Better than Gold

By Mildred Colvin

She inherited half the ranch and had to stay. Allison grew up with stories of her grandfather’s cruelty. How the rich old man refused to help her mother, his only daughter, and that he had no interest in meeting his three grandchildren. Now, Allison’s living on his ranch and everyone in Oklahoma seems to think he could do no wrong. If she stays one year, she’ll own half the ranch worth three million dollars. If she leaves, everything goes to Daniel Sterns, the boy her grandfather took in and treated as his grandson while he turned his back on his real grandchildren.

Daniel Sterns owes his life to Allison’s grandfather. He took him in and treated him like family. He wants to continue the favor by opening the ranch to boys in need. Allison doesn’t approve, but in spite of her attitude and confusion, he’s drawn to her and wonders if sharing the ranch wouldn’t be better if they merge not only the ranch, but their lives as husband and wife. Now, if only he can convince her.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Mildred Colvin
• Release date: Mar 22, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301416493

Mildred Colvin

Mildred Colvin is a wife, mother of three, and grandmother to three beautiful girls. She started writing when her children were young as they asked for stories. Not from a book. No! They were only satisfied when she made up stories. As the stories grew, she wrote some down and sent them off to magazines. Eight were published before her imagination turned toward love stories, which is what she enjoys reading.She has been writing Christian or clean and wholesome romance since 2001. Over the years several readers from pre-teens to older kids in their eighties and nineties have written expressing their interest in her books. She always loves to hear about one of her stories touching someone's heart. Her purpose in writing is to encourage, entertain, and bless someone else.She lives in the United States and sets her characters in the middle states from Texas to Nebraska and Iowa and reaching across Illinois to Colorado. She also has an Oregon Trail series, but the Great Plains states are her favorite setting.She is active in a very special critique group and has written and published over 60 books in both historical and contemporary themes, and plans to continue writing as long as God allows. He has been good in giving her many ideas for stories. Maybe more than she will be able to finish, but she enjoys each one.Please take a moment to visit her website at www.mildredcolvin.weebly.com, and sign up for her Romantic Reflections Newsletter to learn when new books are released. Also learn of promotions and free books through her newsletter.And take a look at her books. You might find something you don't want to put down.

Book preview

Better Than Gold

Mildred Colvin

Contemporary Christian Romance

Better Than Gold

Copyright © 2013 by Mildred Colvin

All rights reserved.

creativecommonsstockphotos|Dreamstime.com

Scripture portions are taken from the King James Version of the Bible.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or to events is entirely coincidental.

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means without permission in writing from its author except for brief quotations in printed reviews. Thank you for respecting the author’s work.

Contents

Dedication

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Epilogue

About Mildred

Note from Mildred

Preview of Double Blessing

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DEDICATION

To my heavenly Father who helps me more than I realize. He promised to be with me always, even to the end of the world. I could not write without Your help. Thank you, Father.

Also to my son, Daniel, for his contribution to this book and his support of my writing. God bless you, Daniel! I love you. Walk with God!

Chapter 1

Allison Johnson stared at the stranger lying in the casket and hated him with every fiber of her being. If he hadn’t already been dead, she would wish he was.

George Murray lived his life as an example of Christian love. The minister’s voice droned on, but Allison heard only snatches of his message and believed none of it. George Murray had turned his back on Allison’s family. She would never forgive him.

She crossed her arms and glanced at Mrs. Roundtree’s tear-stained face.

She should never have come to Oklahoma. Yet how could she have refused? The attorney had made it sound so enticing. Telling her she’d receive a fortune if she, her brother, and sister came to their grandfather’s funeral. What other choice did she have?

Allison turned to look at Christopher and Breanna, sitting quietly to her left. They’d scarcely had time to catch their breath since the attorney had called. Both teenagers were excited at the thought of an inheritance. If she got enough to buy a house, she’d be happy. The kids needed a proper home, not a two-bedroom apartment with no yard.

She mentally scoffed as she looked again at the remains of the grandfather she had never known. Despite the attorney’s insinuations, they probably now owned some run-down farm in the middle of the Oklahoma Ozarks. Ha! Just what they needed to make their life complete—yeah, sure.

