I’m Forever Yours
Kathleen Ball
Copyright © 2018 by Kathleen Ball
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No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
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Contents
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Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Epilogue
The End
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Chapter One
The wind kicked up, and dust swirled around Lee Ann Simpson as she stood at the Big M Ranch gates and waved to Walter Hives. He’d been kind enough to give her a ride from the bus stop to the ranch. And now she hesitated outside the gate. She’d left two years ago on such a high note of making it big as a writer for a popular magazine. Now her spirit was crushed, and the thought of returning as a failure overwhelmed her.
But she had nowhere else to go. Her daddy was the foreman on the Marlboro ranch, and all she wanted was a big hug from him. She hadn’t been the best at staying in touch. In fact, the last time she talked to him was over three months ago.
Gathering her courage and taking a deep breath, she opened the gate and entered then closed it behind her. The driveway to the big house was long, lined with plenty of pastures that were dotted with outlying buildings. She passed two barns a house and a few trailers. She’d grown up here, and for the first time in weeks, her tension eased. She felt safe.
The weather was hotter in Fort Worth than San Antonio. Sweat formed on her brow as she carried her suitcase to the foreman’s house. She opened the door and stopped in her tracks, dismayed.
Why was the furniture covered with sheets? Where was her father? A lot of his books and other personal things were still scattered in familiar places about the room, so what had happened?
She had to find out. Grabbing her case, she headed to the big house.
The door swung open before she reached the front porch, and she found herself in a big hug from the housekeeper, Agnes.
“You sure are a sight for sore eyes. I kept praying you’d come home, but your dad said you were busy.”
Lee Ann took a step back with her mouth hanging open. “What do you mean I was too busy? He never called me.”
Agnes raised her right brow. “I was there when Gunther himself called. He left a message that it was important you call back.”
Lee Ann shook her head. “I never got the message. Where’s my dad?”
“He’s here. We decided not to send him to hospice. We have a nurse living here instead.”
The breath whooshed from her lungs as if she’d been gut-punched. “Hospice? I need to see him.”
Agnes nodded. “Of course, honey. Let’s go inside.”
She’d thought she packed light but the suitcase became heavier each time she had to pick it up. Her arm and ribs still bothered her, and she had to fight to keep from dropping her luggage and rubbing the pain away as she followed Agnes into the house.
“Well, look who finally decided to make an appearance,” Gunther Marlboro drawled, leaning back against the kitchen counter as he looked her up and down. He hadn’t changed any. Still too handsome for his own good and just as cocky. He did have a few worry lines on his forehead that hadn’t been there two years ago, but he still wore his dark hair short.
His blue eyes glowered at her, and ice formed in her veins.
“I didn’t know Daddy was sick.” It sounded lame even to Lee Ann. She drew a deep breath. “I’d like to see him if you don’t mind.”
Gunther crossed his massive arms in front of him. “Actually, I do mind. You’ve treated him shabbily since you left.” Their gazes warred silently for a moment, and then he sighed and dropped his arms. “But I know he wants to see you. We converted the living room into his room and I had a new bathroom with a walk in shower put in for him.”
Gunther made no move to escort Lee Ann, so she nodded and strode down the hall to the living room on her own. The sight that greeted her tied her stomach into knots. Surely this frail creature couldn’t be her father. Where was the strong and hearty man she’d known her whole life? His chiseled face was now thin and drawn. Multiple IVs were hooked up, one in his arm, one near his neck. A heart monitor beep-beeped an erratic rhythm. His gray pallor scared her.
Swallowing hard, she took a step toward him then another. He’d always been such a strong robust man, and it hurt her heart to see him like this. His eyes were closed, but the rise and fall of his chest and the beeping heart monitor told her that he was alive. How had this happened? Why hadn’t he called her?
“Daddy? It’s me. It’s Lee Ann.” She took his hand in hers. It was cold as ice.
His eyelashes fluttered a few times before he finally opened his eyes. “Is that you, my baby girl? I’ve been holding on until I could see you again. It’s been so long. I left messages. You need a cell phone.”
She glanced away. She had a cell but used it only for work. “I’m so sorry, Daddy. I didn’t get any messages, but I’m here now.”
“How long can you stay? I bet you need to get back to San Antonio and your job.”
She shook her head. “I’ve come back home, Daddy. The big city no longer appeals to me. I’ll find a job and apartment closer to here.”
“You’ll stay here with me.” His voice was becoming hoarse.
“Daddy, I don’t think Gunther will want me around. But don’t worry about me.”
He squeezed her hand. “I’m going to nap for a bit. Will I see you later?”
She summoned up a smile. “Of course you will. I love you, Daddy.”
“I love you too, baby girl.” He closed his eyes.
Tears threatened as she left the room. She hurried and grabbed her suitcase, hoping to leave before having to face Gunther again. But to her dismay, he stood blocking the door.
