“It’s Smokey and Chance,” Luke said.
“What are they doing?”
“Clearing out the water hole. Looks like a beaver is trying to set up house.”
Hearing the clippity-clop of their approaching horse, the men stopped work and turned. They waved as the buggy neared. Chance cupped his hands around his mouth and shouted loud and clear, “Hello, Miss Faith!”
Smokey smacked him on the arm and, laughing good-naturedly, pointed at the water hole as if chastising him.
Luke’s smile faded. “Looks like Chance is still sweet on you.”
“Chance? Sweet on me? That’s silly.”
She said the words as if she meant them, but Luke watched the small smile that curved her lips. She had to know Chance would swim the Mississippi for her, just like the rest of the men in this outfit.
“So, how come you were married a year and yet you have an eight-year-old son? Takes some fancy math to make that add up.” There, that got her attention. She’d lingered long enough on Chance and Smokey.
She looked like she was about to answer when the buggy bounced in a hole, waking Dawn. The baby started crying, and nothing Faith did soothed her. Looking over to Luke, she shrugged. “Would you mind terribly if we stopped for a few minutes? So I could have a little privacy to…”
“Feed her,” Luke finished. He tipped his hat up with his thumb and leaned close, inspecting the baby. “Sure does eat a lot.” He grinned.
Chapter Twenty-four
HIS joke was a success.
“Eat a lot?” Faith smiled in return. “Yes, her tummy is so small, it doesn’t take long to empty out. When she gets going like this it’s the only thing that will calm her down. I’m sorry.”
Luke shook his head. “Nothing to be sorry for. But don’t think I haven’t forgotten the question you haven’t answered. Whoa, Buttercup!”
Faith gave him an amused look. Luke assumed it was because of the name.
“He was Charity’s first horse,” he explained, stopping the buggy under a large stand of birch trees. The leaves rustled in the breeze and the grass looked inviting. “This spot all right?”
“It looks fine,” she said, as she rocked the crying infant. She waited for Luke to set the brake, then come around to help her down.
“What do you need?” Luke asked. “I’ll get it for you.”
“The small blanket in my satchel and one of the soft cloths, please.”
Luke set out looking through her bag, which was stuffed full with everything one might need for five infants, including a couple of clean and neatly folded gowns. The lot smelled of talcum, making his nose itch. But, it also brought a sweet tenderness to his throat. He felt like Dawn’s father.
Finding the things Faith asked for, he went looking for her. She was sitting on the ground next to one of the larger trees, her back resting against it. Dawn was still crying, her face scrunched and red. The area was secluded, and Faith would have her privacy.
“Here’s your blanket.” He handed it over and watched her settle Dawn onto her lap. Her fingers went to the buttons on her dress but stopped. She looked at him.
“I’ll just be over here relaxing,” he said.
He sighed as he lowered his body onto the grass. Lacing his fingers behind his head, he used them for a pillow. It had been a long drive, and being off the back of a horse and stretched out on the ground felt good. The fragrant soil and grass molded to his body and a bee droned somewhere close by. The warmth of the sunshine made him drowsy, and without warning his eyelids felt as heavy as anvils. Faith’s melodic humming reached him, bringing a smile to his face and vivid memories of her last night to his mind.
Time passed. How long did it take a baby to eat? Twenty minutes had come and gone, maybe more. Luke sat up, looked over to the buggy. Buttercup stood patiently in his harness, hind foot cocked, taking pleasure in the sunshine warming his coat. There was no sign of Faith.
Luke got up, meandered over to Buttercup and scratched the horse’s neck. After checking each of the old-timer’s hooves, more to kill time than look for stones, and also inspecting the harness leather, Luke began to get impatient. He didn’t remember it taking Rachel this long to feed. It couldn’t hurt to go check on them. If she got angry, so be it.
He walked quietly to the secluded area where he’d left them. Was Faith asleep? Inching his way forward, he peeked around the tree trunk.
