Roping Ray McCullen (12 page)

She'd wanted a horse of her own.

But that hadn't happened. He had given her a home, though. And for a little while, she'd thought Barbara loved her.

It didn't matter. She'd survived. She would get through today, take whatever Joe had offered and use it in his honor.

Her mouth was so dry, she dabbed lip-gloss on her lips, smoothed down the sweater she'd chosen to wear with her denim skirt and climbed out. Her boot heel caught on one of the stones in the parking lot, but she managed to stay on her feet until she reached the door of the office.

A bell tinkled when she entered, alerting the receptionist at the desk facing the doorway. The middle-aged woman rose and smiled at her.

“Miss Lovett?”

“Yes.”

“Mr. Bush and the McCullens are waiting in Mr. Bush's office.”

She gathered her courage and followed the woman into the office. The lawyer sat in a leather wing chair in the center while Maddox, Brett and Ray occupied chairs lined on one wall. A heavy-set woman with short curly hair sat by the men, her hands knotted around her purse. Scarlet recognized her from Joe's description—she was Mama Mary, the cook and housekeeper who'd been part of the family for years.

Three other chairs were situated on the opposite one.

If she hadn't been so anxious, she would have laughed. The lines had obviously been drawn.

The three McCullen men stood and faced her, all handsome as sin.

But the looks they were giving her were definitely wary. Not friendly. Antagonistic even.

Mama Mary's expression seemed more neutral, although she fidgeted as if she was nervous.

Ray's gaze met hers, and her stomach fluttered with that unrelenting need to be close to him.

“This is her?” Maddox asked.

Ray nodded, his expression unreadable. “Yes, Maddox, Brett, Mama Mary, this is Scarlet Lovett, the young lady Dad took under his wing at The Family Farm.”

Tension stretched between them, riddled with unanswered questions and distrust.

Before she could speak, a noise reverberated from the outer room, then Bobby strode in, looking smug and raring for a fight. Barbara was right behind him, her hand on his arm, obviously terrified that Bobby was going to act out.

Judging from the fierce look in the McCullen men's eyes, they were prepared for battle, as well.

Chapter Seventeen

Ray struggled with mixed emotions as Scarlet slid into a seat. She looked small and uneasy, but she lifted her chin as if she didn't intend to let his brothers or the Lowmans intimidate her.

The lawyer cleared his throat. “Now that everyone is here, let's take a seat.”

“Don't you think we should introduce ourselves?” Maddox asked.

Bush's face blanched. “I'm sorry, of course.” Bush stood behind his desk. “I'm Darren Bush, Joe McCullen's attorney. While I've met you, Maddox, Brett, Ray and Mama Mary, I have not met Bobby and Barbara Lowman.” He extended his hand in a friendly overture.

Bobby shook his hand but gave Ray and his brothers a cutting look. “You must be Barbara?” Bush asked.

She fluffed her dark bob with one hand, then shook Bush's proffered one. “Yes. It's nice to meet you, Mr. Bush.”

She pivoted to face Maddox and Brett. “I understand that you may not feel this way, but I am glad to finally meet you boys. Your father adored all of you.”

“He talked about us with you?” Maddox asked.

Barbara nodded. “Of course, I realize this is awkward and that finding out about me came as a shock to you, Maddox, and to you, Brett.”

“Yes, it did,” Brett said. “I still can't figure out the reason he never came clean.”

Bobby stepped forward, his expression defensive. “You make it sound like it was my fault.”

Brett squared his shoulders. “That's not what I meant.”

Scarlet cleared her throat. “Joe kept his families separate because he didn't want to hurt anyone.”

Maddox pivoted toward Scarlet. “You knew about us?”

“Yes. But not until a couple of years ago.” Scarlet twined her fingers together. “After Joe got sick, he broke down and told me while we were riding one day. He said he wanted to make things right.”

Ray turned to Bobby. “When did you learn about us?”

Bobby glared at his mother. “When I was a teenager. But not because Dad told me. I heard him and Mom arguing one night.”

Ray jammed his hands in the pockets of his jeans. “Did you confront him?”

Bobby pulled at his chin. “Damn right I did. But he tried to justify keeping me away from you guys by saying he'd take care of me and Mom.”

Bobby started to say something else, but Barbara caught his arm. “And he's going to, Bobby. I told you he loved you and he did.” She motioned for him to sit down. “Maddox, Brett, Ray. I loved your father very much. He and I never meant to hurt you with our relationship. That's also the reason Bobby never tried to contact you. We both respected your father and his life with you.”

Barbara sounded sincere, but Bobby's jaw twitched with resentment as if he didn't share that sentiment.

Scarlet's comment about Barbara echoed in Ray's head—in the beginning, Scarlet thought Barbara loved her. Later she realized the woman had only given her a home to appease their father.

