“I had a busy day, and there’s a full weekend ahead.”
“Why did you decide to have your employees here at this time? It seems like later after our wedding might have been better.”
“Well, there’s something I haven’t told you. Guess now is as good as any time. You mustn’t tell anyone, preferably not even your grandfather or Maria. I trust them, but just a slip and the wrong person might overhear and upset my plans.”
Samantha drove into his yard and stopped the truck by the front door. The house was dark, and only the stars and moon lit the area around them. She turned in the seat to face Jackson.
“Whatever are you talking about? You’re making it sound very mysterious.”
“I’d planned to have it as a wedding surprise for you.” Looking directly at her, he said, “About six months ago, I realized the times I was the happiest were when I stayed at the ranch. Building my business had been exciting the first years. Not so much anymore. I’m tired of traveling, staying in hotel rooms, and even when I was at my townhouse or the beach house in Florida, neither felt like home. Not like the ranch did. To shorten the story, I’m turning over my company to one of my senior associates to take on the job as CEO. I’ll stay on the board and keep the majority shares.” He opened his door. “Let’s go inside to discuss this further.”
Shocked by his words, Samantha followed him. She’d never expected he’d ever decide to leave the high life in the city. He’d never given any indication he didn’t love the traveling and being so busy.
Jackson flipped on lights as he went through to the kitchen. “I’ll get us a glass of wine. Make yourself comfortable.”
She wandered across the large living room to the side windows. Outside, the trees waved in the breeze and a lone hound dog howled. She wasn’t sure how what Jackson had just told her might affect them. She’d expected, wanted to take charge of the ranches, and thought they’d see each other mostly on weekends or maybe not even that often.
“Here’s your Riesling wine. Come, join me on the couch. Tell me what you’re thinking about?” Jackson asked as she settled at one end of the long sofa and curled her legs under her.
She stared into her wine and then took a sip before speaking. “You let me believe I’d have the running of the ranches while you jetted around doing your corporate business.”
“You made the suggestion to run my ranch and yours. I never said yes or no.”
Temper rising, she took another big swallow of wine, hoping she’d cool off enough not to lose her temper. “That’s semantics. You let me think you agreed.”
“No, as usual, when you want your way, you don’t look or notice the other person’s reaction. You assume they agree with you if they don’t verbally say no. So I suppose, knowing you, I am at fault.” A wry smile crossed his face.
Samantha handed her empty glass to him. “Now you’re being patronizing. I’m going home.”
She started to leave. She stopped, surprised to see Jackson’s face flush and his lips tighten. He rarely lost his cool.
“Just remember, not a word to anyone. Hopefully, you can get past your childish temper tantrum and help with my guests, perhaps even be my hostess during the activities. They’ll arrive at the airport in the morning.”
Hot anger rushed through every muscle in her body. She strode quickly to the door and swung it open. “Good night.” She slammed the door and hurried to her truck.
“Childish tantrum,” she mumbled to herself. How dare he accuse her of having a tantrum. Snapping the truck in gear, she threw dirt from under her wheels and roared off.
* * * *
Jackson watched her leave. He ran a hand through his hair. He must be tired. He’d shown little finesse in that conversation. At least Samantha knew there’d be no rolling over him with her choices. Not all the time. Her control issue was her one major fault. Everyone had at least one. He smiled at the thought. Samantha probably had a handy list she could read to him of his shortcomings.
He had a lot to get done in the next week, if he planned to tie things up in Houston. Plus, he had to convince Samantha to still marry him. Going into the family room, he placed their wineglasses in the sink and headed to his bedroom.
There was one more secret she didn’t know. One that might totally blow them apart, forever.
Chapter Seven
Samantha drove to the airfield on her own. She’d half expected Jackson to call and apologize. He hadn’t. As she drove into the parking area, she saw his truck. Her heart gave a small jolt.
