Timmy wasn’t exempt from working. Clancy, one of the older hands left behind, showed the boy how to milk the cows and feed the chickens. Clancy was rail thin with skin like leather from being out in the sun. He had a gray mustache and a scraggly beard in need of a trim. The hat he wore was stained with sweat and drooped down around his head.
“Now you can’t really be a doing too much with that arm of yours wrapped up like it is, but ain’t no reason you can’t be learning the ways of the ranch. We all do our share ‘round the place, hear?” Clancy said.
“Mama,” Timmy ran into the kitchen. “Mr. Clancy said I could go with him and the others. Can I, Mama, please.”
“Oh, Timmy, I’m not sure that’s a good idea.”
Clancy walked in, hat in hand. “Miss Molly, all of us are riding out to check on some yearlings and the young’un will be sitting right in front of me. Ain’t none of us gonna let nothing happen to the boy. We won’t be gone too long. We’ll be home afore suppertime.”
Molly liked these men and she was grateful for their kindness, but mostly for helping to put the light back in her son’s eyes. Though they had just met the men three days ago, the attention Timmy received was new to him and he lapped it up and followed the men around like a puppy.
“Okay, but you listen to Mr. Clancy and do just what he tells you.”
“I will, Mama!” He ran over and grabbed the old man’s hand.
Molly followed them outside and watched as they walked to the barn. Tears stung her eyes, watching them walk away. Timmy’s pant legs were rolled up, but one had come loose and was dragging in the dirt. He was looking up at the old man, hanging on every word he was saying. He never knew his grandparents. Though his own father loved him, James was always so tired after working the mines, they didn’t get to spend a lot of time together. Timmy’s only male role model of late was Clay. She shuddered at the thought.
Her gaze swept in a panoramic view, taking in Chase’s ranch. There was a quiet stark beauty about the area. Mountains, not too far in the distance, looked purple with white caps from snow in the higher elevations. The rolling hills were dotted with Palo Verde trees and creosol bushes grew. Between were sandy washes, some with water flowing.
An old wooden barn, with a dirt floor housed three stalls, a room for saddles, ropes, bridles, etc., and a loft. Attached on one side was a chicken coop where at least a dozen chickens pecked the ground and on the other side, a door led to a good sized corral. Two milk cows and three horses, grazed on high grasses from the recent rains. Her eyes lit on the bunk house located behind the barn. Inside were ten bunks, a small table, and a wood burning stove.
The two homes on the property were made from adobe bricks of earth, clay and straw. In the main ranch house, the kitchen was located in the back. Outside the back door was a covered, screened area with another smaller stove. This was used in the summer to help keep the house cooler. Next to the kitchen was one, very large room. A table, with six chairs, was on one side, and an old, overstuffed couch and a rocker sat in front of the hearth. Beside the bedroom off the kitchen she and Timmy were using, there were two other bedrooms, one was Chase’s, and another smaller room that was empty.
Molly walked over to Emma’s place, tapping lightly on the door, before opening it. “Emma,” she whispered loudly, “are you awake?”
“Come in, Molly.” Emma was sitting in her old rocker, her baby girl asleep on her shoulder. Their house was a smaller version of Chase’s with the kitchen and living room together forming one big space with two bedrooms attached.
“How’s little Rosie this morning?” Molly asked.
“Sweet as molasses.” Emma smiled.
“And you?” Molly asked. “Your color looks better this morning.”
“Land sakes,” Emma said, stifling a yawn, “I’m fine and need to get up and get some things done around here.”
Molly’s eyes widened. “You will do no such thing! I’m going to stoke this stove for you and you will lie down for a while. While I’m preparing dinner, Rosie Posey here can come with me while you rest. No arguments.”
“Senorita Molly is right!”
Both Emma and Molly were surprised to see Juanita standing in the doorway. “I didn’t hear you,” Molly said.
“I brought a wagon this time and it’s over by Senor Chase’s. Came with some clothes for you and the nino and some little gowns and blankets for Baby Rose.” Juanita brought her hand to Molly’s chin and gently turned her face. “The swelling is gone. Except for a few bruises, you look fine…muy bonita.”
