Marrying the Rancher

by Roz Denny Fox

  “He was funny,” Scotty said, laughing as he rubbed Mr. Bones’s ears then wrapped him in the blanket. “I’ve seen pictures of snowmen. Show me how to start.”

  “The snow near those trees isn’t as dry so it’ll roll up better. Tandy, why don’t you and Scotty start there and roll it down this incline for the base. I’ll make a smaller ball for his middle. Then you two can do his head while I hunt limbs for arms and rocks for eyes and mouth.”

  They all set about their assigned tasks and soon they were giggling.

  “This is funner than building sand castles at the beach,” Scotty declared as soon as the snowman really took shape. “When he’s done, Mama, will you take a picture of me and him on your phone? I wanna call Mark and send it to him.”

  Tandy really was enjoying herself more than she’d anticipated. Scotty’s request sobered her. She remembered her sister-in-law said the kids shouldn’t correspond. Too bad. “Sure, I’ll take a couple of photos. You can send them to Mark after we head out again.”

  The snow had slacked off to fine intermittent flakes. The snowman was finished and Scotty declared him “cool,” which made them all snicker.

  “Okay, Scotty, go stand beside him,” Tandy said, digging out her phone.

  “Wait.” Wyatt held up a hand. “He needs a hat to show he’s a cowboy snowman.” As he said it, he removed his gray Stetson and set it atop the icy head.

  “That’s perfect.” Tandy snapped a couple of pictures then passed the camera to Scotty. “Go get in the SUV. I’ll be right there.”

  He happily plodded off, but just as Wyatt reached for his hat she scooped up a snowball and hit him in the back of his neck.

  He jumped and tried to dig the wet snow out from inside his collar. “Okay, you’re gonna get it now,” he called when hearing her chortling.

  She backed up fast, but her feet flew out from under her.

  Leaving his hat on the snowman, Wyatt made a dive for Tandy. In spite of him reaching her and grabbing hold of her jacket, she fell and so did he. Together they hit the snow and rolled down the incline toward the road.

  Both sputtered and teased each other as they sat up and tried brushing off snow clinging to their jackets and jeans.

  First to rise, Wyatt extended his hand to help Tandy, who kept slipping as she attempted to stand. He latched on to one of her gloved hands and pulled her upright.

  She literally fell into his arms. Instead of releasing her, he tightened his hold, bent his head and kissed her laughing lips.

  She struggled for a minute to keep her balance then slid her free arm around his shoulder and kissed him back. Instant heat arced between them, melting the lingering snow from their foreheads, cheeks and chins.

  Hearing Scotty holler from the vehicle ended their kiss.

  Tandy looked aghast. “Maybe we shouldn’t have done that.” They were still connected by their fingers.

  “But...you looked so kissable.” He smiled down at her.

  “Hardly,” she scoffed. “We both look like abominable snow people.” She started up the incline, but her slick-bottomed boots slid and she would have fallen again if Wyatt hadn’t thrown his free arm around her waist.

  “Let’s take this slow and easy,” he said, edging up the icy slant. “I’ll help you into your seat before I rescue my hat. Don’t go getting huffy. Remember who started the snowball fight.”

  This time her eyes sparkled mischievously as her lips twitched into a smile. “I couldn’t resist. What did you think of my aim?”

  “Deadeye Dick from my biased aspect,” he murmured. He helped her in then dashed back for his hat.

  “Mama, did you get hurt?” Scotty had climbed out of his booster and scooted across the back seat. Now he sounded anxious.

  “No, honey. I hit Wyatt with a snowball, then in trying to get away from him my feet went out from under me. But I’m fine.”

  “You hurt your face. I saw him kiss your owie.”

  “Ah. Uh...” Tandy continued to stammer as Wyatt dropped his hat on the console, settled into his seat and winked.

  “I guess you couldn’t see from here, sport,” he said. “I was checking her over real close to see she hadn’t hurt herself. Can you buckle up, or do you need help?”

  “I can do it,” he said, and did just that. “I can’t find Mark’s number. And I don’t know what to poke to send him a picture. You got great ones of me ’n my snowman.”

