The Rancher's Legacy (Red Dog Ranch Book 1)

by Jessica Keller

  Clint Oakfield appeared nearby. “She’s right.” He sent Cassidy a tentative grin. “We’ll take it from here. For as long as you need.” He clasped Rhett’s shoulder. “You go do what you need to do.”

  Rhett and Jack shouldered the door open and light spilled in. Clint stacked a few milk crates together to form a makeshift bench for him and Cassidy, then as Rhett and Jack left they heard the country entertainer sing the first few notes of “Amazing Grace” while a chorus of voices joined in.

  Emotion clogged Rhett’s throat as he stepped clear of the mess hall and surveyed the terrible destruction across the ranch below him. The sky was still menacing, gloomy with a thick fog spreading into the lower sections of his land, but he could see plenty clear enough to know that Red Dog Ranch would never be the same again.

  There was a mess of splinters where once there was a row of ten camper cabins. Hunks of steel hung from the trees they passed while other trees were shaved down to only gnarly bent trunks. One of their largest tractors lay on its side in what used to be the horse pasture. Where had that thing been parked beforehand? Nowhere near where it rested now. A bus had been tossed into the office building and cars that had been parked along the driveway were totaled—on their roof or sides, all windows blown out, frames twisted into odd angles.

  “It’s pretty messed up, huh?” Gabe’s voice made Rhett whirl around.

  “What are you doing here? You should be back in the basement.”

  Gabe crossed his arms over his chest. “You’ll need help finding Miss Macy. I want to help. Besides, Cassidy said I could go with you.”

  Rhett considered arguing with the teenager but Jack broke in. “Stick close. Don’t wander anywhere without either me or Rhett. Understood?”

  “Understood.” Gabe nodded. “I’ll be like a shadow.”

  Rhett, Gabe and Jack picked their way carefully down the hill, stepping over tree limbs and other materials Rhett couldn’t make sense of at the moment.

  Seeing his ranch ripped to pieces made Rhett’s eyes burn. Both of the barns were completely gone. He had no idea how his animals had fared. Did he still have cattle? Horses? The mess hall was still standing but a portion of the roof was gone. The Jarrett family home looked like it had managed to stay together.

  Thank You, God.

  Rhett began to move a little faster.

  Jack kept pace with him. “I’m so sorry.”

  Rhett swallowed around the lump in his throat. Once, twice, three times before he could speak. “I, ah, for a long time I really didn’t like this place.” Hot shame poured through his chest but he pressed on. “My father...”

  Jack stopped and set a hand on Rhett’s shoulder, pulling Rhett to a stop. “He loved you, but he never said it. His heart was divided between his family and the ranch. I know.”

  Rhett nodded. “But I love this place.” He gazed out over the absolute destruction in front of him. “I love—but I realized it all too late. Why am I always one step behind?”

  A theme in his life. Too late to say goodbye to his father. Too late to stop Wade from taking off and ultimately getting killed.

  Would he always be one step behind in his life? Doomed to not realize or appreciate all he had been blessed with? He truly was as bullheaded as people said. Why hadn’t he been grateful about his inheritance? Sprung to action immediately to help kids. Kids. How had he missed every clue Macy no doubt dropped about her feelings earlier in their relationship?

  Jack’s even voice broke through his thoughts. “It’s never too late. As long as you’ve got breath, don’t let anyone—even your own stubborn self—tell you it’s too late.” Jack jutted his chin toward the ranch house. “You guys go check on your mom first. I’m going to head down the main road and do my best to clear a path so the emergency vehicles can get as close as possible.”

  “Should we come help you?” Rhett felt torn. He wanted to do the right thing, but fear for his loved ones was eating at him.

  Jack held up his hand. “You worry about your family. I’ll deal with this. A crew will be here to help in no time. We’ll do all we can to search for survivors and secure your area. From the looks of it, Red Dog Ranch took the brunt of this storm.”

