by Maggie Ryan
"Don't you fret. These are all good people. Don't be nervous. They are well on their way to loving you already." She shook her head, about to disagree when he said, "In fact, Agatha was so determined that I not give up on us that I'm pretty sure she got… um, never mind. Just know that you won't find better friends." He released her chin but bent to kiss the tip of her nose. "Better?"
"A little," she admitted, but remembered the conversation at supper. "Why does everyone think we'll be living on their ranch?"
"Because where else would we live?"
"Here, of course," Teresa said. "Our place is big enough for all of us. I'm sure Pa wouldn't mind us moving into his rooms, and he can have mine, or one of the guest rooms."
"Teresa, there is no way I would ask your father to give up his room… in his home. No, we will make our own home together on the ranch. In fact, it will be fun picking out a spot for our cabin. There are lots of possibilities but I have one particular place in mind. It's right by a bend in the creek not too far away from Wyatt and Agatha's cabin…"
"Are you planning on sharing that cake?"
Roger looked up see Richard standing at the top of the stairs. "I thought about hogging it but suppose we could share," Roger said. "After you, my dear." Having no choice, Teresa began to ascend as Roger continued talking. "We were just talking about building the cabin."
"We can do that while eating cake," Richard said, stepping aside as Teresa reached the landing. "If you have some paper and a pen, I can draw a quick map to give you a better idea of where the other cabins are, Teresa."
"Oh, yes, I'll get some." Thankful to get away, she turned down the hall in the opposite direction as the men. Once inside her room, she leaned against the door. While grateful that it appeared the women hadn't told Roger what they'd overheard, she had another concern. It seemed Roger really expected them to live out in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by smelly cows and God only knew what other animals. Weren't there bears in the woods? And Indians? What about them? Trembling a bit at the thought of coming face to face with some savage, or wild beast eager to eat her for supper, she had absolutely no appetite for cake. Surely after she reminded him that she needed to live in town in order to easily walk to the school house each day, he'd understand. Even if he didn't want to ask her pa to change rooms, she would. After all, her pa was just one person, and had no need of the larger room with the adjoining siting area. Taking a moment to peer into the mirror, she tidied her hair and straightened her skirts before gathering some paper and a pen.
She entered the parlor, and after giving the paper to Richard, squealed a bit as Roger pulled her down to sit on his knee. Flushing and about to jump up, she realized that Charity was sitting on her husband's knee in another chair without the least bit of embarrassment showing on her face. Admitting to herself that she rather enjoyed the intimacy of her position even if her bottom stung a bit, Teresa turned her attention to the conversation.
***
"How soon is this wedding?" Richard asked.
"We haven't settled on a date but it can't be quick enough if you ask me," Roger said, his eyes twinkling as he looked down at his fiancée. "In fact, tomorrow would be great!"
"Roger! I'm sure Teresa would appreciate some time to plan her wedding," Charity chided. "Right, Teresa?"
"Um, I hadn't really thought about it but, yes, I would like a bit of time."
"My little girl will have the wedding of her dreams," Ben said, patting Teresa on the shoulder. "We've been here since the town was founded and I would like to extend an invitation to all of our friends."
"Pa, we don't need to invite the whole town!" Teresa said.
"Tessie, everyone will want to come. You'll make a beautiful bride," Barbara said. "But Charity is right. We'll need time to plan."
"I can understand that," Richard said. "You can take all the time you need. In fact, we really can't begin to build until spring." At Roger's groan, Matthew shook his head.
"She can always bunk with us," he offered.
"I want my wife to be happy, not appalled," Roger said, giving a chuckle. "I promised my bride a home of her own and she'll have exactly that."
"I'm just joshin'. If you really can't wait, I can always move to one of the barns until we get your cabin built."
Anna laughed as she and Agatha came to the small table and handed their husbands plates with large slices of cake. "I'm sure Bessie won't mind having a roommate—unless you snore too loudly."
"Who's Bessie?" Teresa asked, having thought the only people on the ranch were the ones gathered in her house.
