Midnight Thunder(INCR) (9 page)

“Understood. But what's next? Are you planning to tell them or just let them find out by themselves? They will, you know. They won't leave town without figuring it out.”

“And Cade's not leaving at all.”

Lexi blinked. “He told you that?”

“Didn't have to. He could stay away as long as he didn't come back for a visit. But now that he's home, the glue is taking hold. The other two boys, I'm not so sure. But then again, they didn't leave a sweetheart here.”

“Rosie, don't get your hopes up about—”

“I won't, I won't. I have enough to keep me busy without obsessing about you and Cade. As to your question, I'd like you to tell them. Tonight.”

“Tonight?” Her voice squeaked in surprise.

“I know it's a big thing to ask, but I'd like you to drive back with them and have a powwow around the kitchen table. You know they'll have a powwow with or without you. I want you to be a part of it. And break the news.”

“Oh, Rosie, I don't know. I think they'd rather hear it from you or Herb.”

“Not necessarily. If one of us tells them, they'll have to be careful what they say. If you tell them, they'll be free to cuss and carry on as much as they want. I've been thinking about this ever since Cade showed up this morning, and you're the right messenger. I'm sure of it.”

“That makes some sort of crazy sense.” Lexi had wanted to be part of the reunion tonight, anyway, but now she'd come bearing bad news. She might not be a welcome guest for long.

“Besides, they have a slight transportation problem. I've heard them arguing about it. If all three of them ride home in Cade's truck, one of them has to go in the back or they have to somehow cram into the front. Damon and Finn aren't happy about either option. If you go, too, you can remedy that situation.”

“What if they don't want me there?”

“I personally think they'd love to have you there, but if you're worried about it, just offer to give Damon or Finn a ride to the ranch. They'll invite you to stay for a drink and you're golden.”

“Okay. I'll do it. Now I'd better make way for the horde outside your door. It's getting to be standing room only out there. I'm waiting for the fire department to show up and start ushering people out of the hallway.”

Rosie laughed, and suddenly she looked about twenty-five. “I'm not the least bit happy about ending up here, and the hospital gowns couldn't be less flattering, but I love getting to see all my friends. And having my guys show up is fantastic, as long as they don't screw up their lives as a result.”

“I'll do what I can.” Lexi pushed back her chair. “I'm a little intimidated but honored that you'd trust me with this.”

“I've known you since you were a little kid. I'd trust you with my life.”

Unexpected tears sprang to Lexi's eyes. She gave Rosie a quick hug and hoped she hadn't noticed the waterworks. “Same here.”

“Rosie, I hate to interrupt.” Herb walked into the room. “But we have a situation out there and I thought you'd want to know about it.”

Rosie pushed a button that propped her upright, as if she'd be able to face the news better that way. “What sort of situation?”

“As you know, the word's out that you're in the hospital.”

“I'm aware of that.”

“So Ben dropped by.”

“Ben's here?” Lexi would definitely say hello. The saddle he'd made her last year was the best one she'd ever owned.

Herb nodded. “And he brought Molly.”

Rosie gasped and clapped a hand to her mouth.

“What's wrong with that?” Lexi stared at her in confusion. Ben and Molly had married this past spring at the Last Chance Ranch in Jackson Hole. Molly was the Chance brothers' cousin, and thanks to her, Lexi was conducting a riding clinic over there in mid-July.

Rosie ignored the question as she looked at Herb. “Has she met Cade?”

“Yep.”

“Has she figured it out?”

“Yep.”

“I need to go out there.” Rosie started to get out of bed.

“No, you don't.” Herb hurried over to stop her. “The horse is out of the barn. We'll let them work through it. I just thought I'd better tell you.”

“I should've called that boy the minute I met Molly. It's obvious the two of them are related. But things have been so crazy.”

“Related?” But immediately Lexi knew it was true. That explained why she'd liked Molly on sight. She'd looked into Molly's green eyes and had felt as if they already knew each other.

Rosie glanced over at her. “Molly's maiden name is Gallagher.”

“It is?” Lexi hadn't met her until after she'd married Ben, so she'd had no reason to know that.

“I've kept quiet about this because it was so sensitive, but she called before Christmas looking for lost relatives. She asked if I knew anything about a family named Marlowe. I could honestly say I didn't.”