  “Thank you, Jack.” Rhett owed the man so much more than a thank-you. He owed him an apology too. “I’ve never been much of a friend to you and I wish—”

  Jack shook his head. “No more worries, man. Seriously. Just take care of this place. It means a lot to me.”

  “Me too,” Rhett said and meant it.

  Rhett hadn’t yet made it to the steps leading up to the porch when the front door pounded open and Shannon jogged out.

  “Rhett!” She was down the steps in seconds and launched herself at him. Breath whooshed out of his lungs as he tried to keep his feet and catch her at the same time.

  “I’m so sorry.” Her body shook with tears. Her blond curls were wild. “If something had happened to you...” She dug her fingers into his shoulders. “If you had... I’ve been so cruel these past few weeks. We fought and—” her voice broke “—I’ve been—”

  “Hey,” he said tenderly and set her back so he could see his sister’s face. “I love you, kid. I’m glad you’re safe.”

  Her face twisted and she started crying harder. “I l-love you t-too. I’m sorry for—”

  “Shh.” He leaned forward, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “All that’s forgiven and forgotten. I should have been there for you more than I’ve been in the past. I will be. That’s a promise.”

  She swiped at her eyes.

  “Mom?” Rhett asked.

  “She’s scared and confused and keeps asking about Dad, but she’s fine. The nurse too. We rode it out in the bathroom,” Shannon said. Her eyes went wide. “The family room though—the wall of windows is gone and there’s a small tree in there. But other than that the house looks okay. Out here?” She groaned.

  “Macy and Kodiak?”

  Shannon’s focus snapped back to him and she shook her head. “Macy wasn’t with you?” Her brow scrunched. “I just assumed. They’re both always with you.”

  “They weren’t with me.” The words hurt.

  He should have made Macy come inside. He should have never nodded along when she said she was going to clean up the event. He had unknowingly sent Kodiak into the heart of a storm. If something had happened to either of them because of things, because of material, replaceable stuff...

  Jaw involuntarily clenching, Rhett fisted his hands. “I have to find her.”

  God, let them be alive. Let them be all right. Help me find them.

  Chapter Eleven

  Macy couldn’t tell how much time had passed since the storm had ended, but it had stopped just as suddenly as it had begun. One second the gusts were trying to tear the sheet of wood off of them and the next all was still. Quiet.

  She tried to bend to reach the phone tucked into the back pocket of her jeans, but her arms were pinned in front of her body and she couldn’t make out the watch on her wrist even though it was inches from her face.

  Was it night already? Was anyone looking for them?

  A few birds tittered and somewhere nearby a group of cattle bellowed back and forth to one another. Each sound filled Macy with an almost irrational amount of joy because both noises spoke of hope to her. She had witnessed the horse barn and the pole barn being annihilated, but maybe, just maybe, that was the total loss to the ranch. Maybe all of the cattle and horses were fine. Maybe even now Sheep and Romeo were grazing in one of the pastures as if nothing was wrong.

  She squeezed her eyes shut. She couldn’t think about the little horse and donkey. Couldn’t let her mind go there. As long as she was under the board and couldn’t see the totality of destruction, she had hope. She needed to cling to it.

  However, no matter how hard she tried to be positive, it was almost impossible
to chase all her unconstructive thoughts away.

  What if no one came to free them because no one else had survived? What if she and Kodiak had lived through the tornado’s assault only to be trapped under rubble, unable to get free? What if they survived the tornado but died because they were trapped in the aftermath?

  Macy’s heartbeat hammered in her neck and her temples. Her head pounded. A few tears escaped from her closely shuttered eyes.

  Stop.

  Thoughts along those lines would help no one. Least of all her.

  Stay calm. Keep a clear head. Just keep breathing.

  Macy could wiggle her toes, her feet. It was dark and muggy, but she could breathe. The only thing she couldn’t do was lift the piece of wood from off of her and Kodiak. While originally the door-sized plank hadn’t been very heavy, debris had obviously piled up on top of them to the point that Macy wasn’t strong enough to push the covering up enough for them to shimmy out.

  Maybe if she rested a bit?

