“Can we get going now?”
He smirked. “Patience. Pay attention, or your cinch job will get you dumped right off your horse.”
“I know what I’m doing.” She finished with the horse and tied her bag to the saddle. “Do I pass? Or are we going to leave Jack standing at the fence all night while we fret over my cinching ability?” Much as she was thrilled to see William, she itched to get a move on and see Jack’s warm brown eyes and knowing smile.
Within minutes they were underway, Will taking a slight lead as they trotted through the night toward the ranch. He was riding Raven since Windstorm was still on a strict rest policy. It had been nearly a month since she’d taken lame again, and Kate checked on her as much as she did Misty and the twin foals. The truth was she spent a good deal more time at the ranch than was necessary, from a hoss doc perspective. The animals were in fine condition. Misty had recovered normally from the twin births, and the foals seemed to be thriving with cow formula supplements to the mare’s milk. Windstorm had improved dramatically, no longer tossing her head with each step or favoring the leg. Yet Kate stopped by dutifully twice a week, and just as dutifully turned down offers of payment for doing so. There had been cash consideration for her first visit and a fine hen in barter for the second, but that’s all she would allow. She couldn’t accept payment for veterinary services that were no longer truly needed. The real reason she continued her visits were to have an excuse to be near the men who had her head in a whirl.
Ever since the day she’d made her claim to the sheriff, Kate had gone through her life with one foot dancing a happy jig and the other tiptoeing nervously around her pa and the townsfolk. The happy jig was because William and Jack had admitted they both desired her. Still, her bold—shocking—behavior that day had other implications. Thus far, it seemed Sheriff Grande had kept his promise not to discuss her alleged involvement with William Tyler. She prayed it would stay that way. Despite brave talk that she didn’t care what people said, she did very much care about her pa’s already shaky health. She had told a shameful lie that day, but hopefully the good Lord understood that her intentions had been noble. Maybe He would see fit to make sure no such rumors found their way to her father’s ears. He shouldn’t have to suffer for her misdeeds, as wanton as they were.
The bright moon followed along while they made the trip, for the most part in companionable silence. Like most men she knew, William wasn’t the type to gab just to hear his voice. Jack was much more open. Still, over the past month and a half she’d learned about William’s boyhood in the much bigger town of Redding, his struggles with the ranch, and his interactions with the Hupa. If not for his bravery in approaching the band of Indians and their willingness to barter with him, the ranch would have folded. By the time William had inherited the property, most of the cattle stock comprising the ranch’s livelihood had succumbed to disease, illness, and mismanagement of funds. Then came the raid that had killed his uncle. With little capital and the bank unwilling to loan out to a young upstart and a failing enterprise, he was left with no easy means to turn things around. When the hands had to be let go, Jack refused and stayed on to help, turning down compensation other than room and board for months when need be in hope that things could right themselves.
Then William happened upon Indians taming wild mustangs. By convincing the Hupa to share their incredibly fast taming method, Will was able to stave off the ranch’s ruin by selling horses from the population so numerous laws had been passed allowing the encroaching animals to be shot. Bit by bit, he began rebuilding the cattle herd and restoring the ranch. He spoke of a day in a not-too-distant future when Tyler Ranch would once again thrive with cattle drives to market, rather than scraping by on piecemeal sales of mustangs here and there.
His ingenuity and tenaciousness impressed Kate greatly, and he and Jack both lingered in her thoughts more each day. Nights, too, when she tossed and turned while replaying the day in the barn—and the other kisses she’d shared with William. He had not kissed her again, though, and neither had Jack. Nor had William paid her a call as he’d first suggested. Of course, with her numerous visits to the ranch under the pretense of doctoring animals, it wasn’t as if they didn’t all see a good deal of each other. Perhaps too much for William’s taste. Maybe that was why he did not seek her out like a man interested in courting a woman would likely do. Or maybe he was upset that she’d been so free with her attentions to Jack as well.
