Poppy noted his disheveled appearance. He’d let himself go, probably believing no one here needed to be impressed. His haughty attitude rubbed sensitive her already-raw nerves.
“I’m glad to hear you say that, Ossy.”
He stared. “You are?”
“We should arrive home by the end of next week. Is that soon enough for you?” She opened her bedroom door to show him her packed trunk, making his eyes go even wider. He was so predictable. “We’re leaving today.”
“What? Why didn’t you say something sooner? Last night?”
“I wasn’t sure of anything until yesterday. So, now you know.” She went to push past him.
He caught her arm. “What’s gotten into you? At dinner last night and now. I’ve never seen you so—”
“What?” She was interested in what he would say.
“Subdued. Your attitude is troubling.”
“I’m not subdued.” I’m sick at heart for my childish and hurtful behavior. “I’m just anxious to be home, as well. I have several things to accomplish before April. I can’t believe we’ve stayed so long.”
“Amen to that.”
How she wished she hadn’t brought him along. Seemed everything he did reminded her of past mistakes. After quietly packing and then tossing back and forth most of the night, all she wanted was to have this emotional roller coaster over with and be on her way home. Civilization couldn’t come fast enough for her either.
After descending the stairs, she pushed into the kitchen to find Isaiah and Tobit at the table and Kathryn at the stove, spatula in one hand and a ladle dripping with batter in the other.
Her sister looked up and smiled. “Ready for something to eat?” Her red polka-dot apron covered a warm cape she wore over her light blue dress.
Poppy still had difficulty seeing her sister in such a domestic role. “Yes, thank you, but I can get it.”
Before Kathryn could set down what she was doing, Poppy went to the cupboard and took down a plate. Still shy of Tobit after what she’d heard through the door, she kept her gaze safely on the window. “My, the clouds seem much darker this morning.” She chanced a glance at her brother-in-law.
Tobit nodded, setting his coffee cup back in its saucer. “They are. I think the weather has finally arrived.”
“Since it’s not begun snowing yet in earnest,” Kathryn said, “I thought today, when I’m finished cleaning up, we could take that walk to the ridge, see the far fields we plant in wheat. We keep talking about it but never seem to accomplish getting out there. Tobit and Isaiah are taking the buckboard into town, so now would be a good time.”
“You better dress warm,” Isaiah grumbled around a bite of toast. “It’s colder than you think. Can be deceiving.”
This was her chance. Poppy hadn’t known Tobit had planned to take the wagon into town, but the timing couldn’t be better. “I guess that outing will have to wait for my next visit.”
Kathryn swung around and met her gaze. “Oh? Why?”
“If Tobit will be so kind as to let us hitch a ride, Oscar and I are leaving today.”
The flapjacks forgotten, Kathryn took a quick step in her direction. “What’s this? Why? You haven’t mentioned anything before.”
Poppy forced out a small, self-centered-sounding laugh. “You know me, Kathryn; I come and go on a whim. This farm is closing in on me. I feel the need to get back to Boston and take care of a few loose ends before my voyage in the spring. You don’t begrudge me that, do you?”
Frowning, Kathryn searched her face. “Surely, you’re joking. You haven’t let on for a second that you were thinking of leaving. I won’t let you.”
“You must. I’ve had just about as many peaceful vistas, colorful sunsets, and silence-filled nights as I can stand. I need some interaction, some beautiful restaurants, some excitement. I’ll only be young once, Kathryn.” She gave a flourishing twirl to punctuate her empty-headed statement, to be sure her sister, or anyone else, would think better of trying to stop her.
Tobit stood, went to Kathryn, and placed a protective arm across her shoulder. “Of course I’ll give you a ride. I’m sure you didn’t think I would refuse.”
His fed-up tone almost made her turn and run.
“It’s Sunday,” Kathryn said. “What can you get done today?”
“Nothing. But I’ll be ready nice and early for Monday. The hotel never closes.” Poppy brought her empty plate to the stove and picked up the forgotten spatula, scooping out two golden-brown pancakes, nicely crisped around the edges. She raised the plate to her nose. “These smell delicious. Thank you for taking such good care of us during our visit.”
