The Rebel of Copper Creek (27 page)

Juliet gave a gasp of outrage.

Griff settled himself on the edge of the mattress. “That mean man was sick. His words were lies. You boys can both be proud of your daddy. He gave his life to save girls and boys just like the two of you. Your daddy really wanted to live and watch his boys grow up on his family ranch. And now that I've been here, I can see why. You're both very special. And so is your mama.”

Ethan ducked his head.

Casey, never shy, said, “Efan told me you were a hero, too. And that you love our mama. Do you?”

For the first time in hours, Griff smiled. “I do, Casey. I love her very much. As much, in fact, as I love the two of you.”

“You do?” Ethan's head came up and he stared at Griff with a mixture of surprise and delight.

“I do.” He caught their hands and lowered his voice. “I'm thinking of asking her to marry me. But I need to talk to you first.” He turned to Ethan. “You said your daddy told you to be the man of the family. And to take care of your mama and baby brother.”

“I'm not a baby,” Casey protested loudly.

Griff chuckled. “I know that. But at the time, you weren't even born yet, so he thought of you as a baby.” He turned back to Ethan. “So, I think, before I ask your mama to marry me, I should ask your permission. Now, I understand that you already have a daddy in heaven. But if it's all right with you, once we got married, I'd like to ask you and Casey to become my sons.”

“Your real sons? Not just pretend?” Casey's eyes were wide.

“Real sons. We'd go to court and petition that I would be your father here on earth, and you would be my sons.”

“Oh boy.” Casey's face was wreathed in smiles as he turned to his brother. “Say yes, Efan. Ple-e-e-e-ease?”

Ethan looked from Griff to Juliet and back again before solemnly asking, “If you marry us, will Grandpa Mad be our real grandpa?”

Griff swallowed the grin that tugged at the corner of his mouth. “Definitely. I think it's safe to say he already is. But then it would be legal.”

“Is legal important?”

At his solemn question, Griff nodded. “It is. You see, I never had a legal daddy until it was too late. So I want everything between us to be legal.”

The little boy's head nodded. “Okay. Mama, will you marry Griff?”

“Wait.” Laughing, Griff stood and lifted Juliet to his place on the edge of the bed between Ethan and Casey, before getting down on one knee before her. “Juliet, I love you with all my heart and soul, and when I thought I was about to lose you, I knew my life would never be the same again. Now that you're safe, and Ethan's safe, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”

“Say yes, Mama,” Casey prompted in a loud whisper.

She was laughing through her tears as she took Griff's face in her hands and stared into his eyes. “I was so afraid when we came upstairs. Afraid of what might be going through your mind. And my heart was so heavy, I thought I'd surely die if you were having second thoughts. And now…” She placed his hand over her heart. “Listen.”

Both Casey and Ethan placed their chubby hands over Griff's.

“How does it sound?” little Casey asked.

“Like the best sound I've ever heard.” Griff said solemnly.

“But you haven't said yes yet, Mama.” The little boy was frowning with impatience.

“Yes.” She glanced over to see both boys clapping and then jumping up and down in the middle of the bed. “Yes. Yes. Yes.”

And then all she saw were Griff's eyes, shining with love, as he lifted her into his big, strong arms and swung her around and around before setting her on her feet and kissing her until she saw stars.

Casey was cheering.

Ethan was shouting her name.

And oh, she thought as she clung to this wonderful, brave man, and heard the joy in her sons' voices, weren't these just the best sounds in the whole world?

I
n the tiny town of Copper Creek, millionaire rancher Bear MacKenzie and his family were the local rock stars. This day, all eyes were on Bear's other son, Griff Warren, who was about to wed Buddy Grayson's widow, Juliet.

It wasn't clear which of that duo garnered more gossip: the pretty Juliet, who had heroically offered herself as hostage to free her little son from the clutches of a madman; or Griff, who had risked his life to save them both.

