Dakota Sunrise

by Leah Brooke

  Sucking in a breath, Deanna spun, wincing when her ribs protested the movement. “What is it? What’s going on?”

  Sam turned with his cup and sighed. “If I told you, you would just have more questions. We’ll talk after we go to the attorney. He’ll explain everything.”

  “None of this is any of your business!”

  The sound of the front door opening followed by her daughter’s voice had her moving toward the living room, her breath catching when Sam got to his feet and blocked her.

  Sliding a hand to her neck, he used his thumb to lift her chin, his narrowed gaze holding hers. “You’re wrong about that. You can buck me as much as you want to, but your uncle left you under our protection.”

  Shoving away from him, she kept her voice low in deference to her approaching daughter. “You’re wrong. My uncle left me this ranch. You work for me, and I don’t need your damned protection.”

  Raising a brow, he gestured toward the remnants of the bruises on her face. “The evidence proves otherwise. We’ll be back in about an hour and a half to pick you up for our appointment with the lawyer.”

  “My appointment. I can have one of the other ranch hands drive me.”

  “No. No one else will drive you. Don’t test me on this. You won’t like the consequences.”

  * * * *

  With Sam’s words still echoing in her mind, Deanna got herself and her daughter ready for their trip to see the attorney.

  She wore the thickest jeans she had and felt decidedly underdressed, but they were her best choice in the small amount of clothing she’d managed to pack in her escape bag.

  She couldn’t find an iron, but after putting her blue cotton blouse in the dryer for a few minutes, she managed to get most of the wrinkles out.

  Hopefully, she’d find out soon if she had enough money to buy some warmer clothes.

  Sitting on the edge of the bed, she listened to Casey laugh at something that happened in her favorite children’s show.

  The sound of her daughter’s laughter brought tears to her eyes. “Thank you, Uncle Don. Thank you for saving both of us.”

  She couldn’t button the cuff at her right wrist but rolled both up and out of the way to wash the breakfast dishes.

  It took longer than usual using only one hand, but she didn’t mind, staring out the window toward the main house and the snow that had been falling steadily since Sam and Carson had left.

  Despite her claim that she could make it to the lawyer’s office on her own, she had to admit that she’d feel better having them with her.

  She couldn’t let them know that, of course.

  She would already have to depend on them enough.

  “Mommy?”

  Deanna turned away from the sink, leaning back against the counter and drying her hands, smiling when her daughter climbed up on her chair and began coloring in her coloring book. “Yes, sweetie?”

  “Do you think Mr. Carson and Mr. Sam are gonna forget to bring the carrot and buttons for my snowman?”

  Heartbroken that Casey had a father who forgot his promises, Deanna smiled. “I doubt that, but if they do, we’ll find something ourselves.”

  Instinct told Deanna that Sam and Carson would be the kind of men who’d do anything to keep their word, but she’d thought the same with Jimmy, and she couldn’t have been more wrong.

  Hearing an engine, Deanna turned back toward the window in time to see Sam and Carson’s truck coming down the long driveway toward her uncle’s house. “It looks like they’re coming now, Casey. Let’s get you bundled up to go out.”

  With a squeal, Casey jumped down from the chair and raced toward the living room.

  Shaking with nerves, Deanna followed her, going to the front door and pulling it open while Casey dropped to the floor to pull on her boots. “I’ll help you in just a minute, honey.”

  Her stomach clenched at the sight of both men coming up the steps, but a gust of wind had her moving back behind the door, shivering.

  “I can do it!”

  Carson came through the door first, huddling against her and protecting her from the wind, his hands closing on her upper arms as he moved her away from the door. “It’s freezing out. You don’t have to stand there with the door open. I swear, woman. When are you gonna realize you’re not in Mississippi anymore? Are you tryin’ to catch pneumonia?”

  Sam closed the door behind him, his look telling her that he was thinking about their previous conversation. After a meaningful look, he turned his attention to Casey. “Hey, Lil’ bit. You put your boots on the wrong feet.”

  “Did you bring the carrot and the buttons?”

