Trent Men of Clifton, Montana Book 9

by Susan Fisher-Davis

  Trent blew out a breath. “I get it. I just want to know about my father. I don’t want anything from any of you.”

  “I understand, but I’m not sure Wyatt will. I’ll talk to you soon. If you need anything, call me. I can get there.”

  “Sure.” Trent hit End on his phone.

  He knew it was going to be hard on the brothers, but he wasn’t looking forward to meeting Gabe or Wyatt. It had been hard enough meeting Jake. It had been a shock to him as well that he had brothers. His mother had provided for him until he’d gotten a job on a ranch in Billings at age eighteen. For his entire life, Trent thought his father was dead. Then after his mother died of cervical cancer two weeks ago, he’d found a letter she’d written to him, and it changed his entire world. He’d had to sit down because the room spun around him. His mother had been diagnosed five years ago with the disease, but in the past three years, it had progressed quickly. He was sure she’d written the letter the day she found out. Trent had been so angry with her. How dare she lie to him all this time? She had lied to him every day, and he almost threw the letter away, but he couldn’t do it. It was his last link to his mother, and he wanted to know his father. Once a little time passed, Trent’s anger seeped away, and he forgave her, but he needed to know Josiah Stone and why he’d left his mother alone and pregnant. At least, he had the answer to that question. The man had another family. Trent entered the cabin, removed his hat and coat then flopped down onto the sofa and shook his head. He couldn’t imagine what Jake was going through to find out the man he loved had an affair and probably hurt his mother. Trent ran his hands through his hair.

  “What a fucking mess,” he muttered.

  Pushing himself up from the sofa, he decided to get wood and make a fire then relax. Not much else he could do considering the weather. He walked to the door, pulled it open, and stepped onto the porch. Jake had said each cabin had a bin filled with wood, so Trent walked across the porch to look for it. After finding it, he jumped down from the porch then loaded his arms with logs, stepped back onto the porch, stomped his feet to remove the snow, and reentered the house, and kicked the door closed. Damn it was cold. He carried the wood to the fireplace and set it down then went about making a fire. Once the flames took hold, he stood and put his hands out to it.

  “Not real smart going outside without a coat on,” he said then chuckled.

  He’d asked Delaney Gates if she talked to herself a lot and it seemed like that’s all he did lately. Taking a seat back on the sofa, he stared at the flames as they reached up into the flue. He missed his mother. She’d been so good to him and always encouraged him to do what he wanted with his life, and that was working on a ranch then buying one. He’d wanted to own one someday, but he’d taken care of his mother’s home care and then her hospital bills, and now there was barely any money left. He had some from his job as one of the foremen at a ranch in Billings, but most of the money he’d been saving was gone. But he’d do it all over again. She’d told him not to worry about her bills, but she didn’t have health insurance and no way to pay the massive amount of medical bills that had piled up over five years. Between chemotherapy, home care, prescriptions, and hospice, his money had dwindled quick. Sighing, Trent stood then walked to the drawer in the kitchen where he’d placed the letter and took it out, made his way back to the sofa, and sat back down. He unfolded the letter and stared at it. He’d read it so many times, he almost knew it by heart.

  My dearest Trent,

  This is the hardest thing I have ever done, but I need to tell you the truth about your father. I was a young woman when I met him, and I fell in love almost immediately. He was kind to me, and I thought we’d get married, but in truth, he never told me he loved me. I told you that your father died, but he’s in Clifton, Montana. Once I told him I was pregnant, he began sending me money every month to take care of you. He never came back because he said he was married. Please don’t think harshly of him or me. I loved him so much, and I didn’t know he was married until I contacted him about you. I didn’t want to cause trouble for him with his wife, so I tried to forget about him. I never did though but I did eventually quit waiting for him to come to me. I told him to stop sending me money for you when you turned eighteen, and I never contacted him again. I knew something had been holding him back in his feelings for me. I took it very hard when he told me he wasn’t staying with me anymore. He’s still in Clifton as far as I know. I don’t know if you want to know him or not. I will leave that entirely up to you. I’ve enclosed your birth certificate too in case you do want to meet him, but he does know you’re his son. Know in your heart that I did everything I could for you and I’m so proud of the man you’ve become. I hope you can forgive me for lying to you and I hope that one day you get that ranch you so desperately want. I love you, Trent.

