Doctor Roland Campbell. Her brother, the town vet. How long before she’d become accustomed to that? She couldn’t count the number of times townsfolk had commented on how much they appreciated her brother training as a veterinarian. So many ranchers were looking forward to having someone both qualified and close at hand to fetch when their animals were ailing. Roland had been right about returning to school even though he’d left her almost penniless. But she’d managed to overcome her predicament and carry out her own plans.
Campbells don’t quit.
Her father’s words reverberated in her head. It was true, and neither she nor her brother had ever shied away from hard work or a challenge. She silently thanked her parents for instilling in their children a strong work ethic and teaching them anything was possible if you worked hard enough to make it happen. She couldn’t imagine her parents being anything but proud of both of their children.
And she couldn’t wait until Roland telegraphed her to let her know the exact date he’d return home. She’d be first in line at the general store to greet him when he stepped off the stagecoach.
* * *
The following Sunday, Simon picked Violet up for church and drove her into town. Reverend Fitzgerald’s sermon seemed to drag on forever, but finally after services, he and Violet set out on an extended buggy ride and a picnic luncheon. Mrs. Sheridan sent a picnic basket with him this morning, and now, he had Violet all to himself for the entire afternoon.
“Taking a day away from chores to relax has its restorative benefits,” he ventured, glancing over at the lovely young lady seated beside him. She wore a pretty white and pale blue dress that looked wonderful against her tanned and healthy complexion, evidence of her preference for working outdoors rather than in the house. A pretty floral bonnet shaded her face but her expression told him she was enjoying their outing.
Violet smiled. “Having a ranch hand helps also.”
“Wise move, hiring Faith. While you were getting changed, she told me a bit about the situation she left. Explained why she wouldn’t risk a venture into town, even to attend church.” He patted her hand. “That girl is lucky to have you in her corner, providing her with a safe place to live and a job she’s enjoying immensely.”
“I felt so sorry for her father losing everything. But there’s never an excuse for a parent to treat a child poorly.” Violet met his eyes. “I could never be so cruel to a child, whether mine or someone else’s.”
“I agree. But that life is behind Faith now. And she’s been a godsend for you.” Simon halted the buggy beside a thicket of trees near the creek that meandered throughout the Double M Ranch. “Here’s a suitable place for our picnic.” He’d shared other picnics here with Violet and her brother several times throughout their childhood. And he smiled recalling memories, including the time her brother dropped a frog down the back of her dress. She’d been furious with both of them at the time, so he considered it best to not mention that particular memory.
Together they spread the blanket on the ground and opened the basket to discover a veritable feast prepared by Mrs. Sheridan.
“This is wonderful.” Violet dished up a plateful of food for each of them, and soon they were nibbling on the delectable meal, both of them lost in their own thoughts.
Violet smiled at him, setting her empty plate aside. “Faith is a hard worker, and I truly enjoy her company. The house seemed so quiet and lonely after Roland left.”
“No raised voices, no arguing about what paths your futures should take,” Simon suggested, finishing his meal and relaxing against a tree trunk, hands clasped and resting on his middle. “You both held such strong convictions, I hated being caught in the middle. Siding with Roland in his decision to return to school, and offering to buy your ranch since you would be left alone and penniless.”
“I’d appreciated the offer, but I couldn’t sell Father’s ranch. Not being so close to holding the deed, free and clear.”
Simon heard the determination in her voice. “Then what?”
Violet stared at him. “What do you mean?”
“What do you see in your future? I care deeply for you, Violet, and I hope one day soon we can share a life together.” He raised his hand when he suspected she was about to argue. “I know you’re not ready for marriage or even a proposal. You have a goal to reach for yourself and the Triple C, and you intend to fulfill it. And I respect your decision. I support you and I’ll help in any way possible.”
She relaxed again and listened to what he had to say.
“More than anything, I desire a future with you. Frankly, I cannot visualize a life without you at my side.” Simon shifted forward and stared deep into her eyes. “You know I’d do anything for you. Whatever you need, just ask. If keeping your ranch is what you desire most, then that’s fine with me. I’ll wait until you’ve sold your cattle and cleared up the debt with the bank. Then I want us to seriously consider where we go from there. Together.”
Violet sighed and nodded. “All right. I feel the same way. I’d love spending the rest of my life with you. But this ranch means more to me than I can say. We’ll work something out. But first, I need to finish what Father started.”
“I know. And I’ll continue to help in every way possible.”
Violet tipped her head. “You’ve already done enough. Branding my calves was a very generous gesture, which I greatly appreciate. But I can manage the rest myself, with Faith’s help.”
Simon opened his mouth and then quickly closed it again. He couldn’t shatter her confidence by telling her he’d co-signed her loan. Perhaps she could handle the ranch herself from here on in. Faith had proven herself a capable hand, having grown up on a ranch like Violet.
“All right, I’ll leave you to it. But remember, if you need anything at all, please ask.” He leaned over and kissed her lips, sealing his vow to stand by her no matter what.
