Chapter 9

Colton walked out of the law office with the taste of Misty’s sweet kiss on his lips. He was still smiling when he climbed into his truck.

All of Misty’s reactions were so real, so genuine. In that instant when she had giggled and said his proposition sounded like a proposal, he realized that was exactly what he wanted. She’s the one. I want to spend my life with this girl.

Now, all he had to do was figure out a way to make her fall in love with him. He hoped that by spending more time together, they might grow closer.

He hadn’t discussed his proposed partnership with his dad, and he knew that would cause a huge uproar. Big Jim would expect to be consulted and to weigh in with his advice. Given more time, that was exactly what Colt would have done, but that was not an option. Time was of the essence.

Colton knew there was still some kind of barrier to his father’s acceptance of Misty, and he didn’t know what it was. She was beautiful and sweet. Colt could only think there was some kind of issue with the Daltons as a whole. He didn’t know if it was the father’s drinking, the whole failure of the ranch, or perhaps some problem with Joe, but there was something standing in the way of Big Jim’s approval. And Colton didn’t have time to work this out and also save the ranch. He had to act fast if he was going to keep it from forfeiture.

He drove straight to the bank, only to learn that Fred Hamilton had gone for the day.

Colton drove back to the Garrett ranch, frustrated and angry. He had told Hamilton he would be returning that afternoon, so this felt like a deliberate evasion.

He blew out a breath and loosened his grip on the steering wheel when he realized he had it white-knuckled.

There was definitely something going on. Colt intended to find out what it was and put a stop to it. He was determined to protect the rights of Misty Dalton, the woman he loved…his partner.

Colton pulled off the interstate and drove through the gate of the Garrett ranch. He tried to release his anger as he wound along the drive leading to the house.

The school bus would deliver Gracie and Mark before Misty got home. He didn’t want to spill anything to Mark. That was Misty’s job, but he thought she might want him to come along.

If she chose to make the trip with Colton and not include her little brother, the whole evening would have a different focus. He would have to wait and see.

He parked in front of the ranch house, next to Big Jim’s truck. That meant his dad was nearby and he would have to be careful not to let anything slip. He didn’t want to stir up a hornets’ nest until he had everything locked in.

He strolled into the house and found Leah in the kitchen. “Hey, Leah. Where is everyone?”

She turned from whatever she was stirring on the stove. “Well, I’m someone. But if you’re talking about your dad and brother, they’re out in one of the barns. I don’t remember what they said they would be doing, but it had something to do with animals.” She flashed an enigmatic grin and turned back to stirring.

“Thanks.” Well, he would just have to avoid the barns for a while. “It was very nice of you to help Misty get a job and train her on how to do it. She seems to really like it.”

“I enjoyed the job, but now, with so much going on, I’m just glad to pass it along to Misty. Breck is great to work for, so she should do well. I hope she feels comfortable there.”

Colton slid onto a stool, leaning his forearms on the granite breakfast bar. “She does.” He grinned, remembering how cute she looked typing away at the computer.

Leah turned around, giving him a calculating look. “You went into Langston today, didn’t you? You had to check up on Misty.”

Colton frowned. “Well, I went to Langston, and I thought I would take her to lunch. I wasn’t checking up on her.”

“Yes, you were.” She chuckled. “You’ve got it bad, Colt.”

He expelled a lungful of air. “Yeah, you’re right.”

“I like her. The two of you make a great couple.” She leaned on the other side of the bar. “Don’t worry. Everything will play out as it should.”

He heaved a huge sigh. “I hope you’re right.”

“Misty has been through a lot. She’s been taking care of her father and her brothers for years. Now, she’s lost everyone except Mark, and her whole situation has changed. Give her a chance to find some balance. Everything’s still topsy-turvy.”

He nodded, not willing to share with her what he had planned.

Just then, Leah’s phone rang. It was a special ringtone Ty had created of him singing a song he had written just for her. Her face reflected her feelings as she answered. “Hi, Ty. What’s going on? Where are you?” She put it on speaker.

“Hi, baby. I miss you something fierce. We’re on our way to Kansas City. We’re opening for Brad Paisley at the Sprint Center. I hear it’s a sold-out performance.”