The thought brought a frown, and she cast a glance at her riding companion. Maybe she had been too forward, and William had decided not to pursue someone so unladylike. Really, who could blame him? Two men? She’d never been one to stand on conventions, but both men kissing and fondling her at the same time had to be some kind of wicked that decent folk didn’t even have a name for.
Then again, he’d invited her along tonight, hadn’t he? Of course he might just be being polite, or wanted to put an end to her constant badgering for details on horse taming since the day he started talking about it. Or maybe he felt he was aiding the cause of animal medicine by allowing her to witness a taming.
The more she thought about it, the more she thought he didn’t really want to be with her at all. Not either of them. They were men, after all, so if they hadn’t wanted to kiss her again, there could only be one good reason. They hadn’t liked what they’d gotten. They claimed to want things from her, but that was the day she’d given the sheriff William’s alibi. Perhaps they were acting out of gratitude. Or responding like many a man would if a woman threw herself on his lap.
Bosh, why couldn’t she be more restrained and proper, like Elspeth? Maybe ranch men preferred ladies in fussy dresses who spent hours curling their hair into ringlets. Tonight Kate hadn’t even had time to put up her hair proper. She’d set it in one long braid down the center of her back. From what she’d heard of horse taming, she figured pinned up braids might come loose. Not that she’d been asked to outright participate. William had made it clear only the men would be taming. She was strictly a bystander.
Cricket song and the occasional hooting owl penetrated her thoughts as they drew closer to the edge of Tyler Ranch. Instead of riding into the ranch proper, William skirted the far side, trotting Raven outside the fence marking the perimeter of his property. A couple of minutes later they spotted Jack, who stood lazily reclining against the fence. His palomino, Stronghold, stood grazing nearby. Jack gave a saucy single wave, and they trotted over.
“Finally made it,” Jack said, shooting Kate a searing look that heated her stomach as he tipped his hat to her. “Evenin’, Kate.”
“Nice to see you,” she said, willing her heart to slow. His red checkered shirt opened at the neck to reveal a matching bandana she wished wasn’t barring a peek at his throat and chest.
“Before we approach the herd,” William said, “let’s go over this again.”
She tore her eyes off Jack’s invitingly masculine posture and nodded. “I know, I know. You told me a hundred times already.”
He adjusted his hat. “So oblige me once more. When we get near the mustangs, I’m gonna sight out one or two near the edge of the group. They’ll be easier to drive out and separate. Jack and I will ride straight in to cut ’em off. You do not follow. Hang back and keep to this side of the animals. I’ll force ’em to the water while you and Jack ride alongside to keep ’em from strayin’ this direction. Follow my lead to the river, then pull back and stay out of harm’s way while I make the jump. Best you watch from up on your mount like Jack does, so you can make fast tracks in case a horse bolts your direction.” He eyed her for a moment. “Wearin’ down a mustang gets might tedious after a bit. Probably not too excitin’ for a spectator. You might be sittin’ there quite a while.”
“Don’t worry about me. I’ll have Jack to keep me company.”
The teasing brow Jack raised in response sent a little jolt through her. “It’d be my mighty fine pleasure. Unless I have to jump in and lend Will a hand, that is.
”
“Almost never necessary,” William said. “But it’s possible.”
She shrugged. “From the way you tell it, I’m sure I’ll find the whole process fascinating.” She whooshed out a breath and began shrugging out of her cropped riding jacket. “Guess I better get ready.”
With her jacket looped over an arm she swung her leg over the saddle and dismounted from her horse.
“Ready?” Jack said. “Fer what?”
She unbuttoned her blouse and riding skirt. Jack blinked and opened his mouth. Kate laughed. “Get your thoughts out of the pig pen, Jack Stone. Like I told Will, I’m wearing spare clothes underneath.”
“Won’t be necessary for you to change,” William said while she was peeling off layers. “You will be near the water, not in it. I’ll come out drenched, not you. And the horses, that is.”
“And possibly me,” Jack added.
