Читать книгу Randall Pride - Judy Christenberry, Judy Christenberry - Страница 6

Toby Randall drew a deep breath as the huge house came into view. Home. Like the man without a country, Toby felt as if he’d finally been pardoned.

He hadn’t told his parents he was coming. Or even more importantly, that he wanted to stay…if he could.

When he’d received that last e-mail from his mother Sunday afternoon, she’d passed on the Randall family news, as usual. It had only taken one sentence to change the direction of his life.

A shout brought him out of his thoughts.

“Toby!”

He recognized his baby brother Josh’s voice from telephone calls home. But the gangly figure jumping up and down must’ve grown a foot since he’d last seen him.

Toby waved through the open window. After waving back, Josh turned and sprinted for the house.

By the time Toby had parked, his mother, B.J., met him at the back of his rig, throwing her arms around his neck. “Toby! You didn’t tell us you were coming,” B.J. protested. Since his mother had cut back her hours as a vet when she was pregnant with Josh eighteen years ago, he’d figured she’d be home. It would give him time to visit with her and Aunt Mildred before his dad got home.

“Hi, Mom. Thought I’d surprise you.”

“I’m so glad you did. How long can you stay? Where’s your next rodeo?” She was patting his cheeks, tears in her eyes.

He knew his travels upset her and Mildred. He knew she’d be happy for him to stay here. But she wasn’t the reason he’d stayed away. He hadn’t been ready to explain himself. He hoped he wouldn’t have to now.

“I’m taking a little break,” he muttered, hugging her even closer. “Where’s Aunt Mildred?”

“She and Red are taking their afternoon siesta.”

When he, his mom and Aunt Mildred had moved to the Randall ranch twenty-three years ago, Mildred had taken on the role of housekeeper—or assistant housekeeper to Red, the cowboy who took care of the four Randall bachelors. Toby couldn’t imagine those two being anywhere else, especially since they’d married. They’d also played the role of grandparents to all the Randalls…and him.

B.J. linked her arm with his and began tugging him toward the house.

“Mom, I’ve got to unload my horses.”

“Oh. Of course. I’ll help you. Any injuries?”

‘Cocoa got kicked by a mangy steer, but I think he’s healing all right.”

The two of them unloaded the geldings, and B.J. was feeling Cocoa’s leg when the back door slammed open and Mildred and Red, followed by Josh, spilled out of the house. “Hey, what’s Josh doing at home?” Toby suddenly asked. “Hasn’t school started yet?”

“No. He’s in college now, you know, or will be. He’d be out with your dad, but he’s getting over the flu. I’m making him take it easy one more day.”

By the time B.J. finished explaining, Red and Mildred swept him into a group hug and plied him with questions as his mother had.

“I called Dad!” Josh announced. “He’s on his way.”

“You shouldn’t have interrupted his work,” Toby protested.

“Ha!” B.J. snapped, with a grin. “If Josh hadn’t called him, I would. You know he complains when he doesn’t get as much time with you as we do.”

Toby gave silent thanks for the father who’d raised him—Jake Randall. He never made Toby feel like a second-class Randall. The two of them—Jake, thirty-five, and Toby, four—had become friends at once. The first thing Jake had done after marrying his mom had been to adopt Toby.

He cleared his throat, afraid someone would notice the tears in his eyes. Damn, it was good to be home.

AFTER PUTTING his horses in a corral where they could move around after having been in the trailer since five that morning, Toby followed the others into the big kitchen where he’d spent much of his life. Mildred immediately poured him a cup of freshly made coffee and added a plate of her cookies. He’d loved those cookies as a child, and he still did.

With a casual shrug of his shoulders, Toby asked, “Where is everyone?”

“Aren’t we enough?” Red asked, a teasing glint in his eyes.

“Sure,” Toby said heartily, hoping no one noticed his consternation, and took a big gulp of coffee.

“Your sister is already back in Laramie at school. It’s her senior year,” his mother said, taking pity on him. “You remember Caroline has decided to get a medical degree? She and Victoria and Jessica went down early to redecorate their apartment. And Lizzie is out. The twins and Jim are with the guys getting some work done. Jim and Josh are going down to Laramie this weekend. Drew and Casey are in class.” She looked at Red. “Did I forget anyone?”

