The Rancher Inherits a Family

by Cheryl St. John

  “Wade was Daisy’s ne’er-do-well husband. He mostly showed up when he was out of money or in between whatever else he did.”

  Unless other provisions were made, which was rare, men had legal rights to their wives’ property. “Did he get your sister’s money?”

  “No. As I’ve told you, my father was a banker and an investor. He made sure Wade would never get a dime of his money. But I gave him some of mine.”

  He frowned. “Why?”

  “Because he was taking Violet. I wanted to be certain he could provide for her.”

  “He—he took her?”

  “Yes. He’s her father. He brought a deputy with him. I had no say.”

  It was obvious Marigold was hanging on to her composure by a thread. He wanted to reach out to her, but she wouldn’t want that.

  “That’s why I can’t stay and love those boys, Seth. They are not mine. I know how that ends up. I’m not losing anyone else. I’ve always had to accept other people’s decisions and make the best of them. I felt like life was happening to me, and I wanted to choose my own path. That’s why I came here.”

  He vividly recalled the pain he’d seen on her face and in her eyes when she was unable to disguise it, and now he understood why. “Did you think I wouldn’t understand?”

  “I don’t know what I thought.”

  “You’re not responsible for the boys, Marigold. You took them under your wing aboard the train. You stuck with them when I was hurt, and you’ve been here every day since. What you did for them—for all of us—well, I can’t thank you enough. You’ve been more than generous with your time. I’ll talk to them, so they don’t make it harder for you when it’s time. Feel free to leave whenever you like. You don’t owe me anything.”

  “I owe you for saving Peony. Twice. Your arm wouldn’t have been broken, or your ribs hurt, if you hadn’t gone back to save her.”

  “I told you we’re even. You took care of the boys. I pulled your cat from the rubble.”

  “And saved her from coyotes.”

  “She was smart enough to come back on her own.”

  She finally took her gaze from the sky and looked at him in the moonlight. “Thank you for understanding.”

  “Choose a life that makes you happy.” He meant it. He cared for her, cared what happened to her, but he wanted her to be happy, not burdened with his responsibilities.

  She turned and walked back to the house.

  He knew what it was like to forfeit time, energy and self to duty. She deserved her own family someday. Her own children. Her own life.

  * * *

  Midweek, Seth made a trip to Dr. Mason’s to have the cast removed and his arm examined. She declared him healed, but warned him not to do heavy lifting or put himself in a position to fall on it for a couple of months. She gave him a brace to wear while he worked. While in town, he went to Will Canfield’s office and asked for a few minutes of his time.

  His weightless right arm felt strange as he shook hands with the man.

  “What’s on your mind, Seth?”

  “Now that I’m able to do chores, Miss Brewster is ready to move into town. It’ll be less travel for her.”

  Will didn’t disguise his surprise. “I thought all of you were getting along fine.”

  “We have been,” he said with a nod. “But stayin’ with us wasn’t the original plan. She’d be more comfortable in town.”

  “All right. I’ll talk with the council. We’ll put out a few feelers and see what we come up with. I’m sure finding a place won’t be a problem. We had plenty of offers before she’d even arrived, and now that everyone’s met her, she’ll be even more welcome.”

  “Thanks, Will.” He turned the brim of his hat in his hands. “Russ is seriously considering the position as mayor. I hope this town knows it’s letting itself in for one hard-headed city official.”

  “I think that’s exactly what they’re looking for. Before you go...” Will plucked a couple of printed flyers from a stack on his desk and handed them to Seth. “Will you deliver one to Miss Brewster as well?”

  Seth nodded.

  “It’s information for setting up a time with Walter Kerr. He took my official portrait and now he’s photographing prominent businessmen, families and the like. Of course, he’ll want the schoolteacher, but I’d like to have him get a few portraits of your family. Perhaps a few of you with the horses.”

  “Sure.”

  Will reached for his waistcoat. “Tomasina and I are going over some house details with Buck this afternoon, and she’ll skin me alive if I’m late.”

  “Havin’ work done on your house?”

  “No. We’re having a new one built. A smaller one. The one I built with the intent of a governor’s mansion is too big for our family. I’m expecting to win my seat in congress and when I do, we’ll be living here six months out of the year, so we only need an adequate home.”

  “And the big house?”

  “I have a few ideas, but nothing is settled yet. Unfortunately, I don’t foresee anyone we know wanting such a grand place.”

  Or being able to afford it, Seth thought. “Thanks for your time.”

  “I’ll let you know as soon as I know something about lodging for Miss Brewster.”

  * * *

  Seth gave Marigold the paper about the photographer as they sat down to supper that evening. “Will asked you to make an appointment with this fellow for a portrait.”

  “All right.”

  Dewey came in, freshly washed, and took his seat. Evelyn and Marigold set the food on the table. Seth asked a blessing over their food and their health, and they ate.

  “I was thinkin’,” Seth began. “I told you I’d dig more trees for the park area across from school, and now there are all those fruit trees from the city council. I checked, and Daniel’s keeping them watered and shaded at his place.”

  “What were you thinking?” Marigold asked.

