Ilene’s eyes widened and her breath hitched in her chest. She hadn’t thought that far ahead. Of course, there wouldn’t be any children since it wasn’t going to be a conventional marriage if they ended up getting married at all. She didn’t want to lie to Shannon, so she just smiled and nodded. Tramp moved his leg until it touched hers. A warm shiver floated through her body at his touch. She was tempted to move away, but she didn’t want it to look odd, so she sat there holding hands with Tramp while their legs touched.
“Shannon, I meant to ask you,” Ilene said. “Do you know if anyone has been in my bedroom? I know I was asleep a lot so I just assumed that it was just you, the doctor, and Tramp who had been there.”
Shannon shook her head. “Why do you ask? Did something happen?”
Ilene sighed. “It appears that my money has gone missing. I hid it in the sock and put it into the drawer of the table next to my bed. I looked and I can’t seem to find it. It was all the money I’d made from my baking.” Her shoulders slumped.
“Perhaps you moved it and forgot? Tell you what, I’ll come by tomorrow, and we’ll search for it. I’d suggest that Tramp help you, but now that you’re engaged it wouldn’t be proper for him to be in your bedroom. Kind of funny if you think of it. He stayed there and helped you, and it was perfectly fine, but now that you’re getting married the rules have changed.”
“I should probably tell you about how I made a fool of myself in town today. It’s bound to get back to you anyway.” Ilene paused it took a deep breath before continuing on. “I asked Judge Gleason to marry me. He said no, but it was the way he said it that upset me. It wasn’t a gentle let down. His eyes actually widened in horror as though I was suggesting something too terrible to think of. He told me that he couldn’t possibly marry someone with such a tainted reputation. I ended up fleeing Eats’ in tears.”
Shannon gave her a reassuring smile. “I know what it’s like to have the townspeople talk about you. But I’ve learned that the ones that talk about you would never have been your friend anyway, so really you’re not missing out on much. I know it can be hurtful, and I don’t go into town very often, but really, try not to worry about it.”
“I wish I could just brush it from my mind. But you’re right, if people want to talk about things that aren’t true then we would never have been friends in the first place. Funny, my mother would’ve given me the same advice.”
“So tell me, did you set a date yet?”
Ilene opened her mouth to answer, but Tramp beat her. “We’ve decided to take it slow. I want to be sure that Ilene is all healed up first. Plus we have some mustangs to catch. I’m going to stay in the bunkhouse, and Ilene will have the house.”
Shannon nodded. “Well that gives us time to plan a real nice wedding. This is so exciting. My own wedding was a hurried affair with Judge Gleason presiding.”
Ilene’s heart jumped into her throat. She couldn’t keep lying to Shannon.
“Well, Ilene, what do you say? We should probably get back to the house so I can pack my things. Plus we do have a lot to talk about don’t we sweetheart?”
As soon as Ilene stood Tramp took her hand in his. He was going to drive her crazy with all this touching. “Thanks for being happy for us, Shannon, it’s been a difficult day for Ilene but I think it’s ending on a better note then it started.”
“Yes it has. Thank you, Shannon. I’ll talk to you in a bit. I think I’m well enough to start helping with supper again.”
“Ilene, don’t you dare show your face over here. You only get engaged once. I’ll send Cookie over with supper for both of you. Now shoo I need to put this little one down.”
Tramp nodded and tipped his hat to Shannon. “That’s mighty nice of you. Tell Cinders I’ll talk to him later.”
Ilene’s emotions were high as she walked hand-in-hand with Tramp to his house. Part of her was tingling from his nearness, but she was troubled about deceiving her best friend. The smiling part and pretending to be happy wasn’t very hard at all and she wished these were real moments of happiness.
Somehow, there was a certain rightness of having Ilene’s hand in his. He’d always thought her attractive, but lately she’d been downright beautiful. He was just as upset as she was that someone had taken her money. But it was keeping her on the ranch longer. Marriage to her would not be a hardship, but that wasn’t what she wanted. Perhaps he could try to change her mind, but he had no intention of playing the fool.
