Suited to be a Cowboy (14 page)

John shook his head and started to dig in his pocket.

“Eat first. Where do you live? Was it a long drive?” asked
Melissa.

“San Diego,
California. Long enough. I
stopped the first night in Nevada
and then drove straight through. Almost changed my mind a dozen times.” He
finished eating and produced the papers, passing them to her to read before
sitting back to drink his coffee.

“Well, this certainly looks official. Do you mind if I
have my lawyer check into it? A woman in my position can’t be too careful.”

“I’d like to hang onto the originals, but if you can copy
or fax them to him, go ahead. I’m not making this up.”

Melissa observed him for a moment, wondering why he felt
the need to expound on his honesty. “I never said you were. If it bothers you
for me to have you checked out, then I won’t. I suspect you can find your way
back to California
easy enough. But if we are related, it would be nice to get to know each other.”

Affronted, he sat up straighter in his chair. “I didn’t
drive all this way just to leave again. Go ahead and have me investigated. I
have nothing to hide.”

“And everything to gain,” said Jimmy. “You can’t blame us
for being cautious.”

“Sorry, I should have made introductions. John, this is my
son, Aaron, and my accountant for the ranch, James McGovern. Aaron, John found
some papers that seem to indicate he’s our uncle.”

“Really? I never had an uncle. You got kids?” Aaron asked.

“I sure do. Grandkids too. I have a grandson about your
age. Tommy is ten. His sister, Rita, is the oldest at twelve. The rest are
younger.”

Melissa liked the way John’s eyes lit up when speaking of
his grandchildren. He was proud of them, very much a family man, from what she
could see.

“Did they come with you?” Aaron asked.

“I wanted to come by myself this time, get everything
sorted out.”

“Well, the lawyer’s office is closed for the weekend, but
I’ll have Jimmy fax the information to him. Where can we reach you?”

His expression became downcast. Disappointed at not being
asked to stay? “I’m not sure where I’ll put up for the night. Hadn’t planned
that far ahead, but I can give you my cell number.”

“There’s a motel in Fort
Collins, not too far from here. I’d offer to put you
up, but I really don’t know you and I have my son to consider.”

John’s eyes brightened. “And a fine young man he is. I
totally understand.”

“I’ll go fax that through now, Melissa. Want me to send a
note with it?”

“Yes, just tell him that John showed up with his birth certificate
and ask him to verify.”

“Be right back,” he said, his eyes shooting a warning
toward John.

Amused by Jimmy’s protective streak, she watched him go
and then turned to John. “I’d do it myself, but as you can see, I’m not in the
best of shape right now.”

“What happened?”

“Fell off a horse when Aaron and I were out riding. Lucky
for me, he knew enough to ride home and get help.”

“I had to. I couldn’t wake you up, Mom.”

“Smart boy,” John praised. “Do you find it hard living so
far away from everything?”

“Not at all. We love it here. I’m finding it a welcome
change from living in the city.” Melissa observed the man’s rugged outdoor
look. He was handsome, in his own way, but she didn’t see much resemblance to
the Dehavilland men. “Did you grow up in San
Diego?”

John nodded. “On a small cattle ranch not far from there.
My mother was ranch cook, but when she got sick, we had to move. I had
graduated by then and found work in town, but it took years to pay off the
medical bills. Her cancer went into remission and we spent a lot of happy years
there, but it came back with a vengeance last fall. In a matter of weeks, we’d
lost her.”

“I’m sorry for your loss, John. Gramps passed away in
January and the ranch doesn’t seem the same without him.”

Jimmy returned and passed John his papers. He rose. “I
should head into town, find a place to crash. Is it all right if I come visit
tomorrow?”

Melissa hesitated to offer the invitation, mindful of the
warnings from Jimmy and her lawyer. “What is it you hope to gain by our acknowledging
you as family, Mr. Coates?”

John’s expression turned sour, as if resenting the
question, but it was quickly doused. “Family, Ms. Dehavilland, and a share in
the ranch that should rightfully be mine.”

“I beg to differ. Gramps left the ranch to his great-grandson,
Aaron. His legitimate son didn’t even inherit a share. What makes you think you’re
entitled?”

