That Night With the Rich Rancher (11 page)

Madison, Jake’s wife, was expecting, too. That would help soften Jake’s attitude about her situation. And Jake liked Tony. Her brothers liked him and their wives did, too. She had been the sole member of her generation to fight him. In fact, it was the older generations of Calhouns that didn’t like the Milans. She had heard Destiny talk about her grandmother’s intense dislike of Milans. Maybe that had eased up now that Wyatt and Destiny were married, as well as Jake and Madison.

She had always been close to all her brothers, particularly Josh when they were young, so Josh and Abby would give her support. Abby had a heart of gold and would be as kind as Josh.

Looking again at the calendar, she picked up her phone and called Savannah and in minutes made arrangements to see her.

By noon she was showered and dressed. She studied herself in the mirror, turning first one way and then another, knowing it was ridiculous to expect to see any change yet. Her cell phone rang. When she saw it was Tony, she ignored the call.

* * *

Smiling, Savannah opened the back door. “Come in. Mike is out on the ranch somewhere and you said not to call him, so I didn’t. Scotty is napping.”

“I’ll make this short, Savannah. I wanted to talk to just you. Not Mike. And not Scotty right now.”

“Sure. Come in,” Savannah said, stepping back out of the way and shaking her blond hair away from her face. “Want a cool drink?” Savannah asked.

“Ice water would be fine, and you sit and let me get it and whatever you want to drink. I know this kitchen almost as well as my own.”

“I’m a little clumsy, but I’m not feeble. I can get us glasses of water,” Savannah said as she turned to wash her hands and get down glasses. Lindsay’s gaze ran over Savannah’s navy T-shirt and jeans. She knew Savannah’s baby was due in October, which was only weeks away now that it was already the first day of September. Savannah’s round belly didn’t look big enough to deliver in another month. “You don’t look very pregnant.”

“I feel very, very pregnant. And believe me, there’s no such thing as not very pregnant.”

Lindsay laughed politely, but she still couldn’t cope with the prospect of being pregnant or joke about it. Each time she thought about it, she also wondered how she would ever tell Tony. She had no answer to that one.

In minutes they had glasses of water and sat in the family room. Savannah gazed at her. “I heard you and Tony got along fine on your auction date. And you’ve been out with him since.”

“I suppose it’s impossible to keep our going out together private as long as we go out in Texas.”

“I don’t imagine you can. Both of you know many people,” Savannah said. She sipped her water. “Are you okay, Lindsay?” she asked finally.

“I don’t know. That’s why I think you’re the one to talk to. I do need to keep this secret awhile and I thought about you being from Little Rock. I need to see an obstetrician without my family or anyone else around here knowing except you and Mike. Savannah, I think I’m pregnant with Tony’s baby.”

“Oh, my word,” Savannah said, her blue eyes growing wide. “I know that’s a shock.”

“It is a shock that I haven’t adjusted to, but I want it officially confirmed.”

“Maybe you’re worrying needlessly.”

“I don’t think so. I feel it to my bones.”

“Oh, my. It’ll be better than what I went through, although it led me to Mike. With Tony, it’ll be good. He’ll marry you, Lindsay. It’s obvious you have made peace with each other. And the whole Calhoun family loves Tony. And he’s so good to Scotty. Scotty is crazy about Tony even though they don’t see each other often.”

“I can’t imagine Tony wanting to marry me and I don’t want to marry Tony. I don’t want to marry any rancher. Until Tony, I’ve never even dated one. Marriage to one would be a perpetual clash because I want to run my ranch my own way and I don’t want some other rancher telling me to change the way I do things. And Tony is a take-charge person.”

“Oh, dear.” Savannah frowned. “You might have a problem.”

“I have a big problem.”

“Are you sure you’re pregnant?”

“About ninety-nine percent, but that’s why I want your doctor’s name. I should see a doctor before I get Tony all stirred up. Other than you and Mike, I don’t want anyone else to know I even suspect I’m pregnant until I verify it. Then I can tell Tony. I haven’t even tried a home pregnancy test yet because I’ll have to drive so far to get away from everyone I know, but I’m going today.” She shook her head. “Even though I know what the outcome will be.”

“Let me call my doctor’s office and introduce you, then you can get on and make an appointment. Until you have a home test and the lab tests and have a doctor confirm your condition, you don’t know for sure. You may not even be pregnant and may be worrying for nothing.”

“Hopefully not, but if I had to bet, I’d bet the ranch that I am.”

Savannah’s eyes widened. “You mean that?”

Lindsay shrugged. “You get a feeling for things, you know?”

“Mike says you have a knack for knowing things and a touch that’s just right. He’s impressed by your abilities.”

“That’s nice. He hasn’t mentioned that to me.”

