Montana Sky

  finishing her sentence. “Convenient bed partners? No, we’re not, Tess.”

  She took a steadying breath and spoke firmly. “I think we’d better get down.”

  Instead he took her chin in his hand so that her eyes stayed level with his. “I’m in love with you, have been for a while now. I’ll make what adjustments I have to to make it work for you, but it comes down to this: I want you to stay with me, marry me, raise a family with me here.”

  The first shock paled beside the rest of it. “You know I can’t possibly—”

  “You got a while to get used to the idea.” With this, he dismounted. “There’s not much I’ve wanted in life,” he said, studying her stunned face. “My law degree, this place, a good string of horses. I got them. Now I want you.”

  It helped, she thought, the unmitigated insult and arrogance of that helped shift shock into temper. “You may want to take notes, Lawyer Torrence. I’m not a law degree, a ranch, or a brood mare.”

  “No, you’re not.” A smile flirted around his mouth as he plucked her off the horse. “You’re a woman, a tough-minded, ambitious, and frustrating woman. And you’re going to be mine.”

  “Would you care to hear what I think of this sudden cowboy mentality of yours?”

  “I’ve got a pretty good picture.” He slid the bridle off the yearling, slapped its flank to send it trotting away. “You’d better get home, take some time to think it through.”

  “I don’t need time to think it through.”

  “I’ll give it to you anyway.” He looked up at the sky. The sun was just beginning to drop toward the western peaks, blushing red against blue. “Going to rain tonight.” He said it casually as he leaped over the fence and left Tess gaping after him.

  • • •

  “I DON’T KNOW WHAT BUR’S UP YOUR BUTT,” WILLA mutered, “but yank it out. Lily’s going to be back here with her folks any minute.”

  “You’re not the only one who’s allowed to have things on her mind.” Tess crammed a petit four in her mouth.

  The house was full of chattering women, gaily wrapped gifts, and white streamers. It had been Tess’s idea to serve champagne punch for the wedding shower, and though Bess had clucked her tongue over it for the sake of form, she was enjoying a cup herself while she gossiped with neighbors.

  Everybody’s happy as clowns, Tess thought, and snagged another petit four. Celebrating the ridiculous idea of two people chaining themselves together for the rest of their lives. She pouted, debated another cake, then went for a cigarette instead.

  No way was Nate Torrence going to make her split another pair of jeans. She grabbed a cup of punch and decided to get drunk instead.

  By the time the bride-to-be came in, Tess had gulped down three cups and was feeling more celebratory. She got a kick out of the way Lily feigned surprise. The shower hadn’t been a secret since the first invitation had been sent. Now there were gifts to be oohed and aahed over, everything from whisk brooms to peignoirs.

  Tess watched Lily’s mother blink back tears and slip outside.

  An interesting woman, Tess decided, pouring herself another cup. Attractive, well presented, well spoken. What the hell had she ever seen in a son of a bitch like Jack Mercy?

  When Bess poured two cups and slipped out too, Tess shrugged and tried to work up the proper enthusiasm for a set of embroidered napkins.

  “Here you go, Adele.” Bess settled herself on the glider, handed Adele a cup while the woman dabbed at her eyes.

  “Been some time since we sat here.”

  “I didn’t know how I would feel coming back. It’s hardly changed.”

  “Oh, here and there. You haven’t changed much yourself.”

  Vanity was a small weakness, and Adele automatically touched a hand to her carefully groomed hair. It was cut sleek and short, kept a subtle shade of deep blond.

  “Lines,” she said with a weak laugh. “I never know where they come from, but there are new ones in my mirror every morning.”

  “Just life.” Bess took stock. Adele still had a pretty, almost delicate face, the features small and well proportioned. She’d kept in shape, too, Bess mused. Trim, easing toward lanky, and her eye for color and line hadn’t changed either. She looked good in the rose-toned slacks and ivory blouse.

