by Iris Abbott
What surprised her was the level of her son’s physical response and verbal non-response at the mention of Mandy possibly getting married. That was something worth checking into, the Widow Walker noted. She grabbed onto the door and pulled herself into the monstrosity her son called a vehicle. Maybe she would pay a social visit to Mandy’s mother soon. The poor woman hadn’t been seen out since her husband’s funeral, and that had been a little over a month ago.
****
Mandy took plenty of deep breaths on the drive home. She needed to be calm by the time she reached the house and checked on her mom. No need to give her poor mom something else to fret over or worry about. The loss of her husband had been more than enough. Mandy was here to lessen her mother’s burden. She most certainly did not want to do anything to add to it.
Mandy still hadn’t returned to her normal self by the time she arrived home. She sat in the car in the garage a full five minutes before she felt up to facing her mom and answering questions about the wedding. She spent those five minutes trying to convince herself that things would have been just fine if Jackson hadn’t spoken to her while she was trying to make a clean getaway. Maybe he thought he owed her for some of the aggravation she’d caused him. And maybe he did, she’d been a royal pain, even though that had been more than six years ago.
Mandy found her mom sitting on the living room sofa watching television. She was still dressed in a robe, but at least she was out of her bedroom. It was an improvement. Even baby steps were welcome at this point. Mandy leaned down and kissed her mom on the cheek. “I’m glad to see you’re up and about.” That was an understatement, but she didn’t want to put her mother off by being too enthusiastic.
Barbara Tyler half smiled at her only child. “How was the wedding? I bet there was a full house with most of the neighboring ranches and half the town present. The James family knows how to host a get-together. That’s for sure.”
“There was a nice crowd,” Mandy agreed. “We all got a shock too. Lynn and her fiancé eloped in Vegas on their way back from the earthquake zone.”
Barbara wrinkled her eyebrows and looked at her daughter in confusion. “Who got married then? You were gone for a long time. I’m sure in that amount of time somebody must have tied the knot. The bridal bouquet you’re holding in your hand there is a pretty good indication too.”
Mandy smiled at her mother’s colorful wording. “Someone else did get married, that was the big shock all of us guests were treated to.”
“Well don’t leave me guessing, sugar. Who was it?” Before Mandy had a chance to answer Barbara continued. “It wasn’t Jackson Walker, was it?” Her half smile turned into a heavy frown.
Mandy stopped smiling too, but she was able to stop short of frowning. She focused on answering her mom’s question. “Heavens no momma, it wasn’t Jackson. Who’d want a husband with a playboy reputation like his? You’re getting close though.”
“If I’m getting close that only leaves Landon James.” The frown disappeared. “My word, you mean some lucky woman finally snapped that man up and took him off the market.”
“That they did. Her name is Emma Sharpe, well Emma James now I suppose. She and Lynn were college roommates, and they’re best friends. I met her right before I left James Ranch. She seems really nice. She also extended a future dinner invitation to us. I hope you feel up to going when the time comes. I really think it will do you good to get out of the house some, momma. And I know you’ll want Emma to feel welcome here in Rancher’s Bend.”
Barbara patted her daughter on the arm. “You worry too much, sugar. I’m grieving in my own way and on my own timetable. Once you find that one special man and fall in love and then spend thirty or more years together, you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about.” She patted her daughter’s arm. “I know you mean well, but until that happens to you, you’ll never know exactly what I’m going through. I have to do this my way.”
Mandy wrapped her arms around her mom and gave her a comforting hug. “I know momma. It’s just that losing daddy was bad enough. I hate to see you acting half dead too. It makes me sad.”
“I know honey, and for that I’m sorry. That’s enough talk about me though. I want to hear all about this wedding with the surprise bride and groom.”
