Harlequin American Romance October 2013 Bundle: Twins Under the Christmas Tree\Big Sky Christmas\Her Wyoming Hero\A Rancher's Christmas (45 page)

“Before the end of the lecture one day in class, I had an epiphany. The professor had been discussing a law case that involved a military man. That word military lit up my brain like a neon sign.

“I figured out how to turn my back on my birthright for a nobler cause than helping my family get richer and richer. I would join the marines, not as officer Rutherford Livingston V with all the accompanying perks, but as Ross Livingston, an enlisted man, the same as every other enlisted guy. I wanted no perks.

“That very day I left class and went to the recruiting station to sign up. Once I put my signature on the dotted line, I was untouchable.”

She shook her head. “What a shock that must have been to your parents.”

“I'm sure it was. Probably no more of a shock than the one you delivered to your in-laws this morning. But when they received my letter, I wasn't there to see it. For the first time in twenty-three years I was free to find out who I was, and my father couldn't do a damn thing about it.

“Being a politician and one of Houston's leading oil tycoons, my father couldn't say anything negative about my choice. Otherwise it would get leaked to the press and possibly ruin his career with all the military voters in his constituency.”

“I'm imagining he wanted you to go into politics, too.”

“Oh, yes. His aspirations were for me to become President of the United States. He had an agenda all mapped out for me, but of course those were all
his
dreams, and mother was right there with him.”

“How awful, Ross. Were you an only child?”

“No. Like your husband, I have two siblings, an elder brother and a younger sister who march to my father's drum and breathe when he breathes. The only real difference between me and Andy is that he's a grandson, not a son. Charles Wentworth got his chance to run your husband's life. That ought to be enough for any man.”

She gripped the side of the seat. “I agree.”

“Since I made my choice to go into the military, I've been able to love my family much better from a distance.” He flashed her a piercing regard. “I applaud you for helping Andy get away before it's too late.”

“The thought of my son being sent to a school like yours tears me apart.” She bit her lip. “How many years did you have to go to St. Luke's?”

“Four. I hated being away from home. Then I was shipped off to the poshest prep school in the state. By the time I was sixteen, I'd learned to despise the name of Rutherford Livingston V. It was so pretentious I told everyone my name was Ross, after my grandmother Ross.”

“Was she a favorite of yours?”

“Yes. When she died, I lost a real friend.”

“I know how that feels. I lost mine. It took me years to get over it.”

“Some things you don't get over. It didn't take long for me to understand we were one of the wealthiest oil families in Texas. After the Spindletop oil discovery in Beaumont, our great great grandfather joined with other men to form Texas Oil and everything took off. Just belonging to our family made me different from all the other guys I wanted to be my friends.

“I was sent to the best schools, associated with the best people, had the best education in mining engineering at Stanford, vacationed at the best places around the world. All of that to ensure I'd graduate from Harvard Law School before I worked for the family ensuring we amassed more oil. But after two years in, I couldn't do it anymore.

“Like you, I did a lot of reading on my own. By then I'd developed a social conscience.

“Though I'd done everything the folks had wanted for me, it wasn't what
I
wanted. Because I didn't earn any of it, I felt ashamed of all the money we have when millions of people around the world are starving.

“Money opens doors that are closed to people with ordinary incomes or no incomes at all. It made me doubt if the friends and girlfriends I did make were sincere or did they just want something from me. There was a woman my father wanted me to marry named Amanda Hopkins. I liked her, but at the age of twenty-three, I had no clue who I really was.

“Don't get me wrong. I can see the pained look on your face. I'm not attacking my parents or my lineage that made us who we are. I love them and my brother and sister and always will, but I don't like the trappings.”

“Trappings don't bring happiness,” she whispered.

“No, just as Andy has found out.” He coughed. “By law school I wanted to find out who I
really
was. I yearned to be an ordinary guy. I wanted to fall in love with an ordinary girl who would fall in love with me. That's why I left school and joined the marines. They call it the great equalizer.”

She couldn't take her eyes off him. “Have you found out who you are yet?”

He rubbed the back of his neck. “I'm getting there. Buck and Carson are my
real
friends. There's nothing fake about them. They've never tried to use me and never would. As I've told you, my father is a political animal.

“Naturally I want Dad to win re-election in November because he's a decent man with a lot of great plans, but I don't want to be a part of them. For me to feel good about myself, I've got to make it on my own.

