“How about we try and find a home on the water or have one built?”
“That would be wonderful.”
“If you don’t mind, I’m going to take the train back to San Francisco with them tomorrow and look over the books. I want to get this done as soon as I can. Walt’s not sure he’ll see the new year so . . .”
“I understand. I think I can spare you for a few days so you can secure our future.”
Taking in her beauty and savoring her spirit, Noah had no doubts he loved her—fully, totally, and forever. He had no way of knowing if his feelings were reciprocated but it didn’t matter. She was willing to be with him in spite of his imperfections and the brokenness that still lingered inside and he loved her for that as well.
“Now,” she said, “I truly missed your kisses while I was away. Would you care to offer me a few to welcome me home? Then you can decide if this gown meets with your approval. Your hard-earned money purchased it, after all,” she quipped, making reference to Lavinia’s words of earlier.
His glowing eyes roamed over her in the way his hands longed to. “We should probably move the things off the bed first.”
“Agreed.”
So under the soft light of a turned-down lamp, Pilar received a bevy of passionate and humid kisses to welcome her home, and Noah found that he approved of the gown so much, he’d be handing over his hard-earned money so she could purchase more—as soon as possible.
The following morning Noah and the Douglases made their departure. Walt slept most of the way to San Francisco and Noah noted that he seemed to have withered further overnight.
“Thank you for letting Father and me stay with your family last night.”
“You’re welcome.”
“I wish someone would gift me with rubies that way.”
“My mother’s very generous.”
“So I saw. That necklace would have looked lovely on me, don’t you think?”
Noah didn’t reply to that but instead said, “Tell me about the other buyer your father mentioned.”
“He’s from Brazil, and although he doesn’t own a shipyard, he’s incredibly wealthy. He’s moving to California and is looking for businesses to buy and invest in.”
“But Walt turned him down.”
“Yes. Which I find very shortsighted, considering Martinez is prepared to pay a sizeable sum. I’m willing to throw in with anyone who’ll allow me to be at the helm.”
Noah couldn’t fault her for that.
“Would you allow me to be?”
He thought that over. “You’re more than capable, Lavinia, and I’d’ve been open to discussing your continued ties had you been more gracious with my wife. Pilar’s very important to me. I’ll not have her subjected to your snide and belittling comments.”
She didn’t like that. “Then for old time’s sake, will you at least meet Mr. Martinez?”
“Is this the man you’re championing?”
“Yes.”
“Why? Your father’s already made me the offer.”
“I’ve told him about you and he’d like to meet you to talk about possibly being an investor.”
Noah saw nothing wrong with that. “That’d be fine but I’m heading home tomorrow.”
“Then I’ll send a note around to see if he’s available for dinner this evening.”
Noah nodded. If Martinez wanted to invest, Noah would be a fool to not at least listen.
Walt awakened when it came time to leave the train. “I’m going to let Vini show you around, Noah. Too tired for anything else today.”
“I understand.”
“When are you going back to the ranch?”
“I was hoping to sometime tomorrow.”
“Okay. Look at the books tonight and come see me in the morning. I’ll have my lawyer meet us with whatever papers we need to sign to close our deal.”
“Agreed, and thank you again for your faith in me.”
“You’re welcome.”
A driver was waiting for them at the station and once they reached the Douglas home, Walt was met by the nurse hired for his care and was slowly ushered into his bedroom.
“Is there anything I can get you before we leave?” Lavinia asked. “Something to eat or drink, perhaps?”
“No, thank you. Let’s just get on our way, if you don’t mind.”
“Just give me a moment to send one of the servants around with a note to Mr. Martinez.”
Once that was done, they climbed back into the coach.
The ride through the city and down to the docks showed how San Francisco was growing. New buildings were cropping up everywhere and the traffic was thick. The city being one of the largest and busiest seaports in the nation, they passed all manner of waterside operations on the way to the shipyard: from ramshackle saloons and gambling dens, to docks both large and small that accommodated everything from whale-oil production to those tied to horses and hay. The sights and smells made him long to be on the water. He’d asked Drew to draw up the papers to dissolve his company and to send Kingston his share of the profits, but he wondered how feasible it might be to resurrect the import-export business as an offshoot of the shipyard. In theory, such a merger sounded feasible but in practice he wasn’t sure. He’d have to investigate it further once he’d owned the shipyard for a while.
The Douglas shipyard was nestled along a stretch of similar-sized establishments, and its wharf and docks were busy with activity as wooden hulls and masts were moved around on pulleys and small cranes and sent to the various stations to be turned into seaworthy vessels. The air was loud with sounds of hammers, machinery, and the voices of men. Some of the workers stopped to watch his approach and he inclined his head in greeting. The gesture was returned, albeit warily. He wondered if they were aware that the business was up for sale. Lavinia offered no such greeting, however. He asked himself if her aloofness was rooted in her gender and she didn’t want to encourage familiarity, or did she look upon the men whose labor provided the money for her fancy hats and suits as simply workers and therefore beneath her acknowledgment? Knowing Lavinia he figured it was a bit of both. The office was set back from the wharf in a large warehouse. The men inside were building, too, but these hulls were larger and sleeker. “Cutters?” he asked.