  “You’ve got a fine daughter, Adele. You did a good job with her.”

  “I could’ve done better. I should have. Seeing her now, I look back to when she was a little girl. The hours I should have spent with her that I didn’t.”

  “You had work, and your own life too.”

  “I did.” To soothe herself, Adele sipped her drink. “And a lot of pain, the first few years anyway. I hated Jack Mercy more than I ever loved him, Bess.”

  “That’s natural. He didn’t do right by you or the girl. But I’d say you found the better man.”

  “Rob? He’s a good man. Set in his ways, he always has been. But they’re good ways.” Her lips softened. They’d had a good life, she thought. “Rob’s not, well, overtly affectionate, but he loves Lily. I wonder now if we didn’t expect too much from her. If we both didn’t. But we love her.”

  “It shows.”

  She rocked awhile in silence. “God, the view. I’ve never forgotten it. I missed this place. I’ve been happy back East—the green, the gentleness of the land. But I have missed this place.”

  “You’ll come back, now that Lily’s living here.”

  “Yes. We’ll come back. Rob’s enchanted. He loves to travel. We’ve avoided this part of the country, but now . . . He’s down with Adam, looking at the horses.” She sighed, smiled. “He’s a good man too, isn’t he, Bess? Lily’s Adam.”

  “One of the finest I know, and he’d walk through fire for her.”

  “She’s been through so much. When I think about it—”

  “Don’t.” Bess covered Adele’s hand with hers. “It’s behind her now. Just like Jack Mercy’s behind you. She’s going to be a beautiful bride, and a happy wife.”

  “Oh.” It brought the tears again. They were falling down her cheeks when Willa stepped out.

  “Excuse me.” Automatically, she started back inside.

  “No, don’t.” Sniffling, Adele rose, reached out a hand.

  “I’m just being sentimental. I haven’t had a chance to really talk to you. Every letter Lily wrote me was full of you, and Tess.”

  A woman’s tears always disarmed her. Willa shifted, tried to smile. “I’m surprised there was room with Adam in there.”

  “You have the same eyes, you and your brother.” Dark and wise, Adele thought. And steady. “I knew your mother, a little. She was a beautiful woman.”

  “Thank you.”

  “I’ve been frightened.” Adele cleared her throat. “I realize this isn’t a good time to bring it up, but I’ve been so worried. I know Lily toned down a great deal of what’s happened here in her letters and calls to me. But when Jesse—when those things happened with Jesse, there were reports back East. I wanted to say that I’m still worried, but I feel easier now that I’ve met you, and Adam.”

  “She’s stronger than you think. Than any of us thought.”

  “You may be right,” Adele agreed, then braced herself.

  “And I want to thank you for your hospitality, for inviting Rob and me to stay here in your home. I know it must be awkward for you.”

  “I thought it would be. It’s not. My sister’s parents are always welcome at Mercy.”

  “Not much of Jack in you.” Adele paled, appalled at herself. “I’m sorry.”

  “Don’t be.” Willa’s eyes shifted as she spotted the gleam of sun on chrome. And her lips curved slowly. “And here comes the next surprise.” She flicked a glance at Adele. “I hope this one’s not awkward for you.”

  “What have you done, girl?” Bess asked.

  Willa only continued to smile, and poked her head back inside. “Hey, Hollywood, come on out here a minute.”

  “What?” Carrying a c
up in one hand, Tess wandered to the door. “We’re playing parlor games. How many words can you make out of ‘honeymoon’? I think I’m ahead. There’s a basket of bath stuff riding on it.”

  “I’ve got a better prize for you.”

  Tess looked over, cleared her fuzzy eyes enough to recognize Nate’s rig as it pulled up. “Don’t wanna talk to him now. Arrogant cowboy lawyer. Just tell him I’m . . . Oh, Jesus bleeding Christ.”

