by Marin Thomas
“And they decided what you needed, when you needed it?”
At this point Kit stood up. “Yes.” She couldn’t look at him.
“And you’re going to Galveston to start a new life with only $10,000?”
“Minus the $1500 I have to repay Nila for taxi money and our airline tickets. I also have the diamond ring Winn gave me. It’s the only piece of jewelry I possess. It was appraised at $18,000. I plan to sell it when I get there.”
His mouth had thinned to a white line. “I’m afraid you won’t get half of what it’s worth if you try to sell it. There are other benefits that should be coming to you because of his years in the military.”
“I know, but I haven’t seen them. Charles goes through all the incoming mail first.”
Kit heard him suck in his breath. “You need an attorney to bring a lawsuit in order to claim the investments your husband made throughout your marriage. That money, maybe all or a portion of it, is legally yours. Whatever the amount, you need it to help you get established in Texas or anywhere else.”
“I can’t count on it,” she said. “I imagine Winn made an airtight will with his father’s help. Any of that money will go to Andy when he comes of age. But Charles has never discussed it with me, nor would he.”
By now Ross was on his feet once more. “Were you married in Rhode Island?”
“Yes, in a civil ceremony at the courthouse.”
“That might have some bearing on your case. An attorney will know the probate laws for Maine and Rhode Island. Through discovery you’ll find out the facts and go from there.”
“I can’t afford one.”
His eyes studied her with an intensity that shook her. “I know an attorney who will take your case. It’s the only way for you and Andy to receive what’s rightfully yours.”
“I appreciate your concern, Ross.” She loved him for it. “He must be some kind of lawyer to take on my father-in-law’s empire. But when you sent that letter inviting us to the ranch, I know for a fact your good will didn’t extend to engaging legal counsel worth thousands of dollars to help out a stranger.” Kit wished her voice wouldn’t tremble. “You and I both know what it would take.”
“For a fallen veteran’s wife and child, this attorney would work out a plan that will be feasible and mutually beneficial. All I have to do is give him a call.”
“Is there no end to your goodness?” She leaned forward to kiss his cheek. “The truth is, after Winn died I made up my mind that Andy and I would leave with the clothes on our backs, my paltry savings and never look back. I’ve witnessed the way Charles treats people when they oppose him. I want no part of it.”
“Kit—” he whispered with urgency.
The pathos she felt from him was too much to handle. “Have you forgotten what you did? You left for the military with the clothes on your back and nothing else. Look at you now! You’ve made a whole new life for yourself and have become a rancher. Buck left his father’s business to do the same thing. You and your partners are making it on hard work and faith despite your chronic health concerns. That’s what I intend to do.”
His hands formed fists at his side. “But I didn’t have a child dependent on me.”
“Millions of other people do, and they still make their own way no matter how hard and unfair. When my parents were killed, they’d been living paycheck to paycheck and only left a small insurance policy.
“My grandmother had to take over my support when she was already living in a rented house on a meager fixed income. My grandfather’s pension barely covered the necessities. But she did it, and I was given a wonderful life!
“Now it’s my turn to do the same thing for Andy, and I’m going to do it. After I told Florence I was leaving she said, and I quote, ‘You have no skills, no resources. Nothing. How can you possibly care for our grandson?’
“Well, I’m going to show her how. I’m actually quite excited about it. I never want to be beholden to anyone again for my welfare. Thank you for your willingness to find me an attorney, but it isn’t needed.”
“What they’ve done to you is morally wrong.”
“I know you can’t comprehend it because you’re such an honorable man, but please don’t be outraged for my sake. It’s all water under the bridge and has been for years.” Putting on her best face, she said, “Andy and I are looking forward to the campout. When do you plan to leave?”
“Midmorning after I’ve assembled all our gear.”
“We’ll be packed and ready.” She walked him to the door and opened it. There would be no repeat of what had happened earlier when he’d kissed her until she thought she might faint. “Good night, Ross.”
* * *
ROSS DROVE TO the rear entrance of the ranch house to park, troubled by so many things, but most of all for one statement she’d made. I never want to be beholden to anyone again for my welfare.
How far had she thought it through? Did that mean she was ruling out ever getting married again? Could you blame her, Livingston?
Once inside, he headed for his bedroom. It was ten-thirty, but he had a vital phone call to make to Sam Donovan in Houston. He disliked bothering anyone this late, but it was an emergency.
After the speech she obviously hadn’t planned to make until he’d forced it, Ross felt gutted. Talk about ten years of being in a velvet-lined prison. It pained him what she’d had to live through.
Pleased that he’d reached Sam, Ross didn’t waste any time explaining the reason for his call.
“What an astonishing story. I think Charles Wentworth has been off his rocker for a long time. Don’t worry about this. I’ll do some preliminary groundwork first thing in the morning and see what I come up with. Without looking into the matter of a will and funds due the spouse, here’s what I can tell you up front.
