Splendor in Sanctuary [Sanctuary, Montana 5] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) Read online

  “Don’t you always?”

  Brenda laughed. “Yeah. Not that you give them.”

  “Now I’ve really got to go. I’ll talk to you soon. Bye.” Tatum clicked the call off and hurried toward the ladder. “Mom, it’s me.”

  Her mother’s lovely face peered up at her. “What in the world are you doing?”

  “Oh, nothing really. I just got curious to see what was up here.” Tatum held up the photos. “I found a few really interesting photographs. I’ll come down and we can look at them together.”

  “Ooh, let’s do.” Her mother’s face lit up making her look years younger. “I was just going to fix your father some tea, so I’ll pour a cup for us, too.”

  Tatum nodded and slipped the pictures into her pocket when the impulse to question her mother hit her so strong and hard that she couldn’t ignore it. “How’s Dad doing anyway?”

  Lately, he’d taken to staying in his office more than usual. Although he was his normal smiling self every time she saw him, she still couldn’t shake the impression that he didn’t seem right.

  Alarm washed over her when she saw her mother’s face scrunch together. But that initial reaction was gone a second later, replaced by her mother’s smile.

  “He’s fine, honey. He’s just really busy nowadays.”

  She was certain her mother’s vague answer was meant to cut the conversation short.

  “Come on down, honey. I’ll get the tea ready.”

  Tatum would’ve sworn she saw a hint of sadness in her mother’s eyes a moment before she turned and scurried back down the hallway.

  What are they hiding from me?

  Chapter Seven

  Josh waved at his friend and banker, Ross Cartal, through the window of the First Bank of Sanctuary. Ross waved back and signaled that he’d be with Josh as soon as he could.

  Ross, Will, and he had known each other since high school when they’d all been jocks on the football team. Ross had been a major jokester back then, so it was still difficult to realize that his friend had become a banker and handled large sums of investment capital. Even now, Ross loved to joke with them, sometimes at their expense. Josh and Will took it in stride since it was all in harmless fun.

  Crazy Cartal became a banker. My banker. I’d figured him to be running a liquor store. Or in jail. It just goes to show that I had him pegged all wrong.

  Josh held the door open for a woman coming out of the bank then stepped inside the lobby. He hated dealing with the money side of the ranch, which was the same reason why his father often left that up to either Will or him. If Josh had his way, he’d spend his days riding the ranch and his nights lying with Tatum.

  “Josh?”

  The sound of Tatum’s voice was like the sound of a siren calling him. He pivoted, and without thinking, swept her into his arms. He held her as she wrapped her arms around his neck and laughed. Her laugh could make him do anything, but it also made him forget where they were.

  He kissed her, hard, needy, and felt her respond. For a blissful moment, they were lost in their own world. But then she pushed on him, her eyes wide with alarm.

  “Put me down, Josh.”

  He did just as he caught another couple smiling at them as they exited the bank. “Shit. I was so damn happy to see you that I forgot where we are.”

  He could see her fight to keep the smile from her face, and she failed. But then she regained control and stepped away. “Do you think anyone saw us?”

  “You mean anyone we know?” He shook his head and struggled to keep his hands off her. “I don’t think so.” He scanned the dozen or so people inside the bank, searching for familiar faces, and was relieved when he found no one he recognized.

  “Well, well, well, what’s going on here?”

  Josh watched the color drain from Tatum’s face. He turned to find Ross striding toward them with a shit-eating grin on his face.

  Damn it all. I forgot about him. I bet he saw us.

  He got ready to confront Ross and any accusations his friend was bound to make. “Hey, Ross. I was coming to see you.”

  “Were you?” Ross’s gaze slid to Tatum. “And how are you today, Miss Baldwin?”

  Crap. He knows her. Figures.

  “I’m fine, Ross. How’s Kathy?”

  Kathy was Ross’s wife and had been in the high school band with Tatum. Living in a town the size of Sanctuary had its drawbacks. He had to get Ross away from Tatum.