Faith’s head leaned against the bark of the birch, her eyes closed. Angelically serene, her face all but glowed. Dawn was cradled to her firm young breast, sleeping peacefully.
It was a beautiful sight. He was moved by its naturalness, its goodness, its sweetness. His girls.
She shifted. He withdrew and held his breath. He heard her move; she must be buttoning her dress.
Not wanting to get caught with his hand in the cookie jar, he contemplated sneaking back to the buggy. But, that seemed dishonest. This had been was a truthful mistake. It was quiet for too long, and he’d come to check. He should just tell her the truth.
The baby fussed. “Shhh, baby. Stay asleep,” he heard Faith whisper.
“You about ready to go?” he asked.
She stuck her head around the tree, surprised. “Yes. I’m sorry it took us so long. I guess I fell asleep, too.”
“Reckon you needed it,” Luke replied.
Back in the buggy, he had a hard time keeping his mind on the road. She’d looked so beautiful. “She’s settled then?”
“Yes. She should sleep for some time now.”
“Will our talkin’ wake her?”
“I don’t think so,” Faith answered, glancing down at her sleeping daughter. He almost shared the love she emanated.
“Good. Now tell me about Colton.”
She looked over at him, her eyes challenging. “Why are you so interested in him? What’s the difference?”
Damn, if she didn’t make him feel foolish. “Just wondered, after you announced last night about being married only a year. Colton’s eight years old. It just got me curious, that’s all.”
“He’s Samuel’s son. His mother was a good friend of mine. We were close, like sisters. When she got sick I said I’d take him if she died. Samuel had gone off and she didn’t think he was ever coming back.”
“You’re telling me that Dawn here is your first?”
“That’s exactly what I’m telling you.”
Luke pulled on the reins, slowing Buttercup to a walk. The road had become a steady uphill climb, and the old horse was breathing hard. He needed a chance to catch his breath.
“I’m glad I didn’t know that when I found you in the wagon. One of the things that kept me steady after Colton banged me on the head was—”
Faith stifled a giggle.
“I could have been seriously hurt!” he scolded, but his lips drew up in the corners. He reached up and felt the bump. “Still hurts.”
“I’m sorry. Go on.”
“—Was the fact that I knew second deliveries were usually easier. And shorter.” He chuckled. “I was gratified at least one of us had some experience.”
“No. I had no more experience at birthing than you. I was very thankful you decided to stay.”
“Were you?” He glanced at her. He remembered how frightened she’d looked when he first found her crouched in the corner of her wagon, eyes like a scared rabbit.
“It was awful when our horses ran off,” she murmured. “The wind was blowing and my pains were getting stronger, faster…I was fearful we’d never find our way back to the road. Or, that I would die and leave Colton out there alone. Or, something horrible would happen to the baby. I was very frightened.”
“I know. I was, too.” He wanted to ask her about Samuel. How they’d come to be married. Were they in love, or was it only for the boy? And where did Ward fit in this puzzle, if at all? The need to know only grew stronger.
“And Ward, what’s his story?”
Her face looked stricken. Sorry for ruining the mood,
Luke changed the subject. “We’re almost there. You getting hungry?”
“I’m famished. It must be this high mountain air.”
“That it is. I’m thankful now Esperanza overpacked the hamper. I’m starved, too.”
Faith smelled the river before she saw it: sandy loam and the tang of fish. It gushed down through the trees and into the meadow, sending sprays of water shooting high into the air wherever it collided with a boulder. The stretch of frothy white rapids was so loud Luke had to shout to be heard.
The temperature cooled considerably, so Faith retrieved Dawn’s blanket and securely bundled it around her daughter.
“Look, there it is,” Luke shouted, pointing at a skeletal structure extending across the river. The bridge was three-fourths finished, with three men working on it.
One man hung freely from the side, suspended by two thick ropes. His feet were propped on the edge of the bridge as he pounded large bolts with a heavy hammer. The sight of him sent shivers crawling up Faith’s neck. Heights terrified her, and the thought of him suspended like that made her insides quake.
