Saved by the Rancher

by Jennifer Ryan

  She hadn’t moved, just stood with her face buried in Jack’s chest, his arms loose around her. Jack nodded to Sam to leave.

  Sam didn’t need a reason to escape. He’d seen enough.

  Jack gently sat Jenna on the edge of the bed. Without a word, he put the bandages back on her ribcage and the back of her head. He slid the gown up her arms and draped it over her shoulders. Helping her lie down again, he leaned over and kissed her softly for a long minute. He put his brow to hers as her eyes drooped closed again.

  “I am so proud of you. I know that can’t have been easy to do in front of Sam. I had no idea how bad . . . Sleep now,” he finished, unable to voice his concerns about her condition. “I’ll help Sam get things ready for you to leave. I want you home in our bed.”

  He didn’t think she heard him. So peaceful looking with her eyes closed, but he knew she didn’t have any peaceful thoughts in her head. He stood to leave, but she called to him.

  “Jack.”

  “Yeah, honey. I’m here.”

  “I didn’t break my promise.”

  “What promise, honey?”

  “I promised I wouldn’t leave the ranch. I never did. At least, I think I was on the ranch the whole time.” She gave him what appeared to be a crooked smile and opened her eyes. He couldn’t help himself, he smiled back.

  “Smart ass. Even in your condition, you’re being a smart ass.”

  “I got you to smile. Don’t worry about me. I’m okay. I promise. Please don’t be mad at me.”

  “I’m not mad at you. I love you. You and our babies are everything to me. The thought of losing you breaks my heart. I was so scared when I couldn’t find you. I finally found the woman of my dreams, and I let you down and almost lost you and the babies. Now stop talking, or your voice will never come back.”

  “You never let me down. You can’t be with me every second. We thought I’d be safe. I’m safe now. Kiss me goodnight.”

  He did kiss her again and, reluctant to leave her, held her hand until she slept. He left her room quietly. The guard he’d posted at her door nodded as he left. No one would get into her room except the doctor or one of the family members.

  This time, Jack wasn’t taking any chances.

  Chapter Forty-Eight

  * * *

  SAM ISSUED ORDERS over the phone, detailing the story to appear in the news regarding the death of Jenna Caldwell Merrick. Jack stood near, listening. His face said it all: If they couldn’t pull this off, David may decide to come back and finish the job. After everything they’d been through the last few days, thinking about losing Jenna even in theory about shattered Jack’s control.

  Sam finished his call and studied his brother. This was really taking a toll on him and it wasn’t over. He hoped Jack and Jenna would get beyond this and have the happy life they deserved. He wished he had a woman half as special as Jenna. He’d only known her for a few hours really, but from what he’d seen and been told, she was remarkable. He didn’t think there was anyone else like her.

  “Jack, you need a shower and a shave and about two days of sleep.”

  “Yeah, well, it’s been a shitty couple of days, and it isn’t over. You just killed my future wife, and I have to say, I’m a little pissed about it.”

  “You’re being irrational about this. I had to kill her for her own good.”

  Jack couldn’t help it. He busted up laughing. “I know, it’s bizarre. Tell me what your friend at the FBI is doing about her death.”

  “He’ll take the photos I sent to him and confront David. He’ll make it appear the FBI is investigating the death of the late Jenna Caldwell Merrick. He might also drop the hint that her funeral is being held two days from now.”

  “Is that so? And just where is the funeral taking place?

  “At the cemetery. Where else would we hold a fake funeral? This has to look real, Jack. You’re going to have to cry like a baby.” Sam smiled and punched his brother in the arm.

  “I’ll make it look real, but I will not be crying like a baby. I know Jenna’s life is on the line, and now ours as well. What are we doing with her while this is all going down?”

  “She’ll be at the ranch with three very big guards. I’ve already assigned guards at the gates. I’ve doubled the detail around the ranch. Two guards are assigned to Lily and two more to Summer. They’ll appear to be family members at the funeral.

