Alright, Josh thought, this may be crazy, but I’m going to try it. He spoke loudly to ensure that his men would hear him, as he said, “We have a little, but we would share it with our friends.”
Eyes of Hawk nodded. He swung his leg over his horse and jumped down. He said something to the Indians with him, turned to Josh and said, “We will eat.”
The Indians led their horses back to the camp and tied them to the trees. Fianna handed each a cup of coffee. They drank it greedily and nodded their appreciation. They could hardly take their eyes off her. She was taller than they were, and they were fascinated by her red hair. After they had finished the coffee, she passed out what remained of Teresa’s dinner. The Indians ate silently. When they were finished, Eyes of Hawk stood and looked at Josh. “How is your horse?”
Josh held Eyes of Hawk’s eyes and said, “He’s fine. He was only creased.”
“I was not aiming at your horse.”
Josh smiled. “I know.”
“We go,” Eyes of Hawk said. He turned and motioned to the other braves.
They all walked to their horses and jumped on. Eyes of Hawk looked down at Josh. “You are brave man. Your spirit is strong. Where are you living?”
Josh said, “For now at the Nance ranch. You know it?”
“The old ranger.”
“Yes, but I’ll be leaving soon. I would ask something of you.”
Eyes of Hawk nodded.
“Twice we’ve been in battle. Men have died. I don’t seek battle nor does the old ranger. But we will fight. This you know.”
Again Eyes of Hawk nodded.
“I would ask that we fight no more. I can live with you or I can die with you. I prefer to live, as does the old ranger.”
Eyes of Hawk spoke slowly. “You speak true words, for we have met in battle. Our women mourn the death of their men. We want no more mourning. I choose to live with you.” Eyes of Hawk extended his arm and Josh took it, grasping his arm just above the wrist, as did Eyes of Hawk. They held the grip for a moment, then Eyes of Hawk turned his horse and continued in the direction they had originally been going. The other Comanches followed him, never looking at any of the white men.
Pat walked up and said, “Now, laddie, that was a brassy play. I could’ve spit when you brought those savages into our camp. I knew we were in for it. Just goes to show, you never know what a Comanche is going to do.”
“Didn’t know what else to do. If we started shooting, there would’ve been dead on both sides. Now we might have a reprieve for us and the ranch. Speaking of ranch, why don’t we break this camp and get on over to the Rocking N. I’m ready for a little less action.”
They broke camp, took the horses to water, and crossed the creek. It was only a few hours to the ranch.
They came over the north ridge with the horses. Everything looked normal as they rode into the yard. Mr. Nance came hobbling out of the ranch house. Slim was saddling a horse, while Frank and Jimmy waited on horseback. “How about you boys take these animals off our hands?” Josh said.
Slim gave one final tug on the cinch and swung up into the saddle. The three hands herded the horses into the corral. “Good to see you back,” Frank said as they took the horses.
Josh swung down from his horse and walked over to help Fianna down. “Thanks, Frank; it’s good to be back.”
“Mr. Nance, this is Miss Fianna Caitlin O’Reilly. She’s Pat’s sister, but don’t hold that against her.” It felt good to joke, Josh thought. The war was over and everyone could relax. Bill Nance and Fianna spoke for a few minutes.
Mary Louise came through the front door, her smiling face lighting up when she saw Fianna, for they didn’t see many women at the ranch, especially women her age. “Why, you must be exhausted; come in, and we’ll get some water drawn. I know you’d love a bath,” Mary Louise said.
Fianna smiled, and then said, “That would be so nice.”
The girls went into the house, leaving the men standing around in the yard. Scott had stepped out of the bunkhouse. His arm was in a sling, but he looked none the worse for wear. “Howdy, boys, glad you made it back,” he said. “I’m just sorry I wasn’t able to go with you. Where did you find Miss Fianna? Did you get Ruffcarn? I see you brought back some of Ruffcarn’s horses. How’d that happen?”
“Slow down, Scott,” Josh said. “We’ll tell everyone what happened after we get these horses taken care of.”
“Aye, laddie. I think it’s a story you’ll be enjoying,” Pat said, as he led his horse to the barn.
The men unsaddled the horses and led them over to the water trough. “How’s it been around here?” Josh asked.
