Ranch Life is Great

by Malone, Misty

  "What do you mean?"

  "You ate very little for both meals." He hesitated, but pushed forward, with a sad expression. "Was it because of your spanking? Did that cause you to lose your appetite?"

  There was no way Elsie was going to let Cade worry about hurting her. "No. No, my spanking had nothing to do with it."

  "Then what? Were you not feeling well?"

  "I wasn't, but it's nothing to worry about. In fact, I think it's something wonderful."

  "How can you not feeling like eating be wonderful?"

  "Because, husband, I think I may be with child."

  He pulled the wagon over and stopped. Turning to her, she saw the big smile on his face. "We're going to have our first baby? I love you, wife, and our little one." He took her in his arms and hugged her, very gently, as if he was afraid she'd break, but very passionately at the same time. She chuckled as she realized he's the only person she knew who could do such a thing. Before she could do anything to control them, tears were running down her cheeks.

  He pulled back. "I'm sorry, did I hug too hard? I'm sorry."

  "No, you hugged me perfectly," she insisted. "These are happy tears. I'm amazed at how you can be so passionate, and yet so gentle at the same time. I love you, and I can't wait for us to have a little baby to love and raise. I hope it's a boy and he's just like his papa."

  He kissed her. "And I hope it's a pretty little girl who's just like her sweet mama." After another gentle hug and a few more minutes of talking, he started back home, with her hand tucked safely into his own. "You should have told me while we were in town. We could have gone to see Doc Wallace."

  "I think it's still awfully early. We'll have plenty of time to see him."

  "We'll go back to town tomorrow. I want to be sure you're all right." She grinned, thinking back to her conversation with Maria.

  Once they got an affirmation from the doctor and were assured she was doing fine, Cade told everyone he saw about the upcoming baby. She still worked with the animals, although she had to have the doctor convince Cade it would be okay. He now allowed it, but warned her daily to be careful. She smiled every morning when he reminded her, knowing he was just concerned and watching out for her. It was a pretty good feeling, she had to admit.

  * * *

  Sheriff Fitch was surprised one day to see Charles Fleming, his old partner when he worked for the Pinkerton agency, show up at his office. "It's sure good to see you, Daniel," Charles said. "Has this town been keeping you busy? And happy? Have you found you a good woman yet?"

  Sheriff Fitch laughed at his old partner's antics. "It's keeping me plenty busy, and I'm very happy. How about you?"

  "I noticed you didn't answer the last question. Keep looking. You'll find her, I'm sure."

  "So how have you been, and what brings you here, Daniel?"

  "I've been good. I'm here to answer your questions. When you sent that letter to the Pinkerton office, the boss looked into a little bit and decided there was something there worth looking into. He showed me the letter and asked if I was interested in looking into it for you. I said hell, yes, and got busy. It took some time, and got a little deeper than we'd expected, but we cracked the case."

  "Good. What did you find out about Max Harper? I never met the man, but the more I learned about him, the less I thought of him."

  "I'm glad you sent that letter. Max Harper should have been in jail a long time ago. He's a loan shark who charges outrageous interest. He gets people to put up their house or something big, then makes sure the loan never gets paid off. He takes the house and sells it for a nice tidy profit."

  "That's terrible," Sheriff Fitch said. "We couldn't figure out what Ralph Wilson borrowed a large chunk of money for at first. It turns out he was being blackmailed in a way, and had to get his hands on some cash quick, and Mr. Harper was the only way to do that. But when I saw those loan papers, I knew Max Harper needed to be looked into. No one who's honest loans money with terms like those. What did you mean, though, when you said he makes sure the loan never gets paid off?"

  "Exactly that. He had a group of men working for him, who basically did his dirty work. If a man was paying his payments on time, he'd often send a couple of his men out to do something to interfere with the man's business for a few months so he was unable to make his payment, or at the least, paid it late. Once he added on the late charge and upped the interest even higher, which was all according to the terms of the loan, he'd end up being late on a couple more payments, as well, which just kept adding on more and more. He'd keep paying high payments the rest of his life, and when he died, Mr. Harper would take the house, even after all the payments that had been made. We found one case where a man paid him back twice what the original loan was, and when he died, Mr. Harper still took his house."