  Carson slid his hands to Deanna’s waist. “Sam’s got her. You okay? You look flustered.”

  Stunned by the currents of erotic heat radiating from his hands to her nipples, Deanna pulled away. “I’m fine. I appreciate that the two of you are driving me. I’ll have to get my own car.”

  She just hoped she’d have enough money to buy a cheap used one, just something to get her to town and back.

  If not, she’d have to find a job nearby but didn’t have anyone who could watch Casey.

  She sure as hell couldn’t leave Casey with a stranger.

  Deanna turned away, holding her aching wrist and fighting back tears.

  “Hey!”

  Shaking her head, Deanna took a shuddering breath, relieved when he closed in behind her, effectively shielding her from her daughter.

  Sam spoke from somewhere behind her. “Casey and I are going to go finish her snowman.”

  Nodding, Deanna kept her back to him and left the room to go to the kitchen, irritated at herself for falling apart.

  Pulling the cardigan she planned to wear over her long-sleeved blue blouse from the back of the chair where she’d draped it, she kept her back to Carson and started to slip it on. “I really appreciate the ride to the attorney’s office.”

  Taking the cardigan from her hands, Carson helped her into it and closed his hands on her shoulders. “It’s our pleasure. What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing. I just want to get this over with.” She started to move away, but Carson’s hands tightened, holding her in place.

  Bending low, he touched his lips to her ear, rubbing his hands up and down her arms. “Something’s wrong. You looked like you were gonna cry.”

  “I’m not.” Deanna shrugged and moved away. “Just having a pity party for myself—and you’re not invited.”

  With a sigh, Carson followed her. “I hate what you’ve been through. You know that you’re safe here, don’t you?”

  Deanna sniffed. “Of course.”

  Frowning at the lack of emotion in her voice, Carson turned her to face him. “You don’t sound convinced.”

  She looked away, reaching for her new coat, which she’d draped over the back of one of the kitchen chairs with her cardigan. “It doesn’t matter. I want to figure out what I’m going to do, and I don’t like knowing that my uncle told you and Sam about his suspicions.”

  “They were a hell of a lot more than suspicions.”

  “My life is none of your business. We’d better go, or we’ll be late.”

  Chapter Seven

  Holding on to Casey’s hand, Deanna went through the door Carson held open, her knees shaking at the thought of what the attorney might say.

  Ever since she’d gotten the letter from him, the thought of finding out that, because she was still legally married to Jimmy at the time of her uncle’s death, her husband would be entitled to half of the ranch made her sick to her stomach.

  If so, Jimmy would have to be notified.

  Shown into his office, the first thing that struck Deanna was that he’d arranged three chairs in front of his desk, an obvious sign that he wanted to include both Sam and Carson in their meeting.

  The attorney rose, drawing her attention to him.

  “Sam. Carson. And this must be Mrs. Olsen. I’m Len Miller.” Younger than she’d expected and movie star handsome,
the attorney extended his hand with a wide smile. “It’s good to finally meet you. I’ve been in touch with your attorney, Ben Karns.”

  Forcing a smile, Deanna found her hand enfolded in his, the warmth of his hand telling her just how chilled she’d become from the nerves that continued to assail her.

  Carson slid an arm to her back, glaring at the attorney. “Stop flirting, Len, so we can get on with it.”

  “I’m not flirting. I’m being friendly. You should try it some time.” Len’s smile widened. “You sound a little out of sorts, Carson. That’s not like you.” Bending low, he smiled at Casey. “Hello. My name’s Len. You must be Casey.”

  Casey eyed him warily, moving back to hide behind Deanna’s leg and, to Deanna’s surprise, also gripping the back of Sam’s.

  Deanna offered Len an apologetic smile and reached back to place her hand on her daughter’s head to comfort her, surprised when Sam placed his hand over hers. “I’m sorry. She doesn’t like strangers.”

  Len smiled again and rose to his full height, an inch or two shorter than Sam. “No apology necessary.” His smile fell. “As I said, I spoke to Karns. I have a copy of your file here. I’m going to be notified as soon as your case is heard. Karns also got a copy of your recent hospital visit, and that’s been included in both of our files.”

