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The Lonesome Rancher

Patricia Thayer

Finding Happily-Ever-After

Marie Ferrarella

www.millsandboon.co.uk

The Lonesome Rancher

Patricia Thayer

Dear Reader,

This is my second book in THE QUILT SHOP IN KERRY SPRINGS series, and I hope you are enjoying the citizens of the small Texas town as much as I do writing about them.

In The Lonesome Cowboy I’m back out at the ranch with the Merrick family. Besides their being a Texas ranching dynasty, there’s been a Merrick in the US Congress for the past three generations. Yet my hero, Sloan Merrick, the adopted son of Clay and Louisa, has no desire to leave the ranch.

My heroine, Jade Hamilton, comes to the ranch in hopes of finding her biological father. Not for the fame or fortune that comes with the Merrick name, but to learn where she comes from. And, of course, what we all want: love. Just to feel a sense of belonging.

Jade tries to tell herself that once she meets her father, Clay Merrick, she can walk away. What she doesn’t realise is how much the family will come to mean to her—especially Sloan. If he learns the truth, will she lose him too?

Coming from such a large family, I know how lucky I am to have so many who love and care about me. I can’t imagine what it’s like when you learn you’re not who you think you are.

Of course I’ll give Sloan and Jade their happy ending, but their journey will be an interesting one. Hope you enjoy the ride.

Patricia Thayer

About the Author

Originally born and raised in Muncie, Indiana, PATRICIA THAYER is the second of eight children. She attended Ball State University, and soon afterwards headed West. Over the years she’s made frequent visits back to the Midwest, trying to keep up with her growing family.

Patricia has called Orange County, California, home for many years. She not only enjoys the warm climate, but also the company and support of other published authors in the local writers’ organisation. For the past eighteen years she has had the unwavering support and encouragement of her critique group. It’s a sisterhood like no other.

When she’s not working on a story, you might find her travelling the United States and Europe, taking in the scenery and doing story research while thoroughly enjoying herself, accompanied by Steve, her husband for over thirty-five years. Together they have three grown sons and four grandsons. As she calls them, her own true-life heroes. On rare days off from writing, you might catch her at Disneyland, spoiling those grandkids rotten! She also volunteers for the Grandparent Autism Network.

Patricia has written for over twenty years, and has authored over thirty-six books. She has been nominated for both the National Readers’ Choice Award and the prestigious RITA^®. her book Nothing Short of a Miracle won a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice award.

A long-time member of Romance Writers of America, she has served as President and held many other board positions for her local chapter in Orange County. She’s a firm believer in giving back.

Check her website at www.patriciathayer.com for upcoming books.

To my mother. You’re my hero.

PROLOGUE

BREAKING NEWS

SENATOR CLAYTON MERRICK rushed home to Texas to be at his wife’s bedside after she suffered a stroke. A family spokesperson reports that Louisa Merrick is resting comfortably.

Will this serious medical crisis mean this is the last term for the U.S. senator? More importantly, how does this affect the upcoming vote on the pending energy bill … and the Merrick political dynasty?

CHAPTER ONE

JADE HAMILTON was totally lost, in more ways than she could count.

She pulled to the curb and parked her compact car on Main Street in Kerry Springs, Texas. The traffic was nearly nonexistent. Well, what did she expect? The population was under twenty thousand. Talk about your small town. Of course she knew that when she’d done her research on the area.

She blew out a breath. This was one of those crossroad moments … her friend, fellow nurse, Carrie Bradley, had always talked about. Either she needed to get directions to the job interview, or forget this crazy idea and turn around and head back to Dallas.

Then she’d never learn the truth. She had to know the truth.

Sadness crept over her, thinking about the past few months. Jade hated the resentment she felt for the woman who’d raised her, yet they’d kept so many secrets. Now Renee Hamilton was gone and she couldn’t tell Jade anything. Anything about the information Jade had found in the safe-deposit box that would change her life forever.

It was time she find out the entire truth. For her own satisfaction she needed answers. First, she had to find River’s End Ranch.

With renewed determination, she climbed out of the car and looked along the street to see a hardware store, a drugstore and ice cream store. Then a storefront with a display of handmade quilts caught her eye. The name Blind Stitch Quilt Shop was embossed across the glass window. She smiled, remembering her childhood and the hours she’d spent learning how to stitch with her mother.

Jade walked to the entrance, opened the door as a bell rang overhead. Inside the cool air mingled with the chatter of several women gathered around a cutting table. The salesclerk seemed to be busy so, having plenty of time before her appointment, Jade took the opportunity to look around the quaint shop. Several beautiful quilts adorned the high walls, underneath were stacks of pattern books and displays of scissors, needles and other notices. She strolled through the bolts of colorful fabric into a connecting room where another group of ladies were gathered around a table. She was surprised to see there was a man who was the center of attention.

Jade enjoyed a leisurely gaze over the handsome guy. He held his Stetson in his hand so she could see his inky-black hair and dark, deep-set eyes. She recognized more than a hint of Hispanic heritage in his strong jawline.

He was dressed in a starched cream-colored Western shirt, and new-looking pair of jeans, but he had on boots that were well-worn. She glanced down at his hands, and could see blunt-cut nails, also the callused fingers. He was definitely a working cowboy.

In a quilt shop?