  “I’ll set it up, but you can only talk a minute because we’re leaving and reception may be bad. Also, if you say we’re going to New Mexico, just tell Mark it’s to buy a bull. Don’t mention we’re going with Wyatt.”

  “Why not?”

  Heaving a sigh, she unzipped her jacket and made sure he was secured. She decided not to beat about the bush. “Aunt Lucinda said your father and his new wife are living there now. That makes our contacting them awkward.”

  “Dad’s not nice.”

  Wyatt’s ears perked up. He tried to be discreet, however. He started the engine and backed out of the lookout area so as not to disturb Scotty’s snowman.

  “I’m sorry. Some day you both may want a better relationship. Do you know what cordial is?”

  “Nope.”

  “It means be pleasant. However, what we do now is our business and none of his. Do you understand?”

  “Uh-huh. Maybe I won’t tell Mark we’re going to New Mexico to buy a bull.”

  “You know what, Scotty? Tell Mark anything you want. Tell him we’re going with Wyatt to buy a bull.” Tandy completed setting up the call and caught Wyatt’s eye when she handed her son the phone.

  He smiled and immediately paid attention to driving over the snowy summit.

  Tandy had put the phone on speaker and Mark answered on the first ring. “Hi, Scotty. Wow, you got to make a real snowman? I bet playing in snow was fun. I wish I could visit. Maybe next time you have snow I can. Oh, hey, I can’t talk anymore. Mom’s yelling at me to come for dinner. Bye, Scotty.”

  Tandy disconnected the call. “Speaking of eating,” Wyatt said, “the place I thought we could stop for lunch is down the hill and around a couple of bends. No more than eight miles.”

  “I’m hungry. Snowman building is hard. I’m glad we stopped. But I like the heat you turned on. Now I don’t gotta take my blanket back from Mr. Bones.”

  “Don’t have to, or don’t need to, Scotty,” his mother corrected. “You’ll be in first grade next year and teachers won’t be happy to hear you use bad grammar.”

  “Will I like school? Wyatt, did you like school?”

  “I did.”

  Tandy shot him a grateful glance.

  Taking one hand off the steering wheel, he reached across the console and captured her cold fingers and squeezed. They traded radiant smiles, and he felt his heart quicken when Tandy didn’t tug loose. He felt blessed that the road was dry and straight. He didn’t need to unclasp from her until he reached the burger place and had to use both of his hands to turn off the highway into the restaurant parking lot.

  * * *

  THEY GOT BACK underway after enjoying hamburgers and the break in a warm place. Wyatt took time to phone Loki and let him know approximately when they’d arrive while Tandy gave Mr. Bones kibble, water and walked him around the restaurant.

  “Time to roll,” he said once it appeared all were ready. “My friend and his wife have invited us to join them for supper. I hope we get there in daylight so I can show you around his ranch.”

  “Will I have time to play with his kids?” Scotty asked.

  “Unless for some reason we hit heavier traffic than normal. I always stop at a variety store and pick up a small toy for each of the three kids. You can help me choose this time, and we’ll get you something, too,” he told Scotty.

  “Cool.” Scot
ty bounced in his seat. “I like going places with you, Wyatt. Mama’s the only one who ever bought me hamburgers or toys before. But you don’t hafta get me anything. You gave me the wolf book and poster.”

  Tandy spun around. “Didn’t Aunt Lucinda or your dad take you for hamburgers or to movies?”

  “Nope. Daddy only came if Uncle Dave was there. They went to ball games or did surfing and stuff. Aunt Lucinda only took Mark to school and bought him DVDs.”

  “What’s wrong?” Wyatt noticed Tandy frowning.

  “Only that I paid her extra for movies and meals out. I assumed... Obviously I didn’t ask enough questions,” she added, her frown deepening.

  “You’re not to blame for what you didn’t know, Tandy.”

  “Thanks. It’s a crying shame Dan wasn’t more like you.”

  Wyatt’s chest expanded. Not knowing what to say, he reached for her hand again and was rewarded when her frown disappeared.