The men turned and waved as she and Luke approached.
“Hey, Joe, the bridge is looking good!” Luke called.
“Luke, good to see you! How was the cattle drive?”
“They’re a fine lot. Good and healthy. I have the five head you asked me for. Come down from up there so we can talk.”
The man scaled up to the top of the tall bridge. He disappeared for a few minutes and then reappeared at the end closest to them.
“Why are you building a bridge way out here in the middle of nowhere?” Faith asked as Luke put hobbles on Buttercup.
“To save time. This river runs down the middle of the ranch, separating two important pastures. The river here is too deep for crossing. Right now we have to drive our cattle a day south, cross where the river is shallow, then take another day driving north again. This will be a lot quicker. And safer.”
The memory of Mark bobbing down the river was still vivid. “Good idea.”
By now the man who had been hanging on the side of the bridge was almost to where they waited. He slung sturdy arms around Luke and pounded him on the back. “How are you, boy? It’s damn good to see you!”
Luke smiled when he could free himself from the man’s grasp and turned to face Faith. “Faith, this is Joe Brunn. He’s head foreman on the bridge job and a close friend of the family. Joe, this is Faith Brown. She’s staying with us for a while.”
“I’m pleased to make the acquaintance of such a beautiful guest of the McCutcheons,” Joe said.
“Thank you,” Faith responded. The man wasn’t much taller than she was, and looked older than Luke by about ten years. He was broad-shouldered and appeared very strong. Shoulder-length dark hair was pulled back and tied behind his neck in a leather thong.
Eyes the color of the sky considered her. “And just who is this wee little bundle you’re holding? Her face is as sweet as any little fairy!”
Faith laughed. She couldn’t help but like this outgoing, happy fellow. “This is Dawn.”
“Have you eaten your supper?” Luke asked. “We’ve brought enough to feed us and the three of you.”
“Oh, that Esperanza is a woman after my own heart. If she didn’t only have eyes for that cocksure rooster, Roady, I’d be down at that kitchen door making a pest of myself every day. When I think about what I’d like to—”
“If you stay at the ranch long enough, Faith, you’ll get used to the way men around here talk,” Luke interrupted. “Mostly they speak first and think later.”
“I’m sorry, miss,” Joe offered. “I was just going to say she’s as lovely a woman as I’ve ever seen.”
Faith smiled. “No offense taken, Mr. Brunn. None at all.” To change the subject she added, “I just can’t get over how pretty it is out here.” She looked around while Luke fetched the hamper to a sunny spot on the riverbank. He then shook out the blanket they had brought with them in the buggy.
Luke’s mother hadn’t been wrong when she said the scenery was breathtaking. The butte overlooked a huge grass-blanketed valley that was sprinkled with beautiful summer flowers of pinks, purple and white. Faith recognized columbine and lupine mixed in with an array of others.
Turning, she contemplated Luke. What did he think of her after the way she’d kissed him last night? Something had taken control of her, something she never knew existed. How wonderful she’d felt in his arms. She wished she were there right now. “Supper is served,” Luke called. He gestured for her to sit, and then he and Joe found a spot on the blanket. Faith laid down Dawn, covering her.
“What about Job and Pete? You want to call them over, too?” Luke asked Joe.
“They’re finishing up on the sanding. They can eat when they’re done.”
Luke pulled out cold roast beef and bread and handed it to Faith. She took a portion and set it in her napkin before passing the rest to Joe.
“Thanks.” He grinned. “How long are you visiting the Heart of the Mountains?”
Mrs. McCutcheon had said she could stay until she felt strong enough to travel. She glanced at Luke. “For a week or two. I’m gaining back my strength. Then I’ll be going on to Priest’s Crossing.” Out of the corner of her eye she saw Luke smile.
“Priest’s Crossing? Why, my sister lives there. Do you have family there, too?” His eyes lit with interest, his food all but forgotten.
“No. But I plan on settling there and finding a job.”
Clearly surprised, Joe glanced at Luke.