Mandy knew her mom was trying to change the subject and she let her. She closed her eyes, so she could see the details that were still fresh in her mind. “It was magical, the prettiest wedding I’ve ever seen. There were sunflowers surrounded by lavender and yellow roses everywhere. Oh, and the bride’s dress was to die for. I heard it came from right here in town, the Satin and Silk Bridal Boutique. If I ever get married, I’m definitely shopping there for my dress. It looked like something from a fairytale.” She took a second to catch her breath. “And Mrs. Walker made the wedding cake. It was unique to say the least, very creative. The cake matched the bouquet.”
Barbara nodded her head in acknowledgment. “Nancy is the most creative person I know when it comes to food, especially cakes,” she said of her old friend and neighbor. She rubbed her hands together in the first enthusiastic gesture Mandy had seen from her mom in a long time. “Describe the cake to me then. Don’t leave an old lady guessing.”
Mandy gave as many details as she could. Under normal circumstances, her mom would have been at the wedding loving every minute of it. Instead, she was experiencing it secondhand thanks to Mandy’s vivid descriptions. “Well, the cake was square instead of round. It had three tiers, so there was enough for everyone at the wedding. The frosting looked like the weave of a basket and instead of using a bride and groom cake topper Mrs. Walker used a sunflower that matched the floral arrangements. There were also lavender and yellow roses made of icing on the two bottom layers.”
Mandy let out a longing sigh. “It was the most beautiful cake I’ve ever seen. I’m sure Ms. Nancy took pictures of it for her scrapbook. When you’re feeling better and are up for a visit with an old friend, I’m sure she’d be happy to show you the photos.”
A wicked gleam entered Barbara’s eyes but quickly disappeared. “Was Walker there?” Barbara watched her daughter closely to gauge her reaction to the question.
Mandy didn’t even hesitate. She’d never lied to her parents. There was no need to start now. She nodded a confirmation. “He was there.” She didn’t lie, but she played down their confrontation. “So what?” she shrugged. “It’s not as if we sat together or anything. We aren’t exactly friends you know. And don’t worry. I didn’t embarrass you or myself by chasing after him like the silly school girl I used to be.”
Barbara let out a small huff. “I was just wondering that’s all. You don’t have to be so defensive. I’m your mother. I’m going to love you no matter what.” She gave a delicate shrug of her shoulders to ease the sudden tension.
Mandy gave her mom another quick hug. “I know mom. I’m not defensive. I think I’m just tired. I’m going to turn in for the night. I’ve got a busy day on the ranch tomorrow. Here lately it seems like my alarm goes off as soon as my head touches the pillow.” She was only twenty-four, but right now she felt about forty.
She kissed her mom on the cheek and made her escape. Yes, she needed the rest. The more, the better, but she wanted to be alone with her thoughts too. She didn’t think she’d be getting her much-needed rest. The encounter with Jackson was too fresh in her mind. Jackson Walker was the number one cause of insomnia in her book.
“Goodnight, darling, and I’m sorry if seeing Jackson was hard for you.”
Mandy heard her mom, but she kept walking. When she was alone behind the closed door of her bedroom, she let out a small defeated sigh. Seeing Jackson after so many years had been harder than she thought it would be. It was done though. They’d seen each other, said a few words, and now she could move on. She no longer had to dread running into Jackson somewhere in Rancher’s Bend and causing a commotion. Now hopefully she could get on with the business of trying to save the ranch while leaving Jackson
Walker in the past where he belonged.
****
It had been one heck of a day, Jackson Walker thought. He swirled the much-needed amber liquid around the inside of the cut crystal glass. It was a major shock to see his longtime neighbor and nemesis get married. It was the last thing he expected to witness. Jackson always figured that if ever there were two men destined to go to their graves as bachelors, it was he and Landon James.
He knew Emma was special as soon as he met her in the coffee shop. She reminded him of someone. He couldn’t quite figure out whom that someone was, and it bugged him to no end. It wasn’t her looks that struck a chord of familiarity, but rather her personality and deeds. She had a sweet and innocent persona that could suck in almost any man. He should have known Landon was smitten when he threw Emma over his shoulder and marched out of the coffee shop all because she dared to speak to another man.
