“Two, since I know Mr. Douglas is crooked, I wonder if I should I accept his money?”
“You bet. How many years did John work for his father?”
“Twelve—since he was sixteen. There’s something else, Sean, something I haven’t dared tell anyone.” She met Sean’s gaze. “I think Mr. Douglas had John killed.”
“Whew! That is an eye-opener. What are your reasons?”
“John and his father argued a lot the last year. John told me his father was engaged in unethical dealings and he wanted no part of them. A few days before John died, he told his father we were moving out and he was starting his own business, which would be competing with his father’s.
“Oh, Sean, in all my life I’ve never seen a man as angry as Mr. Douglas. I thought he would have a heart attack right there. He threatened John then.”
“Exactly what did he say?”
“He said, ‘Then you’re no son of mine. You’re as good as dead to me.’ Then he stormed off. Honestly, the look on his face made my knees go weak. Three days later, John was killed walking home from work.”
“Too convenient for a coincidence. Did he act bereaved at his son’s death?”
She fought to recall his exact words. “Sort of. He kept saying, ‘My only son, gone’ and things like that.”
“Doesn’t mean anything, does it? “
“Not to me.” Amelia leaned forward. “Sean, I can’t prove any of this, so I don’t want anyone else to know. I needed to talk to someone, though.”
He took her hand in his stronger one. “Thanks for choosing me to take into your confidence. Since you asked, here’s what I think you should do. Keep the entire amount. That would get you through the rest of your life if you wished. If not, you can use it here and there to buy extras as you want them and leave the cash in the bank as your security. Or, you could invest some and save some.”
“All right. If Sweetwater Springs had a bank, I’d move the money here. Since there isn’t one, I’ll leave the money where it is for a while.”
“Reckon you should move part of it. Then, in case of a robbery or the bank failing, you won’t lose everything. The closest bank is Crenshaw then there’s a bigger one in Boise.”
She breathed a sigh. “Thank you, Sean. I feel much better. What to do about that money has been weighing on my mind.”
“Glad to be of help.”
Chapter Seven
Amelia was grateful to discuss the money with someone she trusted. Surprised, she stared at Sean, realizing she did trust him more than anyone she knew except maybe Charlie.
Sean grinned at her. “I may raise your rent now that I know you’re an heiress.”
She poked his arm. “Hey, I have a lease agreement, remember?”
He smacked his head with his palm. “Now I do. You haven’t lost your copy, have you?”
She laughed at his antics. “No, and I won’t. I’m not as dumb as I look.”
“I never thought you were dumb. In fact, I think you try to hide how smart you are and I’ve wondered why.”
“My mother always told me men don’t like smart woman and that they only
want a companion who will listen, cook, have children, and be able to entertain their friends.”
“Sad she thought that. Do you think your father agreed?”
“I’m not sure, but I believe so. He seemed happy enough. I don’t ever recall him asking my mother for her opinion on anything but whether a particular date would work for a party.”
“Just for your information, if I ever fall prey to the parson’s noose, I want a woman who will be my partner and who is intelligent enough to discuss things with me.”
“Interesting, Mr. Murdoch. I’ll file that away in case I meet a young woman who’s interested in sliding the parson’s noose around your neck.” She made a motion like drawing a rope taut.
He clutched at his throat. “Ow, sounds painful when you put it like that.”
“I suspect marriage is painful for some men and some women. For instance, some men beat their wives. John’s mother loathed her husband but she usually hid that fact—especially from Mr. Douglas.”
“And my own mother didn’t like ranch life or children. Dad was good to her, or so I hear. I barely remember her.”
Amelia took Sean’s hand. “I hate that you grew up without a mother’s love. Even though my mother was often shallow, she loved Charlie and me and made certain we knew she did.”
“For years, I thought I was to blame for my mother leaving. Now I know the blame was with her. Jenny filled in the gap pretty well. She’s rough as a cob, but she knew how to make a boy feel appreciated.”
