Thunder Mountain Ranch (Alexandria Whitney Mystery) Read online

  The selection wasn’t huge, but the flowers were beautiful. Several of them were greenhouse grown, as this time of year wasn’t exactly their season. Alex wished for roses, but the clerk put together a bouquet that was lovely. Her heart was pounding as she felt like a kid on Christmas morning. She wanted her present now and could hardly wait for dinner. She spotted a stuffed bear with a heart on it and wished it was a wolf, but it was so cute she bought it anyway. Placing her purchases on the passenger’s seat, Alex wanted to speed home. But it was such a lovely day and she had plenty of time before dinner, so she drove the speed limit and daydreamed of how the evening would unfold.

  Back at the ranch, Sam was putting on the finishing touches of her ensemble. Everything was comfortable and easy to get out of. She grabbed her phone and decided to recharge it at Alex’s just in case a call came in. She walked quickly to the casita, noticing the van was nowhere in sight, and found the casita door was unlocked. The room smelled like Alex’s hand lotion, seeing the little table with its place settings and candles, Sam was hoping that food wasn’t the only thing Alex had on her mind. Plugging her phone charger in, she concealed it so Alex wouldn’t see it, when she came in. But where did she want to be? Should she be lying on the bed, or coming out of the bathroom? Not wanting to scare her, maybe it was best to wait for her to come back and knock on the door. Decisions, decisions. She decided to lie on the bed and wait, just hoping she didn’t fall asleep. The covers smelled like Alex’s shampoo which told her she had been in this exact spot earlier today. She pulled out Alex’s pillow and snuggled with it until it could be replaced with the real thing.

  Alex’s little errand took her fifty-five minutes with her daydreaming all the way back. Parking the van, she headed back to her room to get the flowers in water and decide where to place the little bear. As she came through the door the unmistakable smell of Sam’s cologne sent a jolt of happiness through her like she had never felt. Asleep on the bed hugging her pillow, she looked so beautiful that Alex just stood in the doorway and stared. Gently closing the door, as not to wake her sleeping beauty, Alex put the flowers in the vase and tiptoed into the bathroom to get some water from the shower. Successfully accomplishing that task without making too much noise she placed the flowers on the table, took off her shoes, and took her place on the bed next to Sam. Gently stroking her hair away from her face, Sam’s eyes slowly opened as she reached out to pull Alex closer to her.

  “Surprise,” Sam whispered into Alex’s ear. “It’s the best surprise I’ve had to date. How long have you been here?” Alex wished she hadn’t taken so much time on the drive back.

  “Not that long. Maybe fifteen minutes. Your pillow smelled so great I started daydreaming, and the next thing I know my dream is lying next to me.” Sam raised up to kiss Alex and then nuzzle her neck. “You have no idea how much I missed this neck of yours. I dreamed about it all last night.”

  “My neck and the rest of me missed you too. I can’t begin to tell you how much.” This was where Alex wanted to be for the rest of her time at Thunder Mountain Ranch. Although she was going to be a big girl and share her time with Jessie too.

  “Yes, I miss all of you too, but your neck is the key to getting you in the mood.” Sam wondered how much in the mood she was.

  “I’m pretty much in the mood all the time, but my neck is a good place to test the waters. So what are the waters telling you right now?” Alex was glad she locked her door when she came in as she didn’t know where the “Do Not Disturb” sign had gone to.

  “I’m hearing “jump in” the water’s fine. Am I right?” Knowing she was, Sam was ready to dive in.

  “One hundred percent.” Alex pulled her down and

  rolled her over so she could get her out of that lovely ensemble

  as soon as possible.

  The sound of the dinner bell woke both women from

  their nap. Alex was hungry, but it could have been for a second

  helping of Sam. Looking at the table she remembered she had

  a special meal planned and needed to go get it. She told Sam to

  stay put, dressed in a flash, and was out the door. She had a

  smile on her face that would pretty much tell anyone she came

  in contact with exactly what she had been up to the past few

  hours. She was intercepted by Jessie who knew Alex had

  gotten her surprise. Seeing Jessie out of the corner of her eye, Alex met her and swung her around from the joy of having

  Sam back.

  “Your surprise arrived, did it?”

  “Oh, Jess, I couldn’t be happier. Did you know she

  was due in before dinner?” This was something her friend

  would have kept secret.

  “Maybe, I can’t remember right this minute.” “You’re the best. Sending me for flowers was a perfect

  way to pass the time until she arrived. I’m going to get our

  dinner, but no promises you’ll see us for dessert. But I’ll try to

  get by for some cookies.” Wanting to show the world how

  happy she was, might bring her out of her casita. Maybe but

  no promises.

  Pablo greeted Alex with a tray of food that smelled

  divine. Figuring they weren’t going to be eating at the table he

  made up one plate for the two of them to share. It included

  everything Alex and Sam loved, right down to two large

  cookies wrapped in plastic and a thermos of milk, with a

  carrying strap. She kissed Pablo on the cheek, thanked him,

  and went out the back door to avoid the guests and possible

  delays getting back to her casita.

