Cowboy Groom

by Linda Ford

  Stella left the room. She tucked Blossom in for a nap then headed for the chicken house, Donny on her heels. They stopped at the barn to get a wheelbarrow and two shovels.

  “Donny, you scrape out the corners of the pen while I tackle inside.” Mostly the little yard was overgrown with weeds, but there were piles of dropping he could clean up.

  She pulled a bandana over her nose and went into the dusty coop. She took out shovelful after shovelful. It was one task she wished Flora had seen fit to do, but why should she? The chickens weren’t her responsibility. At least she and Kade had taken care of them.

  Stella paused in the fresh air, lowering the bandana so she could breathe easier.

  Donny carried a bit of manure to the wheelbarrow and dropped it in. “Uncle Bruce says he’ll help me learn how to farm. He’s going to break the piece that Pa started. He says he likes being a farmer.”

  “That’s nice.” It did her heart good to have her son back home enjoying farm life as he always had.

  “Did you see me riding his horse?”

  Stella nodded. “I was proud of you, son.”

  Donny beamed. “Uncle Bruce said I was a fine rider. Said it wouldn’t be long until I could have my own horse.” Donny leaned on his shovel, talking animatedly about the things Bruce had said.

  Much as he had once repeated everything Frank said. Was it that easy to replace one man with another? Was she guilty of the same? Frank would understand she was doing what she thought best in order to provide for the children. And herself?

  Of course.

  “We better get back to work.”

  “Yeah. Before Uncle Bruce gets back.” Donny looked down the road.

  Stella looked too but saw no sign of him. Or the animals, she added, to prove to herself she hadn’t forgotten what she really watched for. She pulled the bandana over her nose again and returned to cleaning the chicken coop.

  A bit later, the task finished, she left the little shed to draw fresh air into her lungs. Donny leaned on the wheelbarrow, singing a tuneless song

  The words caught her attention. Cows and trees and birds and flowers. Wheat and oats and hay. Our farm is a lovely place. I’m glad we can stay.

  She smiled and kept her chuckle to herself. She was glad she could stay too. This was home. With a start she realized in her thoughts she had included not only herself and the children but Bruce and Aunt Mary.

  And why not? It made a very nice family.

  “Here they come.” Donny shrieked the news.

  Stella smoothed her hair and dusted her skirts. Finished just in time.

  “Mama,” Blossom called.

  “Coming, baby.” She trotted to the house where she helped Aunt Mary up.

  Aunt Mary hesitated halfway across the floor to her chair. “Your animals are returning, aren’t they?”

  “Coming down the road as we speak.”

  “I’d like to watch. Is it possible I could sit on a kitchen chair outside?”

  Stella considered the request. “I don’t see any reason why not as long as you are comfortable.” She left Aunt Mary leaning against the doorframe and carried a chair outside and then the stool. She paused to watch the animals approaching. A cloud of dust billowed around them. Brute bellowed. Glad to be home. Just as Stella was and hopefully, all her animals.

  She could see three riders herding them and rushed inside to help Aunt Mary out to the chair where she made sure the woman was comfortable before she took Blossom’s hand and went to the hitching post to watch. Blossom giggled with excitement, and Donny bounced up and down. Stella grinned, as excited as the children to have the animals returning. Now it would really feel like home.

  Bruce had left the pasture gate open, and Brute marched right in, the cows kicking their heels as they realized they were back to a familiar pasture. Stella tried to count them. If her tally was correct all thirty head were there. Counting the calves was more difficult, but she thought there were twenty-five, which would be correct.

  Bruce swung from his saddle and closed the gate.

  “Can I go now, Ma?” Donny was poised to race away, and as soon as she gave permission, he was off like a shot.

  Holding Blossom’s hand Stella went to join the others. She called out a greeting to Kade and Flora then directed her gaze to Bruce. She didn’t say anything. And as far as she knew, didn’t do anything to indicate her pleasure—at having the animals home, not in seeing him. But his wide grin seemed to—

  “Blossom,” Flora called. “Come see what I have.”

