father had always had the power to know what she was thinking and feeling. What she needed. The big, burly Irishman had dark good looks with an easy smile and big heart. And from the time Leah had noticed boys, she’d compared everyone to him. Not one of them had ever measured up.
Suddenly Holt Rawlins came to mind again. There was something about the man she hadn’t been able to shake. As a trained photographer she’d prided herself on reading people, but not this man.
“Tim, let the poor girl get a breath,” Claire said. “Let’s go into the kitchen.” She took her daughter’s hand and squeezed it as she blinked back tears. “It’s so good to have you home. You’ve been away too long.”
“I know, Mom.”
They walked up the steps to the Victorian house. The large porch was trimmed with baskets of colorful spring flowers. Two wooden swings hung by chains on either side of an oak door with the oval beveled glass inlays. She stepped across the threshold into a wide entry and honey oak hardwood floors. A burgundy carpet runner led to a sideboard that was used as the hotel’s front desk. The high white ceilings were trimmed in crown molding. The pocket doors to the parlor were partly closed, but Leah could see two guests sitting at the window enjoying their afternoon tea.
Her mother said something to the girl behind the desk, then escorted Leah past the winding staircase that led to six guest suites upstairs on the second floor.
They passed the library with the fireplace and the big comfortable, overstuffed wing chairs and the shelves loaded with books. Next was the formal dining room with the floral wallpaper and oak wainscoting. Several tables were already set for tomorrow’s breakfast with fine china and silver and colorful napkins.
They walked into the kitchen. This room was different from the rest of the house, mainly because it was strictly for family. No guests were allowed in this area. The same went for the Keenans’s living quarters on the third floor
Her father led her to the big table in the alcove lined with windows facing the backyard. “Now, tell us about your travels.”
As Leah sat down she felt her heart begin to pound, but before she could speak, her mother spoke up. “Tim, leave the child alone. She hasn’t even had a chance to catch her breath.”
Leah touched his rough hand. “Dad, I want to know about what’s been going on here. That Morgan was elected mayor is so cool. I bet that ruffled good old Hutchinson’s feathers.”
The Hutchinsons had always been the wealthiest family in town. It was their great-grandfather, Will, who first struck it rich with the “Silver Destiny Mine,” and had helped found the town.
Claire looked sad. “I think Lyle is more concerned about his father. Billy Hutchinson is failing badly. It’s a shame he had to be put in the nursing home.”
“I’m sorry to hear that.” Billy Hutchinson had to be well over eighty.
Her father stiffened. “Well that didn’t stop his son, Lyle, from trying to undermine the election, by strong-arming his employees to vote for him. Lyle wants what’s good for himself.” Tim nodded. “Morgan will do what’s good for the town.”
Claire carried a big tureen of potato soup to the table, then filled bowls for everyone. She handed the first one to Leah.
“I have to say, Mom, I’ve missed your cooking,” Leah said.
Claire beamed. “Well, I hope that convinces you to stay longer. Both you and your hotshot lawyer sister.”
Leah didn’t want to talk about leaving again. She just wanted to think about pleasant things. Like home, and family. “How is Paige? I haven’t been able to e-mail her in months.”
“She works too hard,” her mother said, “but we’re hoping to get her home for the celebration.”
The familiar voice called out from the hall. “Hey, where is everyone?”
“We’re in here.” Leah jumped up and went to the doorway as tall, willowy Morgan came in.
Her auburn hair was long and curled around her shoulders. A perfect frame for her green eyes. Morgan and Leah were as opposite as two sisters could be.
“Leah, come here, squirt.” Morgan hugged her tight in a comforting embrace. “I’m so glad you’re home.”
“And I’m glad to be here.” Tears prickled Leah’s eyes as her sister held her close. So many times while she’d been far away from home, she had relied on her big sister’s love and support.
“Come eat, you two, before it gets cold,” Claire called.
They walked hand in hand to the table and sat down. After a short blessing, the family began to eat.
“I heard that John Rawlins died,” Leah said. “Is that true?”
Her father nodded. “It happened so fast. A heart attack.” His gaze met hers. “How did you find out?”
“I stopped by Hidden Falls and ran into a man who says he’s John’s son. A Holt Rawlins.” She didn’t mention that he was good-looking, but not all that friendly. “I didn’t know John had a son.”
Her father nodded and leaned back in his chair. “Years ago John met his wife, Elizabeth, when she was here on vacation. They fell in love and were married just weeks later. But she never took to being a rancher’s wife, and Elizabeth took the boy back East to her family.”
“Why didn’t Holt ever come here to visit John?”
“John tried, but Elizabeth’s family had money and she got full custody of their son. She refused to let him come back here even for a visit.”
“Well, he’s here now,” Leah said.
Her mother sighed. “John left him the Silver R Ranch.”
“Is he going to stay?”
“Not sure,” her father said. “The word is he’s a financial adviser in New York. Why so interested?”
Leah shrugged. “I guess I’m curious as to what kind of man he is,” she said honestly. “I noticed a little boy at Hidden Falls. By the looks of him, I’d say he’s a runaway. Mr. Rawlins wasn’t too eager to help me look for him.”
Morgan looked up from her soup. “I haven’t gotten a report from the sheriff about any runaways. Are you sure he’s not just a camper who strayed? John’s property borders the Mountain View Campground.”
Leah had seen too many hungry street kids not to be suspicious. “Could be, but tomorrow, I’m going back to look for him whether Rawlins likes it or not.”
Her parents exchanged a look. “Maybe you should let the sheriff handle it.”
“The sheriff can’t do anything if he can’t find the child, if he’s hiding out. But don’t worry, I can handle Holt Rawlins.” She thought about the intimidating man with the rifle and hoped that was true.
But she thought wrong.
The
