As he poked at the fire, Lucy hummed in a low voice as she rattled pans at the cookstove. It was a homey sound that he rather liked. He spent little time here, usually only sleeping on his pallet after a hard day with the cattle. The cabin was changed already after just a few hours.
LUCY COULDN’T STOP thinking about what her uncle had told her. Could his accusations be true? She didn’t want to believe she’d married a man who would do what Uncle Drew had accused him of, but she needed to know the truth. Who could she ask? Nate was sure to defend himself. She didn’t know anyone except the Stantons and Percy.
She began to peel potatoes for supper while Eileen played with her doll. When she heard a horse whinny, she glanced through the window. A woman climbed down from a buggy and came toward the door. Mrs. Walker. Lucy’s heart leaped at the thought of talking to another woman, even if it was Henry’s cousin. She threw open the door and hugged the woman.
“Lucy, my dear, is something wrong?” Mrs. Walker said when Lucy finally released her. “You’re hugging me like I’m your last hope.”
Lucy wiped her moist eyes. “I’m just so glad to see you. I’ve been surrounded by men since I got here. Come in. I’ll put on some tea.”
Mrs. Walker removed her gray bonnet and smoothed her hair as she followed Lucy to the kitchen. “I quite understand, dear girl. And Henry especially can be a bit overwhelming. My cousin likes his own way.” She pulled out a chair at the kitchen table and settled into it.
Lucy put the tea in the pot and poured in hot water from the water reservoir on the woodstove. While it steeped, she got out the cups and saucers. She carried her potatoes to the table so she could continue to peel them while they talked. “Can you stay for supper?”
Mrs. Walker shook her head. “I’m on my way to check on Henry and thought I would pop in for a moment and see how you’re adjusting.”
“I’m so glad you did. It’s been an upsetting day.”
“Oh dear, what’s gone wrong?”
“Henry had another spell. I assume you heard about that?” When the older woman nodded, she continued. “When we went to town, I ran into Drew Larson.” She eyed Mrs. Walker. Should she tell her that they were kin? When the woman’s expression didn’t change, she decided to trust her. “He’s my uncle.”
Mrs. Walker took the strainer and poured tea through it into the two cups. “I see. Does Henry know this?”
Lucy hadn’t considered it, but it had to be true. From the beginning, he’d known her mother’s family. “I would assume so. He knew my parents.”
“How interesting.”
“In what way?”
Mrs. Walker stirred sugar into her tea. “He deliberately married you off to his son, knowing that you were part of a family that hates the Stanton name and everything it stands for. What is that man up to?”
“You think he wanted the marriage to heal the rift?” That thought brightened her mood a bit. She didn’t want to be part of a war.
“I’ve seen no evidence that Henry is distressed by the conflict.” Mrs. Walker sipped her tea. “But that’s not all that’s bothering you. I can see it in those eyes of yours.”
Lucy wanted to hug the woman again. “My uncle accused Henry and Nate of taking his land. There seems to be so much that I don’t understand.”
“Ah.” The woman cleared her throat. “I can understand Mr. Larson’s bitterness.”
“What happened?”
“They were friends once, Henry and Walter, Drew’s father. Walter was a mentor to Henry. He idolized Walter. Then Drew killed a man.”
Lucy gasped. “What happened?”
“He was young and got involved with some bad characters. They were drunk one night and shot up the saloon. The bartender fell into the mirror and died. They were lucky the town didn’t lynch them.”
“So how did that destroy the friendship?”
“That bartender was Henry’s brother.”
Lucy hadn’t been expecting that. It felt odd to hear these tales about a man she’d barely known existed. Her father never talked about family, though she’d pressed him. She sat back and exhaled. “Oh dear.”
“Precisely. Henry was determined Drew would pay. Walter was adamant about keeping his son out of jail. Drew ran off and joined the army before he was able to stand trial. Walter fell apart. He let the ranch go. Took to drinking away everything he had. Finally the land went on the auction block and Henry bought it. Walter died a week later. Some say he died at his own hand.”
