In a Cowboy's Arms (Hitting Rocks Cowboys) (12 page)

“I know,” she whispered. “I had no idea he’d still be up and waiting for me to come home. When we told him our news, there was a look in his eyes that haunted me.”

“I saw it, too. You need to go to him before he’s in bed and reassure him that whatever plans we make, he’s included in them in every way. He’s going to be a part of our family now, the same way my uncle Charlo and his family are a part of us. But a talk like that could take the rest of the night. Before you know it, Ryan will be awake.”

“You’re right, but I can’t stand to see you walk out the door.”

“The last thing I want to do is leave, but you two need your privacy to talk. Before I go, give me your phone so we can program each other’s cell numbers.”

Once that was accomplished he pulled her into his arms again. “Call me after Ned and the Realtor leave. Knowing Zane is with you, I’m not worried. I’ll pick you and Ryan up. We’ll drive over to tell grandfather our news.”

Sadie clasped her hands on his face. “You’re the most wonderful, remarkable man I’ve ever known. I didn’t think I could love you any more before we came in the house. Now I can’t find the right words to tell you what you mean to me. This will have to do until tomorrow.” She pressed her mouth to his.

Though he wanted to devour her, he couldn’t do that while Zane was in the other room. The man was in a state of hell Jarod wouldn’t wish on the retired SEAL. He’d already lived through a war both at home and in Afghanistan, and Sadie was the one person who could make things right for him.

She had no idea she held the hearts of three men in her hands. As she’d told him earlier tonight, Ryan came with her.

“See you in the morning.” He kissed her once more, knowing she was in safe hands with Zane until Jarod could take care of her himself.

On the drive home, he decided that tomorrow morning he’d leave early for Billings to do some business at the bank and talk to Harlow Brigg. Jarod wanted the attorney to make his offer to Mr. Bree before the end of the day and get the transaction finalized. Zane and Sadie deserved good news and they were going to get it.

When he got back to the ranch, he set his alarm for six. He wouldn’t get the sleep he needed, but it didn’t matter. Until this business was over, he didn’t have a prayer of relaxing.

The next morning after he’d showered and dressed, he knocked on Connor’s door. Their bedrooms were upstairs across the hall from each other. Avery’s was at the other end.

“Come on in.” To Jarod’s relief his brother was up and seated on the side of the bed, putting on his cowboy boots. Connor looked up at him with concern. “Is grandfather all right?”

“As far as I know. This is about something else. I need to talk to my best friend. That’s you.”

Connor looked taken aback. “You’re mine, too.”

“I realize I haven’t shared some of my personal thoughts with anyone over the years, not even you. It’s the way I’m made. But like grandfather and Avery, I’ve always known you were there for me. You’ve never pried or overstepped. I could always count on you.”

“Ditto. I wouldn’t have made it through my divorce without you.”

Jarod nodded. “We’ve been lucky to have each other. That’s why I want to confide in you now.”

Connor sat forward. “You sound so serious. What’s bothering you, bro? After last night I figure this must have to do with Sadie.” Connor eyed him with compassion. “Are the rumors true about her and Zane Lawson?”

Jarod caught a leg of the chair with his boot, pulled it forward and sat. “No. Last night I asked her to marry me for the second time and she said yes.”

Connor jumped off the bed in shock. “Second time—”

“The first time was eight years ago. We’d planned for Uncle Charlo to marry us on the reservation. The ceremony was all arranged in secret so Daniel wouldn’t get wind of it. Grandfather and I wanted to protect you and Avery. I was on my way to pick Sadie up with the horse trailer the night the accident happened.”

For the next twenty minutes he filled his brother in on everything, including the tragic misunderstanding that had sent Sadie to her mom’s in California.

“All these years Sadie thought her father was behind it, but that wasn’t the case.”

His brother shook his head in disbelief.

“The person who rammed me in the side of my truck had every intention of putting me out of commission. I didn’t know until recently it was a deliberate act and I have what I call partial proof.”

“What?”

Jarod reached into his pocket and then handed Connor the sheet of paper from the body shop in Bozeman. “Notice the date. The accident happened the night Sadie turned eighteen.”

“Owen Pearson? But he’s—”

“Ned’s friend?” Jarod supplied.

Connor’s expression turned dark. He walked around the room for a minute, rubbing the back of his neck. Then he turned to Jarod.

“I always thought there was something wrong about that day. When the hospital called, the whole family went en masse to visit you. Avery and I were terrified you might die. Both grandfather and your uncle Charlo must have aged ten years. But the only one who didn’t show up was Ned.

