Chapter Nine
After the rain stopped and the clouds cleared over Sagebrush Rose Ranch, locals came together for another picnic that would be one of the highlights of the year for the town.
The ranch was a hive of preparation for hours. Seats and tables were arranged under big tents and throughout the shade of large oak trees on the grounds. A variety of colorful tablecloths waved in the gentle breeze, like flags of different countries. Hay bales provided informal seating and stainless-steel drums served as water stations to keep everyone cool.
Passing by the food tent, Liberty breathed in the deep, enticing scents of homemade meals prepared from recipes passed down through many generations. She couldn’t wait to dig into the potato casserole that Polly made every year, but for now she had a responsibility to make sure things were running smoothly. With Honor unable to do as much this year, Liberty promised to pick up the slack.
Cave was leading some workers at the barbecue, turning over burgers and hot dogs that were sizzling. People from the town had formed a line around the tent, eagerly anticipating their chance to load up their plates.
Liberty stopped to greet Cave who appeared composed while manning the grill. As he turned the burgers over, he patiently instructed an anxious Hershey to tend to the large pot of baked beans simmering away on another grill. “Don’t let those babies burn, my friend.”
“Got it, Cave.” Hershey stirred the large stock pot.
“You have everything you need?” Liberty asked Cave.
“At this rate, we might run out of meat.” The tall cowboy nodded at the growing line.
“We have five more cases in the refrigerated cooler. If you need them, have one of the men grab them.”
He gave her a thumbs up and she moved on to make her rounds.
More families arrived, their arms laden with their food contribution to the table and the volunteers from the ladies’ auxiliary scurried to find room to place the containers and casserole dishes.
Six-year-old Candace whirled by being chased by her mother, Martha. “Hello, Liberty. Everything just keeps getting better each year.”
“Thanks.” Liberty responded to her friend as she buzzed by in pursuit of her laughing daughter.
Kids played and giggled, their laughter mingling with the chords of the first song from the local band. In the far-off distance were the clucking of the chickens and mooing of cows that wanted to join in the festivities.
The elders took their places at the picnic tables and rocking chairs near the makeshift stage that the hands had built. The men clapped and bounced their knees, some even stood and gave a little dance at the beat of the country song.
Conversation flowed as easily as the bins of apple cider and barrels of mead donated by the Klondike family who owned a nearby winery. Several townsfolk stood close and soon they would also be dancing in a tipsy state.
During the afternoon, activities like horseshoes, baseball, sack races, and kids' tricycle races would take place. As evening arrived and the outside festivities wound down, a bonfire was ignited, and the band transitioned into the barn for dancing.
Once Liberty confirmed that the auction volunteers had arrived, she proceeded to the pie tent.
Tables were set up and most of them were already laden with pies. Liberty looked for Wyler, but to no avail. It was necessary that both bakers were there for the initial segment of the competition.
He was late.
The contest's presentation phase was set to begin in twenty minutes, yet there was no sign of Wyler. She craned her neck, scanning the crowds that were converging near the tent.
Where is he?
Liberty saw Kaitlynn taking her pie out of the box. She treated the lemon meringue like a hair stylist giving Queen Elizabeth a famous updo.
Liberty grimaced at the thought of losing to the woman.
At the sound of laughter, she saw Freedom in conversation with Jinx Weathersby. Freedom had a knack for talking to men in such a captivating way that they would be unsure if they were charmed or heartbroken afterward. At the moment, she was using her charm on the attractive cowboy who was more focused on another conversation while waiting to sign up for the roping contest.
Maybe she’d finally met her match.
Freedom’s expression was full of frustration and Liberty smiled, until Jinx shifted. Her stomach dropped into her dusty cowgirl boots. Wyler was no longer missing. He was standing in line waiting his turn to register. She had no clue he planned to participate in the contest.
“That man makes me livid,” Freedom said as she joined Liberty near the pie station. “Onion ring?”
“Okay.” She submerged a ring in the sauce and took a bite, her nose scrunching up. Onion rings were typically her go-to at any festival or picnic, but suddenly her stomach churned unhappily. Discarding the leftover ring into the garbage, she cleaned her hands off on a napkin. “Hmm. A Jinx fan now, Freedom?” Liberty asked, chuckling.
“He’d be the last man I’d consider even if my life depended on it.” She pouted her lower lip, a gesture that consistently worked for her as a child and had become instinctive.
“I could tell by your flushed cheeks and subtle touches that you find him very deplorable. I mean, look at him. Yuck. Who wants a man with broad shoulders, lean hips, and eyes that can make a woman melt. Yeah, he’s down-right repulsive.”
“I didn’t say he’s repulsive.”
“I guess you didn’t, did you? You like him.”
“You’re imagining things.” Freedom sighed. ”I wouldn’t sleep with him.”
“Who said anything about sleeping with him?” Liberty said with a giggle. “Time is ticking until Daddy’s demands become fruition.”
“Ever since the rumor has been floating around that we are looking for husbands, the hands walk a wide circle around us like we have the cooties.”
“Honey, it’s not a rumor. It’s a fact. Daddy’s not changing his mind on this. I’m telling you.”
Freedom rolled her eyes like a child who didn’t get her way. “You do realize this is also your fault, right?”
Liberty blinked, feeling a sock to the center of her being. Her mind wandered to the pictures and letter and Lacey’s demand. “Why?”
