Marrying the Rancher

by Roz Denny Fox

  “Trapped?” Wyatt looked up sharply from the paper he’d started to read. “What kind? Claw traps are outlawed and others require a license.”

  “Don’t get all riled up.” Scowling, the sheriff crossed his arms. “I don’t know if anybody’s using traps. Used to be some ranches had trouble with mountain cats. I know someone built and set a box trap near their chicken coop. Caught the cat and called Game and Fish to take him away. That was probably four years ago. If your boss has been over this area that long, he’d likely remember the case.”

  “He covers this project and a few others. I have to call him about the SUV. I’ll ask about traps.”

  The sheriff went on outside and Wyatt filled out the form.

  Sheriff Anderson returned, printed the photo off and clipped it to the report he had Wyatt sign and date. They shook hands and Wyatt left to go order pizzas. He’d spent longer than anticipated with the sheriff. He hoped the side trip wouldn’t make him so late that Tandy would give up on him and cook supper.

  The owner of the pizza shop recognized him but didn’t really know who he was. The man mentioned he hadn’t seen Wyatt in a while, when he used to be a regular.

  “I’ve been out of town for my job,” he said, not wanting to draw attention to himself lest anyone in the establishment not be happy to see him back.

  While his take-and-bake order was in progress he stepped outside to call his boss. He currently headed a five-state wolf repatriation program.

  “Is the hostility bad enough you want to be pulled from the area?” his leader asked after hearing Wyatt’s story.

  “I wasn’t threatened, Joe. It may have been kids, although I doubt it.” He relayed what had happened to Tandy at the rancher’s meeting. “I want to continue.”

  “Good. We have some of our Mesquite pack dead down in the Chiricahua sector. I’ve sent all available biologists down to see if the wolves died from natural causes. We should get you an unmarked vehicle. Any chance you can spare time to drive to Silver City? I know you have a cabin there. If it’s something you can manage, I’ll swap out vehicles and get yours in for repair.”

  Wyatt had barely started and would hate to stop now. On the other hand, it might be better to take a few days now rather than after locating the Mission pack. “It’s not my cabin so let me check with my friend who owns it. When I’m not there he sometimes lets other guests use it. Can I get back with you in a day or so?”

  “Sure. Just take care. I’m damned tired of fighting ranchers over something they ought to be able to see rights the ecosystem. But telling you is like preaching to the choir. So you know, I’m having flyers printed up on the success of our program with the Fox Mountain pack. They’ve remained on their release range for five years. We have some testimonials from those area residents. I’ll try to have a batch printed that you can take back for distribution.”

  “Sounds good, Joe. I’m for anything that helps people understand there’s room on our planet for wild animals and domestic.” He said goodbye and went back inside.

  The cook signaled his pizzas were ready. Wyatt paid and carried the boxes out.

  He soon left the town behind. He slowed when he approached a corner where he knew there was a cattle crossing. The ranch road to Spiritridge turned off the main road shortly after passing the crossing. It was a good thing he’d cut his speed. Not only was he staring directly into the sinking sun, but a large flock of sheep, not cattle, were moseying across the highway.

  Because he heard dogs barking, Wyatt put his SUV in Park and opened his door, hoping to see the animals he’d caught sight of earlier. But the coloring wasn’t right. The two dogs were sleek yellow Labs in the company of a young boy and a girl, who were probably the sheep owner’s kids.

  Wyatt settled back, refastened his seat belt and prepared to wait for the flock to pass. A bit tired of delay after delay, he drummed his fingers on the steering wheel and toyed with the idea of phoning Tandy to let her know he had the pizzas and was on his way.

  At last the final woolies passed by. Dust began to clear and he saw the boy close the gate so no sheep could turn back. More than ready to roll again, Wyatt fired up his motor and drove to the ranch turnoff.

  It so happened he drove in just as Tandy, Scotty and Manny were exiting the barn. He parked halfway between the main house and the casitas, figuring he could give the old cowboy his liniment and his pizza. Then he’d be available to unload the heavy bag of dog food he’d bought for Tandy.

  She jogged up to his door, leaving Manny hobbling along and Scotty skipping with his dog.