Savannah laughed. “You’re his little sister. He probably doesn’t realize he hasn’t told you.” She stood up. “Let me make that call before Scotty is up or Mike comes home. This doctor is so good about working people into his schedule.”

Within the next thirty minutes Lindsay had an appointment in Little Rock on Thursday.

She sat again to face Savannah. “I really thank you for this. That was very nice.”

“I’m glad to help. I only hope Mike doesn’t suspect anything.”

“Savannah, I don’t want you to have to keep secrets from Mike. Just make it clear that you two are the only ones I’m telling at this point.”

“I can wait a bit to tell Mike. He’ll understand.”

“You really don’t need to, but thanks. I better go.”

They walked to the door. “Take care of yourself,” Savannah said. “Call me after you see the doctor. I’m your sister-in-law, and I’m also your friend. I can give you my doctor’s name in Dallas, too.” They gazed at each other and Savannah reached out to hug Lindsay.

“Thanks, Savannah. You’re really good for Mike and good for our family.”

“He and Scotty and the Calhouns are wonderful for me, too. Take care of yourself.”

“I will,” Lindsay said, and hurried to her pickup to drive home.

* * *

Thursday she drove to Dallas and flew to Little Rock to go to the doctor’s office. She was thankful no one would know or question what she was doing or where she was going. The only person who came close was Abe, who had worked for her family since he was seventeen. She saw the questions in his eyes, but he didn’t voice them.

The only thing that indicated his feelings was when she told him goodbye.

“Lindsay, if you want me to do anything, let me know,” he said, looking intently at her, and she was certain he knew she had something she was hiding.

“Thanks. I will. I’m all right,” she answered, looking into his light brown eyes. “I have my phone and if I need anything, I’ll call. I’ll be back tomorrow about noon.”

“Sure,” he said. He settled his brown hat on his head, nodded and headed back to the barn as she climbed into her pickup to drive to Dallas.

Now as she got out of the cab in front of the obstetrician’s office, she felt her heart start to pound and her palms sweat.

But that anxiety was nothing to what she felt when she came out.

She felt so stressed she had to stop on the sidewalk. She stood staring and not seeing anything in front of her. Hot September sunshine blazed overhead, but chills skidded up her spine. She had known for the past two weeks that she was pregnant, but to have it confirmed by a home pregnancy test and now, to hear it officially announced by a physician after a lab test made it real.

How was she ever going to tell Tony?

Seven

T
ony threw himself into work, coming home nights to an empty house that he had never felt alone in before. Constantly, he remembered Lindsay in his arms, and he wanted to talk to her or see her again. Every time he reached for the phone, he stopped, reminding himself she wanted them to break off seeing each other and he should, too, because it was inevitable.

In spite of logic, he missed seeing her. He knew from one of the men who worked for him that she had gone to Dallas and he wondered why and what she was doing there. He would get over her soon because he knew as well as she did, in spite of their truce, they were still the same people and she remained stubborn as ever. It was just a matter of time before there was another conflict between them, something she seemed to thrive on. Though common sense told him that he was better off without her, he missed her in a way he wouldn’t have thought possible.

He woke up on Friday morning and she was still on his mind. He knew time would take care of this longing for her, but right now memories of her wouldn’t stop coming.

He rose and got ready for a first-thing-in-the-morning meeting with Keane, who had problems with one of their trucks.

Tony stood on his porch with his foreman, who had his hat pushed far enough back on his head to reveal a pale strip on his forehead where his hat always shaded him. His tangled, curly brown hair framed his face. He was shorter than Tony, slightly stocky and the most capable ranch hand Tony had ever had.

“Keane, I heard an animal howling last night. I’ve seen it before on Lindsay’s ranch,” he said, remembering the eerie howls that had been so forlorn and sounded like an injured animal. As he had listened, he understood why the howls had unnerved Lindsay and caused her to call. They’d been jarring in the night, even to him. He’d finally got up and retrieved a rifle, switching off yard lights and stepping out on his dark porch. He’d seen it plainly in the moonlight, but he’d paused as he lifted his rifle, remembering Lindsay’s request that the animal not be put down. He’d lowered his rifle and walked back inside to lock up, put away his rifle and go back to bed.

“It might be a dog,” he told Keane now. “Might be a coyote. Lindsay thinks it’s a wolf and she doesn’t want it put down unless it starts killing livestock. Pass the word to leave it alone unless it kills something and until we know it isn’t a big dog.”

“Sure. Have you seen it?”

“Yes. It’s big, has black and gray shaggy fur and, frankly, it does resemble a wolf, but I can’t imagine it is.”

Keane had a faint smile. “You know that old legend.”