“Because you defied him. Every time he tried to tell you something you had to do the complete opposite.” Freedom tapped the toe of her boot.
“Oh? And you’re so innocent? You should be thanking me because Honor and I have been shielding you, and the others, since you were little.”
Freedom's demeanor lightened. "The two of you have constantly been at the center of attention."
Liberty was unsure if her sister's reply was sarcastic or sincere. "The spotlight isn't all it's cracked up to be."
Freedom dismissed the conversation with a shrug. "Seems like someone is enjoying themselves," she remarked, nodding towards Carter, the latest addition to the ranch staff, who was engaged in lively conversation with Lanah Weaver over by the pie stand.
Liberty didn’t know much about the young cowboy from California, except that he had the looks of a surfer wearing a new hat. “What’s his story?”
“What makes you think I’d know?” Freedom scraped the toe of her boot across the pebbled rocks.
“You pride yourself in knowing everything that’s going on ‘round here. We all know you’re a walking lie detector. That’s why you handle all the communication with the hands. They’ve gained trust with you. Carter hasn’t let you in on any details of his past? Why he came here?”
Freedom shrugged. “He’s different. Quiet. Respectful.”
Liberty believed in understanding the workers by observing their behaviors. Lanah, with her cheerful and vivacious blonde appearance reminiscent of a contemporary Marilyn Monroe, appeared quite keen on attracting Carter's attention, who seemed just as interested.
“He won’t stay long.” Freedom said, shooing away a fly that was buzzing around her last onion ring.
“You think? Why?” Liberty believed the new hand and Lanah would be doing more than talking by nightfall.
“We’ve seen it at least a dozen times. Wannabes come along, wanting to be a cowboy, and once they get a taste of the backbreaking work, they take off for a cushy office job. Carter keeps to himself and seems to have a small chip on his shoulder. Not enough to render a talking to with Daddy, but an awareness that under those pretty boy looks he’s got a story to tell. Right now, what’s happening between him and Lanah, that’s the most interaction I’ve seen out of him since he came to work here.”
“A sexy blonde has a lot of power.”
"Suppose so," said Freedom casually.
Liberty pushed Carter into the recesses of her mind. “And there’s one cowboy who apparently isn’t in the same boat as the others.” Liberty jutted her chin toward the ring toss booth where Keller blatantly stared at Freedom like she was the mirror image of perfection. “Maybe you should offer him a token of your time?”
“No, thank you. He is not my type.” Freedom gave another roll of her eyes and turned her back on the cowboy across the yard.
"You're only saying he's not your type because he's had a crush on you since you outran him at ten years old in a school race. Plus, you wouldn't need to go after him since he's not avoiding you," Liberty joked, yet she knew there was truth in her words. The Rose sisters were known for enjoying the thrill of the chase and breaking rules. Technically, Keller was off-limits as an employee at Sagebrush Rose, although he wasn't a ranch hand.
His gaze of admiration towards Freedom only served to diminish her interest in him further.
“Looks like our forced marriages aren’t the only rumor working its way through the gossip mill. Your husband seems to have gained a lot of attention these days from a collection of women since you two announced the separation.”
Liberty looked among the crowd of cowboys and cowgirls, frowning when she saw what her sister meant.
Katlynn was pinning the paper number to the back of Wyler’s shirt for the roping event. He said something to her, probably thanking her, and she batted her eyes like Snow White.
Her husband looked amazing. Broad shoulders were encased in a snug black T-shirt that fit him like a racecar hugging strong curves. The faded blue jeans showed off his tight bottom.
What had he said that made Kaitlynn laugh? A bit over-dramatically if Liberty was asked.
“I don’t know what it is about the single women of this town and their fascination for married men.” Liberty wrinkled her nose, trying her best to rip her gaze off the pair.
“You really don’t understand how living in a town where women outnumber men by half doesn’t cause a male bidding war?” Freedom sniffed loudly. “Daddy needs to hire more hands.” She laughed.
“Have a talk with him. Tell him your feelings,” Liberty said.
“Maybe I should ask Daddy to find me a husband too.”
“Good idea.”
Freedom waved her hand in front of Liberty’s line of sight. “Hello. Earth to Liberty?”
“What?”
“Did you even hear me?”
“Of course. I agree. We need more hands.”
“So, you weren’t listening.” Freedom dropped her empty tray into the trashcan.
Wyler lifted his chin, looking for something or someone, and when he saw Liberty, he waved as if he hadn’t been chatting it up with Miss Sagebrush Pine.
She turned as if she hadn’t seen him. “Katlynn adores my husband.”
“Don’t you mean soon to be ex-husband?” Freedom reminded Liberty.
“Huh?” Liberty couldn’t seem to get past her brain fog.
"You and Wyler. He will be available soon. There's already a list of people anticipating his availability, and he's not even aware of it."
“About that—”
Her words were cut short by the subject of their discussion. He came sweeping up and gave Freedom a side hug. “How’s my favorite sister-in-law?”
“Wyler, you say that to all the sisters-in-law.” Despite acting unconcerned, Freedom held a deep affection for Wyler. His kindness and humor had endeared him to the entire family. Liberty saw it too. He wasn't excessively charming, but just the right amount. Always ready to lend a hand without being asked, and his smile was as brilliant as his eyes.
Liberty found him utterly infuriating.
He then focused on Liberty, and she narrowed her gaze on him. “How’s Kaitlynn?” she asked.
