In a Cowboy's Arms (Hitting Rocks Cowboys)

by Rebecca Winters

  “Ned was the ultimate party animal.”

  “Were you two an item?”

  “That’s a laugh. Do you remember a girl named Sadie Corkin? She barrel raced with Liz. All the guys were nuts about her.”

  His breath caught. “I remember hearing about her.”

  “Ned had it bad for her, but she couldn’t stand him and every girl knew it. She moved right before graduation. It was weird her going away like that before she got her diploma.”

  You’ll never know, Rosie.

  After she’d tied his hair back again, he winked at her. “So you never dated him?”

  “Are you kidding? Guys like that are toxic.”

  So that was another of Ned’s lies. Jarod wondered why the police hadn’t interrogated Rosie, but he was going to find out.

  “You were wise to stay away.”

  She undid the cape. “My boyfriend made sure of it.”

  “Good for you.” He pulled forty dollars out of his wallet and put it on her table. “You did a great job. When I need another haircut, I’ll be back.”

  “Congratulations on your upcoming wedding.”

  “Thank you, Rosie.”

  Chapter Nine

  Sadie stood by to watch while Ned and Mr. Bree walked through the house inspecting everything. She could only imagine how much Jarod’s cousin was enjoying this. The Corkin property had always been off-limits to the Bannocks. Now it was up for sale and Ned was sure he was going to become the new owner of Farfields.

  But Jarod had assured her it wouldn’t happen. Sadie believed him, which was the only reason she could stomach this vile intrusion into her life. She continued to watch in disgust as he handled her father’s firearms. Before the funeral Mac had moved them from Daniel’s bedroom to the hall closet, where they’d been locked up for safe keeping. Millie had insisted that with a child in the house, they would keep all the ammunition stored at their place.

  “This is a fine collection.” He flashed Sadie a strange smile. “Your father really knew his guns. I plan to buy a permanent display case for them.”

  There’s something wrong in his head. That’s what Jarod had told her years ago. Ned Bannock was mentally ill. A shudder racked her body.

  “I believe we’re finished here.” Mr. Bree spoke up. Sadie immediately locked the closet. “Thank you for allowing us into your home, Ms. Corkin. We’ll see ourselves out.”

  She nodded and followed them. Through the window she watched them drive away in a car with the Parker Realty logo on the side. Without wasting a second she rang Zane, who was on his way back from White Lodge with the Hensons and Ryan.

  The Hensons were overjoyed to hear the news about Sadie and Jarod, but they still didn’t know about her father’s will and Sadie intended things to stay that way. Zane had taken Mac and Millie to breakfast with him and Ryan, not only to get them all away from the ranch while Ned was here, but to offer the Hensons a business proposition since he would be helping Sadie run the ranch.

  Jarod had been so right about Zane. Last night she and Zane had talked for several hours until Sadie had convinced him nothing was going to change, only get better.

  In a few minutes he came through the back door holding Ryan. Millie followed them inside. When Zane lowered him to the floor, Ryan grabbed him around the leg, wanting to be picked up again. “Hey, sport.” Zane lifted him in the air with a happy laugh Sadie hadn’t expected to hear again after he’d left her and Jarod last night.

  Millie darted Sadie a secret smile. Nothing got past her.

  As he poured some juice for Ryan, Millie pulled Sadie into the front room. “When Zane told us the news, Mac and I were so happy, we almost burst!”

  “You need to hear the whole story.” After Sadie quickly filled her in she said, “I have to tell you, this bracelet worked its magic. Bless you for holding on to it all this time.” She hugged Millie hard. “Without it, I don’t know how long it would have taken me to break through that stoic barrier he sometimes erects.”

  “Maybe another ten minutes?” Millie quipped. “I can’t wait to tell Liz. She left early to help with a foaling problem on the Drayson ranch.”

  “I’ll phone her after I call Jarod.”

