So, at dawn he’d ridden Simon out to check the herd, hoping to keep far enough away from Letty and temptation. He tried to enjoy the spring day, the bright sun, the fields covered in a green grass just waiting for the cattle to graze.
He rode toward the foothills, still hoping to find some lost cows and his bulls. A lot of times they wandered off or got trapped in one of the canyons. From the storm a few weeks ago, he and Johnny had come up short about twenty-five head. Since he hadn’t found any new carcasses, he held on to the slim hope of finding some alive.
Over the next hours, Paul kept his eye on the damp ground, interested in some faint tracks. Although this section of land was far from where the S Bar D herd normally grazed, he had to check everywhere.
He followed the trail around the huge boulders, until he discovered a slim opening through the trees that led into Rainbow Rock Canyon. He knew of this place, but until now, he hadn’t found the time or the desire to investigate the box canyon.
He guided Simon along the narrow trail with high rock walls, intrigued by all the colors and formations of the stone. Then the path opened into a grassy valley. He stopped his horse to look around. That was when he saw them, or he had thought he saw them. He blinked against the sunlight then looked again to see cattle grazing in the lush grass.
He nudged Simon ahead for a better view. He eagerly began to count up to twenty-five head that had the S Bar D brand. Then he saw six new calves hanging close to their mamas. And not just any calves, his mixture of Angus and Hereford. And, best of all, there were his two bulls, Rusty and Sonny.
He wanted to let out a yelp, but he was afraid he would scatter the cows. So he pumped a triumphant fist in the air. Damn. He had a herd to build on. All he had to do was get them back home. “Okay, Simon, let’s get ‘em rounded up.” Paul took his lariat from his saddle horn and waved it in the air as he rode behind the herd.
The cows protested, with bawling loudly. It was the most wonderful sound he’d heard in a long time. Reaching the narrow opening, he was careful not to let any of these precious cows get injured. Once on the other side of the canyon wall, he pointed them towards the corral. He had to make sure his bulls were kept safe from now on.
He heard his name and looked up to see a rider racing toward him. Johnny.
Finally, his partner reached him. “Will you tell someone when you ride off and disappear?” He looked at the herd and suddenly grinned. “Where the hell did you find these guys?”
“Rainbow Rock Canyon. Can you believe it? Somehow, they got in there. They must have been protected from the worst of the storm.”
Johnny shook his head. “I don’t care how or why, I’m just glad you found them.” He pointed to the bulls. “Rusty and Sonny. This day just gets better and better.”
They both rode together behind the herd.
Paul glanced at Johnny. “If you’re still willing to ship out those cows, then I believe we have a good start to rebuild.”
“It’s done. Although I’m happy about your finding these cows today, I came looking for you for another reason.” Johnny moved in closer. “I can’t delay my departure any longer. I left the company without any leadership. Of course, Mother is going, but we need to talk about Letty.”
Paul didn’t want Letty to leave, but how could he ask her to stay? “Nothing has changed, Johnny. I have a lot of hard work to do here. I can’t ask Letty to struggle with me.”
They rode together at an easy pace, keeping a close eye on the cows. Johnny finally said, “Of course, if you don’t love Letty, then I understand why you don’t want her to stay.”
Paul's chest tightened. “I love her more than I thought possible, but I want what’s best for her. She should go back to Chicago, and rebuild a relationship with her mother. Maybe she’ll meet someone…” He couldn’t say the words.
Johnny shook his head. “I need to tell you something that might change your mind.” He stopped his horse.
So did Paul. His friend reached into his inside jacket pocket and pulled out a leather pouch.
“I meant to tell you about my find when I first got back, but so many things happened. And I wanted to check it out in Chicago.” He tossed him the small bag. “Open it.”
Paul did as he was told and poured out a couple of rocks into his palm. He paused and looked again. He’d worked in a mine long enough to recognize gold nuggets. “Where did you find these?”
