A Love of Her Own

by Maggie Brendan

  Wes pushed that thought away and took a deep breath. Not that it mattered anyway. It was obvious that she held nothing but disdain for him.

  The clerk set the sodas down and Wes paid for them. He carefully carried them to the table. Natalie’s sweet face tilted up to look at him with a shy smile as he approached. Mercy! He felt guilty somehow. Why in the world did I even ask her to come with me? . . . I guess because I felt guilty. That was partly true. Natalie was so eager to find a beau that he’d felt sorry for her at Josh’s wedding.

  “Mmm . . . this is so refreshing. Thanks for asking me along.” Natalie’s eyes fluttered at him. “This will ruin my lunch and my figure, you know.”

  Wes swallowed after taking a big sip and looked at her dark, sparkling eyes. What should I be saying now, Josh? “Natalie, I don’t think that’s something you’ll have to worry about.” He saw her cheeks flush with his compliment. A smile from a good woman is worth more’n a dozen drinks the bartender hands out. I could try to get used to that shy smile.

  “What a sweet thing to say, Wes.” She smiled at him again. “Are you in town for the entire day?”

  “No. I’ll be heading back this morning. I had to come into town to buy coffee. A man can’t be without his coffee,” he said. “I become very grouchy without my first cup in the morning.”

  Natalie’s head tilted to one side. “Oh, I hardly believe that.”

  “It’s true. I’m not sure which is more important—my horses or my coffee.” Wes chuckled and glanced out the drugstore window. He saw April walking down the sidewalk, her arms full of packages. He wondered where she was heading. To the bank, he supposed. There was a nice sway in her hips as the calico dress swished around her high-top heels with each step. She was different, no doubt about that, but he was drawn to her like a deer panting for water, and the thought stunned him. He drank his soda, allowing the coolness of the drink to flow over him.

  Natalie interrupted his thoughts. “Wes, did you hear what I just said?”

  “I’m sorry. What did you say?” Wes felt flustered that he should be pining for April when Natalie was right here in front of him wanting his friendship. He would gladly give her that. Lonesomeness was a disease that only friendship could cure. And he was lonely for companionship.

  “April told me about the horse she got from you. But I didn’t understand what she meant about the boots and belt.”

  “It’s nothing. We just struck a deal, that’s all. And she got herself a fine piece of horseflesh in the bargain.” Wes took the last sip of his soda. “If you don’t mind, I’m going to attend to one more thing before I head back to the ranch. I can walk you back to meet April, if you’d like.” Wes pushed his chair back and stood.

  Natalie did likewise. “No need to do that. Thanks ever so much for the soda. I’ll walk out with you,” she said as she picked up her handbag. “Will I see you at church?”

  “Most likely. It’s becoming a habit.”

  She giggled. “And a good one to have, I might add.”

  They parted ways on the sidewalk, and Wes strode toward the depot to talk to Morgan. He paused halfway to his destination and looked beyond the busy streets of Lewistown. It never ceased to amaze him each time he stepped outside how wide open the space of Montana with its distant purple mountains was. Seeing the cloud-flecked bowl of the bright blue sky created an urgency to hurry with his business so he could enjoy his ride back to the Rusty Spur.

  On Wednesday he would be giving Miss Jane a riding lesson. He thought he’d seen just a bit of spark come back into her dull eyes when he’d talked to her about it. He was getting excited at the idea that the riding might help her legs, or at the very least give her something to do besides sit in her wheelchair all day.

  Morgan was leaning back in a chair with his boot propped up on a whiskey barrel, his hat pulled down over his face to ward off the sun, and Leon was sitting on the steps whittling a piece of wood. They looked so peaceful that Wes hated to disturb them.

  “What brings you to town, Wes?” Leon asked, his grin spreading across his bearded face.

  Morgan dropped the chair legs to the floor with a thump. “Didn’t I just see you yesterdee?”

  Wes stepped up to the porch and took a seat in the rocker next to Morgan. “Yep, you did. I had to make a trip to the mercantile, so I thought I’d drop by and let you know that the mare I’ve been training for you is ready whenever you’d like to come get her.”

