“Divorce?” Trent sat forward.
“Yes.”
“Does Jake, Gabe, and Wyatt know this?”
Dirk smiled. “They do now, and they were as shocked as you. Anyway, when Clarissa divorced Josiah, he was so angry, and he blamed his father. They got into a big argument, and Josiah packed up and left. He’d go from ranch to ranch working odd jobs. Needless to say, he ended up here in Billings and met your mother. She fell in love with him but as much as I hate to say it, he didn’t love her. Maybe he did in some small way but not the way he loved Clarissa. He stayed in Billings with Virginia for about six months. Then he was called back to Clifton because his father died. His mother had died years before. Josiah felt a lot of guilt because of their arguing, and they hadn’t made amends before his father’s death. Josiah left Billings and your mother to return to the ranch. It had been left to him in the will. One day in town, he ran into Clarissa, and they both realized they still loved each other and remarried. When Virginia got in touch with him about being pregnant, he never denied that you were his son. He sent her money every month for you until you turned eighteen, and only then because your mother told him to stop. He got the ranch to prosper within five years, even more than it had with his father running it. Now, when Virginia told Josiah to stop sending money, he did but he put that money into a bank account for you and never stopped until he passed away. Now, what she didn’t know was that he had been putting money into an account for you since you were five aside from what he sent her every month. When the ranch started prospering, he wanted to make sure you were well taken care of.”
“What?” Trent was sure he hadn’t heard right.
“He left you money, son, but that’s not all. He never failed to take care of you. He just never made the effort to meet you. I think that was a mistake, but I do see where he was coming from. I think he was afraid that only seeing you occasionally would really mess up your life and I think Virginia had something to do with that too. I believe she was afraid that if you saw how Josiah lived, you would rather live with him than her because he had more money and could provide better for you. I think he was hoping that you’d show up some day and get to know him. But you never did and I never knew why until Jake told me about the letter your mother had written confessing that your father wasn’t dead like she told you he was. Only she didn’t know he actually was. Both of them made mistakes through all of this. If you hadn’t shown up by the time you were thirty-five looking for him, I was to find you using any means necessary. I know he thought he’d still be alive and in a perfect world he would have been, but never doubt that he loved you. He told Clarissa about you, and she even thought he should see you, but I think he thought coming into your life just to leave again wouldn’t be the best thing to do to a young boy. Neither Clarissa nor I agreed with that, but Josiah was adamant about it.”
“I can’t believe this,” Trent muttered.
“That’s not all. When Clarissa passed away, she was only forty-nine, almost fifty, and it tore Josiah apart. He loved her so much that he lost the will to live. I’m surprised he survived three more years. He just started to fade away. He sold all the cattle and made up his will. He knew he was slowly dying from a broken heart, but he didn’t care about anything. I think that’s why he never told anyone about you. Nothing mattered. Wyatt went into the Marines right after Clarissa died because he was shattered by her death. It’s probably why he took all of this so hard. The thought of their father cheating floored all three of them but now they know that’s not the way it happened and being so young when their parents had divorced, they didn’t remember it. For all I know, Clarissa could have told them Josiah was away on a job. I really can’t say. With all of them so young, I doubt she said too much to them about it. I knew most of what had happened, but I was sworn to never mention it to your brothers until you went to Clifton or I found you. When your father died, he separated the land between Jake, Gabe, and Wyatt, and left them money. To say he was rich would be a huge understatement.”
Trent swallowed hard. How much money had his father left him? How had Jake, Gabe, and Wyatt taken all of this?
“How did they take it about our father not cheating? I’m sure they were happy.”
“Like I said, they were shocked, but relieved more than anything and feeling horrible for the way they treated you. Especially Wyatt for something he said to you. He didn’t tell me what it was, but I could tell he felt horrible about it.” Dirk stared at him. “I told you there was more. When Josiah sold the cattle, he put that money in the bank—for you. It’s been sitting there, along with the money he put in there from when you were five on up until his death, all the time drawing interest. There’s close to four million dollars in your account.”
Trent’s mouth dropped open, and he quickly snapped it shut. He shook his head as if to clear cobwebs and stared at Dirk Wallace. The man sat there grinning at him.
“Four million? Dollars?” Trent croaked then cleared his throat.
“Yes, but there’s more he did for you. He also bought eleven hundred acres of land in Clifton for you. It’s yours to do with what you want. You can build on it or sell it. Entirely up to you. It sits across the road from Jake’s ranch and it’s damn good land.”
Trent looked at Cyrus who hadn’t said a word the entire time, but he had a big grin on his face.
“I believe your dream of having your own ranch has just been handed to you, Trent.”
“I—” Trent shook his head and took his hat off then ran his fingers through his hair then resettled it. He pushed the chair back, stood, and walked out the door then paced up and down the aisle of the barn. This was unbelievable. All this time, there’d been money in a bank in his name. He could have his ranch. He stopped pacing and looked to the office door where he saw Cyrus, and Dirk Wallace watching him.
“Trent, this is what you wanted. You need to go back to Clifton, get your money, and make a decision,” Cyrus said.
“A decision?”