Bush rapped his knuckles on the desk. “All right, now that we've made the introductions, let's sit down and get to it.” He gave them all a stern look. “Let me remind you that this will was issued and signed by Joe McCullen, that the contents were his wishes. I spoke with him and witnessed the signing. Also, if there is any problem or if you want to contest any part of it, you must go through legal channels. I do not expect an altercation in here. I expect professional, mature conduct from everyone.”

“Of course,” Maddox said.

Bush glanced at each of them in turn, and they all agreed. Then everyone seated themselves, and Bush opened the document and began to read his father's last will and testament.

* * *

S
CARLET
SAT
IN
stunned silence in a corner all on her own while the lawyer read the will. Most of it was as she'd expected. Maddox, the oldest brother, was the executor.

He and Brett and Ray inherited the ranch along with Joe's assets, which included a hefty life insurance policy, their portion to be divided equally three ways. If one of them chose to sell his or her share of the ranch, they were required to sell to the other McCullens so the ranch would remain McCullen land.

He'd also made provisions for Mama Mary, ensuring her salary, a savings account and that she would remain part of the ranch family as long as she lived. Joe had also purchased an insurance policy in her name to take care of her if she became ill.

Mama Mary dabbed at her eyes as Ray squeezed her hand.

“Of course she'll stay,” Maddox said.

Brett rose and hugged the woman. “You're our mama, you're family.”

She hugged each of them, wiping at tears. Bush paused to allow her to regain control, then continued, “In addition, Joe had a secondary life insurance policy valued at two hundred and fifty thousand dollars, which is to be divided among Barbara and Bobby Lowman and Scarlet Lovett,” Bush said.

Surprised looks floated around the room.

“Miss Lovett, Joe explained that you were the daughter to him that he never had. He admired your dedication and hard work with the children at The Family Farm, and for your personal use, he left you a sum total of fifty thousand dollars.”

Scarlet inhaled, well aware that Bobby was seething as he sat ramrod straight beside Barbara. “In addition, he left you ten acres at the south end of Horseshoe Creek, land which already holds a cabin where you may live if you choose.”

Maddox, Brett and Ray exchanged a look, but said nothing. After all, what was ten acres when they owned several hundred?

“In addition, he donated a hundred thousand dollars of his life insurance to The Family Farm. That money and its use are to be supervised and managed by you.”

Scarlet smiled, grateful that Joe had been generous with The Family Farm. She intended to pay it forward just as Joe had done with her.

“I'd be honored,” she said, then bit her tongue when the room fell into an awkward silence.

Mr. Bush shifted in his seat, obviously uncomfortable. “For the last section of the will, Barbara Lowman, Joe McCullen paid off the house you live in and left you a sum of fifty thousand dollars for your personal use.”

Barbara's sharp intake reeked of disappointment.

“And last, Bobby Lowman, Joe McCullen named you as his fourth son. You shall receive a lump sum of fifty thousand dollars along with a share of Horseshoe Creek, a section of seventy-five acres at the north end of the ranch that he recently purchased for you.

Bush addressed Bobby. “However, Joe placed stipulations on ownership of the property.”

Bobby lurched up, eyes glinting. “What the hell?”

“What are the stipulations?” Barbara asked.

Bush directed his comments toward Bobby again. “Mr. McCullen stipulated that in order to receive your share of the life insurance policy and the property, you enter into a rehab program and receive counseling.”

“What?” Bobby said in a seething tone.

“Sit down, son.” Barbara took his arm to keep him from bolting—or attacking someone.

“There's one more stipulation,” Bush continued. “While you do own the land he willed to you, if you choose to sell, you must sell to the McCullens. If you decide to keep the property and reside on it, you must work the land. Maddox will supervise and consult with you to help you set up a working operation so that you can make a profit and earn enough to live off.”

* * *

R
AY
STARED
AT
the lawyer in shock. He felt the same unsettled surprise radiating from his brothers. Maddox looked as if he could shoot someone.

Bobby made a low menacing sound in his throat. “This is ridiculous,” Bobby snapped.

“I'm sorry you feel that way,” Bush said. “But these were Joe's wishes. If you want your inheritance, you are required by law to comply with the guidelines he established.”

Barbara rubbed Bobby's back. “Come on, son. This is a lot to absorb. Let's get some lunch and talk.”

Maddox stood and started to say something, but Barbara threw up a warning hand. “Not right now. We need some time.”

The hurt lacing her voice tugged at Ray. As much as he resented what his father had done to them with his lies and betrayal, and as much as he wanted to protect Horseshoe Creek, he understood Bobby's anger and resentment. The last thing their half brother probably wanted was to be watched by one of Joe's sons and have to earn his approval.