Johnny smiled. “While you were off selling your bull, Michael paid me a visit to talk about our mine. Just things like have we been working the claim? Had we found anything?”
Paul was curious. “What did you tell him?”
Johnny shook his head. “Nothing. I like Michael, but he’s first and foremost a shrewd businessman. He wouldn’t start up a conversation like that without reason. Since you were gone, I went out and did more digging on my own, and lo and behold, I found these beauties.” He nodded to the nuggets. “Then you returned from Sweetwater Springs with Letty, followed by the wedding. Anyway, the assayer confirmed what I thought, that these nuggets are from a rich vein. I planned to tell you last night, but you stormed out.”
Paul shifted in his saddle. “I’m sorry, I wasn’t in the mood to talk.”
“With this discovery, our ranch troubles are shrinking a little. But it doesn’t change the fact, Paul, I’m needed back in Chicago. So, until we decide what to do with our mine, let me invest some capital in our ranch now.”
Paul’s whole outlook suddenly brightened. “I think I like that idea, and I’ll accept your help to hire extra men. I don’t want to sit in the saddle twenty hours a day.”
Johnny looked at him. “Now, we need to talk about Letty. I know your marriage started out—”
“Yes,” Paul jumped in. “I want to change that.”
Johnny nodded and he slowly smiled. “I figure the only way to do that is to keep Letty from returning to Chicago.”
“No, I can’t let her go.”
Johnny smiled. “Then let’s get this herd moving. El Davis is picking us up in about two hours.”
Paul kicked the horse’s sides, trying to think of the best way to convince Letty to forgive him, and at being her husband.
***
Thirty minutes later, Paul and Johnny left the herd in the corral outside the barn. Paul climbed down from Simon and handed the reins off to his friend.
“I’ll take care of your horse, you go convince my sister you’re worth keeping.”
Paul got a slap on the back and a gentle nudge toward the house. He took the twenty yards from the barn to practice what he planned to say to Letty. He would grovel, if need be. He wasn’t going to live without her. He reached the porch just as Elisabeth carried a small valise out the door.
“Oh, hi, Paul.” She smiled. “I’m glad you got back in time so I could say goodbye to you.”
“I was hoping to change your mind, or at least someone’s mind, about leaving.” His heart was racing. “Is Letty inside?”
Elisabeth nodded. “Tell her to hurry, El Davis made room for us on the wagon and we can’t be late.” She shook her head. “I’m dreading the long trip. They need to get a decent coach for this route.”
Paul’s chest tightened as he followed her back into the cabin, anxious to see Letty.
Elisabeth stopped and asked, “You said you saw Johnny?
“Yes, he’ll be here shortly. We found nearly thirty head and my two breeding bulls.”
“Oh, that’s wonderful.”
“Yes, it is, in more ways than you can imagine.” He stopped when Letty came down the stairs carrying a bag. She looked so beautiful. Her coloring was back, and the bruises had finally faded from her cheeks. She wore the blue calico dress he’d bought her that day in the store. Her hair was pinned up on her head, and all he could think about how much he wanted to take it down.
She made her way down the stairs, but she didn’t look at him.
He felt ashamed that he’d hurt her so that she couldn’t stand the si
ght of him. It was time he started to make all his wrongs right again.
Before he could speak his piece, Johnny walked through the door and took Letty’s bag, but he didn’t say a word about their discovery. Or that he wanted Letty to stay.
Paul had enough. “Stop! Everyone just stop for one minute.”
Three people turned and looked at him. Good he got their attention. “I know you’re all busy trying to leave, but I got something to say to Letty.” He vaguely noticed as Johnny and his mother left the cabin. He crossed the room to his wife. “Could I speak with you? Please.”
She raised her chin. “I think you said pretty much everything last night.”
He pulled off his hat and placed it on the table. “My pride made me say all the wrong things. I wish I could take them back.”
She glared at him. “I think you were very clear, Paul. You want me gone.”
“No! I never want you to leave,” he blurted out.