Leah’s eyes teared up. “Oh, that sounds wonderful. I’m so proud of you…and yes, I miss you too.”

“What are you up to right now?” he said.

“I’m waiting for Gracie to come home and hanging out with your big brother.” She giggled. “We’re discussing his love life.”

“What? My big bro has a love life? Since when?”

She let out a derisive snort. “You know I’ve told you about the Daltons coming to stay with us. Misty is just the loveliest person, and Colt is completely smitten. I think they’re perfect together.”

“Really? Well, let me talk to that rascal.”

Leah laughed and held the cell toward Colton.

“Hey, Little Bro. Sounds like your tour is doing well.”

“It is. There are promo people who sell my T-shirts and music before the shows. That’s been amazing. I may be able to put Gracie through college.” He paused for a moment. “Now, what’s all this love stuff I’ve been hearing about?”

Colton sighed. “Yeah, the love bug got me too. I’m a goner.”

“About time, big fella. When you find the right girl, you gotta grab her right up, like I did.”

Colt glanced at Leah. “You got a good one, all right.”

“Listen, I’m sorry your girlfriend has gone through so much lately, but I’m sure things will work out. I remember when Beau hung out with Joe Dalton. He was an okay kid for the most part…but he started hanging with some other kids. Eddie Simmons was the ringleader. Joe just sort of went off course.”

“So it seems. But Misty and her little brother, Mark, are great. I’m glad to have them here…although Big Jim seems to have some reservations.”

There was a long silence on the other end.

Finally Colt heard Ty expel a long breath. “That’s too bad. I’m glad Dad fell in love with Leah and Gracie right away. I know they’re safe there at the ranch under his watchful eyes.”

Colton nudged the phone back toward Leah and went to the refrigerator to help himself to a glass of iced tea while she finished her conversation.

He hung out with Leah until Gracie and Mark walked in the door. Then he sat with the kids while Leah fed them a snack.

“Okay, let’s get started on your homework now,” Leah announced.

Gracie opened her backpack and started pulling out her books and worksheets.

Mark, however, left the table. “I need to work with Sam and the horses. I’ll do my homework when I get done.”

Leah frowned, staring after him, but pressed her lips together.

Colton met her gaze and nodded. He followed the boy out to the stables, catching up to him as he put a hand on Mark’s shoulder. “You could finish your homework first, you know?”

Mark’s brow furrowed. “I can do homework when it’s dark. Now I need to do my job. Sam expects me to come after I get home from school.”

Colton could see his reasoning. “I see. Well, let me know if you have trouble with any of your subjects. I can help.”

Mark gazed up at him. “Really? I’ve never had anyone help me before, except Misty.”

Colton shrugged. “Well, I’m here if you need me.”

“Thanks.” A grin spread across Mark’s face as he opened Sam’s stall. The horse neighed and tossed his head in greeting.

Colton saw the friendship between the boy and the animal, smiling when he recalled his past experiences. This young one definitely had a natural affinity for horses.

He watched the boy set to work and then walked back to the house.

“Hey, Colton,” Big Jim called. “Where have you been all day? I was looking for you to help inoculate the calves.”

Colt stopped in his tracks. It was inevitable he would have to answer for his absence, but he would have put it off a bit longer. He turned to see his dad and youngest brother advancing toward him from the direction of the barns. “I went into town. Had some things to take care of.”

Big Jim’s eyes narrowed. “What kind of things?”

Colton let out a snort. “My kind of things. That’s what.” He fell into step with Big Jim and Beau. “All you had to do was call me if you needed my help. Or you could have told me last night.”

“Whoa!” Beau slapped him on the shoulder. “I think my big bro is keeping secrets.”

“Appears so,” Big Jim said. “Now, I wonder what could have my son sneaking off to Langston in the middle of the day.” He stroked his chin and pantomimed thinking. “Could her name be Misty Dalton?”

“Colton’s in love!” Beau singsonged.

Colton heaved a sigh. “She’s a nice girl.”

“She’s very pretty,” Big Jim said, but his inflection indicated there was an unspoken “but” attached to his sentence.

Colt felt a muscle in his jaw twitch. “She’s more than pretty.”

Big Jim made a noise in the back of his throat. “Just be careful, Son. Take it slow and easy. You don’t want to rush into anything.”

