by Danni Roan
“What happened?” Will finally whispered.
“Looks like Eric came along a mountain lion on the prowl.” He cleared his throat then continued. “That mule…” he nodded toward the little creature limping slowly along before them. “Stomped the life out of it and saved that boy’s life.”
Will shook his head and swallowed loudly, his Adam's apple bobbing in his throat.
“I guess we have a lot to be thankful for today. Fiona’s going to be beside herself when we get back.”
Joshua rode directly to the house and dismounted, still holding Eric tucked up to his chest. “You gonna be alright partner?” he asked the boy, his voice gentle.
Eric nodded his head, his red-rimmed eyes now dry. “I’ll ‘splain everything to Ma.” He sniffed again. “She’ll understand.”
“Come on then.” The lean old cowman said placing the boy on the hard wood of the porch floor then opening the door.
“Will, find Deeks” Joshua James called back to the men standing in the yard as he walked into the house.
A loud cry could be heard coming from the kitchen as the cowhands turned slowly toward the barn.
“You boys back already?” Deeks, himself came walking out of the forge, but stopped dead at the site of four cowboys standing around one sad looking little mule. The old man’s face blanched as he took a few steps closer and noticed the gashes across the mule’s narrow chest. His eyes grew wide, concerned and he turned them to the younger punchers.
“He’s alright.” Will hastily responded. “Help us get Scooter fixed up and I’ll tell you what I can but I think Clay here saw the whole thing.”
The other men all turned to look at Clayton as he stood holding the long reins of his black horse. He scuffed a boot in the dusty yard then shrugged before picking up the reins of the mule and heading toward the barn at a gentle pace.
Moving together the men led all of their mounts into the barn. While Deeks pulled salves and ointments from the tack room Clayton explained what happened as he carefully stripped saddle and bridle from the little animal that had saved Eric’s life.
Clayton walked to the feed room and undid the fancy latch Deeks had added, put a few scoops of feed in a bucket and carried it over to the little mule who stood patiently while the old blacksmith rubbed salve over his chest.
The gray-flecked little animal dipped his head into the bucket and began gobbling down the oats and corn greedily.
" He'll need a stitch or two for that cut behind his ear." Deeks called as he examined the mule further. He'd just straightened from wiping down the mule's legs when to everyone's shock Bianca Leone' marched into the barn, a handkerchief grasped tightly in her hand and walked straight to Scooter's side. Bending down with a sniffle she planted a determined kiss on the little animal’s forehead.
"You a good mule." she said, her voice thick and her accent more pronounced than usual. "A good mule." she sniffed again then taking a deep breath she pulled a needle and thread from her apron pocket and looked to Deeks and the other men.
"You hold him steady son." Deeks called to Clayton before nodding to the ranch matron who took a steadying breath before gently stitching up the ugly gash on the mule's neck. To everyone's surprise the animal barely twitched but just kept eating his bucket full of oats.
With the mule all fixed up to the best of their ability the men put him in the box stall with the colt and left to go up to the house. They exchanged worried glances as they entered the big ranch house wondering what state the woman would be in over the whole ordeal.
Dinner that night was subdued for the Broken J as everyone around the table took stock of their many blessings, including Eric's narrow escape.
Chapter 9
No one was surprised that Hank and Fiona kept Eric close to them for the next few days and Mr. James reminded all of the men to carry pistol or rifle with them on the range in case the big cat's mate was about.
Over the next few days the men cautiously settled back into the routines of big ranch life, chasing cows, wrangling horses, and keeping up with the work at hand. Hank and Isadoro worked on the house for Katie and Will finishing the interior walls and organizing the living arrangements.
A trip to Casper was planned for early April when they would sell off the steers and year old cattle for what profit could be had, and the whole ranch was excited about the chance to go to town, a rare occasion. The trip had become more frequent with Hank having a large wagon that could be used to retrieve freight and supplies from the growing town, but was still a treat.
