“What are you running from?” Barely a whisper, Will’s question floated to her.

Silence stretched between them.

Annie tipped her head back against the seat. Running? The man thought he had all the answers. This time he was much too close to the truth. “Will,” she pleaded.

“Okay, you’re right. Now isn’t the time.” He let out a breath. “I’m sorry.”

“I’ll say you are,” she said, taking a light tone again. “One sorry Sullivan.”

“Hey, I’m trying to apologize here.”

“You don’t need to apologize to me. Keep shooting straight. I count on that from you. Give me a few days. Let me rest, clear my mind and sharpen my wits, then we can have this conversation. Deal?”

“Always have to have the last word.”

She opened her mouth to protest, then clamped her lips shut.

Will laughed.

The sound warmed her like a quilt as her gaze found the May moon.

TINA RADCLIFFE

has been dreaming and scribbling for years. Originally from western New York State, she left home for a tour of duty with the Army Security Agency stationed in Augsburg, Germany, and ended up in Tulsa, Oklahoma. While living in Tulsa she spent ten years as a Certified Oncology R.N. A former library cataloguer, she now works for a large mail-order pharmacy. Tina currently resides in the foothills of Colorado where she writes heartwarming romance.

The Rancher’s Reunion
Tina Radcliffe

Take thereof no thought for the morrow:

for the morrow shall take thought of the things of itself.

—Matthew 6:34

To my husband, Tom, my sister Anne, my parents, Joseph and Teresa Russo, and to Tim, Mike, David and Amy—thank you all for understanding this writing thing of mine (or pretending to!).

I love you.

Acknowledgments

Thank you to my editor Melissa Endlich, for helping me to become a better writer, and for the wonderful opportunity to be part of the Steeple Hill family.

To Meredith Bernstein, thank you for your patience.

A final thank-you to my writing friends for their support and encouragement: The Seekers (www.seekerville.blogspot.com), Sharon Sala, Jordan Dane (and the OKRWA Chapter), and my longtime writing bud, Rogenna Brewer.

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

Chapter Seventeen

Epilogue

Letter to Reader

Questions for Discussion

Chapter One

“You look awful.” Will Sullivan shoved his hands into the back pockets of his Wranglers and continued his intense scrutiny.

“Well, you haven’t changed a bit,” Annie Harris said with a laugh. Leave it to Will to cut to the chase.

In truth, he hadn’t changed. He was everything she remembered. Hatless today, his blue-black hair was clipped short to control the unruly curls. Will thought he could control everything. Standing inches over six feet tall in a faded blue oxford shirt, jeans and scuffed boots, he scowled.

Annie took an unsteady breath. Oh, how she had missed that scowl.

She gripped her cane tighter and glanced around the busy Tulsa airport. Had it really been two years? For only a second did she allow her thoughts to drift back to when she made the decision to leave for Kenya. The same day she realized she was in love with Will Sullivan.

“Sit down for a minute,” Will said, interrupting her thoughts. “You’ve got to be exhausted.”

“I’m okay. Really. The hospital wouldn’t have okayed me to travel if I wasn’t ready. Come on. Let’s get my luggage and get out of here.”

“Your leg? Maybe I should get a wheelchair?”

“Oh, I don’t need a wheelchair.” Determined, she grasped her cane and broke out in what she knew was a clumsy stride.

“Boy, you haven’t changed much either, have you, Annie?” His long legs easily closed the distance between them. “Still think you have to do it all yourself.”

Annie ignored the comment. She’d been traveling since she left Africa two days ago and was not prepared for a round of verbal sparring with Will.

They continued to walk down the large corridor until it forked. Annie stopped and rested her weight on her good leg while she read the signs overhead.

“This way.” Will nodded to the right and walked in front, clearing a path in the hurried, late-afternoon crowds of the terminal. “Slow down,” he admonished, as she caught up with him and began to take the lead.

She tried to accommodate, but her pace continued to increase, driving her. Excitement bubbled over. All she wanted was to get to Sullivan Ranch.

“So how was the flight?”

“Much too long.” Looking around, she couldn’t stop smiling. Her senses greedily feasted on the American sights and sounds. It was the simple things she’d missed; the twang of an Oklahoma accent, the U.S. flag hanging high in the terminal, a sign advertising Mazzio’s pizza, the chatter of the crowd in English, and American food.

The tantalizing aroma of a bagel kiosk caused a pause in her steps. Onion, chive and garlic. They all called out to her.

“Want one?”

“I do. But not one. At least six.”

“Six it is.”

When Will stepped toward the kiosk, she laughed. “I’m kidding, Will. I don’t want to eat anything until we get to the ranch.”

“All right, but it’s way past dinnertime, and you sure don’t look like you need to be skipping any more meals.”

“Are you calling me skinny?” She glanced down at herself. True, her clothes were a bit roomy, but she was alive and that was what really mattered.

“Turn sideways and you’ll disappear.”

“Someone is exaggerating.” Looking up, she caught the amusement in Will’s expression

“Not hardly,” he said.

Annie held up her palm. “Okay. Truce? Just for tonight?”

“I suppose so. But that won’t be much fun.” He strode toward baggage claim.

Annie paused, taken back by his humor. The ever-stoical Will Sullivan had cultivated a sense of humor? Shaking her head, she followed him. “Is Rose at the house?”

“Are you kidding? Baking and cooking like crazy. She’s got plans for you.”

Annie smiled, knowing he wasn’t exaggerating. Rose O’Shea was so much more than just the woman who ran the kitchen at Sullivan Ranch, and Annie couldn’t wait to see her again.

Will stopped at the baggage carousel.

“Those are mine.” She pointed to the well-worn tapestry bags.

“Got ’em.” He easily hauled both bags off the moving conveyer as though they were empty. Hardly. Amazing how much she’d collected in two years. The rest of her belongings were shipped out in a trunk to arrive later.

With one bag under his arm, the other dangling from his hand, Will maneuvered out the automatic doors to the curb, where he parked the luggage.

Annie inhaled deeply. The springtime air smelled like rain. Everything was fresh and clean, exactly as she remembered.

“Wait here. I’ll get the pickup.”

“What? No. That’s silly. I can walk.”

He leveled his gaze on her but said nothing.

Too tired to argue, too tired to tell him not to get used to compliance, Annie simply eased herself to a bench and watched him cross the street to the hourly parking area.

A few minutes later a huge, gleaming black truck pulled to a stop next to the curb. Dark, tinted windows and spotless chrome glowed.

Will jumped out and picked up her bags, tossing them in the open flatbed.

“You bought a new truck?” She was more than surprised. Will never indulged.

“Life’s short.”

Life’s short? Annie silently repeated the simple words to herself, the same words that had haunted her since the accident.

Finished with the luggage, Will stood straight and grinned, wiping an imaginary fleck of dirt off a shiny bumper. The expression on his face as he faced her was nothing less than pure male expectancy.

“That is one beautiful truck,” Annie said.

He chuckled. “Good answer.”

“What’s that logo?”

“The Sullivan Ranch logo and URL. Brand-new. Like it?”

Her eyes widened. “Are you telling me you have a web page?”

Will gave a quick shrug. “Sullivan Ranch was taken, so I had to go with www.thesullivanranch.com.”

“That means you have a computer.”

“You bet. New laptop in my office.”

Annie grappled with the concept of a modernized Will, while he opened the passenger door. She stared at the seat.

“What’s the matter?”

“I’ll need help to get up there.”

“Turn around.” He placed his hands around her waist and lifted.

The heat of embarrassment crept over her when he gently settled her onto the seat. “All r-right, th-then,” she said.

Will walked to the other side of the truck and climbed in, apparently unaffected. “Sit back and relax,” he said, as they pulled away from the curb.

“Yes, sir.” She settled into the soft, smooth leather upholstery and released the breath she’d been holding.

Will smiled. “Tuckered out? Well, don’t worry, after a little R & R you’ll be back in tip-top shape, ordering right back at me.”

“Promise?”

“Promise.”

When a yawn slipped from her mouth, Annie leaned her head back, content not to think, hoping her mind would continue to cooperate and block the events of the past few weeks.

The silhouette of the familiar city faded as he led them out of town toward Granby, south of Tulsa.

What happened to the lights?

Annie searched in the dark, panicked. Suffocating fear clenched her body.

Another alert?

No, the antiseptic smells of the clinic were absent. She wasn’t at the medical camp. Confused, she reached out and touched a warm arm. Her fingers automatically slipped down to the wrist to check the pulse. It beat strong and regular.

