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  "Honestly, sis, I'm feeling the same way." Hubert glanced at his fiancée, who nodded. "Ramona and I have talked about it and we're thinking about coming back."

  "Really?" Lex grinned. "That would be great. If you want, I'll even let you take over the book work for the ranch. I'm sure it won't be long before you get even more clients."

  Hubert held up his hand. "Hold on. We're only thinking about it right now. I've got a job with Ramona's father, and I don't want to let him down."

  Amanda put her hand on Lex's shoulder. "We can certainly understand that. But I hope you realize that you're always welcome here, and we hope you decide to move home."

  Ramona rocked Eddie. "If everything works out, we'd love to be close to watch your children grow up. Right, honey?"

  "Definitely," Hubert said.

  Lorrie and Melanie rushed into the room, their faces still wet. Melanie tugged on Amanda's sweater. "We're all done, Mommy. See?"

  "Yes, I see." Amanda wiped at Melanie's face. "Give your aunt and uncle big hugs, so we can get going."

  "Aw, Mommy." Melanie pouted and moved to cling to Hubert. "Uncle Hubert, do you really have to go?"

  Hubert allowed one girl onto each knee. "We have jobs to get back to. But I promise," he embraced each child, "that Ramona and I will be back to visit. Now, give us each a big hug that will last, and we'll see you soon."

  Amanda corralled the girls and guided them toward the back door. "When I get back, we'll head for the airport."

  "Take your time." Ramona shifted Eddie to her shoulder. "I'm going to try and get my fill of this little guy."

  Chapter Twenty

  WITH A FRUSTRATED curse, Ellie flipped her cell phone closed. "Damn it! Now what am I going to do?" She looked around the living room, which was cluttered with packed moving boxes.

  Now in full panic mode, Ellie called the one other person, besides her grandfather, who had always been there for her.

  "Hello?"

  Ellie took a deep breathe to calm herself. "Amanda? Hi. Sorry to bother you so early."

  "It's no bother. I've already gotten the girls on the school bus. What's up?"

  "My movers cancelled on me. Something about their truck being repossessed." Ellie rubbed her forehead, trying to fend off the impending headache. "Oh, god. Jeannie and Rodney's stuff will be here later this afternoon. I was hoping you had contacts with some movers or something, since you used to be in the real estate business. What am I going to do?"

  "First thing you're going to do is sit down," Amanda said in her best mom-voice.

  Ellie could hear another voice in the background.

  "Hold on. Let me tell Lex what's happening."

  Ellie groaned and sat on the cleanest available space, her grandfather's old sofa. "Damn, damn, damn. I knew I should have scheduled things differently," she mumbled.

  A new voice came on the line. "Hey."

  "Lex? This is a disaster. There's not enough room for my stuff and theirs, even if I started moving boxes to the garage. I guess I can try to fit some things in my car, but--"

  "Hold on. Everything's going to be fine. You're not moving that much stuff, are you?"

  "No, not really. Well, I mean, boxes, of course. Oh, and my bedroom furniture, and the smaller couch. Jeannie was excited about all the other stuff, so not much went to charity. Why?"

  "Because, I can send Roy and the boys over with one of our hay trailers. It's nothing fancy, but they'll get you moved and set up in no time."

  Ellie fell back against the sofa. "Oh, my god. You are my hero."

  Lex laughed. "Let's not go overboard." There was muffled speaking for a moment, then she came back on the line. "Amanda's going with them to supervise, but I'll make her leave her whip at home. Ow! Um, hold on."

  The sound of two of her favorite people playing with each other brought a smile to Ellie's face. She listened as Lex whined about being abused, and could clearly hear another slap.

  "Damn it, woman, stop it," Lex growled.

  Suddenly Amanda was on the phone. "Ellie?"

  "Uh, yeah?" Ellie couldn't contain her giggles.

  "The guys and I will be over shortly. I've got to get Martha over here to babysit."

  In the background, Lex could be heard quite clearly. "I can take care of Eddie."

  Amanda spoke to Ellie and Lex at the same time. "Not for Eddie, but for Lex. Otherwise, who knows what kind of trouble she'll get into. Hey!" Amanda sighed. "You might want to tell your cousin goodbye, Ellie."

  "Why's that?"

