Honey Kisses (Romance on the Ranch Series #2) Read online

  Ann slipped from the covers and sat in the chair by the window. She was staying with Sage and Sarah in their guest bedroom. She had offered to stay in the dorm, but they would have none of it. They were good people.

  She smiled at the moon when her thoughts traveled back five years to the Annual Covered Wagon Three-Day Trail Blaze hosted by the Lazy M and the Triple T Ranches. As if it were yesterday, she relived her conversation with Sarah when she'd climbed into Sarah's wagon to offer advice. She'd told her new friend that she thought Sage had feelings for her and she should "go for it" with him. She remembered how Sarah had blinked through her tears, afraid to hope that what Ann was saying was true, and asked, "Do you really think he likes me, like that?"

  Ann leaned her elbows against the sill, caught up in the past. Usually, she wouldn't allow her thoughts to travel to Jackson, but tonight, she gave them free rein. Her breath hitched when she thought of his kindness in complementing her on her hair color. After years of bleaching it because Jerry didn't like it dark, she'd let it return to its natural chestnut after his death. She placed her hands on her cheeks. Just thinking about Jackson made her warm. He was the handsomest man she had ever met with his blond hair, Hispanic coloring and gray eyes, and when he'd asked her to dance five years ago at Boot Bustin' Barn, she'd refused at first because she'd suspected it was a set up to make her inattentive husband sit up and take notice. She'd seen Sage whisper to the waitress and then, a few minutes later, Jackson had come to their table asking her to dance. She'd felt humiliated. A quick glance at her husband, however, had revealed his jealousy, and in a flash of feminine wiles, she'd decided to make him really jealous by accepting Jackson's invitation. It had worked for awhile. She and Jerry had had a romantic night at the Lazy M and a few more when they got back home until, once again, work robbed her of her husband's affection. The dance with Jackson, however, had awakened longings long suppressed.

  A balmy breeze blew through the screen and she wondered about the rest of her life. What was she going to do? The wedding had temporarily distracted her, but now it was time to face facts. She was destitute. Jerry's sudden heart attack six months earlier had been the first of many devastations. After the funeral, their attorney had informed her that Jerry had cancelled his life insurance policy and withdrawn all funds. He had also decimated his retirement account. It was finally discovered that Jerry had a gambling problem. Even their house had been mortgaged to the hilt.

  Ann returned to bed and swiped at tears she was always fighting to hide from others. In the quiet of night, she didn't have to hide them. Soon her pillow was damp and she flipped it over. She'd already sold her home and most of her possessions to pay creditors. All she had left was about two thousand dollars. Recriminations about how she should have paid more attention to her husband's handling of their finances were unwarranted. Jerry had never allowed her to handle their money and he never would have. Long ago, she had come to accept his stubbornness. Although she hadn't been happy for years, she had never stopped loving her husband. She had seen in him what others could not. She had no doubts about his love for her and Jacob, but his own emotional baggage had kept him from becoming the husband and father she knew existed deep inside.

  Chapter 2: Decisions

  Two days after the wedding, Sage entered the kitchen with a twin on each arm. "I'm taking the boys to the auction today," he announced.

  "Yeah," said Toby, and hugged his father's neck.

  "We're gonna help Daddy buy a new horse," Preston said proudly.

  "I think Daddy needs all the help he can get," Sarah grinned.

  "At least our being out of the house will give you ladies time to visit and do all that girlie stuff." Sage emphasized the word and looked at his sons, rolling his eyes.

  "Oh, yuck," said Toby.

  Preston wrinkled his nose.

  Sarah laughed. "You boys just wait. Someday you're going to meet a girl and fall in love."

  "Oh, Mommy, girls are icky." Toby squirmed down from his father's arms.

  Sage laughed and set Preston down, too. "Toby, I think you and I are going to have to part ways when it comes to that. Mommy's a girl and I adore her."

  Preston said, "Yeah, Toby, Mommy's a girl."

  "Mommys are different." Toby climbed into his chair. "Mommy, I'm hungry."

  Sarah winked at Ann. "It may be a cliché, but no matter how old, the way to a man's heart is through his stomach."

