by Emily Woods
“Is that right?” Wesley asked sharply, sizing him up. “Well, the best of luck to you then. I always admire a man who can make his way in the world. Come along, my dear. Let's get you back home before the sun turns you brown as a berry.”
Georgina released a tinkling laugh and smiled in the direction of the two men. “My brother is so protective,” she drawled in an accent similar to her brother's. “I do declare, he would keep me in the house all day long, but I quite like the outdoors.”
Carl found himself a bit overwhelmed by her and drew back. He'd never been around such a woman, much less engaged in conversation. Thankfully, Luke filled the gap.
“Nice to meet you, ma'am,” he managed to say. “Uh, have a good day.”
Georgina looked straight into Carl's eyes, ignoring Luke completely and curving her pretty lips into a smile. “I most certainly will at that.”
As soon as the two had left, all three men seemed to breathe a little easier.
“Wesley's trying to buy your ranch?” Luke asked as they watched the wagon disappear. “How'd he hear you were leaving?”
“Aw, you know how it is,” Jerome returned. “It just takes a little leak for it to get out, but I tell you this: I'd rather sell it to anyone else for a dollar than to that man.”
Luke elbowed Carl a bit and grinned. “I think we can do a little better than that.”
Chapter 4
An hour later, Carl was a full partner of the Johnson ranch. They'd shaken on the agreement and agreed to meet in town the next day to get it all done up legally.
Now that it was official, Carl felt more nervous than ever. “Do you really think this is a good idea?” he asked, looking for reassurance.
Luke nodded. “You know what, though? I can lend you John for a short while along with Thomas. I spend way too much time sitting at home every day, so I’ll fill in for him. I'm getting soft, and I know he'd like to help you out. 'Course, I'll have to run it by him, but I'm pretty he'll agree.”
They arrived back at Triple Range just before dinner to hear a chorus of female laughter and chatter.
“Women make a house a home,” Luke told him confidentially as he eyed the four women. “I know you're young, but it's not too early to start thinking about that.”
Carl gulped. As he’d just experienced with Wesley’s sister, he was still awkward around women, even the kindest and most demure ones. The women living on Triple Range were different because they were either married or like a mother to him.
When they entered the kitchen after washing up, Carl was surprised to see a new face.
“Well, there you are!” Kate exclaimed. “Just in time for dinner. So like a man.” She smiled broadly to show she was teasing. “Luke, Carl, please meet Amanda Walker, the new school teacher. Maddie brought her home for dinner.”
“Sounds like we're going to eat her,” Thomas joked, sidling up to Carl and nudging him slightly, but Carl barely noticed.
With her head cast slightly down and her light brown hair pulled away from her face into a soft bun, Amanda was a picture of modesty and sweetness. Carl couldn't help but contrast her with Wesley's sister, and wasn't at all surprised that he preferred the look of the woman standing in front of him.
“Uh, pleased to meet you, Miss Walker,” he stammered slightly. “I'm, um, Carl.”
She looked up into his eyes and his heart nearly stopped. Eyes that were so dark blue they were almost violet fixed on his. The kindness in them nearly robbed him of his breath. However, when he looked for a moment longer, he also saw sorrow deeper than he’d ever known.
“Please call me Amanda,” she returned in a voice so sweet and yet so clear, he felt both soothed and jolted at the same time.
His mouth went dry and he struggled to reply. What was happening to him? Was he ill? “Uh, okay. And I'm Carl.”
Now her lips curved into a gentle smile. Too late, he realized that he'd repeated himself, but as the chuckles behind him made his face turn red, the woman before him did nothing but continue to smile kindly.
“Dinner's ready,” Elise said in her soft way, guiding them all to the table. “Please, sit.”
Carl did as she asked, barely aware of his movement. He said an extra prayer of gratitude when he found himself seated exactly opposite the new teacher, although he was sure he wouldn't be able to eat a bite.
