Claiming the Cowboy's Heart

by Linda Ford

  She should meet one of the rich land owners from the nearby ranches. Or a colonel from Fort Macleod. She deserved the very best in life.

  He kept her close as they went to the cookhouse and once inside, sat between her and the windows.

  She gave him a long, steady look, then shook her head as if to suggest he worried too much.

  If they’d been alone, he would have said it wasn’t possible, considering the danger out there. Instead, he gave a smile that didn’t touch anything but his mouth and turned to the others.

  Besides those who lived at the ranch, Ward, Grace and little Belle were in attendance. And two cowboys from the OK Ranch, Buck and Matt.

  Bertie’s talk was simple and straightforward.

  “God loves us and listens to our prayers. He will never fail to fulfill His promises.” Bertie went on to tell of times when God had shown His faithfulness.

  Seth believed God loved him in a distant sort of way. After all, if God made him, He must feel some sort of responsibility for him. He just wasn’t sure God cared enough to answer his pleas. His doubts had started at Frank’s death and simply become a habit. He never gave them much thought. And didn’t intend to start doing so now.

  As was the custom, after the service the guests enjoyed coffee and cinnamon buns served by Cookie.

  Eddie questioned Matt and Buck. “Have you seen any strangers around? Like an Englishman.” He described the man.

  Matt shook his head. “Ain’t seen much but the back end of cows for three weeks.”

  “Me, too,” Buck added. Then he snapped his fingers. “We did see a campfire over toward Dead Man’s Coulee. Didn’t think much of it. You know how people ride through and stop only to spend the night? Figured it was only that. You think it might have been this here man you’re asking about?”

  Eddie shrugged. “No way of telling but if you see this man, either apprehend him or come tell me or Constable Allen.”

  They agreed they would.

  Linette rose. “You’re welcome to join us for dinner,” she said to the pair.

  Buck ducked his head. Matt cleared his throat. “Thanks but we thought of riding into town.”

  Seth grinned.

  Beside him, Cal chortled. “Someone new in town? Someone I should know about?”

  Matt scowled so hard it should have been enough to dry Cal’s mouth to a prune. But Cal only grinned wider.

  “There are two young ladies who have come with their parents. But I warn you, they’re already spoken for. Right, Buck?”

  “That’s right.” The pair scrambled to their feet, murmured their thanks and beat a hasty retreat to the door with Cal’s mocking laughter following them.

  Buster looked as if he couldn’t decide to be shocked or annoyed. He swallowed twice then got slowly to his feet. “Seem like real nice guys, they did. Those girls are fortunate to have the interest of such fine fellas.”

  Seth choked back a laugh at how the young man had said what all of them likely thought and done it in such an innocent way.

  Buster seemed a fine fella, too.

  Seth would see to getting that belt made soon.

  As everyone made their way to Eddie’s house, Matt and Buck waited on their horses and called to Seth.

  He went to them.

  “I almost forgot. Petey said I was to see you got this.” Matt handed him a letter.

  He stuffed it in his pocket and hurried after the others. Yes, Eddie watched out for Jayne but Seth had given himself the responsibility of assuring her safety, and he couldn’t do that if he lollygagged behind.

  The women went to the kitchen to finish the meal preparations.

  Seth hovered close to the door, alert to any unusual sounds. From where he stood he could see part of the trail that led from town. He watched Matt and Buck ride out of sight. The dust they kicked up would provide a perfect cover for someone to ride close. He waited until their dust died down, his gaze alert to any sign of an intruder. When he saw nothing to alarm him, he leaned in the doorway and pulled out the letter.

  The envelope was wrinkled, Seth’s name and address blurred. The return address was Corncrib. From Crawford. The pages had gotten wet at some point and many of the words were too blurred to make out.