She couldn’t look into her sister’s face. They’d become so close the last few weeks. She hadn’t known what an exceptional person her older sister was until this visit. Kathryn was brave, courageous, and smart. Poppy would miss her with all her heart.
Tobit gently cleared his throat.
“Oh,” Poppy said, truly surprised, almost dropping the plate. “These are yours, Kathryn. I wasn’t thinking.”
Mortified with herself, she acknowledged that she really was self-centered. She hadn’t even given a thought to Kathryn and what she was to eat. Treated her like one of the servants back home. She thrust the plate toward her sister.
Kathryn shook her head and picked up the bowl. She stirred the batter a few times, and then ladled several large spoonfuls into the sizzling butter, the hotcakes growing wide. “No, those are for you. Go sit and eat, and then I’ll talk you out of this crazy idea.”
“I’m going,” Poppy said. “There’s nothing to talk about. Please, don’t be angry.”
“I’m gonna be mighty disappointed if you do,” Isaiah said, finished with his breakfast. He wiped his mouth on his napkin and set it on the table. “Won’t seem the same around here without yer bonny laughter, missy.” He looked at Kathryn. “My granddaughter has been happier than I’ve ever seen her since her baby sister arrived. She’s gonna miss ya when you go.”
That statement was almost Poppy’s undoing. She didn’t think anyone would miss her once she was gone. Why would they? She was a burden and a sassy pants. Sincerity was not her forte.
Chapter Nine
Finished with his morning coffee, Luke stood from the dining room table at the main ranch house and walked to the living room window. The view of the yard, and the bunkhouse set back a good hundred feet, was serene. With the freezing temperatures, the ground was dangerous and as slippery as a wet sheet of ice—and made the going slow. A dusting of snow lay on top, but nothing was falling at the moment.
His parents joined him at the window. Esperanza clearing the breakfast dishes from the table was the only sound in the room.
“What’s bothering you, son?” Flood asked, still carrying his coffee cup. “It’s just another cold January day.” He grasped Luke’s shoulder. “You look troubled.”
“Don’t know. Nothin’ specific.”
“You should be thankful you have a quiet house,” Claire said with a small laugh. “Your brothers are both in the throes of new babyhood. You remember those days, don’t you? Holly isn’t that old.”
He glanced down at his mother, dressed nicely and ready for a new day. “I remember just fine. Poor Faith never gettin’ any sleep, wet diapers overflowing the pail, crying baby, the house looking like a whirlwind had just passed through. I’m not envying Matt and Mark right now. No sir, not at all.”
Claire rubbed her hand down his arm. Her face was free of strain, and she looked rested. A few more wrinkles this year, but it was amazing how she grew more beautiful as she aged.
“It wasn’t all that bad, and you know it.”
He chuckled and wrapped one arm around her. “Pretty darned close. I’m not ready for another one quite yet.”
“You will be when the time comes,” Flood added. “Each one enriches your life. You’ll change fast enough when Faith utters those special words.”
His mom pulled away and slipped
over to Flood. “You’re right about that, husband.”
He laid his arm over her shoulders. “I was gettin’ jealous.”
“I know. I could feel it.” She hugged Flood close.
Keeping his gaze trained outside, Luke once again thanked the heavens for such a strong family. He couldn’t have gotten to where he was today without their unfailing love and support.
Francis came out of the bunkhouse, followed by Hickory, and both youths disappeared into the barn. Feeding had been done hours ago, and now the boys would muck the stalls.
Well, Francis wasn’t much of a boy any longer, but Luke struggled to stop thinking of him in that way. He’d grown tall, strong, and put on weight. Would he spread his wings someday and leave the ranch? Flood had found him as a child, and as he’d done with Hickory, brought him home, gave him a roof over his head and a job, as well as a place in their family.
“What’s Faith up to today?” Claire asked, now using her husband’s chest as a backrest. “Anything interesting?”
