Riding the River (The Westerners, Book One)
Page 38
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Meanwhile, in Baltimore, Sarah was over at her grandfather’s luxurious home visiting and cooking for him. He had a nurse for most things he needed and a staff there at the house.
“You don’t have to do that, dear, I have a cook, you know.” He smiled indulgently at her.
“… I realize that, Grandfather, but I love to cook.”
“So tell me about Matt.”
“You’ve been speaking with Dad, haven’t you?”
“Yes. He’s filled me in with most of the picture, but…”
“But?”
“Look at me, Sarah.”
They were in his large, sunny kitchen – She was at the stove and he was sitting at the breakfast table. She turned around to look at him.
“Okay…”
“So this is what you really want? To move to Nevada and become a rancher’s wife?”
“Yes, Grandfather. It truly is.”
“Your father’s concerned that you’ve known him for such a short time, but he proposed to your mother pretty quickly, as I recall.”
“I’ve heard that,” she smiled at him.
“And she was a small town girl. You’re the spitting image of her, Sarah. You know that, don’t you?”
She walked over to sit down by him at the breakfast table.
“I do, Grandfather. Please give us your blessing. Dad’s waiting to meet him first.”
“Don’t worry about your father. I just don’t want you disappearing from our lives. Will you fly out a few times a year and stay with one of us?”
“Of course, we will. You need to meet Matt’s grandfather, John Garth.”
“Why’s that?”
“Because he could double for John Wayne, one of your favorite movie stars.”
“… Damn, really?”
“He’s a big, imposing figure – much like you, I might add.” Sarah smiled broadly at him and he winked at her.
“Would Matt be upset if I made an investment or two in his ranching business?”
“You’d have to ask him.”
His eyes started twinkling at her. “So when’s he coming? You’re here, I can’t believe he’d hold out for very long.”
She smiled. “He’s flying out tomorrow. Abby can’t wait to meet him either.” She stopped and took his hand. “He’s a cowboy, Grandfather, and a wonderful man.”
“Then I’ll love him too – Even though he’s taking away one of my best campaign workers. I’ll miss your help, you know.”
“I know.”
“And how about that crummy boss of yours. You did quit, right?”
“Yes. He’s been all right. Initially, he threatened to sue me for a two-weeks notice, but he’s gotten so many grievances to fight off from the rest of his employees, that he just let me go without a hassle.”
“Good riddance.”
She finished what she was cooking and they shared a quiet lunch together. He was obviously on the mend and feeling much better.
“Tomorrow night is the victory party at the convention center, Sarah. Will you come down for it? You worked to help defeat the governor’s opponent too. Please come…”
She just shook her head and smiled. “Matt’s going to meet you and Dad at a campaign party? With all the noise and hoopla, balloons and people everywhere?”
“It’s as good a place as any, sweetie.”
“Okay. Bring on the Hughes’ political machine.”
“He’ll get a good taste of what we’re about, at least, before he heads back to his peace and quiet.”
She laughed. “I hear that.”