  “What if we made a day of it and asked for volunteers to dig out the hackberry trees? Get as many people as possible to help dig the holes at the spot on Lincoln Boulevard and plant them.”

  “That’s a good idea. I’d be happy to help organize.”

  “Do you think we could be ready by this Saturday?”

  “I think we could.”

  “Is your arm strong enough for all that digging?” Evelyn asked.

  “Dr. Mason has already warned me not to overdo.” He cut his roast beef into bites. “That’s why I thought gathering volunteers would be good.”

  Marigold picked up the fork Harper had dropped and wiped it on her apron before handing it back to him. “What about your trees, Seth?”

  “What about them?”

  “You can’t dig six holes by yourself.”

  “Dewey will help.”

  Marigold glanced at Dewey and he nodded. “We was fixin’ to do it tomorrow.”

  Seth shrugged under the two women’s gazes. “Dr. Mason gave me a brace to use to support my forearm. I’ll put it on and wrap it before I pick up a shovel.”

  Evelyn shook her head. “You’re every bit as stubborn as your father.”

  He ignored her comment. “Pass the potatoes, please.”

  “Every bit as handsome, too,” she added as she handed him the bowl.

  “Ma.”

  His mother ignored his subtle attempt to halt the flattery. “Isn’t he handsome, Marigold? Boys, don’t you think Seth is a handsome fella?”

  Harper wrinkled his nose. “What’s hansom?”

  “Awww.” Tate made a face.

  Little John waved his arm and knocked over his cup of milk.

  And Marigold? If Seth wasn’t mistaken, she blushed becomingly, right before she jumped up for a towel.

  “Dewey, will you take me into town after supper?”


  “Happy to, miss.”

  She mopped up the milk. “Thank you. I’m going to go upstairs and get ready.”

  And she fled up the steps.

  * * *

  “I’d like to make a couple of stops if you don’t mind,” she told Dewey as they neared town.

  “Don’t mind a whit. I got all night.”

  “It’s my understanding that Buck Hanley lives on Fourth Street, just west of Grant.”

  “I believe you’re right.”

  “There first.”

  He stopped in front of the small house. “I’ll circle a couple o’ blocks, so we’re headed back the right way when yur done.”

  It wasn’t full dark, so she was able to make out the stone path and the white-painted door. Light shone behind the curtain on the front window. She drew herself up and knocked.

  “Comin’!”

  She flexed her fingers and straightened her shoulders.

  The door opened, outlining Buck’s tall form. His hair wasn’t combed back in smooth waves, and his shirt wasn’t neatly tucked in. “Marigold!”

  Chapter Thirteen

  Marigold stood before Buck in his doorway. “I hope this isn’t an imposition. I wanted to speak with you. Alone. And I didn’t want to wait.”

  “Uh...no. No, it’s all right.” He took a step to the side and tipped his head. “Do you want to come inside and sit down?”

  “I should probably stay out here.”

  “Of course. Sorry.” He stepped out, leaving the door open, creating a rectangle of light on the path that was now growing dark.

  The sound of wagon wheels and horse’s hooves grew louder as Dewey led the team closer. “That’s Mr. Dewey turning around. He brought me.”

  Buck glanced at the wagon and back at her.

  “When we had our conversation and you asked me about courting, I told you I’d need to think about it.”

  “I remember.”

  “I did think about it. A lot. I like you, Buck. I do. You’re fun to talk to and you’re interesting and smart. I enjoyed our dinner together, and I had a nice time playing horseshoes with you.”

  He reached a hand up and ran it down the back of his head to his neck. “I’m pretty sure I know where this is leading.”

  “You didn’t do anything wrong. Under different circumstances maybe...I don’t know, maybe it would have worked out with us. You’re a good catch. You’ll make some girl a fine husband.”

  He planted his hand on his hip and she reached for his wrist.

  “I’m just not that girl. Once I was sure about it, I didn’t want to leave you waiting or wondering. I needed to be up front with you, because you deserve honesty and courtesy.”

  He gave a half laugh, half snort. “I wish you weren’t bein’ so ever-lovin’ nice about this. You could have made it easy for me to not like you or to blame you or something, but you’re sparin’ me any hard feelings.”

  She took away her hand. “Isn’t that good?”

  “Yes. Thank you. Thank you for bein’ brave and comin’ out here to tell it to me square like this.”

  “It’s the least I could do.”

  His gaze traveled over her face and her hair in the light from inside. “I hope whoever wins your heart appreciates what a gift he’s getting.”

  “I’ll bet I can count on you to ask him.”

  He chuckled. “You can.”

  “Good night, Buck.”

  “Good night, Marigold.”

  Back in the wagon, she asked Dewey, “Will you pull past Dr. Mason’s office for me, please?” Lights were on, as she’d figured. Marlys had told her she was at the office late on Thursdays. “I’ll be a while if you want to leave for an hour or so.”

  She pulled the chain that rang a bell inside, and Marlys unlocked the door to let her in. “Marigold, I wondered if you’d come this evening. I have one other person bathing right now, and a tub open for you. Shall I heat more water?”

