“It’s amazing,” Nick said, “how this ranch has grown. Do you know when I was last here there was no town, just two little cabins that two of the hands built for their brides and a general store.”
“Really? Why, I even saw a bank this afternoon.”
“You’re right, Derek does have a bank.”
“It’s your father’s!”
Nick nodded, smiling. “Rathe talked him into it. Everything you see sprang up to support the ranch—Derek has two hundred employees working for him. Many have families and live in the town. Families need a postal office and shops, restaurants , a bank. The new railhead will bring even more business. Derek told me they’re electing a mayor this spring.”
“So this is genesis,” Jane said. “It’s incredible, Nick, when you know the entire story—how Derek brought Miranda here when it was nothing but a wilderness—he made this all for her and you and Rathe and Storm.”
“With his own two hands. My father is quite a man,” Nick said, with obvious pride.
“And your mother quite a woman—to come from a convent in France and manage to thrive here!”
Nick stared down at the ranch. “This was quite the homecoming, Jane.”
“I’m so happy we came. I’m so happy you and your father had this out.”
“So am I. I feel like a whole person again. But you know what’s funny?”
“What?”
“Even though this is home, and it always will be, it’s not the way it used to be.”
“What do you mean, Nicholas?”
“I mean”—and he smiled at her—“I am very aware of the fact that Dragmore is patiently awaiting our return.”
Jane’s heart swelled with joy. “You miss our home, Nicholas?”
“Yes, I do. I really do. Dragmore is in my blood, Jane. I don’t know how it got there.”
She gripped his hand. “It’s half your heritage too, Nicholas.”
They were silent for a long while, both lost in their own thoughts, but both thinking of Drag-more—of home.
“If you want,” Nick said, “we can return sooner. We don’t have to stay the six weeks we promised.”
“Do you want to go back earlier?”
“No. There’s so much catching up to do …”
“Good,” Jane said, leaning close. “Because we don’t know when we will come again, especially now.” Her hand touched her abdomen and rested there.
The earl pulled her against his side, his expression soft and adoring. “Just think,” he whispered, “next April I’ll be bouncing our baby on my knee.”
“I’m glad you’re so happy.” “Deliriously so. How does six sound?” Jane froze. “Six?” “Six.”
“Six, er, what, Nicholas?”
He kept a straight face. “Six children.”
Her eyes widened, he whooped and hugged her. “I can compromise,” he whispered in her ear.
“Good,” Jane said, relieved. “We’ll settle on ten, then.”
He roared. His arms still around her, his laughter subsided, and they gazed out at the panorama spread before them, each cherishing their own special thoughts. The golden eagle took wing again and soared above them.