“My lawyer. That’s what. I’ll be in touch.”

Jimmy saw a grumpy Mr. Coates to the door and came back
with the coffee pot. “Want a refill?”

She held her cup out and he filled it to the brim. “Thanks.”

“So, what do think of John now that you’ve met him?” Jimmy
asked.

“I think it’s cool that he has kids my age,” said Aaron. “I
wonder when he’ll bring them to meet us.”

“Grandkids, but, Aaron, I never heard of him until he
called the other day. Quite frankly, I’m surprised he showed up without any
warning. He seems nice enough, but our lawyer is having him investigated to
find out the truth. Papa and Gramps never talked about him or his mother, not
that I can remember, yet John claims he is the rightful heir to the ranch. I
expect we might have a fight on our hands.”

“Heir? As in owner? No way! Grandpa said the ranch is mine
when I’m old enough.”

“I know, and it will be, just be careful what you say to Mr.
Coates if he comes back. He isn’t entitled to know anything about the ranch at
this point.”

“Okay, Mom.”

“Melissa, will you be okay here with Sheila if I go for a
ride?”

“Oh, yeah. I’ll sit here and swill in more coffee. That
way, I can blame it on the caffeine if I don’t sleep tonight.”

“Instead of…” Jimmy asked, grinning suggestively.

“Instead of writhing in pain. What did you think I meant?”
she said, returning the grin.

“I’ll tell you later. Aaron, want to go see the Mustangs?”

“Super! Can I, Mom?” He jumped to his feet and ran to
Jimmy.

“Go ahead, honey. I’m just going to sit here and rest my aching
bones. Have fun.”

They went out the kitchen door and disappeared from view.
One so tall and dark, the other short and blond. How she wished she could go with
them. Six weeks of sitting around doing nothing was going to drive her
absolutely bonkers. She’d never been much good at using her left hand, and with
her ribs all strapped up, she couldn’t even bend. Thank goodness she had Sheila
to cook and clean and a capable foreman to run the ranch.

Maybe she’d dig out a jigsaw puzzle later. She used to
love those. “Sheila, have you read any good books lately?”

“A few.”

“Could I borrow one? I need to do something.”

“I’ll be right back.”

Sheila returned with a stack of books. A cowboy romance
caught her eye. “This looks like just the ticket. Thanks.”

She rested her feet on a chair and settled back to read. Though
awkward to hold the book and turn pages with one hand, she managed and was soon
engrossed in the story.

*
* * *

“How many Mustangs
ya
got now, huh,
Jimmy?”

Jimmy couldn’t help but smile. If Melissa were here, she’d
be correcting the boy’s English, although it wasn’t exactly wrong.
“Twenty-seven.”

“Wow! That’s a lot of wild horses.”

Jimmy nodded and smiled at Aaron. “I’d like to catch more.
Tippy and I have been out a few times, but they’re getting wise to us and
staying farther afield.”

“Are horses that smart?”

“I like to think so. I consider Sherry here to be among my
best friends.”

“Huh?”

Jimmy chuckled at the screwed up expression on Aaron’s
face. “Well, a best friend is always there for you. Sherry listens, enjoys my
company, and takes me riding. In return, I care for her needs.”

“Oh, okay. Did you know Mom gave me a horse?”

“Yes, and he’s a beauty. What did you name him?”

“Aaron’s Pride. It was Mom’s idea, but it fits, seeing’s
as he’s my horse.”

“You take good care of him and he’ll be your best friend.
Treat him bad, and he’ll shy away from you.”

“Oh, I’ll take real good care of him. Brian’s teaching me
how.”

“That’s great. This is all flat land ahead. You want to
run your horse for a ways?”

“Yes, sir.”

Jimmy raced across the fields with Aaron at his side. The
boy was an excellent rider. He had no trouble controlling his horse and staying
abreast of him.

“Time to slow up,” Jimmy said as he reined in his mount.
He leaned over and patted his horse’s neck, keeping an eye out for movement of
any kind. “Good girl, Sherry. You love a good run, don’t you, girl?”

In answer, Sherry tossed her mane and whinnied loud and
clear. Aaron’s horse did the same.

“Seems like they’re talking to each other,” said Aaron,
grinning from ear to ear.