  Love,

  Mom

  Trent took a deep breath as a tear rolled down his cheek. The original letter was in a safe deposit box at the bank. He’d made this copy to show to Josiah when he met him. Which would never happen now. Trent had seen the man’s name on his birth certificate but being as his mother told him the man was dead, he saw no reason to ask about him. Now he’d come to find out, he was gone, and Trent would never know him or his reasons for not being a part of his son’s life. Sure, he had a family, but he still had another son and by the looks of it, Jake did well for himself. Trent wondered if Gabe and Wyatt were as well off as Jake seemed to be. If they were, how unfair was that? Their father provided for three of his four sons, and Trent walked away with nothing.

  “It doesn’t matter.” Trent folded the letter and tossed it onto the sofa next to him then leaned his head back and closed his eyes.

  Maybe he should just go home to Billings and get back to work on the Birch ranch. He loved his job, but he was doing it all for someone else. It’s the way it had to be because he’d never have the money to buy his own place now. His boss, Cyrus Birch, had told him to take all the time he needed when Trent showed him the letter and asked for time off. Cyrus was the father Trent never had. The ranch had one hundred herdsmen, and a hundred and twenty ranch hands. Three other foremen plus Trent, and two managers, so he knew it would work like a well-oiled machine. Trent lived in a small home on the ranch and kept to himself. Oh, he was friends with the ranch hands, but he was also their boss, so they didn’t hang out with him much. He was friends with the other foremen, but none of them had time for socializing. With the size of the ranch, sometimes he didn’t see some of the men for weeks at a time. It was a huge ranch, with five hundred thousand acres, and could be very isolated at times. He’d seen a lot of divorces happen with the workers, or they’d take their families and leave. It was that or lose them. No special woman was waiting for Trent either. A beautiful woman with green eyes appeared in his mind.

  “Oh, hell no,” he muttered. There was no way he’d get involved with Delaney Gates. He’d be leaving soon, and nothing could come of it unless it was just sex. He wouldn’t mind that with her. It had been so long since he’d had sex, he may have forgotten how to do it. He smirked. He’d never forget how to do that. Like riding a bike, right? Yeah, but he’d rather ride Delaney Gates.

  Trent stood quickly. Time for a cold shower then he’d relax the rest of the night. Delaney Gates needed to get the hell out of his head.

  Chapter Four

  Lanie was putting her coat on when the bell over the door jingled. She looked up to see Preston Mitchell and Reece Maddox enter the diner. Two more fine looking men. They both nodded at her then took seats at the counter. Snow covered the shoulders of their coats and the brim of their hats.

  “Hi Preston, Reece,” Lanie said.

  “Hey Lanie, it’s getting bad out there, but I had to get a burger to go. Can’t come into town without getting one. Just ran into Reece at the feed store.” Preston smiled at her.

  “How are you doing, Lanie?” Reece asked her.

  “Good, thanks. I’m leaving now. Be careful when you two
leave.”

  “You do the same.” Preston gave her a nod and turned to Connie when she appeared at the counter.

  “Call me when you get home, Lanie,” Connie said.

  “I will.”

  Lanie waved and walked out and knew she had stayed at the diner too long. The snow was getting heavier as she made her way home and it was getting dark. Leaning forward, she peered through the windshield and could see the sleet bouncing off the hood.

  “Wonderful,” she murmured as she crept along the road.

  She just hoped no animals decided to be out in this and run across the road. Headlights came toward her in the other direction, so she slowed down even more. It was a good thing no one was behind her because she was sure she’d be pissing them off. This was the first time she’d driven in snow this deep, and the thought of the ice laying on top of it made her hands shake. She frowned when she didn’t see the headlights any longer. They must have pulled into a driveway. She hoped so anyway because if they were stuck, she would be no help whatsoever. No way would she get out in this stuff. She passed a driveway, saw taillights, and let a breath out. At least they made it home all right. She didn’t have far to go since it wasn’t much more now for her to reach her driveway.