She settled back to endure the rest of the service. So far this trip hadn’t cost her a dime, and she didn’t intend to stay long enough for that to change. As soon as the old man was in the ground and the required meeting with the attorney was over, she would take whatever cash she could get her hands on and head back home to Chicago.

As the minister stepped to the head of the casket and people began filing past, Allison breathed a sigh of relief. The sermon, at least, had ended.

When the last person in the long line of mourners turned toward the back of the church and outdoors, Allison stood with the few remaining to go through the motions of respect. She noticed six young men sitting together and assumed they were pallbearers. All wore solemn expressions, yet one stood out from the others. Whether his deep red hair drew her attention or the fact he seemed especially affected, she didn’t know. When he looked up as if feeling her gaze, the expression in his eyes tore through her heart.

Allison looked away as she followed Mrs. Roundtree to the front, but she couldn’t rid her mind of the accusing look she’d just seen in the stranger’s pain-filled eyes. Why? She had done nothing to that man.

She paused at the casket. Even death hadn’t erased the stern expression from her grandfather’s face that Allison had always imagined from her mother’s earliest stories. She turned away and walked to the back of the church.

I’m so sorry about your grandfather. One woman said as she patted Allison’s shoulder. He was a good man and we’ll all miss him.

Allison could think of nothing to say, so gave the woman a smile. She turned to another mourner and then another, enduring each overture until the pallbearers filed out, three on each side of the casket on wheels.

While they slid the heavy silver-plated box into the back of the hearse, mourners drifted away to their vehicles.

We’ll go in the family car behind the hearse. Mrs. Roundtree’s red-rimmed eyes held warmth as she turned her smile from Allison to the young teens.

The ride to the cemetery took less than fifteen minutes. As they turned off the highway onto a gravel road, Allison glanced out the rear window, amazed to see an unending line of vehicles following.

Such had not been the case at her mother’s funeral two years before. Her mother and stepfather, Christopher and Breanna’s father, were buried the same day. The double service took place in a funeral home with only a handful of mourners. Few people knew or cared that Jack and Janette Lawrence had lost their lives in a fiery automobile crash. The matching caskets had remained closed, and the service had been short and impersonal. Her mother’s father hadn’t even bothered to come.

Allison felt the car break to a stop and brought her mind to the present. She followed her brother and sister as they moved with others to form a semi-circle around the casket already waiting above the grave that would soon become the final resting place for the remains of their grandfather.

The graveside service ended almost before it started, and Allison sidestepped well-meaning people as she headed back to the waiting car with Christopher and Breanna following.

Aren’t we going to speak to anyone? Breanna paused as if to return to the buzz of the visiting mourners.

Not if I can help it. Allison turned away from a woman who seemed to bear down on them. Come on. The sooner we get out of here, the better.

Oh, all right. Breanna trudged after her older sister. I don’t like all that hugging, anyway.

Allison would have agreed, but at that moment, the redheaded pallbearer stepped in front of her. The green of his eyes barely registered in her mind before she recognized a sort of wary distrust lurking in their depths. Yet his smile seemed almost genuine.

Hi, I’m Daniel Sterns. I would say I’m glad to meet you, but under the circumstances... His voice trailed away as he swallowed and averted his gaze.

Oh, lovely, Allison resisted the urge to roll her eyes. Another person who thinks my grandfather lived and breathed on a higher plane than mere mortal man.

Let’s just say I’ve heard a lot about you, and it’s nice to finally meet you. His smile returned. His gaze caught hers and held.

She looked away first and saw Mrs. Roundtree standing with another woman, deep in conversation. Yes, well nice meeting you, too, Mr. Sterns. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I am having lunch with the Roundtrees and need to go.

Before he spoke again, Allison turned and continued her exodus to the Roundtree’s car where Christopher and Breanna waited. By the time they’d crammed into the backseat, Mr. and Mrs. Roundtree arrived.

Mr. Murray had so many friends, Mrs. Roundtree turned from the front seat. Everyone wanted to talk about all the things he did for them. We will miss your grandfather around here.

