Hot Holiday Rancher

by Catherine Mann

  Her appointment at the salon had afforded her time for reflection. Something about lavender-scented towels and rubs peeled away stress. And the relative silence had helped. It had forced contemplation. Forced reflection.

  Truth be told, these weeks with Jesse had dominated that reflection. How wrong she’d been about him. The silly but serendipitous circumstances of their meeting. How lucky they’d both been to find each other because of the chaos of the storm. Ironic, she’d mused, for a man who craved stability and practicality.

  She’d met so many incredible people over the past couple of weeks, some of whom were seated in the dining room tonight. She smiled in response to Megan and Whit Daltry. Megan ran the local animal rescue, Safe Haven. Jesse had brought Esme along when he’d dropped off a donation to help with the rescue’s three horses recently taken in. Esme had been amazed at the large operation, one that was apparently growing exponentially under Megan’s leadership.

  Megan and Whit were dining with Natalie and Max St. Cloud, a fascinating couple. Even though Max was a tech genius billionaire, his wife still owned and operated the Cimarron Rose bed-and-breakfast, with a small bridal dress shop attached. Both couples’ children were enjoying a Christmas-themed movie night in the childcare center.

  Her heart tugged at the memory of glimpsing those sweet little faces when Jesse had taken a detour there to pass out Christmas candy. They all clearly knew and adored him. And she couldn’t deny being enticed by the notion of a baby of her own someday, and celebrating family Christmases.

  A cleared throat pulled her attention back. She found Zoe Warren, Cord’s girlfriend, standing by the table. The towering brunette looked stunning in a simple gold sheath dress. Esme had enjoyed getting to know her and Cord during a lunch at the Royal Diner.

  Zoe smiled genuinely. Drink in hand, she gestured to the table. “I hope I’m not interrupting your dinner.”

  “Not at all. I’m glad you came over.” Esme stood quickly and then greeted her with a welcoming hug. “Have a seat. It looks like our dates are deep in a conversation that isn’t close to wrapping up.”

  “Thank you. I would like that.” Zoe settled into a chair beside her. “I enjoyed our lunch the other day.”

  A phantom gurgle tickled her stomach, even though she was far from hungry. Lunch with Zoe the other day had been at a small, vaguely yellowing local spot. Esme had her doubts as she crossed through the metal door. But after sitting down, her senses had been delighted. She felt as if she’d stumbled upon a contender for one of those reality television shows about stellar restaurants with questionable exteriors.

  And the diner’s food—she’d ordered the chicken-fried steak and a glass of sweet tea—had been every bit as wonderful as the interior. “The Royal Diner is one of those fun finds off the beaten path of major cities.”

  Zoe sipped her champagne, bubbles climbing up the crystal flute. “It’s incredible how Amanda and Nathan Battle juggle two such busy careers with family life. I’ve lost count of how many children they have.”

  Esme toyed with the stem of her wineglass pensively. “It sounds like they have it all.”

  “That they do.” Zoe grinned, motioning to the waiter who was walking by with a tray of champagne. She took another flute before looking back at Esme. “So how are you liking the rest of Royal?”

  “Surprisingly very much. It’s not Houston, of course,” Esme said with a shrug, unworried about judgment since the woman was from Houston, as well, “but I’ve found there’s much more offered here than I expected. It’s a unique mix of a small town with some big-city amenities.”

  “It’s quite a haven.” Zoe glanced over at her handsome dark-haired boyfriend, concern furrowing her forehead. “I worry he’s going to miss Royal and all his friends here. But he insists he’s committed to making a move to Houston for me. He’s bought the loveliest ranch on the outskirts of town. He’s making such a big sacrifice for me. For us.”

  Zoe was a police detective in Houston. Her investigation into Vincent Hamm’s murder had brought her here to Royal. Esme and her family owed Zoe a debt of gratitude, the cop’s progress going a long way to help shift the cloud of suspicion off Sterling Perry.

