Tina Radcliffe - The Rancher's Reunion

Wiggling her toes and stretching her arms, Annie reached for the flannel robe she’d tossed on the end of the four-poster bed. Frustrating as it was, she would have to use the cane until her leg limbered up.

Her stomach growled, and she was both surprised and thankful. It seemed her appetite was back with a vengeance. Coffee and more pie sounded like a wonderful way to start the day. With any luck, Will hadn’t already finished off both.

She fished in her tapestry bags for her hairbrush then headed for the private bathroom, throwing water on her face and brushing her teeth, before grabbing the cane. Voices reached her as she hobbled carefully down the oak floor of the hallway.

Annie paused in the kitchen entry and discovered there was a guest at the table. Will sat across from a sophisticated blonde in a cream linen suit who gestured in conversation.

She inched back out of the room.

“About time you got up. We were debating whether or not to wake you for dinner,” Will called. A hint of a smile played on his strong mouth.

“Dinner? What are you talking about?” She glanced at the black, wrought-iron rooster clock on the wall. Three o’clock? “I slept over twelve hours.”

“You needed that sleep,” he said.

“Apparently,” Annie admitted. “I missed church.”

“Are you kidding me?” Will laughed.

Rose pulled out a chair. “Come sit down, honey.”

“Oh, no, no.” Annie shook her head. “You have a guest. I don’t want to interrupt. Besides, I’m not dressed.”

“Don’t be silly. This is just Mrs. Reilly,” Rose said, dismissing Annie’s concerns with a wave of her hand. “Now sit yourself down.” She pulled out a chair. “I’ve got a fresh pot of coffee brewing.”

The woman seated at the table raised a perfectly arched brow at Rose’s remark.

“That sounds wonderful,” Annie admitted. She carefully lowered herself into a ladder-backed chair.

“Annie, this is Margaret Reilly,” Will said. “She and her husband, Ed, are involved in a joint venture with Sullivan Ranch.”

Annie offered the woman her hand. The blonde’s grip was strong and businesslike as her assessing gaze met Annie’s head-on. A second glance at the woman’s polished features and Annie realized Margaret was her own mother’s age.

“Call me Margaret. I’m delighted to finally meet Will’s little sister.”

Little sister? Her glance darted to Will, who had suddenly become preoccupied with the floor tile.

Well, why was she surprised? The words only verified what she knew all along.

“I understand you’re a nurse,” Margaret said. “I don’t know how you do it. That sort of work definitely has to be a calling.”

“Annie is called. Did you know she had a full-ride academic scholarship to the University of Tulsa?” Rose spoke with pride. As she talked, she filled a mug with steaming coffee and set it on the table in front of Annie.

“TU? I’m impressed. So, what are your plans now that you’re back? How long are you visiting?”

“Visiting?” Rose interrupted, her voice taking on an edge. “Why, Annie is family.”

Margaret gave a small, tight smile. “So you’ll probably be looking for a job, and I know they’re desperate for nurses in Oklahoma City. I have a colleague who is on the board of several hospitals. I’d be happy to give her your name.”

“OK City is too far,” Rose said. “They’re hiring right here in T-town.”

“I’m not really sure what I’ll do once the doctor releases me,” Annie answered. “But thank you for thinking of me.”

“Oh, yes. Will mentioned your accident. You were overseas.”

“But she’s not going back. Right, Annie?” Rose asked with concern.

Annie reached out to put her hand over Rose’s. The conversation was spiraling out of control.

Will cleared his throat.

Annie recognized the pained expression on his face as a desperate plea to change the subject.

“Have we got any fruit in the house?” he asked, with a quick glance around.

“Fruit?” Rose asked, distracted. “What on earth are you talking about? There’s fruit in the basket, where it always is.” She grabbed the willow basket off the counter and dropped it squarely in front of Will.

Margaret stood. “I must get back to the house. We’re hosting that big charity buffet tonight.” She paused to give Will her complete attention. “I can still count on you to be there, right?”

Will frowned slightly, confusion evident his face. “Tonight?” He scratched his head. “Did I know about this?”

Margaret gathered her leather clutch. “You certainly did. Ed and I both told you there will be several very important contacts for the ranch attending this party, including several well-connected young ladies that you certainly must meet.”

Margaret Reilly was pointed in her plan for matchmaking. No doubt she’d find the perfect wife.

The perfect wife for Will Sullivan.

The sharp pain of realization made Annie wince. She blinked and mindlessly lifted the coffee mug to her lips, taking a swig of the hot beverage. The immediate result burned her mouth and brought tears to her eyes. With a noise of pain she swallowed.

“You okay?” Will asked, jumping to his feet.

“Hot. Hot,” Annie sputtered.

He moved quickly to the sink, filling a glass with tap water. “Here, drink.”

She did, swishing the cool and soothing water over the inside of her scalded mouth before swallowing.

“Goodness, child. Are you all right?” Rose questioned.

Humiliated, Annie nodded. Oh, this day was starting out fine. Little sister and child, all in one brief fiasco.

“It was nice to meet you, Margaret,” Annie said, hoping to move past the awkward incident.

“My pleasure, Annie. I know we’ll see each other often. My husband, Ed, and I work very closely with Sullivan Ranch.” She turned to Will. “Don’t we, Will?”

Will gave a short nod.

“I’m sorry. What is it you do?” Annie asked.

Margaret gave a bemused smile. “Why, Ed is the CEO of KidCare.”

Annie raised a brow.

“Oh, my. You have been gone for a while.”

“KidCare is an international children’s ministry consulting firm based in Tulsa,” Will answered.

“Basically we connect and support children’s charities, ministries and youth organizations,” Margaret said.

“How does that involve Will?” Annie asked.

“Ed had several great ideas and came to me with a business plan about eighteen months ago,” Will explained. “Sullivan Ranch will be hosting events for KidCare. In return, KidCare backs the operations and promote the events.”

Annie nodded. She imagined the publicity alone was a boost for the ranch. “That sounds really exciting.”

“Oh, it is,” Margaret assured her. “Sullivan Ranch has their first big program coming up. A local denomination is holding a get-together for their junior high kids from across the Tulsa area. They’ll be camping out right here.”

“Where, here?” Annie asked.

“Right here on the ranch,” Will said. “I’ll show you around later. You won’t believe the changes. I’ve added a few cabins on the other side of the peach trees, near the Dearborne property line. There’s a campground, too.” His eyes lit up and his face, normally a mask of composure, seemed almost animated.

“Really?” Annie said. “What a terrific idea. I can’t wait for a tour.”

Margaret wrinkled her nose. “I’ll pass on the camping, but I will be coordinating the catering for the barbecue.”

Rose coughed. “I keep telling you I can handle a little barbecue,” she said, while giving the already sparkling countertops a brisk rubdown with her sponge.

“I’m certain you can, Rose,” Margaret returned. “But there will be about fifty or so campers, and I wouldn’t think of imposing upon your goodwill. Besides, there are health regulations we must adhere to.”