"She's our milk cow," Anna explained. "She's a sweet little thing but I suppose if Matthew wants even more company, he can move into Agatha's barn, and room with her cow and all those chickens."
"Don't forget Mr. Rooster," Wyatt said with a chuckle. "Of course, he might object as he truly believes he is the only co—"
"Wyatt!" Agatha exclaimed, nudging her husband in the ribs.
"Um, never mind."
Teresa felt rather left out as the group laughed at Wyatt's sheepish expression. This was the second time one of the men hadn't completed a statement. What weren't they willing to share?
Catherine came over as well, placing cups of coffee on the table in front of Richard and James. "Roger, Teresa, would you both like some coffee?" she asked.
"I'll get it," Teresa said, jumping off Roger's lap. "I need to get Roger a piece of cake, as well."
"No, no. Let me bring them to you," Catherine countered. "You two are the guests of honor after all."
Roger agreed, pulling her back down onto his knee even as Anna asked, "What are you drawing?" as she slipped onto her husband's lap and lifting the fork, took a bite of cake.
"Hey! Watch it, little girl, that's my piece."
Anna just smiled and took another bite before giggling at his exaggerated look of dismay. "Don't worry, there's more. You know how I love cake."
"Take another big bite," Richard said, "you know how I love to remind you of your manners." Teresa saw that Anna's eyes widened a bit though she was shaking her head and smiling.
"Oh, is that our cabin?" Anna said, her cheeks turning pinker as the men chuckled, all well aware that she was changing the subject even as she put the fork down.
"Yes, we were discussing where to build the newlyweds' cabin," Richard said and took a huge bite of his cake.
"Oh, that's exciting. Where are you thinking?" Agatha asked.
"That's what I'm trying to show Teresa," Richard said. They watched as he quickly drew a rough map as he spoke. "Teresa, we own over two thousand acres—"
"Hey, can't we add another 320 since I'll be a married man?" Roger interrupted.
"I don't know," Richard said. "We'll have to look into that, but unless you are planning on living miles and miles away…"
Teresa was about to protest when Roger laughed. "No, of course not. Sorry to interrupt."
Richard nodded and tapped the paper with the pencil. "As I was saying, there are cabins here," he paused and drew the simple shape of two additional houses on the paper, adding a barn close to each. "We haven't finished all the corrals but have a birthing shed over here." Another building was put to paper. "And, of course, the bunkhouse is here." After drawing the buildings, he added a few squiggly looking lines and some triangle peaks. "This is the river which runs throughout the property. As you can see, Wyatt and Agatha's place is at the foot of the mountains close to the river. Oh, you've seen it before."
"Right, the day we went skating," Roger concurred.
"Great, then you have an idea of what sort of cabin we are planning. Anyway, there is a great deal of land not slated for pasture use even though we plan on growing the herd rather rapidly. As you can see, we all chose to build on this side. The land act requires that we improve and upgrade the land we've claimed, and that includes building homes. Since we've combined our lands, we've spread the cabins out so that they are on different plots. I know this scale isn't right, bu
t while we all live within a couple of miles of each other, well, we all agreed we wanted some land between us so the requirements to improve the land isn't a problem."
"Yes, you get the best of both worlds that way," Wyatt said. "You know that while your friends are close enough to visit or help, you feel as if you are in your own little world."
"Especially when the snows get really high," Agatha added with a smile.
"There is that great stand of oak trees here," Richard said, tapping the pencil against the paper. "If you build there, your place would be closest to the road and the first one people would come across when entering the ranch."
"No, I think your place should be the first people come to," Roger said. "I mean, you were the one who began the ranch, and I'd hate to impose upon your generosity."
"Nonsense," Richard said. "We all are building this ranch. We became equal partners the moment we planted that first stake."