“Yes, whether you want to keep the land there or sell it and buy land somewhere else. Did you like Clifton?”
“I—yes.”
“You’re in shock, son. Just give me a call when you want to come back to Clifton, and I’ll go to the bank with you. You’ll need to sign papers and show proof of who you are. You also have the option of putting that money into another bank or keeping it there if you decide to live there.” Dirk handed him a card then put his hand out for Trent to shake which he did. Dirk then shook hands with Cyrus and walked out of the barn.
Trent bent over, placed his hands on his knees, and took deep breaths trying to calm himself. Did he want to go back to Clifton or stay in Billings? He wanted to go back to Delaney. If she’d have him. He jerked when Cyrus slapped him on the back. Trent straightened up to look at his boss.
“Cy, I don’t know what to say.”
“There’s nothing to say, son. I’m happy for you. You deserve it. I know how much you wanted to have your own ranch and I know the sacrifice you gave for your mother to give up that dream.”
“But what about here? I’d hate to leave you high and dry.”
Cyrus chuckled. “You wouldn’t. I’m sure you and I can choose another foreman. Can you see yourself living in Clifton?”
“I can. At least, maybe I could get to know my brothers and their families. They’re married and have kids, and I’d love to know them all and…”
“And what?”
“I met someone while I was there and I’m in love with her, but I couldn’t stay there and start over. She has family there and didn’t want to leave.”
“I can understand that. I’m glad you found someone though. No wonder you’ve been so quiet, it’s because you miss her.”
“I really do. More than I thought I would. I’ve only known her a little over three weeks, but I do know she’s the one.”
“It doesn’t take long to know that. So, go home and get her. Make a life in Clifton with her. I think you’ll be ha
ppy there. I hate like hell to lose you, but this is what you’ve wanted. We’ll keep in touch.” Cyrus grinned at him then walked off.
Trent watched him walk down through the barn and out into the sunlight. Should he call Delaney before he shows up or just surprise her? Turning around, he ran out of the barn to his truck. He climbed into it, started it, and drove home. He wanted to pack and get on the road. Back to Clifton and the woman he loved. He was just happy it wasn’t snowing so he could travel.
Pulling his cell phone out, he called Cyrus and told him he was leaving as soon as he was packed. Cyrus just chuckled and hung up. Trent grinned as he pulled up in front of the house. He put the shifter into Park, shut the truck off, stepped out then ran up the steps, and entered the kitchen. Ginny lay on the floor looking up at him, but she didn’t get up to greet him.
“You’re going to be very happy because we’re going home. We’re going back to Delaney.” At Delaney’s name, Ginny raised her head. “Yep. Home. Back to Clifton. If she’ll still have us, we’re going to build her a beautiful home, and I get to have my ranch.”
He took his hat and coat off and hung them on the pegs by the door then he pulled a chair out from the table and collapsed onto it. Was this really happening? His dream was finally coming true. He couldn’t remember a time when he hadn’t dreamed of having his own place, and now it was going to happen. The only other thing he needed was Delaney with him. What if she didn’t want him since he’d left her behind? But she knew why he’d gone.
Pushing himself up from the chair, he strode down the hallway to his room, pulled his duffle bag out of the closet, and tossed some jeans and T-shirts into it. It seemed like he’d just unpacked it. After he zipped it closed, he picked it up and walked back to the kitchen. Setting the bag on the floor, he pulled his coat on and settled his hat on his head, and after taking a deep breath, he picked up the bag and looked at Ginny.
“Let’s go. Hopefully, we’ll come back in a week or two and clear our stuff out and permanently move to Clifton.”
Ginny ran to the door and barked at him. Trent laughed and opened the door. Together, they ran down the steps, got into the truck, and drove back to Clifton, and Delaney. Since it was early, he hoped he’d get there in time for Delaney’s shift. He hoped she was at the diner. If not, he’d go to her house. He couldn’t wait to tell her the news.
Almost five hours later, he drove into the parking lot of the diner. It was packed, but he found a place to park. Seemed he’d hit right at dinnertime. He would’ve been there earlier but he’d been stuck in traffic for half an hour due to an accident. Throwing the gear into Park, he shut the engine off, and threw the door open.
“I’ll be right back,” he said to his dog. “I can’t take you into the diner. Hang tight, girl. I promise I won’t be very long.” Ginny lay on the seat and looked up at him with sad eyes. Trent chuckled. “Don’t give me that sad look. It will just be a few minutes.”
He stepped out then shoved the door closed, turned, and strolled to the sidewalk. Snow flurries began to swirl around him. Déjà vu. He stopped in front of the door and took a deep breath and inhaled the smells coming from inside. Reaching out, he grabbed the handle and pulled the door open making the bell jingle above the door announcing his arrival. Once again, everyone stopped talking and eating to look at him. This time a few of them waved or nodded at him. He nodded and took a seat at the counter then glanced around. He didn’t see Delaney anywhere, but he did see Connie. She gave him a big smile then headed his way.
“Hi, hon. It’s about time you came back to where you belong,” she said.
“Hi, Connie. You know, don’t you?”
