Marshal Zane's Christmas Horse: A Wyldhaven Series Christmas Romance Novella

by Lynnette Bonner

  “Tommy! Tommy!” Laughing, Kin waded into the fray, dodging scoops of flying snow as he tried to get Tommy’s attention.

  Tommy tossed a shovelful right into Kin’s face.

  Kin blustered and blinked and swiped to clear his eyes.

  “S-sorry.” Tommy hung his head.

  Jacinda hid a smile behind her hand. How would Kin respond?

  With bits of snow still clinging to the stubble on his face, Kin clapped one hand to Tommy’s shoulder. He gestured to the pile Tommy had made behind himself. “You have to toss the snow to the side, okay Tom? Not right back onto the tracks.”

  “N-not onto the t-tracks.”

  “That’s right. Throw it that way.”

  Tommy nodded. “That way.”

  “Good. Now show me how it’s done.”

  Tommy scooped and tossed with enthusiasm and Kin nodded, satisfied that he wasn’t recreating their work this time.

  When Kin glanced her way, Jacinda gave him a nod of approval. He’d handled that situation just right. My what a good man he was growing into. If only he’d see his need of a Savior.

  Kin raised a finger with a swipe as if to say his kindness was no big doings. Then he tugged on his gloves and went to work with a spade of his own.

  Jacinda, still standing on the back of the sleigh and high enough up that she could see over the mound of the avalanche, eyed the train for a moment. It was so close, and yet with all this snow between them, it might as well be miles away. She was so curious and excited to see the horse she’d purchased. The rancher she’d communicated with had assured her that she was getting a top-notch horse that might even make her some money in stud fees. She knew Zane would appreciate that. He’d often talked of starting a small spread, come the day that he no longer wanted to ride for the marshals.

  But her curiosity would have to wait. This mountain of snow was standing in the way.

  With a sigh she jumped down from the sleigh and went in search of some wood. Despite the hard labor that would keep them warm, the men who didn’t have shovels would appreciate a fire to stand next to between shifts of digging.

  She had just cleared a spot large enough for a fire and found an armful of sage that should burn fine once they got it started, when she heard a piercing whinny and then a man’s yell.

  She jolted, eyes widening.

  “Shut that slider! Are you crazy? That devil will bolt!”

  Every muscle tense, she straightened and looked toward the sound.

  A flash of gray and white bounded from one of the cars and floundered through the snowy field next to the tracks.

  “No!” she gasped.

  Zane’s horse was on the loose!

  Chapter 6

  Kin heard Mrs. Holloway’s sharp inhale and looked up just in time to see her toss down an armful of wood and wade onto the mound of snow. But there must have been five feet piled up in places here along the tracks. It was only a moment before she floundered to a stop as one of her legs sank through the top layer of icy crust.

  Kin rushed to her side and took her arm. “Come back, Mrs. Holloway.”

  “If it puts its hoof into a hole in that field, it could break a leg and need to be put down before I have even taken possession of it!” There was an edge of panic in her tone.

  Kin tugged for her to come down. “Look, they’ve caught him.” He pointed to where several men had surrounded the Appaloosa which hadn’t gotten very far due to the deep snow along the side of the tracks. The horse whinnied and pawed the air, but settled a little when a lasso cinched around its neck.

  Mrs. Holloway gripped the bridge of her nose and took a deep breath. “Kin, if I ever tell you again that I’m thinking of buying a horse for a Christmas gift, will you please remind me what a terrible idea that is?”

  He smiled at her. “We’ll be through this in under an hour and then you’ll see for yourself that this is going to be worth it. That horse looks to be a fine creature, ma’am, from what I saw of him just now. A fine creature.”

  “Well I hope so.” Her eyes widened a little. “He looked somewhat wild, don’t you think?”

  Indeed. Probably only green broke. But he didn’t want to add to her discomfiture, so all he said was, “A horse with some life to him, yes ma’am. But those are the best kind.”

  With all the men pitching in, Kin’s estimate of under an hour was just about right.

  Tommy wanted to throw the last shovelful, and everyone cheered him on as he did so.

  He grinned and thrust his fists into the air as if he’d just won an exhausting race.