“The death gratuity payment is $100,000 for those who died of hostile actions and occurred in a designated combat operation or combat zone or while training for combat or performing hazardous duty. Their lawful surviving spouse is the first in order to receive payment by the CAR assigned to the reporting or assistance base within twenty-four hours of the member’s death.”
Ross bit down so hard, he almost cracked a tooth. “Kit never saw one dime of that payment. Charles has defrauded her in that area alone.”
“She’s definitely got a case, even without looking into the existence of a will. If you can talk her into filing a suit, I believe she’ll recover a great deal more money. Unfortunately, this is Charles Wentworth we’re talking about. He won’t play by the rules.”
Ross coughed. “I know. My father never did, either.”
“That’s a fact.”
“It’s why I’m appealing to you.”
“I appreciate that. As soon as I know anything, I’ll get back to you. It’s an honor for me to do something really important for a retired marine who served our country with distinction. I’ve always been very proud of you. In my opinion, you’re the finest Livingston of them all.”
Ross hardly knew what to say. “Those words mean the world to me. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. We’ll stay in close touch.”
With that accomplished, he hung up and took a shower. Anything to help relax him after the horrific revelations Kit had unfolded to him earlier. Otherwise sleep wouldn’t come for a while.
Before getting under the covers, he checked his phone messages. One was left by Millie Sands, a forest ranger he’d taken to dinner last month. She wanted to know if he’d like to go to a party with him on Saturday night. He left her a message telling her he had another commitment, but thanked her and told her he’d talk to her soon.
The other message was from his sister Georgianna. She told him to call her back no matter how late, but that it wasn’t an emergency. Wondering what it was all about, he phoned her now, knowing
he’d be too busy in the morning getting ready for the campout.
“Hey, Georgie Porgie—” He hadn’t talked to her in several weeks.
“Ross— At last! I’ve been waiting hours!”
She hadn’t phoned more than a half hour ago, but he didn’t take issue with his dramatic sister. He hadn’t seen her since March when he’d flown home from Walter Reed before coming here. “How’s Doug?”
“He’s fine. We both are.”
“Where is he?”
“Busy flying all over Texas with Scott and Mom and the staff to help Dad on the campaign trail. I’m with them, too, but broke away long enough to phone you. Ross—you’ve got to come back home. The election’s in November. Dad needs you. You promised him that when the summer was over, you’d give up this ranching idea.”
Ross coughed and shook his head. “I never promised him.”
“But you told him you’d think about it.”
“No. That was simply wishful thinking on his part and you know it. He’ll never change.”
“I know,” she admitted.
At twenty-two she’d been crowned Miss Bluebonnet of Texas. That was three years ago. With glistening black hair and blue eyes the color of the famous Texas flower, she was a real beauty like their society mother.
“Did you know Amanda is still waiting for you to come home and marry her?”
“Is that what this call is all about?”
“Don’t get mad. She’s gorgeous and you’re already thirty-one. Dad says it’s time you were married.”
If his sister ever got a look at Kit, then she’d know what gorgeous was.
“Dad was saying that to me eight years ago,” he teased. “If I’d been in love with her, I wouldn’t have gone into the marines.”
“Why did you go? Don’t you think it’s time you leveled with me?”
He closed his eyes. “If I told you the truth, you’d be offended and hurt. I don’t want to do that to you.”
“It’s because Dad’s a politician and you aren’t. Right?”
“He thrives on that rat race all right, but that’s not the reason I went into the military.” Ross took a deep breath. “I wonder if you’re capable of handling the truth.”
“Thank you very much, brother dear.”
“I didn’t mean that the way it sounded.”
“I know you think I’m some empty headed has-been beauty queen who has no substance.”
Kit had accused him of thinking the same thing about her. Meeting Kit had given him new insights.
“You know better than that.” The hurt in Georgianna’s voice decided him to be honest. He confided the secrets of his life to her, leaving little out. When he’d finished, he heard her crying.
“I had no idea, Ross. No idea at all. I love you that much more for being strong enough to be your own person. I just wish you didn’t live so far away from Houston. I missed you so terribly when you left home.”
She was a sweetie. Always had been.
“I’ve missed you, too. Those words mean everything to me, Georgie. Naturally I want Dad to be successful, but that life isn’t for me.”
“I get that now.” She sniffed. “Have you ever told our parents what you’ve told me?”
“No. After I made the decision to leave Harvard, I simply explained that I wanted to serve our country and nothing could persuade me otherwise. They couldn’t argue with that because it was for a good cause.”
“But you came back with that awful coughing disease. It almost killed all of us.”
“Just remember that I’m alive and doing so much better than I was back in March. They know that because I talk to them once a month.”
“Ross? Do you mind if I talk to them and try to help them understand?”
“You can if you want, but it won’t do any good. I’ve got big plans for this ranch, honey.”