  “Don’t you blaspheme at a wedding shower,” Bess ordered, then popped up with a mile-wide grin as the side door of the rig opened and a vision burst out. “Louella Mercy, as I live and breathe, you’re a sight for sore eyes.”

  “I’m a sight, period.” With a braying laugh, Louella raced forward on red stiletto heels and embraced her staggered daughter. “Surprise, baby.” She kissed Tess, smudged away the smear of lipstick from her cheek, then whirled to catch Bess in a bear hug. “Still kicking butt around here?”

  “As best I can.”

  “And this must be Jack’s youngest.” She twirled to Willa, squeezed hard enough to crack her ribs. “Lord, you look just like your mama. Never saw anyone to match Mary Wolfchild for straight good looks.”

  “I—thanks.” Dazzled, Willa only stared. Why, the woman looked like a glamour queen and smelled like a perfume counter. “I’m so glad you could come,” she added, and meant it. “I’m so glad to meet you.”

  “That goes double for me, honey. Could’ve knocked me over with a feather when I got your letter inviting me out.” Keeping an arm tight around Willa’s shoulders, she turned and beamed at Adele. “I’m Louella, wife number one.”

  A little stunned, Adele stared. Was the woman actually wearing a gold lamé blouse in the middle of the afternoon? “I’m Lily’s mother.”

  “Wife number two.” With another earsplitting laugh, Louella embraced Adele like a sister. “Well, the bastard had good taste in women, didn’t he? Where’s your girl? Must take more after you than Jack, as Tess tells me she’s pretty as a picture and sweet as they come. I’ve got presents.”

  “Should I take them in for you, Louella?” At the base of the steps, Nate stood grinning, Louella’s wriggling pocket dogs in his arms.

  Focusing on him fully for the first time, Tess all but writhed in horror. “Oh, God, Mom, you didn’t bring Mimi and Maurice!”

  “Of course I did. Couldn’t leave my precious babies at home all alone.” She took them from Nate and made kissy noises. “Is this a prime hunk, ladies?” She gave Nate a proprietary kiss on the cheek and left a clear imprint of her lips behind. “I swear my heart’s been going pitty-pat ever since I laid eyes on him. You just take everything right on inside, sweetie.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” He shot Tess a quick, amused look before he turned back to unload the rig.

  “So what are we all doing out here?” Louella demanded. “I hear there’s a party going on, and I could sure use a drink. You don’t mind if I take a look around the place, do you, Willa?”

  “Not at all. I’d love to show you around myself. Nate, Louella’s things go in the room next to Tess’s. The pink room.”

  “Wait until Mary Sue sees you,” Bess began as she led Louella inside. “You remember Mary Sue Rafferty, don’t you?”

  “Is she the one with the buck teeth or the one with the lazy eye?”

  Carefully Tess set her empty cup on the porch rail. “Your idea?”

  “Mine and Lily’s.” Willa beamed. “We wanted to surprise you.”

  “You did. You definitely did. And we’ll have a nice talk about it later.” Tess grabbed Willa by the shirtfront. “A nice, long talk about it.”

  “Okay. I’m going to make sure she gets that drink.”

  “Your ma sure packs for the duration.” Nate hauled the last of five suitcases out of the back of the rig. Each one of them weighed like a yard of wet concrete.

  “She packs nearly that for a weekend in Vegas.”

  “She sure makes a statement.”

  Mortification aside, Tess squared her shoulders and prepared to defend her mother. “Meaning?”

  “Meaning she’s right there, no pretenses. It’s all Louella. After five minutes, I was crazy about her.” Curious, he angled his head. “What did you think I meant?”

  She moved her tense shoulders but couldn’t quite relax them. “People have varying reactions when it comes to my mother.”

  He nodded slowly. “Apparently you do. You ought to be ashamed of yourself.” And while she was gaping, he carried two of the suitcases past her.

  With a snarl, Tess hauled one up herself and followed him. “Just what was that supposed to mean?” She huffed her way up the stairs. Louella didn’t believe in packing light.