“He’s pretty easy on the eyes, huh?”

Jade swung around and found a pretty blonde about her age, smiling at her.

“I’m sorry,” Jade admitted. “It’s rude to stare.”

“It’s hard not to,” the woman said. “There are some good-looking men around Kerry Springs. I can say that since I’ve recently married the most handsome one, Evan Rafferty. Hi, I’m Jenny Rafferty.”

“Jade Hamilton,” she said, smiling.

“Welcome, Jade, to the Blind Stitch. What can I do for you? Sign you up for my quilting class, or …” She grinned, and then said, “Maybe introduce you to that good-looking cowboy.”

Jade shook her head. She couldn’t get distracted from her goal. “Oh, no. I’m sorry, but I only came in to get directions.”

“So are you looking for a place to live?”

Jade found herself relaxing a little. “A job first.”

Jenny laughed. “That’s always a good idea. Where are you headed? I’m fairly new to the community, but I can give pretty good directions.”

“I’m looking for Louisa Merrick at the River’s End Ranch.”

The store clerk raised an eyebrow. “Really? Louisa is one of our best patrons … until recently.”

“So you know where the ranch is?”

“Yes, I do.” She nodded to the cowboy. “But I think he can do a better job of giving directions. That’s Louisa’s son, Sloan Merrick.”

Jade saw the man had started for the door carrying one of the sample books. “Okay, thank you, Jenny,” she called as she hurried across the room, hoping she could follow him out to the ranch.

He’d just gotten out the door when she called to him. “Excuse me, Mr. Merrick.”

The man was at his truck. He turned around and was even more handsome close up, and much bigger.

He frowned as he gave her the once-over, causing a funny reaction in her stomach.

He straightened. “What do you want?”

“Huh, well …” She was suddenly nervous. “Jenny Rafferty told me that you’re Sloan Merrick. I was wondering if I could get directions to the River’s End.” She forced a smile. “I have an appointment with Louisa Merrick.”

He continued to stare, but his eyes narrowed sharply. “The only directions you’ll get from me are to tell you how to leave town.”

She blinked. “I beg your pardon.”

He stepped closer. “How much plainer do you need it, lady? Stay the hell away from Merrick land, you aren’t welcome.”

An hour later, Jade had found her way out to the ranch. She was still fighting the urge to turn and run as she looked past the high wrought-iron gate toward the huge white house perched on the hill.

Her gaze moved to the miles of split-rail fencing enclosing the many acres of green pastures where Hereford steers grazed on the large southern Texas cattle ranch. She looked up at the archway overhead that read River’s End, owned by the Merrick Family, est. 1904.

She blew out a breath to slow her heart rate. It didn’t help. Go back to Dallas and forget she’d ever heard the name Merrick. At least one Merrick doesn’t want you here.

There was still time to change her mind, to forget this crazy idea. Then she’d never learn the truth about herself.

She pushed the button on the intercom. “Merrick residence,” a woman with a heavy accent answered.

Jade swallowed the dryness in her throat. “Hello, I’m Jade Hamilton. I have an appointment with Mrs. Merrick.” Her heart pounded hard in her chest. Was she finally going to meet the senator?

“I’ll open the gate for you. Drive to the main house.”

Jade climbed back into her car and the gate swung open as Sloan Merrick’s threat echoed in her head.

“Stay the hell away from Merrick land. You aren’t welcome.” Maybe she would be, or maybe she wouldn’t be, but this was her chance to find out the truth.

She drove through the gate and tried to enjoy the quarter mile trip as she continued along the road and passed several structures, including a large barn and a corral with a number of horses. There were ranch hands busy with chores. A few of them looked at her, but no one stopped her so she kept on going.

The house was more impressive the closer she got. The brick and white clapboard, three-story structure with a big wraparound porch was loaded down with huge pots of flowers adding a rainbow of color. She pulled into the circular driveway.

Grabbing her purse and briefcase she headed up the slate tile walkway to the steps and a massive oak door with a cut-glass window. The name Merrick was etched into the center.

Each breath Jade drew was more labored. She’d waited months to come here, to meet the one man linked to the secret of her past. She couldn’t lose her nerve.

Sloan Merrick studied his mother seated on the sofa in the sunroom. Even being in her favorite place in the house, she didn’t look happy. She’d turned fifty-eight on her last birthday, but the past few months had taken a toll on her.

Since her stroke Louisa Merrick hadn’t cared much about her appearance. Her hair hadn’t been cut or styled, and even the manicurist had been turned away when she’d come by the house. It was so unlike Mother not to want to see anyone, not friends or family. Even though the doctor felt she could make a full recovery with exercise and therapy, she hadn’t put forth much effort. And Sloan was worried about her.

“The women at the shop send their best wishes. Liz, Beth, Millie and Jenny all asked about you.”

She looked at him, and then down at items he’d brought her back from The Blind Stitch.

“Liz thought you’d like the new pattern book. She told me to tell you that they hadn’t started the quilt yet. They need your help on colors and design.”

“That’s about all I could do. I’d be useless to them the way I am now.”

“That could change,” he said, hoping to get a rise out of her.

Bingo. She glared at him. “I know your intentions are good, son. But I’m handling this.”

