by Judy Duarte
Yet as she pulled out onto the driveway, she glanced into the rearview mirror, spotting Blake Darnell who continued to stand in the yard, hands resting on his narrow hips as he watched her leave.
For one brief moment, she wondered if he might be a man like his uncle...
No, she hadn’t seen any real evidence of that. Still, it would be nice to have someone to go home to each night. She just hoped the Good Lord hadn’t thrown away her father’s mold—and that she’d find a man like him when she least expected to.
* * *
The next morning, Shannon arrived at the ranch, and this time, as usual, she was ten minutes early.
As she shut off her engine, she glanced at the clouds on the horizon. There seemed to be more of them today—and a bit darker than they’d been yesterday. But they certainly didn’t appear to be the kind that threatened to rain. At least, not yet. Still, she’d packed an overnight bag and left it in her trunk, just in case the first predicted storm hit and flooded the road so she couldn’t leave the ranch.
She’d no more than reached the porch when the front door swung open and Aunt Joy met her. Only this time, she wasn’t smiling or holding a mug of coffee.
“What’s the matter?” Shannon asked.
“Rex fell in the shower a few minutes ago and really banged himself up.”
“Oh, no.”
Joy stepped aside, allowing Shannon to enter the house. “He cut his head, and it bled something fierce, but Darlene managed to get it stopped.”
Darlene could handle most minor, everyday injuries or illnesses. But Joy was clearly concerned.
“Where is he now?” Shannon asked.
“In his room. Darlene stayed to keep an eye on him until you arrived. He’s insisting that he’s fine, but we’ll feel much better when you check him out.”
Shannon would feel better, too. As she walked down the long hallway that led to several of the bedrooms, Joy followed along, filling her in. “We think he hit his head on the toilet, because he split his brow wide open. He didn’t pass out, but he might need stitches. Darlene told him that she’d let you make that call.”
Shannon might not be a doctor, but her coworkers and the men who lived here looked up to her and trusted her opinion, which served as a reminder that she’d given up her dream of going to med school.
When she reached Rex’s open bedroom door, she spotted Darlene standing near the twin-sized bed, where the old man lay stretched out. His color was good, and his chest rose and fell at a steady pace.
He turned his head toward the doorway and clicked his tongue. “Would you tell them to leave me be and go on about their business? I just took a little tumble.”
Shannon moved closer and studied the head wound, which was no longer bleeding. It could probably use a couple of stitches, but a butterfly bandage might also do the trick.
“It doesn’t look too bad,” she said. Then she nodded toward the open doorway, letting Darlene know she wanted her to follow her out and into the hall.
When they’d all walked away from Rex’s room, Darlene said, “I suggested we take him to the medical center, but he got so red in the face and pitched such a fit that I thought he was going to have a stroke or a heart attack. So I let it go and waited for you to get here and deal with it. You have a way with him.”
That was true. For one thing, Shannon wouldn’t have suggested that Rex visit the hospital ER without being sure it was absolutely necessary. The man hated sitting around waiting, and he was a terrible patient. He also hated doctors, which had surprised her since he and Doc Nelson had been poker buddies for years.
“I need to check something on the stove,” Joy said. “But before I go, what do you think? Should we call an ambulance just to make sure he doesn’t have a concussion?”
“No, I didn’t see any indication of that. I’ll just watch him closely for a while.”
Joy nodded, then left Shannon to discuss her medical decision with Darlene.
“That wound really isn’t too deep,” she said. “I’ll clean it up and bandage it, which should work just fine.”
“That’s probably the best thing to do. Just getting Rex into a car for the ride into town would probably raise his blood pressure sky-high.” Darlene rolled her eyes. “For a man who can be sweet as honey at times, he sure can cuss a blue streak.”
Shannon chuckled and nodded in agreement.
“Since you’re here to relieve me,” Darlene said, “I’m going to leave. I’m off tonight, but the last I heard, Maria, who covers for me, had the stomach flu. If she can’t make it, give me a call.”
