“Sit and start eating. Ty will be along in a minute.”
Two plates loaded with sandwiches sat in the middle of the table. Mrs. Terrell brought over a bowl full of hot vegetable soup—the tantalizing scent hung in the air. She poured coffee for the men.
“Tea or coffee?” she asked Janice.
“Tea would be nice, if it’s not too much trouble.”
“No trouble.”
Drake walked across the kitchen to one of the counters. “Hmm, a chocolate cake, and a lemon meringue pie.” He smiled at his mom and picked her up, whirling her around.
“Put me down, right this minute.” Although her voice was firm, she had a smile on her face.
Drake did as she said, and then bent to kiss her. Something caught in Janice’s heart at the sign of such open love between Drake and his mother.
“Don’t hog her, Drake.” Brent moved behind his mother and hugged her. “The chocolate cake is for me.”
The sound of the back screen shutting had all their attention turned to the tall man standing in the doorway. He was slimmer than Drake or Brent, but not thin. Golden strands shone through his lighter brown hair. Dark blue eyes surveyed the group. Worn jeans covered his lean hips and long legs and a blue plaid shirt and wool vest kept his broad chest warm.
His eyes surveyed the room, stopping at Janice. A slow smile curved his mouth.
Another good-looking man, but he appeared more serious, less inclined to laugh or hug, she thought. He strolled across to the table.
“I’m Ty Terrell, and you are?”
“Janice Dedrick, a friend of Drake’s.”
“Ah, the one in danger.”
“Yes.”
He nodded and walked to the coffeepot to pour a cup of coffee. Drake and Brent joined him. Janice watched the interaction. Still much affection, but on a subdued level. Interesting, one brother so different than the other two.
Their father came in after Ty and joined his wife and Janice at the table. Seeing their father, Drake, Brent, and Ty quickly came to the table, and everyone began to eat the delicious soup and sandwiches. Janice was almost too tired for food, but did enjoy the warm soup.
She was relieved when they’d all eaten and Mrs. Terrell offered to show her upstairs to her room. Drake walked to the kitchen door with her, kissed her, and watched her start up the steps.
Mrs. Terrell showed her to a room off to the left at the top. She turned on the light. A white wrought iron bed was placed against the far wall. The bedspread was white with a gathered skirt hanging to the floor. White curtains with tiny pink roses hung on either side of the two windows and the white bedside tables had pink lamps. An open door, to the right, showed a small bath done in pink and white.
“This was to be my girl’s room, but after having three boys, we decided to give up, wait, and hope for granddaughters. Candice, Ty’s wife, stayed here a few times before their marriage.” She ran her hand across the bedspread. “Seems such a long time ago.”
Janice heard the sadness in Mrs. Terrell’s voice. “I didn’t realize any of your sons had married. Drake never mentioned a sister-in-law.”
“She’s gone.”
“They divorced?”
“Oh, no.” His mother smiled faintly. “The men in the Terrell family marry for life. She died in childbirth, lost the baby, too. Ty hasn’t been the same since.”
“I’m so sorry. I don’t know why Drake didn’t tell me so I wouldn’t say the wrong thing.”
“Honey, don’t you worry. You’ll be fine with us. I see the sweet love in your eyes when you look at my Drake. That makes you all right in my book. But the reason he probably didn’t mention the death is because we lost her four years ago. We all remember her and the baby, but we’ve gotten over the worst of the grief. Ty hasn’t. Well I’m sure you’re tired. I’m going back downstairs. If you need anything at all, just holler.”
She gave Janice a hug and hurried out the door. Janice heard her footsteps going down the stairs.
A quick bath and she planned to crash. The bright white and rose colors in the bathroom glared into her tired eyes. She turned on the warm water and let it pour along her body.
After what seemed only a few minutes, a masculine hand reached in and turned off the water.
