by Danni Roan
They even had more unexpected news and were surprised to find that they had a new member of the Broken J crew returning with them.
"I done got myself hitched." Deeks announced at dinner the night before they pulled out. "Ray is feelin' a might poorly just now though so she's with the doc. but she'll be headed home with us just the same." The old blacksmith, wrung his scarred hands as he stood in the parlor of Mrs. Bick's house to make the announcement and right after he'd finished he, Joshua, and Benji stepped outside to have a lengthy talk.
When morning broke, the only glimpse anyone had of the woman Deeks referred to as Ray, was when he helped her into the back of the chuck wagon and pulled the flap of the heavy canvas cover down tight. Meg was sure she was the same woman she'd seen at the doctor’s office a few days before, but she knew Deeks would introduce everyone when he was ready.
"Am I getting a new aunt?" Eric's voice chimed into Meg's thoughts as she rode beside the wagon.
"Yes, this means you’re getting a new aunt since Uncle Deeks has married." Fiona's voice drifted back to her. Meg caught the uncertain glance her sister shot her husband, though and knew that everyone was just as curious as she was. On the other hand, Uncle Benji had done something similar just a year before when he’d picked up an unexpected mail-order-bride at the train depot.
She let her flashy chestnut drop, back until she was riding abreast of Clayton. He sat quietly on the big gray gelding he'd been riding for most of the drive, having left The Duke at the ranch to become better acquainted with the female portion of the equine establishment.
She didn't speak just rode along next to him thinking. It had been a strange trip to town and she wasn't sure what to make of it. Clayton had shocked her, bewildered her by acting nothing like what she had expected. If she didn’t know better she’d be inclined to think he was indeed a gentleman.
He was even making an effort to be reasonable and friendly, though his sense of humor sometimes distracted her or even made her want to give him a good smack. He was constantly teasing or joshing. He and Old Billy sniped at each other more than Nona and Chen Lou, but it was good natured and kept everyone cheerful on the chill ride home.
She smiled at the puncher who sat easy in his saddle and he smiled back. Maybe they could get through this one month if they tried.
They had one more day of travel before they'd be home and the chill wind blowing off of the mountains was threatening snow. The big red wagon was filled with supplies including large rolls of barbed wire that her father had purchased and it slogged along at a slow pace. The chuck wagon equally full of staples. Moved no faster and as the sharp bite of winter like weather surrounded them those left riding shivered in their saddles. Eric had finally given up his riding Scooter, who had let himself out of the barn and followed them when they first struck out, to ride bundled up between Fiona and Hank. His fuzzy little mule seemed content to trot along by the massive horses who leaned into their harnesses mile after mile across the wide prairie.
Joshua smiled at Benji as he watched Meg drop back and start chatting with Clayton. Maybe this would work out after all. Something seemed to have happened during their time in town and they no longer seemed hostile to each other. But what would that mean exactly? He squinted as the sun slipped behind a winter white clouds stealing some of the meager heat that had been available. April seemed to have decided to retreat from the world.
Although spring had marched across the calendar it seemed to be at war with itself and cool breezes combined with frosty nights had slowed the early vegetation from spreading out across the planes.
That night they bedded down near the fire or under wagons away from the biting frost. Meg rolled herself in her blankets fully clothed in hat, gloves and coat but still felt the chill of the night. A few feet away Clayton also pulled his bedroll up to his nose and settled in for sleep.
As the night wore on icy fingers crept under the blankets and plucked at the warmth below. Meg, shivered despite her heavy clothes and tucked her blankets up over her nose. A sudden warmth at her back told her Clayton had moved up to her inching his heat into hers, melding and forcing the icy claws of night away. She scooted her back into his hard chest and sighed, soon drifting off to sleep in the halo of his arms. Warmth was warmth and she was grateful for it.
As the ranch came into view even the tired teams picked up their pace as they approached home. Soft smoke could be seen puffing from the two big chimneys of the house and the little sod shack. Meg had never been so happy to see her home, she felt chilled to the bone and wondered if a hot bath would be waiting.
