Before Amanda reached the front door, a familiar, handsome Native American police officer strode out of the bank. Betty Pringle, handcuffed and cursing, strutted along beside him. “Now, Adam, there’s no need for these handcuffs. I’m perfectly willing to accompany you to the station.”
“Sorry, ma’am. It’s policy.” Deputy Adam Medicine Crow opened the back door of his cruiser.
At that moment, Betty Pringle spotted Amanda walking toward them. “You! This is entirely your fault. If you hadn’t shown your face in this town, everything would have been fine. I would have repaid the loans, and no one would have been the wiser. But no, you had to stick your nose into things that didn’t concern you.”
Amanda stopped in her tracks. “Might I remind you, you’re a thief. But I suppose Catherine could have handled the arrest better, just drove you to the police station.”
“Right. Blame this embarrassing situation on a local girl. It’s just like you’d expect from city folk.” Betty slipped into the backseat. “Outsiders. You can’t trust them, Adam.”
Deputy Medicine Crow settled Betty Pringle into his squad car and closed the door. He turned to Amanda. “I just happened into the bank to make a deposit, Miss Bailey, and Mrs. Branigan and Miss Sanders called me into the manager’s office. They probably didn’t consider the consequences, just acted on the spur of the moment when they noticed me in the bank.”
Amanda turned toward the front door. Susan and Catherine stood on the sidewalk. “Perhaps we shouldn’t have handled things this way in hindsight,” called Susan.
Amanda peered into the cruiser, teetered on her pumps, and then everything went black.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Amanda opened her eyes and blinked in astonishment. She was lying in a hospital bed while Jeremy slept in an upholstered chair nearby. Her blurry vision cleared, but one elbow throbbed with pain. She shifted position on the bed, and Jeremy leapt to his feet.
“What is it? What’s wrong?” He met her eyes.
“You tell me.” Amanda’s voice croaked as she spoke, her mouth so dry she couldn’t spit to save her life. “What happened? Why am I in the hospital?”
“You fainted in the bank’s parking lot, remember? Catherine called an ambulance, concerned you may have hit your head on the cement.” Jeremy settled back in the chair. “How do you feel? Sore anywhere? Headache?”
“My elbow is quite sore but other than that I don’t think so. Could I have some water, please?”
“Sure.” Jeremy passed Amanda a glass of ice water with a straw in it.
Just then Doctor Crosby strode into the room. “Well, our patient is awake. Mr. Branigan, kindly step into the hallway while I examine Amanda.”
Jeremy paused beside Amanda’s bed and smiled. “I’ll be right back. Don’t go anywhere.”
“Cute.” Amanda drank half of the water in the glass and then set it on the bedside table.
Suddenly, a new concern occurred to Amanda, and she sat bolt upright. “Oh my God, Doctor Crosby, is there anything wrong with the baby?” The possibility that she might miscarry would be more than Amanda could handle. But she had to know, one way or the other.
“Lie back down and let me examine you.” The doctor spent several minutes checking Amanda while asking a dozen questions about what she’d eaten and what she’d drunk and what she’d done today. Finally, he flipped her chart closed and declared, “Everything looks good. Your previous tests results came back normal, no sign of the cancer returning. You can go home, Three. I believe you fainted due in part to that unpleasant confrontation with Betty Pringle, but mostly due to not eating as a result of the morning sickness. No harm came to your baby or you, other than that nasty bruise on your elbow.”
“The last thing I remember, Deputy Medicine Crow was hauling Betty out of the bank in handcuffs. I think she yelled at me, but I don’t remember if we exchanged words.” Amanda shook her head, hoping to restart her memory.
“None of that matters. If you remember eventually fine, if not that’s okay, too.” Doctor Crosby patted her arm. “Get some food into you. Even if it’s just some pudding or yogurt, dry toast and tea, or soda biscuits might help if all else fails.”
“I’m starving! I’ll eat something at the hotel.” Amanda smiled and raised her hand. “I promise.”
“Have Jeremy drive you. And if you have any headaches or sudden dizziness, I need to see you immediately.” The doctor headed toward the door.
“Thank you,” called Amanda.
