The Cowboy’s Frontier Courtship

by Maya Stirling

  Logan stood and gazed down at Kirsty. He nodded and turned to the children. "Jack. You want to help me bring some things inside?"

  Jack's eyes widened. Logan knew the boy was tired. The journey from the town of Helena had been longer than Logan had anticipated. But he figured it might be useful for Alice to get a chance to know Kirsty. If they were all going to spend the rest of the night in the cabin, it would be good for Alice to see she could trust Kirsty.

  Logan led Jack outside. Pausing on the porch after closing the door behind him, Logan looked down at Jack. "Kirsty is our friend, Jack. You know that, don't you."

  Jack hesitated a moment and then nodded his head.

  "Me and Kirsty went to school together," Logan explained.

  "You did?" Jack replied looking surprised at that revelation.

  Logan nodded. "She was a good friend to me and your pa."

  Jack's brows furrowed thoughtfully. He didn't respond to the mention of his real father. But that had been the way with Alice too, Logan reflected. It was going to take a while for them to get over what had happened. And to get used to the idea of Logan being their new father.

  Walking across the yard, Logan said: "This is a homestead."

  "What's that?" Jack asked.

  "It's like a farm. There's lots of these around this territory. The land here is good for cultivating. Folks around here have moved into these parts and started a new life for themselves."

  "Are we going to live on a homestead?"

  Logan shook his head. "No. You, me and Alice are going to live in town." As he walked, Logan rested a hand on Jack's shoulder. "That's what you and Alice have been used to back in Helena, isn't it?"

  Once again, Jack nodded thoughtfully. Logan didn't like talking to the children about the past, too much. He figured it wasn't fair. It would take a long while for them to get used to their new life. And, for that matter, the same applied to himself, Logan reflected. He was about to start a new life as a family man. Albeit one without a wife. He was still trying to come to terms with that.

  As he walked across the yard, the bright moonlight allowed Logan to survey the homestead grounds. The barn where he'd taken refuge with the children was small and makeshift. He noticed a slight leaning of the plain wooden walls and figured that could do with some fixing. He saw an outhouse and additional wooden construction out between the barn and the main cabin. There was a pen for pigs and a chicken coop. Two corrals were set off to one side of the barn. He saw a cow in one of them. He figured the horses might be out back.

  The entire setup was one with which he was familiar. He guessed there would be vegetable patches and crops growing somewhere close by. On his way here, he'd driven the buckboard across a creek. Kirsty had all she'd ever need to live here for years, he told himself. Everything would be arranged so that Kirsty and whoever else was living here with her could enjoy self-sufficiency.

  Logan and Jack took some of their belongings from beneath the tarpaulin stretched out across the back of the buckboard.

  "Pa. Can I ask you a question?" Jack asked as they started to make their way back to the cabin.

  Logan was still trying to get used to the children addressing him as their father. Of course, strictly speaking he was. But that one simple word was still capable of catching Logan by surprise. "Sure, Jack."

  "Where are we going to live when we get to town?"

  Logan slowed, thinking over what Jack had just asked him. First off, they'd have to stay in a boardinghouse. Logan knew it wouldn't be ideal. But, he had no choice. He had no family left in Inspiration. And, even though he'd been left enough money by his deceased brother to make a fresh start as father to the children, Logan knew it would take a while to find a suitable house to buy.

  Logan mussed up Jack's hair and smiled at the boy, seeing the five-year-old's earnest expression. "Don't you worry. We'll get ourselves a fine place to live. Even if I have to build it myself."

  "You can build houses?" Jack asked, wide-eyed again.

  Logan shrugged. "I've done my share of building." He ran his gaze over the cabin. "I've even been involved in cabin raising."

  "What's that?"

  "It's when everyone in a community pitches in and helps someone build a house. Real fast. Sometimes in a day. If there's enough people to help."

  Jack's mouth dropped open. Clearly he'd never heard of houses being built like that. He'd lived in Helena his entire life. "Is that how this was built?" he asked.

  Logan shook his head. "Kirsty's parents had this for years."

  "Where are they now?"

  Logan dragged in a deep breath. Time to change the subject, he told himself. "I'll tell you about that some other time. We need to get you and your sister to bed. It's getting late. Near past midnight, if I'm not mistaken." He scooped out the watch from inside his jacket and examined it. "Yup. I was right. It's well past your bedtime."

  Logan felt a drop of rain on his face. Looking up, he saw some dark clouds drifting across the full moon. Within moments, the rain was falling heavily. He and Jack raced across to the cabin, taking shelter beneath the porch roof. Opening the door, they made their way back inside. Logan saw Alice kneeling by Kirsty's side at the fireplace. They were both stacking wood on the fire and talking in low voices.

  Turning as she heard his entry, Kirsty smiled at Logan. "I was just telling Alice that there's a bed she and Jack can use to sleep on." Kirsty stood and wiped her hands. "First though, I'm sure you're all hungry. I have some biscuits and I can cook up some eggs."

  "You don't have to go to all that trouble," Logan said.

