Reunion
Page 23
Taylor held him, petting him tenderly. A large hand covered hers, and she looked up to meet Connor’s eyes. “Is he going to die?”
“I don’t know. He might.”
“Please? Can’t we do something?”
His eyes held hers. “We can pray.”
Her heart swelled with love for him, and she leaned forward, resting her head on his shoulder. Connor’s arms slid around her, but she pulled back suddenly. “Wait.” She turned to look at Brad. He was sitting in a chair across the room, holding a sleeping pup, watching Taylor and Connor.
“You do it,” she said, and a dull red crept into the boy’s cheeks.
“Me? I—I can’t. Why would God listen to me?”
“Because you’re his child now, and he loves you.” She held out a hand to him, and he rose, setting the lightly snoring pup on the rug. He straightened and came to take Taylor’s hand. The three of them huddled together, bowing their heads.
“God, I don’t know what to say,” Brad began. “All I know is this little guy needs your help,” he said, his voice choked with emotion, “just like I did. Well, you helped me, and I figured I was beyond any help from you or anyone else. So please, help the pup. Don’t let the little guy die. Um, amen, I guess.”
They opened their eyes, and Taylor smiled at Brad through her tears. “Thank you.”
Connor opened his sleep-drugged eyes and reached his arms above his head, stretching. He yawned deeply, peered down at the pups snuggled against him—both of which were snoring away—then glanced around.
Brad was slouched in his chair, two sleeping pups cradled in his arms. Taylor was curled up on the floor, the last pup cuddled close. Connor’s heart constricted. Had the pup survived?
He stood up, careful not to disturb the two pups on his cot. He would check on Taylor’s little guy. If he were dead, Connor intended to dispose of him before Taylor woke.
But at the sound of his footsteps, quiet as he was, both Taylor and Brad started and woke up. Brad looked at Taylor, his face filled with apprehension—and a loud protesting wail came from the circle of her arms.
She looked down in wonder; then a joyous smile broke out over her face. “I think somebody’s hungry!” she exclaimed, and Connor felt like turning somersaults.
He went to Brad and pounded him on the back. “Way to go, buddy! And you thought God wouldn’t listen to you!”
“Well,” Brad said, a smile crossing his tired face, “I’m glad I was wrong.”
Taylor came to stand beside Brad too, and she rested a gentle hand on his shoulder. “I want you to come back to the ranch house with us.”
Brad looked up at her in silence.
“Brad, you’re a part of this. You’ve been a part for a long time. I want you to come and help us care for the pups. And I’d like to talk with you about the future.”
“The future?”
“I can always use a good ranch hand. And you probably know Galloway Glen as well as any of us now.” She grew serious. “Brad, I want you to think about staying on at the ranch. I can use you. And I’d like to have you there. After all, you’re family now.”
He stared at her, and Connor saw the play of emotions across his young face: amazement, disbelief, confusion, and finally, hope.
“I’d like that.” A smile broke out over his weary face. “I’d like that a lot.”
TWENTY-NINE
WHEN THE THREE OF THEM RETURNED TO THE RANCH, TAYLOR’S parents took one look at the pups and melted. Then they surged into action. By the time Connor was on the phone to a friend of his, a biologist who worked with captive wolves, the pups were ensconced in a large willow basket lined with soft, fluffy blankets.
Ryan, Lisa, and the twins showed up before long, and they, too, fell victim to the pups’ charms. The twins sat on the floor, peering over the side of the basket, watching for the slightest movement or sign of distress.
Figuring the pups were in good hands, Taylor told her mother she needed to go out for a while.
“Are you all right, dear?” Her mother’s gaze searched her face.
Taylor gave her mother a reassuring glance. “I just need to talk to someone.”
“Gavin?” her mother asked, and Taylor nodded. She should have known her mother would figure out where she was going.
“I want to tell him … about Connor and me. Before he hears it from someone else.”