“When I left school, I told him I wanted to serve our country, and nothing could persuade me otherwise. He couldn't argue with that because it was for a good cause.” He coughed again.

“But the truth is, I've found my life's work here on the ranch. One day I'll invite the folks here. Seeing how I live will say everything better than words ever could.

“After telling you all this, perhaps now you'll understand why the guys and I want to help you get on with your life. We talked over your problem this morning and are here for you should you run into any real trouble with your father-in-law.”

She tried to breathe normally but couldn't. Kit couldn't stand for these wonderful men to be involved in her troubles. She shouldn't have come to the ranch. But if she hadn't, she might never have found the resolve to make the break.

“I feel honored that you would confide in me this way. Thank you for helping me find the strength to do this. And, please, thank your partners for their concern, but I'm sure it won't come to that.”

“For yours and Andy's sake, I hope not.”

His comment haunted her as she got out of the cab and hurried inside the ranch house dining room to join her son. When she couldn't find him she went into the games room and discovered him playing Ping-Pong with a boy who looked about twelve.

“Hi, Mom. This is Jayce.”

“Hello, Jayce.”

“Hi.”

“He's staying in one of the cabins with his parents.”

“That's great. Have you eaten, honey?”

“Yeah.”

“Ross and I took a little longer than I thought we would. I'm sorry.”

“That's okay.”

“I'll be in the dining room when you're through playing.”

“Okay.”

She retraced her steps and found Ross waiting for her at one of the empty tables.

“Everything all right?”

“Yes. He's already eaten and found a new friend named Jayce. There were quite a few kids on the cruise in Norway, but Andy never played with them. He's so different here, I hardly recognize him.”

The waitress brought coffee and took their orders. After she went off Ross said, “That's because the source of his tension is gone. Now that he knows he doesn't have to go back to the mansion to live, you're going to see a new boy.

“I used to be like him until I got completely away from my parents. That's when everything changed. Given his freedom, Andy's going to grow up a happy man.”

Their eyes met. “That's what I want for him.”

“With a mother like you, he's on his way.”

Ross hadn't heard what Florence had said to her earlier.
But you have no skills, no resources. Nothing. How can you possibly care for our grandson?
Those words had pierced her, but the sting was gone. That was because of Ross's faith in her.

How was it that this marvelous man had been here all this time waiting like some guardian angel assigned to watch over them the second they arrived? But she had to remember that an angel was a mortal's friend, not a potential lover.

Kit might want him the way a woman wanted the man she was crazy about, but she was a fool to be thinking of him that way. Not only was he out of her league on every level, she didn't want a man in her life. Winn and Charles had been enough.

Before long their food arrived, and Andy joined them. Ross offered him a piece of bacon, which he ate. Their behavior was so natural with each other. “Your mom told me you met one of our guests?”

“Yeah. Jayce is from Minnesota. He likes my cowboy hat and said he's going to get his mom to buy him one like it.”

Ross smiled at him. “I told you it suited you.” Andy beamed. Her son was coming to life being around Ross. “Buck ought to be here by now to take you fishing. Maybe he'll take Jayce with you.”

“No. He and his family are going on a float trip with Carson. Do you have to leave for your meeting now?”

Kit blinked in surprise at his question.

“That's right.”

“In the truck?”

“Andy—”

“Yes. Why do you want to know?” he asked, ignoring Kit's exclamation.

“I just wondered if I could ride in the back. I won't bother you. I'd rather do that than go fishing.”

“You would? Well, I can tell you now I'd like the company.” Ross's brown eyes found hers. There was a glint in them that made her feel feverish. “Do you want to come with us? I'm driving to the eastern part of the ranch. There's beautiful scenery along the way.”

“But you're going there on business.”

“If it's possible, I always mix business with pleasure.”

Pleasure. That's what it was like being with Ross. “Andy and I would love to ride out with you.” She shouldn't have said it, but this morning she was so happy and felt so free, there was nothing she'd rather do than be with him.

“There's only one problem, Andy. We might not get back in time for you to go into town with the kids.”

“I'd rather go with you.”

Andy had taken the words right out of Kit's mouth. “Then I'll ring Alex and let her know there's been a change in plans. She'll tell Buck. Do you two need to get anything before we leave?”

“No, but maybe we ought to take a trip to the restroom. Come on, Andy.”

“While you do that, I'll get one of the cooks to pack us a lunch. We'll meet at the truck in ten minutes.”

