The Rancher's Redemption (The Millers of Morgan Valley Book 2)

by Kate Pearce

  “And I love you too,” Jenna replied.

  “The house is ready for us and Maria to move into.”

  A slight frown marred Jenna’s brow. “Yes, I know that.”

  “So I was hoping you’d be agreeable to us moving in there tonight?”

  Jenna glanced around to where Maria was nodding in agreement.

  “Tonight?”

  “Yeah. Right after we’re married.” Blue turned to the man standing behind Chase. “Pastor Muller’s open to performing the ceremony right now, if you’re willing. Chase has agreed to be my best man, and Yvonne, January, Nancy, and Maria want to be your attendants.”

  Jenna’s mouth fell open. “You . . . organized all this without telling me?”

  It felt to Rachel like the entire room held their breath waiting for BB’s answer.

  “Yeah, I did. I even got your parents and sisters to come out here.” He nodded at Ry, who opened the door into the kitchen to reveal all of Jenna’s adopted family waving awkwardly at her. “We already did the paperwork, but you told me the idea of getting the wedding organized was stressing you out, so I decided I’d try it this way.” He paused. “What do you think?”

  Jenna slowly turned around taking in all the faces, including her parents, and then settled her gaze back on Blue, who looked more nervous than Rachel had ever seen him before.

  “You did all this?” She pressed her hands to her chest, her voice trembling. “For me?”

  Blue nodded and stood stiffly to attention as if expecting an official reprimand.

  “Oh, thank goodness! I was dreading organizing the darned thing.” She threw herself into Blue’s arms. “You couldn’t have done anything more likely to appeal to me in my whole life!”

  Everyone stood and cheered as Jenna rushed around kissing and hugging her family, and Ruth attempted to sort out a space for the wedding to take place.

  Rachel sank back into her seat and wiped away a tear. “That was quite something.”

  Cauy gave her a skeptical look. “You’d be okay if a man organized your wedding for you?”

  “No, I wouldn’t, but Jenna was getting stressed with her mother and sisters all telling her what to do, where to hold the wedding, whom to invite, and all the other stuff so she was in despair of ever getting it done. This works perfectly for her.” Rachel happy-sighed. “She gets to enjoy her moment, and then moves into her own house with the people she loves. Blue really gets her.”

  “Amazing, but apparently true,” Cauy murmured.

  “I wondered what the flowers were doing in Chase’s office.”

  “Come again?” Cauy asked.

  “BB took me aside this morning and gave me a heads-up that something was happening after lunch. There was a florist box of beautiful, fragrant flowers from Daisy’s on Chase’s desk. I assumed they were to decorate the Thanksgiving table, but those flowers were pink and yellow. They must be for the wedding.”

  “Okay.”

  Rachel smiled at Cauy. “Sorry. I’m just sorting it all out in my head. I forget you can’t keep up if I utter too many sentences.”

  Jackson sat down on the other side of Rachel and smiled at her and Cauy. “This has been some Thanksgiving. Great food, great company, and now a surprise wedding.”

  “That’s the way we Morgans roll,” Rachel deadpanned. “Just a regular day here at the ranch.”

  Jackson grinned and leaned in closer. “Is that Nancy Mulligan at the bar?”

  “Yes. Do you want an introduction?” Rachel asked.

  “That would be very kind of you.” Jackson stood and Rachel realized he was determined to make it happen right now. “The wedding’s going to start soon and I’d like to get it done before then.”

  “Sure.” Rachel walked over to the bar and waved at Nancy, whose hair was pumpkin orange and yellow. She wore a long pink sweater that reached her knees and black leggings with daggers and skulls on them.

  “Hey, Nancy, do you remember Jackson Lymond? He’s moving back here for a while.”

  Nancy slowly looked Jackson up and down. “I vaguely remember you, but as I had a terrible crush on your brother I can’t say I looked too closely.”

  Jackson grinned, apparently not bothered by her withering appraisal. “You had a crush on Cauy? That’s hilarious. Does he know?”

  Rachel touched Jackson’s arm. “Maybe you’d better keep that to yourself? I think Cauy’s about done with you sharing his secrets with the world.”

