Before the Larkspur Blooms

by Caroline Fyffe - Prairie Hearts Series 02 - Before the Larkspur Blooms

  “Hush, you hairy beast!” Mrs. Hollyhock scolded, stomping out of the inn to grab the dog by the collar. She shook her finger in his face. Turning, her eyes lit with pleasure and her lips tipped up.

  “Jessie! Gabe! Sarah! Oh, and little Shane, too.”

  Jessie held them back.

  “Come in, come in,” she said, looking around expectantly. “Where’s that husband of yours, Jessie? He run off yet?” Mrs. Hollyhock muscled the animal back, which, now up closer, Jessie saw was old and gray. Eyes a bit rheumy. They tromped up the stairs and went inside. Truth be told, the older woman loved Chase almost as much as Jessie did, but she’d never admit to such a thing. The table was set and dinner simmered on the old woodstove, filling the room with a hearty goodness. Gabe discreetly set the cake on the table.

  “Whose dog is that?” Sarah asked, inching toward the animal standing in the doorway. His tail wagged back and forth as if waiting for an invitation to enter. “Look, Mommy!” she added, the smile in her voice infectious. “He’s grinning at me.”

  “Ivan belongs ta my new houseguest, Thom Donovan. It was his ma and pa’s out at the old ranch.”

  Gabe nodded. “That’s right. I’ve seen that dog around a time or two, now that you mention it. Twice running through the meadow past town.”

  “Thom said that’s ’cause Hannah took him home a couple o’ times after Katherine—God rest her soul—passed on. Wanted to give ’im a home. Keep ’im fed. But the beast kept runnin’ back to the ranch. Sort of makes my heart hurt if I think about it too long.”

  “Can I pet him?” Sarah loved animals. Any animal, it didn’t matter.

  “Go on—he won’t bite you.”

  Everyone turned at the deep voice that came from just outside on the porch. The man came up to the doorway, and the dog sat by his feet. “Don’t be shy. Ivan likes little girls.”

  Emboldened, Sarah went forward and rubbed the animal on the head, looking back at Jessie. “He’s nice.” Shane reached out his arms wanting to go to the dog, but Jessie held him close.

  Maude hadn’t exaggerated. Thom Donovan was incredibly handsome, with his thick, wavy brown hair and piercing toffee-colored eyes. Jessie felt her cheeks heat up, and she glanced away. She hoped her discomfort wouldn’t be noticeable to anyone else. There was indecision written in his eyes.

  “Thom,” Mrs. Hollyhock said. “Come on in and meet some of Logan Meadow’s finest citizens.”

  “I’d like to, Violet, but I’m not fit for company. Been working in the sun, then cleaning stalls.”

  He leaned in the door and looked at the old grandmother clock hanging above the fireplace. “I have exactly fifteen minutes to get a quick bath and get back here before suppertime.” He gave Mrs. Hollyhock a wink. “I don’t want to make my hostess angry.”

  Sarah ran her hand down the dog’s back and came around Thom, already completely comfortable in Thom’s presence. She looked over at the table set for supper. “Who’s coming to dinner, Grammy?”

  Sarah was putting her math skills to good use, but Jessie wished she hadn’t asked Violet that question now.

  The smile slid from Mrs. Hollyhock’s face. “It’s just Thom and me, honeybee.”

  “But you and him”—she pointed with her chin—“make two. I count three plates. See?” She ran over to the table and proudly counted aloud for everyone to hear.

  Mrs. Hollyhock looked bemused for a moment, then went over and rested her gnarled hands on Sarah’s shoulders. “Well,” she began. “The third plate is for my boy. Remember I told ya one time that he went away but I think he’s comin’ back? Well, if I’m right and he does, I want him to feel welcome. I want him to know I’ve missed havin’ ’im here with me.” Her voice nearly cracked. “What’s this?” she asked, looking at the cake. Jessie was sure it was her way of changing the subject.

  “Your birthday present,” Jessie said quickly. She blinked away the moisture that had gathered in her eyes. “From all of us. I’m sorry it’s late.”

  “Oh, honey. You shouldn’t have gone ta all that trouble for me. I mean that.”

  “Happy birthday,” Gabe added, taking the cover off the keep so she could see it.

