Home on the Ranch 47 - Tina Radcliffe Read online

  “I’ll take her to your favorite restaurant and we’ll keep a chair empty in your honor.”

  “Tell Stella hello.”

  “Stella?” Annie asked.

  “Her waitress,” Will said, downing the last dregs.

  “I see.”

  “Should we bring you something back?” Will asked. “How about some of that famous bread pudding for each of you ladies?”

  “Would you?” Rose smiled.

  “Consider it done,” he answered. “Now be good and catch a nap before we get back.”

  “Nap? I’m much too young for as many naps as you think I need,” Rose protested.

  Will greeted familiar faces as he moved down the children’s corridor. He’d never been down in this area of the church building and was at a loss as to Annie’s whereabouts. At each doorway he peeked in his head, meeting with no success. The farther down the long carpeted hall he strolled, the stronger the scent of baby powder became.

  “Hey, Will.”

  “Chris.” He greeted the vet tech and his wife, Joanie. “That your newest addition?” Will asked, noting the baby cradled in Joanie’s arms. She unfolded the blanket to show off her bundle, a small infant sleeping peacefully. Tufts of black hair stood up, a stark contrast to the pale pink skin.

  “Boy, you lucked out, Chris. That baby boy is beautiful. He doesn’t look a thing like you.”

  Joanie burst out laughing as Chris gave Will a mock cuff to the arm. “Keep it up, buddy. Wait until you have your first. I’m going to get even.”

  “Ha. That’ll be the day. I’m liking this footloose stuff.”

  “Oh, sure,” Chris replied. “But you know what they say, the bigger they are the harder they fall. And, Will, you’re about as big a joker as they come, next to Doc Jones, that is.”

  The baby began to make small noises of dissent as Will and Chris razzed each other.

  “Uh-oh, you scared him,” Chris said.

  “It was you,” Will said. “Just point me to the nursery, wise guy.”

  “Which nursery?” Both Joanie and Chris looked at each other.

  “There’s more than one?”

  “There are several, you greenhorn,” Chris said. “What are you doing down Baby Boulevard anyhow?”

  “I’m picking up Annie. She’s doing duty for Rose.”

  “How’s Rose feeling?” Joanie asked, moving the baby to her shoulder and rocking gently.

  “Bouncing back. She’s almost up to par.”

  “Glad to hear that. So it would be okay to stop by the house sometime after Chris and I feed the horses?”

  “Sure. She’d love company.” Will paused. “Who watches Chris Junior, here, while you two are out at the ranch?”

  “My mother lives with us since my dad died.”

  Will nodded. “Have to have you all over for dinner sometime soon.”

  “Will, you’re starting to sound domestic,” Joanie mused.

  “Domestic?” He narrowed his eyes. “Maybe you’re right. Scratch that.” He stuck his hands in his pockets, threw back his chest and gave a swagger. “Chris, what say I meet you down at the Blue Moon and we ride that mechanical bull?”

  Chris laughed.

  “Very funny,” Joanie said drily. “We’d love to come over some time. Maybe bring the baby and my mother, too.”

  “Good. Rose is a touch claustrophobic. Do her good to visit with the baby and your mom.”

  “Mom would love that,” Joanie said.

  “Okay, I’ll check with Rose and let you know.” As he set off down another corridor, he called over his shoulder. “See you guys Monday.”

  “Will?” Joanie called.

  He turned.

  “The nursery you’re looking for is the last door at the end on the right.” She pointed in the opposite direction he had headed.

  “Thanks.”

  He strolled to the end of the hall and stopped at the big glass picture window, where he spotted Annie seated in a huge oak rocker. She’d taken off her jacket, and the tiniest baby he’d ever seen was nestled on her shoulder, sleeping against her white blouse. Like a satin curtain, Annie’s dark hair framed her and the child. When she pushed the strands back over her shoulder with a free hand, Will’s heart tripped at the picture they made.

  Annie was meant to be a mother and she’d be a wonderful mother. Yes, this was God’s big plan for Annie. No doubt considering her childhood, the Lord would have His hands full convincing her.

