Preston opened his napkin to reveal two sandwiches. “This looks great. I’m hungry too.” He sent Amanda a glance that told her he didn’t mean only for food.
“We have apple cake for dessert. And I stuffed a few pickles into this little jar.”
While they ate, Preston told her about his plans for the ranch and farm. “I doubt Garrett will stay with us long. He’s eager for his own place and I can’t begrudge him that right. He’s foreman, so he’ll be missed when he goes.”
“Who’ll take his place?”
“Don’t know. Neither of the others is up to the job. Monty doesn’t want to be foreman. Ben and Rusty are still too green. As you can tell, Ben likes working with the animals at the barn more than being a cowboy. He’s a good kid and has been a great help, but he’s a born farmer.”
“He looks awfully young. How long has he been here?”
“He is young but he’s been here two years. Came the same time I bought the cows. Sure glad he took to milking and caring for them. He also feeds the pigs, mucks out the stalls, and a dozen other things most folks find tedious.”
“He’s a sweet young man even if he did laugh with you when I turned top over teakettle.”
He grinned. “Aw, Mandy, don’t be mad at us for that. If you’d seen yourself, you’d have laughed too.”
She sighed. “Probably. I’m sure I was a sight.”
“You’re a good sport and I have to give you good marks for being willing to tackle whatever comes your way.”
“Thank you. I want to learn everything, but there’s so much I’ve never done. I’m glad you’re patient.”
Iris asked, “Can I have my cake now?”
“Of course, Dear. I buttered it for you.”
She took the sweet Amanda passed her. “Am I gonna have a cake for my birthday?”
Oh, dear, she’d bet Iris had never had much of a birthday. “Certainly. Do you want to request a favorite?”
“Maybe. ’Member that one you made last week? That’s my favorite.”
Preston smiled at her and said, “Mine too, Princess Iris,” before taking a bite of the apple cake.
“All right. That’s what I’ll make. That reminds me, Preston, do you have a family Bible that tells births and deaths?”
“In Papa’s room. Why?”
“I want to learn your birthday and Papa’s.”
“Mine’s June 20th and Papa’s is September 25th . When is yours?”
Thankful she’d looked in her sister’s Bible, she answered, “September 1st. I’d like to write our wedding date in the family Bible.”
He chuckled. “Papa beat you to that. He’s sure proud of you two. He’s been happier since you’ve been here than I’ve seen him since my mother passed away. I knew he still pined for her but hadn’t realized how much he missed a woman in the house.”
“He’s very good to me, but then so are you. Iris and I are lucky.” She meant that more than he would ever know. “I’d better take Iris to relieve herself.”
When they returned, Preston said, “Princess Iris, why don’t you lie down on the blanket and take a little nap.”
“Okay, Daddy. Dolly’s sleepy.” She cuddled her doll to her and curled up.
“I think I’ll stretch out here on the blanket too.” He did and held out his hand. “Care to join me?”
“Why not.” She lay beside him and looked at the blue sky overhead. She didn’t understand why the Montana sky was so much bluer than in Georgia. Whatever the reason, she loved the effect.
They were silent for a long time, lying there holding hands.
She asked, “Do you ever gaze at clouds and decide what they look like?”
“Used to back in Texas.” He pointed to the right. “Look, that one looks like a sheep.”
“And that one might be a boat.”
He faked horror. “Oh, no, the boat’s going to bump into the sheep. Crash. Poor sheep.”
She turned to check on Iris. “She’s still sound asleep.”
“She’s precious. What do you have planned for her birthday?”
“I’ve made her a rag doll but still have to add the yarn hair. I also sewed clothes for the new one and for her dolly that match her new play dresses. I made a little pillow and mattress for the doll bed.”
He rubbed his jaw. “Can’t think what I can get her.”
She turned toward him. “But the things I made are to be from you, Papa, and me.”
“Thanks, but Papa and I will think of something from each of us. We’ll surprise you.”
She grinned at him. “Because so far they’ll be a surprise to you, right?”
