A Lesson in Patience

by Jennifer Connors

  Moving forward and standing right in front of her, Colby looked down into her eyes. Keeping is voice low, hissing at times, he said, “I will decide what is appropriate. I will decide what is best for my brothers. You are, at best, a short term guest in my home. Don't push me on this, Ginny. You would do best to heed this warning.” With that, Colby turned and walked back toward the ranch at a fast clip.

  Ginny stood and watched his retreat, feeling her heart pounding in her chest. Damn him, damn him to hell.

  She hadn't done anything wrong. As a matter-of-fact, she was doing everything right. Perhaps it was unorthodox but still highly effective. He didn't want the job himself, but couldn't resist telling her she was wrong. Ginny was so mad, she knew she couldn't return yet. So she walked slowly toward the barn and corral. Maybe she could walk off some of her anger.

  As she wandered back to the house, taking the longest route she could, she became lost in her thoughts. How was she ever to come to an understanding with Colby, the arrogant jackass? Yes, he was just this side of gorgeous, and he had a body to match, but that didn't make much difference when he had the personality of the devil himself.

  Now she was feeling sorry for herself. She had to remember that Ian had been a very unpleasant man to deal with as well. She managed to weather that for the three months she was with him. And who could forget how unpleasant Colin could be when reciting all his rules. She managed to turn him around a little, didn't she?

  Looking up from her thoughts, she heard the sound of a horse approaching. She watched as small plumes of dust trailed behind the lone rider. He seemed to be riding as if the devil were on his heels.

  The rider seemed to change direction when he noticed her standing alone in the field south of the house. He slowed his horse as he approached her. Ginny caught sight of the rider from a few dozen yards away. Holy shit, she thought as she saw the perfect jawline, underneath the rim of a low, black hat.

  Jumping off his horse before the animal had fully stopped, the man took the reins and came to stand before her. Removing his hat, Ginny was treated to one of the most handsome faces she'd ever seen. Along with his strong jawline, the man had a straight nose, big brown eyes and full lips. His face was covered in day old beard growth and dust. His hair, which at first appeared short, was actually pulled back in a tight, long braid that reached halfway down his back. He was tall, taller than even Colby, and he wore the clothes of a cowboy.

  Ginny couldn't speak. He was god-like in his masculine perfection. His skin was deeply tanned, or perhaps it was his natural tone. The man clearly had Native American in his blood. She continued to stare, her mouth dry, at the magnificent creature.

  Thankfully, she did not affect him as much. “Good day to you, ma'am. I don't believe we've ever met.”

  Finally finding her voice, if just to avoid looking like an idiot, she replied, “My name is Ginny. I'm the boy's new teacher.” She sounded strong, not as breathless as she felt.

  Smiling, he showed off his perfect, white teeth. “Well, that explains it. My name is Antonio Vasquez.”

  Oh, yeah. “Your Nizhoni's son. She talks about you a lot.” Smiling now, Ginny felt herself loosening up.

  “You speak to my mother?” He sounded surprised.

  “Yes, I speak Spanish. Otherwise, I would be in the same boat as Eloise was. What brings you back to the ranch?”

  Cocking his head to the side slightly to regard her, instead of answering, he asked a question of his own. “How long have you been here?”

  “Not even a week.”

  “Oh, that explains it. I live here, most of the time. My father became partners with the Millers, so now I own part of the ranch.” He turned and pointed at a small cottage just a hundred yards or so south. “That's my home. Although I've been away for a few months now.”

  “Well, welcome back Antonio.”

  “Vas,” he replied, as if that were to mean something.

  “I beg your pardon?”

  “People call me Vas. No one has called me Antonio since my father died.”

  “Did he only use your name when you were in trouble?” Ginny asked, arching an eyebrow. She'd already heard many stories about Nizhoni's only child.

  Smiling, he said, “Depended on the tone. If he was yelling, I needed to be on the lookout for the switch.” Deftly changing the subject, he asked, “Would you care to walk with me to the corral? Then I can go see my mother and hear all about you behind your back.”

  Ginny laughed. Besides the boys and their antics, she'd had little to laugh over in the past week.

  “Okay. I'm sure your mother won't have much to tell. I haven't done anything extraordinarily stupid yet.”

  “I can't see you doing anything too stupid.” They laughed together, and Ginny told him to give it time.

  Before they could reach the barn, Colby walked up. Vas smiled at his long time friend and held out his free hand. Colby shook it, but still had the same churlish look on his face.

  “How are you, amigo? I told you I'd be back before it was time to run the cattle to Denver.”

  “Yeah, you said you'd be back. I see you met Ginny.” Colby tilted his head in Ginny's direction as if he needed to point her out. She was the only other person there.

  “Where did you find such a pretty teacher for the boys?” Vas winked in her direction, and Ginny barely suppressed the giggle.

  “You mean my wife, don't you?”

  Ginny's head whipped around to look at Colby. What kind of game was he trying to play now? After all they'd discussed, after all the bad feelings, now he wanted her to play his wife. Not bloody likely.