  Mesmerized, he couldn’t pull his gaze from the window. As the thought that this was what Annie needed sunk in so did the realization that he’d never be a man in the running to give it to her.

  He’d never have children.

  The devastating emotional punch hurt as though a physical pain.

  Never.

  Couldn’t risk passing on the gene.

  He was the last of the Sullivans. Four generations of only children. From the back of his thoughts the word adopt settle into his consciousness. Adopt? Sure, his own father was adopted.

  He could adopt.

  No.

  What was he thinking? The disease. He might not be around long enough to see a child of his marry, just like his dad.

  Maybe you don’t have the disease, his rational side shot back.

  And perhaps Annie was right. If he didn’t live each day, then he was already dying from Huntington’s—dying, whether he had the disease or not.

  Will’s hands clenched at his sides. He moved to walk away from the viewing window but Annie’s glance caught his. Her mouth curved into the sweetest smile. A smile that told him she was receiving as much as she was giving from her duty in the nursery. She fairly glowed inside and out.

  His breath caught in his chest.

  Gently, she lifted and cradled the small body, setting the baby down in a nearby crib. She put on her jacket and came out into the hallway. Her hair was stuck inside the fabric. It seemed only natural for Will to reach forward and gently tug the strands free from her collar. Their fingers touched and she pulled away quickly.

  He frowned, confused at her response.

  “Thank you,” she said, shyly ducking her head.

  “You like the nursery,” Will said. The words were a statement. It seemed all too obvious.

  “You know what? I do. The babies are all so adorable,” she murmured, a tremor of longing in her voice. “I felt like a little girl playing house.” Her gaze met his. “Silly, huh?”

  “No,” he murmured.

  “Are you all right?”

  “Hungry.”

  Annie nodded.

  “Sorry you missed the service.”

  “They pipe it into the nursery. Actually, I only missed half. I left after announcements. You just didn’t notice because you were in your happy place.”

  “I did too notice, and I wasn’t daydreaming.” He glanced around the church lobby.

  “What are you looking for?”

  “Margaret wanted me to introduce you to Doc Jones.”

  “Doc Jones?”

  “Ryan Jones, the vet.”

  “Do I have a sick animal that I don’t know about?”

  “She’s trying to fix you up.”

  “With a puppy?”

  “No. Margaret has some crazy idea you and Doc Jones would be a perfect match.”

  Annie’s eyes fired up, gold sparks in the dark pupils as she digested his words. “She told me she wanted me to meet a friend of hers. Why do I think Margaret has an ulterior motive here?”

  “Huh?”

  She started off toward the glass doors in a huff.

  “Hey, I don’t get it. What’s going on?” he called after her retreating form.

  “Never mind. What’s going on here is far too complicated for a cowboy to figure out.”

  “Darn straight,” Will said, scratching his head.

  He’d told Margaret right off he didn’t think it was a good idea. Besides, everyone knew Jones had never gotten over his fiancée jilting him. Now he’d
gotten Annie all irritated and prickly.

  What had he said wrong?

  Women. Go figure.

  “So, Doc Jones is my age?” Annie asked, when Will caught up with her. “I assumed anyone called Doc must be old enough to be my grandfather.”

  “He went to high school with me.”

  “That’s pretty old.”

  “It’s still Sunday,” he warned as he held open the door.

  Her lips twitched but she didn’t say anything as they left the church.

  When they passed a huge navy car in the parking lot, Will stopped and hunkered down, inspecting the tires.

  “Looks like Ms. Parson has a flat.”

  “Ms. Parson? Why does that name sound familiar?”

  “Because she’s been the town librarian for over one hundred years.”

  Annie laughed. “No exaggerating on your part, right?”

  “It’s true. She finally retired last year. Only because she was too busy to run the library anymore.”

  “How do you know this is her car?”

  “Who else in this town owns an ’81 Caddy in mint condition?”

  “That’s a lot of car for a woman who’s been around over a one hundred years.”