  “Good grief,” she yelped as Wyatt started to climb out. “What in the world happened to your car? Did it look like that yesterday? I remember passing it this morning and don’t recall seeing all those awful marks.”

  Wyatt hadn’t intended to bring the incident up. He didn’t want to worry her—she might think someone would do the same to her since she was renting him a place to stay. “It happened in town. I didn’t see the perpetrator. Sheriff Anderson had me fill out a complaint and he took photos. Can you take the pizzas? I’ll give Manny his order then haul everything else into your house.”

  Tandy nodded, but her gaze remained on the damage until Scotty ran up and flung his arms around Wyatt’s legs. “Did’ya remember to get us pizza, Wolf Man?” he asked. “I love, love, love pepperoni pizza.”

  “Scotty.” Tandy tugged him away. “Mr...uh... Wyatt was about to give me the pizza boxes. I need you to open the house. I’ll take these to the kitchen and bake them.” She handed the boy the house key. “Go on. Scoot. And please don’t call him Wolf Man.”

  “I sure hope the pizza cooks fast. Wait!” He spun back around. “Were you able to find a wolf book at the library? Sorry if you don’t like me to call you Wolf Man.”

  Feeling a bit like he’d been hit by a semitruck, Wyatt let the boy’s run-on chatter roll over him until Manny arrived, took in the scene and laughed. “That boy can talk an ear off a flea. I’ll take my order off your hands, Wyatt. Today was warmer. My joints feel some better. But I hope you found liniment. I can still use it.”

  Wyatt opened the back door to the SUV, ducked inside and found Manny’s things. He passed them to the man and gave Tandy the two larger pizzas. He actually hoped she’d go on in. He’d like to ask Manny about the hybrids.

  She drew Manny’s attention to the scratched paint. “Any idea who might do something like this?” The man had worked for her parents from the time they’d bought the ranch. “You know everyone who lives around here. And probably most newcomers. People never used to even lock their houses or barns. I can’t recall anyone ever having anything like this happen, can you?”

  In the fading light, Manny bent closer and studied the marks. “Looks like you sideswiped a fence post or a telephone pole. What happened?”

  “I don’t know. I can only guess,” he said, returning to slip out his book before lifting the remaining bags from the back seat. “I notified my boss. He’s going to arrange for me to trade it for an unmarked vehicle. It’s getting late. Shouldn’t you both put your pizzas in to cook?”

  As if Tandy got the message that he’d rather not discuss the incident, she tightened her hold on the pizza boxes and turned away.

  He immediately felt bad. He certainly hadn’t meant to dismiss her. He just thought it’d be worse to turn wolf dogs into a big deal. Especially because he didn’t want Scotty to grab hold of it and start asking endless questions. “I was in the grocery store when it happened, Manny. Someone keyed my vehicle. It could’ve been personal, or a random act by hoodlums. Say it is personal, like aimed at driving me away from staying to do my job with the wolves. Maybe the less attention given the act, the better. What I don’t want is to bring more anger down on Tandy and Scotty.”

  “I agree. Curtis would appreciate you caring about her and the boy. When she told me about h
ow Preston Hicks ranted at the local rancher’s meeting, I recommended she lay low and avoid that group. At my age, I can’t help thwart any problems. I tried to help her hire a younger cowhand. Three times I thought we had someone, only to learn Preston Hicks or Jim Haskell swooped in and offered them higher wages. I’m gettin’ stonewalled trying to buy her a bull, too. She ordered one from Stew Darnell. He keeps making up excuses about why he can’t deliver.”

  Wyatt closed the back door to the SUV with his hip. “So you think it’s deliberate? The not selling her a bull? Why wouldn’t her money be as good as anyone else’s?”

  “Dunno. What if Pres Hicks warns Stew if he helps Tandy build her herd they’ll freeze him out of the group that negotiates the best market prices come selling time? I don’t know if that’s a fact. I’m set to see Darnell tomorrow. If he weasels out again, I plan to ask him point-blank, why. See if he’ll admit there’s skulduggery afoot.”

  Shifting his load of grocery bags with the one from the bookstore, Wyatt gazed at the clouds rolling in. “If Darnell agrees to sell Tandy a bull, great. If he dodges, I have a friend in New Mexico who sells a couple types. I have to drive up there to switch out my SUV. I’m sure Loki would give Tandy a good price.”

