The Rose Ring

by Lucie Ulrich

  “Yeah, I suppose that would be the logical first step.”

  “I can probably arrange to take Monday or Tuesday afternoon off.”

  “Tuesday works better for me.” He tapped his foot on the hardwood floor, looking a bit hesitant. “I figured we’d just go to city hall. A church wedding doesn’t seem right under the circumstances.”

  She had to agree, but going before a judge sounded so cold and distant. Sky thought back to her childhood and the hundreds of times she’d married off her fashion dolls. Then as a teenager, rifling through bride’s magazines, picking out her favorite gown, and dreaming of the perfect guy. And now as she sat next to the only man she’d ever wanted, nothing was as it should be. “You’re right,” she said, leaving her dreams in the past. “A church wedding is definitely out of the question.”

  ****

  Micah picked Sky up at her apartment at one o’clock the following Tuesday. Her nerves pinged like a pinball machine as they headed for the county courthouse in Missoula. She twisted her fingers in her lap.

  “You okay?” Micah asked when they stopped at a red light.

  She chewed her bottom lip. “There’s something I have to tell you before we file.”

  He slid his sunglasses toward the tip of his nose and peered at her. “Let me guess. You’re actually an alien from some distant planet.”

  She didn’t say anything.

  “Come on, Sky. Whatever it is can’t be that serious.”

  “Not serious, just embarrassing.”

  His eyes glistened. “I’m listening.”

  “When we go to fill in the paperwork, I don’t want my first name to come as a surprise to you. Since we’re supposed to be engaged, it wouldn’t look right for you not to know my full name.”

  “You mean Sky’s not your first name?”

  “It’s my middle name.” She sighed loudly. “Arizona is my first name.”

  “Arizona?”

  The laughter in his voice didn’t annoy her. She expected it. “That’s what happens when you have a mother who lived the carefree, hippie lifestyle.”

  “Sounds interesting.” He waggled his eyebrows. “Let’s have the details.”

  “What details? I was conceived in Arizona, born in Montana, end of story.”

  “Ah, Big Sky country.”

  “You got it.”

  A horn sounded behind them. They both looked up to see the light had turned green.

  “Arizona Sky.” Micah said it slowly, repeating it a second time. “It’s actually kind of pretty. Sort of sounds Indian. You know, like Crystal Waters or Swaying Breezes.”

  “Sounds more like the title of some B-rate western, if you ask me.”

  He chuckled. “I still say it has an Indian flair to it.”

  She shrugged. “Who knows? Mom told me she lived on a Hopi reservation for a time. I suppose my existence might have begun there.”

  “Well, that could explain the raven hair and coal-black eyes.”

  Yeah, eyes that are too far apart and hair so straight it won’t hold a curl. “I suppose.”

  “So your mom never told you anything about your father?”

  Heat prickled her cheeks. She’d only asked about her father once. “You have to understand,” her mom had said. “I was with a lot of men back then. Half the time we never even bothered to exchange names.”

  There was no way she was sharing that information. She shook her head. “No, but I’d like to think I have some Indian blood in me. When I was a kid, I used to pretend I was an Indian princess. I had dozens of servants and my choice of handsome braves to choose from. Pretty corny, huh?”

  “No cornier than my dreams. I used picture myself as a cattle baron who had so much land I pretty much ruled the entire western third of the United States.” They both laughed. “I didn’t end up with millions of acres, but I run four hundred Angus over ten thousand of the most beautiful acres in Montana.” He looked at her. “So what do I have to complain about?”

  “You mean other than an unwanted business partner and an unwanted marriage?” Micah didn’t say anything. He turned his attention to the road in front of him. Silence grew between them. “I’m sorry, Micah. I shouldn’t have said that. I know this is as awkward for you as it is for me.”

  “No, you’re right. It isn’t too late to back out, you know.”

