If Chase wasn’t out with the men, getting his cattle ready for the drive to market, he was working with Ghost.
The stallion was slowly coming to trust his new owner.
Chase, and only Chase, could walk into the corral without the threat of attack. Ghost would walk up to where Molly stood by the fence railing and take a carrot right from her hand, but Chase’s previous warning kept her out of the corral. “I think your horse likes me,” she told him. Without a word, his warning glance spoke volumes.
* * *
It was a Sunday morning at breakfast that Chase announced it was time for Ghost to get some exercise. “You’re going to try and ride him?” Molly asked, disbelief in her voice. “He’s never even had a saddle on him!”
“That’s a fact.” Chase retrieved his hat and headed to the door. “Has to happen sometime.”
“Oh boy!” Timmy was hot on his heels.
Molly busied herself with cleaning up the breakfast dishes and puttering around the house, but the hollers of the men drew her outside. She tried to watch from afar but finally could stand it no longer and walked over for a closer look. Molly stood on the far side where none of the men were.
Chase had familiarized the horse with a hackamore, so putting that on wasn’t a problem. “Boss, don’t you think you should be a using a bit for that devil horse? He’s gonna stomp you so deep you’re gonna root and sprout!”
“Nope. Don’t want to tear up his mouth,” he said, smiling sheepishly, “especially if things go south on me.”
But Ghost had never had anything on his back, not even so much as a blanket. Ghost danced sideways, threw his head around and trotted to the side where Molly was when Chase walked over with a blanket. She spoke to the stallion with a gentle quietness that settled Ghost down.
First came the blanket. His headed bobbed up and down, his long mane flying. When Chase approached with the saddle, Ghost eyed him warily.
Molly reached out and stroked his velvety nose. “Shhh, pretty boy. Nobody’s going to hurt you.”
The saddle was slowly placed on his back. Ghost took a few steps back but did nothing else. When the cinch was tightened and Chase was putting his foot in the stirrup, Molly held her breath.
The very second Chase’s butt hit that saddle, the fight was on. Ghost was air bound, twisting and turning, and before the second buck, Chase was the one who was air bound. He landed hard on the ground. “Chase!” Molly was terrified he was hurt while all the men were laughing.
He got up and dusted himself off. Ghost had walked back over to Molly and bobbed his head. Chase took a deep breath and tried again, and again, and again. Sometime after the fourth or fifth throw, Chase managed to stay on Ghost and he yelled for someone to open the gate.
Chase leaned in close and it was a beautiful sight to see man and horse become one when they galloped away.
“I better follow just in case that horse decides he wants the upper hand again,” Ed said getting on his horse. “I think all you men have something to do. I suggest you get to it.”
* * *
It was a beautiful evening. The moonless sky was ablaze with stars for as far as one could see. Molly breathed in deep, filling her lungs with the chilled night air. Timmy was asleep with Socks by his bed.
The kitchen was clean, except for a plate full of food for Chase when he came home.
Ed came out of the barn, seemingly dragging himself to his home, his wife, his family. Molly watched him, standing in the shadows. There was a lantern lit in the barn. She made her way over, knowing Chase would be there.
Chase had his back was to her. He was brushing the white stallion who stood quietly eating some grain. Chase’s cowboy hat topped a stall pole and his black ponytail hung past his shoulders. The shirt he wore outlined his broad shoulders and tapered down to a slim waist where it was tucked into a perfectly fitting pair of tan pants.
Molly blushed when he turned around and caught her staring at him. “Hi. I didn’t hear you walk up.”
“I saw Ed go in and I wondered if you were home. How did your horse do today?”
Chase stopped brushing and looked at her with a smile that went from ear to ear. “He was perfect. It was almost as if he knew exactly what I wanted him to do.” Throwing the curry brush on the table, Chase took the reins and started out the door. “I’m putting him back in the corral. He’s comfortable there. Walk with me.”
He removed the hackamore and let Ghost inside. The horse walked in like a king and whinnied as Molly and Chase turned to leave. “I saved supper for you.”
