Chapter 7

Leah found Misty sitting on the little patio off the dining room. She had a faraway expression on her face and her hands folded in her lap. Leah almost hated to disturb her, but she had good news.

“I called Breck, and he said he would meet with us Monday at ten.” Leah grinned at Misty. The hope that sprang to life in Misty’s eyes was heartrending.

“Really? You mean he might hire me, even though I have no experience doing anything in the legal field?”

“Relax, Misty. It’s not like he has a large talent pool to choose from. You’ll do fine. And I promise to train you.” Leah sat down on the bench beside her.

Tears formed in Misty’s eyes. “Oh, that would be wonderful.” She sighed and glanced down. “I don’t want to get my hopes up.”

Leah slipped her arm around Misty’s shoulder. “I have a feeling you’re going to find just the exact right fit. There’s no hurry. You can stay here until you do.”

Misty’s large dark eyes opened wide. “Oh, no! We can’t do that. We’ve imposed too much already.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. We have plenty of room, and I know Colton is enjoying having you here.” Leah sobered. “And besides, Colt said it was dangerous for you and Mark to stay at your ranch. There’s a murderer out there on the loose. Better to be safe than sorry.”

Misty nodded doubtfully. “Yes, I suppose. But we won’t be alone. We have Paco and Rosa living with us. They’ve been with us forever.”

Leah heaved a deep sigh. “I’m sure they have, but aren’t they pretty old? Seriously, how much help would they really be in an emergency?” She shook her head. “I mean, a twelve-year-old boy and an elderly couple would not be much help if you were in danger. I’m sure the person who murdered Joe will be caught eventually, but in the meantime, you owe it to Mark to stay alive.”

Misty grimaced. “I—I know, you’re right. But if I can get a job, I’ll need to find us a place in town. The truck was wrecked, and it looks like the bank is going to take the ranch. I don’t know what’s going to happen to Rosa and Paco.” Her brow furrowed as she shook her head. “There’s just so much.”

Leah patted her on the shoulder. “Yes, there is. That’s why you need to stay here and let things get sorted out one by one and not try to make everything happen like magic. I don’t know about you, but my magic wand is fresh out of bullets.”

Misty raised her head and laughed. “Thanks for everything, Leah.”

Leah rose and gave Misty an encouraging smile. “Let’s see if the guys left us any coffee. If not, I’ll make a fresh pot.”

* * *

Tyler’s tour bus made its way across the country. He sat with his head against the window and a pillow behind his neck. He hoped to get some rest, but his brain was crawling with the difficulties going on back at the Garrett ranch.

Beau and Big Jim were not fans of Colton’s new girlfriend, but Leah and Gracie thought she was wonderful. He had to be careful what he said when he was talking to his girls.

The main problem was that the surviving Daltons were in the process of losing their family home and land. For a ranching family, that was the ultimate disaster.

But when he talked to Colt, he had nothing but admiration for this Misty. He had never heard his big brother go on and on about any female. He knew Colton had completely lost his heart to her…maybe his head too.

Ty sighed and took out his cell phone. He pushed Leah’s number and waited for her to answer.

“Hi, Ty.” It was Gracie who answered.

“Hi, sweetie. How are you?”

“I’m good. Mark is tutoring me in math, and I got a ninety-five on my test this week.”

“That’s awesome. I’m so proud of you.”

“Mommy said to tell you she’s coming and I’m supposed to entertain you.”

“I see.” A broad grin split his face. “Well, you’re doing a great job. Tell me about this Mark guy. He’s Misty’s brother?”

“Yes, and he’s my friend. He rides on the bus with me, and nobody bothers me when he’s sitting beside me.”

Ty recalled too vividly when Gracie had been bullied on the bus. “That’s a good thing, honey. I’m glad you have a friend.”

“Here I am,” Leah said. “I was just finishing up in the kitchen.”

“Not a problem. I always enjoy getting to talk to my Gracie girl. It sounds like Mark is being a good friend.”

“He is,” Leah said. “He’s such a serious little boy, and he’s been through so much lately. He takes care of some of the horses after school too.”