But she wasn’t handling it. “Mother, if you’ll just let us help you …”

“That’s the problem, Sloan. Everyone is always helping me. It’s time I start doing things on my own.” She waved her good arm. “Or I might as well be an invalid.”

He could see her frustration. Hell, he had a big share of his own. Her strong Spanish heritage showed in her distinctive bone structure and coloring, especially her deep brown eyes.

“I know how important your independence is to you.”

“Then get ready because I’m planning on getting it back. And soon.”

He stared at her, recalling the day she’d collapsed in front of him. Thank God she’d gotten immediate medical attention. And as the wife of a U.S. senator, she’d had the best care. “You haven’t gotten all your strength back. There are times when you need someone to help you.”

“I agree. That’s why I’m planning on hiring someone to help me get back on my feet.”

“What? Why didn’t you say something? If you needed help we’re here.”

She shook her head. “No, you, your father and Alisa need to get on with your lives. I want—no, need—to do this on my own. Thankfully I still have my faculties. My mind isn’t completely gone. That’s why I’m hiring a nurse to be with me until I’m back on solid ground, so to speak.”

Sloan calmed down a little. Okay, maybe that wasn’t such a bad idea. Marta had been overworked with the housework and Mother’s demands. “So who did the doctor recommend?”

“He gave me the name of a nurses’ registry that specializes in this sort of thing. I’ve been interviewing several candidates and I found one I like.”

Before Sloan could speak there was a knock on the door and the longtime housekeeper, Marta, peered in. “Señorita Hamilton is here.”

Louisa smiled. “Good. Send her in, Marta.” Then she glanced at him. “Don’t you have somewhere to be?”

He folded his arms across his chest, leaned a hip against the desk and looked toward the doorway. “Not hardly.”

When the candidate walked into the room, Sloan froze. The woman from town.

She was an attractive female with dark hair cut in a straight style that moved freely just below her chin. She glanced up at him and his breath caught. Those large eyes, a rich green and tilted upward at the corners, had thrown him off guard just an hour ago and were still having the same effect on him now.

He quickly recovered and stood. “You don’t seem to take direction well, Ms. Hamilton.”

“Maybe because it’s Mrs. Merrick who wanted to see me. It seemed right that she should be the one to tell me to leave.”

“Wrong,” he told her. “Too many people like to take advantage. It’s surprising how lucrative a story about the Merricks is, so I’m very protective of my family.”

“Sloan. Please, at least let Ms. Hamilton catch her breath before you give her the third degree.”

Jade Hamilton walked to the wicker sofa and sat down next to his mother. “Mrs. Merrick, it’s so nice to finally meet you. You have a lovely home. It’s so bright and sunny in here.”

The sunroom had rows of windows that overlooked the rose garden. It also expressed his mother’s culture with the hand-painted floor tiles and brightly colored walls.

Sloan saw Ms. Hamilton had turned a bright smile at his mother. “It must be a comfort to you to be able to be in familiar surroundings during your recovery.”

“It is,” Louisa said as her eyes brightened. “I decorated this house, turned it into a home right after Sloan and I moved in.” She looked at him. “Remember, son, how the place resembled a museum?”

“Yes, Mother, I do.”

“I had my husband add this room. I needed sunlight … and some color.”

Sloan cleared his throat. “Maybe we should start the interview.”

Ms. Hamilton blinked those gorgeous eyes at him. “I thought your mother already had.” She turned back to Louisa. “What questions do you want to ask me, Mrs. Merrick?”

“I think it’s time you call me Louisa.”

“And I’m Jade.”

“What a lovely name. I can see why your mother named you that. Your eyes are striking.”

Jade couldn’t stop shaking, afraid that any minute they’d discover who she was. “Thank you. My mother told me when she saw their color she couldn’t come up with anything else.”

Sloan stood. He wasn’t going to be taken in by a pretty face again. Not where his mother was concerned.

“Around here we’re big on family names,” Louisa continued. “My son was christened John Sloan Merrick. Sloan is his biological father’s name and then my husband, Clay, adopted him when he was eight.”

Sloan crossed the room. “Mother, I don’t think we need to go into family history.”

“He’s right,” Jade said, giving him a sideways glance. “This is an interview. Ask me whatever you want, Mr. Merrick.”

“Your last place of employment?”

Jade reached into her oversize purse and pulled out her résumé. She handed it to him. “I worked at a small private hospital in Dallas before I took a leave of absence to be with my mother during the last months before she passed away.” Jade felt the tears and willed them not to fall. “She had multiple sclerosis for years.”

“Oh, I’m sorry.” Louisa sighed. “That must have been so hard on you.”

Jade didn’t expect to feel an instant liking for this woman. That was what made this so hard. “Thank you. My consolation is that I know she’s isn’t suffering any longer.”

“That has to be comforting for you,” the older woman said as she took hold of her hand.

Jade saw the woman’s honest concern and felt the warmth in her touch. She also had the sudden urge to run out and forget it all, especially with Sloan Merrick watching her so closely. She wanted this job. It would be her best chance to get to see the senator. “Enough about me. What about you, Louisa?”

Sloan started to speak, but his mother sent him a look. He backed off.

Louisa’s expression softened as she said, “I want my life back. And I’ll do whatever it takes.”

Jade found herself smiling. “That’s the good news. And as we discussed on the phone, I plan to help you do that. It will also take some hard work and determination on your part.”

