Chapter Two
Travis Boyd reread the wire alerting him that his mail-order bride was on her way. Tomorrow he’d meet and wed her. He couldn’t help smiling whenever he thought about having a wife and children in his home. Only thing better would be when he and his wife had their own babies.
Billy Moreland, cowboy and cook-under-duress, clanged the skillet onto the range. His salt and pepper colored hair showed the effects of the hat he’d worn all day. “You’re gonna wear out that paper afore the day comes to go to town and fetch her.”
Travis shoved the telegram into his pocket. “Have to remind myself it’s true. I’ve been planning on a family for years. Finally, I have a ranch with a snug house to offer a wife.”
Paco Rodriguez, the ranch’s other cowboy, pulled out a chair and sat at the kitchen table. “You are good to offer for a widow to bring her children. This way you will have a woman who knows how to run a house and little ones to help on the ranch.”
Travis shook his head. “Don’t know how much help children eight and six will be. Guess they can help with the chickens.”
Paco pushed a lock of his dark hair off his forehead. “Sí, when I was that age I did many things to help my parents—carry water, gather eggs, milk a cow, clean the stalls, chop and carry wood.”
Rubbing his jaw, Travis considered. “No need to carry water here. Reckon the boy can bring in wood. Don’t much cotton to the idea of him with an axe. He’s a city boy and likely not used to doing anything to help.”
“You know more about that than I do since I was raised on a ranch.” Billy turned the steaks. “I’ll sure be glad to have someone take over the cookin’. Some new vittles recipes would be tasty.”
Travis paced the kitchen. “I’ve worried about a Southern belle from Atlanta hardening up to ranch life. Preston Kincaid and Forrest Clanahan used that same matchmaker. They had good luck and I don’t want to be the exception.”
Billy used a meat fork to point at Travis. “You don’t like the looks of her, you send her packin’ with a ticket back to Atlanta.”
He shook his head. “I can’t spare the return fare or I’d be likely to run short. Paid off the Cobbs’ account but I have to keep enough on hand to get seed for spring and meet any emergencies. No telling what will crop up before next fall’s harvest and cattle sale.”
He grinned at his two ranch hands. “And, I suppose you two plan on getting paid every month of the coming year.”
Paco grew animated. “I save money to wed my Marisol. Just like her name, she is my Mary of the Sun—my sunlight.”
Both the other men groaned.
Billy added eggs to the skillet. “We’ve heard about her virtues until I’m sick of ’em. Accordin’ to you, she’s almost a saint.”
Paco spread his hands in an arc. “Sí, this is true. She is the most beautiful, sweetest, and wonderful woman on this earth. I do not know why, but she loves me as much as I love her.”
Travis clapped Paco on the shoulder. “Don’t worry. We’ll build you two a house this spring in that spot you picked. Have to build on here before long, too.”
Billy grumbled, adopting his cantankerous mood that fooled no one for long. “Won’t be long until the place is overrun with sprouts yellin’ and raisin’ a ruckus all hours of the day.”
Travis winked at Paco. “And you’ll be the Uncle Billy spoiling them or I miss my guess.”
Billy had the good grace to look embarrassed. “Sit down and eat afore you wear a rut in the floor pacin’ back and forth.”
Travis joined Paco at the table. The steak was charred a bit and the fried eggs were crunchy and brown around the edges. He wasn’t about to complain. He sure didn’t want kitchen duty.
***
Saturday morning, Vanessa was up early and walked back and forth in the small room. Her skin prickled as if she were in a lightning storm. Inside her stomach, a tornado of butterflies twirled.
This would never do. She gave herself a strict lecture and set to getting ready for the day. So different from her first wedding day, she hoped that was a good sign this marriage would be different from her first.
Wearing a dress of blue wool trimmed in velvet, she wound her hair in a neat chignon. The dress’ neck was high with a shade lighter cording forming a scrolled design that repeated on the cuffs and down the skirt’s front. On the right side only a pannier draped.
No jewelry was needed at the throat but she added her mother’s pearl and diamond earbobs. Removing her wedding ring, she thought bitterly of her past marriage. She dropped the band into her coin purse and snapped the container closed with finality.