  Jacinda couldn’t help a chuckle. The boy’s personality had flourished since Parson Clay had taken him under his wing and brought him to live in Wyldhaven.

  She hadn’t been able to find a pot to heat water. Neither had she been able to reach the train to see if they had one or some coffee. Nevertheless, the men had appreciated the warmth of the fire. However, they had been out of fuel for the past several minutes and all that remained were a few coals. Since their job had come to an end, one of the men swept a clump of snow onto the coals with the side of his boot, and the heat disappeared with a sizzle.

  The engineer had come around to shake everyone’s hands and thank them for helping clear the way. He’d also offered that they could all ride back to the station in one of the cars. The man whose sleigh they’d ridden on had left a few minutes earlier and now the rest of them piled into the Pullman.

  Jacinda hadn’t realized how chilled she’d become. She rubbed her hands together in appreciation of the heated car as she admired the gorgeously appointed interior. Large overhead bins, where luggage could be stored, were covered by glossy red-wood doors with intricate gold detailing. These were offset to perfection by the muted green ceiling. A carpet the color of forested hills lay plush beneath her feet. And padded benches, clustered in groupings of two facing each other, stretched the length of the car on either side of the aisle.

  “Oh my! This is beautiful!” She ran her hand over the floral and fleur-de-lis pattern in the fabric of one of the bench seats.

  Beside her, Kin studied the car, a bit wide-eyed. He nodded. “Yes, ma’am. I almost hate to sit on one of those.”

  “Well you better sit because none of the rest of us can get by you,” a man behind them groused good naturedly.

  Jacinda and Kin hurried to clear the aisle.

  Even with the snow on the tracks, it only took the train an hour and a half to reach the station. And it was only in that moment that she realized she still hadn’t seen the horse, other than at a distance.

  Kin looked at her with a grin. “You ready to go meet this wild beast?”

  She swallowed. “I’m afraid you might be right. What if it is still wild? I can’t give Zane a horse that can’t be ridden as a Christmas present!”

  Kin nudged her. “We’ll never know until we go see it for ourselves.”

  Jacinda took a breath. He was right. It was time to go see this horse that she’d purchased sight unseen.

  Whyever, had she thought that was a good idea?

  Kin stepped from the Pullman car and reached a hand to help Mrs. Holloway out.

  That compartment was sure something fancy. He couldn’t recall ever seeing anything like it before. Was that what everything would be like in Seattle? He still hadn’t worked up the courage to tell the parson that he planned to leave. Was itching to leave, if the truth were known.

  He loved the people of Wyldhaven, but he wanted something more exciting in his life than the mundane small-town offered. Wanted to be something more than a handyman, or a logger, or a parson—he shuddered at that thought.

  Mrs. Holloway pressed her hands together. “His letter told me he would meet me with the colt out front where the wagon lot is.”

  Kin suppressed a sigh. This day certainly had been a lot of fuss about a Christmas present. But thankfully it was almost over and he’d be able to go back to Wyldhaven and maybe swing by McGinty’s for a drink.

 
; No.

  He pushed the thought away. PC was sick and needed him to take care of Tommy.

  Tommy!

  The thought had him turning back toward the car, only to bump into his charge.

  “W-whoa, Kin. Right here. I’s r-right here.”

  Kin socked Tommy in the arm. “Good job, Tom. Way to remember to stick with me.” He and the parson had lost Tommy a time or two at the very beginning when PC had first taken over as his guardian, and Kin hadn’t liked that feeling in the least.

  But it looked like Tommy might finally be learning his lesson about staying close.

  “Want to go see the horse?” Kin asked, leading the way.

  Tommy’s boots clomped down the platform behind him. “Tommy n-not sure ’bout that h-horse. L-looks w-wild!”

  “Oh dear.” Mrs. Holloway settled one hand over her stomach like she might be feeling sick.

  Kin hurried down the platform steps, swept off his hat, and reached a hand to help her descend. “Don’t worry, ma’am. I’m sure the horse was simply tired of being cooped up. He’s probably as gentle as a kitten.” He smirked as an idea came to him. “In fact, I think you should name the horse Kitten.” He’d love to see the marshal riding around town on a horse so named.

