"I better go see about helping Mary Ellen. We're stripping all the beds today and airing out the house." She got to her feet and Joe did as well. "Joe," she said placing a hand on his thin shoulder. "Don't go too far. I don't want to worry about you. Mary Ellen and I can mount up and help you herd tomorrow."
He bristled, his bushy brows lowering. "I ain't so old I can't see after some dumb cows. I'll be back for supper. Don't you go running back and telling Mary Ellen a story about how I can't be counted on to work either."
Charlie wanted to laugh when he placed his fists on both hips and hunched toward her.
"I don't think you can't be counted on. But we need you, Joe. It's just us three, we have to look after each other."
"Women and their worryin'," Joe muttered walking away. "Sure is annoyin'."
She turned back to the grave. "You left him to take care of me Daniel, but sometimes I feel like it's the other way around," Charlie said to the silent stone.
Chapter Three
The horses trudged along in a lazy amble of two riders not in a hurry to get anywhere. Rafe pushed his hat back and considered the view before them.
Snowcapped mountains towered on two sides cradling a town that ran long and wide surrounded by green lands and tall trees. It resembled a painting he'd once seen in Jerrick's family home. He slid a glance at Jerrick who with brows drawn in concentration studied the town as well.
It was early in the morning, so only a few people milled about doing whatever errands they had to get the day started. He spotted a woman sweeping in front of a seamstress shop and two men carrying sacks from a cart into the mercantile.
When they rode down the center of the main street, the woman stopped sweeping and narrowed her eyes in their direction, obviously interested in who they were. She did not stop watching them until they stopped.
"'Mornin', ma'am," Rafe tipped his hat. "Can you tell me where we can rustle up some breakfast?"
She was older, her gray striped brown hair pulled back into a loose bun at the nape of her neck. Pleasant of face, her eyes twinkled and she smiled at them. "Good morning, gentlemen. Of course. Go on over to Betsy's place. That building there." She pointed down the street. "She serves up good food and hot coffee. Can't miss it, right there with all the flower pots out front."
"Thank you," Jerrick told her flashing a wide grin. "Have a good day."
"You too, boys. Welcome to Colter Valley." With that she began sweeping anew.
The woman's cheerful welcome along with the tasty breakfast and friendly patrons of Betsy's place who directed them to where they could find work at a nearby ranch, gave Rafe a good feeling about Colter Valley. It could be he'd finally come home.
They rode on deeper into the valley in search of Horseshoe ranch where the people at the restaurant had pointed them. They were told the foreman had been in town just a couple days earlier looking for able ranch hands. Getting a job would be a good place to start, find work for a few months until they got a lay of the land and decided where and what to purchase.
The days began to warm just enough to make it pleasant. The bursts of spring flowers blossomed, announcing the impending summer season, which would bring many more.
Other than the thought of balmy weather making life pleasant, the seasons didn't matter to Rafe. They'd stop mattering two years ago when he and Jerrick left Texas. Each day was just another as far as he was concerned.
He glanced at his friend and had to admit having Jerrick along helped Rafe stay on task. Forced him to remain focused on the goal, to prosper, make a good living. Together they'd start a new life and have families that would be nearby. Jerrick was the brother he never had. The two of them were family as far as Rafe was concerned.
Jerrick cleared his throat and looked into the distance. "How many cows you reckon we should start with if we planned to ranch?"
"I'd say a couple dozen. Why?"
"Look up ahead."
Across the large expanse of land hundreds of cattle grazed on the plush green grass. There were corrals with horses, their tales swishing from side to side as a couple of young colts galloped in a playful circles around adults that grazed ignoring the younger ones. A large one-story ranch house came into view. Next to it were a sizeable stable and what looked to be a separate bunkhouse.
Rafe pushed his hat back admiring the view. "One day I'm going to have something like this." It would take years and it would be hard work to have so much land and livestock. Yet he had no doubt it was possible.
A large carved sign announced they'd arrived at Horseshoe. Rafe brought his steed up short and waited scanning the area to ensure no one had a shotgun aimed at them. "See anyone?" he asked Jerrick who wiped his brow with his handkerchief and looked around.