"That spot is nice but I was thinking further back towards the foothills. Remember where we found that cow and her calf?" Taking the pencil, Roger marked a spot and then drew another squiggly line a mere inch away. "This is the meadow about a mile from where our first bull was born. I think it would make a perfect spot for our cabin. Seeing the sun rise over the mountains would be a pretty sight. We'll have a nice porch and I can build us some rocking chairs." Tapping the line, he continued. "The river bends, so hauling water would be easy."
"That'll work," Matthew said, "especially since it seems you've become quite attached to that bathtub."
"So, honey, what do you think?" Roger asked.
"I think we should live in town."
"Town? Why would you want to do that?" Matthew asked. "I really was just kidding about the bunkhouse…"
"Oh, I didn't think you were serious. It's just that, well, how far away is the ranch from town? A mile?"
"Farther than that," James said. "I'd guess more than five or six?"
"That proves it then," Teresa said, finally picking up her coffee cup and taking a sip.
"Proves what?"
"That we can't live on the ranch, of course."
"Tessa, I've already said we are not going to live here," Roger said, giving her a frown. "You will be my wife and live in our cabin… on the ranch."
"No, that's simply not possible," she said, turning to where her father was standing. "Pa, you won't mind giving up your—"
"Tessa!" Roger said sharply. "I've already told you…"
"Roger, it won't hurt to ask…"
"We aren't going to ask," Roger said.
"But that's not fair. You aren't even listening to me. None of you are!"
"Teresa, calm down—" Roger began.
Richard broke in, "Look, it's been a long day and it's getting late. There's no need to decide where you want the cabin as, like I said, though we can start felling trees, it will still be a few more weeks before we can start building."
"There's nothing more to talk about," Teresa said. "I will not live out in the wilderness. Not when—"
"Tessa, Richard's right. This is a discussion we'll continue in private," Roger said, shaking his head. His arched brow reminded her of how he'd looked that afternoon, and suddenly she was quite willing to forestall any further discussion.
"We'll get the children," Agatha said as the others stood. "Which room did you put them down to sleep in?"
"Mine," Barbara said, "I'll show you…"
"No, I will," Teresa said, already moving away from the table. She needed some time to think about her next step. She'd been so sure that Roger would understand her need to be in town but it didn't appear he would even consider moving off his precious ranch.
Once she'd led the way to her sister's room, she watched as the three women all gently lifted a sleeping child from the bed. Even Agatha, who had no children yet, took the eldest little girl as easily as if she were her own. Small arms were eased into coats and blankets wrapped around warm, sleepy little bodies.
Agatha turned back when the three reached the door. Charity and Anna turned with her, holding their precious bundles as Agatha said, "If you ever want to talk, about, well… anything, please know that I, all of us, want to be your friend. We all know that it is hard sometimes to—"
"I… I'm fine," Teresa said, still not trusting that these women, all good friends, were really willing to accept another into their group. "Thank you for not saying anything."
"You don't have to thank us," Anna said. "We all understand how you feel."
"I told her the same," Agatha said, shifting Hope a bit in her arms.
"Then let me be the third to say we really want to be your friends. I hope that one day you'll consider us as your sisters as well."
"I-I'd like that," Teresa said, suddenly wanting nothing more than to believe the women's offer was sincere.
Agatha smiled. "We would too. We'll talk again soon."
As the three smiled and left the room, Teresa gave a sigh. She really didn't wish to follow them, but knowing that it was not only the proper thing to do but that Roger was waiting to talk to her, she moved towards the stairs. She and her family thanked their guests for coming and accepted final compliments on the food.
When Anna turned back and she and her husband reiterated their congratulations on the announcement of their engagement, Teresa had a brief moment of panic, wondering if Roger would announce that he'd changed his mind. Instead, she heard him accept their best wishes.
"I'll be along soon," he said as the others pulled on cloaks, papas taking the children from their wives.
"We'll see you at the dance," Harriett said before giving Teresa a hug, bending down to speak softly. "It is a blessing for sure to have such a nice couple find each other. Roger, if your gal brings another cake like the one tonight, you better watch out. It was one of the most delicious cakes I've ever eaten, and I'm sure every other person will think so as well… especially any unattached young men."