  Stella jerked away, her heart thudding a protest. She was only letting Aunt Mary’s talk and perhaps her prayers make her see things that didn’t exist, feel things that weren’t there.

  Flora waited until Blossom was at her side then opened the sack she carried. She lifted out a kitten no bigger than a pint jar.

  “I brought this for you.”

  A mother cat that Stella recognized crawled from the sack and meowed for her kitten.

  Blossom sat beside Flora, who put the kitten in her lap. Stella realized her gaze had returned to Bruce. He was watching Blossom with a gentle smile on his lips. He looked up, met Stella’s eyes, and his smile deepened.

  Stella, her face warm, her lungs tight, sank to the ground beside Blossom. “Do you remember Slinky?” The mother cat rumbled a greeting and Stella petted her.

  Blossom shook her head. “I can keep kitty?”

  Flora chuckled. “If your mama says it’s okay.”

  “It’s okay.”

  Blossom buried her face in the kitten’s fur.

  Kade stepped forward. “I have something for Donny.” He opened his sack and drew out a pup of uncertain breeding. He put it in Donny’s arms.

  Donny’s eyes were round as moons and for once, he was speechless.

  Bruce moved to Stella’s side and murmured, “That look of joy is one to cherish.” His breath brushed her cheek.

  “It surely is.” She smiled, knowing the whole scenario was one she would cherish for years to come—Blossom’s enjoyment of the kitten, the purring of the mother cat, Donny and the squirming puppy who licked his face, her cattle grazing in the pasture, and a husband by her side who reveled in sharing the joys of others.

  A husband. Brought to her by God.

  Aunt Mary’s words again. Like a constant dripping in her head.

  Time to bring some normalcy to her world. “Did you bring my chickens?” Though the cackling coming from the packhorse was answer enough.

  “I’ll get them.” Flora led the horse to the chicken yard, and Stella helped her let the chickens free. She’d put out some grain, and after they’d strutted about and ruffled their feathers to inform everybody of their indignation at how they’d been handled, they pecked at their food.

  Stella closed the gate as Flora led the horse away. She called after her, “Thanks to you and Kade for taking care of my livestock.”

  “Our pleasure,” Flora said.

  Donny had put the pup down, and they chased each other across the yard, the boy laughing and the dog barking.

  Bruce knelt beside Blossom. “Do you want to help me make a place for the cat and her kitten to sleep?”

  “In my bed?” Her eyes were bright with the possibility.

  “Maybe in the barn so mama cat can hunt.” Bruce glanced at Stella, his face awash in humor. “Besides, your mama might not want them in her room.”

  His smile was so wide and honest. His eyes brimming with gentleness that seemed to include Stella as well as Blossom.

  Stella fought to get her brain to work. To find a word or two to say in reply.

  “They best be in the barn.” Was that croaky voice really hers?

  Bruce pushed to his feet and held out his hand to Blossom. Together they crossed to the barn and went inside, the mother cat following.

  Kade had been tending the horses, but Flora took in everything. Stella could only hope she didn’t see more than existed. But of course, she did.

  She chuck
led. “This business arrangement of yours isn’t going to stay business very long.”

  Stella shrugged. “I don’t know what you mean. You’ll stay for supper, won’t you?”

  And perhaps drop this particular subject.

  “Of course, we’ll stay. And I think you know what I mean. You and him.” She pointed to the barn, shook her head. “Of course, that is how it should be when you’re married.”

  “How what should be?” Was it too much to expect Flora to hear the warning in her voice?

  Of course, it was. “There should be some sparks flying up the chimney.”

  Stella laughed and pretended to misunderstand. “I prefer not to set the roof on fire.”

  Flora took Stella’s arm. “Oh, it won’t be your roof on fire. It will be your heart. Burning with love.” She sighed. “It’s the best feeling in the world.”

  Definitely time for a change in subject. “Come with me to get vegetables from the garden.”

