Ready, Set, I Do!

Though the golf-course development remained a political hot potato because of the environmentally sensitive guidelines it butted up against, the delay was on Winn’s back. He should have found palms to grease or, failing that, pushed harder. As his father was fond of saying, only a fool takes no for an answer.

Winn pulled his car to a stop in front of the sprawling ranch home and decided he’d answer his father’s questions honestly but not bring up the matter first. Barely noticing the beds of flowers in full bloom flanking the walkway, Winn stepped to the front door and knocked.

He’d been told many times there was no need for such formality, but walking unannounced into a home that wasn’t his didn’t feel right.

After a few moments, Elena Hernandez, his father’s housekeeper, opened the door with a welcoming smile. Though she was close to his dad’s age, the jet-black hair pulled back in a twist didn’t show the slightest hint of gray. Today, she wore dark tailored pants and a crisp white shirt.

Winn wondered if the outfit was her idea or his father’s. Regardless, she must not have an issue with the new uniform. From what Winn observed, Elena had a way of getting her way without the old man realizing it. That talent alone made Winn admire and respect her.

“It’s nice to see you, Mr. Ferris.”

“Good morning—ah—afternoon, Elena.” Winn glanced around the entryway with its beamed ceilings and travertine, stucco walls.

Normally by this time his father would be bellowing how he was late, even if Winn was early. But the house stood quiet, with only the soft swish from a ceiling fan and a faint, sultry salsa beat that appeared to be coming from the kitchen.

Winn lifted a brow and Elena flushed. “Mr. Ferris did not mention he was expecting visitors.”

“This place needs a little music.”

Relief washed over Elena’s face.

“Is he in his office?”

“I’m afraid your father isn’t here.”

The meeting time had only been set last night. Winn pulled his brows together. “Where is he?”

“In Idaho Falls, I believe. A business meeting.”

Winn fought a stab of temper. The old man could have at least called or texted the change in plans.

“The meeting was last-minute,” Elena confided. “A red-hot deal.”

Winn couldn’t help it. The wry amusement in her eyes when she drawled the words made him laugh.

“May I offer you lunch?”

“No, I—”

“I made chicken escabeche.”

The look in Elena’s eyes told him she’d filed the fact that the cold Mediterranean salad was one of his favorites from the time he’d lived at the ranch.

When Winn had first arrived in Jackson Hole, he’d planned to stay only a few weeks. Living at the ranch seemed to make sense. It hadn’t taken Winn long to realize he and his dad did better with lots of distance between them.

“Mr. Ferris?” Elena waited with a smile on her lips.

“I’m definitely staying for lunch.”

Elena started out of the room then paused in the doorway.” Would you prefer to eat in the dining room or on the terrace?”

“The terrace.” Winn pulled his phone from his pocket. “I’d like a glass of iced tea, too, please.”

“Yes, sir. Right away.”

Winn made his way to the flagstone terrace shaded by tall, leafy trees. He chose one of the comfortable chairs positioned strategically around a counter-high fire pit.

While he waited for his lunch, Winn made quick calls to city hall and let several high-placed officials know just how unhappy he was with the latest round of delays.

He turned at the sound of the French doors opening. Elena stepped out with a cut-crystal glass filled with ice and what he hoped was unsweetened tea.

“Lots of ice, just as you like.” The housekeeper placed the glass on the side table next to his chair. “Your lunch will be right out.”

“No rush.” Winn lifted the hand holding the phone. “I have calls to return.”

“You and your father.” Elena clucked her tongue. “Always working.”

“What else is there?” he said automatically.

Elena opened her mouth then closed it and only smiled.

It was obvious she didn’t understand the drive he and his father shared. But then, not many did. Elena probably thought his emphasis should be on home and family rather than business. But that road could be a rocky one.

He thought of the look in Hailey’s eyes when he told her he’d seen Josh with another woman. And the unmistakable pain on her face when she relayed how the creep had been using her to get close to Tripp.

He thought of Vanessa, a woman he once thought he might love. She was a kindergarten teacher with a girl-next-door persona and zest for life. In some ways, she reminded him of Hailey. But just as Hailey had discovered that Josh couldn’t be trusted, he’d learned the bubbly Vanessa was a liar and a cheat.

