by R. C. Ryan
“Ah. Another rancher. Juliet.” He took her hand and held it while he studied her before turning to smile at the others. “I see the neighborhood has improved considerably since the last time I paid a call.”
He reached into his breast pocket and produced a business card. “Since you’re a neighbor of the MacKenzies, I’d be happy to help you with any legal problems that might crop up. I’m especially adept at handling tax questions, and any local or federal government issues that are so vexing for ranchers.”
“Thank you.” She accepted the card and tucked it into the pocket of her shirt.
“Speaking of issues…” Mad shot him a dark look. “What was so important you had to fly that flashy new plane out here first thing in the morning?”
Lance’s smile grew. “You like the plane?”
Mad shrugged. “I didn’t see much of it as it flew over. But it’s a far cry from our old Cessna.”
At that moment, Juliet realized she hadn’t been dreaming. She had actually heard a plane’s engines just as she was waking.
“It’s a Gulfstream.” Lance’s voice was silky. “It comes with its own pilot. I’m trying it out before committing. But I think it suits my needs.”
“Your needs?” The old man frowned. “Your father never needed a jet to keep in touch with his clients.”
“Those days are over. Since taking control of my father’s firm, I’ve doubled the client list. And that’s just the beginning. By this time next year, I hope to triple that number.”
Willow turned to Juliet. “Lance’s father, Mason, was Mad’s lawyer since the two of them were boyhood friends. When our ranch started growing, it was only natural for Bear to turn to Mason, as well.” She sighed as Brady held a chair and she sank down gratefully. “And dear Mason was always here when we needed him. It’s something I’ll never forget.”
“Trust me, Willow.” Lance shook his head when offered a glass of orange juice from a tray, explaining, “I have a breakfast meeting scheduled.” Turning to Willow he went on smoothly, “As I’ve explained to you, even though my father is now retired, nothing has changed. Despite his extended fishing trip, he took the time to look over and approve all the documents before sending them along.”
“I’m relieved to hear that.” Willow indicated the table. “Are you sure you and your pilot can’t stay for breakfast?”
“Sorry. This is a meeting I can’t miss.” Lance started toward the door. Over his shoulder he called, “Thanks again for agreeing to sign these on such short notice. I know all this business can be confusing when you’ve lost a spouse, but it can’t be helped. There’s so much government red tape, it would be impossible for you to navigate without a competent lawyer to walk you through it, and I’m happy to be here for you.”
He paused as though remembering his manners. Turning, he flashed a blinding smile on Juliet. “It was nice meeting you, neighbor. I hope I’ll see you again. If you need any legal advice, feel free to contact me.”
Minutes later, with the sound of the jet overhead, Mad announced that breakfast was ready.
Willow gave an audible sigh. “I’m sick and tired of legal documents. I hope I never have to see another.”
“I’m sure this won’t be the last of them, lass.” Mad shot her a sympathetic look before returning his attention to the waffles.
Myrna handed Willow a glass of orange juice. “Drink. It’s fresh. It will revive your spirits.”
Willow managed a smile as she looked around to include not only the housekeeper, but her foreman, her father-in-law, and her children. “Thank heaven for all of you. I don’t know what I’d do if I had to get through this on my own.”
Juliet glanced at the housekeeper. “Speaking of thanks. I found my clothes clean and folded. Did you do that?”
Myrna smiled. “I’m up at dawn, and always looking for little chores to occupy my time. I hope I didn’t wake you.”
Juliet laughed. “I slept so soundly, I think a bomb could have gone off and I’d have slept through it.” She crossed the room to press a kiss on the old woman’s cheek. “Thank you. That was so thoughtful. I hope I can make it up to you.”
Myrna’s face was wreathed in smiles as she touched a hand to her cheek. “It was such a little thing. And I knew you hadn’t brought a change of clothes for yourself or your sons.”
Juliet glanced at her two boys, so easy in the company of Mad. The ice cream smudges were gone from Casey’s shirt. The grass stains were completely erased from Ethan’s pants.