As the older woman dabbed her eyes, Allison tried to keep her face without expression. They could miss him all they wanted in these Oklahoma hills. Her mother had never missed him. If these people knew how he’d treated his own family, surely they wouldn’t think he was so wonderful.

After they ate lunch in a small café on the outskirts of town, Warren Roundtree drove down Main Street to the business district where he angle parked in front of a brick building that appeared to have grown up with the town.

The three siblings silently followed Mr. and Mrs. Roundtree into the cool, dark building and up a flight of creaking stairs to a long hall running the length of the building and stopped at the first door.

As they filed into the office, the secretary greeted them with a smile. Mr. Brown is ready for you. She opened the inner office door and stepped back.

Mrs. Roundtree led the way. Just before the secretary pulled the door shut, the redheaded pallbearer stepped through. Allison frowned. Why was he in attendance? The attorney had told her this would be a very brief meeting to read her grandfather’s will. She turned her attention to the middle-aged man who stood to shake hands with each of them.

He took her hand. I don’t think I’ve ever attended such an inspiring service as your grandfather’s funeral this morning. I know he would have been pleased.

Allison managed a tight smile before moving back from the attorney.

He turned to Daniel Sterns.

Daniel clasped the man’s hand. Yes, Grandpa would have been pleased. Thank you for attending. He would have wanted you there.

Allison barely heard the attorney’s response as Daniel’s words seared into her brain. Grandpa? What was going on? Her mother was an only child, wasn’t she? How could this redheaded man be her cousin? She met the questioning look in her brother’s eyes and shrugged.

Before Allison could sort out the confusion that one word had caused, the attorney asked them to find a place to sit, then returned to his desk.

While he opened a file, took out some papers and read the legal jargon, Allison leaned forward. This was what she’d come for. Grandfather Murray owed them for his ill treatment all those years ago, and she intended to collect.

Grandfather. The title sounded strange. She had never had a grandfather. There’d been no one but her mother and Jack, and then the two children.

To my friend and faithful ranch manager, Warren Roundtree, and to his wife Gertrude Roundtree, I bequeath the forty acres and home...

Forty acres and a three-bedroom house? That sounded like a lot for a farm hand. Actually, it sounded like the entire farm.

Mrs. Roundtree dabbed her eyes and smiled, no doubt pleased with her inheritance. Allison folded her arms and leaned back in her chair while the lawyer continued listing the contents and location of the farm that now belonged to the Roundtrees.

She shot a quick scorn-filled glance from the older couple to Daniel Sterns. What was his claim to her grandfather? An illegitimate grandchild, perhaps? As the only legal heirs, Allison, Christopher, and Breanna deserved everything their grandfather had. If there was anything left.

Allison glanced at Chris and Brea sitting beside her, one on either side. They were her life. Always had been. Chris would soon turn fifteen. Sometimes he seemed so grown up, but most of the time he was her little boy, just as he’d been from the time of his birth. Brea at thirteen wanted to be twenty. She couldn’t wait to live her life, and that frightened Allison.

She’d always mothered her younger brother and sister, and even more so after their parents died.

To my granddaughter, Allison Lorene Johnson, I bequeath one half the above mentioned ranch or six thousand acres of land, extending from...

Six thousand acres of land? Allison mentally calculated the market value of farmland. Depending on the going rate in eastern Oklahoma, she could easily have three million dollars if she could find a buyer for such a large acreage.

Including the main house, outbuildings, stables, and all improvements, one-half the current assets in livestock, equipment...

The lawyer continued the list while Allison’s mind whirled. She hadn’t known her grandfather owned so much. Why had her mother never mentioned that? And how could she possibly liquidate it all in a week? She had to be back at her job on the following Monday morning. That gave her only nine days counting both weekends to find a real estate agent, not to mention set up an auction for everything else.

To my grandson Christopher Jackson Lawrence, I bequeath the cash sum of one hundred fifty thousand dollars to be held in trust for one year after my demise. To my granddaughter Breanna Jane Lawrence, I bequeath the cash sum of one hundred fifty thousand dollars to be held in trust for one year after my demise.

