by Cora Seton
"There are no other parts to take on," Luke finished for him.
"What are you talking about?" Rob said. "Ned's been on my back all this time about how much work is going undone. With Dad getting an operation there must be lots to do."
"After Dad went to the hospital, we decided we'd better get together and sort out the rest of the ranch," Jake agreed. "It was the darndest thing – when we sat down to do it, we figured out there was no extra work. We were already doing all of it."
"We realized Dad had been preparing us for years to take over the spread. He'd already handed out his responsibilities," Luke chimed in.
"But…" Rob sputtered. "What's he been doing all this time? And what about all the work you said there was for me to do?"
"Let's just say Dad was supervising a lot more than he was working," Ned said. "As for the rest of it, there's always work to be done, you know that. But there aren't any real jobs to take on – not supervisory ones – and we figured you wouldn't want us to boss you around for the rest of your life. We can hire another hand or two."
Rob shoved his hands into his pockets. Hell, now that they didn't want him, he felt a little offended.
"You'll always be part of the ranch," Jake said.
"Don't see how," Rob said.
His brothers exchanged another glance.
"Look," Jake said. "You're starting something of your own, and we've agreed we're all behind you 100 percent. It doesn't matter what you do, you'll always be a Matheson."
"I like the sound of that winery," Luke said. "It'll bring a little class to the place."
"Plus a lot of wine," Ned said, grinning.
The lead weight of worry and familial duty fell away, and for the first time Rob felt like he could pursue his dream without losing his family. He stood straighter as the truth hit him; he'd done everything he set out to do – everything but marry Morgan.
CHAPTER TWENTY ONE
"How about this one?" Lisa pulled a creamy satin gown from the rack where Ellie Donaldson was hanging the dresses she picked from all over her store for Morgan to try on. The minute she'd walked into Ellie's Bridals, the white-haired woman had looked her over and bustled off to find just the thing. She'd laden the rack outside her dressing room with gowns and Morgan was having the time of her life climbing into each one, then coming out to stand on the pedestal in the center of the store and model for Lisa, Autumn and Claire.
"Don't you think that's too fancy for the wedding I'm having?"
Lisa frowned, and Morgan wanted to kick herself for the way she'd phrased that. Holt hadn't been discharged from the hospital yet after his operation. Lisa had explained that normally he would have already been sent home, but he had other health complications, and he would need to remain in the hospital for several more weeks.
Accordingly, they'd decided to forego the fancy wedding Lisa had wanted to put on at the Matheson ranch. Instead, the ceremony and reception would be held in one of the meeting rooms at the hospital, so Holt could take part. The Cruzes and Mathesons would all be there, plus as many friends and relatives as they could fit in the medium-sized room. Morgan squelched another pang of disappointment. After all, she was hardly contributing to the guest list. Even her father had been non-committal so far about whether or not he could make the wedding.
She lifted her chin. None of that mattered. What did matter was she was marrying the man she loved and creating the life she wanted with him right here in Chance Creek. There would be other occasions to celebrate at the ranch.
"I like this one." Autumn pulled out an elegant, slim gown. Morgan reached for it and went into the changing room. As soon as she stepped into the dress, she knew it was the one. The fitted bodice plumped her breasts up high, and the skirt draped and clung to her legs. It was the most sensual piece of clothing she'd ever worn, without being immodest in any way. Almost devoid of decoration, the dress was a masterpiece, and she felt as lush and radiant wearing it as she did when she made love to Rob.
A smile curved her lips at the thought. Soon she'd have the right to make love to him for the rest of their lives. What a gift that was. The thought of all those nights ahead of her made her tingle all over.
"Come on out and show us," Claire called, breaking into her reverie. She turned and exited the small room, her smile widening when the others' gasps told her all she needed to know.
"That's definitely the one," Autumn said.
"No doubt about it," Lisa agreed.
Ellie nodded as if she'd known it all along.