“Bless you,” she whispered to Myrna as she squeezed her hands.
With a smile the old woman returned her attention to the oven, removing an egg casserole along with a pan of crisp bacon.
When the waffles were brown, Mad lifted the lid and removed them to large plates before saying, “All right now. Casey, you carry the bowl of whipped cream. Ethan, you’re big enough to handle that platter of fruit.”
Following his directions, the two boys did as they were told while the others gathered around the big table. As they took their places, they began passing around the platters of egg and bacon and toast slathered with Myrna’s homemade jellies, while Mad urged the boys to try his waffles.
Casey could barely speak around a mouthful of waffle heaped with whipped cream and strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. “Mama, Mad’s right. These don’t taste anything like yours.”
“If you’d like, lass, I’ll give you the recipe.”
Juliet laughed. “Only if you promise to come over and do the cooking, too.”
“That might be a bit difficult in my condition. I doubt your kitchen has room for this contraption.”
“It isn’t nearly as large as this.” Juliet studied the streams of light filtering through the tall windows. “Or as bright and airy. This is such a lovely room.”
“It’s deliberate, lass. Since I spend so much of my time here, I wanted it to be spacious enough for my wheelchair, and all the appliances and countertops to be low enough for me to work without strain.”
She nodded. “This is one of the things we learned during therapy. There were building contractors who showed us renderings of their designs specifically for people in wheelchairs. Lower countertops. Barrier-free rooms without clutter that would permit the easy flow of wheelchairs and scooters.” She ducked her head. “Most of them were pretty daunting.”
“Because of the mess involved in the remodeling?” Willow asked.
Juliet shook her head. “Because of the terrible expense.”
“Yes. I can imagine.” Willow glanced across the table at her father-in-law.
Juliet squared her shoulders. “Did you have to go through extensive therapy after your accident, Mad?”
He shrugged. “The doctors ordered it. But I wasn’t very cooperative.”
“Not cooperative?” Willow couldn’t hide her laughter. “Mad, after your first week, there wasn’t a therapist left who would agree to work with you.”
“Pissants.” His voice dripped anger. “The whole lot of them. Weak-willed jellyfish.”
“I’m sure they had a name for you, as well.” Willow touched a napkin to her lips before meeting his stony gaze. “And not nearly as kind as that.”
“I had a right to be angry. My whole life had just been snatched away in an instant.”
Juliet nodded in agreement. “Anyone who has ever lost a limb knows what you mean, Mad. The therapists should have taken the time to probe your feelings.”
Willow chuckled. “They didn’t need time. Mad let everyone know exactly how he felt. They may have heard him all the way across Montana. Believe me, he didn’t hold back.”
Mad smiled. “Go ahead. Laugh if you want. But I’m in agreement with Juliet. I’m sure I wasn’t the first angry man they had to deal with.”
“Maddock MacKenzie.” Willow shook her head. “‘Angry’ doesn’t even begin to describe you back then. After your accident you were Lucifer, out to destroy the world and everyone in it. You seemed bent on making
everyone in that hospital pay for being able to walk while you were confined to a bed. There were doctors and nurses who fled your room in fear for their lives.”
He grinned, enjoying the mental image. “Really? Was I that strong?”
“You oozed wild-eyed fury.”
“So,” Juliet interjected. “You’ve never had physical therapy?”
“Didn’t need it.” He slapped a hand on the wheels of his chair and shoved away from the table. Over his shoulder he called, “I taught myself everything I needed to know to take care of my own needs. I guess you could say I’m my own therapist.”
Juliet watched him roll across the room to retrieve the coffee server, waving Myrna away.
When he returned to the table, he was smiling at her boys. “Well, lads, how did you enjoy my special waffles?”
“They were the best.” Casey finished a final bite of waffle, whipped cream, and berries. Before he could wipe his mouth on his sleeve, he caught sight of his mother holding up her napkin.
