No Place for a Lady (Heart of the West Book #1): A Novel

by Brendan, Maggie

  “No, señorita. It is you who have been good to me and called me your friend as well.”

  Crystal dismissed her comment with a wave of her hand. “I would hate to think of living here alone and trying to feed this hungry bunch.”

  “You know, one day Aspengold will become even larger, and you will have grandchildren to inherit it.”

  “That’s a nice thought, Carmen. I hope you’re right.”

  “The ranch will prosper, Crystal. I just know it. You have worked very hard to see to that, and you treat everyone more than fair.”

  “Thanks. But you flatter me. A lot of the work on this ranch was done by my aunt and Rusty.” Her voice wavered. “But I am honored to call you friend.”

  Carmen smiled. “Looks like the snow is here to stay for a few days. I’ll have Kurt bring in more firewood right after breakfast.”

  Crystal moved away from the fire, her backside thoroughly warm now. “I’ll go change and be right back out to set the table. What shall we do with the weather like this?”

  “We can sew those curtains that you wanted in the kitchen. How about that?”

  “Good idea. I’m glad I’ll have a project to keep me busy.”

  “When it stops snowing, perhaps I could go spend some time with my mother and check on my new nephew, if that’s all right with you?”

  “That would be fine. I know you’re anxious to see them. A new baby is always irresistible.”

  Crystal heard footsteps on the porch and hurried to get the door. Rusty, Kurt, and Luke hurried in and made their way to the fire.

  “It’s bone-chillin’cold this morning, Crystal.” Rusty rubbed his rawboned hands together over the blazing fire.

  “The thermometer measures three degrees and falling out by the bunkhouse,” Kurt informed them, blowing on his bare hands. “I couldn’t find my gloves this morning.”

  “These?” Carmen held up a pair of brown leather gloves.

  “Yes, those are mine, thanks.” He took them from Carmen’s hands, his eyes focusing only on her.

  “That boy would leave his head if it wasn’t attached. Got your mind on something else, have you?” Rusty teased.

  “Aw, leave’em alone, Rusty. I’m hungry. Breakfast ready, Carmen?” Luke said, but his eyes were on Crystal, who felt her face warm under his gaze.

  22

  The snow had stopped but blanketed every inch of the valley, and the wind created deep drifts that piled high against the north side of the ranch house and the outlying buildings. The punchers bedded the milk cows in the barn. Rusty and Carmen had teamed up weeks ago and butchered and dressed a few of the Herefords, which were needed for meat during the long winter. Luke and Kurt cleaned the stalls daily and kept the barn swept. Jube mostly stayed near the line cabin with his pregnant, happy wife and checked for any breaks in the fence.

  Crystal spent her days sewing bright red gingham curtains for the kitchen windows and poring over a catalog she’d found, while Carmen kept a hot pot of coffee in constant readiness for the men. Afternoons became a highlight of the day with freshly baked apple cookies or cinnamon bread shared with the men when they trooped into the warm kitchen for a little respite from the cold. Crystal looked forward to the break in her day and anticipated each time Luke walked through the front door. By now it was apparent that there was a mutual affection growing between Crystal and Luke, although no one said anything aloud.

  In the evenings after supper when the men had grudgingly returned to the bunkhouse, Crystal would read Scripture out loud while Carmen worked on their mending. It was a fine way to end the day, cozied in the horsehair chairs next to the fire with a cup of steaming hot chocolate.

  Today the snow had stopped, and the bright sun turned the glaring whiteness into thousands of glittering diamonds. Crystal stepped out into the cold, brilliant day. Rusty, snow shovel in his weathered hands, sliced away at the mound of white stuff to clear a path from the house to the barn.

  Crystal had tied a woolen scarf around her hat to keep her ears warm and donned her aunt’s heaviest coat, finishing with long handles beneath her woolen skirt. Although it was very cold, she was exhilarated at just being outdoors again. She danced around on the porch, clutching a cloth napkin in her hand.

  “Watch yer step now, Crystal. There’s ice underneath the path I’m making.” Rusty paused to lean on his shovel and chuckled at Crystal’s antics.

  Crystal half slid down the steps and reached up with her free hand to pat Rusty’s red-cheeked face. “Isn’t it a glorious day, Rusty?”