After refreshing themselves, Kit and Andy started walking out to the truck. Her son was the one who jumped when her cell phone rang. “It's probably Grandfather.”

Kit pulled it out of her pocket and discovered it was her sister-in-law calling. That meant the whole family knew everything. “It's your aunt Corinne.”

“I bet he's right there and is making her call you. He always makes her do stuff.”

Andy was nobody's fool. “I'm sure you're right.” Charles had guilted the whole family to death for years.

“Don't answer it.”

“I won't.”

He gave her a hug before climbing in the back of the truck. Kit got in the front seat and shut the door. Pretty soon another call came through from Sybil. She let it ring. When everything went silent she checked the message from Corinne.

I can't believe you've done this to my parents after they took you in. Winston did everything conceivable so you could live the enchanted life, and this is how you've repaid him?

Can't you understand the family is worried for Andrew? If you really love him, you'll come home.

Kit stared into space. As far as Corinne was capable of understanding, given the family she'd been born into, she meant well. Neither she nor Sybil could comprehend leaving the gilded nest to go out in the world with their children. But Kit hadn't been born a Wentworth. She was anxious for Andy to have a taste of freedom so he could grow into whatever person he wanted to be.

Her thoughts wandered to Ross who'd said he'd left home in order to find out who he was. As far as she was concerned, it had been the making of a fabulous man who had his feet firmly planted on this ranch. She could only hope the same thing happened to Andy, that he'd find himself and fulfill his potential.

Kit looked through the rear window. He was in the back of the truck shooting off his cap gun like any happy kid. No matter how much guilt the family heaped on her, she wouldn't trade this child for the sullen shadow of himself her boy had been since Winn's death.

Chapter Seven

While he waited for one of the cooks to fill the picnic hamper, Ross took the time to inform the guys he was taking Kit and Andy with him for the day. He also told them to be on the alert now that Kit had let her in-laws know she and Andy were moving out of the mansion.

After stopping in the office for his notebook and a map, he headed for the truck in better spirits than he'd felt in months. His life suddenly seemed filled with new purpose. As he reached the parking area, Andy waved to him from the back.

He walked up and put the hamper in next to one of the hay bales. “You know what, sport? I'm going to swing by your cabin so you can get a sweater or jacket. If you're going to ride back here, it might get a little cool in the forest.”

“I'm okay. The sun's really warm right now. If it gets cooler, I'll get in the cab with Mom.”

That made sense. “Good enough.” On impulse Ross handed him the map. “Have you ever seen a U.S. geological survey map before?”

“No.”

He opened it up. “As you can see, it's different from a road map. We're here.” He used his index finger to show him the exact location. “We're going to drive over here. This tells you the names and elevations of the land. If you follow it, you'll find it pretty interesting.”

“Thanks.”

“You're welcome. Holler if you need anything.”

“Okay.”

“You're sure you don't mind us coming with you?” Kit asked as he got behind the wheel and put his notebook on the backseat. “I'm sorry Andy didn't want to go fishing. I guess you realize it's because you had something else to do. He has a slight case of hero worship at the moment.”

He darted her a glance once they'd driven away. “The whole idea of our project is for kids like Andy to open up and express what they want to do. I'm pleased to think he's starting to warm up and feel comfortable.”

“You've given him so much attention, I think he's too comfortable. I was watching out the back window. What did you give him to look at?”

“A map so he can see where we're going.”

“You're very thoughtful,” she said. “What kind of business meeting is it, if you don't mind my asking?”

“Not at all.” He had to cough. He hadn't shared his interests with a woman like this in years and loved it. “It's my opinion Carson's ranch is sitting on top of a pocket of natural gas, but we won't know until we drill. I've been doing the research and have received bids from several oil companies. Today I'm meeting one of the engineers from a local firm at the site where I think we should put in a well. If we're lucky, it'll pay big dividends.”

He felt her studying him. “We?”

“I graduated as a petroleum engineer before I went to Harvard. Family business, what else?”

She flashed him a brief smile.

“Ranching with Carson has taught me it's a very tough business and money is always tight. I'm hoping a well like this will produce enough natural gas to help him and his family financially for years to come.”

“Won't that require a good amount of capital just to get started?”

Kit wasn't just a beautiful face. “Yes. I invested the money I made in the military. It'll be my contribution to our partnership. Carson has already provided the land, and Buck takes care of any construction. Now it's my turn to see what I can do to carry my weight around here.”

