The Christmas Journey (16 page)

“Splendid.” Sadie nodded as if the matter were settled.

“Y’all just go on up to the house and freshen up. Your brother
can show you the way. I’ll join you as soon as I have Kestrel here settled in and talk to Edgar.”

Ry hesitated, then caught the speculative look in his sister’s eye. No point tipping his hand just yet. “All right. We’ll see you back at the house.” Sheriff Hammond would just have to wait for that chat a bit longer.

Josie watched Ry leave with his brother and sister, then began settling in the horse.

There was definitely something going on with those three that she couldn’t figure out. Like his obvious surprise that they’d come instead of sending one of the ranch hands. And the fact that he and his brother barely exchanged a handful of words even though it had been months since they’d seen each other.

That sister of his was quite the lady, though. She looked small and delicate as a honeysuckle bloom, even if she was a bit excitable. Her clothes were every bit as fine as those in the fashion magazines Cora Beth liked to pour over. And she had a bit of a pampered look about her.

Was that the kind of female Ry was used to keeping company with? Would his sister’s visit have him making comparisons that weren’t flattering?

Good thing she didn’t care what he thought about her, not in that area at any rate.

As for Cora Beth, she could hold her own. What she lacked in polish, she more than made up for in her sweet temper and domestic skills. A man could do a lot worse selecting a wife than casting his eye toward Cora Beth. She only hoped Ry was smart enough to realize that. Because the sooner she could make this match happen, the sooner she could shake off her family obligations and follow her dream.

She’d already decided the first place she’d go, too. Ever
since Ry had described New York harbor in such lively detail she’d had a hankering to see it for herself.

The thing was, every time she imagined the scene, she pictured Ry standing beside her.

“I
f you ask me, it sounds like you two saved each other.”

Jo shot an exasperated frown at Ry’s sister. Not that Sadie seemed to notice.

She and Ry had spent the last thirty minutes telling what had happened the day of the ambush in Whistler’s Meadow. At least they’d tried to.

Seemed like every time Jo tried to paint a true picture of Ry’s heroics, he interrupted, making light of his part and trying to paint her as the hero of the story.

And Sadie seemed inclined to accept Ry’s version.

Griff, on the other hand, hadn’t said much at all. He’d leaned back in his chair the whole time, listening to their story as if it had happened to some stranger rather than his brother.

But now that there was a pause in the conversation, he rubbed his jaw. “So, did you ever find out why Belle sent for you?”

That
was the part of the story Griff wanted to focus on? Did anyone but her see the painful emotion flash across Ry’s face?

“Because she was dying.” Ry’s voice betrayed nothing of his feelings. “Unfortunately, I didn’t make it in time to see her one last time.”

Sadie reached for her brother’s hand. “Oh, Ry, I’m so sorry.”

Griff’s only reaction was a tightening of his jaw.

“Which brings us to another interesting twist to this story,” Ry continued.

Sadie’s hand went to her chest. “You mean there’s more?”

Ry nodded. “Belle’s husband also passed on, about a month before she did. And they had a daughter, Viola.”

“That poor child. What’s to become of her?”

Ry’s lips twisted into a sort of half grin. “Belle named me as guardian.”

“Oh, Ry, no.” Was Sadie dismayed on Ry’s behalf or on the child’s? Either way, it wasn’t the reaction Josie had expected.

“You can’t be seriously thinking about raising a child on your own.” Griff’s reaction was even less flattering.

That did it. “I’ll have you know your brother has done quite well with Viola so far.” Jo glared at both of his siblings. “From where I’m sitting, a kid couldn’t ask for a better pa.”

She ignored Ry’s startled look. Besides, she wasn’t finished. “Viola’s ma handed your brother this responsibility slap-dab out of the blue and he never so much as flinched. I’d think his family would be a mite more supportive of his efforts.”

Three pairs of eyes stared at her with varying degrees of surprise. The silence in the room was deafening, surpassed only by the growing tension.

When Cora Beth and Uncle Grover entered the parlor, each carrying a tray loaded with goodies, it was like opening a steam valve and letting off the pressure. Everyone was suddenly keenly interested in the new arrivals and what they’d brought in.

“I’m sorry I took so long.” Cora Beth set her tray on the low table in front of the sofa. “I had to take care of something in the kitchen.” She turned to take Uncle Grover’s tray. “I hope you don’t mind that I invited Uncle Grover to join us.”

“Not at all,” Ry answered. “In fact, I’m pleased to be able to introduce him to my brother and sister.”

