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Proposal at the Lazy S Ranch

Page 14

by Patricia Thayer


  Garrett didn’t say anything. He knew, outside of Kathleen, Josie and her sisters had been on their own growing up. He recalled the teenage Josie who was afraid of the passion they shared. Then he’d gone away to college and left her behind.

  Garrett shook his head. No, he needed to move away from the past. How could he do that when all he wanted was in his past?

  * * *

  Josie never remembered having a Thanksgiving like this. The kitchen was filled with her sisters helping Kathleen prepare the large turkey. Laughing and joking went on all the while they worked on the food prep. It was almost the best Thanksgiving ever. Then she thought about Garrett, knowing he wasn’t coming today because of her. It was for the best. In the long run, he would thank her.

  Ana walked into the room carrying a large leather album.

  “Did you find the silverware?” Josie asked.

  Ana held up the book. “No, but look what I found.”

  Josie and Tori went to the table where Ana laid out the book. Ana sat down, and the twins looked over her shoulder. Her sister gasped as she turned to the first page that showed a young Ana. “That’s me!”

  Josie smiled as she looked at the toddler in her little cowgirl outfit and bright red boots and hat. “Oh, weren’t you cute.”

  Ana turned to the next page and saw the twins, side by side wrapped in pink blankets. “Gosh, we look so much alike,” Tori said. “I don’t know who is who.”

  Ana pointed at the photo. “This is you, Josie, and this one is you, Tori.”

  They both stared at their older sister. “What? I was there so I know this. Our mother always put Tori on the left side because you, Josie, would fuss if she didn’t.”

  “You always liked being the boss, even back then,” Tori said.

  Ana turned to the next page and they all froze. There was a large picture of Lucia and Colton Slater staring back at them. “Oh, my, I didn’t think Colt kept any of her.”

  “We can’t even say her name?” Tori asked. “It’s Lucia.”

  Josie studied the beautiful woman in the portrait, their mother. She could barely remember the woman with the long black hair that smelled like flowers. She and Tori had only been three years old, and Marissa had been a year old when their mother left the family.

  In the picture Ana was standing next to Colt, and the twins were in between them and Lucia held a toddler in her arms. “That’s Marissa.”

  “There are so few baby pictures of her,” Ana said.

  “Maybe that’s the reason she became a photographer,” Tori said.

  Ana looked at Josie. “Have you talked to her recently?”

  “No, I tried before we left L.A. I wanted her to know we’d be out of town. Have you spoken to her?”

  “Just once,” Ana admitted. “I wanted to make sure she’s coming to the wedding, and I hoped she’d come early for Thanksgiving.”

  Josie thought about all the times she’d called Marissa. San Diego was less than three hours away, but somehow they couldn’t seem to get together. “What was her excuse this time?”

  “That she has to photograph a big magazine layout. I asked her if she’d do the pictures for my wedding. She’s going to try to make it. That’s all I can ask.” Ana got another dreamy look. “My sisters home. That would be a perfect day.”

  Not so perfect for Josie, not with having to spend the entire day with Garrett. All she had to do was get through the rehearsal dinner and the wedding before she could cut her ties with Garrett for good. She’d done it before; she could do it again. She just couldn’t come back, knowing he’d be here, reminding her of what she couldn’t have.

  At least she didn’t have to see him today, but found she was disappointed that he and Brody weren’t coming to Thanksgiving dinner.

  There was a knock on the kitchen door, and Ana went to answer it. “Garrett. Oh, good, you’ve changed your mind about dinner.”

  He looked upset. “No, but I was hoping I’d find Brody here.”

  Josie felt a sudden panic. “No, he hasn’t been here.”

  He removed his hat and ran his fingers through his hair. “He was upset with me for changing our dinner plans. He went to his room, but I discovered he took off on his bike. I was hoping he came here.”

  Josie gasped. “Garrett, we’re over two miles from your house.”

  He shook his head. “Not if you take the shortcut along the river. Since the weather is so mild that road is pretty clear. It’s the way I think he’d go.” He started off the back stoop and grabbed his horse’s reins. “I’ve got to go find him.”