A jet had already landed and parked. A tall, darkly tanned man came down the stairs to the tarmac and waved at Jackson. Their voices carried across the short distance.
“Drake, welcome. I’m glad you rearranged your business to be here this weekend.”
“It has taken me much too long to accept your kind invitations. When you said I’d meet the woman who finally convinced my friend to marry, well, then I knew I had to drop everything and meet this incredible woman.”
Both men laughed and shook hands. When they turned in her direction, she knew Jackson had seen her. Her curiosity was aroused about this stranger. She glanced at her black slacks and emerald blouse. She was glad she’d decided to dress up a bit for the company.
Jackson led the stranger to her side. “This, my friend, is my bride-to-be, Samantha Riley. Samantha, my best friend from my college years and one of the best international attorneys in the country, Drake Terrell.”
“I am pleased to make your acquaintance, Miss Riley. Please ignore the over-glorified description of my job. Jackson tends to exaggerate.” He bowed his head to her. “I see how you won my friend’s heart. She is beautiful, Jackson.”
Samantha blushed. Jackson put his arm around her. “Both inside and out, although a little feisty at times.” Jackson tightened his arm when she started to pull away. “I think the other plane is about to land with the rest of our guests.”
The three of them watched as the plane landed and taxied closer. Drake’s private jet had already started toward a nearby hangar. The plane rolled to a stop, and the door opened. Adults and children hurried down the steps to be greeted by Jackson and introduced to Samantha.
Janice was the last to appear at the top of the plane’s stairway. She waited while several families in front of her climbed down.
“Magnificent,” Drake said.
Standing close by, Samantha overheard his comment. She glanced his way and noticed his attention was on the door to the plane, where Janice stood. Sunlight sparkled off her auburn hair. The breeze molded her bronze blouse and short skirt against her body and exposed her long, tanned legs.
“Who is she?” Drake asked.
“My best friend, Janice Dedrick. She’s an attorney in Houston. You’ve never met her at some of your lawyer gatherings?”
“No. I’m seldom in Houston. Mainly I go there to visit Jackson when he needs help with any international legal concerns.” He smiled at Samantha. “I find I’m even more pleased to have made this trip.”
Samantha studied his hawk-like features. “You will remember she is dear to me.”
Dark, mysterious eyes looked deep into hers. He nodded his head. “I will.”
Jackson had arranged for the children to have a hayride back to the ranch. There was much giggling and rowdy laughter before they all settled down, and the wagon, pulled by two horses, began to slowly head along a dirt path that led directly to the barn. Two parents had climbed on board to chaperone the excited children. Samantha smiled at the group as they left.
“In a few years we can start taking our children on hayrides,” Jackson whispered in her ear. A shiver brushed over her.
She started to reply when Janice, hurrying across the tarmac, came to her side. “You two look cozy,” she teased.
“I’m so glad you’re here.” Samantha hugged her friend tight. “At least I know one person in this crowd.”
“Actually, you know at least two,” Drake Terrell said as he joined them.
“Won’t you introduce me to this lovely lady?”
“I’m not sure I should, but Janice can take care of herself. Janice, this is Drake Terrell, Jackson’s best friend from college. He’s an international attorney. Drake, my best friend, Janice Dedrick.”
“I’ve heard of you, Mr. Terrell. You are being modest if you’re saying you are just an international attorney. If I’m not mistaken, you also do sensitive negotiations for our country and its allies.”
“Few people are aware of my other commitments. I’d rather it stay that way.”
Samantha saw the change in his face. His hawk-like features were more defined, and his eyes no longer looked mysterious. They made her shiver. He would be a dangerous man to cross.
Janice didn’t smile. “I apologize.” She glanced around. “No one is close enough to have heard. I was told about you in strictest confidence. I’m sure Samantha won’t tell anyone.”
“Let’s head to my ranch, Janice.” Samantha saw Jackson herding the adults into several large cars and some of the men into trucks. “Everything seems to be in control here. We have a lot to discuss to plan my wedding. If you’ll excuse us, Drake?”
