Montana Cowboy's Baby

by Linda Ford

Conner knew she was doing some mental arithmetic, then she turned her steely eyes back to Conner. “Where were you last spring? Didn’t you disappear for a time?”

  The only place he’d gone was to a ranch near the Canadian border to pick up some horses. Not that it mattered. “Ma’am, your question is offensive. I suggest you withdraw it.”

  A man might have been intimidated by Conner’s size and the look on his face, but not Mrs. Grieves. With a sniff, she marched on by.

  Conner let the frustration of such judgment seep away. “Kate, don’t let comments like that offend you.”

  “I fear it is only the beginning. You’ve let people believe Ellie is yours.”

  “I simply didn’t deny it. What they believe is up to them.”

  “That might be so, but when they learn that Thelma is the mother—and I suspect many people are already making that connection—they are going to expect, nay, demand that you marry her.”

  They had reached the shelter of the trees and he stopped to face her.

  “I have to do what’s right for Ellie.”

  “Of course you do.” She didn’t linger, didn’t meet his eyes, didn’t give him a chance to explain. Though what could he say? Not that it likely mattered to her. Her course was set. She was going to medical school. Nothing he decided to do would affect her.

  He’d been anticipating some quiet time with her by the river, but any sense of sweetness between them had disappeared.

  *

  The walk that Kate had been looking forward to suddenly seemed pointless. He would do what was right for Ellie. Even if it meant marrying Thelma?

  Kate knew he would not hesitate to do so. Why it drove such pain through her innards that she could barely keep back a groan, she was unwilling to admit. You’re a natural mother. Those words and many others echoed through her. She could almost be convinced.

  Child, don’t waste the gift God has given you.

  Grammie’s words reminded her of the promise Kate had given.

  When Conner suggested a walk, she had envisioned a quiet hour or two by the river, alone in the shade of the trees. They’d talk. He’d say—

  She shook her head, denying the hope that he would say anything about his feelings for her.

  He had Ellie and Thelma to consider and she had her promise to fulfill. A fresh thought startled her and she jerked to a halt to stare at the rippling water. If she said she was going to medical school because of a promise she’d made when she was ten, Conner would misunderstand. It wasn’t the only reason for her plans. Becoming a doctor had been her dream since…

  Well, since she was ten. Something about that confession unsettled her.

  This confusion had to end and she pushed away every errant thought and focused on plans for the fair.

  “Several people spoke to me after the church service about where they would like to help at the fair. We ought to go over the volunteer list and update it. The page is at home.”

  She finally allowed herself to look at him, saw the calmness in his eyes and something more…as if he understood her desire to rush back and avoid being with him. Little did he guess how much wanting to stay warred with needing to leave.

  He turned and they made their way back to the house. She brought out the paper and wrote down several names. Two men had offered to help with any construction needs. One woman had volunteered to be in charge of a food booth. “Things are coming together.” She tried to sound enthusiastic but guessed she failed. She just wanted to get the fair over with, get her letter from the medical school and move on with her life. The longer she stayed in Bella Creek, spending time with Conner and his family, the harder it was to think of leaving.

  Ellie fussed and Conner fed her. When she’d finished the bottle, he got to his feet. “It’s time for me to go home.”

  An unexplained, unexpected urge to hold him back came over her. She ignored it as she escorted them to the door, where she leaned over and kissed Ellie goodbye. She straightened, her face mere inches from Conner’s. His eyes were watchful and perhaps a bit regretful.

  “I’ll be seeing you,” he said.

  She waved as he drove out of sight. He hadn’t said when he’d be seeing her. Were the words spoken without meaning? But of course they would have to spend more time together until the fair was over.

  She found no comfort in the thought.

  *

  Three days later, she wondered when she would see him again. She began to turn away from the window where she spent an inordinate amount of time looking down the street, hoping to see a big bay horse or a buggy driven by a big blond man. What was wrong with her? She’d never thought she’d be pining after something beyond her reach.

