Big Sky Cowboy (Montana Marriages #1)

by Linda Ford

  “This won’t take long.” He led them toward the barn, thinking after he told Lonnie, he’d go on to their campsite where he and Cora could sit and discuss the future.

  At the corner of the barn, Lonnie dug in his heels. “Wyatt, what do you want?” He glanced over his shoulder. “If it’s about the horses, I’ll tend them after I feed the pigs.”

  “Very well.” He smiled at Cora, his heart bursting with his news. From the way her eyes widened and filled with gladness, she guessed what he was about to report. “Lonnie, I have found a place for us. We move on Monday. It’s—” But before he could say where it was, Lonnie interrupted.

  “No,” he shouted. “I don’t want to go. I like it here just fine. No one will hurt me here.”

  Wyatt reached out to him. “No one will hurt you where we’re going. I’ll see to that.”

  Lonnie, breathing hard, stared at him. “I’m scared of you.”

  “Me?” Wyatt jerked back as if the boy had hit him. “I’d never hurt you. You should know that. After all—” He curbed what he was about to say. Now was not the time or place.

  “I know you’re mad at me that you went to jail.” Lonnie’s eyes were wild. He was unaware of what he said.

  “Jail?” Cora said, the word sucked in on her breath. She stared at Wyatt with eyes as big as moons.

  “I’ll explain later,” Wyatt said. First he had a brother to deal with.

  “Lonnie, I am not mad at you. I’ve never been mad at you.” Please, God, help him believe me.

  “You went because of me.”

  “I would do it again.” He didn’t want to reveal that Lonnie had been the guilty one, but he had to reassure him. “Lonnie, it was far easier for me to be there then to think of you in that place.” Lonnie would have found the threats and violence impossible to deal with.

  “But it was me who did it.” Agony drew each word into a wail.

  Wyatt gripped the boy’s shoulders. A shudder raced clear through Lonnie.

  He had to make Lonnie understand. “I would do it again. I couldn’t have lived free knowing you were in jail. It would have been torture.” Far worse than jail had been.

  Lonnie’s eyes clung to Wyatt. “Was it very bad?” he whispered.

  He didn’t answer the question, couldn’t. “What made it bearable was knowing you weren’t in there.”

  Lonnie searched Wyatt’s eyes and finally saw that Wyatt meant it.

  “How can you not be mad at me?”

  “Because you’re my little brother.” He pulled the boy closer, pleased when Lonnie didn’t shy away.

  “Are we really moving?”

  “Yes.”

  “Not far away?”

  “Not far at all.”

  Lonnie nodded. “Okay, then. Can I go now?”

  “Go look after the pigs.”

  Lonnie galloped away.

  Wyatt stared at the ground in front of him. He couldn’t bring himself to look at Cora. He was as an ex-con, even though he’d gone to jail for Lonnie. Would it change how she saw him?

  Chapter Eighteen

  Cora’s mind stalled. She couldn’t process this information. “This was your big secret?”

  He nodded, all misery and staring at the ground.

  “You went to jail to protect Lonnie, but you didn’t feel you could tell me this?” Pain shot through her heart. “Did you think I would judge you?” She wrapped her arms about her and held tight. “You asked me to trust you but you couldn’t trust me. Why?” She wanted to shout the question but kept her voice low so as not to draw attention from the others.

  He scuffed the toe of his boot in the dirt. “I didn’t want people to learn the truth about Lonnie. I still don’t. He needs to be able to get on with his life, not be judged for the past.” Finally he brought his gaze to her. “And I wanted to protect you.”

  “From what?” Her pain and uncertainty was mirrored in his eyes.

  “People look at me differently. They act differently when they know I’m an ex-con.”

  She caught her breath, then forced words from her tight lungs. “Did you think I would see you differently?” He didn’t have to answer. She saw the flicker of admission in his eyes. And her heart answered with a stabbing pain that reached every cell of her body.

