The Lonesome Rancher / Finding Happily-Ever-After

She sighed. She couldn’t think about that. She hadn’t had a perfect life growing up but there was never a doubt that Mother loved her. Still the past few months had been difficult, trying to grasp the fact that her identity had all been a lie. She wasn’t a Hamilton, and there was a good possibility she was a Merrick. Was it crazy to want to know where she’d come from? To discover who she was.

Curious about ranch life, she was itching to go out and experience it all. But she didn’t want to get in anyone’s way, especially Sloan’s. Even though he was only a stepson, he was truly Clay’s son. They had a special bond.

What would happen when he learned the real story? The man didn’t trust easily. She’d probably be run out of town.

No. She couldn’t let anyone find out yet, if ever. Not before she talked to Clay. She was pretty sure how they’d react and right now she’d settle for a little piece of Clay Merrick’s life. She stepped off the porch, and headed toward the barn. She decided she wanted to see the filly again.

She walked through the double doors, and found Bud talking with one of the hands. “Well, hello, Jade.”

“Hi, Bud. Is it okay to visit the filly?”

His smile turned into a grin. “I don’t see why not. Come on, I’ll go with you.” Together they walked down to the last stall. Immediately Polly came to the railing to greet them.

Bud spoke up, “Hello, Mama. Look who I brought by to see ya.”

The horse made a nickering sound and moved toward Jade. Jade tensed at first, but slowly began to relax recalling their connection during the birthing. “Hi, Polly.”

The horse pushed her muzzle against her arm. Jade reached up and began petting the large animal. Polly was eager for some affection. “Hello, girl. How’s your baby today?”

The animal bobbed her head and blew out a loud breath.

“Now, that’s one happy mama,” Bud teased and they both laughed.

“I guess I missed the joke.”

They both turned to see Sloan standing in the aisle. He didn’t look any happier than he had at Rory’s.

“Hey, Sloan,” Bud said. “Jade came out to check on Polly.”

With one look from Sloan, Jade felt as if she was doing something wrong. “I hope you don’t mind.”

“Not as long as you don’t go wandering around by yourself,” he told her. “You aren’t used to ranch life.”

She felt a sudden anger. That wasn’t her fault. “Then I guess I should learn the ins and outs, so I won’t get caught in a cattle stampede or something.”

“With the roundup scheduled for next week it’s going to be busy around here, that’s all. You could get hurt.”

She straightened. “I’ll stay out of the way, Mr. Merrick. I better get back to my responsibilities.” She smiled at the foreman. “Thank you, Bud.”

“Anytime, darlin’, you just call on old Bud.”

“Excuse me,” she said, then hurried off down the aisle.

Sloan glanced at the disappointment on Bud’s face, realizing that he’d spoken harshly. Then he watched Jade until she disappeared through the doors.

“Well, I’m willing to guess your daddy would be ashamed of how you handled that.”

Sloan turned back to his foreman. “What? She’s my mother’s nurse. She shouldn’t be out here.”

“Why not? Is she chained to the house?” He whipped off his hat. “You didn’t have any problem with her out here yesterday when you needed her.”

“That was different. We were all here.” His words even sounded lame to him. “Besides, she’ll be leaving soon.”

“I think anyone who has the smarts to go through college and get a degree would be able to find their way around a ranch without getting into trouble.” His gaze moved over Sloan. “But maybe not.”

“What was that supposed to mean?”

“You’re a smart college guy. Seems to me you ought to be able to figure out why one cute, green-eyed filly sets you off.”

He stiffened, recalling a different time, a different woman. “I won’t be fooled again by a pretty face. It’s a waste of time and trouble when all they want to do is change you.”

Bud sighed, and pushed his hat back off his forehead. “Now there’s your first mistake, son, thinking they’re all the same.” He glanced down the aisle toward Jade. “I’m thinkin’ this one could be a keeper.”

It wasn’t until the following evening that Sloan conceded Bud had been partly right. His attitude toward Jade Hamilton had been uncalled for. The only reason he could come up with was the one old Bud hinted about, that the woman was one big distraction. She had only been here a few days, and she’d been in his head constantly. Yet, there was something about her that still nagged at him.