“It wouldn’t surprise me. Horses are intelligent animals.
Once you teach them something, they never forget and rarely let you down.”

“Then what happened to Mom’s horse? Why did Snowdrop act
up the way she did?”

“I wish I knew. The bang you heard—do you know where it
came from?”

“Yeah, we were close to one of the line shacks. It seemed
to come from there.” He pointed in an easterly direction.

“Can you show me?”

“Sure! Follow me.” Aaron urged his horse to a gallop
across the fields.

When Jimmy spied the tree where he’d found Melissa, he
caught up to Aaron. “Slow down, buddy. If someone is holed up in the line
shack, I don’t want to alert him to our presence.”

“Okay.” Aaron slowed his horse to a walk.

“How much farther is it?” Jimmy asked.

The boy pointed ahead. “Just beyond that row of trees. See
that sparkle? That’s the sun hitting the tin roof.”

“Let’s stop here.” They reined in their mounts and Jimmy
waited, listening for any sounds other than those of nature. “I smell smoke. Looks
like we might have us a trespasser. Aaron, you wait here with the horses while
I go check it out.”

“But it’s my land, not yours.” The boy sat straight in the
saddle, his chin stuck out stubbornly.

Jimmy was surprised at the boy’s belligerent attitude, but
he was right. “Aaron, your mother would have my hide if you got hurt. In a few
years, you’ll be a grown man and plenty capable of handling anything that comes
your way. But for now, would you let me take care of this? Whoever is inside
that cabin might be armed and dangerous.”

His eyes widened as he stared at the cabin. “Do you really
think so?”

“It’s possible. You heard a bang and your mother told me
it sounded like a gunshot. I don’t want you to get hurt.”

“Okay, but what if
you
get hurt?” His little face scrunched up in concern.

Jimmy grinned. “If you hear any loud noises, ride like the
wind and fetch Brian. Okay, sport?”

“Don’t get hurt,” he pleaded.

“I don’t intend to.” He dismounted and looped the reins
around the saddle horn, knowing Sherry would stay put. He withdrew his rifle
and smiled encouragingly at the boy before walking in the direction of the
cabin. “Stay here within the shelter of the trees where you’ll be safe. I’ll whistle
for Sherry when I’m ready to come back.”

“Okay.”

Several trees stood between Jimmy and the cabin. He stayed
in the shade as much as he could, but there was plenty of open field. He ran
from tree to tree, stopping to listen before setting off again. His heart raced
at the adrenaline rush of courting the unknown. At the final tree, he paused to
decide how best to approach the line shack. The door was open, but if there was
a window, it had to be on the other side. He stayed out of sight of the door
and snuck around the side of the cabin. There, parked in the shade of a huge
oak tree was a white Pontiac.

As he stooped to cross beneath a window, Jimmy heard a
child’s voice. “
Grampy
, why do we have to stay here?
Can’t I go meet her little boy so I have someone to play with besides
her
?”

“No, not yet. These things take time.”

He knew that
voice…John. What in blazes was he trying to pull?

“How much time?” the boy whined.

“I don’t know, Tommy. Her lawyer is going to check me out on
Monday. Then we’ll see.”

“Why? Doesn’t she believe you?”

“It’s not that she doesn’t believe me, but I’m a stranger
to her and she’s got a big responsibility with the ranch and all.”

“So we have to stay here?”

“We don’t have enough money to stay anywhere else.”

Jimmy had heard enough. He stepped into the doorway and
announced his presence. “I think you’d better come to the house and explain, Mr.
Coates.”

A girl shrieked and scurried behind John.

Jimmy glanced at the boy. “The boy can come with me.
Aaron’s waiting not far from here.”

John stood to face him. “He stays with me.”

“Nope, he comes with me to ensure your compliance. You do
know you’re trespassing on private property?”

“It should be my property.”

“Maybe so, but we’re not going to solve anything out here.
Pack up your things, make sure the fire is out, then come to the house.”

“Tommy, are you all right riding to the ranch with him?”

“I guess so. Beats sitting around here.”

Jimmy and the boy stepped outside and he whistled for
Sherry. “Can you ride?” A sullen expression was his only answer, but Jimmy
caught a glimpse of excitement in the boy’s eyes.