The biggest shock of the day had been seeing Mandy again for the first time in six years. That and the fact that she evidently no longer thought he hung the moon and stars. There’d been a time when she would have chased after him flashing that bouquet and declaring to everybody and sundry that she would be getting married soon. Of course, she would have also told them that Jackson Walker was the only man for her. My how times have changed, she seemed to be singing a different tune these days.
He guessed he should be thankful that she was no longer going to hound him to death. Now that he thought about it he should have run into her more than once over the past six years. Even though she’d been away at college and then started a job in San Antonio, he knew from the grapevine she came home once a month every month to visit her parents.
He scratched his chin. She had actually been back in Rancher’s Bend for several weeks now. If he didn’t know any better, he would think she was going out of her way to completely avoid him. The thought should make him happy, ecstatic even, but instead, he had a sick feeling in his gut that he couldn’t explain. It must be after wedding blues he decided.
He tossed back the rest of the whiskey. No need to dwell on weddings and Mandy Tyler. Those were two topics better left alone in Jackson’s opinion. And he liked to think of himself as a very smart man.
He checked in with Daniel West, the new veterinarian that worked for him at the clinic. Even though he’d broken down and finally hired help he still liked to stay on top of everything that came through his practice. A couple of new horse farms had opened in the surrounding countryside in the last two years. Those farms along with the existing ranches in the area were more than enough to keep Jackson very busy. He was thinking about hiring a vet technician to assist him and Daniel but hadn’t gotten around to it yet. That’s how demanding his practice was right now. He was too busy to find the time to hire more help. Maybe he’d put an ad in the local paper and see if he got any responses from qualified applicants.
His mind now firmly on work and off of one blonde-haired, violet-eyed vixen, Jackson made his way to bed. He was hoping for a good night of uninterrupted sleep. Instead what he got was a long night of tossing and turning. Images of Mandy haunted his sleep all night long.
TWO
Mandy nervously wiped her hands down the side of the light cotton skirt she was wearing. It was comfortable enough for the warm Texas morning. It was also dressy enough for her meeting with William Johnson, the president of First Community Bank and Trust. Her damp palms were definitely caused by nerves and not the weather. She had already been waiting twenty minutes and was wondering not for the first time how long Mr. Johnson was going to keep her waiting. If this was a strategy to fray her nerves, it was a good one. Her appointment was scheduled for ten-thirty that morning, and it was already ten forty-five.
There wasn’t even anyone in his office as far as Mandy could see. The man just wanted to make her wait, make her sweat. Unfortunately, it was working. Mandy would give anything to be able to get up and walk out that door, but she couldn’t. She had to stay and meet with Mr. Johnson despite the fact he was a Jerk on a power trip who was probably getting his kicks by watching her squirm. She heard the bell above the bank’s door tinkle. She held her breath when Jackson Walker sauntered into the room.
She held back a frustrated sigh and bit down on her lower lip instead. Jackson was the last person she wanted to see right now. Though she couldn’t help but notice the sexy way he walked. Neither could the three on duty bank tellers Mandy observed. Her gaze collided with his whiskey-colored eyes. She felt the heat rise in her cheeks at being caught watching him. He probably thought she’d been staking out the bank waiting for his arrival as if she didn’t already have enough things to keep her busy. The days of seeking out Jackson Walker’s company were long behind her.
“Mandy, Mr. Johnson will see you now.”
The voice startled her, but she’d never been so happy to hear her name. Daisy Carter, who’d been a couple of years ahead of her in school worked as the bank president’s personal assistant. Mandy all but jumped out of the uncomfortable chair and briskly walked toward Daisy and Mr. Johnson’s office. She offered Daisy a small smile. That was all she could muster under the circumstances. “Thank you, Daisy. And it was really great to see you again. Maybe we can meet at the coffee shop one evening to catch up on things now that both of us are back in town.”
Daisy returned Mandy’s smile. “What a wonderful idea.” Her smile faded. “I was sorry to hear about your father. How long do you think you’ll be in Rancher’s Bend?”
