The Rose Ring

by Lucie Ulrich

  Sky gripped Annie’s hand. “I can’t do anything about the pills, but Noah is going to take you home as soon as you’re released. And I don’t want you to worry about a thing. I’ll take care of everything at the house until you’re able to get around again.”

  Annie placed Sky’s hand on top of Micah’s. “Just take care of each other and everything else will fall into place.”

  He glanced at Sky and felt sure the pink in her cheeks matched the heat he felt creeping up his neck. The sound of approaching footsteps was a grateful distraction from Annie’s prying eyes.

  A doctor, gray-haired, with thick-rimmed glasses pushed high up on his nose and a medical chart tucked under his arm, strode into the room. “How are you feeling, Ms. Clark? You took a pretty good tumble, I hear.” His smile was warm and friendly.

  “I did take a fall, and as soon as I’m put back together again, I’d like to get out of here.”

  “Doctor Harper warned me you’d be in a hurry to leave.” He patted her arm. “I’m Dr. Grubb, by the way.” He shook his head and chuckled. “Terrible name, I know, but I’m stuck with it.” He reached across the bed and offered Micah his hand.

  Micah shook it and introduced himself and Sky. Without knowing a thing about him, Micah liked Dr. Grubb. He was calm, jovial, and didn’t seem to be in a big hurry to get from patient to patient. “So what’s the verdict, Doctor? When can we take her home?”

  Doctor Grubb flipped through the chart, scanning it silently. “Under the circumstances, we’d like to keep your aunt overnight.”

  “Whatever for?” Annie shot a narrow-eyed look the doctor’s way.

  He rubbed the bridge of his nose, sending his glasses up to his forehead. “Though you suffered a fracture and not a break, there is some swelling, and we won’t be able to cast your leg until the swelling goes down. If that were all, I’d send you home with a soft cast and let Dr. Harper take care of the plaster.” He checked the chart a second time. “It’s the concussion I’m more concerned about.”

  “Concussion?” Micah shot a glance his aunt’s way. “You never said anything about hitting your head.”

  “For goodness’ sake, Micah, take a breath. I’ve been thrown and kicked by more horses than I care to think about. I’ve had my share of bumps and bruises. This is just one more to add to the list.”

  Dr. Grubb made a marking in the chart. “It’s a mild concussion, and I don’t think there’s anything to worry about, but I’d feel better admitting her for overnight observation. What do you say, Ms. Clark?”

  “I say you’re all reading too much into a tiny accident.”

  There was no doubt Annie was one of the toughest women Micah had ever encountered, but facts were facts. She had a head injury, and there was no way he was allowing her to come home. She wouldn’t like it, and she’d likely not let him forget it for a long time, but she needed the care and he needed the peace of mind.

  “That may be true, but I’m not driving you home tonight, and neither is Noah.” He reached for her hand and softened his tone. “Please, Annie, if you won’t do it for yourself, then do it for me.”

  Annie blew out a long breath. “You don’t play fair.”

  He winked. “I learned from the best.”

  “Only one night, right, Doctor?”

  Dr. Grubb adjusted his glasses. “It’s simply a precaution. We should have you out of here by this time tomorrow, if not sooner.”

  “In that case, check me in.”

  “I could tell at first glance you were a smart lady. I’ll get the paperwork started.” He shook Micah’s hand again. “Don’t worry about a thing. I’ll make sure she’s well taken care of.”

  Fifty-five minutes later, Annie fussed with the hospital gown as a nurse helped her into bed. “Sure would be nice if these things allowed a person a bit more dignity.”

  “I agree,” the nurse said. “Unfortunately, they didn’t consult me when they chose the design. I’ll bring you another so that you can put it on back to front.” She pulled the sheet and blanket up to Annie’s chin. “Hopefully that’ll help a little.”

  Annie lowered the covers slightly. “Nothing short of getting out of here is going to help, but I’ve dealt with worse.”

  A short, dark-haired woman hurried in with a food tray and set it on the table at the foot of the bed. The nurse brought it close enough for Annie to reach. “Enjoy,” she said before leaving.

