Harlequin American Romance October 2013 Bundle: Twins Under the Christmas TreeBig Sky ChristmasHer Wyoming HeroA Rancher's Christmas

by Marin Thomas

“One day during my second year at Harvard Law School, I was sitting in a lecture when I realized I had no idea who I was or what I wanted from life. Like Andy, I’d been told what, where, when and how to live from the day I was born. I was a robot.”

  “That’s exactly what Charles is turning my son into,” she whispered.

  “No one can relate better than I can. I had to go to one of those elite, astronomically expensive, pre-adolescent prep schools in Houston when I was nine years old, too. It was called St. Luke’s.”

  Kit sat spellbound as she listened to him tell her the story of his life. The parallel between his and Andy’s experiences was uncannily similar.

  “Before the end of the lecture one day in class, I had an epiphany. The professor had been discussing a law case that involved a military man. That word military lit up my brain like a neon sign.

  “I figured out how to turn my back on my birthright for a nobler cause than helping my family get richer and richer. I would join the marines, not as officer Rutherford Livingston V with all the accompanying perks, but as Ross Livingston, an enlisted man, the same as every other enlisted guy. I wanted no perks.

  “That very day I left class and went to the recruiting station to sign up. Once I put my signature on the dotted line, I was untouchable.”

  She shook her head. “What a shock that must have been to your parents.”

  “I’m sure it was. Probably no more of a shock than the one you delivered to your in-laws this morning. But when they received my letter, I wasn’t there to see it. For the first time in twenty-three years I was free to find out who I was, and my father couldn’t do a damn thing about it.

  “Being a politician and one of Houston’s leading oil tycoons, my father couldn’t say anything negative about my choice. Otherwise it would get leaked to the press and possibly ruin his career with all the military voters in his constituency.”

  “I’m imagining he wanted you to go into politics, too.”

  “Oh, yes. His aspirations were for me to become President of the United States. He had an agenda all mapped out for me, but of course those were all his dreams, and mother was right there with him.”

  “How awful, Ross. Were you an only child?”

  “No. Like your husband, I have two siblings, an elder brother and a younger sister who march to my father’s drum and breathe when he breathes. The only real difference between me and Andy is that he’s a grandson, not a son. Charles Wentworth got his chance to run your husband’s life. That ought to be enough for any man.”

  She gripped the side of the seat. “I agree.”

  “Since I made my choice to go into the military, I’ve been able to love my family much better from a distance.” He flashed her a piercing regard. “I applaud you for helping Andy get away before it’s too late.”

  “The thought of my son being sent to a school like yours tears me apart.” She bit her lip. “How many years did you have to go to St. Luke’s?”

  “Four. I hated being away from home. Then I was shipped off to the poshest prep school in the state. By the time I was sixteen, I’d learned to despise the name of Rutherford Livingston V. It was so pretentious I told everyone my name was Ross, after my grandmother Ross.”

  “Was she a favorite of yours?”

  “Yes. When she died, I lost a real friend.”

  “I know how that feels. I lost mine. It took me years to get over it.”

  “Some things you don’t get over. It didn’t take long for me to understand we were one of the wealthiest oil families in Texas. After the Spindletop oil discovery in Beaumont, our great great grandfather joined with other men to form Texas Oil and everything took off. Just belonging to our family made me different from all the other guys I wanted to be my friends.

  “I was sent to the best schools, associated with the best people, had the best education in mining engineering at Stanford, vacationed at the best places around the world. All of that to ensure I’d graduate from Harvard Law School before I worked for the family ensuring we amassed more oil. But after two years in, I couldn’t do it anymore.

  “Like you, I did a lot of reading on my own. By then I’d developed a social conscience.

  “Though I’d done everything the folks had wanted for me, it wasn’t what I wanted. Because I didn’t earn any of it, I felt ashamed of all the money we have when millions of people around the world are starving.

  “Money opens doors that are closed to people with ordinary incomes or no incomes at all. It made me doubt if the friends and girlfriends I did make were sincere or did they just want something from me. There was a woman my father wanted me to marry named Amanda Hopkins. I liked her, but at the age of twenty-three, I had no clue who I really was.

  “Don’t get me wrong. I can see the pained look on your face. I’m not attacking my parents or my lineage that made us who we are. I love them and my brother and sister and always will, but I don’t like the trappings.”

  “Trappings don’t bring happiness,” she whispered.

  “No, just as Andy has found out.” He coughed. “By law school I wanted to find out who I really was. I yearned to be an ordinary guy. I wanted to fall in love with an ordinary girl who would fall in love with me. That’s why I left school and joined the marines. They call it the great equalizer.”

  She couldn’t take her eyes off him. “Have you found out who you are yet?”

  He rubbed the back of his neck. “I’m getting there. Buck and Carson are my real friends. There’s nothing fake about them. They’ve never tried to use me and never would. As I’ve told you, my father is a political animal.

  “Naturally I want Dad to win re-election in November because he’s a decent man with a lot of great plans, but I don’t want to be a part of them. For me to feel good about myself, I’ve got to make it on my own.

