She stopped to serve a supper of leftover food from dinner. When the remains of their meal had been cleaned and put away, she remembered the hens and horses.
“I’ve waited too late for feeding the animals and now ‘tis dark. I’ll take the lantern and only be a few minutes.”
After she donned her coat and gloves, she hurried outside. With a bright full moon for light, she didn’t need the lantern until she was inside the barn. She hung the light on a nail and started with the horses. They were restless in their stalls.
“Now quiet down, you lovely horses and don’t scold me. I’m doing my best to keep you warm and fed. I know Garrett does a better job faster than me, but for now I’m who you have.” Still, the horses were upset.
After putting out oats and fresh water, she moved to the hens. They were squawking and carrying on. She had to chase two of the hens.
“Get in your nice pen, you ungrateful hussies.”
She leaned against the pen door after she’d fastened all the hens inside. “You ladies gave me a fight today. I’ll be the one to choose who’s going into the frying pan first so you’d do well to be on your best behavior.”
When she opened the barn door and slipped out, she came face to face with a wolf. He was only twenty feet from her and he was a giant. Larger than a dog, his snarling mouth and fangs were also far more menacing.
Four others watched from a greater distance but she knew they could be on her in a flash. They crept closer, separating to cut off her escape. She felt like a rabbit incapable of defense and about to be eaten.
Of all times to rush out without a gun, she’d picked today. Should she try to open the barn door and hide in there? No, because when she moved, the wolf nearest her growled low in his throat and appeared ready to pounce.
She did the only thing she could think of and screamed.
***
Garrett cursed his fate for being laid up as an invalid. What was that? A horse’s whinny? No, several horses. And the squawking of hens. Something was wrong outside.
When he heard Gormlaith’s scream, adrenaline surging helped him rise enough to sit on the mattress. Now what was he to do? He couldn’t walk and he couldn’t leave his wife to whatever had happened outside. What would he do if she’d fallen?
Using the chair, he levered himself to stand. A second scream propelled him forward, each movement agony. With faltering steps, he reached the kitchen.
On the kitchen table lay the rifle and nearby the revolver. Could he lift the rifle? What would firing it do to his back? He hefted the gun and opened the door.
Backed against the barn, his wife was almost eye to eye with the biggest wolf he’d ever seen. In one movement, he raised the rifle and fired into the snow near the animal, sending a flare of snow into the air. The wolf howled and ran. He fired once more near the departing animals. Garrett stood the gun by the door.
Sobbing, Gormlaith ran toward him and closed the door. “I’m that grateful you could rescue me. Never have I been so terrified. I thought I was going to die.” She rushed into his arms.
Barely able to stand, he smoothed his hands across her back. “You’re all right now.”
She broke away with a gasp. “Oh, you should be resting and you had to stand to help me. You must be in terrible pain. Thank you, but now we need to get you back to bed.” She guided him as if he were a toddler.
Tugging her with him, he sank back onto the mattress and exhaled. “What were you thinking, leaving the guns on the table?”
She trembled as she wiped tears from her face. “I-I was late and rushed out without thinking. W-Why di-didn’t you shoot that beast? I had no idea they were so large. There were so many of them. No, there were five, but they scared me as if there were a hundred.”
He pulled her close. Their bodies spooned together. “That’s why I didn’t shoot the one about to attack you. The smell of his blood would have drawn the others. You would have been trapped out there near the barn. Too dangerous for you.”
She turned to face him. “I was so scared, Garrett. I can’t stop shaking.”
He brushed a lock of her gorgeous hair from her face. “I know but you’re safe now, dearest wife. As soon as I can ride, I’ll round up some men to go after the pack. The wolves will likely go after steers and no rancher can afford that.”
“Ma always said ‘Pride goes before a fall.’ I was thinking to myself that I could zip through caring for the animals when this happened to bring me to my senses. I’m no more capable of ranch life than that chair.”
“That’s not true. I’ve realized you’re fitting in very well. You’re probably a bit lonely for other women. Soon I’ll be recovered enough for us to drive into Morgan’s Crossing and another time we’ll go introduce you to the Kincaids.”