  A horse and rider passed the house and she stared after it. Sheriff Jesse had returned. A note at his office said he would be away on business for a day or two. Conner had said Jesse meant to follow up some clues about Thelma’s whereabouts and she assumed that was the business that Jesse was away on.

  Had he located Thelma? Where was she? Would she tell the truth about Ellie’s parentage?

  Jesse dismounted and strode into his office.

  Kate waited several minutes, but he didn’t come out again. Had he already been to the Marshall ranch? Would anyone bring her news of what he had to report?

  But then why should they?

  She went to the kitchen and began to prepare the noon meal. Not that it required much on her behalf. Soup had been simmering since breakfast and biscuits were ready to put in the oven. Father had been seeing patients in his office and would be at home for dinner.

  The meal was a quiet affair. Father was often too absorbed in his work to converse. But the lack of conversation was a marked contrast to meals shared with the Marshalls.

  Or even meals with her family before their passing. She held back a sigh as she acknowledged this was one thing she’d lost and still longed for.

  Someone entered the waiting room and Father returned to his patients.

  Kate wished he would allow her to help, but he insisted he could manage on his own. “Barring a disaster.” And no one wanted to see that.

  She cleaned the kitchen and faced a long, lonely afternoon. She could go visit Isabelle and knew she would always be welcome, but it wasn’t Isabelle she longed to see. She must keep busy. It was the only way to keep her thoughts at bay. Thoughts of sitting by the river with Conner. Thoughts of the way her skin tingled when he touched her face.

  She grabbed a pair of gloves and hurried to the door to work in the garden. She opened the door and jumped back. “Oh, I didn’t hear you.” It was a young woman she’d met a number of times. “Good day, Mrs. Abernathy. Are you needing the doctor?” If so, she should have gone to the door facing the street. She surely knew that.

  “I’ve come to see you.”

  “Please come in. Can I offer you tea? Cookies?”

  “No, thank you. I can only stay a moment. I have much to do. You see, my brother and his wife are coming to visit.”

  “That’s nice.” Though Kate wondered why the woman would feel the need to tell her.

  “You said you needed some form of entertainment.”

  “Yes, I did.”

  “I think my brother and his wife would do it for you. He plays the banjo and she the accordion. They both sing. They are very talented, if I do say so myself.”

  “Can you tell me what sort of music they offer?”

  “Most anything.”

  Her answer wasn’t very helpful.

  “For a fair, they would likely sing rousing camp tunes.”

  “I’m sorry. I don’t know what you mean by that.”

  Mrs. Abernathy cleared her throat. “I can best explain by singing a few bars of the kind of songs they’d sing. Do you mind?”

  “Not at all. Go ahead.”

  She sang a few lines of Oh, Susanna, Camptown Races and Rock of Ages in a rich, full voice so clear and sure that Kate wondered why the woman wasn’t volunteering for the job.

&nbs
p; “That’s beautiful. Would you sing for the fair?”

  She colored up. “Not on my own.”

  “If your brother sings half as well as you, he’ll be just what we need.”

  “I don’t sing half as well as he and I know you won’t regret having him do the entertainment.” The woman rose. “I must get back.”

  “Thank you so much.” She waited until Mrs. Abernathy was out of sight, then put the gloves back on the shelf, wrote a note to her father and headed for the livery station.

  She had to share this news with Conner. Perhaps at the same time, she could discover what news Jesse had brought.

  Not until she was on her way did she consider that Thelma might be at the ranch…reunited with her baby daughter and the man she claimed as Ellie’s father. Curiosity overcame reluctance and she continued on her way.

  As she approached the ranch, she decided to go see Isabelle first.

  Ellie was with Isabelle. The fact eased Kate’s mind greatly. Surely Ellie would be in Thelma’s care if she was at the ranch.

  She greeted her friend and kissed the baby, who seemed eager to see her, then followed Isabelle inside.

  “You’ve come to see Conner?”

  “I have come to discuss some developments regarding the fair. How is Ellie doing?”

