The Rancher's Courtship & Lone Wolf's Lady

by Laurie Kingery

  When Sarah Jane was out of earshot, Tom crossed his own arms. “It seems that neither of us likes taking orders, but let’s get one thing straight. I’ll be making all the decisions on this trip. You’ll do what I say—and when I say it.”

  “I don’t mind yielding to you because of your experience and know-how, but I’m not going to take orders blindly, just because you’re a man and I’m a woman.”

  “Like I said, you’ll do as I say. And you won’t question my reasons or motives. That means you’ll handle the meals.”

  “Apparently you didn’t hear me.” The petite redhead stood firm. “I’ll return to camp when I’m good and ready. And if you have a job for me to do, you’ll ask me to do it, rather than tell me. You’ll also use words like ‘please’ and ‘thank you.’”

  “Listen here, Miss O’Malley. You’re not in charge. I am. And you’re lucky I don’t throw you on the back of that nag you call a horse, turn it around and slap its rump to send you back to town in a dead run.”

  “Are you trying to intimidate me?” she asked, her voice coming out a bit wobbly.

  “Do you scare easily?” he asked.

  “No, I don’t.”

  He flashed a taunting smile. “I suppose you’re too smart to be afraid.”

  “I’m bright,” she admitted, “and better educated than most—male or female.”

  “That might be true, but driving a wagon and crossing rugged territory takes more knowledge than you can find in a book. It takes common sense, instinct and courage—things you can’t learn in school.”

  “What I lack in experience, I make up for in determination.”

  “A determined fool won’t last a day on the trail.”

  She clenched her fists at her side. “I’m no fool, and I have far more courage than you think.”

  While he’d like to believe her, especially when he wasn’t sure what they might face down the road, he couldn’t help thinking of her as a young, trigger-happy cowboy out to prove himself. But he doubted arguing with her would get either of them anywhere.

  “I guess that’s left to be seen,” Tom said. “Now let’s get out of here.”

  “All right.”

  Yet neither of them made a move.

  “What are you waiting for?” she asked.

  “For you to go first.”

  When she didn’t move, he said, “Listen, Miss O’Malley, I can be your ally or your enemy. It’s your choice.”

  “I choose my friends wisely, Mr. McCain.” She flashed an insincere smile then headed up the incline toward the wagon, passing him as she went and leaving a scent of lilac lingering in the air.

  Tom raked a hand through his hair. He was going to need help with Erin and Sarah Jane over the next couple of days. And right now, the only human he had to rely on was a troublesome redhead who, given time, could surely provoke a gentle and pious preacher to spit and cuss.

  Over the years, Tom had learned to trust God to see him through every difficult situation he had to face. The first time he’d called out to his father’s God—he’d been a ten-year-old half-breed, cold, hungry and alone in a hostile white world.

  Not ten minutes later, Trapper Jack had come along to change all that and to take him to live with Hannah McCain. She’d not only loved and cared for him, she’d shared her faith, and before long, Tom had become a believer himself.

  Last night, Tom had prayed for guidance and help in protecting Sarah Jane and finding her a loving home. He knew God would answer that prayer. He surely did.

  Trouble was, he feared that this time, instead of blessing him with a woman like Hannah, God had seen fit to punish him with Katie O’Malley.

  Chapter Four

  The next morning, as dawn broke over the eastern hills, Katie woke up stiff and sore. She’d no more than grimaced and tried to stretch out on the quilt-lined wagon bottom when she heard the sound and caught a whiff of coffee percolating on an open flame.

  Apparently Mr. McCain had realized he shouldn’t order her to cook all their meals. If so, why hadn’t he backed down the day before? It would have saved them both some unnecessary trouble and anger.

  Maybe he’d decided it was time for a truce. After all, they were stuck with each other for the next couple of days. Bickering wasn’t going to do them any good. And it certainly wouldn’t help Sarah Jane feel safe.