That well had to be a producer! If he hadn’t joined up with Carson and Buck, he would never have met Kit. “When they’ve come to fruition, I’ll invite all of you here. Maybe when they see my life, they’ll begin to understand.”
“I hope so. Before we hang up, just tell me one thing. Is there a special woman in your life yet?”
He’d been honest with his sister about his past. Why not go all the way? “There could be.”
“Only could?”
Ross gripped the phone tighter. “It’s early days yet.” He had his work cut out to convince her they belonged together.
“Can you tell me anything about her? I’ll keep it a secret. I just want to know because I love you so much and can’t bear for you not to have someone wonderful in your life.”
Maybe he’d changed, or maybe she’d just grown more empathetic. Maybe it was a combination of both. Whatever the reason, he felt like confiding in her. “She’s a widow with a nine-year-old boy.”
A slight gasp escaped. “She has to be one of the mothers you invited to the dude ranch.”
“That’s right. You’d like her and Andy a lot.”
Quiet reigned on her end for a full minute. “Then I’m going to hope it works out. I’d love to meet her.”
“Maybe one day I’ll bring her and Andy to Houston to meet my family.”
“You deserve a great love, Ross. Call me if you ever need to talk. I love you.”
“I love you, too. We’ll keep in closer touch from now on. I promise.”
“I’d like that more than anything. Bye for now.”
He rang off and buried his head in the pillow. By the time they got back from the campout, he needed to have convinced Kit not to leave for Texas because there was something much more important waiting for her right here.
She had her heart set on owning a bookstore. He understood that. He also understood that her best friend lived in Galveston. But why not choose a town closer to the ranch where they could see each other, like Jackson or Afton?
Ignited by that idea, he got out of bed and went over to the desk for his laptop. After carrying it back to the bed, he lay down on his stomach and started checking some real estate websites for the sale of commercial businesses. For a half hour he pored over the information and found several possibilities that could be converted. He also noted twelve small bookstores existing in the two towns. Someone might want to sell, or at least hire her.
In the morning he’d go downstairs and print off what he’d found. At the right moment he’d show the results to Kit and ask her to think about it. The possibility that she’d be leaving Jackson for good was insupportable to him.
Ever since she’d mentioned Galveston, it had been in the back of his mind that the beach pad would be the perfect safe house for them in a protected environment. Her son needed normalcy with friends and school and all that went to make up his child’s world.
The problem was, she would never accept charity from him, and he wouldn’t let her live there without him. His life was here.
The next best thing would be for him to fly down there twice a month and stay at his beach pad so he could see them. A long-distance relationship was the last thing he wanted, but he’d do it if he had to. She was that important to him.
But are you that important to her, Livingston? That was the big question, the one that haunted him until he knew no more.
Chapter Nine
“Everybody ready to roll?” Kit and the children had assembled at the rear of the ranch house with Ross.
“Yes!” the kids cried in unison. Their excitement was contagious.
“Have you got your cameras? Sunscreen? Candy?”
“Yes!”
“Is Fred with us?”
“No!” Johnny blurted before breaking into laughter.
“That’s a relief.”
Ross grinned at Kit. He’d just packed up the
truck with all the camping equipment they’d need. She decided to sit in the truck bed with the children while they drove through the forest, but she couldn’t help sneaking glances at his hard-muscled frame as he moved around checking everything. His gaze caught her looking at him several times, causing her pulse to race.
His partners and their wives would drive up to sleep over and bring dinner. For now, Kit and Ross were in charge. She felt the heavy responsibility, but she had Ross with her to share it. He was amazing.
“Remember, guys. There’s going to be a summer storm in the early afternoon, but it will pass. If anyone wants to stay home, let me know now.”
Kit saw the children look at each other, but no one spoke up.
He walked over to Jenny. “How about you? Are you nervous, honey?”
No one was more caring than Ross. Kit’s admiration for him just kept growing.
“A little,” she answered honestly, “but I still want to come.”
“I get a little scared, too,” Kit confided. “We’ll sit and watch it together until it’s over. How does that sound?”
“Good.” Jenny smiled.
“Isn’t anyone worried about me? I’m going to get lonely in the cab all by myself.”
“Mom—why don’t you sit with Ross?”
Warmth crept into her cheeks. Andy had a little imp in him. He was learning it from Johnny. The two of them had been doing more talking. No doubt plotting.
“I promised to sit back here and make sure you children are all right.”
“I guess that’s that, then!” Ross sent her a look that warned her there’d be a penalty. A curl of excitement ran through her. “So we’re off with a Hi-yo, Silver!”
With that comment they all laughed. It sparked a conversation about the Lone Ranger and Hopalong Cassidy.
He drove away from the ranch house and took the road they’d traveled yesterday. There were more clouds in the sky, but it was still a beautiful day. It wasn’t hard to pretend they were a family out for an adventure. Kit didn’t want any of it to end. For today she’d simply enjoy the delights of being with Ross in this little part of heaven.