He pretended to glare at her. “Anyone ever tell you you’re way too smart?”
She laughed. “No one I remember. Well, Mama thought I was smart, but she was biased.” Actually, she’d done very well in school. Even so, the daughter of a prostitute seldom got positive recognition.
He braced himself on one elbow and stroked along her face and chin. “I might be biased too.” Leaning slowly toward her, he pressed his lips to hers. His mouth was warm and tasted of the cake he’d eaten.
As if by their own volition, her arms circled his neck. If she’d created a dream life, she couldn’t have come up with anything better than this one. Marrying a man with such honor, patience with Iris, and who was admirable in every way she knew gave her the sensation of flying up with the clouds. Now if she could prevent a boat or a sheep from bumping into her, she’d be grateful.
Their kisses grew more ardent. She loved being in his arms and having hers around him. If only she could solve the problem of her virginity, she could be with him like this each night.
“Mommy, you and Daddy kiss a lot.” Iris sat cross-legged staring at them.
Preston exhaled and raised his head. “Mommies and Daddies are supposed to kiss, Princess.”
She crossed her arms. “Are you sure?”
“Positive. Are you ready to learn to play checkers?”
She crawled closer. “Is it hard?”
“Not really, but some people are better than others. You have to use your brain and plan ahead in order to win.”
He opened the checkerboard and set out the checkers. While he explained, Amanda gathered up the remains of their lunch. She rose and walked through the trees, inhaling deeply as she strolled. The fragrance was nicer than any perfume she’d ever smelled.
There were only sixteen trees but their pink blossoms were lovely. She hoped they’d have a large crop of apples. For the first time in her life, she realized how much farmers and ranchers—especially out here—depended on produce they raised.
Without a store nearby to buy basic needs, they had to plan and work hard to stockpile enough food to last a year. Oh, she knew Preston bought flour, sugar, coffee, tea, spices, and such. The rest, he grew. Papa had mentioned they even had their own small mill to grind corn into meal.
Being almost independent appealed to her. She loved life here on the ranch. She worked hard, but doing so produced a sense of accomplishment she’d never before had. Here she wasn’t just marking time eking out a day-to-day living, but working toward the future for her family. What a difference knowing that made.
She wandered back to the blanket and saw that Preston had let Iris win at checkers. Seeing Iris’ smile warmed her heart.
“Mommy, did you see? I won, I won! I beat Daddy.”
“That’s a nice game. I imagine we’ll play checkers a lot this winter when you can’t play outside.”
“But I can still see the kitties, can’t I?”
Preston returned the checkers to their box. “You’ll have to. They’d miss you if you didn’t visit sometimes.”
“I hate to bring an end to our outing, but we need to head back.” He rose and folded the blanket and fastened the basket before he carried it and the toys to the horses.
Amanda led Iris to their mounts. “This was a lovely idea. I look forward to more picnics this summer.”
They rode slowly b
ack to the house. When Preston left them at the house, she practically floated up the steps. She set the basket on the table and emptied it so she could return it to Mrs. Norton.
“Mommy, dolly had fun today.”
“And how about you?”
“I had the bestest fun ever. We sure got a nice Daddy, don’t we?”
“Yes, we have the best.” She saw that Papa had eaten his dinner and set the plate in the dishpan. The dear man had folded the napkin neatly on the counter.
After supper, they sat on the back porch for an hour before coming inside to prepare for bed. Rex trotted up the steps to join them.
Later, Preston walked her to Iris’ room. “Thanks for one of the nicest days I’ve had in a long time.”
She peered up into his beautiful blue eyes. “Thanks for the nicest day I’ve ever had. Iris said the same. No, she said she had the bestest fun ever.”
He kissed her tenderly. “Good night, Mrs. Kincaid.”
“Goodnight, Mr. Kincaid.” Reluctantly, she went to share her bed with her daughter instead of her husband.
Chapter Ten
On Monday morning, Preston tucked into his food. “After breakfast, I’m going into Morgan’s Crossing to ask Thorpe if he can make a plow. Would you and Iris like to come?”