“Nope,” Red said, frowning. “I think that covers all the cousins. Nary a baby among them.”

“You mean Casey counts as an adult now?” Toby teased.

“Well, we’re making him use training wheels,” Red said with a big grin.

Mildred added, “Your aunts are all at work.”

“Janie’s out with the guys?” His uncle Pete’s wife, Janie, had been raised on a ranch and pitched in when they needed an extra hand. “You must be shorthanded right now,” Toby said, holding his breath for the answer.

“Actually, we are,” B.J said. “But Janie’s not here. I told you her father died, didn’t I? She—and Pete—are spending a lot of time over there, when they can be spared.”

Toby let out the breath he’d been holding. He’d been afraid they wouldn’t need his help. “Is good help as hard to find as it usually is?”

Red stared at him. “Good help is always hard to find. Too many boys want the glamour of the rodeo.”

Mildred elbowed him.

When Toby had chosen the rodeo life, his parents had let him go without complaint. But he’d known it wasn’t what they wanted for him.

He hadn’t had a choice.

Before he could say anything, they heard boots racing toward the house.

Toby jumped to his feet and ran out to the porch, his gaze eagerly searching for Jake.

“Dad!” he cried and the two men met in a rough embrace.

“’Bout time you got home, son!” Jake scolded.

“I know, Dad.”

Jake wrapped an arm around Toby’s shoulders and started into the house.

“Hey! Don’t we get a hug?” Pete called.

Toby turned and greeted his three uncles, Pete, Brett and Chad, and then his cousins, before they all entered the house. His cousins left to shower before dinner, telling him they’d catch him later. They couldn’t ask their questions about the rodeo scene, buckle bunnies and all, in front of the women.

Toby always downplayed the glamorous part of rodeoing. He didn’t want his cousins out on the circuit.

The men of the family sat down with coffee and cookies.

“How long can you stay?” Jake asked.

“He said he’s taking a break,” B.J. answered for him, a big smile on her face.

Toby cleared his throat as his father continued to stare at him. “Actually, I was wondering…Red said you were thinking about hiring some more help. I wondered if I’d do?”

Stark silence fell around the room. Toby had done well in rodeo. He’d won Cowboy of the Year at Nationals twice. His winnings had provided much more than a nest egg. He could buy his own ranch now. In addition, he’d done a number of ads for jean companies, boot- and hat-makers, and would still be in demand for a number of years, even if he retired today.

He’d realized his request would surprise them, but he’d hoped they would welcome him.

He filled the awkward silence. “If you don’t think I’d be of any use—”

Before he could finish Jake shoved back his chair and pulled Toby into another hug. “Damn it, what do you mean be of any use? Of course we want you, son.”

Since his uncles were just as enthusiastic, the questions Toby had melted away.

He’d finally come home.

BEFORE DINNER, Toby stood on the back porch with his cousins and little brother. The next generation of Randall males were questioning Toby about the lifestyle he was abandoning.

“Man, I can’t believe you’re giving up all that money. And the ladies,” Russ, one of the twins, said. “’Course, you’ll be a legend for a while, but—”

“It’s pretty tiring being a legend,” Toby said. “I missed being at home with you guys. And Mom and Dad.”

“You’re crazy,” Rich, the other twin, exclaimed. “We work like dogs.”

“It’s good, honest work,” Toby said, smiling. He understood the attraction of making a name for yourself. But he’d been there, done that.

“But what about—” Josh, his brother, began, but he stopped when he heard a car coming from the road. “Damn, that’s got to be Lizzie and that city dude she’s going to marry.” The disgust in his voice was clear to everyone.

Toby froze, his attention on the car topping the hill now. But he took note of the others’ attitudes.

“Yeah,” Jim, Elizabeth’s younger brother added, “I can’t believe my own sister would choose a jerk like him.”

Toby looked at the twins, the oldest in the group, but there was no anticipation on their faces.