  As she walked in she saw Sam had made the bed and

  had put the napkins and silverware on top of the spread.

  Knowing they would probably be feeding each other, all they

  really needed was their fingers. Alex had never realized how

  sensual this little activity could be, but it was now one of her

  new favorites. Chewing, kissing and laughing filled in the

  quiet parts as they took turns carrying the conversation. Alex

  brought Sam up to speed on what little she had accomplished

  in her absence and Sam retold all the family info she had

  heard. It was hard to believe she had only been gone a day. So

  much had happened and so much good luck had brought her

  back to Alex before she had to leave for home. She looked at

  Alex as she gave her the last piece of tri-tip then cleared her

  throat.

  “I need to tell you something I know you will totally

  believe. So far, I’m the only person in my family, besides

  Tony, who does. He was telling us how he thought he was

  going to die as he was looking down at himself from the

  ceiling. He felt like he was rising up until he found himself

  walking on a path towards the light we’ve all heard so much

  about. But he said as he approached he saw two objects

  coming towards him so he stopped and watched as they got

  closer. What he told us next Alex, made the hair on the back of

  my neck stand up.” Sam could feel the hair on her neck doing

  the same thing right then.

  “Oh my gosh, what? Did he see other members of

  your family?” Alex loved this kind of stuff.

  “No. He said two wolves were walking towards him

  one black and one white.” Sam waited for Alex to realize what

  she just told her.

  “Anna and Ramon sent your brother back to your

  family.” Alex felt the tears running down her cheeks as the

  impact of what Sam just said hit her.

  ”Apparently it wasn’t his time. But can you believe it,

  that they would be the ones to turn him around and send
him

  back?” Sam had to explain the whole story to her family when

  she made the same comment to Tony.

  “He must have thought you’d lost it when you called

  the wolves by name.”

  “No, actually he said it made sense. They walked

  towards him and each took a hand in their mouth and pulled

  him back away from the light. He didn’t feel afraid and just

  went with them. The next thing he knew he was waking up and

  how surprised all the nurses were. They told him it was a

  miracle he regained consciousness so fast.” Sam felt like she

  owed Anna and Ramon, but knew they were indirectly helping

  her. It was more about seeing that Alex found happiness as

  long as she was visiting the ranch.

  “That is so amazing. No one back home will believe

  any of this. Thank Goddess I have you and Jessie to back me up.” Reaching over, she grabbed the last spoonful of garlic

  mashed potatoes and held it up to Sam’s lips.

  “Darlin’, I’m so full, that last bite is all yours. I want

  to leave a little room for my cookie.” Sam was still hungry, but

  not for food.

  “Okay. So am I, but I can’t let them get stone cold.

  Yummy.” Alex licked the spoon as she never lost eye contact

  with Sam.

  After putting the tray on the table, it was Sam’s turn to

  be on the top and burn off some calories by giving Alex one of

  her famous back rubs. She just needed to get Alex out of her

  own lovely ensemble.

  Chapter 33

  The back rub was heaven and so was the necking. Alex looked at Sam as she moved her hair out of the way so she could see her whole face. It was aglow as she beamed back at her. Realizing it was dark outside Alex looked at the clock. It read eight forty-five. Maybe they should take a little walk and see if Jessie was still about. Tomorrow was going to be a half day and somewhat rushed as any travel day seems to be. By finding Jessie tonight they could get in a little conversation before slipping back into her room for their last night of cuddling there at the ranch. That would also allow them the option of skipping breakfast and staying inside.

  “Do you think,” Alex started to say before Sam completed her sentence.

  “We should go find Jessie.” Sam figured it was what Jessie’s best friend would be thinking.

  “You’re so amazing. I know it’s too soon to tell you how much I love you, because we haven’t really spent that much time together. But I can tell you that what I know about you, I love very much. Does that make sense?” Alex was afraid of those words, as they seemed to often ruin the way things were progressing. It was like a pass to stop trying. She loves you, so be a jerk now. Hoping Sam knew what she was trying to say, it was better to get it out now to see if things changed for the worse.

  “That’s it exactly. I’ve been worried that you were going to think I didn’t feel the same way about you. But you’re right, those words can change everything and not always for the better. I have fallen madly in love with what I know about Alexandria Whitney and can hardly wait to get to know the rest of the woman, good and bad.” Sam never heard anything bad about her from Jessie, but then Jessie never lived with her twenty-four seven, now did she.

  “So we get dressed and go in search of Ms. Jessie. Am I right?” Alex was smiling as she already knew the answer.

  “You’re right. I just hope we find her still out tonight and not heading off to bed.” Sam knew her cousin and if she was heading to bed they were out of luck in the talking department.