“Yes. It’s a commission from the Coast Guard, our first. If they approve the final product and we get it done on time, I’m hoping they’ll let us build more—well, you, since you’ll be the new owner.”
He found that news encouraging. Having a government contract would go a long way in adding not only stability but profits as well.
For the rest of the afternoon, he viewed the files that held pending orders, met some of the supervisory workers, and walked around both inside and outside to see what he could see. By the time the yard closed down for the day, he was a little tired and a lot hungry, but he was pleased with the operation.
“Are you ready for dinner?” Lavinia asked.
“Yes, but do you want to go back to your house and check on your father first?”
“No. The nurse is there. I’m sure she has everything in hand. Do you have a room for the night?”
“Not yet, but I have the names of a few hotels. I’ll seek them out after we’re done with dinner.”
“You’re welcome to stay with Father and me. We have the room.”
“No, thank you.”
“Are you afraid I’ll slip in and ravish you in the middle of the night? I know you claim to be happily married, but I wouldn’t mind playing the role of mistress, Noah.”
He sighed impatiently. “I don’t need a mistress, Lavinia.”
“If you change your mind, let me know.”
“Let’s go meet your man.” Would she never stop? How she could even think he’d want to share himself after meeting his beautiful wife was beyond him. He hoped this would be the end of the matter once and for all, because her constantly throwing herself at him was tiresome.
The restaurant was not a place where he’d eaten
before but it was well appointed and clean.
“Ah, he’s already here.”
Noah looked in the direction she indicated and swore his eyes were deceiving him. His surprise must have shown.
“What’s wrong?”
“That’s Martinez?”
“Yes. Have you met him before?”
“Oh yes, but not as Martinez. I know him as Victorio Gordonez.”
As they approached the table, Gordonez smiled at him through the white powder on his face. “Ah, Mr. Yates, we meet again.”
“Gordonez. I hear you’re calling yourself Martinez now.”
“I’m known by many names. Please, have a seat. I hoped you enjoyed touring the shipyard with the lovely Senorita Douglas.”
“I did.”
Lavinia seemed taken aback, but no more than Noah. Knowing Walt Douglas, he’d taken one look at the man and turned down the offer flat. Noah didn’t blame him.
“And did you ever find little Banderas?” he asked.
“I did,” but offered nothing else. He was fairly certain Lavinia had already told him about his unsuitable Cuban wife so unless Gordonez inquired further, Noah had no intentions of discussing Pilar.
As they reviewed the menu, Noah asked, “Why in the world are you looking to buy a shipyard here?”
“I have various interests all over the region, so why not? San Francisco is a thriving city. A shipyard would be a sound investment and having my own ships would facilitate the movement of some of the goods I deal in.”
“I see.”
The waiter appeared to take their order and afterwards departed.
“So,” Gordonez asked, “how much gold would it take for you to back away from her father’s offer?”
“Pile it as high as the Great Pyramid in Giza and that still wouldn’t be enough.”
“Suppose I dangle your wife’s location under the nose of the Cuban authorities? I hear she’s wanted for questioning.”
Noah raised his wineglass. “Then I will kill you.”
Gordonez stiffened. Lavinia gasped.
Noah added coolly, “It’s been over ten years since I took a man’s life, but endanger Pilar and I will happily send you to hell. Do not doubt me.”
“Such passion.”
“Such truth.”
“Then we are at impasse.”
“Yes, we are.”
Gordonez raised his glass. “To your health, Mr. Yates.”
It was yet another threat, but he chose to ignore it. Instead, he stood and tossed some bills on the table. “My portion of the meal. If you’ll excuse me, I’m no longer hungry.”
Without a backwards glance, he walked out of the restaurant.
In his room at a small hotel later that evening, a weary Noah closed the ledgers he’d been evaluating and swiped his hands down his tired eyes. The Douglas accounts met with his approval but he was still thinking over the surprising confrontation with Gordonez. How did Lavinia meet him? was his first question, and was she aware of his sordid history? After witnessing what she had at dinner would she be so blinded by her quest to take possession of her father’s business that she’d ignore it out of hand and continue to champion the Cuban? Noah had no answers and truthfully, they didn’t matter. The only thing that did was the certainty of Gordonez’s death should anything happen to Pilar.
The next morning Lavinia met his knock at the door of the Douglas home.
“Good morning, Noah. Interesting dinner last evening.”
“You’d do well to distance yourself from your new companion, Lavinia. He’s more than he seems.”
“Father’s waiting for you in his study.”
“Thank you.” He didn’t plan to argue with her over the matter. If she wanted to dance with a viper, so be it.
His meeting with Walter and his lawyer went well. The papers were signed and dated and as soon as they were filed with the proper entities, Noah would become the owner. Contrary to what Lavinia believed Noah would be forking over a significant sum as his part of the deal, but it was money well spent. He’d now be able to provide a future for his wife and family. “Thank you again, Walt.”
“Thank you again, Noah. I can now go to my grave in peace.”