“I don’t know it all depends…” on how things go here at the bank, she’d been about to say but didn’t get the chance.
“Daisy, I don’t have all day,” William Johnson bellowed from his office. “Is Ms. Tyler going to keep her appointment or are the two of you going to stand out there yakking all day long?”
Both the reprimand flustered women. Daisy walked jerkily toward her desk, and Mandy stiffened her spine and walked into the bank president’s office. She looked back into the main part of the bank as Johnson was shutting the door and noted the frown on Carson Miller’s face. He was an up and coming financial genius and vice president of the bank. Obviously, he didn’t care much for the way old man Johnson treated the customers or his assistant.
She also noticed he was talking to Jackson Walker. He didn’t look too happy either. Maybe he had a thing for Daisy. Heck, they could be dating for all Mandy knew. She hadn’t kept up with the gossip in Rancher’s Bend when she’d moved away. And much to her relief, her parents had gone out of their way not to mention the Walker’s whenever Mandy was visiting with her family.
Mandy felt a little twinge of sadness but brushed it aside. She needed to focus on the ranch. This meeting could prove to be the salvation she needed to save the ranch or the last in a long line of disappointments for Mandy Tyler. She offered a smile to the man sitting at the desk in front of her before sitting down in one of two chairs angled in front of his huge mahogany desk.
“Well, Ms. Tyler. I don’t believe in wasting time, yours or mine.” He used his fingers to make a steeple and then brought them to rest under his chin. “To be blunt, your father’s illness was causing him to fall further and further behind on the ranch. He couldn’t keep up with the work, but he didn’t want to hire more hands. Profits became nonexistent, and your father eventually stopped paying the mortgage altogether.”
Mandy already knew these things. What she didn’t know was how much time she had to fix things. “I am well aware of all that, Mr. Johnson. My father’s attorney explained the things you just stated to me already. What I need to know is how long before the bank calls in the note you are holding on the ranch.”
****
Jackson looked from the closed door hiding his neighbor Mandy Tyler and back to his old friend Carson Miller. “Why is Mandy here meeting with that old buzzard?” The thought of someone as sweet and trusting as Mandy coming into contact with that old lecher made his skin crawl. He didn’t know how Daisy Carter could stand to work for the man.
; Carson tried really hard to suppress the grin forming and failed. His boss wasn’t exactly a favorite resident in the small community of Rancher’s Bend, Texas. The bank committee sorely regretted bringing the man in from out of state. “Now you know I can’t discuss bank business with you, Jackson, especially someone else’s. Besides, I thought you made it clear to anyone in a hundred-mile radius that you had absolutely no interest in Mandy Tyler.”
Jackson was quick to respond. “I don’t, well not exactly, but she is my neighbor. Besides, that infamous showdown of ours happened over six years ago, that’s a long time my friend. People change.”
“Indeed, people do change,” Carson agreed. “I know we don’t have an appointment, so what brings you into town and the bank this morning?”
“I had to pick up some supplies for the clinic. While I was here, I thought I’d check to see if you wanted to play a game of golf over in San Antonio Wednesday afternoon. I’ve been so busy with work, I haven’t played in ages. It’s about time I took some time off, especially since I’m paying another veterinarian to work at the clinic.”
“A game of golf actually sounds really good. The bank still closes at one on Wednesday afternoons. And Johnson doesn’t have any meetings scheduled for that day. I’m glad to hear that new veterinarian is working out for you. You work way too hard, and that means something coming from me.”
Jackson scratched his chin and nodded in agreement. “He seems to be able to do his share of the work. I just wished I’d hired someone a couple of years ago instead of running myself ragged after those new horse farms opened.”
“Your business is still growing by leaps and bounds then?” Carson asked.
“Daniel worked out so well, I’m thinking about hiring a veterinarian technician too. You know someone to help with the mundane stuff like stocking the supplies, and paperwork. A second pair of hands on difficult cases such as that breech birth I delivered on Walsh Horse Farm last week would be nice too.”