Luke shrugged. “I keep trying to tell her how hard it is for a woman to take care of herself and young’uns. She’s stubborn. Won’t listen.”
“Well, it’s a hard row to hoe, but it ain’t impossible. My sister, Christine Meeks, raised a family of four all on her own. She never married again after William died. As a matter of fact, her youngest daughter, the one who helps her in the store, just got married. Christine may need some help.” He gave Faith a broad smile. “I could ask her if you’d like.”
Faith clapped her hand to her chest in excitement. “Would you?” she asked eagerly. “What kind of a store is it?”
“Just your regular mercantile. Has a little of everything. She also sells baked goods that the women bring in.”
“I’m a hard worker, Mr. Brunn. I’ll do anything your sister needs me to do. If she gives me a chance I won’t let her down.” A job in a mercantile would be an answer to her prayer! But, she had to keep herself from getting too excited because there was still Ward, and the hanging, she had to work through.
Luke took a bite of his beef and chewed slowly. He didn’t like the way Joe was looking at Faith as if she were a delectable piece of chocolate cake. Joe was a longtime friend of Flood’s. He’d come West with him as a young tagalong with nothing better to do than see what was over the next horizon. He’d settled close and been a part of the ranch on and off for as long as Luke could remember. Flood thought the world of Joe, who’d been like an uncle to the boys and Charity. He’d married as a young man but his wife had died in childbirth. He’d never taken another.
“I’m not planning to go to Priest’s Crossing until the bridge is complete,” Joe said.
“How long will that be, Mr. Brunn?”
“Three weeks, if they don’t run into any problems,” Luke answered.
Faith looked awfully excited about the prospect of a job. But, she would. What other alternatives did she have to going home with Ward? Only two: find work or find herself a husband.
“Two,” Joe corrected. “I can’t see it taking us longer than twelve to fourteen days to finish up.”
Luke mentally shook himself. “Possibly. But we don’t want you rushing. This is dangerous work, and we don’t want anyone getting hurt or killed.”
“Is Luke worried about little ol’ me?” Joe flashed Faith a confident grin. “I don’t think so. More likely he don’t want me taking you off to Priest’s Crossing before he’s g
ood and ready for you to go.”
Luke didn’t respond to that.
After the meal Luke inspected the bridge, and Joe pointed out all the progress that had been made since Flood’s last visit. Saying good-bye, Luke and Faith both promised to return in the coming week, and then he turned Buttercup toward home.
Faith sat quietly thinking over the possibilities that had been presented to her that afternoon. If only Ward hadn’t found her and the children; she’d be free to move to Priest’s Crossing and work for Mr. Brunn’s sister—provided that the woman liked her. But if she had the chance to work, she’d make sure she was liked. She’d be the hardest worker there ever was.
An overwhelming despair threatened to swamp her. Who was she fooling? Ward would never give up in his efforts to take her home. He and his father wanted her land. He’d marry her to get it. Samuel had married her the first time for it, now Ward thought she’d be stupid enough to make the same mistake.
What if she gave him the deed to the farm? She didn’t want to give up the security the land represented, but it wasn’t doing her much good on the run and she would relinquish it in a heartbeat if it meant Ward would be out of their lives forever. That he would leave her alone with the claim to Samuel’s children. But she had the sinking feeling that he wanted her, too, in the way Samuel had.
“Penny for your thoughts,” Luke said, breaking her concentration.
Gooseflesh rippled her arms. Her cheeks turned warm. “I was thinking about the job in Priest’s Crossing,” she lied.
“Thought as much. You’ve been pretty quiet ever since we started home.” His hat was tipped back and he was relaxed against the buggy seat. His eyes were unreadable as he glanced at her from the winding road before them.
“Do you think he’s serious? I mean, about me getting a job working for his sister.” She knew she sounded desperate, but then, she was.
“Probably. Joe’s a good man. He wouldn’t have mentioned it if he didn’t think he could help.”
Montana Dawn Page 13
