Montana Cowboy's Baby

by Linda Ford

  Logan shrugged. “Let him have his fun.”

  A crowd had gathered round. Kate stood with Isabelle, Sadie and Annie. Her gaze connected with Conner’s. Did he see admiration? She smiled. He smiled back, unable to tear himself away from her look.

  “Let’s get at it,” Dawson said.

  Conner grabbed one side of the canvas, keenly aware of the audience of one, even though two or three dozen had assembled at this point. He only wanted admiration and approval from Kate.

  The men lowered the canvas to the ground and began to unfold it.

  “It’s bigger than I thought it would be,” Logan said, standing back to look at the material on the ground. “I’ve never set up anything this big.”

  Conner looked at the pile of poles. “It must be done the same way.”

  Grandfather chuckled and Conner again wondered if he wasn’t telling them something they needed to know.

  A handful of men edged closer, full of advice. “Start with the center pole.”

  “No, start with the edge poles.”

  “Go from front to back.”

  “No, no. The only way is to do it all at once.”

  Conner signaled his brothers to come closer. They bent their heads together. “Anyone have any idea of what to do?”

  Neither of them did.

  “How hard can it be? Grab a pole and let’s get started.”

  There were six long poles and a couple dozen shorter ones. There were stakes. Well, at least he knew what those were for. A large pile of rope completed the materials.

  He considered the various suggestions that had been offered. “We’ll do it the same as we would a smaller tent.” Logan and Dawson agreed. They waved forward some helpers to erect the four corner posts. It was harder than it looked and took several strong men pulling at the ropes to pull each corner upright.

  Grandfather might have been watching a circus from the enjoyment on his face.

  Conner slipped his gaze toward Kate. She smiled and nodded at him and he turned back to the task, feeling victorious.

  “What next?” Logan asked.

  “A center pole.” Conner was far less certain than he sounded.

  Logan dragged forward one of the longer poles. “We’ll let you do the honors.”

  “Fine.” How hard could it be? All he had to do was go into the tent and find the center. The door was before him, but after that he saw only canvas. He tossed aside his hat, fell to his hands and knees and began to fight his way through the material. It enfolded him. Trapped him. The musty smell of an old tent stifled him.

  He stopped flailing at the heavy shroud. He had to think what he was doing. Had to be rational about this.

  He felt suffocated. If only he could get in a satisfying breath. If the corner poles gave way, how long would it take for someone to get him out of there?

  Chapter Twelve

  Kate couldn’t believe how much she enjoyed watching Conner take charge and work out how to set up the tent. He was so self-confident, so strong, and moved with such grace. She could watch him work all day and not get bored.

  But then he crawled into the tent and disappeared from sight. She could see the canvas move as he made his way through it. She joined the others in laughing at the ludicrous picture it provided. Then worry began to grow in her. Wouldn’t it be awfully hot in there? Was there enough air? As if to prove her worries valid, movement ceased. She caught her breath. Was he okay? Her heart pounded in her ears. Why wasn’t anyone doing anything? They were all watching and waiting. How long did it take to suffocate?

  She did not intend to stand by and learn firsthand. Kate handed Ellie to Isabelle. She was about to rush forward and fight the canvas off Conner, but the tent began to move and she stopped. The center slowly rose upward and steadied.

  She sucked in life-giving air.

  A cheer rose as Conner emerged. His hair stuck out every which way. Dirt and sweat streaked his face. He grinned and waved at the crowd, dusted himself off, then looked at Kate. It might have been her imagination that she saw welcome and relief in his gaze. Had he been in trouble for those few tense moments? She took a step forward, needing to touch him, reassure herself he was fine.

  Behind her, Grandfather Marshall roared with laughter.

  Conner shifted his gaze to him. “Why do I get the feeling you are enjoying this far more than you should?”

  Grandfather gasped for air. He choked out his words. “It was like watching a badger dig a hole.” He laughed some more.