Colton gave his father a sideways glance. “What makes you think I’m rushing into something?”

“Damnation, Colt!” Big Jim erupted. “You’ve brought the Daltons home like a couple of stray puppies, and now you feel responsible for them. You bought their horses. Leah got Misty a job and lent out her car. Next thing I know you’ll be booking the church.”

An uncomfortable silence followed.

Colton knew his father wanted him to deny the accusation, but he couldn’t. He figured anything he said would just add fuel to the flame. Without commenting, he stormed into the house.

* * *

Big Jim was stunned. His normally coolheaded oldest son had just stalked off in a snit over some girl.

He expected his sons to bring girls home, but not the Dalton girl. Her father had been a drunk, and her older brother was a thug. He just couldn’t stand by and let Colt make a huge mistake with his life.

He stood stock-still, staring at the door Colton had just stomped through.

Beau cleared his throat. “Dad, maybe you shouldn’t make it such a big deal. The more you attack Misty, the more Colton’s going to think he has to defend her.”

Big Jim swallowed hard. “You think?”

“Yes, I do. Just reel it back, and let him get over it.”

“Perhaps you’re right.” Big Jim felt his shoulders sag. “Why couldn’t he fall for some nice girl he met in college?”

“Well, he didn’t.” Beau removed his Stetson and raked his fingers through his hair. “Is that what you expected me to do too?”

Big Jim shrugged. “Well, it wouldn’t have hurt you none.”

“Let me tell you, Dad. Most of the girls I met in college weren’t interested in living in the middle of nowhere and being a rancher’s wife. They had their sights set on having careers. Being professionals.”

Big Jim snorted.

“The ones who came to college to get married were looking for husbands in the professions that pay big bucks…doctors, lawyers, football players.” Beau flashed a grin, as though trying to lighten his father’s mood.

“Is that so?” Big Jim wasn’t happy with either Beau or Colton at the moment. It seemed they had ideas about what would make up a suitable bride…ideas that differed from his.

Beau chuckled deep in his throat. “I’m afraid so. I’ll probably find my wife at a dance at the Eagles Hall.”

Big Jim snorted. “It sounds like you’re on Colton’s side.”

Beau set his hat back on his head. “Not really. I think Misty is a sweet young woman, but from that family, how could she turn out any different?”

“Exactly.”

* * *

Misty pulled into the driveway about five thirty.

Colton had been watching for her. He went out to meet her, and when she climbed out of the car, he gave her a hug that lifted her off her feet. “Do you want to take Mark with us to the ranch or not?”

“Maybe not this time. I don’t want to get his hopes up until I’m sure everything is set. He’s had too many disappointments for a boy his age.”

“Then let’s go while it’s still light. We can drive around and make sure everything is in order.”

She nodded, and he gestured to his truck. He helped her up on the passenger side and went around.

“Are they expecting us for dinner?” she asked when he had climbed in.

“I told Leah we were going to run over to your place for a while. She said she would save us some food.”

Misty grinned. “I’m getting so spoiled. Leah is a great cook, and she’s a whiz in the kitchen.”

He pulled out of the drive and headed back to the interstate. “You don’t like to cook?”

“I guess so,” she said. “The last six years since my mother died I’ve cooked for my dad and brothers. And the last three years, since Daddy got sick, I’ve just tried to make something he could eat. I never thought about doing the fancy recipes Leah tries.”

Colton turned onto the interstate and headed for the Dalton ranch. He was still upset over his father’s words, but he wasn’t going to allow them to destroy the time he had with Misty. “How did your afternoon go? Did Breck come in to the office?”

“Not today, but he plans to be there tomorrow. He has some client coming in.”

“Good. Maybe I need to call for an appointment.”

She giggled. “Or you could just tell me. That will work too.”

He ruffled her hair. “Okay, Madame Secretary. Can you fix me up with an appointment with Breck tomorrow?”

“Sure thing. I’ll call you when he gets there and tell you what he says.”

“That will work.” He turned off at the entrance to the Dalton ranch. The farm had a windmill turning close to the house and a couple of barns and outbuildings.

“Okay, tell me where to go.”