Ty adjusted his pillow. “Must be a nice kid.”

“He is. I think Misty has done a good job helping to raise him. He’s pretty horse crazy, but Colt and your dad have both taken him under their wings.”

Ty huffed out a breath. “So, how is Big Jim feeling about Colt’s girlfriend, Misty, now? Has he warmed up a bit?”

It was Leah’s turn to hesitate. “Maybe. I think he’ll come around eventually. You know he hates to admit he’s ever wrong.”

Ty laughed out loud, gaining the attention of some of his bandmates. “I don’t ever recall Big Jim Garrett admitting he was wrong.”

* * *

Two identical vehicles traveled from the Garrett ranch to the church. Big Jim drove his big silver diesel truck with the Garrett ranch emblem on the sides. Gran sat up front with him, while Leah, Gracie, and Beau rode in the back seat. Colton drove Misty and Mark in his truck that was identical to his father’s.

Going back to the church so soon after the funeral made Misty’s stomach tense up. When Colt pulled into the pea-gravel parking area, she realized her jaw was so tight she had to consciously unclench it.

“Here we are,” Colt announced. He parked right beside his father’s truck, but it was already empty. “Let me get that door for you.” He jumped out on the driver’s side and made his way around to open her door. He looked so sweet standing with his hand held out to assist her that she wanted to cry. But it seemed everything was making her cry these days. Better stop being such a baby and gut up, girl.

Mark scrambled out of the back seat as she placed her hand in Colton’s. She loved the way he tucked her hand in the crook of his arm. He was so strong. He made her feel safe for the first time in a long time.

When they entered the church, she sucked in a deep breath and steeled herself for the pity and the scorn she figured the churchgoers would have for the Daltons who were still lingering on with the Garretts.

Thankfully, Mark was oblivious to any negativity. He was just glad to be able to work with Sam.

She looked around, wondering where they would sit, but Colton went straight to the pew where the Garretts always gathered.

Big Jim was sitting on the outside, with Gracie, Fern, and Leah next to him and Beau on the opposite end. When Big Jim saw Colton coming his way, he scooted over to make room. With no fear, Mark slid in next to the Garrett patriarch, and darned if Big Jim didn’t smile and slide his arm along the back of the pew where Mark was sitting. Not actually touching him, but it looked friendly anyway.

Misty swallowed, glancing at Big Jim, who looked friendlier than he ever had in the past. She had always thought he had some kind of problem with her, but he appeared to be downright human at this moment. She wondered what he’d had in his coffee that morning.

She sat down beside Mark, surreptitiously glancing at Colton’s father. Yes, he had the same big, strong physique as Colt and the same intense blue eyes ringed with dark lashes, but where Colt’s eyes reflected kindness and humor, Big Jim’s looked steely and critical.

Reaching for a hymnal, she glanced over the songs listed on the handout. She knew them all by heart—had known them since she was a young girl listening to her mother’s sweet soprano.

The pastor entered from the side door and took his place behind the pulpit. He looked out at those gathered together and led them in an opening prayer. He prayed for the local men and women serving in the armed forces and for the ill and infirm. He prayed for the souls of the departed, and he prayed for the welfare of his flock.

His words gave a bit of comfort to Misty. Life would go on…hopefully…

Colton slipped his arm behind her on the back of the pew, much as Big Jim had his arm behind Mark. It was as though the two big men were surrounding them with their strength.

Misty took a deep breath and let it out slowly. She smiled at Colton and felt for the first time that maybe—just maybe—things might work out okay.

* * *

After church, Big Jim always took his family out for lunch. Today, his “family” was a little larger.

Colton had sensed his father had some reservations about Misty. He couldn’t for the life of him see any reason Big Jim wouldn’t be as crazy about her as he was. He blamed Beau for Big Jim’s negative take in the first place.

He was certain that, in time, his dad would come to appreciate her finer qualities. At least he hoped so. He knew Big Jim could be stubborn, and once he’d set his mind to something, it was tough to change his opinion.

