“No. You don’t love me. If you love someone, trust is there. It’s part of the package. Love, trust, caring, friendship, sharing, they all come in one package.” She pointed her finger at him. “And you, Mr. McIntyre, are missing a big part of love.”
“I can learn.”
“I don’t want to be someone’s experiment.”
“Mr. McIntyre, are we ready to go?” Will came bouncing into the room, all smiles and little-boy excitement.
“Yeah, son. We’re ready to go.” Rusty rested his hand on Will’s shoulder and headed to the door. Before he stepped onto the porch, he said, “This isn’t finished. I have a lot more to say to you.”
As soon as he was out of sight, Rachel’s shaky knees forced her to sit. Having him close, holding her, looking at her with those green eyes begging for forgiveness had wrought havoc with her body. This would never do. She couldn’t spend the rest of her life avoiding Rusty, especially with the bond Will had formed with him.
Amelia and Rusty were getting along better, and it was time for him to take over his parental duties. An idea that began to form in her mind after the hotel incident jumped to the forefront.
She quickly washed her hands and face and re-braided her hair. Switching out a clean apron for the one that held the evidence of breakfast cooked for hungry cowboys, she headed to the door. This was a risky step, but she could no longer leave things the way they were.
The housekeeper opened the door of Big Bob’s ranch house. “Good morning, Mrs. Stevens. How are you and your boy?”
“We’re just fine, Mrs. Plumb. Is Mr. Richardson in?”
“He sure is, ma’am. Just follow me to the parlor and I’ll fetch him for you.”
After a wait of only about five minutes, the room was filled with Big Bob’s presence. The scent of tobacco and horses wafted from him. He greeted her with a huge smile and waved to one of the chairs so they could sit.
“What brings you here on this fine morning?”
Rachel took a deep breath. This was going to be hard, but it had to be done. For her sake as well as Will’s.
“I have come to give notice that I am leaving your employ. In two weeks.”
Big Bob leaned back in his chair, one booted foot crossed over his knee. “Are there problems I’m not aware of? Do you need more money?”
She shook her head. “I just think it would be better to live in town now that Will is getting older. It’s closer to school so he won’t miss any days when bad weather hits.”
His familiar smile didn’t fool her one bit. He most likely knew there was more to her story, but perhaps he wouldn’t question her further.
“Well, actually little lady, you’ve come to the wrong person.”
“Excuse me?”
“Rusty McIntyre and I have worked out a deal. He is buying the ranch and Mrs. Richardson and I are headed to our new home in Arizona Territory. The doctor says it will be better for her arthritis. So, in about three days, when we pack up and leave, Mr. McIntyre is your boss.”
Chapter Eleven
Rachel tried very hard to keep her ladylike composure. So, Rusty worked out a deal with Big Bob? How nice for him. Most likely his lack of trust in her was the reason he’d never mentioned it.
She swallowed several times. “Well, that is certainly a surprise.”
“Actually since you and Rusty are so . . . close, I’m surprised you didn’t already know.”
Oh, Lord. What did Big Bob know of their relationship? She felt her face flame, wondering how much of their closeness the man was privy to. And what of the other cowboys? Did Rusty make it a point to regale the men with tales of their closeness?
And furthermore, why didn’t she know? The questions bombarding her came to a screeching halt when she jumped up as if booted from behind. “Well, in that case, I guess I need to speak with Mr. McIntyre.”
Big Bob jerked. “Now hold on there. I know he’ll have a heck of a time finding a decent cook. You sure you want to do this?”
“Yes. I’m sure. I have to do what’s best for my son.”
“Well, in that case, I wish you the best. Where will you be working?”