Letty’s eyes widened, then she sobered again. “What do you want then, Paul?” She took a step closer to him. “You need to tell me.”
He was quickly getting lost in her dark eyes. “You. I want you, Loretta Drennan Slater. I want you to be my wife…for real.”
Tears filled her eyes. “Why the suddenly change of heart?”
He reached for her hands. “Because I realized that I love you. I need you beside me, because none of this matters if you aren’t here with me. We could rebuild this ranch, Letty, and make this place the best cattle ranch in Montana Territory.” He gave her a shortened version of the stories about the found herd and the gold.
All she asked was, “You love me?”
He smiled. “Yes, I love you very much.” He drew her in his arms. “I believe it happened that first night in the freezing cabin. I held you in my arms.” He raised her tiny hand and laid it against his chest. “That first night you placed your hand against my heart, and there was a connection I’ve never felt before with anyone. But I was afraid to let myself love again.”
“Oh, Paul, I’m never leaving you. I love you. There’s nothing I want more than to be your wife, and help to build our life here.”
Paul lowered his head to hers and their lips met, gently at first. When she began to respond was his undoing, and he wrapped his arms around her tightly and pulled her closer to him.
Paul’s kiss excited Letty beyond belief. It was demanding and passionate and with promise of what it would be like to truly be his wife. She couldn’t wait.
There was the sound of someone clearing a throat loudly. They broke apart to see Johnny and her mother standing by the front door, smiling.
Elisabeth looked at her daughter. “I take it you aren’t going back with us.”
Paul pulled Letty closer. “No, my wife is staying here with me. It seems I can’t live without her.”
Johnny shook hands with his friend. “Smart man. Looks like we should table all the business for a few weeks until I get settled back in Chicago. Just write and let me know some of your ideas about the mine, and the ranch.” After Paul’s agreement, Johnny hugged his sister goodbye.
Next, her mother embraced them both. “You better come back and visit soon.” She hugged her daughter more tightly. “I finally got my daughter back, only to lose her again.” She pulled back and blinked several times. “I only agree to let you stay because you found a wonderful man. He reminds me of your father: determined, proud and oh, so loving.”
She moved to Paul. “I would tell you to take care of my daughter, but I have no doubt you would give your life for her. I will be returning for a visit, but not for a while. That will give you an opportunity to work on that first grandchild.”
“Mother!” Letty gasped. “Paul and I haven’t discussed children.” She looked at her husband and winked. “I think six is a good even number.”
Paul's smile widened. “Whatever you want, darlin’.”
Johnny laughed as they all walked outside to see El Davis pull up in the wagon led by a team of mules.
Letty kissed her mother goodbye again.
Then El helped Elisabeth up into the back of the wagon. “Good day, Mrs. Drennan. It will be my pleasure to have you on this trip again.”
“I'm glad you think so, Davis. We might have the chance to discuss the matter of a stagecoach route between Sweetwater Springs and Morgan’s Crossing. I plan to visit more often to see my daughter, and I’d like to be more comfortable.”
Johnny started put the bags on the back of the wagon, but Paul stopped him. “Wait, I need to get Letty’s?” He looked back at his wife. “Which ones are yours?”
Letty smiled. “None of them. All my clothes are upstairs in our bedroom.”
He walked back to her. “Pretty sure that I’d ask you to stay, weren’t you?”
She touched his face, loving the feel of his roughened beard stubble under her fingers. “No, I was just sure how much I loved you. And in my heart, I knew you loved me, too.”
Paul pulled her closer. “I never wanted you to go, Letty. I thought it was for the best.”
“Being apart from you is never for the best.”
“I know, Mrs. Slater. I love you.”
With her husband’s arms securely around her, she waved to her family as the wagon pulled away. Letty had no doubts this was where she was meant to be, with her husband.
“Are you sure this is the life you want? We’ll have hardships.”
“It’s not a hardship, if I get to share my life with you.”
