Katie: Book One: The Cattleman's Daughters

by Danni Roan

  Chapter 7

  “I hope you know what you’re doing.” Joshua James groused at Benji as he paced the kitchen floor.

  “Trust me. They’ll be fine.” Benji called back over his shoulder as he watched the steady rain fall outside. The storm had moved in quickly, what had looked like just a steady rain had turned itself into a deluge in no time at all and he and Josh knew it would be far worse in the mountains. He hoped that Will Robertson and Katie had made it to Brion’s cabin but in his gut he also knew there was no way they could have made it there in time.

  “That boy’s sensible and savvy. He’ll find a shelter for them and keep Katie safe.”

  Joshua continued his pacing, pausing occasionally to glare at the back of his longtime partner who stood, infuriatingly calm, hands tucked in his back pockets, staring out at the darkening night.

  “He sure seems the type to take care of her, I can’t argue that but you know how those mountains can be.”

  “Jeremiah and Maybelle did their job well.” Benji replied as thunder rolled through the valley. “We both agreed this was the way to go Josh. That boy was doing his best to stay away from Katie and that’s not the plan. He has some fool notion that looking at your girls will get him the sack. You know it. I know it. The only ones who don’t know it are the two stuck up there on that mountain somewhere.”

  “At least we know he’s an honorable sort.” Joshua replied grudgingly. “Who knew we’d have to practically hog-tie them together. You’d think two young people would just sort of gravitate toward each other.” It’s only natural.

  Benji’s soft chuckle echoed in the quiet kitchen.

  “You two still worrin’ bout them young ones?” Bianca’s voice interrupted their thoughts as she hustled over to the cook stove and stoked the fire. “I make coffee. Sit, sit.”

  She chivvied them with her hands and both men turned toward the table. Joshua noted the way her accent had reemerged, which only happened when she was upset. A few minutes later Isadoro joined them as his wife put cookies and coffee on the table and turned up the lamp.

  “We were just saying how it sure is hard work to get them two youngin’s together.” Benji said, sipping the dark brew.

  Joshua nodded. “You’d think they didn’t like each other.” He said with a grimace.

  “Oh, no, no, no.” Bianca wobbled her head determinedly. “I watch them. That boy has eyes for our girl and it’s just a matter of time.” She reached out and took her husband’s brown, gnarled hand in her plump one and patted it.

  “Katie, too.” Isadoro added his brown eyes smiling mischievously. She just can’t let go of the ranch. She still thinks she has to take care of you Josh. That girl needs to learn to live and stop trying to take care of everyone else around her.”

  “She needs to start listening to her heart.” Bianca added.

  “I just hope she’s safe out there.” Josh said turning toward the window and the night outside.

  “We will pray for them.” Bianca stated then reaching for Benji’s hand on the other side of her as she bowed her head.

  A drop of cold water trickled down Will’s neck sending a shiver along his spine. He’d been scrounging fire wood under the thick pines and for the most part they kept the rain off of him but every now and then one fat droplet would find its way under the collar of his slicker. He’d gathered several arm loads of semi-dry wood already and was headed back to the cave.

  He could just make out the soft flicker of light from the small fire as it cast the horses shadows into grotesque shapes that dance in the driving rain. Entering the mouth of the make shift shelter he studied the horses as they dozed where they stood. Quietly he stacked the wood near the cheerful blaze then taking off his rain gear he slipped between the blankets of his bed roll and let sleep find him.

  Will’s first inkling of trouble was a snort from his horse, Whisper. The fire had died down so the first thing he did was to add a few branches to its meager flame. Dark shadows crept around the cave and the horses began fidgeting.

  Will reached across his saddle and pulled the Winchester carbine rifle from its scabbard, his eyes scouring the mouth of the cave as the horses became more restless. He heard Katie climb from her blankets and begin walking to their mounts, talking in soft calming tones.