“Peachy.” His smile grew as he snaked his arm around her waist and dragged her closer for a tight squeeze. His hugs were wonderful, and she hated them. He lowered his head to whisper, “The least you can do is pretend that you like my touch, like you used to when I was deep inside—”
She gasped in alarm and gave him a shove “Behave.”.
“You never wanted me to before,” he teased.
Warmth spread from her cheeks to the tips of her polished toenails in the open sandals.
“Am I missing something?” Freedom whipped her curious gaze from Wyler and Liberty.
Wyler kept his arm wrapped around Liberty’s waist which made her knees wobbly. The man both enraged and tempted her. That was why she had to be very careful.
“I’m sure Liberty told you.”
“Told me what?” Freedom raised an eyebrow in query.
“I was just trying to tell her.” Liberty playfully patted Wyler’s cheek. “Did you tell Kaitlynn?”
He winked. “I couldn’t get a word in inch wise, or I would have.”
"You two are acting oddly. This is either the most amicable split ever, or you're a couple again." She waited for an answer, then angled her head. "Have you reconciled?" Freedom gestured between them with her finger.
Liberty smiled, barely.
“I moved back into the Manor this morning,” Wyler said proudly.
His smile and unabashed joy gave Liberty pause. He seemed genuinely happy about their current situation.
All of Freedom's doubts vanished, and she smiled broadly. "I'm really happy for both of you. What caused the change in attitude?"
Before Wyler could by chance reveal the pregnancy, Liberty rushed to say, “We both feel, under the circumstances, that we need to give this marriage another try.” She pressed her palm into the center of Wyler’s chest as if silently warning him not to mention anything else.
“No wonder you looked like you were ready to claw Kaitlynn’s eyes out of their sockets,” Freedom said with a mischievous grin.
“Wrong,” Liberty about choked on the word.
“If you say so. You all make a perfect couple. Don’t tell Honor I said that because she thinks she and Cave are perfect.” A frown crossed Freedom’s expression. “Oh shoot. I see Aunt Rita waving me over. She’s been after me for weeks to meet a nephew of one of her friends.”
“You’re her favorite,” Liberty said gently.
“I suppose I should find out what she needs. I’ll meet you later at the dance,” she said, quickly making her way to where Rita was seated on a hay bale, her leashed Siamese cat perched by her side. Rita never went anywhere without her cherished Marpoose.
Liberty swung out of Wyler’s hold and lightly pinched his arm.
“Ouch! What’s that for?” He rubbed his offended arm. She did it again, but on the other arm. “Do you mind?”
“Why did you do that?”
“Do what?”
She thought he was too much. Too tall. Too strong. Too many whiskers on his strong jaw. His hands too calloused from hard work. His charm…way too intrusive. And yet, all those things were also what had attracted her to him in the first place. Those attributes and his love for horses and nature. She just needed to pretend that he wasn’t handsome and caused a strange prickling sensation in the back of her throat. She needed to keep reminding herself that they were together for the sake of the baby.
“You said you were going to tell everyone at the family meeting this morning. I assumed you did.” He readjusted his hat.
“The family meeting was canceled because Daddy had something more important come up. I’m sure its name is Trinity.” Although Liberty didn’t have a fondness for the woman that had dazzled her way into Sam’s charms, Liberty did appreciate that he seemed much happier these days.
“Is that my fault? Let’s see, you haven’t been included in a family meeting since…” He lifted his hand and checked off fingers one by one. “Oh, that’d be never.” His smile slipped some.
“And interesting enough you’ve been to the last three.”
“That’s because Sam invited me.”
“So why didn’t you know it had been canceled?”
"Just to let you know, I got delayed because of an issue. There was a fire in the bunkhouse last night and Sam needed my assistance to handle it. Destroyed the kitchen. Luckily, it was caught before it spread, but there’s a lot of smoke damage."
“A fire?” She squinted. “Is everyone okay? Do they know how it started?” Certainly, if someone had been hurt the news would have reached her.
He slammed his palms to his hips, giving a take-charge stance. “Everyone’s fine. One of the hands woke up and yelled for the others. The fire investigator was out, and said it looked like an electrical issue had caused it, but he wasn’t willing to make that the final ruling until he had an opportunity to dig deeper.”
“You don’t seem convinced.”
Wyler shrugged. “I’m not an expert and the bunkhouse has seen better days, but Billy said he saw a truck parked up on the north ridge a few days ago, like someone could be scoping out the place. When Billy rode towards the truck the driver drove off like a bat out of hell. He could see two people inside but couldn’t get a good look at the tag. Said he thought it was a Pennsylvania tag but wouldn’t bet on it.”
“Billy can be unreliable.”
“I see your point, but when I went up to look for myself, I did find tire tracks. I’ve been trying to find temporary lodging for the displaced cowboys whose bunks had been damaged by the smoke. They can’t go back until things are repaired. We can ship in some trailers for them to stay, but the soonest we can get them here is next week.”
She thought over the dilemma. They couldn’t afford to lose any of their men, not even for a day. “Have them stay at the Rose Manor.”
He blinked. “Your house? That’s not a good idea.”
“The best idea we have. If the men double up there will be plenty of space.”
“Are you sure? They’re good men but they’re a bit rugged.”