Annie blinked, eyes adjusting to the semidarkness.

Will? Thank goodness, it’s Will.

She was still in the cab of the pickup, which was now parked. The knot in her stomach relaxed then tensed again as Will’s face inched closer, peering down.

“Hey, take it easy,” he soothed.

“I’m fine.”

“Yeah, sure you are. I’ve been trying to wake you for the past five minutes.”

Annie scooted to a sitting position, wishing she could extricate herself from the awkward intimacy of the small space.

“I would have let you sleep, but I thought you might want to know when we got to the ranch.”

“I do. I do. I’ve been waiting too long for this.” Pushing back her hair, she crooked her neck to see past the dash to the sky. Burgundy streaks twined across the blue velvet, weaving themselves between the golden clouds of sunset.

Annie sighed. How many times over the past two years had she looked up at the night and paused, wondering what Will was doing in his part of the world?

“Looks like we’re in for more rain,” he commented.

“Red sky at night, sailors’ delight.”

Will scoffed. “I don’t think so. Barometer’s dropping. Weatherman says eighty percent chance of precipitation. Bit late in the season. I’m hoping he’s wrong, but who knows? Might even get a good old-fashioned tornado for you.”

Annie barely heard his response as her gaze took in the ranch’s entrance arch framed by the Oklahoma night. The black wrought-iron gates stood proudly; “Sullivan Ranch” was spelled out across the top in black letters, with a distinctive letter S.

“You fixed the arch,” Annie said, delighted at the sight. She had never seen anything more beautiful.

Will nodded.

“When?”

“’Bout a year ago.”

“That long? It looks brand-new. Why didn’t you write and tell me?”

“Why didn’t you come home?” His answer was a low rumble that resonated through Annie.

“Now, Will, don’t start that again.” She knew the lecture by heart.

Will’s mantra.

Home? Yes, it was Will’s home, but she had no real right to call Sullivan Ranch home.

He bristled. “You didn’t have to go halfway around the world to be a nurse.”

“Are you questioning the call on my life?”

“No, but why is it when God opens a door you feel the need to run through the next three?”

Annie closed her eyes for a moment, regrouping.

His tone became gentle. “Rose has missed you, Annie. You know you’re the daughter she never had.”

What about you, Will? Did you miss me?

She couldn’t ignore the frustration in his voice and countered with her own. “I know that, and I’m sorry. But Rose isn’t always going to be around to pick me up and dust me off.”

“That’s just what I’m getting at. Rose isn’t getting any younger.” He rubbed his palm along his denim-clad thigh. “If you weren’t happy at St. John’s, why not work at another medical center in town? With the nursing shortage and all, you could have taken your pick.” He continued without pause. “For the life of me I cannot figure you out. They’re pulling Americans out of Kenyan refugee camps and you have to go in. Why can’t you ever do anything the easy way?” His fingers clenched the leather steering wheel. “Where will it be next? Siberia?”

Annie turned and met his glance head-on. “I already checked. They don’t have any openings in Siberia.”

He stared at her for a moment, before the tension finally eased from his broad shoulders and the corners of his mouth pulled into a smile. “Keep it up, smart-mouth.”

“Will, you have to do what you have to do, and I have to do what I have to do. It doesn’t get any simpler than that.”

“What are you running from?” Barely a whisper, his question floated to her.

Silence stretched between them.

Annie tipped her head back against the seat. Running? The man thought he had all the answers. This time he was much too close to the truth. “Will,” she pleaded.

“Okay, you’re right. Now isn’t the time.” He let out a breath. “I’m sorry.”

“I’ll say you are,” she said, taking a light tone again. “One sorry Sullivan.”

“Hey, I’m trying to apologize here.”

“You don’t need to apologize to me. Keep shooting straight. I count on that from you. Give me a few days. Let me rest, clear my mind and sharpen my wits, then we can have this conversation. Deal?”

“Always have to have the last word.”

She opened her mouth to protest, then clamped her lips shut.

Will laughed.

The sound warmed her like a quilt as her gaze found the May moon. So many stars. Was the sky really clearer here? Were stars really brighter? She released a deep breath of contentment.

“Annie?”

When she turned her head their eyes met in the moonlit truck.

“I want you to know I’m proud of you.”

She bowed her head, locking the words away to be savored later.

Will reached out and strong fingers gently pushed the hair back from her face. “You’re wearing the earrings,” he said, his voice a husky murmur.

Annie moved back imperceptibly; she wasn’t strong enough to feign indifference to his touch. She reached up to finger the pearl studs.

They were a gift from Will her first Christmas at the ranch. She was only thirteen. It had been a bleak holiday for all of them. Will’s first Christmas following his father’s death. Annie’s mother had recently dumped her with Rose before taking off yet again. It was just the three of them, and that was the way things stayed until Annie left for Africa.

“Yes. I hate flying,” she replied.

“What?” Confusion played across his angular face.

“I wear your earrings when I need to be brave.” She tried to laugh off the admission.

Blue eyes searched hers, before his hand dropped to her shoulder for a light squeeze.

Will looked up the road. He couldn’t believe what he saw. The white clapboard farmhouse sat like a candle on the hill. “Rose has every single light on.”

“Is she trying to tell you something?”

“Me? She wants everyone to know you’re home. The woman is so excited and proud of you she can’t stop telling everyone.”

As the truck stopped Rose O’Shea burst through the front entrance, sending the screen door slamming against the house. Her gray topknot bobbed and the white apron around her ample waist flapped as she ran down the porch steps.

The passenger door was yanked open, and Annie slid out of the truck and into Rose’s arms before Will could pull the parking brake.

“What on earth took you so long, Will? You stop for every squirrel in the road?”

“She made me go the long way.” He lifted the suitcases from the flatbed and set them on the porch.

“I did not,” Annie protested from within Rose’s embrace. “He drove like an old woman trying to keep his truck clean.”

Will watched Rose fuss over Annie, making clucking noises as she took the younger woman’s face in her hands. “You’ve lost weight.”

“Well, naturally,” Annie said, stepping back. She gave a dismissive toss of her dark head. “Nobody cooks like you.”

“How’s that leg? Hurt much?” Rose questioned.

“No, it’s more of a nuisance than anything.” Annie stepped forward.

“Easy. Will, come and help her up the steps,” Rose directed.

“Help?” He moved next to both women. “She bites my head off every time I try to help.”

Before Annie could protest Will had scooped her up in his arms and started up the steps. He realized his mistake the minute she frantically wrapped her arms around his neck.

Annie Harris wasn’t a scrawny little kid anymore. She might have lost a few pounds, but she felt exactly like a woman, with curves in all the right places.

Annie was a woman. Will stumbled at the realization. When he deposited her on the porch like a hot potato, she grabbed the railing for support.

The phone echoed from the house.

“That’ll be my sister wanting to know if you’re here yet.” Rose flew past them.

“What did I tell you? It’s just begun,” Will said. He pulled open the screen door for Rose.

Annie still stood holding the rail, eyes wide and accusing. “That wasn’t necessary,” she said with a quiet voice. She yanked her pants and shirt straight and wouldn’t look him in the eye.

“What?” he asked.

“Carrying me.”

Her gaze flew to his, sparks of gold flashing in the dark eyes.

“Ah.” Will took the opportunity to roll his shoulders in mock pain. “I think I pulled a muscle.”

“You did not.”

He looked her up and down and grinned. “Still a scrapper.”

Years ago she’d stood on this same front porch, her hair in a single braid, enormous eyes staring. A little girl clutching a brown paper grocery sack which held all her belongings.

But Annie never cried. Not even when her momma left.

That was almost twelve years ago, the same day he set aside his own grief. At eighteen he’d recognized a soul mate in the brave kid who had been left on their doorstep.

He leaned back against the rail, his glance skipping over her. Long, silky chestnut hair flowed around her shoulders as she surveyed the land, a challenging tilt to her chin. Her brown eyes, almost gypsy-black, had dark smudges beneath them, telling signs of the ordeal in Kenya.

Will counted up the years. Was she really twenty-four? Twenty-five come winter. How did that happen? Hard to believe she’d be getting married someday.

Whoa.

Annie getting married?

He frowned. Was any man ready for Annie? He doubted the man existed who could match her toe-to-toe, heart-to-heart. The thought gave him an inexplicable satisfaction he chose to neither analyze nor explore.

Annie was a challenge all right, tall and proud, holding her thoughts locked deep inside. Pride was her middle name.

