The Rancher

by Julia Justiss

  Natalie brought over the coffee and an enormous cinnamon roll. “Just as good as chocolate for elevating the mood,” she said, setting the plate down in front of Harrison. “I’m sorry you got mixed up with such a grade A asshole. You know, it’s a good thing your Daddy didn’t have time to do anything about it. He would probably have wanted to hightail it up to Dallas and shoot the bastard. And though any jury with a majority of female members would acquit him in a minute, it would have been inconvenient to go through a trial.”

  “He was the best—his usual supportive self,” Harrison said. “But I’m glad he wasn’t here long enough to be embarrassed by it.” She sighed. “It was bad enough, me knowing everyone was talking about me last night. As they will be for a few more days, probably.”

  Natalie chuckled. “People will surely talk, but most of it won’t be about what happened in Dallas. Much as Julie Ann Keller tries to strut her stuff for Duncan every time she comes back to town, it was you he left with last night.”

  Startled, Harrison looked up at Natalie. “People were talking about that?”

  “You betcha. That really ramped up the speculation! Duncan is a sweetheart, and pretty much everyone in town thinks highly of him. There are a number of us who still hold it against Julie Ann that she strung him along all those years and then broke his heart. That boy has worked his behind off from the time he was in junior high, first trying to help his stepmom make a go of the ranch after his daddy died, then to increase its profitability once he got back from college. The only time he ever took a break was to court Julie Ann. Then, after she broke up with him, he didn’t do anything but work for almost a year. He’s dated a few local girls since, but only casually and almost never the same one twice.”

  “Sounds like he needed time to heal.”

  Natalie nodded her agreement. “If Julie Ann couldn’t appreciate a man like Duncan, then she doesn’t deserve him. We all still hope he’ll find someone who does.”

  Before Harrison could protest, Natalie held up a hand. “Not trying to suggest you’re making a play for him! After your recent experience, I would guess you’re not much interested in hooking up with any man right now.”

  Would she be interested in hooking up with Duncan . . . sometime? Startled by the question that flashed through her mind, Harrison said firmly—as much to herself as to Natalie—“You’re right, I’m not. Duncan is a nice guy, and he’s been very helpful with the ranch with Daddy gone and Juan laid up, but that’s all.”

  Natalie patted her hand. “You get your life back together and your ranch on an even keel. There’ll be time enough for romance later.”

  Harrison smiled. “A top-notch barista and a wise woman. Excellent combination.”

  Natalie laughed. “Hard-earned wisdom! Come in anytime. I’m always ready to chat.” With that, the woman gave her a nod and walked back to the counter where a newly arrived customer awaited her.

  Harrison took her time sipping the rich coffee and savoring the cinnamon roll, which was a perfect blend of light, cinnamon-infused pastry and sweet icing. It truly was enormous, she thought, probably supplying her full quota of calories for the entire day. Might be a yogurt-for-dinner evening.

  One more stop before she headed back to the ranch, she thought as she returned the cup and plate to the counter and waved goodbye to Natalie, who was brewing coffee for another customer. Another of her favorite authors had a new book out. She’d run by the bookstore and see if they had a copy.

  The small storefront had an attractive display of books in the window, everything from an assortment of children’s books, volumes on local lore and cookbooks, and a corner with a grouping of hardcovers with a “local author” sign.

  As Harrison walked in, the woman behind the counter looked up. “Hello,” she said with a smile. “Just browsing, or can I help you find something?”

  “Both. I read a lot of historical fiction, both mysteries and romances. I understand Charles Todd has a new Inspector Rutledge mystery out. Do you happen to have a copy?”

  “Yes, I do,” she said, hopping off the stool and heading toward a bookshelf. “Mysteries are popular with the adults here, though it’s the kids reading the young adult series that help carry the store. Interestingly, much as they live on their cell phones and tablets, most of them like to read hardcovers. Ah, here it is.” She plucked the paperback off the shelf. “Can I find anything else for you? I’m Melanie Gardiner, by the way. I own the shop and would be happy to order in anything you’re looking for that I don’t have in stock.”

