Finding Love Again (Crystal Lake, Montana Book 1)

by Ann,Christa

  “What are your plans for today?” Ryan hoped nothing so he could have the day with her.

  “I really should call my friends and see what’s going on. I did come here with them to have a vacation.” Ryan could tell she felt a little guilty about not spending time with them last night and then not making it to the cabin.

  Ryan looked up at her. “I was thinking about taking the horses out again for a ride to the lake. We never did make it to the waterfall.”

  “I really do need to call my friends, Ryan.” Shannon’s voice was pleading.

  Ryan leaned over, taking her hand into his. “I hoped that you and I could…” Then he heard someone coming into the front door.

  “Ryan! Are you here?” This came from a voice he didn’t want to hear in his home, especially today.

  Ryan closed his eyes for a second then looked up. Why is Vicky here? Carly.

  Ryan turned to Shannon, who had a questioning look on her face. He must have had a shocked look. “Your ex?”

  “I’ll be right back. Please wait right here.” Before she could say anything, Ryan got up and headed to the front of the house. He stopped dead in his tracks at the sight in front of him.

  CHAPTER 12

  When he came around the corner, he saw Vicky strolling toward him as if she had every right to be there. “What are you doing here?” Anger poured through him, boiling his blood and clouding his brain. Halfway through his question, all three of his kids came into the house. His boys looked just a shocked as he felt; however, Carly ducked her head.

  “Don’t look at me like that. Carly said she’s using you and is worried and wanted me to come.” This from a woman who had serial boyfriends during their four years of separation?

  “You have got to be fucking kidding me! One, I don’t say anything about who you date or have around. Two, it’s none of your business or the three of you for that matter.” Ryan looked at all of them. Turning to Carly, he practically yelled, “You have no right to make a comment like that, young lady. You don’t even know her. If you had a problem, you should’ve come to me, not your mother.”

  “Dad, Dustin and I were worried at first because Shannon is on vacation and didn’t live here. I really do like her. But, I did not have anything to do with calling Mom,” Colby said in a rush.

  Ryan faced Dustin. “You have to admit that you got serious with Shannon fast, but I’m glad you’re taking time away from the ranch and finally giving Colby and me more responsibility. I’m just not use to seeing you date.”

  “Well, I didn’t date before. Not because I wanted to get back with your mother; I just didn’t want the complication of having another woman in my life.” Ryan tried to keep his anger under control and his voice low enough that Shannon wouldn’t hear.

  Stunned by his statement, his ex-wife said, “I resent that comment, Ryan. We had a good marriage, and I gave you three children.”

  “Our children have nothing to do with the reason we separated and got divorced, Vicky, and you fucking know that,” Ryan stated firmly. “Carly, you had no damn right to call your mother and tell her anything about who and what I am or am not doing. It’s none of her business.”

  Ryan needed to get everyone out. He worried that Shannon was going to show up any time now. He looked at his ex. “You need to leave and not worry about what I’m doing. Worry about yourself.” Then he turned to his children. “The three of you can leave. I’ll talk to you all later.”

  Everyone looked toward the kitchen, and Ryan had a very bad feeling. He whipped around to see Shannon standing there with a look of sadness on her face. Her purse was on her shoulder and cell phone in her hand.

  “I called Lisa and asked her to pick me up. She should be here by now. I’m going outside.” Shannon played with her cell phone. That’s when they heard a car coming.

  Ryan slowly moved over to Shannon and reached out for her hand. She pulled away from him and backed up like a rattlesnake prepared to strike her. He ran his fingers through his hair as he looked around. “Shannon, just give me a minute. Please.”

  She shook her head as she headed for the door, giving everyone a wide berth. When he took a step to stop her, she held up her hand. “I just need to leave, now. Plus, Lisa is here.”

  He watched Shannon walk out the door, not wanting to make a scene in front of his family. Damn it! What the hell just happened? Everything was going great. Last night, this morning, and eating breakfast together.

  He felt raw and needed to sit down and think. First, though… “Vicky, go back to your damn place in the city. Dustin, Colby, you have ranch chores you need to take care of. Carly…” He took a deep breath. “I just need some time alone. We’ll all talk later.”

