The Sheriff's Mail-Order Bride (The Watson Brothers #2)

by Ann B. Harrison

  “What do they want?” Rory sat up, listening intently.

  “Their lawyer is suggesting a meeting of sorts to start with so I’m not sure how far this has been discussed with their clients yet. Obviously they want to see him and meet Gina. I set down some guidelines for them to work with and left it in their hands. Hope that’s okay with you?”

  “They’ve got a nerve after what they just tried. Have they agreed to drop the case yet?”

  “Look, Rory, I understand how you feel about what they tried to do and you need to try and look at it from their side too. If it was your child, wouldn’t you pull out all the stops?”

  Rory took a deep breath and chewed it over in his mind. “Possibly. This isn’t about me. So, have they agreed to drop the case or not? You haven’t answered me yet.”

  “Not yet. I think they wanted to see what you say first. And that’s the reason I left it with them. I’m kinda banking on them realizing that it’s pointless to drag this through court with the media circus that will surround them anyway. I made a big deal out of the fact that Aden had rejected his family and their wealth. I hinted to the lawyer that we understood the reason he rejected his family is because of his father’s affairs. Being in the position they are, I doubt they’ll want their good name dragged through the press if there is another way we can all come to an agreement.” She paused for breath. “I also pointed out that you’d both probably be more open to Fisher getting to know his grandparents if they didn’t treat you like the enemy because, at the end of the day, Gina and Fisher are the ones who have been harmed in all of this. They didn’t agree but nor did they disagree which is a good thing. What do you think?”

  “True, we would. Look, I have no objections at this point. I want to run it past Gina tonight and let her know where we’re at so don’t worry about calling her. On the same token, I don’t want to get her hopes up about the case not going to court either. How sure are you that it won’t happen?”

  “Pretty sure, but even though their lawyers and I think it’s the best way to go, doesn’t mean they’ll agree. These people lost their son and found his baby in the same breath. They may want to go the whole hog and insist he be prepared to take over their business interests which will be his right. They have the ability to offer him a life with way more benefits than Gina does. Who knows what will happen? I’m hoping to have an answer tomorrow. Soon as I do, I’ll let you know.”

  “Thanks, Layla. Appreciate it.” Rory put down the phone and stared at it for some time mulling over her words. Tonight he had to make up his mind whether to tell Gina or to let things ride and give her the good news when and if it happened.

  Before he left for the day, he decided to call his brother and see if they could get home for his wedding. He looked in his phone for the number for Evan. He pushed the dial button and waited for an answer, keen to speak to him for the first time in years. It went straight to voicemail. Rory swallowed the wave of disappointment and left a message. “Hey, Evan, it’s Rory. Give me a call. I have some news I want to share with you.”

  By the time he’d driven up the road to the ranch that evening, Rory decided it was only fair to tell Gina what the lawyer said, regardless of the outcome. He could try and protect her but at the end of the day this concerned her and was her decision, not his. This was all about her and her child though so she had the right to know. The best he could do was be there for her if it all went crazy wrong and they ended up in court anyway.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  “Seriously? They might drop the case?” She stood with hope coursing through her body, aware that Rory was trying to tell her not to count on it, but it was all too much to dream about.

  “Yes, we might find out tomorrow but, honey, don’t get your hopes up. They may still want to go for full custody. But what I’ve told you is what Layla and the other lawyers have agreed would be in everyone’s best interests. They have to convince the other side of that yet.”

  She threw herself into his arms, breathless with the possibility of not having to fight for custody in court. Gina clung to Rory, unable to believe it could turn out so well, desperately praying it was how it would end up. She had no problem with meeting Aden’s parents and letting Fisher get to know them so long as she got to keep her baby.

  Raised voices in the other room made Gina wince. “I’m sorry. I forgot to tell you your father is here. Chance wasn’t too happy about it either.” She shuddered. “This is all my fault.”

  Rory held her close. “Honey, none of it is your fault. He went off the rails when our mother died and Chance is probably having a hard time forgiving him. I understand all that.”

