Emma. Maggie’s asked me not to tell anyone.”
“So much for you being able to keep a secret. What’s it been, two hours since she told you?”
“You don’t count. I’ve kept your secrets all these years, haven’t I?” Ben sighed and leaned back, closing his eyes. The world spun, and he felt bone-tired.
“Give her a break, Morgan. That’s all I’m sayin’. She’s been through hell, especially after the accident.”
Harley’s words were lost on his friend, who had passed out. He grabbed a blanket from one of the stalls, threw it over him, then climbed back down, taking the Jack Daniels with him.
* * *
Chapter 32
Maggie dreaded going to work but dragged herself in Monday morning, just in time to spy Ben’s Rover heading out the front gate. He waved but did not slow down, expression grim. She had only a quick glance, but he looked like he hadn’t slept in a week.
It was a busy day. They had back-to-back lessons and two training sessions with Carl Delgado and Pearl. Agent and horse had bonded, and Maggie and Jeb agreed that they would be ready to roll by the end of the week. Just in time, too, as two of his fellow agents would be arriving the following week. Initial training of their horses, and Tabsaco, had been largely Jeb’s responsibility since Harley had been busy with other projects and Maggie and her college kids were running the pony camps.
They had all agreed that the other agents’ reaction to Tabsaco might be similar to Delgado’s so they were training two other mustangs. They planned to introduce Tabasco as a third alternative. Ben Morgan’s job seemed to revolve around trips to town and meetings at the Lodge, so they were unlikely to see much of him. The ranch was gearing up for three pack trips over the next two months. Most of that planning now fell on Ben’s shoulders.
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