  “Oh, Cauy knows, I told him when he first got back to town.” Nancy made a face. “He still wasn’t interested, but that’s okay.”

  “He’s obviously blind,” Jackson said. “No offense, Rachel.”

  “None taken.” Rachel barely managed to conceal a grin. Jackson certainly had a way with words. She was amazed that he’d lasted ten years in the Air Force. “Nancy works at the Red Dragon Bar in town. You should pop in and see her one evening now that you’re reacquainted.”

  “That’s a great idea.” Jackson smiled at Nancy. “I look forward to it.” He shook her beringed hand. “Nice to meet you again.”

  “Nice to meet you too, er, Jack.”

  “Jackson.” He held her hand for just a fraction too long and stared into her eyes before walking back into the throng of people and organizing the chairs.

  Rachel turned to Nancy. “Do you really not remember him?”

  “Oh, I remember him very well. He was on every team, won every debate and all the awards as the star quarterback of the football team.” Nancy winked at Rachel. “It’s good for his ego not to be remembered for a change.”

  Rachel chuckled as she turned back to find Cauy also sorting out chairs. Chase came up and touched her shoulder.

  “Jenna wants you to come out back and see her.”

  “Is she okay?” Rachel asked.

  “She’s doing great. You’ll find her in my office sorting out her flowers.”

  “Thanks.” Rachel went through the lobby and into the business space at the back of the building. Females who were all laughing and having a great time surrounded Jenna. Rachel arrived just behind Sam.

  “Rachel! Sam!” Jenna’s face brightened when she noticed Rachel hesitating by the door. She still wore the yellow silk dress and someone had pinned a short veil over her hair. “Come in! BB ordered extra flowers so I wanted you, Sam, and Avery to join my girl posse.”

  Sam snorted. “I’m not exactly girly, and I rarely wear a dress, but I’ll happily stand up with you for this.”

  Rachel smiled so hard her face hurt. That Jenna had thought to include her in her impromptu wedding felt like being encircled in loving arms.

  “I—I’d love to,” she stuttered, “that’s . . . so sweet of you.”

  Jenna pointed at the box. “You and Sam can decide which flowers you want to carry. BB picked my favorite colors and asked Daisy to make up a variety of designs. They’re beautiful, aren’t they?”

  Rachel tried to picture her brother in a flower shop and again failed miserably.

  She went over to the box, and Sam followed her.

  “Isn’t this great?” Sam asked as she randomly took one of the small posies of flowers tied with a pink ribbon. “If I ever get hitched to HW I’d like a wedding where everything is already done for me.”

  Rachel took the last posy that had tight pink rosebuds in the center. “You could elope to Vegas. They can handle all the arrangements for you out there.”

  “That’s an awesome idea.” Sam broke off one of the flowers and stuck it behind her ear. “HW likes Las Vegas. He can go watch Rio compete in the bull riding on the same visit.”

  “Should I give HW the heads-up on this plan?” Rachel asked jokingly.

  “Not yet. He hasn’t groveled enough for my satisfaction,” Sam said, winking at her. “Maybe in a year or two I’ll broach the subject.”

  Jenna’s stepdad appeared in the doorway. He wore a beautiful pinstripe suit and a yellow tie matching Jenna’s dress, which made Rachel suspect BB’s influenc
e had been far wider than she’d anticipated.

  “Everyone ready?” he inquired, his fond gaze on Jenna. “Mrs. Morgan says you can come out anytime you like.”

  “I’m good to go.” Jenna took a deep breath, picked up her flowers, and placed her hand on her stepfather’s arm.

  Rachel took up her position beside Sam, and followed the others out into the hallway and back to the dining room. Chairs were lined up in rows creating an aisle, leading to the front of the room where the pastor stood with Blue and Chase. Music started playing, and Rachel noticed a harp player had been installed in the corner. BB really was an organizational genius. Was there anything he’d forgotten?

  Maria led the way, her dress a pink version of Jenna’s, and scattered flower petals. Jenna’s gaggle of girls followed, and lastly came the bride, who was smiling so hard she almost levitated.

