She sounded genuinely excited.
And yet when his mother abandoned ship, his grandmother didn’t step in to raise him. Why?
Try as he would, he couldn’t understand her decision. He couldn’t imagine giving the twins away to someone or walking away from them. And that only made him wonder how parents justified such a choice?
A return call from Mack interrupted his thoughts. “Mack, I need some legal help and I need it fast. Can I come by today?”
“I’m making a house call to Carrington Acres in about an hour,” Mack told him. “How about if I swing by your place after that?”
That would give him enough time to get the girls back to Rosie’s and make the short drive to his house. “That works. See you shortly.” He hung up as he turned down the Pine Ridge Ranch driveway.
“Is Grayson that young lawyer from Council?” Gilda asked.
“That’s him.”
“His daddy was one of those Grayson boys from up in the hills.”
Jace wondered if there was a point to the statement. There usually was...eventually.
“I knew his grandfather. We kept company for a while when we were young.”
Well, that was a surprise. “You and Mack’s grandfather?”
She pressed her lips into a thin line. “I was young. My parents owned the original mercantile on Main Street and then bought a couple of other businesses as well.”
He’d known the town had a rich history, but the sadness of losing the Middleton Ranch had made Shepherd’s Crossing history verboten in their house. So he knew of it, but not much about it.
“I never did without, and I thought that was the reason I was happy.” She rolled her eyes as they drew up to Rosie’s turnoff. “The foolishness of youth, I guess. So when Richard Hardaway showed interest, I showed interest right back because he was already on his way to a bright future and I knew I’d want for nothing.” She twisted her fingers, restless. “Life might have been very different if I’d made other choices, but then I wouldn’t have you. Or these precious girls. So maybe things work out in their own way after all.”
He had no idea what she meant, and she did like to ramble, but if she was talking regret, then, yeah. He had a few. But more joy than regret overall. Even with the craziness of this new family situation.
He dropped Gilda and the girls off at Pine Ridge, then hurried back to his house. Justine would be arriving that evening. He wanted to spend time with her, but with the doctor’s news, maybe he didn’t have that time to spare.
Melonie had texted him that she was going straight to his house to work, but when he pulled into the drive, she wasn’t there.
He started to text her when her SUV rolled into the short driveway. She parked next to him, climbed out and handed him a deli bag. “Sandwiches. And more of that cowboy blend coffee. I saw you were getting low and figured I’d grab some while we were in the city.”
He didn’t need more reasons to fall for this woman, but thoughtfulness and kindness added to the growing list. Food and coffee. So simple, but crazy appreciated.
She saw. She acted. Those were great assets in business, but he realized they were also wonderful in everyday life. That get-it-done mind-set his parents had embraced.
Camryn hadn’t been like that. He realized that after she dumped him, that her life wasn’t structured around others. It revolved around her. In retrospect she’d done him a favor, leaving him.
Melonie was an amazing woman with her own list of hopes and dreams. Did he dare take the risk, knowing her plans?
One look at her face told him it was already too late. He grabbed a pair of sodas from the fridge and brought them to the table. “Can I leave the girls at the ranch while I track down their mother in Oregon?”
“Of course. I just assumed that’s what we’d do.” She unwrapped her sandwich, then surprised him by reaching for his hand to say grace. Head bowed, she talked to God like they were old friends.
“Lord, we thank You for this food. Simple fare, the best kind there is. And, Lord, we ask You to bless Jace with wisdom about the babies, about their mother. He’s in an unexpected place, God, and he could use Your guiding hand. Amen.”
“That was sweet, Mel.”
She focused on food, not compliments. Then she waved toward the laptop. “I’ve got a huge amount of work to do the next five days, and you’re almost done here, which keeps you on track. But you weren’t planning on spending a couple of days in Bend, I expect.”
“I wasn’t,” he admitted. “But I can’t leave this hanging, and if we sue for abandonment, then she’s got some kind of official record to her name. I don’t want to make trouble for anyone. But I need to make things right. And keep the girls safe.”
A knock sounded on the door, but Mack didn’t wait for an invitation. He walked right in, spotted Melonie and swiped his hat off mighty quick. And if the look of appreciation in his eyes got any brighter, Jace might have to knock some sense into him, and that would be a shame because they’d been friends a long time. “Mack, you hungry? Melonie grabbed sandwiches and there’s plenty.”
“I just ate, thanks, and you must be Melonie Fitzgerald.” Mack extended his hand. “I’m the one who sent you the copy of your uncle’s will.”
“I remember. Thank you.” She stood and shook his hand. “I’m going to use the office for work while you two sort out the contract and the relinquishment papers.”
Mack made himself coffee while Jason talked, and when he got done, Mack was stirring half the sugar bowl into his cup. He tasted it, then brought it to the table. “The relinquishment papers are a simple draw-up. That’s ironic, right?” He asked Jace. “I can polish those a whole lot faster than the house contract and that’s a sorry commentary of today’s world. Giving over custodial rights is a clear and simple matter. I’ll have that to you by tomorrow morning. The house contract can go either way,” he went on as he retrieved a notepad from his Western-tooled leather case. “We keep it precise and notate every little thing, or we keep it more general and you work within boundaries.”