  “Yeah, it is. This car gets better care than my truck,” Will stated, his tone reverent.

  “Oh, I find that a little hard to believe,” Annie said, glancing over at the immaculate black pickup.

  He ignored the pointed sarcasm in her voice. “This baby isn’t out of the garage long enough to gather dust.” He ran a finger lightly over the gleaming chrome bumper and held it up. “Spotless. She only drives into town and back. And I don’t mean into Tulsa.”

  “I’m impressed. I’m impressed,” Annie said. “So are we going to wait here, or do you want to go find her?”

  “No, she’ll be along soon. I saw her coming out of the service. She’s wearing a red and white polka-dot dress.”

  “Is this some sort of Sullivan joke?”

  “Think I’d make something like that up? When she comes out I’ll let her sit in the truck with you while I change the flat. Sound okay?”

  “Will, you aren’t going to get a frail, tiny, little, old lady up into the cab of your big pickup.”

  “You got any bright ideas?”

  “I’ll help her back to the church. They have those comfortable chairs outside the bookstore, near the lobby. We’ll wait for you there.”

  “Good idea,” Will said as he removed his suit coat. “Here she comes.”

  Annie turned and blinked. The five-foot-nothing woman striding toward them was no little old lady. Her short gleaming silver curls bounced as she marched with purpose across the blacktop, carried by bright red pumps. A red leather handbag swung at her side.

  “Do you need a ride home, son?” she addressed Will, as she approached.

  “No, ma’am. Ms. Parson, I’m Will Sullivan.”

  “Selling something?”

  “Sullivan. Will Sullivan,” he repeated slowly and louder than usual.

  “Sullivan? Why didn’t you say so? You know I was good friends with your daddy and your granddaddy.”

  “Yes, ma’am, I know.”

  “So, how are you?”

  “Fine, ma’am.”

  “This must be your wife.” She reached out and took Annie’s hand giving her a thorough handshake. “Lulu Parson. Delighted to meet you.”

  Will’s neck was pink with embarrassment when Annie turned back to him.

  “How’s Rose? I heard she had a spill.”

  “Much better, thank you,” Will said.

  “When she heals you bring her to my yoga class. That’ll keep those bones flexible.”

  “You take yoga?” Annie asked. Now she was impressed.

  “I teach yoga. Two classes a week at the Y. Come on over, I’ll get you a discount. Bring your husband. We need a few more men.”

  Will cleared his throat and bit his lip.

  “Sorry. I’m jabbering again. Get in. I’m happy to give you a ride. Let your wife ride up front with me.”

  “Ma’am. Your tire is flat.”

  “Hat? My hat?” She reached up and patted her head. “I didn’t wear a hat today.”

  Will pointed to the tire.

  “Why, that tire is flat.”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  “Thank you for noticing, son.” She inserted the key in the trunk. “I’ll just have to change that, won’t I?”

  “May I do that for you?”

  “That isn’t necessary.” She pulled off her white gloves one at a time.

  “Ms. Parson, my daddy would have tanned my hide if he ever knew I had let a lady change her own flat tire,” Will argued.

  Hands on hips, Lulu looked him up and down. “Well, I suppose when you put it that way.” She took Annie’s arm. “Your wife and I will wait in the lobby and chat a bit.”

  Annie grinned as the “little old lady” led her off to the church.

  “Ah. Cold hands,” Rose said with a shiver.

  “Oh, sorry,” Annie replied, warming her palms with a quick friction rub against the coverlet on Rose’s bed. “That better?” she asked, holding Rose’s leg again.

  “Yes, thank you.”

  “Slowly, now,” Annie cautioned, elevating Rose’s left leg to begin the first set of exercises. “No extra points for finishing early.”

  Rose glanced at her watch. “My soap opera comes on at three. Today we find out if Lance is still alive, when Marla and Jack are going to get married, and who stole Pammy’s baby.”

  Annie tried not to laugh. “No talking. Concentrate on the muscles in your leg. Isolate them.”

  They worked silently for the count of eight, then switched legs.