  After biting back a groan, Katie rolled to her side and carefully climbed from the wagon, trying not to disturb the other woman and the child, both of whom still slept soundly. Then she made her way to the small campfire, where McCain sat upon a large rock, studying the flickering flame.

  He hadn’t shaved, and in the morning light, he appeared more rugged, more manly and even more handsome—dangerously so.

  She lowered her sleep-hoarsened voice. “Good morning.”

  He glanced up for a moment, then gave her a cursory nod. “’Morning.”

  She bit down on her lower lip, unsure of how to broach an apology, then swallowed her pride and pressed on. “I’m sorry for being disagreeable yesterday. I’m afraid we both started off on the wrong foot, and I’d like to make amends. We have a common goal, and I think being at odds isn’t going to help matters.”

  He seemed to ponder her words, then said, “You’re right.”

  She let out the breath she’d been holding. “I think it’s best if you call me Katie from now on. Miss O’Malley is too formal for this type of trip. Besides, if we’re supposed to be traveling as—” she didn’t dare say husband and wife “—as a family, then it’s more believable, don’t you think?”

  Silence swirled around them like the steam from the coffee in his tin cup.

  Finally she asked, “May I call you by your given name, as well?”

  He reached into the wooden box that rested next to him and pulled out a second tin cup. “My name’s Tom.”

  Another step in the right direction.

  “I may not be one to take orders,” she added. “But you’ll find that I’m not afraid of hard work.”

  He filled the second cup with coffee. “I saw you tending Sarah Jane and Erin.”

  She waited for him to continue, for him to utter some kind of compliment or recognition of all she’d done to assist Erin yesterday and through the night by wiping the dust and perspiration from her brow, feeding her and changing the chamber pot.

  When no other words followed, she supposed that was all he was going to grant her. She’d just have to be happy with that.

  He handed the coffee to her, and she took the tin cup from him, being careful not to burn herself.

  “Where do you plan to take Sarah Jane and Erin?” she asked.

  “To stay with a woman named Hannah.”

  “Who is she?”

  “A friend.” A slow smile broke across his face, reaching his eyes and softening his expression. “She’s a good woman, the finest one you’ll ever meet. Sarah Jane and Erin will be safe there—and well cared for.”

  Katie’s heart tumbled in her chest, although she wasn’t sure why. Surprised by Tom’s obvious respect and affection for the woman, she supposed. And curiosity, too.

  Was he courting Hannah? Or was she merely a friend, as he’d said?

  Katie took a sip of the hot, bitter coffee and bit back a grimace, wishing she had some cream and sugar to temper the taste. Yet she knew better than to voice a complaint. Instead, she relished the warmth it provided in the crisp morning hour as dawn broke over their campsite and accepted it as the first sign of their truce.

  “How will Hannah feel about you bringing a couple of women with you and asking her to keep us until you return?” Katie asked.

  “She’s used to me bringing home strays.”

  Katie didn’t like being referred to as a stray, and that’s certainly what Tom had implied. She hadn’t led the same kind of life that Erin had,
although smudged in dirt and covered in trail dust, they all seemed to be the same—except for the bumps and bruises Erin still bore.

  Katie had half a notion to give Tom a piece of her mind for implying otherwise, but she wasn’t about to hurt Erin’s feelings, should she be awake and listening. Nor did she want their fragile truce to suffer a setback. So she kept her thoughts to herself.

  Still, she didn’t want to be a burden to a woman she’d never met, although she wouldn’t mind a bit if Hannah got angry at Tom for bringing her a wagonload of trouble.

  * * *

  By the third day, the wind and sun had chapped and burned Katie’s lips and cheeks. Sitting on the hard wooden slats had given her a backache and a crick in her neck, but she hadn’t uttered a single complaint. The journey hadn’t been easy on any of them, especially Erin, even though she’d managed to sleep through most of it, thanks to the medication Dr. Hennessy had told them to give her.

  An hour ago, they’d stopped long enough to eat hardtack, stale bread and apples for the noon meal, then they’d started out once again.