  But she swallowed it. Of course he was uncertain. A pa who beat him. A year in prison. Had he ever known the kind of love and certainty Ma and Pa and her sisters gave her?

  Her heart softened like butter on a warm day. “Wyatt.” She pressed her hands to his arms crossed tightly over his chest. “When you asked me to trust you without knowing your secrets, I said I would. I decided I would go by what I saw and knew of you.”

  His eyes flooded with such yearning she couldn’t speak for the span of a heartbeat, two and then a third.

  “I’d seen how kind you were, how protective of Lonnie. I knew you to be noble, hardworking and a man I could honor and trust.”

  The doubt in his eyes faded.

  “Knowing the truth has not changed my mind in the least. If anything, it’s made me see you as even more noble.”

  His arms relaxed. He drew Cora into the shadows of the barn, where he leaned against the wall and grasped both her hands.

  She lifted her face to him and let him read the truth of her words.

  “You don’t care that I’ve been in prison?”

  “Of course I care. I’m sure it was an awful place.”

  He shuddered. “It was.”

  “But you did nothing wrong. You have nothing to be ashamed of. You can move forward.”

  He nodded, his gaze searching her eyes, drifting along her cheek and coming to rest on her mouth.

  Did he mean to kiss her again?

  But he lifted his face to the sky. “I almost forgot. I found a place. Do you know Jack Henry?”

  “Of course.”

  “He’s asked me to become his partner and I said yes.”

  Her heart leaped for joy. He still planned to stay in the area. The Henry place was not far away. The future looked as rosy as the sunset painting the sky in deep pink.

  She leaned into him, wrapped her arms about his waist and hugged him. “I’m so glad.”

  He pressed his palms to her back and held her close. His chest rose and fell with such regularity it filled her with sweet calmness. He was staying. The future lay before them to grasp and live and enjoy.

  * * *

  Wyatt and Lonnie talked late into the night, seated around their campfire. Lonnie wanted details about what it was like in jail. Wyatt told him of the tedious routine, the shuffling in line like a bunch of cattle, the tasteless meals. But he didn’t tell him about the bullying, the cruelty or the fear. As Cora said, he wanted to put it behind him and face the future. Even more, he did not want Lonnie to carry a burden of guilt and regret.

  The next morning was Sunday and he looked forward to attending church. Now that Cora knew his past, he felt free and open before her.

  They arrived at church just before service started and slipped into a pew.

  The young ladies glanced toward him and quickly averted their gazes. That was fine with him. He didn’t care for their attention. Perhaps they saw him and Cora as a pair now and gave up their aspirations of drawing him into their social circle.

  Several people turned in their direction, then bent to whisper to their neighbors.

  Wyatt tried to think what caused their interest. He glanced around the congregation and saw no one new, no one from his past. Perhaps he was only being edgy because he’d told Cora his secret.

  That must be it.

  He turned his attention to the preacher as he rose to greet them and announce the first hymn.

  Beside him, Cora sang with pleasure and he listened, her vo
ice a melody in his heart. He couldn’t sing a note but he sure could enjoy listening.

  As soon as church was over and they had shared a meal with the family, he meant to ask her to walk with him. He’d tell her every detail about the ranch. Would she be eager to hear? Had she ever visited Jack Henry and seen his house? Did she like it? Jack had said they could live in the house with Lonnie and he’d move into the smaller cabin, which suited him better.

  He mentally walked through the rooms. He’d glimpsed the two bedrooms through the open doors. The kitchen was big and well equipped, though it showed signs of neglect from the lack of a woman to keep things proper. He tried to see it through Cora’s eyes but couldn’t imagine what she’d think. She’d no doubt love the sitting room with its big burgundy sofa and two rocking chairs. A pot-bellied stove would drive away the chill on winter nights.

  The preacher said, “Amen,” and Wyatt realized he had let his thoughts wander throughout the entire sermon.

  He hoped God would overlook it this time.

  As the family exited, Mrs. Rawley greeted Mrs. Bell, but several other ladies marched past without speaking.