“I do. I thought you looked familiar when you first showed up, but when you said your name, I knew you were Josiah’s son.”
“No wonder you looked shocked.”
Connie laughed. “I was at first, but I’ve been hoping you’d show up. Owen and I were good friends with Josiah and Clarissa. We stood up for them when they were married. Both times.”
“I think I’m still in shock, but I’m happy to be back. Where’s Delaney?”
“In the kitchen right now.” She leaned toward him. “See that man a few stools down? The one with blond hair?”
Trent looked around the people on the stools beside him and saw the man she was talking about.
“I do. Why?”
“That’s Brett. He’s here to convince her to go back to Albuquerque with him, says he made a mistake and wants her back.”
Trent clenched his jaw. “Is that so? Well, I’ve got news for him.” He started to rise from the stool.
Connie waved him down. “She’s been handling it, but I can’t wait until she sees you.”
Trent stared at the man who had broken Delaney’s heart. Just like you did. He chastised himself, but he hadn’t fucked around on her like this piece of shit had.
Just then Delaney walked out of the kitchen and he watched her pour Brett a cup of coffee. She looked so good to Trent, but he wanted to snap Brett’s arm when he wrapped his fingers around her wrist. Connie poured Trent a cup of coffee and moved away from him. Trent pushed to his feet and moved closer to where Brett sat.
“Brett, please just leave. I’m not going back with you. I love it here. I don’t love you anymore.” Trent heard Delaney say.
“I don’t believe that. I made a mistake, and it won’t happen again. Come on, Lanie.”
“Go home to Melody.”
“We broke up because I realized I still love you and I want you back.”
“No,” Delaney snapped.
Brett leaned across the counter. “What’s in this damn town that would make you want to stay here?”
“Me,” Trent said as he stepped up beside the stool where Brett sat.
****
Lanie looked up at Trent, and her mouth dropped open. She blinked her eyes several times to make sure she wasn’t seeing things, but there he stood. The man of her dreams and the love of her life.
“That is if you’ll have me,” he said looking at her.
Delaney set the coffee pot down on the warmer, hoisted herself up onto the counter, and crawled over it to him. She wrapped her arms around his neck as he pulled her to him then she hooked her legs around his waist. His lips met hers in a deep kiss as his arms wrapped around her and held her tight. Everyone in the diner whooped and hollered.
“What are you doing here?” she asked him when she raised her lips from his.
“I’m moving here.”
“I can’t ask you to do that, Trent.”
“You’re not. I’ll explain it all later, but Josiah left me money and land here in Clifton so I’m going to build my ranch and I want you with me.”
“Yes! Yes, of course,” she said with a squeal.
The patrons in the diner started applauding. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Brett get up and storm out, but she didn’t care. This was the man she wanted. This was the only man for her. Ever.
Trent kissed her again. “Can I go to your house? Ginny’s in the truck. This is the first place we stopped.” He set her on her feet.
“Yes, let me get you the key. I’ll be home in about an hour.” She kissed him. “I love you, Trent Donovan.”
“Oh, darlin’, you know I love you too. Forever. I’ll see you at home.” He kissed her again then walked out the door once she handed him the key.
Lanie stood staring at the door with tears rolling down her face. Connie put her arm around her.
“He’s really here, right?” Lanie asked her aunt.
“Yes, hon, and he’s never going to leave again. He’s where he belongs.” Connie kissed her cheek. “If we weren’t so busy, I’d tell you to go home, but with two girls out, I need you.”
“I won’t leave you in the lurch. Besides, it will just make it sweeter when I get home.”
“That it will, hon.” Connie laughed.
Lanie smiled then hugged Connie. Both of them got back to work, but Lanie kept the smile o
n her face. When she left here, she’d go home to find Trent waiting for her.
Later when they lay in bed together, Trent had his arms wrapped around her as he spooned her from behind. She shook her head.
“I can’t believe it. He did love you, Trent. I guess that was how he showed you. That’s a lot of money, and the land is so wonderful.” She rolled over to look at him. “I’m so happy for you.”
“You love me for my money,” he scoffed.
She burst out laughing. “I loved you before you had that money. Even when I thought you were a down on your luck cowboy, I was so attracted to you.”
“I had trouble getting you out of my head from the minute you almost ran into me.”
“I thought you were a jerk. A gorgeous jerk, but still a jerk.” She laughed when he growled and rolled on top of her.
“I’ll show you a jerk,” he murmured right before he pressed his lips to hers. He raised his head. “I do love you, Delaney. I want you with me for the rest of my life. I want to have children with you.”
Lanie blinked back tears. “I want that too. I love you.”
“So, Brett wants you back, huh?”
“Brett who?” She laughed then sobered. “There is no way I’d go back to him. I love you so much more than I ever loved him. In fact, with the way I feel about you, I don’t think it ever was love I felt for him.”
“Damn good thing, darlin’.”
“Now you can go with me to get a tree for Christmas and just think, hopefully next Christmas we’ll have one in our home.”
“Perfect,” he whispered then pressed his lips to hers.
Trent Men of Clifton, Montana Book 9 Page 15