She hated the idea of tying herself to any man again, especially a stranger. He could turn out to be even worse than her late husband. Dear heaven, she prayed he wouldn’t be. The matchmaker had guaranteed she checked each groom’s background and Travis Boyd had an excellent reputation.
When her father had ordered her to marry Willisferd, she was sixteen. The wedding was the day following her seventeenth birthday. She had known her parents and Willisferd’s had planned the union for years but she hadn’t the sense to resist. Dreams of happy-ever-after colored her first few days with her husband, but reality soon grounded her. Now she realized how naïve she’d been.
Never, never, never again!
She wouldn’t trust another man. Shattered pieces were all that were left of her vulnerable girlish spirit. She’d learned the hard way that men were not to be trusted—not her grandfathers, not her father, not her husband, not her father-in-law.
Her children needed a home so she’d wed Travis Boyd and play the part of his wife, but she would never give him even a tiny piece of her splintered heart.
“You look real pretty, Mother.”
She turned to smile at Jack. “Thank you. This is an important day. Are you eager to meet your new father?”
“Sort of. I’m kind of scared, though.”
Dorie scooted from bed. “I want to wear my blue dress too.”
“Your blue dress is soiled so you have to wear the pink one. You look so pretty in it.”
Flattery usually worked on Dorie but now she frowned. “I wanted to look like you.”
“Another day we can dress alike. We need to hurry. Mrs. Murphy will have breakfast ready in a few minutes and then your new father will come for us.”
Dorie scrunched her face. “I want to go home.”
“We’ll be in our new home when Mr. Boyd drives us to his ranch after the wedding.”
Jack buttoned his shirt. “Come on, Dorie. Don’t be a baby. Get dressed so we can go downstairs and eat.”
“I’m not a baby.” She pouted as she pulled on her stockings.
Vanessa helped her daughter dress then straightened Jack’s tie before they went to breakfast. Afterward, they took their valises to the parlor to wait. The clock pendulum ticked the seconds. Each click increased tension and caused Vanessa to believe her body would burst from her skin.
Finally, at five until nine, she heard the jingles and creaks of a wagon.
Jack leaped up and looked out the window. “It’s not a carriage, Mother, but a wagon. And, a big man is coming to the door. Hey, he grinned at me.”
“Come away from the window.” Thank heavens he’d smiled at her nosy son.
Mrs. Murphy answered the knock. “Come in, Mr. Boyd. Your new family is ready. I’d say you’ve done well and so have they.”
Vanessa stood when he entered, unable to help staring. He was several inches over six feet and had dark hair. His handsome looks were different than men she’d known in Atlanta—more rugged, tanned, and definitely… vigorous.
He removed his hat then handed folded money to the landlady. “Thank you, Mrs. Murphy. This should cover their stay. I appreciate you looking after them.” His voice was a pleasing baritone.
When he turned toward Vanessa, the blue of his eyes sparkled with what she hoped was appreciation. “I’m Travis Boyd and you must be Mrs. Worthington.”
S
he nodded. “Vanessa. And these are my children Travis and Dorie, ages eight and six.”
Jack bowed. “Good morning, Mr. Boyd.”
Dorie curtsied. “Nice to meet you, Mr. Boyd.”
“You don’t have to call me Mr. Boyd. Use Travis or Papa.” Her groom looked at her with humor. “Nice manners. Reverend Norton is waiting for us. I’ve collected your trunks from the station and packages from the mercantile. Are you ready to leave?”
“We are.” She turned to Mrs. Murphy. “Thank you for making us welcome.”
Travis picked up her valises and bundles. “After you. Jack, can you handle the door for us?”
“Yes… Papa.” When she looked back, Jack smiled.
Her jumpiness had her jabbering, “Mrs. Murphy was nice to us. Did you know she has three dozen hens and sells eggs? She doesn’t sell many hens but she said you already have some. I invited her to the ceremony but she declined. Her husband is feeling worse today and she was afraid to leave him alone.”
He helped her onto the wagon seat. “I’ve heard Thomas is dying. Sad, as he couldn’t be older than forty-five or fifty.”