How had their father expected Maddox or any of them to work together?

Bobby stalked from the room, Barbara behind him. The door slammed shut in their wake, leaving a mountain of tension lingering.

Scarlet glanced at Ray as if asking what she should do, but he had no answers. While he'd had a couple of days to accept her part in his father's life, Maddox and Brett had just learned about her and the Lowmans.

Disappointment flickered in Scarlet's eyes, then she rose, brushing at her skirt. “Thank you, Mr. Bush.”

“If you'll leave your banking information with my secretary,” Bush said, “I'll make sure the check is deposited directly into your account. As far as The Family Farm goes, the money for them will go into a business account to be used at your discretion for their needs.”

“Of course,” Scarlet said. “I work closely with the director. She and I are thrilled to honor Joe in this way.”

Bush shook her hand. “Joe must have trusted you a great deal.”

Scarlet glanced at Ray and his brothers, but the men remained silent.

“He knows how much the children and that place mean to me,” Scarlet said. “It was my home for a lot of years. I intend to do right by those children, just like Joe did by me.”

Bush nodded. “About the cabin and land—”

“We'll work that out later,” Scarlet said. “I'm fine in my rental house for now.”

Clutching her purse to her, she disappeared out the door.

Maddox folded his arms and began to grill the lawyer, but Ray ducked through the door after Scarlet.

He found her outside the office, her arms wrapped around her waist as she took deep breaths. She looked shaken and small and vulnerable.

Why had his father handled things this way? He'd left a damn mess.

He eased up behind her, struggling with what to say. “Scarlet, are you okay?”

She spun around, her lower lip quivering. “I'm fine, Ray. I loved Joe and miss him. And for the record, I never expected anything from him. You have to believe that.”

He did believe her. “He wanted you to have it, though. He obviously loved you and that children's home.”

Ray lifted his hand and stroked her cheek with the pad of his thumb. “Maddox and Brett just need time to process this.”

Scarlet offered him a tentative smile. “I understand. I'm sorry.”

Damn, she looked like an angel. “It's not your fault,” Ray said. “My father made this mess.” But they had to clean it up. And that wasn't going to be easy, not with Bobby's attitude.

“It is complicated,” Scarlet said. “Joe wasn't perfect. He didn't tell you all the truth because he didn't want to disappoint you.”

Ray's chest constricted. He'd done that a long time ago.

But still, Joe was his father and he loved him.

“Do you plan to move into the cabin?” Ray asked.

“Yes,
do
you?” Maddox asked.

Scarlet's breath quickened at the sound of Maddox's gruff tone. Ray dropped his hand from her cheek and turned to face his oldest brother. He'd never felt as if he could live up to Maddox.

“I don't know, but like I said, I'm in no hurry.” Scarlet tilted her chin upward. “But I will use the funds he designated for The Family Farm for the good of the children. You're all invited to visit it and meet the children anytime you want. I think you'd be proud of what your father accomplished there.”

“You certainly seem to know a lot about our father,” Maddox said.

Scarlet flinched. “He was an important influence in my life for over ten years. I won't forget that.”

“Why you?” Brett asked. “Why did he take you in?”

Scarlet's voice softened. “Joe saw how I grew up and knew he could let down his guard with me. You guys held him to a higher standard. He wanted to be your hero.”

Maddox looked down at his boots, his face strained. Joe had been his hero. Until now.

Brett shifted and looked away, too, but he seemed to be contemplating her statement.

“Like I said, let me know if you want to come by The Family Farm.” Scarlet clenched her purse with one hand, walked down the steps to her car and got inside. Ray wanted to follow her and make sure she was okay.

Hell, he wanted to hold her and kiss her and love her through the day and night.

But Maddox and Brett were waiting, and they had to talk.

“Was she sleeping with Dad?” Brett asked.

Ray's temper flared, and he spun around to face his brothers. “No. I investigated her when she first came to me. The director at the children's home assured me that she's legit. Joe thought of her as the daughter he never had.”

Maddox scowled. “Maybe Dad wasn't sleeping with her, but you are, aren't you, Ray?” He glared at him. “You knew who she was, and that she and that woman and her son wanted part of Dad's ranch, but you jumped into bed with her anyway, didn't you?”

* * *

S
CARLET
MENTALLY
SHOOK
off her anxiety over the confrontation between Bobby and Ray and his brothers as she drove to The Family Farm. All in all, the meeting had gone better than she expected. At least Bobby hadn't started throwing punches.

But he was upset. There was no doubt about that.

Although Joe was right—Bobby needed rehab and counseling. If he committed to that, maybe he'd realize that Joe had given him an opportunity for a future. And perhaps one day a relationship with his half brothers.