  Micah, Sky, and Noah surrounded her bed. Annie pointed to the dome-covered tray. “I’m afraid to see what’s under here.”

  Sky lifted the lid. “Doesn’t look too bad.”

  Annie wrinkled her nose. “The chicken looks dry, and there’s not a drop of gravy in sight.” She stabbed a green bean with her fork. “Mushy.”

  Taking the lid from Sky, Micah set it on the nightstand next to the bed. “We all know no matter how good it is it’s not going to compare to your cooking.” He plucked the napkin from the tray and handed it to her. “But you need to eat it anyway.”

  Annie frowned. “You’re getting kinda pushy there, young man. That’s the second time you’ve ordered me around in the last hour.” She shook the napkin open, a bit of a smile cracking her tough facade. “I’ll eat on one condition. You all get out of here and go home.”

  “You two go.” Noah looked at Micah and Sky. “I’m going to stick around for a while.”

  “I don’t think so.” Annie tucked the napkin into the top of her hospital gown. “If I have to eat this stuff, I’d much rather do it without an audience.”

  Noah kissed his aunt’s forehead. “I’ll let you eat in peace. In fact, I’m a little hungry myself. I’ll come back in a half hour or so and we can talk for a while — just you and me. When they kick me out, I’ll get a hotel room so that I can be back first thing in the morning.” He put a finger to her lips. “And don’t even think of arguing. It’s a done deal as far as I’m concerned.”

  Annie patted Noah’s cheek. “I think that’s a fine idea.”

  Despite his desire to protest, Micah found himself without an argument. This wasn’t about him or his issues with his brother. It was about Annie and what was best for her.

  “Thank you all for rushing out here, but now it’s my turn to do some ordering around.” She took hold of Micah’s and Sky’s hands. “Since Noah is staying, I want the two of you to go home. In a few weeks, it’ll be like none of this ever happened.” She squeezed Micah’s hand. “Just promise me you’ll let the ladies know I’m okay.”

  “I promise.”

  After their final goodbyes, Micah took Sky’s hand and led her into the hallway, Noah a few steps behind. Nothing was said until they reached the elevator and Micah had pushed the down button.

  “It only makes sense that I stay behind,” Noah said. “We both know the SUV will be more comfortable than your truck, and since I’m not involved in any of the actual ranching, you won’t be losing a hand.”

  Micah pushed the button a second time. “I know.”

  “This way, if she gets out early, I’ll already be here, and she won’t have to wait for someone to make the drive to pick her up.”

  The elevator door opened, and Micah held it open for Sky and his brother. “I agree.” He followed the two inside. “You don’t have to convince me.”

  Noah pushed the button for the ground floor. He kept his eyes on the panel. “I’ve missed so much over the years. Being here for Annie won’t make up for most of it, but it’s a start.” He turned to Micah. “Thank you for not fighting me on this. I know you could have handled it without me, but it means a lot.”

  For the second time in the last few hours, Noah came across as sincere. Things weren’t perfect, and probably never would be, but the true meaning of family had eluded Noah for so many years, Micah found himself respecting his brother’s attempt.

  ****

  It was well past six by the time Sky and Micah pushed through the back door and shrugged out of their jackets. Sky pulled off her boots, glad to give her to
es some wiggle room. She headed for the kitchen. “Are you as hungry as I am?”

  Micah flipped on the kitchen light. “Don’t know how hungry you are, but I could eat the back end of a cow.”

  She laughed and opened the refrigerator door. “Well, I don’t see any leftover cow in here, but I’m sure I can figure out something to do with this chicken and potatoes.”

  He took the half-eaten chicken from her and set it on the counter then reached into the refrigerator for the container of boiled potatoes. “Guess I’m about to find out what kind of cook you are.”

  Cook? She was no kind of cook. With all the time she’d spent with Carl, it was amazing so little had rubbed off on her. Then again, she’d never cared all that much about cooking. Carl had fed her on a regular basis, and she was great with a can opener. What more had she needed?

  Unfortunately, Carl wasn’t around, and with Annie laid up, the task of cooking now fell to her. “Don’t expect too much.” She pulled the plastic wrap from the chicken. “It won’t be gourmet, but I promise not to poison you.”

