Monroe, Melody Snow - Leather and Lace [The Callens 1] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting)

The Callens 1

MELODY SNOW MONROE

Copyright © 2012

Chapter One

“Samantha Jane Callen. Are you listening to me?”

No
. She’d been off in space thinking about how to stop those damned rustlers from stealing any more of her cattle. They’d gotten about a half dozen head two nights ago, and she was livid. No, it was worse than that. She was as pissed off as a stepped-on rattler. At six hundred and fifty dollars a head, she was downright sick to her stomach. She could no more afford to lose fourteen thousand dollars than a shelter could stand to run out of food.

She looked up and gave her father the sweetest smile she could muster. “Yes, Daddy. You were talking about how important it was to get the right kind of feed for the cattle.” At least she hoped that was what he was talking about. Of late, it was the only thing he spoke of.

“That’s right.” His tone softened considerably. “You just go down to the feedstore and they’ll fix you up fine.”

“I already went there last week, but everyone was too busy with other customers to help me. I swear, it was like I didn’t exist.” Sometimes it sucked being a female ranch owner, but she was determined to overcome the prejudice and be a success.

“Samantha Jane. You gotta let him know you’re as important as anyone else. If you need me to talk to the owner, I will.”

Oh, God.
“No. I can handle it.” But if the thieves kept taking her cattle, she wouldn’t have to bother with feeding any animals. “Don’t you worry about me.”

“If there was ever a woman who could make it in a man’s world, you’re the one.”

It was so not fair that she couldn’t be herself, but that was the way it was in the ranching world. Regardless, she was determined to jump those hurdles if it meant her ranch would be a success. Which was why she didn’t dare tell anyone about the theft.

Besides, she didn’t want to spoil her daddy’s sixty-eighth birthday party. Her mom, three of the four older brothers, and both of her younger sisters had spent months planning the two-day affair. Sam really couldn’t afford that much time to be away from her ranch, but for her dad’s birthday, she’d make the exception. Too bad the event came in the middle of a crisis.

Her mom got up from the table. “I think it’s time for cake and your father’s presents.”

They all moved from the dining room table into the large living room. Her mom brought out the lighted cake, and they all sang “Happy Birthday.” After her dad blew out the candles, her mom cut everyone a piece of cake.

Dustin, her oldest brother, gave her dad the first present. “Happy birthday, Dad.”

Her father shook the contents and furrowed his brows. “I can’t imagine what it is.”

“Open it before you break it.”

“Okay, okay. Hold your horses.” He peeled back the paper. Dustin’s gift was a new watch.
Perfect
. Her dad was notoriously late. “This is just what I need.”

Her mom chuckled.

Sam handed him her gift. “From me.”

He held it up and grinned. “I bet I can guess what this is.”

Given it was a bottle of scotch, it was hard to wrap so he couldn’t figure it out. When he pulled off the paper, he winked. The gift had been expensive, but her dad was worth it.

“Now, that’s what I’m talking about.” He looked over at Mom. “Veronica, would you pour me a glass?”

“You know what the doctor said. Only one drink a night.” Dad had already consumed a few glasses of wine.

“Fuddle. It’s my birthday.”

No surprise, her mom gave in and poured him a small shot of scotch but not before adding a lot of water and ice. He scrunched up his face then drank it in one gulp. Each family member took his turn handing him a present. He seemed genuinely pleased with each gift.

Around midnight, her mom got up. “Come on, Josh, it’s time for bed, and we have a big day ahead of us tomorrow.”

He waved his glass of scotch, as if he expected her to get him another. This was already his third tonight. “It’s my birthday.”

She planted a hand on her hip. “You know what the doctor told you.”

“Damn doctors. What do they know?” He tossed back the rest of his glass and stood. “All right, dear.” He faced the rest of them. “I want to thank all of you for a wonderful birthday, and I look forward to spending more time with you all tomorrow.”

Sam hugged him good-night as did her two sisters. Once he left, fatigue grabbed her. Her mom had insisted they all stay at the house tonight. She said she’d wanted it to be like old times.

“I’m going to hit the hay, too.” Sam had a lot on her mind and needed to sort through a few details.

“Good night,” her twin brothers said in unison.

She thought she’d drop right off to sleep, but instead spent the first few hours tossing and turning, trying to figure out how not to lose her ranch to those thieves. By 5:00 a.m. she’d given up any hope of dozing off, so she got up.

When Sam stepped into the kitchen, she was the first one there. That was a change. Her mom was often up by now. Her dad’s favorite breakfast was chocolate chip pancakes, and she wanted to surprise him with a batch. Even though he was borderline diabetic and probably shouldn’t indulge in something so sweet, one time wouldn’t hurt.

Hmm
. Her mom made pancakes from scratch, whereas she was used to having the mix come in a box. She didn’t know the first thing about making pancakes with flour. Maybe her mom had a cookbook that had breakfast recipes.