She understood his mindset perfectly. "We could stay in the camper for now. We're grown-ups, Wyler. We can manage to sleep near each other for a few nights and not kill each other. It's our duty to take care of the workers. I'll talk to Deborah today about spare rooms at her B&B, but with the Harvest Picnic more than likely there will be no vacancies. Tell the men to move in tonight. That might make you feel better and help you focus on winning the pie contest."
“Nothing gets you more motivated than revenge. Do you really dislike her that much?” Wyler tilted his chin.
“I could lie and say no, but something tells me you’d see straight through me.” She heard laughter and looked around to see some of Sagebrush Pine’s single men practically getting eaten up by a group of women in cutoff jeans shorts and cropped tops. None of them were from around the area.
When had the Harvest Picnic become hookup central?
If out of towners enjoyed themselves and donated to the cause, with all proceeds going to benefit Sagebrush Pine, Liberty didn’t give one hoot.
She turned to find Wyler watching her, sending shivers down her spine. “What is it?” she asked.
“Should I expect an invitation to your family's staff meetings any time soon?" he murmured.
“To be honest, I don’t even enjoy our family gatherings, so I can't imagine why it’s so important to you."
“Maybe I want to be treated like I’m part of the family.” He lifted a brow.
She huffed out a breath. “Fine. I’ll include you.”
His grin reached its full breadth. "Thanks, wife."
She gave a dismissive shake of her head. "Don't overdo it."
Mayor Maggie Day came over the PA system stating that it was time for all pie contest entrants to gather at the booth since the competition was about to start.
"Are you prepared?" he inquired.
"As prepared as I can be," she replied.
He took lead and the crowd respectfully parted to let him pass, making it easy for Liberty to make her way following him. It wasn’t a bad position to be in. The faded jeans fit his saddle-firm bottom. He could have been a Wranglers model. She’d been distracted so she didn’t realize he’d stopped and she ran straight into his back. He didn’t even seem to notice.
She joined him at the table where their pie was ready for judging. Observing the other pies, they all seemed equally presentable. She noticed that Kaitlynn’s sundress complemented her lemon pie. Liberty decided the woman was like a contemporary Betty Crocker.
Liberty pondered if men preferred women who could do all things. Cook, clean, and hold down a career. Kaitlynn seemed to be well-balanced. Liberty valued a hardworking, ambitious man who could also make dinner, cook and clean.
Liberty distinguished herself from her peers early on. While many of her friends were meticulously planning their weddings during their teen years, Liberty was intent on charting a unique path for herself. Racing. Training. Building a career.
Yet, she had never progressed this far in a relationship before.
Marriage. Child. Family.
It made her stomach churn.
The union with Wyler may have lacked authenticity in certain respects, yet the legality of their marriage coupled with expecting a child rendered it undeniably tangible.
"Pleasant pie there," Polly Gaines peered closely at the pie, examining it as carefully as one would a precious antique. Her eyes darted between Wyler and Liberty. "How is Sam doing, Liberty? We didn't see him at church last Sunday."
“He’s a bit preoccupied these days,” Liberty said.
Polly gave a curt nod. “That he is.”
As the subsequent trio of silent judges passed by, Liberty inched towards Wyler and whispered, "Do you believe they enjoyed the pie?"
“Hell if I know,” he whispered. “They’re taking this seriously, aren’t they?”
“Pies are important around these parts.” She stifled a giggle.
The judges appeared intrigued by Kaitlynn's lemon meringue. Polly was radiating joy, and the usually stoic judges looked pleased too. Liberty was tapping her boot, showing signs of restlessness.
"Calm down,” Wyler said.
“I am calm.”
“About as calm as a cat with its tail stuck under a rocking chair.”
When Polly announced that they were finished with the presentation phase of the competition, she asked that they return at three for the taste-testing round. Liberty felt like she’d been freed from a heavy chain and took a step away from the table only to run smack-dab into Kaitlynn who wore a confident smirk.
“What a relief that is over,” Kaitlynn said dramatically.
"Indeed, that is quite a relief," remarked Liberty, her enthusiasm not entirely genuine.
“Good luck, to both of you,” Kaitlynn craned her neck to look over at Liberty and Wyler’s pie. “Looks so delicious I wouldn’t mind a slice myself.” Her snicker was followed with her hand snaking straight to Wyler’s arm.
“And I’d like to give you that slice right in the—”
“We’d love to share,” Wyler quickly arbitrated.
Kaitlynn, as always, didn’t miss a beat. “I’d definitely share my pie too.” She practically cooed. “See you two for the next competition. I’m assuming you two will want to participate in the blind guide game. So much fun.”
"Absolutely," Liberty said, smiling.
"Wonderful," Kaitlynn buzzed away with the energy of a caffeinated butterfly.
“We are participating, aren’t we?” Liberty whispered to Wyler.
“Of course,” he said with little interest too.
“I’m going to grab some water,” she said, heading back to the food tables.
“Have you eaten?” Wyler asked when he settled in beside her.
“An elephant ear,” she muttered.
“That’s not enough. It’s lunch time. You get grouchy when you haven’t eaten,” he said so intimately that it struck up more anger in her.
“Don’t do that.” She kept her voice lowered as they approached the crowded food stations.
“Don’t do what? Take care of my pregnant wife?”
“Shh!” She grabbed his hand and pulled him out of hearing distance. “Let’s not announce it to the world.”
“They’re going to find out soon enough.” He hooked his thumbs into his front pockets. “Like I said, I’m not going anywhere.”