  He grinned. “I appreciate that. But just so you know, the word gourmet has never been uttered in this kitchen. I’m not even sure I’d know how to spell it. Well, I told Annie I’d let her friends know what’s going on. I figure two calls should about do it. The prayer chain will take over after that.”

  Prayer chain had a nice ring to it. It meant a connection — a circle of friends who cared about each other — something Sky had missed growing up. She reached for a knife in the drawer. “It’s nice Annie has such good friends.”

  “They’re mostly church friends. Annie doesn’t do a whole lot of socializing. Never did.” He plucked a drumstick from the partially eaten bird.

  Sky tore a paper towel from the roll and handed it to him. “Why do you suppose that is?”

  “Don’t know. She always seemed content around the ranch.” He wrapped the towel around the base of the leg. “You know, I’ve never even pictured Annie finding a guy and making a life for herself.” He paused and stared at her. “Wow, what does that say about me?”

  “It says you see her for who she is. If Annie was unhappy with her life, you’d know it.”

  He leaned in and brushed her mouth with a light kiss. “Thank you.”

  Her lips tingled from the unexpected contact. “For what?”

  “For always saying the right thing.” He kissed her again, his lips lingering longer this time.

  Sky’s pulse quickened, not only from the kiss, but from the sudden realization that this was the first time they were completely alone in the house. She was seconds away from reaching up and wrapping her arms around his neck when he broke the kiss.

  “I really should make those calls.” He moved toward the swinging door.

  “Where are you going? There’s a phone right there on the wall.” She hoped the desperation she felt didn’t reflect in her voice.

  “I know, but Annie keeps all her phone contacts in the office. I’ll use the one in there.” He smiled. “Don’t worry, I’ll be back.” The door swung on its hinges, and he was gone.

  Sky turned and fanned herself with a potholder. She was getting way ahead of herself. Two short kisses did not equal a lifetime commitment. It was time for a reality check. That, and a glass of cold water.

  The water came from a pitcher in the fridge, the reality check by way of a knock at the back door.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

  Sky peeked through the window by the back door. Of all the people she least wanted to see, Morgan Richardson topped her list. Yet there she stood with her perfect makeup, perfect hair, perfect figure, perfect everything. Sky didn’t wear anything more than blush and lip gloss, and with the events of the day, the thought of freshening up hadn’t occurred to her.

  Morgan’s timing couldn’t have been worse — not that there was ever a good time for her to show up. Sky leaned against the door and pondered her options: to ignore, or not to ignore.

  Morgan pounded on the door. “Hello? Anybody home?”

  Ignoring was out of the question. If she didn’t answer, Micah would surely hear the ruckus when he returned. She licked her lips and ran a hand through her hair in an attempt to add a little volume. Both actions were a waste of time. Her lips were dry within seconds, and her hair didn’t know the meaning of the word volume.

  Peggy’s constant reminders to be nice to others, especially those who use or misuse you, popped into her head. She sighed. Why did Peggy’s reminders always come when she least wanted them to? The answer was obvious, but that didn’t make opening the door to the enemy any easier. She drew in a slow calming breath and pulled the door open.

  “What took you so long?” Morgan held out a large canvas bag. “Here, this thing weighs a ton.”

  Sky took the bag and moved aside. Morgan entered the house carrying an identical bag and strolled directly into the kitchen. Sky followed, hating that Morgan knew exactly where to go.

  “What are you doing here, Morgan?”

  With a thud, Morgan set her bag on the kitchen table and proceeded to pull out one disposable container after another. “Our housekeeper, Winona, was with Annie when she fell today. She’s been cooking like a maniac ever since. There’s a lasagna in the oven, as I speak.” Morgan slammed a large container on the table. “Not that I’ll get to taste any of it.”

  Sky ignored Morgan’s childish and selfish behavior. She hefted her bag onto the counter and peered inside. It was filled with more containers, all labeled and dated. “Your housekeeper cooked all of this in one afternoon?”

