She handed him another envelope. “This is her most recent bank statement. Wade, Nell is barely surviving. She has no income other than her Social Security, and that’s precious little. She doesn’t have enough in savings to bring the mortgage account current and barely enough in her checking account to pay next month’s electric bill. We have to do something.”
A waitress approached the table with a smile. “Fresh coffee and water with lemon. Your food will be ready soon.”
Wade lifted the cup to his lips and blew. He ventured a couple of sips. “Nell is too proud to ask for help. She inherited the ranch when her father died. I can’t imagine her allowing the bank to repossess it.” He set the cup down.
Addison took a napkin and ran it around the rim of her glass. “What are you thinking?”
Wade leaned forward so she could hear above the noise without him having to yell. He related his outing with Emmett and how they had discovered the survey stakes. “Someone apparently knows about Nell’s financial situation and is looking to snap up the property.” He seemed to drift off.
Addison looked into his eyes. His lips seemed to beckon her. She really wanted to kiss him, felt herself leaning forward, her lips tingling with anticipation. Wade’s voice intruded into her yearning when he said, “There has to be a way to find out who’s behind this.”
The world went blurry when she drew in a deep lemony sip that went down her windpipe. She covered her mouth with a napkin to keep from spewing the cold liquid. Her eyes teared, and she was attacked by a spasm of coughing. Wade slid out of his seat to pummel her on the back. She managed to squeak out, “Stop! I’m okay. It went down the wrong pipe, that’s all.”
“Good. I’ve never had a woman die on me on the first date.”
Addison’s eyes widened with humor. “We’re on a date?”
“Whoa. That didn’t come out quite right.”
By the time the food arrived their laughter had subsided, and they were ready for drink refills. Addison ordered a cup of hot tea. Wade chowed down on his burger while Addison took her time chewing each bite of the large quarter-pound patty. She set her fork down and leaned forward so he could hear her.
“I’ve got it! Ruby Raye. Of course! She owns her own real estate brokerage firm in New York. She’s in South Carolina at the moment. If only I could use a phone other than Nell’s, I’d give her a call to see what she can find out.”
Sheriff and model stared at each other for several seconds without speaking. Wade reached out and used a napkin to wipe a speck of mustard from the corner of Addison’s mouth. It was a simple gesture that aroused her in an oddly sensual way.
The moment stretched on as she continued to stare at him. She felt pathetic, wanting him. He wanted to kiss her. It was there—in his eyes, the way he leaned forward. Minutes ticked by with her looking at him and feeling like she was a total failure in the love department. Her heart skipped an apprehensive beat as she leaned forward.
His voice was husky. “I remember Ruby. She came to Nell’s sixty-fifth birthday party.”
The mention of the party felt like cold water tossed on a blazing fire. Addison drew back. “I was in Qatar for a shoot. I didn’t know about the party until weeks later.” She laced and re-laced her fingers. “It was thoughtless of me to not send a card or a gift.”
“Nell didn’t care about gifts or cards. She will never tell you how hurt she was that you didn’t call. Thoughtless isn’t a strong enough word. She never forgot about you. How could you forget about her? A five-minute phone call, Addison, would have meant the world to Nell.”
Suddenly angry, she blasted, “Don’t scold. You know nothing about my life, my hectic schedule, the demands on my time, and the heart-wrenching pain of walking in on my fiancé humping my matron of honor just an hour before we were to walk down the aisle…” Her voice trailed off until she added, “And then the accident.”
Squeezing her eyes shut, this was the first time she’d spoken of the break-up. Her throat constricted with pain as she tried to suppress the sobs that threatened to rip through her chest. “An-and all he said was, ‘It’s just sex. Don’t take it personally.’ ”
Her appetite had diminished. She pushed the plate away and shook her head in a mixture of disgust and humiliation. “Oh, God,” she whispered.
Wade helped Addison from the booth. He led the way through the crowd of dancing tourists and prayed none of the locals would spot him and want to chat. He called out to tell Leo to put the meal on his bill.
