Inherited: Instant Family

She would’ve done a lot more work in return for the night’s sleep at a good bed and breakfast. Lord knows she couldn’t have gone without rest again. After running, she’d driven half the night and then parked in a rest stop to close her eyes for a few minutes, sitting up on watch for most of the first night. Then there was last night’s fiasco in the national forest.

She hadn’t thought about bears.

Thanks to Brad Logan, she and the children had been taken care of. A safe house, warm beds and good food. What more could she ask for? Sighing, she realized she owed Brad a lot. And to think she’d been angry at him when he barged in on her makeshift campsite last night. The sternness she’d seen in his eyes had softened to concern, then sympathy. She didn’t want his sympathy, just his compassion. And the handsome cowboy had offered it.

After sweeping the kitchen floor, she heard footsteps coming down the hall. Her unknowing hostess, perhaps?

The brown-haired pregnant woman came through the door and stopped in her tracks when she saw Sarah. “Hello?”

“I’m Sarah. Your brother-in-law let us stay last night. May I fix you some breakfast?”

“No, I— Well, okay, if you don’t mind.”

“Of course not. There’s still some hot coffee if you—”

“No, the doctor says I can’t have coffee. I’ll take a cup of tea, though, with milk and sugar in it.”

Sarah not only fixed her the tea, but made toast, bacon and scrambled eggs. After she served the woman, she said, “I’m sorry if I startled you before—”

Abby held up a hand. “It’s fine. I just wasn’t expecting anyone to be here.” She picked up her fork. “So, did you meet my husband this morning?”

“Yes, he cooked breakfast for all of us. I volunteered to clean the kitchen to repay him.”

“That was nice of you. Do you want some coffee? It won’t bother me, I promise.”

“I’d love another cup. I was saving it for you.” Sarah got up and poured the last cup of coffee and sat back down again.

“Are you a friend of Brad’s?” Abby asked.

“No. We’re—we’re on the run from my stepfather. He—he killed my mother two nights ago. I was afraid he’d kill all three of us if we didn’t get out of there.”

Apparently Abby wasn’t expecting such a gruesome story. She nearly dropped her teacup and her eyes flew to Sarah’s. “Oh, no! I’m so sorry.”

“Thank you,” Sarah said, blinking rapidly to hide the tears that sprang to her eyes.

“You said we. Who are you with?”

“My two half siblings. They’re watching TV in your family room.”

“How old are they?”

“Five and nine.”

“You certainly have your hands full, don’t you?” Abby reached across the table and patted her arm, and the gesture was Sarah’s undoing.

She broke down, releasing all the fear, anxiety and tension of the last few days in a flood of tears.

“These are good cookies.”

Little Davy sat at the kitchen table munching on the homemade sweets that Kate, Abby’s mother-in-law, had sent over. Even Anna seemed to like them, though she sat quietly.

After her breakdown, Sarah had brought the children in to meet their gracious hostess. Abby took to the children immediately.

“I’ll tell her you like them,” Abby said. “She’s a wonderful grandmother to Robbie.”

Sarah smiled. “I’m sure she is. Is he her only grandson until your babies are born?”

“Yes. Nick’s the only married child of her brood.” After a minute, Abby looked around the kitchen. “I probably need to think of something for lunch.”

“I think you should just tell me what you want done.”

“I can’t ask you to do that!”

“Yes, you can. You know your husband doesn’t want you risking your babies.”

“Well, yes, but— Do you mind?”

“Of course not. Just tell me what you have in mind. I’ll fix it.”

As Sarah got up, the phone rang. She looked at Abby with a question in her eyes.

“Yes, please,” Abby said with a smile.

Sarah answered the phone. “Logan Ranch.”

“Is this Sarah?”

“Yes.”

“This is Kate Dunleavy, Mike’s wife.”

“And Robbie’s grandmother?”

“Exactly. You’ve learned all of us already, haven’t you?”

Sarah said, “Do you want to talk toAbby?”

“Yes, please.”

The telephone had a long cord and she carried the receiver to Abby.

While Abby was talking, Sarah took a quick inventory of what food they had on hand. The stocked cupboard and refrigerator were astounding for Sarah. She wasn’t used to such abundance.