“Just keep driving down this road. This cuts through the middle of our property. It’s actually two sections of land. My grandparents owned one section to begin with, and Daddy inherited the land from them. Then my father bought the rest when he was able. A couple of years before my mother died.”

“So part of this land has been in your family for some time.”

She nodded. “I know that we have a total of 1,280 acres.”

He winked at her. “Yeah, that equals two sections of land.”

An old rusted truck was pulled close to the house when they passed it.

“That’s Paco’s truck,” she said, as though reading his mind.

“He’s the one who helps out around here?” Colton said.

“Well, he’s getting pretty old now. He does what he can, and his wife helped me with my dad. They’ve lived here since before I was born. I know that for certain.”

He reached over and gave her hand a squeeze. “That’s nice.”

They rode for a while in silence. Misty held his hand in both of hers. This made him very happy. He tried to overlook the run-in with Big Jim earlier.

“Do you know how many head of cattle you have?” he asked as they passed a pretty decent herd for the size of the ranch.

“I have no idea. Mark might be able to tell you.”

He glanced at her. “You don’t know?”

She shrugged. “Mostly, the guys talked when I was fixing dinner, and then when I put everything on the table, they were stuffing their faces. Seriously, Mark probably knows. He was a part of the male bonding thing.”

Colton felt a little rancor on her behalf, but Misty didn’t seem to take the slight too seriously. “Well, from now on, you and I will share everything.”

She gave him a sharp look.

“Everything we know about the ranch,” he added. “No secrets.”

She breathed out a sigh. “That will be a totally different situation for me.”

“What’s that up ahead?” he asked, gesturing toward a ramshackle house and outbuildings. He slowed the truck and inched along, surveying the damaged structures.

“Oh, it’s abandoned. It was the farmhouse on the second section of land. My father rented it out for a time, but it’s almost falling down now. Nobody’s lived there the past few years.”

“I hate to see an abandoned farmhouse. That means a farming family didn’t make it.”

“I guess you’re right. This place was owned by the Simmons family. You probably know Eddie. He was in the same class as Beau and my brother Joe.”

Colton frowned as he glanced at Misty. “This was Eddie Simmons’s place?”

She shrugged. “Sort of. This was the house where he grew up. Then when he was about twelve, his parents lost the ranch and moved away. Eddie went to live with his uncle, Levi Blair. He was the same age as Mr. Blair’s son, Nate.”

“The boy who disappeared? I remember the whole county searched for that young man, but they never found any trace of him.”

“I remember. Mama was still alive then, and she organized prayer vigils. It was so sad. The house looks sad.”

“It looks as though the farmhouse and outbuildings are in pretty bad shape.” Colton weighed the pros and cons of pulling it all down and hauling it off. It was probably a haven for varmints. Rats, mice, snakes. Yeah, demolish it and haul it off. No sense in keeping it there.

It was getting dark by the time they had made a complete tour of the land and headed back to the Dalton house. There was an outside security light spilling brightness in the area from the house to the largest outbuilding. And one light shone inside the house. The little cottage where he had made love to Misty was dark and looked closed up.

Colton pulled up in front of the ranch house. Almost immediately he saw a face peering out the window beside the door. “Your hand is checking us out.”

“Yes,” she said. “That’s Paco.” She opened the passenger-side door before Colton could react and slid to the ground. “Paco, here I am.”

The door opened, and the elderly Hispanic man stepped out. He grinned when he recognized Misty, and immediately Rosa came out to join him. The woman held out her arms, and Misty rushed to embrace her. “Rosa,” she cried.

“Mijita.” The woman held Misty tight, rocking her in her arms. “We didn’t know you were coming, mi preciosa.”

“I’m sorry. I should have called, but I wasn’t certain that we would stop by.” She gave Rosa another hug. “We just took a drive around the property, but now it’s getting dark.”

Colton swung out of the truck, suddenly seeing Misty as a little girl instead of the woman he loved. He was glad she had this couple to provide some comfort.

Paco eyed him warily as he approached. The old man offered his hand. Colt shook it somberly.

“Welcome, Mr. Garrett.” Rosa looked shy, but she managed to get that much out. “Come inside, both of you.”

When they had all trooped into the house, Rosa turned to Misty. “I cleaned your father’s room and folded his things. I thought you might want to go through them to see what you want to save. There are some good clothes to give to the poor.”