  “Would you just look at that? It’s the finest cake I ever did see. Would you all like a piece?”

  “No,” Jessie said. “It’s for you. And Thom. We have to get home and get supper on the stove for Chase.”

  Thom was backing away. She had only a few moments to extend their invitation. Shane was squirming in her arms and he was going to erupt at any time. “Mr. Donovan,” she began. “My husband and I would like to invite you out to the ranch for a picnic after church this Sunday. You, too, Violet. It’s been much too long since we’ve spent the day under the cottonwoods.”

  Thom’s foot rested on the second step, the large black-and-tan dog by his side. He glanced around at all the faces, coming back to hers.

  “You’re welcome to bring Ivan,” Jessie added.

  “I’d like that very much, thank you, Mrs. Logan.”

  “It’s Jessie. You can call me that.”

  His concerned glance at Mrs. Hollyhock only endeared him to her even more. “You’ll show me the way?”

  “Of course,” Mrs. Hollyhock said.

  Thom nodded. “Fine. I’ll get the buggy from Win.”

  After supper Thom lay on his bed, the letter addressed to his mother sitting beside him. Poor Mrs. Hollyhock. Her pain was so evident. All this time, waiting for her son to come home. Not knowing where he was. If he was dead or alive. Is that what I put you through, Ma? he thought with shame.

  Ivan, next to his bed, heaved a long sigh and collapsed to his side. Thom picked up the post a third time and looked at it. The return address was from Shannon O’Hays, his mother’s cousin. He opened it.

  My dearest Katherine, it began. I think of you often. If only we didn’t have this wide ocean between us. Remember when we were wee girls and planned to marry a set of handsome brothers? Live side by side. Raise our children together. Share Sunday suppers and rock each other’s grandbabies. It’s been so long since I’ve heard from you. I know it must be hard now with Loughlan gone and worrying over Thom. I can’t complain too much, though. I haven’t written often enough either. The rheumatism in my hand makes holding a quill very difficult.

  My daughter Maggie has completed her studies in Dublin. If you remember, she and Thom were born on the same blessed day. Times are changing so fast. You and I would never have considered leaving our homes as Maggie did, to further her education. She’s a sassy one, to be sure. And much braver than I’ve ever been. And she’s a bit too determined for her own good. I fear there isn’t a man here, or in America, bold enough to take her on.

  Thom threw his arm over his eyes, remembering how animated his mother would become whenever she’d remind him about his Irish-born female cousin and the fact they shared the same birthday.

  Thom forced himself to read on, ignoring the pit of loss that burned in his belly.

  Well, I must go now. There are chores to be done. Write me when you are able. Always know you and yours are in my daily prayers.

  Your loving cousin, Shannon

  Thom folded the correspondence and carefully tucked it back into the envelope. His mother had had dreams of her own. Young. In love. Ready to set the world on fire. He let the envelope fall to his side, suddenly aware of something he’d never considered. He did have family. Family besides his sister Anne Marie. Ireland. Of course, he had Hannah, too, and Markus, in his heart. What more could a man want?

  CHAPTER TWENTY

  Albert reclined in his chair as Chase paced back and forth in front of the sheriff’s desk, feeling like a caged mountain lion. Rustlers, again! His spread and the neighboring ranch. Despite the extra men he’d hired on.

  “What is it exactly you want me to do, Chase? It’s Saturday. Town’s busier than I’ve seen it for a long time. I can’t go door to door looking for a smoking branding iron. I promise you, I’m on it. We’ll
catch ’em. But these things take time.”

  Chase stopped at the window and stared at the livery across the street. Albert was right. Five unidentifiable horsemen sat their mounts outside Win’s and he had no idea who any of them were. Some could be citizens of New Meringue, here for the announcement this evening. Choosing Logan Meadows for the important proclamation had to be an indicator the railroad was coming here. The Union Pacific was only fifty miles away.

  “They got our best bull, Albert,” Chase said as he turned. Anger built inside until he had to squelch the urge to shout. “Last year we went without to be able to afford him. Gave it plenty of thought before spending that kind of money on one animal. And it’s not only me. Other ranchers around here can’t afford to lose any more cattle either.”

  Dwight strode through the door and stopped. “Chase, you in town for the meeting?”