Okay, she was a beautiful woman. He’d seen the interest she’d gotten from other men, including Matt Rafferty. Why had it bothered him? He wanted to think because he was protective of her because of Matt’s carousing ways, but he knew the real reason: he was attracted to her, too. That could mean trouble for so many reasons. First and foremost, she was his mother’s nurse and he didn’t want anything to interfere with his mother’s recovery.

Then there was the fact he didn’t want to put himself out there again. Once before he’d thought he’d found a woman he could love. Crystal had seemed perfect for him, for the ranch life. Then he learned that he was being used because of the Merrick name. And his bad judgment cost them all a lot.

No. He wasn’t about to let that happen again.

He walked through the back door and saw Jade all fresh and pretty. She looked up. Her eyes drew him, causing an awareness that was so strong and so intense he had to work to slow his breathing. He definitely wasn’t thinking with his head anymore.

“Hello, son,” his mother called, drawing his attention away.

“Oh, hi, Mom.” Then he saw piles of fabric squares scattered on the table, and he asked, “How was your afternoon?”

She glanced at him. “Oh, it was lovely. When I saw all the girls yesterday, they convinced me, even if I can’t hand sew right now that I still need to get back into quilting. So Jade’s helping me sort through some fabric, and we’re pinning it.” She shrugged. “Maybe I’ll even attempt to use the cutter.”

He watched as Louisa awkwardly picked up fabric. Her actions were slow, but she was putting forth the effort, and it was more than he’d seen his mother try in months. His spirits soared. He looked at Jade, hoping to get her attention, but she was busy sorting. Then suddenly she stood, picked up the empty glasses and walked into the kitchen.

Maybe he deserved the cold shoulder. He put on a smile and turned back to his mother. “It’s good to see you get excited over a project again. I suspect the ladies were happy to see you.”

“They were.” Louisa looked sad. “Even though I’ve been avoiding their calls.”

“Mom, you’re working through your recovery.” He squatted down beside her. “You’ve been through a lot. All we want is for you to get better.”

She touched his cheek. “I’ve been feeling sorry for myself.”

“You had a right.” He fought a smile. “Maybe for a little while. But look what you’re doing to get back at a hundred percent?”

“Jade has helped me a lot. I’m glad she’s here.”

He was beginning to realize that, too. “Seems she’s getting results where we couldn’t help you.”

“No, she just doesn’t let me get away with anything. Not like you.”

He smiled. “Okay, so she’s a miracle worker.”

Louisa gave him a playful smack, then sobered. “Whatever, she’s helped me see a lot of things. If I want to get better, I’m the only one who can do it.”

“She’s not pushing you too hard, is she?”

“That’s just it, son. I need to push myself if I want to get back to how I was.” Tears flooded her eyes. “I’ve been putting you and Alisa through so much with my stubbornness.”

“We’ve survived.” In days, Jade Hamilton had accomplished more good than they had in months. “We love you, Mom, and you’re worth it.”

She looked sad again. “And your father …”

Sloan knew that his mother’s stroke had put a strain on their once perfect marriage. It had been hard to watch as she had pulled away from Clay and any offer of help or affection. “Dad will be home soon. Everything will be fine.”

She didn’t look convinced. “It’s only … I’m not the woman he married.”

He would never call his mother vain. Yet she had always taken special care of her appearance. She was still a beautiful woman, but he realized that a stroke changes people.

He reached for her hand. “Talk to Dad about how you feel.”

She shook her head. “I don’t know if I can.”

Surely she didn’t think that Clay would reject her. “Of course you can.” He didn’t want to discuss his mother’s marriage problems. “You’ve always told me he’s the best listener.”

There had been a time during Sloan’s adolescence that he’d rejected any of Clay’s attempts at being a father. It took a year or so before he trusted the man to be there for him.

“Look, he won’t be home for another week. At least think about it. You two have been married a long time.” He smiled. “I happen to know the man is crazy about you.”

When he saw his mother smile, he added, “I better let you get back to your project.” He stood. “Well, if you don’t need anything, I think I’ll call it an early night.”

His mother looked up and shook her head. “You lead a boring life, son.”

“Maybe you’re right, but I’m busy trying to get ready for the roundup.”

