Jack considered me for a moment, as though the last bit of his preconceived ideas about me didn’t fit anymore. “How’d you get the cut?”
“I didn’t run fast enough. I was supposed to be directing the herd to Braedon’s snares, but a big old boar decided he didn’t want to be herded. I threw my spear at him but it glanced off— and don’t you even be thinking it was just because I’m a girl!” I glared at him, and he chuckled. He sounded like Braedon, and my heart twisted.
I rubbed the clean, straight scar. “Braedon took that beast down with two arrows. He was so fast.”
“Yeah, he loved hunting with a bow. He didn’t need to kill like some people do. What he loved was the hunt, pitting himself against nature. Knowing he could take an animal down with his brains and skill was enough for him.”
We stood in silence for a moment. “Is there any chance someone could get my clothes from the car?”
Jack nodded and strode from the room. I sat on the bed with my lukewarm chocolate and stroked the bedspread. Braedon had slept in this bed. I sniffed the cocoa. When my stomach didn’t seem to mind, I took a sip.
After a few minutes, one of the young men from last night tapped on the door and slid my suitcase in. His close-cut, sandy-colored hair was covered with melting snow.
“Is it still snowing?” I went to the window and pulled aside the curtain. Against the reflected light of the window, larges flakes fell.
“Yes, ma’am. The forecast is calling for snow all day,” he replied, still holding the doorknob in his hand.
“I’m sorry I made you go out.” When he began to shut the door, I asked, “What’s your name?”
He dipped his head and touched a knuckle to his forehead. “Ethan, ma’am.”
“Thank you, Ethan.”
He paused. “Uh, ma’am ...?”
“Yes?”
“Is there any chance you could show me ... us, I mean, what you did to Mr. Randolph? That was wicked!”
I laughed. “If there’s time. I’m not sure how long I’ll be here.”
Nodding, he closed the door.
I locked the door, got dressed, and headed back downstairs. The faint scent of bacon coming from the kitchen sent my stomach roiling, so I followed the sound of voices coming from another direction.
Mrs. Walters sat at a desk doing paperwork, Jack cleaned a rifle, and Ethan worked on something made of leather in a large room that seemed to serve as both a living and a dining room. Classical music played in the background.
A set of huge windows, the centerpiece of the room, highlighted the blowing snow. The house seemed more modern than I had expected. The living room combined logs and stone with rustic decorations and a large fireplace. I was struck by the sense of home the scene gave me.
Everyone looked up when I entered, and I held up my empty cup. “I didn’t dare put it in the kitchen. I’m sorry to be so much trouble.”
Mrs. Walters came and took the cup from me. “Don’t you worry about it. Can I get you some toast?”
My stomach rumbled. “I’d like to give some a try.” She nodded and left for the kitchen.
I went over to where Jack and Ethan worked. “Is there anything I can do?”
“Sure.” Jack plunged the rod back and forth in the barrel. “Tell me about those pirates and that island.”
I spent the morning curled up in a chair by the fire, covered with a quilt, answering their questions. Surprisingly, I found it easy to talk about Braedon around them.
A little while into my story, the other young man, introduced as Owen, came in. He looked like a younger version of Ethan but with longer, darker hair. Owen came over and warmed his hands by the fire, listening to me with rapt attention.
When Mrs. Walters rose from the desk to fix lunch, I got up to help, but she insisted I rest. We had a hearty soup and homemade bread at a dining table at the end of the large room. I managed to keep down some food and felt much better.
After lunch, Jack and the boys had work to do out in the barn. I overheard them say something as they left about how bad the storm was. They worried about not being able to get out to feed the herd. Some of the horses and cattle could die.
Mrs. Walters said she had things to do upstairs, and I found myself alone. A baby grand piano sat in a corner, and I went over to examine it. It was in tune, and I sat down and began to play. The piano was a beautiful instrument with magnificent sound. It had to have been Braedon’s.