The doctor rested his hand on the doorknob. “Take good care of yourself, Three.”
Amanda smiled, recalling the nickname he’d bestowed upon her after explaining condom failure. “I’m carrying precious cargo, Doctor Crosby. I won’t forget it.”
He opened the door and disappeared.
A few minutes later, Jeremy wandered into her room just as she emerged from the bathroom wearing her street clothes and preparing to leave.
“Doctor Crosby tells me he released you. Are you ready to go home?” Jeremy helped her into her suit jacket.
“Yes. I hate hospitals, reminds me of all the chemo treatments. I’m not staying here a minute longer than necessary.” Amanda found her purse in the bottom drawer of the metal bedside table where the nurses must have stowed it.
“Let’s go.”
They stopped to sign the insurance papers to cover the bill, and then he escorted her out of the hospital.
When Jeremy turned his truck in the opposite direction of the Nugget, Amanda asked, “Where are we going?”
“Home,” stated Jeremy, without further explanation.
“My hotel is back there.” Amanda pointed behind herself.
“Catherine collected your belongings and had them sent to the ranch. She checked you out of the hotel, instructed the manager to apply the charges to the credit card you provided, and cancelled your room.” Jeremy glanced over at his passenger and then returned his attention to the road. “You’re moving to the Lazy B to recuperate.”
“I am not going to the ranch! Drive me to my hotel!” Amanda turned in the passenger seat.
“You aren’t winning this argument, darlin’. Catherine would do unspeakable things to me if I showed up at the ranch without you.” Jeremy reached for Amanda’s hand. “Besides I need you nearby so I can keep an eye on you.”
****
For the next three days, Amanda felt extremely exhausted and as helpless as an invalid. She slept, ate whatever Rosalie placed in front of her, and rested. Susan called to check on her and informed her that she’d stay on and oversee things at the bank until Amanda returned to work. Amanda had never been so grateful for considerate, caring friends since battling the cancer.
The next evening Doctor Crosby showed up at the ranch to check on his patient.
“Bandit Creek doctors make house calls?” asked Amanda, incredulously.
“This doctor does.” He grinned and whispered. “Besides, it’s Arthur’s turn to host poker night. I was in the neighborhood.”
Amanda contemplated this bit of news for a moment, and then decided the two fellows appeared to be around the same age. Knowing Arthur gambled at cards, even for fun, didn’t surprise her. No one ever succeeded at business without taking a few gambles, and she imagined overseeing a huge ranching operation like the Lazy B would be no exception. “Have you known Mr. Branigan, Sr. for long?”
“Since grade school. Grew up together. I lit out for medical school, but Arthur remained in Bandit Creek. His pa mentored him to assume ownership of the Lazy B one day.” Doctor Crosby shook his head. “Arthur Branigan knows ranching inside and out, and he’s trained his boys well, too.”
“So, how am I doing? Can I return to work?” Amanda held up her hands, fingers crossed. The morning sickness tapered off more each day. She’d even taken a long walk around the mansion this afternoon and shared a cup of tea with Rosalie in the kitchen.
“On Monday morning, the Ellis Bank staff will discover Amanda Bailey settled behind he
r desk, but not one minute sooner.”
Amanda hugged the kind doctor before she could stop herself. “Thank you! I’m beginning to go stir crazy sitting around all day.”
“Has Jeremy popped the question yet?” He stuffed his stethoscope into a black doctor’s bag.
“Heavens no!” Amanda took a step back. “Why would you ask such a question?”
“You’re the best thing that ever happened to that young man. He’s been chasing skirts long enough, and it’s time he settled down with a good woman.” Doctor Crosby crossed his fingers. “And I’m hoping that woman is you, Three.”
“A good woman? Are you kidding me? Knocked up by a stranger after a one-night stand?” Amanda blushed after blurting out her confession.
“I’ve made inquiries. Miss Sanders dropped by the clinic with an earache, and she gave me her permission to tell you about it, said you’d be concerned. It was an ear infection which some antibiotics will fix right up. Anyway, we got to talking about you. She reported on your work ethic, goals, and accomplishments. Spoke highly of your volunteer work with child cancer patients in Helena.” The doctor lumbered toward the bedroom door. “You’re a good woman, Three. Never doubt it.”