  “She’s a sweet baby. Makes me long for one of my own.” She saddened. “So far it hasn’t happened.”

  Kate took Isabelle’s hand. “We’ll pray it happens soon.” They clasped hands and prayed aloud—a practice the two of them had developed over the years of their friendship.

  They went into the small living area. Isabelle sat Ellie on the floor. “She’s sitting well on her own now.” She proceeded to regale Kate with details of Ellie’s accomplishments.

  Although pleased to hear how the baby was doing and to know Isabelle enjoyed tending the baby, Kate had to admit she missed Ellie, missed taking care of her, missed seeing her do different things.

  They were enjoying a cup of tea, admiring a cross-stitch picture Isabelle planned to enter in the fair, when the clop of approaching horses came to them. It was all Kate could do not to rush to the window—to sit calmly as Isabelle glanced out. “It’s Dawson and Conner. They’ve seen your buggy and look curious. Now they’re headed this way.” She smiled at Kate. “It’s been nice to have a visit with you. Now go and tell Conner all your news.”

  Isabelle didn’t need to make it sound like Kate was that eager to speak to Conner. But Kate was on her feet and headed for the door before she’d completed the thought.

  She stepped outside.

  Conner reined his horse to a halt and stared at her. And then his eyes filled with sunshine and he smiled like he welcomed the surprise. He dismounted.

  “I’ll take care of your horse,” Dawson said, a wide, knowing grin upon his face.

  Conner tossed the reins to him, then strode to Kate’s side. “What brings you here?”

  Kate didn’t bother saying she often came to visit. Plainly he understood she wasn’t here solely to see Isabelle or Annie. “I have news about the fair.”

  “Tell me all about it.” He tucked her hand into the crook of his arm and led her away, toward the grove of trees where she had fled not so long ago and where she’d found comfort in his arms. Did he recall that day?

  She told him of all the volunteers but held the best news for last. “If Mrs. Abernathy’s brother sings half as well as she does, they will be excellent entertainment.”

  They sat side by side on an old log and she pulled the volunteer list from her pocket. He moved closer, his shoulder pressing to her, his fingers brushing hers as they pored over the list.

  “I have to confess I didn’t think it would come together quite so quickly.” He chuckled. “I half pictured us scrambling to get things done. So what more do we have to do?”

  They discussed the fair for a few more minutes, then she changed the subject.

  “I saw the sheriff return earlier today. Did he have news regarding Thelma?” It hurt to breathe as she waited for him to say Thelma was in the house even as they spoke.

  Shouldn’t it be a relief to have her here, to know she would take over her rightful role as Ellie’s mother?

  But what would Conner think was his rightful role?

  Chapter Eleven

  Kate stared straight ahead as she waited for his answer.

  “He hasn’t found her yet.”

  Why should the news ease the tightness in her chest? Wouldn’t it be better to know the truth about Thelma? But would it hurt for Kate to enjoy a few more days of pretending?

  Pretending what? How could she be so foolish?

  Conner continued, “That lead proved to be a dead end, but he did find someone who used to be with the traveling show who recalled she had grown ill near Havre, Montana, and they left her there. Jesse has sent a message to the sheriff there to see if he can locate her.”

  They sat in contemplative silence for several seconds, then Conner sighed.

  “I wish she’d turn up. It’s hard to make plans until she does.”

  She made a noise that he could take as agreement.

  “I’d go looking myself, but there’s Ellie to consider and the fair to see to.”

  And nowhere in there did Kate fit. Which was, she firmly reminded herself, exactly as it should be.

  The door to the main house opened and Annie banged the triangle to call the men to supper.

  Kate sprang to her feet. “I didn’t realize it was so late. I better be on my way.”

  Conner caught her hand. “Stay for supper.”

  She hesitated.

  “Grandfather will want to hear the latest developments regarding the fair.”

  He invited her only for Grandfather’s sake?

  “Everyone will be disappointed if you leave.”