Scott said, “Quiet as a church mouse. Why, it’s been so quiet you’d think there weren’t even any Indians around.”
Josh walked over to Chancy. The horse was straining at the stall door to reach him. “How you doing, boy?” Josh asked. He checked the bullet wound in the horse’s neck. “Looks like this is healing real good. What did you put on him?”
“Juan had a concoction that he made up personal like,” Scott said. “He really took good care of your horse, Josh. He was a good man.”
Josh nodded and rubbed Chancy’s neck. “Yeah, I’m just sorry we couldn’t have gotten here quicker.”
After they had finished taking care of the horses, Josh, Pat, and Scott headed for the house. Bill had gone back up onto the porch and was sitting in a rocking chair. “Come on into the house and tell us what happened,” Bill said. The men waited as he stood and limped into the house ahead of them. “Let’s go into the office.”
Teresa came into the office right behind them, carrying cups and the coffee pot on a tray. “Welcome back, Señor Josh, Señor Pat. It’s good to see you safe.”
Both men took off their hats. “Thanks, Teresa,” Josh said.
“Aye, señora, tis good to be back and taste some of your delicious coffee,” Pat said.
Teresa smiled and left the room. The men sat down, took a sip of coffee, and waited while Bill fired up his pipe. “Alright, now tell me all about it.”
Josh proceeded to tell him about what had happened at Ruffcarn’s ranch. He left out nothing.
Bill listened quietly until they were finished. He took a couple more draws on his pipe, then said, “Boys, I appreciate what you’ve done. Josh, I know you just planned on stopping here long enough to tell us about Rory. I appreciate you staying. I don’t mind admitting, I don’t think I could’ve done it without you. I imagine you’re planning on heading out soon.”
Josh said, “Yes, sir. You’ve got the wagon we brought down from Tiny’s, or a least Scott and Pat did. If it’s alright with you, we’ll get a good night’s rest and take off in the morning. We can take Tiny’s wagon and horses back to him. I think Fianna might prefer the wagon after all the horseback riding she’s done the past couple of days.” Josh turned to Pat. “Is that alright with you, Pat?”
“Aye, ‘tis fine with me. I could use a good night’s sleep and a couple of Teresa’s meals.”
Bill said, “That’ll be fine with me, though I hate to see you go. By the way, Colonel Sturgis led a patrol through here yesterday afternoon. He brought the message that Jeremiah is out of the woods, and Mrs. Diehl is doing just fine.”
“That’s good to hear. I know Fianna will be glad to get that news,” Josh said.
“Also, Slim is staying on as a hand. I think that boy will make a fine man.”
“I couldn’t agree with you more,” Josh said. “He just got mixed up with the wrong crowd.”
Bill turned to Scott. “You think you could hang around and ramrod this place for me?”
“Why, Mr. Nance, I’d be happy to. I’ve been thinking about settling down. This would be a good place to sit a spell.”
Josh turned in his chair to look at Scott. “I thought you were headed to Colorado to do some prospecting? I was planning on offering you a job out there. I could use a good hand.”
Bill chuckled, then said, “I think Scott
might have found something, or someone, of interest around here.”
Scott cleared his throat. His face turned red. “Mr. Nance, I don’t—I mean—”
“Relax, Scott,” Bill said. “I may be old and shot through with a Comanche arrow, but I’m not blind.”
Everyone laughed. Josh said, “This is a first. Since I met him over on Pecan Bayou, I don’t think I’ve seen Scott speechless.”
“Why’s everyone laughing?” Mary Louise said, as the two lovely young women swept into the room.
All the men stood and smiled. Josh couldn’t take his eyes off Fianna.
Bill looked at Mary Louise, his eyes twinkling, and said, “I’ve just offered Scott the foreman position. Seems he found a reason to stay and work with us.”
Mary Louise looked quickly at her father. “Good, you need a good foreman.” She took Fianna by the arm, flashed a brilliant smile at Scott, and the two beautiful women left the room with a flourish.
Everyone was gathered in the ranch yard. The wagon was hitched up and the horses were anxious to be on their way. The women were saying their goodbyes. Bill shook Josh’s hand, “I can’t ever repay you for what you and Pat have done.”
“Glad to help,” Josh said. “If you’re ever in Colorado, you’ll be welcome at the ranch. It’ll be southwest of Colorado City. There’s a wide, green valley among the mountains with plenty of water and grass.”
