CHAPTER 19
CHAPTER NINETEEN
No one came to the door when Sandy and Lily
arrived back at the ranch.
“Where is everyone?”
They dropped their suitcases in the hallway
and went looking. The big ranch house seemed eerily empty as they
walked through the homey family room with the stone fireplace
sending out warmth, the good aromas in the kitchen and on out to
the chilly backyard.
Jesse was playing by the barn with the dogs,
while Sam and Jeanne were looking cozy walking arm-in-arm in a
circular pattern, talking softly to one another. Lily thought they
leaned dangerously close too.
“What’s up here, Sandy?” She slyly
smiled.
“I told you something was up when I left.
Apparently, whatever it is has progressed. Come on,” he took her
hand. “Let’s tell everyone the good news.”
Jesse saw them and a big grin brightened his
face. He rushed up breathlessly. “Dad! Lily!” They both gave him
big hugs. “We missed you at school, Lily. Are you coming back
soon?”
“Yes, sweetie,” she leaned down to kiss his
cheek. “I’ll be there on Monday. Is that soon enough?”
“Yeah,” Jesse shouted, as he ran inside with
the dogs on his heels.
“Dad!” Lily cupped her hands and called
out.
Sam hurried to meet his daughter. He kissed
both her cheeks and they hugged each other tightly.
“Honey, I’m sorry about all of this. My mind
apparently went away for a while. Hopefully, I’m back now.”
“Dad, I’m so happy to see you again. It seems
like my dearest father is back in residence again. I understand you
and Sandy talked things out.”
“… We did, sweetie, with Jeanne’s help.”
At that, Jeanne came up to Lily and gave her
a big hug as well. Sam reached a hand out to Sandy. “Well done,
young man. Thank you for bringing my daughter home safe and
sound.”
Sandy nodded. “It was absolutely my pleasure,
Sam.”
Meanwhile, Jeanne grabbed Lily’s left hand.
“And what is this, my darling son? Just what happened up in San
Francisco?” She was dazzled by the diamond ring, as was Sam.
“That’s a beaut!”
Sandy put his arm around Lily’s waist. “We
want you to know that I asked Lily to marry me, officially, and she
said yes…” Sandy brushed his lips on Lily’s.
Lily giggled. “It was not only official, it
was very public. He proposed on one knee in the lobby of the
Fairmont Hotel. Everyone applauded at the end.”
“That sounds so romantic, just like my
wonderful son,” crooned Jeanne smiling at them both. She warmly
embraced Lily and then Sandy.
Sam patted Sandy’s shoulder.
“Congratulations, son. My daughter couldn’t want for a better
choice of a husband.”
“Then we have your approval, Sam? This time?”
Sandy laughed.
“… You don’t need it, but you certainly have
it.”
Jeanne took Sam’s arm. “Good. You didn’t
screw it up, this time.”
* * *
“She’s back, isn’t she?”
Jason grinned knowingly. Sandy was a new man,
puffed up like a peacock. It had to be Lily. “You’re smiling all
the time. What’s up?”
“Yeah, I went up to San Francisco to get her.
That’s where she went to recharge her batteries, her dad said.
Speaking of Sam, he flew in a few nights ago and is getting pretty
chummy with my mother.”
They sat astride their horses, gazing into
the sunset. Officially, they were checking reports of coyotes in
the area. Unofficially, they were enjoying the coming night. The
Nevada sun with streaks of pink and orange finally set in the
horizon. The big sky had a chest full of stars in it tonight and
the smell of sage filled the air.
“We’re getting married, Jason, and I’d like
you to be best man. What do you think?”
“Absolutely. Yes. Thanks, that’s quite an
honor.”
“We’ve been doing some planning the last few
days and we want to have it here at the ranch in two months. Lily
wants us in tuxedoes, though. Can you handle it?” He leaned back on
his horse.
“Yep. No problem.” Jason spit on the ground.
“I’m gonna wear my boots, though, Sandy. Can’t wear those wing-tip
things. Too uncomfortable.”
“I totally agree. It’s a small
compromise.”
The cowboys were still for a long time,
basking in long-time friendship and the fresh earthen smells around
them. Their horses nibbled and swatted away offending flies.