Winn raked his hand through his hair, forcing air past the sudden tightness in his chest. He hated that Josh’s cheating on Hailey had caused him to think about Vanessa and her fiancé. He preferred to keep thoughts of that time in the back of his mind, locked tight in a rarely opened file cabinet.

Winn heard the doorbell chime and straightened. It appeared he wasn’t the only visitor his father stood up today.

“Come in, Miss Hailey.” Elena’s voice radiated welcome. The women spoke in lowered tones for several seconds. Other than the initial greeting, he’s in the barn were the only words Winn made out.

Curious as to who was the mysterious “he” Hailey had come to see, Winn pulled to his feet.

He reached the foyer and found Elena trying to convince the pretty blonde, still wearing the hot-pink hoodie, to stay for lunch.

“Thanks for the offer,” Hailey told the housekeeper, “but my parents are expecting me and—”

Hailey’s eyes widened when she saw him. “Winn. I didn’t realize you were here.”

He smiled quizzically. “My car is parked out front. Didn’t you see it?”

“I saw a sedan in the driveway. I thought it was your father’s.”

Winn winced. He loved the S550, but was going to have to see about exchanging it for a sportier model. Driving an old man’s car didn’t fit the image he wanted to project. After putting a new vehicle on his mental list for tomorrow, Winn refocused on Hailey.

“Reconsider Elena’s offer and join me for lunch,” he said with an easy smile, leaning against the doorjamb. “Did she mention we’re having chicken escabeche? I bet she could also scare up a glass of sangria for you.”

“I don’t think—”

“Don’t tell me you’re full,” Winn said. “The scone you had this morning can’t be enough to hold you.”

Winn ignored the gleam of speculation in Elena’s eyes. He could explain he and Hailey had shared coffee at Hill of Beans, but that was their business. Taking Hailey’s arm, Winn made an executive decision. He turned to Elena. “Miss Randall will join me for lunch on the terrace.”

“Yes, sir.” Elena hurried off, ignoring Hailey’s faint murmur of protest.

Two bright swaths of pink colored Hailey’s cheeks. “I didn’t come over expecting to be fed.”

“You made Elena happy.” Winn kept his tone conversational as he took her arm and ushered her through the house to the terrace. “Now, tell me about this man hidden in the barn.”

“Man?” Hailey stopped dead in her tracks, a frown furrowing her pretty brow. “What man?”

“Elena told you he was in the barn.”

Hailey dropped into a chair. The peel of laughter that burst from her lips both puzzled and delighted him. Try as he might to fight it, the gregariousness of the woman seated across the table had always appealed to him.

“The he is a dog.”

Winn blinked.

“Barks. Four legs.” Hailey’s tone was serious, though she appeared to be struggling not to laugh again.

Elena appeared with a glass of sangria and a tray of tapas, including mixed olives and cheese. The housekeeper’s smile appeared to widen at the ease between him and Hailey. Elena slipped back into the house to finish the salad preparation with a light step.

“The dog is a stray.” Hailey took a sip of sangria. Pleasure sparked in her blue eyes. “This is good. Try it.”

She thrust out the sangria. Winn obligingly drank and wondered what it’d be like if, instead of the glass, his lips closed over hers? Would her mouth taste as sweet as the sangria?

Winn shoved the thought aside and handed the fruity drink back with an easy smile. “Very nice.”

When she placed her lips on the glass, Winn experienced a hard punch of lust. It wasn’t the first time he’d felt this, but she was his neighbor and just coming off a difficult breakup. He leaned back in his chair and forced a composure he didn’t feel. “Tell me about the animal you came to see.”

He listened as she explained the border collie mix had strayed onto his father’s property. No one had reported the dog missing. Apparently it had been hanging around for several weeks. The ranch hands hadn’t let him starve.

“The shelter said, based on the information given, he’d probably been dumped.”

“You came all the way out here just to catch a look at some stray?”

“His name is Bandit.” Hailey spoke almost primly. “It was engraved on a tag hooked to his collar.”

“Makes sense.” Winn lifted his glass of tea and frowned slightly. “I guess.”

“When the dog was found, your father told Bobby to take him immediately to the shelter, but Bobby—and some of the other guys—wanted to try to find him a new home. The shelter was full and there was a chance he’d be put down. From what I gather, he’s a smart, sweet boy, young though, more puppy than—”

Winn held up a hand, like a schoolboy waiting for the teacher to call on him.

