The Rancher's Southern Belle

by Leanne Burroughs

  “Guylenhall.” Jeff nodded briefly.

  Luke just stared, anger simmering in his veins. What he really wanted to do was silence the man with his fists.

  “I know you do not want to talk to me today, but I am going to get this said. It is time.” He glanced away. “Past time.”

  “Why don’t you just slither away like the snake you are?”

  Bonner removed his hat, fidgeted with it. “I know you would like me to rot in hell.”

  “Hell is not good enough for you!”

  Bonner released a soulful sigh. “I am sorry about what I did all those years ago, Luke. You lost a girl, but I lost my very best friend over my stupidity.” He glanced across to where Maddie stood talking to his wife. “I know you did not want Maddie at my house. I have to admit I am glad you were not home when I came to beg her to come. You probably would have forbid her to do so. And I would have lost the woman I love and the children I have craved for so long.”

  He pursed his lips to the side and bit his lower lip. “Bet she did not tell you I begged her, did she? She was as reluctant to come as you would have been to allow it after my one and only interaction with her when she first came to town.”

  Obvious embarrassment was followed by a shrug. “She did not hold back on her words while we were driving to my house either. Pretty much told me what she thought of me. Other than my Rosemary, I never had a woman talk to me like that before.” He stopped, clearly searching for words. “Between almost losing Rosemary—and probably both of my babies—and your woman’s candid speech, something clicked in me that night.”

  He turned away for a moment, unable to continue. “I have been such a blasted fool. Cannot undo anything I have done, but I can make sure I am never that thoughtless again. Contrary to what anyone believes, I do love my wife. Now I have to do everything in my power to make her believe that again. And pray she loves me.

  “I do not know if you and I can ever mend fences, but if you ever find it in your heart to try, I would be pleased to do that. I have missed you, friend. More than you will ever know.”

  Bonner moved to join his wife, then stopped. He hooked his thumb over his shoulder toward where Maddie stood. Then, heaping salt on a wound already open and raw, he added, “But just in case you have not figured it out yet, you have a far better woman as your wife than Allie ever would have been.” He gave a mirthless chuckle. “Only you would have a wife that would be the one to make me realize what a fool I have been and how much I actually love my own wife.”

  With that he spun on his heel and left.

  Luke watched the man as he joined his wife and placed her hand on his arm to stroll around the grounds. Once they’d been best friends. Despite Bonner’s heartfelt words, Luke doubted bridges could be mended. Today’s words needed to have been said a long time ago—not that he would have listened. Bitterness had clouded his judgment for a long time.

  It wouldn’t be easy, but Maddie was proud of Bonner for wanting to try to mend fences with the people of the town. They—and particularly Rosemary—had been snubbed far too long. Maddie was determined it would stop.

  She was pleased to see several people actually reciprocate conversations with them when they lingered to talk.

  “You are doing a good thing with that young woman, Maddie.” Birgit nodded toward Rosemary. “I think she has suffered long enough. I regret to say I do not really know her since she rarely ventures to town. After today, I hope that will change.” She stepped away. “Now I must find my Sven. Knowing him, he is starved by now with all this delicious looking food on the tables.”

  Maddie had only gone a short distance when a young woman approached and placed a hand on Maddie’s arm to stop her.

  “May I speak with you a moment, Mrs. Guylenhall?”

  She’d seen the woman before, but couldn’t place where. More than likely the restaurant or the mercantile.

  Instantly it hit her. This woman had been with the obnoxious Mrs. Peabody. Her daughter.

  A sad smile crossed the woman’s face. “Yes, I see you remember me.” Her voice was soft and heavy with regret.

  Maddie started to speak, but the woman cut her off. “My name is Sally. Sally Peabody. And yes, I was with my mother the day she did her best to humiliate you in town.” Her eyes shifted away, then returned to Maddie. “I should have stood up for you, but I fear I am much of a coward when it comes to Mother. Most people are. She can prove quite intimidating.”