When I finished playing the songs I knew by heart, I searched for some music. A bookcase full of sheet music and music books stood behind the piano. I flipped through them until I found one of the pieces I had heard Braedon play on the ship. As I held the music, I imagined him with that very paper in his hands. I brushed it against my cheek, musing about the injustice that these sheets were here when he was not.
I worked my way through the number, repeating difficult passages until I was comfortable with them.
From behind me, Ethan said. “That was one of Braedon’s favorite songs.”
Spinning, I saw the others had returned and had been listening. My face warmed. “I know. He used to play it for me on the ship.” Self-conscious, I stood and moved to close the fallboard.
“Don’t stop playing just because of us.” Jack sat in a recliner and opened a newspaper.
Mrs. Walters had already taken her seat at the desk and began shuffling through her papers. “No one’s played the piano in a long time. I’d like to hear some more.”
Ethan and Owen nodded in agreement and took out their leather projects.
Braedon was a talented pianist, and I worried I would disappoint them. “I can’t play like Braedon.”
Jack snorted. “None of us can play at all. Go ahead. I’ve been having that thing tuned every six months. It’ll be nice to get something out of the investment.”
I hesitated but sat on the bench, opening the fallboard again. I pulled out a New Age piece from Braedon’s collection. As I lost myself in the music, I was able to ignore the others. Because they didn’t say anything when I finished the song, I picked out another, continuing until my back started to ache.
I closed the fallboard and returned the music to the bookshelf. I wasn’t sure what to do next.
Emily and the boys had drifted off, but Jack sat watching me. “Do you play chess?”
“I know how to play, but I’m not very good.”
He gave me a dubious look. “Like you can’t play the piano?”
I tilted my head. “I never said I couldn’t play. I said I couldn’t play like Braedon.”
“All right. All right.” From behind his chair, Jack pulled out a small table with a beautiful carved chess set. “Bring a chair over,” he commanded, using a tone that echoed faintly of the one Braedon had used sometimes when we argued.
This time, I did as told and put my seat across from him. While I didn’t play very often, I could usually give even good players a run for their money.
“Tell me about Braedon as a boy,” I said a few minutes into our first game.
Jack considered the board. “Well, he was a clever little kid, always keeping himself entertained. Pretty quiet but determined not to let anything keep him down. The only one who could bully him was Aislinn, and she played on his feelings. He put up a tough exterior to hide a soft heart.”
I grinned. “I wonder where he got that from.” Jack scowled, so I said softly, “Braedon didn’t want to appear weak.”
“No.” He stretched out the word. “He didn’t. I’m not sure if it was his mother’s fault or mine. He’d study things out, decide what he wanted, and then you better get out of his way. If he wanted it, he’d get it.”
I remembered the plan to win me over that Braedon had told me about, starting with the music he had written and his nearby but unintimidating presence during the fun part of the snorkeling trip. That made me smile.
Noticing my expression, Jack asked, “What are you thinking?”
I told him.
Ja
ck moved his knight. “That sounds like him. Did he tell you he was married once?”
I shifted my bishop. “Yes.”
“Fool kids.” Jack curled his lip. “It must have been the only thing he did without thinking it to death first.”
An image of Braedon’s face as he made his vow to me brought a lump to my throat. How different things might have been if my trip had gone according to plan.
I whispered, “You know what’s the hardest thing for me? I have nothing of his—not even the right to his name.” I jumped up.
Like his son, Jack was faster. He pushed the little chess table over as he pulled me into his arms and held me while I wept. He cried a little too. We broke apart when we heard Mrs. Walters enter. Jack handed me a clean handkerchief and, coughing, left the room.
She watched him go before looking at me. “I’m glad to see that. He’s been grieving alone too long. He can be a cross old coot on the best of days, but he’s been unbearable since he heard the news.”
“He’s lucky to have you here,” I said after blowing my nose. “Where’s Mr. Walters?”