  Kirsty glanced from Alice to Jack. "I think you're about to be voted down, Logan."

  Logan saw the hungry expressions on the faces of the children. He nodded. "I think you're right."

  "Good," Kirsty said and headed to the kitchen alcove and started busying herself.

  "Do you need some help?" Logan asked, even though he already knew what Kirsty's answer would be. Shaking her head, she pointed to the table. "Just you sit down, and I'll bring the food. Then we can get those two to bed. They both look dog-tired." Kirsty hooked a thumb in the direction of the two doors. "My cousin Abby's room is empty tonight. Jack and Alice can sleep in there."

  Logan hesitated, not wanting to pursue the subject of where he would sleep. As if reading his mind, Kirsty turned and peered at Logan. "I figure you know how to sleep on a couch, Logan." She lifted a brow. "Maybe you've done plenty of that these past few years?" It was a question and a challenge, all at the same time.

  Logan looked at the couch. "I've seen worse," he stated easily.

  "Then that's settled, then," Kirsty announced as she stood at the kitchen counter preparing the food.

  Logan glanced at Alice and Jack. He could see the simple delight on their faces. The buckboard ride from Helena had taken its toll on their spirits. But now, they were about to get a taste of homestead living. Even as he considered that prospect, he felt a tinge of regret. It was a pity their visit to Kirsty's homestead would only be for one brief but memorable night. In the morning they'd be gone and Logan was sure he wouldn't see much of Kirsty after they'd left.

  CHAPTER THREE

  "Do you want to tell me about how you came to be looking after those two children?" Kirsty asked Logan later. They were seated on opposite sides of the table. The makeshift supper Kirsty had provided had been eaten, and enjoyed by everyone, judging by the satisfied looks on everyone's faces after the meal. Jack and Alice were in Abby's bedroom and they were already sound asleep. Their bedroom door was closed. Kirsty was glad they wouldn't hear what she and Logan would be talking about.

  "How much do you want to know?" Logan asked.

  Kirsty shrugged. "Whatever you feel like telling me."

  Logan curled his fingers around his coffee cup and gazed thoughtfully down at its contents. By the candlelight, Kirsty saw that Logan seemed preoccupied. Being so close to him now, she could examine his handsome features. Memories of five years ago drifted into
her mind. But the man seated across from her was so very different from the young man she'd once teased so mercilessly and playfully.

  Of course he still possessed fine features. Broad brows; a firm, scruff-covered jaw; the full straight nose; lips set in a slight, perpetual but curiously attractive twist. He lifted his head and gazed into her eyes. The dark brown pools of his gaze had an immediate effect upon her. She felt her heart quicken. This time it was her turn to lower her head.

  "My brother died," Logan said in a heavy voice.

  Lifting her head, she gazed at him. After a long pause, she asked: "And those are his children?"

  Logan nodded slowly. "I'm their father, now. All the paperwork has been finalized." His mouth turned down and his brows furrowed into deep ridges. "It's official."

  Gazing at him carefully, Kirsty tried to fathom what that must mean for Logan. "And their mother?"

  Logan shook his head. Kirsty felt her heart ache, even before he said another word. "Died giving birth to Jack five years ago. That left Alex to look after two little ones all on his own." Logan leaned back in his chair and ran his fingers through his long dark hair. "He did his best for Alice and Jack. I have no doubt of that."

  "What happened?" Kirsty asked.

  "Alex got a fever. It took him real fast." Logan sighed heavily. "Luckily, a neighbor took care of Alice and Jack before I arrived in Helena."

  Kirsty could see the pain etched on Logan's features. She didn't need to know all the details. She could see the effect of the last few weeks on Logan's face. Suddenly those dark eyes were filled with confusion. Pain.

  Kirsty reached out a hand and curled her fingers across Logan's wrist. "Logan. I'm sorry." She meant it.

  He smiled weakly. "Thanks, Kirsty."

  Kirsty glanced at the closed door. "This must have been so difficult for them. Being left with no parents. I can't imagine how hard it has been for them. Being so young and all."

  She looked back at Logan and saw a stern expression on his face. "They have me, now. And I plan to do everything I can to look after them. That's why I decided to come back to Inspiration. I wanted to give them a chance to have a good life. In a place I can trust."

  Kirsty realized she didn't know anything about Logan's life over the last five years. He'd left abruptly. All she'd heard was that he'd struck out on his own, looking for work wherever he could find it across the territory. He'd always been capable and practical. Growing up in the same schoolhouse, Kirsty had seen how good Logan was at fixing things and anything that required practical knowhow.

  But being a parent to a young nephew and niece was a whole new situation for a man like Logan. "What did you do after you left Inspiration?" she asked.

  He sighed abruptly and shook his head. "I drifted, mostly. Took some work as ranch hand on various spreads. Helped out some homesteaders down near Billings." He lifted a brow and looked skeptically at her. "At the time, that seemed like the kind of life I wanted for myself. Maybe God is telling me it's time to settle down. The drifting life sure isn't the right one for Alice and Jack. That's one thing I know for sure."