The cold hit Addison like an arctic blast. “I-I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to break down like that and just…just blurt it out.” A fresh wave of sobs had her trembling before Wade could get her into the police cruiser. “I still can’t understand why Rowan would betray my love in such a terrible way.”
Wade opened the car door and held it wide until she scooted inside. He reached inside the glove box and pulled out a wad of napkins. “He’s an asshole.”
“Who?” Addison wiped her eyes and blew her nose.
Wade jogged to his side of the vehicle. He shivered as he slammed the door shut and turned the key in the ignition. “Rowan what’s-his-name.”
“Sarkozy. He’s a Hungarian prince with an unlimited supply of money.”
“Did you love him?”
Addison blew her nose and wiped the tears as she mulled the question. “After all these weeks, honestly, I don’t know. Maybe I was in love with the idea of being in love with such a wealthy and powerful man.” She loosed a shuddering sight. “It still stings to think I wasn’t good enough to be his one and only.”
Wade lifted her hand and brought it to his lips. “Like I said, he’s an asshole.”
Addison’s restraint snapped. She couldn’t figure out what was going on inside her head as she leaned forward to press her lips against Wade’s. She simply knew she was eager to taste him and was surprised when he placed his hands on her shoulders and gently pushed her back.
His voice was equally as gentle. “There’s nothing I would like more than to take you to my house and make love to you. But your emotions are all tangled up with what your fiancé did to you. I don’t want him in your head when I take you to my bed. When I do, it’ll be just you and me.”
He guided her hand to his chest where she could feel his heart was rapidly thumping. “Believe me, my testosterone is working overtime, which is not a good thing because I’m still officially on duty. I’d hate to go on a call with an obvious boner.” He winked.
She laughed. He’d let her down without insult and with a bit of humor. “Lend me your phone so I can call Ruby Raye.” She put the phone on speaker. While she waited for the call to connect, she said, “Thank you.”
“Hello?”
“Ruby…Addison, hi.”
“Merry Christmas. How is Aunt Nell? You’re not being a scrooge, are you?”
“Absolutely not! Aunt Nell is as feisty as ever, but Ruby, there is a problem.” She explained about the letters from the bank, Nell’s lack of income, and the survey stakes that Wade and Emmett had found.
Addison sucked in her breath and said as casually as she could, “Is there any way you can discreetly find out who might be interested in Nell’s property?”
“I don’t know what to say. I’m flabbergasted. Yes, of course, I’ll do my best. You know I will, Addison.”
“We only have three days. That might not be enough time. Another thing, Ruby—is it legal for me to bring the account current? I mean, will the bank accept my check to pay Nell’s mortgage?”
“If you can get a coupon payment book or access to the account number, it doesn’t matter who writes the check. However, with the large amount due, the mortgage company will probably require a certified check, a bank draft, or a credit card.”
Addison looked at Wade. He said, “I’ll pick you up in the morning and drive you to the bank.” He spoke a little louder for Ruby’s benefit. “J.T. Elsworth is vice president of Southern Idaho National. I’m sure he’ll help us.”
Ruby laughed. “You mean Jonas Theodore Elsworth, the skinny, four-eyed kid who cried all the time?”
Wade countered back. “I don’t know about the crying, but he’s not skinny anymore. Besides, he’s quite influential in the banking world.”
“That’s good to know. I’ll take care of things on my end and will definitely get back with you asap! Hugs, Addison. Good talking to you, Wade.”
Before disconnecting the call, Addison suggested Ruby touch base with Wade since there was no cell service at the ranch.
Addison returned the phone to Wade. “You’re a good man, Wade Grey.”
He rewarded her with a wink and a smile.
On the drive to the ranch, Addison said, “I have an appointment to see your sister on Friday. The stitches are itching something fierce. I’m hoping she’ll take them out.”
“I’ll drive you in?”
“No need. Nell wants to give the twins a sleigh ride, and I’ve promised her we’ll go shopping and then have lunch at BB’s Café. I’d hate to disappoint Joey and Julie.”
He adjusted the heat and shifted the cruiser into gear. “We have a couple of hours before the bank closes. Let’s pay J.T. a visit.”
