Randall Riches

by Judy Christenberry

  “Lavinia?” she called as she walked back to the den where Lavinia was watching one of the morning shows. “There’s a big storm in the west. Lots of lightning.”

  Lavinia hurried her way. “How big?”

  “It looks monstrous. But I’m not used to weather here.”

  “Some of our spring storms can be bad. Did Rich have everyone saddled up today?”

  Sam thought back to an early-morning call. “No, I know he let one man off work today because his wife went to the hospital to have their baby. And this morning, one of the men woke up sick.”

  “Oh, dear. He’ll need help.”

  She picked up the phone and called the Randall ranch. “Red? You’ve seen the storm? You got any spare men? Okay. Thanks anyway. No, I’m sure Rich will manage.”

  “They can’t help out?” Sam asked, even though she’d already figured the answer.

  “They’re shorthanded, too, and everyone’s already out.”

  Sam hesitated, but then she said, “I can ride. If you think you’ll be okay here, I can ride out.”

  Lavinia frowned. “I’d be fine but that’s too dangerous for you.”

  “I’ll be okay. Do you have an extra rain slicker and maybe a hat?”

  “Of course. What size boot do you wear?”

  “Size eight.” Sam figured she’d make do with her tennis shoes, but Lavinia beamed at her.

  “Me, too, I’ll get my boots.”

  In no time, Sam was completely covered, had eaten a sandwich since it was almost lunchtime, and, after hugging Lavinia, hurried to the barn to saddle up.

  She was almost ready to go when she heard the sound of a horse running. She hurried to the door of the barn and pushed it open. Rich rode in out of the rain.

  “Are you all right?” she asked, frowning with worry.

  “Yeah, but I need more riders if I can find them at Dad’s.” He swung down from the horse, dripping water everywhere, heading for the phone in the tack room.

  “They don’t have any,” Sam said.

  “How do you know?” he demanded, coming to an abrupt halt.

  “Lavinia already called. But I’m ready to go.”

  “Go where?” he asked, dumbfounded.

  “To help. Lavinia even lent me her boots.”

  “You can’t go out there. It’s too dangerous.”

  “I certainly can. I know how to ride. And you’ve been helping me the past two weeks. It’s my turn to return the favor.”

  “What about Grandma? She can’t be left alone.”

  “She’s well. She insisted I go.”

  “Sam—” he began, still determined she wouldn’t be going.

  Before he could even get started, she swung into the saddle and hollered, “Last one out shuts the door.” Then she rode out into the storm.

  “Damn it!” Rich yelled after her, but he mounted his horse and pulled the barn door closed after he got out into the storm.

  He caught up with Sam, who didn’t know which direction to go, and he caught the reins and pulled her to a stop.

  “Okay, but you stick close to me and do exactly as I say!” He had to yell to be heard over the sounds of the rumbling thunder, but he would’ve yelled anyway.

  She flashed him a smile and reached into her slicker coat and pulled out an apple, tossing it to him. “A snack!”

  He muttered, “Thanks,” and led the way toward the north pasture.

  Several hours later, he led the way back to the barn. When they’d reached the north pasture, he’d sent Bart to help the other two men to the south. He wasn’t sending Samantha off by herself. The riding in the north pasture had been tricky because of the rocks and bushes and uneven ground, but Sam had managed fine.

  In fact, Doyle hadn’t even realized Sam was a woman. When they had secured the herd and called it quits, he’d complimented her. “Hey, cowboy, you really know how to ride.”

  “Thanks,” she’d said and Doyle almost fell out of the saddle.

  When they reached the barn, Rich said, “Thanks for the hard work, Doyle. You did a good job today.”

  He discovered the man was staring at Sam. He cleared his throat. “Are the others in?”

  “I reckon,” Doyle said. “That’s Bart’s horse.” He pointed out one of the stabled horses. Then he looked at Samantha again. “Who are you?” he asked.

  “Samantha Jeffers, Mrs. Dawson’s companion.”

  Rich stared at the cowboy. But Doyle only said she rode as good as a man, high praise from a cowboy. Then he offered to rub down her horse if she wanted to go to the house.