Today, the Garrett party was seated at a long table at Tio’s. There were only three restaurants in town, and this was a favorite. Big Jim was holding court at one end of the table, with Colt at the other. Gracie, Fern, and Leah sat on one side, and Beau, Mark, and Misty on the other. Of course, Colton had seated Misty next to him.

He thought this was a good arrangement, because Misty and Leah sat across from each other and were chatting about Breck Ryan, the attorney. And the two kids were across from each other, flanking Big Jim.

Colton was glad Mark seemed to have gotten acquainted with Big Jim. They appeared to have bonded over their mutual love of horses.

Big Jim ordered fiesta platters all around, even though Leah protested that it was much more food than she or Gracie could eat.

Colton figured it was too much for Misty as well, but she kept mum about it. He suspected she was terrified of his father, and he wasn’t sure how to bridge that gap.

When the platters were served, everyone dug in with gusto. Flour and corn tortillas were passed around, along with little bowls of both red and green salsa.

“How’s your food, little lady?” Big Jim called down to Misty.

She looked startled but responded, “It’s delicious, Mr. Garrett. Thank you for asking.”

Big Jim blotted his mouth on his napkin and set it aside. “Now looky here, young lady. You’re gonna have to start calling me Big Jim. Otherwise you’re gonna hurt my feelings.”

Misty set her napkin aside and gazed at him coolly. “And you’re going to have to start calling me Misty instead of young lady. Is that a deal?”

There was a long stretch of silence.

Big Jim cleared his throat. “I’m pretty sure I can manage that, Misty. It’s a deal.” He glanced at Colton and gave him a nod.

“Thank you, Big Jim,” Misty responded with a smile.

Colton saw her hand was trembling as she reached for her napkin again. He was proud of her for holding her own with his dad. He hoped they could come to appreciate each other in time.

“Well, my food is just great,” Beau piped up. He reached for another flour tortilla to demonstrate the point.

When the main meal had been eaten and everyone was stuffed, Big Jim ordered a serving of flan all around. There were groans of protest, but when the delicious caramel custard was served, everyone picked up their spoons to dig in.

Beau nodded to a trio of men just entering the restaurant. Colton recalled that Beau had gone to high school with those three.

The trio approached the table, but Beau got up and stood a little ways away to chat with them. Quickly, he returned to the table with the three in tow.

“Misty and Mark, you know Eddie Simmons, Ron Diaz, and Stan Lynch. They were friends of Joe’s.”

Although she had always thought these three had been a bad influence on Joe, she managed a nod of greeting. “Yes, I know Joe’s friends.”

The three stood, looking ill at ease and shuffling their feet until Eddie spoke up. “We just wanted to tell you how sorry we are about Joe’s accident. If there’s anything we can do, just let us know.”

The other two muttered “sorry” as a chorus.

Misty sucked in a deep breath and let it out. “Thanks. Mark and I appreciate it. I’m glad Joe had such good friends.”

Eddie leaned close and whispered something in her ear. She nodded and replied in a voice so low Colton couldn’t hear it.

“Let me know,” Eddie said, and the three friends went to a table across the restaurant but kept casting glances back at the Garrett table.

“You know those guys?” Colton asked Beau when the Garrett party was leaving.

“Yeah. They hung with Joe. They were in my graduating class, but I really don’t know them very well.” Beau shrugged. “Ron was in band, but he dropped out. Stan was a nice enough guy, but Eddie’s always been a jerk…at least in my humble opinion.”

Colton glanced back at the three huddled around a table. Something about them made him uneasy. He slipped a protective arm around Misty and Mark as they walked out of the restaurant.

When he had Misty safely in his truck and Mark was climbing into the back, he asked her what Eddie Simmons had said to her.

Misty shrugged. “He just asked about the ranch. He asked if we knew how much longer we would be able to keep it before the bank took over.” She pressed her lips together. “I guess it’s no secret. Everyone must know we’re losing the ranch.”

Colton gazed at her, wondering if everyone could be wrong.