  “Nothing else at the moment, but I will browse a bit.” Pausing for a moment to gather her resolve, Harrison added, “Thanks for your help. And I’m Harrison Scott.”

  While she held her breath, the owner’s eyes widened. “Harrison—oh, my. I’m so sorry for your loss! Your father was one of my best patrons. Loved biographies and non-fiction.”

  “Yes, Daddy was quite a reader. I’m not sure I’ll be able to keep up with his purchasing pace, but I’ll give it a try.”

  Melanie’s smile broadened. “I would appreciate it.” Then her smile faded, and she frowned. “You’re an . . . accountant, aren’t you?”

  Harrison felt her stomach muscles clench. “Were you at Buddy’s last night too?”

  “Buddy’s? No, why do you ask?”

  Blowing out a breath, Harrison said, “It doesn’t matter. Yes, I’m an accountant. Did you have a question?”

  “It’s almost time to file taxes. I usually figure mine out with QuickTax, but apparently there were a lot of changes to the tax laws this year. I’ve read through the explanations, but I’m still confused about whether I can take the same deductions I took for the business last year. And I sure don’t want to get into trouble with the IRS! I probably can’t afford you, but how much would you charge to take a look at my return?”

  “Well, technically, I’m a rancher now, not a professional. I’d be happy to look it over—no charge.”

  “I couldn’t have you do that!” Melanie protested. “Your expertise is valuable.”

  “Then how about you give me a credit toward the purchase of more books?”

  “I can do that! Are you sure it won’t be an imposition? Ranching is a long-hours business. I don’t want to rob you of your limited leisure time.”

  “I’m a math nerd. For me, looking at numbers is leisure,” Harrison said. “Why don’t you give me the papers now, if you have them available? I’ll take a look and bring them back in a day or so.”

  “The next time you come into town would be fine, or let me know and I’ll drive out and pick them up at your ranch. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate this! It will just take me a minute to round them up.”

  “No problem. Glad to help out.”

  And she was, Harrison realized. As resistant as she still was to the idea of returning to work in an accounting firm, the prospect of looking through a small business’s records truly did excite her.

  Most such businesses were shoestring operations. Although Parker had sought out the large accounts that made them the most income, Harrison had always preferred working on their smaller accounts. It gave her a special satisfaction to find the owners, who usually worked long hours trying to make their businesses profitable, as many tax breaks as she could.

  She was smiling at the prospect when Melanie returned from the room in the back with several thick manila folders. “I have last year’s filing plus all the documents for this year. Again, I can’t thank you enough!”

  “I’ll enjoy doing it. And I’ll enjoy even more the books I’ll get to read for doing it.”

  “That’s a deal!” Melanie said, then waved Harrison away as she took out her wallet. “You can put that on your account.”

  “Okay. Do you have a business card with your phone number? I’ll text you after I look everything over.”

  “Right here. Thanks again, and enjoy your novel!”

  “I will.” Putting the new novel on top of the folders, Harrison gave Me
lanie a nod and walked out, feeling brighter than she had in weeks.

  She’d thought to come in today to face down the gossips. And she had. But she hadn’t expected to stumble over an opportunity to work with numbers again. After several painful and tragic weeks, to get back such an essential piece of who she was and support a local business in the bargain.

  But recalling Natalie’s take on the gossip about her had her frowning again by the time she reached the truck and keyed it open.

  According to Natalie, there was more murmuring, not about the fiasco with Parker, but about Duncan McAllister bringing her to Buddy’s and escorting her home. Should she bring up the possibility with him? Or keep quiet and wait for any rumors to die out on their own?

  Knowing now about the speculation they’d created, she certainly wouldn’t be going back to Buddy’s—or anywhere else—with Duncan.