“Yeah, I heard you the other night, but let’s get something straight. I don’t need you to be…well…”
“Like a kind husband? Want me to be rude?”
“No, not rude.”
“Most women would love to have a caring husband.”
“But our marriage is—” she caught the words but too late.
“Don’t even say it. We are married and I have the marriage certificate to prove it.” She couldn’t help but notice some of the light in his eyes had disappeared.
How could such a tough man be so sensitive at times?
Liberty frowned. “I am grateful that you’re a caring man. I’m just not used to being…”
“Cared for?”
“Being around someone who’s affectionate.”
“Are you going to tell me next that you want to set boundaries on how nice I’m allowed to be?”
“No.”
“ The Liberty Rose doesn’t want to set boundaries and rules?” He reached up and pressed the back of his hand against her forehead then pulled away. “You don’t feel like you have a fever. Are you sick?”
“We have an agreement. We need to both be aware of the terms,” she said firmly. A wave of wooziness washed over her, but thankfully it passed quickly.
“If you’re worried about me misinterpreting this ending up as a happily-ever-after fairytale, you don’t have to be. But, when it comes to my...” he swept his gaze around to see if anyone was within hearing distance, “ our baby, I’m here for him or her. That includes taking care of you and making sure you eat.”
"How can this happen?"
"What do you mean?"
"How can you be so irritating?"
That same disarming grin appeared again. "It seems we might both share that trait."
She felt pleased to see the lightness back in his expression, as she appreciated the cheerful side of Wyler. His warm demeanor often made others feel looked after.
The sun was now high overhead and bearing its full afternoon heat down upon her. Being pregnant took a bit of getting used to. Everything felt intensified. From the heat to the sounds, to her raging hormones. Including how Wyler affected her. She’d read in an article that pregnant women want sex more, and they were right.
“I’m here to enjoy myself so I’m going to. I love the Harvest Picnic.”
“You actually love something?” he stated cockily.
“I’m not letting you get under my skin.” She took a step around him and when she did, she felt her legs grow weak. She stumbled and felt her body lurch forward, then strong arms caught her in a steady hold.
She lifted her chin, looking up at him.
Wyler pulled her closer, their bodies pressed together. “Whoa! You okay?” Concern etched crinkles around his eyes.
"Yes. No. I feel dizzy," she stated, uncertain if the weakness was due to the temperature or her attraction to the cowboy cradling her.
"Come on, have a seat." He gently guided her to a hay bale, offering support by wrapping his arm around her waist. As she sat down, he squatted before her, his earnest face conveying deep concern that touched her profoundly. "Stay here, I'll grab you some water and something to eat. I should've realized today might be overwhelming."
“Wyler—”
“Lower your pride some. We’re taking care of this baby together.”
She clamped her mouth shut because he was right.
He took off toward the tables and seemed to be engulfed by the crowd.
She’d always had a thing for cowboys, but Wyler made her feel an attraction that was so strong she needed to recalibrate when he was near. Growing up on a ranch, she’d always felt comfortable around cowboys. A lot of good-looking men called themselves cowboys and strutted with a confidence that a man gained through hard work. She’d been around tough guys all her life. Learned early on by watching Sam how to communicate with them. She could even tell them what to do when the need arose. She’d been taught the fine balance between being a boss and being respectful.
She heard him laugh and spotted him talking to a group of men. She automatically smiled too.
He disappeared again and she slumped her shoulders.
Using the toe of her boot, she made shapes in the dirt, realizing she had made heart shapes. Looking around, she hurried to scrape away the evidence of her mindset. She had to focus on taking care of her biggest issue now. Handling the situation with Lacey. Once the check cleared from Marty Moon, she’d be one step closer to ridding her life of a past that she wanted to forget. Then she could concentrate on the most important thing.
She laid her hand on her still-flat stomach. Soon she would be showing. This was all a bit overwhelming, and exciting too.
Across the yard she caught a glimpse of Honor. Liberty’s heart pinged. She missed her sister—needed to talk to her. She above everyone would understand the state Liberty was in.
Lately there was a wall between them that was harder to bring down than all the others that had been erected before. They were barely talking. Being civil. Having how’s-the-weather conversations.
Looking back, they’d always had a love-hate relationship, but this was different. And hurtful. Destroying Liberty. Freedom, Justice and Hope had distanced themselves early on from the conflict because growing up, they’d witnessed enough of the sisterly drama and knew it could get very ugly before things settled.
Why were the twins like this? They were adults now and having children of their own. It was imperative that the cousins were best friends—relied on each other.
Liberty loved Honor. They’d been built-in best friends from the time they were born. Although they were identical, there were physical differences, most definitely in personality. All about the age of six, Liberty had gained the nickname as the “naughty” twin. Even if Honor had done the deed, Liberty habitually took the blame until it became the norm that she was the black sheep of the family.
Wanting to gain some appreciation, and attention, from Sam, Liberty had stubbornly decided to distance herself in some way, just enough that she was her own person. She’d always remember that day when she’d stomped across the dusty arena, climbed on the rowdiest horse at the ranch, the very one that Sam was having difficulty training, and approached the nervous mare with the innocence of a child. She’d heard the pounding footsteps of the hands as they came running, but Sam had paused their attempts. He watched from afar, allowing Liberty room to learn a lesson one way or another.
However, she’d taught everyone on the ranch, especially her daddy, a lesson that day. She had more gumption than most men and had a way with horses, an instinctual connection that would pave her way to becoming a leader in barrel racing.
