by Danni Roan
They’d no sooner arrived back at the ranch when the women came pouring out the front door to greet their relatives.
Wynona, Winny as he’d been told to call her, was the loudest of the lot. She grabbed Katie in her arms then pushing her away, looked her up and down.
“What no babies yet?” she chided, giving Will and evil look as if to say he wasn’t living up to her expectations. The man turned redder than a beet root before making his escape by taking the horses to the barn.
“Aunt Winny!” Katie spoke up at her aunt’s criticism. “We’ve only been married a few months. I think you can be a little bit patient.” She glared at the dark haired woman, but her cheeks flamed red. The older woman threw back her head and laughed.
Hank shivered as her eyes fell on him as she turned toward the door and was bustled away into the house by her nieces.
Hank stood, hat in hand in the front yard of the big slate gray ranch house feeling somehow overwhelmed. He’d come from Chicago a city full of people but each had been living their own life, not interfering in anyone else’s for the most part.
For the past few years it had been a lonely life and now he’d stepped into a mad house where everyone knew everyone’s business and didn’t mind meddling a bit.
A chuckle suddenly rumbled from his deep chest as he realized he loved every minute of it, though he did hope that Aunt Winny would not keep looking at him as if he was a prime animal ready for slaughter.
“Hank.” Will’s voice snapped him back to the present. “You’d better come with me. I have a feeling we’ll be kept busy these next few days.”
Hank turned his bulk toward the slim dark haired man and began following him around to the back of the house, where they both stripped off their winter coats and began chopping wood.
“What about lunch?” Hank finally asked as his stomach began to grumble.
“If we make enough noise someone will bring us a sandwich,” Will replied, “but I for one can do without Aunt Winny’s glares.” He added hefting an axe. Soon enough the twins brought out cold beef sandwiches and cookies.
As Will and Hank began piling wood, the other men arrived, hefting the stacks of split timber the younger men had cut and began hauling them over to a small dark wooden shack with a thick tin roof. Wynona and Bianca each wrapped in a heavy woolen shawl arrived to over-see the procession.
Chen Lou was also there, fussing and grumbling as they prepared the smoke house for the meat that Brion had brought with him. Hank, pausing in the rhythmic swing of his ax studied the proceedings with fascination.
The small smokehouse, blackened by years of use, sat on the edge of the ranch compound near a small clump of old trees. Beside the little hut a deep well lined with brick held the wood fire, while a small clay pipe ran under the ground to the smoke house itself. The men would build up a fire once the meat was hung and over the next few days or even weeks the meat would be cured.
“We’ll be kept busy at this for the next few days,” Will offered. “It’s another one of those jobs that the other men seem to think they’ve done enough of over the years.” But the dark haired puncher smiled in saying it and it was obvious he didn’t mind that the chore had fallen to him. “At least now I’ve got a partner to split the work with,” he added with a waggish grin.
The steady thunk, thunk of falling axes followed Fiona up the stairs as she crept away from the press of people crammed into the kitchen all talking at once.
Annabelle had gone straight to Eric and begun playing with him, keeping him happy and entertained while the rest of the family caught up. Aunt Winny had almost immediately started asking questions about the “very large man” as she insisted on calling him. She’d turned to Meg on arriving and wanted to know everything.
Fiona felt weary as if she’d been up and working all day, her heart had sunk with the first words her sister had uttered about Hank Ballard.
“He’s very handsome,” Meg had begun and Fiona knew she would be miserable if she stayed in the kitchen a moment longer.
She climbed to the top of the stairs then turned left down the hall toward her bedroom. She’d just sit in her room and knit. She decided the day before she’d make Eric a pair of good mittens and there would be no time like the present to get started.
The silence and solace of her room engulfed her and closing the door she shut out all of the trials of the day. Taking a seat in a small chair by the window, she pulled out a skein of wool and began to make the mittens.
She tried to focus on Eric, her heart full of his sweet smile and gentle attitude. For only a moment she closed her eyes and offered up a reverent prayer.
“Lord, I don’t know what the future holds but I pray that you will bring happiness to Hank and Eric. I will trust that you are all knowing and all powerful and that you will see the right things done in their lives. Amen.”
A sudden peace seemed to settle over her as she let go of the heart ache and desire she had tried so hard to suppress.
With eyes still closed she allow her breathing to become slow and regular and in moments she was sound asleep.
Fiona was dreaming. She sat in a beautiful handmade rocking chair, holding a baby, soothing it to sleep with the gentle movement of the chair.
As the baby in her arms drifted off to sleep the door to the room opened and her eyes rose to those of Hank Ballard, his massive shoulders blocking the light from the corridor and casting a shadow over her and the babe.
His eyes were full of joy and love as he gazed at her. The sudden clatter of knitting needles dropping from her hands woke Fiona with a start and she leapt to her feet dazed and confused.
Realizing that she’d drifted off to sleep in her chair she stamped her foot impatiently.
