He knew it wouldn’t take long before his comments were passed on. Cowboys gossiped as much as any other group, especially when the gossip was about someone they cared about. And, to a man, they all cared about Rosie.
When he made the assignments that morning, he told Rosie he thought she should stay behind to work the herd rather than search for more stray cattle. He knew that would make for an easier day. Her surprise meant she’d be coming to speak to him personally, for the first time since last night.
But his reasoning was that riding the herd was the only job she could do without him. No way was he sending her out with another man to work all day.
“Why do you think you can assign me to working the herd?” she demanded in a whisper as the cowboys left the campfire.
“I thought you could have an easier day for a change. You can ride out tomorrow. Besides, it’s not fair for Robert to work the herd every day. He was beginning to think we thought he was too old to do his job.”
Uncertainty filled her eyes as she considered his words. “Are you sure?”
“Didn’t you see his reaction when I said he could ride out?”
“No, I was too upset that I—Was he pleased?”
“Yeah. A big grin broke on his face. He was the first to saddle his horse.”
“All right, just for today. You promise?”
“You bet.” He started to add a kiss, but she quickly moved away before he could.
Rosemary relieved one of the cowboys who’d been caring for the herd since 2:00 a.m. that morning. She knew he was expected to ride out after eating his breakfast. Being a cowboy might look glamorous to some people, but Rosemary knew once you’d done the job, you realized the strength and stamina it took.
She and the two other cowboys assigned to the herd for the day circled the cows they’d found. Rosie spent her time trying to estimate the number of cows they now had collected. Her best guess was a hundred and fifty head. Which meant they weren’t that far from their goal Of course, even if they had two hundred head of cattle at the end of the day, they still had a lot of land to cover, but they expected to find most of the missing cattle in the rough hills.
If they found more cattle in the flatter land, that would give them some operating funds for the winter. Rosemary hadn’t wanted to think about the winter. There was less work in the winter, but the costs skyrocketed when the weather got bad. She’d need to buy some hay as their own crop wasn’t enough to make it through the snowy months.
Doing the monotonous work of riding around the herd, Rosemary had time for a niggling worry to build into a massive fear. Would she retain the ranch only to lose it when she couldn’t keep it going? Even thinking about that caused her stomach to twist. She couldn’t let that happen. But the weight of everyone who depended on her made it even more difficult.
Would she even be able to sleep at night, worrying about handling all the duties and costs of running a ranch?
And was that really what she wanted, or what she thought her parents wanted for her? No, she knew she wanted to be a rancher, to live on the land and find a way to make ends meet.
But it was going to be a challenge. The biggest of her life.
Jason rode out that morning with Nick.
“You and Rosie having problems?” Nick asked as soon as they were away from camp.
“Not problems, exactly. But I realized I was pressing her too hard, what with all she’s dealing with. I can bide my time until we get back home. Mind you, I’m not giving up my stake, so don’t plan on taking over.” He grinned at Nick, letting him know he knew how the cowboy felt about Rosie.
Nick nodded. “I know that. I just wanted to make sure that Rosie was okay.”
“Oh, yeah, she’s as fine as they come.”
Both men grinned in agreement. Then they got down to the job at hand. For the first time, they were riding ahead of camp. Cookie hadn’t moved his camp the past couple of days. Now they rode ahead and would drive the cattle they found back to the main herd. Which meant he’d have a chance to check on Rosie.
He missed riding with her, but he could only blame himself. He believed she’d had such a hard day yesterday that she needed a more relaxing one today. He knew he couldn’t keep her in camp, helping Cookie. There was no way she’d agree to that.
He let his mind drift as he pictured Rosie in her element, chasing cows, her face alive with excitement. Just looking at her raised his own excitement level…but it wasn’t about cows. He found the woman attractive. And sexy. But with a woman like Rosie and under circumstances like these, he had to take it slow.