“I’ll say. She and Dawn are making apple pies. They were setting up this mornin’ when I rode out.”
Flood smiled. “That sounds tasty. And will keep the kitchen warm.”
“And the rest of the house,” Luke added.
Flood nodded matter-of-factly. “What about Colton? I expected to see him with you.”
“He rode out with me, but he veered off the trail and went over to Matt’s. Wanted to see Billy and Adam. That boy is so smart. He really is.” Luke puffed out his chest. “I’m proud of him.”
His mom patted his arm. “You’ve done a fine job raising him, Luke. No one could love him more than you do.”
“That’s a fact . . . the loving-him part, I mean. He’ll be twelve this year. Time the two of us went off for a week or two, camping and hunting. Like Pa used to do with us when we were old enough, one boy at a time. I learned a lot on that trip.”
He turned and looked at Flood, the man who had generously raised him as his son, even though Luke had been sired by a Cheyenne Indian.
Flood met his gaze, his expression full of meaning. “You remember that?”
“Of course I do. That was the trip I got my first buck, without the help of anyone tracking for me. I can still feel the thrill of that day. You were so proud of me, I almost busted out of my shirt.”
“That was after I got over my anger at you sneaking off before sunrise with that rifle that was almost as tall as you were. All I could think about was how mad Claire would be if you went and shot yourself. Afraid I’d never be out of the doghouse if you did.”
Claire whirled on him. “What? You were not.”
He laughed and pulled her into a hug. “’Course not. The minute I discovered Luke’s bedroll empty, fear gripped my soul. But then my good sense kicked in and I reminded myself that my boy had been hunting many times, he was good with his rifle, and that he had a sensible head on his shoulders, as well as an uncanny mentality far beyond his years. There was never a time I can remember when Luke was just a happy-go-lucky kid. He’s been a deep thinker since the day he was born.”
Luke scoffed. “Ha, then you didn’t know me that well.”
“I think I did—and do.”
Not liking the sinking feeling in his belly that lingered, Luke ambled away from the window. No need for it. All was well. Nothing but getting through the winter months—like they did every year—and have the spring to face. The workload on next year’s cattle drive would be light since they’d taken a good majority of their stock to market. What could be better than that?
He took a deep breath. As in a poker game where his good luck had just gone south, he felt a need to get up and move. Trouble was, he was already home. Everyone here was safe and sound.
Chapter Ten
“What do you mean, the stage can’t go to Waterloo? Of course it can. That’s how I arrived here not all that long ago.”
At the sound of distress in Miss Ford’s voice, Justin lowered the newspaper he was reading to watch the exchange at the Cattlemen’s Hotel counter. Relaxed against the soft cushions, the deputy had been enjoying some company in the warm lobby when the easterner had entered a few minutes ago. Her traveling companion was nowhere to be seen. Because of Oscar Scott, Justin hadn’t gotten past small talk with Kathryn’s younger sister. Seeing the dandy had staked his claim wasn’t difficult. He wanted every able-bodied man to keep his distance.
That was fine with Justin. He’d heard Poppy Ford was strong-willed, uppity, and had plenty to say about everything under the sun.
Poor Miss Hildy Hallsey, the hotel clerk, was doing her best to calm the Bostonian. “Almost a month has passed since your arrival, Miss Ford. Christmas has come and gone. New Year’s, as well.”
“Yes, yes, I know,” Miss Ford replied. “I was enjoying myself so much that—”
She must have felt his gaze, because she slowly turned to find him watching. He smiled and lifted the paper to block his view.
“I’m sorry, Miss Ford,” Hildy said more softly. “But this is Montana. I received a telegram last night. Snow is falling in Waterloo something fierce. And the storm looks to be headed this way. In all actuality, the stage has run much longer than any of us expected. If you really must go to Waterloo, check with June Pittman at the livery. She has a sleigh she rents out once the snow gets deep. I’ve even heard that she’s taken customers over that way a time or two. Not this year, mind you. But if you’re desperate, you—”
Miss Ford’s anguished whimper silenced Miss Hallsey midsentence.
