The Rancher's Reunion

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 you know?” Rose said, proud as any mother.

Annie released a strangled laugh at Rose’s words and slapped her palm on the heavy oak table.

“What’s so funny about that?” After drying his hands, Will balled up the dish towel and shot, hitting his target dead-on where she sat.

Pulling the cloth off her head, Annie flung the fabric back.

He neatly dodged.

“Okay, you two. No horseplay in the house,” Rose reprimanded, picking up the towel from the floor. She opened the refrigerator and grabbed a large foil-covered plate.

“Yes, ma’am.” Will’s fingers snaked out to grab a slice of roast beef just as Rose uncovered the platter. He popped the tidbit into his mouth.

When he turned he found Annie inspecting him. “What?” he asked, uncomfortable with her assessment.

“N-Nothing.” She quickly glanced away.

“Come on. You’re up to something.”

Annie cleared her throat and turned back, her usual mischievous smile in place. “I wondered if I crossed my eyes and looked real hard I might be able to figure out what all the fuss is about.”

“Huh?”

“All those women chasing you.”

“Oh, knock it off,” he growled. “Now, what do you want to drink?”

“Anything without caffeine, please,” she said. A frown settled on her face. “Suddenly I’m not tired at all, and that is not good.”

“Having insomnia, honey?” Rose asked. “You sleep on the plane at all?”

“The only place I’ve managed to get any decent sleep was in Will’s truck.”