She couldn’t wait to see Nona’s face when Katie told her the good news. She’d be so surprised and pleased. Meg smiled at how pleased her grandmother would be to have another woman around as well. Maybe she’d have hot chocolate simmering.
A sudden and surprising appreciation for the Broken J seemed to seep into Meg making her look at the gray buildings with fresh eyes. The old windmill creaking lazily in the breeze, the huge barn, with its gaping upstairs door and hay lift. The little sod shack small and almost the same color as the prairie, her first home in Wyoming, looked cozy and welcoming.
The house itself appeared timeless as if it had grown out of the wide, flat plains, its gray wood siding and creek stone chimneys blending with the brown earth and the golden grasses. Somehow it seemed like it would stand there forever, a monument to the hard work and determination of the men and woman who had come to this wild land and made something out of nothing.
The squeals and whinnies of the black stud horse as he pranced and strutted around the large pole and rail corral greeted the weary travelers as they entered the ranch yard. Chen Lou scurried out onto the front porch, a wide smile on his wizened face as Mae jumped from her pony and bounded into his arms. Will lifted Katie down from her saddle with a grin as one by one riders stepped down from tired mounts.
Isadoro walked out onto the porch, his bright eyes twinkling as the girls began marching up the steps, each kissing his bristly cheeks.
“Looks like you brought back the whole store Josh.” He called looking across at the bed of the big wagon.
“Seems like everyone around here wants to eat regular.” Josh shot back a crooked smile on his lips, four days’ worth of stubble covering his chin.
As Hank helped Fiona and Eric down from the red wagon. Deeks hobbled around to the back of the chuck wagon and eased the frail woman he now called wife from the back where she’d spent nearly every moment of the trip. In the light of day, purple green bruising was evident on her cheeks and jaw and one eye seemed to squint in the white glare.
Josh nodded toward his father-in-law and it was obvious they needed to talk.
“Deeks, why don’t you take Ray on in to my room where she can rest and we’ll all have a talk in a bit.”
Deeks turned to the woman who stood unsteadily on her feet next to him, vigorously shaking her head.
A hushed argument ensued between the bent old blacksmith and the rail thin woman in an oversized woolen dress. After a few minutes Deeks stepped away from her, and walked to where Josh was mounting the stairs.
“She says she won’t come in ta’ house.” He said his tired blue eyes looking sad.
Josh cast a glance to the chuck wagon as Fiona walked by holding Eric’s hand.
“Well she can’t stay in the chuck wagon.” Josh began.
Deeks lifted his hat and scratched his thatch of gray hair. “She won’t budge.” He said concern evident in his voice.
Isadoro looked from one man to the other then toward the woman in question, sure he was missing something important.
“Take her on down to the bunk house.” He began. Both men turned shocked eyes toward the wiry man. “You can have the other side of the place to yourself since we aren’t using it anyway.” He finally finished.
Deeks, wrung his big hands, looked toward the old green wagon and nodded. “I reckon she’ll be alright there.” Dropping his head, he shuffled off
to where Ray slouched against the wagon.
“You go on and get warmed up Josh.” Isadoro said. “I’ll get the stock turned in.” he’d no sooner said the words then both men saw Clayton gathering up the reins of the horses, directing them toward the corral where his stud horse was still kicking up a fuss.
Joshua James slapped a hand on his father-in-law’s shoulder and together they followed the women into the warmth of the house.
Clayton lead the horses to the corral and began pulling their tack off before one by one turning them into the corral. Duke, trotted, neck arched, to the rail where Clayton had just slung a saddle. The big black horse stuck his nose out at the man looking for attention. Chuckling the dark puncher patted the animal on the neck. Duke blew softly threw his nose tossing his head.
“Are your lady friends already starting to drive you around the bend?” the dark cowboy asked the horse. “I can understand if they are.” He chuckled “I’ll get you out this week. Now get on with you.” The cowboy chided. “Go catch up with the rest of this lot. I have work to do.” He laughed again as the horse pranced away, bouncing on springy fetlocks.
