“You’ve had a lot of heartache the past year. Guess you understand Papa’s way of thinking.”
Best to ignore that and change the subject. “Was it hard for you to leave Texas?”
“Yeah, but I couldn’t let Papa move up here by himself. I was twenty-one and old enough to claim a homestead. We filed together.”
“Do you miss your old home?”
“I miss the way it was when Mama was alive, but it would be different now. I miss some of my friends and relatives there. A lot of Kincaids live in Central Texas in and near Austin.”
“Nice that you have kin. I don’t have any left except Iris and now you and Papa. I miss my Mama, too. She loved me but had a disappointing life. I wish I could have made everything easier for her.”
He raised his eyebrows in question. “She lived in a fancy house with a wealthy man. That doesn’t sound so bad.”
She met his gaze. “The money was from her family. After they married, she never benefitted from being wealthy. My father was a cold, arrogant man who kept numerous women on the side.”
He nodded, his eyes holding speculation. “Ah, I see. And your husband?”
She lowered her head. “I’m afraid he was like my father.” With a deep breath she gave a wave of dismissal. “But enough about the past. What’s important is here and now. I like the ranch and the house. You’ve built a fine life here with great potential for the future.”
“I believe that’s true and I’m happy to hear you agree. Papa says I’m trying to create a dynasty here. I guess he’s right.”
What would he think if he knew she was the illegitimate daughter of a prostitute? She hoped he never learned.
“There’s nothing wrong with that, Preston. You need sons and daughters to carry on with the foundation you’ve shaped. The Kincaid Circle K will endure and prosper for future generations.”
“I hope you’re correct. I’d hate like everything for all this to go away. Our weather is undependable and several ranchers gave up after the bad winter we had following a hard drought. Fortunately, a neighbor sent warnings that the winter would be especially bad. Besides, Papa and I always plan for the worst and we had enough feed for the cattle and ourselves.”
“There, you see you’ve proved my point. Planning and hard work have paid off for you. I’m pleased to be a part of the Circle K.”
The breeze turned cold and Amanda shivered. Dusk approached and the sky darkened.
Preston looked at the sky. “We’re in for a cold night, spring or not. We’d better get back to the house and get you two inside. Can you manage a faster pace?”
“I’ll try to keep up.” She had ridden hard and fast from Barley Town to Atlanta. She could manage the distance home.
They arrived as the wind picked up. Preston dismounted and set Iris on the porch before he came to assist Amanda. By then, she’d managed to slide off the saddle and stood holding onto the pommel for support until her legs stopped wobbling.
He scooped her up and carried her into the house. He sat her on the parlor settee. “You did well, but I know your legs are protesting. I’ll stable the horses as quickly as I can.”
“Thank you, Preston. I wobbled when I first dismounted but I’m fine now. I’ll start supper. We’re having steaks. Papa already put them in the cold space for me.”
While he was gone, she put on her apron and prepared their meal. What a lovely day she’d had.
She hugged Iris. “Did you enjoy our horseback ride, Dear?”
“Yes, but I might have been scared without Daddy holding me. We were up real high off the ground.”
“Go hang up your jacket and come back to help me.”
Her daughter hurried to her room, humming a tune as she did. Amanda was delighted to see Iris talking more and being more active. If only she had some playmates, perhaps she’d blossom into an active child.
After supper, they sat on the back porch out of the wind. Papa had built a bench and there were a couple of chairs. Iris preferred the porch and dangled her legs off the edge. Rex lay beside her with his head in her lap as she petted him.
Amanda sat with mending in her lap, but hadn’t sewn on a button yet. “You have such a grand view from here.”
Her husband leaned back on the bench with his back against the house. “We sit here a lot of summer evenings. Still a bit cool most nights.”
Iris pointed at the sky. “That cloud is the color of my curtains.”
Amanda smiled at her daughter. “I believe you’re right, Dear.” She decided the light was too poor to sew and sat enjoying the night and her family.