“I remember Uncle Grant being particularly upset because Ned wasn’t anywhere around. He tried to call him all day but Ned didn’t answer his mobile phone. None of the hands knew his whereabouts and none of his friends had seen him, not even Owen. He didn’t show up at the ranch until late the next night.”

By now Jarod was on his feet. “Did the police question him?”

“I don’t know, but I heard Uncle Grant say later that he’d had a date with one of the girls who worked at her mom’s beauty salon in White Lodge. Rose, or Rosie? I can’t remember. That’s why he hadn’t heard about the accident.”

Jarod frowned. “I saw his Jeep in town that evening. It might be worth checking her out to see if she knows anything about that night.”

“Do it, Jarod. Too many times I’ve wanted to strangle Ned with my bare hands for his treatment of you. If we could prove he or Owen was at the wheel of Owen’s truck that night...”

“I plan to find out,” Jarod’s voice was harsh. “Did you know he’s trying to buy the Corkin ranch?”

“Say that again?”

“Daniel didn’t will it to Sadie. He put it up for sale. Ned’s already found out about it.”

“Our cousin?” Connor exploded with an angry laugh. “That’s not only impossible, it’s absurd!”

“He’s going over there this morning with Bree from Parker Realty to make the inspection before he puts down the money.”

“
What
money?”

“Tyson told Grandfather he’s going to take out $700,000 for him. Uncle Grant believes if he has his own place, he’ll become responsible and turn into a rancher.”

Connor put up his hands. “Wait a minute here. You mean, Grandfather’s okay with that?”

“No. He has his own plan working.” Once again Connor was a captive audience while Jarod explained about Harlow’s part in the private purchase. “We’re making sure Zane ends up owning it. I’m going into Billings right now to see him.”

Lines marred Connor’s features. “Happy as I am to hear that, Ned’s not going to take this lying down, especially when he finds out you and Sadie are getting married.”

“That’s why I’ve got to nail him for the accident. Once I know the whole truth, I’ll confront him and put the fear in him about having to do some serious jail time. Thanks to your recall about the night I was in the hospital, I’ve got a valuable piece of information that could be the proof I need to implicate him.” He hugged his brother. “I owe you.”

* * *

T
HREE
HOURS
LATER
he’d finished his business and finalized the details of the purchase with Harlow Brigg.

On his way back to the ranch, he phoned his uncle and broke the news. Charlo sounded elated, which didn’t happen very often. They talked about possible dates for a ceremony and would make a final decision in the next few days.

When Jarod passed through White Lodge, he stopped at the Clip and Curl beauty salon. The sign said they welcomed walk-in traffic. He got out of his truck and entered the shop. The women stared at him as he approached the counter.

His gaze darted to the license on the wall. It belonged to a Sally Paxton. Her name meant nothing to him, but Jarod was determined to get answers. If this lead didn’t reveal any new information, he planned to go to the Pearson ranch to confront Owen.

An older beautician washing a client’s hair looked up. “Hi! I’ve never seen you in here before.”

“I usually get my hair cut on the reservation. Does someone named Rose work here?”

“If you mean Rosie, that’s my daughter over there.”

A dark blond woman who looked to be Avery’s age was sweeping the floor after the last client. She looked up at him. “You want to see me?”

“I was told you do a great job so I thought I’d come in.”

“Who said that?”

“I heard someone telling the new vet over at Rafferty’s.”

“You mean Liz Henson?” He nodded. “That’s nice to hear. We were part of a group of girls who hung out in high school, but she was usually barrel racing.”

“I learned she’s going to compete at the world championship in Las Vegas.”

“Isn’t that great? Be with you in a second. Go ahead and sit in the chair.”

Jarod did her bidding. “I’m getting married soon and need the ends of my hair trimmed. Just an inch.” This would be a new experience for him. Before he’d let his hair grow, he used to ask Pauline, Uncle Charlo’s wife, to cut it.

She smiled. “Lucky woman.” After fastening the cape around his neck, she undid the thong. “Do you know how many females would kill for gleaming black hair like this?”

“I hope not.”

With a chuckle, Rosie washed and combed it before getting out the scissors. He noticed she wore a wedding ring. “You know I always admired Liz.”

Glad he didn’t have to get her back on the subject, he said, “Why do you say that?”

“She was serious about school and didn’t drink like some of the girls.”

“You’re talking about the famous keg parties. Even though I graduated before your time, I heard they got pretty wild with Owen Pearson and Ned Bannock around.”

“Ned was the ultimate party animal.”