  “No one gets on the property from the main road, or through the woods like that bastard did. There’ll be black ribbons on the gates, indicating we’re in mourning. I’m sure the press will set up camp trying to get information about where Jenna’s death occurred. They’ll definitely want to know about your relationship, which will set off David.”

  “How did you manage all of that this morning?”

  “Jenna gave me Ben’s number. After that, everything was easy. We have unlimited funds to pull this off. You’re a very rich man.”

  “I know. She’s worth everything to me.”

  “That’s not what I meant,” Sam corrected when he saw Jack’s confusion. “Didn’t she tell you?”

  “Tell me what?”

  “You inherit everything. You’re the sole beneficiary of her estate. All her money, her shares in the company, everything. She left it all to you.”

  “She didn’t.”

  “Oh yes she did. She changed her will back in July after you took care of her when she first came to the ranch. Do you know what she’s worth?”

  “Everything.”

  Sam smiled. It wasn’t about the money for Jack. He loved her, and she loved him. Rare, that was enough.

  Jack ran a hand through his hair and over his face, unable to believe Jenna’s generosity and faith in him.

  “I know, Jack, it’s big. She loves you. If you ever had a doubt about how much, I think her leaving everything to you, trusting you to take care of her assets and finish things with David says it all.”

  Jack couldn’t answer. What was there to say?

  Summer walked toward them, carrying a small duffel bag. He’d asked her to bring some clothes for Jenna, in addition to doing a few other things for him. “Did you take care of everything I asked you to?”

  “Well, hello to you too, brother. You look like crap, by the way. You need a shower and a shave. Didn’t you get any rest? How’s Jenna this morning?”

  “I’m sorry. Hello. Thanks for the compliment. No, I didn’t get any rest. Jenna was up and down most of the night. She’s having a hard time. She could use a friendly face. Did you take care of everything?”

  “Yes. Here is the gift. The house is ready. Can I go in to see her? There’s a big man outside her door, looks like a wrestler.”

  “That’s her guard. Don’t wake her. She had a hard morning. Sam took pictures of her, and she’s dying in an hour or so.”

  “What?” Summer said stunned.

  “I got to see her naked.” Sam winked, setting off Jack’s already combustible temper.

  Sam fell back against the wall from the blow to his jaw. He knew that comment would get him decked, but Jack needed to let out some of his pent-up aggression. He’d take one from his brother to make him feel better. Now Jack could think more clearly.

  “You really want to provoke me today when Jenna is going to die.”

  “You need to blow off steam, and I don’t have time to take you home and wrestle with you in the front yard like we used to.”

  “What the hell are you two talking about? Jenna’s dying?” Summer asked, clearly stunned.

  “Yes. No. I mean we’re killing her in the press,” Jack explained.

  “Would you talk sense? Sam, explain what this idiot is talking about. Is Jenna dying?”

  Sam rubbed at his jaw. “No, she isn’t dying. But she will be dead in a little while.”

  He put up his hand to make her give him a minute to explain. She fisted her hand, ready to deck him again. Willing to help Jack relieve his stress, he didn’t want to take a pounding from both his si
blings in one day.

  “We’re faking her death. I’ve got the FBI putting out a press release that Jenna has died. The funeral is in a couple of days. Do you have a dress?”

  “Do I have a dress for Jenna’s funeral where she won’t be dead? Yes, of course I do. Why would you think I wouldn’t have a dress for such an occasion? Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to see my not dead future sister-in-law.”

  “Don’t wake her yet. She and the babies need to rest,” Jack reminded her.

  Summer stopped in her tracks and turned slowly around on her toes to face them. “Did you just say babies?”

  “That’s right. Babies. We’re having twins. Identical twins,” Jack said with a broad smile.

  “God help her if they’re anything like the two of you.”

  Jack and Sam looked at each other and back to their sister.

  “That wounds us. We’re perfect angels, little sister.” Jack and Sam gave their sister a wicked smile.

  “More like the devil times two. I think I’ll just warn Jenna what she’s in for. Maybe a few stories about your childhood should do it.”