Hence, here he was sharing his day with Nick instead of Rosie. It wasn’t the same.
About that time he heard his name being called faintly. He looked around and saw Nick slumped over his saddle. With foreboding, Jason rushed his horse to Nick’s side.
“What’s wrong?”
“I—I just threw up. I don’t know what—” He broke off as he became sick again.
Jason tried to brace Nick without getting in his way. When Nick was sitting up straight again, he asked, “Was it something you ate? Or a stomach virus?”
“I don’t know, but I started feeling bad about half an hour ago.”
“Okay, we’d better get you back to camp.” Damn, if Nick went down they’d only have six looking for cows. And if it was a virus, it might put the entire roundup on hold.
They made their way slowly back to camp, with pauses for Nick to retch again. He was exhausted and barely able to stay in the saddle. Jason was really becoming alarmed at the extent of Nick’s illness.
When they reached camp, he hollered for Cookie, who appeared at once. Jason told him what happened.
Cookie caught Nick as he fell out of the saddle. “What’s making him sick?”
“I don’t know. I’m hoping it’s not a virus that’ll run all the way through the group.” Jason got off his horse, letting the reins trail the ground while he took Nick’s horse to the rope corral.
When he returned to the campfire, he found Cookie settling Nick in his bedroll close to the fire.
“He’s got the shivers right now, and burning up with fever. I’ve given him some stomach medicine and some Ibuprofen for his fever.
About that time, they heard more horses. Jason looked up to see Rosie riding toward him with the cowboy beside her slumped over his horse.
“Uh-oh. Looks like Nick is just the beginning.” He moved forward to assist Rosemary.
Cookie, who’d been about to put the medicine away, changed his mind. He followed Jason to meet Rosie and her sick partner.
The two men got the rider off his horse and to the campfire. Cookie assessed the situation while Jason turned to Rosie.
“How are you feeling?”
“Fine. Why?”
“This is our second patient today. Nick came down with the same symptoms, only we were a little farther away.”
“Oh, no! If something runs through everyone, we’ll come to a complete halt.”
“I’m afraid so. We can only pray it’s a twenty-four-hour bug and not longer.”
“Oh, no!”
“Don’t panic, Rosie. Right now it’s only two men. As soon as I make sure Cookie’s got everything under control, I’ll come help with the herd.”
She clenched her teeth and nodded before she swung her horse back toward the herd.
Jason turned to ask Cookie if he had everything under control when he heard other horses coming toward them. Not a good sign.
CHAPTER SEVEN
ROSEMARY’S concern was interrupted by her phone ringing. She hurriedly answered it.
“Hello?”
“Hi, honey, it’s Sara Beth.”
“How’s Wes? Did you get him to the hospital?”
“Yes, he’s there, but they’re postponing the surgery a day or two.”
“Was his ankle too swollen?”
“No, not too bad. Uh, how are things there?”
Rosemary considered her answer, but
she decided to lie. There was no need to worry Sara Beth. “Fine. Everyone will be glad to hear Wes is okay. Did Jesse help Rafe get Ted to the sheriff’s office?”
“Yes, they took him there. But the sheriff said he could only hold him for forty-eight hours. They argued with him, but he didn’t promise anything.”
“Oh. Maybe I won’t tell the men about that.”
“You’re sure everything is okay?
“Why do you ask, Sara Beth?”
“Well, I’d better tell you so you’ll be prepared. You see, the weekend before y’all started the cattle drive, I was at a church committee meeting and—and they were talking about a twenty-four-hour virus going around. I didn’t think anything about it, but two days ago, I was sick as a dog. I couldn’t stop throwing up. That’s why they can’t operate on Wes. He’s got the virus, too. And then Rafe and Jesse got sick, too. I’m afraid I’ve infected the entire bunch of cowboys.”
Rosemary sighed. “So far it’s only two of the men who are sick, but it sounds like the rest of us may have it, too. You said it only lasted twenty-four hours?”
