Montana Cowboy's Baby

by Linda Ford

  Kate looked at Conner. Their gazes caught and held. Hers a mixture of accusation and frustration that rapidly disappeared into peace.

  He knew his likely showed the same. They might disagree on some things, but in the matter of little Ellie they were agreed.

  Ellie pushed the bottle from her mouth and turned to smile at Kate. She gurgled her happiness at seeing her.

  She patted Ellie’s head. “You’re doing fine, Isabelle.” And she walked slowly from the room and outdoors.

  *

  Kate eased past her father and Grandfather Marshall, not slowing to let them engage her in conversation. How many times would she run from this house as pain tore at her? She kept a steady pace until she reached the corrals and leaned against the top rail as if watching the horses.

  It was time to say goodbye to little Ellie and the Marshall family. Oh, she’d see them from time to time. But she wouldn’t be part of the family.

  She never had been.

  The fact that she even thought about it proved she was letting Conner’s accusation get to her.

  It was not guilt or fear that guided her desire to become a doctor. It was concern for those ill and suffering.

  But she’d allowed herself to grow much too fond of little Ellie. One of the things Mother Baker had warned her about. “You must guard your heart from getting too involved. It will only cloud your judgment.”

  And Conner? a mocking voice called. Have you grown too fond of him?

  No, she denied vehemently.

  “Kate?”

  Conner speaking her name so close behind her sent a shock through her body.

  He came to her side and leaned against the fence, his elbow brushing hers.

  She did not move if only to prove to herself she wasn’t affected by his closeness or his touch.

  “We need to talk about the fund-raiser.” He rumbled his lips. “A county fair. What is Grandfather thinking? We don’t have time to organize such an event.”

  Grateful to discuss something that didn’t strike at the depths of her heart, she gave a mirthless chuckle. “Seems he thinks you can work wonders.”

  “I wish I could. There’s many things I’d change.”

  His words felt like warning flags suspended before her. What things would he change? Ellie’s condition, without question. Perhaps he’d bring Thelma back and create a home for the baby with her.

  “For you.” The words were so soft she thought her imagination had created them.

  She faced him. “What did you say?”

  “Nothing. It was only a slip of my tongue.” But he held her gaze with a firmness that provided the truth without need of words.

  She turned away. She would not ask what things he’d change. He’d already said enough to give her cause to think he thought she should abandon her plans to become a doctor.

  No. He hadn’t said that. Hadn’t even suggested it. Why had she put those words in his mouth?

  It was getting too complicated. The sooner she got back to Bella Creek, the sooner she could think clearly again.

  But unless she and Conner set out the plans for the fair right now, she’d have to see him again.

  “I don’t know much about county fairs. How are they run?”

  He shrugged. “I have only attended one and I was just a kid, so all I remember is the many food booths, especially the one selling pies.” He thought a moment. “Seems Ma entered a pie to be judged and was so proud to come home with a blue ribbon. But as to how one is run…well, I suppose you just announce there is going to be one.”

  She snorted. “And it simply happens? This I have to see.”

  “You think there’s more to it than that?” He gave her a wide-eyed look.

  She squinted. “Conner Marshall, I do believe you are joshing me.”

  He grinned. “I do believe you are right. But it would be nice if it just happened. How do we plan this?”

  “Your grandfather said judging of sewing and baking. That would require a place for entries and judges, I suppose.”

  “And people who would sell coffee and candies and baked goods.”

  “And some form of entertainment.”

  They looked at each other as the truth grew clear.

  “It sounds like a lot of work,” Conner said.

  “How long do we have to do this?”

  “I don’t know. How long would it take?”

  They turned to stare at Grandfather. He was obviously watching them as he waved, a broad smile upon his face.

  “Why, the crafty old man.”

  Kate jerked toward Conner at his remark. “What do you mean?”

  “Nothing.” But Conner’s jaw set hard as he strode across the yard to face his grandfather.

  Kate scurried to catch up. She meant to hear what Conner had on his mind.

  He stopped at the edge of the porch. “I have you figured out, Grandfather. And it’s not going to work.”

  “Boy, the fund-raiser had better work. I suggest you get the plans laid out and put up announcements in all the local businesses. You can announce it next Sunday as well. You want to have it when the gardens are at their best.”

  “Gardens?” Kate was as surprised as Conner. What did gardens have to do with it?

  “Certainly. There’s to be a section for judging garden produce, won’t there?”

  Kate recognized it as a statement, not a question. It appeared there was a lot more to a county fair than a few booths and some judges. She wasn’t sure she wanted to hear anything more.

  “Let’s say the first weekend in August. That should give you lots of time to get things organized.” The old man sat back with things—in his mind—settled, but a sense of panic gripped Kate’s insides.

  She sent a help-me look to Father, but he nodded and smiled, completely unaware of how impossible this was.

  “That’s three weeks away. How are we to get it organized in that length of time?” Conner asked.

  “Not by standing here jawing with me.” Grandfather waved them away.

  Conner grabbed Kate’s hand and hurried her into the kitchen. He held a chair for her and, after she sat, he plopped down next to her.