  Carly slowly stepped forward. “Dad, I’m sorry. Yes, I called Mom and told her that you’re with some woman that I didn’t like. I hoped that you and Mom would get back together. If she knew you are dating she would come home. Then I went over to Dustin and Colby last night. We talked and Colby made me see that the two of you will never get back together. I tried to call Mom back, but she didn’t answer.”

  “Carly, you still can’t think that.” Ryan was surprised that came from Vicky.

  Ryan looked at his daughter, still with anger in his voice, “How many times…?” He stopped when he saw the tears in her eyes. “Do you have to work today?” With a nod of her head, Ryan continued, “Why don’t you let Mrs. Conway know that you won’t be in today. We’ll talk later.”

  “Why don’t you go outside and talk to her? Maybe she hasn’t left,” Colby said in a low voice.

  Dustin peered out the window. “She left. The woman driving that car looked like she wanted to drive right through the house.” Dustin nodded toward the door. Dustin and Colby walked outside with another word.

  Carly started to say something until her mom placed a hand on her shoulder. “Go call Mrs. Conway.”

  Vicky followed Ryan to the recliner and sat on the arm of the loveseat across from him. Taking a deep breath, she said, “Carly really didn’t mean to hurt you or your lady friend. I think you’re little hard on our daughter. As soon as everyone’s emotions calm, you all need to talk. The kids are old enough to learn the reason we married and the reason for the divorce. Getting pregnant and not being married at this time isn’t a crime. We tried to make it work, Ryan. But we just didn’t love each other. Respect, yes. Friends, absolutely. But, love, no.”

  When he just sat there, she added, “I take it her name is Shannon? She’s very pretty.”

  Ryan leaned his head back, closed his eyes, and prayed for patience. “Yes, her name is Shannon. I’m at a loss here. I talked to the kids and told… asked them to talk to me and not call you with what was bothering them. They didn’t say much. Dustin and I had a slight argument. Where am I screwing up? I don’t know what to do and have no idea how her two kids feel.”

  “You haven’t screwed up, Ryan. There is nothing that can be done. I believe Colby is fine. But Dustin and Carly will have to work this out themselves. All you can do is what you’re doing now. Talking and listening.” Vicky’s voice was sympatric.

  Opening his eyes, he said, “I’m sorry to say this. Do you think I wouldn’t be having these problems if you told them you and Pete are engaged?” This was the longest conversation that he’d had with Vicky in a long time. Messages were usually passed to and from their children.

  Vicky looked guilty, “Maybe. How about…”

  A knock on the front door stopped whatever else Vicky had to say. He jumped to answer the door in hope that Shannon came back. Carly beat him to it, though. “Hi, I’m here to see Shannon and Mr. Collin.”

  Ryan couldn’t believe it was really happening. The man at the door had to be Shannon’s son. He wore U.S. Army ACUs, with a nametag that had Shannon’s last name, and tan boots. He had some of Shannon’s features but must have more of his father’s looks.

  Ryan held out his hand. “You must be Dylan. I’ve heard a lot about you and your sister from your mo
m. I’m Ryan Collin and this is my daughter, Carly. Come on in. Did your mom know you were coming?” When he moved out of the way, he noticed his boys rushing up to the house from the stables.

  “Thank you, sir. No, Mom didn’t know. I wanted to surprise her.” He looked around. Ryan knew he was looking for Shannon.

  Ryan came in behind Dylan, and before he sat down he whispered to Vicky, “You need to leave right now, before this get any worse.”

  “I’ll go. But for the record, I just came here to find out what the hell happened. Carly had been calling me. You’re right, I need to tell them.” Vicky looked sincere. “I really hope everything works out for you, Ryan. Talk to you later.” With that, she left.

  When Ryan turned around, Dylan had his arms crossed. “I called Bianca and she told me I could find Mom here. But Mom isn’t here, is she?” Just then, his boys rushed in. How can this day go from fantastic to totally screwed in just four hours? Fuck.

  “No, she already left. Can we sit down and talk?” Ryan hoped he could explain and just maybe get some advice from her son about how to get Shannon to listen.