  “It’s going to make her realize that if this can happen to her sister, it will happen to her, too, when the time is right.”

  “Of course it will. Oh, Millie. I can’t believe this day has come. I never dreamed it would.”

  “Does Ralph know?”

  She shook her head. “We’re planning to tell him our news as soon as Jarod picks me up.”

  “Then don’t waste another second. If you or Zane need me, just give me a call.”

  “You’ve already helped us so much.”

  “I wish you’d been there for breakfast when Zane asked Mac to teach him how to be a rancher. My husband could hardly talk he was so flattered.”

  “Zane’s going to learn from the best.”

  “Honey—” She put a hand on her arm. “I’m sorry about your father, but I have to say how happy I am your mom ended up with Tim Lawson. I really like his brother.”

  “Me, too. Men like him and Jarod don’t come along more than once in a century.”

  “You can say that again.”

  “And of course, I include Mac in that group.”

  Millie laughed, but Sadie could tell she was pleased.

  While Ryan was still in the kitchen with Zane, Sadie walked in her bedroom to phone Jarod. He picked up on the first ring. “You must be psychic,” he said. “I was just going to phone you. I’m one minute away from your door.”

  “I can’t wait! I’ll grab Ryan and meet you outside.”

  After renewing her lipstick and running a brush through her hair, she put on her cowboy hat. Once she’d stowed some diapers and small toys in her purse, she flew through the house to the kitchen. Millie must have gone home.

  “Come on, cutie. I hate to tear you away from your uncle, but we’re going with Jarod so you can get acquainted with your new grandfather-to-be.”

  Zane gave him a kiss. “See you later, sport.”

  Sadie rushed through the house and out the front door with Ryan. She was greeted with one of those ridiculous wolf whistles. Coming from Jarod, it was a total surprise. He was already out of the truck and had opened the rear door. ‘You look good enough to eat.”

  “Jarod...” She moved closer, melting from the look he gave her. “Oh, you got him a car seat!”

  “I picked it up in town on the way home.” He took Ryan from her arms and strapped him in. “Hey, little guy. Remember me? We’re going for a ride.”

  Ryan had fastened his attention on Jarod, but he didn’t cry. Once they’d closed the door, Sadie and Jarod reached for each other. Jarod pressed her against the side of the truck, causing her hat to fall off. She didn’t care. Their emotions were spilling all over the place. It wasn’t until Ryan started to get worked up over being ignored that Jarod lifted his hungry mouth from Sadie’s, eliciting a protest from her. She was finding it impossible to let him go.

  He looked different somehow. “Did you do something to your hair?”

  “You noticed. There’s a story behind it. I’ll tell you about it later.” He picked up her hat and helped her into the cab. After talking to Ryan and handing him a toy, Sadie pressed against Jarod for the short drive to the ranch.

  “Tell me what went on with Ned.”

  A shudder ran through Sadie. “When he was handling one of the rifles, I was so sickened by him, I couldn’t watch. He acted as if he already owned the place.”

  “It’ll never happen.”

  “I believe you.”

  “Thank God.” He put his arm around her and stopped long enough to give her a deep kiss before they ended up in front of the ranch house. Once insid
e, the housekeeper made a fuss over Ryan, who clung to Sadie.

  “I’m sorry, Jenny. He’s still getting used to people.”

  “That’s natural.”

  “How’s Grandfather?”

  “Feeling so spry he gave Martha the day off. He’s out on the patio having lunch. I’ll bring some for you, too.”

  “Thanks.”

  Jarod led Sadie down the hall and out the door to the covered patio where’d they celebrated his birthday. His grandfather’s gray eyes brightened when he saw them. “Well, look at the three of you.”

  “Hi, Ralph. I can tell you’re feeling much better.” She kissed his cheek. “You saw Ryan before, but now he’d like to meet you.”

  “You’re a good-looking little fella, aren’t you?” He rubbed Ryan’s head. “Just like your mom and sister. Sit down and join me.”

