by Lois Kasznia
"Now? Yes." Ally felt so much better. She and Kat gathered more recipes to be used and were pleased with the progress they had made.
****
"Ally, this is such a big place," commented Tara, her mother. Tara walked around, the disappointment obvious on her face.
"It looks big because it's empty, Mom."
"Mom, I helped Ally pick it out," defended Kat.
"So when are you going to get things done?"
"I thought I'd do a room at a time. Right now, I've done the guest bedroom where you're sleeping."
"You should do the kitchen next," suggested Tara. "Your kitchen table is too small for all of us."
"I did get bar stools for the counter, so someone can sit there. I really don't plan on entertaining too much. Kat and I are going to be using the kitchen for the business," explained Ally. Kat and she made faces behind their mother's back. Ally knew she would be a tough sell. Ally could never do anything right, according to her mother.
"Ally, did you know you have two water heaters? That's a lot of money." Her father, Robert, came through the inside garage door. "This is a big house. You need to get some furniture. Why don't you girls go to the furniture store while we're here and get something to brighten this place up?" Robert walked to the window in the kitchen. "This is really nice. I wish my neighbors were quiet like those cows."
"It hasn't been very quiet with Ally here," began Kat and Ally gave her a look to be quiet. She didn't want her parents to know everything that had happened.
"At least you are unpacked." Tara opened up the kitchen cabinets and looked around. "You could use more dishes, too."
"I know, Mom. Tell you what, why don't we make a list of everything I need and then after lunch we can go shopping."
"Not me," declared Robert. "I'm staying around to make sure things are working properly."
"Ally's neighbor is coming over for dinner tonight," announced Kat.
"Her neighbor?" Both Tara and Robert stopped at that comment and looked at Ally.
"His name is Caleb Strait. He used to own the land before he sold it to a developer.”
"He's single?" Tara had a suspicious look in her eye.
"Yes, his wife died a couple of years ago and he's never remarried. Now, Mom, don't get any ideas. It's a completely platonic relationship."
"No it isn't," laughed Kat. "I think he's sweet on her."
"Ally, now what have you gotten into?"
"That's not true, Kat," protested Ally vehemently. "I just happen to amuse him. Why just the other day, he told me anybody who would marry me would die of a heart attack."
"Well, that's true," agreed Tara. "Lord only knows what your poor father has been through with you."
"What is this, pick on Ally day?" Ally's anger started to surface.
"Come on," said Kat cheerfully giving Ally a hug. "Let's get down to business."
Still grumbling a little, Ally got her car keys and headed out the door. It would be a long four days if her mother intended to pick on her. Tara and Kat followed Ally out the door while Robert didn't even notice them leave.
Chapter Twelve
Caleb sighed in relief to find out his herd had been left untouched. He knew the rangers were policing the area and it appeared to have done the trick. They would still keep up their guard, but the thief or thieves knew they were being watched. Also, Ally's parents were there so he didn't have to worry about her. Even though Ally exuded strength, things happened to her which bothered Caleb. Caleb wished Ally would pay more attention to him because he wasn't used to being rebuffed. Okay, maybe he had said he didn't want a relationship at first, but he knew better now. All he had to do is figure out how to convince Ally. He sighed in frustration.
Saddling up Thor, Caleb rode into the pasture behind Ally's house and saw Ally's father outside with Tank. At one glance, Caleb could tell where Ally got her looks and her height. Her father came across as an elegant man who walked with determination. Urging Thor forward, Caleb rode to Ally's fence.
"Howdy, sir; my name is Caleb Strait. You must be Ally's father."
"Robert Duncan's the name. The girls were talking about you earlier. You're coming for dinner."
"That's right. I believe Kat's making dinner, though both she and Ally are good cooks."
"They certainly didn't learn it from their mother, but don't tell anyone I said that. " Robert first smiled and then frowned. "Ally hasn't caused you any problems, has she?"
"We're talking about Ally, right? I think problems and Ally go hand in hand." Caleb laughed. "Not with me, mind you, but she's had a few obstacles thrown at her. I'm glad I could help."
"Like what?" Robert didn't like this news.
"Let's just say living here is a lot different than living in New York and owning a house after living in a condo, well, that's why I wanted to talk to you. There are a couple of things around the house that could use some fixin', but it would be better coming from her father than me. Ally is funny like that."
"Ally didn't think this thing through," commented Robert. "She's a beautiful girl, but she can be impetuous and hard headed. What kind of things are you talking about?"
"She doesn't even have a tool kit. Now, I've helped her with her pool and lawn care, but she has no ladder, things men would think about. The only thing I can see on the outside is her fence could use a few new boards, but my friend Jeb will fix those for her."
"Caleb, I'm glad you told me and thanks for watching out for our Ally. Say, that's a fine looking horse," said Robert.
"This is Thor. Do you ride?"
"I used to, haven't in a while since we moved to Houston."