  "Because I'm going to kill her for throwing a wet dishtowel at my head. See you soon." The phone clattered as it was hung up.

  Ellie closed her cell phone and emitted a loud belly laugh, picturing in her mind the chaos at the ranch house.

  LEX LAY ON the sofa, a blanket over her legs and a scowl on her face. "Did Amanda put you up to this?" she asked the smirking woman on the chair opposite her.

  "No, and for the record, neither did Martha," Helen said. "When Roy and the guys left for town, I didn't feel like being alone. Naturally, I thought perhaps you'd like some company." She brushed a strand of hair away from her eyes. "Do you want me to leave?"

  Although she was grumpy, Lex didn't want to be alone. The house felt emptier after her brother and Ramona left earlier in the week. "No, of course not. Thanks for putting up with me."

  "Well, it's a tough job, but I think I'm up to the task."

  Lex's bad humor began to evaporate. "You sound like Martha." She picked up her cell phone from the coffee table and glanced at the screen. "I wonder how Eddie's doing?"

  "Probably asleep, after you called Martha and woke him ten minutes ago." Helen stood. "Would you like more coffee, or maybe something to eat?"

  "No, I'm fine. As it is, if I keep eating like I have been, I'll end up fat and lazy." Lex patted her stomach. "Amanda's been stuffing me like a prize heifer."

  Helen laughed at the expression on Lex's face. "If you ask me, you needed it. Maybe she's trying to keep you from blowing away."

  "Yeah, right." Lex glanced at the dog bed by the fireplace, where Freckles napped. "Maybe the dog has the right idea. She sleeps all day, gets up and plays with the kids, then goes to bed with them."

  "How's she handling having a baby in the house?"

  "She was curious, at first. But when Eddie started to cry, she hightailed it to Lorrie's room and hid under the bed. I nearly dropped him, I was laughing so hard." Lex grinned. "She probably thinks he's a funny-smelling noise machine. Come to think of it, she didn't care much for Mel when we brought her home, either. At least until she was able to play with her."

  Helen returned to her chair and took a sip of coffee. "No matter what you say, I'm going to make lunch for you. And you'd better eat every bite."

  "I'll never turn down your cooking, Helen. As a matter of fact, I think--"

  The sound of the house telephone ringing stopped Lex in mid-sentence. She flipped the blanket off her legs and slowly stood. "I'd better see who that is."

  "Do you want me to get it for you?"

  "Nah, I needed to stretch my legs anyway." Lex went into the office and picked up the phone. "Rocking W ranch, Lex Walters speaking. Yes, I am. Really? Um, sure. No, we used to. Well, yes. I can see how that would help. Let me speak with Amanda, and we'll let you know. Thanks for calling." She hung up the phone and returned to the living room.

  "Is everything all right?" Helen asked.

  Lex shrugged and sat on the sofa. "That was the music teacher at school. She said that Melanie has an aptitude for music, and asked if we had a piano at home. Seems like Mel's been tinkering with the one at school." She rubbed the back of her neck. "I had no idea."

  "That's wonderful, isn't it?"

  "I guess. I just never thought," Lex frowned. "I played piano when I was younger, and we had one in the sitting room years ago, before the house burned down and we remodeled."

  Helen patted Lex on the leg. "Maybe she got it from you."

  Lex adamantly sho
ok her head. "That's not possible. She's Amanda's and an anonymous sperm donor's. Genetically, I have nothing to do with her."

  "Hmm. That is rather interesting. Maybe genetics through osmosis," Helen joked.

  "Maybe so. Anyway, the music teacher offered to give Mel private lessons, if we'd like. But I don't know. I guess I'll wait and see what Amanda thinks and if Mel's even interested."

  Helen checked her watch. "Why don't you join me in the kitchen, while I whip us up something to eat? I'm sure we could talk Martha, Charlie and Eddie into joining us."

  "Sounds good to me. No offense, but I'm getting kind of tired of this living room. Maybe after lunch we could take a short walk to the barn? If you're with me, I probably won't get into too much trouble."

  "Why do I have the feeling I'm being set up?" Helen asked, as she walked with Lex out of the room. "You'd better behave, or we'll both have to answer to your wife."