“Honey, you’re about to go to sleep on your feet.” Drake wrapped a big, soft towel around her, dried her briskly, and carried her to bed. He sat her on her feet for a second while he pulled back the bedspread and top sheet, and then he lifted her onto the violet-smelling linens. Her head sank into the luxurious pillows. Drake ran the soft towel along her body, massaging her tired muscles as he went down her arms, back, and legs. Warmth followed in his wake. Her eyelids were so heavy.
* * * *
Drake smiled when he heard her gentle snore. He’d hoped his massage would help her go right to sleep. She’d been exhausted, mostly from all the strange incidents happening to her. Possibly he was partly to blame for his energetic lovemaking. He smiled at the thought. She was such a contrast. His demonstrative family had been a little overwhelming for her. Not surprising, knowing her father.
Judge Dedrick had been at one of the few law conferences which Drake attended. The man had perfect posture, perfect attire, a commanding voice, and seldom smiled. He intimidated most of the men around him. When he looked at Drake, Drake had given him a casual nod and smile. The man’s eyes were cold, and Drake glimpsed anger at his casual response to the important man. To further infuriate him, Drake had shrugged, turned, and strolled off.
He didn’t expect her father to be overjoyed to have him as a son-in-law. Drake glanced back at Janice and wondered what type of home she grew up in. Shaking his head, he walked to the door and headed back to the kitchen.
“She asleep?” his mother asked.
“About to drown herself in the shower when I rescued her. I got her into bed, and she went fast asleep.” Drake glanced around the familiar room. “Everyone else gone to bed?”
“Brent had a call to make, and then he’ll be going to his room. Your dad and Ty went to the barn to check a mare about to give birth.”
“How’s Ty doing, Mom?”
“The same.”
“You think me bringing Janice here will make it worse for him?”
“No. He wanted to meet her, the same as we all did. She’s the one?”
“Yep.”
“I heard a rumor you’re buying a ranch.”
“It’s a surprise for Janice.”
“I suspect she’s not a cowgirl.” His mother cut him a big piece of pie, and herself a smaller piece.
Drake got two cups of coffee and they went to the table. “She gave me an ultimatum shortly after I met her.”
“Really? I like her even more.”
He laughed. “I thought you would. She’s a lot like you. Anyway, she told me she was looking for a relationship, not a fling.”
His mother choked on her coffee.
“You all right?” Drake asked and started to go to her side.
“Fine, at least I will be.” She cleared her throat.
“Maybe I’d better start at the first, at the auction. Don’t drink any more coffee until I finish.”
He told her about the ten thousand dollars, the ultimatum, and his realization she might be the one for him. Then he explained about what she’d said concerning a ranch. “I’m going to present her with the ranch, and me, and hope she’ll take us both.”
“She’s an expensive choice.”
“Not her fault. I chose to spend the money. But”—he gave a half laugh—“when you look at it that way, her bride price has been pretty high. Maybe I should check her teeth, like you do a horse to be sure I’m getting a healthy one for the money.”
His mother swatted him on the way to the coffeepot. “I hope she understands your sense of humor. I expect she’ll be lost on the ranch, at first.”
“I’m teaching her about my humor, and I’ll teach her about the land and the ranch. Like you said Dad did
for you.”
She smiled, remembering. “He had his hands full. Not only did I know nothing about being a rancher’s wife, but I also had a bad case of homesickness.”
“What kept you staying here and not running back to your family?”
“My love for your dad. And the love grew for the land, too. Of course, you came along, and there was no looking back.”
“Have you ever regretted your decision?”
“To marry your dad?” He nodded. “Not for a minute. I’m going to skip this last cup of coffee and go to bed.” His mother patted him on the shoulder. “It’s good to have all my boys here at the same time.”
“Night, Mom.” Drake swallowed the last bite of pie and took his coffee cup and plate to the sink. He walked outside onto the back porch. The smell of the land, cattle, and a light scent of early wildflowers tickled his nose. He always enjoyed coming home.
This is what he wanted for his wife and children. He had a strong desire to go back to working the land and raising cattle. A love of nature had been ingrained in him and both his brothers.
