A Lost Love's Legacy (Sons Of A Gun Book 5)

by Brenda Sinclair

  Especially when it involved Rosie.

  Chapter 33

  Anna flopped onto the bed, her mind unable to process what she’d just overheard. She’d decided to inquire if AJ had heard more news from Daniel concerning the situation with this fake husband who’d attempted to defraud her of her funds. Had the scoundrel appeared before a judge? Had he been sentenced to years in prison? Instead, she learned the truth spoken by the man actually claiming her paternity.

  Her father.

  Sourdough Sammy.

  Truly?

  She never would have imagined the argumentative, aged cook who’d lived on the Double M the majority of his life had fathered her all those years ago. Sammy Anderson could have claimed the story had been invented to assist AJ in saving his ranch. He’d hadn’t realized she was listening, and he admitted all of it willingly with only the best of intentions in mind, providing everyone with the truth. He hadn’t any reason to lie to them. And he seemed as honest a man as any she’d known. She hadn’t any choice but to believe him.

  Someone knocked on the guest room door, but she ignored the intrusion on her thoughts.

  “Anna, please open the door,” Mrs. Sheridan requested.

  “Mother, we know you’re in there.”

  Anna cringed. Rosie stood on the other side of the door also? Had her daughter been told the truth? How would she accept the news? Would she be expected to welcome the old fellow as her kin? Could Rosie accept that her image of a grandfather who pioneered this ranch had been shattered like a fine crystal glass with the few words spoken by her true grandfather?

  “It’s open,” she muttered.

  A second later, the door swung inward and the two of them entered.

  “Are you all right, Mother?” Rosie hurried to her side and sat on the edge of the bed. “We just heard from AJ what happened. He told us the entire story.”

  “AJ sent us to check on you,” Mrs. Sheridan added. “There’s no easy way to impart such a revelation, and Sammy is worried sick about you. About the unfeeling way you learned the truth.”

  Anna waved her hand, dismissively. “I’m fine,” she whispered.

  “Your face is so pale, Mother.” Rosie reached for her hand. “I doubt very much that you’re anything but totally in shock.”

  Anna nodded. “I hadn’t expected to learn the truth that way. So unexpected. So… callous.”

  “Sammy didn’t realize you were listening,” Mrs. Sheridan defended him. “He truly is sorry he didn’t tell you himself, as soon as you arrived here. What you interpreted as callous, I’d guess was self-disgust. I’ve never seen Sammy so disappointed in himself.”

  “I cannot believe this,” Rosie muttered, slipping an arm around her mother’s shoulder. “It’s so… so much to wrap your head around. But we suspected your father was someone other than Michael Miller.”

  “You did.” Anna met her daughter’s eyes. “But I wanted to believe he was. My entire life I haven’t felt wanted or loved. Learning the truth about Lucille gave me hope that Michael had loved Mother and if he’d known me, he would have…”

  “I understand, Mother. Our family has never been… affectionate toward each other.” Rosie patted her mother’s hand.

  Anna silently admitted the truth of her daughter’s statement. With her paternity revealed, she realized the reason behind her parents’ coldness toward each other. Brighton Wentworth, the man she’d believed her father, married her mother strictly to secure his place in William Woodley’s company. Brighton knew he wasn’t her father, and he hadn’t given her a moment’s regard because of it. And history repeated itself with Anna’s own marriage to a man more interested in his future at Woodley Enterprises than displaying any affection for her.

  Anna gazed at Rosie. She knew her daughter loved Michael McLennon with all her heart. Anna could see the truth in her daughter’s actions; she’d caught her daughter watching Michael when he wasn’t looking. And Michael showed similar feelings for Rosie when he proposed and she said yes to marrying the young rancher. Would her daughter break their family streak of unhappy marriages, by marrying Michael? She truly hoped so. Her beautiful daughter deserved nothing less.

  “Mother, talk to me. Tell me what you’re thinking. Tell me what we can do to help you.” Rosie smiled at her. “This must have come as a complete shock.”