"Nope."
As soon as they got close to the house, the front door opened and a young woman stepped onto the porch. Her right hand was hidden into the folds of her skirt, which made Rafe guess she held a pistol.
He and Jerrick exchanged looks. Obviously, both were thinking the same thing.
She was of medium height, with her dark brown hair braided and pulled over her shoulder down the side of her chest. The young woman was stunning. Heart shaped beautiful face, with plump limps and large expressive hazel eyes. She took them in not speaking until they started to dismount. "I suggest you stay on those horses and keep going." Her husky voice was steady, which made him wonder how many times a day she sent men away.
"We're here to see about work. Told in town you're looking for ranch hands," Rafe told her keeping his eyes on her face.
"You live near here?" her narrowed eyes moved from Rafe to Jerrick. "Don't look familiar to me."
Jerrick attempted his usual crooked grin that worked in charming many a woman. "We just arrived to Colter Valley, ma'am. Looking to buy land and settle here. For now work will be a start."
She ignored him and looked at Rafe. "Is that so?"
"Yes, ma'am," Rafe said wondering why the woman was alone. No one had come to see about two strangers approaching. "Is there someone we can speak to about work?"
"Not interested in hiring you."
"Charlie?" A man's voice sounded just as an older cowboy walked toward her from around the side of the house. His wiry gray hair stuck out comically from under his hat and framed his weathered face. With keen eyes, he took one look at them and nodded. "Gentlemen." He then focused on the woman. "New ranch hands?"
The woman visibly stiffened. "They claim to be passing through and heard of us hiring in town."
The man bobbed his head a wide grin splitting his face. "Well, that's good news then. Sure could use the help." He came to stand before them ignoring the woman who watched with an annoyed expression.
"Don't mind Misses Charlotte here, she don't trust anyone."
Rafe and Jerrick finally dismounted. Rafe looked to the woman. "I'd say that's a smart reaction for a woman upon strangers approaching."
At her lifting an indignant eyebrow at him, Rafe almost smiled. She had spunk, he'd give her that. He looked to the old man. "My name's Rafe Preston. This here is my brother Jerrick Black." The men shook hands and tipped their hands at the woman.
"Brothers, huh? I'm Joe," the older man eyed them.
Rafe continued to speak. "We rode from Texas and to Wyoming and finally here, looking for a place to settle, but first, work with room and board would be appreciated. Definitely interested in working for a few months until deciding where to buy and such."
"I'm willing to work as well," Jerrick added.
The older man and the woman exchanged a pointed look. There seemed to be many questions in her eyes, shadows of worry skirting over the surface of her pretty face. When Joe held her gaze, she finally let out a breath and nodded.
She directed her attention at both him and Jerrick. "If you want to work you can stay and help Joe. It's temporary." Her voice had a husky edge to it, which added to her allure. Rafe looked past her into the house. Why did only an old man accompany such a l
ovely creature? If she owned the property, perhaps family had left it to her.
After looking them up and down, she hiked her chin up just a bit to let them know they did not intimidate her. "Supper will be at six. Until then get settled." Her skirts swung wide as she turned and went back inside leaving a light fragrance of lilac in her wake.
"I'm the foreman here at Horseshoe. Misses Charlotte Kennedy is the owner."
"Seemed your mistress is put out by our appearance," Jerrick said as they followed the spry old man toward the stables.
"Don't pay her any mind. Charlie has a good heart." Joe motioned to two empty stables. "Water and feed your animals, then come meet me at the bunkhouse over yonder." He pointed to another building. "I'll see about blankets and such."
Once they were alone, Rafe removed his steed's saddle and brushed down the horse, while Jerrick did the same. He filled and carried several pails of water to fill the animals' troths while Jerrick took care of filling feeding buckets with oats. Both horses nickered showing their appreciation. It was almost an hour before they made their way to the bunkhouse.