* * * * *
Thursday evening, Rob was at Carl's to put the final touches on Lacey's garden. The walls were up, the pathways paved with stones, the beds built and planted and the fountain and statuary installed. Claire and Autumn had searched every garden store for miles finding shrubs, perennials and annuals, and they'd filled the boxes and borders as best they could given the time of year. Cab had promised to give everything a good dousing with water and make sure the pathways were swept before Carl's final inspection.
Once Carl gave him his check, he'd head straight to the bank the minute it opened in the morning to deposit it so he could give Morgan her wedding gift. He was overwhelmed by everyone's generosity. The garden had come together beautifully with so many hands ready to help. He couldn't believe how many friends and neighbors – even acquaintances – had pulled together to get the job done when Claire put out the call.
He smiled over at Morgan who was picking fallen leaves out of a flower bed. The whole gang had decided to meet at Carl's garden for the grand unveiling, as Autumn had started to call it. He hoped Carl didn't mind. Since everyone had pitched in to work on it, they all felt invested in the outcome. Already people were spilling into the garden, and Carl's driveway was full of cars.
Autumn and Ethan, Jamie and Claire, Cab, Jake, Ned and Luke. Even Rose and Tracey, and Bella and Hannah from the pet clinic had shown up. He went to greet them happily, until he caught sight of Claire's face.
Uh-oh. Something was wrong.
"You won't believe it," she said, hurrying up to him. "Lacey's home early. Carl texted me to say he's picking her up from the airport and they'll be here in fifteen minutes."
"Thank goodness we got the garden done," Morgan said, coming up beside Rob and taking his hand.
"But the house isn't done," Claire said. "Most of it is, but half of the furniture isn't here and all the extra little touches. It'll be like walking through an empty showhouse. Damn it, I worked so hard on that!"
"I'm sure she won't mind," Morgan said.
"You don't know Lacey," Claire and Rob said at the same time.
"I'm going to make sure everything's as good as it can possibly be," Claire said, hurrying off.
"What do we do?" Morgan asked him.
"Wait, I guess."
* * * * *
So that was the infamous Lacey Taylor, Morgan thought as she watched Carl open the door to his luxury truck and offer his hand to a tall, thin, fashionable woman. She seemed dazed to find a whole group of people in her driveway – including her ex-fiancé – but Carl took things into hand.
"Folks, I appreciate you coming out, but I'd like to show Lacey around the house first before we head out to the garden. If you all will give us a few minutes, we'll join you there shortly."
Claire hovered at the periphery of the crowd. Morgan thought she wasn't sure whether to join Carl and Lacey or leave them alone. Carl spotted her, though, and seemed to realize her predicament.
"Lacey," he said, "I used Claire's services for the interior design of our new home. Nothing but the best for my girl, eh?" He gave her a squeeze. "Would you like Claire to tour the house with us?"
"It's not complete," Claire rushed to say, her normal confident tones weak with nerves. Morgan's heart squeezed for her sister. She knew this particular contract meant a lot to her. "We thought we had a few more days – most of the furniture hasn't been delivered."
"I'm sure it's lovely," Lacey said. "If you don't mind, I'd l
ike to see it first alone with Carl. I didn't expect company."
"Oh…that's fine. I understand," Claire said. "I'll wait in the garden."
"Thank you," Lacey said, took Carl's outstretched hand and followed him into the house.
"Well, she's changed," Rose said. There were murmured assents all around.
"Really?" Morgan said to Claire. "How?"
"Let me count the ways," Tracey said, cutting in. "One, she's not dressed in some tacky miniskirt; two, she was actually polite and three; she was actually polite. Oh, and did I mention that she was actually polite?"
Everyone chuckled.
"We'd better head to the garden," Autumn said and led the way.
Ten minutes later the back door opened and Lacey stepped out onto the deck that overlooked the wide backyard and the whole garden behind it. With the fingers of pine forest running in from the hills forming a frame for the manicured space, Morgan was sure Lacey's view was spectacular. She held her breath, hoping against hope this difficult young woman would approve of it so Rob could get paid. She didn't know what Rob would do if after all his work, Carl was to renege.