“We need to talk, and you don’t look so good. Agnes is making us some lunch. Why don’t we sit out back and eat.”
“I suppose we do need to talk.” She followed him to the back of the house. It always amazed her that he had outside fans in his big gazebo. She’d loved sneaking away there to read when she was a kid.
“The place looks good.”
“Not too much changes around here. Have a seat.” He gestured to the table in the middle of the gazebo. As soon as she sat down, Agnes was there serving them sweet tea.
Sweat instantly beaded on the glass, and Lee Ann touched it with her forefinger. “Thank you, Agnes. You can’t find tea like you make anywhere else.”
“You’re sweet, Lee Ann. I’ll have lunch ready in a bit.”
As soon as Agnes was out of earshot, Gunther turned toward her. “Why didn’t you return any of our calls? We had no way to get in touch with you personally. For the love of Mike, why didn’t you have a phone or at least a cell? Why didn’t you try to call your father? What type of daughter are you?” His voice became louder with each question.
“What happened? How’d he get to be so sick?”
; Gunther sighed. “He had a stroke about a year ago.”
Lee Ann closed her eyes and swallowed hard. “Why didn’t he tell me?”
“He didn’t want you to feel as though you had to come home. I wanted to tell you, but he made me promise. Honestly, I thought you’d at least be home for Christmas. He was recovering from the stroke, able to live alone and was regaining his strength.” He sighed heavily. “But then three weeks ago, he passed out and we called the ambulance. Honey, he has lung cancer and it was caught too late.”
A chill ran up her spine as she cringed. “Oh no. I wish I never left.”
“We, uh…finally tried calling your work number.”
Heat bloomed in her cheeks. “I had some difficulty with a coworker, and I wasn’t getting my messages. I had to quit and I thought to come home, but home isn’t here anymore.” Fatigue and despair settled over her. She’d been fighting for over three months and she was played out.
“So your big city job didn’t pan out? I thought you were going to be famous.” The sarcasm in his voice was too much. She clasped her hands to keep from falling apart.
“Not everything works out the way you imagine. I grew up very sheltered and I thought people to be honest and decent.” A sad laugh slipped out. “They aren’t. I found out the hard way and now I’m back but don’t worry. I won’t be your problem. I saved enough money to pay rent while I look for a job. I want to stay close for my dad.” Looking down at her hands, she could feel his warm gaze on her, and she barely squeezed out her request. “Will you let me use your computer to see if there are any apartments to rent?”
“Why don’t you stay here for a while? I think it would ease your father’s mind.”
She shook her head. “Thank you, but I can’t. You, yourself, said I was never destined to live in such a fine house. I can just go to town if you don’t want me to use your computer.”
The silence stretched until she glanced up at him. She didn’t like the way he was studying her as though he was trying to figure out what was wrong.
“Stay in the foreman’s house,” he finally suggested. “You can work on the ranch. Woody is in charge for now. I would like it if you had dinner with us each night. Now’s the time to spend your days with your father. He’s alert a good part of the time, and I’m sure he’d love your company.” He paused, one eyebrow quirked upward. “Deal?”
She released a sigh and got to her feet. “Deal. I’m really not very hungry. If you don’t mind, I’d like to go to Dad’s place and take a shower then come back and spend time with him.”
He nodded. “Go, your dad will enjoy spending time with you.” He followed her to the front door.
She reached down to grab her bag again and winced in pain.
“What happened? You move like you’ve been kicked by a horse.”
“I slipped in the shower,” she mumbled, lifting the bag. “You must remember me being clumsy. I’ll be back in a bit.”
Gunther watched her walk across the yard. He should have carried her bag for her, but he was stunned by her slipping in the shower excuse. Lee Ann was as agile and graceful as they came. She’d never been the clumsy type. She had shadows hidden in her big blue eyes. He’d caught a flash of them here and there. Something wasn’t right.
Shaking his head, he pinched the bridge of his nose and put a halt to his pondering. He had a full plate, and he couldn’t add her problems to it.
James was dying and that was slowly ripping his heart out. He’d been able to counter his grief with his anger against Lee Ann for not caring. But apparently, that hadn’t been the case, and now he felt off kilter, with no place he could direct his anger of the situation.
He was also trying to buy a tract of land from Felicia, the niece of the property’s previous owner. For some reason, she thought it was worth much more than it actually was. Her head was full of big ranches and big money. Maybe she watched too much television or something. He’d have to wait her out, but it was as frustrating as all get out.
“She left?” Agnes asked with a salad plate in each hand.
“She wasn’t hungry, and she wanted to get cleaned up.”
“It’s nice to have her back, don’t you think?” Agnes smiled.
He shook his head. “Agnes, don’t get your head full of matchmaking ideas. She can’t stand me anyway.”