“And you’re thirty-two,” she retorted. “You should go out more … find that special woman.”

He’d been through this before with her. He hadn’t had much luck in the relationship department. He wasn’t a good judge of character. His choosing Crystal proved that.

“After the roundup.”

He kissed her cheek and headed to the kitchen and the back stairway to the second floor. Anxious to get away, he’d barely got out the door when he suddenly collided with someone. Jade.

“Oh,” she gasped.

He reached out and caught her around the waist to steady her. Except he wasn’t so steady, either, as her body pressed against his.

“You okay?” he managed as she raised those incredible eyes to his.

She released a breath, then quickly broke the hold and stepped back. “I’m fine.”

Damn if I am. He still couldn’t take his eyes off her. He fought the urge to pull her back, to touch her, to feel her softness against him.

Jade glanced away. “Marta said to tell you she left your supper in the oven.”

The hunger he felt deep in his gut had nothing to do with food. “Your eyes are incredible.” She was tall and slender, but she had plenty of curves.

She lowered her lashes. “Thank you.”

The rest of her was just as incredible, too. “I was thinking of riding out to check my herd tomorrow. Would you like to go?” Where did that come from?

“You mean on a horse?”

He nodded. “It’ll soon come back to you.”

“Your mother’s therapist is coming in the morning for her exercise session. I have to be there.”

“Just call down to the barn when you’re free.”

He glanced down at her sandals. “I’ll dig up a pair of my sister’s boots.” He walked outside and hoped the night air would cool him off before he did something stupid.

Early the next morning, Jade stood next to Louisa in the home gym. The top-of-the-line equipment filled the large room. The therapist had just left and Louisa was finishing up her routine. Jade glanced at her patient and saw the beads of sweat on her face as she worked to raise the small hand weights.

Jade noticed Louisa’s range of motion had increased, and her balance was so much better, too. Louisa’s hard work on the treadmill and weights over the past few days had paid off.

“Let’s take a break,” Jade said.

Louisa put down the weights. “What’s this ‘us’ business. Seems I’ve been doing all the work.”

Jade smiled as she checked the woman’s heart rate. It was good. She draped the stethoscope around her neck. “And it’s showing.”

Louisa’s breathing wasn’t too labored, either. “Not fast enough,” she said to Jade. “I’ve got other things to do besides hang out in here all day.”

Jade raised an eyebrow. “And what exactly are these plans?”

Louisa gave her a sideways glance. “Stop worrying. I’ve invited the girls here for lunch then we’re working on baby quilts.”

Jade was glad Louisa was being social again. “Sounds like fun.”

“You’re welcome to join us.”

Jade hesitated. She was supposed to go riding today, but she was having second thoughts about spending more time with Sloan. She’d seen his interest in her, and it would be so easy to reciprocate. Definitely not a good idea. This wasn’t why she came here.

“Sure.”

Louisa caught her reluctance. “Well, that was heartfelt.” She patted the towel on her face and paused. “You’re not on the clock all the time, Jade. You’re allowed some personal time.”

“I know that. I happen to like your friends, but if you’d rather I disappeared …”

Louisa studied her. “Okay, what’s going on here?”

“Nothing,” she said too quickly. “I mean, you’re probably tired of having me glued to your side.”

“If I felt that way, I’d tell you,” Louisa assured her. “But you don’t have to work 24/7, either. You know there are labor laws. And I believe you haven’t had any time off since you arrived here The weekend is coming up. You should get out and get to know the area. There’s plenty of wineries to the north of us. Jenny’s husband, Evan, owns the Rafferty Vineyard. And there’s San Antonio.”

“I’m not real social. But if it’s okay with you, I’d like a few hours off today. I might go riding while you’re with your friends.”

Louisa blinked in surprise. “Sloan asked you?”

Here it comes. She nodded. “He’s checking the herd and thought I’d like to see some of the ranch.”

“So he’s taking my advice.” Louisa’s gaze met hers. “I’m glad, because he’s worked too hard this past year.” She waved her hand. “Go, and make sure you both relax.”

“Then since we’re finished here, you should hit the showers.” Jade handed Louisa her cane and followed her out of the gym and down the hall to her bedroom. She went on ahead into the connecting bath and turned on the water in the large walk-in shower. Once she had Louisa situated, she left the woman to her privacy and went into the bedroom.

