Randall Riches (14 page)

Lavinia coughed. “Well, are we ready to go?”

Rich stared at her, his mind not processing what she’d said. “Go?”

“To lunch, boy. We’re going to get to the main house and have nothing to eat because of all those healthy appetites over there. Let’s go.”

Rich backed away and waved the women in front of him. “Yeah, sure.”

His gaze followed Samantha as she walked out the kitchen, ignoring him. He’d swear she’d enjoyed that kiss. He was sure of that. But she wasn’t acting like she had. That irritated him.

Didn’t she think he was a good enough kisser? He hadn’t had any complaints before. Maybe he should
give it more effort. If they’d been alone, he would’ve demanded to know why she was acting like a store mannequin. Why her soft breasts were so clearly outlined by her T-shirt. Why her lips were so—so soft, yet hungry.

Why her body fit so perfectly to his?

Why he couldn’t think straight?

S
AMANTHA BLINDLY
followed Lavinia out the doorway of the house. She couldn’t quite remember where they were going. But she was sure Lavinia could be trusted.

Neither she nor Rich were in that category. He clearly couldn’t be trusted to keep his hands to himself. She couldn’t be trusted to protect herself. While his parents had been gone, he’d treated her as a friend. It had been a heady experience. One she liked. They’d worked well together.

But that kiss, that incredible kiss, meant things might be about to change.

“Do you want to drive, Samantha?” Lavinia asked.

“Uh, no, I’ll sit in the back seat.”

Lavinia got behind the wheel. “When will your cast come off, Rich? I like it when you drive,” she said, looking at her grandson.

“I have an appointment with Doc tomorrow. He’ll x-ray my ankle and then decide.”

Sam was amazed that the man could talk normally. Obviously the kiss hadn’t meant anything to him. He was probably just like some other cowboys she’d known, willing to take his pleasures where he found them.

Maybe he wasn’t affected by that kiss. Maybe his heart was cold, his body unresponsive. She shook her head, hoping she could put that kiss aside. Discovering the magic of two bodies wasn’t something she needed to do. Feeling that emotion she’d found when he touched her wasn’t a good thing. She’d promised herself she’d remain alone.

There had been plenty of cowboys who had offered to initiate her in the ways of love. But she’d known it wasn’t love they were interested in. Just lust. Because she’d never have any future with any of them. They’d sleep with her, but they wouldn’t marry her. She’d always be alone.

“We’re here,” Lavinia said, her gaze on Samantha in the rearview mirror.

“Oh! Yes. We are. I’m starving,” she said. Then she realized how Rich could translate those words and blushed. She hurried out of the car. Abby shouted a greeting to Sam and she hurried to her like a drowning man trying to get to shore.

Lavinia sat in the car, her lips pressed tightly together. She said to Rich, “If she leaves, I’m holding you to blame, young man. Make sure she doesn’t.” Then she got out of the car.

Rich’s door opened and Toby grinned at him. “Thinking about leaving, Rich?” When Rich didn’t respond, he leaned in the door. “Rich? Are you all right?”

“I don’t know,” he said, trying to think about what he was going to do to make sure Sam didn’t leave.

“Want me to get Pete?” Toby asked.

“No! No, I’m fine. I—I have some thinking to do, that’s all.”

“Okay, come on in. The dinner is ready and it smells good, as usual.”

Rich had an appetite, all right. But it wasn’t for whatever Red and Mildred had prepared. He wanted to kiss Samantha again.

But he couldn’t.

Not because she might not let him. Her arms around his neck told him she might kiss him back. But his grandmother was right. It was possible Samantha would walk away. It seemed to be a pattern she’d followed all her life. If things got too complicated, she moved on.

How would he face his parents or his grandmother if his hunger for Samantha drove her away?

How would he face himself?

Much to Samantha’s surprise, she enjoyed her afternoon at the Randall ranch. They didn’t go riding, as Rich had suggested. Because of the dreary weather, they stayed inside.

Pete gave her a checkbook after lunch, drawing her to one side and asking her to sign the card that would go on file. Afraid he was offering her charity, she gathered her strength to refuse him. But, she discovered instead, that he was paying her her salary.