“Isn't she pretty?” Maddie demanded, suddenly appearing at his elbow. “And she's a real good teacher too.”
His tongue seemed too big for his mouth all of a sudden, and the heat in his face spread to his neck, but Carl still managed a nod. “For sure,” he muttered, and then looked down at his plate of food.
Over the course of the meal, the other men vied for Amanda's attention, each one trying to impress her with one thing or another. She seemed to take it all in stride, but never once tilted her head in a flirtatious manner or bat her eyelashes at them as Georgina had done to him that afternoon.
Near the end of the meal, Luke stood up and clapped his hands loudly.
“Seems we're going to have to say good-bye to Carl real soon,” he announced. The men made noises of disappointment, making Carl's heart grow in size, but when he thought he saw Amanda’s face fall a bit, his heart pounded. But then the look was gone. Had he imagined it?
“But don't worry. He's not going too far. Jerome agreed to the sale of his ranch, so together, we bought it. Meet the newest partner of Triple Range Ranch!”
Now the men cheered for him, happy that one of their own was getting ahead.
“I’m not really a full partner,” he tried to say above the noise. “Just a like a quarter or something.” The details had yet to be worked out, but he was half-owner of the land they’d purchased, which they’d keep separate for now, although they’d use the well-established name of Triple Range. “And he'll need some good men to go with him, so I'm asking both John and Thomas to lend him a hand. Thomas will stay, but John will come back once they've got things going.”
Now it was John's turn to speak. Luke must have already talked things over with him when Carl was preoccupied with Amanda because he slapped Carl on the back and announced, “I'm right happy to help you out, Carl. We'll see if we can round up a few hands in town tomorrow and get your new place going well before winter.”
Inwardly, Carl was nervous, but he tried to appear calm. Everyone was looking at him, big smiles on their faces. “Uh, thanks, John. I really appreciate it. It's no, um, secret that I wasn't born to this life, but I'm real happy to be a part of it now. The only thing that will make it better is if my family comes out. In any case, I hope you all will feel comfortable to put your feet under my table any time you'd like, providing that it's alright with Valerie.”
“Oh, if they can stomach what I can cook, I don't mind,” she replied with a grin. “But don't blame me if you come away with a bellyache.”
They all laughed, and Carl felt himself relax a little. When he turned away from the men and looked in Amanda’s direction once again, he found her smiling, as though she couldn't be happier for him even though she didn’t know him.
“Congratulations on your good fortune,” she murmured. He wanted to tell her it wasn’t fortune, but God’s blessing. However, his tongue didn’t seem to want to move, so he merely nodded and tried to smile back at her.
“And I'll bring Miss Walker to your house for dinner too?” Maddie asked. “She still doesn't know too many people around here.”
Again, his tongue wouldn't cooperate, but thankfully, Valerie intervened. “She certainly is welcome, any time you like. I'll be a little lonely out there without my sisters.” She looked fondly at Elise and Kate. They weren't related in any real way, but called each other sisters because of the bond they'd formed.
“Don't worry,” Kate assured her. “We'll come visit too.”
After the men dispersed, presumably back to the bunkhouse to play cards and whatnot, Luke asked Carl a favor.
“Would you mind bringing Miss Walker home? I promis
ed Maddie we would read her new book together. I trust you more with her than any of those other fellows.”
Nerves skittered up and down his spine, but Carl nodded mutely. He didn't ask why John or Thomas couldn't take her because more than anything, he wanted to. The two of them rose, and in silent agreement, walked out the door. At the door, Amanda turned to express her thanks for the meal and the women warmly invited her to come again. In the next instant, the two of them were alone.
“Uh, it'll just take me a minute to get the horse hitched,” he stammered. “Do you want to wait here or...?” Carl knew exactly where the teacherage was and although it was within walking distance, he thought she might prefer to ride.
She shook her head and smiled. “There's no need for a wagon. I would take myself home, but I'm a little worried I'd get lost. I only just arrived here a few weeks ago.”