Her pulse increased with eagerness to accompany him. Would she meet another woman who’d become a friend? Would there be children who’d play with Iris?
“I’d love to. Even though the mail comes to Sweetwater Springs, I guess we actually live in Morgan’s Crossing, don’t we?”
“No, but it’s the closest town. Don’t get your hopes up because there’s not much to it. Whole town belongs to Morgan, who founded it to support the mine.”
An hour later they were on the way to the nearby town. Their journey took a half hour. After Preston helped her from the wagon he’d parked in front of the store, Amanda adjusted her hat and took Iris by the hand.
He climbed back on the wagon seat. “I’ll be down the street, but I’ll be back in half an hour. Take your time and have anything you need added to my account.”
Thankful for her good fortune, Amanda promised, “I’ll be frugal.”
The bell rang as she and Iris entered the store. At the counter, she spotted a middle-aged man talking with a beautifully-dressed blonde who appeared to be expecting a baby. In cities, a pregnant woman didn’t go out in society, so Amanda was surprised.
The woman turned. “May I help you?” She extended her hand. “I’m Prudence Morgan, the Mayor’s wife.” Her turquoise gown had ties at the waist’s sides to accommodate a growing waistline.
“I’m Amanda Kincaid and this is my daughter, Iris.” Heavens, not only was this woman out while expecting, she was working.
“I thought as much. We may be scattered and remote, but news travels so fast you’d think we used secret smoke signals. Now what brings you to town today?”
“My husband had business here and invited me to tag along. Of course, I couldn’t resist a chance to explore.”
“I should hope not. We just received a nice assortment of spices, some ladies’ handkerchiefs and lingerie, and some T. O. Y. S.”
“Thank you for spelling that. I’m glad you have spices. I used the last of our cinnamon making apple cobblers.”
“Right over here.” Prudence gestured and led the way.
Amanda chose a package of cinnamon. “My husband said the store is much more useful since you took over management. Do you have drapery fabric?”
“Not yet, but we soon will. And lace or tulle sheers. I hope to enlarge the store eventually.”
“That’s wonderful news. Oh, Iris, look at this nice children’s book. It has a lot of stories Mommy can read to you.”
Prudence searched through the few other children’s books. “I think we have one of the alphabet, too. Oh, here it is.” She pulled the other book from the stack.
“Ooh, they’re lovely. Which should I take? Iris, what do you think?”
Iris touched the first one. “The one with lots of stories so you’ll read to me a lot.”
Prudence laughed. “What a clever girl you are, Iris. How old are you?”
“In two weeks I’ll be four.” She closed her thumb against her palm and held up four fingers.
“How exciting. I’ll tell you something. I think I’ll give you this other book as a birthday present.”
“Really and truly? Thank you. I’ve never had my very own books.”
Embarrassed, Amanda said, “But you’re a big girl now.” To Prudence, she said, “My first husband and I lived with my parents and they believed too much reading put fanciful ideas in a girl’s head.”
“Oh, my. That’s an outdated opinion, if you don’t mind my saying so.”
“Not at all. I agree and I love to read. I’ve not had much opportunity, but I intend to indulge myself this coming winter.”
“You must meet Trudy Flanigan and Darcy Walker. Both love reading. Darcy is a fount of knowledge and knows the most amazing quotes.”
“Walker… would that be Gideon Walker’s wife? He made some of our furniture.”
“He’s a master craftsman, isn’t he? They live closer to Sweetwater Springs than to Morgan’s Crossing, but not too far to visit.”
“And they’re mail-order brides, too?”
“Yes, and so is Lina Barrett.” Prudence rubbed her hands together. “You’ll meet them if you’re able to attend church in Sweetwater Springs.”
“I don’t know how soon that will be, but I’ll look forward to making their acquaintance.”
“I agree it’s a long trek and requires days away from home. Why don’t you and your family and Michael and I go this weekend? I won’t be able to travel by wagon much longer if I know my husband. We have an extra tent we can loan you.”
