“But you do care. All these years, you never stopped hoping. Did you?”
“No, Lynne, and I never ceased hurting either. That’s why his showing up here came as such a shock. I thought he’d forgotten all about me.”
“Well, obviously he didn’t. He’s trying to make amends, Mama. Can’t we meet him halfway?”
“Put like that, it would be churlish of me to refuse. For now, let’s get back to work. The dinner rush will be starting soon, and we want to be ready. We’ll talk to Rena and Abby after closing tonight. Okay?”
“The restaurant is always ready for our customers, but all right, if that’s what you want to do.”
“I just need to think on it a little longer, get used to the idea, before being bombarded with questions.”
“Sure, Mama. I understand. See you in the kitchen,” Lynne said on her way out the door.
Lacey reread the email, then read it again, finding no hint of the macho cowboy she’d come to know when he was there for a visit.
Lacey, I would like you and the girls to come see the ranch. It is part of their heritage, a different way of life, for sure, but one I hope they will embrace. I’ve wired four tickets to the Dublin airport. You can leave whenever it’s convenient. I know you have the bistro to consider. I’ve also set it up so you can return to Ireland whenever you wish. No pressure, but I hope you’ll decide to come. Cam
Her heart pounded in her chest and heat pooled between her legs. She hadn’t dared give in to her feelings while he was in Ireland, certain that he’d leave and she’d suffer more heartbreak. Now this. A long distance relationship didn’t have a hope in hell of succeeding, so what was the point?
Damn! She couldn’t quell the tide of anticipation rising inside her. Canada—Cam’s home, his native land. She’d love to go there. He had spoken so lovingly of Thunder Creek and its inhabitants, she felt as if she knew them already. Imagine thousands of acres of land to explore. Would he teach her and the girls how to ride?
Reluctantly, she shut down the computer without answering his message. As much as traveling to North America appealed to her, she’d give it more thought. She already knew Lynne, her firstborn, was enamored of the idea, but what about Abby and Rena? Abby was a homebody, never venturing outside her comfort zone. Rena, her baby, having been born last, was just the opposite. Lacey often referred to her as a social butterfly, always wanting to spread her wings. Yes, she could envision Rena’s excitement, but her middle child, not so much. Lacey pushed to her feet and, with one last, longing glance at the now blank monitor, left to begin dinner preparations.
Chapter Two
His stomach grumbled in protest as Cam rolled over, trying to get comfortable enough for a few more winks. Then he remembered contacting Lacey and shot out of bed, running in sock feet to his office.
The screen saver greeted him, signaling that he’d forgotten to shut down the computer, but he hadn’t really forgotten. After sending off that email to Lacey, the computer seemed like a lifeline of sorts, a link to her and his girls that he hadn’t wanted to sever.
With trembling hand, he moved the mouse and the screen opened up. Yes, he had mail! He sank into his chair and pulled up the program.
Damn. Only business replies to his earlier inquiries. Why hadn’t she answered? Even if the bistro was super busy, she would’ve taken a break by now. Did this mean she was cutting all ties? That they weren’t coming?
It could be that she was considering it and waiting until after closing to approach the girls. He smiled to himself, relaxing back in his seat. A relieved breath stirred the air around him. That had to be it. He’d give her a little more time to answer, even though he desperately wanted to send another email or call and have an answer now. No way did he want to pressure them into coming, but he hoped they would.
Cam stood and looked out the window. From here, he could see acres of pastureland and hayfield, all of it Manning land. He might have inherited his share of the ranch, but he’d worked hard to make it the prosperous holding it had become. A momentary pang of anxiety settled in his chest. He loved it here, but what if they didn’t? Could he give it all up to move to Ireland to be near them? He averted his gaze and moved away from the window hoping it wouldn’t come to that.
With one last, longing glance at the silent computer, he headed downstairs to appease his still-grumbling stomach. He filled the kettle and turned it on for tea, then made himself a sandwich with last night’s leftover ham, adding a big dollop of mustard for good measure. Settled at the table, he ate and decided to head over to Luke’s place. It was past time he checked to see what kind of shape the ranch accounts were in. Time to get back in the saddle, old boy.