Hailey smiled. “Yes, Winn.”

“Who’s Bobby?”

“One of your father’s ranch hands.” Her tone implied it was something he should have known. “Bobby and I went to high school together.”

“So a friend from high school—who now works for my father—called you.”

“Actually, I ran into Bobby downtown. He told me about Bandit.”

“The border collie.”

“A+, Winn.” She unexpectedly grinned. “You’re paying attention.”

“One major piece of the puzzle doesn’t fit. Why would someone put a dog’s name on a tag but not their contact information?”

Hailey lifted her shoulders in a little shrug. “Why would someone dump a dog?”

“I’m surprised your friend didn’t take him.” Winn grimaced. He wasn’t into wasting time. So why was he having a conversation about a stray?

“Bobby’s place doesn’t allow pets.” Hailey paused to savor another sip of sangria. “I’ve been thinking about getting a dog, so I said I’d take a look. If I like what I see, I’ll take him home.”

Yep, he really was wasting time discussing a dog. Winn opened his mouth, determined to change the subject, when Hailey lowered her voice to a conspiratorial whisper.

“Bobby told me I could take him home, too.” She chuckled. “A two-for-one deal.”

An uncomfortable tightness gripped his gut, but Winn reminded himself it wasn’t any of his business who she dated...or took home to her bed. “Are you taking him up on the offer?”

She rolled her eyes, waved a dismissive hand. “Bobby has a girlfriend. Besides, after that fiasco with Josh, I’m not feeling particularly charitable toward old high-school classmates.”

“A+ for you,” Winn said, and made her laugh just as Elena appeared with their salads.

“Thanks.” Hailey offered the woman an extrawarm smile. “This looks delicious.”

“Yes,” Winn added. “Much appreciated.”

“The woman is a saint,” Hailey confided once Elena was out of earshot. “I don’t know how she stands—”

She stopped, as if suddenly realizing she was speaking to the son of the man she was about to disparage.

“Don’t stop on my account.” Winn offered a humorless chuckle. “I’d be the first to acknowledge my father is a difficult and complex man.”

That was all he’d say on the matter. As tired as he was of the dog talk, he wanted to discuss his father even less.

Hailey took another big gulp of sangria. “I love dogs, don’t you?”

On second thought, perhaps discussing his father wasn’t such a bad idea. “I haven’t had much contact with animals.”

Hailey set down her glass, tilted her head. “Surely you had a dog growing up?”

“You’ve met my father. You know how particular he is about his home, his possessions. Does he appear to be the type of man who’d tolerate a slobbering, hair-shedding, shoe-chewing creature in his home?”

Hailey put a finger to her lips, drawing his attention to her full sensual mouth. “You’re right. Definitely not a dog person.”

“From what I’ve observed, a pet of any kind is a big responsibility.” Winn placed the linen napkin on his lap with a preciseness that was as much a part of him as his hundred-dollar haircut. “Are you certain you have time for an animal?”

“Absolutely. With Josh out of the picture, my social life is officially nonexistent.” Hailey gave a humorless laugh. “I have a great deal of free time. And I get lonely. Don’t you?”

“Not really.” As a child he’d often been alone, felt alone even when he’d been in a group, but that had been long ago. Now he simply valued his privacy and liked being able to keep everything in its place. With sudden horror, he realized he was very much like his father in that regard.

“After we finish eating, you can come and check out Bandit with me.”

Winn started to shake his head, until she took his hand in a friendly, companionable gesture.

“Please, Winn. If I take him home, Bandit will be your neighbor.” She squeezed his hand. “I really want your opinion.”

Her flesh was warm against his skin and Winn had to resist the urge to curve his fingers around hers.

“I’ll give you whatever you want.” His tone came out husky with a suggestive undertone.

Their eyes met and held for a long moment.

The sudden twitch of her lips broke the mood. She expelled a little giggle. “For now, I’ll settle for your opinion...though I’ll reserve the right to ask for more.”

Before he could respond, Elena returned briefly with another glass of sangria and a refill of tea.

Hailey smiled warmly at Elena, raving about the salad.

Winn listened with half an ear. He couldn’t help wondering what Hailey’s version of “more” would involve. Not that it mattered. All Winn knew was if he did get involved with someone in Jackson Hole, it wouldn’t be with a woman who reminded him of his greatest mistake.

