Poor Boy's Christmas with Bonus Book

by Kathleen Ball

  “I’m fine but thanks for caring.”

  Her brow furrowed. “Why wouldn’t I care?”

  “In my experience, the world isn’t made up of caring folks. They care about themselves or their families but not others. The only people I’ve found to be truly caring are the people here in Asherville.” He shook his head. He shouldn’t be telling others his problems. “I’m thinking we should have a good story of how we’re brother and sister to tell people. Cinders and his wife Shannon as well as Tramp and his wife Ilene are trusted friends, but everyone else will have to be told we’re kin.”

  “Why didn’t you just leave me in the jail? The judge is bound to hang me. Why go to all the trouble?” Her blue eyes were so big he found himself getting lost in them.

  He walked to the window near the door and peered outside at the ranch he loved. The storm raged on, but all he saw was a place to put down some roots. This was what he wanted, a ranch where people considered themselves to be family. “No trouble, just doing my job. If people thought you were still in town, it would just put Shane in danger with bounty hunters trailing his every move. I’ll have to take a look at those wanted posters. It never occurred to me there’d be ones with women on them.”

  “I never gave it much thought either. It took too much energy to survive for me to be worrying about being wanted. I really thought with my brothers all dead, my pa and me could start a life somewhere, but it wasn’t meant to be.” Her voice was soft and wistful.

  “Coffee should be done by now. Would you like a cup?” He didn’t wait for an answer. Instead, he walked across the cabin and took two cups off a makeshift shelf and carried them back to the fire, where he squatted and poured them both a cup.

  “Thank you,” Molly said as he handed her a cup.

  “Are you warm enough? Where did you say you hailed from? These Texas storms can be fierce.”

  “Pennsylvania originally, and then after the incident we’ve been all over. I can’t rightly say I’m from anywhere anymore. We used to have a lot of snow when I was growing up.” She shrugged and took a sip from her cup.

  “We don’t get as much snow, but the icy rain sure is hard to deal with. I know being here with me isn’t the ideal situation. We’re just trying to keep you safe is all.”

  “Oh, it’s a lovely cabin.”

  Glancing around, he smiled. “I’ve been in plenty worse.”

  Molly nodded and stared at the fire. What was she thinking? Probably about her father. He sure understood her sadness. He had been heartbroken when the Eats died. Eats had been more of a father to him than anyone. He could only imagine how it felt to have a real father die. Not knowing what to say the silence ensued. He pulled a chair near the fire and sat down until he too stared into the flickering flames.

  Her heart squeezed. Her pa must be so cold in the ground. How was she going to live without him? Worrying about her future helped to crowd out the vision of her dead father. She frowned. There was no sense in worrying about a future she’d never have. Once the judge heard her name and her family’s crimes, it would be all over.

  She glanced over at the deputy. He made her feel safe. It had been a long time since she’d felt that way. He was so very handsome, and it was just as well she’d be gone. He was probably quick with his gun, and she never wanted a man who could pull a gun on another man in her life again.

  There was a knock on the door and she stood her gaze darting around the room seeking somewhere to hide.

  “It’s fine. Everything is fine,” Poor Boy said in a soothing voice.

  He went to the door and opened it wide, allowing two women followed by two men to come inside. She stayed as still as possible as they all hugged Poor Boy. He certainly was a popular man. Her heart was happy for him but doubly sad for herself.

  “Molly, this is Shannon and Cinders and this is Tramp and Ilene. They own the ranch.”

  She tried to smile but failed. “It’s nice to meet you. Thank you for giving me a place to stay until they hang me.” She quickly put her hand over her mouth. “I didn’t mean to say the last part.”

  “Welcome,” Cinders said. He was tall with broad shoulders. His blond hair hung past his shoulders.

  “I’m so glad you made it here before you all froze,” Shannon said. She had a pretty smile. She quickly took off her cloak and bonnet, revealing her brown hair and a prominent scar on the side of her face.