To Daniel Travis Sterns, my foster grandson, I bequeath one-half of the ranch, equipment and animals.

Foster grandson? Allison’s mind whirled. What did that mean? Daniel got a one-year-old quad cab truck while he gave Allison the family car. He would receive four hundred thousand dollars after a one-year wait while she would get only three hundred thousand dollars. The obvious partiality her grandfather showed for Daniel irritated her, but she held her peace.

The attorney lowered the papers in his hands and looked at each of them. Those of us who knew George Murray can attest to the fact that he had a mind of his own. He’s left each of you a generous portion of his earthy goods. However, he made it very clear and legally binding that his instructions were to be followed before you could obtain the inheritance.

Silence pressed against Allison’s nerves, as everyone in the room seemed to hold their breath. What now? The lawyer began reading again.

For one year from today, the reading of my will, my good friends, Warren and Gertrude Roundtree, my foster grandson, Daniel Sterns, and my grandchildren, Allison Johnson, and Christopher and Breanna Lawrence shall live as one family in the main house and work together on the ranch. No part of the ranch operation shall be changed until the year is past. Allison, Christopher, and Breanna must work in every area of the ranch operation in work suitable to their abilities in order for them to learn and understand the operation of the ranch under the direction of Warren Roundtree for which services they will each receive pay at a reasonable wage.

He glanced up before continuing. Allison, Christopher, and Breanna will also attend church services during the entire year with Warren and Gertrude Roundtree and Daniel Sterns at every available opportunity unless unable to attend because of sickness.

Allison sat in stunned silence. How could her grandfather do this to her? First, he dangled over three million dollars in front of her, then he controlled her life from the grave for an entire year before he would let her have anything.

Her mother had tried to tell her how controlling he was, how overbearing and stifling his demands could be. Her mother had been completely right. With so much property to give away at his death, he could have spared some while he still lived for his only daughter and her children. But he hadn’t given them a dime.

The injustice of the situation exploded in her mind, and she jumped from her chair. He cannot do this to us. I have a job in Chicago. We have an apartment. Our things are there. She gestured to her brother and sister. They have friends. School.

The attorney cleared his throat. Yes, your grandfather expected you might feel that way. He suggested you go to the ranch for a few days. Look it over first. Let the children help you decide. Then, if you stay, let Mr. Roundtree know, and it will be a simple matter to have your personal effects shipped to the ranch.

Allison stared at the attorney. He expected her to give up her job at the bank to slop hogs and gather eggs for an entire year? What then? If she could survive living in the same house with these people, and if she could endure fifty-two sermons in their church, maybe it would be worth three million dollars.

Her angry glare slid from one to the other as they watched her in silence. She couldn’t do it. She couldn’t give up her freedom. Not even for three million dollars. She turned back to the attorney.

Why don’t you give us the cash you mentioned? We’ll take our money and leave and promise to never bother you again.

He shook his head. I can’t. The will stipulates that you must live and work for one full year on the ranch to receive any part of your inheritance.

If you don’t want your half, why don’t you sell it to me? Daniel’s voice intruded on her anger, irritating her almost as much as his suggestion.

Allison turned and glared at him. Because I would have to stay here first.

Daniel shrugged. He seemed perfectly content with the way things were going. His left ankle rested on his right knee while he lounged in the chair. He grinned at her. That’s fine with me. I reckon I’ll get your share one way or the other, anyway.

What do you mean by that? Allison narrowed her eyes. He’d just issued a challenge. She should ignore him, but something deep inside wouldn’t allow her to walk away. She swung back to the attorney. What happens to my share if I don’t take it?

He nodded toward Daniel. According to Mr. Murray’s wishes, if you don’t fulfill the letter of the will, his grandson, Daniel Sterns will inherit your share.

She made a sound of derision. Grandson indeed. What about Chris and Breanna?

The attorney nodded. Yep, he’ll get theirs, too, as long as he abides by your grandfather’s wishes. The same holds true if Mr. Sterns backs out. You would get his share as long as you obey the letter of the will.

Allison turned and met the challenge in the smirk on Daniel’s face. She’d never let this supposed foster grandson have her inheritance. Even if she found a run-down log cabin in the northeast hills of Oklahoma, she’d fight for it with every bit of strength she had.