  Chapter Six

  They arrived at Loki’s ranch midafternoon. Tandy noticed at once an iron arch over metal fencing. The arch had carved words: Pitchfork Ranch. Real pitchforks formed the upright posts holding up the arch. Neat fencing segregated the ranch road from fat cattle grazing on grass wet with dew. The animals were big like her Santa Gertrudis, but buff colored to a darker tan. Her heifers’ coats were russet.

  “What I wouldn’t give to have all this flat land at my ranch,” she said, leaning forward to take in more of their surroundings.

  “Yeah, this is nice. Loki bought his first two hundred acres with funds earned as a cowhand. Little by little he’s expanded to twelve hundred acres. His family helped build his house, barns and the cabin. I took some vacation and swung a hammer, too.”

  He’d pulled up in front of a log house with a wide porch running the full width. Smoke curled from a stone chimney. They had barely stopped when the front door flew open and two adults, three kids and several dogs piled out. They were hugging all over Wyatt seconds after he exited the SUV. The kids hopped up and down excitedly, calling him Uncle Wyatt.

  Despite that Wyatt said she was welcome here, she couldn’t help but feel like she and Scotty were intruding on a special reunion. She deliberately held back until Wyatt opened the back door, helped Scotty and Mr. Bones out, and motioned to her.

  Wyatt introduced Tandy and Scotty to the Branchwaters. Right off the bat afterward, Loki poked Wyatt in the ribs and said teasingly, “You made it sound as if your landlady was, uh, older.” Loki jabbed him again. “But who can blame you for wanting to keep such an attractive woman private?”

  “Stop! You’re embarrassing me and Tandy. Abby, tell him to mind his manners.”

  The woman with fine features and long dark hair only rolled her eyes. Hooking an arm through Tandy’s she said, “Ignore them. Men are such cretins. Let’s go inside out of the chill.”

  The ranch dogs sniffed Mr. Bones, and the children were already petting him and eyeing Scotty like kids in new situations did.

  “Wait.” Wyatt held up a hand. “Tandy needs to see the bulls while it’s still light. You can tour the house later when Loki and I go trade my SUV,” he said.

  “Then let’s unload our bags now,” Tandy said. “Can we set them on the porch?”

  “Of course,” Abby said.

  “And you bought presents,” Scotty whispered loudly to Wyatt.

  “That I did.” He went to the rear of the SUV and set out the duffels, which Tandy picked up. He then handed Scotty a sack with the kids’ gifts. “Would you like to give these out? You know who gets what since you helped me choose.”

  An anxious look crossed the boy’s face. “What if they don’t like ’em?”

  Wyatt dropped to one knee. “Hey, hey. They will. And they’ll like you.” He brushed his knuckles along Scotty’s jaw. “Just be you.”

  A sunny smile returned. The boy took the bag and hustled around to the front of the vehicles, where the family still huddled. Loki, however, had come to see if he could help unload. Giving Wyatt a hand up, he said in a low voice, “You’re an ace faux uncle, but you’re a natural-born dad. Past time you get busy on that, bro.”

  Instead of smacking his best friend, Wyatt surprised himself by saying, “You may be right.”

  His friend grinned. “About damned time. Come on. Let’s take your lady out to the pens to pick a bull. We’ll see if she buys Stormtrooper or Darth Vader. In case you’re wondering, Parker and Sam named them.”

  “Tandy, Scotty, I hate to rush you, but Loki’s ready to show you his stock and time’s ticking past.”

  It ended up that Abby Branchwater and her brood elected to go along with them to see the bulls. The boys clutched their action figures and Sonia her stuffed wolf exactly like the one Wyatt chose to buy for Scotty even though he insisted he didn’t need a gift. It hadn’t been hard to see he coveted the toy.

  The boys dashed off ahead. Sonia walked more sedately between Abby and Tandy. Wyatt and Loki brought up the rear with Loki pointing out improvements he’d recently made.

  “You’ve been busy,” Wyatt said. “I’ve only been gone a month.”

  “When is this project winding down? Will you get to stay here awhile next time?”

  “I have yet to locate my full wolf pack. Of course,” he quickly added, “I haven’t been in Arizona the whole month. First I was sent to the Mojave National Preserve in Nevada to test a stream. It was a watering hole for a lot of suddenly dead and dying wild animals.”