* * *

Hailey crouched and petted the black-and-white dog that thumped his fluffy tail on the ground while licking her outstretched hand. She glanced up at Winn. “Isn’t he the cutest thing ever?”

It was just the two of them in the barn. When Bobby recognized him as Jim’s son, he handed Hailey the leash and hurried off.

Winn continued to keep his distance. Though he had no personal experience with dogs, he’d heard they liked leather. His shiny Ferragamo loafers were not meant for the inside of a dog’s mouth. Not only that, he could practically see the hair falling from the animal as Hailey rubbed his back.

Winn took another step away. The last thing Winn needed was to show up for his afternoon meeting with dog hair all over his suit. “He appears to be molting.”

Hailey laughed, a pleasant sound reminding him of the soft ringing of bells. “The days are getting warmer. His thick coat kept him comfy all winter. Now he’s shedding some of his hair for the summer months.”

Didn’t she realize if she took the animal home, he’d be dropping that hair all over her condo? Winn shuddered at the thought. Not in my home, he thought. Not in a million years.

“Do you want to come home with me, Bandito?” Hailey crooned and the dog let out a little whine. “Will you come home with me and be my boy?”

At those words, the molting bundle of fur and slobber leaped up and emitted a series of sharp staccato barks.

Hailey looked up at Winn and grinned. “I knew it. Bandit and me, we’re a perfect match.”

She looked so pretty and so pleased with herself that Winn was tempted to step closer and pull her into his arms. Instead, he shifted his attention to the dog. “You’re going to take him?”

“Absolutely.” She clipped the leash on the dog’s collar and straightened. “I’d best get him out of here before your father returns.”

“Isn’t he the one who wanted the dog gone?” Winn’s confusion resurfaced. “I think he’d be ecstatic you’re taking him.”

“The dog was supposed to be gone long ago. Bobby thought he had a home for him, but the person backed out. The only option was the pound and Bobby couldn’t bring himself to take Bandit there.”

Winn thought of his father. Of the man’s exacting standards. His zero tolerance for disobedience.

“You’re right. My father would be upset the dog is still here. When he gives orders, he expects them to be followed.”

He was helping Hailey load the dog crate into her SUV when his phone rang. He slipped it from his pocket and checked the readout. It was an Atlanta area code but a number he didn’t recognize. “Do you mind if I take this?”

Hailey glanced up from where she stood soothing Bandit in the transportation crate. “Not at all. I need to get going any—”

“Don’t leave,” he said, then answered the call. “Winn Ferris.”

“Mr. Ferris. This is Charles Keating with Keating, Exeter and York. We’re a law firm in Atlanta and we’re handling Ms. Vanessa Abbott’s estate. You have—”

As Winn listened to the attorney talk, bile rose inside his throat and an icy chill enveloped him. He forced himself to breathe.

When Mr. Keating paused, Winn cleared his throat and located his voice. He asked questions and received answers but it all seemed surreal. The call ended with Winn promising to take the first flight to Georgia.

“Winn. Is something wrong?”

Even Hailey’s warm touch on his arm couldn’t begin to reach the chill.

“I have to leave for Atlanta right away.” He met her worried gaze. “I need to pick up my son.”

Chapter Three

Fried chicken on the stove and garlic-cheese biscuits rising in the oven filled the large country kitchen with delicious aromas. For as long as Hailey could remember, cooking had been one of her mother’s passions. And the woman was a master.

Kathy Randall motioned for her daughter to add more milk to the potatoes she was whipping. In her late fifties with dark blond hair cut in a stylish bob, blue eyes and a perpetual twinkle in her eyes, Hailey’s mother loved life and it showed. “Are you telling me Winn Ferris has a son?”

“So he said.” Hailey frowned and resumed chopping broccoli for the salad. Though there was no reason Winn had to tell all, she fought back a twinge of irritation. “It’s kind of a big secret to keep.”

“Does he have a wife to go with the son?” There was a hint of disapproval in Kathy’s voice. No doubt she was recalling the various single women the business executive had dated since arriving in Jackson Hole.

“The boy’s mother, the woman who died in the boating accident, was Winn’s former girlfriend. The guy who died with her was her fiancé. Apparently they were planning to be married next month.”