  After dressing as if they were going to a fire they headed for the office where the lights were on. Jessie, thank goodness, was still up and on the phone. Her expression let them know it must be family, as she was kicked back in her chair and yawning. She smiled as they approached the counter, saw their expressions and shook her head. Knowing what they had been up to, it took all her will power to keep from grinning while she was trying to concentrate on what the caller was saying. Alex wasn’t helping as she was making faces and knew which ones would make Jessie laugh. Having to look down in order to finish her conversation, she scribbled a few lines on a piece of paper, wadded it up and threw it at Alex, almost hitting Sam. Opening up the paper, it read “just wait until I get off this phone you’re dead!” Alex’s eyes got big. She knew she better run as soon as the phone was back in the cradle. She backed up to the door and was ready to bolt.

  Jessie ended her call with “I love you too.” The phone was no sooner down than she was out of her chair and half way around the counter. Alex was already out the door and running for the dining hall, figuring Jessie wouldn’t do anything to her in front of the guests. Sam, not knowing what to expect, followed her cousin laughing the whole time. Being with Alex was definitely going to be fun, as long as she only pissed off her good friends. She caught up to Jessie on the front porch to the dining hall but Alex was no where in sight, not inside or out.

  “Did she double back by you?” Jessie had her and thought she went through the door.

  “No way. Are you sure she’s not in there?” Sam didn’t think Alex could run that fast, but she was definitely gone. Turning around, she spotted her sneaking up behind them as she had darted in between the buildings.

  Alex came up behind Jessie and grabbed her.

  “Truce, old friend, or do you want to chase me all over your ranch?” Alex was still in good enough shape to give Jessie a run for her money.

  “Truce. But only because I don’t want to wear you out.” Jessie was winded.

  She looked at Alex, realizing she hadn’t seen this fun loving side of her for some time now. “Are you having a good time, Darlin’?”

  “The best, Jess, and I have you to thank for it along with Anna and Ramon. So if you come inside we’ll tell you all about it.” Taking Jessie’s arm, Alex reached for Sam’s hand and the three friends went in to have a little talk.

  Over decaf coffee, Sam filled Jessie in on the big points of Anthony’s accident and saved the details for another time when it was just the two of them. Jessie was also convinced Anna and Ramon had been the ones to send him back to them. After a short talk, Alex and Sam kissed Jessie goodnight, making no promises of seeing her at breakfast. They decided to take a walk around the ranch as it was quiet now. Their moon was on it’s last quarter and they remembered that night they first kissed. It was hard to believe it was only a week ago. It was also hard to believe that Sam had only been gone a day. It felt like more. Alex realized that it was difficult on them because they thought it was going to be weeks before they were together again. If they would have known yesterday how quickly Sam would be back, it would have been a piece of cake. But the scare with Anthony also reminded both of them how precious life is, and that it can be taken from you in an instant.

  “If you ever feel I’m taking you for granted, will you let me know?” Alex looked into Sam’s beautiful brown eyes and felt she may not be forthcoming with that information as quickly as she should.

  “I will, if you do the same.” Sam understood what Alex meant. There were times when they had the same thought at the same time, but that wouldn’t always be the case.

  “So, are you ready for your cookies and milk?” Alex was ready to curl up with a good woman and be fed her dessert.

  “You were reading my mind. I’m right behind you.” Putting her arm around Alex’s waist, Sam escorted her back to their casita.

  Before going inside, they took one last look in the quiet magic of the New Mexico night. Alex said a silent thank you to Anna and Ramon before they turned, arm in arm, leaving the million stars and their moon behind them.

  Epilogue

  Alex looked out the window as the plane approached the airport. The skies were gray and once again mother nature was watering Cyn’s lawn. Alex’s last night was wonderful and not wanting
to change their routine, Sam brought her coffee and fed her breakfast in bed that morning. Wanting to avoid another teary eyed scene at the airport, Alex and Sam said their good-byes in the casita and calculated when Alex would be home to call Sam with the news of her safe arrival. They would talk everyday until Alex met her plane the first weekend in December. Sam was sorry she would miss Alex’s birthday, but promises were made to postpone it’s celebration until she arrived. Alex was in no rush to turn forty-three, in fact they could forget it all together. But she would look forward to getting her present and the quality time after the gift was opened.

  Alex was relieved when the plane touched down and that it had been a relatively smooth flight. Walking through the airport it felt good to be back home. She called Sam to let her know she had arrived safely. She would miss the ranch, but she missed her routine too. She needed to get busy and get moved, to get her old life back and looked forward to a time when she was actually a little bored. As she walked out into the rain she didn’t mind getting wet, having come to appreciate it not to mention it helped save her life. Cyn was right where she said she would be and Alex opened the door and put her bag in the back seat.

  “Hey, girlfriend. Lovely weather we’re having.” Alex reached over and gave Cyn a hug.

  “It’s great to see you. You look terrific and you need to tell me all about it.” Cyn fired up little blue and looked over her shoulder to pull out.

  “So, tomorrow it’s back to the same old grind. I can hardly wait.” Kidding of course, Alex looked over at Cyn.

  “Well, not exactly the same old grind.” Cyn figured now was as good a time as any to fill Alex in.