  “Good. I’ll be ready for her in about a week,” Morgan said.

  “What are you planning on doing with the mare? Giving her to Billy?” Wes knew Morgan already owned six other larger horses for the stage.

  “The mare will be for my wife, Lenora,” Morgan said, his voice softening.

  “Wife! I never knew you had a wife.” Wes tried to think back if Morgan had ever mentioned that fact before, but couldn’t recall it.

  Leon stood up and spit a straight line of tobacco juice out into the dirt. “Well, now, Morgan don’t always tell everything he knows, boy.”

  “She’s been taking care of her ailing mama and papa and wouldn’t leave Mississippi until now. We’ve been apart far too long.” Morgan’s voice choked.

  “I see . . .” But Wes didn’t see. If people were married, how could they be apart for several years? That seemed plumb crazy. “Then why is she coming now?”

  “Because she buried her parents,” Morgan answered matter-of-factly. “When she went to take care of them, she hadn’t intended on staying. But things got worse. She just couldn’t leave them. They were old and frail.”

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to pry,” Wes mumbled. “I reckon I didn’t know you then. I’m just surprised.”

  Leon snorted. “Don’t feel too sorry for him. He’s made a trip or two down South to see her.”

  Morgan looked over at Leon. “I think you should go see if Billy has everything ready for our trip tomorrow to Billings.” Morgan got out of his chair, fished around in his leather vest pocket, and pulled out a piece of paper. “Go over this list with Billy to be sure everything’s in order. I want the stagecoach in top shape, especially after our last wheel break.”

  Wes watched the older man give orders to Leon. He had come to admire and respect Morgan’s wisdom. For the most part, as a black man he had earned his place in Lewistown by running the stagecoach line like a well-oiled machine. He knew that Morgan had made some good friends, and folks looked up to him as being wise.

  The front door opened, and Will came bursting outside onto the porch, waving a piece of paper in his hand. “Boss, we just got a telegram for April McBride from her brother Josh. Do you want me to run it over to the boardinghouse?”

  Wes immediately hopped up from his chair. “I’ll be glad to drop it off on my way out, Will.”

  “That’ll work. If she needs to send a reply, just tell her to give me a holler.” Will handed him the telegram and went back inside.

  Wes turned just in time to see Leon poke Morgan in the ribs, and they both grinned. “You can wipe the smiles off your faces. I’m just doing Will a favor. You should be happy about that.” Wes thought they both looked like they’d been caught in the cookie jar.

  Morgan beamed. “Whatever you say.” He nodded in the direction of the street. “You won’t have far to go. It looks like Miss McBride’s heading this way.”

  Wes followed Morgan’s gaze, and sure enough, April walked toward them, still juggling the purchases she’d made earlier. Wes moved with alacrity to April’s side. “Here, let me help you with those.” He saw hesitation flicker in her eyes, but after a moment, she handed him a couple of packages.

  “Don’t drop those in the dirt, Wes,” she said. “I’m not looking forward to having to do laundry today,” she whispered.

  Wes didn’t utter a word but followed her up to the depot office, breathing in a whiff of the rosewater scent she left in her wake. It was so much better than the skunk smell. He bet she had no idea of the effect she had on men. He could follow
her to the ends of the earth if she belonged to him.

  “Mr. Kincaid, good morning,” April said, walking to where he stood. She nodded to Leon. Leon gave her an adoring look, then snatched the paper from Morgan’s hand and scurried down the steps in search of Billy.

  “Miss McBride, surely you can call me Morgan,” he said, crossing his arms over his broad chest.

  April smiled up at him. “Only if you call me April.”

  “I’d be pleased to do that.” Morgan moved aside and gestured to his chair. “Won’t you have a seat?”

  “Thanks, but no. The clerk at Fergus Bank told me that the telegram office is inside your depot. What I really need to do is send a telegram to my bank in Colorado.” She placed her packages down on an empty chair.

  “He’s right. I own the telegraph franchise here. You just had a telegram come in from your brother, and Wes was about to go locate you on his way out of town.”

