Love Me, Trust Me (Full Heart Ranch Series Book 2)

by Barbara Gee

  “How many does your dad usually read?”

  “Two, but sometimes I can get him to read more.”

  “Well, since it’s not too late, let’s go with three. Sound good?”

  “Yep. Real good.” Hank settled back against his pillow as Libby opened the book. “I love my dad,” he blurted.

  Libby smiled, her heart bursting with love for the little blonde boy who had been through so much and was rising above it all with an unbreakable spirit.

  “He loves you, too. So, so, so much.”

  “I know. He tells me he does. I love the ranch, too. I’m glad you’re my dad’s girlfriend so we can stay here.”

  “I’m glad I am, too. Your dad is a special man. We’re lucky to have him.”

  “I asked Dad if you’re going to be my mom someday. He said he hopes so, but he has to ‘prose to you first and see if you wanna get married to him.”

  The mere thought of being engaged to Ryan caused Libby’s heart to skip a beat. “What about you, Hank? What do you hope?”

  “Since my mom can’t come back, it would be nice if you were my mom. I think you should marry my dad.”

  “We’ll see if he asks me to. I promise we’ll do what’s best, okay?”

  “Okay. Let’s read the dragon book now.”

  Halfway through the third chapter, Hank was sleeping soundly. Libby went to her room, knowing she was still too keyed up to sleep. She drew a hot bath, dumped in plenty of scented oil, and soaked in the soothing water, letting it gradually calm her humming body. After donning a tank top and soft cotton sleep shorts, she picked up a book she’d brought from downstairs and slid between the sheets. By midnight her eyelids were getting heavy. She turned off her lamp and snuggled into the mattress, a smile on her lips as she fell asleep.

  Sometime later, she woke to a soft touch on her shoulder. Before she could think to be alarmed, the unmistakable, wonderful scent of Ryan registered in her sleepy brain. Rolling onto her back, she held out her arms.

  “Ryan,” she breathed, “you’re back.”

  “Earlier than expected,” he said softly, lowering himself to the bed beside her and pushing his face against her neck. “I tried to stay away but I knew you were in here and it was a losing battle.”

  She smiled. “And you wonder why I moved to the cabin,” she teased. His hair was still damp from a shower and he smelled so good. She held him tightly, breathing him in, her heart full of gratitude. “What time is it?”

  “Almost four o’clock.”

  “Stay here with me. I want to be close to you.”

  “I’ll stay for a little while. I don’t want to risk Hank getting up before us.”

  Libby stroked a hand down the bare skin of his back. Lifting her head she saw he was wearing only a pair of athletic shorts.

  “You’re cold. Come under here with me.”

  He groaned softly. “I don’t know, Lib.”

  “Hank is next door. We won’t get carried away with him right there. I just want to feel you close to me.”

  Ryan rolled off the bed and she held the covers up so he could slide under. His arms immediately encircled her and Libby turned to face him, snuggling against him with a happy sigh. “Welcome back. I missed you.”

  “I was only gone a day.”

  “Doesn’t matter, I still missed you.”

  He rolled her onto her back and propped himself on an elbow, looking down at her. The only light was from the moon shining in her window, but it was enough.

  “I missed you, too,” he said, his voice low and rough. He pressed his lips lightly against hers, then lifted his head to look at her again. Even in the dim light Libby could see the intensity in his gaze. “I love you, Libby. I realized that way back when we were in North Carolina together. I don’t know if it’s too soon to tell you, but I figure you might as well know for sure how I feel.”

  Libby closed her eyes, feeling blessed beyond measure. When she opened them again they shimmered with tears. The happiest tears ever. “I love you, too, Ryan. And I love us together. With Hank.”

  “Me too. I wasn’t sure I’d ever feel this, or allow myself to feel it. But with you it’s pretty easy. I’m a better man with you in my life. Your example and faith in me got me back on the right path, and it’s changed everything for me.”

  Libby took his head in her hands and lifted her face to his, kissing him hard once, and then again. “I love you. You’re the best man I’ve ever met. Never doubt yourself or how I feel.”