  “What about you?”

  He looked down into her eyes. “I saw him the other day actually. Thought it was time I asked him for the truth about what Chance did, you know, supporting us and all.”

  Gina reached up and wiped away the frown on his forehead.

  “He told me the truth and I can’t keep being bitter at him over it. I almost did the same thing when Cindy died. Only thing different was I didn’t have any kids to take it out on.”

  “If Layla hadn’t said Chance had to make up with your father to help Fisher and me out, this wouldn’t be happening.”

  “Yeah, it would, eventually. Had to be sorted out sooner or later because I want him to get to know you and our son. Family should stick together through thick and thin. He made a mistake and now it’s time to deal with it.”

  Chance raised his voice again and Rory hurried into the other room with Gina right behind him. Jock stood gazing out the window, his back to his eldest son. Rory and Gina came to a halt, watching things unfold.

  Chance tried to smile at her before he turned back to his father, but it came off rather strained. “I’m sorry you think that way, I did the best I could for everyone involved.” His father turned around and stepped forward.

  “Which is why you need to stop now and think about yourself. You were these boys’ father for far too long and I take full responsibility for that as I’ve already told you. You need to think about yourself and that pretty little lady upstairs. Stop trying to help everyone including me.”

  Chance snorted and got a frown from his father for his trouble.

  “You can take the piss out of me all you like, son. I know I screwed up and we all know why. I’ve said I’m sorry so many damned times, to your brothers and now to you. I want back in your lives and I want you to let me be your father again. If that means I get to tell you how I see it, so be it.”

  “What’s going on?” Rory looked between the two of them.

  “Comes waltzing in here acting like my father after everything he did.” Chance threw his hands up in the air. “Wants to come and help me out because he’s worried about my hip all of a sudden.”

  “And that’s wrong, why? Please fill me in here, brother.” Rory raised an eyebrow and watched him.

  Chance glared at him. “Because I can do just fine by myself, that’s why.”

  “You helped me when I needed it, Chance. Give me the courtesy of doing the same for you.” Jock glanced between his two sons.

  Footsteps sounded on the stairs and Callie came down with Fisher on her hip. “You’re so full of it, Chance. I know you’re still in pain at night after a big day and you won’t employ anyone else to help out, even when you tell Rory it was me that doesn’t want more staff here. I think it’s a great idea to let your dad come and do some work on the ranch. Might give you and me a little bit more ‘us’ time, don’t you think?”

  Gina took Fisher and looked on as Callie walked up to her husband. “You already know my opinion on forgiving your father, and you promised to do it to help out with Fisher and Gina too. What you need to do is do it for yourself too, pal.”

  “I don’t need—”

  “We all do whether we admit it or not. Lie to yourself, Chance, just don’t ever lie to me.” She leaned up into his chest and placed a chaste kiss on his lips before turning to his father.
>
  “Hi, my name is Callie. What do I call you? Pop, Dad?”

  “Jock. Call me Jock.” His face broke out into a sudden smile and he held out his hand, taking hers. “You’ve done well, son. She’s like your mom, feisty and so very pretty, too.”

  Chance watched the play between his father and his wife, and Rory saw the tension slowly leave his brother’s shoulders. “You didn’t tell me you were still in pain. I thought it was all good now.”

  “It is. Just some days it aches more than I’d like.”

  Rory nodded his head. “Fair enough. Um, so, Dad is offering to help you out on the ranch then?”

  Chance walked over and spoke in low tones. “Yeah. I did promise Gina and Layla I would help by bringing him back into the fold so to speak, and it looks as though my darling wife is making sure I don’t go back on my word. She’s annoyed I won’t hire any more help. Every time she talks about it I change the subject.”

  “Look, I won’t hold you to it, Chance, although it was lovely of you to offer in the first place. We might not need to go to court anyway. Hopefully we’ll find out tomorrow.”

  “No, it’s okay. It’s time I guess and I understand now why he did it. Just don’t expect me to be all hearts and roses to start with. He’s not getting away with it that damned easy.” Chance ambled over and placed his arm around his wife’s shoulders as she spoke to her new father-in-law.

