Tom's Angel

by Linda George

  She told her about Josh riding Rusty, the stripped saddle, and their attempts to shorten the race.

  “Now, we have to wait and see what happens.”

  Trina didn't comment right away. Hannah had fallen asleep. Trina took her back to her room, then reappeared smoothing her blouse back into place. She went straight to the front door.

  “Suey, pig pig pig!” she yelled.

  “Trina, what are you doing?”

  “Watch what happens. That pig won't get even a taste of that pie.”

  The men appeared at the door in two shakes, with Josh on their heels.

  Rosalie couldn't help laughing at their flushed faces.

  Tom shook his head at Gabriel. “Will she ever change?”

  “God, I hope not.”

  After they sat down, Trina made them all join hands and said a short prayer before the meal.

  “Dearest Lord, we pray Your help for Tom and Rosalie, Josh and Rusty come Saturday. Rusty needs to win and we know You can do it, Lord. Oh, and thanks for this food. Amen.”

  Gabriel spooned beef, vegetables, rich gravy, and chunks of flakey crust onto each plate. Trina added a thick slice of bread, still warm from the oven. After everyone else had been served, Gabriel commenced to empty the dish onto his own plate.

  “Gabriel! Someone might want more.”

  “They won't. I gave everybody a heaping helping.”

  Tom forked a chunk of beef into his mouth. “I'll say. Trina, tell Rosalie how to make this, please.”

  “Well, now, Tom, I'm betting Rosalie already knows how to make beef pie.”

  “Yes, I do.”

  “Great.” Tom grinned and chewed.

  Trina chewed for a moment, then turned to Gabriel. “I assume you'll be exercising Rusty to get him primed for the race.”

  “You assume right. What do you have in mind?”

  “Well, when I was a little girl, I remember Will and Bo having a race to see which of their horses was faster.”

  Tom perked up. “I remember that. Those horses were so evenly matched, there was no way to tell who would win.”

  “Exactly. Except Will exercised his horse with a big saddle and rocks in his pockets.”

  Rosalie frowned. “Why add all that extra weight? We asked Josh to ride Rusty to have the least weight possible.”

  Trina nodded. “That's what Will did, too. Got me to ride his horse come race time, and made me do without a saddle altogether. So there I was, riding bareback, on a horse used to carrying Will and rocks. Guess who won?”

  Tom shook his head. “I can't believe I forgot that. It could work again.”

  Rosalie nudged Trina. “What happened after the race?”

  “Bo stomped around, claiming Will cheated, but Paw set him straight in a hurry. Made him chop wood for a week for the mean things he'd said to his brother and sister. Told him, next time, to make sure they spelled out the details of the race in advance.”

  “What did you get out of the deal?” Rosalie knew Trina well enough by now to know she'd never do it just for fun.

  Tom interrupted. “I can answer that. Trina had Will doing her kitchen chores, hauling wood and water, shoveling ashes out of the oven, for a week!”

  Rosalie retreated into her own thoughts as they talked about other times Will or Tom had bested Bo, sometimes with Trina's help and sometimes without. Rosalie longed to be a permanent member of this family.

  She realized with a start that Tom was smiling at her.

  “Penny for your thoughts,” he whispered.

  She smiled and finished the pie. It could’ve used a little more onion.

  <><><><>

  That afternoon, they saddled Rusty with the heaviest saddle Gabriel owned. Gabriel filled his pockets with as many rocks as they'd hold, then took Rusty out for a ride. They didn't run right at first. He didn't want to stress the horse by asking too much too soon.

  By the time he got back, though, Rusty was lathered and puffing hard.

  “He's a good one, Tom. Another workout tomorrow like this one, and he'll think he's floating when you put that tiny little saddle and Josh on him Saturday.”

  Josh grinned. “That saddle was the first one I ever had. You want me to ride bareback, Mr. McCabe? There's no way I'd fall off.”

  “I think the competition might have something to say if we tried to pull that. Your saddle will work fine.”

  Josh took Rusty to the barn to towel him down, curry and feed. Tom and Gabriel leaned against the fence and waited to see how Rusty moved after his workout. Tom didn't want him the slightest bit stiff, but he looked great when he came into the corral, prancing, exploring the perimeters.

