Randall Honor
Judy Christenberry

www.millsandboon.co.uk

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Judy Christenberry has been writing romances for fifteen years because she loves happy endings as much as her readers do. A former French teacher, Judy now devotes herself to writing full-time. She hopes readers have as much fun reading her stories as she does writing them. She spends her spare time reading, watching her favorite sports teams and keeping track of her two daughters. Judy’s a native Texan, but now lives in Arizona.

Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Epilogue

Chapter One

Dr. Jonathan Wilson opened the door of Randall Accounting, a grimace on his face. Two days in town and he already had to deal with a number cruncher. Not his favorite thing.

But Dr. Jacoby had insisted.

He’d expected life to be different here. After all, Rawhide, Wyoming, was a lot smaller than Chicago. He supposed he’d been unrealistic. Everything always seemed to come down to numbers, or maybe he should say dollars, even in this small town. After years of med school, he should know that.

“May I help you?”

The cool, educated voice snapped him out of his thoughts. Sitting in the large reception area, a petite blonde greeted him.

He guessed something else was the same as in Chicago. Beautiful women hovering near money. He’d bet this woman wouldn’t be able to tell a debit from a credit. She was there to find out who had money and how she could get some.

“Russ Randall, please,” he said briskly. He’d learned his lesson from his poor father. Avoid blond leeches if at all possible.

Her delicate eyebrows lifted slightly, as if she heard disdain in his voice. Not a way to make friends in this small town.

“I’m sorry, he’s not in right now. May I take a message?”

Jon was surprised that Randall had such professional help in a small town. She sounded almost as businesslike as he. “When do you expect him back?”

“I’m not sure. Could you tell me the nature of your business?”

She really was quite beautiful, but then his mother had been beautiful, too. Beautiful, greedy and self-centered.

He tried to find a pleasant way to refuse to answer. He didn’t want to make her mad. Finally he said, “It’s private.”

Any friendliness he’d imagined he’d seen disappeared. Her face expressionless, she said, “Russ is at lunch. He’ll return in about an hour. You may wait, or I’ll ask him to call you.” Without waiting for an answer, she picked up a pen and turned to the papers on her desk.

He stood there, feeling the coldness of her manner. He pulled out a piece of paper from his pocket. “Is there someone who could show me the apartment he has for rent? It had this same address.”

Her head came up and she stared at him. “Who sent you here?”

“Why? Is the apartment a secret?”

“Dr. Wilson, we’re normally a little more open in Rawhide. You might want to make a note of that.” She opened her desk drawer and pulled out some keys. “This way.”

“How did you know who I am?”

“Certainly not from your friendly greeting.”

She’d circled him and was going out the front door. He decided he’d better follow her. He could determine her source of information later.

The accounting office appeared to occupy half the ground floor of the small building. The other half was a newspaper office. According to the sign painted on the window, its name was the Rawhide Roundup. Oh, yeah, that would probably be the same as the Chicago Tribune with hard-hitting news and in-depth articles about scientific discoveries.

He sighed but kept going, following in the blonde’s wake, unconsciously noting her trim behind in nicely tailored slacks.

At the edge of the building, she turned a sharp left and began climbing a stairway that ran up the side of the building.

He peeked over the railing as he climbed and saw what looked like a parking lot behind the building. “Is there parking back there?”

“Yes.”

Okay. She was mad at him. Good thing she wasn’t going to be his landlord. She’d never let him move in in the first place.

She reached the landing and then turned left again, going to the front of the building. She paused in front of two doors and unlocked the door on the right. She walked inside and folded her arms over her nicely formed chest. Not that he noticed.

“The apartment has two bedrooms and two baths, a full kitchen, including a microwave, refrigerator and dishwasher. The floors are hardwood in here, but the bedrooms are carpeted. There’s no air-conditioning, but it has gas heat, and the fireplace is gas.”

She remained in the center of the room, looking as unfriendly as ever.

“Thank you. May I look around?”

She sighed. “Of course. I’m returning to our office. Please lock the door when you leave.” Then she walked out.

And he still didn’t know who she was or how she knew his name.

VICTORIA RANDALL MUTTERED several words under her breath in reference to the man she’d left upstairs. Her mother, Anna, had stopped by the office yesterday, bragging about the new doctor in town. According to Anna, the man was brilliant, handsome and single.

She’d have to take her mother’s word on two out of three of those traits. Anna worked part-time as a nurse and midwife in the area, so presumably she’d know.

He was handsome, all right. But Tori knew he was a snob and unfriendly. He’d thought he was dealing with a receptionist, and he was much too important to even introduce himself. And he was going to be her neighbor?

She reached the office and sat down at her desk, trying to fix her mind on the work at hand. She had a lot to do. Business was good. After she’d gotten her accounting degree and the C.P.A. designation, she’d studied for her broker’s license, too. Their offices, hers and Russ’s, offered full financial services.

She’d bought in as Russ’s partner after Bill Johnson had died. He’d had the original practice and Russ had become his partner. When Bill passed away, Russ had bought the office building and the accounting business from his widow. That big an investment had made things difficult. He’d been pleased when Tori had expressed an interest in investing with him.

So, she decided, blowing out a long breath, she should’ve told the doctor who she was. Why had she reacted as coldly as she had? That wasn’t the way she was.

The office door opened and she looked up, expecting the doctor to have returned. Instead, she greeted her uncle, Griff Randall.

“Hi, Uncle Griff.”

“Hey, Tori. I was in town and thought I’d stop by to see if you’d read the Kiplinger letter yet. They just recommended the stock we bought last week. That endorsement should make the stock go up.”

“Yes, I did this morning.” She grinned. “Our timing was perfect.”

“I think we should hold on to it for a while. Its profit-to-earning ratio is good.”

“Very,” she agreed. “Let me show you something if you have time. I’ve been looking at another stock.” She turned to her computer screen and quickly brought up some research she’d done.

Griffin had been a broker in Chicago before he came to Rawhide. His mother had been her father’s aunt, but she’d left Rawhide as a pregnant teenager and no one had heard of her again. In the end, she’d asked her son to bury her on the Randall ranch.

When Tori had expressed an interest in the stock market as a teenager, her father had suggested she talk to her uncle Griff, who now lived on a neighboring ranch. He’d been her mentor ever since.

Griff circled the desk and was leaning over Tori’s shoulder to see the information she’d found when the door opened again and the doctor returned.

Tori stiffened and said, “Yes? Do you have any questions?”

“Yes, several. But don’t let me interrupt.”

Even though she was irritated with him, Tori couldn’t bring herself to be rude. Especially not in front of Uncle Griff. “Dr. Wilson, this is my uncle, Griffin Randall. Uncle Griff, this is the new doctor in town. Dr. Jonathan Wilson.”

Griff reached out his hand and the doctor shook it. “Glad to meet you. I hear you’re from Chicago.”

The doctor appeared surprised that Griff knew that information and Tori shook her head. He had a lot to learn about small towns.

“Yes, I am.”

“Me, too. Born and raised there.”

“So you’re visiting?”

“No. I live here now. Once Rawhide gets its claws into you, you never leave.”

The handsome man raised his eyebrows. “I will. I’m returning to Chicago in four years. I’m required to stay that long.”

Both Tori and Griff were surprised. At least, Tori guessed at Griff’s reaction when he asked the next question.

“Why four years?”

“It’s a government program. They offer interest-free loans to med students if they’ll work four years in rural areas after graduation.”

“And then you’ll just abandon the town?” Tori asked, her voice rising in horror. Doc Jacoby, the current doctor, had been in Rawhide for almost forty years. He wouldn’t be retiring now except that he was old and tired. He said he wanted to spend his sunset years fishing and visiting with friends.

“I’m sure the government will find someone else to do four years,” the doctor said, showing no concern for Tori’s reaction.