  “How much farther until we reach Hannah’s place?” Katie asked Tom.

  “Late this afternoon or early evening.”

  Katie could hardly wait to be out of the wagon for good. She wondered if Tom was as eager to get there as she was. Most likely. He clearly cared about Hannah and undoubtedly missed her.

  Again, she found herself curious about their relationship.

  “I suppose Hannah will be happy to see you,” she said.

  As Tom flicked the reins along the backside of the team, the wagon swayed, causing his arm to brush against hers again, a warm touch she’d grown used to, an intimacy she’d actually found rather nice and comforting.

  “Hannah will welcome me with open arms,” he said.

  Katie suspected as much and, if truth be told, she couldn’t help feeling a bit apprehensive at meeting Tom’s lady friend.

  As the day wore on, her apprehension and discomfort grew steadily.

  By the time the sun had lowered in the west, perspiration had dampened her collar and the fabric under her arms. Dust powdered her skin in spite of the long sleeves she wore, and the sun had no doubt burned her nose and cheeks.

  She must be a sight. Yet, in spite of her reluctance to meet the woman herself, Katie looked forward to arriving at Hannah’s house if it meant that she could stretch her legs and, hopefully, soak in a warm, soapy tub.

  “How are our passengers faring?” Tom asked.

  Katie glanced over her shoulder and spotted the child holding a rag doll while watching over a drowsy Erin, who’d had another dose of medication after they’d had their midday meal.

  Sarah Jane turned, smiled softly and gave a little wave. What a sweet child. She seemed to like Tom, which was a bit surprising. Katie would think she’d find him intimidating. Of course, a six-year-old was easily swayed by lemon drops, handcrafted moccasins and the easy smiles that lit his eyes.

  “They’re both doing just fine,” Katie said, as she scanned her surroundings.

  It would be dark soon, which meant they were drawing near the end of their journey.

  Up ahead, just beyond a small orchard chock-full of peaches to tempt hungry travelers, a white clapboard house sat surrounded by a whitewashed picket fence. Bright red geraniums blossomed in a planter beneath a single window in the front.

  The two-story structure was clearly a home to someone, and it warmed Katie’s heart to gaze upon it. She could easily imagine a loving wife, handsome husband and happy children living there. The vision was so clear, so strong, that she could almost feel it deep in her soul.

  If she were to ever reconsider her decision never to marry, which she wouldn’t do, she could imagine living in a home like that.

  “That’s a lovely little house and yard,” she said. “Do you know who lives there?”

  “Yes, I do. Hannah.”

  The woman’s name rolled off his tongue simply, yet affectionately, and Katie’s heart sank. She had to admit that she didn’t like the idea of Hannah living in that particular house, although she couldn’t say why.

  Tom turned the team onto the property. When they reached the barn, he pulled the horses to a stop and surveyed the grounds, where a hen and several half-grown chicks pecked at a small patch of grass.

  Four big pots of green plants and two flower boxes filled with pansies marked a walkway and graced the steps of a lovely little porch, where a roughly handcrafted bench and rocking chair beckoned anyone in need of peace and quiet. Yet in spite of the warm and colorful welcome of the house and yard, Katie felt uneasy about the type of reception they might receive.

  Tom secured the reins and climbed down. Then he circled the wagon and reached up to help Katie. At one time she’d struggled with his assistance, but after traveling together the past few days, she found his help not only easier to accept but even comforting.

  She took his arm and, as she lifted her foot to step over the side, he swung her to the ground, just as he’d done each day of their journey. But today, for some reason, her heart beat a little faster, her breath caught a little deeper.

  As he released his hold on her, her legs wobbled a bit, and she reached for his forearm to steady herself, gripping the corded muscle, feeling his strength.

  “Are you all right?” he asked.

  “I will be.”

  “Good.” He nodded toward the house. “If Hannah doesn’t answer the door, take Sarah Jane inside. I’ll get Erin out of the wagon and put her in the spare room. If you’re hungry, you’ll find cookies in a blue tin box in the kitchen.”