Once the horses were put away Clayton turned toward the wagons, that were systematically being unloaded by Hank, Chen Lou, Walters, and Billy. The huge reels of barbed wire would have to stay in the wagon until it was ready to be strung but everything else needed to be stowed for the months ahead.
Nona did indeed have hot cocoa simmering on the stove and she served it up as soon as she’d hugged each girl. Surprisingly Mae, happily helped fetch mugs and spoons as she gushed about her trip to town.
Nona’s eyes fell on Katie and she smiled.
“Nona!” Katie gasped, drawing all eyes to her. “You knew didn’t you?”
The older woman just smiled wider, a single tear of joy trickling down her cheek, as she kissed Will on the cheek and sent him to help the other men.
“Bianca.” Isadoro’s soft voice called from the hall. “Josh has asked to see you.”
Nona blinked for a moment but hustled out of the kitchen as the girls huddled around the table, warming themselves with hot chocolate and gossip, before they started packing supplies away. Pausing only once when they heard their grandmother’s voice raised in the other room.
“You’ve brought what to the ranch!” Bianca Leone’s horrified voice rose in pitch as she stared at the men around her.
“Deeks brought his wife to the ranch.” Joshua growled. “He’s a grown man and can do as he pleases.” his ice blue gaze cold on his mother-in-law’s face.
The woman stiffened her spine ready to argue but her husband laid his hand on her arm.
“Bi” he said softly. “Deeks has been with this ranch longer than either of us and he has a right to do what he feels is right. He’s no fool.” His cinnamon gaze implored her to let it go.
“But the girls…” she began.
“The girls are nearly all grown.” Isadoro said his voice still soft. “One woman is not going to change who they are no matter regardless of who she is.”
“What can a… a… woman like that bring to the ranch?” the matron of the Broken J said in a strained whisper.
“Maybe it’s not what she can bring to the Broken J.” Joshua finally answered. “Maybe it’s what the Broken J can bring to her. Deeks has every right to bring a wife to the place and I’ll not question him on it.”
The older woman cast her dark eyes to the faces around her. Joshua, Benjamin, and Isadoro stood and silently waited for her to come to grips with the news Deeks had shared only with them.
She nodded once and left the room.
A steady stream of supplies flowed into the house from the wagons kept Nona busy putting things away with the help of the girls and Chen Lou. Despite her dark thoughts she smiled at the excited chatter of Eric and Mae as they took turns putting things away.
In-between sorting, stacking, and organizing she also gave instructions to have specific items of furniture, and household wears sent to the Deekses in the bunkhouse. Though at times even the girls caught her dark looks and heavy frown.
Bread and butter was laid out on the table along with mugs of steaming hot cocoa and the men took turns warming themselves with the special treat as Josh explained that in the morning they would start preparing the fence line, changing the face of the Broken J forever.
Dinner that night was festive. They celebrated Will and Katie’s good news. Swapped stories of their trip to town and rejoiced in being home safe and sound. Deeks was congratulated again by the household even though he did come to the table alone. That night the blessing seemed to bring a deeper peace to the ranch as weary and sore the whole family was once more united.
Deeks, joining them for the meal as always, took a plate of food back with him for his new bride; a worried expression in his somber eyes, a quietness hovering around him like a shadow. The girls cast concerned glances at each other but no one commented on the situation.
It wasn’t long after the dishes were washed that everyone turned to their beds and rest. Clayton trudged up the stairs shortly after Meg and quietly slipped through the door of the room they shared. Lifting his pillow from the bed he turned to make up a bed on the floor. He didn’t want to push this truce they’d made. It wouldn’t be the first time he’d slept on the floor and he was sure it wouldn’t be the last.