  “Seven. And eight.” Annie stopped. “Nice job. By the end of next week, you’ll be doing the exercises all by yourself.”

  “Oh, no, I won’t. I just got home. It’s way too early to even think about doing them by myself.”

  “I’m not buying that baloney,” Annie said.

  “Well, what would you buy?”

  Annie did laugh then. “I didn’t say you had to do them alone. I’ll be standing right here with you as you do the exercises yourself. That better?”

  Rose nodded. “Good. For a minute there I thought you were trying to tell me you were leaving already. Don’t think I haven’t noticed you haven’t unpacked your trunk yet.”

  “Trust me. You’ll be the first to know when I’m leaving. This isn’t about me, Rose. You have to do as much for yourself as you can now, so you can be out harvesting that garden at the end of summer and making pies for the fall festival.”

  “Oh, sure, go ahead and make sense. You never play fair. Reality always has to rear its ugly head.”

  “Are you breathing in and out with each repetition, like I showed you?” Annie asked.

  “Why, of course I am.”

  “That can’t be easy with all the talking you’re doing,” Annie observed.

  Rose released a breath, silently counting under her breath.

  “Try to lift your leg by yourself, this set,” Annie directed.

  “Why is it the older I get the harder it is to lift my leg?” Rose asked. “I feel like an old dog.” She groaned and slowly raised her affected leg.

  “Concentrate on the exercises, and then when you get stronger we’ll start walking together. Maybe you and I will get a membership at the Y. Oh, that reminds me. I met Lulu Parson on Sunday.”

  Rose choked out a laugh. “How could you let a thing like that slip your mind? You don’t just meet Lulu. She’s a small tornado.”

  Annie laughed. “She invited us to her yoga class.”

  “Ha. That’ll be the day I get into one of those leotard and thong getups.” Rose hooted loudly.

  “The last time I checked, leotards and a thong were not the required uniform for yoga. And I haven’t been gone that long.”

  “Maybe not for a young one like you, but around my age group they get a lit
tle crazy. Classes at the Y are like Friday night at the Blue Moon Tavern for some of those old gals. They wear more makeup and jewelry to stretch their gluteus muscles than they do for church. Doing their best to catch the attention of some old geezer in sweatpants.”

  “Thank you. That’s quite a visual you just painted for me.” Annie shook her head. “So what’s wrong with love in your prime?”

  “Love? True love only comes once in your life. Those gals aren’t looking for love—they’re just looking to supplement their pension checks.”

  “Oh, my, Rose. I never realized you were so cynical.”

  “Don’t get me started.”

  Annie raised her brows. She had no idea the topic would raise such a passionate response.

  Rose glanced at the clock again. “Ten minutes until my show starts.”

  “Okay, let’s do a little gentle range of motion.” Annie began to lead her through the exercise. “Easy.”

  “Done?” Rose asked after a few minutes.

  “Are you kidding? We just started. We’ll do the isometrics and then you’re free. Press your foot against my palm. Now relax. Again.”

  Annie counted backward from twenty.

  “Done, yet?”

  “Good grief, have you always been addicted to soap operas?”

  “Some days they’re my thread to sanity,” Rose admitted. “Gets lonely out here in the winter. No gardening, no sunshine.”

  “Oh, well, I never thought about that. Switch legs.”

  “I’m switching. I’m switching.”

  “Push. Relax. Push. Relax.” They completed the set. “Okay, now we’re done. Let me help you get your socks and shoes on. That reminds me. We need to get you Velcro sneakers.”

  “Great. Velcro sneakers and surgical hose. I’ll start a fashion trend.”

  Holding out her arm, Annie stood with her knees braced as Rose carefully pulled herself up to hold the walker.

  “How long will I need this?”

  “Until we’re walking laps at the Y without it.”

  Rose grumbled. “Well, that’s just plain wrong.”

  “Rose?”

  Rose looked down at Annie, who sat on the floor slipping on Rose’s socks and shoes. “Yes?”

  “I need to ask you a question.”

  “You’ve got three minutes.”

  Annie chuckled. “Just one question.”