I would love grandchildren, his mother told him, her smile returning. Just think, Ill have the ranch and you can bring your family to visit.
There was a particular vision of hell, he thought grimly. Ah, sure, Mom. Thatll be great. He guided her back on topic. Youre sure about the ranch? You want it?
Yes. I want to live there permanently. Maybe have a few animals and a garden. I could grow my own fruits and vegetables.
Yes. I want to live there permanently. Maybe have a few animals and a garden. I could grow my own fruits and vegetables.
Not with the goats around.
Heidi and I will work something out.
Rafe didnt bother telling her that Heidi and her grandfather werent going to be an issue. Like Nina, Dante was the best at what he did. There was only going to be one winner at the end of the day, and it wasnt going to be Heidi and her goats.
Isnt the ranch close to nearly a thousand acres?
May shrugged. Im not sure. I know theres a fair amount of land.
Maybe he could figure out something to do with it, so his time here wasnt a complete loss. Because the bottom line washe wasnt leaving. Not until May had what shed come for.
He stood and pulled his mother to her feet, then hugged her and kissed her temple.
Okay, then, he said. You want the ranch, Ill get it for you. No matter what it cost.
CHAPTER FOUR
HEIDI WAS PLEASED THAT her hand was steady as she poured coffee into four mugs on the table. May had made good on her promise of setting up a meeting. Now, barely twenty hours after the judge had dismissed them, they were in Heidis kitchen, about to make decisions that could potentially change her life forever. She wanted to tell herself not to be dramatic, but she had been unable to chase away the lingering sense of panic. Sure, the judge had given her a reprieve, but she could still lose the ranch, and then what? Where would she and Glen go?
Worries for another time, she reminded herself as she took her seat at the rickety table. For now, she was going to cooperate with May and figure out how to come up with two hundred and fifty thousand dollars in, say, the next three weeks.
Thank you so much for having us, May said, smiling at Heidi.
Youre more than welcome. Heidi tried to smile back, all the while ignoring the challenging expression on Rafes face.
This was the first time shed been in a relatively small room with the man, and she was annoyed to discover he took up too much space. He had broad shoulders that spilled past the back of the chair. She couldnt seem to focus on anyone but him, which frustrated her and made her want to pretend he wasnt there. An impossible task, with his dark eyes holding her captive.
Ive decided to stay in town, May continued, apparently unaware of the undercurrents swirling.
That could have been because they were only swirling on Heidis end of things. Maybe Rafe was naturally surly and barely knew she was alive. Maybe
Get a grip, she commanded herself, deliberately focusing on May.
Theres so much I remember about the ranch, the older woman continued. I have so many happy memories here.
Its a real family place, Glen told her. We appreciate your willingness to work things out.
Of course. Neither of us has to be disappointed by what happened. Theres a solution.
Rafe muttered something Heidi couldnt hear, but she knew it wasnt friendly agreement.
May shot her son a warning look, then turned back to Heidi. Do you think you could take us on a tour? Id love to see the changes and understand a little about your business.
Um, sure. Heidi would have preferred giving them directions back to San Francisco, but that wasnt likely to be an option. When were you thinking?
How about now? May asked.
Glen popped to his feet. Theres nothing I like better than spending time with a beautiful woman.
Rafe rolled his eyes, but May only smiled.
Youre a charmer, she murmured.
Heidi found herself on Rafes side this time. Glen flirting with May wasnt going to help their cause. She would have to talk to him later. After the tour.
She rose. Theres not a whole lot to see, she began. Theres the goats and where they live, of course, and the barn.
Dont forget the caves, Glen told her. He pulled out Mays chair. Theyre thousands of years old. Probably used by the original indigenous tribes as a form of shelter. There might be treasure.
Heidi sighed. Theyre not that interesting. I use them to age my cheese. The temperature is perfect, and I dont have to worry about space. Theres plenty.
Rafe stood. Cheese and goats. Great.
You dont have to come with us, she said. Perhaps youd like to stay here and phone your office.
One eyebrow rose, as if he were surprised she was willing to take him on. She lifted her chin slightly, not sure it would help, but even the tiniest psychological edge would be welcome. She had a feeling that Rafe not only brought a lot more resources to the battlefield, but that he was also used to winning at any price. Her idea of a good fight was facing down Athena when the goat escaped.
I wouldnt want to miss the treasure, Rafe said, his mouth curving into a smile.