  “I couldn’t have been more surprised.” Anna smiled, weakly. “I… I don’t know what to think, but Sammy’s story makes sense. My parentage was an accident. A moment of… what? Unplanned passion? Not really. Sammy provided Mother with comfort, understanding, kindness. He never intended to hurt Mother by leaving her with child. But… it happened.”

  “And if it hadn’t, you wouldn’t be here, Anna. Nor would Rosie.” Mrs. Sheridan stood, hands clasped in front of her. “Although it hadn’t been planned, perhaps it was meant to be.”

  “You’re always so optimistic,” Rosie observed, smiling at the housekeeper.

  “No sense fretting over things that can’t be undone.” Mrs. Sheridan smiled at Anna. “I hope this news gets you thinking, Anna. Now that the truth has come out, you can undo a lot of trouble you’ve brought onto this family.”

  Rosie looked into her mother’s eyes. “She’s right. You aren’t Michael Miller’s daughter. You have absolutely no claim to this ranch.”

  Anna’s chest tightened with the realization her daughter spoke the truth. She was the daughter of a ranch cook. A man by his own admission afflicted with limited ambition. A man who worked on the Double M most of his life without much to show for it. She blinked back the tears threatening to embarrass her further. She’d been raised the daughter of a wealthy Boston businessman, but she hadn’t appreciated her privileged upbringing. Now, she’d learned who she truly was. Anything but their equal, her society friends could never learn the truth or she would never dare to face them again.

  “I… I need to return home.” Anna leapt off the bed. “I can’t remain here. I…”

  “Mother, you’re in no condition to travel. You’ve received an enormous shock.” Rosie reached for her mother’s hand and pulled her back down beside her.

  “I’ll be fine,” Anna argued. “I won’t stay for your wedding and embarrass my daughter even more than I have already. Everyone in Milestone knows I attempted to steal the ranch from the McLennons. From your soon-to-be new family.”

  “They’ll understand. You believed with all your heart that Mr. Miller was your father.”

  “But everyone knew the kind of man he was. Knew he wouldn’t have done what I believed of him.” Anna shook her head. “I should have listened to AJ. I should have known such a wonderful man was telling the truth. Especially when he stepped up to help me, contacting his son to sort out that dreadful business back in Boston.”

  “Mother, you had no reason to—”

  “Oh, but I did. Instead, I read into those diary entries what I wanted to believe. Not what was written in plain language. Mother hinted that Grandmother was mistaken, but I wouldn’t allow myself to believe it.” Anna dropped her head into her hands. “Why did I dig myself into this hole?”

  “Money drives some folks to make mistakes,” Mrs. Sheridan offered.

  Anna raised her head and met the woman’s eyes. “You mean greed not money,” she whispered. And greed had fed her purpose.

  The housekeeper remained silent.

  “Since my husband’s passing, I’ve worried what would become of me now that I’m alone in the world,” Anna admitted. Her parents were gone. Rosie deserted her without looking back for even a moment. And Anna couldn’t blame her. She’d been a horrible mother to her beautiful daughter. Her birth so late in Anna’s life hadn’t been her daughter’s fault. She’d been as much a surprise as Anna’s conception no doubt had shocked Lucille. Two daughters. Both unintentionally conceived. Both living a life unloved because of it. Anna prayed that Rosie and Michael’s children would grow up in the large, loving McLennon family, knowing they’d been planned, been wanted, were
loved unconditionally.

  “I sold the company that had created so many problems for all of us. For Mother. For me. For you, Rosie. The company that meant much more to our fathers and grandfathers and all the men in our lives than any of us women ever did.”

  Rosie hugged her tightly. “You’re right, Mother.”

  “Now it’s over. I need to return home where I belong. Where my life and my friends await me,” Anna declared, patting her daughter’s hand. “Your future is here with this loving family. With the man who will love you the way you deserve. I don’t belong here, but you do, Rosie.” Rosie. Her daughter’s pet name rolled off her tongue with surprising ease. The entire McLennon family used the name. She hadn’t heard a single person call her daughter Rosemary in the time she’d been here.

  Rosie smiled at her. “Travel home safely, Mother. Daniel has settled the matter of the fraudster and your money is awaiting you in the bank in Boston. You’ll be all right. I won’t worry about you, knowing you’re among friends. But if you ever need anything, please telegraph me or write a letter.”