Dr. Mullin's assistant, Kate, proclaimed them the most glamorous couple since Ash MacKenzie had won his lost love, Brenna Crane. For a town that held outsiders at arm's length, it was quite a compliment that both Juliet and Griff had been warmly embraced by everyone. And this day, everyone was converging on the Grayson Ranch for the big event. Of course, one of the reasons for the size of the crowd, though no one would ever admit it, was to see this strange new ranch that was rumored to be more New Age health center than working ranch.

Griff stepped into the kitchen, where the air was perfumed with the most amazing, mouth-watering scents. It was a beehive of activity. Everyone, it seemed, had something to do.

Everyone but the potential groom.

A convoy of trucks from the MacKenzie Ranch had arrived at the Grayson Ranch earlier that morning in a cloud of dust. The leader of the pack was Mad, in his new, custom-fitted truck with a hydraulic lift. As the lift descended, a proud Mad pressed the button on his brand-new electric scooter and rolled up a ramp to the back porch of Juliet's house.

Griff, Juliet, and the two boys had stood waiting to cheer him on. Juliet hurried over to welcome him with a kiss. “Look at you.”

“Looks like you've already mastered this new toy.” Griff leaned close to hug his grandfather.

“Piece of cake.” The old man opened his arms to the two little boys who danced across the porch and onto his lap. After hugs and kisses he said, “There's no time to waste, lads. We're here to start cooking.”

Myrna had stepped from the second truck, carrying armloads of pots and pans and deep-covered dishes containing mysterious treasures.

Willow and Brenna whisked Juliet upstairs to prepare for the big day.

Ash, Whit and Brady ambled up from the barn. Ash dropped an arm around Griff's shoulders. “Come on, bro. The house is no place for a prospective groom.”

Ash and Whit led Griff toward the barn. There were so many people milling about the yard, they had to stop every two steps to accept congratulations and make small talk. Most of the talk centered on the changes Juliet had planned for the Grayson Ranch. It would still operate as a cattle ranch, but now she would be welcoming wounded veterans and others who were handicapped in some way, not only for therapy, but to be employed as wranglers. The new name, Hope Ranch, signified the official change of direction.

Griff paused to talk quietly with Jackie Turner, who was there with his daughter and grandkids. Though he still bore the scars from his attack, the doctors in Billings had assured the old man that there seemed to be no ill effects.

“Creepers,” he declared. “I can't wait to come back and be foreman of the new Hope Ranch.”

“Captain.”

Hearing his name, Griff turned to find Jimmy Gable seated beside a group of pretty young ladies who couldn't seem to do enough for the smiling veteran.

“Jimmy.” Griff enveloped his marine buddy in a great bear hug. “So glad you're strong enough to attend my wedding.”

“I wouldn't miss it.” Jimmy's smile was as bright as the day's sunshine.

“Think you're strong enough to rejoin the Romeos?”

Jimmy shook his head. “Right after your wedding, I'm flying home.”

“I thought you couldn't wait to get away from their smothering.”

“Yeah.” The young veteran chuckled. “I thought so, too. But during my rehab I realized I actually missed all that smothering.”

Griff glanced at the pretty women surrounding his friend. “This isn't enough?”

Jimmy winked. “Hey, they're great. But they're not family. I'm sure you know what I mean, Captain.”

Griff nodded. “Yeah. Of course, I'm still learning about being part of a family.”

He slapped Jimmy on the back, then continued to wade through the crowd until he reached the makeshift bar where Wylie and Nonie Claxton had taken charge of serving.

“Hey, cowboy.” Nonie sidled over and planted a big kiss on Griff's mouth. With a laugh she said loudly, “I figure that's the last chance I have before you get yourself hitched.” She gave a mock sigh. “Another MacKenzie bites the dust.” She looped an arm through Whit's. “Looks like it's just you and me now, honey.”

He leaned over and kissed her cheek. “Suits me just fine. This was all part of my evil plan. I've eliminated another of my competition.”

While the others roared with laughter, Nonie went about serving the cold longnecks favored by most of the cowboys.