“How sad.” Kathy gave a sigh of empathy. “Was the child with them when the boat exploded?”

“No. He was playing at a neighbor’s.”

“Lucky for the boy. If you can call any child who loses his mother lucky.” Kathy shifted her gaze to Hailey. “Dying before you and Tripp were grown was my worst fear. I knew your father would do his best, but I believed you needed me.”

“I did need you.” Hailey gave her mom a quick hug. “I still do. Who else will teach me how to cook?”

Her mother laughed. “I think of all those years I tried. You simply weren’t interested.”

“It’s moved into the priority range now,” Hailey told her mom, completely serious. “Unless I want to survive on takeout or soup and sandwiches every night, I have to learn.”

“Well, I’m happy to further your educa—”

The backdoor slid open and her father stepped inside, the border collie at his side. “Is it time to eat?”

Frank Randall was a tall man with a rangy body and thick salt-and-pepper hair. Naturally thin, he’d regained the weight he’d lost last year during his successful battle with melanoma.

“Just about,” his wife said. “Hailey was telling me that Winn Ferris—”

Hailey’s phone rang as her mother was explaining the situation to her father. She glanced down. “It’s Winn.”

Her father inclined his head. “Why is he calling you?”

“I’m about to find out.” Hailey walked from the kitchen into the great room, where the warm earth-toned walls complemented the soaring beamed ceilings in muted white. “Hi, Winn. How are you?”

“Fine.” His voice was low and tightly controlled. “We’re in Denver now and should land in Jackson at about eight. Cam refuses to eat, but I need to get something into him. Do you remember the chicken noodle soup you made last week?”

“Of course.” The soup had been her first foray into making homemade noodles. In a neighborly gesture, she’d taken some to Winn as well as Mrs. Samuelson, who lived on the other side of her.

“Do you have any left?”

Winn’s question broke through Hailey’s thoughts. While she’d eaten or given away the last of it, she knew her mother had some in her freezer. “As a matter of fact, I do.”

“Thanks, Hailey.”

The hint of weariness in Winn’s voice tugged at her. Though she didn’t know all the particulars, she figured his stress level was sky-high.

“It’ll be okay, Winn,” she said in a low soothing tone. “It will all be okay.”

* * *

After enjoying a meal with her family, Hailey returned home with a half gallon of her mother’s chicken noodle soup and a loaf of homemade oatmeal bread. Winn would never know that this was her mother’s soup instead of her own. Although he might think it was even better the second time around.

While the airport wasn’t far from their condos, if his plane landed at eight, it would be a while before Winn got home. Hailey used the time to take Bandit for a walk, then began brushing him, while keeping her ear cocked for the sound of Winn’s car.

It was almost nine when she heard his garage door slide up. Rather than jumping to her feet and rushing to the door, Hailey waited, knowing Winn would call once he and the boy were settled.

He’d told her Cameron was eight. A lot of her brother’s friends—her friends as well, she reminded herself—had children close to that age. When Hailey had practiced full-time as a speech pathologist in Denver, she’d worked with many children. She liked kids, got along with them, hoped to have a couple of them herself one day.

Idly, she wondered what Winn was like as a father. He’d always been so focused on his business interests that it was hard to imagine him devoting time to anyone or anything else.

Of course, Winn had dropped what he was doing to get his son and bring him to Jackson Hole. Her hand stroked the top of Bandit’s head and the dog emitted what sounded like a moan of pleasure.

Taking care of a pet had been more work than she’d imagined. If she was Winn and facing the total care of a little boy, she’d be freaking. Other than asking for her help with dinner, Winn had sounded composed and as self-assured as ever on the phone. Yet, something told her he’d sound that way even if he was on the deck of the Titanic as it was sinking. From what she’d observed, Winn kept his feelings close.

Tired of sitting, she put the brush aside and rose. Moving to the refrigerator, she peered inside for something to eat. She’d finally decided on a carton of yogurt when her phone buzzed. Hailey smiled as Winn’s name flashed on the screen. “You two ready to chow?”

“We are. Or at least I am.” Winn hesitated. “Hailey, about Cam—”

Though he couldn’t see her, she found herself cocking her head. “What about him?”

“He...” Winn paused. “Nothing. We’ll be here whenever it works for you to come over.”