  Sam hesitated. “Do you mind? I had to leave Lavinia alone and I’d like to check on her.”

  “Go on, Sam. We’ll be okay,” Rich ordered.

  She slipped out of the barn, back into the rain, and disappeared from view.

  Doyle was much more vocal once Sam was gone. And for a guy who was supposed to think of her as a member of the family, Doyle’s appreciation of Sam’s talents rubbed Rich the wrong way.

  LAVINIA WAS NOT only fine, she’d also prepared a big pot of stew. It was early April, but the rain had been cold and the wind brutal. The moment Sam smelled the aroma, she felt a lot better.

  “Lavinia?” she called as she hung the slicker and hat in the workroom.

  Lavinia appeared in the doorway to the kitchen. “Is everything all right? Where’s Rich?”

  “He’s in the barn. One of the men offered to rub down my mare so I could come check on you. Did you manage all right?”

  “Yep. Felt good, like I was contributing to our success. After my husband died, I didn’t have anything to do with the operation. Pete and Janie made decisions and I didn’t even have anyone to cook for.”

  “My nose tells me that’s a shame. Something smells really good.”

  “I’ll put the rolls in and we’ll be ready to eat in five minutes.”

  “You haven’t eaten yet?”

  “Don’t worry. I had a piece of cake about four.”

  Lavinia hurried back to the kitchen while Sam washed her hands and dried her hair with a towel. About the time she finished, Rich came in. She hung up his slicker and hat as he washed up.

  “It got pretty cold today,” she said. “I wasn’t expecting that.”

  “We’ve even had some snow in late April. It’s no surprise.”

  “Lavinia’s got a hot meal ready. Be sure to praise her. It made her feel good to play a role again,” Sam said quietly.

  Rich frowned and stared at her. “What do you mean?”

  “It makes a person feel good to be needed.”

  “Speaking of being needed, you were. I didn’t expect you to have to ride herd, but you did a good job.”

  “Thanks,” she said with a smile and turned to head for the kitchen.

  He followed her. After greeting his grandmother, he sat down at the table. “Grandma, supper smells wonderful. It’s good to get warm again.”

  “I figured you’d be cold. How long do you think this storm will last?”

  Rich shrugged. “I don’t know. Have you listened to a weather report?”

  “No. I got busy making dessert. Hot peach cobbler with ice cream. Your favorite, Rich.”

  “I’m ready for it. We’ll watch the late news to see what they say…after we enjoy our dessert.”

  After the television weatherman predicted the storms would move out early in the morning, Lavinia and Samantha said good-night and climbed the stairs together. Rich stood at the bottom of the stairs, watching them go.

  He felt more content tonight than he ever remembered. He’d done good work today. He’d had a satisfying meal. With good company. Only one thing could make it better.

  If he was the one climbing the stairs with Samantha. Sharing her bed. Waking up beside her in the morning.

  He knew he was in trouble. He couldn’t seduce Samantha. Not when she was under his father’s protection. He’d be married in no time. His father would march him down the aisle, whether he wanted to marry or
not. Then he’d be locked in, all his choices gone. He couldn’t— He stared up at the empty stairs, suddenly realizing he didn’t want anything in his life different.

  He didn’t yearn for the rodeo. He didn’t long for the women who offered themselves to the latest winner. He didn’t want to pack up every week and move on down the road.

  Home. He was where he wanted to be. And somehow he didn’t mind Samantha being in the picture. They’d worked well together. He trusted her, admired her work ethic. Admired her body.

  He shook himself. What was wrong with him? He was supposed to think of her as his sister. Sister, hell! He thought of her as his dream lover. And his dad was coming home tomorrow.

  He was in big trouble.

  SAMANTHA LOVED being part of the welcoming party to greet Janie and Pete. She’d even talked Lavinia into joining her and Rich in driving over to the Randalls’ ranch to see them as soon as they arrived. She knew Janie wouldn’t relax until she’d checked on her mother, even though they’d called numerous times.

  Sam found the number of boisterous, vibrant people to be a little overwhelming. She leaned against the wall of the kitchen, watching the others mill about, exchanging conversation. She couldn’t even identify half the people there.

