As soon as the older woman stepped into the kitchen, Cora hurried across the room to greet her with warmth and affection. “Delia. How lovely to see you.”
Cora turned to Summer, who was seated beside Amy. The two were whispering behind their hands. “Summer, look who’s here.”
“Auntie Delia.” With a yelp of delight the little girl flew across the room into the open arms of Delia, who had dropped to her knees to embrace her.
“Oh, I’ve missed you so much.” Delia buried her face in Summer’s hair.
“I’ve missed you, too, Auntie Delia.”
When Riley stepped into the kitchen, Summer raced to her side. “Miss Amy and I made you a surprise. But you can’t see it until after dinner.” She turned to include Delia. “And now that Auntie Delia is here, she can have some, too.”
At Delia’s question, Summer gave a shake of her little head. “It’s a surprise. You can’t know until later.”
“Oh.” Getting into the spirit of the moment, Delia put a finger to her lips. “Not another word, then. I’ll just have to be patient and wait.”
When Dandy announced that dinner was ready, Cora caught Delia’s hand and led her to a place beside hers at the table. “I’m so glad you were able to ride out here with Zane and Riley.”
“Me, too. Oh, I’ve missed all of you.” Delia glanced around the table, noting the absence of Cal.
She turned to Cora. “Where’s that good-looking ranch foreman?”
“Up in the high meadow with the wranglers. He’ll be back in a day or two.”
She glanced at Wyatt and Marilee, shoulders brushing, fingers twined under the table. “You two look happy. How are you dealing with this big, noisy family, Marilee?”
That had Marilee smiling. “It’s more than I ever dreamed of having. I never have time to be lonely since marrying Wyatt.”
“And you, Amy?” Delia turned to the fair-haired young woman seated beside her husband. “I can see how happy Jesse is. Tell me about your father. How is Otis doing?”
“Doc has declared him to be in complete remission. He’s right back to where he was a year ago, doing all the ranch chores that would exhaust three men.”
That brought a round of laughter from the others. They all knew Otis Parrish well enough to appreciate that his daughter wasn’t exaggerating. He was known around Gold Fever as a hard-driving, hardheaded rancher.
“Do you spend much time with him?”
Amy shook her head. “Dad’s a bit of a loner. He enjoys an occasional meal with me, or here with the McCords, but he prefers his own company. And I’m really busy, especially now that I have my new pupil.” She smiled at Summer across the table.
“That has to be very satisfying for you. I know you were missing your job as teacher.”
“I was. But this is so much better. Instead of a classroom full of noisy students, I get to work one-on-one with someone whose quick mind never fails to amaze me. Like today’s lesson…”
“Shh.” Summer put a finger to her lips. “You promised, Miss Amy.”
“So I did. It will be your secret, honey. And after dinner, you’ll get to reveal it.”
Cora laid a hand over Delia’s. “And how are things with you in town?”
Though it remained unspoken, everyone knew what she meant. After Delia’s brother, Ledge, a respected bank president, had been caught up in a scandal that resulted in his murder by the sheriff’s deputy, Harrison Atkins, the old woman had been convinced that she would have to leave town rather than face the cruel gossip of former friends. It was Cora who had persuaded her to give the townspeople a chance.
“I’m so glad I listened to you, Cora. Things are just grand. I’ve formed the Blue Hair Club. A group of old biddies like myself who meet to discuss books over lunch once a week at the Fortune Saloon.”
“You’re not an old biddie,” Cora said firmly.
“And why not?”
“Because,” she explained, “that would make me one, too.”
“You?” Delia’s brows shot up. “Believe me, Cora McCord, if I had a successful career like yours, or a handsome cowboy looking at me the way Cal Randall looks at you, I couldn’t possibly consider myself old.”
Cora turned several shades of red before coughing into her napkin while the others merely exchanged grins. She seemed genuinely surprised. “Whatever do you mean? Why…” Words failed her as she turned from Delia to the others and back again.
“Oh, for heaven’s sake,” Delia blurted. “Is everybody around here blind except me?”
At the sudden silence, she gave a shake of her head, a clear indication that she was about to launch into a long-winded monologue about lost romance and roads less taken.
It was Zane who took pity on his aunt and managed to quickly change the subject. “What’s new in town, Delia?”
Her eyes danced, and Zane had the idea that the old woman knew exactly what he was up to. Mercifully, she went along with him.
“Same old things as always. Stan Novak’s bending the mayor’s ear about the need for a bigger school, hospital, city hall. This time he has some big money to back it up. Someone named Gabriel Pasqual. I think Stafford has been hearing it so long, he’s begun to believe it himself. If you ask me, our mayor has become this stranger’s biggest advocate. They say he spends more time with Pasqual than he does with all his old cronies.”
“Are the townspeople buying into the idea of building the town into a big city?”
She shrugged. “The longer the mayor talks it up, the more some folks are going to start to think it could bring more people, which would bring more business, which would be good for everybody.”
Zane and his cousins exchanged a meaningful look. They needed to prepare for yet another visit from Stafford Rowe and his new friend, armed with yet another high-pressure sales pitch.
