An Unexpected Welcome

by Rita Hestand

  Cord sized the situation up quickly. He eyed Southerland. He'd never cared for the man personally, but this was business and as a banker he knew his business well.

  "Thanks for the welcome greeting this morning, but no sir. I'm keeping it. I'm going to ranch it." Cord announced to his astonishment. "I came to pick up the deed. You said it's in my name, so there should be little trouble about it."

  "Ranch it. Well now, you do have some cattle on the land, but I hardly think them enough to make a living with." Southerland chuckled. "Besides, have you ever ranched before?"

  Cord stared at the man who thought he knew so much and started to reprimand him, but thought better of it at the moment. From a business standpoint the man had every right to question him.

  "My Pa taught me all I needed to know, thank you." Cord added, biding his temper with the man. It was obvious the man didn't want him to stay, but Cord didn't let it phase him. "I'll buy what I need. I'm opening an account here in town too."

  "So you've decided to stay?" Southerland looked piqued. Obviously it was becoming increasingly hard for the man to remain stoic. "For good. I mean…this isn't just some trial to see if it works out? I can't say I'm not surprised. I thought you'd be anxious to put this place behind you. I had word you intended to sell!"

  "That was yesterday, today is a new day, sir. No, it isn't a trial. I'm settling down here. It's what my Ma wanted." Cord nodded and smiled. "I see that shocks you that I've changed my mind?"

  "Yes, to some extent, especially since you told the doc to put the land up for sale."

  "Yes I did. But I've got other plans now."

  "I see…well," He eyed him perceptively. "I hate to mention this but you know that the Dub's boys still live in these parts too, don't you?"

  Cord knew not to blow his temper, he nodded. This wasn't the man's business, but still he intended to do business with him so he wouldn't explode like he wanted. "I know. So…"

  "You plannin' on trouble?"

  Cord shook his head. "Nope, I don't. I'm settling down, with a family."

  "Oh…you married while you were away then?" Southerland looked surprised again.

  Cord knew this news would be all over town but he couldn't prevent it. "I plan on marrying soon."

  "Really," the man blinked and studied him.…"so who's the lucky girl?"

  Cord could tell just by the sound of his voice he was shocked with this news.

  "Lilly." Cord watched his face as he said her name.

  Southerland's smile faded and he stared at him for a long moment. "You…and Lilly?" His nose wrinkled for a second as though he couldn't imagine it.

  "That's right. You see, I'm Charlie's father."

  He knew that news would really startle him, but he didn't much care. He wanted that news to spread like wildfire. It was time Lilly and Charlie had some backup in this town. It was time everyone understood how it was going to be.

  Southerland's eyes widened and his mouth dropped open. "You…are…" He swallowed hard.

  Cord noted how white his face went.

  "But how could that be, you've been away? We all thought Sam…or someone in the saloon."

  Cord's facial expression didn't change a bit.

  "Then you all thought wrong didn't you? I'm aware of what you and others thought. What everyone thought. But I guess you all forgot how sweet on her I was. And it's easily explained, I came back before, I just didn't announce I was in town. Why would I? I came to see her." Cord explained. "I saw Lilly, and we…well, I'm sure you can figure that out. Only, I didn't know she was pregnant, I never returned until now. So I aim to set everything and everyone straight on the matter. You can certainly understand that, I'm sure."

  Cord said proudly watching the man's reaction to his words. It was a lie, but he wanted to see him squirm. Mr. Southerland being a gentleman showed nothing in his expression but Cord noticed his brow rising just a tad in surprise. "You see; I wasn't aware I had a child. But now that I am, I'm anxious to make things right for Lilly and the boy. He's a great kid, isn't he?"

  Southerland adjusted his tie and stared. "Yes…yes of course…"

  It took him a minute to recover from the news, but when he did he stood up and opened the door. "Well then, let's open that account…and I'll get the deed for you."

  Southerland was all about money and the fact that Cord had any not only surprised him, but pleased him.