Louisa’s son did interrupt this time. “Well, we want to thank you for coming by, Ms. Hamilton. We will let you know our decision.”

Jade rose from the sofa. Okay, so it wasn’t a total success. He would get her out of there before she could meet any of the family, or allow Louisa to make a decision. “I’ll be staying in town at the Cross Creek Bed and Breakfast for the next few days.” She started for the French doors when she heard her name.

“Jade, wait,” Louisa called to her.

She paused and turned around.

“There’s no need to go yet,” the older woman told her. “This is my decision.”

“Mother,” Sloan said, visibly unhappy.

The older woman straightened. “No, Sloan, this is my choice. Since this happened …” She held up her arm. “No one has asked me how I feel about anything. Well, I’m telling you how I feel now. I asked Jade to come here.”

Jade spoke up, hoping to calm the situation. “It’s okay, Louisa. Maybe your husband should be involved in this decision, too.”

“Clay? He’s busy working on an energy bill in Washington.” She sighed. “Take some advice, Jade, don’t get involved with a politician. They’re never home, and your private life gets plastered all over the newspapers.”

Jade stiffened. “I’ll remember that.”

Sloan wanted to be as enthusiastic as his mother. But years in the political circus had made him leery of strangers, especially when it came to his family’s privacy. For himself, he’d been burned good, too, but managed to survive. Yet, he still didn’t trust strangers. “Mother, I have some questions for Ms. Hamilton.”

She frowned. “I’m not going to change my mind. This is my decision to make.”

He knew he’d gotten his stubbornness from Louisa Cruz Sloan Merrick. The daughter of poor immigrants, she was a one-time beauty queen, and had worked hard to graduate college and marry well. Twice. And she’d been the best mother a son could ask for.

“Do you have any objection if I take Jade for a walk in the garden?”

His mother glared at him.

“I’m only going to warn her about how persistent you can be when you want your way.”

Louisa turned to Jade and smiled sweetly. “Did I warn you how impossible my son could be?”

Jade smiled. “He’s only concerned about you.”

His mother turned back to him. “I will give you fifteen minutes. Then I’d like to show Jade the exercise room upstairs. That’s where I’ll be.”

Marta came through the door and helped Louisa with her walker.

A distant cousin, Marta had worked for the family since she was a girl. Now both she and her husband, Miguel, were employed by the Merricks. Louisa had always been loyal to her family and friends.

Being too trusting was one of his mother’s faults. That and being sucked in by strangers. Jade Hamilton was definitely a stranger. He’d learned the hard way that trouble sometimes comes wrapped in pretty packages. Crystal Erickson had been beautiful and distracting. So much so, he let his guard down. It had been an embarrassment for the family. Never again.

After his mother left, Sloan crossed the room and opened the doors that led onto a large patio area and the garden beyond.

“Let’s take advantage of the pleasant fall weather.” Jade stepped out into the brick patio framed with large ceramic pots of flowers. A manicured lawn was edged with numerous tea roses of every imaginable color. “Oh, my, this is lovely.”

“Gardening is another of my mother’s many hobbies.

She loves to quilt, too.”

“It’s nice that she has so many interests.”

“That she does. She’s always been active.”

“Good. Then she’ll want to get involved in her life again.”

Sloan eyed the attractive woman. She stood about five-seven, with long legs encased in tailored navy slacks and a simple white blouse tucked into her narrow waist. Very businesslike, but he was still curious as to why she’d come all this way for a job.

“Okay, let’s cut to the chase, Ms. Hamilton. Why are you really here?”

CHAPTER TWO

JADE willed herself to relax. He couldn’t know the real reason.

“I don’t understand, Mr. Merrick. I’ve explained that my mother passed away recently.”

“Dallas is about six hundred miles from Kerry Springs.”

She arched an eyebrow. “And that sends up a red flag to you?”

“Several. Having a father who’s a U.S. senator will do that to you.”

“I didn’t ask specifically for this area, but when I decided to return to work, I signed on with a nurses’ registry. This position came up and I decided a different area might be a nice change.”

She met his gaze, refusing to be intimidated. “I must have checked out, or your mother would never have set up an interview. And she seems to approve of me.” Jade paused for a few erratic heartbeats. “I thought I was here to help her?”

She looked over the handsome man. Tall and well-built, he had Louisa’s large brown eyes. She had yet to see his smile.

“Of course,” he told her. “And I’m here to protect her.”

“The loyal son.”

He shrugged. “You took care of your mother, I’m sure she had your loyalty, too.”

With a nod, Jade glanced away. There were a lot of memories both good and bad, and some she’d like to forget. Now she needed to find out who she was.

“No siblings, no father in Dallas?”

“No siblings. No father,” she repeated. “It’s all in my résumé.” She wasn’t going to beg this man for a job, no matter how much she wanted to meet Clay Merrick. “I think it’s time we end this, and you can discuss your dislikes with your mother after she finishes interviewing me. Thank you for your time.”

She headed toward the house, praying that he would call her back, but he didn’t. Okay, so this wasn’t going to work out. Then he finally spoke her name.

“Ms. Hamilton,” he called as she reached the doorway.

Her heart was pounding hard against the ribs as she turned and waited. “Yes?”