“I think you’ll find he already knows, dear. Anyone who cares about you knew how you felt about Connor when he left. But I do think it would be good to talk with Gavin.” She patted Taylor’s arm. “Gavin has been a good friend.”
“Yes, he has.”
She drove to Gavin’s home, a ranch very similar to her own. When she pulled up in front of the house, she saw him on the porch, sitting on the railing, watching her. She walked up and sat beside him.
“I wondered when you’d be coming,” he said quietly, staring into the distance.
“I just got back from Reunion. Where the wolves are.”
He slanted her a look. “Your mother told me about the valley, where it was. I went to see it one day.” His eyes glowed with the memory. “It’s truly a place of beauty, Taylor. I can see why you love it so much.” There was no censure, no anger in his voice. Only a quiet resignation.
She wrapped her arms around herself, struggling to find the right words. But there didn’t seem to be any words to express what was going on in her heart right now.
Gavin was the one who finally spoke. “Connor is a good man. He’ll treat you well.” He looked at her then, a wry smile tipping his lips. “He’s so besotted, he’ll probably spoil you rotten.” His dark eyes caressed her face. “But then, that’s only right.”
The tenderness in his expression pierced her, and she bit her lip. “Gavin … I’m sorry. I—”
He lifted a hand and pressed gentle fingers to her lips, halting the words. “Lass, I know you love him. And I know you care for me. I won’t lie. I wish this had ended differently.” His hand dropped. “But I want you to be happy, darlin’. If it’s Connor who will make you so, then I canna try to hold you.”
“I will always treasure you.”
A teasing light jumped into his eyes. “Aye, lass, as is only right. You’ve a friend of pure gold before you, and don’t you ever forget it.”
“Sure, an’ you know I won’t.” She smiled through her tears.
His eyes held hers for a moment. “Know this, lass, and never doubt it: You’ve a friend forever in Gavin MacEwen. I’ve done all I can to help you, to protect you, darlin’. I’ve always tried to do what’s best for you,” he said, smiling wryly, “even when I knew you wouldn’t agree with me. Because I care.”
She blinked the tears back as he leaned forward to press his lips to her forehead.
“Now get you gone, lass. Your man is probably wonderin’ where you’ve been.” He arched his eyebrows. “And it wouldna be right to keep him waitin’.”
She turned to leave, then spun around and threw her arms around his neck, hugging him fiercely. “My mother told me today that you’ve been a good friend to me,” Taylor whispered as his strong arms closed around her. “But she’s wrong. You haven’t been a good friend—you’ve been my best friend. You helped me survive. You gave me hope.” She leaned back, looking up into his dear face. “I love you, Gavin, as I have never loved another friend, man or woman. And I always will.”
She squeezed him once more, then stepped back.
He let her go, a sad smile on his handsome face.
Father, you blessed me abundantly when you gave me Gavin MacEwen for a friend, she prayed as she walked back to her truck. She opened the door and stepped up to slide behind the wheel. Now I ask you to bless him. Please, Lord, bring him a woman who will love him the way he deserves to be loved.
The answer, swift and clear, rang in her mind and brought a delighted smile to her lips: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.”
She opened the door and was suddenly caught up in a gargantuan hug. “Well, you must be Taylor! I swear, Connor didn’t even begin to do you justice, little lady.”
She giggled breathlessly as the bear of a man finally set her back on her feet. “And you are?” she asked, utterly charmed.
The man gave a deep bow, graceful for all his girth. “Harry the Harridan, at your service.”
The man standing behind him planted one foot on Harry’s ample behind and pushed him through the door. Taylor laughed as Harry stumbled inside, tossing a look of mock outrage over his shoulder.
“The caveman here is Alec Stewart, resident biologist and wolf daddy.” Connor came up behind Taylor and slipped his arms around her. Alec had agreed to raise the pups for the next four months. Then he would bring them back to Reunion and reintroduce them to the pack. “And whatever else you do, don’t believe a word the man tells you about me.”