“Yes, honey, I’m so sorry. Do you want Rafe and Jesse to ride back out?”
“No, they might get sick all over again. We’ll manage. It just may take us a little bit longer. Don’t worry.”
“You don’t try to do everything by yourself, now. You hear me? Let others share the load.”
“I will. Everyone always pitches in, Sara Beth, I promise.” Before she hung up she added, “Give Wes my love and take good care of him. Will you call me after he comes out of surgery?”
“I will.”
Then she ended the call before Sara Beth could hear her cry. It didn’t stop Rosemary from crying. She wished she could head home today, away from the problems. But if she did, she’d be giving up the ranch.
And she couldn’t do that.
“Rosie?”
Rosemary pulled her horse to a stop and hurriedly wiped her cheeks. She recognized Jason’s voice and braced herself for more bad news.
“Are you okay?”
“Yes. Sara Beth called. She thinks she gave everyone the virus. She had it, then Wes, Rafe and Jesse.”
“How long does it last?” Jason asked, frowning.
“Twenty-four hours.”
“Well, that’s a relief. Kenneth just rode in sick, too. His partner is going to join the group still out working. We’re down to seven people plus Cookie. With three of us on the herd, it leaves four people to search for cows.” He rubbed the back of his neck, which shoved his hat forward on his head, shading his eyes. “It’s going to slow things down, honey.”
“Do you think I’m an idiot? I know that!”
“Sorry. I know you do. I’m just trying to figure out what to do.”
“I think we put two people on the herd and start pushing them forward, as long as Cookie can move the camp. If we have too many sick, we’ll just have to take a day off and hope most of them recover quickly.”
“Good thinking.” They rode along in silence for a moment. Then he said, “Don’t worry about the deadline. These are extraordinary times. I’ll give you more time.”
“I haven’t given up!” she exclaimed. “And I’m not asking for any concessions. We still have a couple of weeks. All I’m asking is that you help us. So go do your job!”
He rode off without a word, moving around the cattle ahead of her.
Rosemary felt ashamed of herself. She’d need to apologize to him. He’d been trying to make it easier for her, but she’d treated his offer like a slap in the face.
Wes would be ashamed of her, too. That alone told her she had to apologize to Jason. But she could wait until they reached camp, assuming there was someone to relieve them.
About four, two riders brought a dozen head of cattle to join the herd. Then they sought out Rosemary to tell her the other two were in camp, sick. What did she want them to do?
“I want you to go into camp, relax, have dinner. If you’re still okay, come back and relieve a couple of us to get dinner. Then I’ll come back and relieve the third person.”
“But we could let you go in and rest now, Rosie. I mean, you’re a great cowboy, but you might be too tired.”
About that time, Jason rode up to join in the conversation. He agreed that Rosie should go in now and eat and relax.
“Please! I’m not in need of a manicure or a massage. I can herd the cows for a few more hours. Just do what I said.”
“And if you come down with the flu, see if someone can come tell us.”
The two cowboys headed for the camp and Jason prepared to ride back to his position.
“Jason?” Rosemary called out.
“Yeah?”
“I wanted to apologize for my reaction to your generosity. That was very rude of me and I want to say I’m sorry.”
After a pause, he said, “Okay, thanks,” and rode away.
Rosemary didn’t think he believed she was sorry. But she was. She owed him a lot. Managing the roundup without Wes would’ve been much more difficult without Jason. He was good with the men and seemed to understand them better than her. She wouldn’t have kept a stiff upper lip last night without his insistence.
With a sigh, she turned back to her job. It might not be exciting, but it certainly was important. She didn’t want to have to find these cows all over again.
It was dark before anyone rode out to the herd. The two cowboys who’d talked to her earlier reappeared to relieve two of the three herding the cows.
“Go relieve Jason and Larry. I’m good for now.”
“Rosie, you need to eat,” one of the men insisted.