  God, I know You see us. I know You care. Please, be with me and Kodiak. Help us feel like we’re not completely alone.

  Her whole body ached and her muscles burned. Rain and mud had soaked her clothes, and her hair was completely waterlogged. A tremor worked its way through her body. Something substantial and sharp pressed against her left ankle. Kodiak let out a low whimper right before her warm tongue traced up the side of Macy’s face, ending at her ear.

  What would she have done without Rhett’s dog along for comfort and company? Macy would be far more panicked without the warm fluff of Kodiak beside her.

  “We made it.” Macy nuzzled the dog. “Now we just have to get out of here.”

  As if her words had stirred the dog to action, Kodiak started wiggling. In an effort to get up, the dog’s paw came up and scratched down Macy’s arm.

  “Ouch. Settle down,” Macy commanded her. “You did so well. Just a little longer.”

  But Kodiak tried to switch positions again. She let out a series of whines and then barked. Macy hushed her, but Rhett’s dog continued barking loudly. Her hot breath made the already cramped space feel tight and damp. Macy was about to tell the dog to zip it again when a noise above them caused her to still. Items were being moved. Things were shifting off of their board.

  Someone was up there.

  “Macy!” Rhett yelled and the desperation in his voice made Macy’s heart twist. “Mace, are you there? Dear Lord, please let her be okay. Let me find her. Let her be here.”

  Macy tried to say something, but her voice was so raw there was no way he heard her. She cleared her throat, trying again. “I’m here. Help! We’re under here.”

  “Thank You, God.” Rhett sounded close to tears. “You can breathe? You’re all right?”

  “I think so.”

  “Don’t move. Let us lift the worst of this away.” More stuff shifted above them. “I’m here, Mace. I won’t leave until I leave with you in my arms. You have my word.”

  Kodiak barked frantically again.

  Macy grew antsy. Now that she knew rescue was close she felt like she wanted to crawl out of her skin. She didn’t want to wait. Couldn’t wait. She was too closed in. She wanted to shove the board off of them and never see this ditch again. But she knew Rhett was right. She had no idea what kind of mess was piled above them. There could be live wires for all she knew. There could be a car precariously balanced over them.

  I won’t leave until I leave with you in my arms.

  After what seemed like an eternity but was probably more along the line of minutes, light broke over Macy’s face as the board was finally lifted away. Macy spotted Gabe first and while she was happy to see that the teenager was okay, she wanted to find Rhett’s bright blues. She groaned, blinking hard, and took a shuddering breath.

  Rhett was at her side in a heartbeat. “You have no idea. I thought—I feared—” He placed a hand on the small of her back as he assisted her with sitting up. “I’ve never been happier to see someone in my whole life.”

  Her lungs ached. Macy coughed a few times. “I heard you praying.”

  Rhett smiled gently. “I do that now.”

  Macy turned to say something more but Kodiak chose that moment to lurch toward Rhett so she could cover every inch of his face and neck with happy dog kisses. She whined and then licked, whined and then licked. Her whole body trembling.

  Rhett’s laugh was pure joy. A tear slipped down his cheek as he kissed the top of Kodiak’s head. “Good girl. You are such a good girl, Kodiak. You heard my whistle, didn’t you? You barked so well. That’s how we found you.”

  Kodiak inched closer to Rhett and then let out one sharp yelp. Rhett’s eyes went wide.

  Macy sucked in another shuddering breath. “She’s hurt. It’s one of her back legs, I think.”

  Rhett’s eyes found hers.

  “Rubble fell on her. She was pinned.”

  Rhett’s blue gaze raked over Macy’s face, her body. “You’re hurt too.” He lightly touched her face. “You’re covered in blood.”

  “I’m okay.” Macy smiled despite the situation. “I love you, Rhett Jarrett. I don’t want another second to go by without saying that. I’ve loved you—”

  Rhett’s mouth was on hers before she could finish. He kissed her lightly, tenderly, as if he was afraid anything more would break her. But Macy needed more. She fisted her hands into his shirt and yanked him closer. Rhett’s hat slid off his head as they deepened their kiss. Macy had almost died today, but this kiss? This kiss was life and air and love and acceptance—everything she’d ever wanted. She was caked in mud, blood and sweat. She was soaked through but none of it mattered.