Chapter Ten

Melissa glanced up from her book as the back door opened. “Hi!
Who do you have there?”

Jimmy winked at her. “A trespasser. Found him with his
sister and grandfather out at the line shack near where you fell off your
horse.”

“What’s your name, boy?” Melissa asked.

“Tommy Coates.”

She smiled at Tommy. “Ah, I think we met your grandfather
earlier today.”

“You
should’a
believed him.”

“Whether I believe him or not doesn’t matter. I have a
responsibility to my son and to this ranch to have any and all claims verified.
Where is your grandfather?”

“He’s coming.” Tommy cast a hateful glance in Jimmy’s
direction. “But
he
shouldn’t be
ordering us around.”

“Is that right? Would you rather he’d just come back here
and called the sheriff to have you evicted?” she asked.

“It’s Grandpa’s land!”

“No, it’s
my
land in trust for my son. That’s the way Gramps wanted it.”

She heard a vehicle pull up outside. Jimmy opened the door
to admit John and a little girl. Melissa received the shock of her life. The
little girl had long, dark hair pulled back in a ponytail, a dimple in her
chin, freckles across her nose, and green eyes. “Oh, my God! You look like a
miniature of my grandfather…with softer features of course,” she added at the
girl’s scowl.

“I do?” she asked.

“Yes, you do. What’s your name?”

“Rita.”

“Well, Miss Rita, it’s nice to meet you.” On impulse, she
held out her good arm and Rita didn’t hesitate. She ran and snuggled in for a
hug. Melissa realized the girl was crying. “Why the tears, child?”

“That man had a gun and he told us we were trespassing. I
was afraid he’d call the cops and have us arrested.”

“That man’s name is Jimmy and you
were
trespassing on ranch land. He was just looking out for us.
Okay?”

Rita sniffed and pulled away. “Okay, but I was scared.”

“Sorry, sunshine. I didn’t mean to scare you. Forgive me?”

Melissa could tell Rita was getting her first clear look
at Jimmy.

The girl blushed and took a second look before ducking her
head. “Yes, all right.”

“Does this mean you believe me now?” asked John.

Melissa glanced at Rita, still standing at her side. “It’s
hard to doubt the evidence of my own eyes, but I still insist on a DNA test. My treat.”

John guffawed with laughter. “Some treat, but I’ll accept.”
Then the laughter died and a strange expression washed over his features. “The
truth is, Mama’s illness and burial left us rather destitute. On top of that, I
lost my job when the business closed. When I found those papers in Mama’s
belongings, it felt as though fate was reaching out a kind hand. You know?”

“Yes, I felt the same way when Gramps died, leaving Aaron
and I the ranch.”

John stiffened.

“We’ll talk more about that later. Have you kids eaten?” she
asked.

“
Grampy
made us a rabbit stew,”
said Tommy. “He killed it himself.”

“
Hm
, would that have been
yesterday morning some time?” asked Jimmy.

“Yes, why?” Suddenly, John’s face blanched of all color as
realization dawned. “Oh, no! Is that what made you fall off your horse?”

Melissa nodded. “The gunshot spooked my horse and she reared
back. Normally, she’s as placid as they come, so I wasn’t prepared. If I’d been
holding on tighter, I would’ve been fine.” She shrugged, showing acceptance of
her fate. “It was an accident, although I must say I’m relieved to know where
the gunshot came from and why.”

“I’m real sorry about that, Melissa. I never for a moment
thought of anyone being near that cabin.”

“There could’ve been wranglers out there fixing fence
lines or whatever. My property is clearly marked, no hunting and no
trespassing, for a reason.”

“We were hungry,” Tommy said in his grandfather’s defense.

Melissa cast a shrewd eye toward John, knowing there was
more to this story than she was hearing. For starters, why were the kids
traveling with him? Where were their parents? “Aaron, would you like to show
Tommy and Rita your game room? I’m sure they’d enjoy that more than listening
to us adults talk.”

Aaron looked from one child to the other. “Okay, if they want
to.”

“A game room? Lead the way.” Tommy's face glowed with
excitement.

“I’ll go and make sure Tommy doesn’t cause any trouble.”