Misty sighed. “Thank you, Rosa. I’ll come this weekend and go through everything.”

Rosa invited them to the kitchen, where she offered them hot chocolate.

“Oh, Rosa makes the best hot cocoa. She puts cinnamon in it, and it’s so good.”

Colton smiled, catching some of her enthusiasm. “I’ll try a cup.”

Misty pulled him to a round table in one corner of the kitchen. She sat down, and he took a chair beside her.

“Paco,” he said, “do you have any idea how many head of cattle are on the ranch?”

The old man blinked. “Of course.”

Misty’s eyes grew wide. “Really? How many?”

Paco glanced at Colton and leaned over to whisper in Misty’s ear.

Colton managed to refrain from laughing. No trust there.

Misty smiled and said the number aloud for Colton’s benefit.

“That’s a good-sized herd for this ranch.” Colton nodded at Paco.

The old man frowned, exchanging a glance with his wife.

“It’s okay, Paco,” Misty said. “Colton is my very good friend.” She reached out to take his hand. “We have no secrets.”

Paco nodded, but his gaze remained guarded.

After they had enjoyed the hot chocolate, Misty went to her room and gathered a few of her things in a small bag, and they took their leave. Misty promised to come back on the weekend to decide how to deal with her father’s and Joe’s personal property.

Colton drove her back to the Garrett ranch, knowing she would be getting up early to go to her new job the next morning. He stole a sideways glance at her.

She looked pensive, staring out the window without seeing the passing landscape.

“What’s on your mind?” he asked.

She gave a slight shake of her head. “It’s just everything. I can’t stop thinking about Joe. I mean, why would someone murder my brother?”

“I have no idea,” Colton said. “But I’m sure the sheriff will figure it all out soon.”

She looked at him doubtfully. “I hope you’re right. The anxiety is eating me alive.”

He had thought maybe she was recovering from the loss, but apparently she had been keeping it inside.

“And I will be sorting through their things and getting rid of them. Giving away my dad’s clothing seems so final. I know it’s just stuff, but there’s so little of him left.”

“I understand. How do you feel about Joe’s things?”

“The sheriff’s men went through everything, but I haven’t gone in there since he was murdered. I dread even going into his room. He always kept it off limits to Mark and me. It will seem like an invasion.”

“I can help if you want,” Colton offered.

“Thanks, but I think this is something I need to do by myself. A final chapter of sorts.”

He didn’t want to tell her that the banker had flaked out on him. He thought he would discuss it with Breck tomorrow and get his take on it. Maybe if Breckenridge T. Ryan were to accompany him to the bank, they could force Hamilton to cooperate.

* * *

The next day, Colton set off for Langston, determined to get things straightened out with Fred Hamilton. Misty had called to tell him Breck was in his office and that he would meet with him at eleven. Colton was early, but he thought he could visit with Misty before meeting with Breck and then take her to lunch afterward.

He was still pissed off that the banker had ditched him the day before. Hamilton had to know Colton would come back with a vengeance. That he would have his attorney in tow would just be bringing in the heavy artillery.

He stopped at the florist to pick up a small offering before heading to Breck’s.

Colton arrived at the law office a little after ten, relieved when he saw Leah’s crap car safely parked next to Breck’s big diesel truck. When he went inside, he grinned as he saw Misty working at her desk.

She looked up and returned his grin. “Breck’s got someone in his office right now.”

“I’ll just wait.” He took a seat beside her desk. “What are you working on?”

She smiled prettily. “I’m typing up some things Breck asked me to work on. I’m not a fast typist, but Breck was really nice about it. He said he would prefer I was slow and precise rather than fast and careless.”

Colton leaned over and placed the pink roses he had picked up at the local florist on her desk.

Her brow puckered. “Oh, Colt. I don’t know what to say.”

He reached for her hand. “I just thought you deserved something pretty today. Pretty like you are.”

Her luminous eyes opened wide. “You think I’m pretty?”

“No, I think you’re beautiful.” He flashed a grin. “But I didn’t want you to get a big head.”

She sucked in a deep breath and released it, a smile breaking on her face. “Thanks, Colton. This is so sweet.” She held the bouquet close to her face and took a deep breath. “Lovely. Thanks for making me feel good.”

