A Randall Thanksgiving (8 page)

She lifted her chin. “No, I guess not.”

The waitress brought their food, but neither of them ate with any appetite. In fact, all enjoyment of their breakfast date seemed to have fled.

After a few minutes, having stirred the food around on their plates, they abandoned the effort. Harry paid the bill and then escorted her back to the hospital. He walked with her into the waiting room, which was empty.

She turned to stare at him. “Well, I guess this is goodbye.”

He knew what she was doing. And he’d resolved not to rise to the bait. But he couldn’t pass up one last chance to taste those delectable lips, to hold her body against his. “Then I’d better kiss you goodbye.” He pulled her into his arms.

Melissa went willingly. After all, she’d practically begged him to kiss her again. She knew what those words did to him.

Those lips he couldn’t refuse clung to his, and her arms held him close. But he wanted to be closer. He hugged her tightly against him, running his hands up and down her back. He slanted his mouth over hers to take the kiss deeper. She met him at every turn.

“Melissa! Harry! Have you lost all sense of decency? Anyone could walk in on you!”

At the sound of Griff’s voice they broke apart, but Harry kept his gaze on Melissa rather than look at her father. Just in case she wanted to ignore that sense of decency and come back into his arms.

“Dad!” Melissa exclaimed. “What are you doing here?”

“I came to see your mom. Didn’t you expect me?”

“I—I— Yes, of course.”

“I’m not complaining if you and Harry are…involved, but I’d rather everyone in town didn’t know that.”

“You’re not the only one,” Harry muttered, and then regretted his words as the older man glared at him. “I’m sorry, Griff. We thought we were alone.”

“We were until you interrupted us!” Melissa pointed out, as if what had happened was her father’s fault.

“This is a public waiting room, Melissa. Anyone could’ve come in. Some of the ladies are planning on visiting your mother today. What if they’d walked in?”

“Then I suppose I would’ve been a little embarrassed,” Melissa muttered.

“A little?” Griff asked in outrage.

“We weren’t making love, Dad! We were just kissing!”

“I’m not so sure of that!” Griff growled, staring at Harry.

Harry stepped forward. “If we went beyond kissing, I’m the one responsible, not Melissa. Take out your anger on me, Griff.”

“I’m just saying you should be more careful,” he said in a loud voice.

“I realize that,” Harry muttered, his face turning red.

A nurse stepped into the room. “Mrs. Randall said you can all come in.” She held the door open for them.

They all looked at each other. Griff said softly, “Not a word.”

The other two nodded and followed him back to Camille’s room.

“Mom, how did the walking go?”

“Never mind my walking. What were the three of you arguing about out there? Half the hospital could hear you!” Camille exclaimed, staring from one to the other.

“Um, I was complaining that Melissa took too long at breakfast,” Griff said cajolingly.

Camille gave him a stern look. “Don’t lie to me, Griffin Randall. I know better than that.”

“Really, Mom, it was nothing,” Melissa said, though it was evident her words didn’t appease her mother.

“Look, I have to be here. The least you can do is not make it so embarrassing for me, having my family arguing.”

“It’s my fault, Camille,” Harry said quietly. “I was kissing Melissa and your husband walked in on us.”

Camille stared at her husband and daughter. “That’s all? You raised such a commotion over a simple kiss?”

Griff protested. “It didn’t look that simple to me. I thought they were headed to the nearest bed!”

“And you of all people were opposed? When our son was born ‘prematurely’ and weighed eight pounds, five ounces?”

“Mom!” Melissa exclaimed.

“Camille, must you spread that information around?”

“Why not? You were doing the same thing to Melissa, weren’t you?”

After Griff and Harry had withdrawn, Melissa apologized to her mother again.

“Don’t worry about it, dear. I blame your father.”

“I should bear part of the blame, Mom. By the way, if there’s anything I can do to help you, I’ll be glad to do it.”

“What’s today’s date?”

Melissa frowned, then replied, “It’s the eighth of November.

“So Thanksgiving is just a little over two weeks from now?”

“That’s right. Why?”

“Well, if I can’t make my share of Thanksgiving dinner, I’ll need you to make it for me.”