  Putting the truck in gear, she backed out, drove out of the square and turned onto the road that lead back to the ranch. After quickly considering and discarding several potential ways she might try to bring up such an awkward topic, Harrison gave up. Better just to not say anything.

  She’d concentrate on what she’d told Natalie was her current focus: keeping the ranch running, appreciating Duncan’s help, and nothing more.

  *

  Meanwhile, after his brother Brice turned up unexpectedly, Duncan was taking an unusual break from his chores to have lunch with him back at the McAllister ranch house.

  “Can you talk about the Ranger business that brings you into town?” Duncan asked as the two men walked into the kitchen.

  “Can’t your baby brother pay you a visit without having business in the area?” Brice asked, tossing his Ranger hat onto the hook by the door.

  “He could, but he usually doesn’t,” Duncan said. “Although he does tend to time his visits for when he knows Isabella has made chili.”

  “I might have been hoping there’d be some in the house,” Brice admitted. “Can get decent Mexican food lots of places, but nobody makes chili like Isabella.”

  “You’re in luck. She just made a new batch yesterday.”

  “Ah, heaven. Good thing I brought an appetite.”

  “When do you not? Can you have a beer with it, or are you technically on duty?”

  “I can have one. Get one for you too?”

  “Thanks,” Duncan said as he took a large pan of chili out of the fridge and put it into a microwavable dish. A few minutes later, he and his brother were sitting at the table, adding cheese and crumbled chips to the top of the savory dish.

  “How go things with the ranch?” Brice asked.

  “Calving’s going well. Most of the mamas delivered with no trouble, and the calf birth weights have been good. If they all nurse well and continue to grow, I think we’ll bring a good herd to market this fall.”

  “Make a little profit, even?”

  “Hope so.”

  “To add to the land-buying fund?” Brice asked. “I heard you’ve been romancing Harrison Scott’s daughter.”

  Choking on a mouthful of chili, Duncan swallowed hard, then pinned a glare on his brother. “Where did you hear that?”

  “Oh, around,” Brice said vaguely. “You . . . wouldn’t be thinking about marrying the girl to get the land back, would you?”

  “Marrying her?” Duncan cried. “Do you think I’m an idiot?”

  “Sometimes. Cheaper than trying to buy it back. And you did threaten to do just that after a certain bitch-who-will-remain-nameless broke up with you.”

  “The hell I—” Sputtering to silence, Duncan shook his head. “Okay, so maybe I did say that, but I wasn’t serious. Give me credit for a little integrity.”

  “Didn’t really think you’d do it. But you are helping her out on her ranch, I hear.”

  “Yes, I’m helping her. Juan Cortez is down in his back, and as you know, it’s tough to find people these days who are willing to do the hard work of a ranch. Plus, anyone who can work and knows enough to safely tag newborns is already working.”

  “Okay,” Brice said, apparently satisfied. “You always were a kindhearted guy. Except maybe to your brothers.”

  “Up yours,” Duncan said without heat.

  “So, do you like her?”

  “Like her—you mean Harrison?”

  “Spending a lot of time with her. Even taking her dancing at Buddy’s.”

  “You really do have a good spy network,” Duncan muttered.

  “What would you expect? I’m a Ranger.”

  Duncan blew out a breath. “Yes, I like her. She’s had a tough time, with her ex-boyfriend running off with an intern and torpedoing her business, then losing her father. And having the responsibility for running the ranch dumped on her shoulders with Juan unable to work. For all that, she’s never complained. She’s smart and learns fast and seems determined to master all the chores a woman can physically handle. She seems to have a . . . feel for the land. An appreciation for it I always thought Julie Ann had, until it turned out she didn’t.”

  “Holy shit,” Brice said slowly.

  “Now what did I say?” Duncan asked in exasperation.

  “It’s not just what you said, bro, it was what you didn’t say—or do. Ever since The Bitch, you’ve been a love ’em and leave ’em kind of guy. Anytime I harassed you about dating someone, you just flipped me off. You’ve never, ever given me more than a one-word comment about any of those women. You’re not getting serious about this girl, are you?”