"Then, it's settled. Before you go back to Houston, come take a ride with me and Jeb. I'll show you my ranch."
"You sure it's not too much trouble?" asked Robert, his eyes sparkling.
"It would be my pleasure." Caleb smiled, liking Robert already. "See you tonight." Caleb got back on Thor and rode home anxious for tonight, especially seeing Ally.
Caleb took a shower and headed into town for a present for Ally and a much needed haircut. Excited and a little nervous, Caleb rang Ally's front doorbell.
After an afternoon with her mother, Ally's mood darkened. Granted, her mother and Kat had chatted nonstop, but they made Ally feel invisible, which irritated her. When they arrived home, Ally quickly hopped into the shower and then fixed a nice glass of wine and sat down at the bar.
"Someone doesn't look happy and aren't you going to buy your old man a beer?" Robert smiled at his daughter.
"Sorry; it's Kat and Mom again," explained Ally as she grabbed a beer from the fridge. "Remember when we were kids and Mom and Kat would always gang up on me? They're doing it again. It's my house and I want to do what I want to do," said Ally angrily. "Mom can't even say anything nice about me."
"Now, Ally. Your mother loves you and is very proud of you, but you know how she is. Everything has to be her way. I'll talk to her, but for now, just nod your head and say 'yes, Mother'. When she's gone, do things the way you like."
""I'll try, you know. I really will. You always used to tell me to let things go in one ear and out the other, right?" Ally smiled fondly at her father.
"Give your dad a hug." Ally got up and crawled into his arms, her dad still was her pillar of strength. "I met your neighbor today," said Robert, as he let go of Ally.
"Caleb? When did you see him?”
"Right after you ladies left, he rode over and introduced himself. He's a real nice fella." Robert smiled at Ally.
"At first, I didn't like him, but he's been such a help."
"Where are your sister and mother?" Robert glanced down at his watch.
"Heck if I know," Ally looked at the time. "Caleb is due here any minute and dinner isn't ready." Ally jumped off her chair and started to get things ready when Kat and Tara appeared.
"Thanks, Sis," laughed Kat as she took over from Ally.
"Right," said Ally still a little miffed and ignored her mother.
>
"Tara, I need to see you for a moment," suggested Robert in a tone they all knew too well.
Kat looked at Ally as their parents left the room. "We did it again?"
Ally nodded her head. "Maybe moving here turned out to be a bad idea."
"Oh, Ally. Now stop. I'll talk to Mom, too. I always think she's a little jealous because you're everything she wanted to be, but isn't. Come on, let's enjoy tonight. We can't have a family fight if Caleb's going to be here.'
"Yeah, like welcome to our dysfunctional family." The doorbell rang and Ally went to answer it. Both Kat and Tara were behind her when she opened the door. Ally went into an electrifying shock as Caleb stood at the door looking so darn good she could have eaten him. And not only that, he held a dozen yellow roses in his hand.
"Ma'am," Caleb grinned, liking Ally's expression of desire. He had hoped for this effect. "I believe these are for y'all?"
"Thanks." Those damn green eyes had Ally hypnotized and she couldn't say another word.
"Caleb, come on in," said Kat while she looked at her sister with impatience.
"Yes, do come in, dear. I am Tara Duncan, Ally's mother," Tara greeted Caleb enthusiastically.
"Caleb, these are beautiful." Ally had quickly recovered her dignity. "I'll get a vase. Caleb, you shouldn't have."
"I just wanted to surprise you." Caleb had an amused expression as he watched Ally walk away. Taking in account of what he could tell, Kat and Tara could have passed as sisters. Ally definitely took after father and there's no doubt about being Daddy's little girl. He'd have to be real careful about this.
"Hey, Robert." Caleb greeted Ally's father.
"You two have met?" Tara looked at her husband in surprise and her expression turned to one of annoyance he hadn't told her.
"Caleb stopped by this afternoon and introduced himself." Robert chose to ignore his wife's expression.
"Caleb, would you like something to drink?" asked Ally.
"Sure. You know what I like."
"Of course I do; whiskey." Ally ignored her mother's and Kat's curious stares while she made Caleb's drink.
"Smells good in here," commented Caleb as he sat down at the table where everyone had gathered.
"It's almost ready thanks to Ally," said Kat as she pulled the pans out of the oven and placed them on the counter;
"This is the appetizer, red salmon dip." Ally placed the plate on the table within everyone's reach. When she went to sit down, she sat at the only vacant seat available and, of course, it had to be next to Caleb. Taking a deep breath for courage, she sat down and tried to act nonchalant about the matter.
"What's the main course, Kat?" asked Tara.
"We're having Texas Oven Brisket. Ally came up with the idea and we made it together."
"Ally?" Tara looked at her younger daughter.
"Mom, I can cook." Ally glared at her mother, Caleb's presence forgotten.
"So, Caleb and I met," stated Robert diffusing the situation.
