"Ally's neighbor is coming over for dinner tonight," announced Kat.
"Her neighbor?" Both Tara and Robert stopped at that comment and looked at Ally.
"His name is Caleb Strait. He used to own the land before he sold it to a developer.”
"He's single?" Tara had a suspicious look in her eye.
"Yes, his wife died a couple of years ago and he's never remarried. Now, Mom, don't get any ideas. It's a completely platonic relationship."
"No it isn't," laughed Kat. "I think he's sweet on her."
"Ally, now what have you gotten into?"
"That's not true, Kat," protested Ally vehemently. "I just happen to
amuse
him. Why just the other day, he told me anybody who would marry me would die of a heart attack."
"Well, that's true," agreed Tara. "Lord only knows what your poor father has been through with you."
"What is this, pick on Ally day?" Ally's anger started to surface.
"Come on," said Kat cheerfully giving Ally a hug. "Let's get down to business."
Still grumbling a little, Ally got her car keys and headed out the door. It would be a long four days if her mother intended to pick on her. Tara and Kat followed Ally out the door while Robert didn't even notice them leave.
Chapter Twelve
Caleb sighed in relief to find out his herd had been left untouched. He knew the rangers were policing the area and it appeared to have done the trick. They would still keep up their guard, but the thief or thieves knew they were being watched. Also, Ally's parents were there so he didn't have to worry about her. Even though Ally exuded strength, things happened to her which bothered Caleb. Caleb wished Ally would pay more attention to him because he wasn't used to being rebuffed. Okay, maybe he had said he didn't want a relationship at first, but he knew better now. All he had to do is figure out how to convince Ally. He sighed in frustration.
Saddling up Thor, Caleb rode into the pasture behind Ally's house and saw Ally's father outside with Tank. At one glance, Caleb could tell where Ally got her looks and her height. Her father came across as an elegant man who walked with determination. Urging Thor forward, Caleb rode to Ally's fence.
"Howdy, sir; my name is Caleb Strait. You must be Ally's father."
"Robert Duncan's the name. The girls were talking about you earlier. You're coming for dinner."
"That's right. I believe Kat's making dinner, though both she and Ally are good cooks."
"They certainly didn't learn it from their mother, but don't tell anyone I said that. " Robert first smiled and then frowned. "Ally hasn't caused you any problems, has she?"
"We're talking about Ally, right? I think problems and Ally go hand in hand." Caleb laughed. "Not with me, mind you, but she's had a few obstacles thrown at her. I'm glad I could help."
"Like what?" Robert didn't like this news.
"Let's just say living here is a lot different than living in New York and owning a house after living in a condo, well, that's why I wanted to talk to you. There are a couple of things around the house that could use some fixin', but it would be better coming from her father than me. Ally is funny like that."
"Ally didn't think this thing through," commented Robert. "She's a beautiful girl, but she can be impetuous and hard headed. What kind of things are you talking about?"
"She doesn't even have a tool kit. Now, I've helped her with her pool and lawn care, but she has no ladder, things men would think about. The only thing I can see on the outside is her fence could use a few new boards, but my friend Jeb will fix those for her."
"Caleb, I'm glad you told me and thanks for watching out for our Ally. Say, that's a fine looking horse," said Robert.
"This is Thor. Do you ride?"
"I used to, haven't in a while since we moved to Houston."
"Then, it's settled. Before you go back to Houston, come take a ride with me and Jeb. I'll show you my ranch."
"You sure it's not too much trouble?" asked Robert, his eyes sparkling.
"It would be my pleasure." Caleb smiled, liking Robert already. "See you tonight." Caleb got back on Thor and rode home anxious for tonight, especially seeing Ally.
Caleb took a shower and headed into town for a present for Ally and a much needed haircut. Excited and a little nervous, Caleb rang Ally's front doorbell.
After an afternoon with her mother, Ally's mood darkened. Granted, her mother and Kat had chatted nonstop, but they made Ally feel invisible, which irritated her. When they arrived home, Ally quickly hopped into the shower and then fixed a nice glass of wine and sat down at the bar.
"Someone doesn't look happy and aren't you going to buy your old man a beer?" Robert smiled at his daughter.
"Sorry; it's Kat and Mom again," explained Ally as she grabbed a beer from the fridge. "Remember when we were kids and Mom and Kat would always gang up on me? They're doing it again. It's my house and I want to do what I want to do," said Ally angrily. "Mom can't even say anything nice about me."