The phone rang. When it wasn’t answered by Marta on the third ring, Jade picked it up.

“Hello, Merrick residence,” she said.

There was a pause. “Who is this?” a man with a deep, rich voice asked.

“Jade Hamilton.”

“Oh, so you’re the miracle worker I’ve been hearing about.”

“I wouldn’t say I was a miracle worker.” She felt her heart pounding hard against her ribs. “May I ask who is calling?”

“Clay Merrick.”

“Oh, Senator.” She nearly choked. “I’m sorry, I didn’t know.”

“Why? You’ve never met me. You had no idea who I was.” She heard the smile in his voice. “But I can’t wait to meet you.”

She swallowed back the dryness in her throat. This was her father. “I’ve been looking forward to that, too.”

CHAPTER FIVE

AN HOUR later, Sloan sat atop his gelding, Amigo, watching closely to see how Jade handled her horse, Cally. The small mare was the gentlest mount on the ranch.

Once outside the corral, they headed through the grove of trees and rode along the dry creek bed. Thanks to the recent autumn rains the plains were a rich green, but the trees on the hillside were changing color into bright, golden hues of red and orange. This was his favorite time of year, when all his hard work paid off.

Suddenly his mother’s words came to mind. You lead a boring life, son. He’d always worked hard, especially the last eleven months. He’d never been one to order ranch hands to do anything that he wouldn’t do. Damn, he was turning into a control freak. Maybe he could use some time off.

He stole a glance at Jade. It had been a long time since a woman had distracted him. Not because he didn’t want someone special in his life, but Clay’s public life had made it difficult to have much privacy. He was also suspicious of who his true friends … and lovers … were. As the son of a U.S. senator, people had expectations of him.

He expected to feel a pang of sadness over Crystal. Although she was from San Antonio, he’d thought he knew his former girlfriend better. After being together six months he’d soon discovered that she wanted the Merrick name and money. When they’d broken up she sold her story to the tabloids. He’d learned his lesson the hard way. It just seemed safer to concentrate on his work. The River’s End Ranch.

He heard his name called and looked toward Jade again.

“How am I doing?” she asked.

She sat relaxed in the saddle as she moved easily with the horse. He smiled. “Just fine. In fact you look pretty good, which is better for the horse. Believe me, they can sense an inexperienced rider.”

“So I’m not too bad for a city gal,” she said in an exaggerated twang.

She was a lot better than not bad. “A natural. I think you’ve ridden more than you said.”

“Actually, not so much,” she began. “Once my mother saw the size of the horse I’d been riding, she refused to let me continue the classes.” Jade glanced at him as their horses walked side by side along the trail. “My parents were older when they got me.”

He smiled. “So you were a surprise?”

“Yes and no.”

Jade enjoyed watching Sloan. If anyone was born to ranch life, it was this man. He was impressive astride his roan gelding, and handled the large animal with ease and grace. She quickly shook away any wandering thoughts. Gawking at good-looking cowboys wasn’t why she came here.

“I was always planned, but I didn’t arrive until they were in their late forties.” She wasn’t willing to tell him everything.

“No wonder they were a little overprotective of you.”

“I know. My mother wanted a baby for a long time.” She gave him a bright smile. “So giving up riding wasn’t so bad, not when my mother bribed me with ballet classes.”

“How did you like that?”

She smiled trying to hide her nervousness. “I loved the little outfits better than the dancing. Besides, I soon discovered I had no talent whatsoever, but my friends were in the class so I stuck it out for a few years.”

“From where I sit, you look pretty graceful to me.”

She was taken aback by his compliment. “You didn’t see me at nine when I was all arms and legs. The braces came later.”

She caught him studying her and it did funny things to her insides. She took a slow breath, trying to steady her sudden rapid heart rate.

“Well, everything seemed to turn out good,” he said. “You’re a beautiful woman, Jade Hamilton.”

“Thank you.” She looked toward the trail. No matter how attracted she was to this man, she couldn’t let this go any further.

“So, how far is this herd?”

“I have a turkey and a ham sandwich,” Sloan said as he looked into the lunch bag.