He kissed her right there on the porch as the wagon disappeared down the road. He pulled back. “I think it’s time we begin that new life.” Then Paul Slater swung his bride up into his arms and carried her across the threshold inside and upstairs. “This time, our marriage is real.”
Her husband didn’t stop until he reached their bedroom then their bed. He set her down and stood back and looked at her.
She saw in his eyes how much he desired her, and she didn’t make him wait. With her heart racing, she began to unbutton his shirt.
He quickly helped her remove her dress. He stopped and cupped her face. “Do you have any idea how much I love you?”
She gripped his shoulders. “Show me, Mr. Slater.”
He kissed her and lifted her onto their bed and then lay down beside her. He drew her against him as their kisses and touches quickly grew more intense until hunger took over. Their joining seemed to be the perfect beginning to their future. Together. She was finally a true Slater Bride.
EPILOGUE
Six months later, Letty was seated on the train headed back to Sweetwater Springs. Her head pressed to the window, she enjoyed listening to the familiar steel wheels on the track. After the long two-day trip from Chicago, she was tired, and her stomach protested her recent lunch of cold chicken. She smiled. Of course, being pregnant hadn’t helped the situation. She felt her chest tighten with emotion, remembering just three days ago when her mother had taken her to the doctor to confirm her condition.
“Are you feeling any better?” Paul asked.
“Yes,” she fibbed, wanting to wait until they were back at the ranch to tell him the good news. “When we finally arrive at ranch, I know I’ll be much better.” She smiled at her handsome husband.
The last few months with Paul had been nearly perfect. Although, there had been many long days filled with hard work. She loved their time together on horseback, moving the herd, even the branding and castrating the new calves. She had acquired several more pair of jeans. Although Johnny had hired several men to help, she wanted to be a part of rebuilding the S Bar D’s cattle business. She touched her stomach. This was for their future children, the beginning of the Slater family legacy.
Paul’s hand covered hers. “What are you thinking about so hard?”
“Just our trip. I loved seeing Mother, and I can’t wait until she comes to visit in the spring.” She smiled, thinking about how grandmother would be here for the arrival of her grandchild. She turned to her husband. “I
hope you enjoyed the big city.”
“You had a pretty fancy life in Chicago, and you lived in a very large house.”
“I have more than I need, or want, in Montana,” she said, truthfully. “I love our home and our land, especially our life.”
“Yes, but you had the best money could buy.”
“But not you, my sweet husband. Believe me, I have everything I want or need right here,” she told him.
Paul squeezed Letty’s hand. “We still have a lot of work ahead of us.”
Paul was happy that S Bar D steers would be shipped in about another month, along with some cattle from other ranchers in the area.
And, after seeing the Drennan meat packing empire, he realized that Johnny couldn’t leave his obligations in Chicago just now. Maybe not for a long time.
Letty felt her chest tighten. “It was my father’s hard work that made him successful. You work hard, too, Paul.” She lowered her voice. “And who knew that old mine would pay off?”
Paul knew they were making money from the rich vein discovered at their mine. He raised his wife’s gloved hand to his mouth and placed a kiss on it. He was happy he could afford to treat her to a new wardrobe. Although, he still liked her in jeans the best.
“I’m already rich. I have you in my life.” He didn’t want to think about how foolish he’d been to nearly let her go. “I never want to be without you.” She looked at him with those chocolate brown eyes and his heart began to pound. She had a way to stir him so he couldn’t think straight.
“You never will,” she said. “You are stuck with me.”
He kissed her quick. “I can’t wait until we get home.” They’d been gone nearly three weeks. Paul's thoughts turned to his foreman. “I hope Hector didn’t have any trouble.” The one-time mine guard didn’t think twice when Paul offered him a job at the ranch. “I told him to wait until I got back to start harvesting.”
Hector had been raised on a farm in Nebraska, and he’d convinced Paul to plow up one of the pastures to plant alfalfa hay to help feed all those hungry cows during the winter. “I want to be home for our the first harvest.”
Montana Sky: Slater's Bride (Kindle Worlds) Page 17
