Night of Shadows
Page 17
Joan would return to the ranch often, as promised. She wanted the ranch to be a second home to Preston's child. But it was healthier in the long run to live her own life and pursue her own dreams. That's why she was leaving the next day. She needed to enroll in classes for the upcoming semester. And Mac had assured her the funds were available to finance her education.
That's when Melinda knew for sure it was time for her to make her own plans to leave the McClure ranch. With her sister gone, there was no reason for her to stay.
"I'll go with you, Joannie, and help you settle in. Then I can catch a plane from Albuquerque and return to Atlanta."
After Joan left, Melinda stepped out onto the veranda of the McClure ranchhouse for the last time.
She wistfully leaned on the railing and examined the vista of the nearest mountain peak lit with the surrealistic hue of an orange and red sunset. The scene awakened within her a dream she had nurtured when she was younger — of becoming a painter of landscapes, maybe even in the Western tradition of the famous Georgia O'Keefe.
Melinda indulged the dream for a few minutes longer, envisioning all the possibilities. And then she allowed it to die again like the last glowing embers of a campfire grown cold. She used to believe in love, too. But far-fetched dreams like that were for others to pursue.
For practical people like Melinda, the rat race awaited.
Perhaps her old job in Atlanta had been lost by now, but she had a good enough reputation to find other work. Somehow, though, the thought left her feeling hollow.
The next morning, as she was packing, she heard the loud rapping on her door. She knew who it was, even as the door was flung open.
"Joan just told me!" Mac exclaimed. "How could you even think of leaving without saying one word to me?"
"Oh? So I'm supposed to get your permission first?"
It was a strange dance of words, similar to the games they had played with each other when they first met and were stranded together in the cabin.
"I bet you can't wait to get back to Perry whatchamacallit."
"Perry is just a friend."
"Oh."
"You haven't exactly made yourself available lately, you know — out there with your horses all the time. What was I supposed to think?"
"I know, Melinda. I'm sorry. I guess — I guess I stayed away because I figured I didn't deserve any happiness, after what happened to Preston. At least, not so soon. Does that sound crazy?"
"What do you think Preston would say about now?"
Mac smiled a devilish smile. "He would be calling me all kinds of a fool for not asking you to marry me days ago. And for waiting so long to do this."
Mac stepped forward, grabbed Melinda into his arms, and kissed her until she was literally breathless. But this was all happening so fast she felt a sudden compulsion to resist. She pulled back from him, overcome with doubt.
"What's wrong?" he asked.
What was she doing? What was she thinking? Hadn't she warned Joan about whirlwind courtships? Besides, she and Mac were both much too strong-willed. They were sure to clash at times.
But, oh, how they would love!
Melinda reached out, decisively grabbed the lapels of her cowboy's shirt, and yanked him back into her arms.
"Just one rule, mister." She kissed him slowly and deeply on the lips, then stepped back to give him a warning look. "I'm never playing cards with you again. Ever."
"I guess I can agree to that if it means saving the marriage. So…uh…how about board games?"
"With you? Never."
Mac laughed warmly, and then slowly wrapped her in his eternal embrace.
The End
Table of Contents
Copyright
Kindle eBooks by Marilyn Haddrill
Dedicatiion
Preface
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9