“Were you two an item?”

“That’s a laugh. Do you remember a girl named Sadie Corkin? She barrel raced with Liz. All the guys were nuts about her.”

His breath caught. “I remember hearing about her.”

“Ned had it bad for her, but she couldn’t stand him and every girl knew it. She moved right before graduation. It was weird her going away like that before she got her diploma.”

You’ll never know, Rosie.

After she’d tied his hair back again, he winked at her. “So you never dated him?”

“Are you kidding? Guys like that are toxic.”

So that was another of Ned’s lies.
Jarod wondered why the police hadn’t interrogated Rosie, but he was going to find out.

“You were wise to stay away.”

She undid the cape. “My boyfriend made sure of it.”

“Good for you.” He pulled forty dollars out of his wallet and put it on her table. “You did a great job. When I need another haircut, I’ll be back.”

“Congratulations on your upcoming wedding.”

“Thank you, Rosie.”

Chapter Nine

Sadie stood by to watch while Ned and Mr. Bree walked through the house inspecting everything. She could only imagine how much Jarod’s cousin was enjoying this. The Corkin property had always been off-limits to the Bannocks. Now it was up for sale and Ned was sure he was going to become the new owner of Farfields.

But Jarod had assured her it wouldn’t happen. Sadie believed him, which was the only reason she could stomach this vile intrusion into her life. She continued to watch in disgust as he handled her father’s firearms. Before the funeral Mac had moved them from Daniel’s bedroom to the hall closet, where they’d been locked up for safe keeping. Millie had insisted that with a child in the house, they would keep all the ammunition stored at their place.

“This is a fine collection.” He flashed Sadie a strange smile. “Your father really knew his guns. I plan to buy a permanent display case for them.”

There’s something wrong in his head.
That’s what Jarod had told her years ago. Ned Bannock
was
mentally ill. A shudder racked her body.

“I believe we’re finished here.” Mr. Bree spoke up. Sadie immediately locked the closet. “Thank you for allowing us into your home, Ms. Corkin. We’ll see ourselves out.”

She nodded and followed them. Through the window she watched them drive away in a car with the Parker Realty logo on the side. Without wasting a second she rang Zane, who was on his way back from White Lodge with the Hensons and Ryan.

The Hensons were overjoyed to hear the news about Sadie and Jarod, but they still didn’t know about her father’s will and Sadie intended things to stay that way. Zane had taken Mac and Millie to breakfast with him and Ryan, not only to get them all away from the ranch while Ned was here, but to offer the Hensons a business proposition since he would be helping Sadie run the ranch.

Jarod had been so right about Zane. Last night she and Zane had talked for several hours until Sadie had convinced him nothing was going to change, only get better.

In a few minutes he came through the back door holding Ryan. Millie followed them inside. When Zane lowered him to the floor, Ryan grabbed him around the leg, wanting to be picked up again. “Hey, sport.” Zane lifted him in the air with a happy laugh Sadie hadn’t expected to hear again after he’d left her and Jarod last night.

Millie darted Sadie a secret smile. Nothing got past her.

As he poured some juice for Ryan, Millie pulled Sadie into the front room. “When Zane told us the news, Mac and I were so happy, we almost burst!”

“You need to hear the whole story.” After Sadie quickly filled her in she said, “I have to tell you, this bracelet worked its magic. Bless you for holding on to it all this time.” She hugged Millie hard. “Without it, I don’t know how long it would have taken me to break through that stoic barrier he sometimes erects.”

“Maybe another ten minutes?” Millie quipped. “I can’t wait to tell Liz. She left early to help with a foaling problem on the Drayson ranch.”

“I’ll phone her after I call Jarod.”

“It’s going to make her realize that if this can happen to her sister, it will happen to her, too, when the time is right.”

“Of course it will. Oh, Millie. I can’t believe this day has come. I never dreamed it would.”

“Does Ralph know?”

She shook her head. “We’re planning to tell him our news as soon as Jarod picks me up.”

“Then don’t waste another second. If you or Zane need me, just give me a call.”

“You’ve already helped us so much.”

“I wish you’d been there for breakfast when Zane asked Mac to teach him how to be a rancher. My husband could hardly talk he was so flattered.”

“Zane’s going to learn from the best.”

“Honey—” She put a hand on her arm. “I’m sorry about your father, but I have to say how happy I am your mom ended up with Tim Lawson. I really like his brother.”

“Me, too. Men like him and Jarod don’t come along more than once in a century.”

“You can say that again.”