Violet appeared shocked by his unexpected affection. He’d surprised himself, but he hoped she realized how much he loved her and he’d never allow anything or anyone to cause her harm or misfortune.
He tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear and she smiled at him. Apparently, she hadn’t been offended by his sudden kiss. “I want the best for you. Good luck with your ranch, sweetheart. I’m waiting for Roland to return home. I’ve helped with a few preparations for his new clinic, with his approval. But you know your brother has absolutely no interest in your family’s ranch.”
“I realize that.” Violet nodded, a sad expression accompanying her admission.
Simon stood, helping Violet to her feet. He didn’t dare embrace her or he’d have a dickens of a time keeping his hands off her. Being a McLennon gentleman, he wouldn’t compromise the virtue of the woman he loved until the ‘I dos’ were spoken. “Don’t look so sad.”
“I can’t help it. Father hoped both of us would take over the ranch, carry on his legacy.” Violet glanced away for a moment. “I received a letter from Roland. He seems so excited to start his practice in Milestone. He wished me well, but not a word of returning to the ranch himself. You’re right. He’s not interested.”
Simon wrapped her in his arms, settled her against his chest and rested his chin on her head. She’d removed her bonnet before eating, and her beautiful mane of auburn hair tickled his neck. “Maybe your father would approve of you and your husband carrying on his legacy instead,” he hedged.
Violet raised her head and stared into his eyes. “Perhaps. But without Roland there, it would no longer be the Campbell Ranch, the Triple C.”
“It could remain the Triple C.” Simon smiled at her. “And you’re right the C would no longer stand for Campbell. But it could have another meaning.”
She appeared to be waiting for further explanation, but he’d reserve that for another day. He needed his own dream of buying the ranch to become reality first.
“We should head home.” Simon folded the blanket after Violet collected the picnic dishes.
“I’
ve had a wonderful day. Thank you so much for suggesting it.”
Simon settled her on the buggy seat and wrapped her in a tight embrace. “I enjoyed today also. And I can’t wait until the time comes when we can enjoy every day together.”
Violet smiled at him. “I… I believe it will happen. One day.”
“I know it will. If I have any say in it.”
Violet gazed into the distance. “Of course, we never know what lies around the corner, do we? I never would have imagined losing Father last winter, and then almost losing the ranch. Let’s hope Fate is on our side.”
Simon wasn’t certain he believed in Fate. He worked hard; he accomplished everything with purpose and determination. He seldom left anything to chance. Winning Violet as his wife wouldn’t be the exception. Even if she learned what he’d done, he believed she would forgive him for co-signing her loan. Nothing could keep him from spending his life with her as husband and wife. And that day couldn’t come too soon for him.
Chapter 13
Violet couldn’t feel her feet and her backside hadn’t fared much better riding herd all day. She attempted a daily head count, but the cattle constantly wandered and she wouldn’t be certain if she’d lost any of them until roundup. With Moe accompanying her, the coyotes and other unwanted varmints would hopefully leave her cattle be.
But her body paid a price every day for being the boss. How had her father and brother ever managed? Of course, the stock had always been left to themselves before, when it hadn’t been so critical that they not lose even one head in the herd. She hobbled into the back entryway, intent on devouring supper and then collapsing in her bed.
“Is supper ready?” She removed her boots and wiggled her sore toes.
“Almost. Just performing a rescue,” Faith called.
A rescue? What had happened? Violet walked into the kitchen and gazed at the saddest collection of floral specimens she’d ever seen. “Oh, no,” she bemoaned.
Her mother’s trio of potted violas sat in a row on the kitchen table, wilted beyond belief and probably not far from certain death. Since her mother’s passing, Violet had watered her namesakes with care, not too frequently which the plants hated, but religiously as soon as the soil had dried out. And she’d picked off dead leaves and shriveled petals like her mother had taught her. Lately, with all the to-do discovering the condition of the cattle and then Roland leaving her in dire straits, she’d completely forgotten about her mother’s prized plants.
“Are they dead?” she whispered.
“Heavens no.” Faith tipped up the watering can and finished giving a much-needed drink to the last one before setting the can aside. “They’ve been neglected though.” She removed a couple of dead leaves.
“Yes, and it’s all my fault. I’ve been so preoccupied with the ranch and losing so many cattle. And dealing with the bank…”
“Understandable.” Faith met her eyes. “No harm done. They’ll come back. Nothing more hardy than a violet plant.”
“Mother called them violas.”
“Same thing.” Faith’s face lit up. “Is that why your mother named you Violet?”
Violet nodded. “Her favorite flower.”
“Isn’t that lovely. I suppose if she’d loved roses or pansies it would have worked, too. Thank goodness she didn’t prefer something like snapdragons.” Faith chuckled. “Wouldn’t want you named Snappy or Dragon.”
“Aren’t you the funny one.” Violet poked her friend in the ribs. “Are you enjoying making fun of my name?”
“Not at all. It’s the perfect name for you.” Faith lined the plants up on the ledge of the kitchen window again as she spoke.