  Flora sighed dramatically. “Very well, we won’t talk about it.” They made their way to the garden plot. Flora pulled the gate open. “But don’t think I’ve forgotten it.”

  “Oh, I would surely not make that mistake. You are like an elephant. You never forget.”

  “Yup. That’s me.” Flora planted her hands on her hips and studied the garden. “I wonder who planted this.”

  “I have no idea.” Stella scanned her surroundings, wondering if someone lingered nearby. She saw nothing to indicate the presence of others. “You never saw anyone when you checked on the place?”

  Flora shook her head. “Nothing caught my eye.”

  Stella snorted. “Only one thing catches your eye.” Sure enough, Flora was watching Kade as he and Bruce leaned against the fence, probably discussing the animals. Kade was taller than Bruce, but Bruce had a bearing that spoke of strength and self-assurance. Characteristics that Stella realized she admired. That and his pleasure in bringing joy into others’ lives.

  “Ha, caught you watching him, and I don’t mean Kade.” Flora grinned at Stella.

  Stella shrugged. “Studying the cows.”

  Flora snorted. “Sure, you were. Of course, that’s all you saw. I believe that.”

  Rather than respond, Stella pulled out a potato plant and dug out the potatoes. “They’re a good size already. It looks like I’ll have some to put in the root cellar.” It wouldn’t be enough to see them through the winter. Hopefully, Norm White would have some for sale in the fall.

  She squatted down, filled her apron with the potatoes, then sat back on her heels. Fall. Followed by winter. Time spent indoors. Close quarters. Would Bruce be content to do the chores then read or help with the children?

  Flora squatted next to her. “I think Bruce might be the best thing that has happened to you in a long time.”

  “How can you say that? You hardly know him.”

  “How long does it take? I knew in two days that Kade was the man for me though I wasn’t willing to admit it so quickly.”

  Stella studied Flora. “Two days? How is that possible?”

  “It isn’t.” Flora grinned. “But love isn’t possible either.”

  “What?”

  “Truly. How can two people be willing to give up everything and live for the other person? How is it possible that doing so makes each person more complete, more real, more—” She ducked her head but not before Stella saw the flare of color in her cheeks.

  She chuckled. But before she could think of an answer, screams rent the air.

  “Blossom.” She leapt to her feet, dropping the potatoes from her apron as she raced toward the sound.

  10

  Bruce raced toward the barn and the sound of Blossom screaming. Stella tore from the garden. By the time she reached the barn, he held the little girl, soothing her.

  Stella rushed up to them. “What’s wrong?”

  Blossom sobbed and buried her head against Bruce’s neck.

  He patted her back. Her mother rubbed it. Their hands collided. Then moved together as they calmed the child.

  Her sobs decreased, and he eased her back so they could talk to her.

  “What happened?” he asked, his heart aching at her distress.

  “Tell Mama what’s wrong.”

  “Kitty scratched me.” She showed her arm. The scratch was barely visible. Likely she’d been more startled than anything.

  “I’ll kiss it better.” Stella leaned close. Strands of her hair had blown free and tickled Bruce’s face. Without thinking, he stroked it back. A shock raced up his arm. Had there been static electricity in her hair? Or was the source within him? He dropped his hand. A tingle remained where his palm pressed to his hip.

  She slowly lifted her head and looked at him. Their faces were inches apart. Close enough he could see the golden flecks in her brown irises, the surprise in her eyes. And something more. Was it awareness of him as a man? Was it longing for more than a business arrangement? He didn’t know. Couldn’t begin to think what he wanted, let alone what she might want.

  Flora chuckled, bringing their attention to her. He hadn’t realized that both Flora and Kade had followed them and stood in the doorway watching.

  Flora stepped forward, grinning at Stella and waggling her eyebrows, then took Blossom from Bruce. “You have to be gentle with kitties or they scratch. You pet them like this.” She guided the girl’s hands in petting both the kitten and the mama cat.

  The three other adults crowded close, watching Blossom and the cats.

  Bruce welcomed the chance to bring his thoughts under control. It proved futile with Stella so close he could smell her hair and feel the warmth of her skin. And the continued tingling of his nerves.