Alec snickered. “Actually, the one you shouldn’t trust is ol’ Connor here.” His jibe was softened by the obvious affection and respect in the look he gave his friend.
Taylor joined in the fun, showing the men to their rooms, then teasing and bantering all the way into the kitchen, where she introduced the two men to her family. Before long the rooms echoed with uproarious laughter as Harry and Alec regaled them with accounts of Connor’s escapades in Washington. Taylor found herself mesmerized as she watched Connor trade stories with his two friends. He’d always been so quiet and reserved, but now he seemed to come alive. He mentioned the names of politicians as though they were just a bunch of guys who lived down the block! And her eyes widened with surprise when she discovered he’d actually been to the White House.
“Wouldn’t have dreamed of sending anyone but ol’ Con, here.” Harry beamed. “After all, I taught the boy all I knew—”
“Which took all of five minutes.” Connor crossed his arms.
“Yeah, well, that five minutes got you through one humongous verbal battle with those folks at the White House,” Harry retorted.
What a job, Taylor thought as she listened. It’s clear Connor loves it.
Sudden apprehension filled her. She and Connor hadn’t really discussed the future, hadn’t talked about whether or not he’d be staying around, or when she’d see him again … IF she’d see him again.
The stories that had been so entertaining a moment before now weighed her down, and Taylor soon rose and excused herself, pleading fatigue. She half hoped Connor would come away from the group with her, but he merely wished her a good night and turned back to correct Harry as he launched into another tale.
Swallowing her disappointment, she trudged to her room. Sasha lifted her head when Taylor came in, stretched in her spot on Taylor’s bed, then dropped her head back down with a soft whuff.
“Thanks a lot,” Taylor muttered. “It’s good to see you too.” She grabbed her towel and prepared to stomp into her bathroom when a light knock sounded at her door. She spun around and hurried to open it. Connor must have followed her after all.
But it was Brad standing there, his expression troubled. “Can I talk to you?”
“Sure.” She stepped aside.
He came in and dropped into the large, overstuffed chair beside the window. “I’ve been racking my brain, trying to remember something, anything, about the hunter who shot Nokomis.” Taylor moved to sit on the edge of her bed as he talked. “Tonight, I remembered something.”
She could tell from his voice that he was hesitant to tell her about it.
“And?”
He licked his lips and stared at the floor.
“Brad, what is it?”
He fidgeted, looking down. “I think I know who the hunter was.”
“You’re kidding!”
He shook his head, but he didn’t look happy.
Taylor felt a sudden apprehension. “Is it someone I know?”
“I … I think so. What I remembered was black hair. Long black hair. And broad shoulders.”
She felt the color draining out of her face. “Oh, Brad …”
“He was tall,” he went on miserably, “and really strong.” He shifted his feet. “I’m sorry, Taylor, but I think it was—”
“Gavin.” When Brad nodded, she closed her eyes. “That can’t be true! You must have made a mistake.”
“Maybe.” The word was laced with doubt. “I mean, I can’t believe Gavin would do something like that. What reason would he have to hurt the wolves?”
Taylor looked at Brad. None. No reason at all … then her eyes widened in sudden understanding. His words from this afternoon floated back to her: “I’ve done all I can to help you, to protect you … I’ve always tried to do what’s best for you, even when I knew you wouldn’t agree with me.”
“Oh no …”
“What?” Brad leaned toward her, his eyes concerned.
She bit her lip. “I … you may be right.”
Brad slumped lower in his chair. “I was afraid of that. What should we do?” He looked as upset as she felt.
She put her hand on his arm. “Don’t say anything. Not yet. Give me a chance to think about this.”
He looked away for a moment, then rose to leave.
“G’night, Taylor. Sleep well.”
As the door shut softly behind him, she sank back on the bed, certain any chance of that had been completely obliterated.