His nephew was good with the books, but the boy hated paperwork and was a born procrastinator. He’d rather be out riding, repairing fences, or mucking out stalls than stuck in an office all day. Chances were the work was piling up on him by now, especially with all the trouble they’d had on the ranch while Cam was away. Stalkers, kidnapping, murders…the thought of anything like that happening on his home turf was scary, to say the least. Still, there had been so much snow this year, Luke couldn’t go far, especially with those boys of his in tow. So maybe the accounts weren’t in too bad a shape.
Cam chuckled and rose from the table. Just wait until he shared his news. Luke thought his five-year-old twins were a surprise. What would they think when he announced himself a daddy to twenty-three-year-old triplets? He rinsed out his mug, grabbed his digital camera, and headed out. His family might be thousands of miles away, but he had pictures. He’d have to run into town for some photo paper and frames. He’d print off a few of his favorites to hang on the walls, and maybe, once he could see their smiling faces, his house wouldn’t feel so empty.
****
The bistro was closed and every surface cleaned and polished, ready for morning. Lacey slipped into her office and printed the email from Cam, reading it over once again before leaving by the back door. She turned to see her daughters, all so lovely, waiting by the car.
Lacey unlocked the doors. “Okay, ladies, pile in. We have to make a quick stop at the bank to deposit today’s earnings then we’ll head home. I have something important to share with you.”
Rena spoke up. “What, Mama? Can’t you tell us now?”
Lacey quickly glanced in the rearview mirror to smile at her daughter. “Nope. You’ll find out when we get home, but I have a feeling you’ll be excited with what I have to share with you.” She braked to a stop in front of the bank.
Lynne grabbed the satchel containing the deposit. “Come on, Abby. It’s our turn.”
Lacey always insisted they went by twos to the bank’s night deposit, even though it was only a few steps from the car to the building. She didn’t want anything happening to her girls, and there was safety in numbers. She watched as they dropped the satchel into the night deposit hatch and returned to the car. Then she drove home.
As they filed through the door, they tossed their purses onto the kitchen counter and shrugged out of their jackets before taking a seat at the modern, glass-topped table. Lacey produced the printouts and passed one to each girl and then sat back waiting for their reactions. She didn’t have to wait long.
Rena literally jumped off her chair, squealing with excitement. “Yay! We’re going to Canada.”
Abby, slightly more practical than her siblings, asked, “Mama, is this for real?”
“Yes, Abby. It’s for real. Your father would like us to come for a visit.”
“You told him yes, didn’t you, Mama?” asked Rena as she resumed her seat, still bouncing with excess energy, her every move showing Lacey how excited she was. “When do we leave?”
“Actually, Rena, I haven’t answered him yet. If we do go, we have to make arrangements for the restaurant. We can’t just lock up and catch the next plane.”
Rena’s face was downcast. “Yeah, I guess so.”
“If we’re all in agreement, I’ll call your uncle and see if and when
he can oversee things here. Do you want to go?” She looked at all three girls in turn. “Lynne, you’ve been awful quiet. What are your thoughts?”
She twirled a lock of hair around her finger, a nervous reaction she’d had since childhood. “I’d like to go. It would be quite an adventure, I think. And I’d like to meet Dad’s family, but what if they don’t like us?” Her imploring look pleaded with her mother to understand and possibly allay her fears.
“What’s not to like? I’ve raised three beautiful, hardworking young ladies. And Cam wants us there or he wouldn’t have spent all that money on tickets. Remember that.”
Lynne smiled. “True enough. Okay, I’ll go.”
“Me, too,” said Abby. “He talked so much about the ranch when he was here, I’ve been wanting to experience it for myself.”
“Me, three,” said Rena. “Oh my God! I haven’t a thing suitable to wear on a ranch.”
Lacey laughed aloud. Leave it to Rena, her social butterfly, to think of clothes. “Jeans, T-shirts, shorts, boots, and a pretty dress or two, just in case. So when do we go? It’s winter there now. Probably not much to see.”