“Miss Ford?”
She softly cleared her throat. “Please, go on.”
“If you do get to Waterloo, that won’t guarantee the train will still be running. Most all transportation shuts down when the winter sets in. The schedule is different every year.”
Justin couldn’t stop himself from peeking over the newspaper one more time. Hildy had placed a comforting hand on Miss Ford’s arm, and amazingly, she hadn’t pulled away.
“It’s going to be all right, miss,” Hildy crooned.
Miss Ford’s shoulders pulled back. “Of course it is.”
He recognized her steely tone. This Miss Ford he was better acquainted with.
“This is just a tiny setback,” she went on. “Nothing for me to get upset over.”
He didn’t miss Hildy’s wary expression. Seemed he wasn’t the only one who walked carefully around Miss Ford.
“That’s exactly right. Would you like to take a room, or will you be returning to your sister’s?”
Several moments slipped by. “I’ll take a room, thank you. And we’ll need another for Mr. Scott. Do you have two available?”
Hildy straightened her shoulders and her nostrils flared. “Mr. Oscar Scott, you say?”
“Yes, do you know him?”
“Indeed. He stayed here on his last visit.” Hildy began writing in her ledger. “For one night, or more?”
Miss Ford just stood there.
“Miss Ford?”
She softly batted her fingers on the counter. “I don’t know. You’d better make them for a few days. I’m not sure yet what we’ll do.”
“Very good. You already know about our restaurant. It opens each morning at six. If you’d like coffee earlier than that, I usually have a pot brewing in my office just under the stairway. You’re welcome anytime.”
“Thank you.”
She handed Miss Ford a key. “Would you like Mr. Scott’s key, as well?”
“No, you can leave it here, and he’ll check in with you when he returns.” She turned and looked at her trunk, a rosy pink coming up in her face.
Hildy came around the counter. “I’m sorry, but Sunday is when Harold mops the mercantile—you know, when the business is closed. As soon as he’s back, I’ll have him bring your trunk up to your room.”
A golden opportunity.
Justin folded his paper and stood. “I can get that for you, Miss Ford.”
Surprised, she blinked a
couple of times. “Deputy, I couldn’t ask that of you. I don’t mind waiting.”
She was avoiding his gaze. Probably didn’t want him to see her watery eyes.
“No problem at all.” Squatting, he hefted the heavy trunk by the handles on each end and started up the stairs. “What floor?” he asked over his shoulder.
Miss Ford followed behind. “The third.”
Justin bit back a groan and re-hefted the cumbersome object more firmly in his arms as he rounded the staircase on the second-floor landing.
“Across from the bridal suite, I believe, Mr. Wesley,” she added in a soft voice.
At the top, he stopped, and she hurried past him to unlock the door before stepping inside.
“Brr, it’s quite cold up here.” She hugged herself as her gaze landed on a small fireplace and a stack of wood opposite the bed. “I wonder if I’m the only occupant up here.”
Justin placed her trunk on the floor by the window. He turned around, feeling self-conscious. “Sorry. I wouldn’t know.”
“Thank you, Deputy. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your assistance.”
“I’m happy to help, miss. I overheard you’re headed home to Boston.”
“I’m trying.” A sad smile appeared on her lips. “We’ll see how things play out. For now, the stage line is stopped because of the weather. But I’ll get there one way or the other. Things always seem to work out for me.”
Poppy Ford was attractive. She looked like her older sister, except her eyes were a vivid blue—and quite striking. At the moment, she gazed out the window, a faraway expression on her face.
She turned to him. “It’s surprising, really.”
“What?”
“I think I’ll miss this place much more than I ever believed I could.”
Justin chuckled, even though she sounded sad. “Y Knot does have a way of growing on you. I haven’t been here long myself, and I find the town already feels like home.”
Hildy Hallsey knocked on the doorjamb of the open door. Her dark blue skirt, simple striped blouse, and warm wool shawl were a contrast to Miss Ford’s fine-quality clothes.
Montana Courage (McCutcheon Family Series Book 9) Page 5