“Then ride back to camp and ask Cookie for a sandwich or something I can eat in the saddle. Then I’ll stay here until the shift change at two.”
“I’m not sure there’ll be a shift change. We’re the only two not sick at camp. So, at two, we’ll be able to manage the herd by ourselves. You just go on in then, okay?”
“Okay. But will you be able to work all night?”
“Yeah, the cows will be asleep. It’ll be easy.”
“I’ll be back with something for you to eat in a few minutes,” the other cowboy promised and turned back toward camp.
The first cowboy rode ahead and tried to relieve Jason. Rosemary could see the discussion the two had. Then Jason rode back to talk to her.
“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” he demanded, anger in his voice.
“I’m riding herd. What do you think I’m doing?” She was in no mood to placate the man.
“They’re all worried about you. Go back to camp so you can reassure them.”
“Jason, this is my responsibility. It’s what Wes would do if he were here. So it’s what I’m doing.”
“Wes is a man. You’re—”
“A woman. Do you really want to have this argument?”
“Rosie, you’re not thinking straight. I know you’re a strong person, but you are a little weaker than a man. Even you have to admit that.”
“I’m not doing something that requires great strength. All I have to do is stay in the saddle. One of the guys is bringing me dinner. I’ll be fine.”
“So you think I should go sit by the fire and enjoy my food while you ride herd? I don’t think so!”
She drew a deep breath. “Okay, send them back to the camp to get some rest. The two of us can manage the herd. They can get a good night’s rest and relieve us at six in the morning. That way we can maintain the herd. We won’t try to move the herd or camp until more people are available.”
With a gusty sigh, Jason said, “Okay, I’ll go tell the other guy and send him for my dinner and tell him to reassure the camp about you.”
Rosemary knew Jason was frustrated with her, but she had to do her job. Maybe if they could maintain their position for twenty-four hours—no, make that thirty-six hours—they’d have enough men to manage.
Early the next morning, as the sky in the east began to grow lighter, Ro
semary heard the sound of three cowboys coming to relieve her and Jason. She’d dozed a little during the night, but she was definitely ready for her bedroll. After a good breakfast.
“Rosie,” Jerry, one of the cowboys, said as he reached her.
She braced herself. She knew what the tone of voice meant. Trouble.
“What is it?”
“Cookie’s sick.”
Rosemary’s heart sank. Cookie was such an important part of the roundup. She’d heard someone say a soldier marched on his stomach. Well, cowboys worked on their stomachs. Without good meals, production would go down. And she knew who had to replace Cookie.
“All right, Jerry. I’ll take over for a day. Then Cookie will be back on his feet.”
“But you’ll need some sleep, Rosie. You haven’t slept all night.”
“I dozed some. Maggie is well-trained, you know. It won’t be too bad, and when we get back to the ranch, I’ll sleep for a week.” She managed a reassuring smile. “Thanks for coming out to relieve me. I’ll try to send someone out for you.”
“Thanks, Rosie. You’re the best!”
She turned Maggie toward camp. She’d seen the other two cowboys join Jerry, which meant Jason would be coming to camp, also. She’d try to make him go to sleep without mentioning Cookie being sick.
Someone had to keep going.
She found Cookie still trying to cook breakfast for them when she reached the camp. She took over at once and had Nick, who was almost over the virus, help Cookie to bed and give him the medicine he’d been distributing to everyone.
When Jason reached the camp, she had breakfast ready for him. Everyone else had eaten if they could keep it down.
“You ready to get some sleep, Rosie?” Jason asked as he finished his breakfast.
“Yes, I’ll be right there. I just need to check with Cookie. You go on to sleep.”
She did feel a little more energetic after eating. She washed her dishes and then went to the truck where Cookie slept. He was stretched out in the back seat, moaning.
“Cookie, is there anything I can get you?” she asked.
“No, just let me be.”
“Okay, I’ll check on you in a little bit.”
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