  Trina and Rosalie came from the house with glasses of lemonade for everyone. “How's he doing?”

  “Couldn't be better. He's going to be in top shape for the race.”

  Tom knew this respite from the waiting had been the best thing they could've done. Rosalie seemed so much more peaceful than before. She kissed him and went back to the house.

  “She's a fine woman, Tom.” Gabriel gave Rusty some oats and a flake of hay.

  “I agree.”

  “What are you going to do if Rusty loses?”

  Tom turned and gazed across the corral toward the distant mountains. “I don't know. Every time I think about her in Zane Strickland's house, scrubbing floors, putting up with his lewd remarks and actions, I want to burn the place down. He's made it clear how he intends to treat her. I can't let it happen.”

  “No way to pay off the indenture?”

  “Two thousand dollars might as well be two hundred thousand right now. Paying the notes will strip us bare.”

  “That's rough, Tom. I don't suppose, if Rusty wins, there's any way to get Strickland to leave the notes alone.”

  “Zane is taking over the bank next month.”

  No reply necessary to that.

  Tom had been over it dozens of times. Rusty had to win. That's all there was to it.

  <><><><>

  After supper, they all settled in the front room to talk and laugh and avoid what Rosalie faced on Saturday.

  When Gabriel started yawning on a regular basis, and Tom joined him, it was time to decide where everyone would sleep. Trina had it all worked out. Rosalie would sleep with her. Josh, Gabriel and Tom would bed down in the barn with Rusty.

  Rosalie noticed Tom's scowl at the plan, but he didn't say anything, just hugged Trina, kissed Rosalie. Gabriel's ritual was reversed. Then they trudged out to the barn.

  Gabriel forked some sweet hay into a pile, then spread a blanket over it to make a pallet. Josh hadn't shown the slightest sign of being tired until he sank down on it. In less than a minute, he fell asleep.

  Tom and Gabriel made similar pallets. Tom had to admit his bed in the hay felt awfully good.

  “If there's anything I can do, Tom, you only have to ask. You know that.”

  “I know. Thanks.”

  Tom listened to the soughing of the wind outside, an occasional nicker from the corral, and slipped into sleep wishing for Rosalie by his side.

  In the house, Rosalie felt a bit uncomfortable, having taken Gabriel's side of the bed.

  “I can tell you're fretting about my sending Gabriel to the barn,” Trina said. “I could've let you and Tom sleep in the baby's room, but I thought you might want to talk without us in earshot.”

  Rosalie didn't answer. The remark indicated Trina knew about their intimacy. She ducked her head with embarrassment, then realized there was no reason to be embarrassed. Trina understood better than anyone she knew what it meant to her to be intimate with Tom.

  Trina fluffed new sheets for the bed and tucked the corners, while Rosalie tucked the other side, then reached for the counterpane and billowed it over the sheets.

  “Being loved is wonderful, isn't it?” Trina's eyes sparkled. A smile played around her lips.

  “Of course.”

  “I can tell, you know. You don't treat each other the same as you did at t
he Mallorys, or when you came here the first time.”

  Rosalie's face must have turned crimson, her cheeks burned so.

  “Oh, now, it's nothing to worry about. No one else would've noticed but me. I have a sixth sense about that sort of thing, especially when it involves someone I know well, like my brother, and someone I love dearly, like my future sister-in-law.”

  This was what Rosalie had come for. To confide.

  “We gave each other a pledge.”

  Trina hugged her. “I knew it. I'm so happy for both of you.”

  “If Rusty wins, we'll be married.”

  “And if he loses, you'll still be married.”

  “No. I couldn't do that to Tom. It would shame him to have an indentured wife.”

  “You don't know my brother as well as I thought you did.”

  “Oh, he'd never say so. He'd swear it made no difference that I spent my days cleaning for that vile man. But I can see it in his eyes when he thinks about it. Trina, it would kill him, little bits at a time. I could never do that to him. I love him too much. I can't marry Tom until I'm free.”

