“I need to feed Molly. Please turn your backs.” Her voice sounded small and wounded.
He turned around and grabbed a chair to sit in.
“Albert, please turn around.”
“It’s not like I haven’t seen your large bosom before.”
At her gasp, Foster turned, grabbed Albert by the back of his collar and dragged him to a chair facing away from Ginger. He pushed him down onto it. “Have some respect.”
“I’ve—”
“If you don’t shut your mouth I will gladly do it for you.”
“You always were a ruffian. You’ll never amount to anything. You and your few horses will keep you poor.” Foster ignored the venom in his voice. A few horses? He was tempted to throw his Army contracts in his face, but somehow it would only make things worse.
“Meeting here was her idea, you know. Her daddy’s place isn’t more than a two days ride from here. It was all she could talk about after I told her about your ranch. She said she liked horses and taking over the ranch seemed like a good idea at the time. That was before I found out she spread her legs for any man.”
Foster rose out of his chair and punched Albert’s face. Blood gushed down the front of Albert’s face and onto his shirt.
“You broke my nose! What kind of man are you?” Albert got up and grabbed a towel but not before he glanced over at Ginger. Patches sat on the bed next to her and Molly. She stood, arched her back and hissed at him. “Damn cat!”
“Your nose? Damn I was aiming for your jaw.”
Chapter Three
Sleep evaded Ginger. She tossed and turned all night, fretting about her future. A future, which did not include either of the O’Donnell brothers. How could Albert have said such disgusting things about her? She only had one man, but she could tell by the look on Foster’s face he believed her a whore. It hurt more than it should, much more. Foster had gotten into her heart and he had the ability to hurt her. She couldn’t allow any man the power to hurt her again. She wished she knew what to do as soon as the storm stopped. There was a town close by. Maybe there would be a job for her there.
Tears trailed down her face again. How did she allow this to happen? It was all her fault. Looking at Molly, she didn’t regret having her. She was just an innocent babe. She turned again and was surprised to see Foster sitting on a chair looking at her, petting Patches, who sat on his lap.
“I can’t seem to get to sleep either, and I wanted to make sure you were all right.” His brown eyes held so much compassion, her heart squeezed.
“I’m a survivor. You don’t have to worry about me. I had hoped to never set eyes on him again.”
“Yet you came here thinking it was his cabin.”
“I had no other place to go. I prayed he wouldn’t be here. He didn’t seem the ranch type. I figured he had people running it for him. I just wanted somewhere to go until I got back on my feet. I don’t think I’ll be able to stay for Christmas after all. I need to get a job and support Molly and me.”
He smiled. “Don’t be in such a hurry. Heal and enjoy time with your daughter. Most jobs don’t allow women to bring their children.”
Her heart sank. “There must be something.”
“Let’s wait out the storm and then try to come up with something.”
“You won’t let Albert take me, will you?”
“No, you and Molly are under my protection. Truthfully I don’t like the fact you came here knowing it was a horse ranch. I think you came to find Albert and part of you still loves him.”
She drew in a short, quick breath. “I’m not sure how anyone could love him. I suppose I thought myself in love with him, but the minute he walked away, all kind feelings toward him shriveled, forever.” She didn’t like the anger she saw in his eyes. “I want you to know I never, well, he was the only one. His lies are appalling and hurtful. He and my father could have been made from the same cloth. While in Chicago, I was considered a poor relation, but I had a bit of respect. It was fleeting, but it was the only respect I ever felt. Until you. I used to see respect for the way I cared for Molly in your eyes. I’m sorry your feelings have turned to anger.”
He glanced down at his folded hands and nodded. “I can’t seem to help but feel duped. If you don’t want to go with him, let me know.” She started to answer and he held up his hand to stop her. “By rights he can take Molly with him. If you stay, I will take you to town as soon as it’s safe so you can find your own way.” He swallowed hard.