  Soon those assembled joined in the merriment.

  Kate reached Conner’s side, touched his arm. “Are you okay?” she murmured, wondering if the noise from the crowd would drown out her words.

  He pressed his hand to hers. “I’m fine now.”

  She let herself read welcome and so much more in his gaze, smiled back her own welcome, and then people pressed in close. She stepped aside, satisfied things were right.

  Everything, that was, except her own foolish thoughts, which had gone seriously astray.

  The men grabbed poles, ropes and stakes and soon had the tent up amid much shouting and laughing and grunting.

  While they worked, Annie and a handful of others helped volunteers choose spots for the various booths.

  “Kate, come see.” She turned at Conner’s call. He stood at the doorway to the tent and she joined him. They stepped inside. The interior had an unusual yellowish light. An odd smell filled her nostrils. She sniffed, trying to think of a way to describe it. Not quite musty. It had a definite masculine feel to it. In the future, she would always associate the scent with this day.

  Conner pointed from one place to another, indicating where different displays would be. As he spoke, men trundled in with sawhorses and planks and set up tables.

  “Let’s put out the signs.” Conner caught her hand and drew her out into the warm sunshine. He located the box of signs. “Do we have a plan as to where they should go?”

  “I hadn’t thought of it, but should the culinary entries be clustered together and the sewing entries in another group?” she asked.

  “That sounds reasonable.”

  They could have each taken a handful of signs and placed them separately, but they worked as a team.

  It was lunchtime before the interior of the tent was arranged to their liking and they stepped outside. The grounds had been transformed with many booths. Someone had thought to arrange flowers and greenery around the booths and in front of the tent.

  Excitement filled Kate and she reached for Conner’s hand. “It looks wonderful. Better than I dreamed.”

  He squeezed her hand and pressed his shoulder to hers. “Many hands make light work, as my ma used to say.”

  “It certainly does.” For the first time she could remember, she felt part of a community. She would miss it when she left.

  Nonsense, she told herself firmly. What tighter-knit community could she expect to find than medical students at college?

  Annie called them over. “We’re stopping for dinner.”

  “I’ll have to go get my pies.”

  “I’ll go with you.” Conner helped her to the seat of the Marshall wagon and they trundled across the field and down the street to the doctor’s house.

  Kate let out a gust of air when she saw no one waited to see her father. “Maybe he’ll be able to enjoy the day.”

  In a few minutes, they were on their way back to the busy fairgrounds with three pies.

  Conner eyed them. “Are you going to enter in the fair?”

  “I kept one back for that very purpose.”

  “What kind?”

  “I can’t tell you. I might be accused of seeking special favor from you.”

  “I decided to judge the cookie entries so I wouldn’t be prejudiced for either you or Annie.”

  “I’m sure that will be a real hardship.” She kept her face expressionless.

  He chuckled. “I might favor the ginger cookies if anyone enters them.”

 
; They looked at each other. Did he remember the afternoon he had ginger cookies with her and the Harper children? They had shared so many special moments. She was going to cherish each for the rest of her life. Again she scolded herself. Soon enough she would have other things to fill her mind. Studies, new friends, tests and city life. When did city life begin to feel so barren and lonely to her?

  By the time they returned to the fairgrounds, a large table had been set up and a bounty of food put out and she firmly dismissed her doubts and questions.

  Conner went immediately to Isabelle to get Ellie.

  Kate’s smile stirred the depths of her heart as she watched the affection between the two. They deserved to have a future together. She swallowed hard. Even if it didn’t include her? But of course it wouldn’t include her. Why had the idea even voiced itself?

  She struggled to control her breathing, but her air caught partway up her throat and she coughed a little. Grammie. I have to remember Grammie and the future she saw for me. God’s gift to me.

  Grandfather waved at the crowd to gather round, then struggled to his feet to offer a prayer of thanks.