“Okay, if my mother gives you the position, I’ll agree to a week trial period.”

“You’ll agree? I thought it was your mother’s choice? After all she brought me here.”

“And I have to protect my family.”

She was frustrated. “I have excellent references, Mr. Merrick. I’m highly qualified for this position. A position that isn’t even permanent. Just admit it, you don’t want me here.”

Sloan looked uncomfortable. “I didn’t say that. I’d put anyone on a trial basis.” He glared at her. “And whether I like it or not, I am a product of my father’s very public profession. Sometimes it’s hard for me to trust people. But my mother trusts you and that’s what’s important. So if she gives you the job, I won’t interfere.”

Guilt washed over her. She’d got what she wanted. All she’d been looking for was a small piece of this life, this family.

An hour later, Jade had been hired as Louisa’s nurse, and shown the equipment that would rival some hospitals’ therapy rooms.

Now, she was standing outside what would be her living quarters for the next month or so. She’d gotten the job, but she didn’t feel like she expected to feel. For the first time since learning of Clay Merrick, she was questioning her decision to come here.

She opened the door and her breath caught. It was not where she expected to stay, not as hired staff. There was a sitting room with the walls painted a buttery-yellow, and carpet a light shade of green. A love seat was covered in ivory chenille and faced a marble fireplace. All the furniture looked to be expensive antiques.

She continued through double doors and saw a four-poster bed with a sheer canopy draping over the top. The bedspread was a hand-sewn quilt in yellow and green hues. She touched one of the intricate appliquéd squares. The detail was incredible and she wondered if Louisa had made it. Then she saw the LM stitched along the edge.

Again she glanced around the suite. It was all so perfect. And she didn’t belong here.

There was still time to leave. She had time to tell Louisa that she’d changed her mind.

She swung around as Marta walked in, pulling her wheeled suitcase. “Are you sure this is my room?” Jade asked.

She smiled. “Sí, señorita. Señora Louisa told me to put your clothes in this one so you are close to her. She’s across the hall.”

That could also mean Jade would be close to Clayton Merrick. “Doesn’t her husband also stay there? I mean, I don’t want to disturb them.”

Marta shook her head. “Oh, no. Not since the Señora Louisa had her stroke.”

Jade had a lot of questions about the senator, but decided they could wait. “I see.”

Marta finished hanging her clothes in the closet. Since Jade had worn uniforms for work, her personal wardrobe was minimal to say the least, so the task was done quickly.

“How long does Louisa usually nap?”

Marta closed the dresser drawer. “About one hour.” She smiled. “Today she might be awake sooner.” Marta took Jade’s hand. “Thank you, señorita, for coming here. Mi prima needs you to help make her better.”

This was the hard part for Jade. During their phone conversations, she’d gotten to like Louisa, but it suddenly hit Jade now how much her news could affect everyone. More than likely she’d be tossed out once they discovered who she really was. That was if the senator even believed her story. But still she’d come this far and needed to meet her father.

To meet Senator Clay Merrick.

The housekeeper opened the doors to the small terrace, then left the room.

“Thank you, Marta,” Jade called to her.

“De nada.” The housekeeper closed the door behind her.

Jade sighed and sat down on the chair at the desk. It had only been in the past six months that she discovered her life had been a lie. Going through important documents, after her mother’s death, Jade had been shocked to find adoption papers.

Renee Hamilton wasn’t her biological mother.

Another shock, she found the name of Kathryn Lowery listed as her birth mother, but the father, unknown. She’d also found a copy of Kathryn Lowery’s journal.

Jade reached in her purse and took out the old manila envelope that had been in her mother’s safe-deposit box. Inside were the only clues to her real identity. She stared down at the thirty-year-old photo. It was a group picture, but two people stood out. An attractive woman who looked to be in her early twenties. She stood out because the resemblance to Jade was uncanny. Kathryn had the same eyes as her daughter.

The man was a little older, maybe in his late twenties. He had sandy-brown hair and dark eyes with a cleft in his chin. Jade touched the matching dimple in her own chin.

She didn’t need to know the man’s name because in the backdrop of the picture was a large banner that read, Clay Merrick for U.S. Senate.

Almost immediately after she found the papers, Jade had gone in search of Kathryn Lowery and discovered she once lived in Austin, but had died twenty years ago with complications from pneumonia.

It had been easier to research Clay Merrick since he was a public figure. She’d discovered that he’d been married thirty years ago when he was involved with Kathryn Lowery. Had that been the reason he’d pushed her aside?

Kathryn’s journal hadn’t said much, only how much she’d loved Clay. She’d worried about Merrick’s career, and she’d agonized over giving her baby away.

Jade’s chest tightened feeling the rejection all over again. Had Kathryn even had the chance to tell Clay about the pregnancy? Had he been the one to insist she give the baby away?

This had been what brought Jade to the River’s End Ranch—and the nursing job—and to the very real possibility that Clay Merrick was her father. She wasn’t even sure she could confront the man. If she did, would he listen to her, or would he deny it all?

Jade folded the picture and put it away. All she knew was she couldn’t give up until she discovered the truth.

Later that afternoon, Sloan finally got hold of the senator.

“You should have been here to hire Mom’s nurse,” Sloan said as Jade Hamilton was getting settled in upstairs.