Nodding, she gave him a small smile. “Thank you for your kindness. I think I’ll try to sleep again. Good night.” She turned her back to him, but she could still feel the heat of his gaze on her. There would be no knight in shining armor, no prince to sweep her off her feet. She was on her own and the fact Albert could take Molly scared the hell out of her. She’d kill him before she’d allow him to do such a thing.
She must have slept deeply after she fed Molly again last night. She felt a pinch on her arm and her eyes blinked open. “Ouch.” She gave Albert a hard stare. “What are you doing?”
“I’m going to save your pretty plump ass. All you have to do is call Foster inside, and I’ll hit him hard over the head with this skillet.”
“Excuse me? You want me to do what?”
“I want you to help kill him so we can have the ranch.”
She sat up and checked on Molly. “Oh good Lord. You are out of your mind. Why do you want this ranch so much?”
“I just do. Now get up and do as I say, or Molly just might be accidentally dropped on her head. It could kill her, you know.”
She got out of bed and wrapped a blanket around her. “No.”
“What do you mean no?”
“You don’t have a gun? What kind of man travels without a gun?”
“Foster took it.”
“Very smart of him. Now get the idea of killing him out of your head.” She walked over to the stove and poured herself some coffee.
“Why are you staring at me that way?” he whined.
“I’m trying to figure out what I ever saw in you. I don’t see one attractive trait in you.”
“I know why no one wanted you. You’re an ugly old maid. You come from trash.”
She put the coffee on the table and crossed her arms in front of her. “I don’t care what you think. I’m not helping you.”
The door opened wide. “Helping him do what?” Foster asked. Albert took an awkward swing at Foster with the heavy skillet and when Foster took a step back, Albert landed on the floor with the skillet still in his hand. Patches jumped on top of him and stared at him.
She laughed. “Well good, now I won’t have to help you, dimwit.” She poured another cup of coffee and handed it to Foster. “How bad is it out there? Are the horses all right?”
Albert shooed Patches away and sat up. “Like she really cares. She wouldn’t know which end of the horse to feed.”
“It’s bad. We got more snow than I expected and the drifts have to be about twelve feet tall. The horses are all accounted for though.” He took off his coat, stepped over Albert, and hung it up along with his hat on a wooden peg.
“That’s the main thing,” She said. “It’s a good thing you tied the rope from the house to the barn.”
“Funny thing. The rope had been cut.”
Albert stood and adjusted his clothes. “Don’t look at me. I bet it was miss innocent over there.”
Foster gave him a pointed stare. “Give it up, Albert. I grew up with you and your no good ways. You wouldn’t know the truth if it bit your ass. By the way, how did you get here?”
“A horse.” Albert smirked.
“Damn you! Where is the horse?”
“I slapped his rump after I got here. I planned to stay for a while, plus you have plenty of horses.”
“Are you just plain stupid or what? Never mind, I already know the answer.” He grabbed his winter clothes off the peg and put them back on. “I’ll be back.”
“You’re no
t going back out in the storm, are you?” she asked.
“I’ll scout around for the horse. I have no idea if the horse is used to fending for itself or what. I have to look for it.” He opened the door and glared at Albert. “You try anything at all and I’ll put a bullet in you.”
Albert’s jaw dropped open. He started to say something but Foster was out the door before he got one word out.
“So, Albert what exactly is your plan? Kill Foster and take over the ranch? Those horses would scatter to the four winds if you tried to corral them. Some aren’t even broke for riding. I know this may seem like an odd notion to you, but what about working? You know, get a job and earn your money.”
“Shut your mouth before I shut it for you. You were looking for a rich husband, weren’t you? It’s the same thing. Foster got lucky with his horses. Why shouldn’t he give his own brother at least half? It would be a whole lot safer for him if he saw things my way.”
He must be daft. It was bad enough she was an inconvenience to Foster, but having Albert here was too much. “Why did you leave your horse out there?”
“It’s not mine and I didn’t want to unsaddle it.” Molly began to cry. “Shut her up. That crying gets on my nerves.”