“Mother thought so also. She told me that violets are sturdy and hardy. They might disappear in autumn but the roots remain dormant underground. Then they come back again every spring, as strong and vibrant as ever.” Violet had loved talking about plants and gardening with her mother. They’d spent hours together with their hands in dirt, planting and weeding, and later in the season collecting blooms to create a bouquet for the kitchen table.
“Truly. Violets are tough and enduring no matter what, same as you. And you’ve certainly proven that lately.”
“Thank you.” Violet smiled at her friend.
“When I was a child, my mother grew violets in her garden. She also brought a couple into the house for a bit of color in her kitchen all winter long.”
“Faith, that’s amazing. Something else we have in common.” Violet washed up at the washstand. “I’ve always loved those little blooms. Such a bright purple flower and the white and yellow centers so pretty. When I was a little girl, I called them tiny faces in the flowers.”
Faith chucked.
“Mother laughed at that also, but I didn’t mind. I believed those little plants were smiling. She told me they brought cheer to her life, like her little girl. That made me feel so special.”
“You are special,” Faith agreed. “You took me in without hesitation when I needed a home desperately.”
“Smartest thing I could have done.” Violet settled onto her chair at the table. “When I realized I’d been left alone when Roland returned to school, I probably looked as sad as those plants do now. With you here to help with the work and keep me company, I’m making my way back to feeling like myself again. No longer a wilted Violet.”
“You’re not a sad, wilted Violet at all.” Faith dished up their supper and set a plate in front of each of them. “Eat up. You look completely done in, but you certainly have a positive outlook on life.”
Violet took a bite and groaned. “This stew is delicious. And yes, I have faith that everything will work out.”
“Oh, that was cute.” Faith chuckled at her boss’s joke. “I have faith also that we can succeed. This is a new beginning for both of us.”
Violet hopped up and hugged her friend. “We’re a great pair. Nothing will keep us down for long. We’ll bounce back, better and stronger than ever, like these plants will.” She hoped someone up there heard her vow and cooperated in her aspirations. She didn’t need any interference from Fate or anything else for that matter. She’d set her sights on completing her plans and nothing would stop her now. At least, she prayed that she’d succeed. But in life there were no guarantees.
Hopefully, she wouldn’t need to take Simon up on his offer to rescue her. As far as she was concerned, rescuing her mother’s viola plants had been enough of an unexpected discovery. She didn’t need additional trouble in her life. However, spending time with Simon socially would be a welcomed distraction from time to time. She’d never turn down the opportunity to spend a Sunday afternoon in his company.
“With a name like Faith, you should come with me to Sunday services this week,” Violet announced.
“Do you suppose it’s safe for me to show my face in town? What if my father is out looking for me?” Faith twisted her apron strings in her hands as she spoke.
Violet reached over and stilled her movements. “Relax. He probably couldn’t leave his bottle long enough to be bothered.”
Faith nodded. “All right. Should I wear the pretty green dress you gave me? Or the light brown one?”
“Green. I hardly wore it myself since it was a little too long on me. I never found the time to take up the hem so it hung in my closet. No one will even guess it’s a hand-me-down.”
Faith beamed. “Thank you. I couldn’t ask for a better boss, or a kinder friend.”
“You’re happy I prefer cleaning stalls to cooking.”
“That, too.” Faith burst into laughter. “I can’t wait for Sunday. I haven’t been to services in months. And maybe I’ll meet some nice people.”
“Maybe Reverend Fitzgerald will introduce you to a friendly fellow who takes a shine to you,” Violet teased and then she caught her breath. “No, I’ve changed my mind.”
Faith’s mouth dropped open.
“You are not finding yourself a beau and getting married. I’d lose my ranch hand. Then w
hat would I do?”
“I’m not leaving this ranch until someone drags me off it, kicking and screaming.” Faith held up her hand. “I promise.”
“Good to know.” Violet smiled, recalling how close she came to being forced to leave also. “Neither am I.”
They playfully shook hands to seal their agreement. But who knew what the future held in store for them. Roundup remained months away, and anything could happen in the meantime.
Chapter 14
June
Simon met the stagecoach as it rumbled into town, sending up a cloud of dust as it ground to a halt in front of the Milestone General Store. He craned his neck searching for a sign that his best friend occupied a spot inside the conveyance. The driver secured the brake and jumped down from the seat, but the door whipped open seconds after the fellow’s feet hit the ground. And there was his friend, the first one to climb out and gaze around.
Simon waved and hurried over to shake Roland’s hand. “If it isn’t Doc Campbell come to town. How are you, sir?” he teased.
“Don’t call me ‘sir’, you daft fool. I’m still the same fellow who got caught years ago smoking behind the general store with you.” He playfully rubbed his behind. “Remember the hide tanning we both received from our fathers afterward?”
“You’ll burn the town to the ground.” Simon attempted to mimic his father. Now, he realized how true those words had been, especially during the height of the hot August weather. What had the two of them been thinking? Of course, at age eleven, they hadn’t been thinking at all. But they’d never done anything so stupid ever again.
Inherit A Dream (Sons Of A Gun Book 4) Page 8