  Rory stood watching the three of them. He looked down at Gina and winked. “Best we get into the conversation too, then.” He stepped forward. “Dad, I want you to meet Gina. And this is her son Fisher. We’re getting married as soon as we can arrange it.”

  Jock turned away from Callie and his face lit up even more. Rory noticed the wobble of his bottom lip and the sheen of tears in his eyes. “How did I get so lucky?”

  Chance muttered under his breath and Callie elbowed him in the stomach.

  Jock stepped away from his eldest son and walked toward Gina, holding out his hand. He stopped and held his finger out for Fisher to grab. The little boy reached out and touched Jock’s finger, his eyes on the older man. When they touched, Fisher laughed and tucked his face into his mother’s neck before peeking at his new grandfather again.

  “It’s delightful to make your acquaintance, Gina and Fisher. I’m so glad you decided to move to our little town.”

  “It’s nice to be here, Jock. And it’s very nice to meet you at last. Can you stay for dinner?”

  “Well, guessing you’d better be asking Chance that question. It’s his house.” Jock turned to him and found him busy kissing his wife.

  “I’m sure we’d all love to have you stay.” Rory saw his brother look up and the twinge of a smile in the corner of his mouth. His brother wasn’t as unhappy as he was making out. Now was his chance of standing back and making the most of his life with Callie instead of worrying that his brothers needed all he had to give.

  Jock grinned, winking at Gina. “How can I refuse such a heartfelt offer? It’ll give me time to get to know all of you, especially this young man here.”

  *

  “Well, let me get back to the kitchen and get some vegetables on. It’s roast chicken, biscuits, and gravy tonight.” She handed Fisher up to Rory and left them to it. Hurrying into the kitchen she grabbed a tissue from the counter. There was so much happening at the moment, her emotions were all over the place which was so unlike her. Giving in to a quick emotional hit, she blew her nose and threw the tissue in the bin before washing her hands. Gina cleaned a pile of potatoes and cut them into wedges to tuck around the chicken to garner all the flavor she could. She was chopping up pumpkin to add when Callie walked into the kitchen and leaned on the counter.

  “That went better than I thought it was going to.”

  “Didn’t it? I was surprised Chance gave in that quick. When I heard the shouting I thought all hell was going to break loose.” Gina walked over to the freezer and took out a packet of frozen peas, then put them into a steamer.

  “He has to act tough, it’s just who he is. Heaven forbid he lets on he wants to get to know his father again. That wouldn’t do his tough guy image any good.” Callie poured herself a glass of water and drank it down.

  “Do you really think he does? I mean, after all he’s said about his dad and not wanting to get involved again.” She put the lid on the pot and placed it on the stove.

  “Well, he said the other night that it would be a shame for his own kids to grow up without any grandparents at all, and his dad is the only one ours are going to have.” She shrugged her shoulders. “I guess that made an impact on him and he thought better of it.”

  “That’s lovely. I’m so pleased for them. Now I just have to wait and see if Fisher’s grandparents are going to be as easy to please.” Gina pulled a face.

  “What do you mean? Spill it, kid.”

  “Layla called today and told Rory that she had a meeting with the other side’s lawyers, and based on the evidence of my drug test and what they could find out about me, they feel I was an innocent bystander caught up in all Aden’s drama, which as I said all along is the truth. If it wasn’t for him trying to distance himself away from his family for whatever reason he did, they would have known about his problems and us as well.”

  “Of course they would, and they could have had a relationship with the pair of you, too. In saying that, you wouldn’t be here now and that I’d miss.” Callie smiled, watching Gina.

  “Yes. Everything happens for a reason and even though it was hard, I’m glad it turned out this way. I have a whole new family and I couldn’t be more thrilled. Now we just have to wait and see if they agree with the lawyers or it will be on.”

  “Surely they don’t want the press to get hold of this? I mean, it would make them look pretty bad, wouldn’t it?”