“Thank you, Rita. He does tend to get excitable,” said John.

After the children left, John spoke again. “Rita’s also
excited, but she’s twelve, an awkward age, I’m told.”

Sheila bustled in the back door with a basket full of
fresh vegetables. “Why are you all standing around in my kitchen? I’ve got work
to do.”

“We’re just leaving,” Melissa said. “Could you bring tea
for three to the office? We have some things to discuss.”

“I’ll put the kettle on.”

“Jimmy?” Melissa summoned him with a look.

He helped her to her feet. “Follow us, John,” he said as
he guided Melissa toward the office. Jimmy unlocked the door and led her to the
sofa. She sat demurely, waiting for the men to sit.

“John, come in and close the door,” she said. “Aaron will
know where to find us if the kids need anything.”

He stepped into the office, closing the door softly behind
him, then crossed the room to take a seat facing Melissa. “What do you want to
know?”

“Everything. For starters, why are you traveling with your
grandchildren when it’s clear you don’t have enough money to care for them
properly?”

John hung his head, his posture one of defeat. When he
looked up, his eyes were filled with pain. “My wife died two years ago, hit by
a drunk driver. Last summer, my son, Jacob and his wife, Nancy, were out
boating when a storm came up. Their boat capsized. They loved the water and
both were good swimmers, but they were no match for such a powerful storm. The
coast guard found them later that day. It was their fifteenth anniversary. I’ve
had the kids ever since.”

“Oh, John! I’m so sorry to hear that. You must have been
devastated,” said Melissa. “Had they provided for their children at all?”

“Yes. Jake had life insurance that his executor locked
into a trust fund for the children. They can’t access it until they’re
twenty-five.”

“That’s too bad. It sounds as if you could use some of it
to provide for them now.”

“It’s been a hard couple of years, for sure. Mama lived
with us and her pension helped keep us afloat, but when she died and I lost my
job, well, it was the beginning of the end. Mama’s room…” His voice broke. “I
couldn’t bear to go in there for the longest while, but when the bank served me
with foreclosure papers, I had to sort through her belongings and decide what
to keep. That’s when I found my birth certificate. I also found love letters
between her and Bill that spanned three years. I’ll show them to you if you
want to see them. They’re in the car.”

“What a run of bad luck you’ve had. Have you any other
family?” she asked.

“Yes, a daughter, Maria. She’s married and has four kids
of her own. Her youngest two still live at home and her oldest daughter lives
in Maria’s basement apartment. I put my furniture and most of our personal
belongings in storage and we’ve been staying at Maria’s, but it’s so crowded.
That’s when I knew I had to contact you.”

Sheila knocked once before entering with a loaded tea
trolley. “Aaron came into the kitchen looking for you. He told me the kids were
thirsty. Thanks for giving me a heads up on that.”

“Sorry, Sheila. So much has happened so fast.”

“That’s all right, Missy. I took care of them young’uns.
Made me a little later getting here with yours, though.”

“Thank you. It looks lovely.”

“Want me to pour?” she asked.

“I’ll take care of it, Sheila,” Jimmy said, rising and
crossing the room.

“Good. Do the boss lady good to get waited on once in a
while.” Sheila said. “I need to get back to the kitchen. Help yourselves to the
snacks. If you need anything else, send Jimmy.”

Jimmy’s eyes darned near glazed over at the array of
cookies, squares, and donuts piled high on a plate.

“Sheila, you have got to marry me,” he declared.

“Any time you’re ready, handsome,” she said before
sashaying to the door, where she turned, bestowed a bold wink on Jimmy, and
left the room.

He howled with laughter. “She’s a real charmer.”

“So I see,” John said, although he didn’t share in the
laughter.

Jimmy poured and passed the cups around, then filled a
plate for her.

“Thank you,” she said, smiling as he placed it on the end table
beside her.

Jimmy went back to fill a plate for himself. “Help
yourself, John.”

Once they had their plates filled with goodies from the
tray, he and John resumed their seats.

Melissa fixed John with a steady gaze. “What did you hope
to gain by coming here?”

