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REINS HELD LOOSELY in his right hand, Hudson Cole rested his crossed wrists on the saddle horn and surveyed the sea of red and white cattle below him from the nearby hilltop. In the middle of spring calving season, he kept a close eye on the cows, watching for any trouble. He’d already moved five cows into the pen closest to the barn, sure they’d all give birth before morning.
He scanned the herd again, his gaze resting on a cow that had moved off by herself, bag full and heavy.
“Come on, Ajax, let’s bring that ol’ girl in. I think she’s trying to sneak off to drop her calf when nobody’s looking.” Hud clucked his tongue to the horse.
Ajax carried him down the hill in a smooth, unhurried gait, one that wouldn’t disturb the cows as they milled around, grazing on the hay he’d tossed out for them earlier. He’d be glad when spring fully arrived, and they could turn the cattle out to pasture for the summer.
Hud tipped back his head and gazed up at the bright yellow orb inching across a clear blue sky. He sure wouldn’t complain about the nice weather they’d had the past week. Unseasonably warm, the temperatures reached into the mid-sixties each day and quickly dried the soupy mud left behind when the snow melted.
At least he wouldn’t have to worry about any new calves suffering from frostbite. He’d lost a dozen calves two years ago when winter had lingered clear up until April. A shudder rolled over him just thinking about the miserable days and nights he spent trying to tend the cows and care for the calves in below-freezing temperatures. He sent a prayer of thanks heavenward for the mild weather that made his job of ranching so much easier.
When he neared the cow, Hud flicked the end of his reins, making a popping sound against the leather of his chaps that sent the cow into a slow saunter along the fence.
Twenty minutes later, Hud shut the gate behind her in the small pasture next to the barn with the other expectant mothers. “You girls don’t do anything crazy until I get back to check on you,” Hud said, taking the horse’s reins in his hands and leading him to the barn. A glance at his watch made him hurry as he unsaddled Ajax and left him in the pasture on the other side of the barn with three other horses.
Cricket would soon be home from school, and Hud liked to be there when she raced off the bus, full of excitement and news from her day. Although his daughter was only six, he sometimes worried she was maturing way too fast as she talked about the boys she liked and fussed about her clothes and hair. Other days, he’d find her playing with a doll or lugging around her kitten, telling it a silly story, and think maybe his precious child wasn’t so grown up after all.
Hud drove his mud-splattered all-terrain vehicle toward the house. He’d just rounded the bend in the lane when he noticed a shiny black luxury car stop at the end of the front walk.
Unexpected visitors rarely showed up at the ranch, and certainly not in cars that cost more than he’d make all year. The possibility existed that his grandmother had invited someone and forgot to mention it to him. It wouldn’t be the first or last time.
As he approached the house, Hud observed a driver getting out of the car, then two older men exiting the backseat. One of them looked familiar, but he couldn’t place why. A slim young woman slid out and stood between the men. His breath caught for a moment as he watched the afternoon light create a halo around her, making her skin glow and her hair sparkle like each strand was spun with gold.
Painful recollections from his past, of another golden-haired woman, slapped over him with the force of a tidal wave. He brought a gloved hand to his chest, rubbing at the ache that suddenly began to throb in the region of his heart. Determined to ignore the tumultuous feelings generated by his thoughts, he shoved the memories back down in the fortress buried deep in his soul where he kept them. He parked the four-wheeler and made his way over to the visitors.
The driver noticed his approach and looked at him uncertainly as he pulled luggage from the trunk.
Before Hud could say a word, his grandmother barreled out of the house and down the porch steps, wiping her hands on a pink-flowered apron that contrasted sharply to the blue and green plaid flannel shirt and faded blue jeans she wore.
She wrapped her arms around the taller of the two men, giving him a hug.
“Land sakes, Henry Brighton! It’s been too long since you’ve come to visit. Welcome, welcome!” Nell Cole said, smiling at the man. “And it’s good to see you, again, James. It’s so nice to have you all here.”
For a moment, Hud studied the men his grandmother spoke with, noting the resemblance between them. He assumed they were brothers. Suddenly, the name jolted something loose in his memory. Henry Brighton had been a good friend to his grandfather and used to come hunting every autumn. But Henry hadn’t been to the ranch in years, not since before Grandpa passed away.
