The Rancher's Redemption

Bella rose from the couch and collected her purse. “I suppose you’ve got a point, but reminding me of my mortality seems a bit heavy handed.”

“Maybe it’s the only way to get through to you.” Maureen poked her in the ribs. “Now, get along with you, and make sure you call and tell me all the filthy details if you do get it on with that fine figure of a man.”

* * *

“Glad you’re okay with what I’m suggesting.” Chase closed his laptop and smiled at Billy. “I’m great with company stocks, but not so good with the bovine version.”

Billy shrugged. “You could’ve asked Roy or Ruth. They are way more knowledgeable than I am.”

“But it’s your ranch,” Chase pointed out.

“You know how I feel about that, son. Sure, it’s legally in my name, but Ruth is the heart of this place, and then it’ll be handed down to you guys.”

Chase frowned. “You underestimate yourself. You grew up here, you’re a Morgan, and the land is in your blood.”

“And I betrayed and almost destroyed that legacy,” Billy reminded his son. “I left Ruth bringing up my kids, and walked away.”

“But you came back. That took some guts.”

“Yeah.” Billy smiled at Chase. “It did. I wasn’t sure if you’d let me stay.”

He remembered those first few weeks when his two oldest sons had viewed him with suspicion in Chase’s case, and outright hostility in Blue’s. He’d deserved it, but it had still been hard. The moment he’d stepped foot back on the ranch, he’d found his purpose, and his family again. The fact that they’d let him stay meant the world to him.

“It’s your ranch,” Chase stated again. He wasn’t one to beat around the bush. “Ruth likes to threaten us all with changing her will, but now that you are back, the place, and its future, are in your hands.”

“And you’re all doing a fantastic job of making sure the ranch survives well into the twenty-first century,” Billy replied, keen to change the subject. “Now, is there anything else you need to talk to me about, or can I ask you something?”

“I’m done.” Chase checked his cell phone. “What’s up?”

Billy explained what Bella had suggested, and Chase listened intently.

“I don’t have a problem with it. Jay’s practically family, but run it by Ruth as well.”

“I intend to.” Billy nodded and went to rise.

“So what’s going on with you and Bella?” Chase asked, his gaze still on his cell.

“Nothing at all, why?” Billy was glad he had a beard because he was fairly certain he was blushing.

“Didn’t look like nothing,” Chase said, a hint of amusement in his voice. “Neither of you even noticed I was there until I practically tapped you on the shoulder.”

“That’s because I’m old and deaf,” Billy countered.

“Who’s old and deaf?” Ruth came into the kitchen and stared at Billy and her grandson, one eyebrow raised. “I hope you’re not talking about me.”

“Never.” Chase traced a cross over his heart. “I was talking about Dad getting up close and personal with Bella Williams in our mudroom.” He stood up, tucked his laptop under his arm, and winked at Billy. “Have a great day!”

Billy turned to Ruth, who was watching him in some surprise, and tried to look unconcerned.

“I have no idea what he’s talking about. The mudroom is pretty small, and we were just standing close together.”

“If Chase noticed something was up, then there must have been something going on,” Ruth observed. “He’s usually oblivious.”

“We were just talking.” Billy realized he sounded as lame as a teenager now. “She came up here to ask whether we’d be able to host a party to celebrate Jay and Erin getting married.”

Ruth got herself some coffee and put on her apron. “When is the wedding?”

“It’s already happened. They got married in Vegas last month. Bella wants to host a celebration party here at our ranch in the next couple of weeks. I explained that we were shut down for guests over Christmas, but I thought I’d sound you and Chase out about the possibility of doing it anyway.”