If Maria was sick, Shannon wanted her to stay home until she was completely well. She didn’t want to risk any of the residents catching it. “I’ll check with Maria. If she can’t make it, I’ll find someone to cover your shift. Enjoy your time off.”
“Thanks,” Darlene said, as she headed down the hall.
Shannon followed her as far as the living room, then went to the kitchen for her morning cup of coffee.
There she found Sam, talking to her aunt. When Shannon entered the room, Sam asked, “How’s Rex doing?”
“I think he’ll be fine. But just to be on the safe side, I think I’d better ask Doc Nelson to come by and check in on him.”
Sam blew out a slow whistle. “Rex has always been a stubborn old coot, even when he was younger and not so set in his ways. But I’m afraid you’re going to have a big fight on your hands. You know how he feels about doctors and hospitals.”
She sighed. “Well, then I’ll ask Doc to stop by for a casual visit. We won’t let Rex know that he’s being examined.”
Sam slipped his arm around Joy and gave her a tender squeeze. It warmed Shannon’s heart to see the older couple, each of whom had suffered heartbreak in the past, find happiness together.
Just watching the two of them make sweet talk and cuddle in the kitchen made Shannon wonder if someone might come along who would put that kind of light in her eyes, warmth in her chest and smile on her face.
But there was no use in dreaming about anything like that. As the back door creaked open, and footsteps sounded in the service porch, Shannon glanced at the doorway just in time to see Blake saunter in, a dazzling smile on his face. Her heart did a crazy little swan dive, and for a moment, she wondered if maybe he might be the man to light that spark.
That is, until Blake gazed at Sam and Joy. In the blink of an eye, his expression went from sweet and charming to blatantly annoyed.
Apparently, he had a burr under his saddle. And when he looked at Shannon, you’d think he blamed her for putting it there.
Chapter Four
Blake wasn’t sure if it was his loyalty to Aunt Nellie or his worry about Sam being duped that threw him off balance when he spotted his uncle in an affectionate embrace with the ranch cook.
Both, he supposed.
He tried to rein in his surprise as well as his irritation, but he wasn’t having much luck.
“So Ms. Hopkins’s first name is Joy,” he said. Not that he hadn’t considered the possibility, but damn. He hadn’t wanted her to be the cook.
His uncle stepped aside, yet his arm remained around her waist, and he continued to hold her close. “Yes, this is Joy Hopkins, my intended.”
The woman seemed pleasant enough, but Blake still struggled with the relationship because of all the money his uncle planned to spend on her. Still, he had to admit, she was skilled in the kitchen. Maybe that’s what had caught Sam’s attention, especially since he had to be missing Nellie’s meals.
Sam broke eye contact with Blake and turned to Joy. “Honey, I’d like to formally introduce you to my wayward nephew.”
She flashed a smile, revealing straight teeth. “It’s nice to officially meet you.”
Blake had only caught a quick glance at her pearly whites before, but now that he’d gotten a better glimpse, he realized she must be sporting a new set of expensive veneers. Sam had mentioned wanting to “fix” her teeth. Apparently
he’d already done so.
In one of Sam’s earlier emails, he’d also mentioned buying her a house. And as if that wasn’t enough, he’d said he’d like to send her niece to medical school. What other expenses were in the works?
“Why don’t you and I step outside?” Sam suggested.
“Good idea.” They needed to talk, and Blake didn’t want to do it in front of Joy. Nor did he want Shannon to be privy to their conversation.
And speaking of Shannon, what had she been smiling about? Was she actually okay with this? Didn’t she see anything wrong with a man Sam’s age getting hoodwinked by a greedy younger woman?
As Sam headed for the service porch and out the back door, he snatched his worn Stetson from the hook on the wall. Blake followed him outside and into the morning sunshine, wishing he had a hat to shade his eyes.