“I think it’s too late for that now.” Meg’s voice held a wry humor. “You might as well be warm.” In the darkness she smiled. She would never have gotten any sleep at all the night before without his warmth. There was no point in changing things now. She could at least try to be polite. Besides if he’d planned on trying something he would surely have done so by now.
Clayton chuckled as he slipped between the crisp clean sheets beneath a heavy quilt. It felt like heaven to his weary body. “It’s mighty nice of you Meg.” He whispered. “I promise to be a true gentleman.” His smile widened at her soft huff.
“Clayton has anyone ever told you that you can be infuriating?” Meg asked, snuggling further under the covers.
“Why ma’am, it seems like those are the first words I can recall. My mother said them early and often.” He smiled again as the girl next to him giggled. Perhaps this truce would hold after all.
“Why did you come here Clayton?” Meg’s soft question caught him by surprise, it was the first time she had truly asked him anything about himself and for a moment he struggled with what to tell her.
“I lost my home and needed a new one.” He said simply, the truth in just a few words.
He felt her roll toward him and her presence was strangely comforting in cool darkness.
“So your family is gone?” Meg surprised even herself with her bold questions but a small flicker of kindness grew in her breast.
“Yes.” He was silent so long after that single word Meg began to wonder if he had drifted off to sleep.
“My mother died when I was twenty-one. She’d struggled with poor health and weak lungs for years. Then about a year ago my father died quite suddenly.” He grew quiet again.
“What about your home? You obviously know how to work cows, if perhaps a little differently than what I’m used to.”
Clayton couldn’t help but laugh, the sound echoing in the silent room. “You think how I chase cows is different?” his chest shook. “Imagine how shocked I was when you and your sisters walked out that front door dressed like cow hands and headed out to work the round up.”
Meg thought about his words for a few moments. “Fair enough.” She finally agreed. “We never think anything of it since we’ve been riding everywhere with our father for as long as we can remember. When mother died Katie and I were still small and Pa just took us everywhere he went while Bill took care of Fiona.”
Meg felt Clayton roll over on the bed. “You mean that crotchety old man looked after your baby sister while you rode around this ranch with your pa?” he sounded truly shocked.
Meg laughed softly. “First, yes, Bi
lly looked after Fi. He had a goat and could manage to feed her. Second it wasn’t a ranch then just a farm but with it just being Pa and the men he couldn’t leave us at home so we went where he did whether that meant plowing, planting, of pulling weeds.”
Clayton shook his head, but realized she couldn’t see him in the dark. “That’s some story.” He commented. “No wonder ya’ll call the men here uncle.”
“It’s also why every man on the ranch owns a share. When Pa settled here and they joined him it was a partnership and over the years it’s worked out pretty well. To listen to the men, talk the first years were pretty lean but over time they built something here to be proud of.”
Meg’s voice grew soft as she realized just how much the ranch actually meant to her family. She was ashamed to admit that in some ways she had taken it all for granted.
“What about you? Didn’t you have a ranch?” her words were not meant to be cruel but they cut through him like a razor. He shifted uncomfortably but part of him wanted to tell her.
“My Pa was a good rancher.” He began. “He inherited the place from his father and through hard work continued to build it up.” His words stopped as he thought of his father and the old anger prodded him. He sighed heavily but continued. “My pa was always looking for the next best thing and when an investor came along wanting to buy in he jumped at the chance. At first it all seemed alright and we brought in new stock to help build up our herd. It wasn’t until Pa died that I found out that there was a time clause in the agreement. If the investment hadn’t been returned by a set time the ranch was forfeit to the silent partner.”
He ground the last words out through clenched teeth, his anger heating him so that he threw the blankets off and sat up.
“I’m sorry Clay.” Meg’s soft words and gentle hand on his shoulder seemed to cool his temper. Her voice was sincere, caring. He flopped back onto the bed as the cool breeze played across his chest.
“I tried to buy it back.” He had to swallow hard before he could go on. “I…I,” he hesitated again. “I have some money of my own.” Again he was silent and Meg laid her hand on his hard bicep encouragingly. “It wasn’t enough.”
