Mike, page 13
So, she would ride in the back. Not that she minded. Even though it made her feel a bit like a naughty child. Like being sent to her room. She tied the rope to the side of the wagon and climbed up beside Dakota.
“They mad at you?” he whispered.
“Maybe a little.” She glanced over her shoulder and raised her voice. “I didn’t mean to make anyone angry.”
“I’m sure you didn’t,” Ilsa said, her tone soothing.
But Mike faced forward, his shoulders tense.
She hunched over her knees. She didn’t care to have him angry at her but what was she supposed to do? Leave the horse behind?
They rolled down the road for some time before she couldn’t take it any longer. She moved forward so he couldn’t help but hear what she had to say. “It didn’t seem fair to leave him behind. Surely you understand that.” Dare she hope he would see how it was similar to him being left behind at the orphanage?
He sighed. “I know what you’re trying to say. It’s hardly the same thing.”
“Still, doesn’t he deserve a chance? Don’t we all deserve as many chances as we need?”
“I said he could come. There’s not much else I can do.”
“I suppose not.” And yet she wished he’d show a little approval for her choice. But she’d done what she could and settled back to watch the passing scenery.
They’d navigated the muddy trail by the creek and were climbing gently allowing her a view of the rolling hills and the blue and white mountains. There were patches of brightly colored pink and orange and red wildflowers. Along the edge of the nearby woods, she saw flashes of pink.
“Wild roses.” First she’d seen this year. “I can smell them from here.”
“Maude loves them. Has some growing around the original cabin.” Talking about Maude served to erase the anger from his voice.
“Is she going to resent having us as guests?” Ilsa asked.
Beth wondered the same thing. Not that she meant to overstay her welcome.
“She loves company. Mind you, she might put you to work.”
“Does that mean she’ll let me ride with her?” Beth crossed her fingers and made a wish that it would be so.
Mike did not answer. The wagon slowed. “You can see the ranch from here.” He pointed.
Below them in a green valley, with a nearby creek flashing silver, lay a neat set of buildings. A solid-looking two-story house to the left, backed by trees and a good-sized garden. A big barn with a neat row of other buildings along a trail.
“I see the cabin you’ve been working on.” She squinted. “It looks shingled.”
“It is. Maude must have put some of the boys to work on it while I was away.”
A few yards away, Abby saw an older cabin. “I see the wild roses. That must be where Dillon and Abigail live.”
“It is. Next is the cookhouse and bunkhouse. Mostly us boys are out on the range in the summer and Maude insists we sleep in the big house during the winter. Then there’s Scotty’s cabin. The next three before the barn are storage sheds and a harness shop.” He leaned over his knees looking at the site as if he’d never seen it before.
“I remember the first time I saw the place. Can you imagine my fears and hopes coming from the orphanage and looking at this?” He turned to Dakota staring at the place, anxiety in every breath.
He pulled the boy close. “Dakota, I know you will find a home here. I hope you will be as happy as I’ve been.”
“You be there?”
“Yes, I will.”
“You ever donna leave?”
“I don’t plan to but if I do, I will take you with me unless you choose otherwise.”
“I not.” He held the puppy so tightly that Pal whined. “I keep Pal?”
Mike met Beth’s gaze. She knew what he was silently asking. Did he have the right to tell Dakota the pup was his?
She tipped her head slightly and was rewarded with a flash of silvery approval from Mike.
“He’s yours,” Mike said.
Beth echoed his words and put her hand on Dakota’s back, letting her fingers brush against Mike’s arm.
Mike smiled at her.
“Are you no longer angry at me?”
His smile flattened. “I’m only concerned that you might get hurt.”
“I won’t.”
“Promise me you’ll be careful,” Ilsa said.
“Of course.” Her gaze clung to Mike’s, wanting his approval.
He caught her hand. “Until we can be certain how the horse will act, I don’t want you working with him alone.”
She might have taken objection to his order but the look in his eyes and the touch of his hand on hers stole away any protest.
“Very well.” It was easy to agree when his smile filled his eyes.
She sat back, her fingers still in his. Was she willing to give up her freedom in order to have his approval? And yet it didn’t feel like she was losing ground. It felt like she’d gone forward a step.
What did it mean? She wished she knew.
13
Mike didn’t know how long he would have looked into Beth’s dark eyes and held her hand if the pup hadn’t squirmed and Dakota shifted to better accommodate the dog.
Her hand fell from Mike’s and he turned back to his task of getting these people to the ranch. Maude and John wouldn’t be worried, but they’d be glad to see him back safely. And surprised to see he’d brought a boy as well, though he knew they wouldn’t mind.
His thoughts jolted. What about the others? What would they think of Beth? Pete and Sam were fellow orphans. Pete would likely give her a wide berth. He didn’t trust anyone except for those of the ranch. But Sam, well he was friendly to a fault. And Noah and Adam, brothers. Noah, he wasn’t too worried about because Noah thought women were selfish and fickle. But what if Beth proved to him it could be otherwise? And Adam, so calm and practical.
What if one of them decided she was just what they needed in his life?