He had plenty of time to get it all figured out. They walked into the house and suddenly he felt awkward. He didn’t know what to say. He certainly didn’t want to talk about how if they waited long enough they wouldn’t have to get married.
“You can use that crate over there in the corner to pack your things in.”
He grinned at her. “Can’t wait to be rid of me?” He watched as she turned a beautiful shade of red.
“It’s not that.” She ducked her head so he couldn’t see her eyes. “I just want the gossip to die down. I was wondering one thing though. Would you expect your wife to stay home every day or would she be allowed to ride the range chasing mustangs?”
“Now this wouldn’t be one of those trick female questions would it?”
Her gaze met his, and she smiled. “Why, whatever do you mean?”
“You know, for instance, say you bought a hat that was just plain ugly. You’d asked me if it looks nice on you. Now I’d be in a pickle. If I tell you the truth and say it’s ugly, I risk your wrath. So I just smile and tell you what you want to hear.”
“This isn’t the same at all unless the truth is you really would expect your wife to stay home. Never mind, you don’t need to answer the question I know the answer.” She turned from him and added water to the coffee pot.
What had just happened? They had been all smiles and minute ago. Women certainly were complicated creatures. “That’s not what my answer is. We are going to ride and catch mustangs together. If we end up marrying, we’ll still ride and catch mustangs together. When you care about a person, her happiness becomes important to you.”
She turned around and stared into his eyes. “You know for the amount of time we’ve spent together I really don’t know much about you. And for the record I like your answer. But…I don’t know your favorite color or your favorite meal. I don’t know many of your likes or dislikes.”
“My favorite color is blue, and nothing beats a nice juicy steak. I don’t like being pushed into a corner, but I do like you. I also like horses and cattle. Long days in a saddle don’t bother me, and I believe that you have to work for what you want. I also believe in second chances and someday I want a family of my own, including children.”
She stared at him as though she was contemplating his words. He thought for sure he’d get some reaction from her when he mentioned children, but she just seemed to take it all in as matter-of-fact.
“Your turn to tell me things you like and don’t like.” He pulled out a kitchen chair, turned it around and straddled it as he sat down.
“I like the color yellow, and I’m not sure what food is my favorite. I’m just grateful when I have food. I like to bake, and I’m good at it. I seem to have a way with horses, even though I’d never touched one before coming here. I love the feel of the wind on my face and my hair whipping in the wind behind me as I ride. I’m shy, and I have a horrible time knowing what to say. And I too would like to have children someday. You know, even though I made a fool of myself with Judge Gleason, I’m kind of proud of myself.”
“Proud?” he asked as he tilted his head.
“It took everything I had to walk into Eats’ and up to the judge. The fact that I even got any words out it all is amazing. There’d been so many times in my life that I wanted to do something but I didn’t because of my shyness and my fear of what others might think. So yes, I’m proud that I was able to do that even though it turned out to be a disaster.”
“You fascinate me. You really do. And I have to admit
I’m proud of you too. It’s not easy to conquer fear not easy at all. You did good. If you think about it we got a lot accomplished today. You never need to be shy around me, remember that.” He stood, began to collect his things and put them in the crate. “Are you sure you’ll be alright alone?”
“I can manage thanks to you. Besides, it’s time you got back to your horses. I think I’ll be able to join you in about a week. It’ll sure be nice to ride a horse again.”
Tramp grabbed his crate and started to walk toward the front door. “What do you think you’re doing? You can’t leave now. Shannon thinks we’re celebrating, and if you leave so soon it’ll look suspicious.”
Tramp sighed and nodded. “You’re right. How about a game of poker?”
Her smile lit up her face. “Now poker is a game I’m good at. My father taught me.”
A grin tugged his lips upward. “Good, that should make it interesting. We’ll play for a couple hours in front of the window so everyone can see we’re spending time together in a wholesome way.”