  April shook her head. “Are you in the habit of letting him handle your business?” she inquired, casting a dubious look at Wes.

  “Actually, no. Wes is a friend, and since he was going to ride right past the boardinghouse, I saw no harm letting him drop it off,” Morgan said in a fatherly manner. “Now, did you want to send a telegram? My clerk, Will, can help you with that inside.”

  Wes pushed himself forward and held out the wire. “You may need to read this first.”

  April’s eyes flashed. “Did you read it?” she asked, taking the paper from him.

  “Of course not!” Wes wondered why she was in a bad mood. What had he done now? See, Josh, there’s just no pleasing women. It made him wonder how Josh’s honeymoon was going. Likin’ women was one thing, living with ’em was another.

  April’s voice softened. “I just wondered since you thought I should read it before I sent my telegram.” Her eyes held his briefly before she opened the folded paper and scanned it. Lifting her head, she puffed out a sigh.

  “Is there something wrong, April?” Morgan asked.

  “Not really. Josh writes that they’re having such a wonderful time in Helena that they plan to take an additional week.”

  “Is that so? Doggone! They must be having a good ol’ time,” Wes said. A crestfallen look shadowed April’s face, and he knew she was disappointed.

  “I guess that changes my plans.” April stared at the paper.

  Morgan looked closely at her. “Does that mean you’ll be leaving sooner rather than wait on their return?”

  April’s head snapped up. “No. I’ll wait for them. Besides, my parents are in Europe for a couple of months. I told them to write me here when I notified them about Josh’s wedding.” Wes watched her pretty lips twist in a thoughtful expression. “I guess I’ll have to find something to occupy myself until Josh and Juliana return.”

  “I have an idea,” Wes said. “Maybe you could help me, April.” He shifted from one leg to the other and his spurs jingled. “Remember little Jane? I’m going to be showing her how to ride this Wednesday. Since you’re a good horsewoman, do you think you could be there to assist me? That way her mother wouldn’t have to stay.” He fully expected a resounding no from her, but she surprised him with her answer.

  “That depends . . . Why don’t we discuss it after I send my wire to the bank?” April lifted her skirt and walked inside to send her telegram, letting the door slam behind her.

  “Looks to me like you may get to spend some time with the little lady,” Morgan teased Wes.

  “Don’t start with me.” Wes aimed a look at his friend while leaning against the porch’s post.

  Morgan threw his head back and laughed heartily. “I know that look,” he said over his shoulder as he walked past Wes. “I’ll ride over and get Lenora’s mare next week. I’m on the trail this week.”

  “Okay. I’ll see you when you return.” Wes figured he’d just wait outside for April. He didn’t think she’d want him to hear private information about her finances.

  Moments later when she came back, he helped her gather up the packages. “I left my horse in front of the mercantile store, so I’ll walk part of the way with you, if that’s all right.”

  “So why are you planning on teaching Jane to ride?” She bristled. “I thought you were a horse trainer who liked nothing more than to dump women into water troughs.”

  So she was still angry with him for that! “Look, April, I’m sorry about the way I handled you at the ranch. I didn’t mean any harm. Will you accept my apology?” He stopped on the sidewalk next to her.

  His words hung in the air, and finally she answered. “Apology accepted. But don’t go laying your hands on me again, you hear?”

  “I promise. Not unless you ask me to.” Wes locked eyes with her, and he could tell she meant exactly what she said.

  “Not to worry . . . that will never happen.”

  She resumed walking and he fell in step with her. Wes decided that he’d better not comment back. Time would tell.

  “What is your plan with Jane?”

  “I had an idea that riding a horse could help her attitude and maybe stimulate her legs. The doctor can’t find a medical reason that keeps her from walking since the accident.”

  Wes stopped again, excited about his idea, and looked straight into April’s eyes. “My grandpa lived to be eighty-five, but there wasn’t a day that he didn’t get up and go ride his horse. He’d wake up stiff in the morning, but after a ride, his hips and legs moved more freely. So I figured if it was good enough for an old man, it might just help Jane. Being outside will help too, before our cold weather sets in.”