She’d tell you it was Elizabeth. Anne Elizabeth. He grinned, remembering how she had made it perfectly clear to everyone that she was Miss Anne E. Harris.

She turned to meet his gaze, hers questioning. “What’s so funny?”

“Miss Anne E.,” he said.

The corners of her mouth raised in a self-deprecatory salute. “Don’t remind me.” She pointed across the yard to a building in the distance. “What’s that?”

“New stables. You still know how to ride?” he asked.

“I hope I do.” Her smile deepened and she turned back to him. “How many horses?”

“Six, and quite a few boarders.”

“The boarding has picked up?”

Will released his breath. “Not as much as I’d hoped.” Not as much as he needed.

His eyes narrowed following her gaze as she looked out toward the orchard.

“Lots going on at the ranch, Annie. I’ve started a new business venture. This is the make-it-or-break-it year for Sullivan Ranch.” He gripped the railing tightly with both hands.

And he had to make a profit to keep his father’s legacy alive. No way would he let Sullivan Ranch go without a fight.

Rose appeared at the screen. “Come on inside. Too dark now to appreciate all Will’s hard work. You can see the ranch tomorrow. It’s supposed to be a beautiful day. Did you see that red sky?”

Will held the door open.

As she moved past, Annie raised a knowing brow at him. “Told you so,” she whispered.

Will merely smiled.

“Wait until you see all the changes around here. Will’s put this place on the map. Did he tell you about the web page?”

Annie grinned. “Yes, I heard.”

Rose wiped her hands on her apron and stepped back as Annie hopped inside. “Oh, and, Will, that was for you, that gal from church who keeps pestering you.” Rose frowned. “I’ve already forgotten her name. Well, no never mind. I let her know you’re too busy to chitchat, and to call back tomorrow.”

“What?” Annie taunted from inside the house. “Will has a girlfriend?”

Grabbing the suitcases, he strode past the kitchen. The aroma of fresh blackberry pie accompanied him down the hallway.

“I do not have a girlfriend,” he called, depositing the bags on the rag rug in Annie’s old room.

The fact was he rarely dated and took pains not encourage anyone in any way. Will had come to terms with the path he must take long ago. It could never include marriage.

“Why, our Will is considered quite a catch these days, don’t you know?” Rose said, proud as any mother.

Annie released a strangled laugh at Rose’s words and slapped her palm on the heavy oak table.

“What’s so funny about that?” After drying his hands, Will balled up the dish towel and shot, hitting his target dead-on where she sat.

Pulling the cloth off her head, Annie flung the fabric back.

He neatly dodged.

“Okay, you two. No horseplay in the house,” Rose reprimanded, picking up the towel from the floor. She opened the refrigerator and grabbed a large foil-covered plate.

“Yes, ma’am.” Will’s fingers snaked out to grab a slice of roast beef just as Rose uncovered the platter. He popped the tidbit into his mouth.

When he turned he found Annie inspecting him. “What?” he asked, uncomfortable with her assessment.

“N-Nothing.” She quickly glanced away.

“Come on. You’re up to something.”

Annie cleared her throat and turned back, her usual mischievous smile in place. “I wondered if I crossed my eyes and looked real hard I might be able to figure out what all the fuss is about.”

“Huh?”

“All those women chasing you.”

“Oh, knock it off,” he growled. “Now, what do you want to drink?”

“Anything without caffeine, please,” she said. A frown settled on her face. “Suddenly I’m not tired at all, and that is not good.”

“Having insomnia, honey?” Rose asked. “You sleep on the plane at all?”

“The only place I’ve managed to get any decent sleep was in Will’s truck.”

“Is that the story of my life or what? I bore women to sleep.”

“You should be honored. I don’t nod off for just anyone, you know.”

The circles beneath her eyes told Will she didn’t exaggerate. He knew it wasn’t only plane rides keeping her awake. What happened over there that continued to haunt her nights? She’d refused to discuss the accident on the phone.

“What else do you want out of here, Rose?” He motioned to the refrigerator.

“Grab that spicy mustard Annie likes, and the blackberry pie from the counter.”

“Oh, well, now I know I’m in heaven. Blackberry pie.” Annie licked her lips. She stood and awkwardly leaned against the chair back, then hopped to the cupboard.

“I’ll get whatever you need,” Will said.

She pulled out a plate. “I’m not helpless. Now please slide that pie over here.”

“You can’t eat dessert first.” He held the tin barely out of her grasp.

“Watch me.” Annie grabbed the pie from Will’s hands. She set it down and transferred a generous chunk onto her plate then to her mouth. Slowly chewing and swallowing, she closed her eyes for a moment in silent appreciation. “Nobody cooks like Rose.” A fork pointed at him, she continued, “You’re spoiled rotten.”

“Got that straight.” He swiped a small crumb that had fallen from her fork to the polished wood table. Tasting the morsel, he stopped and relished the rightness of having the people he cared about most gathered together in his kitchen. Heartfelt words slipped out before he was aware of it. “It’s so good to have you back.”

Annie paused. “Thank you, Will.” She sounded almost shy.

“Are you saying all I have to do to keep you here is keep the pie coming?” Rose asked.

“That’ll do it,” Annie agreed, eyes still locked on Will as she sat back down. “Of course, you’ll be rolling me down the front steps when I leave,” she added.

“You just got here. Don’t start talking about leaving,” Rose moaned.

“Rose,” Will reminded softly. They’d discussed this topic after Annie’s phone call.

Don’t get your hopes up, he’d said.

He thought Rose would collapse when she heard about the attack on the Kenyan border clinic. A bullet hit Annie’s leg. They’d received a late-night phone message from the U.S. Embassy informing them Annie was in a Nairobi hospital.

Will’s jaw clenched as he remembered. Then and there he decided to call and demand she come home—at least until she healed. Before the call went through he’d already determined he wouldn’t allow her to draw him into an argument.

Her quick wit and sharp tongue he could handle. The acquiescence he heard in her voice was a sucker punch to his gut. Annie was scared and wanted nothing more at that moment than to return to the States.

But for how long?

Now that she was here, it would be difficult for Rose to let her go again.

“I know, I know,” Rose said, stirring the potato salad with vengeance. She turned her head, using the corner of her apron to wipe moisture from her eyes.

Rose’s heartfelt response slammed into Will. A surge of protectiveness for the woman who’d mothered him for so long welled in his chest.

He glanced at Annie, who sat at the table looking miserable and seeming unsure what to do. For the first time in a long time, Will sent up a prayer. He didn’t set much stock in them anymore, but Annie defied rational thought. Will was more than frustrated, so he prayed for some kind of intervention, hoping there was a way to make Annie stay.

Chapter Two

Will sat in the rocking chair with one boot propped on the railing and the other on the porch.

Alone with the stars. The time of day he liked best. It was quiet enough to hear an occasional car out on the service road a mile away. The soft night breeze brought only a rustle from the trees and a whinny from the stable.

He used to come out here at night mad and frustrated, trying to make sense of life. Now, after years of tangling with his demons, he’d finally found an uncertain peace. He imagined his father sitting in the same beat-up rocker and coming to similar conclusions.

Seeing Annie again brought all the conflicting thoughts back. Vibrant and alive, she had a future that was hers to take.

For only brief seconds did he despair his own destiny. Then he pushed the negative thoughts away. He wouldn’t allow them to control his life ever again.

He’d gone to the wall and back with God on this.

Huntington’s.

There was a fifty-fifty chance he had the disease that slowly destroyed his father.

A mere toss of the coin.

Those odds were what had kept him awake at night when he was younger. He’d been haunted day and night after his father’s death. Every tremor, every stumbled step reminded Will of the deterioration that forced his father into a wheelchair and then to the bed that became his final prison.

Huntington’s was the Sullivan family secret. Only Rose knew, and she’d honored Will’s privacy.

The first time they’d discussed the subject she’d begged him to be tested.

He couldn’t do that, even for Rose.

If he was negative, sure, the anxiety would be over. But if he was positive, he’d spend every moment of every day anticipating symptoms, seeing even more demons around every corner.

There was no medical advantage to being tested. A positive test result couldn’t tell when he’d actually develop the disease or to what degree. It only meant he was positive for the gene. There would be even more unanswered questions. Another can of worms to deal with.

It was about the time Annie left he realized he had two choices: walk away from God or walk with Him. He’d chosen the latter, knowing there was no way he could make this journey alone.

Will planned to savor each day, appreciating what was set before him. He had the ranch and his friends. Life was pretty darn good. Yes, his was an uncertain peace. But peace, nonetheless.