Curious as to what brought the judge and his brother to Summer Creek Ranch, Hud stowed his gloves in his back pocket and walked over to offer a word of welcome.
“Hud, honey, you remember Judge Henry Brighton, don’t you?” Nell said, tugging on his arm to pull him closer to where she stood with the men and young woman.
“Welcome, sir. It’s been a while, but I’m pleased to see you again.” Hud shook Henry’s hand then turned to his brother. “You must be Henry’s brother. I’m Hudson Cole.”
“That’s right. James Brighton. Last time I saw you, you were about this big,” the man said, holding his hand about two feet off the ground. He smirked and his eyes twinkled with mirth. “You’ve grown a bit since then.”
Hud grinned, aware his size could be intimidating to some. “Yes, sir, I suppose I have.” Slowly, his gaze drifted over the young woman, taking in her delicate beauty, perfectly styled hair, and makeup that appeared to have been applied by a professional. Intriguing blue eyes held a guarded look behind unnaturally long eyelashes. Rosy cheeks could have been from the slight wind or too much blush, he couldn’t tell.
Her oval face was flawless, gorgeous, and therefore of no interest to Hud.
From the top of her head to the toes of her designer shoes, she reeked of money. No doubt her diapers had been made of hundred-dollar bills. Most likely, she’d spent her entire life spoiled and pampered, indulged and coddled.
Years ago, a pretty little rich girl had turned his head, entangled his heart, and caused him enough pain to last ten lifetimes. He certainly wasn’t stupid enough to make that mistake twice.
“This is my daughter, Emery,” James said, nudging the woman forward. “We can’t thank you enough for taking her in like this. If there is ever anything I can do to repay your kindness, I hope you’ll let us know.”
Hud’s right eyebrow hiked upward so high, it disappeared beneath the brim of his dusty cowboy hat. He swiveled his head around until his gaze clashed with his grandmother’s. She looked only slightly guilty as she smiled pleasantly and clenched his arm with both hands, as though she intended to restrain him from saying anything about James’ announcement that took him completely by surprise.
His grandmother’s elbow connected with his ribs. “We’re more than happy to have Emery stay with us for as long as she needs to. Isn’t that right, Hud?”
Rather than answer, he offered a noncommittal grunt and gave the woman another once-over. He’d be surprised if she lasted a day on the ranch before she hightailed it back to Portland or wherever it was she’d come from. From experience, he figured the first nail she broke or the first waft of manure blowing around her face would send her running for civilization.
The rattle and screech of the school bus diverted his attention and that of their guests to Cricket’s arrival.
Hud watched as his little girl hopped off the last step of the bus, shifted her pink backpack on her shoulder, then raced toward them, waving a hand over her head. He hurried out to greet Cricket, swinging her up in his arms and kissing her cheek.
“How was school today, baby girl?” he asked, relishing the feel of her arms around his neck as she gave him a hug. He received several a day but cherished each and every one as a special gift. Before long, she’d deem herself too old and grown up to give him hugs. Hud felt depressed just thinking about it.
“Great, Daddy! Miss Sullivan asked me to read to the class today. She said I did a good job. I got a sticker!”
“That’s wonderful, sweetheart.” Hud carried her over to where his grandmother waited with the Brighton family. He set Cricket on her feet but kept a hand on her shoulder. “Cricket, this is Judge Henry Brighton, his brother, Mr. James Brighton, and Emery Brighton. My daughter, Cricket.”
“Why, Nell, she looks just like Jossy,” Henry said, hunkering down and shaking Cricket’s hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Cricket.”
“Do you know Aunt Jossy?” Cricket asked, tipping her head to the side and studying the stranger.
“I used to, when she and your daddy were your age.” Henry stuck his hand in his pocket and pulled out a wrapped piece of candy. He glanced at Hud for permission to give it to Cricket.
Hud nodded and grinned when Cricket accepted the candy with a big smile. “Thank you, Mr. Judge. I love peppermints.”
“You are welcome, Cricket. And you can call me Uncle Henry if you like.” Henry straightened and took a step back. “Is Jossy here?”