"That's right." Caleb smiled broadly and slowly inched his chair closer to Ally. "As a matter of fact, Robert is coming for a visit while you ladies go about your business."
"You don't say?" All three ladies asked at once.
"That's right. After I talk to Ally about a couple of things, Caleb invited me to ride and show me his ranch."
"You know Robert always wanted to live on a ranch when we were in Indiana," said Tara wistfully. "We used to live across the street from a farm that raised Black Angus."
"Interesting," commented Caleb.
"Yeah, you should've seen Ally," laughed Kat. "She tried to make all those cows her pets. She would stand at the fence and try to pet them."
"Kat," warned Ally as she glared at her sister.
"When she found out that's where McDonald's hamburgers came from, she didn't eat there for months on end."
"What?" Caleb laughed with them. He looked at Ally her face as red as a beet. "It's a hard lesson to learn, I suppose."
"I'm over it," said Ally stiffly and finished her wine.
"I think that's why Ally got such a big dog. By the way, where is that Tank monster?" Tara looked around for the dog.
"He's right here next to me under the table," said Caleb. "He thinks I'm his best friend." At the mention of his name, Tank got up and put his head into Caleb's lap, looking up at him with adoring eyes. Caleb absently petted him.
"Ally is a true animal lover," said Robert. "She's a great horseback rider and won some competitions, that is until she got into fashion."
"Why am I just hearing all this?" Caleb stared at Ally. "You never told me?"
"It just didn't come up in any conversations we've had." Ally shrugged her shoulders indifferently, but felt pleased that Caleb had looked at her with respect.
"What kind of saddle?"
"English, I've never tried Western before," said Ally as she stood to get up. "Anybody need a refill on their drink? Dinner is about to be served."
"Ally, sit down. I'll take care of it."
Kat forced her way around her little sister and Ally sat down, noticing Caleb's chair had come even closer to hers. Becoming aware of his body, she remembered their kiss with such intensity, she shivered. "No more men," she reminded herself for the umpteenth time.
"I could teach you how to ride Western," said Caleb as he bit into his dinner. "Say, this is good, you ladies. All y'all did a great job." He reached over and gave Ally's thigh a squeeze underneath the table.
"Thanks," choked Ally, too aware of Caleb's hand on her thigh. It had burned a hole through her jeans.
"Now, you let us know if Ally as a neighbor gives you any trouble," warned Tara.
"Mother, stop."
"Tara?" warned Robert and he glared at his wife over his glasses.
"Trouble, Ally isn't trouble at all." A deep laugh came from Caleb's stomach.
"Let's just say life with Ally can have its moments." Tara rolled her eyes.
"Mom, can we just drop the subject?" Ally gave her mother a pointed look.
"No, she's fine, ma'am." Caleb turned to study Ally's profile, her head buried in her right hand. "Just as long as she knows not to make my herd into her pets." Everyone at the table, including Ally shared a laugh.
"I'm glad I can amuse you." Ally took another big drink of her water and choked on it.
"Easy, there." Caleb patted Ally on the back to stop her coughing. When she did, he let his hand slide slowly down her back causing another shiver of excitement for both of them.
"Thanks. I'm fine." Ally gave herself a mental shake of the images of what Caleb's hands could do to her. "Caleb? Why don't you explain to my parents what's been going on with your herd." She had to get them off the subject of her.
"Ally, you never mentioned problems, what kind of problems?" asked Tara.
"Someone has been stealing my cattle," said Caleb flatly. Once he started explaining about cattle theft, he held the family captive for hours.
"Well, I reckon I should get going," said Caleb as he got up from his seat.
"You sure you don't want another cup of coffee?" asked Ally. She could already feel the loss of heat from Caleb's body, he had been so close. He also smelled so intoxicating of pure masculinity and leather.
"Nope, I'm good, ma'am." He smiled warmly at Ally, making her blush again.
"It's been a pleasure to meet you, Caleb. You're a delightful young man," gushed Tara while Ally and Kat rolled their eyes.
"Why thank you, ma'am. But the pleasure is all mine." Caleb shook Tara's hand and turned to Kat. "You too, ma'am. Remember, next week I expect to see y'all at the Chamber of Commerce meeting." He then turned to Robert. "You let me know when you can get away. Ally has my number." He turned and smiled at Ally, but didn't try to touch her. He knew if he did, he wouldn't be able to stop. The mental images were amazing.
"Caleb?" Ally tried to read Caleb's expression and noticed the flame of intensity in his eyes.
"You did a great job," he said slowly. "I'll
be in touch." He turned to leave while the family followed him out the door. He stopped when he got to his truck and turned around. "Ally, the mare's name is Flora and she's twenty-two years old. Next time when she comes to the fence, you can give her some carrots."
"You saw me the other day, didn't you?" Ally smiled.
"Yeah, I did." He smiled at her again, but his eyes glittered with lust. Ally got the message loud and clear.