  Tramp set a basket on the table. “Cookie sent food.” He was a handsome man with brown hair.

  “I’m Ilene. It’s so nice to meet you.” The pretty woman with beautiful blue eyes and curling brown hair sat down next to her. “Are you thawed out from your trip out here?”

  “Yes, ma’am. I’m warm now.”

  “Poor Boy, I can’t get over how much you’ve grown and filled out,” Shannon exclaimed causing his face to turn a bright shade of red.

  “I’m proud of you,” Cinders said. “Now you’re the deputy. But don’t feel obligated to keep the job. I know you have the restaurant too. Take your time and decide what’s best for you.”

  “So, how real is the danger to Molly?” Tramp asked.

  Poor Boy stood tall. “Shane thought it bad enough he sent us out here.”

  Cinders stared at Molly. “Just how many posters do you have out on you?”

  She blinked and then frowned. “None that I know of. My brothers had a few before they were killed. But there seems to be a few posters for female bank robbers and the bounty hunters are coming in to see if I’m one of them. The sheriff was of the mind that some wouldn’t much care if I matched the poster exactly or not.”

  Cinders nodded. “He’s right about that. Dead or alive and most would rather not deal with a live prisoner. So, the cover is that you two are brother and sister. We can go along with that easy enough. I’ve alerted all our men to keep an eye out for strangers. They don’t need to know more than that.”

  “Thank you,” she said as she shuddered. It hadn’t occurred to her someone would just shoot her and ask questions later.

  Tramp shook his head and smiled as he gazed at Poor Boy. “I know everyone has already said it but I can’t get over how mature you are now. You left as a skinny kid and look at you now. I don’t mean to embarrass you or nothin’, but you have to admit it’s a big change.”

  Ilene stood. “I think what he’s trying to say is that we all feel as though you’re part of our families.”

  Tramp smiled at Ilene and nodded.

  “I think Ilene explained it beautifully,” Shannon said. “Make sure you eat and get some rest. I’m sure Cookie will be by in the morning with breakfast. Then if the weather is any better you’re welcome to have meals at the house with the rest of us.”

  “Looking forward to it,” Poor Boy said. He helped Ilene with her cloak. “Have a good night.”

  Molly watched as they all bade them a good night. When the door finally closed, she relaxed her tense body. “They seem like very nice people.”

  “They are.” The affection he held for his friends came through in his voice. “Let’s eat.”

  She went to the table and helped him to unload the basket. It was amazing, the amount of food that had been inside. Fried chicken, fresh bread, boiled potatoes, and even a plate of cookies. “There’s enough food here for ten people.”

  “Cookie is a generous man. Maybe tomorrow we can go to the main house and catch up. They have kids I’ve never met. It seems strange.”

  “It’s nice they consider you to be family. You must have been quite the little boy.”

  “I was thin, and my clothes hung on me. I had a hard time sleeping so I looked like a waif, I suppose. They always treated me with respect. I knew how much they meant to me but I never imagined they felt the same way.”

  “You’re a nice man, Poor Boy.”

  He grinned as they both sat down to eat. “When I was in school in New York they changed my name to Edwin. I hated it. Ed would have been bearable, but Edwin set my teeth to grinding. Poor B
oy might be a strange name but it’s mine.”

  “I can understand that. I suggested my family change its last name but they refused. It wasn’t them who put the original black mark next to the McDonagh name.” She took a bite of the chicken and almost moaned out loud. It was so good, better than her mother’s.

  “Good, isn’t it?”

  “You read my mind.” They ate the rest of the meal in silence, and after supper, she washed the few dishes and put them back into the basket. Then she went and unpacked the clothes Cecily had gathered for her. Tears came to her eyes at the nightgown and two dresses she found inside. It had been a while since she’d worn a dress. It had been easier to ride with pants on.

  Poor Boy poured some of the heated water into a basin and set it along with a bar of soap on the table. “It’s been a long day. I’m sure you’ll want to wash up. The weather is too bad to get enough water for a bath—”

  “This is fine.” She smiled at him as she reached out and touched his arm. “You’ve been so kind to me.”