“I know she loves you and Logan. When Edwina and Kevin got together, Jenny was so afraid she’d be replaced. I’m glad your father made clear that she’s a part of your family.”
“She smiles a lot more now. She seems to enjoy having Charity and Edwina around.”
“Goodness, look at the sun. We’ve nattered the afternoon gone.” Amelia rewrapped the remaining chicken and set it inside the basket. When she reached for the salad, Sean took her hand.
“Can’t leave until I’ve done this.” He leaned toward her and pressed his lips against hers, softly and gentle as a butterfly kiss.
He raised his head, his blue eyes gone to navy. “I think we can do better than that.” Tugging her closer, he guided her until they were lying side by side on the blanket. He hovered over her briefly before he kissed her.
Dear heaven, but she hadn’t been kissed like that in so long. True she’d been married three years, but the last year John had been so busy and frustrated that he hadn’t been as affectionate as previously. She shouldn’t be thinking of John when she was kissing Sean. Sending an apology to John, wherever he was, she put him from her mind.
Sinking into the kiss, she clung to Sean as if she was drowning and he was her lifesaver. Her heartbeat accelerated and heat shot through her. Her arms clung around his neck and her fingers threaded into his thick hair.
His kiss intensified and he slid his tongue into her mouth. She answered his probing with her own. When his hand slid to her breast, she wanted to give herself to him, but she pushed him gently away.
His breath was as ragged as hers. “Too soon, huh?”
“We appear to have been moving rapidly. Pleasant as that was, could we take things a little slower?”
“Pleasant?” He flopped onto his back. “That was mind altering. I may expire right here.”
Giggling, she sat up. “I hope not. All sorts of complications would arise. That would complicate my lease until probate was settled. I’d have to drive the rig to town on my own. How could I explain to your father and brother?”
“Nice to know I can count on your compassion.” He sat up and joined her in refilling the picnic basket.
While he carried the remains of their lunch to the buggy, she folded the blanket and carried it to him. He helped her into the rig and then hurried around to climb inside.
He grinned at her. “Just one more?” Leaning toward her, he captured her lips again.
Her heart kicked into a gallop. Goodness, this man knew how to kiss.
***
Sean rode deep in thought all the way to the ranch. Amelia’s brother was knee deep in trouble, that much was clear. What could he do to help? Should he talk to the sheriff? Naw, not yet.
When he returned home, he asked Pa and Logan to come to the office with him. This room had been privy to a generation’s secrets.
“What’s going on, Son?” Pa sat behind the desk.
Sean took one of the chairs facing his father. “Trouble’s brewing with Amelia’s brother. I don’t quite know what to do.”
Logan sat in the other chair. “What kind of trouble?”
Sean hesitated. “She told me this in confidence, but I need to get your take on the situation.” He related the information about the man living with Charlie and how he’d been responsible for the money Amelia received.
Pa blew out a low whistle. “Whew, that’s a lot of money. I’d say there’s a lot of guilt behind a sum that large.”
“She thinks her husband was killed by his father.” He explained about the plan to leave the business and set up in competition. “Apparently, the elder Douglas was not one to cross. The husband’s death was never solved.”
Logan pivoted in his chair. “You think Amelia’s in danger?”
“I do. Right now no one knows where she’s gone, but the men Charlie is in with know how to find people if they choose. She swears her brother is honest as all get out, but I don’t know what to think. We know the father-in-law is a vengeful crook.”
Pa leaned forward. “This sounds serious. What do you plan to do?
“If you’ll let me slack off for a while, I intend to check on her pretty often. I’ll try to get her to confide in the sheriff so he can keep look out too.”
A furrow creased Pa’s brow. “Son, we have the calves to brand and castrate.” Pa slapped the desk. “Aw, hell, don’t see what choice we have. We can’t let anything happen to Amelia.”
“Thanks, Pa. Somehow I’ll make it up to everyone.”