Molly blushed with pleasure. She stoked the stove, picked up Rose and left Emma’s house.
Chapter 7
Chase wanted to go back to the ranch before the other men. That morning he told them he was riding in early to check on a few things.
“What things?” Jasper asked.
Chase was tightening the cinch on his saddle. “Well, for one thing, the dog should be having those pups any day now.” He gritted his teeth. The answer sounded thin in his own ears. He took a quick glance at his men sitting around the fire. Every head was turned, looking at him. That dog had had several litters and they all knew she’d be fine. He could feel his neck burn in the cold morning air.
“And then there’s also that gal and her boy. I…well, I want to make sure there isn’t any trouble there.”
Jasper smiled. “I’m thinking, Boss, that with Ed, Clancy, and the other boys there, they can handle that gal if she gets unruly.” All the men had been with Chase since he had come to the Arizona Territory and their relationships were not one of boss and employees. They were trusted friends. Snickers and outright belly laughs came from the group.
“You mind if I run my place as I see fit?” Chase barked as he got on his horse. He cussed at them and his face turned scarlet. Laughter following him as he rode away. No matter what excuses he kept telling himself, truth be told, he wanted to see Molly. Her bruised image kept sneaking into his mind the entire time he’d been gone. Once he saw for himself that she and the boy were on the road to recovery, he would stop thinking about her so much. He was sure of it. With a shake of his head, Chase nudged his horse into a gallop.
He walked through the back door and paused, listening. Was that singing he heard? He continued into the living room and stopped. Molly, dressed in a skirt bright with colors, and a white shirt gathered at the neck and the wrists was singing while dancing with a baby in her arms. An old feeling Chase had buried years ago when his sisters moved out of the house suddenly came bubbling up in his throat. For a split second, he yearned to have that feeling alive in his own house.
She turned so he could see her face. The swelling and bruising were gone. One side of her cheek still had traces of a yellow/green tint but for the most part her face was a soft gold brown, kissed by the Arizona sun. Her hair was pulled up at the sides and thick red waves cascaded down her back. Molly, in just a few days, was transformed from a hurt, scared girl to a healthy, beautiful woman. She lightly kissed the sleeping baby’s forehead.
Chase swallowed hard, admitting to himself he wanted those lips on his face — his lips. He watched the colorful skirt sway from side to side as her hips moved with the tune of her song.
Molly did a double-take when she saw him standing by the kitchen. Her startled look turned to one of embarrassed happiness. “Mr. Chase Forrester, please meet Miss Rosie Durbin.” They laughed softly when her little bottom lip stuck out and she brought her knees up stretched her arms out over her head which was covered in light brown fuzz.
She whimpered and sucked her bottom lip, a tear escaping down one cheek and then her cries got louder.
“I think she wants her mama.”
“Time for chow?” Chase smirked. He walked with her to the Durbin’s place. “Where’s the boy?”
“I’m afraid he has adopted Clancy as the grandfather he never had. All of your men have been so good to Timmy and I’m so grateful.” The glance she cast his way seemed a bit anxious.
“I hope their work hasn’t suffered because of him tagging along.”
“If I know Clancy, he put the boy to work.”
Her laughter was like sunshine on a cloudy day. “He hardly makes it through supper before his eyes are drooping and I haven’t gotten any arguments from him about going to bed!”
Emma through open the door when they approached. “I was coming in search of a hungry baby,” She laughed. “Chase! Have you met my beautiful daughter?”
Chase leaned in and kissed her on the cheek. “Pretty as her ma.”
“You go on with yourself.” Emma blushed like a school girl. “Molly hasn’t let me get out of this here robe or lift a finger for four days.” She took the baby from Molly’s arms.
“Where’s Ed?” Chase asked.
“Don’t know. He’s been under foot so I shooed him out ‘bout an hour ago.” Emma kissed her daughter’s cheek. “Now if you’ll excuse me I need to feed my little sugar plum here.”
