Chapter 17

Maureen and Claude’s wedding went off without a hitch, and they looked deliriously happy. Tank was so pleased for her and had been seated in the same row as Chip and Alan. That alone nearly brought him to tears. Maureen looked amazing as a bride, with flowers in her hair. Like any rancher worth her salt, she had arrived at the ceremony on the back of a horse, with Alan leading it. Then he’d walked his mother down the aisle and placed her in the care of her husband-to-be.

“What are you looking for?” Alan asked as Tank stood off to the side of the reception area behind Claude’s impressive home. It was set up as a banquet for fifty and plenty of space left over.

“Nothing,” he answered slowly.

Alan patted his shoulder once. “I know you were hoping Collin would be able to come, and he was trying to find a way. He even had someone lined up to come in and stay with his father while he was gone.”

Tank nodded. “I know his father had another stroke and passed away two days ago.” He swallowed hard. “Collin called and told me. He also said that in the past few weeks, the two of them had talked a lot more than they had in the past and that the earl seemed content.”

“Yes. George and I offered to stay with him, but he told us the wedding was more important than the funeral. That he would be fine.”

“I can’t help wondering how he is going to do this all alone.” He watched as people gathered around the immense deck and patio area, their happy voices intermingling. This was a celebration. Tank set his glass aside. “I’m sorry to be such a downer, but….”

Alan chuckled. “You’re worried about him.” He tilted his head slightly, and Claude approached. Tank forced a smile because he was not going to disrespect the groom on such a happy occasion. “Hi, Claude.”

“Alan,” he said with a smile. “Is there something you need?”

“No. But I think Tank needs to speak with you. I’m going to go get another drink and then dance with George.” He headed off.

“Is there something you need from me?”

Claude shook his head as he watched his beautiful bride. “I have everything I need… and more. But I’ve been meaning to talk to you. I was going to wait until after the honeymoon, but Alan thought you might need to hear my thoughts.”

Tank was intrigued.

“Maureen and I are going to manage our holdings together. She is coming to live with me, and the house and ranch will be run through my organization until Chip is ready to take over. He wants to become a vet, and Maureen and I want to support him.” One thing Tank had to say about Claude, he was one of the most genuine and open people he had ever met. “The thing is that your piece of property, being right next to Maureen’s holdings, will fit in well.”

Tank narrowed his gaze. “You want to buy me out?”

Claude shook his head and smiled. “Not necessarily. I know that land has been in your family just like Maureen’s has, as well as the core of my ranch. Generations of people put their blood, sweat, and tears into these places. But if you like, yes, I am willing to buy your spread. Or if you’d rather, I am more than willing to lease your land from you.”

“Lease it?” Tank asked.

Claude nodded. “You have good rangeland and water access, and you connect to Maureen’s property. Technically, she would be the one leasing your place. Think about it, and we can talk in the next few weeks.” He gently patted Tank’s back. “I do not want to do something that you aren’t comfortable with, and if you wish to stay where you are, then there are no hard feelings and we’ll be sure to be good neighbors. Give what I’ve said some thought.”

Tank found himself nodding as Claude joined his bride and swept her out to dance. George and Alan joined them, as did other couples, and Tank wished he had Collin to dance with. Instead, he stood on the sidelines and watched the others.

The party went on well into the evening, but Tank said his goodbyes and went home. It was the wrong time to call Collin, so he sat up in the living room with a book, the dogs next to him on the sofa. Well, Sheba spent her time cuddled right next to him, and the two younger ones played on the floor most of the time before getting tired and joining their mother.

Tank should have been in bed long ago, and after reading the same paragraph three times, he set the book aside and texted Collin. When he got an answer right away, Tank phoned immediately.

“It’s awfully early for you,” Tank said.

“It’s late for you,” Collin retorted. “I was lying in bed, listening to this old house creak, and I figured I might as well get up. How was the wedding?”

“Very nice. Claude adores Maureen, and they both seemed to walk on air. They’re the lesson that it’s never too late for love.”

“Why, Tank, you are a cowboy romantic,” Collin told him, and Tank could feel the smile in his words. “I’m sorry I missed it. I’ve been making funeral arrangements, and it’s proving trickier than I thought. Father had some wishes written down, and I have looked them over. He wanted a big funeral, but that isn’t what’s done any longer, so I decided to have a quieter ceremony on Thursday. I expect much of the village will turn up, or at least I hope they will.” He sounded so tired. Tank lifted Sheba onto his lap and gently petted her. “You should get to bed, because you’ll still have be up with the sun in the morning.”

“And you should sleep so you can be ready for what comes next.” Tank wished he was there with him so he could guide Collin back up those wide stairs and down that great hall to his bedroom.

Collin sighed. “Good night, Tank.” He ended the call, and Tank figured it was time to go to bed. He had a ton of thinking to do.