There was an uncomfortable silence. Then Griffin said, “Maybe you’ll change your mind.”

The man gave a brief smile, not the least bit warm, and said nothing.

“Do you want to leave a message for Russ?” Tori asked abruptly.

He looked at his watch. “I think I’ll get some lunch and come back. According to what you said earlier, he should be here in about half an hour, right?”

“Approximately.” Russ usually had lunch with Abby, his wife, at the elementary school. He’d be back when Abby’s afternoon class started, but Tori didn’t feel like sharing any personal information with the new doctor.

“All right. Thanks.” The doctor started turning toward the door when Griff stuck out his hand.

“Glad to meet you, Dr. Wilson. Hopefully my family won’t be in too frequently.”

“Of course, glad to meet you, Mr. Randall. Anytime I can be of service.” Then he nodded to Tori and left the office.

“As long as it’s within four years,” she said, mocking the man’s words. “And probably not unless it’s convenient! I can’t believe that jerk is going to replace Doc!”

Just as she finished her complaint, the door opened again and the doctor reappeared. “I forgot to ask. Is the other door another apartment?”

Her cheeks flushed, she nodded.

“Is it rented?”

“Yes,” she snapped.

“Will I have nice neighbors?” he asked.

She couldn’t believe his nerve. He wouldn’t be a nice neighbor. How dare he expect better than he’d give?

Griff gave her a quizzical look. Then he answered the doctor’s question. “You bet. Your neighbor is the cream of the crop.”

“Great. Thanks.”

When they were alone again, Griff said, “I gather you didn’t bother to inform him that you live in the other apartment.”

“No. It wasn’t any of his business. He hasn’t rented the apartment yet.” She sighed, then said, “I didn’t mean to be rude. But he wouldn’t even introduce himself. How’s he going to replace sweet old Doc?”

“Doc deserves his retirement.”

“I know, but…you’re right. Hopefully, I won’t get sick in the next four years!”

“I’ll vote for that. Say, can you print those pages so I can take them home and look them over? I’ll call you tomorrow.”

“Sure.” As the pages were being printed, Russ came in. After greetings all around, Tori gave Griffin the pages and he said goodbye.

“Anything happen while I was gone?” Russ said as he shrugged out of his jacket.

“Yes. Our lovely new doctor came to see you.”

“Oh? Well, that’s not a surprise. Doc asked me to hold the apartment for him.”

“Well, I think you should rent it to the first drunken cowboy you can find!”

Russ froze, staring at his cousin in astonishment. “Why?”

“Because he’s awful! Cold and stiff. Rude. And he’s leaving in four years, like the people don’t matter!”

“I know. Doc told me. But he’s hoping he’ll decide to stay. Doc figures he will get him married before the time comes for him to go.”

“Fine! Just make sure my name’s not on the potential-wife list!”

“Wow, he really ticked you off, didn’t he?”

“You’d better believe it. I wouldn’t—”

The door opened again. She was grateful she’d stopped when she did. She didn’t like the man, but there was no point in announcing that to him.

“Mr. Randall?” the doctor said, as he closed the door behind him before extending his hand.

“Yes, make it Russ. You’ll soon find there are a lot of Randalls in this neck of the woods,” Russ told him warmly.

Tori kept her gaze down, fighting the urge to tell him not to waste any charm on this jerk.

“Thanks, Russ,” the man replied, his voice as friendly as Russ’s.

Tori stared in surprise. Had he had a personality change in half an hour?

“Your receptionist showed me the apartment and I definitely want it. It’s very nice.”

“Good. I’m glad you liked it. But Tori—” Russ began.

The doctor interrupted. “Could we talk in your office?”

“Sure. This way.” Russ gave Tori an apologetic look over his shoulder.

ONCE THE DOOR to the office was closed, Russ offered his guest the chair in front of his desk. “Please, sit down.”

Jon did so, relaxing. He liked this man. He felt comfortable with him, which was more than he could say about the sexy blonde in the front office.

“Before we go any further,” Russ said, still smiling, “I think I should tell you that Tori is my cousin.”

Jon pursed his lips, glad Russ had made his relationship to the blonde clear. Not that Jon had intended to insult the woman, but he had considered complaining about her behavior. For Russ’s sake. He probably thought the woman was perfect.

Russ wasn’t finished. “And an equal partner in the firm.”

“She’s an accountant?”

“Has her C.P.A. and her broker’s license.”

Jon stared at him, trying to take in that information. And Dr. Jacoby thought these people should do his bookkeeping for him? He thought he’d better find someone else. “Well, that’s wonderful. I definitely want the apartment. Can we discuss terms?”

“Of course.”

Jon appreciated the way the man did business. He told him what he charged for rent, explained all the details and then waited.

“Sold! When can I move in? I’m staying with Dr. Jacoby right now, and I’d like to get settled in.” As he asked that question, he drew out the new checkbook he’d gotten from the bank that morning and began writing a check for the deposit and the first month’s rent.

“The apartment’s ready and I’ll hand you the keys right now. It’s a couple of days until the first, but I’ll throw those days in for free. Welcome to Rawhide, Doctor.”

“Oh, call me Jon. It’s easier.”

“Great, Jon. I think my wife will be one of your first patients.”

“I’ll look forward to meeting her.”

Russ sat there, smiling, as if waiting for something. Had the old doctor told him he’d be doing Jon’s books? Uneasy, Jon stood. “Well, I’ll probably start moving in tomorrow. My things will be here day after tomorrow.”

Russ looked surprised, but he nodded and said, “Let me know if I can help you with anything.”

“Thanks.” Then Jon headed for the door. He’d explain to Dr. Jacoby why he hadn’t hired the Randalls to do his accounting for him. Maybe the older doctor could patch things up with Russ for him.

AFTER THE DOCTOR LEFT, Tori appeared at Russ’s office door. “Well? Did he take it?”

“Of course he did. There’s not much else in town for rent.”

“And are we doing his books like we do Doc’s?”

Russ chuckled. “Like you do Doc’s books. But no, he didn’t mention that. So it looks like you’ll have a little more time for that investment project you wanted to do.”

Tori stared at him. “But who is he going to use? There’s only Abe Forsman. He’s the biggest gossip in town. He’ll blab everyone’s illnesses all over the place! Doc would never—”

Russ held up his hand. “Not our choice, Tori. Besides, we’re not hurting for business. In fact, we’re going to have to hire someone to sit out front and get you set up in the other office. We could use a good secretary.”

“But I don’t know who we’ll get. Most of the high school and college kids have already gotten summer jobs.”

“No, I don’t mean summer jobs. I want us to get someone permanent.”

“But I can’t think of anyone looking for work right now.” She knew most everyone in Rawhide.

“We’ll find someone. Spread the word. Maybe someone has a relative who’d like to move here but is worried about a job.”

“We could take out an ad in the paper, too.”

“Only if you write the ad. I’m not that good with words, just numbers.”

“Ha! You’re just saying that. But I’ll do it. Maybe if I take it over today, Joseph will put it in the weekend paper.”

“Good thinking!”

“Do you want to see it before I take it over?”

“Nope, I trust you, partner. I’m going to be busy modifying the ranching program for Hector Scott’s place.”

“Okay. Oh, by the way, did you tell the good doctor that I live in the other apartment?”

“No, he didn’t ask.” He frowned. “You’re not worried about him living next to you, are you? He seems like an okay kind of guy.”

Tori chuckled. “No, that’s not the problem. I just don’t think he’ll make a pleasant neighbor.”

“I told you Doc’s planning on marrying him off before his four years are up. Are you worried about the women parading in and out of his apartment?” Russ asked with a grin.

Tori had been raised with all her boy cousins. Teasing was nothing new to her. “Not hardly. In fact, please make it clear to all the family that I have no interest in the man.”

“Now, honey, that would be like waving a red flag in front of Uncle Jake’s face. If you’re really not interested in him, you’d better keep that under your hat.”