* * *

On Monday, Leah drove into Langston, with Misty in the passenger seat. She was driving Tyler’s red Ford pickup because her husband hated her driving her old beater of a car. She always felt empowered when she was driving the truck. Sitting up so high gave her an entirely new perspective.

When they reached Langston, she pulled in at the office of Breckenridge T. Ryan, attorney at law. The lawyer was in, as evidenced by his truck parked right in front.

Leah gazed through the windshield at the law office, housed in a storefront. The entry door was inset with an oval beveled-glass panel. A cardboard sign hanging inside the glass declared the place to be OPEN.

She gave Misty an encouraging smile, and they climbed out of the truck. Striding up to the front door, Leah gave it a few taps before going inside. The outer office was empty, but the door to Breck’s inner sanctum was open. She heard his deep voice droning on, so she presumed he was on the phone.

Peeking around the corner, she gave him a wave to announce herself and then led Misty to a desk in the front office that she had used when she was working here. “Sit down,” she ordered. “I’ll show you where everything is.”

Misty perched on the edge of the swivel chair while Leah opened the drawers, pointing to the contents.

“This is the extra key to the front door, and those open all the filing cabinets. Be sure to lock up the files when you leave because there are people’s important private papers in there. Wills and deeds and such.”

Misty looked properly impressed.

“I had a devil of a time getting all the files in order, but I made a database here in this computer to show what was filed where. Just type in the name of the individual, and everywhere they have something on file will pop up.”

“I think I can do that,” Misty said. “But I’m not sure I would know where to file something in the first place.”

“I’ll teach you. No worries.”

Breck came out of his office, grinning broadly. “Angels. Come to straighten out my mess.” He was referred to by the old-timers as “that young lawyer feller,” but he thought of himself as a rancher most of the time.

“Hi, Breck,” Leah said. “I’ve brought my replacement. I’m sure she’ll be a lot more reliable than I’ve been lately.”

Breck came to the desk where Misty was seated. “I must say, young lady, you look right at home there.” He reached out a hand to her.

“Breckenridge T. Ryan, meet Misty Dalton, your new secretary and receptionist.”

“I’m happy to meet you, Misty. Leah has been saying good things about you.”

Misty blushed and shook hands with him. “Pleased to meet you, Mr. Ryan.”

“Please, call me Breck,” he said.

Leah let out a little chuckle. “She probably won’t be nearly as much trouble as I was.”

“Nonsense,” he said. “You didn’t cause the problems that befell you. I’m just glad you’re settled now.”

“Me too. Ty’s building us our own home on the Garrett ranch. I have to stick around to see what’s going on, since Ty is on the road right now. He told me to be sure to oversee the project.” She let out a little giggle. “As if I would know what to look for.”

“I understand,” Breck said. “But you got me all spoiled. Now I expect my papers to be filed and new papers to be typed up. I appreciate you bringing Misty to me.” He stood beaming down at them.

“I’m going to train her in everything I did, so this is her first day, right?”

He nodded. “Right. Welcome to the firm, Misty. I’ll offer you the same salary I’ve been paying Leah.” He raised his brows, gazing at her for confirmation. When Misty gave a hesitant nod, he went on. “I hope this will be a long-term position.”

“Yes, sir. Thank you, sir.”

“By the way, I was going to contact you concerning the reading of your father’s will.” He cleared his throat. “With the recent demise of your brother Joe, that just leaves you and your younger brother as the surviving heirs. As far as I know, Joe died intestate, so the terms of your father’s will remain sovereign as to the disbursal of his estate.”

“Oh.” Misty sucked in a breath and let it out. “There’s a loan against the ranch, Mr. Ryan. The bank is about to take it away from us, so it hardly matters what my daddy wanted to pass on to us.”

Breck’s brow puckered. “It always matters. Your younger brother needs to be present as well. Let me know as soon as possible when you can bring him to the office. Maybe after school?”

“Yes, sir.”

“And welcome to the law firm. You’re now in charge of everything clerical.” He made a sweeping hand gesture. “This is your domain.” He turned and went back into his office, closing the door behind him.