“I guess that's true.” Cade had mentioned that after Rance Marlowe had abandoned them, they'd started using his mom's maiden name, which had suited them both just fine.

“Anyway, I took Molly's number and passed it on to Cade.”

“And he didn't call.”

“Guess not.”

Lexi wasn't surprised. She'd once asked him if he'd tried to contact his mother's family. Apparently he'd decided at a young age that if his mom had avoided them, they must be as worthless as his dad was.

Rosie sighed. “Long story short, I'm guessing Molly and Cade are first cousins.”

“Which means Cade is also a first cousin of the Chance brothers.” Lexi had trouble digesting that. She couldn't imagine what Cade must be feeling right now. The Chance family was well-known in Wyoming for their registered Paints, their beautiful ranch and their community spirit.

Cade's self-image had always been that of a lone wolf. Although he was extremely loyal to his foster parents and his two adopted brothers, he'd also taken a perverse pride in being a guy with no typical family ties. That was about to change.

 

8

C
ADE
LOOKED
INTO
eyes the same shade of green as his. She wore tortoiseshell glasses, but behind those glasses were eyes that were achingly familiar. His mother's eyes. Molly's earnest explanation wasn't registering, but the sound of her voice mesmerized him. She sounded just like his mother, too.

Somewhere in his duffel he had Molly Gallagher's phone number, but he'd never bothered to call. Apparently she was Molly Gallagher Radcliffe now, because she was married to Ben, the saddle maker Rosie adored. He couldn't make sense of how everything fit together. But as the fog slowly cleared from his brain, Molly's words began to penetrate.

“I should have guessed that you'd ditch your father's name and take your mother's maiden name, but somehow that never occurred to me. So you
were
at Thunder Mountain Ranch.”

“Yes.” His lips felt numb.

“So that means your mother—”

“Died when I was thirteen. In this hospital. Cancer.”

She looked stricken. “I'm so sorry. But you're here! We thought we'd lost you forever!”

He swallowed. “We?”

“All of us! My mom, my dad, my aunts and uncles, my brothers, my cousins, my nieces and nephews. You have so much family in Arizona that you won't believe it. And in Wyoming! Have you heard of the Last Chance Ranch over in Jackson Hole?”

He shrugged, trying valiantly to stay cool while his emotions rode a stomach-dropping roller coaster. “Sure. Who hasn't?”

“The Chance brothers are my cousins, and that means they're also your cousins! Is that wild or what?”

Cade struggled to take it all in. To think the Gallaghers had been upset that he and his mother had lost touch with them. They'd tried to pick up the trail, but they'd been looking for Heather and Cade Marlowe. The Gallaghers didn't sound like losers at all, and Molly seemed nice.

He'd never questioned why his mother had cut off contact, but now he had a pretty good idea what had made her do it. She'd been ashamed of how her life had turned out, and she hadn't wanted her parents or her siblings to know how bad things were. From the sound of it, the Gallaghers were a prosperous and upstanding family. And the Chances—most everybody in this area knew about them.

Rance Marlowe had beaten and belittled Cade's mother until she'd lost all confidence in herself. She'd probably thought she wasn't good enough to be in the company of such people as the Gallaghers and the Chances. She'd died without telling him much of anything about his heritage, and if Molly hadn't come along, he still wouldn't know.

Molly put a hand on his arm. “It's a lot to absorb all at once.”

“Yeah.” He took a shaky breath. “So your family lives in Prescott? Is that what you said?”

“Yes, they're ranchers.” She hesitated. “I'd love to tell them I found you, but you might not be ready for that.”

Her husband, who'd been standing quietly beside her through the whole drama, slipped an arm around her waist. “You should probably give him a little time to adjust.”

“I'll second that.” Herb appeared and stood beside Cade. “Must be tough, going from no relatives at all to a whole passel of them.”

About that time Cade realized that not a single person standing in the hallway was talking. This little drama had been a real conversation stopper. Lexi stood in Rosie's doorway, and she looked worried. He glanced around at the others and saw concern and sympathy on every face, including Janine's. He must look truly bushwhacked if Lexi's mother felt sorry for him.

Enough of that nonsense. Nobody had to feel sorry for Cade Gallagher. He could handle whatever came at him. Reaching deep, he pulled out a smile. “You know, it would be tough if I'd just found out that I'm related to a bunch of criminals, but come on. Judging from Molly, the Gallaghers must be really cool, and the Chances are like royalty around here. The way I look at it, I'm a damned lucky guy.”