On his terms.

Just the way he liked things.

He stared out at the land. Even in the darkness he recognized every landmark on the property, from the maple trees in front of the house to the horse barn rising to the right, to the silhouette of the peach orchard far to the north.

Sullivan Ranch. His legacy.

But could he hold on to that legacy?

Will’s ears perked at a sound from in the house. He stopped the easy motion of the chair and listened. The screen creaked and pushed open.

He tipped back his head to look.

Annie wore Rose’s plaid flannel robe, twisted, with the collar tucked in. Her hair stood up around her head, like some sort of wayward angel.

“Who’ve you been wrestling?”

“That silly bed, of course. It has more lumps than I remembered.”

“Hey, princess, Rose replaced that mattress as soon as she found out you were coming back.”

“Really? Then I guess I have more lumps than I remembered.” She rubbed her hip.

He chuckled and got to his feet. “Here, sit down.” As she limped past he pulled out the collar of her robe. “You look like you stuck your finger in a light socket.”

“Flatterer.” With nimble fingers she smoothed down her hair and pushed the strands away from her face.

“What are you doing up, Will?”

“A lot on my mind.”

“Me, too.” Easing into the chair, she glanced at him, dark eyes sparkling with mischief. “I guess it’s a bit early for breakfast.”

“A bit.” He glanced at the luminous dial of his watch, then gave her a wink. “But not too early for a midnight snack.”

“Blackberry pie.” They said the words together and laughed.

Will stood. “What do you want to drink?”

“Milk,” she said, using her good leg to gently rock the chair. “And thanks so much, Will.”

He returned moments later, their snacks on a tray, which he set on the rail of the porch. “You know, it’s getting mighty annoying the way you thank me for every single thing.”

“But.” She swallowed hard and blinked furiously. “I mean, it’s not like I live here anymore. I don’t want to mess up your schedule and be a bother.”

So that was what this was all about.

“Annie, we’re your family. This is your home.”

“No.” She reached out a hand to touch his arm and he stepped back.

Annie cleared her throat. “I’m—I’m grateful you and Rose took me in. You certainly didn’t need another mouth to feed, and I’m so appreciative that you put up with me all those years. But, Will, Sullivan Ranch is your home. Not mine.”

“I don’t want your gratitude.” He paused and stared at her. Understanding suddenly broke through the emotions crowding his mind. “Is that why you didn’t come back after college?”

“I did come back.”

“For less than a year.”

She clasped and unclasped her hands.

“Why did you go to Kenya?” He wanted to understand. Needed to understand.

“I had to find my own life, my own place in this world. I honestly felt called to medical missions. Besides, I was itching to get out and see the world.” She tightened the belt on the robe. “They needed me over there, and there wasn’t a good reason not to stay.”

“Even though the situation was tense?” He ran his fingers through his hair. The thought of Annie putting herself at risk chilled him through and through.

“It wasn’t really. Not at first. When they attacked the clinic—” She hitched in a breath. “For the first time in my life I was faced with my own mortality. I realized I might never see the ranch again. The next thing I knew, the embassy was pulling us out. I wasn’t sure where I would go.” She met his gaze. “The timing. Your phone call.”

“You wouldn’t have called?” He turned away and stared out into the night, frozen for a moment by the shock delivered by the truth.

“I know none of this makes any sense to you, Will.”

He shook his head and glanced down at her. “Sure it does. Finally everything is making sense. And I could wring your neck.”

“Good,” she interrupted. “Then nothing’s changed, because you’re always wanting to wring my neck.” She smiled sweetly.

He refused to give in to her humor. Instead, he demanded, “How could you question where you would go?”

She shrugged and bit her lip. “I’m sorry, but the longer I stayed away the harder it was to come back.”

Crouching down, he took her hands in his. They were small and soft, the skin chilled. “Tell me what happened.”

Taking a large breath, she stared ahead, her gaze a million miles away. “I can’t. I wish I could but I seem to have blocked it out. Sometimes at night it starts to come back to me and then—” her gaze connected with his “—nothing. I don’t think I’m ready to remember anything but what they’ve told me.”

Will shook his head.

Annie’s gaze shifted and she stared over his shoulder. “Look,” she said. “The moon.”

He glanced behind him. Sure enough, it was a full moon, unusually bright with a luminescent glow.

“And the way those stars are scattered across the sky,” Annie said. “It’s like diamonds on velvet.”

“I don’t think I could ever leave this place,” he said, leaning against the rail.

“You don’t have to,” she whispered.

Annie scrunched the pillow over her face to block out the annoying sunlight streaming through the lace curtains. At some point in the night her body finally adjusted, and gave in to the luxury of a mattress over the familiar cot she’d been sleeping on for the past two years. She ushered a thank-you to God for the few hours of real rest she’d gotten last night.

A yelp of pain escaped when she sat up. Her leg was painfully stiff from being in the same position so long. The stitches pulled against her skin. She ran a hand over the area. Thankfully, it remained cool to her touch, with no signs of infection peeking out from the gauze. Today she’d remove the dressing and let the incision air.

Annie glanced around. Her room. Except for dusting, everything had remained untouched. When the breeze from the open window whispered past, she could smell the familiar fragrance of lavender mingled with furniture polish. Rose had tucked handmade lavender sachets into every drawer.

The bedroom truly was the only substantial thing Annie had ever called her own. Of course it wasn’t really hers. But a young girl could pretend it was her very own room and pretend she had a real family.

The small space had been a nondescript guest room when Annie had arrived. Over the next year or two Rose had very quietly transformed everything, enjoying every minute of painting the walls, sewing the curtains and picking out colors for a quilt.

Annie fingered the soft, gently worn fabric of the hand-pieced and machine-sewn quilt. “Around The World,” Rose called the pattern. Colors of peach and cream blended together into a soothing patchwork design, with a pale green border.

Around the world. Well, she had certainly done that. All her life, it seemed. She had traveled from town to town with her gypsy mother until being brought to the ranch to stay with Rose.

Why Rose? She’d often asked the question during those first years, trying to make sense of everything.

“Your mother and I were neighbors when we were children. We grew up together. She spent a lot of time at my house,” Rose explained.

“But what about my grandparents?” Annie asked.

“Leanne always told me her papa was in the navy and her momma was restless.”

“Restless.” Annie said the words aloud to the empty room. Was that her legacy? Restless.

As promised, Leanne returned six months later, once she and her husband were settled. When her new stepfather began to take notice of Annie, Leanne was quick to return her daughter to the ranch with the necessary papers for Rose to share guardianship.

Annie wondered if Rose had heard from her mother recently. While Leanne sent the occasional birthday card, the last real contact had been a quick, unexpected phone call when Annie turned seventeen, to let her know her mother was again divorced. At the time Annie feared Leanne would come and take her away. But no, she was headed to California to follow a “get rich quick” scheme.

Wiggling her toes and stretching her arms, Annie reached for the flannel robe she’d tossed on the end of the four-poster bed. Frustrating as it was, she would have to use the cane until her leg limbered up.

Her stomach growled, and she was both surprised and thankful. It seemed her appetite was back with a vengeance. Coffee and more pie sounded like a wonderful way to start the day. With any luck, Will hadn’t already finished off both.

She fished in her tapestry bags for her hairbrush then headed for the private bathroom, throwing water on her face and brushing her teeth, before grabbing the cane. Voices reached her as she hobbled carefully down the oak floor of the hallway.

Annie paused in the kitchen entry and discovered there was a guest at the table. Will sat across from a sophisticated blonde in a cream linen suit who gestured in conversation.

She inched back out of the room.

“About time you got up. We were debating whether or not to wake you for dinner,” Will called. A hint of a smile played on his strong mouth.

“Dinner? What are you talking about?” She glanced at the black, wrought-iron rooster clock on the wall. Three o’clock? “I slept over twelve hours.”

“You needed that sleep,” he said.

“Apparently,” Annie admitted. “I missed church.”

“Are you kidding me?” Will laughed.

Rose pulled out a chair. “Come sit down, honey.”

“Oh, no, no.” Annie shook her head. “You have a guest. I don’t want to interrupt. Besides, I’m not dressed.”

“Don’t be silly. This is just Mrs. Reilly,” Rose said, dismissing Annie’s concerns with a wave of her hand. “Now sit yourself down.” She pulled out a chair. “I’ve got a fresh pot of coffee brewing.”

The woman seated at the table raised a perfectly arched brow at Rose’s remark.