Misty covered her mouth with both hands.

“That’s all settled then.” Leah leaned down to give her a hug.

“Just like that? I have a job?” Misty’s hands were shaking.

“Just like that.”

“But—he’s going to pay me the same as he’s been paying you? But I’m just starting out. That doesn’t seem right.”

“He pays every Friday. I’m sure he’ll get his money’s worth. Most of the time, you will just be sitting here waiting for the phone to ring. Breck spends a lot of time at his ranch, and he relies on his secretary to make sure his clients are taken care of here in the office. That means contacting him if it’s something important. Take messages. Type up the papers he needs, and keep everything filed away. Easy as pie.”

“For you, maybe. For me, not so much.”

“You’re going to do great.” Leah started with teaching her how to answer the phone and where to keep messages for Breck. By the time noon rolled around, she was going over some of the standard will forms and how to fill them in.

Breck emerged from his office again, Stetson in hand. “Ladies, I’m going to take my wife, Cami, to lunch. Then I’ll be going to the county seat for a bail hearing, and I’m probably not coming back. I’ll be at the ranch after that if you need me.”

“Don’t worry,” Leah said. “We’ll lock up.”

Misty was smiling as she watched Breck’s departure. “I can’t believe I’m employed. I thought I would be lucky to get a waitress job.” Heaving a sigh, she spun around, gesturing to the interior of the office. “I mean, this is a really nice place to work.”

“Breck needs someone steady and you fit the bill. Don’t you worry about a thing. I’ll train you. You’ll probably be much more organized than I’ve been. Everything happens for a reason.”

Misty nodded, pressing her lips together. “Afraid so.”

“Oh, I didn’t mean that was why your father and brother died.” Leah felt a surge of guilt. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean that…just that you came to the ranch at the time I was trying to figure out how to let go of this job. I’ve only been coming in a couple of days a week, just to file and type for him. Now he’ll have you here five days a week.”

Leah saw a frown pucker Misty’s brow. “What’s wrong?”

Misty heaved a huge sigh. “I just realized there is another problem. It’s great to have a job, but how am I going to get here?” She grimaced. “Mark and I can go back to our ranch until the bank takes it away from us, but the truck Joe was driving when he—when he wrecked was our only transportation.”

Leah frowned too. “Hadn’t thought of that. How about my old car? It’s not pretty, but Ty got it to run pretty well. Gracie and I made it all the way here from Oklahoma. You’re welcome to use it.”

“Really?” Misty brightened.

“Sure. It’s just sitting there.” The flash of hope in Misty’s eyes gave Leah a warm feeling. “Let’s go to lunch, and this afternoon you can learn how to create a will. Breck does a lot of wills and trusts.”

Misty stood uncertainly. “I didn’t bring any money to eat out.”

Leah grinned at her. “We’re eating in.” She gathered her bag and headed for the door. “When you leave for lunch, turn this sign around so it shows in the front, and lock up.” She adjusted the hands on the clockface sign and hung it so it was visible in the beveled-glass door panel.

“Where are we going?” Misty asked.

“Not far.” She led the way past a couple of other storefronts to the shop belonging to her friend, Sara Beth Jessup. She pushed inside and held the door open for Misty to enter. Looking around, Leah tried to visualize the store as Misty must have been seeing it. An array of hand-stitched quilts lined one wall, and various pieces of used furniture were arranged artfully around the space. Some items were on consignment, while others had been acquired at estate sales. There were glass cases containing smaller items such as a collection of art glass and some costume jewelry. “Hey, Sara Beth,” she called.

“Hey, Leah,” Sara Beth greeted her from behind the back counter. She had her daughter in an infant seat and was spooning baby food from a jar into her mouth. “Come on back here. Cami Lynn is having her first experience with carrots. Looks like a winner.”

Leah got close enough to see that the baby was covered with orange splotches of pureed carrot. “Quite a fashion statement.”

Sara Beth laughed. “She’s just an enthusiastic eater.” She turned her attention to Misty. “And who is this? I haven’t seen you around town.”