“Died fifteen years ago.”
“I’m sorry.”
She shrugged, pulling out some dishes from the hutch. “I’m used to it now.”
I joined her. “Did you have any children?”
With a big grin, she said, “Ethan and Owen are mine.”
“They’re nice boys.”
“Well, I like them.” She passed me some dishes. “How about you help me set the table?”
I took them and went to work.
AFTER DINNER, Ethan asked, “Do you think you could show us what you did to Mr. Randolph?”
Jack glowered at the reference and continued marking a crossword puzzle.
“Okay. You two come stand by me, facing each other. I’ll show you how joint locks work.” I sneakily watched Jack as I went through the demonstration. He feigned a lack of interest, but I could tell he took in everything I said to the boys.
“How do you know this stuff?” Owen asked after he tapped out for the third time.
I shifted his fingers in the hold he was attempting on Ethan. “I have a black belt in karate.”
Jack leapt from his chair. “Well, that explains it, then!”
We stared at him.
“There’s no shame in being taken down by a black belt.” Jack marched over to where the boys and I stood. He held his hand out to me. “Here. Show me what you’re teaching them. I won’t have them thinking they can pull any of this on me.”
The boys kept silent but smirked when Jack wasn’t looking.
EVERYONE PREPARED to go to bed early. The forecast called for the storm to stop in the middle of the night, and the guys wanted to be out first thing in the morning to check on the animals. As I folded up the blanket I had used, Jack hung back, waiting for the others to leave us.
Once we were alone, he said, “The roads should be cleared later tomorrow.”
I nodded and put the blanket on the end of the sofa. “Thank you for today. I’m glad I got to see this place and meet you all. Braedon talked so much about it.” I hesitated. “I think I needed something to help me say ... goodbye.” I sniffed.
Jack clenched and unclenched his fists at his side, seeming to struggle with something. “I know I sort of apologized—in general. But ... I’m sorry about what I called you.”
I touched his arm. “It’s all good. You—”
“No,” he interrupted, shaking off my hand. “It’s not all good. I guess I ....”
“Needed to blame me for being alive when Braedon wasn’t?” I asked softly.
Jack nodded, staring at his shoes. “Yes.” He met my eyes. “I never thought maybe you’d be hurting too.”
I couldn’t think of what to say.
“Do you think you might consider staying a little longer?”
Surprised, I opened my mouth to answer, but Jack interrupted me. “I know it’s a lot to ask, but it would mean a lot to me. I ... I need ...,” he choked on the word and coughed to cover it up.
This self-reliant man was asking me for help. I reached out and touched his arm again. “I would love to stay for a while, Mr. Randolph.”
His face lit up. “Call me Jack.”
I considered him for a long moment.
“What?” He shifted under my scrutiny. I almost smiled, thinking he wasn’t used to being uncomfortable.
“Why did you never remarry?”
Jack shrugged. “I made such a mess of the first one I guess I didn’t trust my judgment.”
I thought about the comfortable home he had here with a nice woman taking care of him and even boys to help raise. “Not even Mrs. Walters? Is she seeing someone?”
He frowned.
I grinned. “Sorry. None of my business.” I kissed him on the cheek. “Good night, Jack.”
When I got up to my room, I called Aislinn to let her know Jack had invited me to stay in Montana for a while, and I had agreed. I looked at the room with different eyes now. All this stuff had been Braedon’s. I had even worn his pajamas to bed last night.
I went to the closet and searched through the clothes inside. I wasn’t sure I would be able to smell anything after this long, but I lucked out and found a sweater that smelled faintly of Braedon’s aftershave. It took me back to the first time we had danced. I slipped into his pajamas again and crawled into the bed, pulling the sweater up against my cheek.
I had the best night’s sleep since leaving the island.
CHAPTER 30
I OVERSLEPT THE next morning and missed breakfast, which was fortunate because the food poisoning reared its nasty head again. Once I cleared my stomach, I felt much better.