  “Partly.”

  Albert leaned forward. “Rustlers hit his ranch for the second time last night. As well as the Cotton Ranch.”

  Dwight’s brows dropped in concern. Going to the potbellied stove on the far wall, he poured himself a cup of coffee. “How bad?”

  Chase glowered. “Bad enough. One steer is too many.”

  “I agree.” Dwight sat in a chair and propped his boots on a gunnysack he’d filled with rocks to serve as a footstool. “Have any idea how many? Two, six, more?”

  Damn the brazen deputy, sitting here questioning him. He should have the answers. “Looked like two riders from the tracks we found.”

  “What direction did they go?”

  “You’re just full of questions, aren’t you? Why don’t you ride out there and check for yourself. That’s your job, isn’t it?”

  “Chase,” Albert interrupted. “Don’t take your frustrations out on us. I just spent three days combing the territory without finding a clue. It’s never easy to catch rustlers. And these men are smart. The minute you get close, they clear out.”

  Chase checked his temper. “We followed their tracks to the high country but lost them in the sandy loam. Rain all but cleared them out. Have two men still out looking, but that’s all I can spare. Can’t leave the herd unprotected.”

  “I guess not, with all the land you own.”

  Chase turned on Dwight. “What the hell are you talking about? No one handed me that ranch—I worked for it!”

  “Ain’t what I heard. I thought the banker got it for you.”

  Albert stood. “Dwight. That mouth of yours is going to get you killed someday.”

  Chase put his hand on the doorknob, but turned and leveled a piercing look at the deputy. “I don’t care what you think, Dwight.” His voice was low, dangerous. “Your opinion is about as important as a beetle peeing in a rat hole. For the life of me, I can’t figure out why Albert keeps you on.”

  Dwight jumped up, spilling his coffee down the front of his shirt. “Shoot!” His face scrunched in pain as he haphazardly wiped at the brown blotch marring his pressed white shirt. Coffee dripped to the floor. “Look what you made me do!”

  Chase opened the door and walked out.

  At the festival grounds, Hannah slipped into the second row of seats, taking the chair Jessie had saved for her. Paper lanterns hung from the trees and swayed in the breeze. She nodded to Chase, sitting on the other side of his wife. Excitement reverberated through everyone, as the all-important announcement would come any moment.

  Jessie leaned over. “How was your lunch crowd today?”

  Hannah hadn’t had to say anything to her friend for Jessie to figure out what had been on her mind. “Pretty busy. We even ran out of one of our specials.” It was impossible to keep back the smile of relief she felt coming on. “Now, if it could just keep going in that direction.”

  Jessie patted her leg. “It will. Now with the railroad coming through.”

  Hannah pulled her shawl more snugly around her shoulders. Mr. Peabody stood behind the stage talking with her uncle Frank and Sheriff Preston. She surreptitiously glanced about, looking for Thom. Nell Page was a few rows back, sitting with her brother, Seth. Maude was there, as was Win. Brenna Lane was all the way in the back, sitting alone. Penny must be home watching her siblings. And there were a host of faces Hannah had never seen before. The El Dorado Hotel must be as busy as she’d been today at the Silky Hen.

  She nudged Jessie. “Where are the children?”

  “With Mrs. Hollyhock. Markus?”

  “Home with mom,” Hannah replied, spotting Dwight at the forefront of the gathering. He caught her eye and smiled.

  Jessie turned to her as if to say something and stopped.

  “What?”

  Jessie looked torn. “Oh, it’s nothing.”

  “Come on, spit it out.”

  Her friend’s brows drew down even as she tried to smile. “I’m sorry for snapping when you asked about Sarah going to school and then rushing out. I guess I was just tired. Had a lot on my mind.”

  She’d noticed Jessie’s preoccupation the past few weeks and wondered if she was telling her everything. Keeping Sarah home another year would break the child’s heart. “You don’t have to apologize to me. You know that, Jessie. But if there is anything I can do for you, concerning anything at all, just let me know.”

  A real smile returned to Jessie’s face. “Thank you. I’ll remember that. By the way, how are things with your mother? I wanted to ask you about that on Tuesday, but I completely forgot.”