  “I think you’ve been cooped up too long, missy. Most women are crank horns after a few weeks of being snowed in.” Rusty’s bushy eyebrows furrowed.

  “You need to remember that I’ve never seen this much snow in one place.” She laughed. “It’s an adventure.” Crystal suddenly stopped her little dancing gig, embarrassed, when she saw Luke approaching from the bunkhouse.

  Luke wore lambskin chaps over his Levi’s and a huge fur-lined duster. He was the picture of pure masculinity, exuding confidence even in the way he walked. Though his dark hat was pulled low and a scarf was around his neck, tiny icicles clung to his moustache and eyebrows. Crystal resisted the urge to wipe them away. A bubble of excitement inched its way upward from her chest and landed a beaming smile on her face.

  Then her conscience reminded her to think twice about this cowboy. Yes, he had told her it was over with April, but Crystal remembered the earlier day when they were out riding—he told her in no uncertain terms that he would have that land to build his own spread. Did he care for her, or was he bent on owning Aspengold? Maybe he thought this was easier than having to marry April to secure the land on the Blue River. Just what were his intentions?

  “Whatcha got in the napkin?” Luke asked.

  She unfolded the napkin. “This is some dried bread for the birds. Winter is so hard on them. I’ll need to order birdseed the next time I’m in Steamboat.” Crystal broke the bread into small bits and dropped it onto the ground.

  Rusty grunted. “You are just like Kate. Couldn’t stand the thought of a harmless creature not being cared for.”

  “All except chickens,” Luke teased. Crystal felt her face flush, warming her cold cheeks.

  Luke laughed as he watched Crystal teeter into a slip-slide with every step she took. “If it’s skating you want, Crystal, there’s gonna be an ice skating party over at the Johnsons’this afternoon, before it gets too cold to be out after the sun goes down.” He swiftly reached over and grabbed her elbow to keep her from falling.

  “How did you know there was a skating party?” Crystal didn’t remember seeing anyone leave the ranch. Her mind was now on the hand that held her arm.

  “Someone passed the word to Jube out at the line camp when I rode up there yesterday to check things out. Are you and Carmen interested?”

  Crystal clapped her gloved hands. “You bet I am—except for one thing. I can’t skate.”

  “What you don’t know, I’ll be happy to teach you. There’s skates in the barn. I’ll fetch a couple of pairs to see if any will fit you. We’ll go right after lunch. It may take us awhile to get there, so be sure you and Carmen dress in layers.”

  “I’ll stay here and keep the fires burning till you return.” Rusty paused again with his shoveling. “Might even make us some chicken soup. How’s that sound for supper?”

  “Delicious, Rusty. Can you give me a hand and we’ll get the sleigh ready?” Luke winked at Crystal.

  “Be right there.” Rusty thrust his shovel into a snowdrift and followed Luke.

  “Ooh . . . this will be fun. I’ll run and tell Carmen.” Crystal hurried down the path back to the house. It would be so wonderful to be with friends after being cooped up for weeks—and to be with Luke.

  Crystal and Carmen chatted with excitement while Kurt settled Carmen in the back of the sleigh. He then took his seat next to her, covering them both with buffalo hides.

  Luke took his time and with care wrapped a q
uilt around Crystal, tucked it around her legs, and threw a buffalo hide on top. Not until he was sure they all were adequately covered did he flick the reins over the horses, and they lurched forward in a fast trot. The smooth blades of the sleigh glided over the fallen snow, and the harnesses jingled on the wind. The air was pristine with sparkling azure skies, and Crystal watched the breath of the horses filter past her in a puff of white. The glare from the sun reflecting off the snow was so stark that it made seeing difficult, and Crystal had to squint. She snuggled even further under the warm covers.

  Crystal glanced sideways at Luke, who was sitting as close as was proper in order for their body heat to generate warmth. She felt a thrill that he was so capable, always taking charge with whatever situation was at hand. She decided that she loved everything about him, but she wanted him to be in love with her, not pretending to be in order to secure Aspengold.

  In a short time they arrived at the Johnsons’, and Luke stopped the sleigh in front of the barn. John Franklin trotted up to help him with the horses and then led them into the barn. Kurt assisted the ladies down and escorted them to where the other guests were gathered, their happy voices echoing in the clearing.

