Forever Family (River's End Ranch Book 26) Read online

  They rode side by side up the trail, but she let him lead in the places where the path was too narrow. When they reached the spot where she’d picnicked with Vivian, she expected him to stop, but he just kept going.

  Finally, he stopped in the spot where she’d first convinced him to help her hunt for Bigfoot. “Are you ready?”

  She frowned at him. “Ready for what? It’s only been an hour since breakfast. I’m not ready for lunch.”

  He shooed her off her seat and pulled a bag out from under it. It was the bag she’d put together when she’d first initiated Kelsi into Bigfoot hunting. It held several artists’ renditions of Bigfoot and a magnifying glass. There were even examples of Bigfoot’s hair for them to use for comparison.

  “Does this mean what I think it means?”

  “Well, I know you wanted to Bigfoot hunt yesterday, and your usual partner is now tied to a couple of babies…”

  She threw her arms around him and hugged him again. “What have I ever done in life to deserve you? I’m so sorry that I got persnickety this week. You are the only man who would ever not only put up with me, but continue to love me through my moods. Thank you for being you!”

  “Does that mean you like my plan for the morning?”

  She laughed. “It sure does!”

  They wandered all over the area of the mountain where she was sure Bigfoot would be found. After several hours of constantly looking, she wiped some sweat off her brow and took a swig of the water he’d given her. “I’m done for today.”

  “Let’s eat our lunch then. I have stuff planned for this afternoon.”

  She eyed him curiously. “What stuff?”

  He shrugged. “Nothing major.”

  Somehow, she didn’t believe him, but she didn’t argue. After their picnic, which consisted of fried chicken, potato salad, and brownies, along with cans of root beer, she shook her head at him. “Sometimes the details you remember just amaze me. We had this on our first picnic.”

  “We did. I wondered if you’d remember.”

  “Of course, I do!” Bobbi remembered more than he gave her credit for, but the truth was, she didn’t give him much credit either. She was going to start focusing on the good in her husband and not the negative aspects of him.

  “Okay, it’s down the mountain with us. We’ll return the four-wheelers, and then we have to take a ride in the truck.”

  Bobbi didn’t argue. He’d obviously planned out this day, and she wasn’t going to argue with him. She got onto her vehicle and buckled her helmet on. “Let’s go.”

  As they drove down the mountain, she carefully avoided the bumps in the trail that she knew like the back of her hand. During the years when she’d been having babies every couple of years, she’d missed her time in the mountains. As soon as the twins were old enough to be left with her in-laws for a period of time, she was off hunting for Bigfoot again.

  After returning the four-wheelers to the ranch’s rental area, they got into his truck. “Where are we going now?”

  “As if I’m going to tell you that. I think you know better!”

  Bobbi grinned, looking over at her husband and not seeing the hair that was gray at the temples or the little laugh lines around his eyes. No, she saw the same handsome man she’d met at the ranch thirty-five years before, and she was so happy to have him in her life.

  As they drove west, over the mountains, she looked over the lake that was in the next valley over. She’d always been fascinated by the beauty of the area, but she’d never been willing to leave the ranch for her recreation. That would be like living in paradise, but needing another paradise to visit to be happy.

  When Wilber slowed the truck, she realized where he was taking her. To the spot that was filled with wildflowers, where he’d asked her to be his wife. He walked around the truck and helped her down, keeping her hand in his as he walked her to the exact spot.

  “Wilber, we’re already married.”

  “I know. But I always felt like I did that proposal just a little bit wrong.” He led her to the spot beside the creek where they’d had their picnic, and got down on one knee.

  “Oh, Wilber, don’t hurt your hip!”

  He shook his head. “Forget about my hip. Forget about everything but what I’m saying to you. My life began the day you walked onto the ranch and into my mother’s café. Every day of my life since then has been centered around you. You’ve helped me fulfill dreams I didn’t even know I had until we met. And now, we’ve been married for so long, I have to ask you…will you marry me again?” He reached down and pulled a ring from the pocket of his jeans. “Will you spend the rest of your life exploring the world, hunting for Bigfoot, and visiting grandbabies with me?”