  “Which will be Saturday, after Rusty wins that race. Will and I proved it could be done.”

  “I pray you're right.”

  “Of course I'm right. Gabriel and I will be there to help you celebrate when the race is won.”

  “I can't ask you to come. It's too far for the baby to travel this soon after the trip to the Mallorys.”

  “Remember my friend, Liza? She's been after me since Hannah was born to let her baby sit a while. She'll be tickled to have the baby overnight. And, she has a little one, too, who’s just about finished nursing. There'll be plenty of milk for Hannah, too.”

  “It'll be good to have you there with us. No matter what happens.”

  They finished tucking in the counterpane, then folded the covers back. Rosalie climbed into bed. The sheets felt heavenly cool. Trina checked on Hannah once more, blew out the lamp, then crawled in on the other side.

  They talked about being married, the companionship, the quiet times. About Hannah and what a blessing she'd already been to their lives.

  “Tom really likes that boy.”

  “I think Josh will be going to Denver with him to work on the ranch. Tom has taken a real shine to him.”

  “Someday, you'll have a son, and a daughter, too. Such wondrous times are ahead of you. So much love.”

  Rosalie basked in the sunny images in her mind. No matter what hardships they might face, they'd be together. All the difference in the world from coping with life alone.

  “Is my brother as good a lover as he is a kisser?”

  “Trina! What a question!”

  “Gabriel is a kind, gentle lover. I'd guess my brother is like that, too. I'll bet he knows exactly what you like.”

  “I think it's time we went to sleep. Good night.” Rosalie turned her back to Trina, trying not to laugh.

  “I'll take that as a yes.”

  “Yes,” she whispered, and closed her eyes.

  Rosalie could imagine Trina grinning like a possum.

  Gabriel took Rusty for another run the next morning. Then, pockets stuffed with rocks, Josh took him out again, just after lunch. Gabriel advised Tom not to work him again before the race.

  “Did you see how much faster he was with Josh?”

  “About as fast as the first time I rode him, I reckon.” Josh puffed out his chest, hooking his thumbs in the top of his pants. “How could that be, with so much more weight?”

  “In time, he'd be faster, still. I suspect he could beat every horse in Fort Worth, so Kincannon never pushed him.”

  “You think he'll be lots faster tomorrow?” Josh patted the horse's neck affectionately.

  “Stands to reason.”

  Tom found Rosalie in the front room with Hannah. They cooed back and forth to each other, filling Tom with love. “You and that baby look good together.”

  She smiled the most contented smile he'd ever seen from her.

  “She's incredible, Tom. So tiny, yet strong. See how hard she can grip my finger? Try it.”

  Tom gave Hannah his little finger to squeeze. Even though Rosalie exclaimed, he could hardly feel the pressure. If Hannah was strong, then he must be Hercules.

  Trina came from the kitchen. “Dishes are done. I asked Rosalie to baby-sit one last time before I have to give her up. Liza will be coming to get Hannah early in the morning so she can get used to a new place before bedtime. Gabriel and I will be at the El Paso by eleven.”

  Tom hugged his sister and kissed her on the cheek.

  Her eyes wide, lashes fluttering, she gasped a little. “My goodness, what did I do to deserve that from my big brother?”

  “You had a beautiful baby, you married a good man, and, you're a decent cook.”

  “Only decent?”

  “Tolerable.”

  She punched his arm. “Brothers never change. You'll have a lot of training to do with this one, I'm afraid.”

  Rosalie laced her arms around Tom's waist. “I love him just the way he is.”

  Trina's grin widened. “Every woman has her own taste, I suppose.”

  “Gabriel has the wagon ready. It's time to go.” He winked at his sister. We'll see you tomorrow.”

  “I like the sound of that a lot better than good-bye.”

  Outside, standing with shoulders squared, Josh told Trina and Gabriel, “Thank you for your hospitality. I'm much obliged.”

  Tom decided having that boy on the McCabe Ranch sounded better all the time.

  Josh chattered all the way home. Rosalie sat with hands folded, lost in thought.

