But available.
Thomas stepped down.
Thirty-two.
Tall.
Slim.
Expensive wool coat.
Same auburn shade in his hair as Lara.
Same hazel eyes.
Different soul behind them.
He looked toward the ramp Elias built.
Then Lara.
His expression combined relief and disgust.
“Lara.”
She said nothing.
Thomas approached.
“You look well.”
Elias saw Lara’s shoulders tighten.
Thomas looked toward him.
“Mr. Montgomery.”
“Mr. Higgins.”
Thomas smiled.
“I believe we've both been victims of some confusion.”
Lara almost laughed.
“Confusion?”
Thomas turned.
“Lara, perhaps we should speak privately.”
“No.”
He blinked.
“This is family business.”
“You made it Elias’s business when you forged his signature.”
Thomas’s face barely changed.
Good liar.
“Forged?”
“Yes.”
“I was assured by the agency—”
“There is no agency.”
Silence.
Thomas looked toward Elias.
Elias said:
“Try again.”
Thomas’s jaw tightened.
“Caleb Ryland arranged correspondence.”
Lara held up the letter.
Thomas saw his own handwriting.
His face changed.
Only slightly.
Enough.
“Where did you get that?”
“Caleb.”
“You stole private correspondence.”
“You sold me for five thousand dollars.”
Thomas's eyes flickered.
Elias moved half a step forward.
Lara lifted one hand.
He stopped.
Thomas saw that too.
His contempt returned.
“This is what happens when you fill her head.”
Lara stared.
“My head?”
Thomas ignored her.
Looked at Elias.
“My sister is emotionally vulnerable.”
“She has always struggled with perspective.”
Elias said:
“Talk to her.”
Thomas smiled coldly.
“I have spent twenty-eight years talking to her.”
Lara felt old fear.
The reflex to shrink.
Apologize.
Let Thomas explain who she was.
Then she looked at the ranch house.
The ramp.
The pantry ledger.
The river.
Elias.
And something inside her refused.
“Show me Father’s trust.”
Thomas stopped.
“What?”
“Full accounting.”
“I don't carry financial records across Dakota.”
“Then you can return to Boston and send them.”
He laughed.
“You're coming with me.”
“No.”
The word sounded simple.
Thomas stared.
“What did you say?”
“No.”
“You've embarrassed yourself enough.”
Lara’s hands trembled.
She clasped them.
“I am not returning.”
“Because you think this man wants you?”
There it was.
Elias’s face darkened.
Lara said:
“This has nothing to do with whether Elias wants me.”
Thomas smiled cruelly.
“Doesn't it?”
He looked toward Elias.
“You understand my sister requires considerable accommodation.”
Elias answered:
“So does winter.”
Thomas frowned.
Lara almost smiled.
Thomas continued:
“She has medical expenses.”
“Mobility limitations.”
“Special clothing.”
“Food—”
Elias’s voice cut through.
“Finish that sentence and you leave now.”
Thomas laughed.
“Aren't you noble.”
“No.”
Elias looked at Lara.
“I just don't like cowards.”
Thomas’s face hardened.
Lara stepped forward.
“The trust.”