Molly went out and clanged the dinner bell. Chase walked up with Timmy on his shoulders. “Hi, Mama. Look how high I am. I’m taller than anybody.”
“Well young man I had to ring the bell myself. Isn’t that your job?”
“I’m afraid that’s my fault. Aggie was having her pups and we stuck around to help if she needed it.”
“Mama, Chase said I could have a puppy. There are only two. One is a black and white boy puppy and the other is all black. She’s a girl and that’s the one I want. Can I, Mama? Can I have her?”
Molly’s green eyes went from Timmy to Chase, and back again. “Sweetie, I don’t know where…”
“Timmy,” Chase said, winking at Molly, “don’t be bothering your mom about that now. I’m ready to eat. We’ll talk about it later.”
The door opened and Ed, Emma, and Rosie came in. “Something smells good enough to eat,” Ed said, taking a seat at the table. With the other hands, along with the cook, being back at the ranch, the only ones at the supper table that night were Ed, Emma, Molly, Timmy, and Chase. Molly had prepared a roast, a pile of mashed potatoes, cooked carrots, and biscuits.
While they ate, Ed gave Chase a rundown on what happened while he was gone and Timmy was quick to let everybody know what a help he was. “Emma?” Timmy said, with his mouth full of food as he yawned wide.
“Timmy, cover your mouth and don’t talk with food in it.”
“Sorry, Ma.” He looked contrite for about two seconds. “Emma, Aggie had her puppies and I get to have one.” He glanced at his mother and added a quick, “maybe. Have you decided yet, Ma?” He yawned and rubbed his eyes.
“Sweetie, why don’t you go to bed and we’ll talk about it in the morning.”
His face fell, but he got up to do as he was told. “Promise?”
She kissed him on the cheek. “I promise.”
Chase leaned on his elbow listening. What was that noise? He quickly got out of bed, slipped his pants on and grabbed his gun. He scanned the dark living room and saw nothing. He slipped into the kitchen and noticed the back door was ajar. He opened Molly’s bedroom door and tiptoed to the bed. He heard Timmy’s breathing and made out his small form but Molly wasn’t there.
Chase quietly opened the back door and listened. It was dead calm. Panic welled up in his chest until he saw Molly standing a ways from the house. The full moon made it easy for her to spot. Her back was to him and she held a thin blanket around her shoulders.
“Molly.”
She gasped, jumping back. “Oh, Chase!” She put her hand over her heart. “You startled me.” Her green eyes glistened in the moonlight with unshed tears.
“What’s wrong?” She tried to brush it off as nothing and turned away, but a tear did make its way down her cheek. Chase took her arms and turned her to face him. He took her chin in his hand and raised her face to his. “Molly, what is it?”
“It’s that dumb puppy!” she whimpered. “You know I can’t let him get attached to a pup. I have to find us a place to live. I have to get a job. Timmy is already attached to all the folks who live here and it’s going to be hard enough to get him to leave without making him leave a dog behind.” Her last words came out as a sob.
Chase gathered her in his arms. “Molly, don’t cry.” He brushed his hand down her long red hair. “I’ve been thinking. Emma will have her hands full for some time. She did all the cooking and cleaning and even washed all the clothes. I need someone else to do that and if you’re willing, I’ll hire you on to take her place.”
She pushed away. Sparkling green diamonds stared at him. “I don’t know what to say. I know you’re just being kind.”
Chase smiled. “You might not think it’s so kind when you’ve worked yourself to the bone.”
“Thank you, Chase,” Molly said throwing her arms around his neck.
Chapter 8
Little Rosie yelped, letting everybody at the supper table know she was ready to eat. Molly laughed and picked up the plump baby. She was a little over two months old and growing every day. Her dark brown eyes were normally bright with wonder, unless being fed was an issue, then everybody in ear shot knew who was boss. “Okay your highness. here’s your mama.”
Emma draped a light blanket over her shoulders for privacy and Rosie quieted down to suck hungrily.
“Chase, I am running low on several things and need to make a trip to Hackberry. Can you spare the wagon?”
“Sure can. I’ll get somebody to go with you.”