  Her eyes widened in animation as she continued talking. “But you weren’t. Oh, I knew she had hurt you, but you did not show it, did not back down from her. Believe it or not, in that moment I wanted to be just like you.”

  Her words shocked Maddie.

  “Father made Mother come today, even though she did not want to. I fear you will never hear an apology out of her mouth, but I would like to do just that. Please forgive me for just standing there. It was wrong of me to do so. Whether Mother likes it or not, I would be honored if you would allow us to be friends.”

  She stopped talking and just stood and watched Maddie.

  Maddie was absolutely shocked. “You would be honored?” The young woman nodded, causing Maddie to smile. “Well, so would I!” She glanced around looking for Mrs. Peabody. “I am sure your mother won’t like it, but I would love to be friends.”

  With a bounce in her step, Maddie moved away to greet other guests.

  ~ Chapter 16 ~

  A balmy breeze blew as Luke found Pastor Willett and asked him to bless the meal. “…For what we are about to receive, may we be truly thankful.”

  After that there was utter pandemonium and people converged on the tables.

  Afternoon sunlight beat down on them as the sound of laughing and talking muted as people sat and ate.

  In time, as people moved away from the food tables, a few musicians tuned their instruments and men moved the much lightened food tables to the sides of an area designated for dancing.

  It didn’t take long for couples to move with the lively music. Some of them formed squares and began the intricate process of twirls of the reel. Luke glanced toward Maddie. Did she like to dance? She’d turned him down cold the night of Sam’s wedding, but had that been because she just hadn’t wanted to be with him, because her father would have protested, or did she really not dance? He wasn’t very good himself, although he could hold his own with slow dances.

  His ramrod approached. “Boss, the men want to know if’n it’s all right if they ask Mrs. Guylenhall to dance. Figgered I had best ask afore any of them did something stupid and upset you.”

  Luke glanced over at Maddie again. The sight of her took his breath away. Then again, it usually did. How had he ever been so lucky as to wind up with a woman like her?

  Standing on the fringe of the dancers, close to Kat and Aaron, she exuded confidence. Had all day, even though some of the people present had been less than gracious to her. But hopefully that was all in the past. He was proud of her. Not just for the party today, but for all she’d accomplished since coming here. If dancing would make her happy, who was he to say no? “That’s fine, Chet. Although from time to time I’ll be claiming a dance of my own.”

  The man nodded. “Thanks, Boss. I will let the men know.”

  He walked away and joined a cluster of men and nodded. Luke noted with a chuckle that the ramrod was the first man to ask her to dance.

  At first she declined, then glanced Luke’s way. At his nod of agreement, she smiled and was quickly whirled out onto the grass. His ramrod swung her in his strong arms and they moved down the reel, heels and toes tapping to the music. She seemed to be having fun.

  One man after another asked for her hand and she turned none of them down. She seemed relieved when he claimed his own dance.

  The strains of a sweeping Viennese waltz echoed across the plains. “Oh, thank goodness. A slow dance! I fear I was ready to pass out from exhaustion.”

  He moved her through the slower steps. “You do not have to acce
pt each invitation, you know.”

  Her eyes widened. “And embarrass one of your men? How can I say no to one when I have said yes to others? No, I shall do my best to stay on my feet as long as any of them ask me.” She sighed. “And it has been such a long time since I have danced. I have missed it.”

  She continued like that through the rest of the afternoon and into the early evening as the sun dipped toward the mountains, stopping only long enough to gulp down some fresh squeezed lemonade. Around them, lanterns scattered around the area glowed in the twilight. Some of the guests started to take their leave. Pastor Willett and his wife were the first to depart.

  “Thank you for the invite to a very enjoyable party.” He clasped Maddie’s hand within his own. “It was a huge success! Sandy and I had a wonderful time, but I must get home to read through my notes for the morning’s service.” He cocked a brow at them. “I do expect to see you there.”

  Luke withheld a grin. “Wouldn’t miss it. You know we will be there. Then we will head to the aunts for our midday meal afterward. I think they look forward to that as much as we do.”