  Vas turned again to look at Ginny. He had a questioning expression on his face. “Wife? I didn't realize you'd married, my friend. Congratulations.” His whole speech was meant for Colby, but directed at Ginny.

  Ginny was shocked. Turning back to Colby, she asked, “Where did that come from?”

  Colby gave her his full attention. “The boys are getting into mischief. You'd better get inside before they cause trouble. I'll help Vas here with his horse.”

  Whatever, she thought. “It was nice to meet you Vas. I'm sure we'll see each other again soon.” With that, she turned toward the house and left the two men to piss on things and get territorial.

  “Lo siento, amigo. She told me she was a teacher.” Vas explained when Ginny was out of earshot.

  “She is, technically. I bought her from a match maker in Denver. We decided to not let it get personal, but I don't need you causing trouble with her. I need her to stick it out longer than the last one did.”

  “And I wouldn't marry her?” Vas said, with mock derision.

  “No, you wouldn't.” With that, Colby turned on his heel and headed back to the house.

  Chapter 13

  It was Sunday morning and the whole Miller family was heading into town for church. Ginny had to admit that she was so curious about the minister that she was looking forward to going. He was probably the type to throw bible verses in your face to prove his point.

  At breakfast, Colby spoke to his siblings. “At church, I want you all to refer to Ginny as my wife.”

  Four heads looked at Colby at once. Nate and Frank looked happy, Georgia looked confused and Ginny looked resigned. Colby hadn't explained his statement the day before to Vas, and she hadn't asked. Although she was curious, it just wasn't worth the frustration of speaking to Colby.

  Frank was the first to speak. “Are you two getting married for real?”

  “No. I just don't want anyone to come around here to call on Ginny. She has a job to do, and she doesn't have time to socialize.”

  “Ain't that lying? You shouldn't lie in church,” was Nate's contribution.

  “It's not lying. Ginny and I did get married, but we decided to not honor those vows.”

  “Sounds like lying to me,” came from Georgia, who was usually so demure that it was hard to believe she said anything to her older brother at all.

  “Call it what
you like. It's the way it has to be.” Colby was letting his vexation show.

  “So Ginny is a prisoner here. She's not allowed to have any life beyond teaching Nate and Frank or being a companion to me?” Georgia asked angrily.

  Ginny just kept her mouth shut. Although she'd been there a week, she'd had little opportunity to see the family dynamic. The four of them rarely ate together, even for supper. There was always something that kept Colby away until they were all finished. It was usually only Ginny who sat with him while he ate and listened to all the things she'd done wrong that day.

  Colby gave his sister his undivided attention. “What would you have me do, Georgia? The last woman I hired ran off with Tim and left me high and dry. You know all the bachelors around here. If they sense that Ginny's available, they'll swarm in like a hive a bees.”

  Georgia, all her bravery gone, bowed her head. She glanced over at Ginny, looking forlorn in her defeat. Ginny set out to reassure her.

  “It's okay, guys. I have no interest in being courted right now anyway. I've got all the boys I need right now.”

  Colby, who had been feeling bad about how he spoke to his sister, smiled in Ginny's direction. Not because he got his way, but because she had made Georgia feel better. He was going to have to give her some credit. After only one week, his siblings were more taken with her, than Eloise had achieved in over two months.

  After breakfast, they all loaded up in the cart and headed toward Sherman. The church was an obvious, white sided building with a small steeple. There was a cross above the double doors. It was small, but functional with an aisle down the middle and five rows of pews. Colby took his usual seat in the last pew, followed by Ginny, Nate, Frank and finally Georgia. The other members of the small town filed in and took their seats. Many of the folks glanced over at Ginny. It was a small town after all, and everyone could recognize a stranger.

  After everyone was seated, the minister made a big show of entering the church with his wife. After helping his wife take her seat, the minister walked up to the pulpit, located at the center front of the church.

  Ginny had to admit that the minister was a good looking man. Not gorgeous like Vas and Colby, but very boy next door. He had short, light brown hair and piercing blue eyes. His features were pleasant, completely unlike his manner. Almost from the start, Ginny knew she wasn't going to like him.

  “Good morning, good people of Sherman.” His voice was a booming, baritone that was soothing in its timbre. Unfortunately, the nice voice betrayed the not-so-nice message.

  “Let us begin today with Job 11:15-17: 'For then shalt thou lift up thy face without spot; yea, thou shalt be steadfast, and shalt not fear: Because thou shalt forget thy misery, and remember it as waters that pass away: And thine age shall be clearer than the noonday; thou shalt shine forth, thou shalt be as the morning.'”

  The minister took a dramatic pause and stared around his flock. His gaze fell on Ginny, as if noticing someone new for the first time, then continued through the crowd. Taking a deep breath, he continued. “We should all strive to be without sin. Steadfast, as the Bible states. It is this achievement, that guarantees us a place in heaven.”