  He glanced at both Sam and Carson. “Everything’s in order in case any trouble arises.”

  More nervous than ever, Deanna nodded and, spotting a sofa and coffee table, turned to Casey. “Sweetheart, let’s take off your coat and you can sit and color in your coloring book with Pookey.”

  Sam helped Casey take off the backpack carrying her coloring book and crayons, along with a juice box and small container of the cereal she liked to snack on. “Come on, Lil’ bit. I’ll open your juice for you.”

  While Deanna removed her daughter’s coat, Sam set out the crayons, coloring book, juice, and cereal with a calm nonchalance that Deanna found endearing.

  Casey hurried to her book. “I only has one pishore left.”

  Sam smiled indulgently, obviously enjoying his task, crouching low to be on Casey’s level. “We’ll stop and get some more when we’re finished here and we have our lunch.”

  To Deanna’s surprise and amusement, Casey pressed a hand to each of Sam’s cheeks, holding his face turned to hers.

  “Do you pwomise?”

  Sam inclined his head, the look on his face one of protectiveness and affection. “I promise.”

  “Otay.”

  Deanna turned to Carson as he helped her off with her own coat, easing it over her cast. “I’ve never seen her do that before.”

  Carson’s lips twitched, but his eyes had darkened. “We have a deal with her—a way to earn and keep her trust. She needs to know that when we make a promise to her, we won’t break it. Sit down before you fall down. You’re shaking like a leaf.”

  Holding her wrist in front of her, Deanna nodded and lowered herself gently to her seat.

  Len waited until she sat before lowering himself to his own chair. “I assure you, Mrs. Olsen, you don’t have anything to be nervous about.”

  Hating the sound of her married name, Deanna shook her head. “Please call me Deanna.”

  Sam scrubbed a hand over his face as he dropped into the seat next to her. “Yes. Please.”

  Sitting between Carson and Sam, Deanna kept one eye on Casey and faced the lawyer. “Please, can we just get this over with?” Too restless to sit, she jumped to her feet. “Have you contacted Jimmy about this?”

  Len frowned. “No. Why would I contact him?”

  Deanna brushed past Carson and began to pace in front of the window. “The divorce wasn’t final until after Uncle Don passed away. That means Jimmy is entitled to half of the ranch. Someone will tell him, and he’ll come here. He’ll start bossing people around. He’ll be here. He’ll find us. He won’t leave if he’s the boss. Casey and I will have to.”

  Turning back to the others, she placed a hand on the edge of his desk, keeping her voice low as she looked at her daughter. “Can you give me some notice? Can you help me sell the ranch? Can I sell it without Jimmy knowing about it?”

  Carson rose and moved in behind her. “Whoa, baby. You’ve really got yourself all worked up.” Closing his hands on her shoulders, he pulled her back against him. “You don’t have anything to worry about. Just sit down and let Len explain.”

  Len waited until Deanna sat down again before opening a folder. “First of all, the ranch isn’t yours.”

  Deanna felt the blood drain from her face. “Oh.”

  Swallowing heavily, she struggled to breathe. “We have to go.”

  Tears burned her eyes and blurred her vision. “Why did you want me to come here if the ranch isn’t mine?”

  Sitting forward, Len smiled. “It was your uncle’s wish that you come here to learn about your inheritance.”

  “What inheritance? He didn’t have anything except the ranch. It was his whole life.”

  Len looked at both Sam and Carson before meeting her gaze again. “It wasn’t his whole life. You were a big part of his life. After he had his first heart attack—”

  “What?” Stunned, Deanna jumped to her feet again. “First heart attack?”

  Casey rushed toward her, the fear in her eyes like a kick to Deanna’s stomach. “Mommy? What’s wrong? Do you want me to hide?”

  “No, baby. No. Nothing’s wrong. Mommy’s just surprised. Let’s go back to your coloring book.”

  Once she got Casey settled, she went to take her seat again, keeping her voice low and even so she didn’t alarm Casey again. “Why wasn’t I told?”