  He bent his head and kissed her long and sweet and deep. Libby reveled in the feel of his long body pressed against her side. It would be so easy to urge him to roll on top of her, to show him how she felt with her body instead of using only words. But in spite of her desire, she wasn’t tempted to follow through. It wasn’t an option, and not just because Hank was next door. Their love was true and pure, and it would stay that way.

  “I should go. Let you get another couple hours of sleep.”

  Libby smiled. “Okay. But you need to try to sleep, too. Don’t set your alarm. I’ll get up with Hank in the morning so you can sleep in.”

  “I usually wake when the sun comes up, but I’ll try.”

  “I won’t go to the office until you’re up, so you can see Hank. I have plenty of stuff I can do from the house.”

  “Okay. Night, baby.” He gave her one more brief kiss. “Go back to sleep.”

  She chuckled as he got out of the bed. “I’ll try, but even if I can’t, it was worth being woken up.”

  His teeth flashed white in the dim light, and then he was gone.

  Libby curled up on her side, running her hand over the warm sheets where he had been, then pressing her face into the pillow he’d used, inhaling his scent. He loved her.

  When she woke up two hours later, she still had a smile on her face.

  CHAPTER 36

  On Wednesday, Ryan left soon after lunch to go meet his parents at the airport. Kay was busy in the kitchen, so Libby spent the afternoon at the house, doing her best to entertain an excited little boy who was eager to meet his new grandparents. They went for a long ride, then the ranch hands let Hank help feed the horses, a new task for him, and one he enjoyed immensely. Even at the age of five the little boy enjoyed hard work, just like his dad. Libby promised he could help with the feeding again soon, then urged him up to the house to get cleaned up before his grandparents arrived.

  When he was ready, they went outside to wait. Libby sat on the porch swing while Hank scampered around in the yard with Buzz. Tuck and Maddy walked over and chatted for a while, then went inside to help with dinner. Soon after, Libby saw Ryan’s truck turn in the lane.

  “Here they come, Hank,” she called.

  He stopped racing after Buzz and turned to watch the truck. When it got nearer to the house, he suddenly got shy and ran up on the porch, leaning against Libby as Ryan parked.

  “This is going to be fun,” Libby said encouragingly. “They’re going to be so happy to meet you.”

  They watched as Ryan got out, and then a tall man got out of the passenger side. Ryan bore a strong resemblance, but wasn’t an exact replica of his dad, the way Hank was to him. The man turned and opened the rear door, and a petite blonde woman stepped out onto the running board, taking her husband’s hand as she stepped down onto the ground. As soon as she was clear of the truck her gaze zoomed in on Hank.

  Ryan took her arm and urged her toward the porch. Libby’s own eyes filled when she saw the pretty, kind faced woman wipe at her tears, a wide smile on her face.

  “Come here, Hank,” Ryan said, smiling at his son as he held out his hand. The little boy pushed away from Libby and slowly walked to his dad. “This is your new grandma and grandpa. They thought maybe you could call them Grammy and Pops. That’s what your cousins call them, and it’ll help us keep them straight from your other grandparents. What do you think?”

  Hank nodded and Ryan lifted him down off the porch to stand in front of him. “Mom, Dad, this is
Hank.”

  His mom went to her knees, her face level with Hank’s. “I’m so glad to finally meet you, Hank. When your dad told us we had another fine grandson I was so happy. I couldn’t wait to get here to see you.”

  Ryan’s dad walked up beside his wife. “Is that your dog, Hank?”

  Hank nodded shyly.

  “A mighty fine dog, I’d say. What’s his name?”

  “Buzz,” Hank said.

  “A mighty fine name, too. Your dad tells me you like to ride horses.”

  “I ride a horse named Ozzie,” Hank said, sounding a little more sure of himself.

  “I had a horse named Peppy when I was your age. I haven’t ridden for a long time, though. Maybe you can teach me how again.”

  “I’m good at riding. And I brush Ozzie when we’re done. And I helped feed the horses today.”

  “You did?” Ryan asked, tousling his son’s blonde hair. “Good for you.” He looked up to where Libby was waiting on the porch and again he held out his hand. She walked down the steps and took it.

