The Rancher's Reunion. Tina Radcliffe

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СКАЧАТЬ passenger door was yanked open, and Annie slid out of the truck and into Rose’s arms before Will could pull the parking brake.

      “What on earth took you so long, Will? You stop for every squirrel in the road?”

      “She made me go the long way.” He lifted the suitcases from the flatbed and set them on the porch.

      “I did not,” Annie protested from within Rose’s embrace. “He drove like an old woman trying to keep his truck clean.”

      Will watched Rose fuss over Annie, making clucking noises as she took the younger woman’s face in her hands. “You’ve lost weight.”

      “Well, naturally,” Annie said, stepping back. She gave a dismissive toss of her dark head. “Nobody cooks like you.”

      “How’s that leg? Hurt much?” Rose questioned.

      “No, it’s more of a nuisance than anything.” Annie stepped forward.

      “Easy. Will, come and help her up the steps,” Rose directed.

      “Help?” He moved next to both women. “She bites my head off every time I try to help.”

      Before Annie could protest Will had scooped her up in his arms and started up the steps. He realized his mistake the minute she frantically wrapped her arms around his neck.

      Annie Harris wasn’t a scrawny little kid anymore. She might have lost a few pounds, but she felt exactly like a woman, with curves in all the right places.

      Annie was a woman. Will stumbled at the realization. When he deposited her on the porch like a hot potato, she grabbed the railing for support.

      The phone echoed from the house.

      “That’ll be my sister wanting to know if you’re here yet.” Rose flew past them.

      “What did I tell you? It’s just begun,” Will said. He pulled open the screen door for Rose.

      Annie still stood holding the rail, eyes wide and accusing. “That wasn’t necessary,” she said with a quiet voice. She yanked her pants and shirt straight and wouldn’t look him in the eye.

      “What?” he asked.

      “Carrying me.”

      Her gaze flew to his, sparks of gold flashing in the dark eyes.

      “Ah.” Will took the opportunity to roll his shoulders in mock pain. “I think I pulled a muscle.”

      “You did not.”

      He looked her up and down and grinned. “Still a scrapper.”

      Years ago she’d stood on this same front porch, her hair in a single braid, enormous eyes staring. A little girl clutching a brown paper grocery sack which held all her belongings.

      But Annie never cried. Not even when her momma left.

      That was almost twelve years ago, the same day he set aside his own grief. At eighteen he’d recognized a soul mate in the brave kid who had been left on their doorstep.

      He leaned back against the rail, his glance skipping over her. Long, silky chestnut hair flowed around her shoulders as she surveyed the land, a challenging tilt to her chin. Her brown eyes, almost gypsy-black, had dark smudges beneath them, telling signs of the ordeal in Kenya.

      Will counted up the years. Was she really twenty-four? Twenty-five come winter. How did that happen? Hard to believe she’d be getting married someday.

      Whoa.

      Annie getting married?

      He frowned. Was any man ready for Annie? He doubted the man existed who could match her toe-to-toe, heart-to-heart. The thought gave him an inexplicable satisfaction he chose to neither analyze nor explore.

      Annie was a challenge all right, tall and proud, holding her thoughts locked deep inside. Pride was her middle name.

      She’d tell you it was Elizabeth. Anne Elizabeth. He grinned, remembering how she had made it perfectly clear to everyone that she was Miss Anne E. Harris.

      She turned to meet his gaze, hers questioning. “What’s so funny?”

      “Miss Anne E.,” he said.

      The corners of her mouth raised in a self-deprecatory salute. “Don’t remind me.” She pointed across the yard to a building in the distance. “What’s that?”

      “New stables. You still know how to ride?” he asked.

      “I hope I do.” Her smile deepened and she turned back to him. “How many horses?”

      “Six, and quite a few boarders.”

      “The boarding has picked up?”

      Will released his breath. “Not as much as I’d hoped.” Not as much as he needed.

      His eyes narrowed following her gaze as she looked out toward the orchard.

      “Lots going on at the ranch, Annie. I’ve started a new business venture. This is the make-it-or-break-it year for Sullivan Ranch.” He gripped the railing tightly with both hands.

      And he had to make a profit to keep his father’s legacy alive. No way would he let Sullivan Ranch go without a fight.

      Rose appeared at the screen. “Come on inside. Too dark now to appreciate all Will’s hard work. You can see the ranch tomorrow. It’s supposed to be a beautiful day. Did you see that red sky?”

      Will held the door open.

      As she moved past, Annie raised a knowing brow at him. “Told you so,” she whispered.

      Will merely smiled.

      “Wait until you see all the changes around here. Will’s put this place on the map. Did he tell you about the web page?”

      Annie grinned. “Yes, I heard.”

      Rose wiped her hands on her apron and stepped back as Annie hopped inside. “Oh, and, Will, that was for you, that gal from church who keeps pestering you.” Rose frowned. “I’ve already forgotten her name. Well, no never mind. I let her know you’re too busy to chitchat, and to call back tomorrow.”

      “What?” Annie taunted from inside the house. “Will has a girlfriend?”

      Grabbing the suitcases, he strode past the kitchen. The aroma of fresh blackberry pie accompanied him down the hallway.

      “I do not have a girlfriend,” he called, depositing the bags on the rag rug in Annie’s old room.

      The fact was he rarely dated and took pains not encourage anyone in any way. Will had come to terms with the path he must take long ago. It could never include marriage.

      “Why, our Will is considered quite a catch these days, don’t СКАЧАТЬ