  Anybody with half a brain would do just that, and if he gave her too many opportunities, she might just take him up on it. She shook her head. “Sorry, I’ve already given my landlord notice. If I back out now, I won’t have anywhere to live. Looks like you’re stuck with me.”

  He squeezed her shoulder. “Not stuck, lucky to have you on my side.”

  On his side, sure, but would he ever want her by his side?

  When Micah turned off the county road onto the highway, he turned on the radio. All talking came to a halt until they reached the downtown area. He slowed for a red light. “The courthouse is just a couple of blocks from here.”

  “I’m glad you know where you’re going. Last time I visited was on our civics class field trip.”

  “I don’t remember going.”

  “That’s because you had some nasty stomach bug.”

  “Oh, yeah, I’d forgotten all about that.” He pulled into a parking space. “Well, I’m here this time. Let’s get ‘er done.”

  Once inside, they filled out the appropriate papers and made an appointment for the following Tuesday at eleven. Micah leaned in close when she signed her name and whispered, “I like your name.”

  A thrill ran through her as his mouth hovered close to her ear, but the feeling evaporated the moment Frank, a fellow rancher, walked up to them. Micah was soon engrossed in a conversation about things foreign to her. She walked over to the large window and watched the traffic go by.

  They joined her several minutes later. Frank tipped his hat. “Congratulations, Sky. Micah tells me the two of you are getting hitched.”

  “Thank you.” Sky nodded and pasted a smile on her face.

  “Kinda sudden, isn’t it?” His gaze slipped to her stomach.

  “You know me, Frank.” Micah eased an arm around her waist. “Once I make up my mind about something, nothing stops me.”

  “Well, congrats again. I gotta get going.” He waved and left.

  “See.” Micah shot a disgusted look Frank’s way. “It’s already starting. He’ll go home and tell his wife, and the next thing you know the whole town will be on baby alert.”

  “For a while I guess. But who knows? Maybe when they realize they’re wrong, they won’t be so quick to judge the next time.”

  “Good old Sky, always looking for the silver lining.”

  “That’s me.” She forced a smile while another sliver of her heart broke away.

  She figured she’d better come to grips with her situation once and for all. If Micah remained true to his word, there wouldn’t be any heart left to give to another man.

  ****

  The aroma of freshly brewed coffee invaded Sky’s senses when she entered the diner through the back entrance the following morning. She closed her eyes and inhaled deeply, curious as to how she could enjoy the smell of something whose taste she couldn’t stand. Steam tickled her nose.

  “One of these days,” Carl said, “I’m going to get you to like this stuff.”

  “Don’t count on it.” She opened her eyes and pushed away the mug Carl held inches below her nose. “Want me to open the front door? I saw Doc Harper and his son standing out there when I turned into the alley.”

  Carl glanced at his watch. “Not for another eight minutes.”

  “But it’s cold outside.”

  “They know I never open the door until seven on the dot.” He took his coffee back to the kitchen. “They’ll be wanting bacon. Grab some from the fridge, would you?”

  Sky handed him a rasher of bacon. “You do remember there’s a fast food joint just a few blocks from here, right?”

  “If those men wanted pow
dered eggs and rubber cheese on a stale muffin, they’d be sitting over there right now.”

  “You know full well that they don’t serve powdered eggs or stale muffins. Though I have to admit I’m not a fan of the cheese. Then again, after all the grilled cheese sandwiches my mother served, I can’t even look at American cheese.”

  “Maybe not.” He pointed toward the front of the building. “But people come here for a real breakfast with personalized service, not some formula breakfast served by a gum-smacking sixteen year old.”

  “In that case, I’ll personally pour them a cup of coffee six minutes before I personally take their orders. That way you won’t have to start cooking a minute before the appointed hour.” She eased behind Carl and crossed to the front door, smiling at the scowl on his face. “Morning, Doc. How’s it going, John?”

  “Better, now that we’re out of the cold.” John inhaled deeply. “Coffee smells good.”