"Oh, I didn't make it, Barbara did," Teresa confessed, sure that the others would be disappointed in their perceived belief that she could bake. "Baking is obviously something else I fail miserably at. Sorry, Agatha, I couldn't possibly help you make a cake."
"Don't you worry, Anna couldn't boil water when we first met her on the trail," Harriett said.
"Really?"
"Really. Just ask Richard," Anna said. "If it hadn't been for Charity and Harriett taking pity and giving me lessons, I'm afraid my husband would have blown across the trail like a tumbleweed."
Harriett shook her head and smiled. "Don't you fret, my dear. No one knows how to do everything. That's what friends and family are for." She leaned a bit closer. "And every couple goes through some rocky times. You two will work it out. Don't look so sad."
Teresa could only nod, her throat feeling tight as the group began the walk back to the doctor's house. The men were still talking about building sites and the women were gently admonishing their husbands to be quiet as not to wake the little ones. They all looked so happy. Could she really ever fit into the tight-knit group? She blinked as her pa closed the door.
"You two don't stay up too late," Ben said, giving her a hug. "We've got another busy day ahead of us." Before Teresa could ask him about his room, he had turned away, shaking his head at the sight of Catherine and Barbara who were carrying dessert dishes that had been used. "Now, Catherine, what did I tell you about working too hard?"
"Ben, the kitchen won't clean itself, and you know we always have a large crowd for breakfast."
"Don't worry, Pa, I'll help her," Barbara said.
"I will as well," Ben offered, moving a few steps to where Roger was standing. "How about you take Teresa for a walk? The fresh air might be good for both of you."
"That's a good idea, sir, thank you."
"No, I think I'll just go on up to bed," Teresa said.
"I won't keep you out long," Roger said.
"But it's late and cold—"
"Tessa, we are going to talk." When her mouth
opened, he lowered his voice. "I don't suggest you argue, or you won't have to worry about being cold for long. Understand?"
"Fine…" His arched brow had her quickly saying, "Yes, sir."
"Good girl. If you prefer, we can talk upstairs."
Not sure exactly what their talk would entail but quite positive she didn't want to be anywhere near Catherine or her family in case her fiancé decided to turn her over his knee, she said, "I-I'd like to walk, if that's all right."
"That's fine," he said, taking her cloak off its hook and pulling on his coat after he'd draped it across her shoulders. He opened the door and led her out into the night.
The moon was full, providing illumination as he tucked her hand into his arm. She didn't speak, still upset that he just wasn't listening to what she had to say. It took her several minutes before she realized where they were heading.
"We're going to the school?"
"Yes, it seems like my fiancée needs another lesson on respect."
Her attempt to remove her hand was fruitless. "Roger Morrison, if anyone needs education it is you! You are just as stubborn as a… a damn mule!"
"Teresa Goldman, I suggest you change your tone. I don't know what's gotten into you but I don't speak with such an attitude to you and will not tolerate you speaking to me that way. And, young lady, you are far too educated and far too sweet to speak such vulgar words. I'd hate to introduce you to a good mouth soaping on the day we became engaged."
"You didn't seem to mind introducing me to your hand or the corner," she said, embarrassed that the curse word had slipped out but somehow unable to stop other ugly things from spilling from her mouth. It had to be because she was so upset, and the fact that he was taking her to the very place she dreamed of spending her days when it was obvious he had no intention of letting her become a teacher, was doing nothing to calm her anger. He'd seemed to share her excitement and yet, now, knowing he was going to force her to live miles and miles away, she didn't understand his change of heart. Had he only played at being happy for her until he'd secured her promise to become his wife? Questions swirled in her head until they were once again climbing the steps to the schoolhouse. Inside, he didn't remove her cloak as there wasn't yet a stove to warm the cold building. But he did sit and draw her down again… and despite her anger, she felt grateful that he was settling her on his lap and not over it.