“Then there’s the gossip about all the high-tech gadgets being delivered up here. That has to mean you’re once again taking your grandfather’s treasure hunt seriously. Folks are speculating on which McCord will be next to fall victim to the curse.”
“Curse.” Zane spit the word with venom. And though he felt like issuing a few curses of his own, he held back in deference to little Summer and the women seated around the table.
Delia wasn’t about to be sidetracked. “Well, you have to admit. Both Amy and Marilee were threatened as soon as they got too close to the McCord family.”
Zane’s frown deepened. “In both instances, those threats came from someone bent on derailing the search. How can anybody consider this part of a curse?”
“Maybe.” Delia sat back in her chair, always pleased to engage in a heated debate. “But they were real threats nonetheless. And you can’t deny that both Amy and Marilee were in real danger.”
“But not from any curse. That rumor has been around for so long it’s become part of the town’s folklore. But any sensible person knows the difference between a curse and a criminal bent on destruction.”
Sensing his anger, Delia decided to change course. “So, what about those high-tech gadgets? This sounds serious. Does this mean you think enough gadgets will finally end the search and lead you to the lost treasure?”
“You bet.” Zane managed a smile. “We’ve just returned from a couple of weeks in the wilderness, and we’re still on an adrenaline rush. We plan on going full steam ahead.”
“You know I wish you well, even though I always thought Coot was chasing a pipe dream. But it was his dream, and I’m sure he’d be happy to see his grandsons chasing after it.”
“Auntie Delia, what’s a pipe dream?” Summer asked.
Delia smiled at the little girl. “It’s like you saying you intend to go out to the barn, saddle a horse, and win all the medals at the rodeo.”
Summer thought about that for a moment. “Zane says when I’m ready, he’s going to let me ride Vanilla. I bet once I do, I could ride in a rodeo. Can’t I, Zane?”
“Honey, I’m convinced that you’re smart enough to do anything you set your mind to do.”
“Then I’m going to live with wild horses like you did.”
Delia joined in the laughter of the others. “If you say you will, I’ve no doubt you’ll do it, Summer. Just look at your mama. Now there’s a strong woman.” She glanced over at Riley and clapped a hand to her mouth. “Oh, for heaven’s sake. I completely forgot. The day after you left my place I had a phone call from someone asking for you.”
“A phone call?” Riley’s laughter faded. “Who was it from?”
Delia shook her head. “He didn’t identify himself, but he seemed agitated when I said you weren’t staying at my place as you’d planned. He refused to leave a message, but I think he was somewhat appeased when I told him where you were.” Delia looked around at the others, clearly enjoying her importance. “I hope you don’t mind, but I couldn’t help bragging just a bit. I told him you were working at the Lost Nugget Ranch, the biggest, most successful ranch in all of Montana.”
Seated beside Riley, Zane heard the little hiss of annoyance that escaped her lips. While the dinner table conversation swirled around her, he noticed Riley’s sudden silence and the way she seemed to have drawn into herself.
Cora glanced around at the others. “Shall we take our coffee and dessert in the great room?”
“I’d like that.” Delia followed Cora from the table.
Summer and Amy exchanged knowing smiles. While the others left, both teacher and student remained behind with Dandy.
A short time later, while the family gathered around the cozy fireplace, Dandy wheeled in a serving cart and began pouring coffee.
Delia looked puzzled. “I thought you said there was dessert.”
Cora turned to the cook.
Before she could say a word he merely held out a hand. “It’s all part of Summer’s surprise. I’ll leave it to her to explain.”
Amy stepped from the kitchen carrying a silver tray on which rested a cake and candles.
“Is it somebody’s birthday?” Delia asked.
“Yes. It’s part of our ’prise.” Summer trailed behind Amy. In her arms was a stack of colorful papers.
She set the stack down so the others could see that it was a collection of pages punched with three holes and tied together with pink, yellow, and blue ribbons to make a book. The top page, carefully hand-lettered, read “Mamas and Babies.” Underneath the title was Summer’s name. As she opened the cover, she revealed a drawing of a vanilla-colored horse and a brown foal.
“I wonder who that is,” Zane deadpanned, much to the delight of the others.
“It’s Vanilla and her baby, Star.” Summer had assumed the role of teacher, and Amy sat back, looking as proud as Riley.
“And who do you think this is?” Summer turned the page to reveal a drawing of a brown and white cow and its tiny calf.
Though the drawings were primitive, they showed real talent.
“That looks like Bessie and her new calf.”
“That’s right. And tonight we’re having a birthday party for all the new babies on the ranch.”
At Summer’s words, everyone smiled and made appropriate noises about the delightful drawings and the neatly printed words.
Amy was quick to point out, “I’ll have you know that every drawing was Summer’s idea, and every letter was made by her hand. I didn’t help at all except to tell her how to spell the words. The printing is all hers.”
“Our very own little prodigy,” Delia said with pride.
Dandy held a lighter to the pink, yellow, and blue candles. “Summer, would you like to blow these out?”