  “Are you two…friends?” The smirk Ross gave them told the whole story. They could deny it all they wanted, but Ross knew they were more than mere friends.

  “Um, I, um…” Tatum shifted from one foot to the other.

  Josh jumped to Tatum’s aid. “Yes and no. We’ve met obviously. We’re acquainted with each other.”

  Did that sound as lame as I think it did?

  “Acquaintances?” Ross darted his eyebrows toward his nose in a frown. “From the way you greeted each other, I would’ve guessed you were more than acquaintances. Even more than friends. But how can that be when you’re a McLean and she’s a—”

  “Then you would’ve guessed wrong.”

  “But didn’t you just…” Ross let his sentence trail off as he pressed his finger to his lips. “You know.”

  Josh went on the offensive. He took Ross by the shoulder and tried to get him to do an about face. “Look, Ross, I don’t have the luxury of having bankers’ hours. So let’s go to your office and get our business done.”

  It was a good attempt on his part, but from the side of his eye, Josh saw the trouble before he could think about how to head it off. Will strode through the doors with a lovesick smile plastered on his face and hurried toward Tatum.

  Shit. Will’s going to do the same stupid thing I did.

  “Will!” Josh shot his cousin a hard look that brought him up short.

  Will glanced from Tatum to Ross and back to Josh. From his expression, Josh could tell that Will had caught his warning. “Hey, everyone.”

  Will put his hands behind his back, hiding the bag he was holding. But just like in their high school days, Ross wasn’t about to miss a chance to razz them.

  “Whatcha got there, Willy?”

  Will winced. He’d always hated being called Willy. “Nothing much. Just picking up a few odds and ends.”

  Ross moved fast, getting a good glimpse of the bag. “Hmm, no store name on the bag. That means”—he glanced at Tatum, obviously thinking he should stop, but then plunged ahead anyway—“those little odds and ends come from Sarah’s. Whatcha up to, Willy?” Ross’s gaze slid to Tatum. “Or should I ask who you’re up to?”

  Shit and double shit. When will Ross learn to keep his big trap shut?

  “Damn it, Ross. Is it any concern of yours? Plus, there are several ladies present. Keep your thoughts and your questions to yourself.” Josh growled out his words in a low, deep voice.

  Sarah’s Sundries was the local sex shop. Although Sarah put purchases in unmarked bags, not having a logo on the bag only made people more aware of where the bag came from.

  “My cousin’s right, Ross. Keep your mouth closed and act like a banker should.”

  Ross lifted his hands, palms out. “Hey, I didn’t mean anything by it. I’m just joking around with you.” In an instant, Ross morphed into his professional mode. “Miss Baldwin, I apologize if anything I’ve said offended you.”

  “It’s all right,” murmured Tatum.

  “Okay, I’ve had about enough of this.” Will yanked on Ross’s arm and tugged him along toward his office. “Stop stalling, Ross. I can tell when you have bad news, so let’s get to it.”

  Josh didn’t bother finding out what else Will had in store for Ross. As soon as Will had Crazy Cartal back in his office, Will jerked his head to the side, telling Josh to get Tatum out of the building while the getting was good.

  “Come on, Tatum.” Josh didn’t take her hand. Too many eyes were already fixed on them.

  Once outside and around the corner,
he stopped, allowing her to catch up. Her eyes were still big when she came to a stop.

  “Do you think he’ll say anything?”

  Josh watched the rise and fall of her chest. The memory of her nipple inside his mouth assaulted his body, making him clench his fists to keep his hands off her. “You never know with Crazy Cartal.”

  She giggled then bit her lower lip to stop. “I’d forgotten that was his nickname.”

  “Yeah, and he’s still a loose cannon. Let’s hope he doesn’t go spreading the word about what he saw.” He shook his head, still amazed that he’d kissed her in public.

  All the humor faded from her. “If he does and my father hears, I don’t know what I’ll do.”

  “Well, there is one way to make sure your father doesn’t hear it from Ross.”

  “How?”

  He hated to dash the look of hope in her eyes. “We can tell him before Ross spreads it around.”