When Mad's electric scooter rolled up, the brothers looked surprised.

“Aren't you supposed to be cooking?” Ash asked.

“Got it under control. And my latest invention, a screen that fits over the steam tables so the guests can see the food, but flying insects can't land, is going to be the hit of the day.”

His grandsons rolled their eyes.

“And since the women have ordered the wee lads upstairs for showers and fancy clothes,” he added, “I have plenty of time to be with all of you.” He turned to include Brady Storm, who had just joined them.

Mad eyed the beer in his grandson's hand. “No need for that swill today, lad.” With a mysterious smile he said, “Follow me.”

With Brady and his three grandsons trailing behind, he led the way along a new ramp that led to the fenced pasture. As the mares and their yearlings frolicked across the meadow, he produced a bottle of good scotch whiskey and five crystal tumblers. “Today,” he said with that twinkle in his eye, “we drink the good stuff.”

Brady poured and passed around the tumblers.

Mad lifted his in a toast. “To you, Griff. Our family is richer for having you with us.”

With murmured words of approval they touched glasses and drank.

“To Juliet,” Griff managed over the lump in his throat. “She and those two boys have given me something I never dreamed I'd have.”

They touched glasses and drank.

“To Bear,” Brady said solemnly.

Glasses clinked as they toasted and drank.

“Aye, lad. I feel my son here with us.” Mad fought the tears that sprang unbidden to his eyes. “And I know that soon the authorities will unmask his cowardly killer.” He drained his glass.

When he looked up, Griff handed him an empty tumbler and started away.

“Hey,” Whit called. “Where're you going?”

When he didn't bother to answer, Whit looked around at the circle of men.

Ash put a hand on his younger brother's arm. “It doesn't take a genius, bro. All that talk about Pop has him needing to make sure Juliet and the boys are okay. It's probably part of the marine code.”

“Or maybe,” Brady said with a grin, “it's imprinted in his DNA. He is, after all, a MacKenzie.”

“Oh, don't you both look perfect.” Juliet knelt down and smoothed Casey's cowlick, then straightened Ethan's string tie, as Willow, Brenna, and Myrna looked on.

Both boys were dressed in brand-new denims and crisp white shirts with string ties, looking for all the world like an artist's rendering of Western cherubs.

Willow touched a hand to Juliet's arm. “Their mother looks just as perfect.”

“Thank you.” Juliet studied her reflection in the tall looking glass. Instead of a gown, she'd chosen a simple, ankle-length slim skirt of denim, with a pretty white silk peplum top, and her mother's pearl necklace and earrings. On her feet were cowboy boots. “Some of our guests will probably think this is too casual. But I wore a white gown once, and this time I wanted to wear something that would honor this ranch, this beautiful setting.”

“You honor us all,” Myrna said softly.

“And you've all been so warm and welcoming.” Juliet drew her boys front and center. “Casey, Ethan, and I wanted to give you these gifts, before the ceremony.”

The two boys stood holding their hands behind their backs, wearing the biggest smiles in the world.

Juliet embraced Brenna. “I never had a sister before. It's a wonderful feeling. And so, to my new sister…”

Casey and Ethan handed Brenna a small wrapped box.

She opened it to find a framed clay sculpture.

“It's you,” Casey announced to everyone's laughter.

“I can see that it's me. I believe I have two very talented students.” Brenna knelt down to kiss both boys.

Juliet hugged Willow. “Thank you for always being there when I needed you. It's nice to know I have a mother I can always call on.”

Casey and Ethan handed Willow a slightly larger wrapped box.

She opened it to reveal a toy figurine of a woman on horseback holding a lasso.

“Mama says if we promise to work hard, you'll teach us to ride and rope as good as you.”

“Oh, you sweethearts. I'd love to teach you both.” She hauled them into her arms and kissed them.

Juliet turned to Myrna, wrapped her arms around her shoulders, and drew her close to press a kiss on her cheek. “So far I've gained a sister and a mother. With you, I've gained the very best grandmother in the world.”

