Justice at Cardwell Ranch

“SURPRISE,”STACY SAID WITH a shrug and a worried smile. Like Dana, Stacy had gotten the Justice-Cardwell dark good looks, but she’d always been the cute one who capitalized on her appearance, cashing in as she traded her way up through three marriages that Dana knew of and possibly more since.

Just the sight of her sister made Dana instantly wary. She couldn’t help but be mistrustful given their past.

Her sister’s gaze went to Dana’s stomach. “Oh, my. You’re pregnant.”

“We need to get Dana in the house,” Hud said, giving his sister-in-law a nod of greeting. Stacy opened the door and let them enter before she followed them in.

Dana found herself looking around the living room, uncomfortable that her sister had been inside the house even though it had once been Stacy’s home, as well.

The house was as it had been when her mother was alive. Original Western furnishings, a lot of stone and wood and a bright big airy kitchen. Dana, like her mother, chose comfort over style trends. She loved her big, homey house. It often smelled of something good bubbling on the stove, thanks to the fact that Hud loved to cook.

Dana preferred to spend her time with her children outside, teaching them to ride or watching a new foal being born or picking fresh strawberries out of the large garden she grew—just as her own mother had done with her.

As she looked at her sister, she was reminded of some of her mother’s last words to her. “Families stick together. It isn’t always easy. Everyone makes mistakes. Dana, you have to find forgiveness in your heart. If not for them, then for yourself.”

Her mother had known then that if anything happened to her, Jordan, Stacy and Clay would fight her for the ranch. That’s why she’d made the new will.

But she must also have known that the will would divide them.

“It’s been a long time,” Dana said, waiting, knowing her sister wanted something or she wouldn’t be here.

“I know I should have kept in touch more,” Stacy said. “I move around a lot.” But she’d always managed to get her check each quarter as part of her inheritance from the ranch profits. Dana instantly hated the uncharitable thought. She didn’t want to feel that way about her sister. But Stacy had done some things in the past that had left the two of them at odds. Like breaking Dana and Hud up eleven years ago. Dana still had trouble forgiving her sister for that.

Stacy shifted uncomfortably in the silence. “I should have let you know I was coming, huh.”

“Now isn’t the best time for company,” Hud said. “Dana’s doctor has advised her to get off her feet for the rest of her pregnancy.”

“But I’m not company,” Stacy said. “I’m family. I can help.”

Hud looked to his wife. “Why don’t you go. It’s fine,” Dana said and removed her coat.

“So you’re pregnant,” her sister said.

“Twins,” Dana said, sinking into a chair.

Stacy nodded.

Dana realized Hud was still in his coat, waiting, afraid to leave her alone with Stacy. “Are you going to pick up the kids?”

He gave her a questioning look.

“I thought you probably had more kids,” her sister said. “The toys and stuff around.”

Dana was still looking at her husband. She knew he didn’t trust Stacy, hated she’d been alone in their house while they were gone and worse, he didn’t want to leave the two of them alone. “Stacy and I will be fine.”

Still he hesitated. He knew better than anyone what her siblings were like.

“Stacy, would you mind getting me a drink of water?” The moment her sister left the room, Dana turned to her husband. “I’ll be fine,” she said lowering her voice. “Go pick up the kids. I promise I won’t move until you get back.” She could tell that wasn’t what had him concerned.

He glanced toward the kitchen and the sound of running water. “I won’t be long.”

She motioned him over and smiled as he leaned down to kiss her. At the same time, he placed a large hand on her swollen stomach. The babies moved and he smiled.

“You have your cell phone if you need me?”

Dana nodded. “The marshal’s office is also on speed dial. I’ll be fine. Really.”

Stacy came back in with a glass full of water as Hud left. “I’m glad things have turned out good for you. Hud is so protective.”

“Thank you,” she said as she took the glass and studied her sister over the rim as she took a drink.

“I would have called,” Stacy said, “but I wanted to surprise you.”

“I’m surprised.” She watched her sister move around the room, touching one object after another, seeming nervous. Her first thought when she’d seen her sister was that she’d come here because she was in trouble.

That initial observation hadn’t changed. Now though, Dana was betting it had something to do with money. It usually did with Stacy, unfortunately.

Years ago Dana had found out just how low her sister would stoop if the price was right. She had good reason not to trust her sister.

“The place hasn’t changed at all,” Stacy was saying now. “Except for the pile of toys in the sunroom. I heard Hud say he was going to pick up the kids?”

“Hank and Mary, five and four.”

“You named your daughter after mother, that’s nice,” Stacy said. “I thought you probably would.” She seemed to hear what she’d said. “I want you to know I’m not upset about mother leaving you the ranch. You know me, I would have just blown the money.” She flashed a self-deprecating smile. “And you’re pregnant with twins! When are you due?”

“Eight weeks.” When she finally couldn’t take it anymore, Dana asked, “Stacy, what are you doing here?”

“It’s kind of a strange story,” her sister said, looking even more nervous.

Dana braced herself. If Stacy thought it was a strange story, then it could be anything. Her sister opened her mouth to say something, but was interrupted.

From upstairs a baby began to cry.

“What is that?” Dana demanded.

“I haven’t had a chance to tell you,” Stacy said as she started for the stairs. “That’s Ella. That’s my other surprise. I have a baby.”

LIZA PARKED HER PICKUP ACROSS the road from Trail’s End and settled in to wait. She had a clear view of the small cabin Jordan had rented. Like a lot of Big Sky, the string of cabins were new. But it being off-season and the cabins’only view being Highway 191, she figured they weren’t too pricey. She wondered how Jordan was fixed for money and if that’s what had brought him back here.

Pulling out her phone, she called Hud’s cell. He answered on the third ring. She could hear the kids in the background and a woman’s voice. Hilde, Dana’s best friend. He must be at Needles and Pins.

“How’s Dana, boss?” she asked.

“Stubborn.”

She laughed. “So the doctor did prescribe bed rest.”

“Yes. Fortunately, I know you can run things just fine without me.”