The Lonesome Rancher

by Patricia Thayer

  He brushed his lips over hers again. She sucked in a breath but couldn’t manage to release it. She wasn’t thinking about anything but being here with Sloan.

  Sloan wasn’t thinking rationally anymore. He knew the best thing was to let Jade go. Instead he pressed her head against his chest only to feel her softness molded against him. The erratic beating of her heart was in rhythm with his. It would be so easy to get lost in her. Again.

  Suddenly something caught his eyes and he saw a shadowy figure move at the window.

  “What the hell?” He released her and rushed through the house onto the porch. That was when he saw the guy running to the truck.

  “Hey, you! Stop!” Sloan took off after him, then grabbed the back of the man’s shirt and pulled him away from the vehicle. Then he turned the man around but didn’t recognize him.

  “Who the hell are you?”

  “I’m Ross Brown. I work for Kennedy Construction. I was coming to do some work and saw you and decided I should leave. Sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt anything.”

  “It’s past quitting time.” Sloan tightened his grip, then saw the bulge in the guy’s front shirt pocket. Sloan reached in and pulled out a small camera.

  “Hey, that’s mine.”

  “Not anymore,” Sloan said as he pushed the guy away and began going through the pictures. His anger grew as he saw the photos of him and Jade. “You better start talking, Brown, or I call the sheriff and have him arrest you for trespassing.”

  The guy raised his hands. “Hey, I’ve worked on this project. So I’m not trespassing.”

  “So if I call Ben, he’ll tell me he sent you here?” He pulled out his phone. “Last chance.”

  “Okay, okay. I was at Rory’s last night and a guy started talking to me. He found out I’d been working on this job and offered to pay me five hundred dollars if I could get some pictures of any of the Merricks.”

  Sloan’s gut tightened. They were already invading the ranch. Did they know about Jade?

  He reached into his jeans pocket and pulled out two one hundred dollar bills and handed them to Ross.

  “Here, this is for your camera, and if you show up here again, I guarantee you’ll end up in jail.”

  The guy hesitated only a second before grabbing the money. He walked down the hill toward his truck. After he took off, Sloan called the barn to have one of the ranch hands follow the intruder off their land. Then he dialed Ben Kennedy and told him what happened, and insisted the man not be allowed on the property again. Ben informed him that Ross would no longer be working for him.

  Sloan glanced toward the house and saw Jade standing in the doorway. Damn, he hated that this woman could turn him inside out. When the news that she was Clay’s daughter got out, it would be a media circus here.

  Since their first meeting, she’d been a disruption in his life. She hadn’t been truthful, and he couldn’t trust her. He hated that even with all the trouble she caused he still cared for her. Far too much.

  “I can’t do this again.” He turned and walked away from her. He hoped for good.

  The next day, Sloan had planned a relaxing evening at his house. He’d spent all day repairing fence to avoid everyone. After a shower and a cold beer, his next plan was some supper. He came down the staircase, feeling the cool hardwood against his bare feet. The main floor was mostly open, from the great room all the way back into the kitchen.

  He loved this house. When he’d built it, he’d hoped one day he’d have a wife and kids filling the bedrooms. He thought for a second about Crystal and quickly realized she would have never fit into what he’d wanted in a wife, a partner in life. Then there was Jade. He’d thought she was different. In the end, she had her own agenda, too.

  There was a knock on the back door and his sister poked her head in. “You busy?”

  “You were just in the neighborhood and thought you’d stop by?”

  She came in, walked up to the bar and sat down on a high stool. “We live in the same neighborhood. No, I purposely came by to talk to you. Don’t look at me like that. If I’d called, you would have made an excuse not to be here.”

  He went to the refrigerator and pulled out two longneck bottles of beer, twisted off the tops and handed one to her. “There’s a reason for that, sis. I don’t want to fight with you, Mom or Dad.”

  “Then don’t drive a deeper wedge by staying away.” She hesitated giving him a steady look. “Jade isn’t the enemy here.”