The little girl nodded. “But first, we have to sing ‘Happy Birthday.’ ”
Everyone joined in the song to the new foals and calves, and clapped hands when she successfully blew out the candles.
For the next hour, while they enjoyed cake and ice cream, they passed around the book, remarking on the clever little girl in their midst.
Through it all Summer glowed with pride. It was clear to all of them that this little girl was reveling in the opportunity to shine.
Zane studied Riley, smiling along with the others. He was relieved to note that she’d been able to put aside her earlier dismay at Delia’s announcement and simply enjoy her daughter’s accomplishment.
A short time later, seeing Summer yawning, Riley said softly, “I think, after so much excitement, the time is catching up with you. Want to go upstairs to bed?”
Delia picked up the new book she’d brought. “I hope you can stay awake long enough to let me read this to you.”
“Oh, boy.” Summer caught Delia’s hand before turning to Cora. “Are you coming with us, Miss Cora?”
Cora was clearly delighted to be included. “I’d love to, honey.”
Summer circled the room, calling good night to everybody before climbing the stairs.
As they climbed, Summer’s voice drifted down to the others. “I can’t wait for my new story, Auntie Delia.”
Upstairs, Riley led the way into her suite of rooms.
Cora paused to look around. “I’ve always loved this suite. I hope you and Summer are comfortable here, Riley.” Out of deference to Delia, who’d loved Coot even before he married another, she carefully avoided mentioning the name given this suite of rooms by the family. It may have been a retreat for Annie, but it would be a painful reminder of loss to Delia.
Riley turned, seeing the look of pleasure in the older woman’s eyes. “I can’t imagine a more comfortable place than this. I love everything about it. The lovely fireplace, the pretty feminine furniture, the view from every window.”
Delia was taking her time looking around. “I’ve never been in here before, but I couldn’t agree more. It’s lovely.”
Riley opened the door to Summer’s bedroom. “Come on in. I’ll get Summer into her pajamas, and then you can read her the story.” With a laugh she added, “Though I won’t guarantee that she’ll be able to stay awake until the end.”
As she helped Summer out of her clothes and into her night things, the two women wandered the room, noting the place of honor where Floppy lay on the little girl’s pillow.
Cora paused to study the drawing hanging over the bed. Leaning closer, she stared at it for long moments before turning to Riley.
“Where did you get this picture of Summer’s stuffed dog?”
Riley glanced over her shoulder, then returned her attention to her daughter. “I made it.”
“You did?” Cora touched a hand to the frame. “Would you mind if I took it down and held it closer to the light?”
Riley shrugged. “Not at all, Miss Cora.”
Cora removed the framed art from the wall and carried it close to the child’s lamp atop her dresser, studying it with the eye of a professional artist. “This is so very clever. How did you achieve this three-dimensional look?”
Riley chuckled. “Nothing very complicated. I drew the same picture over and over, and cut out each one with an X-Acto knife. I did this one over a dozen times on various shades of paper so that it appears to go from light to dark to light again.”
“I love the fact that each part of the dog spells out a different letter of Summer’s name. Could you see the letters in your mind while you were drawing the dog?”
Summer, clad in her pajamas, was busy climbing into bed and pulling Floppy into her arms.
Riley crossed the room to stand beside Cora. “I do see the letters while I’m working. I don’t quite know how, but it all comes together in my mind by the time I’ve finished the initial sketch.”
“Could you do this for anyone besides your daughter?”
At Cora’s question, Riley paused to think, before nodding. “Zane would be easy. If I were sketching his name, it would probably be in the form of a mustang. Something rather wild and beautiful, with its mane and tail billowing in the wind. Just picturing it in my mind, I can see the letters of Zane’s name forming the mane, the tail, the hooves. Of course, I could completely change it around and draw a video camera that spelled out his name. Both horses and video cameras are such an integral part of Zane, either one would personify him.”
Cora was watching her carefully as she spoke. “Yes, you’ve easily captured Zane, though he’s more complicated than most men.”
“You think so?” Riley wasn’t aware of the way her eyes grew dreamy at the mere thought of Zane.
“What about me?” Cora asked softly. “What would you draw to form my name?”
Riley smiled. “That’s easy. An artist’s easel. Bright, almost neon colors that would scream your name as vividly as every one of your beautiful canvases does.”
“Yes. Yes.” Cora’s voice was little more than a whisper before she reached out to frame Riley’s face with her hands. “Oh, my dear.” She stared down into Riley’s eyes. “Of course. How could I have so completely missed this?”
At Riley’s look of confusion the older woman said simply, “My heart knew. And has from the moment we met. But I pushed it aside, because you’re so good at keeping Cal’s ledgers. I actually convinced myself that I was wrong, and that your real talent lay with numbers.”
Riley was staring at her with a look of consternation. “I don’t understand, Miss Cora.”
Cora smiled down into her eyes. “Of course you do. Though you’ve probably nudged it aside as I did, and tried to deny it, you have to know in your heart of hearts. We’re sisters. Soul mates. Like me, dear, you’re an artist. And from what I’ve seen, a very gifted artist.”