“The latter. I don’t think my grandmother knows what she wants, but she sure knows what she doesn’t want. A mess of a house and yard anymore.”
“I’ll have the house papers to you midweek. Does that give you time to start demolition? You don’t want to jump into that until the contract is ready and signed.”
“By Wednesday, yes. I can be done here and back from Bend.”
“Then I’ll make sure you have them by Tuesday so all parties are covered before you go all out.”
Jace stood and shook Mack’s hand. “Thank you. I’m grateful.”
“The house looks great, Jace.” Mack slipped the notepad into the bag once he stood. “The exterior, the gardens, the yard.”
“It took two babies to light a fire under me to update. I don’t know what I was waiting for, but it’s nearly done now.”
“And a huge project awaits.” Mack faced him when they got outdoors. He glanced toward the house. “Is she up for it?” he asked.
“Over-the-moon to be able to show her stuff.”
“What about you?” Mack’s expression turned serious. “This had to hit hard, Jace. We’ve been friends a long time. But hey, if you don’t want to talk about it—”
He didn’t. And he did. He grimaced. “A lot to get used to, but then I look around and realize that drama follows lots of families. I just never associated it with mine.”
“I know. Your mom and dad were the best. They were sure good to me.” He clapped a hand on Jace’s shoulder. “I’m out. I’ll see you Tuesday.”
“Thanks, Mack.”
Mack offered a no-thanks-needed wave as he climbed into his car. By the time Justine pulled into the driveway later that afternoon, the bathroom was complete and the floor was ready for refinishing. The interior paint crew would come by on Monday to
freshen up the living areas with fresh coats of cream-colored paint.
Melonie had gone back to the ranch. When he asked her to stay, she’d gripped his hand gently. “You need time to talk to your sister alone. Then bring her over. Don’t make it too late or the girls will be cranky and tired. Cookie’s got barbecue going and Corrie’s made a bunch of sides to feed us through the weekend. That way we can relax with the girls while you’re gone.”
She was stepping up to the plate big-time. He knew she needed time to plot out rooms. The Hardaway house wasn’t a typical box-style home. The architectural integrity of it needed to be respected, even when changed.
“Corrie has assured me that I’ll have time to work.”
“Did I look that worried?” He wasn’t a worrier by nature. But then, he’d never been a parent before.
“Concerned,” she told him. She grabbed her bag and hurried toward the door. “I’m expecting a phone call on some materials and it’s easier to pick it up uninterrupted in the car. See you tonight.”
He worked nonstop until he heard the crunch of Justine’s tires in the driveway.
He didn’t wait for her to come in.
He walked out to meet her, and when she climbed out of the car, she took one look around the beautifully reclaimed gardens and burst into tears.
And when Jace pulled his little sister into his arms—and felt her sob against his chest—emotions put a stranglehold on him, too. They’d cried at two graves in the past five years, but they had each other. They still did...and now, so much more.
* * *
Justine Middleton wasn’t just lovely, Melonie realized when Jace and his sister pulled into the ranch later that day.
She carried herself with a quiet dignity, like her big brother. And when she climbed out of her car and spotted the girls in the double stroller, she went straight down to their level instantly. “Oh, my word, Jace, they’re beautiful. And they really are babies!”
Jace aimed a dumbfounded look down. “I may have mentioned that. And I sent pictures, sis.” He shifted his attention to Melonie and Corrie, behind the stroller. “So this is my sister, Justine, aka Captain Obvious.”
“Hey.” She looked up at Melonie and Corrie, smiling. “He sent pictures, yes, but the reality is a thousand times better.” She stood and stepped back when Ava stuck out a quivering lower lip, but extended her hand. “It’s so nice to meet you both, and thank you for helping Jace figure all this out.”
“Well, it’s mostly me,” growled a distinctly male voice from the porch.
Justine spun around, laughed and dashed up the steps. “Heath!”
“Hey, kid.” Heath hugged her, and when he stopped, he kept an arm draped loosely around her shoulders. “Glad you could sneak away for the weekend. Welcome home, brat. We want to hear your plans while you’re here. What’s in store for little Justine Middleton when the internship ends?”
She gazed up, indecisive. “I don’t know,” she told him. She directed a sincere smile toward the stroller. “I thought I did, but this is a game-changer.”
“It’s not,” said Jace from his spot in the driveway. “I’ve got this. You’ve got a career to build and a life to lead, Jus. Don’t make me go all big-brother on you.”
She laughed, and Melonie liked her more because of it. “As if. We’ve got lots to sort out and I’m taking time to do it,” she told him. “I’m putting it in God’s hands and I intend to get to know these babies all weekend. If that’s all right?” She looked from Heath to Melonie and back. “Jace explained that he’s leaving to track down their mother.”
“It’s more than all right,” Heath told her. “We’ve never had the pleasure of this much female company on the ranch. It’s been real nice for us cowboys.”
“True words.” Jace tipped that black cowboy hat slightly, but when Annie started to fuss, he called Justine back down. “Let’s take the girls for a walk. We’ll hear the bell when Cookie rings it.”
Melonie began to back off.