“No. She married the rancher across the road and runs the Lazy J now. Her husband passed away the year before last,” Nell said, glancing to the east. “That girl is always on the go.”
Hud didn’t bother to offer his comments on the matter of his sister trying to resurrect a run-down ranch or how hard she worked to keep the Lazy J afloat. Goodness knew he’d tried more times than he could count to help her, but she generally refused, claiming he had enough to deal with at Summer Creek Ranch. She wasn’t wrong, but he hated to see his only sibling work herself to death. Then again, who was he to talk when all he did was toil on the ranch and occasionally help out in town when an extra pair of hands was needed.
“You’re pretty,” Cricket said, beaming at Emery like she was a fairy princess who’d dropped onto the ranch out of the sky. “You smell good, too.”
To her credit, Emery Brighton didn’t snub his child, but bent down until she was on eye level with Cricket. “Thank you very much, Cricket. Is that a nickname or your real name?”
Cricket tossed her head and glanced back at Hud. “My name is Caitlyn Amorette Cole. I’m six, and my favorite color is pink, and my daddy says I sound like a summer cricket.”
Emery smiled. “I’m not sure I know what a cricket sounds like.”
“Nonstop chatter,” Hud said, tenderly ruffling his daughter’s tangled black curls. With big blue eyes and milky skin, she held no resemblance to her mother, a blessing that filled Hud with gratitude every time he looked at his child. The Cole family genes were definitely dominant in Cricket’s DNA.
“Where are my manners?” Nell wrapped her arm around Emery’s and guided her up the steps. “Let’s go inside. I just took a batch of cookies out of the oven.”
Hud helped the driver carry in three large suitcases, three leather traveling bags, two duffle bags, and a box full of footwear, most of which appeared to be tennis shoes. After removing his boots so he wouldn’t track manure across his grandmother’s clean floors, he packed everything upstairs to one of the guest rooms. If any of the baggage belonged to Henry and James, they could sort it out later.
On quiet feet, he went down the back stairs to the mudroom and washed up, then wandered to the front room. His grandmother perched on the edge of a chair like she was serving royalty as she poured glasses of iced tea and passed around a plate of lemon cookies. Cricket sat on the floor in front of the coffee table with a glass of milk, a cookie, and her kitten, Luna.
Emery watched his daughter and sipped from a glass of tea while her father and uncle engaged in an animated conversation with Nell.
The driver had disappeared so Hud could only guess he’d gone back outside. He took two glasses of tea and set a handful of cookies on a plate then stepped outside. The driver sat on one of his grandmother’s wicker porch chairs, eyes closed, and face turned to the sun.
“Care for some cookies and tea?” he asked, setting a glass of tea and the cookies on the table beside the man.
“Thank you, sir,” the man said, sitting up and straightening his tie before he took a long sip from the tea.
“What’s your name?” Hud asked then bit into a cookie.
“Drew. Drew Daniels.”
“Nice to meet you, Drew. Have you worked very long for the Brighton family?”
Drew nodded. “I’ve been Mr. Brighton’s driver for about ten years. He’s a generous employer and a good man, a rare combination.”
“I’m sure it is. If you’ve been with him ten years, then you must enjoy working for him.”
Another nod. “I do. I mostly drive Mr. Brighton around for business matters, not a personal trip such as this one. Miss Brighton means well, but she sometimes ... ” Drew glanced around to see if anyone was listening. Assured they weren’t, he continued, “is impetuous. It’s not my place to say anything, but someone should warn you that she can’t handle alcohol. Two sips and she’s plastered.”
Hud’s eyebrow hiked upward again. “Good thing our ranch is dry, then. Does she often get into trouble drinking?”
“No. In fact, this is the ... ” Drew snapped his mouth shut. “I’ve already said more than I should. I believe Judge Brighton or Mr. Brighton would happily answer any questions, though.”
“Then I reckon I’ll ask a few. Do you know their plans?”
“Mrs. Cole invited us to spend the night, then we’ll be on our way back to Portland in the morning.”
“All four of you?” Hope filled Hud that Emery Brighton would soon be out of his hair.