“What’s your share?”

“Dessert.”

“Of course I can do that.”

“Well, I’m not sure. It’s going to be something you’ve never made before.”

“What could that be?” Melissa asked with a laugh. She was an experienced cook, after all.

“Red’s chocolate cake.”

Melissa stared at Camille. “What’s wrong with Red?”

“He’s fine, though he and Mildred are complaining because you haven’t been out to see them.”

“Oh, I should’ve thought of that. But your surgery distracted me.”

“They understand. But as soon as I’ve recovered somewhat, you’d better plan a trip out to the ranch.”

“Definitely.” She’d like nothing better than to go visit the domestic couple who had become family to not only Uncle Jake and his brothers, but to all the Randalls. “But how will you make his chocolate cake? No one knows the recipe.”

“He’s given it to all of us second generation ladies.”

“Are you sure he’s all right?”

“Of course he is, honey. I would’ve told you if something was wrong with Red. But, you know, he’s getting up in years and he’s decided to share his secret now. He told us we could pass it on when our daughters marry.”

“But that means I’m the only one of my generation who doesn’t have it.”

“And Mildred’s cinnamon bun recipe, too.”

“Wow, talk about incentive! Why didn’t you tell me earlier?”

“Do you think I wanted you to marry a Frenchman and have my grandbabies over there?”

Melissa didn’t let herself dwell too long on her mother’s remark. “Oh, Mom, cut it out.”

“I would’ve accepted it if you’d fallen in love on your own, but I wasn’t going to offer any incentives.”

Melissa needed to change the subject. “But you’ll have to let me see the recipe if you don’t feel up to making the cake.”

“Yes, but you’ll have to promise not to tell Red you’ve already seen it.” Her mother winked at her.

“Okay, I promise.”

“Good. Then I don’t have to worry.”

“You certainly don’t. Unless I have to break your leg to ensure that you can’t make the cake,” Melissa teased.

Camille laughed, but before she could respond, the door opened and two of Melissa’s aunts entered. “Aunt Megan, Aunt B.J., hello.”

B.J. leaned over to Megan. “You know, I think that sounds like Melissa, but I’m sure if she was back she would’ve been out to see us before now.”

“I would have thought so,” Megan agreed, grinning at Melissa.

She went over to her aunts and hugged them. “I’m sorry, you two. I’ve been busy.”

“So we heard,” B.J. assured her as she and Megan went directly to Camille’s side. “How are you, love?”

“Actually, I’m doing fairly well. I walked out in the hallway this morning, and my nurse says tomorrow I’ll be able to walk all alone.”

The ladies praised her and then started to gossip
about the family. Fortunately, much to Melissa’s relief, they said nothing about her and Harry.

“Dear, would you go get us all some drinks from the vending machine?” Camille eventually asked her.

“Sure. What would you like?”

They all gave her their preferences. As soon as she left the room, Megan said, “I guess you’re hearing all the gossip about her and Harry, aren’t you?”

“Maybe not all of it, but Griff threw a fit in the waiting room earlier. Seems he walked in on the pair of them kissing.”

“Well, the rumors started yesterday when they were seen kissing on the sidewalk around ten in the morning. Everyone figured it must be serious to be going on that early in the day,” B.J. said.

“Can you believe Griff was making such a scene? I pointed out to him that, since our son was born a month early, weighing as much as he did, Griff didn’t have much room to complain.”

The ladies were all laughing as Melissa came back in, carrying cans of soda.

“Oh, thank you, Melissa.” B.J. opened her drink at once and took a long sip. “My throat gets so dry in winter.”

“Mine, too,” Megan agreed. “Oh, Melissa, did you make those earrings you’re wearing?” She leaned forward to examine them.

Melissa had intended asking them what was so funny, but her aunt’s interest in her jewelry distracted her. “Yes, I did. I made these last year.”

“Ooh, I love them. They look old-fashioned, yet totally chic!”

“That was the effect I was hoping to achieve,” Melissa said with a smile.

“Did you get my name for Christmas?” Megan asked hopefully.

“Oh, I forgot to ask Mom.”