“Fact is, I’m plumb beat and every muscle in my back and shoulders are hurting. Feels like every hinge I have is loose. You think I might get you to rub some of that ointment on my shoulder and back? I’m sure it’s not exactly proper, but I don’t think I can get Ed to come by and do it.”
The thought of rubbing Chase’s back gave Molly a rush of heat from her stomach to her face and a surge of excitement had her heart beating so loud, she was afraid he might hear it. She faked a laugh and stumbled with, “Um…sure...of course.”
Chapter 14
The skirt was sky blue with dark blue stripes running from waist to hem and Molly’s blouse was white with puffy sleeves. A dark blue sash was tied at her waist. Her red hair was pulled up at the sides and tied with blue ribbon that hung amid the soft red curls that cascaded down her back. She was busy trying to get Timmy’s hair to lay flat when Chase came in the back door.
“You are a breath of spring, Molly Simms. I will surely be the envy of every man at the party today.”
She blushed hotly. “You cut quite a figure yourself, Mr. Forrester.” He wore black pants with a blue shirt, sleeves rolled up to his elbows, a brown vest and what looked to be a new black hat. “I don’t recall seeing you all fixed up before. New hat?”
“Nope. It’s my sparkin’ outfit. Only wear it for special occasions.”
“What’s sparkin?” Timmy asked.
Molly raised her eyebrows, waiting for his answer. “That’s when I get to dance with all those fine ladies,” Chase said, lifting him up and ushering them out the door.
“Well now, ain’t you purtier than a young heifer in a field of daisies,” Ed said, when he saw Molly.
She laughed at the compliment. “Thank you, I think.”
Emma hurried over with Rosie. She was wearing a red dress with pink lace around the neck and sleeves. Her dark brown hair was loose, held back by a white ribbon. “Emma,” Molly said in awe, “you look beautiful. Like a school girl.”
“That’s my Emma,” Ed beamed. “Outshines the sun!” She tsked her tongue and, with her husband’s help, climbed up onto the wagon. Chase and Ed would ride their horses, while Emma, Molly and Timmy rode in the wagon. Both ladies had spent the last few days making food to take along. It was an event that everyone looked forward to, even the ranch hands who’d ridden over earlier that day. Spirits were high as they started out on the trip.
The party before the cattle drive was at the Barnett’s ranch this year.
The Barnett Ranch had a spread that was about the same size as Chase’s. Bill Barnett and his family had started the ranch some ten years ago. His wife, Elizabeth, wanted nothing to do with a cattle ranch. She loved living in New York and the hustle and bustle of the city. Bill worked in a shipping company by the wharf. He made a wonderful living and the family lacked for nothing.
Bill didn’t like working in an office all day. One day he came home and announced they were moving to the Arizona Territory. He had purchased a ranch and they were going to raise cattle.
Once Elizabeth realized there was no changing his mind, she insisted on a big two-story home with columns that would hold up the veranda on the second floor and it had to be furnished with only the best things. Unfortunately, Elizabeth died shortly after the home was completed.
The life was hard and no place for a young girl with no mother. Sam sent his young daughter back east to live with his sister to be brought up properl
y, and truth be told, without his dear wife, he didn’t know how to deal with the girl. Caroline blamed her father for her mother’s death. She wanted no part in dirtying her hands or sweating while mucking out the barn. She wanted only the best things in life and thanks to her aunt, she was going to get them.
Caroline stayed in New York, having no desire to visit her father and brother. Forced to visit when her aunt came out, four years ago, she met handsome Chase Forrester. It was then her visits became more frequent. Caroline always got what she wanted and she was sure Chase Forrester would make a perfect New York husband.
A whole side of beef roasted on a spit. Several tables and benches were set up while another held an assortment of dishes and desserts.
A few ranchers and their families were there for the celebration, along with most of the town folk. Since there wasn’t usually much cause for celebrating, when a party was thrown, people wanted to be part of it.
Chase introduced Molly to so many people her head spun. “Juanita!” she cried as her friend walked up with a man on her arm. “How nice to see you. This must be Zack?”