  Jarod helped her to get seated at the glass-topped table. She held Ryan on her lap while Jarod took his place next to her. Jenny brought out two more salads and rolls and glasses of iced tea.

  “We’re glad you’re up because we have an announcement to make.”

  Ralph preempted him. “About time, too! When’s the wedding?”

  On cue, tears filled her eyes. “You know?”

  “I knew the second I saw your faces just now. It’s written all over you.”

  She reached out to squeeze his hand. “Does that mean you’re happy about it?”

  “Ah, honey, you know Addie and I were always crazy about you. So was my grandson. Otherwise he wouldn’t have made preparations for your marriage the first time around.”

  Sadie lowered her head. “Jarod’s accident changed our lives.”

  “Indeed it did, but that period is over.”

  They spent much of lunch talking about plans for the ceremony on the reservation. But after two hours Ryan got restless and it was time to take him home. Once Ralph was settled on the swing with his bifocals and the latest ranching magazine, Jarod picked up Ryan and they made their way back out to the truck.

  He shot her an all-consuming glance. “I think it’s time for everyone to have a good nap.”

  Her heart did somersaults as they pulled away from the ranch. But when his cell phone rang and he picked up to answer, her excitement was short-lived. A fierce expression crossed his face, the one that caused her legs to shake.

  “What’s wrong?” she asked as soon as he’d ended the call.

  “It’s nothing for you to worry about.”

  She sat straighter. “How would you like it if our positions were reversed and I said the same thing to you?”

  He expelled a troubled sigh. “That was Ben. Fire has broken out in one of the sheds on the property. I’ve got to go, but I’ll be back.” As soon as they reached the Corkin ranch house, Sadie jumped out to get Ryan with Jarod’s help. “We had a good time today, didn’t we, little guy?” He lowered the toddler to the ground.

  Sadie looked up at Jarod. “Please be careful.”

  “Always.” He gave her a hard kiss before getting back in the truck. As he pulled away, she realized the Silverado was gone. Zane must have gone to town. This would have been the perfect opportunity for her and Jarod to enjoy alone time, but it would have to come later.

  Much as she hated to see him go, there was something she needed to do. After she gave Ryan a bath she put him down for his nap, then got on the phone to speak to her heart doctor in California. His nurse said he wouldn’t be able to return her call until after five California time. Sadie would have to wait.

  Jarod wanted children. So did she. That was why this call was necessary because he didn’t know about her arrhythmia.

  Sadie was feeding Ryan dinner in his high chair when the phone rang at ten to six. She glanced at the Caller ID and picked up. “Dr. Feldman?”

  “Is this Sadie Corkin?”

  “Yes. Thank you for returning my call so fast.”

  “How are you?”

  “Wonderful. I haven’t had any problems since you put me on this last medication.”

  “That’s excellent.”

  “The reason I’m calling is that since mother’s passing, I’ve moved back to Montana and now I’m getting married to the man I told you about.”

  “What a lucky man. That’s splendid news!”

  “You can’t imagine how happy I am, but he wants a baby soon. So do I. What do you think about my getting pregnant? After what happened to mother, I have to admit I’m frightened.”

  “It goes without saying you have to keep taking your medication and use a reliable form of birth control until you’ve seen a specialist. Let me assure you there’s a whole new type of procedure for your kind of problem that’s had a high success rate.”

  For the next few minutes he went on to describe the benefits and risks. “Where are you in Montana?”

  “Near Billings.”

  “I’ll look on my index. Let me give you the name of a specialist there, Dr. George Harvey, who performs procedures for your particular heart condition. I advise you to get an appointment right away. I’ll send your medical records.”

  “Thank you so much, Dr. Feldman.”

  “You’re welcome. I want to hear back and know what’s going on with you.”

  “Of course.” She hung up.

  A whole new type of procedure?