  “No. We already went over this.” She crossed her arms as a chilly breeze whipped over them.

  “That was before I messed up.” If only he could hold her in his arms and keep her warm. “I’m sorry, darlin’. I didn’t think. I saw you and I had to kiss you. I couldn’t keep my hands off you. Hell, I’m fighting to keep them off you right now. We have to let our secret out of the bag.”

  She was pleased with his words, whether she’d ever admit it or not. And she wanted to touch him, too. He could tell by the way she leaned closer and kept running her gaze up and down his body.

  “I can’t. Not yet.” She caught sight of a man heading toward them and put more distance between them. “I’ve got to go.”

  Josh waited until the man passed. “Then meet us tomorrow night. We can talk about it more then.”

  She nodded then moved away, heading for her car. Josh watched her go even though he knew he shouldn’t. If anyone saw his face, they’d see his love for her written all over it.

  “Is Tatum okay?” Will approached him with the bag’s ties looped around his wrist.

  “Yeah, I think so. What’s in the bag, cuz?”

  “Not much. Just more gel. Is she ready yet?”

  “No. She still doesn’t want to tell.” Her car was out of the parking lot and lining up at the nearby light.

  “Then we have to convince her.”

  Josh tipped his hat to his cousin. “We’ll get our chance tomorrow night. I don’t know how, but we have to change her mind.”

  “One way or another, we will.”

  * * * *

  Tatum had just gotten out of her car when Will and Josh rode up on horses. They looked like stars in a Western romance as they sat on top of their mounts. They dismounted, dropped the reins, and came to her as she opened her arms, welcoming them.

  “Hi. What’s with the horses? And don’t you need to tie their reins to a tree or whatever?”

  “Naw, they’ll stay put.” Will pushed his cowboy hat back. “We thought we’d get more talking done if we went for a ride.”

  She loved riding, but disappointment swept through her. “So we’re not spending time inside?”

  “Maybe later.” Josh took her face between his hands and kissed her. But the kiss ended all too soon.

  “Tatum Baldwin, we’re not going to let you divert us from our goal today.” Will pulled his cousin’s hands off her.

  “What does that mean?” She put her hands on her hips, or as much as she could with her heavy coat on. “Don’t I have a say in all this?”

  “It means we’re going to convince you to tell everyone about us,” answered Josh. “And of course you have a say. But you might as well go along since we’ve already got you outnumbered two-to-one.”

  “And if I don’t agree? Shouldn’t this be a unanimous decision?”

  Josh interpreted her dare the right way. “Nope. Not after what happened yesterday. If you don’t have a change of heart, then we’ll have to turn you over our knee and tan your hide until you say you’ll go along. We’re done hiding our love for you.”

  Love. Every time they said the word, her heart did a quick flip-flop with excitement.

  She’d missed them so much even though she’d seen them yesterday at the bank. But that wasn’t like really seeing them. Still, she didn’t want to talk about letting their secret out.

  “If you wanted to go riding, then why didn’t you let me know? I could’ve ridden out here, too.”

  Josh ran his gloved thumb over her lips. “We thought about that. Having us out riding in this weather isn’t that suspicious, but is it something you do often? And we sure as hell couldn’t bring along an extra horse for you. That would’ve drawn unwanted attention.”

  “That wouldn’t have been a problem if I’d ridden here.”

  Will pulled her away from Josh and tugged her body close to his. Even through their coats, she could feel the warmth of his body. She couldn’t wait to feel the touch of his skin against hers.

  “Do you usually go out riding after school?” Will tightened his hold on her.

  “No.”

  “Like we said. That’s why we didn’t suggest you ride here.” Josh took her arm, breaking her out of his cousin’s arms. She laughed as he slipped his arm around her waist and led her to his horse. “Besides, I’m going to like having you riding in front of me. Of course, I’ll have to help you hang on to the reins. Granted, we can’t go far riding double, but we don’t plan on doing that.”