Jace didn’t let her. “I meant all of us.”
“Except me,” Corrie told them. “I’m needed in the kitchen.” She climbed the stairs quickly. “Miss Justine, I’m Corrie Satterly.”
Justine’s eyes lit up when she heard the distinct Southern accent.
“It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”
“And yours.” Justine came back down the stairs.
“And I’m Melonie Fitzgerald,” Melonie added as they began strolling.
“The one who redesigned our house?”
Please don’t let her hate me for changing things... Melonie winced slightly. “That’s me. I know it was a surprise to come home to. Another surprise,” she added.
“I love it.”
Melonie’s heart began beating again.
“Jace didn’t want to change a thing, and once you get to know him you realize that he’s rock solid in a lot of ways, and not embracing change is only one of many. But Mom had put some changes on hold to help pay for my education. In a way, you guys have made her dreams come true. I love the new open layout. And the updated bathroom is a huge plus,” she laughed.
“I’ve been handed my share of changes lately,” Jace reminded her.
“And you’re adjusting brilliantly,” Justine teased. “Uh-oh. Someone’s unhappy.”
Melonie peeked around front of the stroller. Ava was sitting back, content, watching the world.
Annie needed a clean diaper. “Bad timing, little one.” They paused the stroller and she lifted Annie out. “I’ll walk her back and change her. By then it should be suppertime.”
“We’ll turn around shortly. Or now,” he decided when the porch bell sang out.
“I’ve always loved this place. This town.” Justine smiled at Annie, then Melonie, and when the baby smiled back at her, she posed a question. “Is it normal for them to be this easygoing with so many people?”
Jace shrugged. “Maybe easygoing natures. Maybe being cared for by multiple people. And—” He stopped as Gilda came out of the house. She posted a hand to her forehead, looking for them.
“That’s your grandmother.”
Jace hated that Justine used words he wouldn’t use himself, but it would sound crazy to say so. “Mrs. Hardaway. Well, Gilda now. Since we’re working together.”
His sister sent him a sharp look. “I hope you’re not playing judge and jury on whatever went on back then, Jason.”
He frowned deliberately. At the name? Or her words?
“I’ve studied enough science to understand that human nature isn’t dictated by science but by emotion. She had the guts to come to you, explain everything and beg for help. That couldn’t have been easy for a proud woman like her.”
“Pride goeth before the fall,” he muttered.
Justine rolled her eyes. “And that could mean that lack of pride in one’s endeavors brought the fall.”
“Or that a prideful spirit is destined to fail.”
“Will she be here this weekend?”
“Yes.” Melonie kept her voice soft as they drew closer. “They’re doing her roofs right now, a complete tear-off and replacement, and that’s far too much noise and confusion for an elderly person.”
“And she wants to help with the girls. She’s surprisingly good at it,” he added.
“Then we’ll get to know one another over the next couple of days.”
“Melonie.” Gilda moved to the edge of the porch steps as they climbed up from below. “I know you’re busy, and I know you’ve got a lot on your plate, but I want you to go to Oregon with Jace.”
“Except I need to be here to help with the girls and work on your house plans.”
“Corrie and I will be here, Rosie’s available as needed and while Lizzie is busy with horses this weekend, we can call her on backup. And if Jason’s sister is here, I think w
e’ve got this covered.” She paused, as if picking her words. “To the best of my knowledge, Valencia knows nothing of Jason. I don’t think her adoptive mother knew about him, and there was no one to fill her in.”
Jace had been lifting Ava out of the stroller. He paused with her in his arms. “You think I’ll make her nervous.”
“Not nervous. But will she believe you, Jason? Even with my letter?” Gilda frowned in concern. “If we had time to get everything checked out to prove things, that would be one thing.”
“You mean like DNA testing.” Justine looked from Gilda to Jace. “I’m Justine, Mrs. Hardaway. Jace’s sister.”
Then Gilda did something out of character. She reached right out and hugged Jace’s sister. “It is a pleasure to meet Ivy Middleton’s other child,” she whispered. “Your mother and father were very dear to me. Very dear.”
“They were special people. Jace.” She turned toward Jace as he climbed the porch stairs. “I think Mrs. Hardaway is right.”
“That I need someone else there? To lessen the blow of a dark-skinned brother?”
“I don’t think that will be a blow at all,” Gilda argued, and now he stopped again, confused. “But she hasn’t met you. It’s not like Rosie showing up, or Harve or Heath. She knew all those people. You’re a virtual stranger, and I’d suggest Rosie or me going, but Rosie’s got a nursing baby and I’m not up for a trip like that. I won’t push it,” she finished and folded her hands. “I simply think it would be a good idea.”
Chapter Fourteen
He hated that his grandmother was right, Jace realized the next day.
He’d never thought about how things might appear to Valencia, because he had the birth certificate and the letter from Gilda explaining things. But why would Valencia willingly sign over her daughters to a stranger, even if that stranger was her half brother? No one in their right mind would do that. Having Melonie along provided a buffer and an opportunity to know her better. That would work except she was busily developing ideas for the old mansion for most of the trip they embarked on the next day.
A Cowboy in Shepherd's Crossing Page 15