  The old fellow chuckled. “That’d fox ’em. Why don’t you tell Tandy? I’m going in to bake my supper. I’ll let you know what happens with Stew. If I get a bull I’ll bring him home tomorrow. I want to see Tandy succeed in reviving the ranch to put down roots for her and Scotty. Curt would want that.”

  “Well, good luck with Darnell.”

  Manny inclined his head, turned and limped off just as Scotty called from the house, “Wolf Man...er...Wyatt. Mama wants to know if you’re gonna come in for pizza? After we eat, can I have the library book?”

  Wyatt hurried into the house. “I bought you a book that you can keep, Scotty. Help put groceries away for your mom, and after pizza, we’ll look at it.”

  Tandy was so silent as he and Scotty bustled around the kitchen storing the milk, eggs and dog food, Wyatt was left with no doubt but that he needed to clear the air. After folding the sacks and setting them on the counter, he washed his hands at the kitchen sink. “Ah, you fixed a salad, too. Great. That makes pizza less of an unhealthy meal.” He winked at Tandy and saw her eyes widen, and he noticed her lips twitch like she wanted to smile. Or rather like she didn’t want to give him a smile.

  Wyatt pulled out her chair, clearly surprising her. “Listen, I’m sorry for sounding as if I was doling out orders out there. I thought Manny would want to take his pizza home and get off his feet. Instead he decided to chat.”

  Tandy put a helping of salad on Scotty’s plate. “I guess I’m touchier than I should be. A habit I developed in the service. New male recruits often overlooked the stripes denoting my rank. I’m not in the military now.” She met his eyes and issued an apologetic shrug. “And you did us a favor by bringing supper and doing my shopping, which saves me a trip to town.”

  “And Mama, he bought me a book about wolves. He said it’s mine to keep. That’s so cool.” Scotty bit into his first slice of pizza. “Oh, this is the yummiest supper we’ve had since we moved here.”

  Tandy and Wyatt exchanged silent mirth as they both tore off their slices.

  Wyatt let a few moments pass before he spoke. “Manny mentioned you’ve been trying to hire a second cowboy but haven’t found anyone available.”

  Tandy set down her pizza and wiped her hands on the paper towel next to her plate. “It seems other ranchers offer to pay them more. I can’t raise my offer until after I see what my first cattle bring at market.”

  “I just wanted to say if you need an extra hand with anything while I’m here, my work hours checking on the wolf pack are flexible. I think Manny will tell you I did okay cowboying when your dad was so ill. Before college I helped on a buddy’s family ranch.”

  “That’s generous of you. I have a lot to learn about running a ranch. Manny should retire, but I’m so thankful he agreed to lend me a hand. I feel bad, though, because I know riding, roping and even walking sometimes hurts his old bones.”

  When she said “bones,” the hound got up from under Scotty’s chair and padded around to gaze up at Tandy with soulful eyes.

  Scotty laughed. “Mr. Bones thought you were talking about him, Mama.”

  She gave the dog a piece of the ham from her pizza.

  “Hey, I thought you said not to feed him at the table,” Scotty accused.

  “I did. That was a rare treat.”

  Scotty turned to Wyatt. “If you help Mama with the cows, can we help you hunt for wolves?”

  “Uh...probably not. Today I didn’t find them near easy walking paths. My next trek will be higher into the mountains. I’ll have to be on the lookout for paw prints, or follow noise on my homing device from the wolves’ collars. There may still be snow up there, too, so it’ll be cold as well as tedious.”

  “Can you show me how you look for paw prints?” Scotty asked as he took another piece of pizza.

  “I can show you how to recognize Mr. Bones’s prints, and how they differ from a rabbit, a horse or other creatures that may hunt mice around your barn. Uh, if it’s okay with your mom,” he added.

  “I’m fine with it as long as you don’t follow them into the woods, Scotty. It’s too easy to get turned around and lost in there.”

  “Definitely,” Wyatt stressed. “I carry a GPS and I have a regular old-style compass if my electronics stop working.”

  “I’m full,” Scotty said. “Can I see the wolf book now?”