Russ closed the door to his office, ready to go to work. Tori stood there staring into space. Unfortunately, Russ was right. Uncle Jake wouldn’t rest until he saw all the Randall children married.

So she’d keep her distaste for the doctor secret…as long as her family was around.

But upstairs, Dr. Jon Wilson would feel the brunt of her disdain for a snooty doctor from Chicago.

Chapter Two

Jon left the clinic at noon the next day. He headed to the café in the same block as his apartment and had a quick lunch, keeping his eyes open for the arrival of the rental truck he’d hired. The driver had told him he’d be there at noon.

Over an hour later, he flagged down the driver and directed him to the parking lot behind the building. Jon hoped he’d be able to pay the man a little extra to get him to help carry his belongings upstairs.

“No way, man,” the driver said gruffly when Jon asked him. “I got to return the truck and head for Chicago as soon as I can.” While he was talking, he was unloading Jon’s belongings and setting them down on the gravel of the parking lot. “I could use some help here.”

“But—”

“I’ll hand this out to you,” the man said, ignoring Jon’s attempt to persuade him. In half an hour, Jon stood in the middle of the parking lot, all his belongings around him, watching the truck drive away.

“Great. If I go back to the clinic to ask Doc where I can hire some men, everything will be gone by the time I get back.”

After thinking a couple of minutes, he decided to risk going to the accountants’ office and borrowing their phone.

The blonde, Victoria, was at her desk.

“Uh, may I borrow your phone for a minute?” To his amazement, she slid the phone closer to him without asking any questions.

As he dialed the number to the clinic, Russ Randall came out of his office. “Well, hi, Jon, how are you?”

Since the number he dialed had a busy signal, he hung up the phone. “Frustrated.”

“What’s the problem?”

“All my belongings are sitting in the parking lot. At least they are if they haven’t been stolen. I was calling Doc to see if he knew where I could hire someone to help me, but his line is busy.”

“I should’ve thought to offer. I’ll help. And if you’ll give me a few minutes, I think I can round up some others,” Russ said calmly.

“I can pay—”

“Don’t be silly,” Russ said, and turned to Victoria. “Call Rich. Then try the house. Maybe Toby didn’t ride out today.”

“Sure.” She pulled the phone back toward her and dialed.

Since she wasn’t looking at him, Jon admired her beautiful face. He didn’t know what kind of worker she was, though he was beginning to think she wasn’t like his mother. But he knew for sure she was beautiful.

“Ready?” Russ asked, distracting him.

“Uh, yeah, but I hate to take you away from your work.”

“I can use some exercise,” Russ said, and led the way out of the office.

TORI WATCHED THE TWO MEN go out while she was calling. When Red asked what she needed, she explained the situation. He immediately agreed to find Toby. He also offered one of the chocolate cakes he’d just finished making. When Tori protested, he said he could bake another one before dinner.

She hung up the phone, a smile on her face. Her family was wonderful. They pitched in for everyone.

She started back to work, not thinking about the doctor. She was determined to keep her distance from that man.

An hour later, she answered the phone to discover Doc’s voice on the line.

“Hi, Doc, how’s retirement—”

He interrupted her. “Get Jon. We’ve got a wreck on the highway with multiple injuries. Your mom is on her way. I need him as soon as possible.”

“Right.” She hung up and ran out of the office around to the parking lot. The guys had moved a lot upstairs, but there were still some things in the parking lot.

“Where’s the doctor?” she demanded.

“Just went upstairs with Casey, carrying some boxes. Anything wrong?” Rich asked.

“Multiple accident. Doc needs him,” she called over her shoulder as she raced up the stairs.

She found him in the living room and hurriedly repeated the message.

With a worried frown on his face, he thanked her and ran out of the apartment. She stared after him, revising her opinion of him. At least he seemed intent on his job, even if it was for only four years.

“People are hurt?” Casey asked.

“I guess so. They called Mom in, too.”

Russ, Rich and Toby came up the stairs, the three of them carrying a beaten-up sofa. Russ puffed out some air. “I’m not sure this sofa is worth the effort. What do you think, Tori?”

She grinned. “I’ve seen worse.”

“Where?” Rich asked when he let go of the sofa.

“At college. I’m sure the doctor couldn’t afford expensive furniture at med school. In Caroline’s letters to Aunt B.J. she says she never gets back to her apartment anyway. It sounds like they work them twenty-four hours a day.”

“I’ve seen that on TV, but I wasn’t sure that was the truth,” Toby said. “Elizabeth likes that show, ER.”

“Have you seen a table? For the breakfast area?” she asked, staring at the empty space.

“Nope. He really doesn’t have much. But we still have some boxes of books. Talk about heavy!”

“Maybe we should tell him about the table and chairs Aunt Megan took in last week. She didn’t want to put them in the store. She was hoping to find someone to take them off her hands,” Tori pointed out.

“Hey, good idea,” Russ said. “They weren’t bad, just not old. Aunt Megan only wants antiques in her store. Maybe Abby and I will give him the table and chairs for a housewarming present.”

“You’re going to give him a present because you’re his landlord?” Tori asked. “Do you think that’s necessary?”

“Not necessary, no, but I think it would be nice,” Russ said.

“Anybody home?” Red’s voice called.

They all turned around to find him standing on the doorstep, Mildred right behind him.

“Come in, Red. The doctor’s not here. He had an emergency,” Toby said.

“We heard. It was bad. They had a couple of fatalities,” Mildred said. “I talked to Anna.”

They all lamented such a horrible accident. Then Mildred asked Tori to put the lasagna in the refrigerator. “We thought the man could use some dinner that’s already prepared. I’m sure he won’t have any groceries yet.”

“That’s so thoughtful, Mildred,” Tori said.

“Here’s the chocolate cake, too,” Red said, extending his offering.

“I know he’ll appreciate it, Red.” Tori put the cake plate on the bare cabinet.

“I guess he’ll get in late tonight. Maybe Elizabeth and I will buy some groceries to fill up the pantry for our housewarming gift,” Toby said. “I’ll call her.” He pulled out a cell phone and moved away from the rest of them.

Tori moved to the door. “Well, I left the office unmanned. I’d better go back.”

Russ stopped her. “Go lock it up and come help us. No man should come in late from that kind of work and find everything a mess. Poor guy doesn’t have a wife.”

“That would be a good way to get to know him, Tori,” Mildred suggested, enthusiasm in her voice.

Uh-oh. The Randall family was famous for its matchmaking, but Tori didn’t want any part of it. Especially with a man who was leaving in four years. “No, I don’t think I can spare the time.”

“Sure you can,” Russ insisted. “Abby will come by after school, and she’ll help you.”

Toby joined them again. “Elizabeth will be by, too. She and Abby agreed to do some grocery shopping.”

Tori was feeling trapped, but at least she wouldn’t be alone. And it would be terrible to find everything just dumped after dealing with a horrible wreck. “Fine. I’ll go close up.”

Once she’d locked the doors downstairs, leaving a note on the door, she went back up the stairs. The main bedroom had a nice bedroom suite all put together. It looked new, with its king-size bed, dresser and bedside table. When she started opening boxes, she found one marked “bedroom” and opened it. Inside were a set of new sheets, and a navy comforter with flecks of maroon forming a pattern. Very masculine.

“I’ll take the sheets to my apartment to wash before I make up the bed. Want me to bring back a pitcher of lemonade?”

Her cousins enthusiastically agreed to that offer.

When she returned, she brought the lemonade, along with what cookies she’d had in her cookie jar. She knew her cousins’ appetites. Especially Casey, Russ and Rich’s baby brother. At eighteen, he was still a growing boy.

“I called Aunt Megan,” she said as they fell upon the snack. “She said she’d be glad to donate the table and chairs just to get rid of them. She’ll be there another hour if you want to go get them.”