Molly brightened. “So I can let my parents know you're here and I've talked to you?”

“Absolutely.” His stomach hurt like hell. They'd want to know about his mom and maybe even his worthless dad. He'd have to relive things he was trying to forget.

“They'll invite you down to Arizona.”

“And I'd be honored to go.” Someday. Far in the distant future. He tried not to think about it.

“The Chances will probably invite you over there, too.”

“That'd be great.” The pain in his stomach rolled. He hoped he wouldn't embarrass himself by throwing up. “So, now that's all settled, we should probably draw straws for who gets to go see Rosie next.”

“You go,” Herb said. “I'm sure she wants to apologize.”

“For what?”

“Not contacting you about Molly!” Rosie called from her bed.

That got him moving. He hurried into the room. “You knew about this?”

“Not for absolute sure, but when I met her, I couldn't stop looking at her eyes. Of course, I couldn't say anything to her about you without your permission. I kept meaning to call you, but...I got distracted. I'm sorry, Cade. That was a rough way to find out.”

He walked over to the bed and squeezed her hand. “It's okay.” Then he thought about what she'd said. “So what distracted you?” Must have been significant if she hadn't called him about Molly.

“Oh, various things. Listen, I'm getting tired and I know Herb must be pooped. How about sending people in one at a time so I can tell them good-night and then all of you can take off. It's been a long day.”

“I know. You've probably had way too much excitement and way too much company.”

“Doesn't seem to have hurt me. My excellent nurses said my vitals were good this last time. I predict I'll be home tomorrow.”

“That would be terrific.”

“It would.” She smiled at him. “Now line 'em up and move 'em out, cowboy.”

When he made the announcement, everyone cooperated beautifully. He leaned against the wall and waited for Damon and Finn, who wanted to be last. He was tired, but not as much as he probably should be. All the excitement Molly had stirred up still fizzed in his brain.

Lexi walked over. “I need to talk to you a minute.”

“Sure.” He hadn't had any time with her since she'd arrived, which was probably a good thing because even now, with so many people around, he had a strong urge to hold her. That would go a long way toward steadying him.

“How're you doing with this Molly thing?”

“Okay, I guess.” Then he had an unpleasant thought. “Please tell me you didn't know about it. Because if you knew and didn't tell me, I—”

“I didn't know. I swear I would have warned you.”

He sighed in relief. “Good.”

“Are you really okay about it?”

“I should be overjoyed, don't you think?”

She studied him with those hazel eyes that saw so much. “I don't know. It definitely changes things if you suddenly have a bunch of relatives you didn't know about. That could take some getting used to.”

“Yeah.” He let out a long breath. “To tell the truth, it knocked me for a loop. The idea of meeting all those people... Well, I'll deal with that later. But for sure one thing won't change. Thunder Mountain Ranch will always be home.”

Her gaze flickered. “Right.”

“Okay, what's going on?”

“I need to talk to all three of you. I've found out a few things.”

He didn't like the way she said that, as if it wouldn't be news he'd want to hear, but news that he'd have to hear. “Can you just tell me now?”

“I'd rather explain it to all three of you at once and in a more private setting than this.”

“You're starting to worry me, Lex.”

“Look, just go with it. Besides, if I drive my truck back to the ranch, then either Damon or Finn can ride with me so you don't have to fight about who ends up in the back of yours.”

“Rosie told you about that, did she?”

“You know Rosie. She hears all.”

Cade laughed. “She always did. Can't get away with a damned thing around her. Okay. Sounds as if we need to hear whatever you dug up. I hated the idea that I wouldn't see you tonight, anyway.” Somehow his hand had come in contact with hers, and he began gently stroking the back of it with one finger. Touching her, even that little bit, calmed him. But the longer he did it, the more he wanted to pull her into his arms and kiss that beautiful mouth.

His touch must have affected her, too, because her eyes darkened and she took a ragged breath. “I'll drive out there because it's the best place for us to relax and talk, but you and I won't be doing anything.”

“I know.” Not unless they got creative. He was already mentally working on the problem.

“I mean it, Cade. You have that gleam in your eye.”

“No, I don't.” He blinked and tried to look innocent. “See? No gleam.”