  Esme toyed with the placement of her silver dessert spoon. “How incredible that he’s willing to move for you.”

  “We’re in love.” She looked toward her boyfriend, her face full of emotion. “We found a compromise, because the option of being apart was more than we could bear.”

  Esme’s gaze skated to Jesse deep in conversation with his friend and she wondered...

  If Cord was willing to relocate to Houston, might Jesse be willing to make the move, as well? Tomorrow would be pivotal for more than her father.

  Her own future with Jesse rode on their trip to Houston.

  * * *

  Ryder Currin paced through the Houston building of the Texas Cattleman’s Club, checking last-minute touches to the structure’s renovations before the contingent from Royal arrived tomorrow. Angela walked alongside him, making her own notes in her tablet, the scent of paint heavy in the air. He could hardly believe the plans for starting this Houston branch were coming to fruition. Ryder had been instrumental in bringing the chapter to Houston, and yes, he craved the position as president. He wanted to lead the organization through this transitional time.

  But would that ambition threaten his second chance with Angela, given how much her father wanted the same thing?

  Telling himself it was pointless to borrow trouble, he pulled his attention back to the building, his boot steps echoing up to the soaring ceiling.

  The location and architectural style for the Houston chapter’s future home was very different from the Royal club. It had seemed an insurmountable project at first, since the historic former luxury boutique hotel had fallen into disrepair. But all their plans for renovation were coming together, thanks to Perry Construction. The three-story edifice had always been stunning on the outside. Now the inside matched.

  The location was practical for so many reasons, including the fact that three doors down was the Houston Galleria Hotel, a medium-sized luxury hotel where members could stay when in town.

  Angela’s high heels clicked on the floor as she walked ahead of him, caught up in her notes. This club was important to her, too. Ryder understood she was caught in a tough position with both him and her father wanting the lead position here. He didn’t want anything to interfere with this second chance they had. He would withdraw if it came to that, but she’d insisted this should play out as the club decided.

  He just wanted to make sure there was no negative blowback as they rolled out the official grand opening with a New Year’s Eve bash. Press releases for the event had been delayed with Esme Perry out of town for so long.

  They’d all been thrown for a loop when Angela’s sister had decided to stay in Royal even after the storm passed. And of course, Sterling had been all too willing to accommodate time off work so his daughter could spend more time currying family favor.

  Ryder was a man who abided by the rules, so this flagrant lobbying really chapped his hide. It just wasn’t fair play.

  Angela made everything more complicated. He loved her. Deeply. Truly. In a way that made his soul sing, something he hadn’t expected to happen again after his wife Elinah had died. He didn’t underestimate how important it was to get this right with Angela. His first marriage had ended in divorce. He couldn’t regret the union since his son, Xander, had come from that relationship. But his breakup with Penny was still a failure that marked him.

  One he wouldn’t allow himself to repeat.

  The rumors that he’d had feelings for Angela’s mom were true. But he’d never acted on those feelings because of respect for rules and fair play. Honor meant something to him. Besides, his second marriage had shown him what real love was. Elinah. A part of his heart would always belong to her. Their time t
ogether had been the best, years that gave him his daughter Annabel and then they’d adopted Maya. Losing Elinah to cancer had almost destroyed him.

  He wouldn’t go through that heartbreak again. He would do whatever it took to keep he and Angela’s love safe. There’d be no repeat of their breakup. Already he could envision her living in his home. His log-style mansion wasn’t as fancy as the Perry place. He’d grown up poor and had never been comfortable with ostentation.

  Still, the place had been plenty roomy to bring up his children with space to spare. And for more children?

  Ryder looked at Angela. He saw the weight that seemed to press down on her, to change her normal happy expression. He hated to see her sad. “I’m sorry your sister missed the brunch she had planned with you, Melinda, Tatiana and my girls.”

  He was, truly, although secretly he was always antsy when Angela or his daughter Maya spent time with Tatiana. The woman was a shark with the power to upset their lives.