  He took a drink. “Are you saying this is my fault? I didn’t lie.”

  Alisa frowned. “Do you hear yourself? What does Jade have to do with the circumstances of her birth? She didn’t break any rules, our father did. Besides, she hasn’t said a word to anyone,” Alisa argued. “She just didn’t tell you her connection to Dad. And me.” A slow grin spread across her face. “And you love her.”

  He glared at his sister. “Go away.”

  “That’s not going to change your feelings for her. I’ve seen how you two are when you’re together. You sizzle.” She sighed. “I only wish I’d find someone that made me feel like that.”

  “It doesn’t change the facts.”

  She snapped her fingers. “Oh, that’s right, you’re the perfect one. You don’t make mistakes, and you’re making Jade pay for what Crystal did to you. That’s so not fair.”

  He didn’t say anything.

  “Here’s something to think about, big brother. It’s Mom and Dad. They’re going to need all of us when this story breaks. And it will come out.”

  Sloan was torn. He knew his mother was strong; she had to be to stay married to a politician. But since her stroke…

  “And so will Jade.” Alisa set her bottle on the counter and walked toward the door. “By the way, Dad’s scheduled a news conference on Wednesday afternoon.”

  “To officially announce he’s not running for reelection?” Sloan said. “Is he also going to announce that Jade’s his daughter?”

  Alisa shrugged. “The DNA tests are due back by then. It’s better to get a jump on the story. That’s the reason we all need to be together as a family. Jade is a Merrick and Dad wants her to be part of this family.” She arched an eyebrow. “Question is, Sloan, are you going to welcome her, too?”

  Wednesday came too soon.

  Jade had only seen news conferences on television. Now, she was part of one. And given the last twenty-four hours, she wasn’t sure she could handle it. Although the DNA tests proved she was Clay Merrick’s daughter, she wasn’t sure she wanted to tell the world. What about the citizens of Kerry Springs? Would they accept her?

  At least the announcement wasn’t going to be at the ranch. It had been a long-standing rule. No media at the River’s End. So Clay was going to hold it at his headquarters in town.

  She’d made the decision not to go with them. She was returning to Dallas. For now. Everyone had a lot to think about. Especially Sloan. Jade could see it hurt them all that their son refused to be a part of this.

  Most of all she didn’t want people to think Clay wasn’t running for office again because of her. All the good work he’d done would be overshadowed by one illegitimate daughter.

  So the senator’s announcement today would be about his retirement only. And maybe giving Alisa some needed face time.

  Jade’s hope was that she could be a small part of the family. She said her goodbyes and sent the Merricks on their way.

  She could still feel Clay’s strong arms around her and his whispered voice, “I just don’t want to lose you, Jade.”

  Through raw emotions and aching heart, Jade waved to them as they drove off. Thanks to her relationship with Louisa, she knew she could come back for a visit without people getting suspicious.

  And if her story got out later, they’d deal with it. She wiped at a tear as she thought about Sloan. Maybe at least now he wouldn’t despise her.

  Bags packed she put them in her car and for one last time she drove away from the special place where she coul
d pretend to be part of this family.

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  SLOAN knew in his heart he couldn’t stay away today, so he drove into town. He had to support his father no matter what. He had to stand with his family. After all Clay Merrick had always stood by him. If Clay wanted to claim his daughter, there wasn’t anything he could do about it. He would never feel brotherly toward Jade, but if nothing else she deserved to be a Merrick.

  Pulling into the parking lot, he saw it was full. There were numerous news vans and reporters anticipating the senator’s arrival. But Sloan didn’t see his father’s town car anywhere when he pulled around to the alley and in at the back of the building. He parked his truck, then went inside the door. Several workers greeted him, but no media people were allowed inside, which he was grateful for.

  A few minutes later, his dad appeared along with his mother and Alisa. He combed the area for Jade, but she wasn’t with them.

  “Sloan, you came,” his mother said, surprised.

