Stone Cold Surrender - Brenda Jackson [46]
She gazed at him. “Do you like kids?”
He cast her a sideways glance. “Yes. Why do you ask?”
“Because I think it’s unfortunate that in a few years you’re going to find yourself in the same situation as your uncle.”
He held her gaze for a long moment, then said in a low voice, “Yeah, I guess you’re right. Come on. Chances are Uncle Corey knows we’re coming.”
Madison lifted her brow as the horses moved forward at a slow pace with Stone traveling slightly ahead. “How will he know that?”
Stone turned and looked back at her and the chuckle that poured from his lips seemed to echo in the wind. “Because Uncle Corey knows the moment anyone sets foot on his mountain. He may not know it’s us who’s coming but he knows that somebody is on his property.”
And as if to prove how well Stone knew his uncle, Madison watched as the front door of the huge ranch house swung open and a bear of a man—who looked to stand at least six-five—stepped out onto the wraparound porch. He was wearing a Stetson on his head and peered at them as if trying to make out the identity of his trespassers. When moments passed and it became obvious that he’d figured out that at least one of them was his nephew, he smiled, tugged at the brim of his Stetson and stepped off the porch to come and meet them.
When he came closer the first thing Madison saw was that he was definitely a Westmoreland. Upon first meeting Durango she had immediately known that he and Stone were related and the same held true for Corey Westmoreland. He had the same dark eyes, the same forehead, chin and full lips.
The next thing she noticed was that, at fifty-four, he was a very good-looking man. Like his two nephews, he was magnificent. When he removed his hat she saw that his dark hair had streaks of gray at the temple, making him seem distinguished, as well as handsome. And he appeared to be in excellent physical shape. This was definitely a man who could still grab female interest and she could see why her mother had evidently found him attractive and irresistible.
As soon as Corey reached them Stone brought his bay to a stop and was off his horse in a flash, engulfing his uncle in a huge embrace. “Well, my word Stone, it’s good seeing you. I almost forgot Durango had mentioned that you would be visiting these parts. The phone’s been down for a couple of weeks and I’ve been cut off from civilization.”
Corey Westmoreland then turned his attention to Madison who was still sitting on the back of her horse staring at him. He tipped his hat to her. “Howdy, ma’am,” he said walking over and offering her his hand in a friendly handshake. “Welcome to Corey’s Mountain and who might you be?”
Madison saw the look of amusement in Corey Westmoreland’s dark eyes and knew he had immediately jumped to the conclusion that she was there because of Stone and that the two of them were lovers. She could give him credit for being partly right.
She accepted his assistance when he reached up to help her off her horse and knew the exact moment that Stone came to stand beside her. “Hello, Mr. Westmoreland, I’m Madison Winters and I’ve come to see my mother.”
There was complete silence for a few moments, then Madison watched as the look in Corey Westmoreland’s eyes became tender and, when he spoke, his tone of voice matched that look. “So you’re Madison? I’ve heard a lot about you. Abby will be glad to see you.”
Madison nodded as she tried reading signs in the older man’s features that indicated otherwise. “She doesn’t know I’m coming.”
He chuckled. “That won’t mean a thing. She hoped you had gotten the messages she’d left so you wouldn’t worry. With the phones being down, she couldn’t leave any more. I’m hoping Liam will be feeling well enough to do the repairs.”
Madison lifted a brow. “Liam?”
“Yes, he’s another rancher who lives on the opposite mountain. He’s also the area’s repair man and electrician.” Corey Westmoreland put his hat back on. “But enough about that. I’m sure you’re eager to see your mama.”
“Yes, I am.” Madison glanced