Bridleton (4 page)

Noah’s eyes smarted when he strode out of the barn into the early morning sunshine but he didn’t slow his progress. Nor did he respond to Drea’s insults. She’d only been home a few hours yet he was already fed up to his eyeballs with her superior attitude. It was time to set some matters straight.

“Noah! You’re insane!”

“Keep screeching like a banshee and you’ll wake everyone on the property,” he warned.

That shut her up. She went quiet and still. Her hands clutched his hips and the heat of her touch branded him. The softness of her breasts against his back burned holes in his flesh. The sweet, sexy scent of her engulfed him. Her warm, squirming body was nearly his undoing but he hardened himself against the erotic pleasure.

He didn’t slow his angry strides until they reached the patio at the back of the house. Then he hefted her off his shoulder and dropped her into a metal lounge chair. His breathing labored, he braced his hands on the chair’s arms and thrust his face within inches of hers. She opened her mouth to speak but he cut her off.

“Just shut up and listen,” he orderly roughly. “If you’d have listened to your aunt these past few years you’d know what’s happening around here. She tried to tell you and Zack. She all but begged you to come home yet you couldn’t hear the worry in her voice because you were too damned wrapped up in yourself. You’re a spoiled, self-centered brat.”

Andrea’s eyes went wide and she started to respond but he didn’t give her a chance.

“We had three straight years of drought. After the first year the water levels were dangerously low. After the second year our grazing land disappeared. After a third we couldn’t raise enough grain to feed the livestock so we had to sell the majority of our stock for below-market prices.

“The property was heavily invested in stocks that bottomed out. Nanette’s financial cushion disappeared overnight. We’ve sold what we could, rented out what we could and laid off all the extra help.”

When he halted his tirade to take a breath, Andrea responded in a strangled voice, “Why didn’t she tell us?”

“She’s an old woman and pride’s about all she has left. She refused to beg her family to care,” he ground out. “She sold Trace property that wasn’t tied up in the ranch. She sold all her personal valuables and has been trying to do the work of a person half her age. Trace and I haven’t seen a paycheck in six months but we’re doing everything in our power to save Bridleton from the bankruptcy facing other landowners in the area.”

“So what good will it do to give you controlling interest? If you aren’t even earning a decent wage, where are you going to get enough money to pull the place out of the red?”

Noah straightened abruptly. He’d offered to buy controlling interest of the property in a last-ditch effort to protect the Bartell name from the indignity of bankruptcy. If or when he had a free hand in the running of the place, he intended to bring it back to prosperity with more blood and sweat.

“She’s eighty years old and wants to make sure someone cares about her birthright. She doesn’t trust her family to do that so she’s depending on me.”

“Bankruptcy is a real possibility?” Andrea asked in a faint tone.

“Bridleton’s just a breath away from going under but I’ll be damned if I’ll let it happen. The early rains this year have given us a chance and I plan to grab it with both hands. I’ll do whatever it takes.”

He paused for another breath, staring straight into her eyes and daring her to condemn him. When she didn’t make a sound, he continued in a dangerously low rumble.

“I’ll do whatever it takes to save Bridleton but you damn well better help me or you’ll really lose your inheritance. Think of someone besides yourself for a change and maybe we can save your family’s birthright.”

With that Noah spun around and strode angrily back toward the barn. Venting had eased his resentment some but the burden of saving the property still weighed heavily on his shoulders. The scent of Drea clinging to his skin didn’t make the burden any lighter.

Chapter Three

Andrea watched Noah’s departing figure and struggled to catch her breath. Her chest rose and fell while her hands gripped the arms of the chair. She’d never met a man who could stir her emotions into turmoil faster than him, roller-coastering from fascinating to infuriating in a heartbeat. For the last few years she’d kept her emotions tightly in check. Less than twenty-four hours back at Bridleton and she felt like an emotional pincushion.

“Hey.” Zack’s voice drew her attention to the kitchen door. He walked toward her with a steaming cup of coffee.