  She held his hand tightly, and he realized she was nervous. His outgoing, chatterbox of a girlfriend was nervous to meet his parents. He found it endearing and he hugged her to his side.

  “Mom, Dad, this is Libby Simon. Libby, my parents, Al and Marcy.”

  Marcy got to her feet and held out her hand, then changed her mind and drew Libby into a long, warm hug. “We heard all about you on the drive here, Libby. You’re just as beautiful as Ryan said, and thanks to you and Hank, my son is happier than he’s ever been. It does my mother’s heart good. Thank you for that, my dear.”

  “I feel like I’m the lucky one,” Libby said when Marcy released her and stepped back. “Your son is pretty amazing.”

  Al reached out and shook her hand. “Pleased to meet you, Libby. Thanks for your hospitality. This is our first time on a real, working ranch.”

  “I can’t wait to show you around. Come on inside and meet the others. Kay has one of her special dinners almost ready.”

  ***

  It was a couple days before Libby had a chance to be alone with Ryan again. She was thoroughly enjoying getting to know his parents, but she was starved for time with Ryan. When he suggested that his mom put Hank to bed one evening so he could take Libby into town for ice cream, Libby jumped at the chance. When they got out to his truck, he opened her door, then pulled her into his arms.

  “It’s about time,” he said. “I love my parents, but I’ve missed time with you.”

  “Me too, but it’s been great having them here.”

  He kissed her softly. “They love you, you know. And so do I, in case you’ve forgotten.”

  “I love you, Ryan. More every day.”

  “Music to my ears, baby.”

  “I want a banana split,” she said against his lips.

  He laughed. “I’m kissing you and you’re thinking about ice cream? I’m starting to think I come second to food in your life.”

  “Well, here’s what I’m thinking. We have to go get ice cream, ’cause that’s what we told the others we were going to do. So we’ll go into Barlow and share a huge banana split, have some great conversation, and then you’ll bring me home. I’ll invite you in for tea—”

  “Please, no tea,” he interrupted with a groan.

  “Let me finish,” she said, putting a finger on his lips. “I’ll invite you in for tea, and you’ll pretend you want some just so you can come in, but when we get inside you’ll grab me long before I get to the tea bags, and then there will be plenty of kissing. And this time we won’t have to stop to go get ice cream.”

  He raised a brow. “So you’re saying we need to get the ice cream out of the way first, so we can have uninterrupted kissing later?”

  She nodded, her eyes full of promise.

  “Well, let’s get going then.”

  ***

  Halfway through their banana split, Ryan informed her that Special Agent in Charge Luther had called him the day before, and was now actively recruiting him.

  “He’s pushing for an answer, but says he can be somewhat flexible in my start time. He just needs to know when to schedule me for the academy. If I decide to join, that is.”

  Libby winced. “The training is really long, isn’t it?”

  “At least twenty weeks. I’m worried about how Hank will handle that.”

  “Can you break it up? Maybe come home for a week here and there?”

  “I think so. I’ll need to get some more details on all that.”

  “Are you leaning toward joining?”

  “I guess I am, but I don’t want to make the decision without your input.” He reached across the table and took her hand. “I haven’t made up my mind, Lib. I want us to decide together. As long as I have you and Hank, I’ll be happy regardless of my job. I just want to be sure I’m listening to God and answering the call He has for me.”

  “We’ll listen together,” Libby told him. She stood and held out her hand, tugging him to his feet. “Let’s get out of here. I’m feeling a sudden craving for…….tea.”

  He grinned. “That’s funny. So am I.”

  Back at her cabin, they walked to the door, arms wrapped around each other, then hurried inside, all thoughts of tea forgotten. Libby had promised lots of kissing, and she didn’t disappoint. When Ryan finally left, he knew it was time to push ahead. He wanted more than just an occasional ice cream date with Libby Simon. He wanted her to be his wife. And he wanted it soon.