  She kept her head bowed a heartbeat after his amen. Please, God, give me strength and wisdom to keep my word and honor You with my choices. That meant going to medical school as had been planned.

  Conner stayed at Kate’s side as they joined the others filing past the table to get food, Ellie perched in his arms. He had his hands full, so Kate carried two plates and chose food for both.

  “You sure you can eat all this?” She pretended to be doubtful about the amount of food he wanted her to take for him. “It’s enough to feed a small family.” She paused for emphasis. “And a couple of hired men.”

  He considered the pile of food on his plate. “I suppose it will have to do, but please don’t complain if my stomach rumbles in a couple of hours.”

  She laughed. “I don’t know whether or not to believe you.”

  “You’ll soon enough know, won’t you?”

  The way he looked at her left her feeling as if several butterflies flitted about inside her.

  They found a grassy spot a little distance away and Conner indicated they should sit. He laid Ellie on a blanket and edged close to Kate. She caught the scent of the canvas tent mingled with the aroma of fried chicken, potato salad and all the good things offered by this day. No wait, she only meant the things offered by the potluck meal.

  They were about ready to go back for dessert when Mrs. Abernathy appeared before them with a couple at her side. “I’d like you to meet my brother and his wife. Barry Publisher and Joanne.” The man held a banjo, the woman, an accordion.

  “We’d like to play for you so you know what to expect tomorrow,” Barry said, and without further ado, he and his wife began to play a lively tune. Soon the assembled crowd clapped in time to the music. When the pair finished, people cheered and applauded.

  Barry and his wife continued to entertain as they strolled among the people.

  Conner spoke close to Kate’s ear. “They’re good. Their music is going to add a wonderful touch to the day’s festivities.” His breath fanned across her cheek, disturbing a strand of hair. She was about to tuck it behind her ear when he caught it and drew his finger along her cheek.

  His touch sent a flurry of tremors through her. Filled her heart with a suffocating longing. Her throat tightened as she leaned toward him. “Conner.” His name was a whisper on her lips.

  “Kate.” His fingers lingered on her cheek, making it impossible to be rational.

  Barry and his wife began to sing a slow, sweet ballad. A love song. The words and music carried Kate on their wings.

  “What do you think of them?” Mrs. Abernathy had returned to their sides.

  Kate jerked back.

  Conner dropped his hand and turned away. It was he who answered as Kate could not find her voice.

  “They’re wonderful. I just told Kate that they would add a lot to the day.”

  “I’m glad.” She moved away, seemingly unaware of the tender moment she had interrupted.

  Kate could not believe how foolishly she had acted…in public, of all things. She hurried to her feet, ashamed of her weakness. “Are you coming for dessert?”

  He joined her. “I wouldn’t miss your pie for anything.” He signaled Beth to watch Ellie, then he followed Kate back to the food-laden table.

  Just her pie? Would he miss her when she left? Kate, stop this silly way of thinking. You’ll go to St. Louis and get immersed in your studies. He’ll stay here. Give Ellie a good home and perhaps marry Thelma.

  She glanced back at Ellie. The baby played happily with Beth. Ellie would always be surrounded by the Marshall family.

  Kate did not, she informed herself, feel like a spectator. A lonely spectator.

  *

  Conner chose three slices of pie, all of which he knew Kate made. What would he do when she left? No one baked pies as tasty as hers. And if he failed to convince himself that was the only reason he would miss her, he refused to acknowledge it.

  What if Thelma didn’t come back? Could he persuade Kate to stay? Her affection for Ellie was obvious and he let himself believe she held some sweet regard for him as well. The way her eyes darkened when he touched her cheek, the way she leaned toward him, the way she caught his hand when she was worried. And hadn’t she been the only one who expressed any concern for his well-being when he was stuck under the tent?

  All of which changed nothing. Hadn’t she just this morning reminded him she would soon be leaving? How long would it take for her to get the response she waited for from the medical school?

  They returned to their spot to enjoy the pie.