Once they were away from the house, Sam turned on him and scowled. “What in the hell is your problem? Didn’t I teach you any manners when you were a kid? A little common courtesy in there wouldn’t have cost you a damn thing.”
“I’m sorry.” Blake raked a hand through his hair and blew out a pent-up sigh. “It’s just that this new relationship of yours has happened so fast. It’s a lot for me to wrap my brain around.”
Sam placed his hat on his head, adjusting it to tilt just right. “In case you didn’t realize it, I don’t have a lot of time to waste if I want to get married again.”
“That’s the trouble,” Blake said. “Why do you need to get married?”
“Because I love her.”
How could he be so sure—and so soon?
“What about Aunt Nellie?” Blake asked.
“She’s gone, son. And I was heartsick when she passed. But don’t I deserve to be happy again?”
“Yes, you do.” But how could Blake make sure Sam wasn’t being hoodwinked? “Can you give me some time to get used to this?”
“I suppose so. But you owe Joy an apology. You were rude just now, and I’m sure you made her feel uncomfortable.”
“You’re right. It’s just... Well, seeing you two together like that took me by surprise.”
Sam folded his arms across his chest. “I’ve been spitting mad at you for the past few years—and even more so lately. You seemed to just turn your back on me and Nellie without a second thought, choosing a fancy life in the city. To tell you the truth, I’d hoped you’d take over my ranch for me. But that’s okay. I realize you have different interests. It’s just that your career became the only priority in your life.”
He hadn’t meant for that to happen. Nor had he meant to neglect Sam and Nellie.
“I’m sorry,” Blake said. “I didn’t mean to lose sight of the people I love. I hope we can put this behind us.”
“So do I. But that’s not going to happen if you don’t give Joy a chance. It’s the least you can do for me.”
That was true. And it was only fair. Trouble was, Blake already suspected the worst about her, so it was going to be difficult. But he’d give it his best shot—for Sam’s sake.
“If it helps,” Sam added, “I never thought I’d be this happy again. And it feels good. Damn good.”
That did help. Blake just hoped his uncle’s happiness was real—and lasting.
“I truly wish,” Sam said, “that one of these days, you’ll fall in love and get to feel the same way I do.”
Blake must have looked skeptical because Sam added, “Believe it or not, there are plenty of women out there who will love you unconditionally, son. And I should know. I’ve found two of them myself.”
His uncle had certainly found one. But as far as Blake was concerned, the jury was still out on the second.
“Don’t forget,” Sam added, “you’re the only one left to carry on the Darnell family name, so you’d better get your focus out of the office and start looking to find a woman who’ll make you happy.”
“Don’t worry about me. I might be a workaholic, but I find time to date.” In fact, he’d had several relationships, the most serious of which had been a disaster and had turned him off love and marriage.
To make matters worse, his mother’s second marriage wasn’t particularly happy. So who could blame him for being leery?
“I hope you’re right. Maybe there is a woman who’d make me feel that way.” If Blake could find someone like Aunt Nellie, he might consider making a lifetime commitment.
But maybe the kind of love and marriage that Sam and Nellie had found didn’t exist anymore—or at least, he’d yet to see anything like it.
Sam slapped a hand on Blake’s shoulder and chuckled. “And if that woman also happens to cross your eyes and curl your toes at the same time, then you’ll know that it’s a forever kind of love.”
That was clearly what Sam believed he’d found again. Blake hoped that his uncle would prove to be right. Otherwise, the poor old man was in for heartbreak.
And Blake was afraid that another one just might kill him.
* * *
Blake had planned to apologize to Joy after lunch, after everyone else cleared out of the kitchen, giving them a little time alone in there. And while he was at it, he’d intended to ask for Shannon’s forgiveness, too. He didn’t like the idea of her thinking he was a jerk, even though he’d probably left her with that impression of him.
But twenty minutes after Sam had taken the ATV out to repair a section of downed fence, he’d returned and asked Blake to do him a favor.