This was her grandfather. Lucy couldn’t quite wrap her mind around these facts about a family she didn’t know. She wasn’t sure how she should feel. Had her father-in-law destroyed her grandfather, or had he destroyed himself?
“It’s quite horrible. Why did Henry choose me for his son? I would have thought he wouldn’t have wanted anything to do with the Larson family.”
“I can’t pretend to understand my dear cousin. I suspect he saw your goodness, Lucy.”
“He barely met me before he was trying to persuade me to marry his son. I think it was to heal the breach, even if he didn’t quite realize his true motives. I will do my best.”
“I’m sure you will. You’re very much like your mother, you know.”
Lucy’s pulse pounded in her throat. “You knew my mother?”
“Of course. She lived here all of her life, after all. That is, except for the four years she was in Boston at school. She couldn’t wait to get out of here though. Your parents moved after their first year of marriage.”
Lucy sipped her tea. “I never knew her. What was she like?”
“Full of laughter and fun. She loved a good time. At every dance she was surrounded by men. At one time I thought perhaps Henry would be the winner of her hand. He so wanted to be part of her family. Sometimes I think it was for the Larson name. The town was named for their ancestor and Henry seemed to desire that validation of his worth.”
Lucy gasped. “He did court her? I wondered.”
Mrs. Walker nodded. “Oh yes. He was quite distraught when she chose your father.”
“Did it break their friendship?”
“Nothing could do that. Those two were two frogs. When one jumped, the other followed. I was with Henry when he heard that your father had died. He was quite devastated.”
“So maybe he really just wanted to help my father’s children.” Lucy’s heart warmed even more toward the man who was her father-in-law.
“I’m sure that played a part. As did your own sweet self, Lucy dear. What do you think of your new husband?”
Lucy’s cheeks heated, and she stared at her teacup. “He’s quite handsome.”
“Is he treating you well?”
Lucy nodded. “He’s very kind. Most of the time.”
“Most of the time?”
“He was not pleased when I showed up so unexpectedly.”
Mrs. Walker laughed. “Knowing Nate, I can only imagine.”
“What do you mean?”
“Nate is rather set in his own ways. I’m sure you shook things up like a small tornado. But change can be good.”
“I hope Nate comes to see that,” Lucy said, smiling.
FIFTEEN
By the time Nate joined Jed in the barn, the lad had already curried the horses and unloaded the wagon. The house supplies were stacked in one corner, and he’d put the feed in the grain bins. Rain still pattered on the metal roof, and the rhythm was comforting.
“Good job, Jed.”
The boy flushed and his eyes brightened. “Thank you, sir.”
“You don’t have to call me sir. Call me Nate.”
“Does that mean you’re going to keep us?” Jed’s voice was anxious, but he held Nate’s gaze without looking away.
Nate hesitated. What did he say to that? He really didn’t have a choice. Pa’s health wouldn’t take any more upheaval, and the marriage was legal. The best thing was to make do with the situation as best he could. And he had to admit having a pretty wife to come home to
might not be such a bad thing.
Jed’s face fell as the silence went on. “Don’t blame Lucy for us being here, Mr. Stanton. We were in a bad situation.”
He studied the boy’s downcast face, then touched his shoulder. “Pa is a pretty good judge of character. If he thought you would make good Stantons, then I reckon he’s right.”
When Jed raised his head, his eyes were glistening with unshed tears. “You won’t be sorry, Mr. Stanton. Mrs. Thomas at the dress shop was always going on about how quick she was to learn something new. She’ll learn to help you here at the ranch. And I’m strong.” He flexed the muscles on his arm. “See here? I can heft a bale of hay by myself. And me and Eileen will try to stay out of your way as much as possible so you can have time with Lucy.”
A lump grew in Nate’s throat. Lucy inspired a lot of love in her brother. He squeezed Jed’s shoulder. “I’ll be glad to have the help. You don’t need to stay out of the way. I don’t have much experience with young’uns, but I’ll try to be a dad to you as well. Tomorrow I’ll start teaching you how to rope and brand. We’ll be taking the cattle to market come summer, and I’ll need all the hands I can get.”