  Was he falling for Harrison? The idea startled him . . . but it didn’t scare him. Which was more than a little troubling.

  Pushing away that thought, he said, “I like her, okay? For now, until Juan recovers or she finds someone else, I’m helping her. No need to go further than that. Her bastard of an ex hurt her pretty badly. Even if—let me emphasize if—I decided I was interested in something more serious, I can bet you she isn’t. Not now.”

  “Fair enough,” Brice said, nodding. “Can you handle the extra work? I know Ralph has been working more hours on the Triple A, but he’s not as spry as he used to be.”

  “I’m managing. I don’t deny it would be easier if I could convince Grant to come back home and help me work the ranch. I almost managed to persuade him last Christmas, but I wasn’t handling as many cows then, before I started assisting with the Scott’s ranch, and Grant gets a lot of satisfaction from helping other vets find jobs and get re-established in the community. He knows how hard that is.”

  Brice nodded. “We all worried about him for a long time. I’m glad he’s finally found his peace and is comfortable in his own skin again. But can I give you a little advice about the Scott girl?”

  “Sure, little brother, since you know so much about women. I seem to remember a certain blonde model—”

  “Eff you too,” Brice interrupted. “But you, big brother, have always been super responsible. I still remember you getting up way before dawn to do chores after Daddy died, feeling guilty that you couldn’t do more to help our stepmom run the ranch. You have a soft spot for women who are struggling. Don’t get so entangled with this girl that she comes to count on you to be there for her. That’s not fair or kind to her. Not unless you really are serious.”

  Before Duncan could tell his brother where he could put his advice, Brice continued, “Enough of this romance stuff. What do you hear about the Astro’s pitching staff at spring training?”

  Relieved to change the subject, Duncan was happy to argue with his brother over whether the Astros would keep their star relievers and speculate on whom the GM might hire if another team lured one of them away.

  A short time later, they finished the chili, the beer, and Brice got ready to head out.

  “When will I see you again?” Duncan asked as he walked his brother out to where they’d parked their trucks.

  “Maybe next week. Have to check up on you more often. Now that you’ve turned into the Romeo of the Range,” Brice said, and laughed as he ducked th
e punch Duncan threw at him. “Take care, big bro.”

  “You too. Don’t let the bad guys get you.”

  “Don’t let the good woman get you,” Brice flung at him as he closed the truck door and started the engine.

  After flipping him the bird, Duncan climbed into his truck and headed for the west pasture.

  Was he falling for Harrison? As he’d told Brice, no need to think about that now. The girl wasn’t ready to be anything but friends. For the time being, he would continue to be the good neighbor. And let what happened, happen.

  Chapter Ten

  A week later, Duncan stowed the tagging gear after their late-afternoon transit through the pastures at the Scott Ranch. “What are your percentages running?” he asked Harrison, who was thumbing through her NCBA Red Book where she recorded the birth mothers, calves, and associated data. “Do you think more than half of the mamas have calved now?”

  “Should be about seventy percent,” she replied, scanning the pages. “Daddy tried to keep the breeding window down to ninety days, so with the first calves coming in late February, that should have the rest of the deliveries finished in another two weeks or so. Is that about where the Triple A is?”

  “Right about. Things will slow down—a little—once all the calves arrive. We’ll have a break to cut some hay before we start the branding and vaccinating.”

  “Work never ends, right?”

  “Not on a ranch. Walk you in for some wine?” he suggested as they left the barn and headed toward the house.

  After their frank talk following the night at Buddy’s, Duncan had been careful to give her time and space—and had his forbearance rewarded by having her invite him in for a glass of wine almost every evening after they finished their chores.

  They’d spend an hour or so going over the progress of their respective herds and discuss what needed to be done the next day. Despite the sensual tension that still crackled between them, the time had turned into a companionable, easy exchange—and one he found himself looking forward to.