Noah was saddened by the thought of his imminent passage. He was a tough but fair man and the world would be a poorer place without him in it. He shook hands with the lawyer and they spent a few more moments talking business as the man showed him out. Noah didn’t see Lavinia.
Chapter 23
The day Noah left for San Francisco, Pilar spent the morning with Titan. The stallion still remained wary of her presence but he protested less. He even deigned to eat from the feedbag of oats while she held it, but when she reached out to touch him he raced away. It was disappointing in some ways but she felt encouraged, too. They were making progress.
She was sitting on the patio having lunch with Alanza when Drew appeared. “Afternoon, ladies.”
He was greeted in return.
“Pilar. I want you to close your eyes.”
“Why?”
He shook his head. “I have a surprise.”
“What is it?”
He looked up to the sky as if seeking strength from the heavens. “Why are Yates women so hardheaded? Can you do what I ask please?”
Alanza interjected. “Go ahead, Pilar. He’ll just whine until he gets his way.”
He shot his mother a look of amused censure.
“Okay, Drew,” Pilar said, “but if it’s something that scares me, I will get you.”
“I’m terrified, little sister.”
She closed her eyes and waited.
“Now, you may open them.”
And on the patio stood her mother and sister. She jumped up with a scream and for the next few minutes there was much hugging, rapidly spoken Spanish, and tears of joy.
“Oh, it so wonderful to have you here,” Pilar proclaimed enjoying the feel of being embraced by her mother. “I’ve missed you and Doneta so.”
“We’ve missed you, too,” her mother whispered back. “So much.”
She and Doneta shared a hug and tears.
The elated Pilar finally remembered her manners. “Mama, this is Noah’s mother, Alanza Rudd. Alanza, my mother, Desa Banderas, and my sister, Doneta.”
“Welcome to Rancho Destino. We’re honored to have you here. Your daughter has given me much joy.”
“Thank you. We’re honored to be here. She’s been behaving herself?”
Drew tossed in, “Of course not.”
“May I punch him, Alanza?” Pilar asked laughing.
“Not now, let’s get your family settled in first.”
But Pilar had a question for him, “How did you find them? Where did you find them?” She noted her mother’s and sister’s reserved manner upon meeting Alanza but told herself it was to be expected. They had no way of knowing how Pilar was being treated by Noah and his family. Later, once she was alone with them she’d reveal the truth because she dearly wanted them all to get along.
In response to her question, Drew explained: “The depot manager sent a messenger to the bank to alert me to tell Noah of their arrival. Since he’s away, I drove to the depot to pick them up and—voila—we’re here.”
Pilar gave him a kiss on the cheek. “I take back wanting to punch you. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. Senora Banderas and Doneta, welcome to California. It’s been a pleasure meeting you both. I’ll see you tonight at dinner.”
He bowed and departed.
Alanza said, “Mrs. Banderas, give us a short while to ready your rooms. In the meantime, Pilar, why don’t you take them up to your wing so they can relax and the three of you can talk. I’ll send Bonnie up with refreshments.”
Pilar found that agreeable.
Winding their way through the hallways to her and Noah’s suite, her mother said, “This house is very grand, Pilar.”
“Yes it is. His family has lived here for many years. They’re old Spani
sh but not stuffy or formal at all.”
She opened the door and gestured them inside, and both women stared around in awe. Doneta asked, “These are your rooms?”
Pilar nodded. “When his mother became wealthy enough to afford it, she added this wing so that Noah and his two brothers could have their own space away from the main house. Noah said they made too much noise and monopolized the lone bathing room.”
Doneta went to the verandah doors, while Desa continued to stare around. Her gaze rested on the piano. “Who plays?” she asked curiously, “or is it simply for show?”
“Noah does, and extremely well. He also paints and composes music.”
“Really?”
She chuckled in response to her mother’s unmasked surprise. “Here, sit. Or do you wish to sit out on the verandah? You can see the mountains from there.”
Doneta made the decision by opening the doors, so they followed her lead.
“This is lovely,” she said, standing at the railing and looking out. “And his family owns all this?”
Pilar nodded. “There’s cattle and chickens and orchards and grapevines. Noah’s father died when he was very young and Alanza built all this practically with her own hands. She’s an amazingly wonderful woman, Mama. Reminds me of you in many ways. She’s been incredibly kind to me.”
“And Noah?” her mother asked pointedly.
Pilar thought about the wonderful man she’d married and her heart soared.
Doneta laughed. “Look at her smile, Mama. Pilar, are you in love?”
Pilar beamed.
Doneta cried, “You are, aren’t you! I am so jealous.”
They all laughed.
“We get along far better than I ever dreamed we would. He’s been incredibly kind, too.”
Doneta held out her hand. “Pay up, Mama.”
Pilar eyed the exchange curiously.
Doneta explained, “I told Mama the night you left that he was in love with you and that she wouldn’t have to worry about how he’d treat you.”
Desa chuckled and fished around in her handbag for her coin purse. Extracting one, she placed it on her daughter’s open palm. “You know extorting your mother is a sin.”
Doneta turned to Pilar. “Where is he?”
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