While Jack climbed onto the wagon, Travis scooped up Dorie and set her down on the supplies. Her daughter giggled.
The delightful sound of her daughter’s laughter loosened the constricting band around Vanessa’s chest and she inhaled a deep breath. Maybe this would work out all right.
***
Travis climbed onto the bench, released the brake, and clicked the reins. He nodded to those they passed as he weaved through other vehicles. Since it was Saturday and shopping day, the streets were already filled with wagons, horses, and a couple of buggies. Clusters of people stood chatting on the boardwalk while others hurried on their errands.
He couldn’t believe his good fortune. His bride was the most gorgeous woman he’d ever seen. Her children acted well-behaved. Man, he’d won the grand prize this time.
He took in the clear blue sky which contradicted the chill that tinged the breeze. “Fine day for the ceremony.”
She tugged her coat closed. “Mrs. Cobb predicted snow was on the way. I hope it doesn’t arrive today.”
At the church, he hurried to help her down while Jack helped his sister. The four of them walked to the sanctuary. Reverend Norton and his wife were already there as were his two men.
The preacher hurried to welcome them and took Vanessa’s hand. “My wife told me what a nice family you have. I’m pleased to meet you.”
“Thank you, Reverend Norton. Mary was kind to greet the train.”
Travis led her to the two men standing near the altar. “Vanessa, this ornery codger is Billy Moreland and this handsome rogue is Paco Rodriguez. They’re my hands at the ranch as well as being like my family. Men, this is soon-to-be Mrs. Boyd and her children, Jack and Dorie.”
Jack gave a half bow. “Pleased to meet you, Mr. Moreland and Mr. Rodriguez.”
Dorie curtsied. “Pleasure to meet you both.”
Billy held his hat against his stomach. “Right pleased to meet you, Ma’am, and you young ’uns.”
Paco gave a slight bow. “My pleasure, Señora y los niños.”
Dorie tugged on her sleeve. “What did he say, Mother?”
Travis brushed a hand across Dorie’s curls. “Señora” means “Mrs.”, “y” means “and”, while “los niños” means “children”. Maybe you’ll pick up some Spanish.”
Jack grimaced and muttered, “Has to be lots better than Greek or Latin.”
Travis chuckled. “That’s true. You two sit with Billy and Paco.”
Reverend Norton moved to stand behind the lectern and his wife went to the pianoforte. She played “It Is Well With My Soul” then “Blest Be The Tie That Binds” before she came to join the cowboys and children.
The preacher led them in their vows. Travis was relieved to realize Vanessa was as nervous as he was. Her hand shook even more than his as he held her fingers to slide on the ring. He let out a breath, relieved the ring fit.
The minister beamed at them. “Travis, you may kiss your bride.”
Meeting her gaze, he wondered if she would protest. Tentatively he lowered his head to brush his lips gently across hers. Then they were swept up in congratulations as they walked down the aisle.
Mrs. Norton stopped Travis. “I always prepare a basket of food for our newlyweds. You can return the empty basket when you come to church some Sunday.”
He accepted the large container. “Thank you, that’s real nice of you. I reckon it’ll come in handy at dinnertime.”
Vanessa called, “Goodbye, Mrs. Norton. Thank you again for your help. Goodbye, Reverend Norton.”
Soon they were in the wagon and were headed out of town.
He handed her a thick blanket. “Spread this over your legs. There’s a buffalo hide in back for the children. Paco and Billy will ride ahead and beat us home by quite a bit.”
Vanessa did as he asked but also spread part of the cover over his legs. Her nice gesture reassured him.
She turned to see her children were covered for the ride and he did the same. Jack had spread the robe over himself and Dorie.
“Did you hear, Jack and Dorie? That cover is from a buffalo.”
Dorie wrinkled her nose. “Mr. Buffalo doesn’t smell very good.”
Travis chuckled. “He’ll keep you warm, though. We have a three-hour drive to get home. Feel free to snuggle down and go to sleep if you wish. I’ll wake you in time to see the ranch.” He couldn’t resist watching the children.