What kind of man had Elizabeth chosen?

The car pulled to a halt and the passenger door opened. Elizabeth Randall stepped out of the car. His cousin in everything but blood.

Toby stopped breathing as the slim, auburn-haired young woman appeared. Elizabeth had always been beautiful. As a child, her delicate features and glowing skin had drawn attention. But grown up, with a woman’s body, hair halfway down her back, she was stunning.

He drew in a deep breath.

Elizabeth eyed her brothers and cousins as she waited for her escort, until she caught sight of Toby. With a shriek of joy, she ran straight for him. His arms automatically reached to catch her, and he found himself holding her tightly as she rained kisses on his face.

Heaven and hell.

ELIZABETH was almost as surprised by the rush of emotion she felt at seeing Toby back home as anyone else. She’d scarcely seen him since before she left for college. Somehow, her trips home had not coincided with his rare visits. But she’d worshipped him as a little girl. Five years older, Toby had seemed all-knowing. And he’d been her protector. Hers and Caroline’s. Even her brothers and cousins knew better than to pick on either of them, or Toby would find a way to punish them.

That’s what it was. She’d missed Toby not being in her life.

“Excuse me, Elizabeth, but who’s this man you’re hugging?”

The stiff voice belonged to her fiancé. Reluctantly, Elizabeth turned to smile at him. “Sorry, Cleve, but this is my oldest cousin, Toby. I haven’t seen him in years.’

“Good thing,” Cleve muttered even as he extended his hand.

Elizabeth cringed inside. It seemed important to her that Toby approve of her fiancé. No one else in the family did. She’d apologized to Cleve. His superior air, as if his sophistication made everyone jealous, annoyed her. And made her question her choice. But they’d only been engaged twenty-four hours when he’d first met the family. She figured they’d all get along once they got to know each other.

“Kids—” Jake began, opening the back door. Then he started again. “Oh, Mr. O’Banyon, I didn’t realize you’d arrived. Elizabeth, you should’ve brought Mr. O’Banyon through the front door.”

Toby looked at her fiancé and realized the man had no idea he’d been insulted. Family, even friends and neighbors, never used the front door.

Instead, Cleve swelled with importance. Then he said, “It’s all right, Mr. Randall. I’m sure Elizabeth will remember the next time.” Then he added, with disapproval, “She appeared to be excited about this gentleman’s arrival.”

As if Cleve wouldn’t know, Jake wrapped his arm around Toby with a warm smile, and said, “My oldest son.”

Cleve stared at the two of them.

“He doesn’t look like the rest of you.”

Toby said nothing. Their coloring was close, but his eyes were more golden than the warm brown of the rest of the Randalls. Being known as a Randall was the proudest thing in his life. He had worked harder than anyone, been the most accomplished of the Randalls because he’d had the gift of becoming a Randall. He hadn’t ever wanted to disappoint Jake. But he knew he really wasn’t a Randall.

His family, however, immediately responded to Cleve’s comment. They all assured Cleve, in various ways, that Toby was a Randall through and through. It was Elizabeth who ended the protest. She stepped back to Toby’s side and wrapped her arm around his waist.

“Toby is part of my family, a very important part.”

There was a finality in her voice that told everyone within hearing, even Cleve, how Toby fit in the family. For her efforts, she received a beaming smile from Jake and corroborating nods and grunts from the others.

She didn’t receive any appreciation from Toby. He pulled away and moved to the back door. “We don’t want to keep the ladies waiting.” She supposed it was his excuse for his abrupt movement, but it struck Elizabeth in her heart.

Everyone funneled into the kitchen after him. Elizabeth watched him move to his mother’s side, wondering if he’d changed so much in the years he’d been gone. She suddenly remembered the last summer before he’d left for college. She’d caught him kissing a girl at the Fourth of July party. She’d been devastated to see him with his arms around another woman. Her mother had pointed out that he was a young man. She was five years younger, too young to even think about those kinds of activities.

She supposed he’d kissed a lot of women since then.

“Hi, Mom. What’s for dinner?” Toby asked.