“Thank you, Doctor Crosby.” Amanda waved goodbye as he exited her bedroom.
A half hour later, someone knocked on Amanda’s bedroom door and she looked up from the romance novel she’d been reading. Jeremy sauntered in carrying a stack of DVDs in one hand and an enormous white plastic bowl mounded with popcorn in the other.
“What’s all this?” Amanda set the book down on the night table and reached for the popcorn bowl. “That smells sinful. How much butter did you pour on?”
“Enough.” Jeremy stuck a DVD into the player beside the TV and grabbed the remote. “We’re watching old Westerns all night. I thought you deserved some company. Dad’s occupied with his cronies downstairs. I suspect the lot of them cheats, and I refuse to play poker with them anymore.”
“I love Westerns. Bring ‘em on.” She scooted over and he pulled off his cowboy boots and joined her on the bed.
Jeremy wrapped his arm around Amanda and stuck his hand in the popcorn bowl. They watched two movies in a row and started the third one.
****
Amanda startled when someone pounded on the bedroom door. She opened her eyes and gasped. Sunshine streamed through the bedroom windows, and she lay cradled in Jeremy’s arms. They’d slept together in her room all night. And now they’d been discovered.
“Son, are you married yet?” bellowed Arthur from outside the room.
Jeremy’s eyes popped open and he blinked. “Not yet, Dad,” he called back.
“Then get your butt out to the barn and do your chores. No honeymooning until I witness you and that pretty little gal at the altar.” Arthur’s boots stomped down the hallway.
“Guess we fell asleep in the middle of that last movie.” Jeremy dragged his hands through his hair. “Chores await me. Go back to sleep, darlin’, and I’ll see you later for breakfast.” Jeremy leaned over, kissed her on the mouth, and leapt off the bed. He grabbed his boots and sauntered out of her room, whistling.
Amanda’s hands fisted. Arthur still assumed she’d marry Jeremy one day soon. She vowed to pack her belongings and check back into the Nugget, today!
****
Amanda stayed put at the ranch. Jeremy’s mother’s ancestors had hailed from Mexico, and the family celebrated the annual Cinco de Mayo holiday even in her absence. With the big party just days away, Arthur insisted Amanda stay to lend her assistance. She considered it the least she could do to repay his hospitality.
Saturday night rolled around, and Amanda suspected the Branigan family had invited half the town. To get in the spirit of things, she wore a colorful calf-length Aztec print skirt, a white low-necked blouse with cap sleeves, and her favorite cowboy boots. Catherine lent her a white suede cowboy hat and a beautiful red silk scarf that she tied around her shoulders.
Jeremy mentioned the party would be held in one of the barns, and Amanda envisioned horse stalls, straw piles, and stray cats with wild-eyed kittens racing for cover. She almost fainted when Jeremy escorted her into the guest ranch barn.
Stained wooden rafters glistened overhead in the muted light controlled by dimmers. Fat pillar candles safely stood on metal plates serving as centerpieces on the wooden tables circling the rectangular room. The candlelight provided a mesmerizing glow which enhanced the southwestern decorations. The polished hardwood floors provided adequate space for dancing, and a live country band entertained from the slightly raised stage at the far end of the building. Two wet bars provided refreshments for guests of all ages.
All afternoon children enjoyed races and a candy scramble while the gentlemen played horseshoes and the ladies held a croquet tournament. Some guests rode horses, and the children enjoyed pony rides and breaking several candy-filled piñatas. The Tex-Mex potluck feast served at six o’clock satisfied even the most discerning taste buds, and an evening of dancing in the barn followed. Amanda felt right at home, offering her assistance, almost forgetting she wasn’t a member of the family.
By eleven-thirty all of the guests departed for home. Jeremy offered his services as a designated driver for several overly-imbibed guests. Amanda started up the staircase heading for her room when Arthur waylaid her.
“Could I please have a word with you in my study?” His voice boomed in the empty entryway and she startled.