  “Be nice, Summer. We want her to recover, so she can die later.”

  Summer shook her head at the two of them. She loved them deeply, knew better than anyone they were two peas in a pod.

  Jack hoped they knew what they were doing. This scheme was one for the books. Sam and he had cooked up some good gags over the years together, but this one topped the creativity list. Not only that, this one could get them killed. Jenna too.

  Chapter Forty-Nine

  * * *

  JENNA WOKE AND found Summer reading a magazine in the chair next to her bed. Her head pounded to some unknown tempo. She closed her eyes again hoping it would stop. Her tongue stuck to her desert-dry mouth and swallowing hurt her scratchy throat. She wanted to curl up and pass out again. She rolled onto her side and curled up as much as she could manage. She pulled her arms over her head and covered her eyes, unable to hold back the moan of pain and frustration.

  Summer rose from the chair and clicked the button for the nurse. She ran her hand over Jenna’s hair, careful not to touch where she’d been hurt.

  “It’s okay. You must be in terrible pain. I buzzed for the nurse. She’ll be here soon to give you something.”

  “I need water.” The words came out on an exhale of air barely above a whisper.

  Summer poured her a glass from the pitcher on the bedside table and held the straw to her cracked, dry lips. Summer put the cup down and closed the blinds on the window, turned down the lights in the room, and sat back beside the bed. Jenna concentrated on the feel of Summer’s fingers combing through her hair and tried to relax.

  The nurse came in a few minutes later carrying a syringe of medication. She shot it into the IV and left as quietly as she arrived.

  “Congratulations on the babies. Jack told me you’re having twins. You must be so excited.”

  “I am happy, but afraid I won’t live long enough to have them and hold them.”

  “Oh, Jenna. Yes, you will. Sam and Jack are working right now to make sure you’re safe from now on.”

  “It’s just so hard to believe this could actually be over. I want to stay on the ranch for the rest of my life without having to worry that maybe today I’ll have to leave everything and run. You have no idea what it feels like to never feel part of someplace, of something. It’s so hard to live your life looking over your shoulder and wondering if today will be the day that everything ends.”

  “Don’t talk like this. You’re the strongest person I know. You’re going to get through this, and we’ll raise our babies together. We’ll be real sisters. I’ve been stuck with those two devilish twins my whole life. It’ll be nice to have a sister.”

  “I would really like that.”

  Tired, she closed her eyes again while Summer sat stroking her hair. The bodyguard’s deep voice warned someone they were not allowed to enter. Several voices spoke at once and the door opened.

  “Miss Caldwell . . .”

  “She’s Mrs. Merrick,” David interrupted.

  Summer’s hand stopped and protectively covered her head. Jenna turned to see David standing in the doorway, a doe-eyed nurse looking up at his handsome face with worship. No doubt he’d paid her many a compliment, pouring on his sickeningly sweet charm to get her to bring him in here. One of his many lawyers entered behind him, Gucci briefcase in hand.

  “I’d be happy to escort them out,” the guard said, blocking them from getting close to her and shooting David a glare over his massive shoulder.

  “That won’t be necessary,” David turned on the charm. “Jenna will see me. Won’t you, darling.”

  “Summer—”

  “Summer, is it?” the bastard interrupted again, controlling the conversation. “I’m David Merrick. I heard my ex-wife had a tragic accident. I was in Denver and wanted to stop by and check on her, since I was . . . in the neighborhood, let’s say.”

  David stood stunned, unable to believe she survived out in the cold woods. He shouldn’t be surprised. Damn woman was invincible, and he admired her for it. Made the challenge that much more fun. As a child, he’d always tested the limits of everything and everyone around him. He so enjoyed taunting others, making them bend to his will. Jenna’s spirit and strength added an extra thrill. She wasn’t an easy mark, and he so enjoyed playing with her.

  Jenna froze. Her whole body went on alert and adrenaline pumped through her veins. She bolted upright, pulling some of the stitches free, opening one of the gashes on her side. Blood ran down her side. She grabbed Summer and pulled her close to whisper in her ear.