  “Sounds serious. What did you find? Alkali?” Loki asked.

  “I never heard. My job was to draw blood from the animals. Others took water samples. Nevada’s wildlife department wanted a second opinion.”

  Loki swept a hand encompassing dry brown fields they were passing. “My biggest worry now isn’t feeding my stock, but water. Another year of drought and I’ll have to reduce the size of my herd. Or when I ship this batch to market I may invest in returning bison to this area. My cousin Mason’s done that with some success in Wyoming. He claims bison are sturdier and forage better in dry climates.”

  “We saw green grassland driving in.” Wyatt’s steps slowed.

  “The result of intense targeted watering. There’s talk of rationing ranchers by fall.”

  “It snowed when we came over the pass. Maybe you’ll get a good runoff.”

  “I hope so. I see the kids have reached the bull pens. Parker,” he yelled. “Are both bulls out?”

  “Mama, Mama, come see,” Scotty hollered, swinging his free arm in an effort to rush his mother. “They’re big. Both look scarier than the bad man’s bull.”

  “Who is the bad man?” Loki asked as the adults caught up to the boys.

  “One of Tandy’s neighbors. I’ll tell you more about him when we go to trade my SUV. The guy’s got it in for my wolf project, too.”

  Tandy turned as Loki and Wyatt walked up. “I like the Charolais. He resembles my cattle, but with lighter coloring. What are you asking for him?”

  He named a price that brought a low “oh” from her.

  “Too high? I can shave off another fifty bucks,” he said, setting his foot on the lowest rung of the fence around the pen.

  “No, to the contrary. It’s a third less than I would’ve paid Stewart Darnell, who won’t sell to me, period.”

  Loki’s wife, who still stood next to Tandy, bent close and smiled. “Loki decided to give you the family price right after Wyatt phoned. You’re his friend and he’s like family.”

  “I want to be fair. You’ve no idea how much I appreciate the fact you’ll sell to me at all. For whatever reason I’m persona non grata throughout my ranch community.”

  “The bad man scared me at the meeting,” Scotty ventured.

  “Then it’s settled. Stormtrooper is yours for the price I named. We’ll load h
im whenever you decide to leave. We hope you’ll stay a few days,” Loki said, sliding an arm around his wife’s shoulders. “Honey, Wyatt and I are going to run his SUV to his headquarters. I’ll call when we know how long we’ll be. That’ll give you an idea of when to start fixing supper.” Stepping away from Abby, he added, “Have the kids put the travel bags in the cabin. Parker can turn on the heat.”

  “Not my duffel,” Wyatt said. “It’s the navy blue one. The cabin only has two bedrooms. One for Tandy and one for Scotty. I’ll bunk in the small barn hayloft.”

  “What?” Tandy spun from the bull pen with a shake of her head. “You never told me anything of the sort or I wouldn’t have come along.”

  “I know. But if I’d told you and you stayed home, I didn’t want to be responsible for choosing your bull and having you hate him. It’s fine. I’ve slept there plenty of times.”

  “Not in the winter,” Abby tossed out.

  Wyatt shrugged.

  Loki’s oldest son hopped down off the pen enclosure. “Why can’t Scotty borrow one of our sleeping bags and stay in my room like our cousins do?”

  “That’d be cool. Can I, Mama?” he asked his mother, who continued to shake her head. “Parker’s got video games and extra controllers.”

  “They’re kid approved,” Abby added.

  “I suppose then. If that works for everyone else.” Tandy’s unsure gaze flitted from Wyatt to Abby to Loki.

  Wyatt had a passing thought that such a scheme would place him alone with Tandy for an entire evening, which set happy anticipation warming him. A second thought had anxiety coursing in its wake. The transient nature of his job had ruined past romantic connections. Lesser ones than what he’d begun to feel for Tandy.

  But Loki grinned again in his needling way, so Wyatt decided what the hell. “If it works for everyone else, it’s okay by me. Parker, toss my duffel in one of the cabin bedrooms. Tandy can sort out what Scotty needs before you take her bag. Let’s go, Loki.” He strode off, leaving his good friend to follow.