But was Janice serious about him buying a ranch? Would she accept him and his plans? And who in the hell was trying to kill them?
Chapter Eight
Drake woke her early. “Get up. I have lots to show you.”
She looked at the clock on the bedside table. “Seven! This is my vacation.”
“And it’s time to start vacationing. We’re going riding.”
“As in horses?”
“Yes.”
“I don’t ride, well, I don’t if I can avoid it.”
“Why? Did you fall off one time?”
“I don’t like the feeling of being vulnerable. All the horse has to do is throw me. I’m a long way from the ground.”
“You can’t be a cowgirl without riding. We have the perfect mare for you. We all learned to ride on her, and she’s much older now, just plods along.”
“Why do I want to be a cowgirl?”
“Because when Prince Charming comes along and marries you, and takes you to his ranch, you have to be able to ride.”
“What ranch? You’re confusing me.”
“Trust me. Get dressed to ride. I’ll be in the kitchen fixing your breakfast.”
Janice grumbled to herself, but got out of bed. She dressed in jeans, a long-sleeved yellow shirt and took her jacket downstairs with her.
Drake took one look at her feet and shook his head. “I don’t suppose you have any boots? We’ll drive into town and get you a pair later. For now, those shoes you have on will do.”
“I’m hardly going to need boots for a two-day visit. You said we were going on to Texas. I never ride there.”
“You will this time. Sit. Eat.”
“Yes, master.” Her mocking voice had him smiling.
“Where is everyone?”
“Mom’s in the garden and Dad, Brent, and Ty are out doing work.”
“Gracious, what time do you all wake up?”
“Early, five or so. The animals won’t wait for us to laze around in bed.”
“No one should have to go to work at five.” He put the plate of eggs, potatoes, bacon, sausage, and toast in front of her. “Were you expecting a lumberjack to help me eat this?”
“Eat it all. We’ll be busy.”
“This is not a vacation,” she mumbled.
“I heard that. Eat, hurry.” He strode out, leaving her alone.
“Eat, hurry, we have work,” she mimicked his words.
“I felt exactly the same the first day after his dad and I had arrived on the ranch. I wanted to hit him.” Mrs. Terrell stood in the outside doorway. She crossed the kitchen and put her bowl of fresh green beans in the sink, and then poured herself some coffee. “After thirty-five years, my body won’t sleep past five.”
“That’s a horrible thought.”
“Not really. The early morning is beautiful. I love the sunrises. The sweet smell of the grass and trees, dew sparkling off the leaves. My son said you suggested he buy a ranch and settle down.”
“I was teasing him. He wanted to know how to convince a woman he was serious. Knowing he loved his job and had no intention to settle, I gave him the most absurd suggestions.”
“How interesting. Do you ride?”
“Only if forced. I believe Drake intends to force me.”
“This promises to be a most interesting few days.”
“Hi, Mom.” Drake returned, a broad smile on his face. “Are my two favorite girls getting acquainted?”
“Better than you’d think,” his mother said.
“Good, but we have to head for the barn. Daisy is waiting to be ridden.”
“That old nag. She can barely walk.”
“Right, Mom. The perfect horse for Janie.”
“Janie?” his mother and Janice both said at once.
“I can’t go through life calling you Janice. It’s much too formal a name.”
Janice stared at him. Before she opened her mouth to respond, he took her hand and led her outside. “See how beautiful it all is in the morning.” He waved his hand around.
Wide pastures stretched out as far as she could see, and in the distance were snow-covered mountains. In one area, men on horseback were herding the cattle. Drake led her to one of two barns. Inside were a number of horse stalls.
He asked one of the men throwing hay in the stalls to get Daisy. “You’ll feel safe on her back.”
She didn’t comment. Nothing was going to change his mind at this point. She’d ride, hating it all the way. Here at home, he looked different and she sensed a change in attitude. His old jeans were faded and clung to his muscled thighs. He wore a brown shirt and wool vest similar to the one Ty had worn last night. A cowboy hat sat on the back of his head. Gone was the polished businessman.
