Montana Sky: Amanda's Rancher (Kindle Worlds) (Loving A Rancher Book 1)

by Caroline Clemmons

  Papa laid a hand on his shoulder. “You did a good job explaining. Reckon I ought to go with you?”

  He didn’t want his father making that hard trip. “No, they can’t be here yet. We don’t know about the man from the mine. He must work the night shift. I’d appreciate you staying here and keeping an eye on Amanda and Iris.”

  “Be glad to. The miner could make trouble, but I bet he’ll wait for his kin.”

  “I hope they don’t come at all, but we have to be prepared. Men like that don’t tolerate people speaking against them.”

  “Reckon Amanda’s been plenty scared for a lot of reasons. Still, she’s a good mother and real fine cook. She’ll make you a good wife.”

  Anger resurfaced and he wanted to pound his fist into the post that supported the loft. “You hope.”

  He regained control. “Right now I’m going to see if there are some biscuits and ham left from breakfast for my ride.”

  “I’ll saddle your horse while you do.”

  He hoped Amanda would still be with the chickens, but she was back in the kitchen putting away eggs.

  She looked up in surprise. “Can I get something for you?”

  “Going to talk to the sheriff in Sweetwater Springs. Need food for the trip.”

  Immediately she began gathering biscuits and slices of bread. “I’ll have something ready in no time.”

  “I’ll get a change of clothes.” He went into the bedroom. That reminded him of the reason she’d been afraid to sleep with him. His anger lessened and he shook his head in consternation. Who could have figured? He looked up.

  Iris watched him from the door, arms crossed across her chest. “Are you going away and making Mommy cry?”

  “Aw, Princess Iris, your mommy won’t cry because she knows I’ll be back in a few days. I have to go to town, the one where I married your mommy. While I’m there I’m probably going to go to the store. I might find some peppermint candy.”

  Her eyes narrowed. “But you’re not going to get dead, right?”

  “I sure hope not. I plan to watch you grow up, marry, and have your own little princess or prince.” He kissed the top of her head.

  She smiled and skipped to her room.

  When he returned to the kitchen, Amanda had assembled a cloth wrapped bundle of food but she didn’t look up. “There’s extra for your trip back. Might be stale by then, so you’d do well to get something in town to eat on the way back.”

  He raised her chin with his finger. “Amanda, I’ll be back in no more than three days, probably less. Papa will hang around the house and barn while I’m gone. You’ll be safe with him here.”

  Fear shone from her eyes. “You don’t know how vicious these men are, but I don’t expect them this soon.” She laid her hand on his chest. “Just the same, please be extra careful.”

  He pulled her to him and crushed his mouth against hers. His anger hadn’t disappeared, but she was his wife and he’d vowed to protect her with all his might. Blood pounded and he yearned to closet the two of them in their bedroom so he could explore his beautiful wife inch by inch.

  When her arms encircled his neck, he kissed her again. After raining kisses across her face and neck, he pulled her close to savor holding her. He’d memorized her scent, but he pressed his face against her luxurious hair and inhaled. The way she fit in his arms was right, perfect. Nothing in his life compared to holding her.

  Reluctantly, he broke away. “I need to leave. Stay close and keep your pistol handy.”

  She let her hand trail down his arm. “Stay safe, Mr. Kincaid.”

  He grabbed the cloth bundle containing his food and went to the barn. Riding toward Morgan’s Crossing, he formulated a plan. Morgan had guards at the mine. He’d met one, Isaac Corum, who seemed reasonable but Preston hadn’t seen him since he sold him a mule. He hoped the other guards were as good.

  He found Michael Morgan in the mine office, poring over papers. The mine owner looked up, question in his brown eyes.

  “Hello, Preston, what brings you here?” Morgan stood to offer his hand.

  The two shook hands and Morgan gestured to the chair in front of the desk.

  “I’ve come to tell you of a problem we have.” Preston explained about Bertie Snyder and the threat to Amanda in as few details as he could.