  “I thought you might need me,” he told her. “There’s quite a crowd out there.”

  She nodded. “We were expecting this. Your father can handle it.”

  Clay turned around and nodded. “Glad you’re here, son.”

  Sloan held his breath a moment as his father conversed with one of his workers.

  “Where’s Jade?”

  His father closed the office door, making it only the family. “She didn’t come.”

  “I see that.” He looked around at each family member.

  “Okay, someone tell me what’s going on.”

  Clay was the first to speak. “I had plans to announce she was my daughter.” His father’s gaze locked on him. “But Jade said she didn’t want to disrupt this family anymore.”

  Sloan couldn’t swallow the dryness in his throat. “She just changed her mind?”

  Louisa spoke up. “It was never Jade’s idea to announce anything. She only wanted to find her father. Yet, no matter how much we wanted her to be a part of us, she didn’t feel as if she belonged here.”

  Sloan knew why. He was the cause of this. “Okay, I wasn’t happy she invaded our lives, but for her to go away?” He suddenly recalled every cruel word he’d said to her and felt ashamed. He had to do something. He headed for the door. “Where is she? I’ll go and convince her she belongs here.”

  “It’s too late,” Alisa said, looking sad. “She’s headed back to Dallas.”

  Sloan felt like he’d been punched in the gut. “She’s gone?”

  His sister spoke up. “Does it really matter to you?”

  He stared at her. He didn’t think she’d leave, not after the DNA results. Truth was, he was the reason Jade left. In the end it might have cost him his best chance at happiness.

  “Sloan.”

  He looked at his father.

  “Are you all right?”

  He would laugh if he wasn’t so miserable. “Sure, I’m great.”

  His father gave him a half smile and walked toward him. “If it’s any help, I know you were trying to protect us. And Jade knows that, too.”

  “You were right it could have been handled better. I never even let her have the chance.” He looked at the man who’d always been there for him. “I’m sorry. Tell me what to do to fix it.”

  “This isn’t about me, son. I’m going to have a relationship with my daughter no matter if she’s here or in Dallas. It’s you I’m worried about.” Clay leaned against the railing. “Over the years you’ve had to give up a lot because of me. Your privacy, for one. I know the price you’ve had to pay, especially with your personal life.”

  Sloan knew he was talking about Crystal. But in truth, he hadn’t wasted much time thinking about the woman in over a year. “Jade is different.” Emotions made it hard for Sloan to speak. “I need to make things right.”

  “I know you do, son,” Clay said, folding his arms. “Now, how about you be honest about your feelings for Jade?”

  He swallowed, knowing his feelings ran deep. So deep he was not going to let her go. Not if he could help it. “First, if I can get her to forgive me, I plan to stand right next to her, while you tell the world she’s a Merrick.”

  Alisa grinned. “Wow, my brother’s in love.”

  He glared at his sister. “I need to talk to Jade. Dad, can I borrow your plane? I need to get to Dallas.”

  Clay smiled this time. “There’s no need, yet.” He checked his watch. “She’s probably still at River’s End. If you hurry you’ll catch her.”

  Sloan felt excitement rush him. “At the house?”

  “No, at her great-grandparents’ place. She’s saying goodbye.”

  Sloan recalled all the questions she’d asked about Otis. How much work she’d put into the house. Every detail had to be just right. He felt his chest tighten. What a fool he’d been. How could he think she didn’t belong here? He had to get her to forgive him.

  Jade stood at the ridge looking over River’s End, thinking about the generations of Merricks who’d once lived here. How hard they’d work to build this place, to develop the land. She wished she’d had the chance to learn more about Otis and Sarah. She smiled. Maybe when Clay came for a visit she could find out from him.

  She sighed. Staying longer wasn’t going to make her departure any easier. Heading back to the house, she took time to examine the simplicity of the new tongue-and-groove flooring that had been painted gray along with the new white railing.

  She opened the heavy oak door and walked inside. The scent of fresh paint still lingered as she discovered pretty much everything was finished. The oak floors gleamed a honey hue, the fireplace had been cleaned and Otis’s furniture sanded and polished to a high gloss.