  April thought about that a moment. “Believe it or not, I had a similar idea when I talked to Mark a few days ago, but I had no basis for it. I just know that after I’ve had a vigorous ride, I feel better. I guess I feel sorry for her. I’ve never known anyone in a wheelchair before. That has to be so hard.”

  This close to her, he noticed that her face was a golden hue, probably from all the riding. He decided that he liked it. The color gave her a healthy glow. Concentrate on what she’s saying to you! Wes mentally shook his head and said, “So . . . you’ll come out to the ranch while she’s there?” They continued walking like friends would on a normal day after shopping, with Wes carrying most of her packages.

  April shifted the parcels to the crook of her arm. “I’ll do even better than that. I’ll borrow Miss Margaret’s wagon and bring her myself. If Cynthia agrees. She doesn’t really know me.”

  “Just ask her yourself. Cynthia works at the boardinghouse for Miss Margaret, so I know she’d really appreciate it, April.”

  “I’d forgotten she worked there.” April pursed her lips together. “Hmm . . . I haven’t seen her around, but I’m not an early riser. I’ll see what I can do.”

  “Let’s plan on day after tomorrow right after lunch. That’ll give us the whole afternoon.” They reached the mercantile, and Wes unwound the reins of Dakota, who patiently waited and snorted a greeting at his master with a toss of his mane. Wes reached for a carrot in his hip pocket to give Dakota and patted him lovingly on the neck. “Thanks for waiting, my friend,” he whispered as he leaned close. He turned to April and asked, “By the way, how do you like your horse?”

  “Sassy is wonderful! I intend to go for a ride this afternoon. Miss Margaret said I could board her in their barn, lucky for me. She is so good to me. I told Billy that he can ride her too. I’ve seen him ride and I trust him.”

  “Everyone loves Miss Margaret, though sometimes she really speaks her mind.” Wes climbed onto his horse, moving aside the cloth bag that held his coffee. “See you soon,” he said, looking down at the sun bouncing off her golden head. “And just for the record . . . my mother’s dress looks mighty fine on you with your blue eyes.”

  Before she had a chance to respond, Wes gave a nudge to Dakota and they cantered down the dusty streets of Lewistown, kicking up the dust.

  15

  On Wednesday, it was all April could do to pass the time until
the afternoon rolled around. She noticed that Louise was a very detailed person in everything she did, and April was itching to do something, so she helped Louise fold sheets and offered to help with the dusting. After April nearly dropped one of a pair of oriental dogs, Louise teased that April was better off grooming her horse than helping around the house. Luckily April managed to catch the figurine before it hit the hardwood floor. They’d both laughed in relief.

  The two were becoming fast friends. Finally April decided to take a chance on asking her about Mark. “Louise, I got the feeling at supper the other night that you may have feelings for Mark Barnum. I saw how you reacted when he was here attending to Willard.”

  Louise’s face showed complete surprise. “What do you mean?” She continued with dusting the windowsill without looking up. “I wonder if you like him more than just a friend.”

  A small sigh escaped Louise’s lips. “And what if I do? It’s apparent that he can see only Cynthia, and I have to work with her every afternoon.”

  April chose her words carefully. “It could be that he’s not even aware that you care for him. You might need to give him a hint.”

  Louise stopped with her dusting and said, “Ha! He doesn’t know that I exist!”

  “That’s my point. When you’re around him, you never even make eye contact with him or even stop. You’re always fretting about your next chore. You wouldn’t even know if he was looking at you because you’re too preoccupied with running things perfectly around here.”

  Louise put both hands on her hips and remarked, “Are you trying to tell me that he has actually appeared to be interested in me?”

  “Well . . . maybe. I have seen him watching you from a distance. It could be that he thinks you don’t want a relationship with any man.” April laid her dusting cloth down and reached for Louise, turning her to look her squarely in the eyes. “I do know this. You need to relax a bit and give men a chance to approach you. And”—April hesitated, then forged ahead—“you could soften your look a bit.”

  “What?” Louise straightened her shoulders.