“Whatever. I don’t care which.” Jade sat down on the blanket spread under a big tree beside the creek. Water trickled over the rocky bottom, making a soothing sound. Across on the other side was the free-range herd. Sloan had told her the fence was to keep them in the large pasture where the soil was free of any pesticides or fertilizers.

The wind caught her hair but she barely noticed as she watched the black Angus steers feeding on the tall grass. A calm feeling came over her.

“It’s so peaceful here.” Although a Texan, she hadn’t experienced much of country life.

He sat down beside her and handed her the plastic wrapped sandwich. “Some people would think it’s boring.” He tipped his hat back and looked out at his herd, with a leisurely gaze. A breeze rustled through the trees. “I call it heaven. That’s why I picked this part of the ranch to build a house.” He nodded behind him. “It’s over there.”

“Your house?”

“Don’t look so surprised. I haven’t lived with my parents since college. I stayed with Mom after her stroke and still do when Alisa and Dad are away. It’s only temporary.”

Jade rose up on her knees and spotted the buildings off in the distance. “It must be nice to have your own place, yet be close to family.”

“It is. The Merricks have been on this land for a long time. They settled in this area around the turn of the last century. Built the first house and barn not far from here.” He pointed past the rise. “Started raising Texas beef. And finding oil on your land doesn’t hurt, either. Good investments over the years helped out.”

Jade was intrigued about the ancestors. Was this her family? “That’s quite something to live in the same place for over a hundred years.”

He nodded. “The Merricks were even close friends of the Kerry family the town was named for.” He gave her an easy grin. “It’s said that Angus Kerry beat Otis Merrick in a poker game and got to name the town. If things had turned out differently, it might have been called Merrickville or Merrick Springs.”

She caught the glint in his eyes, and reached out and slapped him on the arm. “You’re making that up.”

“It could have happened that way.” He took a big bite of his sandwich and chewed a long time before adding, “But you’ll have to ask a true Merrick, Clay or Alisa, about the details.”

Jade frowned, unable to finish her sandwich. Would they claim her? “You’re part of the family, too, in every way that counts.”

He nodded. “And Clay has never made me feel any less, but there are many differences between us. I don’t have the drive for political office like he does. And there’s pretty much been a Merrick in Washington for the last fifty years.”

“I take it you’ve argued about it?”

He shook his head, but she could see something was bothering him. “Clay’s more subtle. But some think because I have the name I should run for office.”

“That’s crazy.”

He looked surprised at her comment. “And I’d make a rotten politician. Alisa would be better at it, but I don’t want her to be pressured, either. If you knew my baby sister you’d know that no one can make her do something she doesn’t want to do.”

“I like her already.” Jade might have a half sister. Would she be gone before she got the chance to meet her? “Does she come to the ranch often?”

Sloan opened the cap on a bottle of iced tea. He handed her one. “She doesn’t work far away, only in Austin.” He took a drink. “She’d like to meet you, too. The woman who helped bring our mother so far along.”

“Louisa would have gotten there. She just has a little stubborn streak.”

He sobered. “We were so worried about her, especially when she was losing her desire even to do therapy. To us, you’re a miracle worker.”

“Just doing my job.” Would they think that if they knew her real reason for coming here? “Besides, your mother’s the one who wanted to improve.”

The wind caught the blanket edge and blew it against her leg. That was when she noticed the building clouds.

Sloan looked up, too. “I don’t like the looks of this. “We better start back and now.”

By the time they’d gathered up their things, and mounted the horses the rain started coming down. Hard.

Sloan knew they couldn’t make it back to the house. “We need to find shelter. So we need to pick up the pace a little.”

“Okay, I’ll do my best,” she called to him as the rain penetrated her lightweight jacket and even her blouse.

“So hold on—tight. We’re making a run for it.” He instructed her to grip the saddle horn, then grabbed Cally’s reins. He kicked Amigo’s sides and took off over the rise.

Jade gasped, but managed to regain her balance as they cantered across the field. She soon found the rhythm and leaned forward on the horse. It wasn’t easy fighting against the wind and rain.

“That’s it,” he called as he turned toward her. “You’re doing great. Just a little farther.” They continued through the pasture until they came to an old house.