In the clear light of morning as she stood brushing her hair, Taylor realized something terrible. Gavin knew about Reunion, knew the wolves were there, knew where it was. She tossed down her brush and headed for the kitchen. She’d heard Connor’s voice coming from that direction a few minutes ago. She needed to talk to him. He’d know what to do.
“Still mad at me for making you take this assignment?”
Connor looked up from his bowl of cereal at his ex-boss, arching one eyebrow. “No.”
Harry hooted. “Yeah! Right! You got some amazing photos, every last one of which will probably win you all kinds of awards, and you found the woman of your dreams, who just happens to live in the wilderness, have wolves on her property, and looks like a beauty queen.” He looked pointedly around the spacious living room. “Then there’s the cruddy shack she lives in—”
“Is there a point to this, Harry?”
“As a matter of fact, there is. I expect an invitation to the wedding. And I expect invitations to visit. I bet they’ve got great fishing here!”
Connor laughed and leaned back in his chair. “You got it, buddy.”
“I still can’t believe you won’t be coming back to WAC. I am gonna have to calm Irene down, though. The woman’s gonna feel terrible that you’re dumping her, you know.”
Connor slanted his friend a look. “Well, that’s just the way it works. She should have known it wasn’t meant to last. Besides, I never promised forever.”
“Right!” Harry snorted. “I’m not all that worried. You know how resilient women are. I just can’t believe you’re jumping ship.”
Connor gave a slow nod. “I know. I was afraid it would be hard to leave. But you know, there’s nothing to hold me there.”
“Well, you’re a rascal, old boy.”
“Ain’t it the truth.” Connor’s laughter bubbled over. “Ain’t it just the truth.”
Taylor stood, her back against the wall, in stunned disbelief.
She’d only caught the last part of Connor’s discussion with his boss, but it had been more than enough. Connor was leaving, dumping her. He didn’t love her. “She should have known it wasn’t meant to last … I never promised forever … there’s nothing to hold me …” She leaned her head back against the wall, refusing to cry.
Resilient, was she? Well, she’d show Connor Alexander just how resilient she really was. She turned and stormed down the hallway, out of the house, almost running over Brad on the back porch.
“
Whoa! What’s the rush?”
“Do me a favor, okay?”
At the fierce tone of her voice, his eyes widened. “Sure, Taylor.”
“Tell Connor Alexander I hope he’s very happy in whatever he chooses to do, and that I understand entirely. If there’s nothing to hold him here, then he should go. The sooner the better! Got that?”
“Well, yeah … but—”
“Good.” She pushed past him.
“Taylor, what’s going on? Where are you going?”
She opened the door to her truck. “To stop a killer.”
Brad stopped in his tracks, then spun and ran into the house.
“She said what?”
Connor stared at Brad, and the boy gave a helpless shrug. “I know. It didn’t make any sense to me, either.”
“Uh-oh,” Harry muttered. “Sounds like she overheard us and got the wrong impression.”
“I don’t know what happened—” Brad looked from one man to the other—“But what worries me most is the bit about stopping a killer.”
“What?” Connor surged to his feet, grasping the boy by both arms and all but lifting him from the floor. “Tell me everything you know. And do it fast!”
“See what happens when you trust someone, Father?” She’d been raging for the last hour. “Are you happy now?”
“Trust in the Lord.”
“I did trust, and look what happened!”
“Lean not on your own understanding.”
“What’s to understand. I’d say it was all pretty clear. Connor Alexander is a bum. And I never want to see him again. Case closed.”
She jammed the gears angrily, bouncing on the seat as she sailed over the bumpy ground. Then her eyes narrowed. Reunion was just ahead. And there was a Blazer parked at the base of the rise.
Oh, God, please! Not the other wolves! Not Sikis!
Taylor pulled up and slammed on the brakes, sending a shower of gravel and dust into the air. She pushed open the door and scrambled out, realizing as she did so that it wasn’t Gavin’s Blazer sitting there.