  Cord followed him out and the clerk drew up the necessary paperwork. "I'll be depositing my future profits here too." Cord announced.

  Southerland took on a different persona now. He seemed delighted that Cord was opening an account and that he could depend on money coming into the bank.

  After all the paperwork was done, Southerland wished him good luck and Cord walked out of the bank knowing he had really cemented his place here. The news would be all over town in no time now. That was good. He couldn't right all the wrongs that had been done to Lilly through the years, but he could sure put their minds to rest about her and Charlie.

  Only how was Lilly going to take it? That was one thing he wasn't sure about.

  He'd talk to her later, he needed to talk to Pedro about buying more cattle and repairing fences.

  Two days passed and Lilly came rushing down the road on her horse, her hair flying behind her. What a sight she was on a horse, with her hair blowing in the wind. She looked so pretty he couldn't take his eyes from her.

  He'd been expecting her.

  When she reached the ranch, she practically flew off her horse and into the house, passing Pedro without a word. "You told them about us?" She yelled as she walked passed him and into the kitchen. Her hands were fisted, her face a wad of frowns. Her eyes flashed at him, the stubborn jut to her chin told him he should tread water. But dear God, she was gorgeous when she was mad.

  "Southerland, yes." Cord was sitting at the table eating breakfast and drinking his coffee. He looked so relaxed with his feet propped up and his hat now on his forehead and it irritated her, her cheeks had the fresh bloom a blush.

  "I opened a bank account and told him I was staying. I got the deed and a receipt and left."

  "But why tell him about us yet?" She fretted her anger beginning to settle now.

  "I had no choice, you know how nosey he is." She looked so pretty he couldn't take his eyes from her. "I mentioned to Doc when I first rode into town that I would sell the place, and I knew I had to dispel that. So I told him. You aren't upset are you?"

  "Upset?" She floundered, casting her hands on the back of a chair and pulling it out so she could sit down in front of him, she shook her head. "I haven't given you my promise yet. We're barely engaged and you're telling the whole town."

  "You took my ring, I figured we were formally engaged now." Cord smiled and sipped his coffee. "And I wasn't aware it was supposed to remain a secret. Actually, I'm kind of proud to announce it."

  "But…"

  "Engaged people usually get married. Besides, I told him that Charlie was my son."

  Lilly's mouth flew open. Not in anger, in shock. He reached with one crooked finger to close it, and dotted her nose with the same finger.

  "Do you mind?"

  "Well I…. this is going awfully fast…" She threw her hands up in a gesture. "You didn't tell me you were going to announce it. I've had three congratulations this morning before my first cup of coffee."

  "Regrets already?" Cord looked wounded.

  "They'll point a finger at you now, not me…" She insisted.

  "I know that. But the difference is, I don't care." Cord smiled again. "And I hope you don't either. You see as a kid, I cared. It bothered me to think people thought ill of me. But as I grew up, I realized, that those people just don't matter. It's time we put the gossip mongers to rest. They've been having a time at your expense. I'm putting that to rest is all. We're officially engaged, you're my girl, and everyone here is going to know it. And all the hateful rumors you've endured over the past few years are finally going to stop. As
far as anyone is concerned, Charlie is my son, and I aim to tell him that too. And you might as well know, I aim to give him my last name, legally, through the court, so there will be no misunderstandings and maybe, just maybe people will quit wagging their tongues in this damned town."

  She settled back in the chair to relax and it broke, making her fall straight to the floor with a thud.

  Cord almost laughed, but seeing her shock, he stood up and lent down to her to pull her up. When he did, she floated into his arms. He kissed her, passionately. He was fast becoming addicted to her kisses.

  Flustered, she stared into his eyes as he pulled away slowly.

  "God, you are beautiful when you are upset." He murmured. "You're beautiful anytime as far as that goes."

  "Why are you doing this Cord?" She asked, as he offered her another chair.

  He sat down and offered her a cup of coffee. "Are you hungry?"