  Rich had mentioned some of his cousins were in from university. And his father’s cousin and his wife and children. Maybe there were some neighbors there, too. How amazing to be surrounded by such a large crowd.

  After a few minutes, she moved a few feet closer to another woman she’d seen earlier. She didn’t appear to be one of the boisterous Randalls, with their dark or sometimes auburn hair, and big smiles and even bigger personalities. This lady was slender, with pale-blond hair and blue eyes. Samantha thought she’d found someone else who was an outsider.

  After greeting the woman, Sam asked. “Are you as overwhelmed as I am?”

  The young lady looked at her, a frown on her face. “Overwhelmed? No, I’m used to them all.”

  “Oh, I’m sorry. I thought you were new to the crowd, too.”

  With a smile, the woman shook her head. “No. I was born here. I’m a Randall, too.”

  Sam couldn’t hide her surprise. “You’re a Randall?”

  “I know. It’s hard to believe, isn’t it? My sister’s over there talking to Casey. People never believe we’re even kin. I’m Victoria. Anna and Brett are my parents. Mom always says I look like her mother.”

  Samantha looked from Victoria to the young lady she pointed out as her sister, Jessica. The younger lady had auburn hair and dark-brown eyes. She drew attention easily. “Wow. You really are different from each other, aren’t you?”

  “Oh, yes. Do you have brothers and sisters?”

  “No. I’m Samantha Jeffers. I’m staying with Lavinia to help out.”

  Victoria smiled. “Oh, you’re Rich’s girlfriend.”

  Sam felt her cheeks burn. “No! No, he gave me a ride, but that’s all.”

  A tall handsome Randall crossed the room and slid his arm around Victoria’s waist. “You doing okay, Tori?”

  “Fine, Jim. Have you met Samantha?”

  “Rich’s girlfriend? No, I haven’t. Glad to meet you, Samantha. Heard you’re a good rider.”

  Samantha had no idea who he was. “How did you hear that?” she asked, not bothering to say anything about Rich and her.

  “Rich was bragging on you. I’m Jim, by the way, Elizabeth’s brother, Chad and Megan’s second child. It gets a little confusing, doesn’t it? I suggested we put a chart on the wall so we could all remember who we are, but Uncle Jake wouldn’t hear of it.”

  Samantha laughed along with Jim and Victoria, but she thought that might not be a bad idea. “There are a lot of you.”

  “Well, almost all of us are here. Drew and Josh didn’t come home. They’re freshmen. Josh has a test on Monday and he decided to stay and study for it. And Drew, well, there’s this girl…” he trailed off and grinned at Tori.

  “There always is,” she murmured. “But you forgot John and Melissa.” She smiled at Sam. “They’re our second cousins. Uncle Griff and Aunt Camille are the couple talking to Uncle Chad and Aunt Megan in the corner. It gets a little complicated, but he’s our dads’ cousin and she is Aunt Megan’s stepsister.”

  “I see…I think.”

  Tori smiled. “You’ll get used to them all. And when I’m here, you can always ask me who’s who.”

  “Thanks, but unless you come home often, I’ll probably be gone before I see you again,” Sam said.

  Tori and Jim exchanged a look of surprise. Then Tori said, “Well, I hope that’s not true. It’s nice to have someone else around who isn’t a carbon copy of the rest of them to keep me company. Don’t you like…living with Lavinia?”

  “Very much so. She’s wonderful. I’ve never had a grandmother and it’s—incredible. But she doesn’t really need me, you know. Pete just manufactured that story to give me a break. She’s teaching me to knit.”

  “I should take lessons, too. Then I could do something useful while I’m studying,” Tori said with a grin.

  “Isn’t studying enough to be productive?” Sam asked, a touch of envy she couldn’t hide. She’d spent a lot of time in libraries, reading, trying to educate herself, but she’d never had the opportunity to go to college.

  “Oh, you know how it is. You have to do a lot of memory work, so I could practice while I knit,” Tori said with a smile.

  “No, I don’t know. I’ve never been to college,” Sam said. She figured all these educated people would turn up their noses at her.