  Bobbi swiped away at the tears drifting down her face. She nodded as she held her hand out for the ring he held, waiting for him to slip it on her hand. It was much like her original engagement ring, in that they were both pink diamonds. However, this one perfectly matched the necklace he’d given her the night before. Both had the same heart-shaped cut to them.

  He slowly got to his feet and gathered her against him. “This time you’ll have the wedding you deserve. If you need more time to put it together, that’s just fine. We’re going to have fun with it.”

  She shook her head. “No, I don’t need any more time. I have everything I need all ready.” She’d been slowly adding things to shipments for a year, without letting Dani know why. She had everything she needed. Invitations would go out, and they would have a vow renewal by the end of the month.

  *****

  Bobbi waited until everyone was finished with their family dinner on Sunday before she said anything. The café was filled with laughter and love, which was how she liked it. She’d raised children who were respectful to their elders and who loved their siblings beyond belief.

  Bobbi got to her feet, and reached her hand out for Wilber’s who took it, lending her his strength. “I have a couple of things I need to talk to you all about.” The café was immediately quiet, as she knew it would be. “First of all, I want to tell you why we’ve been so crazy about certain things being done here on the ranch. Like having a full-time pastor for weddings, and setting up the event barn. We wanted everything perfect for our vow renewal, which will be taking place at the end of the month.”

  Dani got to her feet first. “Is that what those lavender Chinese lanterns were about? I thought you were losing your mind!”

  Bobbi laughed. “That’s exactly what they were about, but it’s almost over. I mailed out invitations yesterday, and by the end of the month, your cousins will be swarming the ranch.”

  Wade shook his head. “Do we have to be nice to them?”

  Vivian giggled. “Dad!”

  “Just checking!” Wade said with a sigh.

  “I’d like Jess, Dani, and Kelsi to be my bridesmaids, and Vivian, I’d like you to do me the honor of being my flower girl.”

  Dani wrinkled her nose. “Do we have to wear matching dresses?”

  Bobbi rolled her eyes. “Would it kill you for one afternoon?”

  “Maybe…”

  “No, you don’t have to wear matching dresses. I found a pattern that was simple, but elegant. I ordered one for you in a dark blue, ice blue for Jess, and one for Kelsi in a pink. You don’t even have to wear the same color.”

  Kelsi grinned. “You’re the best!”

  Bobbi shook her head at them. “You two are silly.” She looked over at Wilber, and he gave her a nod, which told her it was time for the other announcement. “The other part of what I have to say is harder. You all know that my father has been in prison for the past forty-five years, and why. Well, he’s going to be getting out three days before our vow renewal, and he wants to meet all of you. I’m going to meet with him, but I’m going to leave it to all of you whether or not you want him to be a part of your life. I’ll understand any decision you make.”

  Chapter Ten

  There was silence for a full minute as ever
yone processed what Bobbi had just said. Finally, Wilber broke the peace. “We’ve decided that you can vote or each decide individually if you want to meet him. Your mother has made her decision, but this isn’t something she can decide for all of you.”

  Kelsi stood up. “He’s my grandfather, and he has a right to meet my babies. I want to meet him.”

  Shane shook his head at her. “I don’t like it.”

  Kelsi glared at her husband. “You’re the sheriff. Wear your gun.”

  Wes frowned, but finally nodded. “Yeah, I think we should all meet him. There’s strength in numbers. We’re tall, strong, and fast. He’s what? A hundred?”

  Bobbi glared at her son. “He’s about the same age as Jaclyn.”

  Travis leaned forward. “How old is Jaclyn, anyway?”

  Dani swatted Travis’s arm. “None of your business. I’ll meet him, Mom.”

  Wyatt nodded. “I’m in. We’ll all meet him together. I agree with Wes. Together, I don’t think we have anything to worry about.”

  Amber looked at Bobbi. “Why not just invite him to the vow renewal? It’ll be a renewal between the two of you, but also a renewal of your relationship with your dad.”