“You need to hang out with Damon and Finn. I'll probably only stay for an hour or so.”

“Okay.” He held off dreaming up potential make-out spots because she could read his mind. But he wasn't about to have her drive all the way out there without at least the possibility of a few kisses. And maybe a little fondling. And maybe—

“The gleam's back, Gallagher.” She sounded as if she wanted to laugh but was trying to be stern. “Cut it out.”

“Have pity on me. This morning some hot woman got me all stirred up, and I can't seem to put her out of my mind.”

She rolled her eyes. “If I'd known how that would affect you, I would have—”

“Done it anyway, I hope. That was epic. One for the record books.”

“Yes, but now you're all wound up with no outlet.”

“Don't worry. I'll figure it out.” And now that Rosie seemed to be improving, he didn't feel quite so guilty for thinking about getting horizontal with Lexi. Rosie was still his main focus, although Rosie would be delighted to know that he and Lexi still got along.

He glanced toward Rosie's door as Finn came out. He reluctantly stopped stroking Lexi's hand and pushed away from the wall. “Hey, O'Roarke, this lovely lady has offered to drive you to the ranch so you won't have to arm wrestle Harrison for the passenger seat of my truck.”

“Sounds good to me.” Finn smiled at her. “I hope you're coming in for a beer, although I have to warn you, it's not up to my standards. At least it'll be cold. We picked up a Styrofoam cooler and loaded it with ice.”

“I'd love to share a beer with you guys.”

Cade studied Finn and shook his head. “I don't know about this vampire thing, but you've turned into a beer snob, for sure. There's nothing wrong with the beer we got.”

“Come to Seattle and have a glass of O'Roarke's Pale Ale and you'll be converted on the spot. Once you've tasted my brew, you won't be satisfied with anything else.”

“That would be damned inconvenient, now wouldn't it? I can't be driving to Seattle every time I want a beer.”

“I'm working on that. Eventually I'll have wider distribution. Give me another year or two, and you'll be seeing my label all over the place.”

“If you're spreading something all over the place,” Damon said as he came out of Rosie's room, “I'm gonna watch where I step.”

Finn scowled. “Nice talk in front of a lady, Harrison.”

“Lex can take it.” Damon grinned at her. “I'd say you're just like one of the guys, but you're a lot prettier than any of us. Right, Gallagher?”

“Right.” Cade trusted Damon, but he couldn't seem to help flirting with every woman he met. That was why Cade wanted Finn in Lexi's truck and Damon in his. He was feeling a little vulnerable, and he didn't want to imagine Damon charming Lexi all the way back to the ranch. “In fact, Lexi's coming back with us so she can fill us in on a few things. Finn's riding with her and you're with me.”

“Perfect. Now there won't be any bloodshed over who sits where. Thanks, Lex.”

“My pleasure. How about we pick up pizza on the way back? We can call it in once we get going, and it should be ready by the time we get there.”

Cade loved it when she took charge like that. He'd loved it this morning, too. “Is that place we like still open?”

“It is. So one family size with everything on it?”

Damon closed his eyes. “Oh, yeah. I can taste it already. Let's go.”

Cade led the way, checking the rearview mirror constantly. When they stopped for the pizza, Finn and Lexi took it in their truck and promised not to snitch any. Lexi seemed to be having a great time talking to Finn, which was fine. Cade had never been the jealous type, but that was before, when nobody had touched Lexi the way he had.

She'd had other lovers since then, and now he saw rivals around every corner. Not his brothers, obviously, who would never make a move on his girl. But what if Lexi took a liking to either Finn or Damon? He hadn't been able to imagine that when they were dating. Now he could.

Damon glanced at him. “You're not really worried that they'll eat the pizza, are you?”

“Nah.”

“Just wondering. If I had a dollar for every time you've checked your mirror I'd have enough to cover the pizza and a tank of gas.”

“You're right. I'm being ridiculous.” He forced himself to stop glancing in the mirror.

“You're going to have to marry that woman.”

“I know.”

“Will she have you?”

“Maybe. Maybe not. She's still pissed about me leaving five years ago. She announced that she'd see me when it was convenient.”

“Ouch.”

“It's okay. I don't blame her for wanting me to suffer a little.”

“Then suffer for her. Hell, you're already suffering. Want me to tell her that?”