  The sheriff was shaking his head in disbelief. "You're right. He needed to be put in jail a long time ago." He thought a few moments, but something wasn't making sense. "But what about Ralph Wilson? I don't remember anyone ever doing anything to interfere with his business. Did I miss something?"

  "No, but that's why I'm here. I wanted to explain to you in person what happened. When we found out what was going on, we started collecting evidence, and arrested a few of the men who worked for him. Once they were arrested, several of them were willing to talk to us. As soon as we mentioned Sherman, Wyoming, a couple of them laughed and told us that Sherman is where that fiasco happened that got a couple of his men fired. We found out being fired by Max Harper means being killed."

  "I'm kind of surprised they were so willing to talk to you about him," the sheriff said

  "Well, these two weren't two of the smartest men around, which wasn't too surprising. We found that Mr. Harper seemed to like that kind; not too smart so they wouldn't figure things out on their own. That way he could count on them doing exactly what he told them to do, without them asking questions."

  "I guess that makes some sense."

  "Well, according to them, Max wasn't too worried about Wilson at first. He figured he was starting a new store in Sherman, which already had one general store, so he figured he wouldn't be able to make the payments for long. Then he kind of forgot about him since he wasn't local. When he realized he'd been making all his payments, he had to do something to get his hands on the store, which he'd put up as collateral. Mr. Harper had some bad information, and he thought his son, Theodore, was younger and may be helping at the store, but that Ralph would be running the store. So he sent these two goons to kill the shopkeeper, thinking that would be Ralph. He figured Ralph probably had a will that would give the store to his son, but if he was shot before the loan was paid off, the store would go to Max instead of the son."

  Sheriff Fitch was putting two and two together, and shaking his head sadly. "And the two less than brilliant souls he sent to do that job shot the wrong store owners?"

  "Exactly. They went back and reported the job had been done, as he'd asked. So he sent word to his attorney, Robert Henderson. He sent a telegram to the attorney closer to Sherman, who was to handle the transfer."

  "Mr. Dempsey," Sheriff Fitch provided.

  "Right. But when Mr. Dempsey made a trip to Sherman to get the proceedings started, he was surprised to hear both Mr. Wilsons were still alive. He did some checking and found out they'd killed the other storeowners. He went back home and sent a telegram to Mr. Harper."

  "I'll bet he was happy."

  "He fired those two, which as I've said, means he had them killed. He then tried to hire someone else to do the job. I'm guessing he didn't want to use any of his men this time, probably because he now realized they weren't the brightest people and may not be the best choice for this job. But, by that time, it was too late to get someone else out there quick enough to do the job right before the loan was paid off."

  "A break for Ralph."

  "Yes. Mr. Dempsey had reported Ralph didn't go to the store often now, though, because of illness, so Mr. Harper decided to simply wait unti
l he died, then claim the loan hadn't been satisfied yet. He tried, and if it wouldn't have been for a sharp sheriff who got involved, he probably would have gotten away with it."

  Sheriff Fitch chuckled, but his old partner saw his face blush. "So what's the status of everyone involved now?"

  "Max Harper is in jail, awaiting trial. He didn't kill anyone directly that we know of, but he ordered his men to kill several. We've arrested four of his men who we've been able to get some evidence on. Although we're still looking into them, the rest will probably walk because we don't have any proof, but at least they won't be working for Harper any more."

  "That's good, at least."

  "Robert Henderson was arrested for money laundering and extortion. As far as we can tell, Mr. Dempsey wasn't really part of Harper's operation. He was simply an attorney hired to oversee this one transaction. When he found out shop owners had been killed, he put two and two together, and told Mr. Henderson he would no longer be available to handle cases for them in the area. Mr. Harper threatened him, so he agreed to see this case through."