  Rachel caught sight of Blue’s face as he watched Jenna approach, and wondered how it felt to have that much intensity and love laser-focused on you. Jenna had overcome her own insecurities to truly believe that Blue loved her. Could Rachel ever do the same, or find a man who would make her feel that way? She looked for Cauy in the crowd and found him at the back, his gaze right on hers.

  When Jenna reached Blue and smiled up at him, it was like watching the sun emerge. Blue touched her cheek like she was made of fine china, his emotions plainly visible on his normally inscrutable face. Rachel had to swallow a lump in her throat as she stepped back to sit beside her grandmother.

  Ruth took her hand, her own trembling, and Rachel took strength from that as the pastor married the couple and pronounced them man and wife. Blue picked Jenna up, swung her around, and soundly kissed her. Everyone cheered, and Rachel allowed herself the luxury of a few tears.

  A handkerchief appeared under her nose, and she gratefully took it.

  “I never understand why everyone cries at a wedding,” Cauy said.

  “Because we’re happy?” Rachel blew her nose and tucked his handkerchief in her pocket.

  “Yeah, that.” Cauy continued to look down at her. “You okay?”

  “Yes,” Rachel sighed. “It was just so lovely, and unexpected, and Jenna is so happy.”

  Someone was handing around glasses of champagne, and Cauy gave one to Rachel. She took a hasty sip even before the first toast was made. By the time everyone had been accounted for she had downed the whole thing. Cauy stood quietly at her side raising his glass of water for every toast.

  At last, Blue stood on one of the chairs and grinned at everyone.

  “Thanks for making this such a special day for me and Jenna, and if any of you want something to do this evening? You’re more than welcome to come by and help me move Jenna’s stuff into the new house.”

  “Haven’t you got better things to be doing this evening?” HW hollered, his arm around Sam.

  “This evening? No.” Blue winked down at his wife. “Tonight, definitely.”

  HW groaned as Jenna blushed. “Then I suppose I’d better go warm up my truck.”

  * * *

  Cauy walked out of the guest center with Rachel at his side and paused to look up at the cloudless night sky. They’d just waved off the happy couple and some of the guests were starting to leave. Out here, away from the city lights, the stars seemed brighter, and more numerous, and the air so much purer. He shivered and buttoned his jacket against the sharp teeth of the breeze.

  “It’s going to snow tonight,” he murmured. “I can feel it in my bones.”

  The thing was, the ache wasn’t just a physical thing anymore. It was tied in with his need for companionship, for being part of something—a need he thought he’d banished forever.

  Rachel sighed and leaned against him. “It’s been a wonderful day. I’m glad you were here to share it with me.”

  He wrapped his arm around her shoulders and held her close as they both stared out across the frozen fields. The horses were all tucked up in the barns, and only Ry’s dog and the barn cats were visible snuffling around in the fading light. He felt . . . weird, and unsettled, as if he couldn’t deal with all these good things happening in his life.

  “I have to get back,” Cauy murmured. “Grace will need feeding.”

  “Okay.” Rachel didn’t move away, and he did nothing to make her.

  “You could come with me?” Cauy couldn’t quite believe he’d made that offer, but now that it was out there he had no intention of taking it back. One thing he was learning was that time moved on, and you had to keep up or give up.

  “I wish I could.” Rachel turned and cupped his bearded chin. “But I can’t leave Ruth and Billy with all this mess to clean up.”

  “Okay.” He kissed her cold nose, and then her warm lips. Her eyes were so blue.... “I’ll give Grace a kiss from you.”

  “You do that.” Her smile was as beautiful as the crystalline valley and resonated with him at some deep level that made him just want to stay in the moment and take it in. Jeez, he was getting fanciful in his old age. Time to disengage before he really said something he’d regret.

  “Did Jenna mention when she expected the puppies to arrive?” Rachel asked.

  “She had no idea.” Cauy smiled. “Jackson and I have both helped birth puppies before, so I’m not worried.”

  “Where is Jackson, by the way?” Rachel looked around.

  “Still inside yakking himself to death. That guy has never met a stranger.”

  “He’s certainly nothing like you.”

  “I used to wish I was like him,” Cauy confessed. “Because my dad liked him so much more than me.”

  “Your father was a fool.” Rachel held his gaze. “Everyone knows that.”