  Crystal stiffened when she saw April, but April turned away. She leaned over to whisper something to Beth, who was standing with Bill’s arm encircling her waist. Josh broke away from the group to meet them halfway.

  “I’m so glad someone planned this little get-together. How’ve you been, Crystal?”

  “A bit cold, I’m afraid, but other than that, all right.” Crystal had forgotten how warm and friendly Josh’s brown eyes were. She hadn’t seen him since before the trail drive except at church.

  Josh took her arm. “It’s only a short walk to the lake, and the Johnsons have a nice bonfire going. You can warm up there.”

  Before Crystal could protest, he guided her over to the merry bunch, their boots crunching under the snow. Spirits were high as everyone exchanged warm greetings. Luke, she noted, followed with John, but she caught the wounded look in his eyes before he glanced away.

  “Did you survive the snow, Crystal? I was thinking about you stuck there in the house all alone, with the wind howling. Tell me, were you dreaming of Southern nights?” April’s smile didn’t reach her icy blue eyes.

  “Oh, but I wasn’t alone. I had dear Carmen with me. And every evening the cowboys would stay after supper and play checkers, or we’d all get together to talk, sing, and just get to know one another.”

  “I envy you, Crystal. Being in the line camp with Jube, I got a little lonely. I’m glad the snow stopped.” Emily pulled her coat tighter about her.

  “You’re shivering, Em. We need to get you to the fire. Are you sure you’re up to skating?”

  “Oh no.” Emily patted her rounding belly. “I came along for the company. I’ll feel much better once I get warm.” Emily scooted over to hook her arm in Jube’s, who agreed they needed to get moving.

  “Standing around won’t keep us warm, but skating will,” Beth said. “Let’s go.” Beth led the small group to the bonfire that Mary and Sara were feeding with wood. The fire snapped and popped and shot its flames upward into the sky to create a toasty retreat.

  “Did you bring some skates, Crystal?” Josh asked.

  Luke hurried over to the makeshift bench that Crystal sat on and placed a pair of skates before her feet. “I have a couple pairs right here for you to try.” He more or less pushed his way in front of Josh and started unlacing a pair for her. Josh yanked his skates on and stood there, hands in his pockets. Crystal grinned. She watched as Luke’s long fingers quickly worked on the eyelets of the skates. He had nice hands, and she remembered how his hands had caressed Buck’s head and forelocks.

  The first pair Luke tried was a perfect fit, but he laced them so tight that Crystal winced. “Sorry,” Luke said, “they need to be tight around the ankle for support. He pulled her up into a standing position. “Now just stand still a moment and get the feel of them.”

  Crystal watched all her friends, some already whirling around on the frozen lake, and wondered how in the world she would ever be able to stand, let alone skate.

  “I’ll take her out, Luke. You get your skates on.” Josh grabbed Crystal’s gloved hand.

  Somewhat unsure of her ability, Crystal followed Josh, her legs wobbling like jelly on a saucer. She leaned over, not trusting herself to stand up straight. She giggled and tried to cover her nervousness, but she was perfectly aware that Luke was miffed as he followed close behind.

  Josh was a smooth skater, but he took smaller strides for her sake, and after five loops around the pond, Crystal could pull her chest and shoulders up. To her surprise, she had more balance this way. Mary and Sara were cheering her on by the fire, and Crystal yelled out to them in her excitement and waved, and would have lost her balance if it hadn’t been for Josh’s steady arm.

  Luke skated closely behind them in case Crystal fell. He was fuming that Josh had just taken over. Crystal had never answered him when he’d asked about Josh the night Carmen had walked in on them. Well, I won’t play second fiddle to anyone. I’ve already told her how I feel. He watched them laughing at her struggle and was amazed at how fast Crystal learned. Not great, but pretty good, considering this was her first time on skates.

  “I’ll take it from here, Josh. You can go get rested up or sit by the fire.” Luke tapped Josh on the shoulder.

  “Crystal’s catching on fast. I don’t believe she needs your help, Luke.” Josh’s voice was steady.

  “She came here with me, and I intend to skate with her. Do you get that?” he said, poking Josh on his chest.