Looking properly chastised, he wiped his mouth with the napkin before saying, “Will you teach our mama how to make them?”
“I will indeed. As soon as I write down the recipe.”
Juliet brightened. “I have a better idea. Maybe one day Griff could bring you to my place when the Romeos are having a therapy session. While you’re there, you could meet some men who are learning some of the things you’ve already had to face. I’m sure there’s a lot you could tell them. And then you could show me how to make your famous waffles.”
Mad seemed about to argue. But seeing the eager, expectant looks on the faces of Casey and Ethan, he paused before saying, “Maybe I’ll do just that, lass. One of these days.”
Juliet knew, from the tone of his voice, that he was merely being polite.
No matter. Like him, she knew a thing or two about persistence.
“Fine breakfast, Mad.” Brady pushed away from the table and started toward the mudroom. “I’m heading to the highlands. Whit, you’ll take care of that broken wheel on the flatbed?”
“I’m on it.” Whit turned to Ash. “You got time to lend a hand?”
“Sure thing.” Ash nodded. “Brenna’s heading into town for supplies. She can swing by on the way home and pick me up.”
Juliet turned to Willow. “Before you head off to see to your chores, I want to thank you again for welcoming us into your home.”
“You and your boys can stay as long as you’d like.”
Juliet was already shaking her head. “How I wish I could just hide out here forever. I slept so well last night, knowing I was safe. But I have to get back to my place and face reality. No more hiding.”
Willow gave her a gentle smile. “I understand. But remember, whenever things get to be too much, come here with your sons and take a little break.”
The two women hugged before Willow stepped into the mudroom to retrieve a wide-brimmed hat and leather gloves. Minutes later she was in one of the trucks and heading across a meadow toward a distant herd.
Griff put a hand on Juliet’s shoulder. “You’re sure you want to go back?”
“I have to. I have a life to live, Griff.” She turned to where Myrna and Mad were sharing a last cup of coffee. “Thank you both for all you did for my boys and me.”
The old woman stood and hugged her.
Mad caught her hand. “Just remember. If that wrangler Mitch returns, keep the door locked and Chief Pettigrew’s number ready to dial.”
“I will.” She dimpled. “I was serious about having you join the Romeos. They’re a grand group of men. They’re not ranchers. But they’re all former military men who’ve seen combat. You’d find that you have more in common with them than you have with some of your neighbors.”
He nodded. “And I promise to give it some thought, lass.” Seeing Griff holding out the keys to a truck he added, “I hope you’ll come back. And bring these two with you.”
He reached out and caught the two little boys in a bear hug.
Long after Casey had turned away to follow his mother and Griff to the door, Ethan was still clinging to the old man, his face buried against his neck as though breathing him in.
Juliet turned and caught sight of it, and she was forced to absorb a terrible slash of pain through her heart. When Ethan caught up with her and grabbed her hand, she took in several deep breaths to keep from weeping.
Chapter Thirteen
On the ride home, Casey chattered like a magpie, about the fancy bedroom he and his brother shared, and the size of Griff’s ranch and the yummy food Mad made especially for them.
“When can we go back to Griff’s house, Mama?”
She glanced at Ethan, who kept his head down, staring at the floor. “We’ll try to do it again soon. And maybe we can have Griff’s family to our ranch. Would you like that?”
“Yes.” He gave a little fist pump that had Juliet smiling.
She turned to Griff. “You have an amazing family.”
“Yeah. That’s what I’m discovering.”
She gave a shake of her head. “Sorry. I forgot for a moment that you’re just getting to know them, too. Do you know how lucky you are to have found such good people?”
He rested his arm on the open window of the truck as he guided it along a dirt road. “It could have turned out so differently. I don’t know too many people who would welcome a secret son. Especially while they’re dealing with a tragedy in the family.”
“Does the police chief have any suspects in your father’s murder?”
“According to Ira, everybody is a suspect.”
She lifted a brow. “I don’t understand.”
