Chapter 31
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
M aybe Sara was right that he’d needed sleep. Kieran had intended to stay up until Rance came home from the Buffalo, but he’d only had enough energy to send Granny several texts with pictures attached.
He'd told her that Lucky had the one of their mother’s grave and would send it to her soon. After that he couldn’t keep his eyes open, so he’d gone to bed.
Next thing he knew it was morning, but this time he woke up on his own, even before Rance. For a moment he lay there listening to the birds and gazing out the window at the tall pines not far from the cabin. He’d always had trouble imagining fairies back home, but he could feel them here.
Dressing in his jeans and a T-shirt, he went out to the kitchen and took the liberty of making coffee. Either the noise or the smell woke Rance. A floorboard creaked in the other bedroom, the one with a couch in it.
Every time Kieran glanced at that couch he felt guilty, but Rance insisted it was comfortable. Since the arrangement was the only way Kieran had a decent place to bring Sara, he’d make sure his host knew how much the sacrifice meant to him.
Rance appeared wearing sweatpants and nothing else. He scratched his chest and yawned. “Sorry about Thunder crappin’ out on us, buddy.”
“It might have been a blessing. Sara told me I needed sleep and I guess she was right.”
“I think so. You were conked out when I came home.”
“And woke up on my own this time. Fancy a cup?”
“Sure.”
He poured two mugs and handed one to Rance. “Do you have a workout room somewhere?”
“I do.” Rance took a sip. “I enclosed my back porch a while back and that’s where I have my bench. Want to use it?”
“Don’t know that I have time, but thanks for the offer. I figured you did. You don’t build muscle like that bartending.”
“That’s for sure. Derek — that’s Bret and Gil’s dad — has been on all of us to stay in shape ever since I can remember. When we were kids he’d bring us weights and jump ropes and stuff whenever he visited.” He took another swallow.
“For everyone?”
“That’s the kind of guy he is. We’re all glad he decided to move back to Wagon Train.”
“I can’t believe Andy’s happy, though.”
“Nah, he’s cool. He’s figured out the dads aren’t competition. Nick’s a better dancer than Andy, Steven’s loaded, and Derek can bench-press two-twenty, but Mom doesn’t care about any of that. Andy’s the only one for her.”
“Savage.”
“You said it.” Rance grinned. “This family’s definitely savage. So how did things go at the cemetery? Did you get your picture?”
“Thanks for reminding me. Lucky said he’d send the revised version to me and Granny when he got it. I left my mobile in the bedroom.” Hurrying out of the kitchen, he picked it up from the bedside table. He had a text from Sara, one from Lucky and six from Granny.
He followed his heart and opened Sara’s first. You did great last night. I was a hot mess. Do you want to try a practice ride today? Just around the yard, not on a trail. If you want to, I’ll text Marsh and ask if we can borrow Pie. He’s a very sweet horse. You’ll like him.
Smiling, he read the text at least three times, maybe more. He could hear her voice, see the eagerness in her expression, feel the love. She didn’t have to say it. He could tell by the way?—
“Everything okay?”
He looked up. Rance stood in the doorway looking anxious. “Sorry! Got distracted. Sara’s asking if I want to ride Pie around the yard today.”
“You should definitely do that.” Rance’s frown disappeared. “ Pie is short for Sweetie-Pie, Jimmy Stewart’s favorite horse. That horse is long gone but this one looks just like him.”
“Are you slagging me, mate?”
“Swear to God. Years ago Mom decided to find lookalikes for famous horses.”
“It’s not just Lucky’s Silver, then?”
“Heck, no. We all have famous ones. Mine’s Diablo, a black and white paint just like the Cisco Kid rode. Mom’s got Trigger. Angie has Buttermilk. Savage, right?”
“Pure savage. I haven’t made it to the barn, yet, but now I can’t wait.”
“They’ll be out in the pasture by the time you get down there, but Sara can point them out to you. She knows ’em all.”
“But she was only here for a week back in February. How did she have time to?—”
“She made good use of that week, taking pictures of each horse so she wouldn’t forget. She’s been taking riding lessons back home. Found someone who taught Western. She’s a lot more fascinated and attached to the ranch, and us, than she’ll admit.”
“It’s not surprising. Being here, I feel like….” He paused. “When I was about seven, a carnival came to town. I loved it all — the rides, the candy floss, the lights, the music. Rowdy Ranch feels like that.”
Rance nodded. “I used to take this place for granted. But when Mav was born — Jess and Beau’s kid — I had an inkling I was part of something cool. The realization hit me full force when Andy moved in. He appreciated it so much that I saw it through his eyes. Now I don’t let a day go by without giving thanks for… everything.”
“I envy you.”
Rance’s gaze intensified. “You belong here, buddy. I feel it in my bones. Is there any way?—”
“I won’t leave Granny. But I’ve come up with a plan.” He quickly outlined his idea.
“That’s brilliant. Mom will go for it in a heartbeat. Now if only Sara would relocate, the two of you could?—”
“I can’t ask it of her. She’s five years into her career with that travel company. I’d only be around for a couple of weeks here and there. It’s not a good deal.”
“I guess not.”
He glanced at the time on his mobile. “I need to get moving. I promised Desiree I’d be there early to get ready for the call.”
“While you shower, I’ll throw something together for breakfast.”