Bacon seemed to be a staple breakfast food, the lingering smell hitting me when I came down the stairs. I stayed clear of the kitchen and went searching for the others, but it seemed no one was in the house.
Grabbing my purse and coat, I went out into the clear, frigid morning. I raised my hand to block the brilliant morning light reflecting off the snow. White-coated mountains shone in the distance.
Footprints in the otherwise pristine snow pointed me in the direction I needed to go, and I followed them to a large barn. As I approached the building, music blared from a partially open door. I called out and knocked. Ethan poked his head out, drying his hands on a towel.
I looked around. “Is everyone still out feeding the herds?”
“Yeah. And checking to see if we lost any.” He grabbed his coat and closed the door. “Mr. Randolph told me to follow you into town, so you could turn in your rental car. You ready?”
“Yes, but I think I should follow you.”
We headed toward the cars.
“Did they go out on horseback?” I scanned the field beyond the barn.
He laughed and opened my door. “No, ma’am. We use a special kind of tractor.”
By the time we got to town, I regretted not having my sunglasses against the blinding glare. Ethan walked into the business with me and handed my keys to the clerk.
She kept looking at me from the corners of her eyes. Ethan seemed to know her but didn’t introduce me to the girl or acknowledge me in any way. He simply explained the car needed to be returned to Great Falls.
I completed the paperwork, and Ethan held the door open for me. Just after I had crossed the threshold, he leaned back into the office. “Oh, yeah, April. This is Mr. Randolph’s daughter-in-law, Lyn. She was married to Braedon. Lyn, this is April Watts.” He waved at the gaping girl, gave my back a gentle nudge as I stared at him, and followed me out of the building.
“What was that about?” I exclaimed when we were inside the truck.
He chuckled. “Mr. Randolph said we might as well get the word out about you. One little comment here and by tonight the whole town will know.”
So much for my privacy. “No. No. No,” I moaned, punctuating each word with a bang of my head against the window.
Ethan put the keys in the ignition.
“Mr. Randolph just wants people to make you feel welcome. He’s pretty particular about folks, but when he decides he likes someone, he really likes them. And he likes you.”
“And he thinks I will feel welcome by having strangers talk about me behind my back?” It miffed me that Jack was doing all this without telling me, but it also warmed me that I had won his approval.
Ethan shrugged. “You’ll see.”
“The press better not find me because I’m suddenly the talk of the town.” I hated being the center of attention. That was something for Elle, not me. With that thought, I remembered I needed to call her and pulled out my phone.
“I hear you’ve won over Mr. Grumpy Smurf,” Elle launched right in.
I burst out laughing. “What did you call him?”
“You heard me. I met him when he came to New York two years ago. Egad, what a grouch!”
“Elle, I doubt you saw him at his best.”
Her voice got gleeful. “Did you really throw up on him?”
“I’m going to kill Aislinn!” I explained about the blizzard and my food poisoning.
“Sorry you’re sick, especially after Aislinn and I worked so hard to get some weight back on you. Oh, I almost forgot. Mal says there are still people trying to find out where you are. And those people from Olivia Howard’s show called again.”
I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. “Elle, please don’t tell anyone where I’m at. Just say I want to be left alone.”
“Don’t worry. We won’t, but I agree with Mal. You ought to consider Olivia’s offer. She’s a class act and would do your story right. I think people should know how wonderful Braedon was.”
I rubbed my temple. “The people who matter already know how wonderful Braedon was. I don’t have to go on national television to tell them that.”
“Just think about it, okay? I have to run. Love you!”
“Love you too.” I hung up and stared at the passing white landscape.
“Mrs. Randolph ....”
I spun to look at Ethan. “What did you call me?” Even though he had told the girl I was Braedon’s wife, I had gotten used to being called Ms. North again.
Ethan stared at me, confused. “Uh ... Mrs. Randolph?”
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