“Morning,” she said, then cleared her voice of its huskiness.

He handed her the mug. “Looks like you need this more than me.”

She accepted it with shaky hands, took a sip and then took a long swallow. “You heard?”

“Most of it. Can’t say I blame Noah for being frustrated. He’s been shouldering the bulk of responsibility for this place too long.”

“Have we really been so selfish by following our own career paths?”

Zack sighed. “I suppose.” He pulled up a chair beside her. “I never cared much for ranching so I guess I shirked my duties to the family and our extensive holdings.”

“Me too, I suppose. At least the shirking part.” She drank more coffee and felt the warmth and caffeine spread through her veins. “Wow, this is truly delicious.”

“Yeah, Meredith might be an even better cook than Rosemarie.”

“Amazing.”

They sat quietly for a minute and then she asked, “What now?”

“I had a little of my Bartell trust fund left so I’ve hired contractors to paint the buildings, make repairs and do some landscaping,” he explained.

“That’s personal money, Zack.”

“Not really. It originated from the property so I don’t mind pouring it back into the place.”

“Wouldn’t the money be better spent on bills?”

“Maybe but if we have to put the property on the market we’ll want it to appraise high.”

“On the market?” she repeated faintly. The idea made her stomach ache.

“Or we could go public and sell shares.”

“We can’t sell Bridleton.”

“Better to sell than to go bankrupt.”

She downed the rest of the coffee, her thoughts grim. “I’m not ready to let it go,” she finally said with determination. “It’s Nanna’s home. And what about Chey? It’s her only home too.”

He frowned. “Nanna said Chey’s dealing with some serious abandonment issues and she’s partying hard. Hell, we probably contributed to that too.”

“I suppose.” Andrea gazed around her thoughtfully. “We did bail when she was still in high school and still grieving for Caroline.”

“I don’t have much more cash to sink into the place,” he said. “I just poured all my savings into a partnership with an engineering firm in San Antonio.”

“Zack!” she exclaimed, grabbing his hand and squeezing it. “Congratulations! That’s great news. I know how hard you’ve worked and how much it means to you. “

“Thanks, Sis.” He gave her a boyish grin. “It was a huge decision for a guy who never stays in one place too long but I know it’s right for me now. I’ll have a couple weeks to help with spring chores here and then I really need to be in the city. Timing stinks, doesn’t it?”

“Maybe, maybe not. I guess we have to find out what Nanna has on her mind. Maybe things aren’t as bad as Noah claims.”

Andrea knew Zack’s skeptical expression mirrored hers. Noah wasn’t the type of man to cry wolf. He’d known some serious hardship in his life. If he said things were bad then they really were bad.

“Let’s get more coffee and see if Nanna’s ready to tell us why we got the call to circle the wagons,” said Zack.

She smiled at his phrasing but wondered how much truth it held. Maybe they needed to rally the family and save their home from hostile forces. Would Noah become more hostile if they tried to save their inheritance? Would they have to battle him as well as the fickle elements and sluggish economy? Did they even want to try?

* * * * *

An hour later Nanette watched as her family and Noah settled around the dining room table for breakfast. Meredith brought in hot covered dishes of bacon, scrambled eggs and toast before heading back to the kitchen. The woman was a marvel and worked for little more than room and board while her husband served in the military.

Coffee perked on a nearby buffet. The scents mingled as a familiar beginning to a new day. She welcomed it more than she had any in the past few years.

Zack sat to her right. Her nephew had grown into a fine young man. Her brother, his grandfather, would have been proud even though he seemed to share some of his father’s wanderlust. Maybe now that he’d seen a little of the world he’d be happy to settle in Texas.

Andrea sat at her left. She looked a little rested but still had dark circles under her eyes. Despite her innate love of the ranch she’d followed her mother’s footsteps into the modeling profession. Nanette hoped she’d gotten that particular dream out of her system. Drea’s emotional roots went deep into Bridleton’s soil—if she could just recognize the importance of those roots. She wouldn’t find happiness traveling the world. Family and home were her true passions.