  “I hate to hear she’s facing this threat. My wife and I enjoyed the trip to church with your family.” Morgan leaned back in his chair. “Snyder is likely to be fired if he doesn’t change his attitude. The man’s strong and capable but he’s lazy and a troublemaker.”

  “Can you keep him on the payroll until I have a chance to resolve this problem?”

  Morgan nodded. “And I’ll make certain the guards are aware of the difficulty that may come this way.”

  “Thank you. I appreciate your help.” Preston left the mine office and headed to Sweetwater Springs. Not stopping back at his home required resistance but he rode for the sheriff’s office in the next town. He was tempted to cut across the S Bar D range, but decided the road would be fastest.

  Riding late into the night, he reached Sweetwater Springs and stopped at the livery. He stabled his horse, fed and brushed him, and spread a bedroll on the hay. He’d square things with Mack Taylor, the livery owner, in the morning.

  Sounds of the town coming to life woke him. He crawled out of his bed and rolled it up to return behind his saddle. With any luck, he could leave within the hour.

  Mack greeted him. “You looked settled in, so I didn’t wake you.”

  Preston stretched, arching his back. “Have you seen the sheriff this morning?”

  The livery man forked a thumb. “He’s eatin’ breakfast over at Hardy’s.”

  He gave Mack the coins to pay for his and his horse’s stay. “Thanks.”

  Striding toward the saloon, he glanced at those who were out this early. He didn’t see a stranger, but that didn’t mean they weren’t here. When he reached the saloon, the smell of bacon greeted him, a nice change from the smoke and other odors common to the place. He spotted the sheriff seated in a corner.

  “Sheriff, I’m Preston Kincaid, of the Circle K Ranch.”

  The lawman assessed him. “I remember you. What brings you to town?”

  He took a seat at the table. “I came to let you know about a problem we have that means we need your help.”

  The barkeep set a plate in front of the sheriff.

  The sight and smell set Preston’s stomach rumbling. He held up his hand. “I’ll take the same.”

  “Don’t mind me for digging in. Never know when I’ll be interrupted, but I’m listening.”

  He launched into his story. Midway through, the barkeep set a plate of eggs, biscuits, and bacon in front of him. When Preston finished his tale, the lawman took a sip of his coffee.

  “Heard from a Federal Marshal named Vern Baxter about this gang. Said they’re headed here. So is he.”

  Preston exhaled. “He’s the one who saved my wife’s life by getting her away but he was a sheriff then. These men have killed before, Sheriff, and they mean to kill my wife. I aim to defend her and I hope to have your help.”

  “I’m watching for them. Have the conductors and the stationmasters for several stops up and down the line on alert. Figured these men might get off the train a stop early or late so no one in Sweetwater Springs would see them.”

  “Thank goodness you’re on top of this. My wife and her daughter—our daughter—deserve protection. She’s a good woman and I don’t want these criminals to even come close enough to see her.”

  He realized he spoke the truth. She was a good woman even though she’d lied to him. Given her circumstances, would he have done otherwise?

  Sheriff Mather pushed away his empty plate and met his gaze. “Go back home, Kincaid. I’ll do everything in my power to see these men are caught. We have a nice town and that extends to your ranch. I won’t have troublemakers moving in.”

  After a last bite of biscuit, Preston stood
. “I’m on my way as soon as I pick up some peppermints for our daughter.” He remembered he’d promised a side arm for Ben and would purchase that.

  The lawman chuckled. “You’re a dad all right.”

  Within a half-hour, Preston was riding for home.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Cleaning up after their noon meal, Amanda jumped at every sound. Clyde and his gang would need another week or so to get here if—when they came. She couldn’t live on edge for that long without driving herself crazy.

  Iris was back to being quiet and solemn. Amanda knew the girl was worried about her daddy.

  “Why don’t I read you a story? You can bring dolly too.” She carried the book to the parlor and sat on the sofa.

  “You think Daddy will come today?” Holding her doll, Iris climbed onto her lap.

  “I think he’ll come tomorrow. Remember how far we traveled from the church to our house. Riding a horse is faster, but it’s still a long way.”