“It was your mother who wanted to do this, son. Why, is there a problem with who she hired?”

Only that Jade Hamilton was far too distracting for him. “No, so far as I can see. But you should still be here.”

“I’ll be home as soon as I possibly can,” Clay answered. “Just after the vote comes to the floor.”

Sloan knew the senator’s sense of duty. He also knew Clay loved Louisa, but lately he hadn’t been around much. Of course Louisa hadn’t been very receptive to her husband since her stroke. She had pushed Clay out of her bed, her room and practically out of her life.

“I thought they had enough votes without you being there.”

“How would it look if I’m not here working for my state?”

“What about being here for Mom?”

There was a long sigh. “I talk to Louisa every day. She doesn’t have a problem waiting another week until we recess.” There was a pause. “Of course, if there were someone to replace me here at the capitol, I could retire and be home full-time.”

Clay had hinted about Sloan taking his senate seat since college. “Well, you’re going to have to look elsewhere, because I’m happy right here.” His father already knew that. Sloan had been involved in breeding free range cattle for the past five years, and that suited him totally.

“Think about how much more you could do if you came to Washington. You could promote your projects. Maybe find some funding for research on drought tolerant grasses.”

Wouldn’t the cattle industry love that, especially when he was promoting hormone free beef, Sloan thought. It was times like this, he felt he was letting his father down. “Sorry, Dad. Have you thought about Alisa taking your place?”

“Son, your sister’s only been out of college a few years.” There was a pause. “Of course, she’s been pretty vocal on some issues. And there is the fact she is a natural born charmer.”

And even though Clay had never made him feel different, Sloan was aware he wasn’t a true Merrick, not by blood.

Clay had accepted and loved the eight-year-old boy when he married Louisa, then adopted him a year later. And Sloan adored his younger half sister. “Alisa would be the best choice to carry on the family legacy.”

“Or … you can find the perfect woman and make me a grandfather. And I can start preparing my grandchild.”

Sloan heard the humor in Clay’s voice, but something told him the older man was serious. Suddenly Jade Hamilton came to mind. “I’d really have to rush things along.”

“I’m sure your mother would be willing to help you find someone.”

Had that been the reason Louisa was so eager to have Jade here? Well, darn. Was his mother playing matchmaker?

He shook off the thought. “Are you at least coming home to meet Mother’s new nurse?”

“I’m sure you hired a competent person.” Commotion came over the line and his father said, “Look, Sloan, I’ve got to go. They need me back in the chamber.”

As soon as Sloan hung up, the phone from the barn rang. “Yeah, Bud. What do you need?”

“An extra pair of hands. Polly is having trouble with her foal. The vet is on his way, but it looks to be an hour or so before he gets here.”

“I’ll be right down.” Sloan came around the desk and was headed out when he saw Jade Hamilton coming down the staircase.

“Mr. Merrick, may I talk with you? It’s about your mother’s schedule.”

“It’ll have to be later.” He hurried down the hall, past the dining room and through the kitchen. He grabbed his hat off the peg at the back door and turned around.

“This is important.”

“Do you think I don’t know that? But this ranch is my responsibility, too. Right now there are other pressing matters I need to look into.” He paused. Maybe he should show her what life was like out here. “Unless you want to help.”

She looked up at him with those big green eyes. “At what?”

He had trouble turning away, but knew he’d better. “Come on.” He grabbed her hand and pulled her along. “I have a foal to deliver.”

“You’re kidding. You want my help.”

“You are a nurse, aren’t you?” He walked at a fast pace but she managed to keep up as he hurried down the road to the barn. “Polly is having some trouble. No vet around to help, so you’re all I got.”

Before Jade could say any more, he nudged her inside the large structure. The place smelled of horses and fresh straw, but everything was neat and orderly, the way he liked things. They continued down a wide center aisle, past several stalls until they reached the large birthing pen in the corner.

His mare was already down in fresh straw, and her breathing was labored. “Hey, Bud. Has there been any change?”

The foreman shook his head. “She hasn’t made any progress.”

Jade looked at the large rust-colored animal. Okay, she was out of her element with this, but she found she couldn’t just stand there, either. She stepped through the gate and went to the horse’s head, knelt down and began to stroke her neck. “Hey, there, girl. It’s not going too well, is it?” She glanced at Sloan. “Well, it’ll be over soon.”

He felt a strange connection with her. As if they could handle this together.

He quickly turned toward his foreman. “Bud, this is Mother’s nurse, Jade Hamilton. Jade, Bud.”

“Ma’am,” he said in greeting.

“Hello, Bud.”

The horse raised its head and whinnied as if to say, “What about me?”

Rolling up his sleeves, Sloan washed up and poured disinfectant on his hands and arms. He looked at Jade, finding she was helping. “Keep doing what you’re doing. I need her to stay calm.”

Jade nodded.

He knelt down by the horse’s tail and began talking softly to the horse. After another contraction eased, he reached inside the animal and soon said, “Got it. I have a front leg.” He worked hard over the next few minutes to help progress things. Sweat beaded on his face. “Yeah, there’s the other.”

Jade kept talking to Polly.

“Get behind me, Bud, and help.”

The foreman wasn’t as big as Sloan, but he wrapped his muscular arms around Sloan’s middle, dug his boots into the floor and together they pulled. Their work began to pay off when the hooves appeared. “Come on, Polly, help us here,” Sloan groaned. There was another contraction and more of the legs showed, then a muzzle.