  “I mean you’ve got one in a million there.” He set the cases on the bed, turned, and walked out.

  Tess dumped the third case on the bed, flexed her arms, and waited. “I know what I’ve got,” she said the minute he walked back in with the rest of the luggage. “She’s my mother. Who else would come to a wedding shower in Montana wearing Capri pants and gold lamé? Oh, wipe that lipstick off your cheek. You look like an idiot.”

  She struggled with the straps of a suitcase, flipped the top back, and rolled her eyes at the contents. “Who else would pack twenty pairs of high heels to spend a couple weeks on a cattle ranch? And this.” She pulled out a sheer lavender robe trimmed in purple feathers. “Who wears things like this?”

  He eyed the robe as he tucked his bandanna back in his pocket. “Suits her. You’re too concerned with appearances, Tess. That’s your biggest problem.”

  “With appearances? For God’s sake, she paints her dogs’ toenails. She has concrete swans in her front yard. She sleeps with men younger than I am.”

  “And I imagine they consider themselves lucky.” He leaned against one of the bed’s four posts. “Zack flew her to my spread and nearly wrecked his plane, he was laughing so hard. He told me she kept him howling since they took off from Billings. She asked me if she could come back and see my horses later. She wanted to see them, but she couldn’t wait to get here and see you first. Thirty seconds after she hugged the life out of me, we were friends. She talked about you most all the way here, made me tell her half a dozen times that you were all right, safe. Happy. I guess it took her about ten miles to figure out I was in love with you. Then I had to stop so she could fix her makeup because it made her cry.”

  “I know she loves me.” And she was ashamed. “I love her. It’s just—”

  “I’m not finished,” Nate said coolly. “She told me she didn’t hold anything against Jack Mercy because he’d given her something special. And having you changed her life. It made her a mother and turned her into a businesswoman. She was glad to be coming back, to take another look, to meet your sisters. To see you here and know you were getting what you had a right to.”

  He straightened, kept his eyes on hers. “So I’ll tell you what my reaction is to Louella Mercy, Tess. Pure admiration—for a woman who took a kick in the face and stood right back up again. Who raised a daughter on her own, made a home for her, ran a business to see that her child never went without. Who gave that daughter backbone and pride and a heart. I don’t care if she wears cellophane to church, and neither should you.”

  He walked out on her. Tess sat on the edge of the bed feeling a little drunk and very weepy. Carefully she laid the robe over the bed, then rose and began to unpack for her mother.

  When Louella bounced in fifteen minutes later, the chore was nearly half done. “What in the world are you fooling with this for? We’re having a party.”

  “You never finish unpacking. I thought I’d give you a head start.”

  “Don’t fuss with it now.” Louella grabbed her hands. “I’m working on getting Bess plowed. She’ll sing when she’s plowed.”

  “Really?” Tess set aside a sundress in eye-popping cerise. “I wouldn’t want to miss that.” Then she turned and laid her head on Louella’s shoulder. A shoulder, she thought, that had
always been there, without question, without qualification. “I’m glad to see you, Mom. I’m glad you came.” Her voice hitched. “Really glad.”

  “What’s all this?”

  “I don’t know.” Tess sniffed and stood back. “Stuff. Things. I don’t know.”

  “It’s been a scary time for you.” Louella took out a lace-trimmed hanky and dried her daughter’s face.

  “Yeah, in a lot of ways. I guess I’m shakier than I realized. I’ll get through it.”

  “Of course you will. Now come on down and join the party.” With her arm around Tess’s waist, Louella started out. “Later, we’ll pop open a bottle of French bubbly and catch up.”

  “I’d like that.” Tess’s arm slid around Louella’s waist in turn. “I’d like that a lot.”

  “Then you can fill me in on that long, cool drink of water you’ve got your eye on.”

  “Nate doesn’t like me very much right now.” It was going to make her weepy again to think of it. “I’m not sure I like me very