  “Received the money. Just in time as I was preparing to leave. I’ve done all I can. Your father—” he couldn’t read the next bit. He could decipher only a few more words “—plans to travel…”

  He folded the smudged paper and put it in his pocket. Seems Crawford meant to leave whether or not Seth returned. He strode toward the open door and looked out. Was he already gone? Seems he must be. How long had Pa been alone? If Seth left immediately, would he get back in time or would Pa die alone and untended? His insides twisted and knotted. Words Pa had said after Frank’s body was discovered burned through his brain. You didn’t take care of your brother. Suppose you mean to neglect your parents, as well.

  He’d tried burying the words, vowing to never let them rise again, and yet here they were, mocking him.

  A cowboy crossed the yard and Seth jerked to attention. He meant to watch for anyone who meant to harm Jayne.

  How could he leave her and go to his pa?

  Yet how could he neglect his pa? Pa would be all alone. At least Jayne had Eddie, the ranch hands and all her friends. Not to mention the Mountie.

  He turned to the stairs. He took three at a time but halfway up he stopped. Surely Crawford would have arranged for someone to check on Pa. Made sure he had food and water. He sighed. That made him sound like a pet.

  But would a day or two make any difference to Pa except in Seth’s mind? Was he letting cruel, thoughtless words spoken by his pa at a time of stress drive his decisions?

  He stood on the stairs. What should he do? Be a responsible son or a caring friend who made sure Jayne was safe before he left?

  Slowly he descended the stairs, his decision growing firmer with each step. He would never have any peace until he knew the murdering Englishman had been captured and Jayne was safe.

  Then he’d ride hard and fast to Corncrib and take care of his pa.

  He joined the others and listened to their chatter. He sat at the dinner table and enjoyed the feast, then afterward he joined in the visiting. He rose often and circled the room, looking out the window for any sign of danger. Eddie often checked the windows, too.

  There were so many places the man could hide then slip closer without being seen. The yard was exposed from every side to any decent marksman.

  Seth had forgotten how to pray. But he was beginning to think he might need to get back into practice, because only God could see everywhere at once.

  * * *

  Jayne did her best to appear unconcerned about the lurking Englishman but it was impossible to relax and forget it, even for a moment, with both Eddie and Seth prowling from window to window. Bedtime finally arrived, promising relief from the constant reminder until she realized Seth meant to sleep outside her door.

  “I’m sure there’s no need,” she protested.

  “How can you be sure? You can’t. So Eddie and I have agreed you will be guarded day and night until that man is under lock and key.”

  She looked past Seth’s shoulder to Eddie.

  Eddie nodded. “It seems the safest.”

  She sighed, went into her room and closed the door. She and Mercy and Sybil had chosen to sleep in the small rooms down a short hallway off the kitchen rather than upstairs. Perhaps the latter would have been a better choice.

  She lay in bed, acutely aware that Seth was on the other side of the door. She expected to stay awake, eyes wide, listening for any sound, but she fell asleep almost instantly.

  She wakened the next morning with a smile on her lips. Remembering Seth guarded her door, her smile widened.

  Not wanting to disturb him if he still slept, she tiptoed about getting dressed then cracked open the door.

  “Good morning.” He sat on a tipped-back chair facing her door. “Did you ha
ve a good sleep?”

  “I did.” She studied him closely. His cheeks were dark with a day’s worth of whiskers and his eyes were red rimmed. “Were you awake all night?”

  “Off and on.”

  “Aren’t you being overly concerned?”

  “Don’t think so.”

  It was on the tip of her tongue to say she wasn’t Frank or Sarah and wasn’t about to do something foolish like run out into the open, waving her arms, but he yawned and she only wanted to tell him to relax and get some sleep.

  “I’m going to feed Thor then help Linette with breakfast.” It didn’t surprise her when he followed her down the hall. Nor did she object when he pressed her to his side as they went to the barn. There were advantages to his concern.

  Breakfast was over when the Mountie rode in.

  “Good news,” he said to the adults who waited for him in the kitchen. “I believe we have your man.” He dug in his pocket and pulled out a ring that he showed to Jayne. “Do you recognize this?”

  “Yes. It’s the ring Oliver’s murderer was wearing.”