  Katie balked at his suggestion to just make herself at home. “I could never enter someone’s house uninvited. If Hannah doesn’t answer, Sarah Jane and I will wait on the porch.”

  “Suit yourself. Hannah usually keeps that tin full. I think Sarah Jane would like something sweet to eat.”

  The girl nodded and grinned, regaining a wee bit of the spark she’d had before the assault. She seemed to be healing—inside, as well as out. In fact, the bruising along her right arm had begun to yellow and fade.

  Of course, the child who’d once been clean and dressed to perfection now had dirty hands and a black smudge across her nose.

  “She needs a bath first,” Katie said.

  Tom chuckled, and his brown eyes sparked. “So do you.”

  He was teasing, of course, and probably didn’t mean anything by it, but...

  Katie ran her hands along the skirt of her soiled and wrinkled dress. She’d planned on bathing and changing into clean clothes, but to have Tom point it out left her uneasy and unbalanced.

  As Tom untied the two horses from the back of the wagon and led them to the barn, she couldn’t help but watch him go. He was an intriguing man and a formidable opponent. Yet she had to admit that she’d felt safe riding with him and knowing that he’d been watching over them.

  As Tom entered the barn with the two saddle horses, Katie felt a tug at her skirts and glanced down at Sarah Jane, who pointed to the small outhouse in back.

  “Good idea,” Katie said with a smile. “And then we’ll find the well and wash up outside. We don’t want Hannah to think we’re ragamuffins.”

  Again Katie worried about the impression her appearance might make, a concern she’d rarely had in the past.

  What was the matter with her? She didn’t care what others thought of her.

  You’re a lady, she reminded herself. Not a ragamuffin, a stray or a soiled dove. She was every bit as good and kindhearted as Hannah, no matter what she looked like on the outside.

  Besides, Katie had no need of a life like Hannah’s. She was going to Granville, where she would have a small but cozy home behind the school. She would be a fine teacher, an upstanding and respected woman in the community. A happy spinster. Life would be just as she’d always wa
nted.

  So why did her tummy feel so fluttery?

  Maybe she’d eaten something that hadn’t sat very well.

  After using the outhouse, she found the well and drew a bucket of water. Then she dampened her handkerchief and washed Sarah Jane’s face and hands. When she finished cleaning the girl, she washed herself the best she could, then she led Sarah Jane back to the front porch and took a seat.

  Katie chose the wooden bench, knowing Sarah Jane would prefer the rocker.

  Moments later, Tom sauntered out of the house, where he must have taken Erin, and stepped onto the porch. Before Katie could question him, he headed for the buckboard, which he’d left near the barn. As he began to unhitch the team, a dog howled in the distance, catching his attention.

  Katie turned to the sound and spotted a black buggy approaching the yard with a beast of a dog trotting beside it.

  The driver, a stout, gray-haired woman, called out, “Lord be praised. You’re home, Tom!”

  Katie watched as the dog, which looked more like a wolf, barked and then raced toward the man.

  Oh, dear. Should she grab Sarah Jane and run inside for safety? Perhaps she didn’t need to do anything yet. The house was still a good distance from the barn. And the creature didn’t seem to notice anything other than Tom. So she and Sarah Jane were probably safe enough for now.

  Tom laughed, the smooth, easy timbre calming her nerves. Then he started toward the road, bracing himself as the black wolf-dog leaped into his arms and gave him a slobbery lick across the face.

  “Hey,” he said to the creature. “How are you doing, boy? Is Hannah feeding you enough?”

  The gray-haired woman pulled the buggy into the yard and halted the horse. “That dog eats better than you do, young man. It’s good to have you home. I hope you’ll be here longer than the last time you came.”

  “I can only stay for dinner. I need a good night’s sleep, then I’m leaving in the morning.” Tom set the wolf-dog down and ruffled its black woolly head before he strode to help Hannah down from the buggy. “Where’s Trapper? He told me he was going to meet me here.”