  He shifted his weight from one foot to another. “It’s easy being kind to you.” He took the bucket and walked back to the fire. I’ll keep my back turned so you can get dressed for bed.”

  She’d always imagined there’d be a time when a man would want to see her undressed. Marriage and children had always been in the picture when she thought of what her future would be like. A small sob escaped her. Her future was very different now.

  Poor Boy added more wood to the fire. Sleep wasn’t coming any too easy for him. The small couch didn’t hold half of his length, and the floor was proving to be a challenge. Molly had insisted he take the bed, but he’d refused. She was sleeping, but it wasn’t a restful sleep. She tossed and turned something awful. He watched the shadows the flames tossed against the walls. Poor Molly. Losing her father and facing the hangman must be terrifying. Somehow, she had managed to give him a few smiles. He liked her smiles…maybe a little too much. He needed to keep his distance. After all she was his prisoner.

  The sound of frozen rain pelting the outside of the cabin grew louder. It was going to be a big mess tending the animals tomorrow. He’d pitch in to help. Morning came early on a ranch. He lay his head down and closed his eyes.

  A scream had him quickly on his feet. It had come from Molly.

  He raced to the bed and found her thrashing around, groaning and crying in her sleep. He sat on the bed and gently touched her shoulder, and the stark fear in her eyes when she woke made his heart hurt for her. He reached for her and took her into his arms. Cupping her head in his hand, he guided it to his shoulder.

  She shuddered, and her body wracked with sobs. Finally, she put her arms around his neck as though she was holding on for dear life. Her suffering went on for a long while.

  He stroked her back as his shirt became soaked with her tears. He held her to him, trying to make her feel safe. Perhaps there was no real way to make her feel that way, but he was going to try. Her sobs began to slow, and he caressed the back of her graceful neck, murmuring to her that everything was going to be all right. He’d only held a woman once, but it was tawdry compared to the rightness of Molly in his arms.

  Everything about her was soft and womanly. It had been hard to judge just how womanly she was in the clothes she’d been wearing. A need built up inside him, and he wanted to kiss her, but he didn’t have the right. It wouldn’t be fair to either one of them. Besides, he was pretty sure she was innocent in the ways of men. But that didn’t stop him from breathing in her delightful scent.

  She pulled back and gazed at him with her red, puffy eyes. His stomach clenched as he stared at her red lips. They looked so very ripe and ready for the taking. He’d be a fool to kiss her, but everything within him wanted to take the chance. He leaned forward, just a taste… But at the last minute, he stood up and tucked her back in. She wasn’t in the right frame of mind to know what she wanted, and he wasn’t about to take advantage of her.

  “Get some sleep,” he said, his voice sounding unnaturally husky. It took a lot, but he walked back to the fire and got down on the floor. He waited for his heart to stop pounding before he lay down and slept.

  The next morning was as cold and iced over as he predicted. The window was iced over, and he couldn’t see what was going on. He hurried and got dressed. Quickly, he pulled on his boots, jacket, hat, and gloves before he opened the door. One step past the threshold, he went flying on the ice, landing on his rear end at the bottom on the steps with a grunt. Gingerly, he stood back up and carefully punched through the crusted ground with each step to keep from sliding. He laughed when he saw Dill, one of the ranch hands fall on his back. It was going to be one of those days.

  “Are you going to go check on the cattle?” Poor Boy asked.

  “No, we have men at all of the line shacks. They’re within walking distance of the cattle. There’s no safe way to ride a horse on this ice.”

  Poor Boy nodded. There was a whole lot he didn’t know about ranching. It never hurt to learn. “Are you going to the main house?”

  “Sure am.”

  “Could you tell Cookie we still have plenty of food from last night and not to risk a bad fall coming over?”

  “We?” Dill tilted his head waiting for an answer.

  “My sister and I.”

  Dill looked confused. “You have a sister? Since when?”