  Tom focused on Trina and Gabriel and what a good home and marriage they had. If he and Rosalie could have a home like that, Tom would be the happiest he'd ever been in his life.

  <><><><>

  Back at the hotel, Tom told Mrs. Winslow that Josh had conducted himself like a true gentleman at all times. Josh beamed along with his mother.

  At the restaurant, everyone talked about the race, pointing at Rosalie with no manners at all, talking loud enough for her to hear their opinion of Rusty's poor chances at winning. Tom couldn't wait to get her away and alone. He wanted this last night together to be the best he could make it.

  After supper, they went straight to the hotel, to bed.

  Rosalie tried to wipe all memory of what she'd heard from her mind and concentrated on pleasuring Tom. He seemed to have the same idea.

  Afterward, lying in each other's arms, she whispered, “No matter what happens, I’ll love you forever.”

  “He's going to win.”

  She lay awake a long time, listening to his quiet snoring, matching the rhythm of her breathing to his, grateful for these two days. She prayed they'd have a lifetime more.

  Chapter 18

  Race day.

  It seemed everyone in town and from the surrounding area knew about the race and had come to attend. Streets teemed with people, laughing, talking, placing bets, arguing about whether Rusty had even a slim chance of winning.

  Before the race track and grandstands had been constructed at Cold Spring, it had been the site of the May Day, Fourth of July, and other holiday celebrations. Barbecue was consumed by the pound, along with potato salad, cakes, pies and cobblers, and, of course, cold beer for the gentlemen, and lemonade for the ladies.

  Rosalie had attended a few of these celebrations, but she couldn’t accumulate any excitement for this one. Her life depended on the outcome. The idea brought only anxiety and fear.

  Tom tried, without success, to tease her into a lighter frame of mind, then gave up and settled into his own silence. She knew he must be suffering as much as she, but nothing could be done to alleviate the distress of not knowing their future.

  Josh came by early, displaying no lack of excitement.

  “Can I carry your picnic basket to Cold Spring, ma'am?”

  “No, thank you, Josh. We'll take care of it. I haven't packed one yet.”


  “No need. My ma's got your basket all ready to go. She said to stop at the kitchen when you're ready for it.”

  “But we didn't ask her to pack a basket for us.”

  “She did it 'cause she's nice.”

  Tom tousled the boy's unruly hair. “Tell her we appreciate it. I'll pick it up when we leave for the race.”

  “See you there! Can I tell the guys yet?”

  “Not yet! Don't tell anyone, or I'll ride Rusty myself. You hear?”

  He ducked his head momentarily. “I hear. The guys are gonna be mad at me for not telling.”

  “Not as mad as I'll be if you do.”

  “I won't tell nobody. Are we gonna tell my ma?”

  “I'm going to talk to her now. She'll be cheering for you, I’m sure. Just see to Rusty. I want him warmed up and ready to run at one o'clock. Don’t take your eyes off him.” Tom put his arm around Josh’s shoulders and spoke quietly in his ear. “Imagine how the guys are going to cheer when you show up riding Rusty and win the race.”

  “Yes, sir!” The boy raced down the stairs.

  Trina and Gabriel arrived a little after ten thirty.

  “I swear, Trina didn't sleep a wink all night.” Gabriel rubbed his eyes tiredly. “Tossing and turning, mumbling when she did manage to sleep, she woke Hannah twice more than usual. I'll be glad when this day is over.”

  Trina punched his arm. “Hannah will sleep really well today and tonight. Why don't you grumble a little more, Gabriel. We aren't all sick to death of it yet.” She gave him a peck on the lips to quiet his protests.

  Rosalie hugged Trina. “We'll all be glad when it's settled. Not knowing is worse than dealing with whatever comes.”

  Gabriel and Trina had come in a buggy. They set out for Cold Spring, promising to find a good place for a picnic prior to the race.

  “It'll be all right, Rosalie. You'll see.” Trina waved until they were completely out of sight.

  “I hope she's right.”

  They headed for the kitchen to get the basket.

  “Well, Mrs. Winslow, the secret will soon be out. We've asked Josh to ride Rusty in the race today. If it's all right with you, of course.”