  "No. I want you to explain this, as I’m a little confused."

  After he poured himself a cup, he looked into her eyes once more. "Because you gave me a welcome I didn't deserve…but so wanted. I left the minute I got your letter. I was strung out, didn't have any idea what I was doing. When I got to town, it all hit at once. All the memories, the missing you, Ma, doc. You see honey, it was you that made me remember that you are the only thing besides my Ma that I left behind here. And the more I see you, the sorrier I am that I left you behind."

  She blushed. "You mean that?"

  "Of course I do. Because," he bent closer to her, "In all my travels, through the good and the bad, I never quite forgot the little red-headed girl that was willing to fight my battles for me. I never forgot the bond that grew between us back then. It's still there, but it's a hellova lot stronger now."

  Memories seemed to flood her. "You took my side about everything…even when Mary Jo Newman called me a whore."

  "Never liked that gal…" He smiled. "And I remember when I killed Dubs. You were the only one defending me in town. The only one. Except maybe the doc."

  "You think we can make it, here?" She asked breathlessly. "I mean you really think this is going to work?"

  "Honey, we are going to be upright citizens of this town. We will go to church together, build a ranch, and raise children, at least I'm hoping for more to come…"

  Again her mouth opened and nothing came out. He loved surprising her, but there was a spark in those eyes when he said, more to come.

  He shook his head and smiled sexily at her. "You keep doing that, and I'm just going to have to kiss you again."

  "I can't think straight when you kiss me…"She admitted with a breathless confession.

  "Neither can I. And I like the feeling. Thinking can only get you into trouble." He chuckled. "We are quite a pair aren't we?"

  "I guess we are." She stared into his eyes.

  "Now…if you are seriously thinking of accepting my proposal, I suggest you give thought to putting the saloon up for sale." His tone turned more serious.

  "Are you sure you want me to sell it?" She asked, with a slight frown. "I mean, it is income. I could get someone to manage it."

  "Don't need it. But it sounds like you are seriously considering marrying me." He smiled again, and this time he reared back in the chair and was smiling until his chair collapsed.

  They both broke out in laughter.

  But as she helped him up, she came close again. "I am…seriously considering it. And I want to thank you…for Charlie…I can't believe you'd do this for him."

  "No thanks needed. I like him. He's no charity case. He's part of the done deal and I like that too. I always wanted a son. You raised him well." Cord added. He turned to look at the dilapidated chairs and shook his head. "Looks like I got some work to do."

  She laughed. "I can't believe we are doing this. But what you are doing for Charlie…."

  "Quit thanking me about Charlie. I like him. He's all boy and a good one too. Look, it won't all be bad, honey. I promise that…" Cord smiled at her.

  "I'm kind of sure of that too!" She smiled back. When he stared at her so long, she nervously turned to go.

  "Lilly?" He said, his voice growing husky.

  "Yes?" She barely turned to look at him.

  "You sure grow on a man…One thing…I forgot how much I like you too. I don't think I'll ever tire of looking at you."

  She blushed hotly, her lips trembling.

  Desire speared through Cord like a lightning bolt.

  "What are we gonna do if Sam comes back?" Her eyes held a cloud of doubt.

  "We'll worry about that later. Besides, he has a lady, I can't see him stirring up trouble. But if he does, he'll get it right back. I want to warn you, if he does come back and causes trouble…"

  "You're right, he has a lady and he won't be back." She tried to smile, but something told Cord she worried about it.

  She shot him a perplexing glance and left.

  He cleared his throat and started picking up the pieces to the chairs.

  Chapter Seven

  After he had a long talk with Pedro and they decided how many cows they wanted to buy and where the repairs for the fence was needed, he headed into town that next day. He'd ordered the fencing supplies at Appleton's general store. He was his first customer and he looked surprised to see him in town. Appleton was a noisy creature that had little regard for Cord.

  "So, you and Lilly huh?"

  "That's right, me and Lilly, and Charlie…"

  "He's your kid?" the old man scratched his chin. "He's really your kid?"