  “That’s what I keep thinking. I’d be more than happy for Fisher to get to know them, but there’s no way they’re taking my baby.” Gina pushed back the anxiety that rose in her throat at the thought of someone taking Fisher from her.

  “Bring it on, I say. They don’t know what they’re in for if they pursue it through the courts.”

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Rory stood with Gina on the porch and watched the big black car come slowly up the driveway. He could hear her breath coming in short sharp gasps and he did his best to soothe her with a hand on her back.

  “I’m so scared.”

  “Don’t be. They’re normal people like you and me, just loaded with more cash and assets.”

  The shiny car pulled to a halt in front of the porch and the driver jumped out. He donned his hat before opening the passenger door. He held it wide and leaned in to help out the passenger. A petite middle-aged lady dressed in an immaculate dove-gray suit, her golden blonde hair swept up into a tight bun, slid out, her hand on his arm. The opposite door opened and a distinguished gentleman stepped out, and walked around to stand with his wife. Once they made eye contact, Rory stepped forward.

  “Mr. and Mrs. Bellingham. Welcome to the ranch. I’m Deputy Sheriff Rory Watson.”

  “Yes, I assumed you were.” Mrs. Bellingham gave him a perfunctory smile, looked past him, and focused on the baby. She lifted her chin and brushed past Rory toward where Gina stood. When she got within a few feet, she stopped and stared at Fisher. Rory and Mr. Bellingham followed and he stood beside Gina again, his hand on her arm in support. “He’s the picture of our Aden at that age, isn’t he, Richard?” She looked at her husband as if asking for confirmation then glanced back at the baby again.

  “I think you’re right, my dear. Hello, Ms. Taylor. It’s very good of you to allow us to visit and meet this young man after all the drama we’ve caused you.” He kept his hand on his wife’s arm as if the contact would help.

  “Call me Gina. It’s a pleasure to meet you both and even though it wasn’t the best beginning in the world, we do understand. Would you like to come inside and have a coffee? I made cookies this morning.”

  Mrs
. Bellingham glanced at her husband and then back at Gina. “If you’re sure it’s no bother, we’d love that, thank you.”

  Gina led them inside and handed Fisher over to Rory who guided them into the lounge and offered their visitors a seat. They sat opposite him together on the couch and gazed at Fisher, looks of wonder on their faces. “I’ll just be a moment. Feel free to look around.”

  “Oh, I think I can see all I want to from here, thank you very much.” She squeezed her husband hand and smiled. “I can’t believe we’re really here and seeing our grandson for the first time.”

  “I’m sure Gina didn’t plan it that way either.” Rory had no intention of letting these people get the better of her, no matter how much money they had.

  “Oh, please don’t misunderstand me, Deputy. I’m excited as you can imagine. When we finally found out Aden was dead, our world crumbled, didn’t it, Richard? He’d been missing for so long, you see.”

  “I’m sure you can understand that. You only want what’s best for your child but things don’t always go according to plan.” Mr. Bellingham looked uneasy as he stood up to take the tray from Gina when she walked back into the room. He placed it on the small table by the window. Once she had served everyone coffee and cookies, she sat down on the arm of the chair next to Rory.

  “I was just saying to the deputy here that you might wish for the best for your child although that doesn’t always happen.” Mr. Bellingham sipped his coffee before continuing. “Aden rebelled as I’m sure you know by now and I think you know part of the reason for that. I don’t feel we need to discuss that, its personal and nobody’s business but my wife’s and mine.” He cleared his throat and looked back at them. “But back to Aden. He was always a challenging child. He stumbled through college and then started to change somehow. There was a lot of pressure on him as far as he could see, and I don’t think he was quite ready for it. He knew that he would one day take over the companies and it didn’t sit well on his shoulders, all the pressure and decisions.” He patted his wife’s hand when she sniffed back a sob. “We understood how he felt and decided to let him have a break as it were. When I was his age, my parents gave me a gap year and then I knuckled down to begin my career. I promised him he could have twelve months to sort himself out and live like a normal teenager before we took him into the company and groomed him to take the reins.”