“Maybe,” Bill said. “Pat, thanks for your help. You and Josh were good friends with Rory, and I appreciate you helping us. I know Rory would be pleased.”
“He was a good man, Mr. Nance,” Pat said. “I was there when Josh promised Rory to tell you. It’s pleased I am to have been able to meet you and your lovely daughter and help a mite.”
“We best be on our way,” Josh said, “we’re burning daylight. Teresa, thanks for the good meals. Mary Louise, I’m sure you’ll keep your new foreman in line. Scott, though I know you’ll be staying here, there will always be a place at our table for you. Mr. Nance, thanks for the horses.”
Josh climbed up into the wagon, took the reins and off they went. He raised his hat and waved, “Adios.” They headed north to Camp Wilson. Chancy was tied to the back of the wagon, along with three excellent horses that Bill Nance had insisted they take. “We left early; we should arrive in Camp Wilson tomorrow. Probably no later than noon. What do you think?”
“Aye, I’m thinking you’re right.”
“Pat, have you had a chance to think on what we talked about?”
Fianna looked at Josh, then back to her brother. Pat continued to ride in silence. Finally he said, “I’ve thought on it quite a bit, Josh. I have many concerns. Colorado is a new and wild territory. You’ll have plenty of dangers out there. Here you’ve got the Comanche to contend with. But in the Territory there’s Ute, Cheyenne, Shoshone, and Arapaho. That’s just to name a few. It’s no tame land you’re going to.”
Josh contemplated what Pat had said. “All you say is true, Pat, but the fact is, as a new land—every man, and every woman …” Josh looked at Fianna. “Has a chance. It’s not yet a state. There will be growth and, for the right people, great opportunity.”
Josh could feel Fianna fidgeting next to him on the wagon seat. He chanced a side glance at her. He could tell she had something to say and was about to say it.
“Pat, Josh,” Fianna said, “as I told you the other night, if you have something to say about me—say it to me.”
Josh looked over at his best friend. “Pat?”
Fianna reached over and yanked the reins out of Josh’s hands and pulled the horses to an abrupt halt. “I said talk to me.” She was looking back and forth between Pat and Josh. Her brilliant green eyes flashed. Her lovely lips were pursed. It was obvious to Josh that now was the time.
Josh looked at Pat. Pat sighed and said, “I’m thinking Colorado might be a good thing.” He grinned at Josh.
Josh turned to Fianna. She was looking at him. Her eyes were wide with anticipation. He took the reins from her hands and tied them around the brake, then he grasped her hands in his. “Fianna,” Josh said, “I don’t have much more than danger to offer you. But I believe that the two of us can build a life in Colorado that we’ll be proud of.”
Fianna continued to look into his eyes, “What are you asking me, Major Joshua Matthew Logan?”
“Fianna Caitlin O’Reilly, will you come west with me? Will you be my wife?”
Josh looked at her beautiful face, those lovely emerald eyes, and waited for her answer.
“It took you long enough,” she said softly. “Yes. I could think of nothing that would make me happier.”
Josh took her in his arms for the first time, there on the wagon seat. He’d never known such contentment and excitement together. She pushed herself back a little to softly press her lips to his.
Pat waited for a few seconds. “Uh-hum,” he said, clearing his throat.
The two of them parted, smiled at each other, and grinned at Pat.
“Well, I’m thinking that seals it,” Pat said. “We best find us a preacher man when we get to Camp Wilson.”
Chapter 31
It was noon of the following day when the happy couple and Pat rode up to Tiny Bakton’s Blacksmith and Livery. Tiny walked out to greet them as Josh helped Fianna out of the wagon. Josh asked, “How’s Jeremiah and Mrs. Diehl doing?”
“I’m telling you,” Tiny said, “that’s one tough old ranger. He’s already up and moving around—still weak. But that doesn’t stop him from sitting out in front of their store to see what’s goin’ on. Mrs. Diehl was cooking the next day. She hasn’t missed a meal. Why, I think she’s as tough, or tougher, than Mr. Diehl. Now, your turn. How’s the Rocking N?”