“Sure,” Blake had said. “What do you need?”
“I have a long list of supplies that need to be picked up in town, as well as some ranch errands to run. You’ll find a detailed list on my desk in the barn. I was going to do it myself, but something’s come up and I have to babysit my crew.”
“I’d be happy to run into town for you, although something doesn’t quite make sense.”
“What’s that?”
“You never used to hire hands who needed to be watched over so closely.”
“Yep. You got that right.” Sam lifted the brim of his hat, then adjusted it on his head. “But when I had my own spread, I could afford to hire the best men around.”
His uncle had just validated what Shannon had mentioned earlier. “So the Rocking C isn’t in the best financial shape.”
“Not yet, but we’re working on that.”
“How?”
“Rex has a few connections with a rodeo outfit, and we think they’re going to sponsor us. It’s not a done deal, but it’s looking good.”
At least Sam hadn’t planned on bailing out the ranch himself.
Blake reached into his pocket and pulled out his keys.
“Put those away,” Sam said. “Don’t even think about driving that fancy car of yours. Take the old gray Dodge Ram. The keys are hanging on the hook near my office door.”
* * *
Glad to have his uncle’s trust and to have an opportunity to do something helpful, Blake had gone in search of the list, only to find that it had been longer and even more detailed than he’d expected. Then he’d driven into Brighton Valley, starting at the hardware store and ending at the post office. By the time he got back to the ranch, it was dark.
When he entered the back door to the house, he found Joy in the kitchen. Dinner was over, and she was alone. And surprisingly, she’d kept a plate of food warm for him.
“Thank you,” he said. “But before I wolf that down, I want to apologize for being a jerk this morning.”
At that, she brightened. “That’s okay.”
Actually, it really wasn’t. Apologies, even ones he’d been contemplating all day, didn’t come easy to him. But he’d thought long and hard about what Sam had said earlier, and his uncle was right.
Blake cleared his throat and pressed on. “I loved my aunt, and seeing my uncle with someone else really threw me for a loop. But I shouldn’t have reacted rudely.”
“I know how special Nellie was. Sam talks about her a lot. In fact, she sounds like the kind of woman I would
have liked to have as a friend. So I can understand your surprise—and uneasiness. I hope you’ll give me a chance to prove to you how much I care for your uncle.”
How could he object to that? Besides, just as he’d told Sam, he’d like to put a lot of things behind him. But there was one more apology that needed to be made.
“Is Shannon around?” he asked.
“She’s already gone home. And tomorrow is her day off.”
A sense of disappointment swept over him. He wished he could say it was because he’d have to postpone the apology he owed the head nurse. But it was more than that.
“I was just going to turn in for the evening, so if you don’t mind, I’ll let you serve yourself.” Joy pointed to the plate she’d left on the stove.
“No problem. I’ll clean up and lock the door before I go.”
“Thank you.” The smile she wore as she turned to go made her appear more than just pleasant.
If character was built solely upon culinary skill, then Joy Hopkins was one fine woman. But Blake wouldn’t be taken in as easily as his uncle had been. However, going forward, he would make more of an effort to be polite to her.
Once Sam learned that Blake had set things right with Joy, they would reach a truce. Still, the fact that things were better between them didn’t mean Blake was ready to return to California just yet.
* * *
After eating breakfast with the cowboys, Blake decided to take a walk. If the ranch was in serious financial trouble, he hoped to get a better sense of it after checking things out for himself.
He’d no more than reached the place where the workers and visitors often parked their vehicles when he noticed Shannon’s car flanked by a faded red sedan and a gray pickup with gun racks.
He hadn’t seen Shannon at breakfast and was told she wasn’t working today. Had she left her vehicle here last night? Or had she returned this morning?
If she was around, he should probably apologize to her for his rudeness yesterday, something he hadn’t been able to do yet. In the meantime, he continued his walk and his inspection.