  "Out of fear?"

  "Exactly. I'm not real sure what's going to happen to him. I don't think anything actually will, because he didn't do anything below the law, other than associate with Harper in the first place, and he tried to end that once he knew what kind of man he really is."

  "That's true. He seemed legitimate and polite enough." He took several moments to think about all this information he'd been given. "Thank you for looking into him for me."

  "Oh, you're welcome. Thank you for bringing him to our attention. I thought maybe I better come tell you this story in person because it's rather involved. I thought you might have some questions. Besides, I had some time coming, and I thought it'd be good to come see how you're doing." The two men spent the rest of the afternoon discussing this case and reminiscing.

  As afternoon turned to evening, Sheriff Fitch told Charles what had happened there, and that everyone assumed Ralph shot the Wintocks. "I need to let all of them know the truth. I think they'll all be happy to know Ralph didn't do it after all."

  "I'll be happy to help you explain it if you want," Charles offered. Sheriff Fitch took him up on his offer, and the two of them went first to talk to Theodore, who was visibly relieved, and happy to hear his father hadn't shot the Wintocks.

  They went next to see Cade and Elsie and explained the whole story to them. "I'm very glad to hear it wasn't Ralph," Elsie said. "It won't bring mama and papa back, but I'm sure it's a big relief to Theodore. Now we don't have to worry about it getting out and people treating him badly. I'm also glad to know it wasn't someone who knew my parents. That bothered me; knowing someone who knew them could do that to them."

  "It bothered me, as well, Miss Elsie," the sheriff said, "because everyone who knew them loved them. This makes a lot more sense to me. It was a senseless act, but the story makes more sense."

  "I agree."

  "Thank you for coming out to tell us the truth, Dan," Cade said, shaking both men's hands.

  Cade and Elsie talked a few minutes, and Cade could tell Elsie felt more at ease. She surprised him when she brought up something that had been on his mind the last couple of days. "We need to talk to Harold and Loretta, Cade. I'm ready to sell them the store now."

  He studied her face a moment and could tell she was at peace with the decision. "Why now?"

  "I should have done it when we thought Ralph killed my parents, but it just didn't feel right. I wasn't ready yet. I'm not sure why I feel different now, but I do. Now I know who did it, and it wasn't anyone who knew them. I'm not sure why that makes a difference, but it does. Now I'm ready to sell the store to them, and let them start making memories with their family in their own home."

  "We'll go talk to them about it tomorrow. I'm proud of you, honey." Cade leaned down to kiss her, and show her how proud he was.

  * * *

  Cade and Elsie went to town the next day to get supplies, and while they visited with Harold and Loretta, they told them the story, not mentioning Ralph at all, or the rumor or the rock through the window. She told them she was ready to sell the store now. They quickly came to terms, as she wasn't really very interested in the money. Harold and Loretta were thrilled, and thanked her numerous times.

  Next, they stopped in to talk to Theodore, and noticed he seemed to have a spring in his step. They told him how happy they were to hear what actually happened, and told him they shared the news with the Stones, but didn't mention Ralph at all.

  Ralph thanked the two of them, happy that they had become friends by now. He also congratulated them on the news he'd heard of the upcoming new arrival.

  Things settled down into a routine after that. As Elsie's belly grew, so did the excitement around the ranch. Even the ranch hands were watching out for her as she helped the injured animals. As she got bigger, she spent a little less time in the barn, which was good with Cade, who was concerned that one of the animals would squish her and the baby against a wall without meaning to.

  The last couple of months she agreed to let one of the hands work with the heifers and colts. She stuck to the small calves and newborn foals.

  When the big day finally arrived, it was mayhem. She told Cade she thought it was time. Cade sent one of the men into Sherman on the run to fetch Doc Wallace and Loretta, who had agreed to come out to help and be with her best friend. Maria helped her into bed, and she and Cade tried to keep her as comfortable as possible until Doc showed up. As soon as he and Loretta got there, they both hurried into the room, chasing Cade out, telling him he'd need boiling water.

