Any decrease in the flexibility of our water licenses, will devalue the range land.
Devalue the range land? Seth interjected. Who cares about the land value? Itll impact our grazing density. There are operations up and down the valley that are marginal as it is. The Stevensons, for example. They dont have river access anywhere on their land. A couple of tributaries, but they depend on their wells.
Seth, Maureen put in, her voice stern. Did anyone ask you to bring your soapbox to the dinner table?
Seths lips thinned for a moment. But then he glanced down at his plate. Sorry, Mom.
Maureens face transformed into a friendly smile. Now, Caleb. How long do you expect to be in Lyndon?
Caleb swallowed a mouthful of potatoes smothered in the best gravy hed ever eaten. A few days. Maybe a week.
Were sorry you missed the funeral, dear. Maureens tone was even, but he detected a rebuke. One look at Mandys expression told him hed detected correctly.
I was tied up with work, he said.
Did you know Caleb owns his own company in Chicago? Mandy asked.
Caleb appreciated the change in topic, and silently thanked Mandy. The Jacob family would learn soon enough that he was planning to sell the Terrell ranch. Just like everyone would soon learn about Wiltons will. But he was in no hurry to field the inevitable questions.
Active Equipment, he told them. Heavy machinery. Were making inroads into Asia and Canada, and we hope to succeed in the South American market soon.
Thats lovely, dear, said Maureen, her quick gaze going from plate to plate, obviously checking to see if anyone was ready for seconds.
Active Equipment? asked Hugo, tone sharp and vaguely accusing. The Active Equipment, loaders and backhoes?
Yes, Caleb confirmed.
So, you can get me a discount?
Maureen scowled at her husband. Travis laughed, and Mandys eyes danced with amusement.
Absolutely, Caleb answered, unable to look away from Mandy. Her green eyes sparkled like emeralds under the chandelier, and he didnt think hed ever seen a more kissable set of lips. Just let me know what you need.
Seth and I will come up with a list, said Hugo.
Happy to help out, said Caleb.
Mandys lashes swept briefly down over her eyes, and the tip of her tongue moistened her lower lip. He didnt dare glance Traviss way.
Three
Mandy couldnt help but stare at the tall, elegant, brunette woman standing on the porch of the Terrell ranch house. She wore a chic, textured, taupe jacket, with black piping along the neck, lapels and faux pockets. It had a matching, straight skirt, and the ensemble was layered over a black, lace camisole. Her black, leather pumps were high heeled, closed toed with an open weave along the outsides.
Her earrings were large-a woven, copper geometric pattern that dangled beneath short, stylishly cut hair. Her makeup was subtle, coral lips, soft thick lashes, sculpted brows and dusky shadow that set off her dark, hazel eyes. She held a black, rhinestone purse tucked under one arm, and a leather briefcase in the opposite hand.
How shed made it to the porch dust-free was beyond Mandy.
Can I help you with something? Mandy belatedly asked.
Im looking for Caleb Terrell. The womans voice was crisp and businesslike.
Im afraid hes not here at the moment.
The womans lips compressed in obvious impatience.
Was he expecting you? Mandy asked, confused and curious in equal measure.
I was expecting him. Two days ago in Chicago. The woman clearly had a close enough relationship with Caleb that she had expectations, and she was free to express frustration if he didnt meet them.
A girlfriend? A lover? Hed said he had none, but evidence to the contrary was standing right here in front of Mandy.
Would you like to come in? she offered, remembering her manners, telling herself Calebs personal life was none of her business. He should be back anytime.
Sure, hed made a couple of flirtatious allusions in their conversations. But they were harmless. He hadnt even kissed her. She certainly hadnt taken any of it seriously.
The woman smiled, transforming her face, and she held out a slim, perfectly manicured hand. Forgive me. Im Danielle Marin.
Mandy hesitated only a brief second before holding out her own, blunt-nailed, tanned and slightly callused hand.
She couldnt help but wish she was wearing something other than a plain, blue cotton blouse and faded jeans. There was some eyelet detail on the collar, and at least she didnt have manure on her boots. Then again, shed been sweating in the barn all morning, and her casual ponytail was certainly the worse for wear.
Mandy Jacobs, she introduced herself. Im, uh. Ive been helping out on the ranch.
Im sure Caleb appreciates that. Danielle waved a hand in the air as she stepped into the house. I have to say, this whole situation borders on the ridiculous.
Im sure Caleb appreciates that. Danielle waved a hand in the air as she stepped into the house. I have to say, this whole situation borders on the ridiculous.
Mandy closed the door behind them. She couldnt disagree. Once we find Reed, things will smooth out.