“That sounds wonderful,” Annie admitted. She carefully lowered herself into a ladder-backed chair.

“Annie, this is Margaret Reilly,” Will said. “She and her husband, Ed, are involved in a joint venture with Sullivan Ranch.”

Annie offered the woman her hand. The blonde’s grip was strong and businesslike as her assessing gaze met Annie’s head-on. A second glance at the woman’s polished features and Annie realized Margaret was her own mother’s age.

“Call me Margaret. I’m delighted to finally meet Will’s little sister.”

Little sister? Her glance darted to Will, who had suddenly become preoccupied with the floor tile.

Well, why was she surprised? The words only verified what she knew all along.

“I understand you’re a nurse,” Margaret said. “I don’t know how you do it. That sort of work definitely has to be a calling.”

“Annie is called. Did you know she had a full-ride academic scholarship to the University of Tulsa?” Rose spoke with pride. As she talked, she filled a mug with steaming coffee and set it on the table in front of Annie.

“TU? I’m impressed. So, what are your plans now that you’re back? How long are you visiting?”

“Visiting?” Rose interrupted, her voice taking on an edge. “Why, Annie is family.”

Margaret gave a small, tight smile. “So you’ll probably be looking for a job, and I know they’re desperate for nurses in Oklahoma City. I have a colleague who is on the board of several hospitals. I’d be happy to give her your name.”

“OK City is too far,” Rose said. “They’re hiring right here in T-town.”

“I’m not really sure what I’ll do once the doctor releases me,” Annie answered. “But thank you for thinking of me.”

“Oh, yes. Will mentioned your accident. You were overseas.”

“But she’s not going back. Right, Annie?” Rose asked with concern.

Annie reached out to put her hand over Rose’s. The conversation was spiraling out of control.

Will cleared his throat.

Annie recognized the pained expression on his face as a desperate plea to change the subject.

“Have we got any fruit in the house?” he asked, with a quick glance around.

“Fruit?” Rose asked, distracted. “What on earth are you talking about? There’s fruit in the basket, where it always is.” She grabbed the willow basket off the counter and dropped it squarely in front of Will.

Margaret stood. “I must get back to the house. We’re hosting that big charity buffet tonight.” She paused to give Will her complete attention. “I can still count on you to be there, right?”

Will frowned slightly, confusion evident his face. “Tonight?” He scratched his head. “Did I know about this?”

Margaret gathered her leather clutch. “You certainly did. Ed and I both told you there will be several very important contacts for the ranch attending this party, including several well-connected young ladies that you certainly must meet.”

Margaret Reilly was pointed in her plan for matchmaking. No doubt she’d find the perfect wife.

The perfect wife for Will Sullivan.

The sharp pain of realization made Annie wince. She blinked and mindlessly lifted the coffee mug to her lips, taking a swig of the hot beverage. The immediate result burned her mouth and brought tears to her eyes. With a noise of pain she swallowed.

“You okay?” Will asked, jumping to his feet.

“Hot. Hot,” Annie sputtered.

He moved quickly to the sink, filling a glass with tap water. “Here, drink.”

She did, swishing the cool and soothing water over the inside of her scalded mouth before swallowing.

“Goodness, child. Are you all right?” Rose questioned.

Humiliated, Annie nodded. Oh, this day was starting out fine. Little sister and child, all in one brief fiasco.

“It was nice to meet you, Margaret,” Annie said, hoping to move past the awkward incident.

“My pleasure, Annie. I know we’ll see each other often. My husband, Ed, and I work very closely with Sullivan Ranch.” She turned to Will. “Don’t we, Will?”

Will gave a short nod.

“I’m sorry. What is it you do?” Annie asked.

Margaret gave a bemused smile. “Why, Ed is the CEO of KidCare.”

Annie raised a brow.

“Oh, my. You have been gone for a while.”

“KidCare is an international children’s ministry consulting firm based in Tulsa,” Will answered.

“Basically we connect and support children’s charities, ministries and youth organizations,” Margaret said.

“How does that involve Will?” Annie asked.

“Ed had several great ideas and came to me with a business plan about eighteen months ago,” Will explained. “Sullivan Ranch will be hosting events for KidCare. In return, KidCare backs the operations and promote the events.”

Annie nodded. She imagined the publicity alone was a boost for the ranch. “That sounds really exciting.”

“Oh, it is,” Margaret assured her. “Sullivan Ranch has their first big program coming up. A local denomination is holding a get-together for their junior high kids from across the Tulsa area. They’ll be camping out right here.”

“Where, here?” Annie asked.

“Right here on the ranch,” Will said. “I’ll show you around later. You won’t believe the changes. I’ve added a few cabins on the other side of the peach trees, near the Dearborne property line. There’s a campground, too.” His eyes lit up and his face, normally a mask of composure, seemed almost animated.

“Really?” Annie said. “What a terrific idea. I can’t wait for a tour.”

Margaret wrinkled her nose. “I’ll pass on the camping, but I will be coordinating the catering for the barbecue.”

Rose coughed. “I keep telling you I can handle a little barbecue,” she said, while giving the already sparkling countertops a brisk rubdown with her sponge.

“I’m certain you can, Rose,” Margaret returned. “But there will be about fifty or so campers, and I wouldn’t think of imposing upon your goodwill. Besides, there are health regulations we must adhere to.”

Rose inhaled sharply.

Ouch. Business or not, Margaret didn’t understand who ruled the culinary roost at Sullivan Ranch. Rose O’Shea did, and she’d done it single-handedly for over twenty years.

“What time is that party tonight?” Will asked, interrupting the uneasy silence.

“Seven. Of course you’ll be there early so we can take care of some KidCare business before everyone arrives,” Margaret said. She caught Will’s eye, making it very clear she expected full cooperation.

“Probably won’t make the party early,” Will finally answered Margaret, as he walked to the sink and rinsed his mug. “This is Annie’s first full day back.”

Margaret blinked with surprise. “I see. Then we’ll expect you at seven. Don’t forget a tie.”

“No, ma’am, I won’t.”

There was a strained silence before Margaret spoke again. “Ed has those brochures ready for you. They’re in the car if you’d like to collect the box now.”

Will pursed his lips, then nodded and grabbed his hat.

Margaret adjusted her jacket. When she turned to Annie, control was back in place. “I’ll see you again, Annie. We’ll plan to do lunch once you’re settled.”

Annie smiled, though somehow she just couldn’t see her and Margaret doing lunch.

“Thank you for the coffee, Rose,” Margaret added, following Will.

Rose gave a curt nod.

When they were well out of earshot, Annie rubbed her hands together. “Well, that was fun.”

“Don’t even get me started,” Rose fumed, clearing the table. “That woman thinks she can run Will, the same as she runs her husband.” Rose took a deep breath. “Now, what do you want to eat?”

Annie opened her mouth to suggest pie, but shut it quickly as Rose continued: “And don’t you dare say pie.”

Chapter Three

The old ranch Jeep, a rusty black model minus doors, roared to life. Will shifted gears, guiding the vehicle along the bumpy dirt and gravel road, leaving a wake of dust.

“Sure you’re up to this?” Will asked.

Annie pushed her windswept hair out of her eyes and tucked the strands behind her ears. She slapped a navy ball cap emblazoned with the University of Tulsa logo on her head, and turned in the seat to face him. “Are you kidding? After all that sleep?”

“But your leg?”

She had pushed the seat back as far as possible to accommodate and protect her extended left leg. Will glanced down at the uncovered wound. Her pant leg was rolled up to her knee, and with the dressing off he could see the incision on the back of her calf. It ran horizontal, at least four inches, with a small vertical zigzag. Tight stitches pulled the skin together. Several large abrasions around the area were scabbed and healing.

The bullet, Annie had told him on the phone, penetrated the muscle and then exited, leaving the area a nasty mess. The surgeon opened the area to clean and remove shards of glass along with embedded dirt and gravel from her fall. Now that the infection was under control, the wound appeared to be healing nicely.

So why was it he cringed every time he glanced at her leg? Will did not consider himself fainthearted. He could handle any number of emergencies related to the animals on the ranch, yet he found himself skittish about this. Maybe because it was Annie who’d been hurt. An involuntary shudder went clear through him.

“You’ve seen worse accidents at the rodeo.”

“Not the same thing. Trust me.”

“Well, you’re going to have to deal with it. I hurt my leg. It’s healing. End of story.”

He said nothing to her curt response, noting only that she seemed out of sorts since Margaret Reilly’s visit.