After introductions were made and refreshments passed around, Cora Beth took on her make-everyone-feel-at-home hostess role, one she excelled at, and the conversation turned to tamer topics.

Jo let the discussion flow around her as she continued to mull over the strained relationship that seemed to exist between the Lassiter siblings.

Ry stepped into the hall as soon as he heard the front door open. Danny, Audrey and Viola spilled inside the house, cheeks pinkened from the blustery day, the two girls laughing at something Danny had said.

Daffy, who’d remained out of sight most of the day, trotted down the stairs right on cue, stropping himself insistently against Viola’s legs.

“Hello,” Ry included them all in his greeting. “Viola, how was your first day at Knotty Pine’s school?”

“I like Mr. Saddler, and everyone was very nice.”

“Except for Mary Alice Johnson,” Audrey corrected. “But she doesn’t count because she’s not nice to anyone.”

“Audrey Elizabeth Collins, what an unkind thing to say.” Cora Beth stood at the kitchen door, a large cook spoon in one hand.

“Sorry, Ma.” Audrey looked suitably abashed, but Ry noticed her contrite expression didn’t quite extend to her eyes. He decided to rescue her by turning the subject.

“Viola, I have some people I’d like you to meet.”

“We have company?” Audrey tried peering past him into the parlor.

But her mother was quicker. “I need you and Danny in the kitchen. You can meet Mr. Lassiter’s guests later.”

Viola studied Ry as if scenting a trap. She picked up Daffy then straightened, seeming to brace herself for the worst.

“There’s nothing to be alarmed about,” Ry said, trying to reassure her. “You’re going to like these folks.” At least he sincerely hoped so.

He placed a hand on her shoulder as they stepped into the parlor. “Viola, this is my sister and brother, the ones I told you about yesterday.”

“Hello, Viola.” Sadie’s voice held all the delight of a child who’d found a new toy. “I’ve been looking forward to meeting you all afternoon.”

Viola stepped closer to Ry, as if for support. He rested a hand on her shoulder, feeling curiously touched by her gesture.

“Hello,” she replied softly. Then she cocked her head to one side. “Does that mean you’re my aunt?”

Sadie gave her a radiant smile. “Why yes, I suppose I am.” She flashed a quick, delighted grin Ry’s way, then turned back to the girl. “I’m your Aunt Sadie. And this,” she said pointing to her other brother, “would be your Uncle Griff.”

Griff gave a short bow, his stiff stance relaxing as he too smiled. “Hello, Viola. You’re just as pretty as your mother.”

Ry was surprised at the change in his brother’s demeanor. This was the Griff he remembered from his childhood. Was he only surly when it came to the interactions between the two of them?

“Did you know my mother too?” Viola asked.

Griff nodded. “I sure did.”

“Oh.” Viola smiled. “I’ve never had an aunt and an uncle before. Except for Uncle Ry, and I just met him yesterday.”

“Well, you have us all now,” Sadie said.

“Uncle Ry said you live on a ranch.” Viola was obviously warming up to his sister.

“That’s right. Would you like to come live there, too?”

Viola glanced up at Ry. “We haven’t decided yet.”

Sadie seemed put out at that. Before she could say anything, Ry stepped in. “I’ll take Viola to Hawk’s Creek for a nice visit. Then we’ll go to Philadelphia so she can meet Grandfather. It’ll be soon enough to decide where we’ll call home once that’s done.”

“Seems like an easy enough choice.” Griff’s tone had regained that hard edge. “Especially since Belle lived at Hawk’s Creek once. Of course you and I never saw eye to eye on that subject.”

“Not all of us have as clear a vision of what we want out of life as you, Griff.” Ry regretted the words as soon as they left his mouth. But there was no calling them back.

So instead, he smiled down at Viola. “Why don’t you and Daffy see if Mrs. Collins needs help in the kitchen?”

With a nod, and a last uncertain smile at Sadie and Griff, Viola exited the room.

“Oh, Ry, she’s adorable.” Sadie clasped her hands together. “I can see how you formed such a quick attachment. And Josie was right—you
are
good with her.”

That reminder of how Josie had defended him brought back an echo of that warm feeling deep in his chest. It was good to know she was on his side.

“Thanks,” he told his sister. “I only hope you’re right.”

Griff’s frown indicated he didn’t wholly agree. “Just don’t drag your feet deciding where to settle down.” His glare carried something more than its usual fierceness. “Kids need roots, need to feel like they have a solid foundation that’s going to be there no matter what.” Griff’s jaw tightened further. “Without that, they might just make a wrong turn and never find the way back.”