Any progress on that? Danielle asked, setting her purse on the side table in the entryway and parking her briefcase beneath. Caleb told me you were spearheading the effort.
Mandy didnt know what to say to that. She didnt want to share details with a stranger, but she couldnt very well ask about Danielles relationship with Caleb without being rude.
Danielle strolled her way into the great room, gazing at the high ceiling and the banks of windows overlooking the river. I assume youve already checked his usual hotels.
Mandy followed. Reed never traveled much. But I have checked hotels, hospitals and with the police as far away as Fort Collins.
Car-rental agencies?
He took a ranch truck.
Danielle nodded. Have you tried checking his credit-card activity?
Mandy tried to figure out if Danielle was joking. Judging by her expression, she was serious.
I wouldnt know how to do that, Mandy said slowly. Was she even allowed to do that? It sounded like it might be illegal.
Its not a service we could provide, but I do have some contacts Danielle let the offer hang.
Mandy didnt know what to say. Was Danielle suggesting she could help Mandy break the law?
The front door opened, and a pair of boots sounded in the entryway. Mandy took a couple of steps back and crooked her head to confirm it was Caleb. Thank goodness.
He gazed quizzically at her expression as he strode down the short hall. Then, at the living-room entrance, he halted in his tracks. Danielle?
Yes, Danielle answered shortly as she moved in on him.
What on earth are you doing in Colorado?
What on earth are you still doing in Colorado?
I told you it was going to take a few days.
That was a few days ago.
Two days ago.
Do you want this to work or not?
Mandy scooted toward the kitchen, determined to get away from the private conversation. One thing was sure, if Caleb kept flirting with other women, his relationship with Danielle was definitely not going to work out.
We have to be in Sao Paulo by the sixteenth, Danielles voice carried to the kitchen. Weve made a commitment. Theres no cancellation insurance on this kind of deal, Caleb.
Have I done something to make you think Im stupid? Caleb asked.
Mandy wasnt proud of it, but her feet came to a halt the moment she was around the corner in the kitchen, intense curiosity keeping her tuned to what was happening in the living room.
You mean, other than moving to Colorado? Danielle asked.
I havent moved to Colorado.
There was a moment of silence, and Mandy found herself straining to hear.
You have to come back, Caleb.
I cant leave yet.
You said you were going to sell.
I am going to sell.
Mandy was forced to bite back a protest. For years, shed fantasized about the two brothers reconciling, and they were so close right now. Whatever hard feelings were between them, she was confident they loved each other. And they were the only family each of them had.
You can look at offers just as easily from Chicago, said Danielle.
And who runs the ranch until then?
What about that Mandy woman?
Shes doing me a favor just by being here. There was another pause. Mandy? Caleb called. Where did you go?
Kitchen, she responded, quickly busying herself at the counter. You two want coffee?
You dont need to make us coffee, Caleb called back.
Its no problem.
She heard him approach.
Then his footfalls crossed the kitchen, his voice lowering as he arrived behind her. You dont need to make us coffee.
She didnt turn around. You and your girlfriend should sit down and-
My girlfriend?
Talk this out, Mandy finished. But, can I say, I really hope youll give it some time before you sell, Caleb, because I know Reed-
Caleb wrapped a big hand around her upper arm and turned her to face him. Shes not my girlfriend.
Oh. Then what was she doing here? Why were they making plans for a vacation in Brazil?
Shes my financial lawyer.
Sure. Whatever. It didnt mean they werent romantically involved.
He lowered his voice further. And why did your mind immediately go to a romance?
Because shes gorgeous, Mandy offered, counting on her finger. Because shes here. Because she just told you if you didnt come back to Chicago, things werent going to work out between you.
Calebs voice lowered to a hiss. And what exactly do you think Ive been doing with you?
She was slow to answer, because she really wasnt sure what the heck hed been doing with her. A harmless flirtation. I assumed you didnt mean it the way-
I did.
Id love some coffee, came Danielles sultry voice from the kitchen doorway.
Coming up. Mandy quickly turned away from Caleb.
She thinks you and I are dating, he said to Danielle in a clear voice.
Danielles response was a melodic laugh. Like Id get you to sit still long enough for a date.
See? Caleb finished before backing off.
Im setting up a corporation for him in Brazil, Danielle explained. Do you by any chance have an internet connection? A scanner?
In the office, Caleb answered. Up the stairs, first door on the right.
When Mandy turned around, two stoneware mugs of coffee in her hand, Danielle was gone.
Caleb was standing in front of the table in the breakfast nook. Im not dating her.