“I’m glad the roses cheered you up, but don’t forget what happened to your brother. I want you to keep those big eyes open. You may be in danger too.”

Pressing her lips tight together, she nodded.

They sat chatting while Misty worked through the document. In due time, the door to Breck’s office opened and Breck appeared in the doorway, apparently in the midst of showing his client out.

Colton stood, and Breck nodded at him.

“Colt Garrett, do you know Levi Blair?” He indicated the grizzled man beside him.

Colton nodded. “I know the name.” He reached out a hand to the man. “I’ve never had the pleasure. Good to meet you, Mr. Blair.”

Levi Blair flicked his gaze over Colton and offered his hand in return, albeit reluctantly. “I knew yer pa,” Blair said. “You look a lot like he did when we was young.”

“I’ve heard that before,” Colton said.

The old man cast a shrewd glance back at him and then made his way out the door.

“Whoa! What was all that about?” Colton asked.

“Old Levi might not be Big Jim’s biggest fan.” Breck rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “I think it has something to do with property and boundary lines. They disagreed over the exact property line, so your dad paid for a new survey, and it was determined that Big Jim’s claim was valid. Levi went around telling anyone who would listen that Big Jim paid off the surveyor to come up with his determination.”

Colton frowned. “My dad wouldn’t do that. He’s not a cheat.”

“You and I know that, but Levi’s ranch abuts a part of yours. He was pretty much a sore loser about the outcome.” Breck turned to Misty. “Levi and your father knew each other too, Misty. Actually, the Blair property touches on the north part of the Dalton spread too.”

“I think I knew that,” Colton said. “Mr. Blair’s spread lies between our ranch and Misty’s place.”

Misty looked up from her keyboard. She shrugged. “I wouldn’t know. I’m sure Joe was aware of anything having to do with the ranch, but they never told me anything about it.”

Breck’s brow furrowed momentarily and then cleared. He glanced at Colton. “Now, what did you want to talk to me about?” He gestured to his office.

Colt went into the office and took a seat as Breck closed the door behind them. “I want to do something to help a friend.”

Breck eased into his chair and turned to a blank page on the yellow legal pad. He reached for his pen. “What’s going on?”

“You may or may not be aware that the Dalton property is about to go into foreclosure. It’s comprised of two sections of good land for tillage and pasture. I want to go into partnership with the heirs and bring the loan up to date.”

Breck nodded. “Seems to be a sound investment. How much is the loan behind?”

Colton told him and watched Breck write the figure on the pad and draw an ornate box around it. “I met with the president of the bank yesterday morning and just got a bad feeling. It was like he was trying to hide something.” He shrugged. “I told Mr. Hamilton I would be back in the afternoon to pay the loan up to date. I wanted to take Misty to lunch and make sure she was on board with my plan, but when I went back to the bank, Hamilton had taken off for the day.”

Breck loosened his tie. “That was rude but doesn’t necessarily prove anything. What else do you have?”

Colton heaved a sigh. “Just a feeling. He was evasive. He was shocked I was there to try to save the Daltons’ ranch. He did say there was other interest in the property.”

Breck grinned. “So you thought maybe the two of us could double-team Hamilton and make sure the ranch gets paid up to date?”

Colton gave him a grin in return. “Something like that.”

“That bastard Hamilton has probably got the vultures lined up to snatch the Dalton property and line his own pockets in the deal. Not my favorite person.”

Colton gave him a nod. “I was thinking along those lines. He was just too upset and edgy when I told him I wanted to pay off the loan.”

Breck abruptly stood up. “I like it. Let’s get it done.” He straightened his tie and reached for his Stetson.

Colt pushed back his chair and got to his feet. “Thanks, Breck. I appreciate it, and I know Misty will too.”

Breck led the way from his office. He stopped by Misty’s desk to tell her he was going out and would return shortly.

Misty glanced from Breck to Colton, obviously wondering what was going on, but he was reluctant to inform her in case their mission failed. He gave her a wink and followed Breck out the front door.

Once outside, they climbed into Breck’s truck and headed for the bank. It was only two blocks away, and they made it there in a few minutes.