Startled by his red mottled face, she quickly picked Molly up and rocked her. It took a bit of time but she finally settled down. What a sweet cherub. Ginger couldn’t get enough of staring at her. She was a miracle. A real miracle.
“So, you had the baby here?”
“Yes, Foster helped.”
“You let Foster see you like that? It’s not decent.” He frowned.
She laughed. “When you are in excruciating pain you don’t care. There is nothing worth seeing, except for the baby.”
“Show me your breasts.” His voice grew husky.
“What are you saying? You are a disgusting pig.” She held Molly to her shoulder.
“They seem much larger.” He took a step toward her.
She hurried to the other side of the bed with Molly still asleep on her shoulder. She felt the wall against her back. “Stay away from me. You’ve done enough damage to my life, don’t you think?”
“Like you say. I’ve already had you so having you again is no big deal.”
“I can’t even if I wanted to. I just had a baby. I’m healing from it.” She shook her head and frowned. “You’re welcome to go wander around in the snow if you like. Perhaps you’ll get lost. I know you cut the rope. In case you didn’t know it, we need Foster. He knows this land.”
“Hell I got here and I can find my way out. As soon as the storm is over, you and the baby will come with me.”
She cringed. “I don’t think so.”
“You’ll do what I tell you.”
Foster heard arguing from outside the house and stopped to listen. It was a sad thing for a man to have to eavesdrop on people in his own home. He shook his head. Damn Albert. Ginger was right, he was a pig. He stomped the snow off his boots before he opened the door. The frightened expression on Ginger’s face as she clutched Molly to her was the last straw.
“I found your horse. I want you out of here come first light.”
“But, but what about the snow?” Albert turned white.
“Then stay in the barn. You’re not fit to be around people. You’re not fit to be around livestock either, but this once I’ll make an exception. Ginger is a guest in my house and she’s to be treated with respect. I heard what you said to her, and you’re way out of line. If there is any shame, it’s yours for seducing an innocent for your supposed gain. You make me sick.”
“I’ll freeze,” he whined.
“I could just put a bullet in your head and be done with you. No one would miss you. The horse might be missed but I’ll bring it to town come spring. I doubt there will be questions.” He walked over to the bed, held out his hand and his heart filled when she grabbed it. He helped her out of bed and held her close to his side. “It’s almost Christmas and I for one don’t plan to spend it fighting.” He led Ginger to a chair and pulled it out for her to sit. “Have you eaten?”
Her blush was lovely. “Yes, thank you. What about you? Can I make you something?” A lump formed in his throat. No one had asked about his welfare since his mother died many years ago.
“I’m just fine. How’s the little one fairing?” He cupped the back of Molly’s head and stroked her fine hair.
“She’s my daughter,” Albert warned.
“She’s lovely just like her mother,” Foster continued, ignoring Albert. Ginger bestowed him with a bright smile. She filled his heart and no matter how many times he warned himself to not feel, it happened anyway. She’d be leaving come spring, but he couldn’t help it.
He sat in a chair opposite her and stared at her. He would miss her so when she left, but for now he wanted to memorize her face for the long years to come.
“Like I said, she’s my daughter. If I go to the barn so does she.”
Ginger’s eyes widened and she gasped. “You lost the right to be a father the minute you ran out on me. Molly belongs to me and only me! Stop trying to upset me. Molly doesn’t feed as well when I’m upset.”
Albert gazed intently at her chest. “We can’t have that, can we?”
There was a knock on the door and Foster grabbed his shotgun. “Who is it?”
“Foster, let me in, my balls are freezing off.”
He opened the door and laughed. “Damn, Younger, what the hell are you doing out in this weather? Come in and get warm.”
Foster stepped aside and let his mountain of a friend in. He startled when Sheriff Younger pulled his gun. “Get up!” he growled as he motioned toward Albert.
“Albert, this here is Sheriff Younger. I’d do what he says. He’s known for his shoot now and ask questions later way of doing things.” Patches walked in a circle between the sheriff’s legs, brushing up against him.
Ginger started to stand and Foster guided her back to the bed. “Stay put.”