  “Go tell Sam to cancel the press release. Hurry. It can’t go out now.”

  “I’m not leaving you alone with him,” Summer protested, unconcerned that David overheard.

  David’s eyes narrowed, letting her know he didn’t like people thinking he was responsible for Jenna’s injuries. It put a crimp in his public image. She was going to throw a wrench in it if it was the last thing she did.

  “Jenna and I have a lot of catching up to do. I haven’t seen her in quite some time,” he said, trying to add credence to the false alibi he’d already supplied to the police. “I’m sure she’ll tell you, we’ll be just fine together.”

  An order, if ever she’d heard one. If she didn’t get Summer out of there, David might decide to punish her later for not obeying his request. Teaching her a lesson was David’s favorite pastime.

  “Summer, David is right. We’ll be just fine together. Perhaps you could check with the doctor about my release.”

  “Jenna?”

  “It’s okay. You can go. Make sure you see Sam on your way to find the doctor.”

  Summer didn’t want to leave her alone. Jenna tried to make her voice strong, so Summer knew she was all right, even though she was anything but. David had a way of making things happen. If he somehow managed to get her out of the hospital, she’d be dead.

  Summer left quickly. The starry-eyed nurse followed her out. More hesitant to leave her alone with David, the guard locked gazes with her, silently asking for her decision for him to stay or go. She nodded her approval for him to resume his post outside the door. Too many witnesses in the hospital for David to do anything drastic. Right?

  Jack and Sam were not going to be happy with her for sending the guard out. David gave his lawyer the same type of nod she’d given the guard and he moved outside the door too. Silence settled and they both took a moment to absorb where they were and how they got here.

  David moved further into the room, so his back wasn’t to the door, yet he could block her attempt at escape easily.

  “I see you’re doing well.”

  “Sorry to disappoint you again.” Jenna got out of the bed to stand. No way would she look the victim or appear passive.

  “You always disappointed me.”

  “Yes, well, the same is true of you. What happened to you, David? You were su
ch a lovely man when we met. I really thought you were wonderful. You turned into such a monster. Maybe you always were, and I just never saw it.”

  “You wanted to get your hands on my money and my company. My family tried to warn me. I couldn’t see past that lovely face and body, or my own need for you.”

  “No. I never wanted the money. I wanted you. As stupid as that turned out to be. You have no heart, David. You’re incapable of love, or seeing it when it’s given freely to you.”

  “You don’t know what you’re talking about. I love you. I love you with such passion that you’re all I think about. I can’t even work for thinking about you. No one will ever love you like I love you.”

  “That’s not love. That’s obsession. Go back to your new wife. End this here and now before I destroy you.”

  “You? Destroy me?” His laugh turned sinister. “After all these years, you think you can do anything to me. I can find you anywhere you go. That new man of yours just might have an accident, maybe that pretty little girl will turn up missing, or perhaps that nice ranch will burn to the ground. Take your pick. They might all happen if you don’t do what I want you to do.”

  His voice grew louder as his anger built. If she wasn’t careful, he just might go into a rage again, unable to control himself, even knowing they were in a hospital with lots of witnesses.

  “Threats, with people right outside the door,” she warned. “Listen to me. Stop this now, or I will destroy you and everything you hold dear.”

  He took three long strides toward her so fast, she didn’t have time to react before he was standing over her. Squared off, toe-to-toe, the strength she thought spent surged and allowed her to stand her ground.

  “You want to end this. Come back to me. That’s all I ever wanted. I can’t live without you. If you don’t, you know what will happen, only this time you have a lot more to lose.”

  Hard to sound strong when your voice rasped out no louder than a whisper, but she managed. “I’ll never come back to you. Not now. Not ever. If you even think about harming one of the people I love, I’ll do more than destroy you. I’ll kill you. Now get out.” She hadn’t realized that as she spoke, she’d actually backed him into the wall by the door.