  How would Jarod feel if she had it done before they were married? But what if she went through with it and it didn’t work? Haunted by all the what-ifs, she cleaned Ryan’s face and hands before taking him outside for a walk.

  She hadn’t heard from Jarod yet and was starting to get worried. A few minutes later Zane pulled up in front of the ranch house. He got out of the truck and picked up Ryan, who was thrilled to see him.

  Sadie smiled at him. “Where have you been?”

  “Bozeman.”

  “How come?”

  “I’ve been looking up job opportunities on the internet and came across an ad put out by the Bureau of Land Management. I decided to go in for an interview.”

  Sadie had thought he wanted to learn to be a rancher. Her surprise must have shown.

  “Hey, don’t worry. I’m not planning to go anywhere. I can combine ranching with another job.”

  “You’re going crazy around here already, aren’t you?”

  “No. I love it here, but I want to find something where I can use some of my skills, too.”

  “What kind of work was the BLM advertising for?”

  “They need uniformed rangers to provide law enforcement support. Because of my military training, I’m a natural for it. At the moment there’s an opening in northeastern Montana. Naturally I don’t want to go there. But I’ve learned there may be an opening soon with the national Community Safety Initiative for American Indians in this area so I can stay home on the ranch. On my days off I’ll work with Mac.”

  “What would you do exactly?”

  “Work on eradicating drugs, investigate criminal trespassing and theft of government property including archaeological and paleontological resources. When I was talking to Jarod’s sister last night, she told me there’s a great need for that kind of protection around the archaeological sites. She also told me about one of the rangers up in Glasgow who apprehended a sniper after several people had been killed.”

  Yup. That sounded like it was right up Zane’s alley. Sadie smiled inside. So that was what Zane meant when she’d asked him if he’d had a good time at the birthday party and he’d said yes. He’d been talking to Avery. Had she been the one to spark his interest in a BLM job?

  In school Avery had been known as the Ice Queen. Like Jarod, she had a regal aura about her that in her case intimidated guys who’d wanted to ask her out. Not Zane. Sadie bet he’d danced with her as long as he’d felt like it.
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br />   “Sounds like an exciting prospect.”

  “Maybe. I’ve still got more research to do before I jump in.” He flicked her a glance. “Is Jarod coming over?”

  “Yes, but there’s been a fire on Bannock property and he had to go. I still haven’t heard from him. He’s got to be all right, Zane.”

  “Nothing’s going to happen to him. Have you fed Ryan?” She nodded. “Good. Why don’t I put him to bed and give you a break?”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Positive.”

  “Then I’ll let you, because I haven’t visited Velvet all day.” She hugged both of them. “My horse needs a daily walk around the corral and some loving.”

  His eyes danced. “Don’t we all. You’re lucky.”

  She grinned all the way to the barn. It appeared that finding a job that appealed to Zane had changed his whole outlook. After a career as a navy SEAL she’d feared he would never find anything as challenging. But this evening he looked and sounded happier than she’d ever known him to be.

  Sadie was so glad for him and so in love with Jarod she thought her heart would burst. It must be a bad fire, otherwise he would never stay away from her this long and torture her. She prayed he wasn’t in danger. Please come home soon, darling.

  Chapter Ten

  Jarod and Connor, along with Ben, their uncle Grant, two of their cousins plus other ranch workers, stood outside the smoldering heap that had been one of their hay storage sheds until a couple of hours ago. At one point Jarod had gotten out the backhoe to tear down part of the shed so the firefighters could finish extinguishing the flames.

  The fire marshall walked over to them.

  “It was a set fire.”

  “Damn,” Grant muttered.

  That wasn’t a surprise to Jarod. There’d been no lightning, no faulty electrical wiring. Just pure arson. Luckily the shed had only been a third full and the fire hadn’t spread to the other buildings. A fifty-thousand-dollar loss. Jarod couldn’t help think of the senseless waste of man hours and valuable hay for the cattle. A new shed would have to be built.