Was there any way he could prevent it? Should he tell them about her plan to marry an ex-Mountie? But then, if one of the boys claimed her, at least she would stay nearby.
If someone spoke to him at the moment, he knew his brain would shatter into shards.
He didn’t want her to marry the ex-Mountie. Didn’t want her to marry one of the boys.
There was only one alternative. He’d let them know he’d laid claim to her for himself. That would take care of his fellow cowboys. Maybe if he made her realize how much she liked the ranch, she would choose to stay rather than go someplace unknown.
His insides relaxed and he proceeded on his way. He liked his plan. It was good and felt right to him.
They descended the hill to the ranch.
Ilsa squeezed her hands together so hard he knew she was apprehensive. A glance toward the two in the wagon and he understood they were nervous as well.
The horse followed along peaceably. He better remain that way when they got to the ranch.
“Everything will be fine,” he said to the others.
They passed the barn and pulled up in front of the house. Maude and John came out, John rolling his wheelchair as close to the edge of the porch as he could in order to study the visitors.
“Glad to see you all made it here safely,” he called.
Mike helped Ilsa down. Before he could assist Beth, she jumped to the ground and turned to coax Dakota to join her. He clung to her side; the dog clutched in one arm.
“Maude, John, this my sister, Ilsa, her stepdaughter, Beth, and Dakota. He joined us at the orphanage outside of Calgary. And his pup, Pal.”
Ruff, who spent most of his time in front of the veranda, lifted his head to study the newcomers. When he spied the pup, he growled.
“Ruff, none of that.” At John’s order, the dog lay down again, his head on his paws, his eyes never leaving the pup.
“Welcome,” John called. “I’d come shake your hand, but you’ll have to come to me.”
“You are all most welcome,” Maude said. “Come in, come in.” Her attention left her guests and went to the horse. “Fine looking animal.” When she moved Cloud’s direction, he snorted.
Beth hurried to his side and calmed him. “His name is Cloud. He’s a little skittish.”
“Put him in the small pen.”
Mike knew what she meant. The horse would be in a pen by itself until she assessed him as safe to be around.
“I’ll take him over there and take care of the wagon.” He unloaded the luggage to the porch to carry inside later and then returned to the seat.
Beth scrambled up beside him. “I’ll go with you.”
He didn’t say anything until they were back to the barn. “You afraid the horse will do something stupid?”
“I expect Cloud is a little nervous Not unlike the rest of us. Maybe not unlike how you were the first time you came here.”
“You’ve got a point.” He got down and hurried around to help her before she could manage on her own. His hands remained on her sides as her feet reached the ground. Her hands rested on his shoulders. Their eyes caught and held. Neither of them blinking nor shifting away from the contact between them. His heart rattled against his ribs.
Cloud snorted.
Mike released Beth and stepped back to open the gate to the pen. Beth led the horse into the area. There was plenty of grass in the small pasture.
“You’ll find oats in the barn.” He hurried to take care of the horses and wagon. The task took longer than usual as he lingered, trying to explain to himself the feeling he had around Beth. Protective, yes. Sometimes annoyed at her for blindly doing her own thing. Like buying a rank horse. But he had to admit there existed a bit of admiration for her ability to do what she thought right without letting the opinions of others deter her. But what puzzled him was how much he liked the feel of her hand in his, the way her eyes sparkled or flashed depending on her mood, and how he enjoyed draping an arm around her shoulders.
In fact…
The horses and wagon were dealt with and he sauntered over to where she stood outside the pen, watching Cloud nose around the enclosure. He stood beside her and draped an arm across her shoulders, pleased when she didn’t twitch away.
“He says he likes the place,” she said.
“He used those exact words, did he?”
She laughed and nudged her elbow to his side. “No silly, but I know what he’s thinking.”
The horse paused at the far corner and stared toward the open pasture.
“Fine, what’s going through his mind right now? Is he wanting to run free or is he happy to be in a place where he’s fed and petted?” As he spoke the words, he realized he wondered the same about Beth. Was she yearning for the freedom she sought, hoping to find it with the ex-Mountie, or was she happy to be in a safe place where she knew she would be protected? Or did she realize that? Well, he meant to show her just how enjoyable life was at the Circle A.
She chuckled. “He sees the open spaces and thinks about the freedom of running wild. But he knows the dangers that exist out there. So, although he likes freedom, he also likes having oats and my company.”
He chuckled and tightened his arm on her shoulders. “Sounds like something you’re thinking.”
“Well, actually, I’ve never cared much for oats that aren’t rolled and cooked.” She tipped her head to look at him and her teasing smile made him want to roll every oat on the place and set it aside to cook as needed.
He shook his head and stepped away, putting a distance between himself and Beth. And instantly regretted it.
“We better go to the house before Maude sends out a search party.”
They walked side by side across the yard. She looked around with great interest. “It’s a pretty place.”
“I’ve never thought of it as pretty. But efficient.”
“I expect it’s that as well.” They reached the steps and she stopped. “I admit I’m a little nervous.”
Abby crossed the yard toward them carrying little Neil.