Her mom bustled in. “Oh, my. What are you doing here?”

Sam smiled. “I came to help.”

Her mother said nothing for a second. “What’s the occasion?”

She wasn’t that bad, or was she? “It’s Daddy’s birthday breakfast. I want to make him some pancakes.”

“I’m guessing chocolate chips will be involved?” Her mom grinned. While still a beautiful woman, she’d aged a lot after her cancer last year. Sam didn’t want to regret going through life not having spent enough time with her mom. As it was, Sam had spent her youth riding horses, not learning to cook.

“You know it.”

“Okay, then. Put on an apron, and let’s get started.”

This was going to be fun. Since the kitchen renovation, her mom had moved everything around. Sam had no idea where she kept the aprons, but the pantry was the best bet. She headed to the back of the kitchen.

“The aprons are now in the bottom drawer here.”

Oh
. She found one and put it on. Now she felt like a real chef. “What now?”

“Go into the pantry and get a bag of all-purpose flour. You do know what flour is, don’t you?” Her mom’s eyes twinkled.

“Yes, Mom. I do cook, you know.” It just wasn’t that often.

This was like being twelve again, which might have been the last time they’d spent a lot of time together. That was when her mom had taught her to play the piano. Unfortunately, between May and October, Sam abandoned her practice regimen for riding horses and learning how to rope and shoot.

After a bit of searching, she managed to locate the bowl and wooden spoon. Her mom turned on the griddle. Guess she figured operating a stove was too much for her twenty-seven-year-old daughter.

Following her mom’s instructions, she mixed the ingredients and poured the batter on the hot griddle.

“So tell me, Mom, what’s the secret to your wonderful marriage?” Sam had no idea why she asked, but since she’d gotten her mom alone, she might learn something.

“Be a good listener. Agree to everything he says then do it your way.”

That made her laugh. “I like it.”

Sam waited until the pancakes bubbled before flipping them. When they turned brown, she removed them and stacked them on a plate. For an extra touch, she got out some cream and sugar and made whipped cream. Then she piled some on top of the pancakes and topped the display with some cinnamon and a few chocolate chips.

Her mom came over. “Why, Samantha. That’s beautiful. You’re a natural in the kitchen. With a little practice, you could be a star.”

Her praise meant a lot. “Thanks.” She had to admit the presentation was impressive.

“We should do this more often.”

“I’d like that.” Too bad she had a ranch to run. Besides, there was no need to be a gourmet cook when she only made meals for herself.

With the bacon ready, she carried the plates of food into the dining room. The twins, Max and Ian, were already seated. Her dad came in next. The rest straggled in. They took their usual seats at the large wooden table while Mom served.

Throughout the meal, her mom jumped up and refreshed the coffee, got more syrup, or offered to cook another batch of bacon. Sam wondered if her mom ever regretted giving up her music career to be a rancher’s wife.

As soon as they finished, the doorbell rang, but no one moved. The front door opened, and suddenly the house was filled with more chatter.

“Sounds like all of your dad’s family has arrived,” Mom said.

Dad’s two brothers, their wives, and a few of the cousins poured into the dining room. Each of the three brothers owned a twenty-five-thousand-acre ranch, which were situated next to each other.

“Happy birthday, Josh,” Uncle Spencer said. They carried presents. “Something smells good.”

“It’s probably the coffee,” her mom said. “Why don’t you all go into the living room and I’ll bring some out.”

Technically it was her dad’s birthday today, but they’d celebrated the immediate-family portion of his birthday last night because her oldest brother, Dustin, and younger sister, Jenny, had work or school obligations to attend to today.

Sam stayed behind to help clean up.

“You don’t have to do the dishes, hon. I’ve been cleaning up for close to forty years.”

“I know, but I feel like helping.” She enjoyed being close to her mom for a change.

Her mom smiled. “Maybe you should go ahead and get dressed for the party.”

Sam looked down at her outfit. While the large plaid shirt was a bit oversized, it was clean. “I’m good.”

“You have a closet full of cute tops that you left. Go put one of them on. And put on some makeup, too. Heavens, ever since you took over the ranching business, I swear you dress like a man.”

She opened her mouth then shut it. “If my ranch hands saw me in a cute top and shorts, they’d never respect me.”

“Oh, pooh.”

Her mom didn’t understand and never would. They’d had this conversation too many times.

They worked in companionable silence, washing, drying, and putting the dishes away even though Sam did need some guidance as to where everything went. Once they were finished, she headed into the living room, where the laughter blended with the oohs and aahs. She spotted a new box of cigars, a Cross pen, and a new hat. She bet her dad was pleased with those gifts.

Uncle Damon looked up. “So how’s the ranching business going, Sam?”

Both of her uncles and her dad were three of the five most successful ranchers in the three-state area. “Good.”