“… Mind if I bring Amy to the wedding?”
“You’re kidding,” Sandy blinked. “You and
Amy?”
“Yeah, I seem to stuck with your leftovers,”
Jason teased.
“I wish you guys well. Love is the best. I
wish you some.”
“Thanks, buddy.” And then they sat still
listening to the coyotes yipping in the far away distance, thinking
their own individual thoughts. The horses shifted gracefully,
loudly munching and chewing the moist grass.
* * *
Half the town milled and socialized in
Sandy’s backyard. Fragrant flowers were everywhere, giving the air
a mixed smell of roses, hyacinth and lilac. An archway had been
built out in the huge grassy area. Earlier, Jeanne, Page and a few
friends had been busy putting lace all over it, plus more flowers
and decorative art. An area was set aside for the cowboy band that
would play later at the reception. Of course, drinks and food were
set up in another area with tables and chairs. It looked to be a
blowout of a party.
Lily was dressing in their bedroom, while
Sandy and Jason had been kicked out to another bedroom to dress.
Jeanne and Page brought in the wedding dress and helped Lily put it
on. She looked beautiful! They had flown up to San Francisco to
find a gown and this one looked incredible on her. The skirt had
miles and layers of satin with a strapless beaded bodice. She
wanted no veil but designed an upsweep hairdo with decorative combs
holding it back. Her makeup was minimal, maximizing her beauty.
“Ouch, watch it there.” Lily winced. “That’s
skin you’re trying to zip up with the dress.”
“How in the world could that dress be snug?”
Page wondered aloud. “It fit beautifully two months ago when you
bought it.” A light bulb appeared above her head and Jeanne’s at
the same time.
“…Lily, honey,” began Jeanne. “Why is your
dress tight? Anything you care to tell Page and me?”
They folded their arms and stood there
waiting for her answer. Page tapped her toe.
“No, Jeanne, nothing at all.” Lily’s eyes
danced.
“…Lily, are you…are you pregnant?” Page
clapped her hands together. “Are you?”
Jeanne let out a yip.
Lily gave them a stern look. “Look, you two.
I haven’t even told Sandy, so I can’t admit anything to you.”
“Okay, then, just nod if you are or shake
your head if you’re not.”
Lily nodded her head. Jeanne and Page each
gave her a big hug and started wiping tears that slid down their
happy faces.
“That is so wonderful, sweetie. I’m happy for
you both.” Jeanne searched for a tissue from a box on the
dresser.
“Me too, Lily. What wonderful news. Sandy
will be thrilled,” sobbed Page.
Jeanne handed her several tissues.
“You two pull yourselves together. My mascara
is starting to run and I need your support right now. Not your
hankies.” Lily patted her cheeks with her soggy tissue.
“Absolutely right, Lily.” They helped her
with the finishing touches. “We’re here for you, sweetie.”
A few minutes later came a knock on the
bedroom door.
“You decent in there, honey? It’s show time…”
Sam came in wearing a tuxedo and Jeanne about swooned. His smooth
face and salt-and-pepper hair made him look like Sam Elliott more
than ever.
He stopped and sighed just looking at his
lovely daughter in her wedding dress. “I wish your mother could see
you now. She would be so proud.”
“Dad, you’re going to make me cry again. I
miss Mom too,” Lily sniffed. “Especially at a time like this.”
Meanwhile, at the altar, Sandy and Jason were
nervously shifting their feet. Jason’s bow tie felt a little tight
and Sandy’s cummerbund pinched him in the back. They weren’t used
to such elegant clothes, but many of the women in town looked on
admiringly. Amy was giving Jason the once-over, which he liked.
“Do you think she’ll be much longer, Sandy?”
Jason tugged at the tie.
“We’re stuck in these fancy duds for the
night. Better accept it and look around. We’re being appreciated,”
Sandy laughed.
“Jesse looks pretty cute in his tuxedo. He’s
a good ring-bearer.”
“Yep.”
Then the music started. Lily and her father
walked up the aisle to the archway to Willie Nelson singing I
Want to be with You Always. Jason poked Sandy, “God, she’s
gorgeous! You’re such a lucky man.”
