Page 60 of The Cattleman’s Unforgettable Love: Ford and Amelia (MacFarland Ranch #11)

She shook her head. "It doesn't make sense.

Aren't they supposed to track down relatives?

Do they just sweep kids into the foster care system rather than putting any effort into finding family they could stay with?

" She shrugged. "I didn't want to talk about this this afternoon because it's been so good to catch up with you.

And there's no point getting all bogged down in what can't be changed.

But I can't help feeling guilty, you know? "

"Oh, Lia, I do know what you mean. I understand it, but there's no reason for you to feel guilty. I have to say that to make sure that you understand. But at the same time, just because it's true doesn't mean that you don't. I know that.

“What's happening with that whole deal now? The kids have been here for a little while with you. Is their paperwork moving through the system? I know when Mateo and Maya came to us, there was so much paperwork, I thought it might never end."

Amelia shook her head. "Cash keeps telling us that he's on the case.

" She let out a short laugh. "I have every faith in that man.

But that doesn't stop me from looking over my shoulder sometimes, wondering if someone might be coming to arrest us for abducting them – or even worse, to take them away again. "

"No," said Sierra. "There's no way. You're not the one in the wrong here. The people in Florida should have tracked you down after Crystal died. You're their closest living relative. They should have contacted you. You should have been made their legal guardian immediately."

"You would think, wouldn't you?" Amelia blew out a sigh. "I just can't wait to get all of that sorted out. I mean, we can't even register them at school."

"Oh, I didn't think of that," said Sierra. "I thought you guys had decided to homeschool them."

"I don't know what we've decided yet," Amelia said.

"Like everything else, it's up in the air.

Hunter's so smart that he could probably test into middle school.

But I think that would be a disaster for him – socially, at least Nat thinks – and she's right – that he needs to go to school to be around kids his own age.

He's kind of reserved, a bit introverted. "

Sierra smiled at her. "And highly intelligent. A lot like you."

That made Amelia smile. "I guess so."

Sierra chuckled. "Wade and I were talking about this the other night. He said that from what he's seen, Hunter's just like you and Nat's like Ford."

Amelia shot her a puzzled look. "She is? In what way?"

"You know – she looks kind of angry and surly most of the time. Just like Ford does. But mostly she's focused on taking care of her little brother – just like Ford has always done with the rest of them. And when you get past the frosty exterior, they both have a wicked sense of humor."

Amelia grinned as it struck her that Sierra was right.

“And you hadn’t realized that yourself?” Sierra asked.

“No,” she said honestly. “Most of the time I’ve been too busy – trying to keep up, trying to make sure Hunter feels safe and that Nat’s not too mad about something… trying to make them feel at home.”

She shrugged. “I’m not complaining. I love them – I really do. And I think we’re starting to turn the corner. But it’s not been easy.”

“I can imagine,” said Sierra. “It wasn’t easy for us when Mateo and Maya first arrived – and they were both younger than Hunter is now. Neither of them had the kind of attitude Nat does. I don’t know how you do it.”

“Mostly by following Ford’s lead. That man…” She shook her head with a smile.

Sierra grinned at her. “That man is wonderful. And I love that you two found each other. I love it for you and for him – and the kids. And I don’t mind telling you that I love it for myself, too. I finally get my best friend to keep her promise to move here.”

Amelia felt bad for a moment. She had made that promise – but she’d only come good on it because of Ford… and now the kids.

Sierra reached across to touch her arm.

“I know that look on your face. I know what you’re thinking – and there’s nothing for you to feel bad about. Of course I would have loved it if you’d just moved here to be near me. But it makes me even happier that now you have your very own family too.”

Amelia gripped the steering wheel a little tighter.

Sierra laughed.

“Sorry – I know you’re not used to the idea yet. I shouldn’t have said it out loud, should I? But don’t let it freak you out. It’s true.”

Amelia nodded happily. “It does still freak me out, but that doesn’t mean I don’t love it.” She glanced at the clock on the dash. “What do you think? Should we stop in at the bakery on our way back – see if they’re still there and how they’re doing?”