“I won’t go out again without a gun. Could I have a smaller one? I don’t want to have a holster like you do, but one I could carry in my pocket?”
“Sounds like a good idea. Eventually I’ll be able to hire a couple of cowboys and they’ll help keep varmints controlled.”
“They would be a big help with the cattle. Do you have anyone in mind?”
“No, and it’s too soon to speculate. I’ll hire a couple of men temporarily to help with spring roundup. Probably Billy will help and he might know someone else who’s looking for work.”
“You haven’t seen me on a horse, but I ride well. I can be one of the helpers.”
He couldn’t picture his wife helping with the roundup chores. “I don’t think so, but thank you for the offer. You wouldn’t enjoy branding and castrating calves. The smell alone would discourage you. Besides, you’ll be busy providing our food.”
She shuddered. “Poor calves. Branding and castrating don’t sound like anything I’d enjoy ‘tis true, but I intend to learn what’s needed. You have a bunk house but no one to live there and that’s a shame. ‘Tis embarrassed I am that I’ve cost you money for all my fine clothes and the extra supplies.”
“Aw, Gormlaith, your expenses have been small ones. Cowboys get thirty dollars a month plus their food and lodging is furnished. I’d also need to supply extra horses. You can see hiring two men to help would be a cost I can’t match right now.”
She raised on her elbow and stared at him. “Thirty dollars a month? ‘Tis as much as I made at the shirt factory yet I still had to pay rent and buy food.”
He stroked her arm and pulled her so her head was near his chest once more. “I’m sorry you were underpaid. Guess there were a lot of people who wanted the job and the owner didn’t have to pay more.”
“Aye, ‘tis true. If someone quit, her job was filled immediately. Most were immigrants and many couldn’t read or write or speak English.”
“Ranch hands work every day from dawn to at least supper and sometimes longer. Most get Saturday afternoon and evening off. Reckon some get Sunday morning off. Someone always has to be around so they alternate time off as well as night watch.”
“We worked twelve hours a day with Sunday off. After mass, I was busy with laundry and cleaning so Sunday was hardly a day of rest.”
“You had a hard life. I don’t suppose you’re much better off here except I’d never hit you.”
“You’re a kind man who’s treated me with respect. That means a lot, Garrett. I don’t mind working hard, although you’re considerate and don’t expect the impossible.”
After a moment, she met his gaze. “Working here is like building something for the future. You have a fine house and ranch. Together, we can make a good life.”
“That’s my plan, but now this is our house, not mine. Have you forgotten that when we married, you became my partner and by rights half of what I have is yours?”
“Husband, are you serious? ‘Tis a notion I’ve not heard before. All the people I’ve known view everything as belonging to the husband—including the wife and children, who have no say-so in decisions. ‘Tis why I worried so about Mrs. Pickens moving away and leaving her sewing machine and furni
ture.”
“You’re right about how some couples’ marriage works. I’ve never wanted to be a dictator. My own father was a good man and consulted my mother on all major decisions.”
“I’m lucky you came to town the day I arrived. I give thanks every day for my good fortune.”
“Me, too, for having you here has been a big improvement on my life.” He meant what he said.
He hadn’t planned to marry yet, but this marriage was fortuitous. What would have happened to him if his wife hadn’t been here? And what if she hadn’t the spunk and creativity to get him to the house and nurse him?
He’d enjoyed having her in his bed. Even now when his back was so painful, he took comfort in having her next to him. She was a beautiful and passionate woman.
She’d said her first husband’s death was an accident resulting from the man’s bad temper. He had no reason to doubt her word. Hadn’t she used all her strength to get him inside and arrange a bed in the parlor? A woman who would care for him like that wasn’t the sort to murder her first husband.
Yet, in the back of his mind was a niggling suspicion that trouble would find her. Her in-laws sounded like despicable people. Would they cause as much trouble as Gormlaith expected?