Russ stood up. “I think we can get them and be back here before the girls arrive,” he said to Rich.

“No problem,” Rich agreed. “I brought my truck.” The two of them left.

“That sofa is a sore spot, isn’t it?” Casey asked. “I mean, I’m no expert on decorating, but it’s an eyesore.”

Toby laughed. “You’re right.”

“I bet Mom and Dad would like to give him a new sofa.”

“No,” Tori said firmly. “We can’t do that without asking him. And it isn’t necessary for everyone to give him presents.”

“Everyone gave Russ and Abby presents when they moved into their new house.”

“Yes, but everyone knows them. No one knows the doctor. He’s a city man.” She didn’t want to say bad things about him.

“Poor guy,” Casey said. “I’d hate living in a big city.”

“I think he prefers it. He’s leaving in four years.” She needed to keep reminding herself of that. As good-looking as he was, she felt sure he’d have a lot of feminine company while he was here, but she had no intention of involving herself in a temporary relationship. Especially with someone who didn’t respect her.

Casey was still frowning.

“Are all the boxes up here?” she asked, starting to open another one.

Casey groaned and Toby downed his glass of lemonade. “Come on, boy. The lady is cracking the whip.” Both of them headed down the stairs.

Tori continued staring at the sofa. She suddenly remembered a sofa cover she’d used in college. It was royal blue and she thought it would fit the sofa. She hurried next door and searched through her hall closet. She brought it back to the doctor’s apartment, along with several pillows in a blue, green and maroon print. The guys were making a second trip.

“Where did you go?”

“Over to my apartment. I’ll have a surprise when you get back.” As soon as they were out of sight, she slipped the cover over the sofa. It fit perfectly. Then she added the two pillows.

Toby and Casey entered the room, each carrying a box. When they saw the sofa, they set the boxes down and stared.

“You found a new sofa?” Casey asked.

“Of course not. It’s an old cover I used in Laramie.” All of them had attended the University of Wyoming in Laramie.

“Nice job, Tori. It looks a hundred percent better.”

“Thanks, Toby, but that scarred coffee table is the only other piece of furniture he has.”

“Yeah,” Toby agreed. “But maybe he’ll buy some more soon.”

“I think he should buy a TV. He’s only got that little black-and-white thing,” Casey said in disgust. “Man, he’s really roughing it.”

“You’re spoiled, Casey,” Toby told him, laughing.

IT WAS ALMOST TEN O’CLOCK when Jon returned to the parking lot. None of his belongings were still on the gravel. He didn’t know if the Randalls finished the job for him, or if someone had come along and taken what they wanted.

He trudged up the stairs, bone tired. He hadn’t had time to do any grocery shopping. Doc had told him to come back to his house tonight, but Jon was looking forward to puttering around in his own place. He’d skip dinner tonight and eat breakfast at the café in the morning.

Tomorrow was Friday. He’d have the weekend to settle in. He sighed. Hopefully there wouldn’t be any more emergencies of the magnitude of today’s crash for a while.

He placed the key in the lock and swung open the door. The interior was lit with the soft light of a lamp, inviting and warm. He smiled in pleasure. Then he remembered he didn’t have a lamp like that.

Frowning, he reached for the light switch near the door. The kitchen was to his right, behind a wall, but there was a dining area after the kitchen. He discovered a table and chairs he didn’t own.

Had he accidentally come into the wrong apartment? He looked around nervously. If he had, whoever lived here would think he was a burglar. He backed up until he was outside his door. Nope, there was the other door on the left.

What was going on?

He entered his apartment again. This time he made it to the living area. The ugly sofa he’d inherited from another med student had been replaced with a royal blue sofa, the same shape, but with colorful pillows on it. It almost looked fashionable. And there was a stuffed chair and ottoman that he didn’t own. A floor lamp with a built-in round glass table cast a soft glow about the room.

He went to the biggest bedroom. This would tell the tale. If the bedroom suite that his father had given him as a graduation present was there, he was in the right place.

He let out a deep breath. It was there. But the bed was made, looking so inviting he had to fight himself to keep from falling into it. He went back to the kitchen. Figuring he could use his hands as a way to get a drink of water from the sink faucet. He at least needed that before he went to sleep.

Much to his surprise, he discovered his dishes, the few he had, all nicely stored in cabinets that had a shelf lining in place. There hadn’t been any shelf lining there yesterday.

There was a note on the cabinet.

“There’s lasagna in the fridge. Put what you want to eat on a paper plate and microwave it for two minutes. There’s a pitcher of lemonade, too. And Red made you a chocolate cake to welcome you to Rawhide.”

His mouth watered when he caught sight of the cake. And lasagna? He opened the fridge and saw the square dish. He whirled around, ready to heat some up at once. Where were the paper plates?

He opened the pantry door and discovered fresh bread, many cans of food, coffee in a can to be perked and instant coffee in a jar that was caffeine free. And paper plates.

Who had performed this miracle? There was a tea-kettle on the back of the stove for heating water. He filled it at once and turned on the burner. Even though it was June, a good cup of coffee would hit the spot.

He heard the faint sound of a television next door. He went outside and knocked on his neighbor’s door. If the guy had helped, or seen who had done this, he’d like to thank them.

He heard hesitant steps come to the door. He was all ready to ask his questions when the door opened. Until he found himself facing Victoria in a long nightgown topped by a matching robe.

“Victoria! What are you doing here?”

“I live here. I’m your neighbor, Dr. Wilson.” She didn’t appear to be surprised.

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“It’s none of your business where I live.” She started to close her door.

“Wait! I want to ask you—” He stopped as he heard the kettle whistling. “I’m heating water. Can you come with me?” he asked, not waiting for an answer. But he was remembering several remarks by both Anna and Doc. In particular, Doc. Talking about what a cute couple he and Victoria made.

Once he was back in his kitchen, he got down a second cup and put instant coffee in both of them and added the hot water. He took both cups to the new table and put them down. His neighbor was just coming into his apartment. “I’m going to warm up some lasagna. Do you want some?”

“No, thank you. I’m about ready to go to bed.”

“There’s also chocolate cake. I don’t know how good it is, but it looks delicious.”

She hesitated, then said, “Thanks. I’ll have a piece of cake. And it is delicious. Red made it.”

Tori moved into the kitchen, noticing for the first time the weariness on the man’s face. She’d talked to her mother and heard about the difficult day. She’d also listened to a lot of praise for the doctor’s medical skills and also his concern for his patients.

“Here, I’ll heat up the lasagna and cut the cake. You go sit down and drink your coffee,” Tori said.

“Thanks.”

She put some lasagna in the microwave and cut two pieces of cake. By that time, the lasagna was done. Taking it to the table, she slid it in front of the doctor, along with a fork. Then she went back for the two pieces of cake.

For several minutes, the doctor ate the lasagna. Then he looked up. “I have some questions for you.”

“What?” Tori answered calmly.

“Who is Red?”

“Red’s kind of our grandfather and Mildred’s his wife, sort of our grandmother.”

“Why do you say it like that? Are they or aren’t they?”

“Red is a cowboy who raised my dad and his brothers after the youngest of them was born, after their mother’s death. So he’s family even if he’s not really a Randall.”

“And they brought this food over?”

“Yes, to welcome you to Rawhide.”

“And the food in the pantry? The new furniture?”

“The chair and ottoman is from Aunt Megan and Uncle Chad.”

“Randalls?”

She nodded. “The table and chairs are from Russ and Abby. The food in the pantry and the coffeepot are from Toby and Elizabeth.”

“Randalls?”

She nodded.

“The sofa?”

“That’s your sofa,” she began, but he interrupted.

“That’s not my sofa. My sofa is an ugly print that a dump wouldn’t even want.”