“We’re a family and we support one another. Reckon I can see where this is going.” Pa sent him a piercing look. “Amelia will make a nice addition to the family.”
Sean sensed himself coloring. “Little early for speculating like that, Pa.”
His father leaned back and laughed. “We’ll see.”
***
Amelia settled onto the train seat beside Sean. “Nice of you to come with me to Crenshaw. I appreciate your help.”
“I hate to admit men’s nature, but the banker is likely to show more respect when a man accompanies you. I won’t talk unless you ask me too.”
“Thank you. If nothing else, having you along definitely helps my courage. Not that I’m incapable of conducting my own business, Sean, but I find myself needing reassurance. My life’s undergone so many changes so rapidly until I’m not sure of my footing.”
“I don’t wonder. Our family’s had a lot of changes but nothing compared to yours.”
“I don’t know. A new sister-in-law and a new stepmother and building on to your house are a lot. Add becoming a landlord and lost soul caretaker and you have a lot going on.”
He took her hand and leaned near. “Are you referring to yourself as a ‘lost soul’? That’s not at all how I’d describe you.”
She peered up at him, marveling that this handsome man had consented to help her. “I’m glad, but what would your description be?”
“Reckon I’d say a beautiful woman with the grit to follow her dreams.”
“That’s a kind description. Thank you. I am determined to achieve what I’ve set out to accomplish, but doing so is much easier with the support of you and your family.”
“You’ll continue to have that.” He leaned forward to peer out the window. “Looks like we’re coming into Crenshaw now. The bank is only a short distance from the depot.”
Today, Amelia had dressed for business in a dark blue traveling suit with matching hat. The shirt she wore under the jacket was pale blue. One again, she wore her mother’s cameo, which she thought of as her good luck charm.
Inside the bank, Sean asked to speak to Mr. Herbert, the President and owner. The teller appeared to recognize Sean and quickly showed them to Mr. Herbert’s office.
The man stood as they entered. “Murdoch, always a pleasure to have you here. Who’s this with you?”
Sean made the introduction then nodded for her to continue.
She pulled herself up as straight as possible. “I’ve come into an inheritance that’s deposited in the Salem City Bank in Oregon. I’d like to transfer some of the funds here.”
Jovial Mr. Herbert reached for pen and paper. “How much would that be?”
“Ten thousand dollars.” She handed him the deposit information she’d written in detail on a sheet of paper.
The banker glanced up, obviously taken aback by the amount from someone of her age and appearance. “Certainly. We’ll wire the Salem bank right away. You won’t be able to draw on the funds until we have confirmation from the bank there, but that shouldn’t take long. A few days should be enough to get everything set up for you.”
They chatted about the Murdoch and Herbert families for a few minutes then took their leave.
Amelia took Sean’s arm. “A huge weight has been lifted from my shoulders, thanks to you. I guess that’s still too much to have in one bank, isn’t it?”
“Probably, but you’re making progress.”
She spotted a restaurant ahead. “I’d like to buy your dinner to show my appreciation.”
Sean shook his head. “That would seriously wound my male pride. However, I’ll be happy to accept an invitation to dinner in your rooms sometime.”
“I’d love to cook for you. I’ll even make a pie—but it won’t be as good as Edwina’s.”
He patted her hand where it lay on his arm. “Hmm, let me be the judge of pie quality.” He appeared to have an idea. “That’s what I’ll be from now on—the pie quality inspector. I could even branch out to cakes and cookies.”
“Okay, Mr. Inspector. Why don’t you come for dinner on Monday evening?”
“Maybe I should skip the midday meal to save room.”
“From what I’ve observed, you’re always hungry. I don’t think you could survive skipping a meal.”
He was full of malarkey, but talking to Sean always lightened Amelia’s mood.
Chapter Eight
Sean joined two logs while Logan balanced the top one. “If this weather holds, you could be in your own wing of the house in another week.”
“Man, I can’t wait. Charity feels the same. Family is nice, but for newlyweds privacy can’t be beaten.”