Amanda’s heartbeat quickened, recalling their last conversation in the study. Had she done something wrong? Said something inappropriate to one of the guests? She’d offered assistance with the festivities, working side-by-side with Catherine and Shannon most of the day. Had she overstepped? “Of course,” answered Amanda.
She settled herself into the chair opposite Arthur’s enormous desk, feeling like a child summoned to account for misbehavior. Arthur poured himself a brandy, handed her a glass of sparkling water, and then settled into his leather chair.
Amanda squirmed in her seat. “Did I overstep today, working alongside your daughter and daughter-in-law like a member of the family? I realize I’m simply a houseguest and probably an unwelcome one at that. Thank you for your kindness while I recuperated, but I’m well now and capable of living at the hotel again.” Amanda paused to take a breath.
“May I sneak a word in here edgewise?” Arthur peeked over his eyeglasses. “That is if you’ve run out of steam now?”
“Yes, I’m sorry, sir.” She felt herself blush.
Arthur smiled and stifled a yawn. “Between your recuperation and all the ballyhoo surrounding the party preparations, this is the first opportunity I’ve found to apologize for running off at the mouth the day we met. You stood up to my overzealous and unfounded criticism of your character, and I admire you for doing so.”
“Apology accepted. You’ve opened your home and provided me with Rosalie’s TLC.” Amanda sipped her drink. Arthur must feel even more exhausted than she did, having entertained half the population of Bandit Creek today. Despite his robust constitution, no doubt his age hindered his obvious enthusiasm for entertaining.
“I’ve gotten to know you, watching you playing with the twins, witnessing a bond of friendship and trust form between you and Catherine. Jeremy wouldn’t admit it, but I can tell he’s crazy about you. It’s probably not my place to stick my nose into your business, but I hope a relationship forms between you two.” Arthur leaned back in his chair, rubbed his eyes.
“I’m very fond of your family and Jeremy. But we’re worlds apart concerning our careers and lifestyles.” Amanda’s opinion of Arthur turned one eighty in the days since she’d moved to the ranch. He took his position as family patriarch seriously, and the kind-hearted fellow would do anything for his children, their spouses and his grandchildren. She wasn’t the only stray Arthur had taken in; the barn was filled with lost dogs and homeless cats. No one was ever turned away from the Lazy B.
“Amanda, a Branigan h
as inhabited this ranch for over 130 years. Back in 1911 shortly after the big flood, my grandfather, Ty, married a widow named Eliza Dredger, and they joined their ranches to form what’s now the Lazy B Ranch. My granddad and his brother Dylan Branigan, a bit of a hell raiser in his youth, built a substantial addition onto the original home. Every Branigan groom carried his bride over that threshold. Every family member who died is buried in the cemetery up on the hill overlooking this home. David and Catherine’s twin boys and your baby with Jeremy are sixth generation Branigans.” Arthur finished his brandy and set the glass down on his desk.
Amanda desperately searched her mind for something to say. Jeremy provided her with an abbreviated version of the Branigan history the day she arrived at the ranch for that first dinner. Hearing the tale again only solidified her opinion of the Branigan clan: honest, hard-working, kind-hearted and dependable folks.
“I’m proud of my heritage. I’m proud of my children. And I’m hoping some day soon you’ll marry Jeremy and wear the Branigan name proudly.” Arthur rested his elbows on the chair’s arms, tented his fingers.
“I love Jeremy,” admitted Amanda. “But Jeremy doesn’t love me. He’s courted me relentlessly, on your orders. I’m sorry, but I won’t marry someone who doesn’t love me, even for my baby’s sake. Besides, we’ve only known each other three months.”
“Amanda, I met my wife at a Wednesday evening bible study meeting. That pretty twenty-year-old girl stopped my heart with her beauty and her remarkable laugh.” Arthur smiled and shook his head. “We married two Saturdays later, and we remained happily married until the day she died in that car accident. I can’t imagine ever finding another woman who’ll measure up.”
“I’m sorry you lost her. She must have been a wonderful person.” Amanda suspected the word divorce never crossed the lips of a single member of this loving family. Jeremy represented everything she’d hoped for herself in a husband and father for her children. If only they’d met under more normal circumstances in the city.
A Bandit Creek Miracle Page 10