  “Don’t be ridiculous. Several of her old cronies came over about an hour ago. Apparently they’d been doing the same thing.” When she finished emptying the bag, Morgan folded it. “Daddy and I will have to settle for leftovers. Winona wouldn’t allow us even one small bite of anything she was fixing.” She pulled out a chair and sat. “I don’t know why Daddy keeps that woman around.”

  Sky pulled the final items from the bag, amazed by the outpouring of love and saddened that Morgan didn’t appreciate it, or Winona. “Well, if she cooks half as well as Annie, he’d be crazy to let her go.”

  “Her cooking is great, but she’s such a control freak when it comes to her kitchen.”

  Sky cocked her head in Morgan’s direction. “Maybe she and Annie are related.”

  “I don’t think so. Winona is pure-blood Blackfoot.” Morgan stood. “I could use something cold to drink.”

  Before Sky could even react, Morgan crossed to the cupboard, took out a tumbler, and went directly to the refrigerator. Her familiarity with the kitchen unnerved Sky. In all likelihood, Morgan knew the place better than she did. What other things did Morgan know better? More than Sky cared to think about.

  Morgan shut the refrigerator door and returned to the table with a glass of iced tea. She set the tea on the table and removed her coat. “So, where’s that handsome husband of yours? I haven’t seen him since we chatted in the grocery store the other day.” She sipped the tea, her eyes never leaving Sky’s face.

  Sky fought to keep her expression even. Micah hadn’t said a word about running into Morgan. Was he getting back at her for having lunch with Noah? No, it was more likely Morgan being Morgan and twisting things to her advantage. Sky refused to take the bait. “He’s making some phone calls.”

  Morgan set the glass down and leaned against the back of her chair. “He didn’t tell you, did he?”

  Sky’s belly churned. Their earlier encounter had revealed Morgan’s suspicions about her marriage to Micah and she was in no mood to open that door again. “Of course he did.” She held the canvas bags in Morgan’s direction. “Thank you for bringing all of this over, but if you don’t mind, it’s been a long day and I need to get dinner ready.”

  “Tsk, tsk, tsk.” Morgan stood and ran one index finger over the length of the other— something Sky hadn’t seen since grade school. “You’re a lousy liar, Sky. Then again, you always were.” She took the bags, but not the
hint. “I haven’t figured it all out yet, but I’m not buying the whole love and marriage thing.” She narrowed her eyes. “I will, though. Mark my words.”

  Before Sky could muster any sort of reply, the kitchen door swung open and Micah stepped in. He stopped, hand pressed against the door, brow furrowed. “Morgan?”

  In a flash, Morgan’s menacing look vanished. She did a slow turn and moved in his direction. “How is Annie doing? I was so sorry to hear about her accident.”

  Sky bit the inside of her cheek to keep from saying anything stupid. If Morgan cared so much she would have asked her about Annie straight off instead of complaining about Winona.

  Micah nodded. “She’s fine. Ended up with a broken leg, but we all know that won’t stop her.”

  “Well, if there’s anything I can do, all you have to do is ask.”

  He glanced at the containers on the counter then back to Morgan. “Looks like you’ve already done plenty.”

  Sky fought an eye roll. Did he honestly think Morgan had cooked any of this? She picked up several containers from the table and carried them to the refrigerator. “It was so nice of Winona and the other ladies to prepare all of this. I’ll want to thank them in person.” She closed the door and faced Morgan. “Thank you for bringing it over.”

  Micah moved away from Morgan and toward Sky. “You’ll like Winona. She’s the second best cook in the county and a sweet lady.”

  Morgan returned to the table and picked up her glass of tea. “You would know, as much time as you spent at my place.” She sat and crossed her skinny jean-clad legs, apparently determined to stick around for a while.

  What would it take to get this woman out of the house? Sky grabbed several more containers and handed them to Micah. “Would you mind putting these in the freezer in the mud room? We have enough in the fridge to feed us for three or four days.”

  “Sure.” When he returned less than a minute later, he had his denim jacket on. Reaching for Morgan’s coat, he handed it to her. “Come on, I’ll walk you out while Sky gets dinner going. You’re looking at one hungry man.”