She put down her fork and walked over to the sofa. She slipped the sofa cover up so he could see underneath. “This is a sofa cover I had left over from college.”

“I see.”

“There’s a homemade quilt on your bed, too. It’s a gift from Rich and Samantha, his wife. She made it last winter, taking lessons from his grandmother.”

“And she made up the bed?”

Tori felt her cheeks flush. “No, I washed the sheets and made the bed. We all figured you’d be too tired when you got in tonight.”

“You were right, of course, but I didn’t expect such generosity. I’ll be glad to pay everyone for—”

“These are gifts, Dr. Wilson. We’re not asking for money. Everyone wanted to make you feel welcome, and to make your job easier. Life would be much harder for all of us if we didn’t have a doctor here. Surely you know that.”

“I know that I’m not going to work for free. So I don’t expect anyone to give things to me. While I appreciate the thoughtfulness, it makes me feel obligated to your family.”

“Obligated? You think we’re going to want free medical help?”

“It happens to doctors all the time. If I go to a party, people ask me to diagnose a spot on their arm. Or a sore muscle they got from running, so they won’t have to go to an office and pay for professional care.”

Tori ground her teeth and took a deep breath. “I can assure you, Dr. Wilson, that my family will not refuse to pay for medical care. If you talk to Doc, you’ll discover that we pay our bills on time! Or maybe you should ask his accountants. Oh, wait, that’s me!” She gave him a fierce glare.

“Look, don’t take offense, but this isn’t normal in Chicago. I’m uncomfortable with all this.”

“So I can see. But we’re not from Chicago, and things are different in Rawhide.”

“I know they are. That’s why I want to make everything perfectly clear. No matter how much your family does for me, or gives me, and no matter how many ‘wifely’ things you do for me, I have no intention of marrying you.”

Without another word, Tori stood and walked out of the apartment.

Chapter Three

Jon got up at six the next morning, having had a good night’s sleep, thanks to the Randall family. He regretted what he’d said to Victoria the previous night, but he had to clear things up before the family did more for him. He wasn’t sure why Victoria was hard to marry off—she was certainly beautiful and hard-working—but Doc and Anna were certainly working hard to get him interested in her.

At least he knew she wasn’t like his mother. But he had no intention of marrying her. In four years, he was going back to Chicago. Back to a normal way of life.

He fixed his own breakfast before he headed to the clinic. He wanted to check his patients first thing this morning.

After doing rounds, he was pleased with the progress his patients had made. The clinic was completely full, with two beds to each room. A couple of the people could have gone home, if they’d lived in Rawhide, but none of them did, so all twelve were tucked away.

He told the nurses he was going back to his apartment and run some errands and would return at ten. He needed to buy a phone and plug it in so he could be reached if needed. And he wanted to talk to Russ Randall about his accounting needs. He hoped there wouldn’t be any problem about him and Victoria, now that he’d explained himself. Otherwise he didn’t know what he’d do.

Doc had explained that the only other bookkeeper in Rawhide wasn’t reliable or trustworthy. So that left his landlord. He liked Russ, but they had to have everything clear.

The accounting office opened at nine o’clock, and he was waiting when Victoria came down the stairs from her apartment. She didn’t even speak to him or acknowledge his presence in any way. He followed her into the office.

“Good morning, Victoria. When does Russ get in?”

“When he wants to.” Her words were cold and she didn’t look at him. Obviously, she was unhappy with him.

“Victoria, I didn’t mean to upset you last night. I just wanted everything clear. Doc and your mom—”

“You achieved your goal. However, marrying you was never my plan. You have no need to worry.”

He was about to question her when the front door opened and Russ entered. “Jon! How’d you manage last night? Everything to your satisfaction?”

“It was wonderful, but I was a little embarrassed about all the help.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. We just wanted to make you welcome. I figured yesterday was a tough one.” He grinned, then asked, “Are you here to see me or Tori?”

“You, please, Russ, if I may, before I go back to the clinic.”

“Sure. Come on in.”

Once he was seated in front of Russ’s desk, Jon got right down to business. “I need to hire you to do my books.”

Russ grinned. “Doc must’ve told you about Abe. He’s a nice old man, but he does love to talk.”

“Yeah. I hope you won’t hold it against me that I wanted to check things out before I made a commitment.” That was a nice way of saying they weren’t his first choice.

“No problem. We’re kept pretty busy by our regular customers.”

“But you’ll take me on?”

“Sure. Tori has a system worked out that—”

Uh-oh. Here we go again. “Russ, I want to be clear about this. I want you to handle everything for me. Not Victoria.”

For the first time he found a less than cordial look on Russ’s face. “Why?”

“I don’t have a lot of faith in women accountants, especially one as pretty as your cousin.”

Russ continued to frown. “No one ever complains about working with Tori. She’s brilliant.”

“Look, I’ll be brutally frank. I think your family has lined me up as your cousin’s future husband, but I have no intention of marrying while I’m here. I’ll be glad to return the gifts I received yesterday, except the cake and the lasagna. I’m sorry, but I’m going to remain a bachelor as long as I’m in Rawhide.”

Russ stared at him. “You think—but we were—have you said that to Tori?”

“I didn’t want any misunderstandings,” Jon said stiffly.

Russ threw back his head and roared with laughter. “Oh, mercy,” he finally said as his chuckles lessened. “Is she mad at you?”

“Oh, yeah. No woman likes to be rejected. But it’s not her…exactly.”

“Glad to hear it.” He leaned forward. “Listen, Jon, what we all contributed to your home yesterday was to welcome you. Nothing else.”

“But Doc and Anna—”

“Ah, well, I can’t help what they said. Doc announced to the entire town he intended to get you married to a local girl so you’d stay instead of leaving. So you’ll probably have a lot of women hitting on you. But I imagine that happens to most single doctors.”

By the end of that speech, Jon was frowning in consternation. “I can’t believe he did that!”

“Then you don’t know Doc. Or this community. Matchmaking is a popular pastime.”

“I guess I’d better have a personal discussion with Doc,” Jon said grimly. “I thought it was just your family that thought—I apologize.”

“If it will make you feel any better, Tori has told everyone she’s not interested in marrying you. I think you’re safe there.”

It surprised Jon that Russ’s words didn’t make him feel better. “Why?”

Russ appeared surprised, too. “Why? She didn’t say. I don’t think she’s ready to marry. She’ll only be twenty-four in September. She’s got plenty of time.”

Jon wasn’t going to ask any more questions. He didn’t want to convince her cousin he was interested in her. “Okay, good. Now, about my bookkeeping.

You’ll do it?”

“No.”

His brief answer startled Jon. “Why not?”

“I do most of the ranching cases. I have some soft ware that Tori’s dad created. Tori does the retail stuff.

And that includes Doc’s business. You’ll have to ask her to take you on.”

“But I can’t—” Jon stared at Russ, not happy with the alert interest in his eyes, the smile on his lips.

“You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?”

“Somewhat. I suspect Tori may enjoy it even more.

Especially if you made her mad.”

“Oh, yeah, I made her mad. What do I do if she turns me down?”

“I don’t know, man. Send her flowers?”

“But that would make people think I want to date her. Then I’m in trouble again.”

“Yeah.” Russ’s grin grew even wider.

Jon huffed and puffed, but Russ didn’t offer any other suggestions. Jon finally stood. “I might as well get it over with.”

TORI WAS WORKING on the feed- and general-store books. The two sisters who owned it had signed on as customers over a year ago. Tori kept their books and issued paychecks for their employees. But she looked up when Russ’s door opened. She hadn’t forgotten who was in there with him.

“Tori,” Russ said, a big grin on his face, “Jon wants to talk to you.”

The look on Jon’s face didn’t say he was happy about that fact. She’d make it easy for him by turning him down at once.

“Sorry, I’m busy right now.”

Dead silence followed her announcement, but no one moved. Finally she looked up.