  "NO, NO. IF you put that chair on top of that box, you'll crush the glasses." Amanda climbed into the trailer and pointed to the writing on the top of the box. "What's wrong, Chet? You're usually more on top of things."

  He blushed slightly. "I'm sorry, ma'am." He lowered his gaze. "I just can't help but think about what happened to the boss. If I had been paying better attention, she wouldn't have had to catch that dresser."

  Amanda rolled her eyes. "Is that what's bothering you? Chet, it was an accident."

  "I know, ma'am. But it was still my fault." He took off his baseball cap and wiped his brow with his sleeve. "I don't know why she keeps me around. I'm always screwing things up."

  With a worried glance at the threatening sky, Amanda shook her head. "That was an accident. It could happen to anyone, and no matter what happened, I'm glad Lex was there to help." She squeezed his forearm. "Chet, when it comes to the ranch, Lex only hires and keeps the best. She's told me what a great job you've done training the horses. Don't let that little accident bring you down. She's doing better every day, and it's been a blessing in disguise."

  Chet raised his head. "Really? How?"

  "She was able to spend a lot of quality time with her brother when he was here. That's something she needed more than anything."

  Roy came out of the house carrying a large box. "Are you taking a nap back there, Chet? We've only got a few more boxes to bring out."

  "Uh, sorry, Roy." Chet placed his hat on his head and tipped the bill toward Amanda. "Thanks, ma'am." He jumped off the trailer and headed for the house.

  "For the last time," Amanda yelled after him, "my name's Amanda, not ma'am!"

  Roy laughed as he carefully stacked his box. "At least he's talking to you now. Remember how he used to just stammer and blush whenever you'd come into the room?"

  "How could I forget? Lex used to tease me about it. It's a good thing we're almost finished. I don't like the looks of those clouds."

  He looked up at the sky. "Yeah, I know what you mean. The forecast was for rain and sleet later this afternoon. They said with this storm system and several more coming after it, we should be breaking the drought this month. But I hope we'll be home before it gets too nasty."

  "Me, too. At least it'll be faster bringing stuff inside. Ellie gets to have all the fun unpacking."

  "You're not going to stay and put everything away?" Ellie teased, handing Roy a box. "What am I paying you for?"

  Amanda hopped out of the trailer and dusted off her hands. "If you want help organizing, I'll send Martha over. She's forever rearranging the kitchen, although I don't think she realizes it."

  "Does that bother you?" Ellie asked.

  "Are you kidding? If it wasn't for her, I'd never be able to find anything. Lex and the girls usually help put the dishes away, if that gives you any idea."

  Ellie laughed at the thought. "Lex helps in the kitchen? Now that I'd like to see. Do you help your wife, Roy?"

  "Uh, well." Roy ignored the women's laughter. "I'll run see if Chet or Jack needs anything."

  Amanda sat on the edge of the trailer next to Ellie. "How are you doing?" Earlier, she'd noticed Ellie's melancholy mood as things were being taken out of the house.

  "I'm all right. All this is actually helping me move on. Now maybe I won't be expecting to see Grandpa around every doorway." Ellie's sigh was more of relief than anguish. "Thanks for coming to the rescue."

  "That's what family's for." Amanda put her arm around Ellie's shoulder. "I think Travis would be very proud of you. He once told me that you were a gift to him, coming into his life when you did."

  Ellie cleared her throat before she looked into Amanda's face. "Really?"

  "Yes, he did. When I first met him, I could see how much he missed his wife and how hard it was for him to get through each day. But, having you and Lex in his life brought new joy to him." When Ellie began to softly cry on her shoulder, Amanda pulled her closer. "Don't discount the effect you've had on all our lives, Ellie. Our family is much richer for having you in it."

  Sniffling, Ellie exhaled heavily. "Thanks." She stood and straightened her shoulders. "I think I'll do a quick run through and make sure we got everything. I'll meet you at the new place, okay?"

  Amanda nodded. "Sure." She stood and brushed the dust from her jeans. "I wonder what Lex is up to?"

  "OH, MY." HELEN touched the soft nose of the stallion. "I've seen you ride up on him, but being this close, he's magnificent."

  Lex grinned at the look of pure joy on Helen's face. "You a horse person, Helen?"