“If I thought that were possible, which I don’t, I’d try to catch and tame the critter and I’d wish for rain.”

“Amen to that one,” Keane said, glancing at the sky. “Still none in the forecast. No break in the heat, either—over a hundred today. When it does rain, the ground will soak up water like a sponge. It’ll just disappear. We need a month of rains.”

“Right. Well, I’ll see about replacing that truck,” Tony said, and turned to go.

While Tony worked all day alongside the men, keeping his hands busy, he couldn’t keep his mind from returning to Lindsay.

On second thought, he told himself, maybe he should tame that wolf and wish for amnesia. That might be the only way he’d forget her.

* * *

Feeling torn, miserable and caught in an uncustomary inability to make a decision, Lindsay stared at her dinner. She didn’t want to eat but knew she should. Her thoughts were constantly on Tony. It seemed with each day she dreaded telling him about the baby more and more. She had to before she began to show and word got back to him. But when?

First she needed to go see Scotty, to hold him and think about having her own little baby, and then she needed to talk to Mike who would probably be a bulwark in the storm that would eventually rage around her. She didn’t want to hide behind her brother from Tony, but Mike would take a levelheaded view of the situation and he and Savannah would support her in what she wanted to do.

Maybe she just needed to take Tony’s call, go out with him and tell him the news. Get it over with and move on with her life and planning for her baby. Maybe Tony would back off and leave her alone.

She knew better than to expect that to happen. Mr. Take-Charge would dominate her life when she told him. Each time she thought of that happening, she was filled with dread.

She played with different scenarios in her mind: telling him soon, waiting four or five months to tell him or not saying a word until she had to. Like maybe when the baby was born.

As she headed to her house Friday afternoon, she was wrapped in worries and indecision and through it all, though she hated to admit it to herself, she missed Tony. She was so tired she paid little attention to her familiar surroundings until she steered her pickup toward the back of her house and saw a truck near the back gate. Frowning, she glanced at the house and saw Mike seated on the porch with his feet propped on the rail while he whittled.

She didn’t know whether to be happy or annoyed with him and wondered whether Savannah had made him come.

As Lindsay parked behind his pickup and stepped out, Mike rose to his feet and put his knife away, along with whatever he had been whittling while he waited at the top of the steps. “What are you doing here?” she asked as she walked up the steps.

“Waiting to see if you need a big brother’s hug,” he said.

His kindness shook her and she walked into his arms. “I do,” she whispered.

He hugged her, then stepped away to smile. “Let’s go inside where we can talk and it’s not a hundred degrees in the shade.”

She tried to smile. “You mean where I can cry without someone seeing me,” she said, unlocking the door and leading the way. “Want a beer?”

“I’d like one, but not if it’s going to make you want one.”

“No. No problem there. I’ll drink ice water.” When they had drinks and were seated in the cool family room that overlooked the porch, patio and swimming pool, she sat facing him.

He had hung his hat on a hook in the entry hall and he raked his fingers through his hair. “Savannah said that you gave her permission to tell me.” Mike leaned forward to place his elbows on his knees. “Here comes some brotherly advice and words of infinite wisdom.”

She smiled. “There are moments I’m truly glad you’re my big brother.”

“I’m happy to hear that,” he said. “There are moments I’m truly glad you’re my little sis,” he said, smiling at her. “Lindsay, don’t forget for one minute that you have three brothers and three sisters-in-law who will support you in every way we can.”

Tears threatened and she wiped her eyes. “Look at me, Mike. Do you know how few times in my life I’ve cried?”

“Chalk it up to hormone changes,” he said. “I just want you to always remember you have our support and you can call me or Savannah anytime you want.”

“Thanks. That means a lot,” she said, meaning it with all her heart.

“Next thing—if being pregnant gets you down, just think of Scotty. You shower him with love and he seems to be a huge joy to you. He loves you and I know you love him. A baby in your life will be great.”

“I know that and I do love Scotty beyond measure. He’s adorable and I feel so close to him.”

“He’s a good kid. And he’s going to love your baby. I can promise you that. I’ll let you tell Scotty when you’re ready because he is very excited over Savannah’s baby. He’ll go into orbit over yours.”

She smiled. “Maybe not so much if I have a girl.”

“Oh, yes, he will. You wait and see. So now the next thing I want to mention, even if you don’t want to hear it, is Tony. He’s a good guy. I like Tony, and all the guys who work for him like him. All your brothers and sisters-in-law like him.”

“I know that.”

“Obviously, the two of you can get along. You were seeing each other after the auction.”

“Does everyone in the state know we were going out together?”