  Bobbi looked at Wilber. “Why didn’t we think of that?”

  He shrugged. “No idea, but it’s a good idea. Let’s do it.”

  She took a deep breath and nodded. “Is there anyone who isn’t willing to meet him?”

  When no one spoke up, she nodded. “That’s what we’re doing, then. I’ll invite him to stay at the ranch and give him a room in the main house.”

  “Are you sure that’s safe?” Shane asked, always thinking about protecting others.

  Bobbi stood for a moment and dug deep, thinking back about everything she knew about her father. Finally, she nodded. “I’m sure. I’m very sure.”

  “Okay. You know him best.”

  There was a buzz of excitement that hadn’t been there before Bobbi had made her announcements, and everyone came over to talk to her one by one, each of them sharing their excitement.

  Bobbi finally cut it short. “We have to go. Galahad has a puppy-sized bladder, and he needs to be let outside or there will be puddles…and no untrained dogs are allowed in the cabins. I know because I made that rule myself!”

  Everyone laughed, and she waved as she headed out with Wilber beside her. “I think that went really well,” he said once they were out of earshot of all the others. “Are you pleased?”

  She nodded. “I really am. I don’t think I realized until now just what compassionate children we’ve raised. My dad’s going to be so proud of them.”

  “Just like we are.” He held her hand in his as they walked back toward the cabin they were staying in. “If that dog tore something up again…”

  “Galahad loves you, and he’s just trying to get used to his new home…”

  *****

  The next two weeks flew by, and Bobbi was in her element. She got everything ready for the wedding, and went to dress fittings with Jess and the twins.

  “I guess these dresses aren’t terrible,” Dani said, tugging at the fabric to try to make it drape differently.

  “I like mine,” Kelsi said, glancing in the mirror. “This pink looks so good with our coloring and our Weston eyes.”

  Jess simply nodded, happy with hers. She’d always complained a great deal less than her cousins anyway.

  Bobbi ignored them as she looked in the mirror while wearing her dress. She’d gone with a wedding dress, but not a floor-length dress. She wanted something she could dance in. Instead, she was wearing a tea-length off-white dress with her cowboy boots. What else would be perfect for a ranch wedding?

  As the days got closer, she got more and more nervous about her father’s arrival. She’d arranged it so she and Wilber would have dinner with him in Riston, before he ever set foot on the ranch. This was her sacred place, and if she sensed even a bit of danger from the man, he wouldn’t be allowed on the ranch, father or not.

  Finally, it was Friday night, the day before the vow renewal, and she was headed to Riston, her hand clutched tightly in her husband’s. “I’m nervous.”

  “I know you are…but remember, he’s the man who pushed you on the swing and called you his princess. He’s the man who escaped from prison so he could find you.”

  She took a deep breath and nodded. “Do you think he’s already there?”

  “I have no idea.” Wilber parked the truck in front of the small restaurant where they’d chosen to meet. “But I do know we can handle this together. We’ve had six kids and raised seven. We have grandchildren coming out our ears. We’ve run our ranch for years. We’ve got this.”

  “You’re right. If I could raise those children of ours, I can do anything.” She slid out of the truck to the ground, and waited as he locked the vehicle. They joined hands and together, they headed into the restaurant.

  The hostess—an old friend of Kelsi’s—recognized them immediately. “Mr. and Mrs. Weston, it’s good to see you!”

  Bobbi smiled. “We’re meeting an older gentleman tonight.”

  “Oh, he’s been here for two hours. He was afraid of being late, he said.” The hostess led them to a table back in one corner of the place, with a lone man with gray hair sitting at it.

  The man was looking down at a book resting on the table, and didn’t notice them there at first. All at once, he looked up, and his eyes filled with tears. “Bobbi.”

  “Hi, Dad.” She felt her own tears start to flow, feeling like a fool. She’d been the one keeping them apart. She could have visited him any time.

  He slowly got to his feet and she walked to him, burying her face in his shoulder. “I didn’t think you’d come,” he said, even as his arms came around her, holding her tightly against him.