“I wouldn't let you walk alone!” he exclaimed a little louder than he'd intended. “I mean, well, there might be animals and such.”
Her gentle laugh made him feel happy and foolish all at once.
“Then I'll be glad of your company,” she replied. “It would be bad for the children if I were to be eaten by wolves or some such.”
“Not too good for you either,” he quipped, and was rewarded with another laugh. He stood a little taller as a result.
As they walked along, he struggled to find a topic of conversation that might interest her, but then she relieved him of the burden.
“Where is your new ranch from here? I have an idea where the Johnsons live, but I'm a bit turned around.”
He pointed toward the ranch. “Uh, it's just over that ridge, to the west. Actually, it's even closer to your place than Luke's. Not that it matters,” he added hastily, worried she'd think he was implying something.
“It's a lovely piece of land,” she remarked. “I hope you'll be happy there.”
He blinked a few times, not knowing how to answer at first. “Well, I'll be even happier if my family comes out to live here with me.”
“Oh, and where are they now?”
Carl found it was actually easier to talk to her under the cover of darkness than at the dinner table. He looked straight ahead and found himself telling her his whole story, starting with his life in Minnesota and ending with the events of this morning. He omitted the details of his inheritance, worried that it would sound like he was bragging. In any case, she’d heard from Luke that he was part owner. There was no need to go on and on about it.
“I hope, for your sake and theirs, that they do come. It would be lovely to have them here, wouldn't it?” Although he couldn’t see her face, he heard sadness in her voice, and chastised himself inwardly.
“Here I've been going on and on about myself, but what about you? Where are you from? Are your folks nearby?”
Her house had come into view, but he wanted to prolong the conversation. However, a curtain seemed to close over her expression as he suddenly caught her face in the moonlight. “It's not a very happy story,” she told him. “But maybe I'll tell you another time. Right now, I want to say good night on a happy note. Is that okay?”
The pain he saw in her eyes made him want to pull her into a comforting embrace, not that he would ever be so bold, but something in her brought out his protective nature.
“For sure. You, uh, don't need to tell me at all if you don't want.”
Her smile returned, not quite as bright, but still beautiful. “Just not tonight,” she repeated softly. “Thank you for walking me home. I felt quite safe from animals and such.”
Hearing the joking note in her voice brought a grin to his face. “Yeah, well, you can never be too sure. After you have dinner at my new place, I'll be happy to protect you again.”
The invitation slid out of his mouth more easily than he would have imagined, but she hesitated.
“You don't need to do that,” she replied, unsure of herself suddenly. “I mean, Maddie rather forced you to invite me, but please don’t feel obliged.”
Her insecurity made him feel stronger, and in a voice that was more confident than he would have ever imagined, he reassured her. “I would be happy to have you share a meal with me, along with all the others who'll be living with me.” He added the last part to let her know that it would be right and proper. “I'll let you know when I'm settled and ready to receive company.”
He was rewarded for his invitation with a full smile that blossomed across her face like a magnificent rose in full bloom. The sadness he’d seen in it earlier seemed to vanish.
“I'll look forward to it,” she assured him. “Until then, good night. And thank you once again.”
“Good night.”
Heading home, Carl found himself whistling and feeling grateful for all the day had brought him. He offered his gratitude to God in the form of prayer, but couldn't help adding, “And if You see fit, Lord, could you please bring me my family? I know it's a lot to ask, but that's all I want now.”
As for everything else, he believed he had it.
Amanda closed the door behind her and nearly crumpled to the floor. How sweet Carl had been to her, but what right did she have to feel even momentary happiness? What was she thinking, accepting an invitation after the promises she’d made to herself?
She still had nightmares of the time when her whole world had been lost to her. Once her life had been perfect, filled with family, friends and even a devoted fiancé. However, that had all changed over the course of just one week. If only she hadn't left home that one fateful night, she wouldn’t be enduring such misery now.