“C’mon, Lindsay. All the Calhoun ranches and Milan ranches and the people that work on them—cleaning staff, cooks, cowboys—you think they don’t get around and see who is leaving a ranch and who is entering one? Or talk about who they saw when they’re out? The grapevine is alive and well in these parts. You and Tony were discreet about it, but your whole family probably knows you dated. Anyway, cut him some slack. He’ll be shocked, but he’s going to welcome this baby like I would, and you know it.”

“Maybe that’s what worries me. Tony is a take-charge guy.”

Mike grinned. “I’m considering the source of that statement. Now, one last thing—would you like me to tell Mom and Dad before you talk to them?”

She thought about her parents and closed her eyes. She rubbed her hands together and looked at Mike. “Will Dad threaten Tony if he doesn’t marry me? I haven’t even wanted to think about dealing with our parents and, thank heavens, they’re in California and have their own lives.”

“Get some plans made before you tackle telling them. Tony’s the one who has the difficult parents. Listen, all the rest of us will stand by you and between you and our folks. Mom will just have hysterics and faint.”

Lindsay smiled and relaxed slightly. “Sounds ridiculous, but I think that might be exactly what she’ll do. I’ve resisted her tears and hysterics plenty of times.”

“The rest of us just hide from her. You’re the brave one,” he said, grinning. “Frankly, I don’t think you’ll have any pressure from our parents. They have their own lives, and I think when we grew up they let us go.”

“I’m grateful for that. Tony is the person who worries me.”

“You two will work it out.” Mike squeezed her shoulder gently. He finished his beer and stood. “I’ve said what I wanted to say. I’ll go home now. We’re there for you—call in the middle of the night if you need us. You and Tony will work this out because you both love your families and you each will love this baby with all your hearts. You’ll see.”

“So when did you get to be such a counselor?” she said. Mike hadn’t mentioned it, but she wondered if he or her other brothers would pressure her to marry Tony. “You know, even if we can be civil, Tony may not propose.”

“There will probably be more than one pot for bets on that one,” Mike remarked drily as they walked to the back door. Before they stepped outside, she closed her hand around his wrist.

“Thanks. Your advice might be a bit misguided, but your intentions are wonderful. You have cheered me up and I don’t feel quite so alone.”

“Lindsay, you should know your family well enough to know how very un-alone you are. Jake would be right here if you need him, or Josh. Tony’s family will be the same.” He stepped out on the porch, then resumed his talk. “There’ll be plenty of kids on both sides of the family for your little one to bond with and to grow up with. Tony’s sister, Madison, is pregnant. His brother Nick has a son, Cody, who is Scotty’s age. I’ll have another baby before yours is born. It’ll be great.” He reached out and gave her another hug.

“If only the father wasn’t so take-charge and so stubborn.”

“Said the kettle about the pot. You two are exactly alike in some ways and you’re a strong enough woman to deal with most any man.” He put his hat back on and made for the steps, then turned to her again. “Jake and Josh and I can go beat him up for you if you want.”

“Mike, don’t you dare!” He grinned and she saw he was teasing her. “Mike, shame on you, and I fell for it when I should know better.”

“I made you smile,” he said, sounding satisfied. “I gotta run, sis.”

Lindsay followed him to his pickup. “Thanks for coming. I’ll call Savannah and thank her. I liked her doctor—he was very nice, cheerful and kind. Now that I know for certain I’m pregnant, I’ll have to find one around here. Savannah has one in Dallas she likes, so I’ll probably get that name from her.”

“When the time comes, you can stay at my house in Dallas if you want. If you stay on the ranch, you’ll be a long way from your doctor and hospital.”

“Thanks. We’ll see.”

“If you stay here, I guess it’s a consolation that everyone on the place can probably deliver a baby.”

“That’s definitely not what I have in mind,” she said while she stood in the hot sun with her hands on her hips and stared at him.

“Call me and I’ll do it.” Grinning, he jumped into the truck and revved the engine.

“You’re a wonderful brother, but you’re not delivering my baby.”

“For that matter, Tony can. He’s good at delivering calves.”

“Enough of you planning my life. How did I get tangled up with so many bossy men?”

“I think we’re called alpha males,” Mike corrected.

“Not in my view. I’ll see you soon. Thanks for coming over.”

“Sure.” He smiled at her. “See you soon,” he said, pulling along the driveway to head back to his ranch.

Smiling, she waved, but as the pickup drove out of sight leaving a plume of dust behind, her smile faded. None of Mike’s cheerful advice or reminders of what a good guy Tony was changed the fact that Tony ran everything he could in his daily life. He was commanding, decisive, a Mr. Do-It-My-Way. Even as she enumerated those attributes, she felt a pain in her chest because she missed him. She ignored the feeling, certain it soon would stop haunting her and disappear forever.

She could tell him now, or she could tell him later. She was in for a fight and she felt it coming any which way she looked at her future.