Jed’s lip trembled, and the tears spilled over onto his cheeks. He scrubbed at his face with the back of his hand. “I’m not a bawl baby, Mr. Stanton. I’ll work hard and make you glad you married us. Lucy’s worked so hard to try to keep us together. Now it’s my turn.”
Us. He reckoned a package deal was what it was too. He had a ready-made family. It was a little overwhelming. Nate cleared his throat. “How about helping me carry this stuff to your sister? She may be a miracle worker, but she has to have something to work with.”
“Yes, sir!” Jed hefted a sack of flour to his shoulder and marched toward the house. He looked back at Nate. “Uh, Mr. Stanton, I’d sure be glad if you didn’t say nothing to Lucy about our talk. She hates for people to say nice stuff about her.”
“She does?”
Jed nodded vigorously. “There was a guy hanging around all last summer who went on and on about how pretty she was. She finally got fed up and told him the only beauty she was interested in was that on the inside, and since all he could see was the outside, he’d best mosey on down the road.”
Nate squelched a grin. “I’ll keep mum.”
“Thanks, Mr. Stanton.” Jed started for the door.
“Jed.”
The boy stopped. “Yes, sir?”
“Call me Nate. Mr. Stanton is my pa.”
Jed’s eyes grew bright. “Yes, sir. I mean, Mr. Nate.” He was still grinning as he dashed out into the driving rain.
Nate grabbed a gunnysack full of food and slung it over his shoulder. Lucy was quite a remarkable young woman. How many women would have worked so hard and sacrificed so much for their siblings? His respect for his new wife went up a notch.
When he got to the house, Jed was jabbering excitedly while Lucy listened. “I’m going to learn to rope a steer and brand, Lucy. Maybe I’ll even get to go on the cattle drive up north. You know how good I can ride.”
“We’ll see, Jed. That’s a big job, and you’re not hardly old enough.”
“Old enough to do a man’s job.” Nate set his burden on the floor. “Jed’s going to be a fine ranch hand.”
Lucy put her fists on her hips. “He’s only twelve, Mr. Stanton.”
“I was ten when I went on my first cattle drive.”
Lucy’s eyes narrowed. “He’s my brother, and I’ll decide what’s best for him.”
Nate’s warm feelings toward Lucy evaporated like the morning dew. She would make a sissy of the boy. “You want Jed to turn into a man or a young hoodlum?”
Lucy’s face whitened, and she held up her hand as if to ward off a blow. Jed made a small sound of protest, and Nate realized he’d said too much. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean that. Jed is a fine boy, but he’s almost a man, Lucy. You have to let loose those apron strings a tad.”
Her sober blue eyes regarded him for a moment, then she nodded. “You may be right. But Jed and Eileen are my whole life. I couldn’t bear for anything to happen to him.”
“You have to trust someone, Lucy. I’m your husband now. I’ll take care of Jed.”
Her eyes examined him again and she bit her lip before turning back to her task of stashing the supplies without answering.
He eyed her stiff back. She wasn’t giving an inch yet. Maybe he’d been a little too interfering. He needed to move a little slower, gain her trust. Things were different out here, and she didn’t know how different yet.
EMOTIONS CHURNED IN Lucy’s stomach. Anger and jealousy—of her brother, of all things! For so long she was the one Jed looked up to, the one whose approval he sought. The adoring look Jed gave Nate had hit her hard. For a moment she felt adrift. Without a needy brother and sister giving her life purpose, what would happen to her?
Eileen stirred from her pallet on the floor beside Bridget. The little girl sat up and rubbed her eyes. “I’m hungry, Lucy,” she said plaintively.
At least Eileen still needed her. “Supper will be ready in about half an hour. Why don’t you take Bridget outside until it’s ready? The best thing for the dog’s hurt leg is some exercise. Otherwise it will stiffen up.”
The dog wagged her tail at the mention of her name. Smart dog. She’d figured out they were talking about her.
“Do you need me for anything right now?” Jed’s gaze followed Eileen and the dog longingly.