Mike waited until she was close enough to talk to. “Abby, this is Beth.” The ladies greeted each other. “She’s nervous about going inside. Tell her no one bites.”
Abby laughed. “They don’t bite but they can be overwhelming, especially when they’re all here. Thank goodness for your sake they aren’t. Now come on. Between Mike and myself, we’ll protect you.”
But it was at Mike’s side she stayed as they entered the big kitchen.
One of the boys always stayed at the ranch to help John if he needed it. Noah lounged against the cupboard and grinned as Mike made introductions.
Mike wondered what Noah was thinking. He didn’t have long to wait to find out.
“You better get your brand on her before the others see her.”
Mike scowled at him, hoping he would get the message to keep such comments to himself. At the same time, he wanted to inform Noah and the other boys that he wouldn’t brand her, but he’d seen her first. They could look elsewhere for a gal of their own.
Maude waved them toward the table. Mike made sure to sit beside Beth and ignored Noah’s teasing chuckle.
Scotty shuffled over with a plate piled high with cookies. He stopped beside Dakota. “Nice pup, ya have. Long time since we had a young ‘un in our presence. T’will be a pleasure.”
Mike couldn’t say if Scotty meant the dog or the boy.
Then Scotty fixed his watery gaze on Mike. Mike ignored the old man’s interest and crossed his fingers, hoping Scotty wouldn’t say something to embarrass them all. But Scotty looked at Beth, his gaze sharpening, and then back at Mike. Chortling he went to get the tea and serve it.
“How was the trip?” Maude directed her question to Ilsa. “Traveling can be a trial when you aren’t feeling up to standard.”
Ilsa chuckled. “Let’s say it was an adventure. We spent overnight at a stopping house.”
“Zeb’s place?” John asked. “Is he still there? We haven’t been there in a long time, but it wasn’t anything special last time we saw it.”
Ilsa and Beth glanced at each other as if sharing a secret.
“Zeb wasn’t there when we arrived,” Mike explained his absence.
“I’m guessing he hasn’t made any improvements.” John rocked his head back and forth.
Beth grinned. “We were warm and dry. That’s what mattered.”
“Then you ran into flood waters?”
“We spent the time at George’s store.” Mike wasn’t sure how much to say about those few days. Did he tell how Abner was friendly around Ilsa? Seemed that was up to her to share if she wanted to.
“I found Abner and I have a lot in common,” Ilsa said.
John and Maude looked at each other. Mike knew they wouldn’t express their surprise, but he saw it.
They visited for a spell then Scotty rose to begin meal preparation.
“I’ll take little Neil home.” Abby headed for the door.
“You’re more than welcome to stay,” Maude said. “Dillon won’t be home for a few more days.”
Abby laughed. “I was hoping you’d invite me. I’m anxious to visit with the newcomers. And you too, of course. I’ll help if you’ll hold the baby.” She handed Neil to John and the man and baby grinned at each other.
John signaled Dakota to join them. At first, the boy hesitated then eased closer. He touched the wheels of the chair.
“Your legs hurt?” he asked.
“Nope. They just don’t work. I had an accident you see.”
Mike knew there were times John had pain, but he agreed with John’s answer. Dakota didn’t need to know that.
“You used ta walk?”
“Walk and ride and run.”
“You sad?”
John took one of Dakota’s hands. “Dakota, my boy. I can still see the sunrise, feel the sun on my face, and listen to the rain. I can still read my Bible and talk to God. I can kiss my wife and tell the boys what to do. I suppose you could say there are so many things to enjoy that it would be wrong to cry about what I can’t do.”
“I not got mama or papa.”
Mike’s throat tightened. A sniffle came from his side.
“But now you have family.”
“I do?”
“Yes, indeed. All of us on the ranch do hereby claim you as our boy.”
Dakota nodded, a pleased little grin on his face.
Mike knew the sort of welcome John and Maude gave and knew everyone on the ranch would add to that.
Abby slipped away to join Scotty.
“I’ll help too.” Beth was on her feet and joined the others in the kitchen.
“I will as well.” Ilsa got up to follow.
Maude carried the teacups to the washbasin and left them for the others. “I don’t think there’s enough room for any more hands. Ilsa, why don’t you join me outside? We can enjoy the view.”
“I feel useless.”
Maude laughed heartily. “No one is useless on a ranch. Sometimes we work hard. Sometimes we rest. Let this be a time to rest.”
“I’ve got work to do.” Noah headed for the door.
Mike followed and together they walked to the barn. Noah leaned over the rail fence. “I recognize that horse. It was penned up at Logan Crossing. Wouldn’t let anyone within ten feet without kicking down the fence. So, what’s it doing here? Don’t tell me you bought it. You ain’t that crazy.”
“I didn’t buy it.”
“If you stole it, Maude and John will have your hide.”
“Of course I didn’t steal it.”
Noah looked at Mike hard and long, but Mike wasn’t going to tell him anything. After suggesting Mike could steal a horse, he deserved to stew a while.
Noah’s laugh began as a low rumble in his chest then exploded into the air.
Mike shook his head and walked away. He had better things to do, and he went to the cabin he was constructing.