Chapter Nine
Ilene stood peering out the front window watching the Plunketts gather the last of their things. Pastor and Mrs. Plunkett both insisted that Tramp do the right thing by Ava. It was scary for a few moments when Pastor Plunkett drew his gun and aimed it at Tramp. Luckily, Cinders had stood behind the pastor and was able to grab the gun without anyone getting hurt. It was then decided it would be best if the Plunketts went their own way.
Sighing, Ilene had to admit it was a relief to have them leave. Every time she left the house the whole Plunkett family stared at her with anger and disdain. It had been nerve racking, and she felt herself withdrawing little by little.
Tramp came to visit every day, and they always sat outside on the front porch in full view of everyone. Ilene had hoped that they’d be able to get to know one another even more, but it was hard to carry on a conversation while they are being stared at. They never mentioned getting married, their hopes and dreams for the future, or setting a date.
It was what she had signed up for, so she really couldn’t be mad at Tramp but the disappointment of not getting married ate at her. Soon enough she supposed people would start asking questions, but for now it felt as though her life was in limbo.
She never did find her money. Both she and Shannon had looked high and low throughout the house but they never found it. Shannon offered to lend her money, but she refused. Her life was too unpredictable at the moment.
She watched as Cinders and Shannon bid the Plunketts farewell. She didn’t dare go out there, she wasn’t welcome. She stared out the window hoping to catch a glimpse of Tramp but he was nowhere to be found. Now that he didn’t need to keep Ava at bay, she wondered if he’d come to visit her today. Probably not. Shrugging, she turned away from the window and walked to the kitchen.
The shirt she was making for Tramp lay on the table. She’d been so excited when she started it, knowing that he’d love it, but now she wasn’t sure he’d appreciate it. Would he announce the fact that they’d broken their engagement today or would he wait? Her heart squeezed. Sitting down at the table, she decided she might as well finish the shirt. She picked up the needle and thread and began to sew the pieces together.
The house was so empty and terribly quiet. While she always longed to live by herself she now felt so very alone. She was still in the same situation she’d been in, nothing had changed. She needed to find a place to live and it weighed on her mind.
Tomorrow, tomorrow would be the day she’d start riding again. She often wondered what had happened to her horse Gold Dust. She just hoped she was safe and happy. Maybe she’d see her again in her travels. Yes, it was time to get her pants out and get back to work. Part of her was thrilled to be working with Tramp, and another part of her didn’t want to spend her time with him. It hurt too much to know he didn’t care for her the same way she cared for him.
The next day, Ilene got up early, dressed in her pants and long shirt and hurried to the barn. She got many welcoming neighs from the horses, and that lifted her spirits. She grabbed the bridle and opened Chuck’s stall. She easily put the bridle on his head and led him out into the middle of the barn so she could saddle him. The saddle was much heavier than she remembered. Apparently, she hadn’t gained all her strength back.
Soon, she had Chuck ready to go. She grabbed the cowboy hat that she sometimes borrowed and they left the barn. The sun was barely coming up, and all was quiet. Soon enough, the place would be filled with all the hands wanting breakfast and lots of coffee. It took two tries, but she mounted up and off they went.
As soon as the house was out of sight, she whipped off her hat and let her hair fall around her shoulders and down her back. This is what she missed, this feeling of freedom, the feeling that she could do anything she set her mind to. “Come on, Chuck, let’s go for a run.”
Chuck was willing and eager to run, and it felt glorious. The sunrise was so beautiful, all fiery orange and yellow, and the smell of the grass and flowers all rose to greet her. Never in her wildest dreams while she was growing up in New York did she ever think she’d be on a horse. She smiled. Even if Tramp didn’t want her, she would find some way to stay. This was now her home.
She slowed Chuck down to a walk as they got close to the pond she liked to swim in. She heard a horse call and Chuck whinnied a response. She scanned the area but didn’t see another horse. Cautiously, she went in the direction of the horse’s call. They were close to the pond now and in the dense foliage of the trees when she spotted her horse. She quickly got off Chuck and ran to Gold Dust.