  With a nod, Dylan sat down in the recliner, followed by Ryan and all three of his children. The looks on their faces told him they didn’t plan on leaving. Carly was almost in tears, clearly understanding that she’d played the largest role in what was going on. He was going to have to talk to his kids alone, and soon.

  As he looked up at Dylan, his face was a mask that Ryan couldn’t read. “First, these two are my sons…”

  “Dustin and Colby. Yes, I know. Mom told me all about you, your kids, and this ranch. I talked to her about two days ago, and she seemed so happy. I haven’t heard her this happy in a very long time, and I thank you for that. I even asked if she planned to move here. She said you two hadn’t discussed anything about wanting her to stay. So, I asked for time off to come here and talk to her in person and to meet you. Plus, I needed to let her know that I’m getting deployed,” Dylan explained with a straight face. He must be mad or upset, and his military training has him controlling his emotions.

  Ryan wasn’t sure how to start, and was stunned over what Dylan just said. “Well, everything is going great. I hoped to talk to Shannon this morning about her plans about staying. I didn’t get that chance. The woman you saw a little while ago is my ex-wife. She came here because…. Well, let’s just say that things got out of hand.”

  Ryan looked at Carly seated between her two brothers. She had her head down, her hands fisted in her lap.

  “I don’t know if I should listen to what you have to say, or leave and tell my mom never to talk to any of you again from the looks on everyone’s faces. If my mom just walked out and left, then she got hurt. Plus, she did tell me that your kids were just ‘okay’ toward her. Not really sure what that meant.” He said the word kids with anger, and he noticed his boys moving slightly, sitting at the edge of their chairs. “I think maybe I need to talk to my mom first.”

  As Dylan started to get up, Ryan tried to stop him. Carly replied before Ryan could say anything, only looking at her lap. “I wanted my parents back together. I called my mom and asked her to come here. What I didn’t know was that Dad and your mom were together in the kitchen eating, and things got said. I made a mistake that I will forever regret. If you have to be mad at someone, I’m the one to blame, not my father.” Everyone could hear the sadness in her voice and see the tears running freely down her face as she hugged herself.

  Ryan hurried over to his daughter, took her hand, and pulled her off the couch. Hugging her close, he whispered above her head, “It’s going to be okay. We’ll work it out.” He glanced at Dylan, who looked confused and unsure.

  “Okay. Tell me what happened. Then I’ll go see my mother.” Dylan sat back down.

  Breathing out in relief, Ryan let go of his daughter, took his seat, and proceeded to explain the morning’s events, starting with breakfast. No way in hell was he going to start with when they woke up. He’d do whatever he had to if it meant he might get Shannon to stay with him. This will work out. I love her. She’s worth fighting for.

  Ryan was surprised that Dylan listened to everything he had to say, and his children, without interrupting. He knew he would have to let him know how he felt about his mother. He remembered that Shannon said he was the calmer one and would listen, analyze, and come up with a solution. He just hoped he would know what to do now, and would help.

  When Ryan finished, Dylan asked, “Do you know how much she heard?”

  “I wish I did, but I can’t say for sure.” Ryan rubbed his hands over his face.

  Just then he heard Rosa. “Ryan, did you leave the dishes on the table? What did Shannon say about…?” She stopped when she turned after placing her purse on the foyer table. “Am I interrupting something?”

  “Rosa, this is Shannon’s son, Dylan. Dylan, this is my housekeeper, Rosa.” Ryan and Dylan stood when Rosa came over to shake his hand.

  “Oh, I’ve heard so much about you, young man, and your sister. Alexis, right? Your mother is very proud of your service to our county. Where is Shannon, anyway?” Rosa then turned from them and looked at his three children. With a scowl on her face, she scolded, “You three have a guilty look on your faces. Alright, get up and come with me to the kitchen and let your dad and Dylan talk.”

  Ryan noticed the three of them didn’t move. Rose placed her hands on her hips. “I know you don’t want me to have to repeat myself. Come on, move.” With that, the three of them got up and went to the kitchen.