  Macy let go of Rhett’s shirt so she could wrap her arms around his neck. She loved this man. She wanted to stay in his arms forever.

  The sound of someone loudly clearing their throat finally broke them apart.

  Gabe smirked at them. “I’m sorry to interrupt y’all but...” He shrugged and held Rhett’s hat out to them.

  Rhett accepted his hat but kept his other arm firmly around Macy’s back, supporting her. He shoved his hat onto his head and then slipped his hand under her knees. With Macy snug in his arms he got to his feet. He looked over at Gabe, who was still smiling wickedly at them. “Think you’re strong enough to carry Kodiak back to the house?”

  Gabe rolled his eyes. “Mr. Jarrett, I don’t ‘think’—I know.”

  Macy rested her hand on Rhett’s chest to get his attention. “I can walk.”

  Rhett’s arms tightened. “I’m not letting you go.” He looked back at Gabe. “She tolerates a fireman’s carry well. Do you know what that is? Over the shoulders?”

  Gabe dropped to his knees and helped Kodiak get positioned around his neck.

  “Lift with your knees,” Rhett instructed.

  Kodiak’s brow wrinkled and she looked over at Rhett and Macy as if she wanted to ask them if they were really going to allow this kid to do this to her, but Gabe rose with minimal wobbling and headed up the hill in the direction of the house.

  When they were alone Macy studied Rhett’s face. She wanted to scrub away the worried crease in his brow. He noticed she was staring and cocked an eyebrow.

  “You found me,” she said. She wrapped an arm more securely around his neck.

  “I was so scared,” he confessed in a small voice.

  “It was like our old hide-and-seek days.”

  His arms tightened. “I would have never stopped looking for you. I would have turned over every piece of rubble, searched in every place until I had you in my arms.”

  She tried to make light of it all, cheer him up. “Well, you won this round.”

  “Kodiak helped.” Rhett took the hill slower. His gaze swept over Macy again. “I’m worried about this blood. Tell me what hurts.”

  “I’m alive, Rhett.” Her lau
gh had a raw edge to it. Tiredness will do that. “What does it matter?”

  Rhett stopped at the top of the hill and set her down on a wooden stool that must have been blown there from one of the barns.

  He cupped her face in both his hands. “It matters because I love you. Everything about you matters to me. Every single thing.” The muscle in his jaw popped. “When I thought... When I didn’t know... When I couldn’t find you...” He pressed his forehead to hers and took a long, slow breath. “I was such a fool not to say something sooner. Not to do something. I thought I had time. I thought we had time.” He eased back again and brushed the hair out of her face that had fallen from her ponytail. “I love you so much, Macy. I’ll spend the rest of my life trying to show you how much.”

  “Rhett.” Her voice was barely a whisper. She was entirely overcome by the strength of his words.

  “Now tell me what’s hurt,” he said.

  He picked her back up and she told him about the projectile hitting her arm and the scratch on her face. “Other than that I think I’m just really sore.”

  Rhett had to step over wreckage all the way back to the house. Tears freely flowed down Macy’s cheeks. Red Dog Ranch was completely destroyed. Finally unable emotionally to face the destruction any longer, Macy buried her face in Rhett’s neck.

  “It’s all gone,” she whispered. “Everything’s gone.”

  She felt the muscles in his arms flex.

  “Everything that matters made it,” he murmured against her hair.

  * * *

  In the days after the tornado Rhett spent most of his time managing the cleanup effort. He kept a running list of things that needed to be replaced and repaired. The handwritten list currently covered ten pages, front and back. And it kept growing.

  Jack Donnelley examined the two-story-tall, boarded-up wall of the family room. “New windows coming this weekend?”

  Rhett finished his tea and set the mug in the sink. “Yes, thankfully. It’s a cave in here without them.”