  CHAPTER 37

  It was Al and Marcy’s last evening at the ranch. They all decided to go to Pete’s for supper, giving the women a break from the kitchen. Not that they had minded the many hours spent in there together. Kay and Marcy had become fast friends, whipping up fabulous meals, shopping for western style gifts for the Florida grandkids, and even doing some horseback riding with Al and Virgil.

  At the restaurant, Libby noticed Ryan wasn’t eating much. She leaned over and asked if he was feeling okay.

  “I’m fine. Just not real hungry for some reason,” he whispered back.

  She put a hand on his leg and patted it comfortingly. “You’re going to miss them. I will, too.”

  “Oh, uh, yeah. Yeah, I’ll miss them. Hopefully they can come back out here before too long.”

  Libby looked at him a little curiously, then Kay asked her a question and she let it go.

  ***

  Ryan tried to relax so she wouldn’t become more suspicious, but he couldn’t help wondering whether things were getting done at the ranch the way he’d planned. He hadn’t gotten any calls, hopefully that was a good sign. Now if only Kay was successful in getting Libby to ride back to the ranch with her, so he could be alone with Hank to fill him in on what was going to happen once they got back. He hadn’t told Hank beforehand, because he couldn’t quite trust him to keep such a big secret to himself. Virgil, Kay, Tuck, and Maddy were in on it, but his parents would be just as surprised as Libby.

  Kay didn’t let him down, and as they drove home alone, Ryan filled Hank in on his plans, and the boy’s role in those plans. By the time they arrived, Hank was ready to explode with excitement. Ryan didn’t dare take him in the house, so they walked all the way around the outside to the back yard. When they rounded the far corner and the yard came into sight, Hank gasped and then let out a little cheer, which Ryan promptly shushed.

  The yard looked fantastic. He’d paid three of the ranch hands to decorate it while they were gone, and it appeared they’d followed his instructions to a tee. Twinkling white lights hung in strands from the trees and a well-placed pole, forming a canopy of lights across the yard. Pots of flowers highlighted with old fashioned iron lanterns were scattered throughout, along with some wrought iron benches. A table with beverages and all the fixings for banana splits stood to one side, flickering candles placed in the empty spaces between the bowls of chocolate, fruit and whipped cream. Ryan had texted the hands five minutes before their arrival, and they’d lit the candle
s and then skedaddled.

  “It looks great, Dad,” Hank whispered loudly. “Can we go get Libby now?”

  “Yeah.” Ryan stopped at the door. “You wait right here, Hank. I’ll go in and bring everyone out, okay?”

  As he walked down the hall to the living room he heard Libby ask where he was.

  “I’m right here,” he said, entering the room and giving her a smile. Then he turned to his parents. “Mom and Dad, I wanted to make your last evening here a special one. Can you all come out to the back yard with me?”

  Marcy put her hand over her heart and beamed. “Why Ryan, you’ve turned into quite the sentimental soul out here in North Dakota. I hope you didn’t go to a lot of trouble. Our evening is special enough just because of this wonderful group of people.”

  “I’ll make it more special,” Ryan promised, taking his mom’s arm and leading her to the back door.

  When the lights and lanterns and candles came into view, she gasped, then squeezed her son’s arm knowingly. “This isn’t just for us is it, son?” she whispered.

  “I never could fool you, Mom,” he said with a chuckle.

  “Surprise, Grammy!” Hank called as they walked outside.

  Ryan turned to watch the reaction of the others, especially Libby’s. She was the last one out, and her jaw dropped when she walked out. She looked up at the canopy of lights, and lightly touched the petals of the flowers closest to her. Her eyes found Ryan’s, an approving smile on her lips. She obviously thought he had done all this for his parents, and he was confident that he was going to be able to surprise her as planned. But then she turned her head and saw the dessert table, and the banana split ingredients. Her eyes narrowed slightly and Ryan realized his mistake in having her favorite treat displayed. He quickly drew her attention away from the table.

  “Mom and Dad, it’s been great having you here this past week. You loved Hank from the moment I told you about him, sight unseen, and you don’t know how much that means to me. I wanted to thank you for coming all the way out here by making this a real special evening for you guys, and I wracked my brain for a few days trying to think how I could do that.”