  “About the same, I guess. I am grateful for her help with Markus. I don’t know what I’d do if she didn’t look after him for me. I just wish she wouldn’t try to run my life so much. You know, pushing Dwight at me all the time.” And criticizing Thom. “I’m sure we’ll work it out.” What if her mother were more independent? Had a social life other than gossiping? Everyone needed a purpose in life. Right now, her mother’s entire world revolved around her daughter and grandson. It had taken every bit of Hannah’s willpower not to lose her temper about purchasing the fabric for the Christmas dress. Thank goodness Roberta had finally listened to reason, telling Maude to sell it to someone else if possible.

  Jessie pointed. “Look. Mr. Peabody is taking the stage.”

  “Good evening, one and all!” Mr. Peabody’s face lit up the stage. He did not look nervous as he had the last time he’d been there. “There is much excitement in the air tonight. And rightly so.” He swept his arm wide. “As you know, the Union Pacific is only fifty short miles away. On my last visit, I stated the railroad would be making their decision in a few more months. Well, I’ll bet you can guess by this meeting here tonight that that schedule has changed. The decision is final. Work on the rails begins tomorrow, and Logan Meadows is the winner. It won’t be long before you have a train through your town once a week!”

  Cheers went up and some boos and hisses. A few people tossed their hats into the air or clapped their hands. Hannah blushed when Chase threw his arm around Jessie and kissed her square on the mouth. What a relief! Hannah glanced over her shoulder, looking for Thom. She needed to share this wonderful news with him. Mr. Peabody held up his hands for quiet. “That does not mean the Union Pacific has waived the conditions it has asked of you. Those still hold. The railroad is ahead of schedule. Waiting a few months until you complete the enlargement of your school and add more services is not an option. The plan is to construct a depot just west of these festival grounds, approximately a quarter mile away. Union Pacific engineers will start on that this coming week. Congratulations, Logan Meadows!”

  Frank, smiling from ear to ear, signaled the waiting quartet, and lively music soon filled the air.

  Compelled to glance to her left, Hannah spotted Thom as he ambled in from the dark and leaned against a secluded tree, well away from curious eyes. He looked beat. Smudges of grime spotted his trousers and shirt. He took the kerchief from around his neck and discreetly swabbed his face.

  He worked so hard. If he wasn’t at the livery cleaning stalls, helping Win shoe horses, or out in the fields cu
tting hay, he was on top of some roof hammering on shingles in the broiling sun.

  Jessie nudged her side. “There’s Thom. You know he’s coming to the picnic tomorrow, too, out at the ranch?”

  “Yes.” Was she only setting herself up for more heartache? Since talking with him at the cemetery, she’d not seen hide nor hair of him anywhere around town. Not even up on the roof of the mercantile. She’d been in the store a few times but hadn’t had the nerve to ask Maude if he’d completed the job. Was he avoiding her on purpose? “I remember. I just wish I knew what he was thinking.”

  Jessie put her arm around her shoulder. “He’s just settling in, Hannah,” she whispered into her ear. “Give him some time to—”

  Hannah looked back around at Thom when Jessie’s eyes went wide. Brenna Lane was at his side, offering him a glass of punch she had gotten at the refreshment tables. Hannah watched in grim fascination as Thom tipped his hat, took the drink, and drank it until it was gone.

  “This means nothing,” Jessie whispered quickly. “Brenna’s just being kind.”

  Now that Mr. Peabody had made his announcement, everyone was getting up, talking, and milling around. Chase stood and waited for Jessie. It was amazing how Brenna’s simple little gesture of offering Thom a glass of punch sliced to the quick. She chanced another peek as they talked, two outcasts finding solace with each other.

  She hadn’t known she’d made a noise until Jessie took her by her shoulders and gave her a good shake. “Stop this right now. Get a hold of yourself. Paste a pretty smile on your face and push out your chest.” She glowered into Hannah’s eyes. “Chin up.”

  “Jessie?” Chase was waiting, hat in hand. “I need to get back to the ranch.”

  “Give me one second, Chase. Hannah and I are just going over details for—the picnic.”

  His eyes took on a look of amused wonder. “You gals go right ahead with that important business. I’ll be over at the food tables.”

  “Men!” Jessie watched Chase walk away. “They are so easily satisfied.” She took Hannah by her hand and hauled her to her feet.