  “I shouldn’t have left her unsupervised.” The words twisted from Stella. “She might have been seriously hurt.”

  Flora stood and gave Stella a gentle smile. “You’re a good mother. Blossom is a good girl. She knows boundaries. She’s now learned another one. Be gentle with cats.”

  Outside, the pup barked, and Donny yelled.

  Stella jolted. “And now Donny is out there.”

  “He’s fine,” Flora said. “Stop fretting. It isn’t like you. What has you so flustered?” She waggled her eyebrows at Stella than at Bruce.

  He didn’t know what she thought and wasn’t about to ask.

  She took Stella’s arm. “Let’s get those potatoes you dropped. Kade and Bruce can watch Blossom if you’re worried.”

  “Sure can,” Kade said.

  The women left the barn. Like Flora said, it wasn’t like Stella to be so fussed about an ordinary event. What was really going on with her?

  They were barely out the door when Flora said, “Your reaction to Bruce has you all flustered.” And then they were out of hearing distance.

  Her reaction to him? What did Flora mean?

  He squatted down by Blossom so Kade wouldn’t see his expression. He feared it would reveal his confusion. Maybe even his hope.

  Hope? What did he hope for?

  He wasn’t about to admit he wanted more than what he already had. More than they agreed to.

  “Let’s go for a walk and let the cats get used to their home,” he said to Blossom. She took his hand and accompanied him and Kade out of the barn. She looked back until they were out of sight of the interior of the barn.

  “I want to thank you for taking such good care of Stella’s stock. They’re in excellent shape.”

  “We didn’t mind helping Stella.”

  Kade’s words effectively excluded Bruce, but before he could wonder if it was intentional, Kade spoke again.

  “Glad it turned out that we’ve been able to help you both out.”

  The words were more welcome than Kade would ever know. “Thanks.”

  They wandered around the place, looking at the crops, discussing the livestock market. Kade informed Bruce of the neighbors. “Adele and Ethan live past our place.” His gaze went to the house where Aunt Mary sat watching the goings on. �
�How is your aunt?”

  “She doesn’t complain. Seems to like being part of Stella’s family. But she won’t be getting around for a few weeks.”

  “Guess that means you’ll be sticking close to home until such time as she can travel. Stella will miss going to church and visiting with the Kinsleys.”

  “I hadn’t thought of it.” Maybe she could go with Kade and Flora and he’d stay home with Aunt Mary. The children, too, if she wanted. He’d ask her before he mentioned it to Kade.

  Donny and the pup joined them. “How do I make sure he stays here?” he asked Kade.

  “You feed him and love him. That way he won’t want to go.”

  Wise words that could apply to people too. Bruce had found a place he didn’t want to leave. The food was good. The company better. As to love? He grinned. Might depend on Aunt Mary’s prayers.

  He turned his attention to Donny. “We’ll shut him in the barn a few nights to keep him safe.”

  “Or we could keep him in the house.” Donny sounded so hopeful that both Kade and Bruce chuckled.

  “You’d have to ask your mother for permission to do that.”

  A little later Stella called them to supper.

  She and Flora had helped Aunt Mary inside, and she sat in the easy chair. She smiled at the men as they entered the house. Donny lingered outside, telling the pup to sit and wait until after supper.

  Aunt Mary’s gaze lingered on Bruce. He knew her well enough to know she was feeling smug about something.

  He was not going to ask what it was.

  As soon as Donny came indoors, the pup began to whine. Donny was about to go back out when Stella said, “Wash up, son. Leave the dog alone. He’ll settle.”

  The table was set and the room warm from cooking. Savory smells filled the air. They sat down. Bruce looked around the table. “This is nice. I’ll ask the blessing.” His throat tightened as he considered all his blessings—a home, a family, friendly neighbors, a farm, a wife—he mentioned all but the last one in his prayer. “Amen.” He looked down the table to Stella. Her eyes were warm. Was she adding her own thanks for a husband?