“No. Miss Brighton has to stay here. It’s part of the terms of her release and community service. I thought ... ” Drew gave him a studying glance. “I think it will be a learning experience for everyone.”
“No doubt about that.” Hud drained the tea from his glass in one long gulp then returned inside. He yanked on his boots and had his hand on the doorknob to escape when he felt a presence beside him.
“Mind if we tag along?” James asked. He and Henry had changed from suits into jeans and cotton shirts with work boots that appeared to have been worn many times. Not exactly what Hud had expected to see a billionaire tycoon wear.
“I’m just heading out to take care of the evening chores and check on a few cows.” Hud pulled open the door and waited for the two men to precede him outside. Drew hopped up, but James waved him back into his seat.
“Enjoy the quiet while you can, Drew. I’m sure Mrs. Cole would be happy to have you join them inside, if you like.”
“Thank you, sir,” Drew said, then appeared to relax as he soaked up the sunshine. The temperature had started to drop as evening approached, but it was still enjoyable out.
Hud motioned toward the lane that would take them to the barn.
“I know you must have a hundred questions for us,” James ventured as they walked along the graveled path. “I get the distinct impression you had no idea we were coming.”
“I didn’t, sir. Would you tell me what your daughter did to get herself exiled to Summer Creek, and how I’m expected to be involved with matters while she’s here?”
James and Henry relayed the story of Emery’s arrest and Henry’s sentencing.
Hud stopped at the barn and stared at the two men. “You mean her mother has no idea what happened?”
“No, and we plan to keep it that way, at least for now.” James gave Hud a pleading look. “I love my wife more than anything, but she has pampered and spoiled our daughter to the point she’s become ... ”
“Decorative,” Henry supplied. “Emery is a smart girl, has an MBA and a few other degrees, but she’s squandering her time and her talents. I think she’s bored with life and needs to be challenged.”
“What will your wife do when she finds out you left your daughter here?” Hud asked, checking the water tank outside the barn then turning to look at James.
The man shrugged. “Most likely pitch one of her famous southern belle fits, but don’t worry about it. She won’t be back from Georgia for almost a month. By then, I hope Emery is settled into life here. We truly do appreciate your allowing her to stay at Summer Creek Ranch. I’d like to promise she won’t be any trouble, but I’m not sure I can.”
“At least you’re honest, sir.” Hud wondered what his grandmother was thinking to agree to take a troubled young woman into their home. According to what James and Henry shared, Grammy had offered Emery a job as Cricket’s nanny. Not that he couldn’t use someone to keep an eye on his daughter while he and his grandmother took care of ranch work, but Hud wasn’t sure he wanted to entrust his child into the care of a woman who planned to steal a police officer’s horse. What other questionable behaviors did she have? What if she corrupted Cricket? Then again, perhaps she was merely spoiled and clueless.
A sigh of resignation escaped before he could suck it back in. “What do you need me to do?”
“I’ve cut off Emery’s funding, so she’ll be required to work for any money she receives.” James gave Hud a long glance. “I will happily provide whatever you think is fair, but I do want to pay for her room and board, and leave enough extra to cover a minimum wage job, whether that’s here on the ranch or somewhere in town. I don’t expect anyone to come up with the funds to employ her.”
“You don’t need to pay me, sir. She’ll be our guest. I can hire her to do some things on the ranch.”
“No. I insist on paying for her keep and her wage. And if any incidentals arise, you’ve only to let me know, and I’ll take care of the expense.” James held up his hand when Hud started to protest. “My daughter is stubborn, opinionated, and sometimes downright challenging. I can’t, in good conscience, leave her here and not at least offer something for the inconvenience this will be to you and your family.”
Taken aback by the man’s blunt assessment of his daughter, Hud didn’t know what to say.
James placed a hand on his shoulder. “Just take the money, Hud. You could use it for Cricket’s college fund, or something along those lines.”
Henry smirked at him. “Yes, think of it as bonus money for Cricket’s future.”
The Brighton brothers sure knew how to be coercive. Hud would do anything for Cricket and money to put in the savings account he’d started for her college fund was too important to refuse.
“Okay, you talked me into it, but I’ll only accept a fair amount for room and board and Emery’s wage. How many hours do you want her to work and how many community service hours does she need to put in?”