“I know whose name she got,” Camille said, “but it’s supposed to be a secret.”

B.J. tried convincing her otherwise. “Oh, come on, Camille. It’s just the kids who aren’t supposed to know.”

“Fine,” she said, “but you’re not going to be happy about it. She got Josh.”

The two aunts looked disappointed.

“See? I told you,” Camille said with a sigh.

“I don’t suppose you’d want to find out who has my name and switch with them?” Megan asked.

“Hey, it should be for my name. After all, Josh is my son,” B.J. pointed out.

“Yeah, but—You know, I bet I could sell those in my store. Is there any way I could do that?” Megan asked.

Her aunt’s shop, where she sold antiques and high-end items, would be a perfect venue for her jewelery. But… “I’m afraid not. I’m under contract with a French jewelery designer,” Melissa murmured.

“Rats!”

“Do you really think you could sell some here?” she asked.

“Probably not too many if they all looked alike, but
I could take a sampling and sell some, especially right before Christmas.”

“Well, maybe one day. I’ll keep it in mind for the future.”

“Does that mean you’re thinking of returning to Rawhide?” B.J. asked.

“No, but I’m thinking about changing companies.”

“I didn’t know that, dear,” Camille said. “You hadn’t mentioned it.”

“I’ve been a little unhappy with Monsieur Jalbert for a few months. It’s a decision that is slowly evolving.”

“Will you have to move your workshop?” Megan asked.

“Perhaps. I’ll have to look into that when I return to France.”

After chatting a few minutes more, the ladies left, just as a nurse brought in lunch.

“Perfect timing,” Camille said, smiling at the woman.

But when she saw the burger and fries that awaited her, she sighed. “I’m eager to get home for so many reasons. But a home-cooked meal probably tops the list.”

H
ARRY HAD JUST SAT DOWN
at his desk on Tuesday when Wayne came in. The man was downright ecstatic. “Harry, I wanted to thank you. Mike said you voted to do the switch so I could have a job right away. I can’t thank you enough.”

“You deserve it, Wayne. You’ve worked well for us
here. I’m sure the sheriff in Cody will realize what a great deputy he’s getting. When are you reporting?”

“Monday morning. We won’t be moved by then, but my wife said she’d stay here until the movers can work us in. It shouldn’t be more than a couple of days after that. We’re both excited about me having a job right off.”

“Monday? Is—is Dale reporting here on Monday?”

“Yeah. That was the deal. But he’s not married, so he doesn’t have that much to bring with him.”

Harry didn’t need that reminder of Dale’s bachelor status. “Where is he going to live?”

“I think Mike said he talked to Russ, who’s got an opening in one of his apartments above the office.”

“I see.”

“Mike’s giving me the rest of the week off so I can help my wife pack. I just wanted to say thank-you. And anytime you come to Cody, just let me know. We’ll have a place for you.”

“Thanks, Wayne. I’ll remember that.”

With a beaming smile, Wayne left the office. Once he was gone, Harry buried his face in his hands. Dale Henry would be here on Monday. It was a wonder he wasn’t going to be here tomorrow!

Harry hoped Camille would be going home tomorrow, or Thursday at the latest, to get Melissa out of town. He was afraid she’d fall for anyone in a uniform. Was it just his luck that he’d been the only single guy on the force?

Suddenly he raised his head. Of course. He should’ve thought of this idea before. What was the name of that new nurse over at the hospital? His friends had given him her name awhile back, thinking he might be interested because he’d dated Susan, her predecessor, a few years ago. Was it Betsy? Yes, that was it. He could introduce Dale to her. The new deputy would probably be so grateful, he wouldn’t be looking for anyone else.

That’s what Harry would do. He’d introduce him to Betsy.

Of course, that might be hard, since he hadn’t met Betsy yet himself. Maybe Mike would want Dale to get his blood type on record, and Harry could escort him over to the clinic and request Betsy.

“Hey, Harry,” Mike called, walking into the office. “Did Wayne tell you the good news?”

“That he starts his job next Monday? Yeah, he was just in here.”