“I’d love to,” said Sierra. “Mateo and Maya were really excited to meet them. I hope they’re all getting along okay.”

“Yeah, me too. I’m not so worried about Hunter and your guys… but Nat… I hope she’s going to get along with Tanya.”

Sierra looked a little worried as she said, “Me too. Tanya’s a sweetheart – she’s very easygoing. But I don’t think she’s all that… worldly, if you know what I mean.”

Amelia nodded grimly. “Yeah, I know exactly what you mean. Sounds like she’s going to be the complete opposite of Nat. That girl’s had to be street smart – and survive on her wits.”

“Maybe they’ll be good for each other,” Sierra said hopefully.

Amelia let out a short laugh. “Yeah, maybe.”

~ ~ ~

Ford stood at the counter with Wade. He was pleased with the way the afternoon had gone. Hunter, Mateo, and Ashton were all sitting in a booth in the corner, chattering away as if they’d known each other forever.

Little Maya kept running over to check on them before going back to talk to Rocket. The big man was her hero.

He checked his watch. They’d been here much longer than he expected. He’d told Amelia not to worry about them – that she and Sierra should stay in Bozeman as long as they wanted – and they’d see her back at home. But now he was getting concerned that she might be back before them.

When he checked his watch again, Wade nudged him with his elbow.

“Are you getting worried about her?”

“Not worried.” He frowned when he remembered what Amelia had said this morning – that this would be the first time she and Sierra had driven over to Bozeman together since Jared had run them off the road.

“Relax. I didn’t mean that kind of worried,” said Wade. “It’s not like she has a jilted groom out there somewhere who might be out for revenge, is it?”

“No,” said Ford, pulling himself together. “That wasn’t what I was thinking. It’s just that they might be back by now. They’ll at least be on their way – and I don’t want her to go back to an empty house while we’re here.”

Wade chuckled. “I was thinking that Sierra might appreciate an empty house for a little while. But you might be right. Do you want me to call her since Amelia’s driving?”

“It’s okay,” said Ford. “I’ll give her a quick shout.”

Tanner came to join them and smirked at Ford when he saw his phone in his hand.

“You don’t need that,” he said. “They’re just pulling up outside.”

Ford looked down when his phone buzzed in his hand. Amelia had sent him a text.

Lil Bit: We stopped when we saw all the ranch trucks still here. How’s it going? I thought I’d check before we came in.

He chuckled.

Ford: Get your ass in here, Lil’ Bit – it’s going great. I think you’ll want to see this.

Lil Bit: On our way.

As Ford put his phone back in his pocket, he told the others, “They’re coming in.”

Tanner jutted his chin toward where Nat was sitting at a table with Tanya and Harper. It seemed to be going well, but Ford decided to go and check.

Harper looked up and smiled as he approached.

“How’s it going, ladies?” he asked.

He was relieved when Nat nodded happily.

“Hi, Uncle Ford,” Tanya greeted him. “We were just talking about going over to Bozeman – shopping.”

Nat glanced up at him but didn’t say anything.

His heart sank when he realized that he and Amelia hadn’t talked to the kids about an allowance or anything.

From the look on Nat’s face, he guessed she was feeling pretty uncomfortable.

How could she go shopping without money?

And he knew damn well she wasn’t going to say anything about it.

He rested his hand on her shoulder and said, “That sounds like fun. What kind of shopping?”

She shrugged, and Tanya said, “Clothes shopping. I’m going to show Nat what kids wear around here – and she’s going to show me the kind of stuff that she’s used to.”

Ford squeezed Nat’s shoulder. “That sounds good. Do you want me to take you guys?”

Harper smiled at him and said, “I’ve offered my services as chauffeur and style consultant – if that’s all right with you.”

That took him by surprise, and he glanced at Nat.

She grinned. “I’d like to go with her – if you don’t mind.”

“Sure.” He nodded, wondering what was going on. He could tell from the looks on both Nat and Harper’s faces that there was something.

Harper laughed and nudged Nat with her elbow. “Do you want to tell him, or should I?”

He was relieved to see Nat grin at her.

“I will.” She turned back to Ford. “Harper here thought I was being… being mean to Tanya.” She gave Harper a meaningful look as she added, “I wasn’t.