Dorie asked, “Mother, may I get Millie from our valise?”
“Yes, your doll is right on top. Please close the latch again.”
Dorie tackled the bag. “Do you want your rabbit, Jack?”
Jack announced, “I’m too old to need a stuffed animal to sleep.”
His sister appeared puzzled. “But he’s right here by Millie.”
“Oh, all right, give me my rabbit.” Jack asked, “Are we going to eat soon?”
Travis shook his head. “Not until we’re home.”
“Then I might as well go to sleep.” He scooted down and rested his head on a package.
Travis grinned when he noticed Jack cuddled the rabbit.
His new wife turned back to talk to him after checking on the children. “They have heavier coats in the packages. Mrs. Cobb said it was all right to add them to your account. I hope that’s true.”
He nodded. “She was correct.” That was another expense he hadn’t considered. Being responsible for a wife and two children meant added needs—more than he’d imagined. Learning their requirements would take him time.
Her gloved hands fiddled with the blanket edge. “Georgia winters are much milder than yours.”
“Bound to be. I hope Jack and Dorie like indoor games.”
“Yes, they enjoy several which I have in their trunk. I enjoy some of them.”
He reached over to tuck the blanket around her shoulders with her hands covered. “Much of the winter will be too cold for you and for them to be outside other than to dash to the barn and back.”
“I’d heard your winters were long and very cold. I really didn’t know which stories were true and which were myths. Perhaps you could inform me what to expect.”
“Summer of ’86 was the driest on record and hot as h… um, blazes. That was followed by the coldest winter since records have been kept. Many people froze and hundreds of animals died. With the summer weather, not as much grass grew but many thought the free range grazing would provide enough feed.”
“Free range? Is that what you have?”
“Nope, I fenced my spread and grow enough to feed my animals. Many bet on the free range and lost everything.”
“That’s terrible but matches what a woman on the train told me. Dear heavens, I hope this winter will be milder.”
“Trust me, everyone is praying for that very thing. Don’t think many could withstand that much more loss.” Including him.
H
e worried about taking on a family after the past year. But, he wasn’t getting younger and, dad-blame-it, he was lonely for a wife. Saloon girls didn’t interest him. He wanted the bond that came from marriage.
“Tell me what we’re passing.”
“That road leads to the Barnett and Walker homes. You’ll meet them when we go to church.”
He was struck with the possibility he’d made an error. “I didn’t ask about your religious preferences. If you’re Catholic, Father Frederick comes about once a month or there’s Reverend Norton’s weekly Sunday service in Sweetwater Springs.”
“I’d appreciate attending the Sweetwater Springs church whenever we can. I didn’t see which denomination it is.”
“There’s no specific affiliation that I know of. Reverend Norton uses the Bible as his reference and preaches sermons on living a good life.”
“That sounds perfect.”
Pleased his life wasn’t to be more complicated than he’d imagined, he relaxed. “We’re coming up on the road to the Murdoch Ranch, but their place is further away than you can see.”
Chapter Three
Vanessa gazed at the towering pines at the base of the mountains. “The trees look so close I thought we’d have reached them by now.”
“Distance can fool you out here. Still, I like living in Montana Territory. Last spring I doubled the size of my ranch. Couldn’t really afford to but the spread joining mine came up for sale at a sheriff’s auction. I sure didn’t want to miss the chance to acquire land that abutted mine at a bargain.”
“Oh, how sad for people to lose their home.” Her own experience raised her anger that he’d profited by someone’s loss.
“Usually I’d agree. This owner went to jail for armed robbery and rustling. Turned out he was wanted in Wyoming, Idaho, and Utah.”
She repented of her hasty judgment. “My goodness, did you know your neighbor was a criminal?”
Travis shook his head. “Didn’t like him and didn’t trust him, but had no idea he was a wanted man. Lived in a shack so flimsy I don’t know how he and his gang kept from freezing. Not that I can talk because Paco, Billy, and I lived in a soddie while I proved up the claim.”
Montana Sky: Capture Her Heart (Kindle Worlds Novella) (Loving A Rancher Book 6) Page 2