  Ginny scrunched up her face for a moment. She never studied the Bible, nor was she apt to read from it unless a patient requested it, but that wasn't at all what she got from that passage. Looking around the church, Ginny watched as other parishioners stared in rapt attention, hanging on every word the minister spoke. Scary, she thought.

  It went on, for more than an hour. As the sun rose in the sky, the heat in the church got higher as well. Ginny could feel the sweat forming on her body, around her neck and under her breasts. Besides the heat, she had to endure the mis-interpretations from an obvious racist/sexist. The only good part was the singing. Didn't matter that Ginny couldn't sing. It gave her an excuse to stand up and do something besides listen.

  After the service was over, the minister exited first and stood outside the door to greet the parishioners. Ginny wanted to leave right away, but Colby put a hand on her arm to stay her.

  “What are we waiting for?” she whispered to Colby as the rest of the church filed out.

  “The minister will want to meet you. His wife will most likely invite us to dinner. You're about to run a gamut out there. Everyone in town'll be wanting to meet you.”

  “I figured. It's a small town, and I'm the new shiny toy. I'm ready.” It was Ginny's turn to sound exasperated.

  “Remember what I said... about us being married.” His eyes looked desperate, so Ginny relented.

  “I know. I got it.”

  After the rest of the town had left, the Miller family made their way outside. As predicted, the minister was at the top of the steps, waiting for their departure.

  “Good day to you Colby Miller. Good day to you Miss Georgia, Frank and Nate. And who do we have here?” Ginny noticed that the minister's wife stood a half step behind him, waiting to be introduced. Inwardly groaning, Ginny came forward on her own.

  Offering her hand, she said, “My name is Ginny Miller. Colby and I were recently married.”

  Ignoring her proffered hand, the minister turned to Colby and asked, “Is this true brother Colby?”

  “Yes, Reverend Thomas.” Got to love a man of few words.

  Turning his attention back to Ginny, he grabbed her hand with both of his and smiled warmly. It was the first nice gesture she'd seen him make. “It is truly a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Miller. I hope you enjoyed the service. I have to say that I'm a little disappointed that I was not the officiant of your wedding service.”

  Wanting to score points with Colby, in the hopes it would put him in a better mood, Ginny responded to the minister. “We were married in Denver, where we met. Colby didn't feel it would be appropriate for the two of us to travel together if we hadn't been formally married first.”

  Turning his attention back to Colby, the Reverend said, “Of course. Very prudent of you Colby. Obviously a women's reputation is all she has going into marriage.”

  Ginny could feel her smile twitch at his statement. Nope, no smarts available to any woman, hey Reverend?

  Colby nodded his assent. He knew better than to engage the minister in conversation. It ended up being a long, boring, pointless affair. “We should be on our way, Reverend. I have a lot of work these days with the cattle fattening up.”

  Colby grabbed Ginny's arm and headed toward the cart. The other Millers followed quickly, jumping into the cart before either Colby or Ginny could. The minister could not take the hint.

  “Mrs. Miller, please allow me to introduce you to my wife, Mrs. Thomas.”

  Ginny turned toward the timid looking woman and smiled. “It's nice to meet you. Please call me Ginny.”

  Both the reverend and his wife looked aghast. “We don't use familiar names unless they're family.”

  “You used my husband's first name,” Ginny replied. She felt Colby's hand tighten on her arm. Obviously, you did not question the Reverend.

  “Of course, you can see how that would be different.” Ginny didn't see, but decided to keep her mouth shut. She just wanted to get home and away from this freak.

  Mrs. Thomas whispered something to her husband, who turned back to Colby. “Brother Colby, my wife has requested that you and your bride join us for dinner this evening. As you know, my wife is a fine cook and is preparing a roast.” As if any cut of meat would induce someone to eat with them.

  Colby sputtered, but was saved by Ginny, as usual.

  “That is so kind of you, Reverend. Unfortunately, Mr. Vasquez has recently returned to the ranch, and we have a big dinner planned for this evening. You and your wife are, of course, welcome to join us. Mr. Vasquez's mother is preparing quite the feast.” Ginny's plastic smile was radiant. She knew damn well the Reverend and his wife wouldn't be caught dead at the same table as a Native American, let alone someone half Native American, half Mexican.

  “Oh, that is very kind of you, Mrs. Miller. But,
Mrs. Thomas has already begun to prepare her dinner for this evening. Perhaps another time, shall we?”

  “Of course. I'm sure we'll see each other again real soon.”

  With that, Colby helped Ginny into the front of the cart and walked around and climbed into the driver's seat. Tipping his hat to the reverend, he said, “Good day, Reverend.” Not waiting for a reply, he slapped the horses forward and started towards home.

  Georgia, who was sitting right behind Ginny, said, “What were you thinking inviting them to dinner?”

  Colby gave his sister an eye and went back to running his horses.

  Ginny replied, “Your brothers already told me that the reverend doesn't care for Nizhoni. I knew they wouldn't accept but made myself look charitable anyway. It was a win-win.”