  Mrs. Holloway gave him a look. “I’m not certain the marshal would go for that.”

  Disappointment seeped in. “No, ma’am. Likely not.”

  They heard the horse before they could see it. A large covered wagon stood in the lot and from behind it they heard a couple of shouts.

  “Get him!”

  “Hold that rope.”

  “Hang it! You devil of a beast!”

  Mrs. Holloways eyes widened. “I hope that’s not them revealing the true name of this creature!”

  He took her elbow and urged her forward. “Let’s get the lay of it. But if your deal was for a mount ready to ride, then don’t be afraid to do a little negotiating.”

  As if by mutual agreement they both froze at the end of the wagon.

  Tommy bumped into him from behind. “S-sorry.”

  Kin waved away his apology as he leaned to peer around the wagon at the scene taking place on the other side. Mrs. Holloway followed his lead.

  Two men, obviously working ranch hands from their dress, stood on either side of a wild-eyed horse, each with a rope wrapped around their forearms. Despite their best efforts to hold the Appaloosa steady, it pranced and danced, bobbing its head, pawing the air, and whinnying in protest. It swung a nip at first one man, and then spun to try to kick the other, then screamed in protest when both efforts failed.

  Mrs. Holloway withdrew and fanned her face. She moaned a little. “Oh Kin, what am I going to do? I’ve purchased an unbroken colt!”

  Kin didn’t reply. He was still studying the scene.

  Another man stood near, with a bored look on his face. He was impeccably dressed in a black suit with a smart round bowler atop his head. He adjusted his sleeves, lips pressed into a thin line. “She’s likely to be here at any moment! Can’t you calm him?”

  Kin turned his focus to the horse and pulled in a breath of awe.

  It was magnificent! White faced, it had a black muzzle and black intelligent eyes that emphasized the sleek curve of its nose. The white of its head faded into speckled silver-gray that was darker over its haunches. The horse had dark fetlocks, and its mane and tale were long silver threads dipped in whitewash.

  “He’s beautiful.” Mrs. Holloway breathed, and Kin realized that she had peered from behind the wagon again.

  “Indeed,” he agreed. “Don’t pay another penny for that hellion of a horse.”

  Chapter 7

  All Jacinda’s irritation over the day’s craziness surged to the fore. The truth was, she never would have bought this horse if she hadn’t been assured from the beginning that it would be well-trained and ready for use.

  Tugging at her gloves, she marched from behind the wagon and stormed toward the dandy in the bowler. Her breath fogged the air in a cloud before her, and her steps crunched across a layer of hardened snow.

  The man looked up, pasting on a smile.

  “Mr. Chesterton, I presume?”

  He nodded and stretched out his hand, but Jacinda’s ire was so high that she ignored it.

  “What is the meaning of this?” She swept a gesture to the still prancing horse.

  Too late, she realized that hadn’t been the smartest move.

  The horse threw back its head, eyes wild. With a screech, it dropped into a crow-hop and then shot into the air with a great twist, legs, mane, and tail flying.

  “Look out!” The men holding the ropes dove for safety.

  And the next thing Jacinda knew, the horse landed with a great whump and charged directly toward her!

  She flinched, only having time to duck so that her shoulder would take the impending impact.

  “Whoa!”

  Jacinda kept herself tucked, braced for the collision.

  It never came.

  Slowly, she uncurled.

  Her focus went first to Kin, who stood next to her, jaw slack.

  She followed his gaze.

  Tommy stood between her and the horse, arms outstretched.

  The Appaloosa shifted quietly, nostrils flaring, but no longer panicked and wild.

  “There you go. See? No need to be afraid,” Tommy cooed.

  Jacinda looked back at Kin. Her brows lifted. Tommy hadn’t stuttered once in that sentence. She’d never heard the young man speak so clearly before.

  “You’re okay,” Tommy continued. “No one wants to hurt you.” He inched his hand to take the hackamore, and once it was securely in his grip, he angled to face her. “H-he’s r-ready to go n-now.”