  Suddenly all four horses whirled, pushing, and bumping into each other then bolted from the cave entrance as a tall shadow raised itself up with a snarl. The huge grizzly made a mad swipe at the fleeing horses, narrowly missing the rump of the last animal through the entrance. Will raised his rifle and fired. The huge bear swayed on its hind legs but didn’t topple as Will worked the lever action of the gun. The bear, now injured, snarled dropping to all fours and lunged for Will, as white froth sprayed from its mouth around razor sharp teeth. Will fired again, and the bear staggered but kept coming. One more time the click, click of the carbines action snapped and with another deafening boom, it fired again. The bear collapsed all at once but its forward momentum slammed it into Will’s legs knocking him to the floor.

  Dazed he tried to push the dead animal away, as he distinctly heard the sound of another gun being cocked. Straining he looked up to see Katie standing over the bear, a large pistol at the ready.

  “I’m alright.” He croaked around his adrenaline tightened throat and began pushing at the huge weight that had settled on his legs.

  Katie, placing the colt pistol on the cave floor walked over to him and bit by bit they pushed the bear off of his legs. Rising he studied her face, noting the wide eyes and gray color around her eyes and mouth.

  “You alright?” he asked gently.

  She only nodded, then bending helped him roll the carcasses to the mouth of the cave, before sagging to her knees by the fire. Quickly Will went to her. Now that the crisis was over her whole body was shaking and tears danced in her eyes. Sitting beside her he gently wrapped an arm around her and pulled her close. She didn’t resist she just sagged into him and began to cry.

  “You were great.” He whispered into her hair as he rested his cheek on her head. “You were so brave. You didn’t even scream.” Against his side, warm and soft, Katie sobbed. “Shh.” He crooned. “It’s all over now. You’re safe. We’re safe.” He just kept repeating the words, holding her close to his wildly beating heart until her sobs had stopped.

  Somewhere in the early hours of the pre-dawn Will felt Katie slip into sleep but he couldn’t bring himself to let her go. All through the long hours of dawn he held her close to him, feeling the heat of her body soaking into his heart. She was amazing. He’d known woman who would have collapsed at the first sight of a monster like the one outside. But Katie had held it together until she knew he was safe.

  As the first golden rays of the sun pushed the rain away, he finally woke her. For a moment she was confused, then gasped as she realized she’d fallen asleep in his arms. Slowly, gently, reluctantly he separated from her, purposely not looking at her face for fear he’d give in to his need to kiss her.

  “I’ll have to go find the horses.” He finally croaked. She nodded beside him, eyes still down cast. “Will you be alright here by yourself?” She turned wide startled eyes at him that flickered toward the mouth of the cave and the gray lump that was brightening with every minute.

  “No. no. I mean yes. No I mean, we’ll go together. If we’re lucky they won’t have gone far.”

  He smiled. The girl had pluck. “Alright.” He looked at the now hours cold fire and sighed. It sure would have been nice to have a cup of coffee before leaving but there was no point waiting. “You ready?” For the first time that morning Katie met his eyes. A soft blush rose across her cheeks, though he wasn’t sure if it was due to their closeness throughout the night or the gentle glow of the rising sun. She gave one nod, picked up her pistol and started for the exit.

  They tried tracking the horses as they wound their way down the side of the mountain but it was not good, the animals had raced through underbrush and across rocky groun
d leaving only tell-tale signs.

  Eventually they just traipsed to the bottom of the hill and to their surprise found Whisper contentedly munching grass at the trails end. Will whistled at first sight of the tall gelding, causing the red freckled animal to lift its head, whinny in reply and trot toward them.

  “Now aren’t you a sight for sore eyes.” He said smiling and rubbing the horse’s forehead. The long reins of the bridle trailed behind the horse and Will scooped them up. Then turned grinning at Katie as she patted Whispers neck.

  “I’ll give you a leg up and then we’ll head back up the mountain.” He said offering his hands as a stirrup. She tucked her little booted foot into the sling made by his palms then swung up, scooting toward the big horse’s withers and gripping his mane.

  Will placed a hand on the horses shoulder and in one smooth motion swung up behind her. “We’d better just head toward Uncle Brion’s place.” She called over her shoulder as he began guiding them toward the trail. “If he knew we were coming he’ll be worried and without the other horses someone will have to come and get the tack anyway.”