Tears flowed down her cheeks at just how thin she had become. Her bridle had become entangled in tree branches and her face and neck were full of blood. The saddle was gone as were the reins but the dang bridle held the mare prisoner. As soon as Gold Dust caught wind of her scent, she glanced in her direction. Her eyes grew wide as she tried to struggle to break free from her bonds. Gold Dust didn’t seem to recognize her at all.
Slowly she walked to the horse but made sure she was out of kicking distance. “Gold Dust, it’s me. I won’t harm you. Oh, my poor baby, how long have you been stuck here?” She took slow, small steps toward her talking to her softly, trying to calm her. One of her hooves looked to be at an odd angle and Ilene feared the worst.
Gold Dust stood still as Ilene detangled her and took the bridle off. The mare could walk, but she limped badly. She headed toward the pond and began to drink. Ilene’s heart sank. She could see her horse’s ribs and hip bones. The horse obviously hadn’t been getting enough to eat these last few weeks. As soon as she had her full of water she raised her head and looked at her. Gold Dust neighed in greeting and took a step in Ilene’s direction.
Gladness filled her when the mare recognized her, and she gave her a big smile as she edged closer to her. She patted her neck and tried to soothe her. Gold Dust had several cuts all over her body. “My poor baby, what happened to you?” The horse would make it home, she just knew it, and she took a deep breath. Gold Dust would have to make it back home, she’d never had to put a horse down before.
She walked to where Chuck stood outside of the trees, surprised that Gold Dust followed her. She walked to her and stroked her as she took full measure of her injuries. She cried a bit more before she grabbed her shotgun. It was going to take every ounce of inner strength to shoot her friend.
Just as she decided to end the suffering, she caught a glimpse of a cowboy riding pell-mell toward her. It was Tramp, and hope sprang in her heart. At least she wouldn’t have to do this alone. She continued to talk to Gold Dust as she waited for Tramp to reach them. She couldn’t stop the tears from flowing but she didn’t care.
“I see you found Gold Dust.” He swung down off his horse and slowly walked to where they stood. “It looks like you’ve had better days,” he murmured to the horse.
“I was just about to put her down. I’m glad you’re here with me.”
Tramp took her hand
and gave it a slight squeeze before letting it go. He walked around Gold Dust examining the mare’s cuts, and finally he squatted down and ran his hands along the horse’s injured leg. “Let me see her walk.”
Ilene nodded and took a few steps while Gold Dust followed. Tramp sighed loudly.
“I know what needs to be done and I’m ready to do it.” Her heart squeezed, she’d never killed before.
Tramp took the rifle from her hand and placed it on the ground before he drew her into the circle of his strong arms. He stroked her back, and she calmed at his touch, allowing herself the luxury of being with him for only a moment. She needed to get this done and over with.
“I don’t think she needs to be put down, murmured Tramp.”
She took a step back and gazed into his eyes, wondering if she had heard him correctly. “What are you saying exactly?”
Tramp gave her one of his killer smiles. “Her leg isn’t broken. It looks more like a bowed tendon to me. It’ll take a few days to get her back home, but I think between the two of us we can do it.”
She tilted her head and stared at Tramp. “She can be saved? We can’t leave her out here by herself.”
“This is what I think we should do. We walk her the bare minimum toward home each day. Me and some of the boys can sleep under the stars each night. I mean we really aren’t that far from the barn, but far enough that we have to take it very slowly with Gold Dust.”
Ilene nodded. “I like your idea except for the one part. I plan to sleep out here with my horse.” Tramp opened his mouth and she put her hand up to stop him. “Don’t try to talk me out of it. Don’t tell me I’m wrong. And I couldn’t care less what everyone else thinks. I’m certain this will be the talk of the town, and I’ll be considered scandalous once more but that’s too bad. My horse comes first.”
Tramp's Bride Page 13