The doctor didn’t wait for any more encouragement. “I need to ask you to take on my accounting, like you do Doc’s.”

Tori shifted her gaze to Russ. He silently nodded, letting her know he thought it was a good idea. Of course he did! More income and no embarrassment. For him. Did he know what the doctor thought?

“I’m not sure that’s a good idea, Dr. Wilson. I get the feeling you don’t have much confidence in my abilities.” She’d worked hard to be accepted as an equal to Russ.

“Your cousin and Doc both assure me you’re more than competent. I’d appreciate your help.”

She drew a deep breath. “I suppose I could…as long as you realize our relationship is strictly business.” Her voice had hardened as she finished. Okay, so maybe it wasn’t nice to throw his words back in his face, but it sure felt good.

He cleared his throat. “I think that sounds fine.”

“Fine,” she agreed. Then she pulled a copy of a form she’d developed to set up an account. “Please fill out every blank on this form and mail it back to me. Then, at the end of each week, you’ll turn in your patient files and I’ll set it all up. I assume you’ll be using the same scale as Doc?”

“Probably so. I’ll check with him. Can I drop this off when I’m finished? It seems silly to mail it when I live upstairs.”

“I thought you would prefer as little contact as possible. However, if you want to shove it through the mail slot, I’ll handle it.” She would prefer not to have any contact, just so everyone in town would get the hint.

“Thanks.” He turned around and offered his hand to Russ. Her cousin shook it and thanked him for his business. Then he turned and looked at her.

After a moment’s hesitation, he extended his hand to her, too. “Thanks for taking me on.”

She shook his hand reluctantly. But she would be professional. “Of course. Let me know if there are any problems.”

With a nod, he hurried out of the office.

“You were kind of hard on him, weren’t you?” Russ asked.

“Do you know what he assumed when he discovered all we’d done for him?”

Russ shrugged his shoulders, telling her nothing.

“The arrogant man decided it was bribery to get him to marry me. It seems Mom and Doc have been pushing him in that direction!”

“He’s not used to people being nice. He comes from Chicago. You remember, Caroline wrote Aunt B.J. about how cold and unfeeling everyone was.” Russ folded his arms across his chest. “Give him some time, Tori.”

“He can have all the time he wants, as long as he leaves me alone. I’ve worked too hard and long to convince people I’m as competent as you and not just a dumb blonde!”

Russ grinned. “I know. Even I didn’t believe you could convince people, because you used to be so quiet. But you’ve learned to speak up for yourself.”

“Yes, I have. And if that man dares to question my skills in any way, I won’t be doing his accounting for him, no matter what kind of bind he’s in. Do you hear me?”

“Yes, ma’am,” Russ agreed, still grinning. He admired Tori’s fierce determination.

IT WAS FRIDAY, the day she normally stopped by the clinic and collected the patients’ pay sheets. She’d record the amount owed, print out a bill and mail it to the patient with a return envelope. The doctor never had to deal with the business end. It was a system that had worked well for Doc.

After Russ had arrived, she left the office and walked the two blocks to the clinic. Usually Tori enjoyed the walk. It helped remind her that it was Friday, the start of the weekend. And the exercise felt good. Today, she prayed she’d get the information from the receptionist and not have to see the new doctor.

“Hi, Faye,” she sang out to the receptionist. “Do you have all the papers ready?”

“Not quite,” the receptionist said. “Dr. Jon wants to see you first. He has a question.”

“He should’ve had you call the office. It would have saved time.”

“It won’t take long.” As she said that, Faye picked up the phone and called the doctor. “Doctor, Tori Randall is here.”

She hung up the phone and smiled at Tori. “You can go to his office. It’s Doc’s old one. Doc is using that little room down the hall when he’s in.”

“I see.” Without saying anything else, she opened the door to the examining rooms and office and went in. She lifted her chin and straightened her shoulders, determined to give the appearance of a confident, all-business woman.

He was waiting for her at his door. “Come in, Tori. I’m sorry to take up your time but I have a couple of questions.”

“Next time you should have Faye call me. It would save both of us time.”

He let one eyebrow slide up as if he doubted that comment. He invited her to sit down and circled the desk to sit in Doc’s old chair. “Doc said sometimes some patients don’t have insurance and need payment plans. He said you take care of that for him. Do you know the people well enough to do that for me? I’m not sure who can afford to pay and who cannot.”

“If you want me to discount rates or set up payment plans I can. I know most of the patients well enough to make those determinations.”

“Good. That’s what I’d like.”

She stared at him. “Just like that? No calling and asking permission from you?”

“I have to trust you, Tori. Doc says you’re trustworthy.”

“I’ll remember to thank Doc,” she said, her voice cold, recognizing that it was Doc he trusted, not her.

“I also forgot to ask when I get a statement about the money deposited in my account.” When she said nothing, he added, “I don’t want to write a lot of rubber checks.”

“I make deposits on Fridays. They’ll send you a copy of the deposit, probably on Tuesday. You can ask Doc when it comes in.”

“Great. Uh, if—if I discover a patient who can’t pay at all, can I mark NP on it, or just not send the billing to you?”

“I’ll need that information for your tax records, so it would be in your best interest to send the billing. If NP is what you want to use, that works for me.” She paused, then added, “But it will take you longer to pay off any debts you have from medical school if you do that.”

“Thank you, Miss Genius Accountant. Even I can figure that out,” he assured her, a grim smile on his lips.

She gave him an abrupt nod and stood up to leave.

“Tori? I was wrong. I apologize. Can’t you forgive me?” He stood there, tall, handsome, a charming smile on his lips.

Which only made Tori madder. She’d bet he always got everything his way because of that smile. “I’m trying to be professional, Dr. Wilson. Like people in Chicago.”

She heard him sigh as she closed the door behind her. But she had no intention of relenting and smiling in return. That would only confirm his suspicions.

On the walk back to the office, she decided she couldn’t be friends with him until he had at least a girlfriend or, preferably, a wife. So she’d start looking for a good candidate.

When she returned to the office, Russ was coming out of his, grabbing his jacket off the hall tree that stood by the front door.

“Where are you going?” she asked, expecting him to tell her he was meeting a client.

“Something’s wrong. Abby was supposed to go to school today. They were having a meeting to discuss a special project they’re starting for the fall. She didn’t show and she’s not answering the phone.”

Something in Tori’s head sounded an alarm. Abby loved teaching. Besides, she was always on time and always responsible. “I’ll go with you,” she said, putting the papers on the desk.

“She probably overslept. She hasn’t been feeling good lately. I’m sure everything’s okay.”

“Probably, but she might be sick and need some help. I’m coming,” Tori told him, leaving him no choice.

Russ had bought ten acres of land just outside town, so it was only a five-minute ride. They’d built a beautiful house. Abby called it her dream house. Though the family had protested they should live on the ranch, like the rest of them, with both their jobs in town, they’d graciously refused.

As she fastened her seat belt, Tori asked, “Why hasn’t she been feeling well? Has she seen the doctor?”

“Yeah,” Russ said, but he didn’t add any details.

“Well? What’s wrong?”

“I’m not supposed to tell,” he said, but he was grinning.

Tori guessed at once. “She’s pregnant!”

“Yeah, but don’t let on you know, or she’ll kill me. We had a hard time and she wants to wait a little longer before she tells the family.”

“Russ, that’s wonderful. I figured it wouldn’t be long since Rich and Samantha are expecting. Oh, that’s great. How far along is she?”

Russ was still beaming. “About two and a half months. She said we can tell everyone at three months. I’ve been dying to tell Mom and Dad.”

“So she’s been throwing up every morning? I almost got sick myself when Samantha described her first three months.” She shuddered.

Russ frowned. “No. But she’s been getting bad headaches. Since school ended, she’s stayed in bed when they happen. But she won’t take anything for it because of the baby. I convinced her to go see Jon and she’s got an appointment Monday.”