Chapter Ten
The next day, Gormlaith was clearing away after dinner when she heard the jingling of horses.
“Garrett, we have company.” She removed her apron and hurried to the door.
A man helped a woman from a sleigh then helped a small girl down. They hurried toward the house.
The woman held out her hand. “You must be Garrett’s wife. I’m Amanda Kincaid. This is my husband Preston and our daughter Iris.”
Gormlaith’s excitement at having guests almost stole her words. “Please come into the parlor. ‘Tis happy I am to meet you after Garrett has spoken so highly of you. Let me take your wraps.”
Preston shucked out of his coat and hung it on a peg before helping his wife with her wrap. Iris helped herself then handed her coat to her father.
Amanda placed a hand on her rounded stomach. “As you may have guessed, we’re expecting a baby in spring. Already I feel as big as a house.”
Preston stopped at the parlor door. “What’s this, Garrett? You growing lazy now that you have a wife?”
“Pardon me if I don’t hop up to shake your hand. I’m thankful my wife is quick thinking or you’d be coming to a funeral.” He explained what happened, making Gormlaith sound like a saint and an Amazon at the same time.
She said, “Garrett told me how to find your ranch, but I was afraid to leave him, especially after we heard wolves.”
Preston sat in the chair Garrett usually used. “We lost a steer to wolves and plan to round them up. I came to ask you to join us tomorrow, but I see you’re not in any shape to hunt.”
Garrett tried to raise himself to a sitting position and Preston was quick to help. “I don’t know if we’ve lost cattle or not since I’ve not been able to ride, but Gormlaith was almost attacked right here in the yard.” He explained the event. “I figured they were pretty hard up for food if they would come that close.”
Leaning over his friend, Preston said, “Let me see this injury.” He looked then rocked back on his heels. “That’s the worst bruise I’ve ever seen.” He glanced at Gormlaith. “Ribs broken?”
She shook her head. “He was in too much pain for me to tell. ‘Twas black and purple and red but looks much better now.”
Preston resumed his seat. “This is better? Damn, man, how did you stand the pain?”
“No choice, but my wife took care of me and dosed me with laudanum. I sure was glad I thought to buy a bottle to keep on hand.”
Gormlaith rose from the couch. “Let me make fresh coffee and dish up some peach cobbler.”
Amanda joined her. “I’ll help. Actually, I suspect you don’t need help, but this will give us a chance to get acquainted while the men talk about cattle.”
Iris sat at the table. “May I have a glass of milk?”
Amanda sent her a reprimanding look.
Gormlaith spoke before Amanda could scold the girl. “We only have canned milk, Iris, but you certainly may have a glass. We’re going to buy a couple of cows as soon as we find some for sale. Then we’ll have fresh milk when you visit.”
Amanda glanced at her. “I think the Scofield family has a couple for sale. Garrett knows where they live in Morgan’s Crossing.”
She took down the mugs and bowls. “And pigs? Do you know someone who has pigs for sale?”
“Our sow just had a litter. I’m sure Preston and Garrett can arrange something.”
Gormlaith dished up the dessert. “He told me how kind you and your husband have been to him. I’m grateful for the clock each time it chimes. Isn’t the ring a grand sound?”
Looking pleased, Amanda said, “We have one like yours and I admit I enjoy hearing the chimes. I’m glad you feel the same way.”
Iris swung her feet beneath her chair. “We’re gonna get a baby. Do you have one?”
Gormlaith laughed at the expression of embarrassed horror on Amanda’s face. “Not yet. Perhaps you’ll let me play with your baby.”
Iris had a solemn expression on her pretty little face. “You can’t treat a real baby like a doll. You have to be really careful and make sure you don’t let the head flop around.”
Gormlaith set a glass of canned milk in front of Iris. “Aye, I promise to take care. I’ll let you show me what to do.”
Iris sent her a perplexed gaze. “You talk different but I like it.”
“Thank you, dear. I’m from Ireland across the ocean. But, Montana is my home now and I intend to remain here.”