“And of course, I include Mac in that group.”

Millie laughed, but Sadie could tell she was pleased.

While Ryan was still in the kitchen with Zane, Sadie walked in her bedroom to phone Jarod. He picked up on the first ring. “You must be psychic,” he said. “I was just going to phone you. I’m one minute away from your door.”

“I can’t wait! I’ll grab Ryan and meet you outside.”

After renewing her lipstick and running a brush through her hair, she put on her cowboy hat. Once she’d stowed some diapers and small toys in her purse, she flew through the house to the kitchen. Millie must have gone home.

“Come on, cutie. I hate to tear you away from your uncle, but we’re going with Jarod so you can get acquainted with your new grandfather-to-be.”

Zane gave him a kiss. “See you later, sport.”

Sadie rushed through the house and out the front door with Ryan. She was greeted with one of those ridiculous wolf whistles. Coming from Jarod, it was a total surprise. He was already out of the truck and had opened the rear door. ‘You look good enough to eat.”

“Jarod...” She moved closer, melting from the look he gave her. “Oh, you got him a car seat!”

“I picked it up in town on the way home.” He took Ryan from her arms and strapped him in. “Hey, little guy. Remember me? We’re going for a ride.”

Ryan had fastened his attention on Jarod, but he didn’t cry. Once they’d closed the door, Sadie and Jarod reached for each other. Jarod pressed her against the side of the truck, causing her hat to fall off. She didn’t care. Their emotions were spilling all over the place. It wasn’t until Ryan started to get worked up over being ignored that Jarod lifted his hungry mouth from Sadie’s, eliciting a protest from her. She was finding it impossible to let him go.

He looked different somehow. “Did you do something to your hair?”

“You noticed. There’s a story behind it. I’ll tell you about it later.” He picked up her hat and helped her into the cab. After talking to Ryan and handing him a toy, Sadie pressed against Jarod for the short drive to the ranch.

“Tell me what went on with Ned.”

A shudder ran through Sadie. “When he was handling one of the rifles, I was so sickened by him, I couldn’t watch. He acted as if he already owned the place.”

“It’ll never happen.”

“I believe you.”

“Thank God.” He put his arm around her and stopped long enough to give her a deep kiss before they ended up in front of the ranch house. Once inside, the housekeeper made a fuss over Ryan, who clung to Sadie.

“I’m sorry, Jenny. He’s still getting used to people.”

“That’s natural.”

“How’s Grandfather?”

“Feeling so spry he gave Martha the day off. He’s out on the patio having lunch. I’ll bring some for you, too.”

“Thanks.”

Jarod led Sadie down the hall and out the door to the covered patio where’d they celebrated his birthday. His grandfather’s gray eyes brightened when he saw them. “Well, look at the three of you.”

“Hi, Ralph. I can tell you’re feeling much better.” She kissed his cheek. “You saw Ryan before, but now he’d like to meet you.”

“You’re a good-looking little fella, aren’t you?” He rubbed Ryan’s head. “Just like your mom and sister. Sit down and join me.”

Jarod helped her to get seated at the glass-topped table. She held Ryan on her lap while Jarod took his place next to her. Jenny brought out two more salads and rolls and glasses of iced tea.

“We’re glad you’re up because we have an announcement to make.”

Ralph preempted him. “About time, too! When’s the wedding?”

On cue, tears filled her eyes. “You know?”

“I knew the second I saw your faces just now. It’s written all over you.”

She reached out to squeeze his hand. “Does that mean you’re happy about it?”

“Ah, honey, you know Addie and I were always crazy about you. So was my grandson. Otherwise he wouldn’t have made preparations for your marriage the first time around.”

Sadie lowered her head. “Jarod’s accident changed our lives.”

“Indeed it did, but that period is over.”

They spent much of lunch talking about plans for the ceremony on the reservation. But after two hours Ryan got restless and it was time to take him home. Once Ralph was settled on the swing with his bifocals and the latest ranching magazine, Jarod picked up Ryan and they made their way back out to the truck.

He shot her an all-consuming glance. “I think it’s time for everyone to have a good nap.”

Her heart did somersaults as they pulled away from the ranch. But when his cell phone rang and he picked up to answer, her excitement was short-lived. A fierce expression crossed his face, the one that caused her legs to shake.

“What’s wrong?” she asked as soon as he’d ended the call.

“It’s nothing for you to worry about.”

She sat straighter. “How would you like it if our positions were reversed and I said the same thing to you?”