  “The brunch will still happen, I’m sure.” A brief flash of disappointment flickered in Angela’s eyes before she schooled her features. “We haven’t set a specific date. Just sometime whenever Esme gets back.”

  She noticed a paint droplet on a nearby marble plant stand and Ryder watched her as she worked to eradicate it.

  “Well, keep me in the loop.” A glint caught his eyes. Stooping down, he picked up a stray nail from beneath a windowsill and pocketed it. Still so much to do.

  “About my sister’s return?”

  Shrugging, he ran a hand through his hair and then stopped at the nape of his neck. “Sure, and the brunch.”

  Muffled noises grabbed his attention. Shouting and angry voices. He locked eyes with Angela. Her brow furrowed in confusion.

  His daughter Maya shouldered past the painters putting last-minute touches on some trim. She raced toward him in a flurry of color with her bold yellow coat and her vibrant red hair. His youngest child had never been one to get lost in the shuffle of day-to-day life.

  “Dad, I have to talk to you,” she demanded, her raised voice echoing upward as she crashed into the room. Panting and distraught, she wasn’t budging.

  “Well, hello to you, too, Maya. It’s good to see you. Angela and I are almost through here—”

  “No, Dad. Not later. Now. There are so many rumors flying around about our family, too many secrets. I can’t—I won’t—wait any longer. I’m eighteen. It’s time we finally had this talk.” She stomped her foot in exasperation, but her eyes were filled with tears.

  Regret hit him in the chest, that he’d brought his daughter to this level of anxiety.

  Angela clasped his arm, a welcome touch when Maya’s outburst had him reeling. “I’ve got plenty to occupy me. Please, take as long as you need.”

  She gave his arm a final squeeze before walking off toward a pile of plaster dust beneath a gilded mirror, snapping photos with her tablet.

  “Thank you,” he said, appreciating that she understood and accepted how important his children were to him. He tucked an arm around his daughter’s shoulders and guided her to the café area free of painters.

  Maya gasped for air beside him, her shoulders shaking in a way that telegraphed how close she was to losing it. He’d put enough bandages over skinned knees and listened to enough of her high school drama to read the signs.

  He guided her to a club chair and dropped into another one across from her. “What’s going on, Maya? These rumors about the family business have been circulating for a while now. What made today so upsetting?”

  Maya closed her eyes tightly. Took a deep breath.

  Then another.

  Ryder could see her mouth moving as she counted to ten before she opened her eyes. His fire-haired child had always struggled to rein in her emotions.

  “It’s been building up for a long time, and then when the invitations went out for the mother-daughter tea today...” She picked at the wrist of her yellow coat. “I need you to tell me the truth, once and for all.”

  A sigh all but deflated him. Hearing about the mother-daughter tea sucker punched him, even after all these years since Elinah died. He would always miss her. She’d been a loving wife and mother. He’d tried to make up for what his children had lost...but it was an impossible void to fill.

  Then a dark thought hit him. Maya was asking about her biological mother. He’d promised to tell her when she was eighteen and he’d put it off long enough. The pit in his gut grew deeper.

  “The truth?” he asked, stalling to give himself time to collect his thoughts for a conversation that would undoubtedly prove difficult. Those secrets had been a heavy weight on the shoulders of a man who prided himself on honesty and honor.

  “About my biological parents.” Her eyes were clear, her tone steely. “No more delaying. Tell me now, or I’m never going to talk to you again.”

  There was no missing the vehemence in her voice. Her arms crossed tightly over her chest in a protective hug as she bit down on her lip. Ryder could feel fear and anger radiate from her in waves.

  She’d asked in the past, but never pushed. They’d done a kind of dance with the subject, her pressing, then backing away as if she was afraid of the truth.

  And there was reason to be wary, the same reason he’d held back telling her until she was old enough to handle the truth. But she was eighteen now, no denying that.