Waves of pleasure surged through Amanda. “If Preston agrees, I’d love to. I know we can’t go often, but I do want to meet the ladies you mentioned as well as see Mrs. Norton again. She and Mrs. Murphy were so kind to me.”
“Unless he disagrees, we’ll be at your place Friday morning to go to Sweetwater Springs. Until then, I have a lovely idea. Why don’t I invite some of the local ladies to come meet you and Iris for tea at my home?”
Amanda could hardly contain her excitement. Prudence was turning out to be a blessing. “That would be so kind of you.”
“How will tomorrow be?”
“Sounds wonderful.” Reality froze her. “Oh, I’d better ask my husband. He won’t want to stop work and bring me to town two days in a row.”
The other woman waved away her protest as they walked to the counter. “Nonsense. One of his ranch hands can drive you if you can’t drive the team yourself.”
“All right. I’d really love to. What time?”
Prudence said, “Why don’t we make it about two? That will give you plenty of time to get here after his lunch and still get home before dark.”
The bell over the door rang and Preston entered. Prudence gestured him over. “I’ve invited Amanda to tea tomorrow to meet the ladies in Morgan’s Crossing. She’s worried she won’t have a way here but I assured her one of your ranch hands can bring her. I hope that’s all right.”
Preston looked taken aback. “I suppose Ben can drive my wife and daughter. He’ll be happy for the free time.”
“Wonderful.” She handed Amanda the cinnamon and two books wrapped in brown paper and tied with string.
“Thank you, Prudence. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Prudence called, “Don’t forget about Friday.”
She waited until they were driving back toward the ranch. “Is it really all right, Preston? I-I didn’t know what to say, but she was so enthusiastic I got caught up in the excitement.”
He didn’t look happy, but he shrugged. “Prudence Morgan is the queen bee of this town. I can see she’s a force to be reckoned with. You’ll enjoy yourself.” He sent her a questioning glance. “What about Iris?”
“She’s
included in the invitation. I’ll put something in the oven for supper so we can eat at our regular time.”
“Naw, don’t worry about that. Papa and I don’t mind leftovers. Go enjoy yourself.”
“Thank you, Preston. I’m excited and nervous all at once.” What should she wear? Oh, my, she hoped she wouldn’t make any blunders.
Iris leaned over the seat. “Daddy, that lady gave me a book for my birthday next week and Mommy bought another one to read to me.”
“That’s nice, Princess. Remember to call the lady Mrs. Morgan.”
“I will. When we get home, can I show you my books?”
“Of course. We’ll be home pretty soon.”
His wife asked, “Did the blacksmith think he can make the plow you want?”
“Yes, but he has to work it in around the work for the mine. I left my diagram and he said to give him a couple of weeks.”
Inwardly, Preston fumed even though he realized he was being unreasonable. His wife had every right to socialize. But, he didn’t want her to become like some partying belle in Atlanta determined to call on someone every day.
And why buy a book if Prudence had already given Iris one? Did Amanda think he was made of money like her rich father had been until he’d died? He was building up a head of steam when he realized Amanda had tugged on his arm.
Concern showed on her face. “I thought you should know that I chose a book of fairy tales to read to Iris. Prudence picked out the alphabet book, but it wasn’t as practical because the one I chose has lots of stories. Since I took the one of fairy tales, she decided she’d give the other one to Iris when she learned Iris will have a birthday soon.”
Now he felt like a cad. “That’s fine, Amanda. I told you to get anything you needed. I’m surprised you only found a book.”
“I don’t really need anything, Preston. We have a nice home, I have plenty of clothes, and our larder is well-stocked except for the packet of cinnamon I purchased.”
How much worse could she make him feel? “I’m glad you think that. Papa and I have worked hard on the ranch. I’d be disappointed if you thought it beneath you.”
Montana Sky: Amanda's Rancher (Kindle Worlds) (Loving A Rancher Book 1) Page 9