“Thanks. Do you need a ride to work? After the call I can?—”
“Clint’s picking me up. Don’t worry about me. Text Sara and then jump in the shower.”
He sent Sara a thumbs up, then shaved and showered quick as he could. Over a simple breakfast of cereal and toast, he and Rance studied the digitally altered picture of Freya Noreen Haggerty’s grave.
“Molly did a damned good job,” Rance said. “Tell me the story the way you’ll tell it to Granny, in case I ever talk to her.”
“I’m sure you will. And I’ve told her the truth, that when the father didn’t show up, Desiree stepped in. I’m leaving out that she didn’t give her real name. I think knowing that would bring Granny unnecessary pain, like she was living like a criminal.”
“I agree. Well done.”
“I sent her some other pictures last night before I went to bed. You need to see how she texts.” He explained her method and turned his mobile over to Rance.
By the time he got to the sixth one, tears of laughter were streaming down his face and catching on his beard stubble. “There’s gotta be a way to get her over here.”
Kieran sighed. “You heard what Lucky said. If I told her this is where I want to spend the rest of my life, but I’ll stay in Ireland for her, she’d start packing. But I’d never do such a thing.”
“Of course not. But what if she’d love it here?”
“What if the stress of getting on a plane for the first time in her life gave her a heart attack?”
“You’d never been on a plane, either. Were you stressed about it?”
“I thought it was pure craic, but I’m fifty years younger. And I have my mother’s fire. Granny doesn’t have it.”
“I dunno. She sent you a volcano, fireworks and a shooting star. That looks damned fiery to me. And the crossed swords isn’t exactly a symbol of tranquility.”
“Like I said, her finger slips.”
“So you say. It could also be the real Granny making a stealth appearance.”
“Wishful thinking, mate.” He polished off his coffee and grabbed his mobile. “Let me know about Thunder.”
“I will, and just so you know, I’ll do the double drive tonight. I’m not taking a chance on Sara getting stuck.”
“Appreciate it.” He hadn’t remembered that she’d decided to make the trip on her own, but with Thunder having computer issues, he was glad Rance would be in charge.
Desiree, dressed in jeans and a plaid shirt, was waiting for him in Rowdy Roost. Hopping down from a bar stool, she gave him a hug. “Lucky’s running a little late.”
“Let me text Granny and tell her.” He got out his mobile and typed a short message. “Done.” He laid it on the bar to keep it handy for the call. “This gives me a chance to ask you about something.”
She smiled. “Go for it.” As he launched into his plan, her smile grew. When he finished she gave him another hug. “I love it. Angie will, too. She’s talked about how much she’d like to have you as part of her crew.”
“She has?”
“She’s expanding the business and you’d be a valuable addition. She’ll be glad to have you whenever you can manage it.”
“That’s grand news. I’ll mention it to her first chance I get, then.”
“Do that.” She studied him, her expression calm. “I have something to say, too. I know what Rance has been up to.”
His breath whooshed out and his face heated. He wasn’t surprised that she’d found out, just scundered. “He’s only trying to help. If you’re upset, blame me. I could’ve told him no, but?—”
“I’m not upset. You and Sara are consenting adults caught in an awkward set of circumstances. It’s your business how you handle the situation. Which is what I told her this morning.”
“You’ve talked to her?”
“We just happened to have a moment alone so I grabbed my chance. She told me to blame her.”
“Ah, no, never her. She?—”
“I’m not blaming anyone. Like I said, it’s your business.”
Meeting her gaze, he dragged in a breath. “Thank you.” And that was how a legend conducted herself when faced with such things. He’d admired her before. Now his regard bordered on worship.
She smiled. “You’re welcome.”
“When did you find out?”
“I’ve known from the beginning. I didn’t believe for a minute that Rance felt ‘left out’.” She made air quotes. “He and Lucky had their relationship tested back in February and they came out of it stronger than ever.”
“That’s what he told Lucky and Oksana when they gave us a lift to his cabin.”
She nodded. “I figured he would. And Sara told me Lani’s in on it.”
“She is. Had to be.”
“Rance must be in his element playing matchmaker and ringmaster at the same time.”
“He’s likely to fail at the matchmaking part. What about Sara’s folks? Do they know?”
“I’m not sure. Andy does because we don’t keep secrets from each other. But I see no reason to mention it to Vanessa and Harry unless they bring it up.”
“I just hope they realize …” He fumbled for the right words. “Sara means the world to me. I would never?—”
“We can all see that. And she feels the same about you. It’s unfortunate that… well, you’re in a no-win situation, aren’t you?”
“I can’t speak for Sara, but I’ve been blessed. Spending this time with her makes me the most fortunate fella alive.”
Desiree’s eyes lit up. “Nicely put. Which brings me to something else. When I mentioned something about this upcoming call, she laughed and said she wished she could be a mouse in the corner. And I thought why not?”
“I can’t think of any reason. I didn’t know she wanted to listen in.”
“She’s a part of the story, a player from the get-go. Naturally she’s curious to hear how it goes between me and your granny.”
“Then she should be here.”
“Great. I said I’d text her if you gave the okay.” She pulled out her mobile.
He should have thought of it himself. He wished he could introduce her to his oul dear and say exactly how he felt about her. Sara and Granny were the two most important women in his life and they should know each other. Would that ever happen?