Chapter Nine
The interior of Southern Idaho National was quaint by New York standards. Artificial garlands adorned the span of teller windows. A Christmas tree decorated a corner of the reception area. A receptionist greeted them. “Merry Christmas, Sheriff Grey. What can I do for you?”
Wade removed his hat. “Is J.T. in?”
The young woman punched in a number and lifted the phone’s receiver. “One moment. I’ll let him know that you and a guest are here.” And then she smiled and said, “You know where his office is.”
Addison also smiled, a little piqued, perhaps, that the receptionist hadn’t recognized her. But then, Addison reminded herself, Meadow Creek didn’t always get international news. She followed Wade inside a glassed cubicle.
If she had passed him on the street or if he had sat down beside her in a restaurant, she would not have recognized the skinny kid who had worn round, black-rimmed glasses that made him look like an owl, and who’d cried at the drop of a hat. With his chiseled face and athletic body, Jonas Theodore Elsworth had developed into an attractive man with a gentle smile. His slight squint cued her that he probably wore contacts, which accentuated his blue eyes.
He came around his desk to give her a friendly hug. “Addison, I would have known you anywhere. My wife and daughters would love to meet you.” His eyes drifted to the blue sling and the sizable bandage next to her eye. “Even as a kid, you always were a survivor.” He extended his hand to indicate the chairs. “Would either of you like a cup of coffee?”
Without waiting for an answer he buzzed the receptionist. “Ella…”
She answered as if she’d read his mind. “I’ve already got a fresh pot brewing, Mr. Elsworth.”
After a few minutes of general chit-chat, the receptionist arrived with a tray of cups and a carafe of coffee. “Shall I shut the door, Mr. Elsworth?”
He nodded. As he poured, Addison filled him in on Nell’s situation and Wade explained about finding the survey markers.
She sat very still, as if her emotional gears had been disconnected. “I’d like to bring the account current—without Nell’s knowledge, of course.”
“I’ll be happy to make that transaction happen, Addison.” J.T.’s fingers flew across the computer’s keyboard. He made a notation on a slip of paper. “Paying with a credit card will expedite the payment.”
Addison fumbled around in her purse. She handed over the piece of plastic. “Add two additional payments to that.” Both she and Wade sat sipping coffee while they waited for J.T. to key in the information.
He returned the credit card. “Here’s the thing, Addison. While this brings Nell’s mortgage out of arrears, it really doesn’t solve the problem.” He lifted a cup to his lips.
“I don’t understand. What do you mean?”
He shifted in his chair. “If you recall, when we were kids, we always had food but nothing fancy. We always had clothes, but never anything new, except socks and underwear at Christmas. It didn’t matter because most of us were happy to have a safe place to live and regular meals. There’s no question that Nell loved us unconditionally, and now that I know what I know, she always put us kids ahead of her own needs.”
Addison met his eyes directly. “Don’t keep us in suspense, J.T. What is it that you know?”
The banker’s gaze flicked from Addison’s to Wade’s. “Years ago, when I was a loan officer, Aunt Nell came to the bank to borrow some money. It was then that I discovered she had very little income. When we were kids, she had the Christmas tree farm, but other than that, all she had was what the State paid her for us kids. Now, she doesn’t have that.
“The balance on her mortgage is over five hundred thousand dollars. The payments are almost eighteen hundred per month, and the taxes are not escrowed. Plus she let the homeowner’s insurance lapse. The bank has had to secure a policy and has added the amount to the monthly payments.”
Wade loosed a low whistle. Addison touched a hand to her cheek. “I’m shocked. How did this happen? I always assumed she was mortgage free.”
The banker cleared his throat, forced a cough, and finally said, “She was. About ten years ago, Nell didn’t have money to pay the taxes. She took out a small mortgage. Shortly afterward, Idaho had a particularly hard winter, with a terrible snowstorm that collapsed the roof on her barn. She borrowed more money to replace the roof, and more money to pay the taxes. Shortly after, she purchased the two Percheron geldings at twenty-five hundred each.”