  “I’ll bring you some right away.” She worked through the busy morning, pouring and serving, but mostly dreading the conversation she’d eventually have with Carl. By nine-thirty the breakfast crowd had thinned out enough for her to take a break. “I need to talk to you, Carl.”

  He looked around. “It’ll be slow for a bit. Jim’s got it covered. Let’s go upstairs.”

  Sky led the way up the narrow stairway. How many times had she climbed these stairs in the last ten years? The wooden banister wobbled a bit near the base, and the third and seventh steps creaked louder than the rest. It had been that way since she could remember.

  She opened the door and stepped into familiar surroundings. The large, brightly lit living area reflected Peggy’s taste: overstuffed floral furniture, stained glass lamps, and antique coffee and end tables. The dining room and bedroom were filled with collector’s pieces as well.

  Peggy had told her about each piece — age and style — a long time ago, but Sky had been young and uninterested. Now that she appreciated their beauty she wished she’d paid more attention.

  “Sit down.” Carl pointed to the larger couch. They sat side-by-side. “I’m pretty sure I know what this is about.”

  “Do you?”

  “When’s your last day?”

  The fist in her throat kept her from answering. She’d expected it to be hard, but not this hard. Tears fell, and she took the tissue he handed her. Then she accepted the loving arms that surrounded her. He didn’t say anything, just let her cry.

  “I’m sorry,” she finally managed to squeak out. “You’ve been so good to me. I feel like I’m bailing on you.”

  Carl pulled her away from him and gripped her firmly by the shoulders. “Now that’s enough of that. I never expected you to stay here for the rest of your life. I can’t say I’m thrilled with your decision, but you’re a grown woman. You have to do what you feel is right.”

  “And what if I’m wrong?”

  “Then you’ll be wrong. You’ll learn from your mistake and go on.”

  Sky wiped her nose. “You make it sound so easy.”

  “Easy? I don’t think so. You’re entering territory I know nothing about. My only advice at this point is to go at this just as Micah’s presented it. Help him out the way you promised, but don’t expect him to fall in love.”

  “Micah’s already in love, and it’s not with me.”

  Carl’s eyebrows lifted high on his forehead. “You think he’s still in love with Morgan?”

  She nodded. “He told me he’d proposed to her, and she turned him down. He didn’t say much else, but it’s evident he’s not over her. I’m going into this knowing our arrangement is strictly platonic.”

  “Doesn’t mean it’ll stay that way. You’re a woman. He’s a man. And you’ll be legally married.”

  “Trust me, Micah’s not the least bit interested in me that way.” It hurt to say the words out loud, but she needed to hear them, to settle things in her mind, but more importantly in her heart.

  “I’m just saying be careful.” He kissed her forehead. “Now, stay put. I have something for you.” Carl limped toward the bedroom. When he returned, he sat on the couch and handed her a small manila envelope.

  “What’s this?”

  “Something Peggy and I started for you the first day you came to work for us.”

  She swiped away the remaining tears. “I don’t understand.”

  “Open it.”

  Sky tore the flap from the envelope, reached in and pulled out a bank savings record. “Carl?”

  “We put a little bit away every week. It was Peggy’s idea. She wanted to give you something substantial on your wedding day. Made me promise not to stop until you were married.”

  If he’d opened an account for her when she first started working, that would mean he’d been saving for ten years. With trembling fingers, Sky opened the book to the final entry. Her eyes went wide, and she sucked in a deep breath. “There’s over ten thousand dollars in here.” She held the book out in front of her. “I can’t accept this.”

  Carl pushed the book back in her direction. “You can, and you will. It’s our wedding gift to you. Peggy always believed a woman should go into a marriage with some money of her own.”

  “But you don’t approve of what I’m doing.”

  “Which is all the more reason I want you to have this. Micah will see that you have the basic necessities, but you probably won’t be put on his checking account, and not being able to drive, you won’t likely be bringing in any money of your own. If you need something, I want you to have it without feeling uncomfortable asking Micah for it.