  Will nodded his agreement and turned the roan in the direction she indicated trying to ignore the distraction of her warm body pressed against his as they rode. He kept moving to adjust his seat to keep a respectable distance between them, but with each stride of the horse his body would ease up behind hers and soon a heat that had nothing to do with the steadily climbing sun at his left filled his body. If the close contact was bothering Katie at all she didn’t show it but instead began pointing out interesting landmarks nearby.

  Here the mountains were crisscrossed by streams and tributaries to the Wind River and more than once he found himself urging Whisper to splash across a stream. At one point the tough mountain horse tripped and stumbled for a moment. Instinctively Will’s hand snaked around Katie’s slender waist, pulling her in to his chest to keep her from slipping from their mount's bare back. She didn’t resist but instead allowed herself to lean into him. Will sucked in a sharp breath as his center began to warm. The gentle step and slide motion of the horse forcing him against her rump making more than his sense of propriety uncomfortable.

  Katie found herself letting go. Just this once, while no one was around to judge her she would enjoy the moment. She reveled in the feeling of the man pressed against her back. His warmth spreading across her tense shoulder and giving her a sense of peace.

  When the horse stumbled and Will’s hand had claimed her waist, she leaned into him letting him hold her upright in front of him. Where his hand rested, liquid fire began seeping along her body. She shivered with delight, which made his grip tighten.

  She knew it was wrong; knew she shouldn’t be so close to a man she wasn’t married to but she also knew that at her age she would never marry. Will was protecting her, keeping her safe, that was all and for the moment she would allow someone else to watch over her.

  As long as she could remember there was someone needing her to take care of them. First her mother when she was so sick waiting for Fi to be born. Then when her mother was gone she was responsible for Meg. She had to look out for her father and help him. She had responsibilities to the ranch, to her family. But today, just for a little while she would allow herself to be a woman with dreams and desires. No one needed to know. Tomorrow she would pick up the traces again and press back into that life of care.

  The ride into the foot hills was blissful torture for Will. His senses, heightened by the physical contact with the woman in front of him were sharp. He could smell her hair, a mixture of some sweet soap, smoke, and sunlight. He delighted in her nearness, but dreaded the outcome of their time together. If spending the night in a cave with the boss’s daughter wasn’t enough for him to get the sack, then riding along with his arms wrapped around her possessively was sure to do the trick.

  The steady, swish, swish of his jeans against her back side was just about to force him to start walking when Katie raised a small hand and pointed to a cabin nestled in the woods. He turned Whisper toward it and kicked the tired animal into a quick jog.

  As he approached a young man rode a spotted pony from the trees. The boy couldn’t have been more than thirteen but his dark eyes were cautious. He wore no shirt just leather breeches and tall moccasins. His skin was bronzed by the sun and his long black hair hung loose behind him. For a moment Will’s hand hovered over the pistol on his hip but then the boy waved and smiling spurred his horse toward them.

  “Sean!” Katie yelled excitedly waving her hand. Soon the boy was beside them and with a big grin reached a hand out to Katie.

  “Well, cousin,” he said “I see you finally made it.” His eyes turned to Will questioningly.

  Together they rode to the cabin where a woman, a squaw, stood with a girl of about eleven. Will looked at the woman, the child and then the boy recognizing them as a family. Before they’d come to a complete stop Katie, threw her leg over Whisper’s neck and slid to the ground then racing up the stairs grasped the woman and then the girl in a tight hug.

  Where’s Uncle Brion?” She asked. “How is he? We had a terrible time getting here. Oh dear.”

  She suddenly whirled looking at Will for the first time and bright spots of red spread across her cheeks. “Um. This is Will. He’s Pa’s new foreman. Never mind though.” She took the woman’s hand and pulling her along with her entered the cabin. Will just caught the small woman turning her braid bedecked head toward him for a moment, a sly grin spreading across her face.