She’d climbed up on “Shortcake”— probably not the best name for a noble horse, but it sounded great to her—and took off like she’d been riding horses as a profession.
Her father, well, he’d never been prouder.
She didn't receive much acknowledgment for her barrel racing achievements until she won a significant trophy. Her father displayed it proudly below his late wife's portrait for months before she reclaimed it for her own collection in her room, which eventually expanded with more awards and shelves. When younger, skilled racers emerged, Liberty's fame and her father’s attention faded some. By that time, she was used to his emotional ups and downs, later understanding that he grew distant around the time of his wedding anniversary and his wife’s passing. His daughters had shared in the pain, but they never spoke of it as a family.
She wasn’t quite sure when she’d gone from wanting to make her father happy to wanting to win a competition because it made her feel alive—more alive than anything. She loved every moment.
Now it was time she set her life on a new trail. Her responsibilities were changing, her priorities were different. She wouldn’t let anyone hurt her family.
She saw Wyler.
What would he say if he knew about the photos? The situation with Reggie? Would it change how he looked at Liberty? She couldn’t take the risk. She never wanted him to look at her the way some townsfolk did.
Wyler maintained his smile while conversing with one of the senior residents of Sagebrush Pine.
That endearing smile, it was breathtaking. It inspired a sensation in her that nothing else could compare to.
What had become of the detached and indifferent Liberty? Why wouldn't Wyler allow her to simply push him aside? He was loyal. He wouldn’t go anywhere unless she gave him good enough reason, and he’d still be there for the baby. Yet, relationships couldn’t be based on a matter of circumstances. If she wasn’t pregnant, they wouldn’t be together.
Or would they?
It was time she figured out the whole marriage-pregnancy-man thing.
This had become more complicated than she ever envisioned it would be when she came up with the plan.
This whole situation wasn’t as easy as teaching a horse new tricks and behaviors.
She enjoyed equestrian training because she could earn the trust of a horse. From that point she could guide the animal to listen to cues and commands. Her baby was a human and not a horse. This would be so much more difficult. She couldn’t just pet his head and offer him an apple. This approach wouldn’t work in motherhood.
Emotion bubbled up in her chest.
What kind of a mother would she be?
What if she wasn’t a good one?
What if she failed?
She wasn’t as nurturing as Honor. As compassionate and insightful as Freedom. Or as giving and carefree as Justice and Hope.
Liberty could easily call herself selfish. She’d always been out for number one, but now that was all changing. Since Wyler walked into her life and wreaked havoc.
Tears filled her eyes.
What most people didn’t realize was that she’d lived in fear most of her life that she’d lose everyone important to her. She’d had attachments with men she should have never been with, or trusted. She’d craved her father’s love and affection, but always felt it was measured by success. She knew he loved her, but he had his own walls—and was a hard man to please. The disappointment had carved a pit in the center of her chest.
She vividly recalled their first quarrel when she was twelve, having mimicked her mother's makeup from the portrait above the fireplace with pride. Sitting down for breakfast, Dolly's shocked expression foreshadowed what was to come. The kind woman had tossed a hot pan into the sink and rushed over with a damp paper towel to clean Liberty’s face, but it was too late. By then, Sam had already entered the kitchen and immediately noticed her. He’d taken a long, quiet look at her and then in a roaring voice, he said, “Get out of my sight wearing that stuff!” Like an obedient child, she jumped up, raced out of the kitchen and upstairs to scrub her face until it was raw. She’d spent the day in her bedroom, licking her wounds in private.
Eventually, life had continued. Her father had made a gruff apology, even bought her a new saddle and cowgirl hat. After that though, something changed in her. She became harder. Built walls. Grew an unwavering spine. Sam saw that in her too.
She refused to be hurt again.
Now she questioned if the walls she’d built for protection were indestructible. Walls that not only kept pain at bay, but people at a distance too.
She closed her eyes for a moment, imagining her future and what it looked like. She envisioned sitting in a rocker on a porch, her children gathered around, their children, and one person who had been there for her. Wyler.
Opening her eyes, she glimpsed a face among the crowd that uprooted her sense of security.
Anger burrowed through her with the intensity of a bulldozer.
Lacey.
Getting to her feet, pushed through the throng of people with her sight pinned on the uninvited guest.
More anger built inside Liberty when Lacey smiled and said sweetly, “I’m enjoying myself immensely. You Roses certainly know how to throw a shindig.” She tore off a piece of pink cotton candy and licked the sugar from her fingers.
“What are you doing here?” Liberty said in a lowered voice. She reminded herself to keep her discontentment concealed. She’d have the entire Rose clan homing in like flies to honey if there was any sign of a problem.
Lacey pretended to be emotionally hurt. “Am I not welcome?”
“You’re not a resident of Sagebrush Pine.” Which was a bit farfetched since anyone was welcome.
She tossed her remaining cone of cotton candy into a nearby trashcan and swiped her hands down the legs of her distressed jeans. “I thought you might need a reminder that time is ticking. I’m not too sure that you’re taking me seriously.”
“If you think you can bully me, you’ve sadly not taken me seriously,” Liberty said assuredly. “One shout to anyone here and they’ll rain down on you like bullets on a battlefield. I have half a mind to do it just to see the look on your face.”
“All those threats. You really should work on your temper, honey,” Lacey said coolly.
