Hannah: A Bride For Cowboy Warren (Mail Order Brides For The Doyle Brothers Book 1)

by Jenny Creek Tanner

  “He—he’s back in his room.”

  He followed her there, marveling how she could have gotten his father into bed on her own. He again felt anger at himself for leaving her alone.

  “I’m sorry,” he blurted out as they reached Pa’s room.

  “What? Why are you sorry?”

  “I should haven’t left you here for so long. I—I didn’t think he would get sick or—”

  “No,” she said. Her words were gentle and she rested a hand against his chest. “You don’t need to apologize. I’ve just been worried and didn’t know what to do. I’ll be okay. Go into him and maybe you or Benjamin or Lewis can go get the doctor.”

  He nodded, relishing her closeness. “Why don’t you go rest for a bit? I know you must be tired.”

  He could tell she wanted to refuse him, but the dark circles around her bloodshot eyes said otherwise. She nodded and Warren entered the room.

  Hannah was exhausted but she felt guilty sitting down when she could be doing something. Her relief at seeing Warren riding back to the ranch had been an answer to prayer. She’d done everything she could think of for Pa, but she was afraid it wasn’t enough.

  She had hated seeing him in pain, but he’d taken the last of the laudanum. She thought about going into town to get more, but she wasn’t sure she could make it there and back on her own. She hated feeling helpless.

  She walked to the parlor and sat down. She told herself it would only be for a few minutes then she would go help Warren with Pa, but soon her eyes closed and she drifted off into a deep sleep. When she awoke, a blanket was draped over her and the fire had been banked in the fireplace.

  “Feeling better?”

  She jumped, surprised to see Warren looking at her from his chair near the fire. He closed the book he was reading and sat forward.

  “Yes.” She stifled a yawn. “How is Pa?”

  “He’s doing better.” Warren’s eyes sparkled in the firelight and she found herself wishing his arms were around her again. “I went into town and got more of his medicine. The doctor was away delivering a baby but I left word for him to come tomorrow. But for now, he’s resting well—thanks to you.”

  “To me?” Hannah shook her head. She shivered and pulled the blanket up under her chin. “I ran around like a chicken with her head cut off. I’m not sure I did much good.”

  “That’s not what Pa said.” Warren stood and brought another afghan over from a basket by the fireplace. He draped the blanket over her and knelt by her side. Her face was beautiful in the soft firelight, and he rested his hand on her arm. “Thank you for what you did for Pa. It means more to me than I can say.”

  The look in Warren’s eyes warmed Hannah better than the extra blanket. She saw admiration and appreciation there. She wanted to take his hand but he stood up and walked back to his chair and sat down.

  “I just…” She trailed off, uncertain of what she wanted to say. “I just wanted to make you proud.”

  Even as she said the words she felt foolish. Would he think her silly for saying such a thing? Would he think his wife didn’t know how to handle things on her own?

  “I am proud. You did a good job, Hannah. A very good job.” His gaze on her sent warmth to fill her cheeks.

  She met it without flinching. It was almost as if she saw something shifting in his gaze before her eyes. Before she could read more of the thoughts behind his eyes though, he looked away.

  “I need to get some sleep. There’s lots to be done tomorrow.” He groaned as he stood. “But we’ll be closer to home tomorrow. I promise I won't be far.”

  His admission was a great relief and she smiled at him. “I’m glad to hear that. If only for your father’s sake.”

  Warren strode to the doorway but turned but turned back to face her. “Will you go to bed soon?”

  She nodded and eyed the fire. “As soon as some of the logs die down. I won’t be long.”

  He nodded and turned and then was gone.

  She pulled the blankets more tightly around her and breathed out a prayer of thanks to the Lord for Warren’s arrival. She had been so worried about Pa and had felt so helpless. When Warren arrived it was as if he heard her calls for help.