  Iris peered up at her. “But he’s coming back, isn’t he?”

  She kissed the girl’s forehead. “Of course he is, Dear. This is his home. We’re a family and we belong together. He left Papa to take care of us while he’s away. Everything is fine.” She opened to the story after the one she’d last read.

  Iris fell asleep and Amanda sat holding her daughter. She’d come to love this child as if she were the child’s real mother. Iris had claimed a part of her heart.

  Another large chunk belonged to Preston. She’d never known a man like him. He was handsome in looks as in ways. A man of honor. No wonder she’d fallen in love with him.

  The closest she’d known anyone like him was Vern Baxter. She wondered how the sheriff was and wished she could contact him. When all this craziness was over she’d write to him.

  She’d been so grateful when Preston had said he wasn’t sending her away. She wouldn’t have blamed him if he had, but where would she have gone? How could she have earned a living for her and her daughter?

  With a sigh, she laid the book on the floor and carried Iris to her bedroom. She tucked her in for a nap by covering her with a light quilt. Gazing around the room, she took pleasure in the new curtains at the windows, the lovely quilt on the bed, and the little coverlet Amanda had made for the cradle.

  Her sister had cheated the banker, but Amanda no longer cared. What could she do to right the wrong, after all? The extra things made this house a more comfortable place to live. Linens, dishes, and cookware supplemented the Kincaid men’s meager supply.

  She hoped the lavish party dresses she’d left in Sweetwater Springs would sell, but couldn’t think who there would need them. This was a far different world from Atlanta.

  But, she loved this world, her world. Except for the threat of Clyde Snyder and his kin, she believed she’d found her home. Here was a place where she could fit in and look forward to the future. If, that is, she had one after Clyde arrived.

  Dear Lord, don’t let Clyde Snyder snatch away my happiness. Keep your circle of protection around my family and me. I am finished with lies, Lord, and will honor Your name in all I do.

  The sound of Papa coming interrupted her thoughts. “I reckon Preston will be back sometime during the night. Don’t be frightened if you hear someone ride into the yard.”

  “If you’re here, I’ll be calm. I’d hoped he’d stay over and get a good night’s sleep before he started back, but I admit I’ll feel better once he’s home.”

  “Naw, he’ll head home the minute he can. In his place, I’d do the same.”

  She poured him a mug of coffee. “Papa, I want to thank you for not being mad at me. At least, if you were, you hid it well. Your opinion and support means a lot.”

  “We all have secrets, Daughter. I have mine and I reckon Preston has some, too. Life is about adapting and moving ahead. We’re a family and family sticks together.” He toasted her with his cup.

  About midnight, she heard a single horse ride into the yard and rose. Grabbing her robe, she pulled it on as she walked through the house. Through the kitchen window, she recognized Preston open the barn door and walk his horse inside.

  Quickly, she started a fresh pot of coffee then set to work making a hot meal. Only breakfast food, but something to quell her husband’s hunger before he turned in.

  By the time he came into the kitchen, she had his place set and coffee poured. “I heard you ride in. I thought you’d be hungry.”

  He was dusty and appeared exhausted but he embraced her as if she were a treasure. “That I am but I didn’t intend to wake you.” When he released her, he dropped more than sat on his chair.

  “Did you accomplish what you intended?” She set a plate of scrambled eggs, bacon and re-heated biscuits in front of him.

  “I did. You’ll be happy to hear that your friend is now a Federal Marshal and is on his way here in pursuit of the Snyders.”

  “Vern is a Federal Marshal? Doesn’t that beat all? I wonder how that came about and why he’s not sheriff any longer.”

  “I expect you’ll find out once he’s here. He’d already wired the sheriff of Sweetwater Springs to be on the lookout for the Snyders. Also learned that the man in Morgan’s Crossing would have been fired if I hadn’t told Morgan what was happening.”

  “But now?”

  “He’s gonna keep him on but tell the guards to watch him. Morgan will let us know of any developments there. He also told me that he and his wife sure enjoyed getting to know you.”

  She stared at her clasped hands. “I wonder if anyone will want to be my friend after this is over.”