“Sara Beth Jessup, this is Misty Dalton. She’s been caring for her father, who was ill for several years. Before that she was in college.”

Misty gave a little finger wave and a smile. “Hi.”

“Good to meet you,” Sara Beth said. “And this is my daughter, Cami Lynn.” She gestured to the wide-eyed baby.

“She’s beautiful,” Misty said. “Cami? Isn’t that Mr. Ryan’s wife’s name?”

“Absolutely right.” Sara Beth tickled her baby’s cheek, eliciting a smile. “I named my daughter after the wonderful doctor who delivered her. Doctor Cami came all the way out to my ranch to deliver my baby girl. I don’t know if either one of us would have made it without her.”

“That’s nice,” Misty said.

“Her full name is Camryn Lynn Jessup.” Sarah Beth wiped a bubble of drool from the baby’s chin.

“Well, I think the doctor should be extremely honored to have this lovely little girl named after her.” Misty reached out, shyly, to stroke her forefinger over the baby’s arm.

“Misty is a local girl,” Leah said. “I think she’s been out of pocket the entire time since you arrived here in Langston.”

“But now you’re back in the pocket,” Sara Beth said. “Welcome to my store.”

“Misty is going to be working for Breck now, so I wanted to be sure you two got to meet.” Leah took a seat on one of the stools in front of the counter and indicated that Misty should be seated on the other. She reached for her bag and pulled out an insulated container. “I brought fruit salad and lemon bread.”

A big grin split Sara Beth’s face. “It must be a salad kind of day, because I made chicken salad and brought some wheat bread for sandwiches. And tea. I made iced tea.”

“A feast,” Leah proclaimed. She hoped Sara Beth and Misty would hit it off and become friends. With her sunny, upbeat personality, Sara Beth would be a good influence on Misty.

After Sara Beth mopped the pureed carrots off her daughter’s face, the three women shared the food and chatted. Misty told about the events that had happened to her since she left college after her sophomore year, and Sara Beth explained how she had married a local man and relocated to Langston and then immediately become pregnant. Once the baby was delivered, her husband became involved in a trucking company running illegal loads and had been murdered. The two women gazed at each other, each perhaps feeling the other’s sorrows.

“Well,” Sara Beth pronounced, “this just means we’re all survivors.” She raised her glass of tea in a toast. “Here’s to good times to come.”

They all clinked their glasses together.

“Amen,” Misty said, taking a gulp of tea.

* * *

Colton wasn’t too sure how he felt about Misty getting a job, but she seemed to be thrilled over it. He was even less happy about her using Leah’s old beater of a car.

At supper, the new job and the use of the car were all Leah and Misty could talk about. They were both happily chattering, oblivious to the glances shared by Big Jim, Beau, and himself.

When the meal was over and the leftovers put away, Colton drew Misty aside. He took her into the formal parlor that his mother had loved so much but was rarely used now.

“Misty, honey…that car is a piece of crap. It could break down any minute.”

She swallowed hard, gnawed her lower lip, and then smiled. “Maybe it won’t. Maybe it will take me to work and I can make enough money to take care of my brother.”

He gazed at her, not wanting to discourage her but also not wanting to put her at risk. “It won’t do you or Mark any good if you have a breakdown on the road. I mean, anything could happen to you.”

She nodded, lips tight.

“Look, how about if you get into any trouble, just give me a call. You have a cell phone. That way you could just call me if you needed help.”

“I promise to call you if the car breaks down, but I need to stand on my own two feet.”

Colton gave an eye roll. “Okay, Miss I’m-So-Independent, if you feel that way about it, why don’t you just give me a call anytime you want to and especially if your piece-of-crap car breaks down?”

She glanced down and then back up at him. “I guess that would be okay.”

He stuck out his hand, and she shook with him. “Just until you get a better vehicle.”

She gazed up at him, a flicker of fire in her dark eyes. “I really don’t need to have you hovering over me like a nervous parent. I’m a grown woman, and I’ll be okay,” she said, her voice sounding a little shaky.

“I’m pretty sure you will,” he said.