The interior of the bunkhouse was spacious and clean. With six beds, a table with four chairs, it was comfortable, clean, and well maintained. There was a large fireplace on one end, logs stacked neatly inside the hearth next to it. A side cabinet held a kettle, cups, and saucers and other eating utensils. On a hook next to the hearth hung a blackened pot.
Jerrick picked up a tin plate and put it back down. "Reckon we'll have to cook after today?"
"Hope not," Rafe replied. "Neither of us is any good at it." He sat on a bunk and removed his shirt and boots. Once he gathered up soap and a washcloth, he headed to the door. "Washing up before supper. Spotted a water pump on the side."
He went to the side of the bunkhouse where there was a large washstand. He guessed it was meant for the ranch hands to use to wash up and wash clothes. Had to admit, the owners of the ranch had thought of everything. He'd make sure to take plenty of notes for when he bought his own place.
It wasn't long before he was back inside and changed. He looked forward to seeing the woman again, finding out her story.
Moments later Jerrick walked in from washing up and lay atop the blankets to look at the ceiling. "I could fall asleep right now. If it wasn't for my grumbling belly, I'd not move."
His friend was almost the complete opposite of him. Where he had black hair and dark brown eyes, Jerrick's hair was sun-bleached to almost blond and his eyes were a light blue. Instead of his more solemn nature, Jerrick was easygoing and quick to smile. Yet, in spite of all the differences, he was the closest thing to a brother.
Rafe pulled on his boots. "Interesting that a woman would own a place like this, don't you think?"
"It's probably her family's home. Or maybe her husband is gone off on a drive or something."
The idea of her being married didn't sit well. If it were so, the old man, Joe, would have said so. Although most women in the west were spoken for, it would have been a welcome thing if this particular lady was not.
Rafe let out a gruff breath. Instead of having his head in the clouds, he needed to concentrate on his goal. Finding land, building a home, and getting settled. After that, he could work on a family and such. If it were even meant to be for him to marry. Women were scarce out here and he wasn't going to be saddled with one not suited for him. Nothing was worse, in his opinion, than living with someone disagreeable.
The sun began to fall in the sky, and the bunkhouse became dim. Rafe lit a lantern and considered starting a fire in the hearth. It would warm the bunkhouse for the night when they returned from the meal. Not knowing how long they'd be gone, he decided it was best to wait until after supper.
After checking on his horse, who slept soundly, Rafe went to the ranch house. Just inside the door to the right was a large kitchen. Jerrick and Joe were already seated, he noted it was set for four, but Charlie Kennedy was not present.
Just as Rafe settled into a chair opposite Joe, an attractive woman, who looked to be about his age, in a flowered dress with large white apron over it, bustled over and ladled a hearty stew into bowls. She smiled at them. "I'm Mary Ellen, anything you boys need, let me know." She went back to the counter behind them and returned with a basket of biscuits. "Go on and eat."
Joe gave the woman a warm smile. "Mary Ellen, this here is Rafe Preston and Jerrick Black. Claim to be brothers."
The cook's bright eyes took them both in. "I'm glad you're here to help. Joe certainly could use it. Brothers?"
Jerrick smiled at her. "We're not brothers by blood."
"Sometimes a good friend is better than family," Joe said and looked toward a doorway. "Charlie not joining us?"
Mary Ellen shook her head. "No, she's not feeling well."
The flavorful stew and buttery biscuits were the best meal he'd had in a long time. Rafe looked to the woman who settled in across from him. "The meal is delicious. Best I've had in a long time. Thank you."
Mary Ellen beamed at the compliment and waved his words away, with a wide grin. "Hush now and eat."
"Are there any other ranch hands here?" Rafe asked Joe to make conversation and because he was genuinely curious.
"Jest you two looks like," Joe mumbled with a frown. "Damn Winfrow probably hired everyone worth a lick from around here. Jessup Winfrow owns the ranch up the road about an hour ride from here. He always seems to get a jump on things. I try to get into town and do what I can, but when I got there a few days ago, everyone was hired up. I put up a notice at the post office hoping to get at least a few workers."