“Oh my, I forgot you haven’t met my Zack.” He was a bear of a man with gray, shaggy hair and a black mustache. His eyes were dark brown and his hands were warm when he shook Molly’s.
“Senorita,” he said, his smile as big as he was. “My Nita speaks kindly of you. I’m very happy to meet you, finally.”
A quiet fell over the crowd when Caroline sashayed out the door. Her dress was a shimmering gold that fit tight at the waist with a number of petticoats beneath to make the skirt flare out. The dress had drop shoulder cap sleeves and a plunging neckline that revealed enough to make the devil himself blush.
Her blonde hair was piled on top of her head, adorned with yellow flowers. Spiral curls fell to her shoulders. Molly felt like a broom snake weed next to a flawless yellow rose. Caroline passed by the guests nodding like a queen acknowledging her people. She swept next to Chase and put her arm through his. “Chase,” she pouted, “I kept waiting for you to come by, but you never did, you naughty boy.”
He smiled down at her. “It’s a real busy time. You remember Molly and Emma?”
Her grip tightened on his arm. “Oh yes, the housekeepers.” Her eyes swept Molly from head to toe. “Don’t you look charming, dear.” Her tone was anything but complimentary.
Molly smiled sweetly. “Thank you. You also look, uhm, – sweet.”
Caroline’s jaw clenched but she recovered and smiled. “Chase, I want you to sit next to me. I’m sure your employees can fend for themselves.” She pulled him along, giving him no choice.
“There aren’t many people, especially women, who can put my sister in her place.” Molly turned to see Steve Barnett standing beside her. His gold-rimmed, light green eyes were filled with humor. Sandy colored hair, bleached by many hours in the saddle, and his black pants and shirt made for a striking look.
Her whole body burned with embarrassment. “I…I didn’t, I mean, I would never...”
“You did and you would and it was great to watch.” He took her hand and tucked it in his arm. “Now, I insist you be my partner and eat with me.”
Her eyes widened. “I have my son and I came with Emma and Ed.”
“All the children are over there eating together. He’ll be fine and I’m sure your friends won’t mind if I join your group.”
Molly saw Chase lean in and laugh at something Caroline was whispering in his ear. “I’d love to eat with you, Steve.”
“Then let’s get in line, shall we?”
Blue eyes glittered dangerously watching Steve Barnett usher Molly to the tables with the food. Chase’s frown intensified when Ed, Emma, Juanita, and Zack followed behind.
“You haven’t heard a word I’ve said!”
“Huh?” Chase looked at Caroline who was sitting way too close. “I’m sorry, what?”
“I said, there is going to be dancing. Jeb has an old fiddle and Pete brought his banjo and his brother Sam brought his guitar. Dad’s even jumping in with his harmonica.”
“Uh-huh,” Chase responded, not really listening.
“Is there someplace else you would rather be right now, Chase Forrester?” Caroline said in an angry whisper.
His attention was glued on Molly.
“Fine!” She stood and stomped off leaving Chase to simmer all alone.
The men pushed the tables aside, while the women cleaned up and put away the dishes. The sunshine felt glorious and a soft breeze made the afternoon perfect for a bit of dancing.
Jeb and the others tuned their instruments. Both men and women were anxious for the dancing to start. Steve grabbed Molly’s hand and pulled her out onto the dirt where the dancing would take place. “Oh Steve,” she objected. “I haven’t danced in so many years.
“Me neither. We can practice together.”
“Time to grab your favorite girl and twirl her around.” Jeb yelled and the band played “Little Brown Jug.”
Me and my wife live all alone in a little log hut we’re on our own.
She loves gin and I love rum, and don’t we have a lot of fun!
Ha, ha, ha, you and me, little brown jug, don’t I love thee!
Ha, ha, ha, you and me, little brown jug, don’t I love thee!
Husbands and beaus whirled their girls around in a lively polka. Molly threw her head back and laughed as she and Steve joined in the fun. Next came a few square dances with “Nelly Bly” and “Golden Slippers.”