  "Not that it needs clarifying, but yes. That's right, he is."

  "But I thought Sam and Lilly…"

  "You thought wrong. And don't ever let me hear you say that again." Cord threatened. "Ever. Charlie's mine, and we are going to be a family. And from now on, you better treat Lilly and Charlie right or you'll have me to answer to, is that understood."

  The old man backed up and nodded, "Yes sir, never again."

  "Charlie's my son, and he's a good kid, and if I ever hear you talking about it, you and me are gonna have a long talk. Is that understood. This town needs to get a few things straight, and I aim to see it does. Lilly is one of the nicest people I've ever known, and so is Charlie, and we're going to be a real family now. And the town better keep its wagging tongues shut, as I'm tired of the gossip. I'm home and I'm making things right, and that's the end of it."

  "Yep, it is…can I get you anything else today, sir?"

  "No, not today. Just remember what I said. Not one word."

  "Yes sir." Appleton nodded, as he went behind the counter.

  Satisfied he's set the old man straight, he decided he'd attend to something he felt was very important.

  He saw Doc walking down the street and tipped his hat to him. The doc waved.

  He headed straight for the Saloon.

  When he went inside he found Lilly dealing with a rough customer. The man was obviously drunk, and making a nuisance of himself. He kept pawing Lilly and Cord's blood ran cold.

  "Trouble, Lilly?" He asked and watched the man take his hands from Lilly quickly.

  "No, this gentleman was just going to sit down and mind his own business." Lilly directed. "Weren't you Judd?"

  The man sat down. "Sure…"

  Lilly turned to Cord. "What are you doing in town?" She asked, her gaze taking him in with one swoop of her long lashes.

  "Came to see my girl, and get my son. I got a fishing trip in mind. Is he here?" Cord asked looking about the saloon.

  It was a beautiful saloon, with a long oak bar that stretched along one whole wall. Spittoons lined up and a couple of home-made stools. Along with tables and chairs and a small stage for musicians when Lilly could find some.

  "Fishing. Don't you have work to do?" Lilly asked surprised to see him this early in the morning.

  "Nope, not yet, I don't. Now, where's Charlie?"

  "He's in the back room, studying his numbers." Lilly told him.

  "Mind if I
take him to the creek, down by the mill?" Cord asked.

  Seeing that some of her customers were paying attention to their conversation she smiled, "Not at all, if he wants to go."

  "Fair enough. See you in a minute." He said and leaned to kiss her on the cheek.

  Everyone knew by his actions he was marking his territory. But not a soul spoke up.

  One of her oldest customers called to her. "You and Cord got something going, Lilly."

  "Haven't you heard? We're engaged." She showed him the ring.

  The man took her hand and looked at the ring. "Land sakes…that's some ring. It's a garnet isn't it?"

  "That's right." Lilly smiled.

  "He like Charlie?" the old man asked.

  "Don't tell anyone, Jasper, but he's Charlie's dad."

  "You don't mean it. Well, I'm glad to hear that. Yes, sir, I’m glad. I told everyone that kid wasn't Sam's." the old man laughed. "Bring me a double, I want to celebrate, this is an occasion."

  "Coming right up."

  ~*~

  Cord didn't know what the kid thought about all of it, but today he'd find out as much as he could. After all, he wanted the kid to like him. He wanted a family, and he hoped the kid did too.

  "Well now, pardner, thought I'd stop by and see if you wanted to go fishing."

  "Ya mean it!" Charlie asked his eyes widening.

  "Sure do." Cord smiled knowing he'd picked a good thing to do with the boy.

  "You have to ask my mom, though." Charlie told him.

  "Already took care of that. She said if you wanted to, we could go since it's Saturday."

  "I got a pole," Charlie told him.

  "Well, I guess I'll have to make me one." Cord told him.

  "You can borrow mom's, she won't mind." Charlie offered.

  "Well thanks. First we need to dig up some fat worms though." Cord told him.