  “Can I take Ellie?” Beth said. “The children are playing over there. She likes watching them.”

  “Go head, and thanks.” He had the rest of the day to enjoy Kate’s company. He would not let uncertainty about the future steal from today’s pleasure.

  She ate the narrow slice of peach pie she’d chosen and leaned back to watch him.

  He paused in his eating. “You don’t know what you’re missing.”

  “I’m well aware of how those pies taste.”

  He enjoyed another mouthful. “You don’t eat enough to keep a sparrow alive.”

  She eyed his plate. “I’d say you could feed a huge flock of sparrows, crows, blackbirds and pigeons combined with what you eat.”

  Her reply tickled him and he roared with laughter. “Are you saying I am personally responsible for starving several hundred birds?”

  “I’m only making an observation.”

  They teased back and forth. Likely anyone overhearing them would wonder at their conversation, but then they wouldn’t feel the underlying theme of their words. That they simply enjoyed being with each other, though he couldn’t really speak for her. But he was willing to believe it was so.

  He grinned at something she said. Had he ever felt this same enjoyment with any other woman? Certainly not with Thelma nor the occasional outings he’d had since.

  Thelma. Always the thought of her quelled his enjoyment.

  His plate was empty. One of the young girls sauntered past, collecting the used dishes, and took away his plate and Kate’s.

  “I suppose we should get back to work.” Reluctantly he got to his feet and held out a hand to assist Kate. He retained his grasp on her hand as they returned to the tent. Once inside, he had to release her so they could attend to the tasks they had yet to do.

  The afternoon sped past as they dealt with judging forms, let people know where to put things and gave various directions.

  Finally, everything was ready for the morrow and they stood in the middle of the clearing. Grandfather had declared himself tired an hour ago and the Marshall family had departed, taking Ellie with them. The volunteers had completed their tasks and gone home.

  Only Conner and Kate remained.

  “We’re ready,” he said, pulling her arm through his and pressing i
t to his side. “How does it feel to know we did it?”

  “Conner, to tell you the truth, I will feel a little more jubilant tomorrow when it’s all over and Grandfather expresses his approval.”

  Conner shrugged. “I’m confident we’ll raise more than enough to buy the bell.” Grandfather had said that wasn’t his only reason for having them work together. But even an old man’s scheming and hoping did not change the facts. Would anything? How would he know if he didn’t ask? “Kate, aren’t you going to miss all this when you leave?” He circled his hand to indicate the fairgrounds and the town beyond and brought his hand to rest on his chest.

  Aren’t you going to miss me?

  But the aching cry did not leave his chest.

  *

  Miss this? If only he knew how often she’d thought that. How she’d miss the closeness of the small community, the cheerfulness of the large Marshall family and—

  She swallowed hard, almost unable to admit the ache that sucked at her until she wondered if she was able to continue standing.

  She’d miss Ellie, who would have her real mother back.

  She’d miss Conner, who would feel bound to make a new family. Even if he didn’t speak the words, she knew he would do anything to protect Ellie and keep her as his own.

  Unable to answer him honestly, she turned full circle, taking in the tent, the booths, the decorations, the pens for the animals and an area for games. She could count on one delicious day to enjoy being simply Kate Baker. Not the doctor’s daughter or his assistant or even the future Dr. K. Baker. She brought her gaze back to Conner, who watched her with a gentle expression.

  “I think I am beginning to get a little excited. I’ve never been to a country fair.” A troubling thought ended her happy anticipation. So many things could go wrong. Accidents, storms… Please, God, don’t let anything ruin tomorrow.

  “Your forehead just wrinkled.” He stroked at the furrows, bringing a rush of longing that they could enjoy moments like it for many days…years? Even a lifetime.

  “What are you worrying about?” He leaned closer, close enough she could see the sunshine captured in his eyes. “Maybe you’re wanting to change your mind about St. Louis.” His breath whispered across her cheeks. How had he guessed at her thoughts?