  Ann laughed at the easy banter between Sarah and her family and watched Sage bend to kiss his wife's cheek while she flipped a flapjack. He whispered in her ear and she giggled. It was cute the way they teased each other.

  Sage patted his wife's bottom and then sat between the boys, helping them butter and pour syrup on their flapjacks. He mused, "The kids should be on the high seas by now. Um, I guess I should stop calling them kids now that they're married."

  Ann laughed, "In some ways, I think they'll always be kids to us. My parents still call me their little girl."

  Sarah brought more flapjacks to the table. "You're right, Ann. My parents do the same thing."

  After Sage and the boys left with Newt, Sarah said, "Well, since all our parents and my sister left yesterday, looks like we've got today to ourselves. What would you like to do? Sage just finished a big photo spread for Livingston Fashions and made a butt load of money. He can afford anything we want to do or buy. Do you want to go shopping, get a massage, a facial, you name it."

  "I wouldn't feel right–"

  "Ann, not another word. It makes me happy to spend money on my friends, and Sage wants me happy. Not that I could be anything but with a husband like him. He could be as poor as a church mouse and it wouldn't matter."

  "I'm game for whatever you want."

  "I swear you are the easiest woman on earth to please. Do you have a selfish bone in your body?"

  Ann didn't know how to reply. Instead, she said, "So, how was the wagon train? You held it a little earlier this year."

  "Yeah, we were trying to beat the hot weather. It was so much fun. I wish you could have been there. It was the first time we’ve allowed the boys to go and they loved it!"

  "I wanted to come, but I still had too much to take care of, what with selling the house and all."

  "I can only imagine. Now that the zaniness of preparing for the wedding is behind us, I want to hear about your plans for the future. Have you found another house to buy?"

  Ann looked at the table. "No, not yet." Willing herself not to tear up, she blinked rapidly and then glanced at Sarah, forcing a smile.

  Sarah wasn't fooled. "What's wrong, dear friend?"

  Sarah's sweet words lodged in Ann's heart and the floodgates opened. Big tears pooled and then overflowed. "I'm so sorry."

  Sarah placed her hand over Ann's. "You can talk to me. I want to help however I can."

  Ann sniffed and blotted her eyes with a napkin. Her nose sounded stuffy when she answered. "Oh, Sarah, I don't know what to do. I…I…feel so lost. After Jerry died I found out he'd gambled everything we had away. He'd even mortgaged the house. I've sold just about everything to cover his debts. I've got to find a job, but I've never worked. I've always been a stay-at-home mom." She sobbed, "I have to be out of my home by the end of the month."

  "Honey, why didn't you share this before? You shouldn't be burdened with this alone."

  "I didn't want to spoil anything for Jacob and Julie. Jacob thinks there was a hefty insurance policy, and there was at one time. I just couldn't have him worrying at such a happy time in his life."

  Sarah patted her hand. "I understand."

  Ann blew her nose on the napkin.

  "I think you should move here," Sarah said matter-of-factly, and reached for Ann's coffee cup. "I'm going to refill our coffees and then we're going to relax on the back porch and sort this out."

  "I don't want to become a burden to my son or anyone else. I was thinking I'd see if I could get a job with an agency that cleans houses." She gave a half sob, half laugh
, "I'm really good at cleaning."

  Sarah poured almond mocha creamer into their coffees. "Come on, hon, let's go outside."

  Ann followed Sarah through the kitchen door and into a beautiful screened-in porch with views of rolling pastures. She sat in a jade green lounging chair and Sarah sat in the deep chocolate one next to it. For a few minutes they watched cowhands tending cattle in the distance.

  Sarah said, "As I was saying, I think you should move in with us until you're back on track. We'd love to have you. You could make the guest room to your liking. We could redecorate it any way you want."

  "Sarah, I couldn't impose on you and Sage."

  "I know you don't believe this, but you are not imposing. We love you and want you to stay however long it takes to get back on your feet. You can look for a job in town and when you're ready, we'll help you find the perfect place. Living here, you'll be close to family and friends."