“But what if the well doesn't produce anything?” she asked. “You'll have lost the investment you took all those years in the military to build up.”

“It's a risk I'm willing to take for a friend.”

Her eyes darkened with emotion. “The world could use more friends like you. I'm in awe of you, Ross.”

“No more than I am of you.”

“What do I have to do with anything?”

“For the sake of your son's happiness, you're planning to head out into the unknown on faith and no backing.”

“Be serious. My situation isn't the same thing.”

They'd been weaving in and out of the forest area and were almost to the flat section of land where he'd ridden with Carson on Saturday morning.

“You're right. I at least have a job as a rancher if my plan fails.”

She shook her head. “If my plan to open a bookshop doesn't materialize, I'll get a job right away doing any number of things. But you'll be out hard-earned money.”

“I'll live. My concern is how
you're
going to live.”

“We'll be fine. That is, if Andy can handle it. If not, we'll go someplace else.”

While he pondered her brave words, he heard her cell phone ring. She pulled it out of her pocket and looked at the caller ID, but she didn't answer it. No doubt Charles was harassing her again. The second time it started ringing he heard a muffled sound come out of her. “I'm sorry. I'll turn the ringer off.”

“Your father-in-law?”

“No. Now it's my sister-in-law Sybil. Corinne called earlier and left a message. They're both upset with me.”

Kit had said she didn't have anyone in her family she could turn to. “Do you want to talk about it?”

“Thanks, but there's really nothing to say. When Charles gets angry, it affects all of them. They just want me to bring Andy home, so the trouble will go away. They know how he and Florence dote on him.”

“Have you ever talked to them about the reason why you want to get a place of your own?”

She took a deep breath. “If I ever brought it up before Winn's death, they told me I was crazy. They have lovely homes, but they'd both rather live at the mansion with their children and be pampered. I would have traded places with them in an instant, but they brushed me off.

“I know they think me ungrateful and undeserving, but they've never stopped to consider Andy. Long ago I decided they were jealous that Winn and I could live there. In fact, I know they were jealous of him. It's been very sad, but there was nothing to be done about Charles always showing his preference for Winn.”

“Tell me about it,” Ross groaned. “My father doted on me. It didn't bother my sister, but my brother has always had a hard time with it. What do you say we change the subject and enjoy the day?” He was getting to the point where he needed to take her in his arms and satisfy this longing for her.

“I'd love to.”

Past the trees now, they drove into full sunshine. In the distance Ross could see the oil company truck coming toward them from the road in the opposite direction. “Good. He's right on time.”

“I'll keep Andy in the truck.”

“You're welcome to get out and join me. This won't take long.”

He pulled to a stop. After grabbing his notebook, he climbed out to help her, needing any excuse to touch her. Andy jumped down, and the three of them approached the man getting out of his truck. “Mr. Dawson?”

“You must be Mr. Livingston.” They shook hands. His admiring gaze swept over Kit. “Mrs. Livingston? Nice to meet you, too.”

“This is Mrs. Wentworth and her son, Andy,” Ross corrected him. But the comment wasn't far from Ross's true thoughts. “They're guests on the ranch and wanted to come on the ride to see the property.”

The man looked embarrassed. “Sorry about that. My wife tells me I should keep my thoughts to myself. I guess I assumed because you were riding in the truck that—”

“It's a natural mistake, Mr. Dawson,” Kit cut in with a smile. “We don't mind, do we?” She hugged Andy, who shook his head. “I just found out Ross is an oil engineer and is thinking of having a well drilled here.”

“You are?” Andy looked up at Ross with renewed interest. “How soon are you going to do it?”

“Hopefully soon, depending on my partners.”

Mr. Dawson nodded. “With all the natural gas in Wyoming, my instincts tell me it's a pretty sure thing.”

“I hope you start before we leave the ranch. I want to watch.”

Ross chuckled. For a minute there, Andy reminded him of Johnny who was always curious about everything.

“Come on, honey. Let's take a walk so the men can talk business. Nice to meet you, Mr. Dawson.”

“The pleasure's all mine.”

Her eyes swerved to Ross a brief moment before she walked away. He watched her, mesmerized by the mold of her body. He enjoyed everything about her. Somehow in the past three days he felt she and her son had become a part of him.