  “What on earth?” Cora murmured. “They have something in their craw. I wonder what.”

  Wyatt’s heart scraped along on the bottom of his boots. “Someone must have learned who I am.”

  “How is that possible?”

  He shrugged. “I don’t know, but how else do you explain this?” Several people threw them scolding, accusing looks.

  Anna Rawley hustled to Cora’s side. “They’re saying Wyatt is a criminal. Why would anyone say such a cruel thing? It simply isn’t true.”

  Seeing the glance between Cora and Wyatt, Anna looked shocked. “It’s not, is it?”

  Wyatt nodded. “I spent time in jail.”

  “For something he didn’t do,” Cora said heatedly.

  Anna shook her head sadly. “They’re saying he’s responsible for all the robberies around here lately.”

  “I was afraid this would happen.” Wyatt could barely get the words past a lump in his throat the size of the good preacher’s Bible.

  “But you’ve been at the farm the whole time,” Cora said. “How can they accuse you?”

  The owner of the lumber yard marched over. Stu Maples, if Wyatt remembered correctly. He confronted Wyatt. “Jailbirds are not welcome here.” Several others came to the man’s side, nodding.

  Pastor Rawley heard him and joined the gathering crowd. “A man is innocent until proved guilty.”

  Wyatt knew the pastor meant to be fair, but his words were as condemning as any of the others.

  “Once a jailbird, always a jailbird.”

  Wyatt didn’t know the speaker. Why were people so willing to believe the worst about a man? Especially without cause.

  Mr. Bell went to Cora and she whispered to him, no doubt telling him of Wyatt’s past. Would the man be willing to believe him innocent as he claimed to be?

  Mr. Bell stepped to Wyatt’s side. “This man is my guest. I suggest he be treated civilly.”

  A murmur of dissent came from the people, but they kept any further accusations to themselves.

  Cora stood close to Wyatt’s side. Not touching him. Not smiling at him. But confronting his accusers with a fierce look. He could feel his admiration for her growing in his heart.

  The three of them walked to the wagon and climbed aboard, joining Lonnie and the rest of the Bells, who sat in shocked silence.

  As they left the yard, many townsfolk turned to them with angry expressions.

  Rose and Lilly patted Wyatt’s arms. “Lonnie told us,” Rose said. “Those people have no reason to accuse you.”

  He noticed Cora held his hand in a tight grip. Or did he hold hers?

  They meant to comfort him, but the accusations rang through his head. Once a jailbird, always a jailbird. Could he never be free of that stigma?

  When they reached the farm, he held back. “We’ll make our own dinner.”

  “Nonsense,” the entire family said in unison.

  Cora wound her arm through his and drew him into the house.

  As they sat at the table, waiting for Mr. Bell to say grace, the man turned to each of them. “We’ve all heard Wyatt’s story. How he was in prison but he did no wrong. I think the less that is said about it, the better. Lonnie and Wyatt deserve a chance to start fresh and I, for one, would be honored if they chose to do it in our community.”

  Wyatt’s smile was uncertain. “I’m not sure that’s possible now.” This morning had changed everything.

  “Oh, but you already have a place picked out,” Cora reminded him. She turned to her pa. “Jack Henry asked him to be his partner. Said he’d eventually turn the place over to him.” She faced Wyatt. “And you gave your word.”

  “He might not be so welcoming now.”

  Mr. Bell chuckled. “Jack sees a man for what he is and isn’t swayed by what others think.”

  “Say you’ll stay,” Cora begged.

  “Yes, do,” the twins chimed in.

  Mr. and Mrs. Bell smiled at him and he felt as if he’d been given a special blessing.

  “I want to.” It was all he could promise at the moment.

  That afternoon, he knew he’d been right not to promise more.

  The sheriff rode into the yard and asked to speak to Wyatt.

  “Come into the house,” Mr. Bell said.

  Sheriff Thomas looked ready to refuse, then nodded. “Very well.” He stood to the side and waited for Wyatt to go ahead of him.