  “You’re absolutely certain?”

  Jayne nodded. “Completely.”

  “Good. He’ll go to Fort Macleod where the colonel will question him and arrange to have him sent back to England. Miss Gardiner, you may have to go there and give evidence, though the colonel might decide to accept your statement plus the evidence I’ll provide.”

  “What do you have?” Eddie asked.

  “In the man’s belongings were the stub of his steamship ticket and the copy of a newspaper article concerning Oliver Spencer’s death. Pretty conclusive evidence in my opinion, plus he fits Miss Gardiner’s description.”

  Eddie clapped the Mountie on the back. “It’s good to know he is no longer a threat to my sister.”

  * * *

  Seth didn’t add his thanks or gratitude. He simply shook the Mountie’s hand. Jayne would now be safe. He could leave with a peaceful heart and go to Corncrib to fulfill his duty to his pa.

  As soon as the Mountie departed, Jayne bounced to her feet. “I feel like I’ve been set free. Now I can go outside without an armed guard.”

  At least she didn’t look at Seth when she uttered those words so he tried not to take them personally.

  Jayne rushed toward the door. “I’m going to enjoy the sunshine. Who’s coming with me?”

  Mercy and Sybil hurried after her. Seth followed more slowly. He really should be on his way. He could get a good start on the journey. But first he had to make sure Thor could handle being out of his pen, as they’d agreed to do for the first time today.

  Jayne headed straight for the fawn’s enclosure and opened the gate. “I think it’s time for this little guy to enjoy some freedom, too. Come on, Thor.”

  The fawn trotted over to her and followed her past the barn to the open area between the buildings. Billy and Grady raced over. Neil left the chores he’d been doing and came to watch.

  Cassie opened the door of their house so she could see. Cookie came out and stood on the cookhouse steps.

  As soon as Thor saw the younger boys he started to romp. Soon everyone took turns playing with the fawn. Seth stood back watching but Jayne would have none of it. She had the fawn follow her to Seth’s side and darted back and forth behind him while Thor pranced about. Seth couldn’t resist and swatted playfully at Thor who danced away and kicked up his heels.

  Jayne laughed. “I had no idea a deer would be so playful.” She eyed him up and down.

  What did she want? What did she think? He didn’t have to wait long to find out.

  She tagged him. “You’re it.” She raced away. “Can’t catch me.” She lifted her skirts and ran for the cover of the trees by the river.

  At first he didn’t move, overcome with surprise at this playfulness. Then he growled and ran after her. The others had moved down the road, still playing with Thor, and didn’t notice the game Jayne had started.

  She darted from tree to tree, making it impossible to catch her.

  He changed tactics and rather than chase her, started to stalk her. He hid behind some bushes.

  She stopped to listen.

  He could hear her breathing and silently moved toward the sound.

  “Seth?” She moved into the open to look for him.

  He crouched low and used the underbrush for cover as he narrowed the distance between them.

  “Are you hiding?” she called.

  He waited, holding his breath.

  She darted to another tree, bringing her so close he could reach out and touch her. But he waited, biding his time.

  As she turned her back to look for him, he took the step that put him right behind her. “Hi, Jayne.”

  She screamed and spun about.

  He caught her arms to keep her from losing her balance.

  “Where did you come from?”

  “I haven’t forgotten how to play.” She didn’t need to know it had been years.

  “So it seems.” Her eyes flooded with joy. “Isn’t it good to know that man is captured?”

  “Relieves my mind greatly.” He moved his hands up her arms to her shoulders.

  “Mine, too.” She scrubbed her lips together. “I owe you thanks for guarding me.”

  He slipped his hands to her back and pulled her closer. Either she didn’t notice or didn’t mind because she came readily enough. “Seems you might have resented it a time or two.”

  She lowered her eyes. “I realized it was necessary but that doesn’t mean I had to like it.”