  “You might as well swing down too.” Sean said sliding off his pony and reaching for the bridle reins. “You go on in and see Da’ and I’ll see to your horse.”

  Will smiled and climbed down giving Whisper a sound pat on the neck as he walked up the stairs and across the porch.

  Once inside the simple but homey cabin, Will saw Katie sitting next to a cot by a large stone fire place. On the pallet, next to the fire lay a man with hair as red as his roan’s main and just as mixed with white. He was holding Katie’s hand and looking at her fondly and asking her questions in a voice thick with an Irish Brogue.

  “Sean, boy.” He called across the room as his son came through the door. “You’ll need to round up the ponies for these two. I’m pretty sure they’ll be needing them.” He turned his eyes back to his niece. “Now me darlin’ little Kat, tell me what happened.”

  As Katie recounted the events of the previous day and night, her uncle’s eyes kept straying to Will who stood twisting his old hat in his hands.

  “I see.” The older man said sharply. “Well you’re safe and sound now and that’s all what matters.” He patted Katie’s hand and smiled. “Wynonna, why don’t you put some of that corn bread on the table for you and Katie while I have a little talk with this young man.”

  Will watched in trepidation as Katie rose and walked to the big table on the other side of the room. He watched as the amber haired girl hugged her raven haired aunt again and settled down for a chat, then stepped toward what could only be his day of reckoning.

  “You did well laddie.” Brion Blakely said without preamble. “You brought the two of you through a bad time and safely to. I’d say that’s something.”

  Will let out a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding, his whole body sagging with relief that he wasn’t to be berated for his time alone with Katie.

  “Now tell me a little about yourself.” Brion said, a soft twinkle in his eye.

  Across the room Katie sat at the table with her aunt. It had been a surprise to her whole family when Brion had married the Indian woman, but it was evident that he’d done it for love. Wynonna, Winny to her family, was a strange sort and not truly what one would expect of one of her race. She had been raised in a mission for most of her life and was a Catholic through and through, though you’d never be able to tell by her traditional dress and looks. Usually a reserved woman, when roused she was a force to be reckoned with and her sheer determination had probably saved her whole family a
time or two. At the moment her steely gaze was fixed on her nieces face and Katie found herself squirming like a child caught with their hand in the cookie jar.

  “He is very handsome. No?” Winny tilted her head toward the young man still speaking in low tones to her husband. Katie felt a warm blush creep across her face.

  “Aunt Winny that is completely irrelevant, what matters is if he can ease some of the work from Pa and Uncle Benji.”

  “Pah!” Winny’s face grimaced. “He is young. You marry him.”

  Katie gasped, desperately hoping that the men hadn’t heard. “Aunt Winny!” She kept her voice to a shocked whisper. “I’m far too old to think of marriage now. Besides Mr. Robertson has come here as a foreman. He probably has a sweet heart he’ll send for as soon as he can.”

  Katie’s aunt waved her hand dismissively then with a smirk she lifted her voice. “You. Young man. How old you are?”

  Will’s head snapped around at the question obviously directed at him rang out. “Twenty-eight, ma’am.” He replied politely.

  “You have sweet heart back home?” Winny went on persistently

  “Uh. No ma’am.” Will felt even more confused and flustered by the minute.

  “Good,” the petite woman called back. “You marry our pretty Kat then.” She said cheerfully, nodding her head just once as if to punctuate her statement.

  Silence fell like a lead weight across the whole cabin as Will’s startled eyes met Katie’s wide, shocked ones. The silence crept along the walls and ceiling of the entire cabin filling it with an icy chill. Then suddenly the whole thing shattered at the loud guffaw coming from the cot by the fire place. Will looked in wonderment as the burly form of Brion Blakely doubled over in laughter. The man had tears streaming down his cheeks as he pointed at first Will then at Katie.

  His wife on the other hand stood to her full, all be it minimal, height placing her hands on her hips. “Why you laugh, Bri-one?” She asked tersely. “They have spent a night in the wilds already, they should just marry.” Again she nodded as if to put paid to the whole discussion as her husband struggled to gain control of himself.