“Enough of this,” she demanded of herself. “You can’t help the way you feel but you can stop mooning about over a man that is obviously falling in love with your sister.”
She stalked to the mirrored stand on the other side of the room and pulling pins from her mass of wavy hair released the riotous curls from their prison. Then ruthlessly drawing her brush through her gold streaked locks, she wound it into a tight bun and shoved the pins back in with such force that several of them scraped her delicate scalp.
Instead of wincing she used the pain to demand more discipline of herself. Then she remembered her prayer of just a short time ago and bowed her head in shame.
“Not my will,” She uttered and allowed the peace to come again.
The next few days were even crazier than usual at the Broken J. The men were busy keeping the fire going at the smoke house while Winny, Nona, and Chen Lou started preparing for the Thanksgiving Day feast.
They argued and squabbled over what would be on the menu, though everyone knew it was just their way of doing things and finally on the day itself, everyone was given their orders on what would be done and how.
Pies and cakes filled the larder, while two of the turkeys roasted in the oven along with several other dishes such as baked corn and Winny’s famous corn bread.
Nona had fresh rolls ready to go into the oven when the turkeys were done. Chen Lou was cooking two more of the big birds out at the smoke house by roasting them over the hot coals in the brick box.
Eric was delighted with the hustle and bustle of the house. He played with Annabelle and even went riding with Sean, tucked up safely at the front of the teen’s saddle.
The men did their best to stay out of the way but remained with in ear shot of the house in case they were needed in-between their usual chores of checking stock, mucking stalls, and generally running a ranch.
The time for dinner finally arrived and the tables groaned under the weight of food. Eric’s eyes sparkled in wonder at the sheer number of dishes and he smiled up at Fiona where he’d settled next to her.
As the last member of the extended family sat at the table a heavy thump landed on the front door, then it burst open as none other than Benjamin Smith and his new bride arrived.
> “You didn’t think I’d miss this did you?” the man called, leading his rosy cheeked, and buxom wife to the table. Everyone made room, and the twins dashed to the cupboard for more dishes.
“Sorry I’m late,” Benji said with a wink, “We couldn’t get the buggy over the creek and had to circle round.”
“We’re just glad you made it.” Joshua smiled at his longtime friend and Cathleen, who had made him happier than seemed possible.
The table grew hushed as Joshua, still standing raised his hands for silence then bowed his head.
“Dear God,” he prayed “I thank you for each and every member at this table, for the many blessings you’ve bestowed upon us and for the food that you’ve provided for us. I pray that we will remember to be thankful in all things and that we recognize that all good things come from above. Amen.”
Sitting, he gazed down the table looking at each face as they looked back at him. “Now let’s eat.”
As the meal progressed Joshua, turned to Katie who sat next to him. “Tell me what you’re thankful for, daughter.”
Katie blushed but replied. “I’m thankful for love and that it can win over even a stubborn heart like mine.” Her eyes twinkled at Will, then she elbowed him indicating he was supposed to carry on saying what he was thankful for.
“I’m thankful for a true home,” the slim young puncher stated and leaning over placed a sweet kiss on his wife’s cheek.
On down the table each person was expected to share what they were thankful for. Deeks said he was thankful he didn’t have to chop wood, Billy was thankful for good friends, and the perfectly bald hand called Walt said he was glad he didn’t need a comb anymore because he’d lost it years ago. Unsurprisingly Benji said he was thankful that love wasn’t reserved for the young, and Cathleen echoed his sentiment.
When the question made its way round to Hank, he swallowed hard thinking what to say.
“I’m thankful I took the chance and came here when Mr. Jonas suggested it and I’m thankful to have a safe place to raise my son with people who have opened not only their home to me but their hearts.” For a moment his eyes rested on Fiona and the look in them nearly broke her heart. How could he look at her like that when she knew he was falling in love with her sister?
“And what are you thankful for, young man.” Joshua asked Eric, his ice blue eyes full of affection for the tyke.
“Pie!” the boy stated frankly. “I’m thankful for pie.” The whole table collapsed into laughter.
Nona, taking the boy’s missive to heart stood and began bringing the pies to the table. It was a beautiful, festive day full of joy, friendship, and good food. Laughter filled the Broken J even as the food filled their bellies.
After the meal everyone gathered in the parlor. A soft fire crackled in the hearth, and a gentle quietness seemed to fall over the contented family.
“Sing for us Meg?” one of the twins asked, looking at her lovely sister. “Yes,” the other twin added “Sing Simple Things for us.”
Rising from her seat Meg stood and cleared her throat then lifted her voice in the quiet space.
“'Tis the gift to be simple, 'tis the gift to be free
'Tis the gift to come down where we ought to be,
And when we find ourselves in the place just right,
'Twill be in the valley of love and delight.”
Her voice was high and sweet and the melody so touching it seemed like the angels themselves had come down to sing. Not one person spoke even after the closing notes had come to an end.
Meg seemed transformed with the singing. Her quick ways and bright whit seemed to have settled into something that glowed with in her. Hank, like the others around him, sat mesmerized.