* * *

A
NDY
RAN
AHEAD
of her to get the map out of the back. Before they climbed in the truck, he opened it for her. “Look, Mom. We're right here. This is a lot cooler than a regular map.”

“I agree. It's like a picture of the earth itself.”

“Ross knows so much neat stuff. I wish we didn't have to go to Texas.”

It was his first admission that told her he was nervous about their plans and preferred to stay here. “You don't even know what Galveston is like, honey. It'll be exciting. Nila likes you so much, and you and Kim are friends. You can go to school with her. It'll be a place for us to get a new start.”

“But what if we don't like it?”

She understood his fears and couldn't afford to ignore them. “Then we'll find another place to work and live.”

“Maybe we could come back here.”

“No, honey. This is a dude ranch. Once our trip is over, we have to leave.”

“I know. I didn't mean the ranch. I meant Jackson.”

Jackson?
Kit hadn't realized her son had done this much thinking. “We could live there and you could find a job. I could go to school with Johnny and Jenny.”

She needed to keep her wits about her. “You're only saying that because these retired marines have become your friends and have shown you such a wonderful time. But they have their own busy lives. We'll make new friends. You'll see.”

“But I like Jackson.”

“You've only been there twice.”

He liked Ross. The man exuded confidence and made both of them feel protected. Already she could tell he felt a bond with the vet who instilled an intangible sense of safety. Kit felt it, too, which was one of the reasons it was equally hard for her to think of leaving.

She could feel Andy getting upset. “Tell you what. Let's enjoy our vacation and then fly to Galveston. If we really don't think it's going to work there, then we'll talk about other possibilities.”

“Promise?”

“Promise. Now, not a word to Ross. It looks like the men have finished their meeting. Let's get in the truck.”

She quickly climbed in the front while Andy hopped in the backseat. Ross strode toward them on his long, hard-muscled legs. The sight of him never failed to thrill her.

“What do you two say we find ourselves a pretty spot and eat our picnic?” He levered himself in the truck, and they drove back into the forest. At a bifurcation, he took the upper road and they climbed into an area of tall, dark pines that grew close together.

“This is incredible, almost like we're in a green cathedral.”

“It'll get even more beautiful in a minute.”

Soon they came out in a small clearing of a lush meadow of wild flowers where she could see layers of pines beyond, each layer a different hue of green that went on and on. “What are those flowers?”

“Gentians and Indian paintbrush.”

If she looked in the opposite direction, there were the majestic Tetons in all their glory. “The beauty of this defies description,” she whispered in awe.

“I think so, too. That's why I thought you'd like to eat here.”

“I'd like to live here,” her son piped up, echoing her own sentiments.

“I'll let you in on a secret, Andy. This is the spot where I'm going to have Buck build my house. But don't tell anyone yet.”

“How come?”

“Because he's still building a house for his new family. When it's done, then I'll talk to him about it.”

“Okay. I won't say anything. You sure are lucky. What's it going to be like?”

“An alpine cabin, small and cozy.”

Kit could picture it. When she and Andy were in Texas, she'd remember this day and this man....

Ross got out and handed him a thermal blanket from the back of the truck. “Put it anywhere you want.”

“Okay.” Her son found a spot and she helped him spread it out. Ross brought the hamper. Soon they were munching on sandwiches and salad. He handed them a soda and they sprawled on the blanket, basking in the sun.

Andy reached for more potato chips. “You know that flat place where you're going to drill?”

“Yes?” Ross had just finished off a second sandwich before coughing.

“It's not very far from here, but you can't even see it.”

“Nope. That's the beauty of its location. It's out of the way. If the well is a producer, it'll be great news for Carson.”

“How do you drill?”

“It's quite a process. A lot of different trucks come. One with pipes, another carries a cable, three others are pump trucks. There's a detergent truck—”

Kit stopped chewing. “Detergent?”

His dark brown gaze fell on her. “That's the material fed into the piping made up of water and sand and other chemicals. Once an open hole is made, you drive deep into the earth, hoping to find the gas.”

“How deep?” Andy questioned.

“In my estimation, 11,000 feet.”

“Are you teasing?”

Ross flashed them a white smile. “Nope. That's where it's lurking if it's there. Hopefully we'll get lucky. Then there'll be gas 24/7, and clients will come to buy it.”

“I had no idea how much is involved.” Kit was as fascinated as her son.

“Will it make a lot of noise?”

“Not after it's finished, Andy, but you'll hear its continual flow.”