Chapter 2

Allison stared out the side window at the blur of a white rail fence running the length of the highway. How she ended up riding in the front seat of Daniel’s new truck, she didn’t know. After they’d left the attorney’s office, they’d gone shopping at some Western outfitter store, and Daniel had disappeared.

When the Roundtrees had insisted she and the children would need proper clothing, Allison hadn’t objected, thinking she’d better take what she could get. Of course, she hadn’t expected work clothes to comprise ordinary blue jeans, long-sleeved flannel shirts, and T-shirts. And those horrible boots they made her buy. Built for comfort and durability, maybe. But what of fashion? These people didn’t know the meaning of the word. She had the boots, but she’d never wear them.

She glanced in the back seat at the kids. They were still reacting to the excitement of their adventure. Both gazed around with bright, eager expressions.

Are we almost there? Chris broke the silence.

Daniel’s smile wasn’t so hard to look at. It’s about twelve miles to the northern boundary of the ranch from town. We passed that about a mile back.

What do you mean? Allison swung to face him. Where are you taking us then? We’re supposed to go to the ranch.

She hadn’t wanted to ride with him, but there he’d been right outside the store, leaning against his truck, waiting. Warren and Gertrude had said they needed to go by the church and attend to the flowers from the funeral. They would likely have their car full by the time they finished and wouldn’t have room for Allison and the children.

Now they were trapped in a speeding truck with a man who wanted them back in Chicago. Would he try to get rid of them? If they disappeared, the ranch was his. The money, too. Over a half million in cash and land worth over three million. Oh, yes, he would try to get rid of them. How stupid could she be to get into a truck with the very person who would gain so much from her disappearance?

Allison’s breath came in quick gasps as she remembered Daniel’s accusing glare at the funeral. She clutched the door handle with whitened knuckles. What could she do? To jump from a speeding vehicle would be certain death. If she stayed and fought it out, they might have a chance. She released the handle and glanced at him as her chest tightened. He looked like he could handle all three of them and another besides. What could she do?

What’s the matter? Daniel looked at her with a puzzled frown.

Allison tried to calm her pounding heart. She schooled her features to hide her fear. I asked where you are taking us.

To the ranch. Where else?

You said we passed that a mile back.

Daniel laughed. I said we passed the northern boundary a mile back. We haven’t got to the turnoff yet.

Oh. Allison glanced over the cab and found nothing she could use for a weapon. Where was the tire tool when she needed it? She’d never felt so helpless. She would have to trust him for the moment. If he stopped and tried anything, she’d have to rely on instinct because she certainly didn’t know how to defend herself.

Allison searched the expanse of road ahead and saw a break in the trees that showed an intersection. Daniel eased off the accelerator and flipped the turn signal on.

A rock wall flanked each side of the gravel road with large white pillars rising from the rocks to stand fifteen feet in the air. A pole across the top supported a sign that read Murray Family Beef Ranch. Allison’s muscles relaxed, and she took a breath.

The truck slowed before turning off the highway. As they drove under the sign, Chris let out a low whistle. Wow, does that mean all this is our land?

Daniel chuckled. He pointed to the left. Yep, for about three miles that direction. He pointed to the right. And for about three miles in that direction.

Again Chris whistled. He fell silent then, but Allison knew his mind would be actively sorting out the information he’d received that day.

She, too, could scarcely take in everything that had happened. She still didn’t trust Daniel Sterns. If anyone had reason to get rid of her and the kids, he did. But for the moment it appeared he intended to deliver them safely to the ranch. He probably figured it would be too obvious if they came up missing today while everyone knew they were alone with him.

She looked at his profile as he drove. Keeping a close eye on the guy wouldn’t be all that hard to take. Good thing, since she’d probably have to do that as long as they remained at the ranch. Looks weren’t everything, though. Besides, she still hadn’t decided how long they’d stay, or if they would. She looked out the window at the wall of trees on one side and open pasture that rose and fell with the gentle hills for as far as she could see on the other side. An entire year in this backwoods area might