"Now, Ally. Your mother loves you and is very proud of you, but you know how she is. Everything has to be her way. I'll talk to her, but for now, just nod your head and say 'yes, Mother'. When she's gone, do things the way you like."
""I'll try, you know. I really will. You always used to tell me to let things go in one ear and out the other, right?" Ally smiled fondly at her father.
"Give your dad a hug." Ally got up and crawled into his arms, her dad still was her pillar of strength. "I met your neighbor today," said Robert, as he let go of Ally.
"Caleb? When did you see him?”
"Right after you ladies left, he rode over and introduced himself. He's a real nice fella." Robert smiled at Ally.
"At first, I didn't like him, but he's been such a help."
"Where are your sister and mother?" Robert glanced down at his watch.
"Heck if I know," Ally looked at the time. "Caleb is due here any minute and dinner isn't ready." Ally jumped off her chair and started to get things ready when Kat and Tara appeared.
"Thanks, Sis," laughed Kat as she took over from Ally.
"Right," said Ally still a little miffed and ignored her mother.
"Tara, I need to see you for a moment," suggested Robert in a tone they all knew too well.
Kat looked at Ally as their parents left the room. "We did it again?"
Ally nodded her head. "Maybe moving here turned out to be a bad idea."
"Oh, Ally. Now stop. I'll talk to Mom, too. I always think she's a little jealous because you're everything she wanted to be, but isn't. Come on, let's enjoy tonight. We can't have a family fight if Caleb's going to be here.'
"Yeah, like welcome to our dysfunctional family." The doorbell rang and Ally went to answer it. Both Kat and Tara were behind her when she opened the door. Ally went into an electrifying shock as Caleb stood at the door looking so darn good she could have eaten him. And not only that, he held a dozen yellow roses in his hand.
"Ma'am," Caleb grinned, liking Ally's expression of desire. He had hoped for this effect. "I believe these are for y'all?"
"Thanks." Those damn green eyes had Ally hypnotized and she couldn't say another word.
"Caleb, come on in," said Kat while she looked at her sister with impatience.
"Yes, do come in, dear. I am Tara Duncan, Ally's mother," Tara greeted Caleb enthusiastically.
"Caleb, these are beautiful." Ally had quickly recovered her dignity. "I'll get a vase. Caleb, you shouldn't have."
"I just wanted to surprise you." Caleb had an amused expression as he watched Ally walk away. Taking in account of what he could tell, Kat and Tara could have passed as sisters. Ally definitely took after father and there's no doubt about being Daddy's little girl. He'd have to be real careful about this.
"Hey, Robert." Caleb greeted Ally's father.
"You two have met?" Tara looked at her husband in surprise and her expression turned to one of annoyance he hadn't told her.
"Caleb stopped by this afternoon and introduced himself." Robert chose to ignore his wife's expression.
"Caleb, would you like something to drink?" asked Ally.
"Sure. You know what I like."
"Of course I do; whiskey." Ally ignored her mother's and Kat's curious stares while she made Caleb's drink.
"Smells good in here," commented Caleb as he sat down at the table where everyone had gathered.
"It's almost ready thanks to Ally," said Kat as she pulled the pans out of the oven and placed them on the counter;
"This is the appetizer, red salmon dip." Ally placed the plate on the table within everyone's reach. When she went to sit down, she sat at the only vacant seat available and, of course, it had to be next to Caleb. Taking a deep breath for courage, she sat down and tried to act nonchalant about the matter.
"What's the main course, Kat?" asked Tara.
"We're having Texas Oven Brisket. Ally came up with the idea and we made it together."
"Ally?" Tara looked at her younger daughter.
"Mom, I can cook." Ally glared at her mother, Caleb's presence forgotten.
"So, Caleb and I met," stated Robert diffusing the situation.
"That's right." Caleb smiled broadly and slowly inched his chair closer to Ally. "As a matter of fact, Robert is coming for a visit while you ladies go about your business."
"You don't say?" All three ladies asked at once.
"That's right. After I talk to Ally about a couple of things, Caleb invited me to ride and show me his ranch."
"You know Robert always wanted to live on a ranch when we were in Indiana," said Tara wistfully. "We used to live across the street from a farm that raised Black Angus."