Pat stepped down from his horse, put both hands on his kidneys, and leaned back. “It’s sure the truth; I’m getting too old for all this riding. Tiny, ‘tis all done. Bull and Pierce and Ruffcarn have met their maker, and I’m sure they’re not too happy. The ranch is safe. I’m sorry to say that Juan and Lee are dead. Scott received a wee little wound in the shoulder, but he’s fine.”
“Miss Fianna,” Tiny said, “I’m surely glad to see you safe. The whole town was mighty worried about you. Mrs. Diehl will be as happy as a bee in a flower to see you.”
Fianna turned a radiant smile on Tiny. “Why, thank you, Tiny. I must hurry and see her.” She smiled at Josh and rushed toward the Diehls’ store.
“Let’s get these horses taken care of,” Josh said.
The three men led the horses into the stable. Tiny looked Chancy over, examining the wound’s entry and exit. “Look’s like your horse is healing well, Josh,” Tiny said. “You two go on up. I’ll make sure these animals get a good rubdown, feed, and water.”
“Thanks, Tiny,” Josh said.
Pat and Josh grabbed their saddlebags and rifles and started up the street. Cecil stepped out of the Shamrock Saloon. “Glad to see Fianna is alright. I imagine you boys took care of Ruffcarn and Pierce.”
“Aye,” Pat said. “We left them both swinging from a big oak tree. Bull died of lead poisoning administered by Josh. We never saw hide nor hair of Bartholf. Looks like he got away. Why don’t you join us for lunch at Mrs. Diehl’s and we’ll tell you all about it. Then I’ll come back down for a taste of Irish.”
Jeremiah Diehl was sitting in a rocker in the dining room when Pat and Josh entered. “Sorry about not protecting Fianna,” Diehl said. “Pierce was just too quick for me.”
Pat walked over and shook Jeremiah’s hand. “’Tis not much more that you could’ve done. You’re a lucky man, and Mr. Pierce came out the loser when he tangled with me wee sister. She can be quite a handful.” Pat glanced over at Josh as he said the last words.
Mrs. Diehl walked into the room beaming. “Josh, I’m so happy for you and Fianna. It just so happens that among his other talents, Mr. Diehl is a minister. He’ll be able to fix you two up before you head west. I’m just so glad for you. Fianna, it is lunchtime, would you mi
nd being a dear and help me get this table ready? I’m sure we’ll have a crowd, all wanting to hear the news.”
It looked like the whole town had turned out. Even Colonel Sturgis, who had just returned from patrol, was there. Everyone sat around the long table with anticipation of hearing the tale of Pierce and Ruffcarn and Bull. Josh and Pat took turns in the telling. Pat told of how Pierce had looked, with a sizable portion of his bottom lip gone. They told of the death of Juan Alvarez and Lee Stanton. Colonel Sturgis pitched in that he’d seen Mr. Nance, and he was getting around well, considering the arrow wound in his leg. Fianna couldn’t resist telling about the romance between Scott and Mary Louise. There was laughter and appreciation around the table when Pat told the story about Josh inviting Eyes of Hawk and his braves into their camp. When they were about finished, Josh said to Fianna, “We’ll need to leave soon. When would you like to get married?”
Fianna smiled, then said, “There’s no time like the present, good sir.”
“Wait a minute,” Mrs. Diehl said. “No woman wants to come right off the trail and get married. Fianna, come with me. Gentlemen, help yourselves to the coffee. It’ll take us awhile. Mr. Diehl, if you’re feeling like it, I would suggest you get your good book ready.”
“Pat, I’d consider it an honor if you’d stand up with me,” Josh said.
“My honor, Major laddie. ‘Tis a blessed day.”
Mr. Diehl started giving orders. “Men, get this table cleared off and moved. Josh, go get washed up. You can’t get married looking like a saddle bum. I’m not going to be able to stand, so you men bring that rocker over here.”
Everyone jumped to, even Colonel Sturgis. When they had everything moved, the colonel turned to Josh. “Major, I have a blouse that’s too big for me. I’d consider it an honor if you’d wear it for your marriage.”
“I’m no longer in the Army, Colonel,” Josh said.
“That’s not a problem. You served your country with honor. No one would object to you wearing the uniform.” Colonel Sturgis hurried back to his quarters.
Logan's Word: A Logan Family Western - Book 1 (Logan Family Western Series) Page 25