  Poor Boy chuckled. “I guess since the day she was born. I had taken off before that. Didn’t know about her until recently. Mind telling the guys? Her name is Molly. I don’t want her to feel awkward when we come for lunch.”

  Dill smiled and nodded. “Sure thing. It’s nice to have you back.” Dill punched through the ice with the heel of his boot as he walked to the main house.

  Poor Boy sighed in relief. He wouldn’t have to explain Molly to the rest of them and Shannon, Cinders and Cookie could fill in any information the men asked for. Maybe he should keep Molly in the cabin. Once the men saw her, he had a feeling they’d want to get to know her and trouble would end up brewing.

  Molly woke feeling groggy. Nightmares plagued her all night. Anxiously she looked around and was relieved she didn’t see Poor Boy. It was a chance to get dressed in privacy. Quickly she donned a blue calico dress Cecily had given her. The fit was just right and she smiled in delight. Once dressed she put the coffee on to boil. She walked to the window and was astounded that she couldn’t see anything. The ice must have been very thick. Wanting a better look, she opened the front door and gasped. Ice clung to everything. The trees, the ground, the steps, and the sides of the cabin were all covered with glittering hard ice. It didn’t appear safe out there, and she blew out a breath she hadn’t been aware she was holding when she spotted Poor Boy heading her way.

  She watched him walk, digging his heel into the glossy, hard ground first before taking a step. She shook her head in admiration. He always seemed to know the right way to do things. Other than the sound of the ground crunching with each step he took, it was eerily quiet. Where did all the birds go? After scanning the area, she decided they must have fled. Hopefully, they had found a safe place.

  She stood in the doorway waiting for Poor Boy and her heart flipped at the big grin he gave her. She’d best be careful or that smile would sweep her off her feet. What was it like to be in love? She smiled back and then her smile slowly faded. She’d never know. Her heart squeezed painfully. All her family was gone and she was alone in the world. It was such a lost lonely feeling. Actually, it was terrifying.

  Poor Boy came in and quickly closed the door. “It’s cold yet it has a certain beauty about it. I’m supposing Judge Gleason won’t make it to town any time soon.” He removed his coat, hat, and gloves and then tilted his head studying her. “Are you alright? You tossed and turned all night.”

  “I’m sorry I woke you. Thank you for giving me comfort. I’m just mourning my father, actually my whole family. One accusation from an unstable man, and my family died for it. I hope the cattl
e all died out and the grass turns to ash. We worked so hard to build our ranch, and in a split second it was gone.” She shrugged and glanced away. “Greed is ruining our world.”

  He grabbed her hand and pulled her to the couch where they both sat. “Not everyone is greedy. I’ve seen a lot of both sides of it. There are more good people in the world than there are greedy people. Those people need to realize their actions affect others and not in a good way. There are too many jobless, starving families out there. I wish there was something I could do to help them.”

  “Keeping the people of Asherville safe is a start.”

  His face softened at her words, and he nodded. “I propose we have a big breakfast of fried chicken with all the fixin’s. We’ll go to Cinders’ this afternoon. You’ll like it there. Their little girl must be about five now. Do you like kids?”

  Her semblance of a smile faded. “I love them. I’d always planned to have many…” She stood and got busy setting out the food. Pity wasn’t something she invited and it wasn’t something she wanted. “Let’s eat.”

  The heat of his gaze could be felt throughout the whole meal, and she could only imagine how red her face had become. She successfully avoided his gaze the whole time. He was really the type of man she’d hoped to settle down with, well minus the gun on his hip.

  “I hope this weather lets up soon. I want to check out Eats’ Place. I can’t believe I own it. Eats could be a gruff man, but he treated me like his own. It was the occasional out-of-town customers who’d cuff me one. When Eats’ first restaurant burned down, Shane and Cecily let me live with them. They treated me like kin. Now, New York City was very different. I went to a school for the more privileged kids. They didn’t like one thing about me. Edith gave me the best clothes she knew of, and they weren’t good enough. I never let on to her though.”