Two nights after the mountain lion attack Clayton took a moment to speak to Mr. James.
"What do you need son?" The tall rancher asked as he settled his frame into a big arm chair by the fire.
"Well sir, The Duke's getting' a bit restless. Seems that old mare's comin' in to season and he can't keep his eyes off of her. I wanted to know if I should take him out on the range a few days or let nature take its course so to speak."
The big man chuckled softly. "I think just turn him out to get to know her and let things happen as they will." He said with a grin. "That mare's getting long in the tooth and if she's got another good foal in her like Will's leggy colt I say we should have it."
"Alright sir. I'll take him out tonight an' let them get acquainted." and with that he picked his hat up from a peg and headed to the barn.
"You goin' to the barn Mr. Clayton?" Eric's hopeful voice called to him from where he sat beside the fire playing with a set of building logs. "I am, if you'd like to come and it's alright with your folks."
Eric dashed back into the big parlor pleading with his parents to let him go see Scooter before he had to go to bed, and in a minute he was donning hat and coat to join the cow hunter.
"I think I'll go along as well." Meg offered watching Eric's excited face.
The hackles stood up on Clayton's neck as he wondered what the girl was up to. Still he opened the door politely as she shrugged into her warm shawl, took Eric's hand and walked out into a breezy night.
No sooner had the little trio stepped across the porch floor then a soft braying caught their ears and the bedraggled Scooter limped toward them. He was out on his own again. Clayton couldn't help but smile at the little escape artist as Eric wrapped his arms around the animals long thin neck and laughed.
"Come on Scooter, before you get us both in trouble." the boy said and turned toward the big barn.
Meg smiled after the boy and his obnoxious mule. The soft light of a half-moon reflecting off her bright eyes and Clayton Allen had to admit she was pretty when she smiled and forgot that she was the cattleman's daughter.
"Nice night isn't it?” He asked as he ushered her down the stairs with an outstretched arm.
"It could be under certain circumstances." she replied, her voice once again haughty.
"An' what circumstance might that be?" the lean, cowboy asked.
"With the right company it could be a lovely night for a stroll in the moonlight." the girl said her eyes wandering to the moon above as she walked briskly toward the barn where Eric was struggling with the door.
Clayton opened the barn door then strode to a lantern suspended from a hook in the rafters and lit it casting a soft glow around the dark interior.
"Yes, ma'am I'd say a night like this could be downright romantical with the right person." He let his comment fall in the silent barn.
The girl with coppery hair snorted in a very unladylike fashion as she opened the gate to the box stall, letting Eric enter with Scooter.
Off to his left in the deeper darkness Duke nickered softly at the sound of his owner’s voice and he turned toward the horse pulling a rope down from a peg as he went.
"I'm just going to take Duke out and let him stretch a little." He said nonchalantly to his companions and began leading his horse toward the entrance.
Meg unfastened the latch on the feed room and brought a handful of oats out for Scooter and the colt who had miraculously stayed in his st
all, while the erstwhile mule had wondered about on his own. As she and Eric stood talking and feeding the oats to the animals she could hear Clayton’s black horse greeting the old mare in the corral outside.
Clayton walked Duke to the corral bars and still holding his lead walked him up to the old bay mare who was the only horse around, as the other saddle horses were either in the barn or out on the prairie. Stretching their noses over the rail toward each other they snorted and squealed but soon were acquainted enough for him to turn the big black horse loose in the corral. He'd collect him in a couple of days and that would be that.
Recoiling the rope, he turned back toward the barn and smiled as he heard Eric speaking to his aunt. "I don't know what else to do about him getting out all the time." He was saying seriously. "Nothin' can seem to keep him in though."
"No one is upset if Scooter gets out and walks around on his own." Meg was saying, her voice soft and kind. "He's just the way he is and I guess after what he did for you he can pretty much do what he likes now."
The boy turned his cherubic face toward her and smiled. "Grandpa won't get mad?" he asked innocently.