“Well, looky here,” Bud said.

“Come on, sweetheart.” Jade got into the act. “Let’s show ‘em what you can do.”

With another hard tug from Sloan, the foal was out. He released the legs and let both mama and baby rest. “It’s a filly.”

A cheer went up in the gallery as some of the ranch hands began to gather around. “Great job, boss.”

“Great job, Polly,” Jade added as she continued to stroke the exhausted animal.

Sloan’s gaze caught hers. “I guess this wasn’t in your job description, huh?”

She smiled. “I guess not, but I’d call it an added bonus. I’ve seen my share of babies being born, but nothing like this. Thank you.”

He seemed surprised by her words. “You’re welcome.”

Jade climbed to her feet and brushed off her slacks, not caring she’d probably ruined her best pair.

Sloan was washing off when he handed Jade a towel. “You want to do the honors?” He nodded to the filly.

They turned toward the foal as she was starting to stand. Jade began to wipe the animal down. Then Sloan pulled her back as the mare decided to stand up.

“Be careful,” he warned. “Polly is gentle but she’s also a new mama.” They moved toward the other side of the pen, and finished the job on the foal, then nudged her toward her mother’s tit to feed.

“Good job, Miss Jade,” Bud said, coming up to her. “I think Polly liked having another female around.”

“Thank you,” she acknowledged to the older man who looked as if he’d spent years in the sun.

“Hey, what about me?” Sloan said. “I had something to do with the birthing.”

“And you had my help, kid. Remember I had all the muscle behind you.” He smiled brightly, showing off the lines around his eyes.

“And I was holding on to a slippery foal.”

Jade could easily see the closeness of the two men. It was obvious how much they cared about each other. She hadn’t experienced many friendships outside her mother, and Jim Hamilton had been gone from her life shortly after Jade’s arrival.

Renee had health issues by the time Jade reached high school. She hadn’t had the time for friends with her mother’s advancing MS.

Even when Jade began her career, she’d still spent more time with her mother than friends, except Carrie Bradley. Even Carrie had caused some jealousy with her mother.

She suddenly heard her name. “What?”

Sloan was watching her. “I said, you came through. Thank you.” He glanced over her messy attire. “If Marta can’t work her miracle, then I owe you a blouse and pants.”

“It’s okay.”

“It would be wise to wear jeans during your time here,” he told her.

“Why, will there be more deliveries?”

Sloan didn’t want to like this woman. As far as he was concerned, she was an intruder. “Maybe if you’re good at your job you’ll be able to get my mother back on a horse.”

Horseback riding! “I didn’t know that was in my job description, either.”

Sloan frowned. “You don’t ride?”

She straightened. “Maybe once or twice as a kid. I was raised in the city.”

“You were raised in Texas.”

Bud chimed in. “A few lessons and I bet you’ll be a natural.”

“I don’t have time for lessons. My time here is to be spent with Mrs. Merrick.”

The foreman pushed his hat back off his forehead, showing off his salt and pepper hair. “I’d say once you get to know Miss Louisa you’ll realize how hard she is to keep up with. She was a very active woman. Her stroke slowed her down some, but with your help, we’re hopin’ she’ll be back to normal real soon.”

“I’ll be working on that. I’ll know more after I talk with her doctor.” Jade tried not to think about how her deception could affect Louisa. She wanted to blame everything on Clay Merrick, but she knew that she could have gone to Washington to talk to the man, but she’d chickened out.

Instead when she found this job and put in an application, she’d been totally surprised Louisa called her back. After a short talk, she asked her to come to the ranch for an interview.

“My mother’s a very determined woman,” Sloan said. “But she’s not ready to be cut loose on her own yet. So you can’t let her ride roughshod over you, either.”

“I’m not a pushover, Mr. Merrick. I know how to handle my patients.”

“Mr. Merrick,” Bud repeated and began to laugh. “There hasn’t been anyone here called Mr. Merrick since Sam, your grandfather.” Bud pushed Sloan’s hat playfully. “It’s just Senator and Sloan.”

Sloan shook his head. “We’re pretty informal around here.”

“So it’s first names and wear jeans,” Jade said.

“And boots,” Bud added. “You don’t want to walk around a barn and horses without boots on.”

This time she laughed, no matter how much she didn’t want to.

“We’ve lived here twenty-six years last May,” Louisa said as they sat at the supper table that evening. The meal was in the garden room off the kitchen, another space with lots of windows. A large glass-top table and comfortable chairs was the central feature. Clay pots were filled with live plants that lined the open windows, inviting in the pleasant fall weather.

“Back then, Samuel and Alice Merrick were still alive and this was the area’s largest cattle ranch. And this house resembled a mausoleum. It was very formal and cold.” Louisa smiled at her son. “Then Clay brought us here to live.”

Jade forced a smile, not wanting to think about her father adopting another man’s child, when he’d abandoned his own daughter. But had he even known about Kathryn’s pregnancy?

She shook away any negative thoughts. She was here now, in this house, and so close to finding out who she was. And she had no idea what would happen next.