  She knew he cared for her. She could see it in his eyes. But something held him back. Was it something about her? Had she somehow not shown him that she cared for him as well? She had done everything he had asked without hesitation. She’d tried to think of how to get him to talk with her for more than a few passing words, but no matter what he would disappear. If they never had the chance to talk, how could they get to know one another? How could they fall in love?

  The last log fell into two pieces and Hannah decided it was time for her to go to bed as well. She went to check on Pa before she went to her room.

  She opened the door to his room as quiet as she could and stepped inside. The fire in his stove had died down. She padded across the floor to the stove, opened it and slid a log inside and closed the grate.

  “Thank you kindly, Hannah.”

  She jumped in surprise.

  “Sorry, didn’t mean to scare you there.”

  “Oh, I’m so sorry if I woke you. Can I get you anything? Water? More medicine?” She wrapped the blanket around her shoulders and walked to his bedside.

  “No, no, my dear,” he reached out and clasped one of her hands. “You have been more than helpful these last few days. I’m sorry for the scare I caused you. I’m feeling better now.”

  “I was happy to help and I'm glad to hear that.” She looked down at his age-worn features and his wild hair sticking up in every direction, and she felt a deep kinship. He had taken to her immediately and she could see he loved her like a daughter already.

  “Hannah,” he asked. “What’s troubling you?”

  Surprised, she looked up at him. “What do you mean?”

  “I can see the worry on your face. Tell an old man your troubles, I can keep a secret.” He grinned with a twinkle in his eye and patted the edge of the bed for her to sit down.

  “I—” she hesitated. Was it right for her to confide in him about his own son?

  “Is this about Warren? Has he done something to make you unhappy?”

  “Oh no,” she was quick to reassure him. “It’s not him, it’s just…”

  “Just what?” he asked.

  “It’s just that I feel as if we’ll never get to know one another.” She sat on the edge of the bed. “He’s so busy, which I understand, but even when he isn’t busy, he won’t spend more than ten minutes with me.”

  “Ah, I see.” The old man nodded his head. “Warren is a good man, Hannah. He just needs a little encouragement.”

  “What do you mean?”

  Pa smoothed the covers over his stomach before he answered. “Ask him to show you how to ride.”

  “Horses?”

  “Well, I'm not suggesting you ride cows.” She smiled but he continued. “He needs a reason to spend time with you. He’s never felt right if he isn’t busy doing something. Give him a reason to spend time with you until he realizes you’re reason enough.”

  Hannah considered his words. She had ridden a horse once as a child, but she didn’t remember anything about it. She could, in good conscience, ask him to help her.

  “Do you think he’ll agree to help me?”

  “He will,” Pa said. “You see, Hannah, he already loves you, he just doesn’t realize it yet. He knows it in his head, but his heart’s got some catchin’ up to do.”

  His words startled her but created a warm sensation in the pit of her stomach. She wanted to be loved by him just as she wanted to love him. Maybe, just maybe, this idea of his would work. She prayed that it would.

  Chapter 5

  Pa was feeling better and Warren felt a tangible relief. He was even out in the parlor by the fire reading a book when Warren came back inside after feeding the horses that morning. The smells of bacon and pancakes made his stomach growl.

  “Have a seat,
I’ll get a plate for you.” Hannah bustled about the kitchen and Warren felt that same sense of pride and admiration he felt before. She had taken to ranch life like she was made for it.

  “How are you this morning?” he asked.

  She brought his plate and a steaming mug of coffee and smiled down at him. “I’m doing well. And you?”

  “Good.” He took a sip of coffee. “Everything is looking good with the cattle today. That’s something to be thankful for.”

  She walked back to the stove to get a cup of coffee and paused. She turned back to him, her stomach nervous and her heart fluttering.

  “Warren, I have a question.”

  He was beginning to see that this was a habit. He liked the fact she asked a question to ask another question, and it made him smile. He sat back in his chair and took a bite of bacon.

  “What’s that?”

  “I was wondering. Would you teach me how to ride?” She bit her lip then added, “Horses, that is.”