  “This is crazy. No way we can get a fair organized in less than three weeks and hope for it to be a success.”

  “I agree. You go tell your grandfather.”

  He stared at her, then laughed. “No, it will be easier to put on a fair.”

  “Then let’s get at it.”

  “I’ll get paper.” He brought a piece from the sitting room and they started a list of categories to be judged, entertainment, food, races. The list grew and grew.

  Kate stared at it. “I don’t know where to begin.”

  Annie stepped into the room and began pulling out pots and putting them on the stove.

  Father called from the veranda. “Kate, it’s time to go home.”

  Seemed it had been decided her stay here was over. She couldn’t argue with the facts—the baby was strong enough not to need medical attention. Isabelle would do fine with her. It was time to move on. As soon as she got back to town, she would write to the medical college and inform them she was ready to pursue her studies. She’d already been accepted but had postponed her start date due to Father’s accident.

  Only one thing stood in the way of her leaving Conner Marshall behind—the fact her father and his grandfather had foisted this event upon them.

  “We are far from done with this.” She pointed to the list.

  “I know. Guess I’ll have to come to town and we can work on it some more.”

  Nice of him to sound so eager.

  She recognized his sarcasm, but she was no more eager to spend time with him, especially given his opinion of her. “Seems we have no choice.”

  “Given the time frame, I better come in tomorrow evening. Is that okay?”

  “That will be fine.” She told herself it was annoyance that she felt at being forced into this position, but it felt strangely like anticipation.<
br />
  *

  On Monday evening right after supper, Conner rode the four miles into town. He kept his horse at a steady trot if only to prove to himself that he wasn’t anxious to get there. He knew Grandfather was at it again. Playing matchmaker. Conner wanted nothing to do with such foolishness.

  The road became Mineral Avenue and he slowed to a walk. He passed his uncle’s mercantile store, where Sadie had held school for a number of weeks. He stopped in front of Miss Daisy’s Eatery and turned left to the doctor’s house. He knew that the office and waiting room were on one side. The living room faced the street, with the kitchen and bedrooms at the back of the house. It was too light for lamps to be lit, but the sun’s rays slanted through from the kitchen window and made the inside of the living room bright. From what he could see, the room was empty.

  He swallowed back disappointment. Perhaps she had gone out on a call with her father.

  He tied his big bay to the hitching post. Copper lifted one foot and prepared to wait.

  Conner clattered up to the door to the left of the waiting room door, knocked and held his breath to listen for footsteps. Somewhere he thought he heard a noise and then nothing. He was about to knock again when Kate opened the door.

  “You’re here. Come on in. Let’s get this business taken care of.” She led him into the kitchen, where two pies cooled on the table.

  She didn’t sound at all eager to see him, but he wasn’t about to comment on the fact. A tempting aroma of sweetness and spices pulled at him. “You’ve been baking.” A completely unnecessary observation.

  Pink stained her cheeks. “Mrs. Bramford taught me to bake. I thought I might enter the pie-making contest.”

  He tried to fit this bit of information into what he knew of Kate but failed.

  “You needn’t look so surprised.”

  “Don’t mind confessing I am. They sure look good.”

  “I’ll let you sample them after we tend to our business.”

  He sent his hat sailing to the hook by the door, grabbed a chair and sat down. “Let’s get at it.”

  She chuckled. “Nothing like a bribe, is there?”

  “Nope. Especially one that smells so good.” He leaned over the pies and inhaled. “What other secrets have you been keeping from me?”

  The amusement in her face fled. “You know more of my secrets than anyone else.”

  He met her intent gaze. Felt her look go deep as if seeking something. Perhaps reassurance. Or perhaps she was recalling the way he’d held her. He half rose, wanting to hold her again. Wanting to ease her worries. But the table stood between them and he sat back down before he’d even gotten up.

  “Kate, your secrets are safe with me.”

  Relief filled her eyes.

  “Though once people see how you bake…” He shook his head. “I don’t know if I’ll be able to keep it a secret.”

  A sweet smile replaced her worry. “You best wait until you taste them before you pass judgment.” She sat facing him. “I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about this.”

  “So have I.” He understood that she referred to the fair.

  Within minutes, it was clear they had been thinking along the same lines. He’d asked Annie for suggestions on categories and they soon had a list for baking, sewing, preserves and gardening. They came up with a few categories for grain and hay.

  Because she lived in town, she agreed to make posters and have them put in each business establishment.

  “I’ll ask Uncle George to recommend people for judging,” Conner said.

  “It’s an honor to be a judge, I suppose. Why not ask prominent persons, like the lawyer, the preacher—”

  “Your father.”

  She nodded. “He’d like that.”

  It took a bit of time to decide how many judges they would need. Even using prominent persons, they came up short, so it was agreed he would ask his uncle for suggestions.

  “What about food booths?” he asked.

  “And games?” she added. “From what I’ve learned, games and entertainment are essentials.”

  He pushed the lists aside. “I can’t think of this anymore with the aroma of your baking filling my nostrils.”