His heavy-lidded eyes darkened. He sauntered to her side. “You’re staring.”
“Yes, I am.” Her body reacted to the lusty look he gave her. Heat tingled along her nerves and her body craved his touch.
He bent close to her mouth. “Seducing me won’t make me relent. You have to learn to ride, and enjoy riding.”
“Good luck in succeeding,” she said. Drake stepped away just as the cowboy returned with her horse.
“She looks as tired as I feel,” Janice said.
“Let me show you how to saddle her. If you’re going to be a horsewoman, you first have to learn how to take care of your ride.”
“Cowgirl, horsewoman, you’ve lost your mind.” But she listened and followed his instructions. Finally, they were ready to go. She put one foot in the stirrup and threw the other leg over to settle in the saddle.
“Good girl.”
Janice frowned at him. Her horse might be old and tired, but she still had Janice high off the ground.
“Relax. I see your muscles going tense.”
Drake got on his large, brown stallion and led the way from the barn onto a wide trail. He glanced back to check on her. “You doing all right?” He watched her ride to his side. “You have a good seat. All you need is confidence and practice.”
“There are no horses in Houston, or near my house.” He gave her what she called his pacifying smile. He started forward, instructing her to follow. Daisy ambled slowly behind. Drake kept a tight rein on his stallion, holding him back.
“Give your horse a good run. He’s biting at the bit. Daisy and I will mosey along.”
“You’re sure?”
“Yes, go.” She enjoyed watching him and his horse fly across the meadow. He leaned low across the stallion’s neck. Her heartbeat increased and an unfamiliar softness filled her chest. She had it bad. She’d fallen hopelessly in love with him. A man totally different in his ideas, and in his world.
She nudged Daisy to move her along a little faster. She ought to be insulted with this poor horse he’d given her. Even her grandmother wouldn’t fall off Daisy. Daisy moved at a crawl and had a wide girth. Tomorrow, she’d show him she could ri
de a horse with a little more life left in her.
* * * *
Sailing through the air the next morning, her thought from yesterday mocked her. Thump. Her body hit the ground, thankfully cushioned by thick grass and wildflowers. She lay trying to get her breath. Drake’s horse’s hooves pounded on the ground and echoed in her ear, as he rode to her. He flew off and knelt beside her.
“Don’t move. Do you hurt anywhere?”
“I’m just learning to breathe again,” she gasped.
His hands moved over her legs and arms. His fingers felt all over her head. “Does your back hurt, or your belly?”
The worry had his face drawn, and his eyes filled with remorse. “You don’t have to ride. I’ll buy you a truck. You never have to ride a horse again.”
She’d have laughed, but he was so worried. Pushing his hands aside, she sat up. “I’m better. I can breathe. Nothing feels broken, although I’ll be sore tomorrow, I’m sure.” He put his arm around her and helped her stand.
“We’ll go back to the house.”
“No, we won’t. You had a special place to show me.”
“It can wait for another time. I want the doctor to check you.”
“This isn’t necessary,” she protested when he lifted her onto his horse, and then swung up behind her. He rode across to her mare, grabbed the reins, and headed to the house. Snapping the cell phone open, he dialed a number.
“Mom, ask Doc Turner to stop by on his way home. Janie fell off her horse. Yeah, she says so. Okay. Bye.”
“You are overreacting, Drake, and stop calling me Janie. My name is Janice.”
“I’m less worried now, seeing you can fuss at me.”
“I want to ride my horse back. If I don’t get on her right away, I might not talk myself into riding ever again.”
Drake stopped and helped her down. He handed her the mare’s reins and stayed close until she was on and settled. “You’re right. We all three overreact when any woman around us looks like she might be hurt.”
Cameron, Paige - The Billionaire Rancher Buys a Wife [Wives for the Western Billionaires 2] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic) Page 8