“If you only knew how much restraint I’m showing you. Fair warning though, it’s waning.”
“Oh, I know you…or your type. The only bullies standing here are you and your family. Look at the bastards.” Lacey jutted her sharp chin. “They’re so smug. So unaware what life’s really like not having a silver spoon rammed up their behinds. I should plaster those pictures of you and Reggie all over town and send the letter to the newspaper just to show you that you’re a disgrace to the population of Sagebrush Pine.” Her lip curled.
Liberty folded her arms over her chest. “But you won’t, will you? You can’t wait to get your hands on the Roses’ money. Funny how terrible we are but the hundred grand still spends the same.”
Some of the woman’s armor slipped, but it didn’t take her long to pull herself back together, and this time with more vengeance trickling into her features. “I’m doing this for Reggie’s daughter. I’m guessing you’d understand how important children are.” She made a sweeping motion with her gaze to Liberty’s stomach. “Right, mom-to-be?”
The world seemed to veer off its axis. She clamped her mouth shut, not wanting to give Lacey any more ammunition.
“Don’t look so stunned. You don’t think the town is talking, honey? I guess the rumors have a sliver of truth, don’t they?” Her smile reeked of repugnance. “Fortunately, your child will have both its parents, but poor little Reeana lost her mom right after she was born and then she lost her dad.”
“What happened to her parents is terrible but I didn’t push him into the decision to hurt himself.” As a couple passed, Liberty offered them her best smile, and once they were out of earshot, she added. “I suggest if you want the deal of the century, you get off my property.”
“I want that money.” Lacey’s upper lip trembled.
“Don’t worry, you’ll have your money and then I want you gone. Gone from Sagebrush Pine. Gone from Wyoming.”
“You have until tomorrow at midnight or I’m going public. I hope we have an understanding.” She turned to check for listeners. “And if you think you can outwit me in some way, you should know that I have pictures of your sister too.”
This threw Liberty for a loop. Could she believe the woman? Anyone who would exploit someone out of money would certainly also lie. “You really enjoy watching people having sex, don’t you?” Liberty said bitterly. “You should consider therapy for your problem.”
“Oh, honey. I don’t have pictures of her tits and ass. I have photos of her sitting down having a very intimate conversation with Kent Downs.” A smile crawled over her features. “Just as I thought. You didn’t know your little sister is consorting with your father’s biggest enemy. The man who has threatened to take this ranch down and turn it into a shopping mall. I wonder what she could have been discussing with the man. A conversation possibly worth a million?”
She grabbed Lacey’s arm then, a little too roughly, and leaned in closer, forgetting to remain calm, cool, and collected. “You’ll get the money but if you try and destroy anyone in my family, you’ll see why I’m not one to be messed with.”
Lacey jerked her arm out of the tight grip and snorted. “Oh my, protecting her family? How sweet. We’re a lot more alike than you thought, huh, sweetheart?”
“Don’t come here again. Stay away from my family. Do you hear me?”
“Don’t worry. The money will set you free and you won’t see us again.” A sadistic smile spread over Lacey’s lips.
“Us?”
Lacey grabbed a hat from her backpack and pulled it down over her head then pushed on a pair of dark sunglasses. Her effort at being incognito.
Liberty read the ballcap, the same one the woman had worn the first time they had met. “Are you a baseball fan?”
“Huh?” Lacey seemed caught off guard by the question.
“Your hat. Phillies. Are you from Pennsylvania?” Liberty remembered Wyler saying that Billy thought the license plate of the mysterious truck was from Pennsylvania. “Were you loitering on Sagebrush Rose land?”
“Liberty!” It was Honor and she was coming straight for Liberty.
Liberty ignored Honor’s wave and turned back to Lacey, but she was gone.
Where had she gone?
She made a circle around a group that were waiting for their turn at darts-on-a-jackass and searched everywhere for Lacey. She couldn’t have gotten far. Liberty took off at a slow jog and made her way all the way to the barn and still found no sign of the woman.
Breathing heavy, she took refuge under the shade of a tree. Her heart was still pounding from the encounter.
What was Liberty missing? Could it have been possible that it was Lacey in the truck that Billy saw? If that were the case, then it was possible that she’d started the fire. But Billy said he saw two people. Did Lacey have a partner in crime?
“Liberty?” Honor’s voice broke through Liberty’s thoughts.
Her sister was marching toward her with determination furrowing her brow.
“What are you doing?” Liberty quickly tried to pull herself together.
“Running after you. I’m not a kid any longer and I’m carrying around another human. She sits on my bladder like it’s the best seat in the house.” Honor leaned against the tree and heaved in a breath
Liberty crossed the short distance. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing’s wrong. I just had a discussion with Freedom. She told me that you and Wyler are back together.”
“Of course she did. Did you come out here to give me a lecture?” Liberty couldn’t handle another behave -yourself-Liberty discussion. She started to brush past Honor.
“No lecture. Only to tell you that I’ve missed you,” Honor said.
Liberty stopped and swung around. “I didn’t mean to—”
“Liberty, I didn’t want for things—”
They both blurted at the same time, which brought them both laughter.
“You go ahead,” Liberty offered.
“No, you go ahead,” Honor said.
“Okay.” She cleared her throat as if she was preparing the state of the union address. “I just wanted to say that I’m sorry I meddled in your business with Cave. I shouldn’t have gotten myself involved. You must know that I did it out of a good place, not to make things more difficult for you.”