After a few minutes, she pushed herself up off the floor and lit a candle. The light cast long shadows around the room, but the dark didn't scare her. Her past took up all the room in her head and left no room for fear.
Swallowing hard, she moved about the dim room, tidying up and getting things ready for the next day. Being busy was the only thing that helped keep her mind occupied. Her house was always immaculate and her clothes were clean enough for a princess, although such a person wouldn't appreciate her outdated style, she thought almost wryly.
Finally, she slipped into her nightgown and weariness claimed her. Her eyes closed and thankfully, she managed to sleep.
Chapter 5
Riding into town the next day alongside Jerome, Carl began to feel nervous about the huge undertaking. He harangued the man with so many questions that Luke threatened to throw in him in the back of the wagon, or even out of the wagon.
From his position astride his horse, Jerome just chuckled.
“You'll find your way, son,” he assured him. “My only piece of advice is that you find a woman who loves it out here as much as you do. You'll need a good, strong woman who appreciates this way of life to help you make a go of it.” A shadow fell across the older man's face. “I know my Mary wanted to love it for my sake, but she just couldn't. She missed her friends and family too much. Well, it's her turn now. We've been out here nigh on five years, and it's time to take her home.”
Carl listened carefully, taking note of the man's wisdom. “I don't think I'll marry any time soon,” he declared, even as his mind conjured up a picture of Amanda's face. “I just turned twenty-one.”
Both Luke and Jerome chuckled. “You'll marry when your future wife decides it, be you twenty-one or fifty-five or anywhere in between,” Luke told him with a grin. “You'll know when it's the right time because she'll tell you.”
Jerome chimed in. “Isn't that the truth? Well, I never regretted my decision to wed dear Mary. She's been a good wife to me through everything.”
The rest of trip passed by with light banter and more fatherly advice. By the time they reached town, Carl felt much more confident about his decision to partner with Luke and Marge.
Just as soon as he got down from the wagon, a familiar figure made him stop in his tracks.
Eyes wide and mouth open, Carl called out to the man who was ambling down the street. “Jacob? Jacob!”
The
young man turned around, spotted Carl, and raced toward him, catching him in a fierce hug.
“What are you doing here? Are Ma and Pa here? Why didn't you tell me you're coming?”
Tears filled his brother's eyes. “They sent me, but they're not coming.”
Disappointment surged through him, competing with the joy of seeing his favorite brother. “Why not?” he asked, completely forgetting the business that had brought him to town. Seeing his brother had wiped all other information from his mind.
“I got a letter from Ma,” he said, pulling an envelope out of the large canvas bag he had slung across his back. “It explains everything.”
“I take it you know this young man,” a dry voice declared from beside him. Carl turned to see Luke looking at him, eyebrows raised. “Want to introduce us?”
“Sorry, Luke. I was just so shocked to see him. Luke, Jerome, this is my little brother, Jacob. Jacob, this is my boss, Luke, and our neighbor, Jerome.”
“Pleased to meet you,” Jacob said to each man as he shook hands.
“I'm not his boss for much longer,” Luke joked. “And Jerome won't be our neighbor for more than another week, either.”
Quickly, Carl explained all that had happened and what they were doing in town. Jacob's eyes grew wide with surprise. “So I guess I showed up right on time, didn't I?”
“And when did you get into town?”
“Just last night. I was trying to get a ride out your way, but had no luck yet.”
Luke shook his head a little. “Well, you got one now. We'll be a couple hours with our business and then bring you back to Triple Range.”
Jacob began to lose a bit of his stunned look, and Carl slapped him on the back affectionately. “Welcome to the West, brother. I hope you're ready to work.”
There was much fuss and joy back at Triple Range when they all came home with the news that not only was Carl now the official partner of the ranch, but also his brother had come to stay. The women insisted on having a large celebration for both reasons.