“I agree. Listening to your bed banging against the wall is driving me crazy. Can’t say I’ll be sorry to see you two move further away from my bedroom.”
Logan laughed. “Guess I’ll move the bed to an outside wall before tonight. Soon as this wing is finished, we’d better start on one for you on the other side of the house.”
Sean didn’t meet his brother’s eyes. “No hurry. Amelia’s happy where she is for now. I don’t even know if she’ll consider marrying me when I finally ask her.”
Logan gave what sounded like a snort. “I’ve seen the way she looks at you and I can guarantee she will.”
Hope sprang into his heart as Sean turned toward Logan. “You think so? How does she look at me?”
“Like you’re St. George riding in to save her from the dragon.”
“Naw, I don’t want her to think I’m more than I am, which is a simple rancher. I don’t ride a white horse or carry a lance and shield.”
“You forgot landlord. By the way, heard the Turbevilles are moving back to New Orleans and are looking to sell their house.”
“That’s a nice place. One of the few in town with big trees. Wonder how old the house is?”
“Pa said it was one of the first in Sweetwater Springs. It sits over an underground spring that feed the trees and gives sweet well water. I’ve been wondering if you’d like to go partners on it.”
Sean hid his surprise. “Sounds good. Let’s at least check out what they’re asking and if they’re leaving the furnishings.”
“They’re leaving everything except a couple of family quilts.” He named a price that was on the lower end of reasonable.
“They must be in a hurry to leave if they’ll sell for that. Reckon we should form Murdoch Properties?”
“Why not? Next time you go to Crenshaw, you can take care of setting us up. Meanwhile, I’ll tell them we want the house.”
***
As Amelia turned the store’s sign over to Closed, Sean appeared at her door. Goodness, the poor man must be worn out from going back and forth every day.
She opened the door. “Come in. I’ve been simmering beef stew for our dinner. If you don’t mind
waiting a few minutes, I’ll make cornbread or biscuits, whichever you prefer.”
“Cornbread’s faster and I’m starving. Sure smells good.”
She gestured for him to follow her. “Just let me don an apron. I haven’t unpacked all of my clothes yet and I don’t want to get batter on this dress.”
Inside her living room, he stared at the row of trunks against one wall. “Do you expect to get the contents of all those trunks unpacked in these rooms?”
“Probably not. I hope someday to have a house. This is wonderfully convenient right now.” She gave a dismissive wave. “Oh, I have grand ideas that sometimes are totally unrealistic. This place is so perfect for me that I’m silly to want more.”
Sean looked around the kitchen. The cupboards appeared full but neat. She’d chosen butter yellow for this room and white for the wood. “The appearance is a hundred percent better than when I purchased the place.”
She sent him a smile. “It feels homey, doesn’t it? I’m happy with the results of our painting. Mostly your and Logan’s painting.”
He glanced from mismatched chair to chair. “You made the most of the furniture. Guess it’ll do for a while.”
“There’s nothing wrong with having a variety of chairs. They’re all comfortable—even if you have to be careful not to wobble on that one next to you.”
He reached over and tested it and found it lopsided. “The legs are uneven. I could even them up for you if I had a saw still here.”
She slid cornbread into the oven. “Oh, no, I know how that goes. Before long, the chair’s a stool a foot from the floor from trying to get all the legs even. Better leave it as it is. It’s not severe enough to cause a fall.”
“I could shave a little off one table leg and off a leg of the other chairs so they match.”
She placed napkins and cutlery at his place and hers. “You’re ever so thoughtful, but I think I prefer them left alone, thank you.”
“That’s the best smelling stew. How long until the cornbread is done? Can we start on the stew?”
“You must really be hungry.” Amelia ladled thick stew into a bowl and set it in front of him then did the same for herself. “By the time this is cool enough to eat, the bread should be ready.”
Montana Sky: Bride's Adventure (Kindle Worlds Novella) (Loving A Rancher Book 4) Page 6