Chapter Nine
The next morning, Preston asked, “Would you like to try your hand at milking the cow?”
She ran her hands down her apron. “I think I would. I’ve never been close to a cow before, but I hope I can learn.”
“No time like the present then. Iris, you can come look at the kittens while Mommy milks the cow.”
“Get your jacket, Iris.” Panic hit Amanda. “You or Ben will show me how, won’t you? I don’t even know how to start.”
“Of course. I’ll be with you all the time. Some people milk every twelve hours every day of the year. We have our cows trained to be milked once a day, but that’s still a firm responsibility. If you can’t get to it, you have to find someone else who will.” He guided her out the door toward the barn.
“I’ll do my best.”
He opened the barn door.
Ben headed toward them from the bunkhouse.
Preston called, “We’ll take care of milking this morning, Ben. You’re welcome to watch.”
She wished he hadn’t said that. Her first attempt was bound to be clumsy and she wanted as few witnesses as possible.
Preston set Iris on a pile of hay. “You sit right there where you can see the kittens. You can also see Mommy and Daddy and the cows.”
Amanda gaped at him. “Plural?”
“Two. Both are shorthorns and gentle. Pretty well trained for milking, too. You put some feed into the bin and they’ll eat while you milk.” He demonstrated.
Ben gave her a stool. “You’ll want this. The clean bucket is over here.” The teen brought her the pail she’d cleaned yesterday.”
“First, you clean the cow. Brush down her side so hair doesn’t fall into the milk. If her foot is in the way of you reaching the udder, move it back a little by pressing on her hip.” He demonstrated and gave her the brush.
She was afraid the cow would kick her, but she stood where her husband had and groomed the cow.
He took the brush from her. “Then you clean her udder. Use this small pail with soap and water and a clean rag. Be gentle but get all the sand and straw and hair off.”
He showed her where to get clean water and shaved soap into the liquid. After swishing it with his hands, he wrung out the cloth. He demonstrated then stood so she could take over.
She squatted on the stool and finished washing the udder and teats. When she’d finished, Ben took the soapy pail from her.
Preston knelt beside her. “Don’t jerk on the teat. Hold out your forefinger. See how I’m closing my thumb and forefinger off at the top of your finger? Then I let my other three fingers gently but firmly massage out the milk.”
He stuck out his finger. “Now you try.”
Feeling like an idiot, she did.
“No, you can’t release the thumb and forefinger until after you’ve massaged the teat. Otherwise, the milk goes back up into the udder. Try again.”
She tried, concentrating on each step he’d told her.
“Great, now do that to the cow. Aim her teat at the bucket, by the way.”
She sent him a glare. “Thank you, but I knew that much.” With misgiving, she did as he’d instructed and milk flowed into the bucket. She was amazed and tried again.
“Looks like you’ve got the hang of this. Be sure to do all four teats. The highest cream comes at the last of the milking. If we had a calf on a bottle, we’d use t
hat to feed the calf.”
She concentrated on holding her fingers properly. “Oh, my, I can’t wrap my mind around all you’re telling me.”
“Ben grew up on a farm and he’s been real helpful. If you decide you want to take over for Ben, he’ll be free to do more around the place.”
Ben said, “These two are easy tempered.”
“So far.” She dared not look up for fear something drastic would happen.
Preston asked, “Do you think you could learn to make cheese? We have too much milk part of the time for our use.”
“When we’re in town next, I’ll ask if anyone can make cheese or if there’s a place I can send for directions. I’m willing but haven’t a clue how.”
Just as she was becoming confident, the cow swished her tail and gave Amanda a hard hit on the head. Caught by surprise, she tilted to the side on the stool.
“Ohhhh.” In vain, she flailed her arms to stop her downward motion.
She fell, her foot connecting with the bucket and her skirts flying up. Milk soaked into her skirt and spread across the floor. Rolling to the side for fear the cow would step on her, she looked up.
That’s when she realized both men were laughing and Iris stared with wide eyes and open mouth.
