The Rancher's Reunion. Tina Radcliffe

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СКАЧАТЬ instructions were given to the caterers before she floated across the pristine white carpet to light next to him.

      “You aren’t eating?” she said.

      “Not real hungry,” Will admitted, eyeing the buffet table.

      Long tables were covered with pink linens and centerpieces of fresh spring flowers, all coordinating perfectly with the hostess’s ensemble. Serving platters were laden with delicacies Will hadn’t attempted to identify. Fact was he wasn’t much into fancy food. A plain meat-and-potatoes kind of guy, he preferred a good steak every time.

      He knew he was out of his league here among the Tulsa religious elite gathered for the fundraiser. A simple rancher, he was trying to become a savvy businessman, but small talk was not his forte.

      If he had his way he’d never leave the ranch. Will had majored in business, while commuting between Granby and home, but he couldn’t grab his degree and get back to the ranch fast enough. He had no aspirations of grandeur beyond keeping Sullivan Ranch afloat and contributing to a community that supported him through the tough times.

      He loved the land, liked hard work and enjoyed getting dirty.

      Dressing up made him uncomfortable, and today he’d put on a suit and tie and Sunday shoes—twice. His feet longed for the comfort of his worn Justins.

      Gaze drifting, he observed the uniformed staff through the French doors. The Reillys sure could throw a party. Things would move outside anytime now. The buffet dinner and social time were to be followed by a silent auction on the grounds.

      Waiters made last-minute preparations for seating along the huge patio area, near the heated pool where sparkly frosted lights hung between huge maple trees. An impromptu stage covered by a white canvas tent had been erected on the lawn. A small ensemble played classical melodies in the background. At the end of the patio another long serving table boasted lavish dessert trays and silver coffee urns.

      “I can ask Chef to prepare something for you,” Margaret offered.

      “I’m sorry?” Will said, realizing he’d been miles away.

      “I said I’d be happy to ask Chef to prepare something for you.”

      He gave a small laugh. Was he that transparent? He felt certain he stuck out as a real greenhorn in this crowd and said so.

      “Not at all,” Margaret said. “Actually, you and Ed are a lot alike.”

      A red warning flag went up. Margaret was preparing to launch into one of her Ed stories.

      “Would you excuse me a minute, Margaret?” He was long overdue for a dose of fresh air.

      He moved slowly, stopping to greet a business acquaintance, and then paused to examine the original Western artwork scattered throughout the room. Grabbing a fresh tea, he slipped out the side patio doors when Margaret wasn’t looking.

      The night air remained warm with barely a breeze. A hand in his pocket, Will stood for minutes watching the few clouds in the clear, dark sky move across a blanket of stars. “Beautiful night.”

      Will didn’t have to turn to realize Ed Reilly had joined him. “It is. Wouldn’t trade Oklahoma for any other place on the planet.”

      “Me either,” Ed agreed. “But you ought to be inside meeting those young ladies Margaret has lined up for you. They come from important Tulsa families.”

      Will turned to face the older man. Tall and blond with silver shot through the temples, he had one obvious thing in common with his wife. Ed Reilly was accustomed to getting what he wanted.

      “Sounds like she’s negotiating a business deal,” Will observed.

      “Take some advice from a fellow who has been around the block, Will. A good partnership can lay a solid foundation for a long-term relationship. Don’t rule it out.”

      “I’ll give that some thought, sir.”

      While he said the appropriate words, Will knew he wasn’t interested in Ed’s definition of a long-term business arrangement. Fact of the matter was he believed in love. Hadn’t seen much of it, but somewhere in the back of his heart he knew that if the Huntington’s wasn’t a block in his road of life and he was in the position to consider marriage, he wouldn’t consider it for anything less than love. A forever and ever, all-encompassing love.

      “Nice party,” Will said.

      Ed chuckled, knowing he’d been sidestepped. “That it is. A fine party, indeed. Hope the good food and fellowship encourages folks to dig deep into their wallets. We’re supporting a very worthy cause tonight.”

      “I’m sure they will. Tulsa is a generous town.”

      “You’re right, Will. Tulsa is a generous town. There is always someone willing to lend a helping hand.”

      “Yes, sir.”

      “My wife tells me everything is moving along well for the youth retreat.”

      Will nodded.

      “I’ll be out of town next week, but I know you two can handle things.”

      “I appreciate your confidence in me.”

      “You’re doing a great job. Give it a year, eighteen months, and you’ll start to reap the fruit of this venture.”

      “I hope so. Don’t mind telling you I’ve spent more than a few sleepless nights.”

      “Success is not without risks. But you’re motivated, a hard worker and a Godly man. Rare combination these days. Before you know it Sullivan Ranch will be bigger than you dreamed.”

      “From your lips to God’s ears,” Will said.

      Ed chuckled.

      Both men turned as the patio doors burst open and Margaret stood silhouetted against the lights of the party inside.

      “Are you two hiding?” Margaret asked.

      “Not at all, darling,” Ed said. “Just mixing a little business with pleasure.”

      She nodded, unconvinced. “Will has a phone call. You can take it in Ed’s study.”

      Margaret led Will across the carpet and down the hall. Her heels clicked a sharp staccato pattern on the imported Mexican tile as she led the way to the study, opening the massive oak doors. “I do hope you’ll hurry,” she said, as she left him alone in the room. “The party isn’t over yet.”

      He reached for the receiver on the desk. “Sullivan here.”

      “Will, I’m so sorry to bother you.” Annie’s voice overflowed with emotion. “I tried your cell first.”

      Will fumbled in his pants pocket for his cell. He must have left it in the truck. “What’s wrong?” he asked, prepared for the worst.

      “Rose. She fell. I’m certain she broke her hip. The ambulance is taking her to St. Francis Hospital.”

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