  Chapter 3: Career Move

  Jackson tossed another fifty pound sack of grain in the back of his pickup and swiped his glove across his forehead. He watched Sage's Dodge Ram roll through the gates of Hank's Feed and Seed and pull in beside his F350. "Howdy Sage," he called when his neighbor jumped out of the cab.

  "Howdy, Jackson. How're things at the Triple T?"

  "Haven't had many emergencies…today," he laughed.

  "Isn't that how it goes." Sage grabbed a feed sack from the pile and hefted it onto the bed of his truck.

  Jackson asked, "So, did Jacob and Julie have fun on their honeymoon?" He chuckled, "Kind of a dumb question. Who wouldn't have fun on their honeymoon?"

  Sage laughed, "They got back two weeks ago and they've already drilled me with enough history and geography of Alaska that I could teach a high school class."

  Jackson laughed. "Would you let them know I haven't forgotten about inviting them to dinner? They're staying with you, right?"

  "Yep, until that little house on the property I gave them is refurbished. It's more like a cottage, but they'll be able to enlarge it over the years."

  Jackson mused, "I remember the first time I met Jacob. He was quite the city slicker. Who'd have thought he'd turn into one of the best ranch hands in the county. If he didn't work for you, I'd hire him in a New York minute."

  "I know what you mean. He's my backup foreman and seems to love the work. Hey, did I tell you he won first place trick roping at the Montezuma County Rodeo?"

  "No. That's awesome! Is he planning on entering more competitions?"

  "Oh yeah. In fact, he and Julie were filling out forms last night. She's entering some trick riding events for her and Precious Pudding."

  Jackson chuckled, "I laugh every time I hear that horse's name." He reached for his last bag of grain. "So, did Annie recuperate after the wedding and get back to Las Vegas okay?" He kept his eyes on the sacks in his truck.

  "Yep, she left a week after the wedding. But–" Sage paused and pushed his Stetson back, "–she's returning—moving here, actually."

  Jackson jerked his eyes toward Sage. "What brought that about?"

  "Sarah talked her into it. She finally convinced her she needs to be around family and friends."

  "Hey, that's great." Jackson's heart thumped. "Is she going to stay with you or Jacob?"

  "She's only staying with us temporarily. She insisted that we understand she doesn't want to be a burden." Sage shook his head. "The woman couldn't be a burden if she tried. Anyway, after she gains employment, we're gonna help her find her own place."

  "Why's she looking for work? Didn't that scum husband of hers leave her anything? Oh, sorry for adding my two cents about her husband."

  "Don't worry about it. I never liked him either. I only met him a couple times after that first summer. In my opinion, he hadn't changed a bit. Anyway, back to your question, she's just about destitute. Course that's just between you and me 'cause I know you've always been fond of her." Sage paused and leaned against his truck.

  Jackson exclaimed, "Are you shitin' me? He left her with nothing?"

  Sage nodded.

  "So what kind of job is she looking for?"

  Sage snorted. "She told us all she knows how to do is clean. Said she's gonna apply for janitorial or housekeeping positions. Not that I have anything against janitorial jobs, but she's kinda small and some of that labor is heavy. I tried offering her a job helping Sarah, but she refused. Said she knew I was doing it out of charity and would never take money for helping my family."

  Jackson cursed under his breath. "A janitor—that's horseshit. I'll bet she'd be great at running a household and, as a matter of fact, I've got an opening at the Triple T for someone to run the main house. There wouldn't be any heavy labor. She can hire that out. You think she might be interested? The job also comes with that cottage out by the river." Jackson's heart pounded in his ears.

  Sage took his hat off and dusted it on his leg. "All I can do is present the offer." He looked at the sky and then back at Jackson. "You still got feelins' for her?"

  "Come on, Sage, that was five years ago and I was only twenty-six."

  "Well, I kinda feel like her guardian and I want to make sure your intentions are honorable."

  "Give it a rest. I just want what's best for her, too."

  "I believe you. I'll mention your offer." He chuckled and asked, "Besides the cottage perk, is the pay good?"

  "Very good."