“Pete, this is too much. Living with Lavinia isn’t tough work. I’ve worked a lot harder for less than half this amount, and it didn’t include room and board.”

“Don’t say that to Janie. She thinks you’ve worked a miracle.”

Sam stared at Pete, confused. “What miracle?”

“You probably haven’t noticed, but Lavinia was fading away, giving up interest in life, until you came along. Look at her,” he added, nodding in Lavinia’s direction. “She’s been talking nonstop with Mildred since she got here.”

“That’s not because of me. That’s because they’re
making a quilt, she and Mildred, for Abby and Russ. Isn’t that a wonderful idea?”

“Yeah, honey, it’s great. But you’ve done your share, too. Janie’s going to ask you to go shopping with her because she wants to buy you a special gift for making it possible for her to go to Hawaii. Don’t turn her down. She’s felt slighted because she didn’t have a girl to shop for. She’s the only one in the family without a daughter. Now, she’s so excited she can hardly think of anything else.”

“But, Pete, she doesn’t have to—”

“One lousy shopping trip, Sam. That won’t hurt too much, will it?” Pete asked her with a grin. “I admit, it sounds like torture to me, but it means a lot to Janie.”

Samantha struggled with all the different issues, but finally she said, “I don’t want to make Janie unhappy.”

“Good choice. I never want Janie to be unhappy.”

Samantha patted his arm. “I know. That’s one of the special things about you, Pete.”

He chuckled. “Not special. Just smart. Did anyone ever tell you about my courting Janie?”

“A little.”

“I made Janie unhappy. Before we resolved our problem, half the family was upset. Chad and Megan had just married, but he found himself sleeping on a sofa. So did Hank, Lavinia’s husband. I’m not a slow learner. Now I make sure Janie is happy.”

They both laughed together, but Samantha had known Pete for a good number of years. She’d noticed that he didn’t mess around with any of the women who hung around the rodeos. Instead he had befriended her,
a bedraggled waif. He’d even brought her a stuffed bunny rabbit that she’d carried with her everywhere until it fell apart. Whatever excuses he gave for protecting Janie, Sam knew it was because he was a good man.

“Now,” Pete said with a grin, “it’s the kids who have to do cleanup while us senior citizens put up our feet. So you’d best get over there and pitch in.”

She saw the young people, even Rich, clearing the table and gasped. She didn’t want to be thought to be shirking work.

“’Bout time you pitched in,” Rich said in a teasing voice. Several others protested, saying she was a guest.

“Guest, hell! She’s part of the family now. Besides, she ate, didn’t she? That’s reason enough to join the cleaning.”

Abby threw a wet dishcloth at him, hitting him in the face and he lunged at her, the cloth in his hand.

Elizabeth, Toby’s wife, protested. “I think you’re just trying to get out of wiping the table. Get to work!”

In the midst of all the teasing and laughter, Samantha found herself relaxing, feeling like part of a family more than she ever had.

“Is it always this much fun!” she whispered to Abby as she dried dishes alongside her.

“Amazing, isn’t it?” Abby agreed with a grin. “I already knew Elizabeth before Russ and I got engaged, but the sheer number of cousins and the good humor is overwhelming at first. Not that they’re always happy. Sometimes they get into arguments. But they’re all good people. I feel very lucky.”

“Is everyone here today?”

“No, and Tori, Jim and a couple of others will leave in a few minutes to go back to college. Most summers they’re all here. Except Caroline. She’s in medical school in Chicago. Tori will graduate this spring and be home. I don’t know what she’s going to do with her life though. You met her the other night, didn’t you?”

“Yes, I like her very much. She doesn’t look like the rest of the Randalls. I hope I didn’t offend her when I told her that.”

Just then Tori walked by carrying several dried platters. Abby said, “Tori, when are you leaving?”

“In a few minutes. Sam, I hope you’ll be here when I come back. It’s nice to have more people here who aren’t real Randalls.” With a laugh, she added, “Makes me feel more normal.”

“I— Maybe I will be.”

“It will be quiet until all of you come home since Casey is the only one still in high school,” Abby said.

“He’s sweet,” Sam said.