  She didn’t need his help riding a horse and he knew it. Baldwin children learned to ride at an early age. “Oh, of course. I wouldn’t want the horse to get away from little ole me. After all, I’ve only ridden a horse like a thousand times or more.”

  “Damn it, Josh, we tossed a coin to see who’d she’d ride with and I won.”

  She let Josh help her into the saddle. He was already swinging his leg over the rear of the horse when he answered Will’s complaint.

  “Come on, cuz. You had to know I’d grab her first anyway.” He reached around her waist, snuggling his chest to hers. “Go on. Take the reins. Will can catch up once he gets finished pouting.”

  She laughed as they turned the horse away from the cabin. With an easy nudge and a clucking sound, Josh put the horse into a gallop. It wasn’t long before she heard Will’s horse coming up behind them.

  Her hair flew out behind her as the wind whipped around them. She felt freer than she ever had, and she vowed they’d go riding every chance they could. All too soon, Josh pulled the horse to a stop, but she knew that was what was best for the horse. Will came up beside them and leaned back in the saddle.

  They sat at the top of a hill overlooking a beautiful valley. A stream cut down the far end of the flat line that was surrounded by trees.

  “It’s beautiful. But what are we doing here?” She twisted around to see a look of wonder and awe on Josh’s face.

  “This is where we plan to build our home.” He swung off the horse then caught her in his arms when she dismounted. The rush of desire had her staying where she was, wanting to keep that feeling locked in her heart forever. All too soon, he turned her toward the valley.

  “Wait. You said our home?”

  Getting behind her again, Josh wrapped his arms around her, covering her chest. He rested his chin on her shoulder. “Yeah. This is why you have to agree to spill our secret. We want to start building as soon as weather permits.”

  “But isn’t this part of the disputed land?”

  Josh groaned. “Yeah. Which is another reason why we have to get things settled. The way I see it, once we tell both families, they’ll agree and let us build. It’ll be like our own little Switzerland with all three of us living here.”

  “So this is where you want to live? With me?” She knew the answers, of course, but she still wanted to hear the words spoken out loud.

  Will dismounted then tipped his hat back and stared at her with such intensity that it made her drop her gaze. “Tatum, what are you talking about? Haven’t you heard anything we’ve told you? This is g
oing to be our home—yours, Josh’s, and mine.”

  “What about your father? My father? Our families? Do you really think they’ll go along with us building here?”

  Will came next to her as Josh moved to her side, putting her between the two men she loved. He took her chin and made her look at him. “Tatum, it’s time we tell them and let the shit hit the fan if that’s what’s going to happen. This land is going to be ours one way or another.”

  “But my father—”

  Both Will and Josh shook their heads, but it was Will who answered. “Sugar, we respect your father as your father, but he’s just going to have to deal with it. If he doesn’t like the fact that you’ve chosen both of us, then you can choose which one of us you want to legally marry you. It won’t change a damn thing about all of us living together as a family.”

  “I know but my father—”

  “But nothing. Your father is a strong man. Telling him isn’t going to kill him. He’ll be angry, they all will, but it’s time someone lived their lives in spite of that damn feud. And it might as well be us.”

  “Tatum.” Josh’s tone had her turning toward him. “We’re tired of sneaking around like teenagers. We want you and we want to start our lives together. Are you with us?”

  They were right. She couldn’t deny them any longer. Not based on a feeling that something was wrong with her father. She nodded, a thrill singing into her as she finally made the decision.

  “Yes, I’m with you. Both of you. Now and always.”

  Josh picked her up and swung her around. As soon as he put her down, Will did the same. She laughed then hugged them each before facing the valley again. “What makes me think you already have the plans drawn up?”

  Will chuckled and placed his hand on her butt. “I suppose you have a few ideas you’d like to incorporate into those plans?”

  “Sure, I do. After all, it’s going to be my home, too, right?”

  Josh pushed Will’s hand off her butt and replaced it with his. “Damn straight. But first things first. We have to go through the hell of telling everyone. Then we can get down to the planning. Come on. Let’s get going. We’ll start by telling your folks first.”