  “I wasn’t sure if I would either,” she said honestly. “Let’s sit.” He sat back down in the chair he’d occupied before. “This is my husband, Wilber.”

  Wilber offered his hand to shake. “It’s nice to meet you, sir.”

  The old man laughed. “No one has called me sir in a very long time, I’m afraid. My name is Reggie.”

  Wilber took his seat across from Bobbi, his hand automatically taking hers across the table. “The grandchildren and great-grandchildren are all ready to meet you tomorrow.”

  “Six children, right?” Reggie asked, his eyes lighting up at the thought.

  Bobbi nodded. “I gave birth to six, but we also raised my niece, Jess, so we say seven.”

  “And how many grandchildren do you have?”

  “Three with more on the way,” Bobbi said softly. “My youngest had twins in February. She’s a twin as well, but hers are fraternal, but she and her sister are identical.”

  “I was a twin,” her father said, surprising her.

  “I never knew that!” Bobbi said. “I don’t think I ever met your family.”

  “My sister died when we were young, and my parents never really got over it. So I didn’t have a lot to do with them. They blamed me for her death.”

  “Why?” Bobbi said a silent prayer that they weren’t about to find out he’d killed his sister as well.

  “Because it was her and not me. There was no other reason. I assure you, I’ve only killed one person in my life.” He shook his head. “I never meant to kill her.”

  She nodded. “I know that. I think I even knew it at the time.” She sighed. “When Mom’s parents refused to look at me, because I reminded them of their daughter’s killer, I just kind of broke. All of the foster homes wanted me to get out as fast as I could, except the last one. They were trying to fix me.”

  “You were never broken.” He sighed. “I haven’t touched alcohol since the day she died. Even before they arrested me, I had none. I never will again.”

  “I’m glad,” she said softly. “It took me a lot of soul-searching to decide to come here. But I finally decided that I’d grown up without parents, through no fault of my own. I wasn’t going t
o deprive myself of my father when I had a choice.”

  “So tell me all about you. What have you been doing for the last forty-five years?”

  Bobbi laughed softly. “I’ve been raising babies, the most important job I’ve ever had. Let me tell you about my children…”

  *****

  Late the following morning, Bobbi was standing in the back of the small church in the middle of the Old West town she and Wilber had envisioned so many years before. She was surrounded by her daughters and her niece. “I don’t know why I’m nervous. It’s not like I haven’t done all this before—with the same man, even.”

  “You’re nervous because your dad is here this time,” Kelsi said. “How did dinner go last night?”

  Bobbi smiled. “It was very nice. I talked to him about you kids. He feels terrible for what happened all those years ago, so we talked about it for a minute and moved on. He’s very excited to meet his grandchildren.”

  “Do you think he’ll move to the ranch?”

  Bobbi’s eyes were sad as she shook her head. “He may for a month or two, but he told me last night that he has pancreatic cancer. He’s not going to live longer than that.”

  Kelsi stepped closer to her mother and hugged her close. “You just found him again.”

  Bobbi nodded. “I don’t want to say goodbye, but at least I won’t spend the rest of my life wondering what exactly happened. Or what would have happened if I’d just let him in.”

  Dani said nothing, but she squeezed her mother’s hand.

  Jess frowned and whispered, “I’m so sorry, Aunt Bobbi.”

  “We’re not going to let today be sad, though,” Bobbi told them. “I’m renewing vows with the man I’ve loved for two-thirds of my life. And I’m celebrating a reunion with my father. We’re going to see people we love, and we’re going to eat, drink, dance, and be merry.”

  “Mom, I don’t think dance is supposed to be in there…” Kelsi told her.

  “It is in my world.”

  Pastor Kevin stuck his head back into the tiny area where they were crowded. “We’re starting.”

  Behind Pastor Kevin was her father, offering his arm. She took it and watched as her three girls walked down the aisle. “They’re going down in order of age,” she whispered to her father. “Jess is first, then Dani, and then Kelsi, my baby.”