  Dear God. Josie began to shake. “Then let’s all go looking for him,” she said.

  Ana picked up the phone and dialed. “Vance is in the barn. I’ll have him saddle up some horses.”

  “Have him saddle a mount for me, too,” Josie said. “I’m going.” This man came after her when she’d gotten lost. She had to help him find his son.

  Dinner forgotten, the sisters grabbed warm coats and hats, then headed down to the barn. Ana’s Blondie was saddled along with Vance’s Rusty. Jake had a gentle mare, Molly, ready for Josie.

  They had daylight in their favor, but still nightfall came fast in November. They had to find the child because a freeze warning was predicted for tonight.

  Temple and Slater land bordered each other, but that left a lot of land to cover.

  “My three men are fanned out along the bank on our side,” Garrett said. “I thought Brody might show up here since this was where he wanted to come today.”

  “Is there anywhere else he might go, a special place?” Vance asked.

  “I’ve talked to him about the river and the old cabin. I thought I explained we’d have to wait to go there until spring.”

  The riders were all given an area to search, and equipped with cell phones. Josie was going with Garrett, whether he wanted her to or not. “We’re going to find him, Garrett.”

  He didn’t say anything.

  “He’s a smart boy,” she told him, praying that she was right, realizing how much she cared about the child.

  Josie saw the pain on Garrett’s face. She wished she could comfort him.

  “Too smart for his own good,” he blurted out. “Wait until I get...” He didn’t finish the thought, just kicked his heels into Pirate’s sides and took off.

  She rode after him, knowing nothing else mattered but getting the child and his father back together.

  An hour had passed, and the homestead cabin had been checked, but was found empty. Garrett was about to go out of his mind. “Dear God, where would he go?”

  The wind had picked up, and the daylight was growing dim as clouds moved in.

  Garrett looked ahead and side to side, knowing he had to phone the sheriff and get help in the air. Then he saw a shiny object flash in the sunlight. He rode closer and saw Brody’s chrome bike just a few yards from the river. “It’s his bike.”

  Josie climbed off her horse and reached for her cell phone to call Vance. “We found the bike, but no Brody.” She gave her location as she led her horse along the rocky bank of the wide river behind Garrett.

  “He’s close by, Garrett. I just know it.”

  They walked about a quarter mile calling Brody’s name. That was when she heard the sound. She stopped Garrett. “I heard him.”

  Again the sound of Brody’s voice. She dropped the horse’s reins and took off toward the big tree and found the boy sitting against it. “Brody!” she cried and hurried to him.

  Garrett passed her and got to the boy’s side and reached for him. “Son, it’s okay. We’re here.”

  “It hurts, Dad.” The boy was fighting tears. “Really bad. I slipped on that big rock by the river. I couldn’t ride my bike home.”

  Garrett quickly examined his arm, then his shoulder. “It’s going to be all right, son. Just hang in there for a few minutes and we’ll get you some help.”

  Josie took Garrett’s place next to Brody and took the boy’s hand. “It’s okay,
Brody. Your dad’s here. He’ll take care of you.”

  Garrett pulled out his phone and called to have someone bring a truck. He looked at Josie, raw emotion showing on his face.

  She looked up at him with those big eyes. “He’s safe now, Garrett.” She let her own tears fall. “Brody is safe.”

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  THEY LEFT THE emergency room two hours later, after the doctor’s diagnosis.

  Brody had a hairline clavicle fracture. It wasn’t a complete break, so the healing time would be shorter with less chance of losing any movement in his arm. Garrett breathed a sigh of relief.

  After his son’s arm had been put into a sling to keep his shoulder immobile, they headed back to the Slater house to drop off Josie and get Nolan.

  It had been at Brody’s insistence that she go along with him. And he was glad she’d been there to calm his son.

  It was dark by the time Garrett pulled up, but before anyone got out of the truck, family filed out of the house. Brody was out of the vehicle before he could stop him.