  She lifted her head and met his gaze. Time waited as they looked deeply into each other’s eyes. Behind him the river gurgled by, the sound erasing doubts and cautions and even fears from his mind. All that counted was this moment and the warmth in her eyes.

  “I’m glad no harm came to you.” Was that husky voice his?

  She nodded. Her gaze dropped to his mouth and slowly returned to his eyes.

  Slowly, savoring every bit of anticipation, he lowered his head and captured her lips. Sweet as honey. Welcoming as home.

  Her hands pressed on his back, holding him, accepting his kiss.

  His heart swelled to near bursting.

  Pa’s voice echoed through his head. He didn’t hear the words. Didn’t need to. Didn’t want to. Only knew he must answer the call of duty.

  He ended the kiss but did not release her from his arms. She fit perfectly as if she had been made for him.

  The thought scattered through his brain. Made for him? God made her. Did He mean for Seth to enjoy her presence?

  Again Pa’s voice called, harsh, demanding.

  Seth still did not let her go. The river murmured softly and he remembered a promise to take Jayne and her friends up the mountains. “Do you and the others still want to see a mountain lake?” He didn’t even know if there was one nearby but Eddie would.

  “I’d love to.”

  “Then let’s plan an outing tomorrow.”

  After that he would obey his pa’s call. But he wouldn’t tell her he meant to leave until they enjoyed tomorrow.

  They returned to the yard.

  Mercy saw them and gave Jayne a startled look.

  He glanced in Jayne’s direction. No wonder Mercy looked surprised. Jayne had the look of a woman who had been kissed and enjoyed it.

  Telling her he meant to leave was not going to be easy.

  Chapter Fifteen

  The next morning, Jayne jumped from bed and pulled on her clothes. She decided to wear the same outfit she’d worn the day she shot Seth. It amused her to think her accident had brought him into her life. She brushed her hair, braided it and left the braid hanging down her back. She studied her reflection in the looking glass. Satisfied, she hugged herself. Laughter bubbled up unbidden. She spun around her room, thankful neither Mercy nor Sybil had come in.

  Seth had kissed her and held her. Then invited them to accompany him to a mountain lake. A special outing for a special reason? She would make
certain she and Seth had time together alone. Perhaps she should warn her friends of her plan.

  But when she entered the kitchen they had already gone down the hill to join Seth, who was hitching the wagon.

  She joined them.

  Sybil and Mercy sat on blankets in the back of the wagon and Jayne perched beside Seth on the seat. “I’ll keep you company.”

  The sun shone in a clear blue sky. It would grow hot before the day was over but the ladies all wore bonnets so they wouldn’t get burned. Besides, not heat, nor cold, nor rain or sleet or snow could mar the beauty of this day. But sunshine was the best.

  God, please give us a good day full of laughter and love. Her heart flowed with sweetness. Today would be special.

  “Eddie suggested we see a waterfall,” Seth said as they left the ranch buildings behind them. “He said it was worth the drive.”

  “Sounds good to me,” she said. The trail led across a grass-covered hill. She leaned forward. “It’s beautiful country. I love the way the hills roll away in waves of green. And the mountains fold back in blue layers.”

  “It’s fine country.”

  “I told you this before but I never see the mountains without thinking of how great God is. Powerful, strong, caring. ‘In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.’ I’ve never been more aware of it than I am here.”

  He nodded. “Seems He is pretty powerful all right.”

  She slowly brought her head around to study him, her eyes wide with surprise. “You sound different.”

  “Do I?”

  She looked toward the pair behind them. So did he. The girls strained forward to hear what he and Jayne said. This was not the time to speak of personal things.

  He pointed to a tall pine tree. “A bald eagle’s nest. Do you see the male bird?” A white-headed eagle circled slowly then descended to the nest. “He’s brought food for the eaglets.”

  Mercy and Sybil pressed forward and they all strained to see the eagle.

  He stopped the wagon so they could have a better look but Jayne felt his gaze on her. She turned, not caring about bald eagles, and let her eyes say what her heart felt, let him see that she would welcome anything he said.