"What do you think, sweetheart?" Carl asked her, escorting Lacey down the stairs into the garden. "I've taken care of everything, haven't I? And now that you're better there's nothing standing in the way of the two of us getting married. What do you say? Should we set the date?"
Morgan's breath caught when she saw Lacey's face. Why couldn't Carl see that Lacey was already overwhelmed by her homecoming, the enormous log home he'd built for her, and this outsized garden? Why did he have to push her for a date in so public a fashion?
In a horrible flash, she knew Lacey wasn't going to say yes.
"I'm so sorry, Carl," Lacey said, her voice wobbling. "I thought we'd have time alone to discuss it. You see…"
"Honey, I'm the one who's sorry," Carl broke in. "You've had a long day and you're tired. We'll discuss this another time."
"No, I think we need to talk about it now," Lacey said. "I can't marry you, Carl. I'm sorry. When we started dating all I wanted was to be with a rich man, but now things are different. I'm different. I came home early to tell you I'm going to college in Billings. I'm going to get a degree in counseling and I'm going to help other women who've been through what I've been through. I can't be a trophy wife, and as beautiful as it is, I can't just take care of a garden. I want to take care of people." She smiled tremulously. "I've finally found my calling."
Carl sat down heavily on a marble bench. "You're not going to stay? Lacey – I don't mind if you go to school…I'll pay for it…"
"No." Lacey touched his arm. "I appreciate that but I need to do this for myself. You need to find someone whole, Carl. Someone who loves you for you. I wish it was me, but it's not. I'm sorry. Everyone – the garden you made for me is beautiful. I'm sorry your work was for nothing." With a sob, she ran for the house. A moment later, Carl went after her.
"Well," Rob said heavily. "Back to the drawing board."
"Carl will see you paid," Ethan assured him as everyone returned to their vehicles in silence. Morgan wasn't worried about the money anymore. She knew they'd figure things out even if Carl didn't come through.
She felt bad for the man, though. Even millionaires could have their hearts broken.
CHAPTER TWENTY TWO
"Well, he paid me," Rob said to Ethan, Jamie, and Cab the next day as Carl's fancy truck drove away down the lane. "I hated to take it from him, but I did do the work even if Lacey didn't want a garden."
"I almost feel sorry for him," Ethan said. "Almost."
"I'm still finding it hard to picture Lacey as a counselor," Jamie said. "But I suppose stranger things have happened."
"Stranger things happen every day," Cab said. "For example, a certain friend of mine who swore he'd never get married is tying the knot."
Rob laughed as loudly as the others. "Yeah, that is kind of strange. Want to hear something stranger?"
"You're scaring me," Ethan said. "What could be stranger than that?"
"Out of all the things I've ever done for money, I liked making that garden for Carl the best." When the silence stretched out, Rob stuffed his hands into his pockets. "I still plan on helping with trail rides and horse-breeding and all the rest of it," he assured his friends, "but I think I'll be spending some time in that vineyard of Morgan's. And seeing as I have all those acres," he added, "probably can find somewhere to squeeze in a vegetable plant or two."
He turned back toward the Big House, knowing the others would need a little time to process that information.
"Is he joking or what?" he heard Ethan ask.
"I can't even tell anymore," Cab said.
* * * * *
"Are you ready?" Autumn asked Morgan, as she and Claire flanked her in her bedroom at the bunkhouse, smoothing her veil and fluffing the skirts of her wedding dress. Something tugged at her hem, and she glanced down in time to see a gray ball of fur disappear under her floor-length skirt.
"I think so," Morgan said, "but we better get the cats out of the room before they tear my dress." In fact, she felt a kind of serenity she'd never expected to feel minutes before she walked down the aisle. So much had happened in the previous month, this small journey felt like a piece of cake in comparison.
"I can't believe you're getting married in the hospital," Claire said, scooping up the kittens and putting them into the living room. "You could have waited a few more weeks and still had it at the Matheson ranch."
"In a couple of weeks snow might be falling," Morgan said, but she glanced outside at the broad sunshiny day and felt a pang of regret.