He nodded his head and stepped back. But Samantha felt his hard stare all the way to the car and was sure Janice did, too.
* * * *
Samantha watched as Janice unpacked her bag in the guest room. She didn’t miss the slight tremble in her friend’s hands.
“He upset you.”
“Who?”
“Janice, we’ve known each other too long for you to pretend. Drake Terrell upset my unflappable friend. I must admit he strikes me as dangerous.”
“He didn’t scare me.”
“Then what? You haven’t given a man a second thought since your fiancé died in that car crash a month before your wedding.”
“That was four years ago.”
“I know. So?”
“He’s too good looking, too sure of himself, just too much.”
“Watch out, my friend, that sounds a lot like attraction.”
“Let me change and then we’ll ride to the place you’re talking about having your wedding.”
“Changing the subject. All right. I’m going to check with Jackson and see if he needs any help. Meet you at the barn in thirty minutes.”
Samantha slipped into Gramps’ office for privacy. He’d ridden out with his foreman earlier. Jackson’s phone rang several times before a woman answered.
“Stone’s residence. May I help you?”
“I’d like to speak with Jackson.”
“Who’s calling?”
“Samantha Riley.”
“Oh, Miss Riley, I’m sorry I didn’t recognize your voice. This is Anna Murphy. I came down to help Mr. Stone with all his guests. You just missed him. He and most of the others went horseback riding. The children are here playing games under the supervision of several nannies he hired for the weekend.”
“He certainly has all the activities well planned.”
“Shall I tell him you called?”
“Yes, Mrs. Murphy. Thank you.”
“Please call me Anna. Nice talking with you.”
Samantha hung up the phone. He could have asked if Janice and I wanted to go riding. But, I guess we did leave rather abruptly. He and I really haven’t resolved our disagreement from the other night. She shrugged her shoulders and stretched. Glancing at her watch, she decided it was time to head to the barn and pick out a horse for Janice.
When she stepped inside the shadowy interior, a small furry ball scampered to her feet. She knelt and picked up the bundle of energy. “I must decide on a name for you.” The pup barked as though in agreement. Ever since the puppy wet the carpet, Maria had sent her to the barn until she was trained not to ruin the furniture and floors. Samantha had been so busy that one of the older ranch hands had offered to work with the pup.
“Who’s that?” Janice asked. She walked up beside Samantha.
“Jackson brought her back from Houston as a surprise for me. I can’t seem to think of an appropriate name.”
Janice reached out to take the puppy from Samantha and laughed when the small pup licked her face. “The only name that fits is Sunshine. Even in this dark barn, her golden coat glows.”
“You can put her down. She won’t run away. I thought you might like this gray mare, Tilley. She’s older and very gentle.”
“Good. Horses are scary. They’re so tall, and I’m so far from the ground when I’m on their back. I never ride except when I visit you and you insist. Let’s get this over with.”
“We can go by truck.”
“Then what are we waiting for?” Janice brightened. “I’m anxious to see this special place.”
Samantha led the way through the barn to the back where the old truck had been parked. “I slipped my keys in my pocket just in case.” She swung into the driver’s side. “Hold on. The road is bumpy.”
“Why am I not surprised?” Janice mumbled.
About three miles out, Janice relaxed in her seat. “This isn’t bad.”
“You spoke too soon.” Samantha turned the wheel to the right, and the lane narrowed to two ruts and the bumps began. By the time they rode several miles, Janice held the side of the door in a tight grip.
“Are we close?”
“Almost there.”
“What’s so special about this place?”
“Wait. I want to see your initial reaction.”
Samantha slowed and parked on the right of the narrow drive.
“We’ll walk from here.”
