Page 35 of The Cowboy Takes A Bride

“Maybe he’s too old?” Meredith took a guess.

“Nope. Graduated the year behind me. Was as lazy in school as he is now. Grouchy back then, too. That’s how he got the nickname ‘old man.’ ’Cause he acts like one.”

“Jace said there was a bear that broke down some of the east fence. Fixed it last night.”

Marjory was silent, nodding that she heard. She dumped two scoops of grounds in the filter. “That bear has been around a long time, coming onto the property. I think he’s old or sick or both, and that worries me. Bears like that don’t behave like they’re supposed to.” She handed Meredith the scooper. “No weak-ass coffee for us, honey. Two tablespoons for six cups of water, but if the guys are working close, then double that and make a large pot. They’ll be in and out all day drinking it.”

Meredith liked the sound of that. Seeing Jace as he worked. Watching those large shoulders doing whatever he did around the house. She felt her face get hot so she ducked her head and made notes about the coffee.

“Hey, would you mind showing me how to get eggs? Jace said he would, but he’s swamped.”

Marjory patted her on the back. “You’re gonna do well here, girl. I can feel it in my bones. Come on, I’ll show you some of the chores while I ask my own favor of you.”

Marjory showed her the chicken coop. Not only how to get the eggs but when and what to feed them. She talked about the coyotes and the foxes and making sure the gate to the coop was always closed. They fed the horses and the barn cats as well, all chores Marjory had handled before going into town with Pops.

“Jace has been doing all this in addition to the other stuff?” Meredith asked, because she wanted to pull her weight. Not tool around the house aimlessly.

“Yes, and that brings me to my favor. I know the timing stinks, but Wes is being discharged in two weeks, and he wants to come home. I want to come home. Would you mind if we did?” Marjory threw out seed for the hens.

“Why would I mind? This is your home.” Meredith couldn’t imagine saying anything else.

“No, hon. It’s now yours. That’s what Wes’s mother said to me when we were married, and now I pass it down to you.”

What a crazy tradition, one that left Meredith feeling itchy in her skin. What would Marjory say when Meredith left? And if she, Meredith, took the house, where would Pops and Marjory live? The room at the back of the house with the hospital bed?

Meredith shook her head. “No. This is all our homes. Wes’s bed is here. Your bed is here. I have no claim. Just tell me what I can do to make the transition easier.” It was hard going from such a stingy, demanding father to a giving and caring mother-in-law. Meredith didn’t know how to resign the emotions of it all.

“It’s going to be awkward with our room now downstairs. I need to warn you. It will make Jace feel like he has to do more. I’m expecting you to help him see that he doesn’t have to carry the entire burden.”

Meredith nodded. “I can do my best.”

Marjory laughed. “Yes, with my stubborn son, that’s all I can ask for.”

Finished with the outside chores and carrying a basket full of eggs, they made their way back to the big house.

“What’s that?” Meredith asked, pointing to a standalone cabin on the other side of the barn. It was in direct view of the larger main house, but set off enough for privacy. It, too, had fabulous views of the mountain range.

“That used to be the ranch manager’s place, back when employees lived on the ranch. We used to have a bunkhouse, but it burned down in a summer storm.”

“Does anyone live there?” Meredith gave it a second look.

“Nope. Been empty for years. Jace talked about moving out to it at one time, but then Wes got sick, and well…here we are.” A sadness pulled at Marjory’s face, deepening the downward lines around her mouth. She looked tired. Though she might come across as put together, the telltale circles under her eyes and the occasional sighing of fatigue gave her away.

Meredith placed a hand over Marjory’s arm. “Please let me help.”

Marjory patted her cheek. “You’re a dear. Your parents must be so proud of you.”

It was so nice to be spoken to kindly and touched with gentle hands. Though it made her yearn for her mother all that much more.

“My mother died when I was sixteen. I’d like to think she’d be proud of me now.”

“Now?” Marjory looked at her quizzically.

“I see now that I spent a lot of time in denial. In grief maybe. Now, here, I’m starting to leave that behind, and I think that’s what she would have wanted.”

“And your father?”

Meredith shrugged. “Maybe he’s still stuck there. I don’t know. But we don’t speak anymore.”

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