  He took her hands in his and thought back to the first time he’d held her and she’d wrapped him around her little finger. He loved all of his children equally, but he’d always felt more protective of his little girl. He wished he could spare her the heartache the truth about her mother might bring.

  “Before I start, I want you to know how much I love you.”

  “I love you, too, Dad.” She squeezed his hands. “Now quit stalling.” Brows lowering, she fixed him with a stare he recognized. His stare. The one he used to signal he meant business.

  “Your biological grandfather was a man named Sam. Eighteen years ago, he showed up on my doorstep out of the blue one night. Sam’s daughter was barely twenty and she’d just given birth to a sickly—” his voice hitched “—but so very beautiful baby girl.”

  “And my father?”

  Here was where things started getting tougher. “He abandoned your mother.” He paused for a moment to let that part soak in before continuing. “Your mother was in no position to be a mother. Sam talked her into letting him find a good home for the baby. He said his daughter vowed she loved her baby but knew she couldn’t care for a child. He provided documents from both your biological mother and father that signed away their rights to you.”

  She deflated, tears streaming down her face, her body shaking from the impact of the news. This was a story he wished he never had to burden her with, but he knew she had the right to know. It didn’t make the telling any easier, though. He’d give anything to take away the pain snaking its way onto Maya’s face. To stop the quiver in her lips.

  And his gut knotted since there was still a second shoe to drop once his daughter found out her mother was someone she knew.

  “Maya, honey, I’m sorry.” He wanted to gather her into a hug and promise everything would be all right, the way he’d done when she was growing up. When she’d trusted him to fight those battles for her. “Sam was drunk three-quarters of the time and had gambled away anything left of the family money.”

  “But why did he choose you?” The sentence came out in a rasp. A voice of a much younger Maya cracking through as a sob racked her.

  It broke him.

  “Harrington York—Sterling Perry’s father-in-law—willed me a small parcel of land. Land that Sam swore York had promised to him one day. But the land went to me and that was the start of my oil business.”

  Ryder hated to paint her biological grandfather in a bad light, but Maya wanted to know the truth and he wouldn’t lie
to her any longer. “Sam harbored a grudge against the Perrys and me because of that. He told me that I owed him for what happened and this was my chance to repay him by making sure the baby was raised by a wealthy family in a closed private adoption.”

  As much as Ryder had hated the way the man had gone about things, he couldn’t let Havery walk out the door with that infant. The man couldn’t be trusted. Ryder hadn’t cared about anything else but making sure the baby had a good home.

  That she felt loved. Damn it, that still was the only thing that mattered to him in all of this.

  He took a deep breath and finished the story. “Sam swore that his daughter—Tatiana Havery—didn’t want to know where you went.”

  “Tatiana Havery?” Maya’s face crumpled as the name sank in, as she realized that her birth mother was someone who moved in their world and their lives.

  Her shoulders shook harder, sobs racking her. Ryder opened his arms and—thank God—she flew into his hug without hesitation to cry it out. A lump lodged in his throat, too, and neither of them said a word until her tears slowed.

  Then she eased back, swiping her wrists under her eyes. “Thank you for telling me, Dad. I’m going to need some time to digest all of this.”

  Feeling helpless to right this for his child, Ryder watched her rush away, her red hair rippling behind her, hair she’d inherited from her mother. Sighing hard, Ryder sagged back in the chair. He hoped he hadn’t lost Maya forever for not telling her the truth sooner.

  This whole situation had spun out of control so damn quickly. He rubbed a hand over his suit jacket lapel, still damp from his daughter’s tears.

  He didn’t like or trust Tatiana one bit. But she was also Angela’s best friend. And he’d been keeping Maya’s parentage a secret from her, too, even when they were engaged, since Tatiana herself was unaware that Maya was hers. If Ryder wanted to have a real chance at a future with Angela, he couldn’t hold back about that any longer. He just prayed it wouldn’t be the end of them.