B.J. kissed him on the cheek. “We changed the menu just for you. Red is making his chicken-fried steak.”

As Toby smiled at his mother, someone muttered, “How bourgeois.”

Everyone turned to stare at Cleve, and Elizabeth’s cheeks flushed.

Red pokered up. “Boy, if you don’t like—”

Jake quietly stopped him. “Red, mind sliding a rib eye under the grill? That might be more to Cleve’s taste.”

Red muttered something under his breath and turned his back on the guest.

Toby tried to search for a distraction. “Hey, you haven’t set the table. We’ll do it for you.”

Mildred shot him a nervous look. “We’ve already set the table…in the dining room.”

Toby realized the reason for Mildred’s concern. They never ate in the dining room except at Christmas. They were a boisterous, loving family. Dinner was their opportunity to catch up on everyone’s day. Though taught good manners, they all participated in the many conversations flowing around the table.

Toby suspected dinner tonight would be silent and over quickly.

Elizabeth almost pulled Cleve aside then and there and told him their engagement was going to be brief. Like, ending tonight. He might have fit into her life in Laramie, but it was clear Cleve would never be comfortable with her family or vice versa. Her automatic choice came down on her family’s side.

Had she ever really loved him? It made her sound fickle. Maybe if she gave it a few more days.

“Elizabeth,” her mother, Megan, said. “Why don’t you take Cleve into the living room? We’ll have everything ready in a few moments.”

Elizabeth looked disturbed, and Megan added, “Boys, go with Elizabeth and Cleve. It will give you the chance to get to know him better.”

Toby knew he was included in that general direction, but he didn’t want to comply. The last thing he wanted to do was get to know Cleve better. He hoped his cousin’s engagement would be short, and that they’d move back to Laramie at once.

It was his only hope.

AFTER DINNER, B.J. called her daughter, Caroline, to tell her Toby was moving home. Caroline demanded to speak to her oldest brother.

“Finally!” she greeted him. “I was beginning to think my own brother hated me! I haven’t seen you since Christmas. Even then you avoided me.”

“Did not, squirt,” he returned with a grin. “I was trying not to bully you like you used to accuse me of doing.”

“I don’t believe you. What’s wrong? Did you start losing? Are the women turning you down? Did you get too old?”

“Watch it, brat,” he warned his little sister. “When are you coming home?”

“Next Friday. I’m not going to miss a chance to see the famous Toby Randall! My friends will all be so jealous.”

“There you go again, showing no respect. No man’s going to want a sassy woman.”

Her voice changed, turning smooth and silky. “Oh, you’d be surprised, big brother.”

“I’m having a talk with you as soon as you get here, little girl,” he warned.

“Practice on Elizabeth. Get rid of that jerk she says she’s going to marry!”

Toby’s breath caught in his throat, and he coughed. “Elizabeth’s not my sister, honey,” he finally said softly. “It’s not my business if she wants to marry him.”

She didn’t respond, and Toby tried again. “She’s—”

Then Caroline found her voice. “What’s wrong with you, Toby? When Harry Stiller picked on her in the fifth grade, you fixed him. Why can’t you take care of stupid Cleve?”

Toby wanted to hang up. It was a question he didn’t have an answer for. “We’re all grown up, Caroline. We’re allowed to handle our own problems, make our own choices.”

“Well, your choices stink!” she snapped. Then she hung up the phone.

He said goodbye to the buzzing in his ear, so his parents wouldn’t know Caroline was mad at him.

He stood up, unable to remain in the house; he needed some space to breathe…away from Cleve O’Banyon. He edged toward the door.

“Oh, Toby,” B.J. said, “I wanted to talk to Caro. Did she say when she’s coming home?”

“Yeah, Friday,” he said, hoping she showed up in spite of her anger.

He got out of the room, drawing a relieved breath, until a hand clapped him on the shoulder.

Jake had followed him out of the living room. “Going to check on your horses?”

Toby nodded. That was as good a reason as any he could come up with.

When they reached the barn, Jake didn’t look at horseflesh. He turned toward Toby and asked the one question Toby didn’t want to answer. “Son, what’s wrong?”