Chey sat next to Zack. So young and beautiful and restless. She looked hungover and sleep-deprived again. She’d grabbed a cup of coffee as soon as it finished perking. This last year of college she’d partied hard and barely passed her classes. As the youngest and a stepchild, she’d always craved acceptance and attention from her siblings. Now she desperately needed direction and support before her unruly lifestyle took an irreversible toll.

Noah sat opposite her at the big table. He looked exhausted. Even more so than usual. Her heart ached for him too. He’d always been on the outside looking in. He might not realize it but he badly wanted to belong to their slightly dysfunctional family. No matter how hard he worked it never seemed enough. Nanette hoped he’d see the light at the end of the tunnel soon.

She hated how they’d all become so emotionally insecure and wondered what she could have done to prevent it. While everyone filled their plates and began to eat she also wondered how best to tell them her news. Most things were better handled on a full stomach so she delayed a little longer.

Before the men took second helpings, Zack offered a plate to Andrea. “Bacon, sis?”

“Not in this lifetime,” she replied, deadpan.

He chuckled and Nanette smiled too. They all knew how vigilantly she watched her weight since making the transformation from overweight teen to svelte adult.

“You’re too thin, even for a model. You could use some fat,” he teased.

“Well I’m not planning on taking it from a pig,” she declared.

“They’re raised here on the ranch. At least for our consumption,” put in Nanette. “We do our best to keep them lean and healthy.”

“I’m not disputing the quality of the meat,” Andrea said, giving her a small grin. “I just don’t want it in my body.”

“That’s really unkind, you know,” Zack argued. “You’re eating unborn chicken and you’ll have a drop of cow’s cream in your coffee so you’re blatantly discriminating against the pig. It’s an animal that’s given its life to sustain our family for generations.”

Andrea paused with her fork halfway to her mouth and leveled a bland stare at him. “Did you really finish your job in South America or did they request you leave their continent?”

Zack threw back his head and roared with laughter. The banter brought a smile to Chey’s face and it warmed Nanette’s heart. She glanced at Noah to find him staring at Andrea with a longing she’d be willing to bet he didn’t even recognize.

“Damn but I’ve missed harassing you in person,” Zack admitted. “It’s not nearly as much fun over the phone or Internet.”

The smile Andrea gave her brother was a mix of exasperation and adoration. Then she flashed a conspiratorial smile at Cheyenne. “Speaking of the Internet, do you think we can develop a spam filter for his stupid email jokes?”

“Great idea,” said Chey. “Maybe it’ll quarantine the dumb forwards too.”

“Hey, I resent that. I only send you guys my best stuff.”

Andrea gave Cheyenne a wink and Zack a smug grin. He shook his head and turned to her. “It’s a sad thing when the eldest progeny gets no respect.”

“It is,” Nanette agreed.

She hated to destroy their camaraderie but they needed to discuss the future. After taking a fortifying drink of coffee, she broached the subject.

“I know you’re all wondering why I called you home. It’s because I’ve been having some heart problems and the prognosis is not good. The doctors have given me a few months but at my age tomorrow’s never a given.”

The room went quiet for a few seconds, then forks dropped to plates and cups dropped to saucers. Next came the inevitable barrage of questions.

“You had a heart attack?” asked Zack.

At her nod, he continued, “When?”

“It was just a mild one a few weeks ago but then my doctor suggested lots of tests.”

Next Chey wanted to know what caused the attack.

“I have some major arterial blockage.”

“But that can be corrected, can’t it?” asked Andrea. “They can do bypass surgery.”

Nanette shook her head, dismissing the suggestion. “I’m too old to be considering surgery. I’ve lived a long, full life and I’m not afraid of death but I need to know I’m leaving Bridleton in capable hands. It may not be worth the fortune it used to be but it’s my duty to pass it on to someone who cares enough to protect it.”

“You think Noah’s the only one who can do that?” asked Andrea.