"What about Misses Kennedy's husband or family? Seems like someone would come and help her," Jerrick asked and Rafe was grateful, as he was interested in the answer.
Joe became closed off and grunted. "Her parents live back east. Charlie is a widow." He didn't say anything else. Rafe figured the man was protective of the young widow and he could not fault him for it. After all, he and Jerrick were strangers.
"We will do what we can to help. I have a lot to learn about cattle ranching, so this would be a good time as any for me to get as much learning as I can," Rafe said moving the conversation away from the touchy subject of Joe's boss.
The old man visibly relaxed. "You'll more than get your experience this season. Moving the herd and calving approaches. A rancher is coming next month to collect a couple hundred head of cattle. Tomorrow we start moving the herd to the west pasture." The foreman continued to talk, telling them of the many chores needing to be completed around the ranch. Rafe paid close attention, committing as much as possible to memory.
Movement caught his eye, the younger woman, Charlotte, moved across the doorway in the adjacent room. He noticed she'd changed into a different dress, this one a simple frock. Her hair was down and she looked to be pacing.
"Can the three of us do all that?" Jerrick asked. "Seems like a job for twice our number."
"Yeah it is...we'll separate the herd. Do about fifty head at a time," Joe replied in between bites.
They finished dinner and Rafe felt the weariness from days of travel begin to take hold. He yawned and stretched. Getting up from the table, he picked up his bowl and took it to the washbasin.
Mary Ellen instantly appeared at his elbow. "Put that down, what are you doing?"
"I was going to wash it." Rafe wasn't sure what he'd done to earn her frown.
The woman pushed him back, but her expression softened. "No need for you to do any of that. You'll more than earn your pay and keep with all the work Joe will have you doing. I'll clean up. You boys go on and get settled for the night. I heard you traveled all day. So you're probably dead on your feet."
He was. "Thank you, the food was delicious," Rafe repeated and stepped back noticing Jerrick already headed out the door.
"See you at breakfast," Joe said sitting at the table with a cup of coffee. He looked to be staying for a while, so perhaps the old man lived in the larger house as well.
Just as he walked to the front door, he turned to see Charlotte standing in front of the hearth. Her head bent, she looked to be deep in thought. "Goodnight, Misses Kennedy," he said and her head jerked up.
She looked to him in surprise, obviously she'd thought he left with Jerrick. "Goodnight, Mister Preston." Her voice was soft yet at the same time strong. He could listen to her talk for hours and not want to interrupt.
Their gazes met and held for a moment before she turned away to the fire again. Tendrils of hair fell forward blocking most of her face from view and he imagined pushing it back to get a closer look into those vivid hazel eyes.
The sun was still visible as he made his way back to the bunkhouse. The entire time the picture of Charlotte's beautiful face forefront on his mind.
The bunkhouse loomed and he didn't feel up to going inside just yet. He walked for a while until coming to a small graveyard. Three gravestones stuck out from the well-maintained ground. Merle Kennedy, Hazel Kennedy, and Daniel Kennedy, the youngest of the three. He figured Daniel was Charlie's dead husband. He stood for a long moment paying his respects wondering what had brought the man's life to an abrupt end at thirty years old.
Moments later after checking on his horse, Rafe washed up and headed for his bed. His gut full and his head occupied with so many questions, he looked forward to the next day, wondering if he'd get the opportunity to speak to Charlie alone.
"You got that look," Jerrick said in the dark. "What you up to?"
Rafe grumbled under his breath. "Nothing much. Just thinkin'."
"You takin' a shine our boss lady already, aren't you?" Jerrick chuckled. "She's a beauty."
"That she is," Rafe said not answering the question. "Goodnight, Jerrick."
"I'll take that as a yes."
Maybe he did find Charlotte Kennedy arresting, but this was definitely not the time to be thinking about such matters. He needed to concentrate on the future. Colter Valley felt right. The lands were plentiful and plush, the townsfolk welcoming, and without much trouble, he and Jerrick were settled with work.
The Widows Choice Page 2