  Everyone released a collective sigh of relief. The two men who’d been responsible for holding the horse scrambled to their feet and dusted themselves off. Mr. Chesterton straightened his bolo tie and adjusted his sleeves.

  Jacinda placed a hand on Tommy’s arm. “Thank you, Tommy.”

  He grinned. “H-he’s not so b-bad.”

  She wasn’t so sure about that. She angled Mr. Chesterton a look. “You assured me in all our communications that the horse I was buying would be ready to ride.”

  He stretched his neck, again touching his tie. “Yes, well… we had a problem. The horse I planned to deliver came down with a bad case of colic last week. It was too late to let you know and I didn’t want to disappoint you by not showing up at all.” He turned to look at the Appaloosa. “In all honesty, this creature is twice the animal of that other. Once you break him, he’ll be the best horse you’ve ever owned.”

  Jacinda folded her arms. “Yes, but I now have to go to the expense of hiring a trainer. Not to mention finding someone in our area. This is a logging community, Mr. Chesterton, not a ranching one.”

  His feet shuffled. “I’m prepared to forgive the rest of what you owe, if you still want him.”

  His focus returned to her.

  Was that hopefulness in his eyes?

  She sighed and studied the horse once more.

  It thrust its black muzzle into Tommy’s hand and whickered softly. What was it about the simple-minded young man that had calmed the creature? Whatever it was, she never would have guessed this to be the same horse as she’d seen only moments earlier. Maybe there was hope for it, after all?

  She looked at Kin. “What do you think?”

  He twisted his hat through his fingers and walked around the animal, studying it from all sides. Then he motioned to Tommy. “Open its mouth, Tom. I want to see its teeth.”

  Tommy pried the horse’s lips back and it gave no protest.

  Kin came to stand by her. He shrugged. “It’s a beautiful horse. And I heard Kane Carver mention that his pa was a rancher. Could be he could help with the breaking of it. Joe and Liora’s place isn’t too far from the Kastain place where he’s staying. He’s got 3 weeks between now and Christmas. And I know they could use the money. Might be worth askin
g, at any rate?”

  Jacinda checked her timepiece. “Too late to get out there today. I suppose I could come up with a reason to visit the Kastain place tomorrow. But…” Her gaze lifted to the sky. “It looks like another storm might be blowing in this evening.”

  Kin rubbed a hand along his jaw. “I have to deliver the horse to the Rodantes, anyhow. Wouldn’t be anything for me to swing by the Kastain place and ask him. I could come by tomorrow and let you know what he says.”

  Relief swept in. Maybe she would be able to salvage this Christmas present for Zane, after all. “That’s a great idea, Kin. I can pay him with the money I’m saving on the purchase price.”

  He nodded. “Yes, ma’am.”

  Jacinda held her hand toward Mr. Chesterton. “I’ll take him.”

  “Heaven be praised,” one of the ranch hands mumbled under his breath.

  Jacinda’s doubts resurged, but Mr. Chesterton grabbed her hand before she could withdraw it. The deal was sealed.

  “You won’t be sorry, Mrs. Holloway. You won’t be sorry.”

  Jacinda only hoped he wasn’t lying.

  After the Carver siblings left the sheriff’s office, Zane caught up on all his paperwork and made several rounds of the town. But it was clear that the weather had kept any troublemakers at home today and since his horse wouldn’t make it out to the camps and back, he returned home.

  The house was cold and dark. The breakfast dishes, though washed, remained on the drainboard, something very unlike Jacinda, who was meticulous about the way her kitchen looked.

  He stood quietly for a moment, hands on his hips, staring at the dark floor. Surely her errands hadn’t taken this long? Shopping for the parson’s Christmas present Kin had said. But they’d also mentioned the train. Where would she be?

  He strode to the back door and yanked it open, checking the sky to the west. A small bank of dark clouds hung on the horizon. Another storm was on its way.

  He closed the door and banged through the process of making a fire and putting on a pot of coffee. Then he dug through the icebox and took out the pan with yesterday’s stew and plunked it onto the stove. It hadn’t been so long from his bachelor days that he’d forgotten how to make biscuits, so he whacked together a batch and thrust them in the oven.