  She gathered their notes into a neat pile. “We need to ask around and see what others are willing to do. Perhaps on Sunday we can present a list of our needs and ask for volunteers.”

  “Good idea.” He eyed the pies.

  With a little chuckle, she brought out a knife, two forks and two plates. “This one is rhubarb.” She cut him a generous portion and a sliver for herself.

  Rhubarb was not his favorite, but he took a bite. And surprise widened his eyes. He chewed and swallowed. “That is without a doubt the best rhubarb pie I have ever tasted. What did you do to make it so good?”

  She planted her elbows on the table and signaled for him to lean toward her.

  He did so.

  She glanced over her shoulders, then whispered, “Mrs. Bramford swore me to secrecy. If I told, I think she would know and hunt me down.” She gave an exaggerated shiver. “I don’t want to think what kind of punishment she would exact.”

  Conner leaned back and laughed. He liked this teasing side of Kate and wished he saw it more often.

  “I suppose it’s all right for me to guess.”

  “You can try.” She ate a bite of her pie and looked unconcerned.

  “Go ahead and look smug. I have no idea. I just know it’s very, very good.” He finished his portion and looked toward the other pie. “What kind would that be?”

  “That is another secret recipe from Mrs. Bramford—apple and raisin.”

  “Sounds intriguing.”

  She laughed. “I think what you mean is it sounds unusual, but fear not, your taste buds are in for a surprise.” She again cut him a generous portion and a thin slice for herself.

  Half eager, half wary, he took a bite and the flavor exploded in his mouth. He didn’t need to say anything. She read his enjoyment in his face and gave a pleased little laugh.

  She sobered. “How is Ellie doing? I’ve worried about her all day.”

  “Isabelle took her this morning. I confess I detoured to the house several times throughout the day to assure myself she was okay. Isabelle is managing well, which is a relief.”

  Kate nodded. “I didn’t doubt she would. So the baby is eating well and all?”

  “She seemed pleased to see me every time I popped in but looked past me. I think she was looking for you.”

  Kate gave her empty plate a great deal of study. “I’m sure you’re mistaken. She’s likely missing her mama.”

  Conner didn’t need to point out that if Thelma had been doing a good job of mothering the baby, Ellie wouldn’t have been in such poor condition when she was delivered to his doorstep. Though he had no right to judge Thelma until she was located. There could be a reasonable explanation, though he would be hard-pressed to accept any excuses. “Thelma better have a good reason for why Ellie was so neglected.”

  “And if she doesn’t?”

  He had no answer. “Where is she? Why did she send Ellie to me?”

  “She knew the baby would be safe if she was seen as a Marshall. You’re a firm believer in family.”

  He wondered where Kate was going with that observation. “I’ve made no secret of it.”

  “Then when you find Thelma—”

  “If we do.” He admitted he wondered if something had befallen the woman.

  Kate acknowledged his statement with the flicker of her eyelid. “When you do, what will become of Ellie?”

  It was a question he didn’t want to confront. He had no claim on the baby, but he wasn’t prepared to let her return to whatever situation had brought her to such a precarious state.

  Chapter Seven

  All day, Kate had been troubled by the question she asked Conner. What would become of Ellie once they found Thelma? Would Conner marry her to provide the baby a home? It seemed like the sort of thing he would
do. Lord, guide me, guard me, help me keep my eyes focused on the path set before me. She had prayed the same prayer many times throughout the day.

  “I wrote to the medical school this morning, letting them know I was ready to start classes. I’m waiting for confirmation as to when I can begin school.”

  “Then you have made up your mind.”

  She knew he referred to his suggestion that her reasons for pursuing medicine were in part about avoiding risk. She had already had a taste of those risks. Leaving Ellie, knowing she would not be part of the child’s future nor would she be part of Conner’s, had brought on another level of pain. She didn’t know how much more she could endure. Pain of losing her family, remembering her lost brothers, seeing big happy families and not being a part of one consumed her. Medical studies would fill her mind with facts and figures…not emotions. “I’ve never planned otherwise.”

  “I see. Forgive me if I thought deep down you might desire something more.” His gaze held hers. She couldn’t break free of the silent demand any more than she could deny that his words stirred a longing.

  He looked away first, leaving her breathless and confused, then turned to the notes they’d made. “It would seem we have things under control for now. Thanks for the pie.” He got to his feet. “On Sunday, I’ll make an announcement regarding the fair.”

  She followed him to the door. “I’ll see to the posters and other things.”

  He stood in the open doorway, his back to the street. The light from the kitchen window flooded his face. He smiled, though it did not reach his eyes. “Kate, I wish you nothing but success and happiness in the future.”

  It felt like he was saying a final goodbye. Shouldn’t that provide relief rather than panic? She took a deep breath and willed herself to be calm. But surely they would see each other again while they completed plans for the fair. She didn’t feel at all like they were ready for the event. He’d have to come back to finalize things.

  But she could find no words that didn’t sound needy and she didn’t want him to get the wrong idea.

  “Until Sunday, then.” He smiled and strode to his horse, swung into the saddle and rode away.

  She didn’t close the door until he disappeared from sight.