  Carson folded his coat over the arm of her chair and propped her wrist on it. “He didn’t want you to know. He knew you were having problems of your own. He was trying to protect you. He didn’t want you to worry about him, and you didn’t tell him the truth about—” He glanced at Casey. “Things.”

  Len inclined his head. “Your uncle wanted to make sure that you were taken care of.” Sitting back, he gestured toward Sam and Carson. “Sam and Carson have worked at the ranch since they were teenagers and wanted to buy it.”

  Carson ran his fingertips over hers. “We were regulars on the rodeo circuit for years and earned quite a bit of money. We saved it, and with what we made working at the ranch, we finally managed to get enough to buy it.”

  Sam took her other hand in his. “Well, with a little help from the bank. We own the ranch now. We bought it from your uncle a little over a year ago.”

  Feeling dizzy, Deanna gripped the arm of her chair with her good hand. “I don’t understand.”

  Len smiled, but his eyes glittered with anger as his gaze swept from the bruise on her cheek to her wrist and back again. “Your uncle came to me with Carson and Sam’s proposal, and we worked it out so it would benefit everyone. You look a little pale. Would you like some water?”

  Nodding, Deanna looked from Sam to Carson, unsurprised to see both men watching her with concern.

  Len retrieved a bottle of water from the small refrigerator in the corner of his office and cracked it open before handing it to her. “Sam, Carson?”

  Carson slid an arm around Deanna, his eyes pleading. “We’re fine. Get on with it.”

  Deanna sipped her water to ease her dry throat, shaking so badly she almost spilled it again. “Please continue.”

  Len dropped to his seat again. “Sam and Carson bought the ranch from your uncle. Don didn’t want the responsibility anymore, and the doctor thought it was a good idea to get rid of the stress. The money from the sale of the ranch is your inheritance. The exact amount in the account right now is…” He looked down at the paper in front of him. “Nine hundred ninety-four thousand, three hundred eighty-eight dollars, and nineteen cents.”

  Len smiled. “And a new red pickup that your uncle bought a few months ago.”

  Stunned, Deanna gulped, gripping Sam’s hand when her head spun. “What? That can’t be right. Tha
t’s almost a million dollars!”

  Carson took the bottle of water from her when she almost spilled it. “It was a million dollars. The down payment. Your uncle holds—held—the loan. We pay ten thousand a month into it for the next sixty-three months.”

  Deanna sucked in a breath as the world spun around her. “No. That’s not right. It can’t be right. Dear God. Can the land be worth that much?”

  “The land and everything on it is.”

  Including Uncle Don’s house.

  Their house.

  She’d have to leave.

  She closed her eyes, the image of Jimmy’s face, contorted in anger, filling her mind. “He’ll have enough money to do what he wants. He drinks. He’ll drink more. He’ll come here and take all of it.”

  Sam cursed, slid his hands under her, and lifted her onto his lap. “Stop. He can’t get the money, and he can’t get to you—to either one of you. Listen to Len.”

  He closed his hands around her waist, his avoidance of her bruise a reminder of just how familiar they’d become with her in such a short time.

  Whipping her head around, she faced the attorney. “Tell me.”

  Len smiled. “The money is held in trust—a trust that Sam and Carson control. Your husband can’t touch it because, although you can use it, it’s not yours—at least not under your control.”

  “I don’t understand. It’s my inheritance, but it’s not mine?”

  Len shared a look with Sam before smiling at her again. “The money is in trust, and it’s yours to use, but only if Sam or Carson approve it.”

  “So I have to ask for every dollar?”

  Sam tightened his grip when she would have risen. “It’s not like that. It was done this way to protect you. Jimmy can’t take it from you, and it can’t be included in the divorce settlement. He doesn’t even have to know about it. It’s for you.”

  “But I have to have permission to spend it.” Deanna got to her feet. “Do I have to ask you for the money to buy some warmer clothes? Some more groceries? I know. I sound ungrateful. I appreciate that my uncle did this for me.”