Honor nodded, looking out into the pasture where the sun’s rays turned the tall reeds into golden rods. A hummingbird stopped to feed on the nectar of aromatic wildflowers. “You’re right, you had no right to intervene, but looking back now I don’t know if Cave and I would have ever gotten here without a gentle push. I want you to know that the prying bothered me, but something else annoyed me even more. You left Sagebrush. No word. No reason. You’ve always been flighty, but there’s a point when you need to start thinking of how your actions can make people feel. We agreed, and made a pact, that you’d never do that. Ever. Not without telling me first.”
Liberty slid down to sit in a patch of grass and Honor sat down next to her just as they’d done a hundred and one times over the years in that same spot. “I’m sorry.”
“Cave threatened that he would move to Alaska if I didn’t make things right with you. I know he was only joking, but I decided it was time I lowered my pride. I have been a sour pickle these days.”
“You have your reasons. And Cave understands.”
“He’s been amazing. I can’t even tell you how grateful I am for that man. He’s been my personal chef, assistant, and chauffeur. He’s even been helping me trim my toenails. He painted the nursery, twice, because I couldn’t make my mind up on what color the walls should be. I won the husband lottery.”
“He’s quite lucky himself, honey.”
“He tells me that often. I never knew I could be this happy.”
Liberty took her sister's hand and gently pressed it. "It's visible in you, Honor. There's a radiance about you."
"What's your situation? You and Wyler are back together?"
Liberty rested her chin on her folded knees. “We decided to give it another try.”
"That’s wonderful news, right?”
"It's more complicated than what it appears." She drew her knees close to her body.
“Nothing is ever easy.” Honor stretched out her legs, holding her belly bump. “It’s okay to have grown-up feelings for Wyler.”
Liberty tipped her chin. “I do admire him.”
“You love him?”
“I think I do. If love is a feeling of both contentment, worry and appreciation, then I most definitely am.”
Honor laughed. “Oh, Liberty. Why fight things then? Have you thought that maybe it’s time to allow someone to occupy those foreign places inside your heart Wyler’s a great guy with a good head on his shoulders. Men like him don’t come along every day. Especially those who can handle a Rose. We’re not easy.”
"Indeed," Liberty said, glancing at the pasture where a couple of volunteers were offering pony rides to the kids. There was a long line of excited children. The soft wind brought over the sounds of cheerful voices, music, and laughter. "Yet, correcting an error after the fact is difficult."
“What error? The fact that you married him to get back into the will. Couples marry for less.”
“Why do you think Daddy forced us into marrying?” Liberty said.
Honor grinned. “Obviously, he put a lot of thought into it. It’s a bit odd, but I think in his head he thought he was playing matchmaker. Daddy knows everything that happens on his ranch, every detail, so he knew the way to get to us to take a plunge was through this land. None of us will willingly let it go, even if Justice, Hope and Freedom are oblivious that this isn’t a joke. Daddy means what he says.”
Liberty groaned. “I just want...” Liberty wasn’t sure what she wanted. She plucked a blade of grass and twirled it between her fingers.
“You want to be loved in return. I get that. Maybe you should ask Wyler those hard questions. Find out what he’s feeling.”
“I guess I’m up to my old ways, throwing up walls in my defense mechanism glory.”
Honor patted Liberty on the back. “I didn’t make winning me easy for Cave. I kicked and screamed and when I finally accepted what my heart was telling me, I found what I’ve always wanted.”
“I guess I should just stope overthinking.”
“Good luck.” Honor laughed. “So? How far along are you?”
Liberty blinked in confusion. “How did you know? The rumor mill is generating juicy gossip these days from what I hear.” Lacey had certainly done some digging.
“No. I ran into Doc a few days ago and he wasn’t wearing his glasses. He asked if I had gotten in to see the obstetrician, Dr. Velch, over in Lonestar that he’d referred and if I picked up the prenatal vitamins he prescribed. I put two and two together and realized he thought he was talking to you. I didn’t have the heart to tell him I wasn’t you.” Honor shrugged. “So, how far along?”
“Around eight weeks.”
“Morning sickness?”
“Lots.”
“That’s supposed to be a good thing. Shows that the baby is thriving.”
Liberty sighed. “What did you do when you had it?”
“Rested. Ate crackers and jelly until I couldn’t look at another saltine. I’m sorry I haven’t been there. It’s been hard not giving in.”
“You made it look easy. You’ve been avoiding me for a while.” Sadness washed over Liberty.
“With pregnancy hormones and missing-sister-syndrome, I’ve been a mess. We need to make a promise to each other to never allow immature feelings to get in the way of our sisterhood.”
Liberty lifted her little finger, honoring the childhood tradition. A pinky promise was unbreakable, no exceptions. “Never again.”
“And if you want my unsolicited advice, have a raw conversation with Wyler. You two have a family now.” They were quiet as they watched the horses grazing in the distance. Then Honor said, “I have a question.”
“Yeah?”
“Did you make the pie for the contest?”
“I sliced. Wyler baked.”
“That’s what I thought.”
Honor hurried off to pee and Liberty dragged her phone out of her back pocket to dial the familiar number. It was answered on the second ring. “I have a job for you. Let’s keep this between us. Meet me at the Crossbridge tomorrow at noon.” She clicked off the phone. It was time Liberty hired someone to do some digging on Lacey, and Reggie.