It’s just that we’re different. I said there probably weren’t any stores around here that sold real clothes instead of…

” Her words trailed off and she shrugged.

“You know – what you all wear. Cow people clothes.”

Ford exchanged a look with Harper and they both laughed.

Harper asked, “Do I look like a cow person, young lady?”

To his relief, Nat laughed.

“No. You don’t.” She gave Harper an appraising look. “That’s why I said thank you when you offered to take us. I don’t know what’s here, and you like you know what you’re doing.”

Tanya grinned. “Neither do I. But I want to learn.”

Harper got to her feet, looking a little uncomfortable.

“Why don’t you and Emmett figure out when’s a good time for me to take the girls – and you can let me know.”

Ford glanced over his shoulder and saw Emmett approaching. He gave Harper an inquiring look, but she just shrugged before telling Tanya, “Your dad’s here now, sweetie. I’ll be on my way.”

Ford watched her go. If he wasn’t mistaken, she was dodging Emmett – and that wasn’t like her.

When Emmett reached them, he smiled around at them. “Did you girls have a good time this afternoon?”

“We did. Thanks, Dad.”

Ford was glad to see Nat smile at him, too. She’d asked questions about all of the guys who’d been with them in Florida – and she’d particularly remembered the way Emmett had talked to her. It made sense to Ford, since Emmett had raised two girls by himself.

“We did. Thanks.”

“That’s good,” said Emmett, “but I’m afraid we have to go now, Tanya. Trip, and Shelley are almost home with Alana.”

Tanya turned to Nat. “Let me give you my number.”

Ford’s heart sank. It hadn’t occurred to him that Nat would need a phone of her own. He didn’t know the first thing about kids and how they lived in the world.

Nat dropped her gaze, and Emmett was the one who picked up on what was going on. He took a notepad from his pocket and set it in front of Tanya.

“Why don’t you write your number down?” he told her.

She gave him a puzzled look but didn’t argue. After she’d written it, he tore the page off and handed it to Ford with a meaningful look.

“You can figure that out for her, can’t you?”

“I’m right on it.”

After they’d said their goodbyes, he slid into the seat opposite Nat.

“Shit. I’m sorry, honey. There’s so much I haven’t thought about.”

She looked so angry as she stared at him that her words came as a surprise. “You’re not seriously going to apologize that I don’t have a phone, are you?”

“I am. And not just that. You need your own phone – and you need to know that you have money. And don’t worry. You want to go shopping with Tanya? I’ll make sure you have money. You can buy what you want.”

She let out a short laugh. “Ford, you and Amelia have already done so much for Hunter and me. I’ve never had a phone.

There’s no reason I should have one now.

And I don’t need new clothes. I’ve never really had those either.

I just didn’t want to say so to Tanya. She seems nice – but I don’t think she’d understand. ”

She looked down at herself. “Amelia already bought me clothes in town.” She gave him a wry smile. “And to tell you the truth, I kind of like the ancient cowgirl clothes Laney let me borrow.”

Ford had to smile. “Maybe so, honey, and I’m glad you like what you have. But you need to be able to choose what you want. And saying that you’ve never had a phone or new clothes doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t have them now.”

He tried to control his expression. He didn’t want her to see how angry he was about that.

“As a matter of fact, it means you should have them. It means I’m going to make sure you get them – you and Hunter.”

“Okay.” She smiled at him. “But if you want to get something… I’d rather you put the money you were going to spend on me toward a laptop for Hunter.”

Ford got to his feet and beckoned for her to do the same.

“Come here.”

She stepped toward him, looking cautious – until he held his arms out to her. Then she threw herself against him and he hugged her tight.

“We’re going to figure it out. We’re going to figure it all out. But I need you to understand – you don’t have to do without anymore. We’ve got you. Both of you. You know the way you take care of him? Well, that’s the way we want to take care of you. Okay?”

She buried her face in his chest and nodded.

Amelia appeared, looking worried – but Ford shook his head and smiled.

“It’s all okay,” he mouthed.

And it was.

He was going to make damn sure of it.