  “When I left school, I told him I wanted to serve our country, and nothing could persuade me otherwise. He couldn’t argue with that because it was for a good cause.” He coughed again.

  “But the truth is, I’ve found my life’s work here on the ranch. One day I’ll invite the folks here. Seeing how I live will say everything better than words ever could.

  “After telling you all this, perhaps now you’ll understand why the guys and I want to help you get on with your life. We talked over your problem this morning and are here for you should you run into any real trouble with your father-in-law.”

  She tried to breathe normally but couldn’t. Kit couldn’t stand for these wonderful men to be involved in her troubles. She shouldn’t have come to the ranch. But if she hadn’t, she might never have found the resolve to make the break.

  “I feel honored that you would confide in me this way. Thank you for helping me find the strength to do this. And, please, thank your partners for their concern, but I’m sure it won’t come to that.”

  “For yours and Andy’s sake, I hope not.”

  His comment haunted her as she got out of the cab and hurried inside the ranch house dining room to join her son. When she couldn’t find him she went into the games room and discovered him playing Ping-Pong with a boy who looked about twelve.

  “Hi, Mom. This is Jayce.”

  “Hello, Jayce.”

  “Hi.”

  “He’s staying in one of the cabins with his parents.”

  “That’s great. Have you eaten, honey?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Ross and I took a little longer than I thought we would. I’m sorry.”

  “That’s okay.”

  “I’ll be in the dining room when you’re through playing.”

  “Okay.”

  She retraced her steps and found Ross waiting for her at one of the empty tables.

  “Everything all right?”

  “Yes. He’s already eaten and found a new f
riend named Jayce. There were quite a few kids on the cruise in Norway, but Andy never played with them. He’s so different here, I hardly recognize him.”

  The waitress brought coffee and took their orders. After she went off Ross said, “That’s because the source of his tension is gone. Now that he knows he doesn’t have to go back to the mansion to live, you’re going to see a new boy.

  “I used to be like him until I got completely away from my parents. That’s when everything changed. Given his freedom, Andy’s going to grow up a happy man.”

  Their eyes met. “That’s what I want for him.”

  “With a mother like you, he’s on his way.”

  Ross hadn’t heard what Florence had said to her earlier. But you have no skills, no resources. Nothing. How can you possibly care for our grandson? Those words had pierced her, but the sting was gone. That was because of Ross’s faith in her.

  How was it that this marvelous man had been here all this time waiting like some guardian angel assigned to watch over them the second they arrived? But she had to remember that an angel was a mortal’s friend, not a potential lover.

  Kit might want him the way a woman wanted the man she was crazy about, but she was a fool to be thinking of him that way. Not only was he out of her league on every level, she didn’t want a man in her life. Winn and Charles had been enough.

  Before long their food arrived, and Andy joined them. Ross offered him a piece of bacon, which he ate. Their behavior was so natural with each other. “Your mom told me you met one of our guests?”

  “Yeah. Jayce is from Minnesota. He likes my cowboy hat and said he’s going to get his mom to buy him one like it.”

  Ross smiled at him. “I told you it suited you.” Andy beamed. Her son was coming to life being around Ross. “Buck ought to be here by now to take you fishing. Maybe he’ll take Jayce with you.”

  “No. He and his family are going on a float trip with Carson. Do you have to leave for your meeting now?”

  Kit blinked in surprise at his question.

  “That’s right.”

  “In the truck?”

  “Andy—”

  “Yes. Why do you want to know?” he asked, ignoring Kit’s exclamation.

  “I just wondered if I could ride in the back. I won’t bother you. I’d rather do that than go fishing.”

  “You would? Well, I can tell you now I’d like the company.” Ross’s brown eyes found hers. There was a glint in them that made her feel feverish. “Do you want to come with us? I’m driving to the eastern part of the ranch. There’s beautiful scenery along the way.”

  “But you’re going there on business.”

  “If it’s possible, I always mix business with pleasure.”

  Pleasure. That’s what it was like being with Ross. “Andy and I would love to ride out with you.” She shouldn’t have said it, but this morning she was so happy and felt so free, there was nothing she’d rather do than be with him.

  “There’s only one problem, Andy. We might not get back in time for you to go into town with the kids.”

  “I’d rather go with you.”

  Andy had taken the words right out of Kit’s mouth. “Then I’ll ring Alex and let her know there’s been a change in plans. She’ll tell Buck. Do you two need to get anything before we leave?”

  “No, but maybe we ought to take a trip to the restroom. Come on, Andy.”

  “While you do that, I’ll get one of the cooks to pack us a lunch. We’ll meet at the truck in ten minutes.”

  After refreshing themselves, Kit and Andy started walking out to the truck. Her son was the one who jumped when her cell phone rang. “It’s probably Grandfather.”

  Kit pulled it out of her pocket and discovered it was her sister-in-law calling. That meant the whole family knew everything. “It’s your aunt Corinne.”

  “I bet he’s right there and is making her call you. He always makes her do stuff.”