  “Please. I’m ready for my mineral bath.” This seemed the perfect time to use the prize she’d won at the horseshoe competition. She needed someone to talk to, and Marlys had become a friend.

  Marlys directed her into a bathing chamber that held a deep tub with one high end and gleaming faucets. A plush rug, white towels and a fluffy wrapper were luxurious surprises. “Change into the wrapper behind the screen while I fill the tub and prepare your bath. Almond oil?”

  She nodded. As she stepped behind the screen, she wasted no time. “I turned down my first suitor this evening.”

  “Mr. Hanley?”

  “Mr. Hanley.”

  “I have just the combination of minerals and oils for this particular ailment. I’ll make you a tea as well.”

  * * *

  On Friday, Marigold spoke with Leah about planting the trees the next day. Leah was amenable, but surprisingly she had a request for Marigold.

  “Would you be willing to help with the layout of the park?” Leah asked. “Since we’ll have that many trees, we should have a plan.”

  Being included in planning something for the town was an honor. She rested her fingertips on her chest for a moment in surprise. “Yes, of course.”

  “I’ll ask Will and Tomasina to come over this evening. If you and Seth could join us, we could put our heads together.”

  How exciting to be included in developing the place across from the school that she already enjoyed. “It’s going to be a park then?”

  “Why not? We don’t have a town square or a place to gather for special days. Until now we’ve been closing Eden Street and gathering or meeting at the churchyard. But with all the trees that will eventually provide shade, we’d have an actual park.”

  Marigold smiled. “And there’s a well right there to keep the young trees watered.”

  “I know something else that’s going to please you.”

  Marigold looked at her friend expectantly.

  “Will and Daniel are in negotiations for the sale of Will’s house.”

  She cocked her head, waiting for the news that would please her.

  “He’s offering it at a considerably low cost, low enough that Daniel can afford to buy it.”

  Marigold studied Leah. “And you want a mansion?”

  “No. Daniel would in turn donate the house to the town.”

  “I see.”

  Leah’s expression lit up. “For a library.”

  A library! Marigold clasped Leah’s forearms and hopped up and down, grinning from ear to ear. Her head spun with ideas. “Books. We’ll need books.”

  “All in good time. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Daniel would wring my neck if he knew I’d told you. Don’t say anything. It’s still in the planning stages and nothing is official yet.”

  “I won’t say a word.”

  “About what?” Beatrix said as she entered the schoolhouse earlier than usual.

  Marigold released Leah. “Beatrix, we’re planning a day-long event tomorrow to plant trees and create an actual park across the street.”

  “That sounds nice.”

  “Do you think Colton could get away from the livery?”

  “I suppose he could. I’ll ask him.”

  “I told Marlys about it last night, but I should spread the word around town.”

  “Why don’t I start the children working on their spelling lesson while you do that?” Beatrix offered.

  “I’ll see you this evening.” Leah took the empty pails from the day before and left.

  Marigold left Beatrix with the students long enough to visit the newspaper office, Aunt Mae’s, Booker & Son and all the nearby establishments to pass the word about needing volunteers.

  At supper Seth agreed it was a good idea to plan the layout of the planting, so after they’d eaten and she and Evelyn had done the dishes,
he brought two saddled horses around to the front of the house.

  “We’re riding?” Marigold asked, surprised.

  “Do you want to?”

  “Yes.” She adjusted her skirt over her knee to pull herself into the saddle. “What does one do with all these skirts?”

  “I can’t answer that question.” He called over his shoulder, “Ma?”

  Evelyn came out onto the porch.

  Marigold gave her an imploring look. “How do I ride with skirts and petticoats?”

  “If you don’t want your stockings to show a bit, you have to wear a split skirt. But when you don’t have one, you simply make the best of it. Make sure you have the skirt secured well, so it doesn’t blow in the wind. I don’t think Bright Star would get startled, but your skirts over your head might make for an embarrassing moment.” She laughed.

  Tate joined Evelyn on the porch. “I’ll help Mrs. Halloway while you’re gone!”

  “You’re a big help, son.” Seth swung himself up and onto his saddle. He wore his revolver in a holster against his hip. “Thank you.”

  The boy looked pleased with himself.

  “It’s plenty light out, so you’ll be able to watch the ground ahead as we’re riding.” Seth nudged his horse forward and she did the same.

  “How will we see the ground on the way home?”

  “We’ll have moonlight tonight. I know the way. I’ve traveled it many times. But you should know that it’s not safe to ride a horse in the pitch-dark when it’s an unfamiliar trail. The horse could step in a hole or bruise its hoof on a stone.”

  As they rode, Marigold wanted to tell Seth about Will’s house, but she’d promised Leah she’d say nothing. She did have something she hadn’t told him, however.

  “Did Dewey tell you I went to see Buck last night?”

  “Didn’t ask and he didn’t say. Figured it’s your business where you go.”

  She looked over at him. “I went to tell him I’d made a decision about him courting me.”

  He rode beside her in silence.

  “I told him I didn’t see a future for us.”

  “You turned him down?”

  “Yes.”

  “So, Buck Hanley won’t be courting you.”

  “No.”