  When she finally pulled into her driveway then into the garage, she pushed the button to lower the door then blew out a relieved breath. After putting her SUV into Park, she shut the vehicle off, opened the door, and stepped out. Walking up a few steps, she opened the door, stomped her feet to remove the snow, entered the kitchen, hung her coat up then called her aunt.

  “I made it home,” she said when Connie answered.

  “I’m glad. I was on pins and needles waiting to hear from you.”

  “I took my time. I only saw one other person out, and they were pulling into their driveway, so they made it to their home too. I don’t know what I would have done if they’d gotten stranded.”

  “Them? What about you? Of course, Owen and I would have come after you.”

  “Of course, you would. I’m fine though. I don’t plan on going out again for a few days. I’ll call Jake even though he told me not to worry about it if the weather was bad.”

  Connie laughed. “Honey, trust me, Jake will not mind if you don’t show up. He’s lived here his entire life. I wonder how Trent is doing?”

  “Why would you even ask that?”

  “He’s new to town. I hope he’s not out somewhere.”

  “Aunt Connie, he doesn’t seem like a stupid man. I’m sure he’s home. Wherever that is.”

  “He’s staying in one of the cabins at Becca’s B and B.”

  Lanie sputtered out a laugh. “How do you know that?”

  “I’m like a bartender. People talk to me.”

  “I’m sure you asked him, didn’t you?”

  “Nope. He volunteered the information. Get a hot bath, hon. I’ll talk to you tomorrow. Don’t bother trying to come here if the roads are still bad. We love you.”

  “I love you both. Night.” Lanie shook her head as she hit End on her phone.

  Lanie smiled. Her aunt was wonderful, and everyone in Clifton seemed to love her. The same as she did. Sighing, she headed down the hallway to the bedroom. After pulling her boots off, she undressed and walked into the bathroom then pinned her hair up and started the bathwater. She added some bubble bath then stepped into the tub, lowered herself into the water, leaned her head back, and moaned. The steamy hot water felt wonderful. She used her toe to shut the faucet off and just relaxed. Closing her eyes, she let the water soothe her. She frowned when Trent appeared in her mind. Damn. Did the man have to be so good-looking with that black hair and eyes as dark as night surrounded by thick eyelashes? And those gorgeous sexy lips. She’d always been a sucker for a man with hot lips. Oh, and when that dimple peeked out, she wanted to see a full-fledged grin. She’d bet money on it being gorgeous too.

  “The last thing you need is to get involved with him or any man for that matter. What is wrong with you Delaney Kay Gates?” she asked aloud.

  After washing, she sat up, pulled the plug then stood. She reached for a towel and dried off. She put her robe on then walked to the living room and looked out the window to see the snow still falling. Moving to the back door, she opened it to listen to the quiet. The ice bounced off everything. The roads would be lousy tonight, and she hoped everyone was home and safe.

  She closed the door then picked up her cell phone and called the Stone residence.

  “Hello?”

  “Hi, Becca, it’s Lanie.”

  “Hey, Lanie. Lovely weather, huh? Welcome to Montana.” Becca laughed.

  Lanie smiled. “I think it’s great. I’ve never seen snow like this, and it doesn’t look like it’s letting up.”

  “We heard the weather report, and it’s not going to let up until late tomorrow. Are you all right?”

  “Yes, I was just calling to let Jake know I wouldn’t be in,” Lanie said then laughed. “But I guess he knows.”

  “Oh yeah. Never worry about calling when it gets like this. Jake would be angrier if you did show up and risk getting here. Ice is awful to drive in.”

  “I know. I’ll be sitting here for a few days then, enjoying the time off. Do some reading in front of the fire.”

  “Sounds good to me. Be safe and if you do need anything, call us.”

  Lanie blinked tears back. “Thank you. You and Jake are so great. Talk soon.” Lanie hit End and tossed the phone onto the sofa.