“Roots, an extended family. I didn’t expect you to welcome
me with open arms, but I had hoped. As I told you before, I grew up on a cattle
ranch. There’s not much I don’t know about running a ranch. I could be a big
help to you.”

“We don’t run cattle here. We raise and train
thoroughbreds.”

“I know. I researched the place on Maria’s computer before
I contacted you. I’m a hard worker, Melissa. I’m not looking for charity, just
a job and a share in what’s rightfully mine.”

She avoided the last and turned to her accountant. “Jimmy,
you’ve been awfully quiet. Thoughts? Questions?”

He spoke from behind the desk. “Were you in here
yesterday?”

John turned beet red. “Yes, Tommy sneaked away from the
cabin while I was out hunting rabbits. I still don’t know how he made it this
far, but I found him in the office, sitting at the desk, and hustled him out of
here. How did you know?”

Jimmy grinned. “He managed to erase a full day’s work on
the accounts.”

“Ah, darn. Sorry about that. Anything I can do to help?”

Melissa laughed. “Don’t worry about it. Jimmy will straighten
it out. I have the same problem. Aaron slips in here sometimes and creates
havoc. That’s why we keep it locked now.”

John looked confused. “Then how did Tommy get in?”

“Melissa called out needing my help. In the rush, I forgot
to lock up.”

“Understandable. Geez, after all this, you probably won’t
want us around at all. Not a good first impression.”

“Life happens,” said Jimmy. “Other than ranching, what
else have you worked at?”

Melissa shot him a curious look, but remained silent,
wondering where his question was leading.

“I was the manager at a production facility in San Diego for over twenty
years. It came as quite a shock when they shut down.”

“Why did they close?” Jimmy asked.

“A big conglomerate, our competition, bought us out and
closed the place. No warning, no severance pay, nothing.”

“Do you have a résumé? References?” Jimmy asked.

John nodded. “In the car.”

Clueing in to Jimmy’s intention, Melissa spoke. “If your
credentials check out, I may have a position to offer you,” she said. “Think
you could run a racetrack?”

“Cars?” John asked.

“No, horses.”

John brightened as if a light bulb had gone off. “Are you
talking about Dehavilland Downs in Kentucky?
It’s yours?”

Melissa smiled, encouraged by his excitement. “That’s the
one. I need a new manager. Interested?”

“Interested? Oh, yeah. The wife and I won a trip to Kentucky a few years
back. We visited the track while we were there. I loved it. What happened to
your manager?”

“I fired his butt for stealing from me—my ex-husband. The
assistant manager is running things right now, but he admits to being in over
his head. What do you think?”

“I’d love to take it on, but what about the kids and a
place to live? Travel expenses, and such? We managed to make it here, but I
just don’t have enough money to get us that far, let alone get set up.”

“I own a house near the track. The current tenant, my ex, will
be out by the end of the month.”

“You’ve got yourself a deal. When do I start?”

“Like I said, it depends on how your references check out.
I can’t just blindly hire someone off the street, even if we are related. This
is a big money business and I have to make certain that whoever I hire will be
up for the task. Besides, we still have the mess with the lawyers to sort
through. I’ll have to get back to you on the position.”

“Sounds good, but what do I do in the meantime?”

“I’d like you to stay at the ranch. You can remain in the
line shack until I hear from my lawyer. It’ll give us time to get to know each
other better. You can work with the wranglers to pay for your keep.”

“Thank you.” John turned toward Jimmy. “And thank you for
herding us down here today, young man. I may not have liked your method, but
I’m awed at the outcome.”

“Glad it worked out for you.”

“I honestly didn’t connect the track to this family. Is it
part of the ranch’s holdings?”

“No, the track belonged to my parents. They loved horses,
but didn’t want to ranch. It’s mine now. Has been for a few years. We have an
auditor there now, going over the books to see what kind of shape it’s in.”

“He’s a good man and will work with you to get the track
running at full speed again. Pardon the pun.” Jimmy popped a cookie into his
mouth.

“I think that about wraps things up,” Melissa said. “Jimmy,
would you ask Sheila to come here?”

“Sure thing.”

He opened the door and she saw all three kids racing down
the hall.

“Hey, what gives? Where’s the fire?” Jimmy asked as he
held out a hand to halt their forward motion.