Abby said goodbye and Sarah was beside her to take the phone back to the wall.

“Kate’s bringing over a casserole for lunch. We just need to cut up a salad.”

“Okay.” Sarah quickly got to work. Setting the table for six, she put the salad out and heated up some black-eyed peas. When Kate arrived, everything was ready.

“You did all this?” Kate asked. “Abby, you know you shouldn’t. I was going to do the work.”

“I didn’t, Kate. Sarah did everything. Isn’t she great?”

“She certainly is.” She walked over to the newcomer and put out a hand in greeting. “Hello, Sarah. I’m glad to meet you.”

The woman, who looked to be in her fifties, with graying light-brown hair, was so welcoming that Sarah returned her handshake. “I’ll—I’ll go call the kids.”

Kate watched the young woman leave the room. “Mike says she’s a good person.”

“I think so, and she’s had a horrible time of it. Does Mike think he can help her?”

“Yes, he thinks so. He’ll tell her his news after we all eat. He doesn’t want to talk in front of the children.”

“Oh, of course—”

Sarah entered the kitchen, followed by Anna and Davy. Anna pressed closer to Sarah. Davy didn’t seem too concerned.

“Kids, this is Kate, the cookie lady,” Abby said.

“I like your cookies!” Davy said with a big smile, which Kate returned.

“I’m glad. It’s nice to meet you, Davy. You, too, Anna.”

“Come on, kids, sit down at the table.”

“I like Robbie,” Davy said, grinning.

Kate seemed thrilled. “Perfect,” she said. “Maybe Mike’s idea will work out.”

Sarah’s head snapped up. “What idea?”

Mike entered at that moment. “Hi. How’s everyone doing?”

Sarah nodded to Mike, smiling a little. “We’re fine.”

“Good. I’m starved. Are you ready to eat?”

“You’re always hungry,” Kate teased her husband. But she held out a seat next to hers at the table.

Sarah could barely eat. She was too concerned about whatever idea the sheriff had come up with. She was grateful when the meal ended and she took her siblings back to the family room.

As soon as she entered the room, she turned to Mike. “Did they arrest him?”

Mike sighed. “Yeah, but you were right. Ashton told them he didn’t know who killed his wife. He said he was knocked out and couldn’t help his beloved wife.”

“I told you he lied.”

“And he wants to know what happened to his children.”

Sarah’s hand flew to her chest. “No! I told you. They can’t go back to him.”

Mike tried to calm her down. “I just told you what he said. However, the police did a thorough job. They’re holding him in jail until he can make bail for $250,000. They’re hoping he won’t.”

“Good.”

“They also want to interview you.”

“No!” She felt as if she were on a seesaw, up one minute, down the next with the type of news Mike delivered.

“Sarah, you remember what I said? I talked to the police about you being appointed guardian of Anna and Davy. They agreed to pursue that for you, if you’ll come talk to them.”

She blinked her eyes, staring at her hands, clenched tightly in front of her. “I—I can’t!”

“I think Brad would go with you. I’m going to talk to him in a few minutes.”

“Why would he do that?”

“Because you need someone with you, Sarah. It won’t be an easy thing.”

“I know—and what about the kids?”

“Well, I thought they might like to go to school while they’re here. I’ll set it up. It will be hardest on Anna. Davy will have Robbie to go to school with.”

“But I can’t leave them! It would be too hard for them.”

“It will be even harder if you don’t get custody.”

Abby took her hand. “We’ll take care of them, Sarah.”

“But you’re supposed to rest,” Sarah protested.

“If they’re at school all day, I can rest.”

The sheriff looked at Sarah. “You have to answer this question. Is it worth going to testify against Ellis Ashton? You’ll get custody of the kids and keep them safe.”

When he put it that way, Sarah knew there was really no choice. She drew in a deep breath and said, “I’ll go. But I don’t need to bother Brad. I can manage on my own.”

The sheriff shook his head. “He’s going with you, Sarah. It’s part of the deal. Nick and Abby will take care of the kids and Brad will take care of you.”

“I don’t want him to take care of me! I can manage on my own.”

“Why don’t you want him to go?”

“The only man in my family killed my mother. Why would I want anything to do with any man?”