“We’ll see.” She handed him his plate. “Your burger will be ready in a few minutes. Don’t forget Felicia is coming to dinner tonight. Did you want me to serve anything special?”
He frowned. “That’s tonight? No, in fact stew with cornbread would be best. Don’t use any of the good china or anything. You don’t have plates with chips in them do you?”
Agnes laughed. “No, but I do have some fancy paper plates and plastic utensils. That little gal will be disappointed. She thinks you’re rich and can provide her a life of leisure.”
“I’m going to dispel her of that notion.”
Agnes walked to the back door and held it open. “Go eat your salad. I’ll bring your burger out. It sure is nice to have Lee Ann back. I’ve missed her.”
Gunther sat and ate but, eating outside had lost its appeal when Lee Ann left. At least she’d be there for dinner tonight. Maybe she could listen to Felicia chatter on and on. Whatever had happened to making land deals with a handshake or even going through a lawyer? He’d never had to practically date a woman to make a deal. Then again, she was from up north and didn’t know Texas at all.
He brought his empty plates in and set them on the kitchen counter. He settled his Stetson on his head and walked toward the door. Time to put in some ranch work. In the hall, he passed Lee Ann heading back in to see her father. They smiled at each other.
The sweet, clean smell of her had him thinking about her hours later while he drove cattle from one pasture to another. He didn’t like perfume much, but he liked the way Lee Ann smelled.
A steer bumped him. Dang, she had him distracted already. No, he had to remember she hated the ranch and she thought herself too good to live on it. He’d never been so disappointed in his life as when she’d told him her plans to move to San Antonio. She’d had stars in her eyes, and they hadn’t been for him.
He spurred his quarter horse to go after a stray steer. The stars were all gone. What had happened in San Antonio? Once the steer had been guided back into the group, he relaxed in his saddle and stared at the sea of cattle. She’d crushed him when she left and she didn’t even know.
“Boss, are you coming in?” Woody asked, interrupting Gunther’s musings.
Gunther grinned. “Hot date you need to get to?”
“You know it. Want to come?”
“On your date? Heck no.”
Woody laughed. “I meant to the Full Holster Saloon. You might get lucky.”
“I can do you one better. I have two women coming to dinner tonight.”
“Spill the details. What are you waiting for?”
Gunther chuckled. “The lovely and annoying Felicia will be attending as well as Lee Ann.”
Woody’s smile vanished. “So, she’s back. Did she say why she didn’t bother to come home to see her father?” The anger in his voice surprised Gunther.
“She hasn’t said much. Something happened in San Antonio. She isn’t the same bubbly girl we knew. I’m just glad she’s back for James’ sake. Have a good night.” He watched Woody ride across the ranch. It was time to go home, but he didn’t want to. Being a responsible adult had many drawbacks.
Lee Ann watched as her father’s nurse helped him to eat. Shelly was a nice woman with great nurturing skills. Lee Ann had liked her from the moment they met. She always had a smile on her face, and her father really seemed to enjoy her.
She’d berated herself all through her shower about being a terrible daughter. She should have called but the trouble she’d been having with her boss had overwhelmed her. Still she should have called. She’d had a good cry, though, and now it was time to smile for her dad.
�
�You being here is helping,” Shelly said. “He has his color back in his face. I think I saw a twinkle in his eye.”
“You’re the one who takes excellent care for him. I can’t thank you enough.”
“My pleasure.”
“Dad, I’ll be back in a bit. I’m having dinner with Gunther.”
Her father smiled. “And Felicia.”
“Who’s Felicia?”
“Some barracuda who is trying to get her hooks into Gunther. Have fun!”
Lee Ann chuckled and shook her head. “It sounds like a delightful time.” She stopped in the restroom and checked her face. After dabbing on a bit of lip-gloss, she straightened her shoulders and walked down the hall. It was bad enough to have to spend time with Gunther and his piercing stare, but she wasn’t in the mood for a barracuda.
She walked into the family room and immediately felt outclassed. Felicia was a lovely, petite, brunette with deep brown eyes. She was attractively dressed in a low-cut designer dress. Gunther looked handsome in his jeans and plaid shirt. Her jeans with a hole at the knee and her plain purple t-shirt didn’t quite measure up.
While Lee Ann wore only lip-gloss, Felicia was beautifully made up. There was no denying her sophistication. Lee Ann had met plenty of women like her in San Antonio, and she knew she always paled in comparison.
Putting on her best smile, she greeted Gunther, who immediately stood and introduced her to Felicia.
“We can wait for you to change if you like,” Felicia said. No hello, just a direct hit against Lee Ann.
“I wouldn’t dream of it. We’re family here and this is how we’ve dressed for dinner for as long as I can remember.” She sat on a floral chair across from Felicia.
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