Molly leaned back in her seat and cocked her head. “You, and all the men, are busy with getting ready for the round-up and branding. None can be spared. I’ve been to town and know how to get there and back.”
“It’s an all-day ride there and back. I don’t cotton to the idea of you going alone, even if I did know the whereabouts of that bast…,” he glanced at Timmy, “that Jones person. Be ready first thing in the morning.”
* * *
It was an unusually cold morning for March. They were decked out in heavy coats. Timmy sat in the wagon with his back to Molly and Chase. He was pouting because he had to go to town with his mother instead of helping with rounding up the cattle. “I’m not a baby, Mama!” he said over his shoulder. “My arm is all better and I don’t have to wear that thing anymore.”
Chase hid a smile when he saw Molly take a deep breath and close her eyes before replying. “Timothy James Simms, I am aware you aren’t a baby, but these men have a lot to get done today and with Chase not there, they will be extra busy and you’ll be underfoot. Now, we discussed this earlier and I don’t want to hear another word. Have I made myself clear?”
“Yes, ma’am,” he said quietly.
“What I could use,” Molly said, staring straight ahead, “is somebody to snuggle next to me to keep me warm.”
When Timmy didn’t take the bait Chase said with a wink, “Well, scoot on over here. I’m a bit chilly myself.”
Looking over her shoulder, she smirked and moved closer to Chase. He put his arm around her shoulder and hugged her to him. “Mmmm, thank you. This feels right toasty.”
Molly turned to Chase. Blue and green eyes met and held. Her smile faded. Their lips were inches apart. There was a ringing in Chase’s ears and the need to feel her lips on his had his blood racing. He leaned in and saw her close her eyes, waiting.
“I’m cold too, Mama.” The voice behind them broke the spell. Molly, blushing from head to toe, cleared her throat and scooted over. “Jump up here, sweetie, so you can get warm.”
Timmy hurried to sit down and get in on the fun. He talked constantly either not realizing, or caring, that Chase and Molly were as silent as snow falling on a cold winter’s morning.
The wagon ambled down the road into Hackberry and when Chase pulled up in front of The Trading Post, Timmy said, “Mama?”
Molly, seemingly in a trance, was brought back to the present. “I’m sorry, Timmy. What?”
“Can I see if Mr. Burns has some hard candy?”
“Um…Timmy….I…,” Mo
lly stuttered, flustered.
“I think I’d like some candy, too.” Chase jumped off the wagon and swung the boy high in the air and then set him down on his feet. “Run in and see what kind of candy Burns has on hand.” Timmy wasted no time in doing what he was told. Chase held his hands up to Molly.
She put her hands on his shoulders and let him lower her down. His hands tightened on her tiny waist. He took his time lowering her to the ground, their eyes locked. Once her feet felt solid ground, a sigh escaped her. “Molly,” he whispered, “you have eyes that a man could get lost in.”
Her lips parted and Chase took advantage of her silent invitation. His mouth lowered and he tasted a sweetness he had never known. He pulled her in close and her arms tightened around his neck.
“Mama!” Tommy shrieked in terror. Molly was almost knocked to the ground when Timmy rushed to her and wrapped his arms around her leg.
“Sweetie, what…” Molly gasped when she saw Clay leaning against a post with his arms crossed. He was wearing the same clothes he had been in when she and Timmy had run off more than two months ago. There were blood stains on his shirt from where she had clubbed him with the rock.
“Well ain’t that the sweetest thing I’ve ever seen.” Clay sneered taking a step toward them. “Mister, you’re getting some sugar from my wife.”
“That’s a lie!” Molly whimpered. “We were never married.”
“Good as.”
Chase moved Molly and Timmy behind him and then in one fluid moment, landed a blow to Clay’s chin, knocking him to the ground. He grabbed Clay’s shirt and hauled him back up to his feet bringing his fist back and this time, when he connected, he heard the crack of a broken nose.
Blood splattered everywhere. Clay crumbled to the ground. Chase would have beat the man to a bloody pulp if not for Molly.
Chase's Story (Grandma's Wedding Quilts Book 10) Page 4