In fact Rose was the same way. Plain cranky.

Rose he understood. She’d run the Sullivan house since his mother left. At times he wondered what kept Rose here in Granby with him and the ranch. She had never married, often saying the Sullivans were all the family she needed, and later including Annie in her circle of love.

His father had often told him a kitchen was only big enough for one woman. Will figured Annie didn’t count because she was like a daughter to Rose.

Margaret Reilly? Well, that was another story. She got on Rose’s last nerve.

On several occasions during strategic planning meetings at the ranch, Will had to pull Margaret aside to explain Rose’s role at the ranch wasn’t simply housekeeper. No, Rose O’Shea couldn’t be defined by the words housekeeper or cook. Margaret had a hard time understanding, but at least she’d stopped giving out suggestions for redecorating the house and reorganizing the kitchen in front of the feisty older woman.

He wasn’t too sure why Margaret irritated Annie. Must be a woman thing.

The campground appeared in the distance and Will pointed as they approached. The perfect spot, it was nestled in a protective shelter of trees. The tall redbuds, elms and birches were planted by his grandfather William Sullivan.

“Finished those cabins a few weeks ago,” he told Annie. “Along with the shower facility. The covered areas over there are for picnics, barbecues and activities.”

Six cabins, each able to accommodate four campers, stood in a semicircle to the right. The clearing to the left was for pitching tents.

“You’ve got showers and toilets?”

“Don’t want them coming to the house, do I?”

“This is roughing it, Okie style? Those cabins are adorable.”

“Adorable?” Will nearly choked on the word. “They’re not adorable.”

“Sure they are. So you’re planning on quite a few campouts?”

“More than quite a few. We’re booked nearly every weekend from now to the end of the summer.”

Annie’s eyes widened. “Will, that’s a lot of work.”

“You bet it is, and this has been over a year in the making. Besides campouts we’ve got one-night events like hayrides and church meetings. The riding lessons have picked up too.”

“Who does the lessons?”

“I wish I could say I do them all, but mostly I rely on Chris LaFarge and his wife, Joanie. Chris is a vet tech over at Doc Jones’s practice.”

“You’re busy.”

“There’s an understatement. I spend most of my time on the phone troubleshooting and scheduling. The frustrating part is trying to get any real work done in between calls. Getting to be a joke.”

“Sounds like you need a personal assistant.”

“Margaret said the same thing.”

“That’s because she probably has a personal assistant.”

“Yeah, well, I can’t afford that kind of expense. By the spring I’ll know if I can draw my own paycheck as an employee. There’s no way I can bring anyone else on board at this point.”

“So explain to me again how the Reillys play into all this?”

“Ed Reilly came to me with the idea. KidCare is the middleman in this operation. They negotiate the programs and outsource to operations like Sullivan Ranch. KidCare takes a percentage of profits right off the top along with a fee I pay them for things like marketing. I deal mostly with Margaret on a day-to-day basis.”

Annie tilted her head, listening.

“You’ve never heard of KidCare, but trust me, for a homegrown operation, they’re huge. Lots of influence and lots of money. At first Ed offered to finance the changes I’d need,” Will continued. “But that didn’t sit well with me. I’m fortunate KidCare is interested in working with Sullivan Ranch, but I don’t want them to own me.” He adjusted the rim of his straw Stetson. “How did you pay for the work?” Clearly Annie wasn’t shy about asking questions.

“I sold the land in the north pasture to the Dearbornes.” Will shifted uncomfortably. Just saying the words made him nervous.

“That’s almost…” Annie blinked hard. “That’s almost a third of the ranch.”

“I know. I know. To tell you the truth, it scared me spitless. Fact is, the past few years I’ve been barely squeaking by with the horse boarding and my inheritance. Ed came along when I was seriously contemplating the need to sell everything.”

She sucked in a breath. “Sell Sullivan Ranch?”

Will seconded her reaction. He gazed out through the mud-spattered windshield, his vision taking in the pecan grove and the small peach and apple orchard. “It’s been a long time since this place has been a working ranch.” He pointed to the pasture beyond the trees. “There haven’t been cattle out there since before my dad got sick, and that was a long time ago.”

Quiet filled the Jeep as Will paused, his hand moving the clutch back and forth in and out of neutral. “This ranch is all I know. But something had to give, and I just couldn’t see the past as a way to the future.”

He turned to Annie, the knot in his stomach tightening. “Am I wrong?”

“No, Will. I think you’re right. Besides, the entire project has changed you. It’s good to see you so enthusiastic. I’m really happy for you. But how are you going to do it all by yourself?”

“Slowly. Very slowly. I started with a plan, and so far things have worked. At first I focused on getting the ranch in shape, starting with routine maintenance. Then I contracted to have the work done for the new campgrounds. There were inspections and zoning red tape until I couldn’t see straight.”

Annie gave a thoughtful nod as he spoke.

“Now I have a couple reliable college kids on the weekend. They’ll help set things up and do the tear down. Chris and Joanie get the horses fed and exercised in the evening. Gives me a break.”

“Still leaves a lot for you to do. Maintenance of the ranch and bookkeeping, and now these KidCare projects are rolling. What are you going to do when you start getting outside reservations, besides KidCare?”

Will grinned and his pleasure soared. She got it. Annie understood.

“Already started getting outside reservations. That’s why I’m booked almost solid.” He grinned, unable to contain his pride. “Hey, it’s hard work. Any new venture is. They say you can expect to work twenty-four-seven for the first few years to launch a new business. I’m prepared to do that.”

And he was. There wasn’t any extra time left over to brood on the past or worry about the future. No time to think about Huntington’s these days.

“I’m surprised you know if you’re coming or going.”

Will laughed. She wasn’t far off the mark. “Annie, the place seems to be exploding with ideas. I’d like to expand and put in Quonset huts and a full kitchen and hold full camps Monday through Friday, all summer long. The place would be a Christian dude ranch. I know it’s not a new idea. There are plenty around the area. But it’s still a pretty lucrative opportunity, considering we’re smack-dab in the middle of the Bible Belt.”

“That’s a terrific vision. I can see it happening.”

Excitement sizzled through him as he spoke. “Can you, Annie? Because I really can.” He fiddled with a thread on his jeans. “Sometimes I’m so fired up I could burst with needing to talk.”

“Will Sullivan a chatterbox. Now that’s a new one.”

Will paused for a moment, taking in the picture Annie made. A smile teased her lips, and her eyes brimmed with laughter. Unable to resist, he reached out and gently adjusted the crooked ball cap on her head.

“Better?” she asked quietly.

“Perfect,” Will returned.

They sat in silence for a few minutes, and Will knew that at this moment he was more content than he had been in a very long time.

“Now I remember why they call it Green Country,” she said, her gaze taking in the thick, lush grass and the leafy trees around them.

“Pretty, huh?”

“Yes, but I just realized I missed the azaleas blooming.”

“Stick around. They bloom every year.”

She frowned.

“You missed most of tornado season, too.”

“That I don’t miss,” she said. “Remember that year one hit the barn and took your cow two miles down the road?”

“Yeah. Amazing old Daisy was unhurt. Mad as all get-out, but not a thing wrong with that cow.”

“Rose was worried sick. How is old Daisy?”

“I don’t even know. But she hasn’t changed a bit. Still stubborn and contrary, but Rose flat out refuses to let me sell that cow. Says my dad loved old Daisy and she’s part of my heritage.”

“Kindred spirits,” Annie said, laughing.

“You mean Rose and Dad, or Daisy and Rose?”

“I don’t think I should answer that.”

Will took a deep breath of Oklahoma air and pushed the wind from his lungs. “End of May is about the best time of year, don’t you think?”

Annie nodded.

“We’ll be complaining about the heat and humidity soon enough, but now…warm days. Cool nights. This has been an especially kind spring, too. The grass will stay green well into summer after all the rain we’ve had.”

“I don’t think I’m even going to notice the humidity here after living in Kenya.”

He’d driven the Jeep in a large circle around the ranch and as they pulled close to the rear of the house, Annie waved for him to stop.

“Oh, my goodness. What happened to Rose’s garden?”

“We moved the garden over by the pond. There’s a gazebo there now, too.”

“Then what’s that?” She pointed to a large area surrounded by a white picket fence. Inside, the dark red clay had obviously been tilled and fertilized. Neat rows of small plants were staked as far as her eye could see.

“Pumpkin patch.”

“The world’s largest pumpkin patch?”

“Pretty much. Can’t you see it in the fall, with kids all over the place picking out pumpkins?”