She and Janice strolled along the rutted pathway and turned left to a wider opening, not exactly a road but more a trail. The trees were thicker in this area, and ahead Samantha saw what, in her mind, she called her wedding cathedral. A long line of tall trees created a canopy over the trail, and at the end was a hill where a small waterfall flowed gently into the creek below. Sunlight sparkled off the silver water, and the sounds of the falls created their own music.
Secretly, Samantha had dreamed of being married in this spot, early in the morning as the sun rose and flooded the area with light. She glanced at Janice and saw a reflection of how she must have looked the first time her grandmother brought her here.
“A natural sacred place,” her grandma said. She had spoken in hushed tones. “Around the world I believe there are places like this fashioned by nature to remind man of his deep attachment to all things.”
Janice had tears in her eyes when she faced Samantha. “It is the most perfect spot for a wedding.”
“I think so.” Samantha sat on the grassy area by the creek. Janice joined her. Each quiet, caught up in their own thoughts.
Finally, Samantha took a deep breath. “Let’s head back. There are plans to make and places to go,” she said, smiling across at her friend.
They’d just gotten to the truck when Samantha heard a horse snort. She glanced around and saw Jackson riding his mare across the dusty path to the right of them. “Jackson, where is your company?”
“My foreman is taking them to the ranch for a light lunch and rest. We’ll gather in the family room for cocktails at six. Until then I have a few free hours. We need to talk.”
“I’ve got to take Janice back.”
“How about Janice drives herself back, and you get up here with me?”
“I can’t desert her out here in the wilderness.”
“Really, Sam. I’m quite grown up. I’m sure I can find my way back to the ranch house. It was only one turn.” Janice must have seen her hesitation. “Go. I’ll be fine.”
Jackson leaned down. “Take my hand. Put your foot on my boot, and I’ll pull you up in front of me.”
Samantha glanced from her friend to him. “All right. If you get lost, Janice, it’s your own fault.” She put her hand in Jackson’s. He quickly pulled her into his arms.
They waited a minute to see Janice get the truck turned around and headed back. Jackson tightened his arm around Samantha’
s waist. He leaned forward and whispered in her ear. “Now I have you all to myself.”
She caught her breath as sharp desire shot straight down her body. “Where are we going?”
“All the men are working on the fence along the west section. Your grandfather stopped by on his way to that same area. We’ll go east where we can be sure of privacy.”
Samantha leaned back in his embrace as they rode along. His wide chest and strong arms encircled her. She drew in a deep breath. His spicy, earthy male fragrance filled her lungs. They rode across a vast field covered with pink, white, and blue wildflowers waving in the breeze. Her earlier sense of peace held her in its cocoon.
“How much farther?” she asked.
“Just around this bend. You remember this place.”
Samantha glanced around at him. “We used to picnic here years ago.”
“Anna packed us a lunch. I’ve got the food in my saddlebag. There’s our spot.” He nodded toward a small grove of trees. The creek, which ran through the ranch, gurgled over rocks, and circled around one side of the oaks. They rode toward the shade. Jackson helped Samantha down and then tied his horse to a tree, close enough to the stream for his stallion to take a drink.
Samantha unpacked the food and several bottles of water. She spread out the blanket and opened several small containers holding sliced chicken, chips, and fruit.
“Looks good.” She sat waiting for Jackson. His horse had drunk some water and now chewed on an apple he’d given him.
Jackson strolled across to Samantha. “This is a pleasant place to eat and discuss our misunderstanding the other night.” He sat down across from her.
“You were right. I ought to have told you, but it’s so important that no word get out until I’ve decided who will replace me. No one has any idea of my plans except Drake, Mrs. Haverty, and a couple of CEOs of companies I do business with overseas.”
“Who will replace you?”
He smiled at her. “I’m hoping you’ll help me decide. The main reason I’m having this weekend get-together is to see the man and woman I’m considering under informal circumstances. I want to see their interaction with the others and their families.”
Cameron, Paige - The Billionaire Cowboy Takes a Wife (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic) Page 7