  Birgit and Sven were close behind. “I need to get Lars to bed soon. He is starting to get cranky.” She hugged the baby closer. “I believe he has enjoyed being the center of attention today, but now sleep calls. He will probably fall asleep the instant Sven starts driving us home.”

  Luke shook Swede’s hand and Maddie hugged Birgit. “We had such a delightful time today,” Birgit said enthusiastically. “I wish the town would find more reasons to have get-togethers.”

  “Thank you for coming!” Luke and Maddie both called after them.

  As soon as they left, Maddie was again swept into a raucous dance. A full moon soon bathed the yard.

  Luke chuckled. Her prim and proper packaging was falling apart at the seams. Some of her dark curls had come loose and her face was flushed with exertion. He wondered if he should tell her that her hat was askew. It had actually lasted much longer than he’d anticipated.

  A few people headed back to the food tables, while others continued dancing.

  Luke tensed when he saw the younger brother of one of his men approach Maddie and ask for a dance. Joe noticed at the same time. “I am sorry, Boss. I’ll make him leave her alone.”

  Luke held up his hand. “No. Let him be. Unless Maddie motions that somethin’ is wrong.”

  Out on the dance grounds, Petey stood before Maddie. “May I have this dance, Miz Guylenhall?” A slight frown furrowed his brows for a moment. “Did I say that right? Just like my brother Joe did?”

  She nodded and he stepped toward her, then stopped.

  “Is something wrong, Petey?”

  He bit his lower lip and a blush crept up his cheeks. “I don’t rightly know how to dance, ma’am. Didn’t think about that. Just looked like fun.”

  She thought a moment. “Well, that is certainly a problem we can remedy. Why don’t we just stay on the edge of the dancers and I will show you a few steps? Then, if you decide you do like dancing, we can go out with the others during the next dance.”

  His eyes widened. “You would do that? Dance with me twice?”

  “Certainly, but this one is just practice.” She took his hand and stood to the side of other dancers who whirled and twirled in time to the music. “Watch me a minute, then do exactly what I do.”

  She giggled as he watched her intently. “Watch my feet, Petey. You cannot learn the steps if you are watching my face.”

  His eyes immediately shot to the ground.

  After showing him a few steps, she said, “Put your arms up like you see the men out there dancing. He did and she stepped toward him.

  Stomping his boots loudly on the ground, the gangly youth stumbled a few times and stepped on her feet a few others, but soon was able to move without too much physical damage to her feet.

  He gave her a crooked grin. “I love you.”

  This time Maddie was the one that stumbled. “Wh-what did you just say?”

  “I love you.” His face exuded pure happiness.

  Maddie bit her lip, edged back slightly, but continued to dance. She shifted her gaze to Luke. The heat of his return scrutiny brushed over her. He was the one she wanted to hear those words from. How had she gone and fallen in love with the infernal man?

  “Well, I do not believe you can do that, Petey.”

  “Aw shucks, Miz Guylenhall. Why not?” He frowned. “You are beautiful, and I really do love you.”

  She gave him her sweetest smile. “Thank you for the lovely compliment, Petey, but I am married to Mr. Guylenhall. Since he is my husband, I do not think he would like you being in love with me.”

  Petey nodded, but his shoulders slumped and he didn’t look happy. “Oh, I see.”

  “But,” Maddie continued speaking with the crestfallen young man, “you and I can certainly be friends.”

  His face lit up like one of the nearby lanterns. “Really, ma’am? You would be my friend?”

  “I would be honored, Petey.”

  “I been watching you when you work out in the garden sometimes while I am in the bunkhouse helpin’ Cookie.”

  “Do you like to garden?”

  A grin split his face. “I do, ma’am. Afore my ma died, she used to work in our garden at home. She showed me the difference atween weeds and the vegetables she had planted. Said she didn’t want me pullin’ up all her hard work.”

  “That was very commendable of her.” She glanced over at Luke and saw him watching her. “Tell you what. If there are some days that Cookie or your brother have not given you specific chores to do while I am working in the garden, why don’t you come outside and help me? I could certainly use someone that knows the difference between vegetables and weeds. And it is always nice to have a friend to talk with.”