  He reached over and took her hand. “All anyone will know are the barest details, that you testified in a trial and the men want to kill you for it after they escaped prison. How can anyone find fault with that?”

  She met his beautiful blue-eyed gaze. “Do you really think that’s all they’ll know? I can stand being gossiped about, but I don’t want you and Iris and Papa to be the subject of wagging tongues.”

  With a gentle squeeze, he released her hand and resumed eating. “I think we have a week or so before they can be here. During that time, we’ll practice a defense. Sheriff Mather has a plan set in motion too.” He told her about the sheriff’s plan to be alerted if the gang exited the train early or late.

  He polished off every bit of food and pushed his plate aside. “I’m beyond tired, so I’m heading to bed. You remember you said you’d sleep with me, right?”

  She set the plate in the dishpan and pumped water over it. Her heartbeat sped up. “Yes, I remember.”

  His hands on her shoulders, he stood behind her and leaned his chin on her head. “Tonight, I just want you beside me so I can hold you the way I did when we napped together.”

  He turned her so she faced him. “When we do make love, I want everything right. And that includes knowing you’re with me because you want to be, not because you’re afraid.”

  She laid her hands on his chest and looked up at him. “I can’t help being afraid of the Snyders, but I do want to be here with you, Preston. Nothing can change that.”

  He raised his eyebrows. “I guess we’ll know soon enough.”

  She turned out the lamp and followed him. He stripped and climbed into bed. She hung her robe on the bedpost and crawled in beside him.

  He spooned to her and exhaled. “Mmmm.”

  Immediately she heard the change in his breathing that signaled he was sound asleep. She clasped his arm and thought how right this felt. This was where she belonged.

  Amanda was sound asleep when she heard Iris’ happy scream, “Daddy.”

  The child launched herself onto the bed and hugged Preston’s neck.

  Amanda turned. Over her daughter’s shoulders, she recognized her husband’s predicament. He’d stripped the night before and his clothes lay on the floor. She climbed out of bed.

  She picked up the little girl. “Iris, I need your help getting breakfast ready. Come with me.”

  “I want t
o see Daddy.”

  “You can see him in a few minutes. He needs to get dressed. Girls don’t watch while daddies or other grown men get dressed or undressed.” Amanda closed the door behind them.

  “Okaaay,” her daughter grumbled as the girl slid from her arms.

  “We’ll make flapjacks to go with our eggs. You can help.”

  ***

  Amanda had spent the past week since Preston returned on tenterhooks. Although they’d yet to consummate their marriage, she slept beside him each night. Their time together was precious to her, but she hated she’d lost his trust.

  One night she’d asked him, “Have you lost any desire to have marital relations with me?”

  “Not hardly. I told you when we come together as man and wife, I want to know that you’re here because it’s your choice and not because you need protection.”

  She knew what she would choose, but she didn’t try to convince him.

  One evening, Preston said, “Papa and I have to irrigate tomorrow.”

  She asked, “Is it wise for the two of you to go off alone? Clyde could show up at any moment.”

  “Have to or our stock and all of us will starve next winter. Monty and Ben will stay here while we’re gone.”

  The next morning, she rose at four to prepare their breakfast. Before he left, he cautioned, “Keep your Bulldog with you.”

  “I will. You two be careful. My sister was a widow, but I don’t want to become one.”

  After they’d left, she laid across the bed with her head on his pillow. What a silly fool she’d been to think she could take her sister’s identity without repercussions. If not for Bertie, it might have worked. On the other hand, she’d always have been on guard, wondering if that would be the day she’d see someone who recognized her.

  There was no getting comfortable with her gun in her pocket. She rose and made up the bed, then went to check on Iris. She was still asleep, so Amanda went to feed the chickens.

  Inside the barn while she gathered feed, Ben milked the cow. She heard the familiar sound and inhaled the not-too-unpleasant barn aromas. Preston and his men kept the barn as clean as possible. Besides, these were natural smells and belonged here. She gathered the grain and carried her basket to the chicken coop.