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Almost as quickly as Trey climbed onto Chase’s lap, he scooted off it and grabbed hold of his hand to pull him out of the Suburban. “Come on, Grampa. Ya gotta see my new horse. His name’s Joe.”
“Joe. That’s a good name.” Chase stood up, a little stiff after the long ride.
“You can show him your horse later.” Jessy briefly placed a detaining hand on Trey’s head, then stepped forward to give Chase a light kiss on the cheek. “Welcome home, Chase.”
“It’s good to be back,” he told her, but each knew it was part of an act they were going through and only they knew it.
“Grampa’s not sick, Momma,” Laura informed her and tipped her blond head way back to look up at Chase. “Momma said you got ’nesia, but you remembered me.”
Jessy experienced a moment of unease, aware that Monte had to be listening to every word. But Chase simply chuckled.
“I can remember a few things, and I am very glad you are one of them,” he told Laura.
With that settled, Laura moved on to more important matters. “Did you bring me a present, Grampa? You were in Texas an awfully long time.”
Chase didn’t immediately answer and glanced at Jessy instead. “Do I usually bring presents for them?”
Jessy couldn’t tell if he genuinely didn’t remember or was merely pretending. “No, you don’t. And you shouldn’t be asking,” she admonished Laura and drew her aside, making room for her mother.
Taking no chances, she introduced herself, “I’m Judy Niles, Chase. Jessy’s mother.” She fairly beamed at the sight of him. “It’s so good to have you back with us.”
“I remember you, Judy.” Chase’s smile was wide. His glance went past her. “Is Stumpy here, too?”
“No, but I expect he will be,” Judy declared. “He’s just like all of us at the Triple C. It’s such a miracle to have you back with us that we’re half afraid to believe it until we see you with our own eyes.”
While her mother chattered away to Chase, Jessy stole a glance at Monte. He stood near the pillar at the top of the steps, looking perfectly at ease, but his gaze was locked on Chase.
“Doesn’t he look good, Jessy?” Cat murmured near her elbow, pulling Jessy’s attention away from Markham.
“He certainly does.” She smiled at Cat’s glow of happiness.
“He told me on the way here that one of the first things he remembered was Captain. A longhorn steer, for heaven’s sake.” Cat shook her head in amusement. “Isn’t that just like a Calder?”
Catching a movement in her side vision, Jessy turned her head. Monte was coming down the steps at a casual pace. She knew at once that he intended to approach Chase.
He waited until Judy Niles finished her sentence before he stepped forward. “I don’t mean to intrude,” he interrupted with a smoothness that was completely natural to him. “But I wanted to add my welcome to all the others. I’m Monte Markham.” He extended a hand in formal greeting. “I am glad that, like Lazarus, you have come back to walk among us.”
“Mr. Markham.” Chase took his hand and stared intently at him. The impression he gave was that of someone straining to recall something important.
“Monte is the Triple C’s newest neighbor, Dad,” Cat inserted in an attempt to help him identify Monte. “He bought the old Gilmore place.”
Chase responded with a slow and thoughtful nod. “It was good of you to be on hand today, Markham.”
“Sheer coincidence,” Monte assured him with a bluff heartiness.
There was a faint narrowing of Chase’s eyes. “You are in cattle.”
“Indeed, sir, I am. In fact, you were to be my guest when you returned from Texas. An invitation I extend to you again. I am very eager for you to see the herd of Highland cattle I recently imported.”
“Highland cattle,” Chase repeated.
“The finest, I assure you,” Monte insisted, then added dismissively, “But don’t let me get started extolling the many attributes of the breed. We’ll save that for another occasion. I am certain you are anxious to go inside and relax after your long flight. I won’t keep you.”
When Monte retreated toward his vehicle, Judy Niles protested, “Aren’t you joining us for lunch? I set a place for you at the table.”
“Another time,” Monte said and glanced at Chase. “Your first hours at home should be spent with family.”
“If you won’t stay for lunch, then you must come to the barbecue we are having for Chase on Sunday,” Judy insisted. “It will start at one and last until the cows come home.”