Nevertheless, she stripped down to clingy jeans and a thinner, pale blue tailored blouse, feeling both men’s eyes on her every step. Her fingers fumbled as she untied her medical bag and tucked her other clothing inside. Then she dropped the bag on the ground near the fence.
Jack arched a brow at her. “You’re leavin’ that here?”
“Don’t want it getting wet.”
William grunted. “It won’t.” Then he started unbuttoning his shirt.
Kate’s eyes widened. “What are you doing?”
He took off the chambray button down and hung it from a fence post. This left him with just his white knit undershirt beneath. Kate couldn’t help but laugh.
Jack joined in. “If yer plannin’ to tame a mustang in nothin’ but yer long johns—”
William cut him off. “Hardly. Just the shirt’s comin’ off. Might as well have one thing dry for the ride back.”
She shrugged at Jack and climbed back on her horse, already grateful for the lighter, more practical clothing. As for the bag, she figured it was better to be prepared, despite William’s insistence that she would not be near the water.
Kate glanced up at his pensive expression and rolled her eyes. “I’m not a child, you know. No need to coddle me like I’ve never been around horses.”
“These aren’t ordinary horses.”
Jack patted Stronghold’s neck. “She can handle herself. You wouldn’t have let her along otherwise.”
Still, there was a hesitation as William glanced off in the direction of the herd. Her eyes followed, watching the group. Some were lying on the ground, while others were quietly grazing and unaware they were about to get a big surprise.
“You seem nervous,” she said to him. “You’re not having second thoughts about my being here?”
William flicked a glance her way while he dismounted. “I might be havin’ second thoughts, but not about you.” She gaped at him for a minute, wondering whether they were still talking about horse taming. “It’s Raven I’m worried about.”
Her gaze fell on the midnight black stallion, who stood calm and proud and unaware that one of his former herd mates was about to encounter the same fate he himself had faced at William’s hand, once upon a time.
“Why?” she said with a frown. “What’s wrong with Raven?”
William shrugged while he untied a length of rope from the back of the saddle. “Nothin’. I’ve just never used him for this before, and I’m not sure what he’ll do.”
She eyed him. “Well, now’s a fine time to be thinking about it.”
“Oh, I’ve been thinkin’ about it. Raven is the more ornery of the horses I’ve kept. Stallions have a mind of their own as it is, especially with mares around.”
“He’s still turned into a fair ridin’ beast,” Jack said.
William nodded while he looped the coils of rope diagonally over one shoulder. “That he has.” Then he climbed back on his horse.
“So why are you worried?” Kate asked.
“I’ve never dropped reins on him before. When I jump horses and he’s free to go whichever way, who knows what he’ll do about it.”
“That’s one of the things I’ll be watchin’ for,” Jack said. “If Raven gets any funny ideas, Stronghold here will help me cure him of ’em.” He, too, climbed up on his mount and waggled a brow at her.
Kate couldn’t help but grin at his ease, but she hadn’t really thought of all this when William had told her about the process. He would ride Raven to chase one of the mustangs into the nearby water, at which point he would transfer himself to the other animal by leaping onto it bareback. She’d been so fascinated with his description of how he would tame the beast that she hadn’t stopped to think about the horse left behind. With no one controlling Raven, the stallion could take off and go wherever he wanted. Then Jack would have to chase him down.
She frowned. “How did you manage with Windstorm?”
“She’ll stand by the water’s edge and wait it out. Doesn’t wander too far to graze. I think part of it is she doesn’t like to get too close to the wild herd anymore.”
“I could help,” she said. “We could ride Raven double, and you could hand me off the reins before you jump onto the mustang.”
William shook his head. “That’s a might closer to the action than I want you.”
“I don’t know,” Jack said. “I kinda like havin’ her right in the middle of the action.”
A little tickle ran low through her stomach at that, but she lifted her chin at William. “You don’t need to protect me,” she said, straightening her spine. “I can handle a spirited ride.”
Jack laughed. “I’ll bet.”
“It’s too dangerous,” William said, shooting Jack a sharp look. “I’ll take my chances that Raven will behave, or that you can catch him afterward.”