  After hugs all round, Ana coaxed them. “Come on, Josie, Garrett. We have Thanksgiving to celebrate.”

  Josie saw that Garrett wasn’t happy as everyone went inside ahead of them. “I know you’re still upset about what happened to Brody, but now is not the time.”

  Garrett shook his head and started to speak, then stopped. He walked back to the truck and turned around. “I could have lost him today. What if we hadn’t found him?”

  Josie went to him, feeling his pain. “Oh, Garrett, there are so many what-ifs, but what really happened today is your son made a mistake in judgment. But he’s safe now, and he’s going to be sitting down to Thanksgiving dinner with you.”

  He turned to her. Even in the darkness, she could see his tears. “This is hard. I’m so angry with him, but all I want to do is hold him close and protect him from all harm. I didn’t do that today.”

  Josie tried to stay back, but she, too, had been terrified of losing Brody. She felt her own tears. “I’m not an expert, but I think you did everything right. You’re a wonderful dad, Garrett.” She went into his arms and hugged him close. It seemed the most natural thing to do.

  * * *

  Thanksgiving dinner was a joyous event, something that Josie had never experienced in the Slater house. Everyone was seated at the large dining room table, her father at the head and Kathleen at the opposite end. Having the Temple family here added so much more to this day, more than she should allow herself to dream about. Although Nolan, Garrett and Brody had become a part of her life, it wouldn’t be for much longer.

  She glanced at the eight-year-old boy. Brody didn’t seem to mind the discomfort in his shoulder. He was going to have a great story when he returned to class on Monday.

  She turned her attention to Garrett, seated across from her. He looked tired, and there were still worry lines on his forehead. Again, she wanted to comfort him, and that was a mistake. Only days ago, they’d decided it was best to stay away from each other. Now look at them—they were acting like one big happy family.

  Brody’s laughter filled the room. “This is the best Thanksgiving ever,” he said.

  Garrett disagreed. “You might not think so when you receive your punishment for your stunt today.”

  The boy looked embarrassed as he glanced around the table. “I’m sorry that I caused so much trouble and spoiled everybody’s Thanksgiving.” He glanced at his father. “Did I say it right, Dad?”

  Josie saw Garrett’s pride. “You did it perfect, son. I’m proud of you for taking responsibility.”

  The boy perked up. “Do I get less punishment now?”

  Everyone laughed, and Kathleen stood. “You better come with me, young man, and help me cut some pies. You can put on the whipped cream.”

  Colt called to the housekeeper. “Kathleen, could you hold off on dessert for about fifteen minutes?”

  She nodded and took the boy’s hand, and they walked into the kitchen.

  Colt looked around the table. “I need to say a little something.” He cleared his throat. “First of all, I’m very thankful that my daughters are here, also Vance and my friends—some old.” He nodded to Wade. “Some new.” He saluted Nolan and Garrett. “I’m not going to sugarcoat how bad things were through those years. If I apologize every day for the rest of my life, it still wouldn’t make up for the hurt my daughters have lived through. I’m not going to make excuses... I am just going to say I’m sorry. I love you all, and I hope in time you girls can forgive me.”

  Josie felt the tears start. She glanced at her twin and saw the same. Vance put his arm around Ana and pulled her close.

  “I made a vow when I was in the hospital that if I was given a second chance, I’d do whatever it takes to try and make it up to you girls.” He sighed and pulled out an envelope from his pocket. “I need to start with some honesty. This here is a twenty-five-year-old letter...from your mother.”

  Ana gasped. Josie froze, not wanting to feel anything. She glanced at Tori.

  “It was sent along with the divorce papers. At first I was so angry, I nearly threw it away. Then I decided to save it until you girls got older. I honestly forgot about it and just found it the other day.”

  “Why even tell us about it?” Tori threw out. “Bring up memories about a woman who abandoned us? I don’t want to hear anything she had to say.”

  Garrett felt uncomfortable and started to get up and leave the room, but Colt asked him to stay.