  Lonnie started to follow but Wyatt waved him away. No reason everyone should hear this.

  As he sat down across from the sheriff, Cora slipped in and sat beside him.

  He dared not look at her. He did not want her implicated in any way. But he couldn’t ask her to leave. Her presence strengthened him.

  Not that she’d likely go even if he asked.

  “Several people have come to me accusing you of certain crimes,” the sheriff said. “At this time, I have no evidence, but I assure you, if you’re responsible I will find out.”

  “I’ve done nothing wrong.”

  “He’s been here the whole time,” Cora said.

  The sheriff narrowed his eyes. “You can vouch for him?”

  “Of course.”

  “Twenty-four hours of the day?”

  “Not at night.” Shock filled her words.

  “Most of the crimes have taken place after dark, so I’m afraid your assurances mean nothing.” The sheriff fixed him with a hard look. “I understand you did time in jail.”

  “I can’t deny it.”

  “I ain’t got much use for jailbirds myself.”

  Cora sputtered a protest.

  Mr. Bell held up a hand to silence her. “Sheriff, I suggest you deal with the facts and put your opinions aside.”

  The sheriff rose. “I intend to do just that. Good day.”

  Silence filled the room. Wyatt couldn’t lift his gaze from the top of the well-worn wooden tabletop.

  “Wyatt, you’re innocent. People will soon see that,” Mr. Bell assured him.

  “I wish I could be so certain.” How would he survive if he got thrown back into jail? How would Lonnie? He turned to Cora. “What about Lonnie? If something happens to me—”

  “He’ll have a home here, won’t he, Pa?”

  Mr. Bell nodded. “He’ll be safe. But so will you. Despite his tough way of talking, Sheriff Thomas is a fair man.”

  It was small comfort for Wyatt. “So long as Lonnie is okay, I can handle whatever happens.” He’d at least have sweet memories of time spent with Cora to comfort him this time.

  Later, he returned to the campsite. Lonnie crawled into bed and fell asleep, his wo
rld safe with the Bells.

  Wyatt sat up staring at the flickering coals of the fire. Would his innocence be proved? Would the truth about Lonnie be discovered? It would mark Lonnie just as much as jail time had marked Wyatt. Was he being fair in staying in the Bar Crossing area? Would his presence always be the cause of hurtful comments and sly accusations? Would Cora and her family be hurt by his presence?

  God, show me the right thing to do. I want to stay. I want to spend more time with Cora. But I don’t want her or any of the Bells to be hurt. What should I do?

  Maybe a cup of tea would help him think through his questions.

  He added more wood to the fire, filled the kettle and sat back to wait for the water to boil.

  A branch nearby cracked. “Who’s there?”

  Two men stepped into the circle of light. He recognized them as men from town. Their hard expressions warned him they hadn’t come on friendly business.

  “Howdy. How can I help you?” He hoped Lonnie would stay asleep or, if he woke, have enough sense to be quiet and not alert the men to his presence.

  “You aren’t welcome around here.”

  “Says who?” He could have pointed out that the Bells had welcomed him but knew it wouldn’t be wise. It would likely invite trouble into their lives.

  “Us. And we speak for most of the citizens of Bar Crossing.”

  “I see. Well, sorry to say, I have made plans to stay.” He didn’t know why he felt the need to provoke them. Except he did. They were bullies and he had no sympathy for such.

  One of the men leaned forward. “You might find you don’t like it here much.” His laugh lacked mirth but carried a large dose of meanness.

  The larger of the two grunted. “Well, don’t say you weren’t warned.”

  They stomped away.

  Lonnie slipped over to join Wyatt. “Will they hurt us?”

  “They’ll try to make our lives miserable so we’ll feel forced to leave.” He’d say no more. He didn’t want Lonnie to worry. Whatever happened, Wyatt would take care of them.

  “Maybe we should leave. Didn’t we mean to go to Canada?”