“Maybe she should go see Doc Jacoby. You know, she’s used to him.”

“She’s already seen him once.”

“But I didn’t see the billing.”

“She paid him cash and asked him not to let you know,” he told her with another grin.

“The sneak!” She knew Russ would know she was teasing. Abby was like another sister in the sprawling Randall family.

He turned into the driveway of his new house. “Life is just almost too good, Tori,” he muttered. “Abby, the new house, now a baby.” He opened his door. “You want to wait here?”

“No, I’ll come with you. But I won’t say anything about the baby,” she promised.

“Be sure you don’t. I don’t want her mad at me. She’ll put me in time-out like she does the kids at school!”

Tori ignored that comment. Russ and Abby were so in love. They…completed each other, more than any people she’d ever seen. If he had to go to time-out, Abby would go with him. They did everything except their jobs together.

Since he had company with him, Russ pushed the doorbell as he unlocked the door. “Abby? Tori and I are here. Are you dressed?”

An eerie silence was the only answer. Tori frowned and followed Russ into the foyer. The house was curiously quiet.

“Maybe she’s still asleep,” Tori suggested.

“I’ll go check. Wait here.”

Tori pretended to study the furnishings in their new house. Abby had great taste and Aunt Megan had helped her decorate the house. Even though Russ hadn’t given her a budget, not wanting to deny his beloved Abby anything she wanted, Abby had used some family antiques she’d had from her parents, who were both dead now. And she’d bought some things from Megan’s store. She’d even gone to estate sales and auctions with Megan. The result was an eclectic collection of nice pieces. Very personal.

She could hear Russ’s voice calling Abby’s name. Again there was no response. Russ came back down the hall, looking into the different bedrooms.

“I’d better check to see if her car is here. Maybe Elizabeth picked her up and they stopped to shop before the meeting. She’s probably there already. I’ll look in the garage and you call the school, see if she’s turned up there.”

The closest phone was in the kitchen, the favorite room in the house, always filled with sunshine in the mornings. The door to the garage was off the kitchen, so she followed Russ across the den in that direction, praying he was right.

Something didn’t seem right to her.

Russ had his eyes focused on the left, going to the garage. Tori turned to the right for the phone. She was the one who saw Abby first.

“Abby!” she screamed.

Russ spun around. He saw his wife lying on the floor, not moving.

He ran to Abby’s side, wrapping his arms around her.

Tori grabbed the phone and called 911. Saying it was an emergency, she asked for a doctor. After she gave the directions, she asked for her mother, but her mother wasn’t working that morning.

Russ was kneeling on the floor, rocking Abby in his arms, tears streaming down his face.

Tori lifted the phone again and dialed the Randall ranch. Her mother answered the phone. “Mom, come quick to Russ’s house and bring Janie. There’s something wrong with Abby.”

Chapter Four

Abigail Randall was dead.

It didn’t take a genius to know that. Jon was pretty sure Russ knew that, but he had to tell him anyway. He was going to transport her body back to the clinic. He turned and entered the den where Anna and another lady sat with Russ.

“Russ,” Jon said gently. His gaze met Tori’s first. She was standing behind the couch. Finally Russ looked up at him. Jon could tell he was still in shock. His movements were slow, his eyes glazed.

“Yes?” he whispered.

“Your wife has…passed away. I’m going to take her back to the clinic and try to determine what happened.”

Russ continued to stare at him. “She was pregnant.”

“I know, Doc told me.”

“Russ?” Rich Randall shouted as he came through the door. He didn’t know what was wrong, but his mother had called his house on the way to Russ’s. As his twin, Rich probably felt the closest to his brother.

Jon turned and caught Rich by the arm. Whispering, he said, “His wife died. I’m taking her away now. He’s in shock.”

It appeared Rich was in shock, too. He stood there, his mouth open.

Tori appeared on Rich’s other side. “Russ needs you, Rich. Abby was—p-pregnant and—he was so happy.”

Anna moved from Russ’s side, leaving room for Rich to comfort his brother. She came to Jon. “Is there anything I can do to help? She was so young!”

He squeezed Anna’s arm. He wanted to offer comfort to Tori, too, but he didn’t feel he could. “I know. I’m going now. But Anna, I want you to keep an eye on Russ. He’s in shock. If he needs medication to sleep, let me know, okay?”

“Of course, but I can go to your office if you need me.”

He knew she meant to help on the autopsy, but he wouldn’t ask that of her. “Thanks, Anna, but I’ll manage. I’m very sorry for the family’s loss.” His gaze traveled to Tori, also, but she didn’t look at him.

The phone rang. Tori looked at her mother. “Shall I get it?”

Anna nodded.

Jon watched her step to the phone. She was a strong woman. His mother had always expected every crisis to revolve around her, but Tori was different.

“Uncle Pete, Abby—Abby’s dead. We found her collapsed on the kitchen floor. The doctor’s about to leave. Aunt Janie, Rich and Mom are here with Russ…yes, I’ll tell her.”

She told her aunt Janie that Pete was on his way, then turned back to her mother. “That phone is going to start ringing off the wall,” she murmured.

“I know.” Anna gave her a steady look. “Can you handle the phone? We sure don’t want Russ having to do that.”

“Yes, of course. I’ll find a pad and pen and make a list.”

She walked away and returned as the phone rang again, the necessities in hand.

“She’s very composed,” Jon muttered to her mother.

“Yes. We aren’t used to tragedy. We’ve been very fortunate. But we’re strong. Don’t worry. We’ll take care of Russ.”

He nodded. “If there’s anything I can do, let me know.”

ABBY’S FUNERAL WAS HELD Sunday afternoon. The rest of Friday and Saturday, Tori handled the phone, answering curious questions and talking to all Russ’s and Abby’s friends. Everyone was shocked at Abby’s sudden death.

Dr. Wilson, in his secondary role as medical examiner, had let them know that her death was caused by a brain hemorrhage. She’d died instantly and nothing Russ could have done would have changed the outcome. Tori hoped those words comforted her cousin. They helped her, but it was such a waste of a good person. Abby had been so happy to be a part of the huge Randall family. Thrilled to be pregnant.

Tori tried not to think about the loss, but it was impossible not to. She constantly teared up. On Sunday afternoon, when they buried Abby, she stood with the family, lined up with Russ in support, to say goodbye to Abby. It was a difficult time.

She was worried about Russ. He had a blank stare and never spoke. His parents had convinced him to return to the ranch to sleep, giving him a room in the main house so they could insure he got rest and decent food. And that he wasn’t constantly reminded of his dead wife.

Tori closed the office on Monday, but opened it on Tuesday. She thought staying busy would be the best thing to do. She spent part of her day talking to people who stopped by to commiserate with Russ, and accepting potted plants from people who hadn’t heard before the funeral and wanted to express their sorrow.

She was closing at five when Dr. Wilson came to the door. With a sigh, she opened the door. “Yes, Doctor? I’m just closing.”

He gave her a sympathetic look. “Busy day?”

“Yes. Do you have more questions?” Her voice was strained from her exhaustion, but she couldn’t help it.

“I wanted to check on you and see how Russ is doing.”

She was surprised, but she’d been checked on so much the entire day, frequently by people wanting to share in the drama even if they hadn’t known Abby, she couldn’t stand it any longer. She used her standard answer. “Russ is doing as well as can be expected.”

“Which tells me exactly nothing. Have you been using that expression all day?”

“Yes.”

Instead of demanding more detail, he asked to borrow the phone. He had a pager and a phone in his SUV, but he didn’t carry a cell phone. She nodded and he picked up the receiver and dialed. When he received an answer, he asked for Anna.

“Hi, it’s Jon. How is Russ doing? Does he need some help?”

Tori had talked to her mother that morning, but Russ had still not arisen.