  He let out a laugh. “What else would you ride?”

  The pink tinge in her cheeks made his smile broaden. “Well, not cows.”

  “Oh, good to know,” he said. “And of course. We can start this afternoon.”

  “Really?” she said. Her eyes widened in happy surprise.

  He cocked his head to the side. Why was she so surprised he would agree to help her? That bothered him more than just a little. He didn’t want her to feel like a stranger in their own home. He wanted her to know that he would provide anything for her as long as she would just ask.

  “Of course,” he made sure she was looking at him before he continued. “I’ll do anything for you, Hannah.”

  She smiled and her cheeks reddened again. She turned and poured her coffee and sat with him at the table.

  They ate in awkward silence and then he stood. His chair scraped along the floorboards. “I’ll come and get you later this afternoon.”

  “Thank you, I look forward to it.”

  He strode to the door and pulled it open and the fresh fall air was crisp against his skin. He sucked in a deep breath and made his way to the barn to take care of a few tasks he’d put off while they moved the cattle.

  Though his hands and body moved to the rhythm of the work, his mind remained on Hannah. Her hesitance to ask him for anything bothered him. Then again, he couldn’t blame her. He wasn’t sure how to show her he cared for her. He had the best intentions, but something would come up or she would be busy and he would feel awkward around her and it was easier to just smile and walk away.

  Benjamin walked into the barn and called him. “Need a hand?”

  “Sure, just moving some of this hay around up here.”

  His youngest brother climbed the ladder like a monkey and popped up at the top in seconds. Though he was slightly shorter, he had the same strong build and dedicated work ethic. It was a Doyle trait.

  Hannah fit in because she had that trait too. It was a good quality.

  “What’s that look on your face?”

  “Huh?” Warren asked. “What look?”

  “That love-sick puppy look,” Benjamin said. He laughed and slapped Warren on the arm.

  “You go on now,” Warren said as he lifted another bale of hay and tossed it toward the edge of the mow.

  “How are you and Mrs. Doyle doing?” Benjamin wiggled his eyebrows.

  “None of your business.” Warren made his way to the bales he had moved, cut the twine holding them together and tossed clumps of the fragrant hay to the barn floor below with a pitchfork.

  “Oh come on,” Benjamin said. “I’m just teasing. But really, I’m envious.”

  This caught Warren’s attention and he stopped. “What?”

  “I’ve been thinking.” He cleared his throat, partly from the dust and partly to get his thoughts right before he spoke. “It would be nice to have a wife.”

  “Aren’t you a little young to be thinking about marriage?” Warren scratched the back of his head as he eyed his brother. He wasn’t sure if he was serious, yet.

  “Nah,” Benjamin said. “I can’t think of anything better than to have someone to talk to and spend time with—when you’re not working me to death, that is.”

  “Why brother, I think you’ve gone soft,” Warren said. He reached out and ruffled his brother’s hair as Benjamin pushed his arm away.

  “Hardly,” Benjamin said. “I just know a good thing when I see it.”

  They went back to work but Benjamin’s words replayed in Warren’s mind. Warren knew a good thing too, and he was beginning to see that he needed to make sure Hannah knew what she was to him. She was the best thing in his life.

  Hannah paced the floor in the kitchen and wrung a dishtowel in her hands. She was excited to spend more time with Warren, but now she was worried. What if he taught her and that was it? Her mind was racing with other ways she could get him to spend time with her.

  “Stop that pacing and come sit down,” Pa said good-naturedly. “You’re making me nervous.”

  She smiled and went into the parlor. “You’re right. I am nervous.”

  “Don’t be. Warren is a fine teacher and a quick learner himself.”

  “I’m not sure there’s much he can learn from me he doesn’t already know.”

  “I’m sure there’s plenty for him to learn, dear.” Pa wagged a finger at her. The gleam in his eyes was encouraging. He knew his son and what Warren needed. She had to trust that his idea was the right thing.