  Cade went downstairs and managed, with Wyatt's help, to boil water. The two men paced back and forth for another hour and a half before they heard a cry. Cade was upstairs in an instant. Loretta met him at the door. "You have a healthy baby boy, Cade, and Elsie's doing fine. I have to ask you to wait outside another few minutes yet, though."

  "Why?"

  "Because Doc says there's another one." She was bouncing up and down. "That's so wonderful. Cade, you and Elsie are having twins!" With that news, she disappeared back inside to help again.

  Cade walked over to the steps and yelled down to Wyatt, sharing the news with his foreman. In what seemed like hours, but was actually just a few minutes he heard another cry. It wasn't as loud, but it was definitely a cry. Cade didn't wait for Loretta, but opened the door. Maria smiled and invited him in. "Come meet your new son and daughter, Cade, and give your wife a kiss. She's fine and she did great, but I'm sure she's tired."

  Cade hurried in, straight to Elsie. The big smile on his face told her exactly what was in his heart, and she reached out for his hand. He grabbed her hand and rubbed gently. When Doc Wallace handed Cade his son, and watched as Loretta handed Elsie her daughter, the doc saw tears streaming down both new parents' cheeks. "Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Collins. You have a handsome, healthy baby boy and a beautiful, healthy baby girl."

  The doctor, Maria, and Loretta all stood back and watched the new family of four as they got acquainted. "You can feel the love in that family," Maria whispered.

  "You certainly can," Loretta agreed.

  "They make a good looking family," the doc added.

  * * *

  Eleven months later, Cade and Elsie held little Henry and Velma in their arms as they waited at the train station as the passengers got off the train. Elsie squealed when she saw Aunt Gertrude, and waved. Gertrude hurried over to see the newest members of the family, and give Elsie and Cade both a hug.

  "Aunt Gertie, I'm so glad you could come stay with us and help me out. These two are starting to walk, and oh, my, is it difficult to keep up with two of them. Maria's fantastic, helping as much as she does, but now that they're walking we just don't seem to have enough time to get our garden harvested and canned."

  Gertrude took little Velma in her arms and giggled when the baby immediately got her hand caught in Gertrude's hair. "I'm so glad I was able to come see you again, and to m
eet these two precious little darlings."

  Elsie took her son from Cade so he could collect Gertrude's trunk. As they were walking toward the wagon, Gertrude shared a thought. "While I was on the train I had plenty of time to think. It occurred to me that when I left here it was to help your cousin, who needed my help with a new baby and the garden that needed harvested and preserved. Now here I am, returning to help you with the same thing. Life is wonderful, isn't it?"

  "It certainly is," Elsie agreed.

  "I take it you've gotten used to living at the ranch, and I imagine these two love having all that room to run around, don't they?"

  "They love the animals, too," Elsie said.

  "They're a little like their mama," Cade said. "They like the animals a little too much. We have to watch them when they're around the barns."

  Gertrude turned to look at Elsie carefully. "I can tell you're very happy on the ranch."

  "Oh, I am," she confirmed, "and so are these two little ones. Ranch life is great!"

  The End

  Misty Malone

  Writing has been a dream of Misty's for several years. She's finally following that dream, and began writing in 2013. She enjoys writing romance stories, with a handsome man who falls in love with a lovely lady in need of a strong man who can take her in hand. Having grown up on a farm, she especially enjoys writing about strong cowboys. She lives in the Midwest with her husband and son, not far from where she grew up. Misty hopes you enjoy reading her books as much as she enjoys writing them. Reviews to her books are very much appreciated, and she would like to thank you for each one of them. She invites you to leave a message for her at authormistymalone@gmail.com.

  Don’t miss these exciting titles by Misty Malone and Blushing Books!

  Ranch Life Is Great

  Gina and Paul: Last Chance Program Book 2

  How to Stir Up a Ranch

  The Real Prize

  Cheyenne and Jason: Last Chance Program Book 1