Casey and Ethan handed her a pretty wrapped box. Inside she lifted out a crude drawing of a woman holding two little boys on her lap while reading a book.

Casey proudly announced, “Efan drawed most of it, but I drawed the book 'cause I love the way you read to us.”

“I've never received a nicer gift in my life.” Myrna kissed both boys before lifting a finger to wipe the tear that squeezed from the corner of her eye.

Griff strode through the kitchen without a pause and took the stairs two at a time until he came to the closed bedroom door. Without bothering to knock he shoved it open.

And simply stared.

Willow, Brenna, and Myrna were gathered around Juliet. Seeing the fierce look on Griff's face, they began to close the circle, hoping to hide the bride from his view.

“It's all right.” Juliet touched Willow's arm before holding out a hand to Griff. “The question is, are you all right?”

He caught her hand. Squeezed. “I'm fine now.”

She studied the look on his face. “What happened?”

He shook his head as if to clear it. “Guy talk. Toasts. A mention of Bear, and I suddenly had this powerful need to see for myself that you and the boys were okay.”

Her smile was serene. “I guess you'll always be our fierce guardian.” She turned to the others. “I think Griff needs a moment alone with us.”

Taking their cue, the three women stepped from the room, blowing kisses to Griff, Juliet, and the boys before closing the door.

Finally alone, Griff drew in a deep breath.

“Nerves, cowboy?”

He shook his head. “Not the kind you mean. But all that talk of Bear…my father…” He stopped, and finally found his smile. “But you're all here, and we're all fine.”

“Yes, we are.” Juliet touched a finger to his lips. “Thanks to you.” She caught his hand. “Hey, cowboy. Ready to get married?”

He lifted Casey in his arms and caught hold of Ethan's hand. “The more important question is, are you boys ready to become my family?”

With shouts and cheers, they were beaming as they stepped out of the room and walked down the stairs and out into the fresh air, where an entire town was waiting and watching.

Griff took a moment to drink it all in. Summer had faded into glorious, golden days of autumn in Montana. Vast fields of wheat were being harvested and stored in barns and sheds for the coming winter. Sagebrush-covered foothills ascended up the sides of mountain ranges that were already capped with snow. Glacial lakes called to hot, tired cowboys bringing their herds down from the high country.

As they walked toward the big golden cottonwood where the minister stood waiting, they paused along the way so that Juliet could hug Jackie Turner. Griff paused beside Jimmy Gable's wheelchair and shook the veteran's hand. The young man's smile was as radiant as the sun.

They smiled and nodded at Dr. Dan Mullin and his assistant, Kate, and at Will and Nell Campbell, owners of the Boxcar Inn, and Karen and Kevin Becket, who ran the bed-and-breakfast in town, and accepted congratulations from Mason McMillan, long-time lawyer for Bear MacKenzie, and from his handsome, smooth-talking son, Lance.

Griff gave a thumbs-up to Whit and to Ash and Brenna, who would serve as witnesses, and to Willow and Brady, to Myrna, and to Mad, seated in his shiny new scooter.

And then they were standing in front of the preacher, speaking their vows. Griff looked at the two little boys and the woman who had suddenly become his whole world. His family. And he thought of all the crazy turns his life had taken.

If his mother hadn't lost her heart to a cowboy all those years ago, and decided, on her deathbed, to let Bear MacKenzie know he had a son, none of this would have been possible. If Juliet hadn't promised Buddy she would raise his sons on his family's ranch, they would have never met. And now…

As the ceremony ended, he knelt down to gather the two little boys into a tight embrace. Lifting them both in his arms he kissed his new bride. Against her mouth he whispered, “Do you know what this means, to a man who's never had a family? Because of you and Ethan and Casey, I have a brand-new life.”

He glanced at Mad and saw the old man's tears. And then suddenly Mad's words came to him.
Every road we've taken leads us to where we need to be now.

As those words washed over him he knew, finally, a sense of complete peace.