“He’s what? Are you sure that’s safe?”

“What?” Tori demanded, rising.

He shook his head at her. “Yeah. Well, let me know.”

“What?” she asked again.

“Okay. I will,” he said into the speaker, and then hung up the receiver. “Your mother is worried about you.”

She shrugged that off. “What did she say about Russ? Is what safe?”

He studied her, making her angry. “Tell me,” she demanded.

“I will if you’ll have dinner with me at the café. I promised your mother I’d make sure you ate.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. You don’t want to be seen in public with me. Gossip is rampant right now.”

“Did you eat lunch?”

“There wasn’t time.”

“Well, there’s time now. If you go upstairs, you’ll be answering the phone all evening.”

She groaned. “I don’t think there’s anyone left to call.”

“I suspect there is. Come on, let’s go get something to eat and I’ll explain what your mother said.” He didn’t try to grab her arm and pull her after him, which one of her cousins might have done. He stood back and waited, leaving the decision up to her.

She suddenly agreed, knowing he was right. She’d get more calls tonight if she was home. And she just didn’t think she could manage. She didn’t want to go out to the ranch, as her mother had suggested this evening. She nodded. “I’ll go, but I’ll pay for my own dinner.”

“Agreed. I love a cheap date.” He grinned. His expression was such a relief, such a normal response, she almost broke into tears.

She looked away and picked up her purse. “I’m ready.”

Grabbing the keys, she preceded him out the door and then inserted the key in the lock. As she was doing that, several people stopped to talk to them. She stood back and let Dr. Wilson handle the questions. But she did manage a sad smile as they offered their condolences.

“Thank you,” she muttered as they crossed the street and entered the café.

Mona, one of the waitresses, came to seat them and told Tori how sorry she was about Abby’s death. Tori thanked her, but she said nothing else.

“Mona, we need a back booth. Tori’s about worn-out from all the kind people here wanting to talk to her. As her doctor, I’m ordering a quiet meal with no interruptions.”

Mona shot Tori a sympathetic look and smiled at the doctor. “I’ve got just the booth you want.” She led them to the last booth and pointed out the side where Tori would be facing the back wall. “You sit here, hon, and I’ll intercept anyone who thinks he recognizes you.”

“Thank you, Mona.”

Her escort slid into the other side. “Good for you, Mona. You deserve a big tip.” Then, before Tori could assure him she’d pay the tip, he asked, “What’s the special tonight? Meat loaf?”

“Nope, but we have it on the menu. Tonight, it’s chicken and dumplings.”

“Okay. Give us a minute to look at the menu.”

When Mona left the table, Tori buried her face in her hands.

“Take deep, slow breaths and blow out all that tension.”

She didn’t hesitate to do as he suggested. She was desperate.

But then people began stopping at the table to express their sorrow.

“I never thought I’d hate being with a blonde,” Jon muttered. “If you were a brunette, no one would notice.”

Tori didn’t bother answering. She was fighting for composure.

Mona came back to the table. “Sorry, I’m doing a lousy job. But my other tables are demanding service. You ready to order?”

“Yes, and we want everything boxed up to go. I’ll have meat loaf with fried okra and mashed potatoes. And coconut cream pie. You want the same, Victoria?”

She didn’t even know what he had ordered, but she nodded. As soon as Mona had it all down, he said, “I’ll be back in ten minutes to pick it up. Thanks, Mona.”

“Where are you going?” Tori didn’t intend to sound so panicky, but she couldn’t face any more mourners.

“You tell me. Your place or mine.”

“What?” She didn’t understand what he was asking.

“I say yours. It’s sure to be nicer than mine. Come on, let’s get you home.”

She didn’t argue.

He took her arm and led her across the street and up the stairs to their apartments. When they reached his door, he dug out his keys and opened the door.

“I thought you said my place.”

“I’d forgotten about the phone. I hear it ringing now. You wouldn’t be able to get any rest.” He gently nudged her into his apartment. “Lie down on the sofa and rest. I’ll go back and get the food.”

Like an automaton, she did as he said without arguing. That took too much strength. As he left the apartment, she closed her eyes.

WHEN JON RETURNED to his apartment with several bags of food, he found Victoria asleep on his couch. Poor kid! She must’ve had an awful day. Several of his patients told him about talking to her. He figured she’d answered a lot of calls, but he hadn’t realized how bad it had been. She was running on empty.

He allowed her a half-hour nap, then shook her shoulders. “Tori, let’s eat before everything is cold.”

“What?” She sat up, bleary-eyed, and stared at him.

“You’ve had a little nap, but the food is going to get cold. I’ve set the table, so let’s eat.”

He wondered how long it would take her to remember to ask what she wanted to know. They ate for five minutes before she put down her fork and stared at him.

“What did Mom say?”

“That’s pretty fast recovery, Tori. Your mother said Russ is going camping in the morning…alone. He’s said he can’t deal with all the sympathy and talk about Abby. He needs to be alone to handle his grief.”

“Alone? Can’t he take Rich with him? Or someone?”

“Your mom said Rich offered to go with him, but he’s insisting he wants to go alone. He’s not really going to camp out. He’s going to stay at a cabin. I can’t remember the name of it.”

“Potter’s cabin?”

“Yeah. How’d you know that?”

“The brothers bought out a man named Potter about twenty years ago. The only building on his place was the house, no more than a cabin, and a falling-down corral. We’ve gone there in the summers to look for strays, sometimes to move a herd up there, but it’s not good rangeland.”

“Who are the brothers?”

That question made her open her eyes wide. “Sorry, I forgot you wouldn’t know. We kids call them the brothers when we’re talking about Dad, I mean, Brett, Jake, Pete and Chad. My three uncles. We call their wives the aunts.”

“So Russ will be sleeping inside?”

“Yes. How long did he say he’d be gone?”

“A few days.”

She frowned and said nothing. Today was Tuesday. So he’d leave on Wednesday and he would be back before the weekend was over.

“You think he’ll be okay?”

Her head snapped up. “Of course…if he remembers to eat.”

“He probably will.”

“I hope so, but…sometimes, with what’s happened, it’s hard to remember it’s important.”

“Like you didn’t eat lunch today?”

“One meal doesn’t matter. I’m eating tonight.” She avoided his gaze, sure he would remind her that she was only eating because he insisted. But she would’ve eaten something when she got home. The sound of the phone ringing next door warned her what was waiting for her.

“You finished?” he asked, drawing her attention again.

“Yes. Thank you for helping out tonight. I won’t bother you anymore.”

“Well, I appreciate that. But first you have to eat your pie.”

“I ordered pie?” she asked in surprise.

“You sure did. Said you wanted the same as me. And either Mona wanted to justify that big tip, or they serve mighty big pieces of pie at the café.”

“I forgot about Mona’s tip! I forgot about paying at all. I’m so sorry. Here, I’ll get my purse and—”

“Eat your pie. I gave Mona a big tip and you can buy next time.”

He certainly knew how to distract a woman. “Next time? There won’t be a next time. Don’t you understand? If you’re seen with anyone twice, the gossips in Rawhide will have you married to her within a week. In their minds, at least.”

“Really? I don’t think—” The phone rang. He excused himself and went to the bedroom. Then he returned to the door.

“It’s your mom. She’s worried about her little chick.”

Straightening her shoulders, she glared at him before stalking into the bedroom. She sat down on the edge of the bed and picked up the receiver. “How did you know I was here?” she asked her mother.

“You weren’t at home, and Jon promised he’d try to get you to eat something, so I took a chance. How are you, darling?”

“It’s been rough, Mom. The phone has rung off the wall, and I have enough potted plants at the office to start a garden. Does Russ—? I know he’s leaving in the morning, but what would he want me to do about them?”

“I think he can’t make decisions right now. I tried to convince Pete that someone should go with him, but he said he understood how Russ felt.”