  The door opened and Hannah sat up straight. Warren walked in with purpose in every step and a determined look on his face. It wasn’t intimidating, just confident.

  “Are you ready?” he asked.

  “Yes.” She stood, sending one last look at Pa before turning back to Warren.

  “You two have fun now,” Pa said.

  “We will,” Warren called back. He held the door open for her and then led the way across the open yard toward the barn. “We’re going to start on old Mae here.”

  He gestured toward a dark chestnut horse tied to the fence near the barn. Mae looked friendly enough, but Hannah felt her hands tremble from nervous excitement.

  Warren walked her through the steps she’d need to know to bridle then saddle a horse, and then explained the basics of horseback riding.

  When he was done he tossed up his hands saying, “I think that’s it.”

  Her eyes widened in fear. “That’s it? You’re going to make me ride Mae by myself?”

  Warren put his head back and laughed. “Of course not. I just wanted to see how you’d react.”

  His eyes settled on her and his gaze softened as he took her in. He stood with one hand on the saddle next to her and the other casually propped on his hip. He was close and her heart beat in response to his intense gaze.

  “So you’ll ride with me?” She felt the heat in her cheeks again and prayed he wouldn’t notice.

  “Yes,” he said, “We can start out together if you want.”

  He climbed up on Mae and then reached down to help her up. She slid into the space behind him and he told her to clasp her arms around his middle.

  She slipped her arms around him and locked her hands together. The moment the horse started to move she gripped him more tightly.

  “Easy there,” he turned his head back and spoke to her in a voice that sounded like he was being choked. “I’d like to be able to breathe.” He laughed and she knew he was teasing her. She gave his arm a playful slap but wrapped it back around his midsection.

  She loosened her hold and grinned. “Sorry.”

  They started out with a ride around the yard so she could get used to the gait of the horse. When he thought she had the feeling for the animal, he suggested they go for a short ride. She agreed and he set off in the direction of the river.

  Hannah watched the scenery around her. The trees were large and filled with leaves that painted every color in the rainbow. The cool breeze invigorated her and filled her with a sense of belonging
. She loved it here on Ruby River Ranch and she never wanted to leave. She didn’t want the ride to end. Warren pulled Mae to a stop at the edge of a river and hopped down. He held his hand out to Hannah and helped her down.

  “How was your first ride?”

  “Wonderful,” she said.

  He reached up and brushed a stray curl of her hair out of her face. She smiled up at him and hoped he could see her feelings written on her face. The flutter of nerves alighted in her stomach. Should she tell him now how she felt? Should she ask if he felt the same way?

  He turned toward the river to lead Mae for a drink from the river. Before she realized it he had taken her hand. It was warm and secure and she followed him.

  They stood and looked down at the cold current rushing past. She adjusted her hand so that their fingers were intertwined, and she felt secure, as if he was her anchor in the stream of life. There would be rushing rivers, maybe even floods, but they could weather the storms together. Or so she hoped.

  “Warren,” she looked up at him, “I have a question.”

  He pulled his gaze away from the river and surrounding lands and met hers, a smile forming on his lips at her familiar words.

  “And what would that be? Do you want me to teach you how to rope cattle now?”

  She laughed saying, “Maybe, but not today.” Her laughter was light and fresh and it made him smile.

  “Oh good, I was thinking maybe we could spend some time getting to know one another.” His words surprised her. Did he really mean what he had said?

  “Really?”

  “Yes, but what was your question?”

  She looked down, ashamed that she’d been about to pour out her heart and he had already made plans to get to know her better. She had rushed ahead and now she was stuck.

  “Hey,” he used his free hand to gently turn her chin up, “You know you can ask me anything, don't you?”

  “I feel silly now.”

  “Don’t, Hannah. Just ask.”

  She took a steadying breath then blurted out, “I want to know what you think about me.”

  He looked surprised and turned to face her. “What do you mean?”