Mike drew a deep breath. “He’s just escorting you, keeping you safe. So you can come back to your siblings.”

“I—I don’t know what—”

“I’m thinking you should leave Monday morning after the kids go to school.”

“Their first day? No, that’s impossible! Anna can’t— She’s very shy!”

“It’s all right,” Kate said. “I’ll take her to school that morning and make sure she’s happy. Abby will be here to help.”

Sarah looked around the room at all the encouraging faces. “All right. I can tell her you’ll go with her?”

“Of course.”

Mike stood and kissed Kate goodbye and thanked Sarah for her cooperation. Then he left.

“Can you tell us what the children wear to school? Is there somewhere we can buy something for her to wear?”

“Yes. I can take you and Anna, and Davy, too, this afternoon, if you want.”

“Thank you, Kate. I think it will help Anna feel good about herself.” She just wished she knew how to pay for the clothes.

Nick and Brad came into the house for lunch a little later, only to find it empty.

“Where’s Abby?” Nick mused out loud.

“I don’t know. I guess we’re on our own today.”

“If she’s gotten involved with those people you drug in, I’ll—”

“Hi, boys,” Mike called as he stepped into the kitchen. “Are the ladies out?”

“Yeah,” Nick said in angry tones.

“Do you know where they are?”

“No. They didn’t even leave a note.” Nick couldn’t believe his wife would disappear without leaving word of her plans. Not in her condition!

“Hey, here’s a casserole I can warm up. I think there’s enough for all three of us,” Brad said.

“Ah, that’s one of the casseroles Kate made,” Mike said. “I’ll set the table.”

“How did you know about the casserole?” Nick asked.

“I had a quick lunch earlier with the ladies. But I didn’t get enough to eat,” Mike assured Nick and Brad.

Nick shrugged his shoulders. “Okay, I’ll make us something to drink. Is coffee okay with both of you? I think the wind got colder today.”

It wasn’t until they were finished eating that Brad realized it was unusual for Mike to be out there during the day. He asked his reasons.

“I came to talk to Sarah,” he explained.

“Why? Is something wrong?”

“No, not really, but I need some help.”

Nick spoke up. “To do what?”

“To escort Sarah to Denver.”

Neither man seemed upset.

“Who you gonna get?” Brad asked.

Mike just looked at him.

“Oh, no! Not me. Don’t you have any deputies to handle the job?”

“You know I don’t have as many deputies as I need to take care of the county. I can’t send one of them away.”

“But I think she’ll feel better with a deputy.”

“That’s why I’m going to deputize you before you go,” Mike assured him with a grin.

Sarah was sitting at the kitchen table that afternoon, trying to make sense of her life the past few days. Not that she was complaining. She seemed to have fallen into a good situation. Abby had offered her the job of housekeeper for at least three months at a generous rate plus room and board for all three of them.

Kate had taken them all shopping, even Abby, and she’d charged all the clothing for Anna and Davy, promising to take it out of Sarah’s salary after she’d insisted. Sarah had bought more than she should, because the two kids had so little, but she didn’t regret it. It was little compared to what they deserved.

All their lives Anna and Davy had suffered from their father’s behavior. Even with Sarah living there and providing food, it wasn’t enough. Children shouldn’t have to live the way her siblings had.

The kitchen door opened and Brad walked in.

She jumped to her feet. “Do you need anything?”

Brad looked at her in surprise. “No, I was just going to get some water. The wind is cold at night, but the temperature is warm this afternoon. I was going to get a couple of bottles of cold water.”

“I’ll get them for you,” Sarah said.

He stood there while she got the water.

“Uh, where did you go today? We didn’t see anyone when we came in for a late lunch.”

“But you found the leftover casserole, didn’t you?”

“Yeah, Mike said Mom made it.”

“Yes, she brought lunch for all of us. Did Mike eat lunch with you, too?”

“Yeah, you’d think he couldn’t handle two lunches. I keep thinking it will catch up with him, but it never seems to.”

After a second, Sarah got up enough courage to ask if Mike had talked to him about going to Denver.

“Yeah, he mentioned it.”

“Did you say yes?”

He looked at her then and she noticed the dark eyes with gold flecks that matched his dark brown hair, the lines at the corners of his eyes, no doubt from working outside on the ranch. He was a handsome man. A man’s man.