  Andy was nobody’s fool. “I’m sure you’re right.” Charles had guilted the whole family to death for years.

  “Don’t answer it.”

  “I won’t.”

  He gave her a hug before climbing in the back of the truck. Kit got in the front seat and shut the door. Pretty soon another call came through from Sybil. She let it ring. When everything went silent she checked the message from Corinne.

  I can’t believe you’ve done this to my parents after they took you in. Winston did everything conceivable so you could live the enchanted life, and this is how you’ve repaid him?

  Can’t you understand the family is worried for Andrew? If you really love him, you’ll come home.

  Kit stared into space. As far as Corinne was capable of understanding, given the family she’d been born into, she meant well. Neither she nor Sybil could comprehend leaving the gilded nest to go out in the world with their children. But Kit hadn’t been born a Wentworth. She was anxious for Andy to have a taste of freedom so he could grow into whatever person he wanted to be.

  Her thoughts wandered to Ross who’d said he’d left home in order to find out who he was. As far as she was concerned, it had been the making of a fabulous man who had his feet firmly planted on this ranch. She could only hope the same thing happened to Andy, that he’d find himself and fulfill his potential.

  Kit looked through the rear window. He was in the back of the truck shooting off his cap gun like any happy kid. No matter how much guilt the family heaped on her, she wouldn’t trade this child for the sullen shadow of himself her boy had been since Winn’s death.

  Chapter Seven

  While he waited for one of the cooks to fill the picnic hamper, Ross took the time to inform the guys he was taking Kit and Andy with him for the day. He also told them to be on the alert now that Kit had let her in-laws know she and Andy were moving out of the mansion.

  After stopping in the office for his notebook and a map, he headed for the truck in better spirits than he’d felt in months. His life suddenly seemed filled with new purpose. As he reached the parking area, Andy waved to him from the back.

  He walked up and put the hamper in next to one of the hay bales. “You know what, sport? I’m going to swing by your cabin so you can get a sweater or jacket. If you’re going to ride back here, it might get a little cool in the forest.”

  “I’m okay. The sun’s really warm right now. If it gets cooler, I’ll get in the cab with Mom.”

  That made sense. “Good enough.” On impulse Ross handed him the map. “Have you ever seen a U.S. geological survey map before?”

  “No.”

  He opened it up. “As you can see, it’s different from a road map. We’re here.” He used his index finger to show him the exact location. “We’re going to drive over here. This tells you the names and elevations of the land. If you follow it, you’ll find it pretty interesting.”

  “Thanks.”

  “You’re welcome. Holler if you need anything.”

  “Okay.”

  “You’re sure you don’t mind us coming with you?” Kit asked as he got behind the wheel and put his notebook on the backseat. “I’m sorry Andy didn’t want to go fishing. I guess you realize it’s because you had something else to do. He has a slight case of hero worship at the moment.”

  He darted her a glance once they’d driven away. “The whole idea of our project is for kids like Andy to open up and express what they want to do. I’m pleased to think he’s starting to warm up and feel comfortable.”

  “You’ve given him so much attention, I think he’s too comfortable. I was watching out the back window. What did you give him to look at?”

  “A map so he can see where we’re going.”

  “You’re very thoughtful,” she said. “What kind of business meeting is it, if you don’t mind my asking?” />
  “Not at all.” He had to cough. He hadn’t shared his interests with a woman like this in years and loved it. “It’s my opinion Carson’s ranch is sitting on top of a pocket of natural gas, but we won’t know until we drill. I’ve been doing the research and have received bids from several oil companies. Today I’m meeting one of the engineers from a local firm at the site where I think we should put in a well. If we’re lucky, it’ll pay big dividends.”

  He felt her studying him. “We?”

  “I graduated as a petroleum engineer before I went to Harvard. Family business, what else?”

  She flashed him a brief smile.

  “Ranching with Carson has taught me it’s a very tough business and money is always tight. I’m hoping a well like this will produce enough natural gas to help him and his family financially for years to come.”

  “Won’t that require a good amount of capital just to get started?”

  Kit wasn’t just a beautiful face. “Yes. I invested the money I made in the military. It’ll be my contribution to our partnership. Carson has already provided the land, and Buck takes care of any construction. Now it’s my turn to see what I can do to carry my weight around here.”

  “But what if the well doesn’t produce anything?” she asked. “You’ll have lost the investment you took all those years in the military to build up.”

  “It’s a risk I’m willing to take for a friend.”

  Her eyes darkened with emotion. “The world could use more friends like you. I’m in awe of you, Ross.”

  “No more than I am of you.”

  “What do I have to do with anything?”

  “For the sake of your son’s happiness, you’re planning to head out into the unknown on faith and no backing.”

  “Be serious. My situation isn’t the same thing.”

  They’d been weaving in and out of the forest area and were almost to the flat section of land where he’d ridden with Carson on Saturday morning.

  “You’re right. I at least have a job as a rancher if my plan fails.”

  She shook her head. “If my plan to open a bookshop doesn’t materialize, I’ll get a job right away doing any number of things. But you’ll be out hard-earned money.”