“But wouldn’t it be great to experience real snow? Sleigh rides and stuff?” Lynne glanced at the wall clock and frowned. “Is it too late to call Uncle Daniel?”
“Oh, I think he’d understand. Let’s call and share our news.” Lacey stood and crossed the kitchen to pick up the portable phone where it rested on its base. She dialed her brother’s number and waited. One ring…two rings… “Hello.”
“Hey, Dan! How’s my favorite brother?”
“Hey, yourself. And I’m your only brother.”
Lacey could envision his teasing grin. She giggled nervously. Her family had always been supportive, but this was entirely different from the norm. She knew she was asking a lot, but Dan was the only one who could take over for her. “I know you’re my only one, but you’d still be my favorite if I had a dozen.”
“Yeah, yeah. What’s up?”
”Well, the girls and I have some news to share with you.”
“Good news, I hope.”
”Yes, it’s good news. Well, I guess that depends on you.”
“Now I’m curious. How does your news depend on me?”
Lacey chewed her bottom lip as she wondered how best to tell him. “Give me a minute and I’ll tell you.”
“Out with it.” His stern demand was all for show, but she went with it.
“Cam invited us to visit him in Thunder Creek. He sent us tickets.”
“For all of you?”
“Yes, for all four of us.” She held the phone away from her ear as his shrill whistle resounded through the line.
“Wooeee! That’s great, sis. I’m happy for you. I hear it’s beautiful country.”
“We’d like to go soon, before tourist season begins. Could you look after the restaurant for an extended period? I have no idea how long we’ll be gone.”
“Sure. I’m working on a project right now, but I should have it wrapped up by the end of the week. Is that all right?”
“Yes, that’s great!”
“Tell those nieces of mine to behave themselves over there.”
“Yeah, I’ll let them know. Thanks, Dan. I’ll call you back tomorrow with the details. Good night.”
“Good night, sis, and good luck.”
She disconnected the call and turned to see her daughters’ expectant faces.
“Well?” asked Rena impatiently. “What did he say?”
“Dan’s working on a project right now,” Lacey teased, her tone sad. “But he should have it wrapped up by the end of the week, if that suits? He also said for you girls to behave yourselves while you’re gone.”
The three of them jumped up and ran to her, enveloping her in an exuberant family hug.
“We’re going? We’re really going?” asked Abby, the shyest of the three.
“Yes. I’ll call the airline tomorrow and arrange our flight. Then I’ll contact Cam.”
Lynne stepped back, giving her mother a funny look. “He’s probably waiting on your answer, Mama. Why not let him know we’re coming and fill him in on the details later?”
“Well, to be honest, I don’t want to appear too eager,” Lacey said, her innate honesty not allowing her to lie to herself or her girls.
Rena stood with hands on hips. Lacey knew that stance. She was on the offense and ready to launch into one of her tirades. “Earth to Ma. Geez, don’t you think he’ll figure that out for himself if we’re going to pack and leave within a week?”
“Mama, it’s time you quit playing it safe and let the man know you want him,” Lynne chided.
“Is that right?” Lacey replied.
For an answer, the girls combined forces and playfully herded her into their home office, where they left her sitting alone in front of the computer. Instead of emailing, she picked up the phone and dialed his number. Harrumph! No answer. So much for him waiting anxiously for her reply. The call went through to his answering machine, and she hung up, deciding to send an email after all.
She composed a brief reply, and when she’d gotten it right, hit Send.
Then the excitement of it all overcame her. Cam wanted her! Not just the girls…her. She hugged herself and shut down the computer, secure in the knowledge that she hadn’t turned him off. Cameron Manning, her first and only love, hadn’t just been paying lip service when he was here. He really did want to be a part of their lives and was determined to make it happen.
****
“Uncle Cam! Uncle Cam!” Luke and Zakia’s twins greeted him at the door. As soon as he cleared the threshold, he swung them up, one tucked securely under each muscled arm, and twirled them in a circle.