She served the men in the parlor but she and Amanda and Iris ate in the kitchen.
Amanda scanned the room. “This is the first time I’ve been inside this house. It’s very nice.”
Proud of her lovely home, Gormlaith smiled at her visitor. “Would you like a tour?” She gasped. “Is that proper for me to offer?”
Amanda laughed. “Of course, if you want to show someone your home you can. I’d love a tour.”
She led the way. “Alas, I’m a poor Irish lass with no knowledge of how society behaves. I hope to learn so I can do my husband proud.”
Continuing her description of her home, Gormlaith said, “There’s a cellar under the kitchen and the door is there by the pantry. I hope to have a garden in spring and summer which grows plenty to put by for next winter.”
“This past summer I learned to can food. While the process is hot and tiring, having the food available all year is wonderful.”
The idea pleased Gormlaith. “I’ve never tried, but mayhap you’ll teach me. Wouldn’t Garrett be that pleased with me if I could can our produce?”
Her visitor followed her toward the sewing room. “He seems very proud of you already. Certainly you managed overcoming great odds to get him inside and cared for when he fell. I don’t know how you were so resourceful.”
Gormlaith shuddered at the memory. “I was scared out of my wits. You’ve never seen the color of his back when I cut away the cloth. I almost fainted right then. How he bore the pain of me getting him inside is more than I can fathom.”
She gestured at the sewing machine. “I’ve worried about Mrs. Pickens having to leave this lovely machine. With all her children, she must miss having this something fierce.”
Amanda ran her fingers over the wood cabinet. “Such a treasure for you! I’d love to have one. The poor lady must have been sad to have left this one.”
“My husband said she cried about leaving the machine but there was no room on the wagons. You’re welcome to bring your sewing here any time you wish. Now let me show you Garrett’s study.” After that, they went upstairs.
Her guest noted each spare bedroom. “I suppose with their large family the Pickens were still crowded. This is wonderful for you and Garrett with space for your children.”
Gormlaith composed her face
. “He doesn’t want children because his first wife died in childbirth. I suppose I’m barren, for I was married two years with no baby. I’d always dreamed of a house filled with children, but not all dreams come true. I can’t complain with such a good husband and a fine place to live.”
Amanda touched her arm. “You never know, Gormlaith. Even though you didn’t conceive before, you might now. If you did, I know Garrett would get over his fear of childbirth.”
Would he? He’d seemed so certain. “Ah, ‘tis kind you are to say so, but I’ve put aside that part of my dreams. No one has everything and that’s a fact.” Yet, she still dreamed of filling this house with children.
A dreamy expression settled on her visitor’s face. “I believe I have everything. I’ve a fine husband, Iris, and now a baby’s on the way. Vern, the man who always protected me and who has been like a father to me, lives with us and works as foreman. Preston’s father, Thomas, is wonderful to Iris and me. I never dreamed I’d ever have such a perfect life.”
Gormlaith experienced a twinge of envy for Amanda’s pregnancy then pushed it away. “Ah, ‘tis happy I am to hear of your good fortune. Garrett has spoken so highly of your family.”
“We had a bad time when I first came here. I witnessed a bank robbery in Georgia and told the man who now is our foreman, Vern Baxter. At the time, he was the sheriff where I lived. Of all things, a relative of one of the robbers saw me shopping in Morgan’s Crossing and the robbers came after me. They’d escaped from prison.”
Gormlaith gasped. “That must have been terrifying.”
“You can only imagine, I hope. Vern signed up as a Federal Marshal and tracked them. He had wired the sheriff at Sweetwater Springs. Vern and Preston captured the leader while the posse and sheriff rounded up the rest. I was so afraid Preston or his father might be shot.”
Her guest’s story reminded her of the McGowan’s vow to see her arrested. She had to force herself to remain upright and not sink onto the mattress. “That sounds like quite an adventure. But, now you’re all right, aren’t you?”
Montana Sky: The Rancher And The Shepherdess (Kindle Worlds Novella) (Loving A Rancher Book 2) Page 8