“What’s he wanted for, Younger?”
“Murder. Mind tying him up for me? I could use a cup of coffee. You know I didn’t see the storm coming.”
“Who’d he kill?”
“Sam at the livery stable. I have three witnesses. And he stole a horse.”
“How’s Sam’s family?”
“Tessa and the little ones will be in a bind this winter. The town is helping all they can. Bringing in this piece of sh- er- dirt will help.”
Foster grabbed a rope and tied Albert to the chair. “I knew you were no good, but murder? I hope they hang you.” He shook his head in disgust. “Why didn’t you just pay for the horse?”
“I didn’t have any money. He was in my way.”
Younger poured himself some coffee and nodded at Ginger. “Ma’am.” He sat down and smiled. “You old dog, I didn’t know you had a wife and baby. Congratulations.”
“The bitch had my baby!” Albert raged.
Foster shook his head. Here was the opportunity to turn things to rights. He could save Ginger’s reputation and undo all the evil Albert had heaped on her. He had the chance to make Molly’s birth legitimate and he was taking it. “This is my wife, Ginger and my daughter Molly. Albert here is my stepbrother. Tried to kill me with a skillet.”
“Nice to meet you, Ginger. I’m so glad my friend here finally found himself a good woman.”
Albert snorted.
“A skillet you say?” Sheriff Younger laughed. “What happened to his gun?”
“I took it from him. He would have used it if he had it. He wanted my ranch and my wife.”
“Some are pure evil. Mind if I fill my belly before we go?”
Ginger stood and lay Molly down in her crate. “Surely you won’t go back out into the storm.”
“Wish I could stay a spell, but my Laura is expecting me back for Christmas and I promised. She’d love to meet you. She’s always going on how Foster needs a wife. I’ll be happy to report not only does he have a beautiful, sw
eet wife but he has a daughter as well.”
“Will you be home by then?” she asked.
“If I can borrow a horse.”
“I can do one better. I found the horse he stole wandering around. Take it back to Tessa and tell her I’ll be in town as soon as possible to help her out with the horses. Sorry you had to come all the way out here.”
Younger wiped his mouth with his sleeve. “It’s my job.” He stood and untied Albert from the chair and retied his hands in front of him. “Come on, you murdering horse thief. Now I just want to make one thing clear. Dead or alive, I don’t really care that’s up to you. Got it?”
Albert nodded as he glared at Ginger. “You know damn well you and that baby are mine.” She shrunk back as the sheriff dragged Albert from the house.
“I’ll be right back. I want to saddle the horse and get them on their way. Are you alright?”
She gave him a small smile and nodded.
Ginger sat on the bed in shock. Albert murdered a man? Oh good Lord, he’d been serious about getting rid of Foster the whole time. Her stomach churned and a shiver ran down her spine. She’d brought danger to Foster. He’d made the ultimate sacrifice by claiming her as his wife but he didn’t mean it. She’d be gone before his first trip to town. He could tell people she died or something. She’d just have to go in another direction. Montana was full of towns.
She’d never known anyone as kind as Foster, and she’d never find another like him. Imagine, the sheriff’s wife thought Foster needed a wife. He didn’t want one or he’d have one already. He liked his quiet solitude and she’d invaded it tenfold. More than tenfold and the best way to thank him was to leave him be.
Her heart squeezed. He’d become more than a stranger to her the last few days. She’d learned one thing in life; you can’t always have what you want. Life was full of difficulties and sometimes just being safe from beatings and awful men was enough. Love would have been nice but with Molly in the picture, her hopes dimmed. She could claim to be a widow but more lies just didn’t set well with her.
The howling of the wind outside reminded her she had time to come up with a plan. Foster would know about the towns nearby. He might even take her to one of them. She smiled. Imagine that big bear of a sheriff had a wife. She’d never seen anyone as big. Albert wouldn’t have a chance to escape his fate this time. She didn’t feel bad for him at all.
Poor Boy's Christmas with Bonus Book Page 11