A soft sniff finally broke the stillness and all eyes turned to see Bianca Lione’ dabbing at her eyes.
“That was beautiful,” she finally whispered, lifting the spell the song had cast. From the corner of his eye, Hank noticed Fiona quickly dash a tear away as well. His big heart warmed even more toward the young woman, whom he knew he was falling in love with.
Chapter 9
As the weekend approached Brion and his family began preparing to return to the mountains. Josh saw to it that any supplies they needed were provided and the two pack horses went back nearly as laden as they had arrived.
The days after the holiday warmed, the snow melting away while a clear bright sun dried the fields and mountain passes. Benji and Cathleen had only stayed the day and in the crisp air of a darkening evening had climbed back into their buggy and headed home.
The Monday after Thanksgiving not only Brion and his family were ready to go but Hank and most of the men from the Broken J had loaded up the wagons and were headed to the hills to fell timber for Will and Katie’s’ new home.
Josh, learning of the items stored in Hank’s wagon, had most of them moved into the bunk house where they’d be kept dry but Hank had moved two smaller items into the sod shack with him; a chair he’d made and a large wooden chest. For some reason the act of storing the items made the ranch feel more permanent to the big man.
Soon the small caravan of men and wagons was ready to head out. Billy’s team was hitched to the chuck wagon which also carried sleeping gear for the men. Hank’s wagon was full of the equipment it would take to fell the trees, and cut them into planks. He hoped the weather would hold while they were gone.
The last men had just swung up on their mounts when Hank knelt before his son. He’d never been away from the boy since his birth and it pulled at his heart that he had to leave him now.
“You be a good boy for Ms. Fiona now you hear.” He looked his son in the eyes.
“I will Pa” his son replied, his voice clear and confident. “I’m going to stay in the big house with her while you’re away” he said, slipping his small hand into Fiona’s.
“I’ll take good care of him. I promise,” Fiona offered, knowing it must have been hard for the large man before her to leave his little boy behind. “Now give your pa a kiss, and let him get on his way,” Fiona said.
Eric released her hand and leapt into his father’s arms kissing his cheek three times before he was ready to let go. Hank smiled, tipped his hat to Fiona and climbed up to the seat of his large red wagon.
Clicking to the team he headed out after the men who were just now making their way through the arched entry of the ranch gates.
The beautiful spring like weather held for four days straight. The sun shone, the temperatures crisp but not cold. It was strange seeing this weather in December but sometimes a chinook took hold and hung around before winter regained its icy grip on the land.
Fiona and the rest of the woman around the ranch were kept busy with mending and sewing as well as making Christmas gifts for the men while they were out of the way.
Katie was restless without Will around and finally decided to go and see the men. Deek’s had ridden out with the crew but his back was giving him so much pain he returned the next day and he happily told them where the rest of Broken J men were working.
Surprising everyone, Nona suggested that Meg take Eric along to see his father. Eric was immediately keen on the idea. Meg however studied her grandmother closely then spoke.
“Nona, I’m just not up to what is nearly a half days ride right now. You know I wasn’t feeling well last week. I’m sure Fiona would be up to it though. Wouldn’t you Fi?” she asked, her bright turquois gaze settling on her sister.
“What do you think?” Fiona asked Eric. She knew he’d been brave not seeing his father for nearly a week and was sure he’d love to see him now. The boy’s face broke into a wide smile.
“Can we?” he asked excitement evident on his sweet little face. “It’d sure be nice to know how Pa’s doin’ without me.”
The women smiled knowingly at the tyke then Fiona and Katie began preparing for the trek. Fiona bundled Eric up in his warm coat, noting that even now it was getting too tight on the lad. She also produced the new brig
ht blue mittens she’d knitted for him and told him he must keep his fingers and toes nice and warm.
Soon they were riding along the trails toward the foot hills of the Wind River Range, Katie setting a brisk pace but not one that would tire the boy who rode in front of Fi on her chestnut gelding, Strider.
Taking her time Katie pointed out different aspects of the ranch and told him all about how her father and uncles had come here. As the afternoon wore on they soon came into sight of the camp, the large red wagon being one of the first things visible from any distance.
“Look there’s Pa’s wagon.” Eric pointed his little hand toward the item in the distance. Kicking their horses into a trot they approached the work site eagerly.
Hank took hold of the handle of the long cross cut saw and set his foot along the base of the thick log. He and Will were working together today, but it seemed that every morning found Hank with a new partner. His first partner had been Stephens, a short older man who’d been with the ranch since the beginning. He and Hank had been assigned the job of cutting the big logs into lengths for timber after they’d been trimmed.
Hank had taken hold of the big saw in both hands and as the teeth bit deep into the brown bark of the pine, he’d pulled not just the saw but Stephens along with it and right off of his feet. Since then he’d tried to moderate his strength so as not to injure any of the other men.
They’d almost cut the whole way through the log when Will let go of his end, and Hank, pulling on his side, ended up on the ground as the saws resistance had disappeared.