“No, just keep an eye on your sister,” Nate answered before Lucy could. Jed followed Eileen and Bridget outside.
Outrage churned again. It was her job to give or deny permission. She looked down at the biscuits she was making. Help me, Lord. My attitude is not worthy of you. I should be glad Nate is taking an interest in the children. Help me to let go. Even though she’d prayed, she didn’t feel a bit better. This was her job. She was used to being in control. No one knew the children as well as she did.
Her heart still racing, she patted the dough, then used her knife to cut it into square biscuits. Transferring them to a baking sheet, she slid them into the oven and closed the door.
Lucy didn’t dare meet Nate’s gaze. She was acting like a shrew, hardly the type of helpmeet she’d wanted to be. She had longed for someone to help her carry the load, so why was she now resenting it when Nate offered to share some of her burden? Tears blurred her vision.
She heard movement behind her, then Nate put his hands on her shoulders and turned her to face him. His fingers tilted her chin up, but she stubbornly kept her eyes fastened on his shirt.
“Don’t fight me, Lucy. If this marriage is going to make it, we have to work together.”
Her heart jumped. He almost sounded as though he wanted them to work things out. She dared a glance into his face. His gray eyes were gentle.
“What are you saying?” she whispered.
He took off his cowboy hat with a swipe of his big hand. “I’m saying that I’m willing to be friends if you are.” He gave a heavy sigh. “We haven’t gotten off on a very good start, but it seems this marriage is square and legal. We may not love each other, but we can at least be friends. I like you, Lucy. You’ve got guts, even if you are small and spindly.”
He grinned, and she smiled back feebly. She wet her lips. “What do you expect of me?” Against her will she glanced at the ladder leading to the loft.
“Not that,” he said hastily. “Not yet, at any rate. You stay with Jed and Eileen. Jed can help in the field while you and Eileen take care of the house.”
“I thought you wanted a wife who could rope and shoot as well as a man.”
He grinned. “You sure shoot as well as any man I ever saw.”
Her cheeks burned, and she ducked her head. “It’s not very womanly.”
He laughed out loud. “I don’t think either one of us knows what we want in a mate. We’re going to have to discover that as we go along. You willing to try?”
Her throat felt tight, and
she struggled not to cry. “I’ll try, Mr. Stanton,” she managed.
“Like I just told Jed, Mr. Stanton is my pa. Think you can see your way clear to calling me Nate? Seeing as we’re married and all.”
Her gaze searched his, and she nodded. “I’ll try, Nate.”
“I will too.” His gaze was soft and roamed down to her lips. His grin widened, then his eyes grew sober. “Can I kiss you, Lucy?”
Her heart fluttered like a frightened bird. She’d never been kissed, and she wanted to wait until she felt more than mere liking for a man. But this was her husband. How did she refuse him such a natural request? Before she could answer, his fingers tightened on her shoulders, and he bent his head. His lips grazed her cheek.
Her stomach felt funny, all nervous and jittery. Then he pulled away.
“That’s all for now. When you’re ready for a real kiss, you let me know.” He sauntered to the door with a smug grin as if he knew her knees were almost too weak to hold her.
When the door closed behind him, Lucy sank into a chair. If a kiss on the cheek affected her like this, what would a real kiss do?
THE CHILDREN SLEPT nearby on their cots. Nate watched the shadows from the fireplace dance in the room. The wind had picked up outside and howled around the chimney. He watched Lucy squint over her sewing in the dim light of the lantern. She sure was a pretty little thing, and it felt good to be snug in the house with a family while the storm raged.
“That a quilt?” he asked.
Not looking up from her work, she nodded. “Jed is going to need one.”
“I think there are extras at the ranch.”
“I like to keep busy.”
He glanced at Jed, sleeping soundly. “I need to talk to you about something.”
She looked up, then put down her sewing. “Is something wrong?”
He nodded toward the boy. “Young Jed told me he is afraid someone might have followed you here. Or at least, might show up.”
She clasped her hands together. “Who?”
Blue Moon Promise Page 11