  “I’d also like to see you finish your education. If Micah doesn’t have a computer, you can buy one of your own. And just so you know, I’m going to keep putting money into the account on a regular basis.”

  “No, that’s too much.”

  Carl pinched her lips shut. “Don’t argue with me. It’s only twenty dollars a week.”

  She pried his fingers away. “But I still owe you for Mom’s funeral expenses. At least let me give you that much back.”

  “I’ve already told you I don’t want the money. You’re the only family I have. If I can’t give to the person I love most, who can I give to?”

  Fresh tears fell as she wrapped her arms around his neck. “I love you too, Carl.”

  CHAPTER FIVE

  Micah dismounted in front of the barn. He stroked his horse’s neck before handing him off to one of the ranch hands. The sound of an approaching vehicle caught his attention. He peered into the distance, wondering what kind of idiot drove a convertible in November. Then he remembered the car he’d parked next to at the motel three days ago and realized the idiot had to be his brother. He hollered toward the house. “He’s here, Annie.”

  Annie stepped outside, her light brown hair flying in the breeze. She zipped her plaid quilted jacket, dusted some flour from her jeans, and took long strides in Micah’s direction. “Be nice. I know this isn’t what you want, but look for some good to come out of it.”

  “Yeah, right.”

  She waved a finger in his face. “It’s going to be a long two years if you don’t at least try to make this work. Noah knows plenty about banking, and since your grandfather isn’t around anymore, you should be grateful for his help.”

  His gut clenched. “You expect me to let Noah handle the money?”

  “I expect you to abide by the will. Would you rather have him keeping the books or riding the range with you?” She patted his cheek. “Think about it.”

  When Noah’s car came to a stop, Annie stepped to the driver’s side door and pulled it open. She leaned into the car. “You might want to think about turning in this fancy little thing for something a bit more practical.”

  Noah climbed out of the car all smiles. “Straight to the point as always, Annie.”

  “I was disappointed when you didn’t come for dinner the other night. Figured after all these years you’d have at least stopped by to say hello before now.”

  He
pulled her into a hug. “You’re right. I’m sorry.”

  The sight of his aunt and brother together brought back memories of the last time Micah had hugged his mother. It was Christmas Eve, and she’d made him his favorite breakfast: chocolate chip pancakes. At the first whiff, he’d jumped into her arms, and she’d twirled him around the kitchen. His throat tightened at the thought. This was no time for sentimentality. He cleared his throat and pointed over his shoulder. “Cabin’s out back. In case you’ve forgotten.”

  Noah broke the hug. “I haven’t forgotten.”

  “Help your brother with his things, Micah. Supper will be ready in half an hour.”

  “I don’t have all that much.” Noah walked to the back of his car and pulled a suitcase and laptop from the trunk. “I can handle it.”

  Micah fished into his pocket for the keys to the cabin and tossed them in his brother’s direction. “In that case, I’ll get back to work.”

  Annie intercepted the keys in mid-air and pitched them back to him. “Work can wait. Help your brother.”

  There wasn’t much his aunt insisted he do, but when her gray eyes turned steely, and her fists went to her hips, he knew better than to argue.

  Gripping the keys so tightly they dug into his palms, Micah led the way around the main house and down the well-traveled path to the old log cabin. He unlocked the door, pushed it open, and dropped the keys onto a small table next to the door. “Kitchen’s to your left, living room to your right, bedroom and bathroom in the back.”

  Noah set his suitcase next to the brown leather couch and walked the perimeter of the small living room. “Place hasn’t changed any. Neither has Annie, for that matter. It’s like I’m sixteen again and she’s lecturing me on the woes of drinking.”

  “Guess that lesson didn’t take.”

  Noah rubbed tired-looking eyes. “Look, Micah, I’m not any happier about this situation than you are, but let’s not make it worse by rehashing the past. I’ll stay out of your way as much as possible, but I intend to earn my keep.”

  “How? By managing the books? Not so sure I want an unemployed banker handling my affairs.”