Chapter 10
Connor's directions to the Double Bar S Ranch were easy to follow. In no time at all Abby drove through the open entry gates. She read over the last few sentences of the directions carefully. Connor had warned her it was easy to miss the turn to the main house. She drove until the massive Spanish-style hacienda came into view. She slowed the truck to a stop and stared at the mansion. "Who could possibly miss this?" she said in awe.
The structure was huge and imposing. The white stucco walls gave a sense of strength to the home while the large arched windows added grace and light. The steps leading up to the covered landing and entry were fashioned out of rose-colored granite. The sloping roof was covered in red Spanish tile that complimented the color of the granite stairs. Every few steps, an artfully placed terra cotta pot filled with flowers drew her eye upward. Every element of the design pointed the way to the beautifully detailed double doors of the entrance.
Abby gnawed at her lip in worry as she realized that Cindy hadn't overstated things when she said the family was wealthy. She finished the drive around the oval roundabout in front of the house and parked the car off to one side of the steps.
She got out of the car and nervously ran her hands along her designer jeans wondering if she was under-dressed. She was glad she had chosen the delicate white blouse with the lace trim and her blue denim pumps that were formal and feminine enough to dress up the look of her jeans. She was also very glad she had opted to use a bit of blusher and pink lipstick. She started up the steps just as the doors opened.
Connor came out onto the porch to greet her, "Wow, you look great!"
She smiled and relaxed, "Thanks. You look pretty good too." She noticed he had trimmed and combed his hair. He wore deep blue slacks, comfortable looking loafers and a light blue, long-sleeve dress shirt. The top button of his shirt was open and his shirtsleeves were rolled back a few turns so that his wrists and forearms were exposed.
He took her hand and led her into the grand entry hall of the house. The first thing she noticed was a highly polished wooden table supporting a large cut glass vase filled with wildflowers. Beyond the table, two branches of a double staircase curved upward to the second floor. Between the two staircases, a huge oil painting depicting a field of bluebonnets under a large oak tree dominated the wall.
Her attention shifted from the painting to a massive crystal chandelier above her head. "Wow," she exclaimed as she tried not to stare.
"Yeah, the house is pretty impressive, but mom does a lot to make it feel welcoming," he said casually. "My grandfather is in his study. We'll join him in a minute, but first let's get you something to drink," he said as he veered off to the right. He led Abby into a large open kitchen area where the table had already been set for dinner.
A dark haired woman stirred a pot on the stove, "Connor come taste this for me. I need to know if I should add more seasoning," she said cheerfully. She set her spoon down and wiped her hands on her apron when she spotted Abby.
"Mom, this is Abby," he said leading her forward. "Abby, this is Susan Temple."
"Hello," Abby said as she wondered whether to address the woman as Mrs. Temple.
"Call me Susan. I'm so glad you could join us for dinner. Connor has been telling us about you and your work with the horned lizards. Would you like some lemonade," she asked.
"Thank you, that would be lovely."
Once Abby had her drink, Connor took her free hand again. "Mom, I'm going to introduce her to granddad."
"Fine. I'll come get you when dinner is ready."
They wandered back through the main entryway and into the left-hand hallway that led to a large paneled room lined with books. Abby's attention was instantly drawn to the handsome, silver-haired man seated in an over-stuffed leather chair.
He had been waiting for her. As soon as she entered the room, he stood up and took her hand, "Abby Maitland. Good to meet you. I'm Mike Steadman," he said with a firm handshake. "I hope you haven't minded Connor's visits to check up on you," he said. "I've been interested in the horned lizards for years and was so excited when A&M suggested the study." The older man paused and looked at Abby carefully. "Connor… why didn't you mention how lovely Ms Maitland is?"
"Granddad, behave yourself," Connor said good-naturedly.
Abby smiled, catching Connor's eye as she replied, "I can see where Connor learned to flirt."
Mike laughed heartily, "You're a clever girl. I've done my best to teach the boy, but he still won't settle down and get himself married."
Connor looked uncomfortable for the first time. He poured himself a small glass of sparkling water and cleared his throat, "Abby's from the Blackburn area outside of London."
Mike gave her a hard look and then relented, "Connor's father is from there. Do you happen to know any of the Temple family in London?"
"No, I don't," she said.
Mike gave her a curious look. "So Abby, do you have a fellow back in London? You're not engaged or married, are you?"
Connor choked on his water as Abby gave him a stunned look. She was saved from answering when Susan walked into the room. "Dinner is ready."
"Thank you!" Connor mumbled in relief.
The next two hours flew by as they all sat around the dinner table to talk and laugh. Abby discussed her lizard observations and expressed her hope that the threatened species would be protected. Next, the conversation turned toward Connor's childhood adventures as told by Susan. After that, Mike shared some of his escapades as a young man. Abby found herself included in the center of a loving family, almost as if she belonged. It was a strange and wonderful feeling to be accepted so completely.
After dessert, Connor stood and pulled Abby's chair out for her. "Now that you two have had a chance to talk with Abby about the lizards, I think I'll show her my place."
Abby held out her hand to Susan and Mike, "Thank you so much for dinner. I had a lovely time."
"Come back soon and I'll dig out Connor's baby pictures," Susan said as she watched her son lead the beautiful girl away.
Abby chuckled as Connor shot his mother a look of pure embarrassment. His good humor returned as he looked down into Abby's laughing, happy face.
Mike took a long look at Connor's face while his grandson's attention was focused on the young woman. As soon as Abby was out of the room, he patted his daughter's hand and said with certainty, "You can bet we'll be seeing that girl again."