"Come on," Autumn said and led the way downstairs to where a limousine waited. Lisa, bereft of her plans for a huge ranch wedding, had insisted on this piece of ceremony at the very least. As Morgan climbed into the back seat with her two bridesmaids, her stomach began to flutter with excitement. This was really happening; she was actually marrying the man she loved.
And she was getting her vineyard and winery. They now had 450 acres to do with what they wished. Ethan had refused to return the money Rob put down on his land. Instead, they'd worked out a contract with generous terms and a 30 year mortgage they could pay as they went. Rob and Jamie were full of plans for breeding horses and holding riding classes of all kinds. Both of them would work with Ethan and Autumn on their guest ranch business. She had no doubt the three men would make the ranch prosper beyond all bounds.
Meanwhile, she'd get down to business raising grapes and preparing to build the winery, with Rob's help of course. In fact, he talked a lot about the vineyard, and about gardening in general, these days. While her vines were growing, she'd help Autumn with her side of the guest ranch business. Claire still planned to divide her time between interior design and trail rides.
It was all coming together, she thought happily as the limo turned into the lane toward the Matheson ranch.
Morgan sat up. The Matheson ranch? "What are we doing? Did Lisa forget something? What do we need to pick up?"
Autumn and Claire exchanged a smile. "You'll see," Claire said.
They pulled up to the main house, where she'd fought with Holt and Ned a few weeks back. The driver parked the limousine and came to open their door. Autumn climbed out and held a hand to her. "Come on."
Confused, Morgan followed her out of the car, then gasped aloud when she saw the lawn ahead of her, filled with guests seated in white folding chairs. At the end of the lawn stood a white arbor decked with flowers. Beneath it stood Joe Halpern, Rob, Ethan, Jamie and Cab.
"Oh, my God," Morgan breathed, raising a hand to her mouth. Tears pricked her eyes as she realized what was going on. The ranch wedding she'd longed for – it was actually happening.
Lisa bustled up to her side as Autumn and Claire surrounded her. "Got you!" she cried, beaming with happiness. "You didn't suspect a thing, did you? I can't believe you thought I'd let my baby boy and his wonderful bride get married in a hospital!"
> Morgan laughed along with her. She couldn't resist Lisa's obvious joy. "How did you do all this without me even knowing?"
"Who do you think Rob got all his trickiness from? It certainly wasn't from Holt!" Lisa crushed her in a hug, then gestured to the others. "Everybody's waiting. Let's get in line, girls. As soon as you're ready I'll take my place up front. Wait for the music and then walk down the aisle. Morgan, here's your bouquet." She handed her a lovely cluster of old-fashioned blooms.
Morgan searched for Rob again and met his gaze across the seated guests. He shrugged and held his hands out to his sides to say he had no idea, either, then smiled broadly. Lisa urged her to the rear of the rows of seats, where the guests were craning their necks to see her reaction to the surprise.
"Thank you," she managed to say before Lisa hurried off. Autumn stood first in line. Claire came second. Standing behind them, Morgan looked around her, helplessly. She couldn't believe what she was seeing. The care and thoughtfulness of Lisa's arrangements overwhelmed her.
The music swelled, and Morgan's breath caught. Wait a minute, wasn't someone supposed to walk her down the aisle? Cab had stood in for Autumn's father, and Ethan for Claire's in their weddings…
"Morgan," a deep voice said, as an arm linked with hers. She looked up to see Holt, frail but steady. "Your father should be here, and if I was feeling stronger I'd fly to Canada and give him the thrashing he deserves. Lisa tried to track him down, but his wife said he was out of the country."
Morgan bit her lip. She refused to let her father ruin this special day, but his absence hurt.
A lot.
"Would you allow me to escort you down the aisle?" Holt asked, and it was the first time she'd ever seen him look uncertain. "I have no daughters of my own," he said. "I'd be honored to fill in."
Tears threatened to spill over her lids, but she held them back somehow. "I'd like that, very much," she managed to say.