  “Everyone called Morgan, maybe.” Cauy felt ridiculously comforted by her unwavering support, and also terrified. She was so open to him that he feared for her—for the damage he might do—for not being the man she deserved. He gave in to the temptation to kiss her one more time.

  “I’ll go find Jackson, and then we’ll be off.”

  “I’ll come in with you.”

  She kept hold of his hand as they walked back into the guest center where the Morgan family and staff were attempting to restore order. With a smile, she left him to it and went into the kitchen. Jackson saw him and grinned.

  “Hey, Bro. You ready to go, or should we stay and help these fine people clean up?”

  “I wish we could stay, but I need to get back to Grace and check the horses,” Cauy said.

  “Okay, let me get my jacket.”

  Jackson then spent another ten minutes saying good-bye to everyone while Cauy kept it to as few specific people as possible. Eventually, he just leaned against the wall and waited his brother out.

  Billy came out of the kitchen and walked over to him. He was wearing a Happy Holidays apron, which should’ve looked ridiculous on him, but somehow didn’t.

  “Are you leaving?”

  Cauy repeated his excuse. “Yup, I have to get back to the dog.”

  “I hope you had a good day.” Billy looked him over.

  “It was awesome. Thanks for inviting us.”

  “You’re welcome.” Billy nodded. “Rachel had a good time as well.”

  Cauy straightened, wondering what Billy was going to say next.

  “I can tell she’s very fond of you, Cauy.”

  Cauy didn’t know what to say to that so he concentrated on holding Billy’s gaze and looking responsible.

  “She’s had a rough few years, so I wouldn’t want anyone hurting her.”

  “I hear you.” Cauy accepted Billy’s pointed remark head-on. He deserved the reminder, and he’d take heed of it. “I would never deliberately hurt her.”

  Billy nodded. “Keep it that way.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  Cauy let out his breath as Billy turned and went back into the kitchen. Rachel’s father looked like a sweet guy, but there was a strength to him Cauy recognized—one survivor to another. He wouldn’t take an insult to his only da
ughter lightly. Cauy could see where Rachel got her courage.

  “You okay?” Jackson came up beside him. “You look like you’re about to bolt.”

  “I’m good.” Cauy levered himself off the wall. “Let’s go home.”

  Chapter Eighteen

  Rachel stacked the last clean glass back on the bar shelf and heaved a sigh of relief. It was getting late, and all she wanted to do was fall into bed and sleep off the mountain of food she’d eaten. Cauy had definitely enjoyed sharing Thanksgiving with her and the Morgans, although she sensed that large gatherings were still an effort for him.

  What exactly had happened to him in the accident and its aftermath? She wondered whether she’d ever have the right to ask him that question. It was all very well Billy saying she should wait for Cauy to tell her, but sometimes it sucked waiting. She took the used bar towel through to the laundry in the kitchen and washed her hands in the sink. Ruth had gone on ahead, leaving her and Billy to finish up.

  “Are you all done, Rachel?” Billy asked as he cleaned the kitchen table one last time.

  “Yes. I think we can go now.”

  Billy smiled at her. “It was a good day. I’d forgotten how much I enjoy running a kitchen.”

  “Seeing Blue and Jenna get married was awesome.” Rachel went to look for her jacket. “They both looked so happy. Did you know what was happening?”

  “Actually, I did, but I was sworn to secrecy.” Billy took off his apron. “And as I’ve been focused on regaining my children’s trust there was no way I was going to let that secret out.”

  Rachel handed him his jacket. “It’s snowing out there, so wrap up.”

  “You too.” The denim made his eyes look even bluer, if that was possible. “The Lymond boys had a good time.”

  “Yes, they did.” Rachel linked her arm through her father’s as they turned off the lights and stepped into the reception area. “It was kind of Ruth to invite them.”

  “You and Cauy are getting along well now.”

  “As well as he’ll let me.” She half smiled. “It’s like prying open a clam.”

  Billy chuckled and then shuddered as Rachel opened the front door, and the cold wind hit them full-on. “Damn. I’d better go check everything’s okay in the barn. I doubt any of the boys remembered. Why don’t you go on home?”