Guilt stabbed at her. She’d been the one to pester him about this, after all. “Why risk losing one horse to get another? You don’t need to do this tonight on my account. Maybe it’d be best to wait until Windstorm is up for it.”
“I’m not actually doin’ this because you asked.” He gazed up at the stars a moment. “I need cash for the ranch. In fact, part of me wishes I could grab two horses tonight.”
“Two?” She blinked. “That sounds a mite ambitious.”
“I know. Never managed it before.”
“He’s barely started lettin’ me come along,” Jack said. “Soon enough, I’ll be able to break one myself. For now, the boss has me playin’ second fiddle.”
William snorted. “Because the boss needs your backup.”
“I thought it was because the boss likes bein’ the big hero.” Jack tossed Kate a grin. “There’s always a return try tomorrow, while the moon’s still full.”
Kate frowned. “Why do you need a full moon, anyway? Indian superstition?”
William smiled at her. “In part. Indians claim the full moon provides better energy for blendin’ the spirits of horse and rider.”
Jack snorted. “I figure horses are tired and off guard at night, and the full moon gives us better light to work by.” He adjusted his Stetson and sighed. “And the night is wastin’ while we’re jawin’ about whether this is gonna work or not.”
William nodded and gave her a pointed glance. “Remember, break off and stay to the side when things get rollin’. I can’t do this if I’m worried about you gettin’ hurt.”
She nodded. “Understood. Ready?”
In answer, he clucked and spurred Raven gently on. They trotted their mounts toward the herd, until without warning William whooped and sent Raven charging toward a small group of mustangs at a full gallop. Thundering hooves and the men’s shouts erupted in the evening silence. Jack flew into motion as well, and Kate spurred her horse into a similar pace, sticking to the outer edge of the group as discussed.
A trio of younger animals panicked and headed right off the direction she knew William wanted—straight for the river lying ahead. She followed along as best she could, keeping tight control on her reins when one of the fleeing horses tried to break off and veer tow
ard her. Following Jack’s lead, she resisted the urge to correct away from the approach, instead pointing Peaches’ nose right at the intruder to bring them closer. The mustang—a beautiful mare with a reddish coat and white diamond on her forehead—reacted perfectly by changing course right back to a beeline for the water.
Kate allowed herself a tight smile as they all raced to the glistening river. She obeyed William’s directive and slowed up as they neared the water, then pulled aside and brought Peaches to a stop under a tree at the river’s edge to watch William’s breathtaking performance. Jack broke off the chase and trotted up beside her.
William was standing in his stirrups now, leaning close to Raven’s back while hot on the heels of a spirited chestnut stallion. The animal’s black mane flew like eagle wings behind him as he dodged William’s advance, but Raven was the quicker. The smaller mare Kate had kept in line broke off as they hit water, but William had no interest in the mare. All his attention seemed focused on the stallion just in front of him. The animals splashed into the river at a full gallop, but as the water rapidly deepened, their pace dropped. That’s when William made his move.
Raven was near up to the underbelly in water when William rose up fully in his stirrups, balanced for a moment, then leaped off. For a heart-stopping moment it appeared he would not find his seat on the other stallion, and Kate clapped a hand over her mouth to stifle a sharp gasp while he struggled to mount the beast.
“It’s okay,” Jack said. “William’s got glue for a behind. He’ll stick to his mount.”
True to Jack’s word, William made the jump. His hat fell behind him, still attached by the strings at his throat. But he and the horse were one, him gripping the stallion around the neck just as it plunged up to the shoulder in river water.
The loud whinny made clear the animal’s displeasure at William’s intrusion, but standing in water so deep the animal could neither buck nor rear off the unwanted rider. The cowboy clung to the horse’s back and began talking to the creature, words that Kate couldn’t entirely make out from this distance but seemed to break between Hupa and English. She was so intent on watching cowboy and mustang she almost didn’t notice Raven making his way back toward the bank.
To Tame a Wild Mustang Page 7