“She ought to work at least thirty hours a week for her wage and room and board. I’d prefer she not know I’m paying for it, by the way,” James said.
Hud nodded. “I gathered that much. Is there a specific type of community service she needs to complete?”
“No. It can be anything as long as it is helpful, and she isn’t getting any benefit from it beyond building her character,” Henry said.
“I’ll figure out something.” Hud wished he’d stayed out with the cows that afternoon instead of coming home to this disastrous state of affairs.
Later, after their guests had retired to the guest rooms upstairs for the night, Hud cornered his grandmother in the kitchen as she prepared overnight oatmeal to serve for breakfast.
“What in the world were you thinking, Grammy? Bringing that drunken ninny here?” he asked, helping himself to a slice of chocolate cake left from dinner. He took a bite as Nell added ingredients to the oatmeal concoction she layered in a slow cooker. “Have you lost your mind? She can’t stay, Grammy.”
“I promised her father and Henry we’d keep an eye on her, Hudson. You’ve got to do this. She’s a young lady in need of our help.”
“I don’t have to do anything. I wasn’t the one making promises when I had no business doing it.” Hud sighed, thinking about the way Miss Emery Brighton had turned up her nose in disgust earlier when the ranch dogs wandered over and sniffed her legs. “From what I’ve seen, she is no lady, and the only help I foresee giving her is a swift kick to her designer-covered backside. What kind of influence do you think she’ll be over Cricket?”
“A good one, I hope,” Nell said, glancing at Hud as she set the lid on the slow cooker and adjusted the cooking time. “Just give her a chance. I think you’ll find she’s not nearly as horrible as you expect.”
“Come on, Grammy. Who are you trying to kid? She got drunk at breakfast, tried to steal a horse, and attempted to bribe a police officer before threatening him. I don’t want her around my daughter.”
“Well, she’s staying whether you like it or not, so you better get used to the idea. Henry and James have been good friends for years and years. I won’t disappoint them.” Nell wiped her hands on a dish towel then gave Hud a look he knew all too well. One that sized him up and found him lacking. “If you’d stop comparing that girl to your former wife, you might notice she’s lovely and sweet. She and Cricket are already getting along famously.”
“That’s exactly my point, Grammy. I don’t want her around Cricket. There’s no telling what kind of foolishness Emery will plant in her impressionable young mind.” Hud took a last bite of the rich cake, then pointed the fork at his grandmother. “You could have mentioned earlier that Henry called last night.”
“I could have,” his grandmother said with a sassy grin. “But you would have refused to let Emery come, and there’s not a good reason for it, except when you look at her you see Bethany.”
Hud scowled and set his empty dish in the dishwasher. “I thought we agreed to never mention that name again.”
“You agreed; I didn’t. Besides, the day will arrive when your daughter will want to know more about the woman who gave birth to her even if Bethany never acted like a mother.” Nell filled a thermos with coffee and set it on the counter next to him. “Will you please just try to go into this situation with an open mind, rather than deciding you dislike Emery based on your experiences with your wife?”
“I’ll try, but I don’t have time to babysit her, not in the middle of calving season. Until we get a better idea about the kind of person she really is, please keep her away from Cricket. Henry mentioned a video circulating online of what she did. Did he say anything to you?”
“He emailed a link, but you know half the time our Wi-Fi signal is too weak to connect. The first time I get into town, I’ll see what he sent. For now, though,” Nell pointed toward the back door, “you’ve got a date with half a dozen expectant mamas. Want me to sit up with you?”
“No need for both of us to lose sleep tonight. The way things were moving along when I checked an hour ago, it shouldn’t be too much longer before they get down to the business of birthing calves.”
“You’re a good man, Hudson Cole.” Nell patted his cheek with affection. “I don’t know what I would have done without you and your sister all these years.”
He kissed her cheek, then pulled on his coat. “I’m glad we had you, too. Now get to bed, you troublemaker.”
Nell grinned at him as he took the thermos of coffee and stepped outside into the chilly night air. He hoped her decision to welcome Emery Brighton into their home wasn’t one they’d all come to regret.