Her first day had been an interesting one. Once Louisa had woken from her nap, they’d gone into the exercise room that had every piece of equipment imaginable. Jade had to work hard to get Louisa focused on the routine she was supposed to do daily. The woman was in very good shape for her age of fifty-eight, even after a stroke, but exercise would help tremendously for her recovery.

And it helped Jade’s conscience that Louisa wouldn’t be helpless when she left. She did not doubt that when her true identity was discovered, she wouldn’t be welcomed any longer.

She closed her eyes. It wasn’t supposed to be this way. It was Clay Merrick who should have answered the door—and been the one to interview her. She’d had a plan to confront him. To question him about her mother and why he left. Now, she wasn’t sure what to do next.

Louisa spoke up. “Since you’ve helped bring a foal into the world, you’ll probably be bored tomorrow.” She turned to her son. “Unless you have something else in mind for Jade.”

Jade felt heat rush to her face. “Louisa, I’m here for you,” she insisted. “It’s whatever you want me to help you with.”

“I’m flexible with my schedule. And I’m happy you were there for Polly,” Louisa said. “That chestnut is a favorite of mine.” With a sigh, she went on. “It seems like yesterday that she was a foal. Where does the time go?”

“Mother, Polly’s only three years old,” Sloan reminded her. “And if you hadn’t been asleep, I would have had you there, too. Next time, I’ll make sure of it.”

Louisa smiled. Jade doubted much happened around here without this woman knowing about it.

Had she known about her husband’s past? Had he ever told her about Kathryn Lowery? Did he still have affairs with younger women?

“Jade …”

She jumped, realizing someone had called her name.

“Excuse me. Did you say something?”

“Are you feeling all right?” Louisa asked and nodded toward the plate of enchiladas. “Is the food okay?”

“Oh, yes, it’s delicious.” She glanced at Marta as she came into the dining room. “I guess I’m a little tired.”

Louisa frowned. “That’s right, you came all the way from Dallas, and here we put you right to work. We could have waited a day or two.”

Jade smiled. “No, really, I’m fine. Please, don’t worry about me. I came here for a job, so I planned on starting right away.”

Sloan watched Jade Hamilton. Even exhausted, the woman was beautiful. She looked more like a model than a nurse. It still puzzled him to why she was here. A rural ranch outside of Kerry Springs wasn’t exactly an exciting place to live.

“I hope you don’t regret being so far away from everyone and everything familiar,” he said. “A small town has a lot of disadvantages.”

“And it has a lot of advantages, too,” she told him. “Such as no five o’clock traffic, which means no crazy drivers.”

“We also have no nightlife.”

“Drinking in bars can be overrated,” she argued.

“What about fine dining?”

Jade smiled. “I heard that Rory’s Bar and Grill has great barbecue.”

Sloan nodded. “The best.”

Louisa jumped in. “Son, you’ll have to take Jade in to give her a sample.”

Great, he’d walked into that one. “Ms. Hamilton needs to focus on you.”

Those beautiful eyes widened. He suddenly wondered what else he could get her to react to. Whoa, he needed to take a step back. This was an employee, his mother’s nurse.

He stood. “I should check on the filly.”

“Why don’t you take Jade along?” his mother suggested. “I mean, she did help deliver her.”

Jade shook her head. “No. I need to stay with you.”

Louisa shrugged. “I’m going to watch television with Marta. If I need to go upstairs, there’s the elevator.” She waved her arm. “Now, go. You’re dying to see that foal again.”

Jade relented.

Sloan shot his mother a disapproving look, but it didn’t seem to faze her. He waited for Jade to head out the door first, turned back and spoke in Spanish. “Basta, Madre.”

She smiled up at him. “Enough what, dear?”

He ignored her innocent look as he met up with Jade. The evening was cool and he handed her a jacket from the hook near the back door.

“Here, you better put this on,” he said as he held it out for her. When she slipped her arms in, he caught a whiff of her perfume, a fresh citrus scent.

“The first thing to know about my mother is that she likes getting her way.”

She glanced at him as they headed toward the barn. “What woman doesn’t?”

“But Louisa is relentless when she sets her mind to something. Just don’t let her get away with anything.”

“You forget it was your mother who wanted me here. She’s the one who wants to recover.”

He opened the door to the barn and paused as he found himself leaning closer to her. In less than twenty-four hours, she’d managed to draw him in, made him want and need. Damn, if she wasn’t the most tempting woman. He quickly roped in his desire and managed to speak. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

He motioned for her to walk in ahead of him. Mistake. He tried not to stare at her shapely backside, but lost the fight and enjoyed the view as they made their way down the aisle toward the last pen. It was quiet and that was how he liked things. Polly spotted him and blew out a long breath in greeting. “How are you doing, girl?”

The chestnut made her way to the gate and let Sloan rub her muzzle. “You had quite a day, Mama.” He glanced down at the filly. “Well, hello to you, too, little one.”

He lowered his hand, but it was Jade who got the attention. The filly with the white star on her forehead came toward her. “I guess you females stick together.”

Jade knelt down and coaxed the filly with her hand. “It’s my voice. It’s softer. Oh, she’s so cute.”

That wasn’t the only soft thing about Jade. He glanced away from the soft skin of her cheeks, only to catch the generous curve of her backside. He released a frustrated breath. He needed to get out more and get away from a certain pretty nurse, or he might be in some big trouble.