  “Thank you, my dear sweet daughter.” Anna kissed her cheek. “Perhaps I’ll return some day. Who knows? I will certainly come to visit my first grandchild.”

  Rosie chuckled. “You are definitely counting chickens, Mother. We haven’t said the I dos yet.”

  Anna knew Michael wouldn’t compromise her daughter, insisting they wait for the wedding night. He wore his namesake’s moniker proudly. The McLennon men were honorable, hard-working, honest and generous fellows. Anna was pleased her daughter had found happiness on the Double M with this family.

  Anna stood and smiled. “You deserve Michael’s love, Rosie. Promise me, you’ll enjoy every day to the fullest.”

  “I will, Mother. I couldn’t ask for more in life than what I’ve found here. A place I truly believe is home.” Rosie walked toward the door. “I’ll let Michael know you’re leaving for home tomorrow. He’ll arrange for someone to drive you into Milestone, or to Butte if you prefer. You can clear things up with your lawyer before you return to Boston.”

  “Thank you, Rosie,” Anna called as Mrs. Sheridan followed her daughter out of the room.

  Anna pulled the lids open on her trunks and started packing her belongings. She marveled at how the Boston servants ever fitted everything into the trunks so compactly when Anna herself failed miserably at the task. She left several hats and other articles of clothing behind, hoping Rosie might make use of them.

  When she arrived in Butte, she would reimburse Randolph and his father for their time spent on her ill-inspired pursuit. And then she’d return home and forget this entire matter ever happened. Returning to Boston and being content with what she had in life—more than sufficient money to live comfortably on and a familiar circle of friends—sounded perfect to Anna. She could have lost everything if not for AJ contacting Daniel, and the talented Pinkerton resolving the fraud attempt so competently.

  While Rosie felt she belonged here in Montana, Anna considered only one place home. Although she mentioned returning to Milestone and the Double M for a visit one day, she sincerely doubted she’d set one foot outside of Boston ever again.

  Chapter 34

  November 12, 1889

  Rosie stared out the window from the top-floor guest room in the Milestone Hotel, recalling the wonderful town celebrations a week ago when Montana Territory received statehood and became the State of Montana. Citizens enjoyed the complimentary town-sponsored meal and then danced into the wee hours of the night. What a momentous day it had been. A milestone in everyone’s life.

  She turned back to the cheval mirror in the far corner and stepped closer to admire her dress. Amanda Manning outdid herself in Rosie’s mind. The lovely emerald green gown in satin and silk with the sparkling beaded collar had been the perfect choice for her wedding dress, highlighting her hazel eyes and auburn hair. She couldn’t wait to walk down the aisle to Michael. And her grandfather would be doing the honors of escorting her down that aisle. A few months ago, she never would have dreamed such a thing possible.

  A loud knock roused her from her musings.

  “Come in.”

  The door opened and her grandfather popped his head inside. “Can we talk for a few minutes?” Sammy inquired.

  “Of course.” Rosie waved him inside. “How are you doing? Any nerves?”

  Sammy smiled. “Maybe one or two. Not every day a fellow walks his granddaughter down the aisle.”

  “You’ll be wonderful.”

  “With such a beautiful bride on my arm, nobody will even notice me,” Sammy suggested, chuckling.

  Rosie hugged him tightly. “You’re such a charming fellow.”

  “I have a question, Rosie. I’ve been a bit of a coward, worrying about this and not saying anything.”

  Rosie seated herself on the edge of the bed while Sammy settled into a nearby chair. “You can ask me anything.”

  “I’ve been thinking… your ma’s probably disappointed. Learning I’m her pa and not Michael Miller. She skedaddled back to Boston soon as she learned the truth.”

  “Mother was embarrassed more than anything. She’d dropped her cloak of propriety, revealing the extent of her greed and heartlessness. And she should be ashamed of herself. Especially considering the horrible way she treated AJ and his family. But I believe she’s remorseful in her own way.”