  “You’ll understand in a minute,” Colt told him.

  “I opened it because I wanted to protect you all.” He glanced at Ana. “The last thing I want is for your mother to hurt you any more than she already has.”

  Josie didn’t want to feel anything for a woman she barely knew. She didn’t even care enough about her own children to stick around. “We don’t need her letter now. Her leaving us says it all.”

  Ana gripped Vance’s hand. “Do you want us to read the letter? Open all those wounds again?”

  Colt glanced around the table. “I blame myself for not showing this to you before. My main reason is, as I told you, I wanted to be honest with you girls. So I’m leaving the decision up to you.”

  “I don’t want to hear her tell us stuff just to ease her conscience,” Tori said.

  Colt sighed. “Look, I still have no idea why she left. For years I was selfish enough to think it was all about me. I think I was wrong.... So maybe you should read the letter and judge for yourself.”

  * * *

  Garrett followed Colt, Vance and the family lawyer, Wade Dickson, into the office. His dad took charge of Brody, and they were watching a video in the Slaters’ family room. The sisters disappeared upstairs to discuss the mysterious letter.

  Garrett needed to be home with his son tucked into his bed, but he couldn’t help thinking about Josie and the letter she had to deal with.

  After shutting the door, Colt made his way to the desk chair. “Honestly, I had forgotten about that letter.”

  “Maybe it should have stayed forgotten,” Vance said. “None of the girls need to be reminded their mother left them.”

  “I know, but let me explain something first.” He looked at Vance, then to Garrett. “I trust you two not to say anything to them just yet.”

  “You’re asking a lot,” Vance said. “I’m marrying your daughter in less than two weeks. I don’t keep anything from her.”

  Garrett had no idea why he was here. “All we can promise is we’ll hear you out, and then decide.” He didn’t want Josie hurt, either.

  Colt nodded. “At first I thought it was the medication.” He looked at Vance. “At the hospital after my stroke, someone came into my room late one night. She looked like Lucia.”

  “It probably was the meds,” Vance told him. “They wanted you to rest and heal.”

  “I thought the same thing,” Colt said. “But it happened again when I went into the rehab facility.” He hesitated. “And then again
when I returned home.”

  Garrett leaned forward. “Are you saying Lucia was here in this house?”

  He nodded. “I’m as sure as I can be that the woman was in my room two nights ago.”

  “You talked to her?” Vance asked, looking skeptical.

  “No, but she spoke to me. She said my name.”

  “What did you say to her?”

  “When I said her name, she smiled. It made me angry, and I told her to get out. I turned around but when I looked again, she was gone.”

  Garrett wasn’t sure what to think. “Do you think she’s come back because she wants something? Money? Her daughters?”

  Colt shook his head and looked at his friend, Wade. “I don’t know. And it wasn’t until I started looking at old pictures that I remembered the letter.” He shook his head. “I knew I couldn’t keep it from the girls. I want to be completely honest with them.”

  Vance began to pace then asked, “How could she get onto the ranch with no one knowing?”

  Colt looked tired. “Hell, I don’t know. And since I’m the only one who’s seen her, I’m probably just going crazy.” He waved a hand. “Maybe you should forget I said anything.”

  “No,” Garrett said. “I think we need to check into it.” He turned to Colt. “Do you know where Lucia went all those years ago?”

  Colt shook his head. “Even though she was estranged from her family, I assumed she went back to Mexico.” He got up and went to the wall safe and used the combination to open it. He pulled out a manila envelope and brought it back and tossed it on the desk. “Here are the divorce papers and the last correspondence we had through our lawyers.”

  He looked at Garrett. “Do you think your friend the P.I. can find out where Lucia is now?”

  Vance put his hand on the papers. “Whoa, we aren’t going to spoil Ana’s wedding. She deserves her day.”

  Colt nodded. “Of course she does, and so do you. We can hold off with this until after the holidays.”

  Garrett nodded. Once again, he was getting involved in Josie’s life. “I think the girls should decide if they want to find their mother.”

 

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