  “Maybe Wyatt hasn’t finished eating,” Tandy chided. “Wrap the rest of your pizza and stick it in the fridge to eat tomorrow.”

  “Yay. Pizza two times in a row.” The boy hopped up and ran to get foil.

  While he was rummaging in a drawer, Wyatt leaned toward Tandy. “As well as a book, I ran across a poster of a wolf family. I bought it, but if you think Scotty’s too curious about wolves, I won’t give it to him.”

  “Oh, he’ll love it. His cousin in Hawaii had surfing posters on his wall. Scotty was always envious. He didn’t have his own room at my sister-in-law’s.”

  Wyatt ate the last of his salad and excused himself from the table. He retrieved the sack from the bookstore and unrolled the poster for Scotty and his mom to see.

  “Wow, wow! I love it. Mama, can we hang it across from my bed so when I wake up I see it? Like where Mark tacked up his surfer dudes?” Not waiting for his mother to say yes or no, Scotty flung his arms around Wyatt. “My daddy never bought me nothing. He’s not dead, Mama said. But he’s gone. I won’t see him anymore and I don’t care. This is the best present I ever got. Can you stay here always, Wyatt? I know Mama said you’re only here ’til you find the wolves. Why do you gotta go away?”

  Seeing the shocked expression on Tandy’s face, Wyatt unwound Scotty’s arms. “I’m glad you like the poster. Let’s sit and I’ll read you part of the book.”

  The boy plopped down immediately, and Wyatt thought he’d smoothed over an awkward situation. At least he did until he noticed the pleat between Tandy’s eyebrows as she jumped up and hurriedly began to clear the table. Wyatt wondered if he should have said more to extricate himself. Surely she didn’t think he was trying to usurp the place of Scotty’s father. He’d have to find a minute alone to assure her that wasn’t so.

  Chapter Three

  Tandy suddenly felt angry all over again at Dan. She had bought Scotty birthday and Christmas gifts and marked them from her and Dan. How could their son be aware his father had never contributed anything? Had she accidentally sounded negative when explaining their divorce? She’d tried to be evenhanded. No matter how it hurt her, she hoped someday Dan would regret turning his back on his son.

  While loading the dishwasher, she listened to Wyatt reading and explai
ning the pictures that went along with the story. There was no mistaking Scotty’s delight. She had to smile over his rapid-fire questions. And yet the man kept up.

  Soon done in the kitchen, Tandy still lingered. She didn’t want to interrupt them so she assembled ingredients for chocolate chip cookies and got busy mixing. It didn’t take long.

  The timer sounded when the first sheet was done. Suddenly Scotty appeared beside her as she took the pan from the oven. He clutched the book and poster and literally bounced up and down with excitement, almost tripping over Mr. Bones.

  “Mama, those smell so good. Can Wyatt and I have some? And will you take a picture on your phone of me with my book and poster? I wanna send it to Mark. Then can I call him? I bet he doesn’t know mama and daddy wolves stay together their whole lives. And their pups go off like people kids do. Wyatt said if either the mama wolf or daddy die, they live with the pack but don’t get married again. Did you know that?” He moved closer to the stove, turning serious when she eyed him with a slight frown. “Okay, wolves don’t really get married ’cause they don’t got churches like us, but it’s com...com...what’s that word you used, Wolf Man? Uh, Wyatt,” he rushed to say, no doubt because Tandy set the pan of cookies down really hard.

  “I said they have a committed relationship,” Wyatt whispered to Tandy, walking into the kitchen. “I could’ve said studies suggest wolves mate for life, but then I’d have to explain what that means.” He wrinkled his nose and scratched the side of his neck, all while offering Tandy a self-conscious shrug. “I was explaining how wolf packs resemble a town in how often families band together.”

  Finding his discomfort endearing, Tandy slanted him a smile. “Raising curious, precocious kids can be a challenge. Scotty, let me unload these cookies to the cooling rack and put the next pan in to bake before you take any.”

  As she worked, she eyed her son. With her having been away, she worried that he hadn’t received many gifts for no reason. Thanks to Wyatt, right now Scotty was dancing on air. It buoyed her spirits to see him so exuberant.