A man she could fall for.

But she couldn’t. Not now.

Before he could answer, she blurted, “I don’t need you to go. I can manage on my own.”

“You need an escort.”

“It’s ridiculous for you to leave your job to go with me. I’ll be fine.” She turned away from him and pretended to wipe the cabinet.

“I’m going. Mike’s going to deputize me, so my presence will be official.”

“There’s no need.”

“How big is Ellis Ashton?”

“Why?”

“I just wondered if he’s scary.”

“He’s not quite as tall as you, but he’s big enough around to make two of you.”

“Hmm. I guess he could take me in a fight.”

“Probably not. He’s slow…and dumb.”

Brad gave a half smile. “So, maybe I could take him?”

“Maybe. But it’s neither here nor there. There will be no fighting!”

Brad shrugged his shoulders. “I was just thinking.”

“Well, don’t think. Just tell Mike no.”

“Why don’t you want me to go with you?”

“I don’t know you! You’re more of a stranger to me than my stepfather!” And what she did know—how good-looking he was—was a danger.

“Sarah, I’m going along to protect you.”

“I can take care of myself.”

“You want to compare muscles?” Brad asked with a grin.

“You’re being silly!”

Brad turned serious. “Even if your stepfather were a ninety-pound weakling, you need someone with you, to lend moral support if nothing else.”

“I told Mike I could go alone. He’s holding Anna and Davy as hostages! What more does he need to guarantee that I’m coming back?”

“Maybe he thinks you’re planning on dumping your responsibilities and cutting loose.”

Sarah immediately headed for the quickest exit.

“Why are you running away? Was I too close to the truth?”

She whirled around and charged back to him. “How dare you even insinuate that! Don’t you ever say that to Davy and Anna!”

“Are you planning on coming back?”

“Yes! I won’t dump Davy and Anna on your family! Unless—unless I can’t come back,” she said, ending in a whisper.

“Of course you’ll come back. That’s why I’m going. To make sure you do.”

“If—if something happens to me, will Abby find a home for Davy and Anna? I know your family won’t have room, but—but maybe a nice family in the area? And keep them together?”

“Quit worrying about it, Sarah. You’ll be back in a couple of days, and things will go on just like they’ve been doing.”

“Abby hired me to be her housekeeper,” Sarah informed him.

“That’s good. You seem to do the work well.”

“I guess. She’s offering me too much money.” She named the dollar amount.

“I guess Nick figured it in the budget. It’s worth it if it keeps Abby from going into labor early.”

“Yes. I’m grateful for the work…and for her taking in the kids. Kate said she would come over after school and fix them a snack and make a casserole that Nick could take out of the oven.”

“That sounds like a good plan.”

Sarah collapsed at the kitchen table. “I don’t know what to do!” she exclaimed, covering her face with her hands.

Brad sat down beside her. “You do what Mike tells you to do. He’s older and wiser. He won’t steer you wrong.”

“You have a lot of confidence in him, don’t you?”

“He’s married to my mother. We wouldn’t have let her marry him if he wasn’t a good guy.”

She gave a bitter laugh. “You think you’re always in control, don’t you?”

“Most times. My family has lived here for over a hundred years, leaving me with a great tradition and enough money to make it.”

She got up from the table and turned away from him.

“Yes, well, that’s not our family.”

“Why did your mother marry the man?” Brad asked, still sitting at the table.

“Alice was widowed and didn’t have any job skills…and she had a teenage daughter—me.”

“Did he drink then?”

“Yes, but he kept it under control. At least for a year or two. Then he’d just stop off for one beer that turned into four or five. He’d drag home about eight or nine and roar for his dinner.”

“That sounds sad. I guess you didn’t have much of a life then.”

“No. I never knew if he’d come home drunk or not come home at all. It was embarrassing.”

“When you moved back home, how old were the kids?”

“Anna was six and Davy was two.” She’d had no choice, really, but to leave the city and move back in. Her own life wouldn’t have been worth living if she knew her siblings were in danger.

Brad stood and moved to Sarah’s side. “Don’t worry, Sarah. Nick and Abby are going to take good care of your little family.”

“They’d better!”

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