Chapter 4
CHAPTER FOUR
T eaching Kieran the benefits of saying yes, ma’am had been a tactical error. Sara’s pulse was still racing as she walked past the large wooden buffalo and tripped the sensors. The buffalo moaned Hot enouuuuf for youuuu? ”
A little too hot, thank you, and she wasn’t talking about the weather. She glanced toward the table where her folks and Lani were giving her the eye. She waved.
“What the devil?” Kieran stared at the mascot in obvious fascination, backed up and came through again. Then he started laughing. “That’s gas.”
If she hadn’t spent time with the Dublin group, she wouldn’t know that’s gas meant he thought the talking buffalo was hilarious . His reaction to it had likely drawn her family’s attention, too, especially since the mid-afternoon crowd in the Buffalo was sparse.
She glanced toward their table and sure enough, Lani and her parents were focused on her unexpected companion. She turned back to him. “Liked that, did you?”
“Loved it. What else does it say? That can’t be the only thing.”
“They change it up for each holiday, but since August doesn’t have one, I guess weather makes a good topic. Supposedly it’s hot for this time of year. Anyway, we should go?—”
“Who have we here, Sara?” Cecily, senior member of the wait staff, hurried over, menu in hand. “I don’t believe I know this gentleman.”
“He’s Kieran Haggerty from Ireland.”
“Seriously?”
“Seriously. Kieran, meet Cecily, the best server I’ve ever encountered. Incredible memory.”
Kieran whipped off his hat and offered his hand. “How are you… ma’am?”
Sara pressed her lips together to keep from giggling.
“I’m just dandy, thank you, Kieran. Welcome to Wagon Train.”
“He was in Hannigan’s to buy a hat, just like me. Flew into Missoula this morning and drove down. I brought him over to meet my folks and get some food.”
“Then take a look at the menu, son.” She handed it over. “See if anything strikes your fancy. I’ll get it started while you go socialize.”
“The egg salad sandwich looks good.”
“Is it possible we could get it to go?” Her family was probably ready to leave and she was eager for this meeting between Kieran and Desiree. “I’d like him to ride out to the ranch with us, but I never asked if you do takeout.”
“Absolutely, and you’ll love Rowdy Ranch, son. I’ll put in your order. Would you like a pint of Guinness while you wait for it?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
He was a quick study, this Irishman.
“I’ll bring it to the table. You’d better scamper on over there, Sara, girl. Your sister just got to her feet. Looks like she’s ready to find out what’s what.”
“Thanks, Cecily. I see her.” Lani was on her way, brown curls bouncing on her shoulders, a polite smile on her lips and what-the-hell? in her eyes. “Hey, Lani, this is Kieran Haggerty from Ireland.”
She blinked. “Ireland?” Astonishment replaced her big sister’s protective expression.
“Yes, ma’am.” Kieran held out his hand. “How are you?”
“I’m fine, thanks. What brings you to?—”
“We met when he came into Hannigan’s looking for a hat. He has quite a story. After hearing it I decided he needs to talk with Desiree.”
“What story?”
“Let’s go sit. Mom and Dad need to hear it, too.”
When they reached the table, she introduced her parents as Vanessa and Harry. Kieran used his newfound ma’am on her mother, which made her smile, but she would have been okay with Vanessa. New Jersey residents weren’t steeped in the tradition the way folks were out here.
Her dad grabbed an extra chair and they made room for Kieran at the table between Sara and Lani. Cecily brought a mug of dark beer for Kieran and refilled everyone’s water glass. Satisfied that they didn’t need anything more, she collected the dessert plates and left.
Kieran hooked his hat carefully on the back of his chair, took a sip of his beer and launched into his explanation. Her sister and parents listened with almost identical expressions of sadness and sympathy, as if they had the same reaction she’d had, to draw him into a big hug.
When he showed them the postcard and photograph he didn’t pass them around or get them anywhere near his Guinness. Then he tucked them away in his shirt pocket and picked up his beer. “And that’s why I came to Wagon Train.”
Her dad cleared his throat. “And your father?”
“Not in the picture.” He took another swallow of Guinness. “It’s just been me and Granny since Grandpa died. She didn’t want me to come, but if I could put her mind to rest… and mine, for that matter, I’d be willing to do most anything for that.”
“I think he needs to talk to Desiree,” Sara said. “He has a rental and could follow us out, but he’s probably still jet lagged. If he comes with us, he’ll have a chance to eat his sandwich on the way. I can bring him back here later.”
“Or I could just follow you out.” Kieran turned to her. “I can handle the drive.”
“While eating a sandwich?”
“Well….”
“Ride out with us, son,” her dad said. “We have multiple people who can bring you back, including me. Where are you staying?”
“The Wagon Train Hotel.”
“That’s nice,” her mom said. “Historic.”
When her mom and dad exchanged a glance, Sara had no trouble interpreting it. There were rooms available in the kids’ wing of Rowdy Ranch, but it wasn’t their place to say so. Desiree probably would, though.
“Desiree will be a good resource.” Her mom focused on Kieran. “She was here back then and I get the impression she’s been active in the community from the beginning.”
“Hey, guys, what about Andy?” Lani said. “He’s been here a long time, too, and putting out a newspaper. If Kieran’s mother…” She faltered and sent Kieran an apologetic look. “I mean, newspapers keep track of….”
“When someone dies.” His voice was steady as he finished Lani’s sentence. “And she must have. Like I said, she was faithful about those postcards, one a week. She wouldn’t have stopped sending them unless something happened to her.”
“It’s brave of you to come looking for answers, son.” Her dad eyed Kieran with respect. “Rowdy Ranch is a good place to start. Besides Desiree and Andy, there’s Buck and Marybeth, the couple who’ve been helping Desiree with the ranch and the kids for more than thirty years. Out of those four, surely someone has information.”
“Here’s your egg salad sandwich.” Cecily arrived with a paper bag folded down at the top. “I put in some chips and a couple of cookies.”
“And we have water bottles in the car,” Lani added.
He stood and pulled out his wallet. “I appreciate it. What do I?—”
“Put it on our tab, please, Cecily.” Her dad got to his feet. “The beer, too.”
“No, no.” Kieran turned to him. “That’s kind of you, but I can?—”
“Of course you can. But we want to help. Buying your lunch would make us happy.”
Kieran glanced at her.
“Just go with it.” She pushed back her chair. “Make my family happy.”
“Then thank you, all of you. I’ll be telling Granny I was treated like a king while I was in Wagon Train.”
“Then we’re outta here.” Her dad picked up the bill and stepped away from the table. “I’ll take care of this and meet you guys at the front door.”
“Thanks, Dad.” She gave him a quick hug.
“You’re welcome, sweetie.”
She slung her purse over her shoulder and met Kieran’s gaze. “Ready to leave?”
He had a teasing gleam in his eyes. “Yes?—”
“Never mind. Let’s go.”
His soft chuckle as he followed her toward the door made her tingle all over. She should never have suggested that routine, never have handed him a seductive technique that might be her undoing.
Luckily he’d only used it when they were in public. If he ever deployed that tactic when they were alone, she wouldn’t be responsible for her actions.