The tall woman bent down to him, her dark pumpkin and spice skirts flaring around her on the straw strewn floor. "Pa won't be mad. He just has to keep the other horses in because they'd wander back out to the range and then how would we catch cows?"
Her bright azure eyes shone with affection for the boy and Clayton sucked a breath in at just how lovely the arrogant girl was. If only she weren't so sure she was better than him. He let the thought go like dandelion fluff on the wind.
"Now you run along back to your Ma and Pa before they get worried." Meg finished tapping the boy lightly on the nose. "I'm sure once Scooter is all better you'll be able to ride him everywhere again."
Eric smiled and turning away from his aunt dashed out of the barn with a quick, "Good night, Mr. Clayton." on the way through the doors.
Clayton chuckled as he watched the boy race across the barnyard, up the front steps and into the house. Then slowly turned back to the young woman who stood by the stall gate.
"Seems to me someone said something about a romantic walk in the moonlight." he said a challenge in his eye.
"Humph!" the sound coming from the pretty young woman was not what a young man could hope for on a crisp moonlit night but Clayton moved a step closer to her.
"You are hardly the type I would take for an evening stroll." She said her eyes flashing as she lifted her chin.
"Now why not?" He took a step closer to her. "I've been told by a girl or two that I'm not half bad on the eyes." The devilish grin on his face reached his eyes as his words rolled out in a soft drawl.
"Seems you have a high opinion of yourself." Meg countered.
"Well, why not?" the puncher asked. "I've not seen any children runnin' away screaming when they see me."
Meg turned running her soft white hand along the rail of the stall where it ran toward the far wall of the barn.
"You might not be the big bad wolf but that doesn't mean you’re every girl’s dream." she quipped leaning against the heavy slats of the barn wall.
Clayton followed her forcing her to back into the wall. "And who says I'm not the big bad wolf?" his soft drawl became a growl and in the depths of Meg's eyes he could see a flicker of something; was it fear? He leaned closer.
Meg raised her blue-green eyes to the cowhand’s face, and stretched a hand toward his collar, giving it a soft tug. "I've never been afraid of fairy tales she purred."
"I reckon fairy tales carry a warning for smart children who will heed it." he took a lock of her hair in his fingers, pushing his advantage. Surely, the girl would soon panic and run for the house.
Instead, she pulled at his collar harder and the top button popped on his shirt. So she wanted to play. Did she really think he'd back down? This spoiled girl had met her match.
He leaned a hand against the wall behind her head and looked into her eyes. She was only slightly shorter than he was and his face was mere inches from hers.
Meg could feel his breath on her cheek and despite her anger at the man's arrogant attitude toward woman her heart quickened. She'd never been this close to a man before and that little nagging voice in the back of her head reminded her that he was in fact tall, dark and handsome.
Eyes glinting in the soft lantern light she slid her hand down along his shirtfront and tugged causing another button to fly free.
His eyes twinkled back at her with a dark light. She swallowed as his eyes did in fact remind her of a big bad wolf, but she stood her ground. She'd teach him that girls weren't putty in his hands to be winked at flippantly whenever he passed by. She was no shrinking violet and wouldn't be cowed.
Dropping her eyes, she traced her slippered toe along his boot hooking it on his pant leg.
He dropped a hand to her hip, his lips only mere fingers span from hers and still she glared at him, tugging once more on his shirt and splitting another button. The chit should know better. If he were another man things would soon be out of hand.
She was warm under his hand and just soft enough to remind him she was a woman. She smelled of lilac and honey, something sweet and fresh.
Meg tensed as his hand slid to her hip. The man was taking liberties he had no right to but she would not back down. She would not run away like a frightened child. No she'd wait and at just the right moment strike. A soft smile tugged at her lips. "You, sir, are no gentleman."
Her words were the merest whisper, her breath a caress and Clayton felt his heart kick up its usual slow rhythm. What would she do if he actually kissed her? His lips were a fraction away from hers; he turned his head to the right slipping his lips past her face and next to her ear.