“Yeah, there’s not a bad one in the bunch. It’s amazing. Of course, I’m prejudiced, but I think Russ is one of the best.” Abby chuckled. “But don’t tell him I said that.”

Rich must’ve been listening because he leaned close to Abby and said, “Don’t you think he’s figured it out by now since you make calf eyes at him all the time?”

Abby fussed at her future brother-in-law, but Sam knew she didn’t care about Rich’s teasing.

The kitchen was quickly cleaned, with all the workers, and Samantha was worrying about what would happen next. Just as they finished, Janie came into the
kitchen, along with the other mothers and chased the guys away.

Janie ordered Elizabeth, Abby and Samantha to join them at the table for a planning meeting.

“Planning for what?” Elizabeth asked.

“Shopping!” Janie exclaimed, beaming.

The other ladies asked questions and showed pleasure in response. Samantha remained quiet. Surely this wasn’t what Pete meant? A big shopping trip? She’d figured she and Janie would go to that small store in Rawhide and spend half an hour choosing something simple.

“We wondered if you two, Abby and Elizabeth, could take next Friday off and we could all go to Casper, or, if you want, Denver,” B.J. said. “We need to find the bridesmaids gowns for your wedding, Abby. I’ll vote as Caroline, Anna will vote for Tori and Jess, and Elizabeth will be able to vote for herself.” She grinned at Abby. “And you have veto power.”

“Mmm, power. I like the sound of that!” the bride-to-be giggled.

“And you, young lady,” Janie said, looking at Samantha, “get a present from me for taking such good care of Mom.”

“But that would leave Lavinia alone,” Samantha protested. “I can stay here—”

“Don’t even think it. It’s my first time to have a girl to shop for. I’m so looking forward to it.”

Every female eye stared at Samantha and she immediately surrendered. She was glad Pete had prepared her, because she knew Janie would persuade her any
way. “But I think it’s not the first time you’ve shopped for me,” she added. “I don’t think Pete picked out the hair ribbons, or my bunny.”

“You remember those?” Janie asked, happiness in her eyes. “I hoped you did.”

Elizabeth leaned forward. “Uh, I can take Friday off and go, but, well, I’m not going to be in the wedding.”

Everyone stared at her, but Abby seemed devastated by her announcement. “Elizabeth! Why not? You’re my maid of honor.”

“In just a minute you’ll understand.” She stood and went to the kitchen door. Opening it, she called, “Toby? Now’s the time.”

Several of the ladies frowned as they heard a lot of male footsteps. The door opened and the men filed in, most of them with curious looks on their faces. Lavinia, Mildred and Red were the last to enter.

Elizabeth took Toby’s hand and waited until everyone filled the big kitchen. Then she looked at her husband and nudged him. He put his arm around her shoulders and kissed her. Then he looked at his family. “We have an announcement to make. We’re adding to the number of Randalls.”

As if he’d detonated a bomb, there were congratulations, screaming, a few tears and a lot of happiness filling the room.

“But why aren’t you going to be my maid of honor?” Abby asked, still upset by Elizabeth’s earlier announcement.

“Because I wouldn’t be able to fit in a bridesmaid
gown by then, Abby. I’ll be six months pregnant. I’m already three months along,” Elizabeth pointed out.

Her mother, Megan, gasped. “You kept it a secret for three months?”

Elizabeth immediately began explaining to her mother. Since Toby was Jake’s adopted son and B.J.’s real son, two parts of the Randall family were sharing this first child of the next generation. Samantha listened as everyone asked questions, discussed the due date and asked about Elizabeth’s health.

The pride and excitement on Jake Randall’s face reminded her of the stories she’d heard about him marrying off his brothers, only to be caught in the trap himself. But, according to Pete, Jake was one very happy cowboy when he married B.J.

In the midst of all the happiness, Sam also thought about carrying a child in her body. She’d wanted a child, but she knew she couldn’t have one. Not and still remain independent. When Rich had asked her if she wanted a family, she’d avoided answering. But the reality was that there was nothing she wanted more. If she had the choice of a family like the Randalls, a support team to be there for her and her baby, she’d be the happiest person in the world. How wonderful for Elizabeth and Toby that they had such family support and love.