  “She would make a great drill sergeant,” Dylan said with a slight chuckle. “I wouldn’t want to piss her off, that’s for sure.”

  Ryan just smiled at him. “She does have everyone doing what she wants and when she wants it done. She knows things before I do, most of the time. Rosa and Hank, her husband and my foreman, are like family. So, about your mother...”

  “Don’t worry. This can be fixed, Mr. Collin. She doesn’t like to feel like she’s getting in between family or friends. So, she has a tendency of backing off. But if Lisa or Erica picked her up, they’re plotting your death as we speak. Those two are the wild ones and have seen Mom unhappy and hurt. Especially Lisa. She took Mom to the hospital when my dad passed away. She doesn’t want to see her like that again. I’ll go and talk to her.”

  They both stood up and headed to the front door. “Thanks. Let me give you my cell number, so you can call me. And, please, call me ‘Ryan’.” He needed to let him know just how serious he was about Shannon. “Dylan, I want your mom to stay with me. This might seem fast to some, but I’ve never been so at peace and happy with any woman. That includes my ex-wife. I know you don’t know me, but I would like your support and your sister’s, too. I know what it would mean to Shannon.”

  “That’s why I came. I wanted to talk to you and see if you’re serious or just playing with my mom. I can tell you care about her just as much as she cares for you.” They shook hands and Dylan left.

  Ryan watched Dylan get into his SUV and drive off. His sons stopped to watch Dylan drive away then turned to look at him.

  He didn’t move at first, then turned and headed back into the house. Now I have to wait and hope Dylan can help. Patience is not my strong suit. Okay, I’m not waiting… I’m driving over. After I get cleaned up.

  With that last thought, Ryan rushed upstairs to take a shower. It gave him the time he needed to think about Shannon and try to see things from her side. It didn’t work. After his shower and shave, he went downstairs to get his keys. His sons turned to walk over to him until they realized he was leaving. They both stood there and watched him leave.

  CHAPTER 13

  Sitting on the couch, Shannon had one leg under her while Lisa got drinks. “It’s a little early to be drinking wine, Lisa.” Her answer to everything lately is to drink wine.

  “What is wrong with his damn kids? You are a great person and mother,” Erica repeated to herself for the third time.

  Shannon h
ad the time to think about everything and felt calmer. She regretted leaving Ryan’s house the way she did, and should’ve stayed to talked to Ryan and his children. But she didn’t want to cause a fight between them. She could understand Carly wanting her parents together. No one would want their parents divorced.

  Lisa sat down and, after handing out the glasses of wine, she and Erica started talking about ways to make Ryan pay. Bianca only asked who was in the house, which was damn weird. But, oh well. They all started talking about having to leave soon and not wanting to go back to work.

  When Shannon heard a car pulling up to the cabin, she hoped it would be Ryan. But, when Bianca rushed to get the door and opened it, she was shocked to see her son, Dylan, coming through the door. “What are you doing here?” She got up to hug her son.

  “I came here to see you. Got time off and drove here. I arrived early this morning.” He fully entered the room and received hugs from everyone else. “You two causing trouble?” He had to laugh at the innocent looks on their faces.

  Lisa and Erica had shocked looks on their faces. “Us? We’re angels.” Lisa said, batting her eyelashes as Erica sang, “Like a Prayer” by Madonna.

  “Oh my God, Erica.” Shannon turned to Bianca. “You knew about this. That’s why you asked who was at Ryan’s.”

  “Maybe,” Bianca said with a small smile on her face.

  “Mom, why don’t we go outside?” Dylan looked at his mom and, with a nod, they headed out.

  For a while, they didn’t say anything as they moved to the back porch picnic table. Oh boy, this is going to be good.

  “So…” She looked at her son, wanting him to start. “I didn’t think you would really make it. Why didn’t you say something? Considering we talked on the phone, what, about two days ago.”

  Dylan took a deep breath. “I came here to see you.” When she only lifted an eyebrow at him, he finished. “Okay, to see you and meet this Ryan guy. Secondly, I’m being deployed and got the time off to see you before I leave. I wanted to make sure you didn’t just turn your head, go home, and have regrets. You won’t do anything when you get home.”