“Yes. I can.” She scrutinized the area, then spoke again. “What about pony rides and a small animal-petting zoo? You know, calves and lambs. A donkey. You could probably get the animal shelter to bring out puppies and kittens for adoption. Make it a yearly event.”

“Now why didn’t I think of that?”

As she waved a hand to gesture with increased enthusiasm, Will could almost see the ideas percolating under that ball cap on her head.

“Add bales of hay and a few scarecrows to give it a real harvest theme. Why, I bet you could sell Sullivan peaches and pecans and Rose’s pies, too.”

Will snapped his fingers. “You’re a genius, Annie.”

“I have my moments.”

“Let me know if you have any more.”

Annie laughed at his words.

He glanced over at the stable. “I haven’t even shown you the horses yet, have I?”

She hesitated. “No. But have you checked the time? You’ve got that fundraiser at seven.”

Disappointment slid over him as he confirmed her words with a quick look at his watch. He’d much rather be riding around the ranch with Annie than playing nice at the Reillys’ party.

Will stuck a finger into the collar of his dress shirt, searching for breathing room. Giving up, he unbuttoned the top button and loosened the noose.

Why was he here? Then he remembered. Networking.

He sipped a tall, chilled glass of sweet tea and watched Margaret Reilly flit around the great room of the Reilly home. A butterfly in a pink suit, she checked on each and every one of her guests. Detailed instructions were given to the caterers before she floated across the pristine white carpet to light next to him.

“You aren’t eating?” she said.

“Not real hungry,” Will admitted, eyeing the buffet table.

Long tables were covered with pink linens and centerpieces of fresh spring flowers, all coordinating perfectly with the hostess’s ensemble. Serving platters were laden with delicacies Will hadn’t attempted to identify. Fact was he wasn’t much into fancy food. A plain meat-and-potatoes kind of guy, he preferred a good steak every time.

He knew he was out of his league here among the Tulsa religious elite gathered for the fundraiser. A simple rancher, he was trying to become a savvy businessman, but small talk was not his forte.

If he had his way he’d never leave the ranch. Will had majored in business, while commuting between Granby and home, but he couldn’t grab his degree and get back to the ranch fast enough. He had no aspirations of grandeur beyond keeping Sullivan Ranch afloat and contributing to a community that supported him through the tough times.

He loved the land, liked hard work and enjoyed getting dirty.

Dressing up made him uncomfortable, and today he’d put on a suit and tie and Sunday shoes—twice. His feet longed for the comfort of his worn Justins.

Gaze drifting, he observed the uniformed staff through the French doors. The Reillys sure could throw a party. Things would move outside anytime now. The buffet dinner and social time were to be followed by a silent auction on the grounds.

Waiters made last-minute preparations for seating along the huge patio area, near the heated pool where sparkly frosted lights hung between huge maple trees. An impromptu stage covered by a white canvas tent had been erected on the lawn. A small ensemble played classical melodies in the background. At the end of the patio another long serving table boasted lavish dessert trays and silver coffee urns.

“I can ask Chef to prepare something for you,” Margaret offered.

“I’m sorry?” Will said, realizing he’d been miles away.

“I said I’d be happy to ask Chef to prepare something for you.”

He gave a small laugh. Was he that transparent? He felt certain he stuck out as a real greenhorn in this crowd and said so.

“Not at all,” Margaret said. “Actually, you and Ed are a lot alike.”

A red warning flag went up. Margaret was preparing to launch into one of her Ed stories.

“Would you excuse me a minute, Margaret?” He was long overdue for a dose of fresh air.

He moved slowly, stopping to greet a business acquaintance, and then paused to examine the original Western artwork scattered throughout the room. Grabbing a fresh tea, he slipped out the side patio doors when Margaret wasn’t looking.

The night air remained warm with barely a breeze. A hand in his pocket, Will stood for minutes watching the few clouds in the clear, dark sky move across a blanket of stars. “Beautiful night.”

Will didn’t have to turn to realize Ed Reilly had joined him. “It is. Wouldn’t trade Oklahoma for any other place on the planet.”

“Me either,” Ed agreed. “But you ought to be inside meeting those young ladies Margaret has lined up for you. They come from important Tulsa families.”

Will turned to face the older man. Tall and blond with silver shot through the temples, he had one obvious thing in common with his wife. Ed Reilly was accustomed to getting what he wanted.

“Sounds like she’s negotiating a business deal,” Will observed.

“Take some advice from a fellow who has been around the block, Will. A good partnership can lay a solid foundation for a long-term relationship. Don’t rule it out.”

“I’ll give that some thought, sir.”

While he said the appropriate words, Will knew he wasn’t interested in Ed’s definition of a long-term business arrangement. Fact of the matter was he believed in love. Hadn’t seen much of it, but somewhere in the back of his heart he knew that if the Huntington’s wasn’t a block in his road of life and he was in the position to consider marriage, he wouldn’t consider it for anything less than love. A forever and ever, all-encompassing love.

“Nice party,” Will said.

Ed chuckled, knowing he’d been sidestepped. “That it is. A fine party, indeed. Hope the good food and fellowship encourages folks to dig deep into their wallets. We’re supporting a very worthy cause tonight.”

“I’m sure they will. Tulsa is a generous town.”

“You’re right, Will. Tulsa is a generous town. There is always someone willing to lend a helping hand.”

“Yes, sir.”

“My wife tells me everything is moving along well for the youth retreat.”

Will nodded.

“I’ll be out of town next week, but I know you two can handle things.”

“I appreciate your confidence in me.”

“You’re doing a great job. Give it a year, eighteen months, and you’ll start to reap the fruit of this venture.”

“I hope so. Don’t mind telling you I’ve spent more than a few sleepless nights.”

“Success is not without risks. But you’re motivated, a hard worker and a Godly man. Rare combination these days. Before you know it Sullivan Ranch will be bigger than you dreamed.”

“From your lips to God’s ears,” Will said.

Ed chuckled.

Both men turned as the patio doors burst open and Margaret stood silhouetted against the lights of the party inside.

“Are you two hiding?” Margaret asked.

“Not at all, darling,” Ed said. “Just mixing a little business with pleasure.”

She nodded, unconvinced. “Will has a phone call. You can take it in Ed’s study.”

Margaret led Will across the carpet and down the hall. Her heels clicked a sharp staccato pattern on the imported Mexican tile as she led the way to the study, opening the massive oak doors. “I do hope you’ll hurry,” she said, as she left him alone in the room. “The party isn’t over yet.”

He reached for the receiver on the desk. “Sullivan here.”

“Will, I’m so sorry to bother you.” Annie’s voice overflowed with emotion. “I tried your cell first.”

Will fumbled in his pants pocket for his cell. He must have left it in the truck. “What’s wrong?” he asked, prepared for the worst.

“Rose. She fell. I’m certain she broke her hip. The ambulance is taking her to St. Francis Hospital.”

Chapter Four

Annie fidgeted in the uncomfortable waiting-room chair. She’d watched the frantic activity in the busy E.R. for the past thirty minutes, wishing she could step in and help.

Her stateside hospital experience had been a med-surg unit after graduation, right before she left for the medical mission position. Boring compared to what she’d observed here. The staff certainly had a formidable challenge. The traffic in and out of the automatic doors seemed heavier than the large medical clinic outside Dadaab. If anything, being on the outside looking in made her anxious to return to nursing.

When Will came through the glass doors she grabbed her cane and stood.

In a suit and tie he took her breath away. Her heart sped up and she had to will herself, as always, to act normal. She knew she was fooling herself if she thought she’d ever be blasé where Will was concerned.

Apparently she wasn’t the only one. Several nurses looked up and continued staring, their admiring gazes following the tall handsome rancher as he moved with purpose through the lobby. A worried frown on his face, he inspected the room. His glance connected with Annie and in several quick strides he was at her side.

“How’d you get here so fast?” he asked. His concerned eyes were more charcoal than blue, reflecting the dark gray suit he wore.

“I drove the Jeep.”

“The Jeep? That piece of junk is held together with two rubber bands and a piece of duct tape.”

She laughed. “It did fine.”

“How’s your leg?” He stepped back and urged her to sit. “And I’d appreciate it if you didn’t read me the riot act for asking.”

“Who, me?” She slid into the chair, resting the cane across her legs.

“Uh-huh.”

“Sorry if I was irritable. The leg really is okay.”

Will nodded. “What’s happening with Rose?”

“X-ray. I got an update from one of the nurses. She thinks they’re going to admit her soon.”