He drew a deep sigh as if the explanation left him deflated. “Then, two years ago, the kitchen caught fire due to old, worn-out wiring. The house, after all, is over a hundred years old. The damage was extensive. Thank God Nell only suffered from minor smoke inhalation, though that didn’t help her heart condition, either.”
Addison didn’t reply at first. She drew back and stared at the banker. “Let me guess. Nell added to the mortgage with every one of those situations. That explains the new kitchen and some of the other renovations to the house. What I don’t understand is how Emmett Oxbow, who owns as much property as Nell…where does he get his income? He and Nell are about the same age.”
J.T. leaned forward on his elbows. “Normally the business of our clients is confidential. In this case, Aunt Nell is family. Still I’m bound by ethics.”
At the banker’s hesitation, Wade cut in. “Addison, Emmett grows soybeans and corn. Both are marketable crops. He raises beef cattle for market, and he has his Christmas tree farm. Additionally, he has a small pension from the military, and since he was employed by the State as a deputy sheriff, his Social Security is probably much larger than Aunt Nell’s. You’ve been at the ranch long enough to see what she has and doesn’t have, which equates to no viable income.”
Addison tried to absorb all she had heard. Her arm ached and the stitches in her forehead itched almost to distraction, and finding a solution to Nell’s financial situation left her feeling cranky.
J.T. cupped his hands together. “Even if you assumed responsibility for the monthly payments, the taxes alone would eventually erode your income; plus you’d be making payments on property you don’t own. If Nell were to suddenly die intestate, you would be out a great deal of money.”
There was a slight pause. His voice was all business. “Setting emotions and old friendships aside, as a banker, I’m advising against such an impractical move unless Nell is willing to refinance the mortgage and add you as co-payee.” He cocked his eyes toward the plastic bag holding the survey stakes. “If a lucrative offer comes along, she might be tempted to sell Hope Ranch. Her gain would be your loss.”
Addison touched the bandage on her forehead. The tightness in her chest was giving her a headache. “Nell wouldn’t do that. She’s devoted to the place, and besides, she’s too
honest.”
Addison stood to indicate the meeting was over. She extended her good hand. “Then I have two months to come up with a plan.” She offered an exotic smile. “By the way, does your wife work?”
J.T. blustered as if confused. He came instantly to his feet. “With four girls…yes…well, she is a stay-at-home mom.”
“Good. I’ll give her a call. I’m recruiting volunteers to help plan the Christmas festival.”
Wade extended his hand. “Thanks for the information, J.T.”
J. T.’s shoulders rose and fell. “Like you, Addison, I lived at the ranch until I was eighteen. Aunt Nell arranged funding for my college. I wouldn’t be where I am today without her.” Addison didn’t miss the split-second judgmental change of stance behind his brilliant smile. He jotted something on the back of a business card. “My home number. My wife and daughters will be excited to help with the festival.”
Sleep didn’t come easily to Addison that night. Shortly after Wade dropped her off she had helped the twins write a letter to Santa. She didn’t know if her wakefulness was caused by the contents of the children’s letter beseeching Santa to bring their mommy home for Christmas, the shocking discovery of Nell’s finances, or Wade’s goodnight kiss.
How intimate could a kiss be when a blue cotton arm sling separated you? Standing on the front porch in the teeth-chattering cold, they had leaned toward each other slowly as if waiting for one or the other to change their mind at the last minute.
Their lips met lightly, passionlessly—a friendly goodnight peck on the lips that either of them could have ended with no regrets—until the texture of the kiss changed and his lips opened and she accepted the invitation knowing that, in the end, she might regret the aftermath.
Just this once, Addison warned herself. Still she’d known one kiss would never be enough. Not with a man like Wade Grey.
****
What the hell was he thinking? Wade had found himself pressing Addison against the hard, unyielding porch post. He had tilted his head and so had she, allowing the kiss to deepen. She had clung to him with her free arm…had nipped his bottom lip. Her mouth was soft, deliciously soft, and luxurious as it heated on his. She tasted hot and sweet. She made him burn. He had to hold back. Burns caused scars, and he’d been burned deep enough to last a lifetime.
Christmas at Hope Ranch Page 7