  She was so happy that she decided to come here. Her life took a drastic turn when Brett broke her heart. She thought he loved her and perhaps he had, just not enough. She never thought Melody would betray her and especially in that way. Her best friend should have stayed away from her fiancé, and Brett should have kept it in his pants.

  Striding to the fireplace, she opened the flue, took the matches from the mantle, lit one, and set it to the logs in the hearth then she flopped down onto the sofa, picked up the remote, and aimed it at the TV. The aroma of burning wood soon filled the room. She pulled her feet up under her and watched a movie. Every once in a while, she could hear the ice hitting the windows, and the wind began to howl. Shivering, she pulled the afghan off the back of the sofa and covered herself with it. She couldn’t help but wonder what Trent was doing.

  ****

  The next day, Trent sat on the couch with his sock-covered feet propped on the coffee table and a cup of hot coffee in his hand. The wind was picking up, and ice pinged against the windows. He glanced over to the French doors to see the snow blowing sideways. Then he sat up quickly when he thought he saw an animal outside. It could be a wolf. They didn’t hibernate, and it might be looking for food.

  He set his cup down on the table, pushed to his feet, and slowly walked to the doors. Narrowing his eyes, he tried to see past the snow blowing by the door. He stood at the door staring out when movement caught his eye, and he clenched his jaw when he saw a dog pushing its face into the snow. It had to be looking for food because by the looks of how thin it was, it hadn’t eaten in a while. It also seemed young, but he couldn’t tell. All he could see was that it was gray with black spots on its back and a white chest.

  “Shit,” Trent muttered because he knew he was going to have to go out there and get the dog.

  He strode over to where his coat hung and pulled it on then sat down and tugged on his boots. Standing, he stomped his feet down in them then placed his hat on his head. Pulling his gloves on, he walked back to the doors, buttoned his coat, tugging the collar up, and opened the door. Ice hit him in the face. Carefully stepping onto the small deck, he pulled the door closed and moved close to the steps. The dog was so intent on finding food that it hadn’t seen Trent yet. Trent squatted down, whistled, and the dog raised its head and stared at him with one brown, and one blue eye.

  “Come here, I won’t hurt you,” Trent said. The dog didn’t move when Trent put his hand out.

  When the dog whimpered, Trent wanted to find
the person who had left this poor animal out in this weather and let them out in it for a few hours…or days.

  “Come on, boy, or is it girl? I won’t hurt you.”

  Trent didn’t move when the dog slowly walked toward him but hesitated after each step. Trent was a patient man; he’d wait for the dog, however long it took. Even though his balls were freezing off, he’d wait. When the dog got close to him, it started jumping around and barking, and by the sound of that bark, Trent knew the dog was young. Finally, the dog sniffed at his hand and wiggled its body. Trent petted the dog, and once it got closer, he reached for it, picked it up, then carried it into the cabin, pushed the door closed, then headed down the hall to the bathroom and entered to get a towel. It was a good thing the cabin had a stackable washer and dryer because he knew the towel was going to be a mess. Closing the door behind him so that the dog couldn’t run off through the cabin, Trent set the dog down, and kneeled beside it then began to rub the dog with the towel briskly. The dog looked up at him then licked his nose making Trent chuckle.

  “So, a female, huh? I don’t know if that’s good or bad. I’m not into dog kisses, but I’ll take that as a thank you.” Trent stood and tossed the towel into the hamper. “Come on let’s find you something to eat.”

  He sauntered back to the living room and glanced over his shoulder to see the dog following him. Entering the kitchen, he looked through what he’d bought at the grocery store. Not finding anything in the cupboards fit for the dog, he yanked open the fridge door and peered in.

  “How about scrambled eggs?” He looked at the dog to see her sitting there staring at him. Trent laughed when the dog barked.

  After finding a frying pan, he cracked eggs in a bowl, beat them with a fork then poured them into the non-stick pan then glanced down at the dog.

  “No butter or milk though. I know that’s not good for you, but if you’re as hungry as I think you are, you won’t care, right?” Trent grinned when the dog barked again and moved closer to him.