“Noah’s devoted years of time and energy to the ranch. I’m not giving away your inheritance but I want controlling interest to go to someone living and working at Bridleton. As far as I’m concerned anything else is unacceptable and I’m hoping you’ll all be reasonable about this.”

She glanced briefly at each face. “If any of you decide to make your home here then I’ll change my mind accordingly. Otherwise I’ll expect you to back my decision. At my death you’ll still share forty-nine percent interest in the property.”

A thoughtful silence fell over the room. Noah was the first to break it, excusing himself to get back to work. After he’d gone Andrea turned to her.

“What can we do to help?”

“Anything, everything,” she replied. “Noah needs all the help he can get and I can’t pull my weight with ranch chores anymore. I’ve tried to keep up the bookwork but I tire so darned easily.”

“I’ll tackle the books this afternoon,” said Andrea. “I’m no bookkeeper but I took some business courses. I can handle the basics.”

“Rest as much as you can,” put in Cheyenne. “I’m home for good. I’m not having much luck job hunting so I should be able to help around here all summer.”

Zack said, “I’ve got a couple weeks before new job responsibilities kick in.”

“I’ve cleared my schedule for a while,” added Andrea. “Let’s just take it one week at a time and see how it goes, all right?”

“Sounds good to me,” said Nanette, feeling a huge burden lift from her shoulders. She hadn’t been sure they cared enough to pull together. It warmed her heart to have them rally around her. “It really is wonderful to have you all home.”

* * * * *

Andrea spent the next few hours poring over the ranch’s account ledgers and familiarizing herself with the bookkeeping system. Noah hadn’t exaggerated about the state of their finances and a sick sense of dread enveloped her with each new stack of bills. She made a call to New York to transfer funds from savings to checking. Her trust fund had been spent on a small apartment in New York but she’d been subletting while she lived abroad. The leasers had an option to buy so she called them to initiate a sale.

Despite earning great money as a model, she hadn’t saved nearly enough to bail the property out of trouble, but she’d invested well. It would take a little time to convert her holdings to cash so she had to be satisfied with starting the process.

While writing checks to pay the most outstanding debts, she wanted to include back pay for Noah and Trace but couldn’t stretch the money far enough.

“Drea?”

Andrea looked up from the pile of paperwork scattered all over her aunt’s desk. She stretched and offered a smile. “Hi, Nanna. Did you have a nice nap?”

Her aunt frowned. “Yes, even though I hate spending so much time in bed. I always seem to drop right off to sleep.”

“They say the body heals itself while you sleep.”

“I don’t know about that but it sounds better than just wasting what’s left of my life,” she replied as she took a seat across from the desk.

“You won’t reconsider having the surgery? You don’t have any health problems like high blood pressure or diabetes that would hinder your recovery, do you?”

“No, no. Other than some clogged arteries I’ve always been healthy as a horse. I’m just too old for that nonsense.”

“I don’t think age is as much of a factor these days. You might breeze through the surgery and live to be a hundred.”

Nanette gave her a hard stare. “I’m glad you want me to live another twenty years but I wonder if it’s out of love or if you just want me to keep managing Bridleton.”

After a brief, heavy silence, Andrea answered with a wry grin, “A combination of both, I think.”

Nanette returned her smile. “I always could depend on you for honesty. But whether I live a day or a decade it’s time to pass the reins of Bridleton to your generation. As of today, I’m officially retiring.”

“Well I hope you’ll be available as a consultant for a very long time because we’re sure going to need your advice.”

“I’ll think about it but there’s not much advice I can give at this point. We have bills to pay and not enough income to cover them.”

“Did I mention ‘unpaid’ consultant?”

Nanette’s short bark of laughter warmed Andrea’s heart. Whatever the next few weeks held in store, she really wanted to protect Nanna from further worry and work. Noah’s lecture had left her feeling selfish and guilt-ridden.

Her aunt grunted and rose from the chair. “Just keeping a roof over my head will be sufficient payment. And I’m really fond of Meredith’s cooking.”