Chapter 9

Later that evening, Amanda convinced Lex to tell Anna Leigh and Jacob what was going on, since each of them had been running their own business for years. She was hoping their different perspectives would help them find an easier solution - one that didn't include Lex having to testify against her only living relative, and possibly sending him to prison. I don't think she could handle that kind of guilt - not to mention dragging all of this out in public, Amanda reasoned.

"So, he's been withdrawing money by signing your name to the slips for the last few months?" Anna Leigh asked, looking at the receipts from the bank. "And since all the statements had been sent to him, you're just now finding out about it?"

Lex was sitting in a nearby chair with her head propped in her hands. "I know…it was totally irresponsible of me not to have copies of the statements sent to the ranch every month." She was feeling more and more foolish by the minute.

Amanda, sitting on the arm of Lex's chair, rubbed her back comfortingly. "I think what Gramma is wondering is why the bank hadn't figured out that anything unusual was happening." She looked at her grandmother, who nodded in agreement.

"Goodness, Lexington! I never meant for you to think that…" she waited until the young rancher looked up at her. "It's just that the only time I can see that you've withdrawn money without using a check is when your brother has done it…and it was for fairly large amounts. I just can't believe they actually allowed this to happen without some sort of verification."

Jacob looked up from the papers he was studying. "She's right…those idiots at the bank should have realized something was wrong a long time ago…unless someone there is in on it too."

Lex closed her eyes, feeling a sudden exhaustion. "I've already called Mr. Collins and told him not to allow any more withdrawals from this account without visual verification." She leaned her head back against the chair. "I'm going to take your advice and go down tomorrow to open a new account, so Hubert won't have any more access to the ranch funds."

Anna Leigh looked at Jacob, and they both looked at the rancher in concern. Amanda looked down, seeing that Lex had closed her eyes. "Lex?" She ran a hand gently through the dark hair, "I think you've done all you can today." She waited for the older woman to look up at her. "It's getting pretty late, so why don't we go upstairs and go to bed?"

"Yeah, I think you're right. I'm beat." Lex sighed, then slowly stood up. She smiled tiredly at the older couple sitting at the desk. "I really appreciate all of your help today…I don't know what I would have done without you." She looked down at her feet self-consciously, "I think I was just so shocked when I found out who was behind all of this, I couldn't think straight."

Anna Leigh walked over to the taller woman and wrapped her arms around Lex's broad shoulders. "Oh, sweetheart…you're part of the family. We'll always be here for you."

Jacob stood beside them, giving Lex's shoulder a gentle squeeze. "That's right, honey. Now get yourself upstairs and get some rest."

Lex stepped back and gave them both a heartfelt smile. "Thank you…I wish I had known my own grandparents - but I have a feeling they couldn't have held a candle to you two." She then allowed Amanda to steer her out of the office and up the stairs, leaning slightly against the smaller woman.

"Lex…are you alright?" Amanda asked, as the rancher placed an arm around her shoulders.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Just enjoying the company." She chuckled, feeling Amanda swat her on the rear. "And I am a little tired…it's been one hell of a long day." She patiently let the younger woman guide her to the bed, sitting down with a grin.

Amanda began to unbutton Lex's shirt, not noticing the smirk she was receiving. "Have you taken your medicine this evening, Lex?" Not waiting for an answer, she efficiently stripped the rancher, and picked up a soft cotton nightshirt from a nearby suitcase for Lex to wear. "Here… put this on," she dressed the older woman as if she were a child. Before she could finish buttoning the shirt, she felt her hands gently captured.

"Amanda…?" Lex spoke softly, causing sea-green eyes to focus on her, "please stop fussing so much…you're going to wear yourself out." She brought the small hands to her lips and placed a soft kiss on the delicate knuckles. "Why don't you get undressed and join me?"

Amanda blinked. "Oh." She gave Lex an embarrassed smile. "I didn't even realize what I was doing." She pulled away slowly, grabbing her own nightshirt from a nearby dresser. Stripping efficiently, Amanda didn't notice the appreciative eyes watching her until she had slipped the long tee shirt over her head. "What?"

"Have I ever told you how beautiful you are?" Lex asked, in a reverent tone. "Just looking at you makes my heart stop."

"Oh, c'mon…I think that medication you're on is affecting your eyes…" Amanda chuckled, then looked into Lex's face, seeing that the older woman was quite serious. "You really think so?" She walked back over to the bed and sat down.

Lex pulled her close, then rolled over onto her back, tucking the younger woman against her left side. "Oh, yeah…" she gave her a light kiss on top of her golden head.

Amanda felt an unexpected surge of happiness flow through her with that thought. Wow… "Thank you." She murmured, absorbing the feeling with joy.

"You're welcome." Lex pulled her even closer, if that were possible. "Love you." She managed to say before sleep claimed her.

"I love you too." The fair-haired woman whispered, as she kissed the strong shoulder underneath her cheek.