  Josh was red-faced when he spoke. “Who put a burr under your saddle, Luke?” He nodded to Crystal. “I’ll see you by the fire, Crystal.” He released her hands and skated in the direction of the bonfire.

  “Luke! Where are your manners?” Crystal said.

  “Well, you did come with me, Crystal. Is he courting you, or what?” Luke pulled her around the circle of the lake in easy fashion.

  “He most certainly is not. I was trying to let him down gently, as a matter of fact, when you interrupted.”

  “So where exactly do I stand, Crystal? Or do you want to leave me dangling like you did Josh? Maybe that’s why Drew dropped you, since you flirted with all the men.” The words tumbled out, and in a heartbeat he was sorry he had said them.

  “How insulting! I haven’t figured you out, Luke. One minute you’re engaged to April, and the next minute you’re telling me you want to court me. I find it mighty strange, Luke Weber, that you made a deal with McBride to marry his daughter just so you could have the land on the Blue River. Now that she’s out of the picture and my aunt is gone, suddenly you are interested in me. Is it just so you can have Aspengold?” Crystal spat out the accusation, and Luke was shocked by her outburst. She stood on wobbly ankles, her hands on her hips.

  “Watch out or you’ll fall.” He pulled her in the direction of the fire, holding on to her arms with a firm grip to keep her feet stable, while he faced her and skated backward. “If you think for one single minute that I want to marry you in order to own the ranch, you’ve got another think comin’! I already told you how I feel.”

  “Marry me!” Crystal squeaked. “We haven’t even courted yet.”

  Luke’s shirt collar felt tight around his neck now, and the muscles in his jaw clenched in frustration. As their voices grew louder, a few skaters slowed to watch them.

  He wanted to tell her that he already owned the ranch, but this was not the place. So much for the perfect day he had planned. It was ruined, and they hadn’t even had refreshments. “Crystal, honestly. You can’t believe that . . . Do you think I would stoop that low?”

  “I don’t know . . . I’m not sure what to believe.” Her voice wavered.

  “Fine.” Luke’s voice was flat. “Have it your way.” He turned away and skated off, his head down. He stared at the ice as though it held the answers to th
e questions tormenting his mind.

  As he flew past the other skaters, he ignored their waves and greetings. He was wounded to the core. Had these past few months been just something to pass the time? Their time had always been shared when the other punchers and Carmen were around, but he thought Crystal had enjoyed his company. Why in the world did he think Crystal felt something for him? Apparently he mistook the signals she had given him as something else. Maybe she was just a flirt.

  And why hadn’t that lawyer sent her a post about the ranch deed? Or had Luke promised the attorney that he’d inform her? Why couldn’t he remember something as simple as that conversation? He didn’t know, but sure as the moon was rising, he would find out.

  Luke saw April’s large blue eyes look on from the edge of the lake, where she stood talking to Beth and Reverend Alden, but he turned away.

  Women, who needs them?

  The ride back to the ranch was a quiet one. Everyone was spent from the skating activity and the cold. Luke was glad because he didn’t want to have to talk. He kept a good distance between him and Crystal, making certain that his side in no way touched hers. Once they arrived home, he brooded at the table, picked at the delicious soup Rusty had made, and contributed to the conversation with only minimal words. He did not stay for the usual after-dinner coffee but pulled his coat and gloves on and stepped out into the frigid night air. Out here he could breathe.

  The moonlight played with the shadows created on the stark snow from the swaying boughs of the ponderosa pines. Luke took a deep breath and sighed. He walked over to the barn and strolled into the tack room, looking at nothing in particular. He lifted a bridle from its perch and felt the smooth leather under his fingers. He guessed he was a lot like a horse without a bridle. Without it, a horse didn’t know which way a cowboy wanted him to go, but with the bit between the horse’s jaws, the rider was the master and could direct the horse with a slight tug on the reins to go right or left.

  Lord, I guess I lost my temper. I’m new at asking for Your help, but where Crystal’s concerned . . . I guess I let my stubborn pride get in the way. I reckon I rushed her. I need another chance to make it up to her,’cause I just went and made a fool of myself and clammed up instead of talking to her on the way home tonight. I guess what I’m asking for is Your direction, like Buck needs from me. I’d be grateful, Lord. I don’t want to lose her. Amen.