“You’ve met Mad. I guess my father was just like him. A really great guy who was cursed with a hair-trigger temper. According to the things I’ve heard, Bear MacKenzie had as many enemies as he had friends.”
They fell silent as they neared the Grayson Ranch. Griff saw Jackie Turner standing in the doorway of the barn and pulled up alongside him.
When Juliet and her sons had exited the truck, the old man touched a hand to the brim of his hat. “’Morning, Juliet. Boys.”
He looked over. “Griff. I was a little concerned when I found nobody home this morning. I should have known you wouldn’t leave Juliet and her boys alone.”
Juliet looked alarmed. “Is something wrong, Jackie?”
“No, ma’am. Creepers. Don’t go getting upset. But an airplane was here when I arrived, and several workmen were in your barn. When I asked what they were doing, they assured me that they were here at your request to fix some equipment. So I thought I’d stick around and watch until they left, just to be sure they weren’t here to do any damage. They were as good as their word. Fixed that thing up in the ceiling and were on their way.”
Juliet put a hand to her throat. “Oh, thank heaven. They were from Endicott Medical Supply.”
“Yes, ma’am. That’s what they said.” Jackie returned her smile. “Now, if you don’t mind, I was about to walk through your barns and finish my inventory of your equipment.”
“Thank you, Jackie. When you’re done, please come to the house. I’ll have a fresh pot of coffee.”
“I’d like that.” Taking a small notebook from his shirt pocket, he turned away.
Juliet fished her cell phone from her pocket and hastily turned it on before speaking briefly into it. “Heywood? The lift is up and running. If you’d like to contact your group, they can make arrangements to begin therapy again tomorrow.”
On the speaker, his tone was cranky. “What’s wrong with today?”
“Nothing. Except that we can get an earlier start tomorrow.”
His words held a distinct challenge. “I came over yesterday. There was an old man there who said you’d gone to town…with that marine. I tried phoning you last night and again this morning. There was no answer.”
“Sorry. I was out, and forgot that I had my phone silenced. But I’m back now, and with the lift repaired, we can get ba
ck to normal. Do you want to try for tomorrow? Or is that too soon to contact all the members of your group?”
He swore. “The Romeos will come whenever I tell them to. We’ll be there early tomorrow. That is, if you’re not off gallivanting somewhere and we can count on you to be there.”
“I’ll be here.” She disconnected and started toward the house, walking beside Griff and her boys. “It seems I caught Sperry in one of his moods again. I expected him to be thrilled to learn that therapy was back on track. He’s been out of sorts every day it was postponed. And now, instead of being happy, he sounded like a sulky kid.”
“Maybe he’s bored. Without the company of his fellow Romeos, there probably isn’t much to keep him busy.”
“That could be.” She brightened. “Still, I’m surprised that he came all the way out here yesterday, knowing the lift was still down. At least he saw Jackie, who sent him on his way.” She sighed. “Tomorrow is soon enough to get back to it.”
At the porch, the boys raced up the steps, eager to find their favorite toys. Juliet started to follow, until she realized that Griff remained off the porch. She turned. “Are you coming in?”
He shook his head. “Since you’ve got Jackie here, this seems a good time for me to head over to Garvey Fuller’s mill and see about starting on some ramps around the MacKenzie Ranch.”
“I’m surprised that wasn’t done years ago.”
“So was I.” Griff shrugged. “According to Willow, Mad wasn’t ready to accept his limitations then. He believed that having a ramp would tell the world he was a cripple. Who knows? Maybe because he has a woodworker in the family, it seems like a good idea to him now. I know this: It will give him freedom he will welcome.”
He started to turn away when he heard Juliet say, “Griff, thanks for last night. It meant the world to me to know that the boys and I were safe. It’s the first good night’s sleep I’ve had in ages.”
“I’m glad. What will you do tonight?”
She lowered her gaze. “I guess I’ll call the police chief later and see if he has any news about Mitch.”
“And if he doesn’t?”