“Don’t I know it.”
Sandy was mesmerized. Lily was already
stunning, but in her wedding gown, she was impossibly beautiful.
People murmured as she and Sam joined Sandy and Jason at the altar.
Sam gave both Sandy and Lily hugs, and then gave Lily’s hand to
Sandy. With a sweet look between them, Sandy and Lily faced the
minister.
They recited vows they had written from the
heart. It was all very moving and many in the audience were teary.
Jesse stepped up with the rings looking very official. As soon as
they were pronounced ‘Husband and wife’, they were kissing. At that
moment, instead of applause, the audience started hooting and
hollering. It was a cowboy crowd, all right.
Sam and Jason brought up horses and the
minister explained that they had wanted to ride together as their
first act as husband and wife. Sandy helped Lily on her horse. That
was difficult with the amount of satin and lace on her
multi-layered dress. Lily laughed at his clumsiness trying to get
the dress situated. Then he gracefully mounted his horse and said
to Jason, “Give us fifteen minutes and let Jesse ride down to us.
We’re just going to the little stream about fifty yards down.”
“Gotcha, Sandy.”
As they walked the horses, Sandy glanced at
her.
“You look so beautiful. Lovely dress.” His
smile swept her face. “And how do you like the horse I got you for
a wedding present? She’s a thoroughbred—a black beauty for a
black-haired beauty.”
“She’s pretty and minds well. Hopefully, you
don’t intend us to be alike in that regard.” She was laughing at
him.
After they had stopped by the stream, their
horses bent down to get a drink. Lily fished an envelope from some
hidden pocket on her immense dress.
Sandy watched her. “Where did that come from?
You must have all kinds of hidden compartments in that dress.”
Lily blushed and handed him the envelope.
“This is my wedding gift to you, darling.”
He took out a black and white picture from
the envelope and held it up for a good look. “Is this what I think
it is?”
“…What do you think it is, husband of
mine?”
Sandy looked stunned and then incredibly
pleased. “Are you… pregnant, Lily?”
“Yes, it was a very busy two nights in San
Francisco that did the trick. What do you think? Sandy? Did you
fall into a coma?” A few layers of satin moved in the breeze and
she smoothed them down.
He dismounted quickly and helped her down
gently. Although the dress was hard to manage, he folded her into
his arms and hugged her. When he tilted her face up with a finger
to kiss her, tears were running down his face.
Lily wiped them away. “That was not the
effect I had in mind. Are you okay?”
“…Are you? Should be you riding?” He patted
her stomach.
“Doc said it was okay—just not galloping. Oh,
and one more thing…” She paused for effect.
“There’s more?”
“Yes, the doctor said it’s a boy.”
“…Oh, Lily. And I bet his name is Colt.” They
embraced until they heard the galloping sounds of a horse riding up
to join them. Jesse rode up and stopped his horse by theirs.
Sandy lifted him out of the saddle and they
brought him into their embrace.
“Son, we have something to tell you,” Sandy
began.
“Daddy, can I ask a question first?” His
high-pitched voice piped up.
“…Lily, are you my mommy now?”
Lily and Sandy shared watery eyes at the
innocent question coming out of sweet Jesse’s mouth. His face
scrunched up and he looked puzzled.
“Yes, please, Jesse. I would love to be your
mother.” She was crying and Sandy couldn’t keep his composure
either. Lily bent down to give Jesse a big hug. He hugged her
back.
“Good!” he said with happy grin.
Sandy wiped his eyes. “Jesse, you’re going to
have a little brother in a few months. What do you think about
that?”
“…Oh, goody! I’ve always wanted a
brother.”
Jesse got back on his horse and shaded his
eyes to look around.
“What are you doing, son?”
“Looking for my new brother,” Jesse said
loudly enough for a few wedding guests to hear him.
Sheriff Bud Moody winked at his wife and
said, “See? I told you this wedding would be fun.”
THE END
Would you please take a
minute to write a review of Rancher’s
Girl? Click on review at the very end. The
author would appreciate hearing your comments.
As a token of the
author’s thanks, here’s a sample chapter from the next book in the
series.
Continue reading for an excerpt from Colt’s
story, WHISPERER