  “She never spoke a word to me, never said goodbye, but I understand better now. Thank you for—”

  “Regardless of what Mother said or didn’t say to you, I couldn’t be more delighted to have you in my life. You’re like family to the McLennons. Anyone would be proud to call you their grandfather. And goodness knows, Mother and I are sadly lacking in family.”

  “You’re truly alone in the world, except for Anna?”

  “Except for me, Mother has no one except a houseful of servants. She has her society friends, but I haven’t a very high opinion of most of them. I believe grief contributed mostly to Mother’s shameful behavior. It wasn’t that long ago that she became a widow, and she is still coming to the realization that everyone in her family is gone.” Rosie offered him a smile. “I’m the only other Dalton left. And that will change in a few minutes.”

  “I’ve been alone my entire life, and now that you’re here…” Sammy’s eyes filled with tears. “I’m plumb tickled silly you’re my granddaughter.”

  “And I can enjoy your company every day on the Double M,” Rosie exclaimed. Now that Eric had assumed the role of head cook, she hoped that meant several more years of time together with Sammy who’d grown accustomed to less work and more spare time to relax. No doubt, in a few years, AJ would hire someone to help Mrs. Sheridan and ease her into retirement also.

  Someone knocked softly and then Amanda popped her head into the room. “Are you almost ready?”

  “Just waiting for you to arrive with my flowers,” Rosie replied, smiling.

  “I’ll get out of your hair and head over to the church. I’ll be waiting for you, my girl.” Sammy kissed her cheek and wandered toward the door. “See you in a while.”

  “And here’s your bouquet.” Amanda handed her a lovely arrangement of dried autumn flowers with live greenery, tied with a large green ribbon. “Mrs. Sheridan worked on this all day yesterday until she judged it perfect.”

  “It’s so beautiful,” Rosie gushed. “And quite unique.”

  “Most of Milestone’s autumn and winter brides carry dried bouquets. Nothing fresh available around these parts unless it’s spring or summertime.” Amanda fussed with the bride’s skirt, carefully arranging each fold into its proper place.

  “Thank you for everything you’ve done to help me prepare for today.” Rosie offered her future sister-in-law a warm hug. Truth be told, Rosie wouldn’t have known where to start. Back in Boston, the servants would have arranged the venue, the church, the food, and everything else. Her mother wouldn’t have lifted a finger to assist. At least, her mother wasn’t present
to cause a disruption or scratch a black mark across the day’s celebrations. Although, Rosie suspected her mother might have changed her ways after learning her true parentage. “I couldn’t have done any of this without you.”

  “Nonsense. I loved helping out.” Amanda leaned back and met her eyes. “Michael and I are the two youngest of the siblings and we were extremely close growing up. Don’t tell my other brothers, but Michael’s still my favorite,” she whispered.

  “He’s my favorite also,” Rosie teased, chuckling. “I couldn’t love him more.”

  “He loves you, too,” Amanda confirmed. “I’ve never seen him so content.”

  “I’m glad. I’m happy, too. Perhaps for the first time in my life,” she admitted.

  “Remember the day you arrived in Milestone? For days after, you two acted like a couple of cats spitting and hissing at each other.” Amanda hugged her again. “Now, today’s nuptials mark another beginning. You and Michael will celebrate many happy years together.”

  “From your lips…” Rosie whispered. She did recall the day Michael left her standing alone outside the hotel, crying. At the time, she never would have imagined the challenges they would face and eventually work so hard together to overcome in the months following. But they’d survived it all, and their love grew from the ashes of despair caused by her mother’s shenanigans.

  “Now, we must hurry or you’ll be unforgivably late arriving at the Milestone Community Church.” Amanda handed Rosie her coat and grabbed her own. “Ray’s carriage awaits us. It’s tradition.”

  Rosie had been warned about the matching pair of grays and the lovey carriage that every McLennon groom hired to transport his bride to the church, and then take the newly married couple to the hotel for their wedding meal. Her stomach flipflopped with a dozen butterflies, and her mind was tangled by nerves. She couldn’t wait to say her ‘I dos’ and become Mrs. McLennon. Was Michael troubled by a case of nervousness today as well? Or was he the picture of calm and serenity?