“Good. Dale is supposed to be here then, too. I just wanted to make sure you knew, in case he comes in early, that I’ve rented Russ’s upstairs apartment, the one on the north side, for Dale. If you’re in the office when he gets here, can you take him over there and introduce him to Russ?”

“Sure. But you don’t expect him before Monday, do you?”

“I just know if I was him and didn’t have a lot of personal stuff, I’d want to get here early and settle in. After all, he doesn’t have a wife to do that stuff for him.”

Why did everyone have to remind him of that? Harry wondered. “I don’t think Caro would like to hear you talking about wives like that,” he teased.

Mike laughed. “Yeah, you’re probably right. Anyway, you’re okay with that?”

“Sure, boss. I can handle it.”

“Thanks, Harry. I’ll be watching the county road tonight, so I’m going home now to take a nap. If you haven’t seen me by dark, call the house and wake me up.”

“Okay. But what about the kids?”

“B.J. came in to see Camille this morning, and picked the kids up to take them out to the ranch for the night.”

“I bet you’re sorry you’re going to be working tonight.”

“Yeah, but that’s my job.”

Mike strolled out of the office, and Harry couldn’t help smiling. Mike and Caro still acted like they were on their honeymoon, even though they’d been married almost five years now. He hoped, if he ever married, his life would be just like Mike’s.

It would be if he married Melissa.

He immediately dismissed that thought. She was going back to France. And that would be the end of anything, no matter how many times he kissed her. And it was a good thing, because the more he kissed her the more he lost control. Griff hadn’t been far off the mark this morning.

Harry sighed. He needed to get his mind on something else. Such as the schedule. He plugged Dale into
work Wayne’s shift, then organized the duties for the remaining five deputies and Mike.

By national standards theirs wasn’t a big force, but it was large for a town the size of Rawhide. The ranchers in the area were willing to support the office with Mike in charge. Harry thought that was a smart decision.

The afternoon passed with its normal duties and almost no incident that needed a deputy’s attention. Except for an argument that started at the general store. Sarah Randall called the office to ask for help, and Steve volunteered immediately.

Because he had messed up once when on duty at the general store, an incident that resulted in Harry being shot, Steve volunteered for anything that came up there. Fortunately, he was better trained now, so Harry let him take care of the call.

Steve was back in the office when the outer door opened and a stranger walked in.

It only took one look for Harry to realize his wish had not been granted. The new man had arrived early.

With a sigh, Harry stood up and stuck out his hand. “You must be Dale Henry.”

“Yeah. How did you know?”

“There’s just something about a lawman,” Harry said with a crooked smile. “I’m Deputy Sheriff Harry Gowan. This is Steve Lawson. Steve, this is Dale Henry. He’s replacing Wayne.”

Steve shook his hand. “We didn’t think you’d be here much before the weekend.”

“Well, I didn’t have a lot I had to move. I was renting furnished in Cody.”

“You don’t have any furniture?” Harry asked, surprised.

“No. Is that a problem?”

“Well, just for tonight. The place Mike rented for you doesn’t have any, either.”

He stepped over to the front door and pointed across the street to the apartment over Russ Randall’s accounting office. “We can probably round some things up tomorrow if you’re not particular about style. But you’re stuck tonight.”

“Is there a hotel here?”

“No. Rawhide is too small. But I’ve got a sofa you can sleep on. It shouldn’t be too uncomfortable, if you don’t mind.”

“No, that’d be great. Thanks.”

“I’m about to go to the café and bring back dinner. What would you like to eat?”

“What do they have?”

“Tonight’s special is meat loaf and veggies. They usually have pot roast, and there’s always hamburgers.”

“I’ll take the special. How much do I owe you?”

“Sheriff says the city picks up our meals while we’re on duty,” Steve interjected.

“I’m not exactly on duty yet, am I?”

“Not technically,” Harry said with a wry smile, “but you’ll be working the twelve-to-nine shift with me and Steve. You get the first meal free.”

“Thanks, Harry. Shall I wait here?”

“Yeah. My apartment is just upstairs. After dinner you can go up whenever you want.”

“Thanks again. You’re being a great host.”

“Harry is always great. And he can teach you a lot,” Steve stated.