"Now who ever said I was a gentleman?" He sighed his voice husky as his body just missed pressing into hers. Her sharp intake of breath was the reward he'd been waiting for and he felt her tremble beneath his hand. She'd run.
"Meg!" the anguished voice of Joshua James cut across them like a lash and they jumped away from each other as if scalded.
"Pa!" Meg wailed. "It's not what you think." Her bright eyes were shocked, her expressive face pale and distraught as she saw the anger, pain and disappointment in her father's eyes.
Slowly the old man turned his head to Clayton. "What do you have to say for yourself?" the words were clipped.
Clayton's eyes fell as shame infused his face with color. What could he say? He knew what it would look like to the owner of the Broken J. The game had gone too far and now he stood there, honor shattered.
"Mr. James, nothin' happened." he drawled but could see that his words would do no good.
The rancher looked between them. His icy eyes looking at Meg with shock then back to Clayton with anger. "You'll answer for this boy." the old man's words sent a shiver up his back.
"If you two can't be trusted on your own then you'll marry." the words dropped like a lead weight.
"No Pa!" Meg's anguished voice pierced Clayton to the soul. He'd done this, he'd played the game and now they'd both been burned.
"What am I to do?" Joshua asked. "I thought you had honor, son." He looked at Clayton again, anger and sorrow warring in his eyes as he stumbled back against the barn door, his hands shaking.
Clayton looked at Meg who turned toward him desperation in her eyes. "Pa." She wailed again and raced to her father as he leaned heavily against the barn for support.
"Sir." Clayton found his voice surprised it was strong and steady. "It seems to me that the only way to set this right is if Meg and I wed."
The girl whipped her eyes toward him fury battering him but his tongue wouldn't stop and he continued. "If you'll say the words I'll live up to the name sir."
Joshua looked between them. He saw the fear in Meg's eyes, but the honest determination in Claytons.
"You'll sign the family Bible and we'll register the marriage in Casper." He declared finding his legs would hold him up again.
&
nbsp; "I'm agreeable to that." Clayton was shocked at the words that poured out of him. What had he gotten himself into? His pride would not let him back down though. He'd not be accused of taking advantage of the cattleman's daughter.
"Meg." her father’s voice was hard as he looked at her. "The Bible says it's better to marry than burn. I'll not have you disgraced.”
"Pa, nothing …" her voice faded away at the look of pain in his eyes, and she nodded.
Slipping an arm around his waist, she took some of his weight and together they walked to the house. They could get this sorted out once her father calmed down.
"Call the others." Josh said falling into his chair and holding his head in his hands.
Meg did as she was asked and as her family gathered around her, with tears streaming down her face she signed the family Bible as Muiread Allen, but in her heart she knew she'd make the cowboy pay.
No one spoke during the signing, they were too stunned to ask questions but Will patted Clayton on the back before wrapping an arm around Katie and heading up the stairs.
As one by one the other members of the ranch walked away still bewildered by the sudden change in circumstances. Joshua pushed himself shakily to his feet.
"Bia, I'm going to lay down a while. Can you bring me some willow bark tea? My head hurts something fierce."
The older woman nodded then whispering something to Billy slipped into the kitchen.
A few minutes later Walt and Steve arrived with Clay's trunk and carried it to Meg's room. The young woman's eyes grew huge as she watched it ascend the stairs, then turning on her heel she raced away to her room in tears.
Clayton Allen ran a callused hand across his even features and sighed as he damned himself for every kind of a fool. It was too late now though. He’d said the words; he’d have to stand by them. A glimmer of hope trickled into his chest. They would be going to Casper in a few days, he’d find a judge. There must be something he could do about this mess. His eyes lifted upward. He’d not condemn Meg to this marriage if she truly couldn’t abide him. Surely now she’d see the error of her ways and they could get along until the trip to town. He’d talk to her upstairs.