  Helen nodded. "I was born on a farm in Arkansas. Nothing like this ranch, but we had plenty of animals running around. My mother swore I was half equine."

  "Would you like to ride him?"

  Helen turned to Lex, her eyes bright with excitement. "Don't tease me."

  "I'm not. He can be a handful, but he's not as wild as most stallions. Any time you want to ride, go right ahead."

  "Next time Roy wants to go out checking fence, I may take you up on that. I'd love to see more of the ranch, and not in a truck." Helen kissed Thunder on the nose and grinned at Lex. "I've teased Roy that I married him to live out here. Sometimes I think he believes me."

  Lex sat on a bale of hay and watched how Helen interacted with the horses. "Roy told me once he dreamed of having his own spread."

  "We've talked about it." Helen took a brush and ducked into Stormy's stall. "But we decided neither one of us are young enough to put that much work into a place. Being here on your ranch is the next best thing."

  "Are you sure? I'd hate to hold y'all back from having what you want."

  Helen stopped brushing Stormy, stepped from the stall and joined Lex on the hay bale. "Lex, you'd have to kick both of us off the ranch in order to get us to leave. We love it here." She put her hand on Lex's leg. "What's this all about, anyway?"

  Embarrassed by the scrutiny, Lex stood and put her hands in the front pockets of her jeans. "I'm not sure I want to keep living way out here," she said quietly.

  "What?"

  "The kids are growing up, Helen. Is it fair to keep them secluded out here? Lorrie's into so many sports, we'll be spending all our time shuttling back and forth to town. And now, with Melanie maybe playing piano," her voice trailed off. "Damn."

  Not certain how to handle this revelation, Helen got to her feet and took Lex by the hand. "Come here."

  Lex followed her out of the barn. "Where are we going?"

  "Close your eyes."

  "Why?"

  Helen squeezed Lex's hand harder. "Just do it."

  With a heavy sigh, Lex did as she was asked. "Now what?"

  "Think about spring; about how green everything gets, and slowly open your eyes." Helen had them both standing on the far side of the barn, facing an empty pasture. "If you listen closely, you can almost hear your children laughing, as they play and swing. Maybe you and Lorrie are riding. Do you remember the look on her face when she's with you?"

  Lex opened her eyes and could almost see what Helen was describing. "I was being an idiot again, wasn't
I?"

  "No, not an idiot. You're a good mom, Lex. I know you want what's best for your family, but sometimes we tend to over think things. I nearly didn't marry Roy because I thought I wasn't good enough for him. But every day he shows me how wrong I was and I've never regretted a moment of our life together."

  "I'm glad you're here, Helen. You've been good for Roy, and for the rest of us." Lex grinned as Helen hooked an arm with hers, just as a light mist began to fall. "Guess we'd better get back inside."

  Helen laughed. "Let's go pester Martha and Charlie. I'm dying to get my hands on your son again."

  ROY TOOK HIS time backing the trailer into the driveway. He was surprised to see the group of people standing nearby. Amanda and Ellie had been joined by two men and, he looked closer, a very sturdily-built woman. He stopped a few feet from the garage door and turned off the truck. "Looks like we've got some extra help," he told Chet and Jack.

  "Cool. That means we'll get done quicker." Chet opened his door and stopped when he noticed the extra people. "Roy?" he whispered.

  "Yeah?"

  Chet tugged on his baseball cap. "Uh, is that a lady?"

  Jack snickered, but kept his mouth shut.

  Roy slammed his door. "Sure looks like it. Try to act like you've been around people before, will ya?"

  "Grumpy old man," Chet grumbled, as he followed Roy and Jack to the rear of the trailer.

  Amanda wanted to laugh at the look on Chet's face. "It took you long enough," she teased Roy. "I was beginning to think you were lost."

  "Nope. Stopped for a cup of coffee." Roy stopped and pushed his cowboy hat back so he could see everyone better. "Hi."

  Ellie moved away from Amanda. "Oops. Sorry. Roy, Chet, Jack, I'd like you to meet my new neighbors. Richie, Tony, and Kyle. These guys were nice enough to come to my rescue when my movers cancelled on me."

  Jack nodded and Chet blushed.

  "Nice to meet y'all," Roy tipped his hat. He nodded to Ellie. "Ready to get started?"