Colton was surprised to find his stomach was tied in a knot. This should have been a simple matter, but for some reason, Hamilton was making it difficult. He hoped that Breck could get to the bottom of whatever was going on.

The two men got out of the truck and entered the bank. Breck went straight to Hamilton’s office and rapped on the frosted glass inset in the door. He knocked a second time.

“Oh, Mr. Hamilton didn’t come in today,” a pleasant-looking middle-aged woman said. She had been passing by but stopped when she saw them outside Hamilton’s door.

Breck frowned. “Why not? Where is Hamilton today?”

The woman’s eyes opened wide. “No one knows. He didn’t call in or anything. He must be sick. Poor man.”

Breck and Colton glanced at each other, and then Breck turned to the woman. “Who is available to conduct business?”

She smiled. “We all are.”

“I mean, is there a banker who is able to help us?” Breck stood with his hands fisted at his waist. “We want to discuss a loan.”

“Well, I’m pretty sure I can help you,” she said. “I’m Abigail Parsons. I’m the vice president of the bank. Let’s go to my office.” When the two men had followed her to her office, much smaller and less pretentious than Hamilton’s, she asked, “What do you need?”

Breck gazed at her earnestly. “We want to bring a loan up to date. It’s in default.”

She took the information and typed into her computer.

“Can you stop the foreclosure?” Colton asked.

She looked up from her screen, a puzzled expression on her face. “The property is not in foreclosure.”

Colton exchanged a glance with Breck. “It’s not?”

Ms. Parsons shook her head. “The loan is way overdue, and there are late fees applied, but no foreclosure procedures have been initiated.” She told them how much it would take to reconcile the past due amount as well as pay the late fees. This was significantly less than the figure Hamilton had quoted.

“Can I write you a check?” Colton asked.

The woman looked at him, mild surprise registering on her face.

“I have an account here,” he assured her.

When she made sure he had sufficient funds to cover the check, she followed through with the transaction and gave Colton a receipt.

He reached for it, realizing what a big chunk of his savings had gone into rescuing the Dalton land. Heaving a sigh, he tucked the paperwork under his arm. It’s worth it. Misty is worth it. At the very least, this is an investment.

When the two men stood to go, Breck leaned forward to offer his hand. “Thank you, Ms. Parsons. We appreciate doing business with you.”

She smiled and shook hands with both Breck and Colton. “I assure you, gentlemen, we appreciate your business.”

When Colton and Breck left the bank, Colt felt as though he could breathe. “We did it. You did it.”

“No,” Breck said. “You did it. Now we need to draw up a partnership agreement between you and the Dalton heirs.” He drove Colton back to his office and had him wait while he drew up the paperwork to make the partnership legal.

While Breck was in his office, Colt went to stand in front of Misty’s desk. “We did it. The loan is paid up to date.”

She gazed up at him, her mouth falling open and her eyes wide. “Really? You got the bank to stop the foreclosure? How did you do that?” She stood and came around her desk to stand close to Colton, placing her hands on his chest.

“I paid the past due amount. Simple as that.”

“Oh, Colton, that was a huge amount. I can’t believe you were able to make that kind of payment.”

He pulled her close. “I did what needed to be done. Breck is preparing a partnership agreement, just to make it official. Everything is going to work out okay. Have a little faith.”

She gazed up at him. “I have faith in you.”

Breck called them into his office and told them to take a seat. “Misty, since Mark is underage, he can’t sign a legal contract, but as his guardian, you can sign for him.”

She nodded, tight-lipped. “I understand.”

“We’re here to draft a simple partnership agreement between the Dalton heirs and Colton Garrett in the venture known as the Dalton ranch.” Breck went through the particulars and made note of anything Colton or Misty added. When he had read the last of it, he had Misty type up the agreement, using a legal form, with the specifics and details of the partnership; then Colton signed, and Misty signed for herself and as guardian for Mark.

When Misty returned to her desk, Colton asked Breck what he owed for his legal services.

Breck gave him a figure that seemed low to Colton, but considering the amount he had paid out that day, he was relieved. He drew up a check and handed it across the desk. “Thanks for everything, Breck.”

Breck shook his hand and chuckled. “At least we didn’t have to beat up old Fred Hamilton.”