She struggled to her feet and righted the bucket. Cats had leaped to enjoy the spilled milk. “You forgot to warn me about the cow’s tail.”
Her husband tried to stop laughing but he did a poor job of hiding his mirth. “Sorry, there are a lot worse things that could happen. I didn’t want to discourage you by telling you all the bad stuff.”
Amanda brushed straw, dirt, and who knew what else from her skirt. “I’m afraid to ask. Shall I try to milk the other cow and see if I have better luck?”
“You haven’t finished with this cow yet. See how her udder is still distended? You have to get all the milk out then cleanse her again. If her bag is dry, you rub it with ointment.
Ben said, “I know milking is considered women’s work unless there’s a dairy herd, but I actually enjoy working with the cows. Really, Boss, I’ll be happy to keep doing all the milking for you.”
“Thanks, Ben.” Still smiling, Preston held Amanda’s shoulders. “Why don’t you go change clothes? Maybe the hens and eggs are enough for now.”
Amanda sighed. “Maybe I’d better take lessons from you later, Ben. I’m a town girl and this is the first time I’ve even touched a cow. Wouldn’t hurt for both of us to know the job.”
“Sure, Mrs. Kincaid. Anytime you want I’ll be happy to show you more.”
***
A week later, they had a warm, sunny day.
Preston was in a fine mood. “Why don’t we go on our picnic today? The apple trees have blossomed.”
“That sounds lovely. I’ll make up food in Mrs. Norton’s basket. Thinking back to our trip from Sweetwater Springs, I guess I have been on a picnic. That’s sort of what we did at that cabin.”
“I hope this will be more pleasant.”
Papa rubbed his back. “You two don’t mind, I’ll stay here. Sitting on the ground isn’t too bad, but trying to get up is.”
Amanda assured him, “I’ll make your lunch and leave it on the shelf above the stove. I’m excited. I’ve never smelled apple trees in bloom.”
Papa said, “You’re in for a treat but I’ve had a whiff of them many times before. I intend to do all my future inhaling from the saddle.” He grabbed his hat and went outside.
Preston reached for his headwear. “I’ll be back about eleven to take you ladies out for our picnic.” He followed his father.
Iris asked, “What do people do on a picnic?”
As if Amanda knew. “They spread a blanket and sit on it, but that’s about all I know. I guess Daddy will tell us when he comes back.”
“Can dolly come?”
“I don’t see why not.” She wondered what they’d do to amuse Iris. Maybe she’d take a nap on the blanket.
For that matter, what would she do? The only picnics she’d heard about were church or town socials where there were lots of people with games and such. She’d never thought she’d be welcome and hadn’t gone. Today, she looked forward to this new experience.
She sliced bread for thick sandwiches of ham and last night’s beef. A few slices of apple cake were left, which she buttered and included. She’d found canning jars in the cellar, so she filled three with water. They were easier to carry than a large crock and dipper.
By the time Preston came in, she and Iris were ready. Iris wore her green play dress and Amanda once again wore the gray serge riding habit. Papa’s meal sat on the shelf above the range, covered with a napkin. She handed her husband the rectangular basket with its lid fastened.
He gave the basket a test heft. “What did you pack in here? Feels heavy enough to feed a dozen.”
“Probably because of the jars of water. Would you prefer coffee?”
“Nope, let’s get underway so we can enjoy the warm weather. Almanac says a change is coming. Sure hope it’s not freezing weather.”
“So do I because that would ruin your hard work planting as well as the apple crop.”
He stood by her horse. “Can you handle the basket being on your saddle? I’ll still take Iris with me.”
“Whatever you arrange will be fine. We’re both excited for our first picnic.”
He helped her mount and then fastened the basket behind her saddle. He lifted Iris high before he set her in front of where he’d ride. Mounting with what looked like the ease of second nature, he gained his seat.