  He let out a whoop and left her standing in the middle of the dance to run over to where his brother stood next to Luke. “Joe! Joe! Miz Guylenhall says I cain’t love her because Mr. Guylenhall won’t like that, but she says I can be her friend! And she said I can sometimes help her out in the garden if’n it is okay with you and Cookie! Can I Joe? Huh? Can I please help her?”

  Joe darted his eyes between his brother’s animated face to Luke’s. Then out to where Maddie stood on the dance grounds watching them.

  He swiped away a stray tear as he spoke to Luke in a low voice. “Not many people are very welcoming of someone who has problems like Petey does. I know his limitations. He tries so hard to be like everyone else, but that ain’t never gonna happen. Sometimes, try as he might, he is as slow as molasses in January. I do not know why the good Lord made him as he is, but He must have His reasons. And I know God loves Petey as much as he loves me. Mebbe more. Yet you let him stay here with me even though he is often not much help with what we do. And what your woman jes’ did was selfless. Makes her a saint in my book.”

  “She is no saint, Joe, but I could not be prouder of her than I am right now. She never fails to amaze me.”

  He told his younger brother, “Yes, Petey. You may be friends with Mrs. Guylenhall and can help her in the garden when she agrees to that. But you have to promise not to be a pest. Can you do that?”

  Petey nodded repeatedly. “I can, Joe. I promise I can.” He focused his attention on Maddie who walked toward them. “Joe said I cain’t be a pest. I promise I won’t.”

  As Joe wrapped his arm around his brother to head toward the bunkhouse, Petey pulled away. “Cain’t leave right now, Joe. Miz Guylenhall promised me a second dance.”

  Luke and Joe both watched Maddie. With a nod she confirmed his statement. “I did. This first one was so he could practice a few steps. The next one will be our actual dance.”

  Petey beamed as he walked with Maddie. Then he glanced back over his shoulder toward his brother. “She only danced with you once.”

  After the dance was over, Joe put his arm around Petey’s shoulder and moved him toward the bunkhouse. Joe shifted his gaze toward Maddie and mo
uthed the words, ‘Thank you.’

  She dipped her head in acknowledgement and kept walking toward Luke. She picked up her skirts to keep them from dragging as she went up the steps.

  He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close. His beautiful, free-spirited, unpretentious wife. His woman, as Joe had called her. How he loved her. “You don’t know how proud you just made me. Most people consider Petey a nuisance. You made him feel important. For someone who’s challenged like he is, that makes all the difference in the world.”

  He leaned forward and kissed her on the forehead, then reached up and removed her hat and brushed away a stray lock of hair that had fallen from its pins.

  Her eyes held her unspoken question and he chuckled. “It has been crooked quite a spell.”

  When Granny Mac walked over to say goodbye, Maddie gave her a heaping container of food to carry with her.

  Granny’s eyes widened.

  “There is far too much food left not to give some of it away,” Maddie enthused. “I do not want it to spoil.”

  Granny shook her head and glanced toward the bunkhouse as she pulled a handkerchief from the sleeve of her dress to wipe away a tear. “As if any food would spoil with all those big, strappin’ men around.” She hugged Maddie and her glowering grandson helped her up into their wagon.

  Maddie frowned. Misty had been a delight all day and helped with the Bonner children. Maddie couldn’t think of much good to say about Micah. He’d sat by himself and spent much of the afternoon glaring at people.

  She didn’t have a good feeling about him, but what could she do? The boy was grown and listened to nothing she said to him.

  She wouldn’t tell Luke, but after she’d fixed Misty’s hair, Micah had accosted her on the porch when Luke wasn’t in sight. “You tryin’ to make my sister somethin’ she ain’t? Leave us be. We don’t need the likes o’ you comin’ round.”

  Was that a threat? Maddie hoped not. She wanted to help Granny Mac. And she really did want to learn how to bake those biscuits. For once, maybe she’d have something she could share with Kat.