Chase leaned against one of the columns and watched. His jaw clenched and his eyes narrowed.
A voice brought him back to himself. “Boy, I don’t normally have to tell you what to do, but I’m wondering if you’re just stupid or what?”
Chase glared at his foreman. “I don’t know what the hell you’re talking about!”
“Go ask that girl to dance and quit pouting over here in the corner.” Ed walked away shaking his head.
“Captain Jinks of the Horse Marines” was the next song. Molly took Rosie from Emma. “It’s high time you two got out there to shake a leg. Now go dance while I take care of this little princess.”
A chair was pulled up next to her and Chase sat down. He crossed his arms and stared straight ahead. “You seem to be a little out of sorts,” Molly said, bouncing Rosie to the tune of the music.
“Well you and Steve certainly seem to be enjoying yourselves,” Chase growled.
Molly’s head flipped in his direction. “He’s the only man who asked me to dance. And I might add, you looked very cozy, nose-to-nose with Caroline.”
“What did you expect me to do? She is our hostess.”
“And Steve isn’t?” Their voices grew louder with each word.
“Is anything wrong here?” Steve held a glass of lemonade for Molly.
“No!” they barked at the same time.
Emma approached and took her baby out of Molly’s arms. “Let me get my daughter out of the line of fire.”
When the song “The Old Settler” started to play, Chase took Molly by the hand and took her out to dance. No words were spoken as the slow dance began. He sighed, “I didn’t like seeing you dancing and laughing with him.”
“I can say the same thing, Chase, about you and Caroline.” Her voice was low and filled with emotion.
Chase lifted her chin and brushed her lips. He pulled her in closer. Their bodies molded together as the music played on.
Chapter 15
The stars were out by the time they returned home. Timmy was asleep, laying against his mother. Emma had Rosie up over her shoulder, patting her back and humming softly. Chase and Ed were riding up ahead.
Suddenly, the horses threw their heads back and danced sideways. “Whoa!” Molly tried to calm them. “Whoa, what’s wrong with you?”
A screech from a nearby cat sent chills down her spine. The noise was so loud she couldn’t tell if it was ahead, behind, or to side of the wagon. Ed and Chase pulled their guns and positioned their h
orses on either side of the wagon.
Timmy woke up when Rosie started crying. “What’s wrong, Mama?” Another screech pierced the air. “Mommy, what is that?”
All the horses were snorting and rearing up. “Molly,” Chase yelled, “get the horses moving. Now!”
She did as she was told, snapping the reins. Timmy held onto her arm for dear life, while Emma did the same with her daughter. The horses were lathered by the time they reached the ranch.
“Take the children in and settle them down,” Chase said. “We’ll take care of the horses.”
Timmy was too scared to sleep by himself so Molly put him in her room, laying down with him until he fell asleep. Chase still wasn’t home when she silently closed the bedroom door. She made some tea and waited.
When Chase finally came through the door, Socks ran past him and directly into Timmy’s room. She came back out sniffing around and then sat by the closed bedroom door. Molly opened the door to let her in.
“Timmy was afraid to sleep alone so he’s in my room,” she explained. Chase nodded and sat down. “Chase, what’s wrong?” She laid her hand over his.
“Ghost is gone.”
“How?” Molly asked. “Did he jump the fence?”
“No. The gate was wide open. Somebody let him loose.” The implication was clear. Clay had been here. Chase got up and started to pace. “Not only that, Aggie was loose, which means he went into the barn to do God only knows what.” With the cougar situation being a problem, Aggie and Socks were left in the barn with nobody around.
Molly paled at the thought. “She wasn’t hurt was she?”
“No. Probably the other way around. I hope she got a pound of flesh from that no good...from him!”
Molly got up and put her hand on his arm. “I’m so sorry, Chase. I feel responsible for this.”
He drew her into his arms. “That’s foolish thinking. It’s not your fault.”
Chase's Story (Grandma's Wedding Quilts Book 10) Page 7