“Surgery?”

“I imagine so, but I haven’t heard anything definite yet.”

“She hurting?”

“Not anymore. They gave her a nice shot.” Annie smiled slightly. “Rose was reciting her apple pie recipe in her sleep by the time they came with the gurney to take her for a CAT scan and then to X-ray. The staff was standing around taking notes.”

“You’re kidding.”

“A little. You need to relax, Will.”

“I wish I could.” He shook his head. “We need to call her sister. I don’t know if Rose told you Ellen moved back to Catoosa last year.”

“I already called. Ellen is in the billing office now, filling out paperwork.” Annie leaned over and pulled Will’s cell phone from her hobo bag and handed it to him. “I borrowed this. You left it on the kitchen table. I hope that was okay?”

“Of course.”

“Ellen happened to be in town and made it here about the same time I did.”

Will’s eyebrows rose. “Good deal.” He yanked the striped tie off his neck and shoved the fabric into his suit coat pocket. “Tell me what happened again.”

“Rose swears it was that barn cat. She’d gone outside to put scraps on the compost pile and the cat was trying to catch birds. She shooed him off, turned too fast, tripped and fell.”

“That’s all? How could she break a hip like that?”

“It happens. She got herself up and back in the house, but she called me because she was in pain. When I checked, one leg appeared a bit longer than the other and the hip hurt to touch. She couldn’t bear weight, so I called an ambulance.” Annie paused. “You know how she always complained about her hip when the weather changed. Maybe she has some arthritis or osteoporosis? I don’t know, but broken hips are always a risk for someone her age.”

“Her age? How old do you suppose Rose is?”

“I’m not sure. You know the rules. Weight and age are taboo. I’m guessing she’s sixty-something. What do you think?”

“You’re probably right. She and my dad were about the same age, and he would have been sixty-three.”

Annie did the math in her head. His father was thirty-four when Will was born. That would have made him fifty-two when he died. So young.

Will sat down in the chair next to her, shoulders slumped.

“Are you okay?” Annie asked him.

“Me? Yeah, I’m fine. I just realized Rose has never had a sick day since I’ve known her.” He ran a hand through his hair. “She’s the rock in my life.”

“I know. Me, too. I feel horrible thinking how I take her for granted.”

Will took a deep breath and nodded.

A female staff member in navy scrubs and a white lab coat approached them. A black stethoscope hung around her neck along with a photo ID on a chain. She was somewhere in her midforties with dark blond hair pulled back into a ponytail.

“Are you Ms. O’Shea’s family?”

“Yes,” Will answered, helping Annie to her feet as he stood.

Annie gave a small smile at how he didn’t hesitate when asked the question.

Family. Interesting thing about family. The three of them were closer than any family she knew. But it wasn’t a blood connection. Rose had been Will’s “mother” since he was eight. He hadn’t heard from his biological mother since she left. How could that happen? How could a woman leave her child and husband? At least Leanne in her own way had left Annie to protect her. That counted for something, didn’t it?

“Susan Wyatt,” the woman said, introducing herself. She transferred the chart she held to her left hand to greet them both, shaking first Will’s hand, then Annie’s.

“I’m Will Sullivan. This is Annie Harris.”

“Nice to meet you. I’m one of the staff orthopedic surgeons. I happened to be in-house checking on a patient, so the E.R. doctor asked me to see Ms. O’Shea.”

Will nodded.

“I just reviewed the X-rays. It appears to be a reasonably clean fracture. Since she’s resting comfortably we’re going to schedule surgery for early tomorrow afternoon. We’ll complete her workup, get an anesthesiology evaluation, then have her seen by the respiratory therapist and the physical therapy department. Generally we like to prepare our patients for what they can expect after surgery.” She perused the chart, then looked up at them. “Any questions?”

“Can I stay in the room with her?” Annie asked.

“Probably. Unless we run into a problem, she’ll come right back to the orthopedic unit afterward. I don’t know if you’re aware, but there is a surgery family waiting room. They allow two family members to wait there during the surgery. It’s on the first floor near the main lobby.”

As they spoke with the doctor, Rose’s sister joined them.

Ellen McAllister looked like Rose’s spitting image, except she had brown hair styled short instead of Rose’s trademark iron-gray topknot. Easily sisters, they shared similar features, including ample waists and bosoms.

Ellen reached for Annie’s hand as she joined them.

“Dr. Wyatt, this is Rose’s sister, Mrs. McAllister,” Will said.

“I overheard your comments on the surgery,” Ellen said. “Is this a hip socket replacement or what?”

“No,” Dr. Wyatt assured her. “I just reviewed her films with the radiologist. The break wasn’t bad. She’ll have a simple pinning that involves an incision and literally pinning the femur together, then I’ll sew her back up. She’ll have a drain for a few days, and a catheter for the first twenty-four hours. They’ll have her up and walking with a walker by the second day post-op.”

“Wow. That fast,” Will said on a breath. “When will she come home?”

“Most patients stay in the hospital five to seven days, depending on their health status before surgery and barring complications.”

“How long until she’s back to normal?” Ellen asked.

“That depends on the patient. But if everything goes as smooth as we think it will, I’d say three to six months, and you won’t even remember she had the surgery. She’s in good health and we haven’t found any problems so far.”

“That’s amazing,” Ellen said.

“It is, isn’t it?” Dr. Wyatt agreed with a smile. “Are there any more questions?”

“What do you think caused the break?” Annie asked. “Any chance of osteoporosis?”

“The CAT scan will tell us more, but I don’t suspect an unusual amount of deterioration. I’ll have her on calcium after surgery to improve her bone density and send her home with a prescription. Hopefully it will prevent any problems in the future.”

Ellen nodded. “Thank you for taking care of my sister,” she added.

“My pleasure. You’ll have to check with the admissions office to see what her room number is. You might want to get a cup of coffee or a bite to eat and give the staff a little time to get her settled in.” She glanced at her watch. “It’s later than I thought. The food court is probably closed, but the coffee shop is open. There are signs at the end of the corridor.” As she spoke she pointed.

“Thanks again,” Will said.

As the surgeon turned to depart she said, “I don’t have any cards on me, but if you think of any more questions you can have the hospital switchboard page me.”

It took Ellen two seconds to wrap her arms around Annie for a tight hug. “I have missed you, young lady.”

Then she turned to Will.

“And don’t you look handsome,” she said with a cluck of her tongue. “You know those nurses have been eyeing you for the past ten minutes at least.”

Will released an embarrassed chuckle and changed the subject. “Shall we hit the coffee shop?”

“More like the ladies’ room,” Annie said.

“So how are you, Will? Enjoying having Annie back?” Ellen asked, once Annie was out of earshot.

“You bet. I haven’t had anyone to spar with except Rose for so long, it took me half the day to get back in form.”

Ellen laughed. She lowered her voice and glanced around. “Don’t tell on me, but I snuck into the X-ray area and saw my sister.”

“Why am I not surprised?” Will shook his head.

“She was wailing that she’d gotten herself into a mess on Annie’s first day back.”

“That’s ridiculous. This sure isn’t her fault.”

“I reminded her Annie isn’t going to be leaving for any mission trips while Rose is on the mend. That improved her disposition considerably.”

“Ellen,” Will scolded.

“Oh, Annie will see right through that. She’s a nurse, remember?”

Still, Will could easily imagine Rose becoming a drama queen if she thought it would postpone Annie’s departure.

“By the way, I’ll be staying at the ranch until my sister gets home.”

“Why?” Will didn’t mean the word to sound blunt, but he was surprised. Surely Ellen and Rose weren’t of the opinion he couldn’t fend for himself?

“Respectability, Will. You can’t be staying alone at the house with a beautiful young woman and no chaperone.”

“Beautiful young woman?”

“Annie.”

Annie?

He’d thought of her as his buddy for so long. Not quite a sister, but not quite not a sister, either. Beautiful young woman? He shook his head. How had that snuck up on him?

“Sure. Sure. Okay. Thank you, Ellen.”

“You’re welcome. The pastor’s wife and I are going to take turns staying at the hospital. We’ll get help from the church ladies. I don’t get up to Tulsa as much as I used to. Good opportunity for us to get caught up on our chitchat and our crocheting at the same time.”

Will smiled, knowing she wasn’t kidding.

“Annie will stay at the hospital tonight while I get my things out to the ranch.”

“Okay,” he answered. Not that he was going to argue with Ellen as she issued orders. She was so much like Rose he found it a little unnerving.

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