  “Everyone?” She studied his face, wishing for more. Despite knowing Thelma might have a claim on Conner and knowing he was prepared to do what was best for Ellie, she couldn’t stop herself from hoping he might harbor a bit of sweet regard for her. Somehow or other, she managed to ignore the fact that she planned to leave.

  He touched her cheek in a gesture so tender it made her eyes sting. “Everyone, but none more than me. Please stay.”

  She was powerless to refuse after that. “Thank you. I will.” Feeling rather pleased with herself, she accompanied him to the house. “What about Ellie?”

  “I’ve been leaving her with Isabelle until bedtime.”

  They joined the others around the table. Grandfather, Bud, Annie, Conner and Kate. It wasn’t the usual crowd of a Sunday after church, but nevertheless a far livelier mealtime than the silent times at the Baker house.

  Conner was right about Grandfather. He demanded a detailed update and Kate gladly provided it.

  Grandfather nodded. “I was right in getting you two to organize this.” His shaggy eyebrows knitted together as he looked from Kate to Conner. “Just make sure you don’t mess it up.”

  Kate looked to Conner, who studied his grandfather. “Plans for the fair are under control.”

  “Harrumph. I wasn’t referring to the fair.” He turned his attention back to his meal.

  Annie tried to muffle her amusement.

  Bud concentrated on the food on his plate so Kate couldn’t see his face.

  Conner shook his head back and forth. “You’re incorrigible, you know?”

  Kate’s mouth fell open. Just as Sadie suggested, the old man was playing matchmaker. “But—” Didn’t he know it was impossible?

  “No point in arguing,” Conner said. “Like I said, he’s incorrigible.”

  Annie brought out cake. “I’m hoping to win a blue ribbon with my chocolate cake. Tell me what you think.” She served each of them a piece and waited for them to offer an opinion.

  “You’ll bring home a blue ribbon for sure,” her father said. “Your ma would be so proud of you.”

  “Thank you, Pa.” Annie’s voice cracked.

&n
bsp; “It’s excellent,” Kate said, and Conner and Grandfather echoed her approval.

  Kate’s fork fell to the table with a clatter. Everyone stared at her, no doubt wondering at how wide her eyes had grown and the way her lips parted.

  “Kate?” Conner touched her arm. “Is something wrong?”

  She swallowed hard. “Everyone will be expecting prize ribbons. Am I correct?”

  Conner nodded.

  “And where are we going to find these ribbons?”

  Conner groaned and pressed the heel of his hand to his forehead. “I never once thought of it.”

  “It’s too late to ask your uncle to order some for us. What are we going to do?” She didn’t dare look at Grandfather.

  “Uncle George has spools of ribbon,” Annie said, completely calm in the face of the panic consuming Kate. “We’ll make the prize ribbons. They’re just rosettes with tails. That’s easy.”

  It was nice to think Annie thought so.

  “Why don’t we get together after church Sunday and fashion them?” Annie said.

  “Thank you so much.” Kate’s relief left her shaking.

  *

  Conner slipped into the pew beside Kate and settled Ellie on his knee next to her. The baby chortled her greeting. Kate smiled a welcome.

  Since her visit on Wednesday and the arrangement for her to come out today and make prize ribbons, he had sought for a reason to hang around the house while she was there. He couldn’t see himself making the award ribbons, especially when Annie illustrated how to make one. He could watch Ellie…which would give him an excuse to watch Kate, but he knew Beth liked to take care of the baby. He’d considered every option he could think of and failed to come up with something until Grandfather asked a question about the fair.

  “Who do you have making the signs for the tables?”

  He steadied his surprise. “What signs do you mean?”

  Grandfather had given him a serious look. “Are you joshing me? You’ll need signs to indicate the judging section.”

  “Yeah?” It still didn’t make sense to Conner.

  Grandfather sighed loud and long. “I suppose people would figure it out for themselves, but a little sign—like so—” he held his hands out to illustrate something about the size of a page from a letter “—would make it easier. Baking. Preserves. Hay. You get it?”