“Hey, guys. What have you been up to?” he asked as he set the giggling boys back on their feet and bumped the door closed with his hip.
“We’re building LEGO barns and horses,” said Cammy.
“But we can’t get the horses to look right,” added Casey. “Can you come help us?”
Cam reached out and ruffled the hair on their heads. “I sure can, but I need to talk to your daddy first. Do you know where can I find him?” Cammy’s face curled up in disappointment or disapproval, Cam wasn’t sure which.
“Daddy’s in his office,” said Casey. “Can we come with you?”
He nodded his head. “For a few minutes, but Luke and I have some business to discuss…boring stuff.” Cam strode down the hall toward Luke’s office, a twin on either side. He knew the boys weren’t allowed in Luke’s office very often, chuckling to himself as he recalled the story of toast in the printer…peanut butter toast at that.
“Where’s your mom today?”
“She went to visit Auntie Sam,” said Casey.
“Yeah, we wanted to go but Daddy said Mommy needed a break,” Casey said as he scuffed along beside him.
Casey tugged on Cam’s sleeve and looked up with his eyes filling with tears. “I don’t want Mommy broken, Uncle Cam.”
“Hey, sport,” he said as he scooped the boy up in his arms. “It’s not that kind of break.” Cam wondered how to explain it to two curious six-year-olds so they’d understand. “It’s more like time-out.”
“Oh! Has Mommy been bad?” asked Casey.
Cameron laughed and set Casey on the floor. “No, she probably just needs a rest. Pregnant ladies get tired easy.”
“Oh!”
“Okay.”
They both answered at once and skipped ahead to the open office door. Luke glanced up as the three of them entered. LEGO blocks were scattered across the floor, so Cam gingerly picked his way through. “That’s a mighty fine barn you have there. Where are those horses you told me about?”
“Hi, Uncle Cam. The horses are here…all seven of them. What do you think of my building skills, boys?” Luke drew the boys’ attention to the horses lined up on the edge of his desk.
“Wow! That one looks like Candy,” said Casey as he ventured closer.
“Amazing what you can build with that stuff these days.” Cam turned his attention toward his nephew. “How’s it going, Luke? Ranch accounts looking okay?”
Luke grimaced. “Yeah, the accounts are up-to-date, but I’ll be happy to hand the reins back over to you anytime you’re ready. Paperwork is not my thing.”
Cam chuckled at his expression. “That’s why I’m here. Anything need doing?”
“Just this week’s payroll, but next week is month end.” Luke stood, vacating the chair, a grin lighting up his face. “Have at ’er, Unc! It’s all yours.”
Cam circled around behind the desk and sat.
“We haven’t seen much of you since you’ve been back. How have you been?” Luke asked.
“I’m fine,” he answered, swiveling the chair to face Luke. “Just had some personal stuff to work out. By the way, thanks for taking such good care of Siren while I was gone. He’s in excellent shape.”
Luke nodded. “Yes, he is, but you have Cal to thank for that. He sure does love the horses. So what’s been bothering you? Anything I can help with?”
Cam spared a moment to watch his great-nephews absorbed in their building. “How did you feel when you found out you were a daddy?”
Luke grinned, a wide, full-faced grin. “I was amazed, especially with them being twins. I was also hurt and angry,” he added in a lower tone of voice. “I missed five years of their lives that I can never get back.”
“Be thankful it was only five years. You’ll find out soon enough what you missed when the new baby arrives.”
“Uncle Cam? What’s up? Why so solemn?” Luke’s voice was laced with suspicion, his features showing concern.
“Not solemn, just thoughtful. I found out this past summer that I’m a father of triplets—three identical girls now twenty-three years old.”
“Oh, wow! Congratulations!” Luke reached over the desk to shake his hand. “No wonder you stayed away so long. Where are they? Are they coming here?”
Cam shrugged his shoulders. “They live in Ireland with their mother. I invited them, wired tickets through to the airline there, but I haven’t heard back yet.”
Cameron's Quest Page 2