Their ride alternated between a walk and a trot until they’d reached the orchard. He dismounted and looped his reins over a low branch before he set Iris on the ground. Then he helped Amanda dismount and loosened the ties holding the basket.
“The blanket is inside. I used it to cushion the water jars. I hope they didn’t spill.”
He strode ahead. “I picked a place over here.” He set down the basket and pulled out the blanket. When he’d spread it in the shade, he moved the basket to the corner.
She inspected the blanket. “Looks nice and dry. Iris, would you care to sit down?”
“Is that what we do on a picnic?”
Preston smiled at their daughter. “No, first we work up an appetite.” He went to his saddlebags and brought back a bundle.
“What’s that, Daddy?” Iris stood on her tiptoes trying to see what he had.
“I thought maybe you’d like to play some games. I brought a bandalore, a cribbage set, and some checkers.”
She appeared perplexed. “I don’t know how to do those things.”
“Pretty soon you will. And how many trees have you climbed?”
She looked even more astonished. “I’ve never climbed a tree. My old Papa and Daddy and Mama would have spanked me hard.”
A brief spark of anger flashed in his eyes, but he smiled. “You’re older now, so it’s all right if Mommy or I are with you. What do you want to do first?”
Iris clapped her hands. “Climb a tree, but not too high.”
“Okay, come over here and I’ll show you. This is a nice one because it has a low branch. Put one hand here and the other there. Now, wrap your legs around the branch and pull yourself up to sit there.”
With his help, Iris managed to sit on the limb. With a triumphant smile, she declared, “Look, Mommy, I climbed.”
Amanda gave thanks for Preston’s kindness. What a great dad he was. “I see you did, Dear.”
“You can go one limb higher, but no higher than my head. That way I can always help you down.”
She slowly made her way to the next level of limbs. The trees were not large, but they probably seemed high to an almost four-year-old.
“Someday soon, I’ll make you a swing. Have you ever been in a swing?”
“A couple of times at the house of Mama’s friend, but I never had my own. I like to swing.”
“Are you ready to learn to bandalore?”
She
reached out to him and he set her near the blanket.
He pulled out a round wooden object with a cord. “This is a bandalore. They came from a faraway place called England. Before that, they were in other countries. See this cord? You wind it around the groove in the center, then you send it away from you and it comes back.” He demonstrated sending it toward the ground and then back up to his hand.
Iris’s voice was filled with awe, “How did you do that?”
Amanda wondered the same thing. She’d seen boys at school with one of these but had never held one or understood how they worked.
With amazing patience, Preston worked with Iris until she made the disk return to her hand. She squealed with delight. Tears welled in Amanda’s eyes. How lucky she and Iris were that they’d found this wonderful man.
Eventually he left Iris playing with her bandalore while he joined Amanda on the blanket. “I’d say that’s a success.”
“She’s had such a narrow life with so much sadness. You have no idea how fantastic you are with her.”
“Iris is a good girl who deserves to have more fun. She doesn’t seem to know how to play with anything but her doll.”
“I know. The house in Atlanta was very…restrictive and without joy. She’s the best thing in my life until we arrived here. Now she and I both are much happier.”
He took her hand in his. “Nice of you to say so and I hope you mean it. I want us to be a real family who enjoy one another.”
She squeezed his fingers and smiled for him. “I want the same thing.”
He leaned forward and pressed his lips gently to hers. His blue eyes searched hers and he appeared about to repeat the kiss.
Iris called, “Daddy, this got all messed up.” She handed him the bandalore with string wrapped around it sideways.
“Princess, if you want to play with this, you have to learn to rewind it on your own.” Patiently, he showed her how to manage the chore.
She watched but then said, “I’m hungry. When are we going to have the picnic?”
Amanda sat up straight and raised the basket lid. She passed out sandwiches wrapped in napkins and also the jars of water. “I guess I should have brought milk instead of water, but I didn’t know how hot the basket would get before we ate.”
Montana Sky: Amanda's Rancher (Kindle Worlds) (Loving A Rancher Book 1) Page 8