  * * *

  Ann stepped out of her newly purchased used 1984 Toyota Corolla. She'd sold her late model Buick Enclave to generate more money to live on until she could get a job. She waved at Sarah who was rushing down the porch steps followed by Toby and Preston. Sarah hugged her and each twin grabbed one of her legs.

  "We're so glad you're here!" said Sarah.

  "Yeah, Auntie Ann," said Preston.

  "Did you bring us a surprise?" asked Toby.

  "Toby! You don't ask people questions like that," Sarah scolded.

  "Why not? We got a surprise before," he sulked.

  Ann laughed, "As a matter of fact, I did bring a little something." She winked at Sarah.

  "You're spoiling these boys."

  "I know. But I can't help myself."

  Sarah knelt beside the twins. "You boys go in the house and wash up for lunch and maybe we'll see what Auntie Ann brought you after lunch. I'm teaching you patience."

  Toby tucked his chin to his chest. "I don't want to learn patience."

  Sarah hugged him, "I know and that's exactly why you're going to learn. Now giddy-up and go wash. We'll be in the house in a minute."

  Preston grabbed Toby's hand and pulled him toward the porch. "Come on, Toby. What do you think our surprise is? Let's guess, kay?"

  Ann and Sarah both laughed when the boys started naming everything on their wish lists. Ann opened the hatch of her car and lifted a suitcase.

  "Here, let me help." Sarah reached for another one. "Sage will be back soon and he can unload the rest of your things. You know, of course, we have no problem sending some of the hands to pack up your storage unit. There's plenty of room in the barn to store your things."

  "It's just a small unit with some keepsakes. I sold everything else. It'll wait til I get my own place. But thanks for offering."

  They started toward the house but when they reached the porch steps, Sarah paused. "I just can't wait to tell you something."

  Ann looked at her, "You're pregnant?"

  "Goodness no, not that we'd mind, but this has to do with your job search. Guess who's looking for a housekeeper?"

  Ann's spirit lifted at the thought of finding a job so quickly and doing something she was good at. "Oh, tell me."

  "Jackson Martinez needs someone to oversee his main house. He told Sage there's no heavy maintenance because all that can be hired out. He wants someone to keep the place running smooth and prepare meals. And it's got a great perk."

  Ann's heart raced. As if Jackson isn't a great perk.

  Sarah continued, "The job comes with a small cottage.
I remember seeing it when Jackson gave us a tour after he'd bought the place. At that time he was renovating it. It's adorable and right on the banks of the river—only a few minutes walk to the main house. What do you think?"

  Ann started up the porch steps and said with her back to Sarah, "I'll certainly consider it."

  Chapter 4: Try Me Out

  Ann chewed her thumb nail. The butterflies in her stomach made her nauseous. What were you thinking to even consider working for Jackson? She glanced around the huge living room. The note on the front door had said:

  Hi Annie,

  I got called out on a ranch emergency. Come on in and follow the hallway to the living room at the back of the house. Make yourself at home. I won't be long.

  —Jackson

  Forcing herself to relax, she took several deep breaths and turned her attention to the room she had just stepped into. Huge picture windows on either side of beautifully carved French doors framed rolling pastures and grazing horses. The French doors opened onto a lovely terrace with steps leading to a paved walkway that ended at a gate. Beyond the gate, a dirt path meandered through a pasture to tall pine trees. Set amidst the trees was a small house. She guessed it was probably a five or ten minute stroll to the lovely little home and wondered if it was the cottage Sarah had mentioned. If so, then the river must be beyond it, although she couldn't see it from the main house.

  Now that she felt calmer, she noticed the potted plants on the terrace were sadly in need of care and the living room in need of dusting. Books had been taken out of built in shelves and lay haphazardly on tables. It was obvious Jackson needed a housekeeper. She walked to a stack of books and picked up the top one, Stock Market Trends. Below that one was The Super Analysts and also The Intelligent Investor. In fact, all the books in the stack had something to do with the stock market.

  "Are you interested in playing the stocks, Annie?" said a teasing voice behind her.

  Ann gasped and turned so fast she knocked the books on the floor. Going down on one knee she apologized and started picking them up. "I'm so sorry."