  The place looked wonderful. She was proud she had been a part in the restoration.

  The cozy living room was so inviting. She’d always felt at home here from the very first. Walking into the kitchen area she could almost picture Sarah preparing supper. She ran her fingertips over the new soapstone countertops. A farmhouse sink was below the window overlooking a corral that had nearly disappeared into the landscape. She bet Otis’s wife stood here daily and watched for her husband to come home.

  She released a long breath. How simple life had been back then. Just to be able to love someone without any complications.

  She knew now that coming to Kerry Springs hadn’t been a mistake. She’d found a lot of her heritage, along with her father, and an added bonus, a sister and a wonderful stepmother who’d opened her arms to her.

  She always had a home to come to.

  Yet, Jade knew she couldn’t live at the ranch. It was Sloan’s home first, and her being here would only hurt him. She loved him too much to cause any more pain.

  Jade continued her journey through the living area and glanced back at the fireplace. This had been where she first started to fall in love with a rancher named Sloan Merrick. Remembering the day they’d been stranded here made her smile, but it didn’t stop her tears.

  She went into the bedroom. This was her favorite room. It was painted a pretty blue-gray, and the magnificent hand-carved headboard stood out like a piece of art.

  Spread across the bed was a beautiful Double Wedding Ring quilt in blues and soft greens. Where had that come from?

  She frowned, not expecting to see this here. She raised one of the corners and found the initials QC.

  “The ladies from the Quilters’ Corner?”

  Jade thought about the friends she’d made in town: Liz, Beth, Millie, Lisa, Louisa and, of course, Jenny. No, she had no regrets coming to Kerry Springs.

  She had a father. What a lucky girl she was to find him. And as sad as she felt, she was glad she met Sloan, too.

  “I’ll never be able to come into this room without seeing you.”

  Jade swung around and saw Sloan. Her breath caught as she looked him over. He was wearing new jeans and a white Western-style shirt. He placed his black Stetson on the dresser and walked toward her. She sucked in
a breath, not knowing whether to run or to stay and hold her ground. She just couldn’t argue anymore.

  “I just came to get the rest of my things.” She started for the door. “I’m leaving.”

  He reached out to stop her, but she stepped away. “Please don’t go, Jade.”

  She paused, trying to gather up enough strength to keep going. “Why? If you’re worried that I’ll spill my guts to the first newspaper, don’t be. I’m not telling a soul that I’m Clay’s daughter. Oh, that’s right you don’t believe anything I say.”

  He winced. “I was wrong, Jade.”

  She sighed. “So was I. I was wrong to keep secrets, and wrong to encourage you. What was not a mistake was that I got to meet my father. But don’t worry, I’ll be gone as soon as I load my car.” She glanced away, anything but to look at him. “Goodbye, Sloan. Tell Clay I’ll wait for him to call me.”

  She turned to leave, but this time he stopped her as he took her arm.

  “Please, Jade, I know I don’t deserve it, but just hear me out.”

  She shook her head. “I can’t do this anymore, Sloan. Isn’t it enough for you that I’m leaving town? What more do you want from me?”

  “You. I want you, Jade. I know I’ve made so many mistakes, and I wish I could take all those cruel things I said back. I can’t. So I’m asking for your forgiveness, Jade. Forgive me for trying to drive you away. You belong here on Merrick land. And the last thing I want is for you to leave this place.”

  She could only stare at him, afraid to hope.

  “You should be here with your father and sister. River’s End is your heritage. Your great-grandfather and grandmother lived here in this house. I understand why you were so interested in the stories when we were stranded here during the storm. You are a Merrick.”

  “Thank you for that.” She blinked back her tears. “I want you to know that I’m not going to take anything from you. I know how important the ranch is to you. That’s why I’m returning to Dallas. I don’t want you and your family at odds.”

  “That’s exactly what will happen if you do leave.”