  “Don’t worry. You’re not missing all that much,” Tori said. Her words comforted Sam.

  “How you doing?” Rich asked, suddenly appearing at Sam’s elbow.

  Startled, she turned to stare at him, wondering if she’d done something wrong. “F-Fine.”

  Jim laughed. “Come on, Rich, you know I’m not going to hit on your girlfriend. Relax.”

  That remark effectively halted the conversation as both she and Rich turned red. Sam didn’t know what to say.

  Tori slapped Jim’s arm and told both of the men to go away. She and Sam were getting to know each other. Fortunately, they followed her advice and Rich didn’t come near Sam the rest of the night.

  When it got late and Lavinia was looking tired, Samantha slipped over to Janie’s side and told her she was taking Lavinia home now.

  “Is Rich going with you?” Janie asked.

  “I haven’t asked him. He seems to be enjoying his cousins. He may want to stay later.”

  Janie waved Rich over and asked him if he was going with Sam and Lavinia.

  Rich turned to stare at Sam. “I came with them. I reckon I’ll go home with them. Why wouldn’t I?”

  Sam said nothing. She got the sudden feeling that Rich was spoiling for a fight. Had the two weeks of being on his good behavior been too much?

  “Good. I don’t like them being out at night without a man along,” Janie said with a grin. “Okay, let’s go get Mom to the car.”

  Lavinia sitting nearby, stood. “I can get myself to the car. There’s nothing wrong with me except wanting to go to sleep in my own bed.”

  Pete came over and kissed Lavinia’s cheek, prepared to walk his mother-in-law out to the car. After he helped Lavinia up into Rich’s truck, he turned to Samantha. “I heard about yesterday. Rich said you’re a great rider. I should’ve known.”

  “It was fun,” she assured him, a big smile on her face.

  “And Rich didn’t give you any trouble while we were gone?”

  “Hey!” Rich protested, having overheard his father.

  “Not at all. He was very helpful.”

  “Glad to hear it.”

  “Mom seems very happy,” Janie added, hugging Samantha. “Thank you for taking care of her.”

  “She’s easy to take care of.”

  Pete chuckled. “I’ve been around her when she was sick before. I know better than that.”

  “She wa
s. My knitting has really improved and she taught me some new recipes, too,” Samantha assured them, still smiling as the three of them walked around the truck to the driver’s side.

  Rich, already seated on the passenger side by Lavinia, leaned past her and called, “Are you coming or not?”

  “My passengers are impatient, so I’ll say good-night. Welcome home,” she said as she hopped up in the truck.

  “I’ll see you tomorrow,” Janie called out.

  She and Pete stood arm in arm, watching them as they drove away.

  “What do you think?” Pete asked.

  “About Mom? She’s happier than I’ve seen her in a while,” Janie said, her gaze still on the brake lights of the truck.

  “You’re right, but that’s not what I meant.”

  Janie looked up at her husband. “You mean Rich and Samantha?”

  “Yeah. Is there any interest there?”

  “Oh, there’s interest. Didn’t you see him watching her all evening?”

  “But she didn’t look at him,” Pete pointed out, frowning.

  “Even more significant. She was aware of him every minute, but made sure no one else would notice.”

  “But you noticed,” Pete said with a grin.

  “Yes. Because I’m his mother. Of course I noticed.” She stood there, tapping her lips with her forefinger. “And tomorrow, I intend to find out just how far their relationship has progressed.”

  “You think he’s considering marriage?”

  “I don’t know. Maybe.”

  “I’ll have a talk with him.”

  Jake came out on the back porch. “Didn’t you two get enough of being alone? Come on back in.”

  “We’re coming, Jake,” Janie said. “We were just discussing things.”

  “You mean, how Rich is crazy about Samantha?”

  Pete and Janie walked back toward him. “Why do you think that?” Pete asked.

  “The boy didn’t leave the ranch once while you were gone. Even after Lavinia was on the mend. Some of the kids called him about going into town last Saturday night, but he refused. Said he had to take care of Sam and Lavinia. So Jim, who was home for the weekend then, too, asked if Samantha wanted to go to town. Rich about bit his head off.”