He expelled a troubled sigh. “That was Ben. Fire has broken out in one of the sheds on the property. I’ve got to go, but I’ll be back.” As soon as they reached the Corkin ranch house, Sadie jumped out to get Ryan with Jarod’s help. “We had a good time today, didn’t we, little guy?” He lowered the toddler to the ground.

Sadie looked up at Jarod. “Please be careful.”

“Always.” He gave her a hard kiss before getting back in the truck. As he pulled away, she realized the Silverado was gone. Zane must have gone to town. This would have been the perfect opportunity for her and Jarod to enjoy alone time, but it would have to come later.

Much as she hated to see him go, there was something she needed to do. After she gave Ryan a bath she put him down for his nap, then got on the phone to speak to her heart doctor in California. His nurse said he wouldn’t be able to return her call until after five California time. Sadie would have to wait.

Jarod wanted children. So did she. That was why this call was necessary because he didn’t know about her arrhythmia.

Sadie was feeding Ryan dinner in his high chair when the phone rang at ten to six. She glanced at the Caller ID and picked up. “Dr. Feldman?”

“Is this Sadie Corkin?”

“Yes. Thank you for returning my call so fast.”

“How are you?”

“Wonderful. I haven’t had any problems since you put me on this last medication.”

“That’s excellent.”

“The reason I’m calling is that since mother’s passing, I’ve moved back to Montana and now I’m getting married to the man I told you about.”

“What a lucky man. That’s splendid news!”

“You can’t imagine how happy I am, but he wants a baby soon. So do I. What do you think about my getting pregnant? After what happened to mother, I have to admit I’m frightened.”

“It goes without saying you have to keep taking your medication and use a reliable form of birth control until you’ve seen a specialist. Let me assure you there’s a whole new type of procedure for your kind of problem that’s had a high success rate.”

For the next few minutes he went on to describe the benefits and risks. “Where are you in Montana?”

“Near Billings.”

“I’ll look on my index. Let me give you the name of a specialist there, Dr. George Harvey, who performs procedures for your particular heart condition. I advise you to get an appointment right away. I’ll send your medical records.”

“Thank you so much, Dr. Feldman.”

“You’re welcome. I want to hear back and know what’s going on with you.”

“Of course.” She hung up.

A whole new type of procedure?

How would Jarod feel if she had it done before they were married? But what if she went through with it and it didn’t work? Haunted by all the what-ifs, she cleaned Ryan’s face and hands before taking him outside for a walk.

She hadn’t heard from Jarod yet and was starting to get worried. A few minutes later Zane pulled up in front of the ranch house. He got out of the truck and picked up Ryan, who was thrilled to see him.

Sadie smiled at him. “Where have you been?”

“Bozeman.”

“How come?”

“I’ve been looking up job opportunities on the internet and came across an ad put out by the Bureau of Land Management. I decided to go in for an interview.”

Sadie had thought he wanted to learn to be a rancher. Her surprise must have shown.

“Hey, don’t worry. I’m not planning to go anywhere. I can combine ranching with another job.”

“You’re going crazy around here already, aren’t you?”

“No. I love it here, but I want to find something where I can use some of my skills, too.”

“What kind of work was the BLM advertising for?”

“They need uniformed rangers to provide law enforcement support. Because of my military training, I’m a natural for it. At the moment there’s an opening in northeastern Montana. Naturally I don’t want to go there. But I’ve learned there may be an opening soon with the national Community Safety Initiative for American Indians in this area so I can stay home on the ranch. On my days off I’ll work with Mac.”

“What would you do exactly?”

“Work on eradicating drugs, investigate criminal trespassing and theft of government property including archaeological and paleontological resources. When I was talking to Jarod’s sister last night, she told me there’s a great need for that kind of protection around the archaeological sites. She also told me about one of the rangers up in Glasgow who apprehended a sniper after several people had been killed.”

Yup. That sounded like it was right up Zane’s alley. Sadie smiled inside. So that was what Zane meant when she’d asked him if he’d had a good time at the birthday party and he’d said yes. He’d been talking to Avery. Had she been the one to spark his interest in a BLM job?

In school Avery had been known as the Ice Queen. Like Jarod, she had a regal aura about her that in her case intimidated guys who’d wanted to ask her out. Not Zane. Sadie bet he’d danced with her as long as he’d felt like it.

“Sounds like an exciting prospect.”

“Maybe. I’ve still got more research to do before I jump in.” He flicked her a glance. “Is Jarod coming over?”

“Yes, but there’s been a fire on Bannock property and he had to go. I still haven’t heard from him. He’s got to be all right, Zane.”