But if she got pregnant and was on her own, she’d be petrified she wouldn’t be able to take care of her child. She couldn’t take that chance, the chance that her child would, like her, be alone.

But she was almost sick to her stomach from the wanting.

Someone touched her shoulder. She looked up to discover Rich standing behind her. “You okay?” he asked softly.

“Yes. It’s very exciting, isn’t it?”

His participation in the news shone in his brown eyes, but he only said, “I don’t know. Babies cry and poop. I’m not sure they’re such a bargain.”

Samantha turned away, not wanting to share her feelings with Rich. She needed to keep her distance instead of grow closer to him. Besides, she’d be long gone by the time the baby was born.

That thought actually hurt. The temptation to throw herself into the welcome she’d been given, to consider herself at home, was a temptation, a trap, because one day she’d be gone, suffering greater pain than she’d ever known.

Because she was already in love with the sprawling, loving Randall family.

R
ICH WAS HAPPY
for his cousins. Happy that the Randall family was continuing to grow. He supposed Russ and Abby would be the next parents. But he couldn’t see himself in that position, building a family. A flash of Samantha, holding a dark-haired baby in her arms, startled him.

Whoa! What was going on? He wasn’t going to—Samantha was a loner. They had no future together. He was attracted to her, of course, but when he’d asked her
about a future, she hadn’t acted as if she wanted one with him.

He looked at Toby, remembering everyone’s surprise when he declared his love for Elizabeth. Even though they shared no common blood, they’d been raised as cousins. Toby must’ve had a hard time letting Elizabeth know his feelings. Fortunately, she seemed to have followed the same path.

He looked at Samantha again. What was she thinking? Did that kiss this morning cross her mind? He’d talk to her this evening. Let her know she had nothing to worry about. He’d keep his hands to himself. Since that seemed to be what she wanted. Damn it!

Mildred and Lavinia stood and started taking down glasses to fix everyone a drink so they could make a toast to the new baby due next October. Samantha got up to help them and bumped into Rich. Shivers rushed through him and he realized not touching Samantha was going to take a lot of control. But he could do it. Of course he could.

Soon, everyone had a glass and Jake lifted his. “To the growth of the Randalls. And to this special child, due in October, the month my first son and I already share.”

It hadn’t occurred to Rich that Toby and Jake shared an October birthday. It would be amazing if the baby was born on their special day. Almost as if Toby becoming a Randall had been preordained. He shivered again, as if someone was walking over his grave. Had the same thing happened to him and Samantha? He just
happened to be in the restaurant where she worked. Just happened to have a broken ankle and need help.

And she just happened to need to get away.

His grandmother just happened to need company.

He just happened to kiss her.

Had events already been set in motion? Was he destined to fulfill that picture he’d earlier seen of Samantha?

“No!” he growled in a pause of conversation so that everyone hear his exclamation.

“No, what?” Jake asked. “You don’t want the baby to be born in October?” He seemed highly offended.

“No, of course not, Uncle Jake. I think that would be great. I was thinking about, uh, something else.”

“Well, focus, boy. We’ve got some celebrating to do.”

Chad raised his glass. “Yeah, Jake and I are going to be grandpas!” He suddenly stopped smiling. “Wait a minute. That means people will think I’m old!”

“How do you think I feel?” Red asked. “I’m going to be a great-grandfather!” He raised his glass. “Well, I’ll tell you how I feel. I’m powerful glad to have that title!”

O
N THE WAY HOME
, Samantha had a lot to think about. It seemed the shopping trip to Denver was still on. Abby convinced Elizabeth to still be her maid of honor, certain they could find a dress that would look just right for her as her pregnancy progressed.

Samantha was more excited than anyone. With the money she’d earned, she could do some shopping, too.
It sounded like so much fun, shopping with friends. She’d never done that before. Of course, when she had to leave, she might have to leave some things behind, but she’d enjoy them while she could.

And Elizabeth and Toby’s baby. Oh, how she wanted to stay until the baby was born. She made a silent plea that she’d be able to stay that long. Then she’d leave. But already she was picturing the different stages of growth for the baby and knew she’d want to be here for each one. She’d definitely better plan on leaving before the baby’s birth.