Ry stared at his younger brother, wondering how much of what he’d said was prompted by concern for Viola, and how much was an indictment of the decisions Ry had made.

Sadie, never comfortable with the tension between her
brothers, turned to Ry with one of her charm-your-socks-off smiles. “I’m certain you’ll make the right decision when the time comes.” She tugged him over to the nearby sofa. “Now, let’s talk about your upcoming visit to Hawk’s Creek. It’s been a while since there were children in the house and I know Inez is going to be beside herself when she learns about Viola.”

Ry let his sister chatter on, but it didn’t quite drown out the memory of Griff’s pointed comment. What he’d said about a kid needing roots made sense.

Right then and there Ry decided he’d select a permanent home for him and Viola—and hopefully Josie—by Christmas.

At supper that evening Ry was pleased to see that Sadie and Griff appeared to enjoy the boisterous, informal atmosphere.

Sadie sat next to Cora Beth and, as the ladies of their respective households, they found a number of things to discuss. Griff, who sat next to Danny, was drawn into a detailed discussion on the art of roping cattle. Danny hung on to every word with rapt attention, peppering Griff with questions whenever he paused.

Ry watched the way Griff not only tolerated but encouraged Danny’s questions and remembered his earlier interactions with Viola. Was that the key—having children around? Would introducing Viola into the mix at Hawk’s Creek lead to a more relaxed atmosphere there—not just at mealtime, but overall?

As for himself, tonight he’d managed to wrangle a seat next to Josie and had engaged her in a spirited conversation on the relative merits of quarter horses and Morgans. He found himself admiring the way her eyes lit up and her expression became animated when she discussed something she was passionate about. He could watch her like this all evening.

When it was time for dessert, Cora Beth carried in one of her fruitcakes and Ry rubbed his hands together, giving his brother and sister a grin. “Get ready, you two are in for a rare treat.”

Sadie took one bite and her eyes widened in surprise. “This is absolutely delicious. I’ve never tasted a fruitcake so decadently rich and so delightfully light at the same time. I absolutely must have your recipe.”

Cora Beth shifted uncomfortably. “Why, thank you. I—”

Ry tapped his sister’s saucer with his fork. “You and every other woman in town.” He saw Cora Beth relax. “I’m afraid you’re out of luck. The recipe is a closely guarded secret.”

“But surely—”

“None of your pestering or cajoling, Sadie. Mrs. Collins has a small business selling the cakes to folks in these parts.”

“Brothers!” Sadie made an unflattering face at him. Then she turned to Cora Beth. “I must say, that’s very enterprising of you.” She leaned in conspiratorially. “But if I can’t have the recipe then I will content myself with purchasing several so I can serve them to anyone who visits for the holidays.”

Ry shook his head, pointing his fork her way. “You mean have something new and different to lord over your neighbors. Rest easy, little sister. I’ve already commissioned Mrs. Collins to make a pair of them for you.”

Sadie ignored his dig and clapped in delight. “Oh, Ry, you’re so thoughtful. And Mrs. Collins, your cakes will be the centerpiece of our Thanksgiving meal.”

Ry accompanied Sadie and Griff to the train station the next morning.

“I wish you were coming with us,” Sadie said with a pout. “You certainly seem to have recovered well enough to travel.”

He gave his sister’s hand a squeeze. “Like I told you yester
day, Viola and I need to get more comfortable with each other before we go gallivanting across the country together.”

Griff raised a brow. “Leaving will be harder on her once she’s begun to form attachments to this place.”

Ry was afraid it was already too late to worry about that. Besides, he was counting on the attachments going both ways when it came to the Wylie family. “Perhaps. But she announced after school yesterday that she’d been assigned a role in the Thanksgiving program. I don’t want to squash her excitement by saying she won’t be here to participate.”

“I’d hoped you’d be at the ranch for Thanksgiving.” Sadie’s pout grew more pronounced.

“Sorry. But I promise we’ll be there soon after.”

To Ry’s relief, the train whistle signaled its imminent departure. He wrapped his sister in a hug. “Give Inez my love.”

He turned to his brother and offered his hand. After a quick handshake, Griff picked up their bags. “Come on, Sadie,” he said, “time to head home.”

As Ry watched them go, it struck him that they called Hawk’s Creek home when speaking to each other, but “the ranch” when speaking to him.

It seemed, for all their tugging at him to make a choice, they weren’t quite certain where he belonged, either.