  Kirsty drew in a small breath at Logan's mention of God. Years ago, Logan had resisted being a regular attendee at the church. His father, Silas, a widower himself, hadn't done a good job when it had come to forming Logan's faith. Bitterness at becoming a widower had soured Silas' mind toward all things godly. So, encouraged by a father who'd lost his faith, the young Logan had kept his distance from the church. Had he ever regretted that decision? Kirsty recalled the many times she had tried to make him see sense. But, she hadn't succeeded.

  "And you, Kirsty?" Logan asked abruptly.

  "What about me?" She suddenly felt defensive. How much was she willing to tell him about the last five years? About what she faced.

  He propped his chin on a hand and gazed across at her, curiosity filling his eyes. "Last time I was here your ma and pa were running this place."

  A wave of sadness swept over Kirsty. "They both passed on," she explained.

  "When?"

  "A couple of years ago. First my pa and then my ma." Kirsty sighed. "Ma just couldn't go on living after pa died."

  "They always were so close," Logan suggested.

  Kirsty nodded. "Like two peas on a pod. That's how Abby describes them." Seeing Logan's eyes narrow slightly she added: "Abby is my cousin from Billings. She came to help me run the homestead. At first it was for a few weeks. Then the weeks turned into months. So she ended up staying. I couldn't have kept this place going without her help."

  "I don't believe that," Logan said sharply. "The girl I remember could do just about anything if she set her mind to it."

  Kirsty was taken aback by the obvious compliment. Heat swept across her cheeks. She twisted a loose curl of hair around her finger. Logan's gaze fixed on her hair. Kirsty tried not to admit to herself that she saw a hint of appreciation in that gaze.

  "I mean it," Logan insisted, almost like he didn't want to let her off the hook. "You remember when we had that classroom project where we had to plant some trees behind the schoolhouse and you wouldn't let anyone take charge?"

  Kirsty laughed, recalling sunny days outside in the schoolhouse garden. There had been arguments, and even one or two fights over who should be the boss. Finally, Miss Grace, the teacher had intervened and had handed control of the project to another girl in class. Kirsty felt embarrassed as she recalled how she had reacted to the teacher's decision. Miss Grace had scolded Kirsty very firmly. But that had been a long time ago, Kirsty told herself. She was different now, wasn't she? Grown up. She had responsibilities. Although, they were nothing like the one Logan had taken on with the care of the children.

  "How are you going to cope?" she asked Logan.

  His brows furrowed. "With the children?"

  Kirsty nodded. "It's a huge responsibility."

  Logan dragged in a deep breath and leaned back on the chair. "I'll deal with it," he said abruptly. "I've always found a way. That's one good thing about drifting and being footloose. You learn how to stand on your own two feet. No matter what life throws your way."

  Concern flared to life inside her. "Do you have enough money?" She knew it was an intrusive question. Even too personal. But she felt genuinely worried for him and the children.

  "My brother left enough of a legacy for me to be able to look after Jack and Alice. We won't be rich, but I'll be able to buy a place for us. Then I can get back to work."

  "Who'll look after them when you're working?"

  The ridges of his brows deepened. Now there was a tightness to his jaw. "I'll deal with that when the time comes," he said firmly. He wasn't angry, Kirsty told herself. He'd put up that wall again. The one he must have used over the years to keep from getting too close to anyone.

  There was a noise from the room where the children were sleeping. Logan stood quickly, pushing his chair back. The chair legs scraped on the wooden floor. He glanced at Kirsty and then started to move toward the door. Kirsty stood and went to the bedroom door ahead of Logan. She opened the door and peered into the dark room. Jack and Alice were sharing Abby's bed which was wide enough for both of them. The children lay in opposite directions to each other, with their heads at the other's feet.

  Kirsty saw Alice's eyes, wide in the candlelight from the main room. "Are you okay?" Kirsty asked in a whisper. Jack was still asleep, his breathing slow and deep.

  Alice nodded and didn't say anything lest she should wake her brother. Kirsty felt Logan right next to her. His scent, a mixture of soap he'd used earlier and his own masculine aroma, awakened memories in Kirsty. She pushed them away and eased the door shut.

  Logan strode across to the couch. "I'll bunk down here."

  He turned to face her, placing his hands on his hips. His broad chest and wide shoulders stretched the plaid shirt he was wearing. For a moment she wondered how someone as large as Logan would fit on the compact, makeshift wooden couch. But there was nowhere else for him to sleep. She wondered wh
at Abby would say if she returned early to find Logan Kincaid asleep in her homestead. Tongues would wag in town. That was for sure. But, Logan and the children would be gone long before her cousin returned.

  "I can get you some extra blankets," she said, turning quickly and going to her room. When she emerged, he was standing by the fireplace warming his hands. As she made her way across the floor, holding the blankets over her arm, a thought came unbidden to her mind. At first it shocked her. But then, after a moment's consideration it seemed inevitable.

  It felt good to have a man in the homestead. And especially a man as fine as Logan Kincaid. As she handed the blanket to him she thought, with regret, that his presence in the homestead would be all too brief. He and the children would be gone in the morning. And they could both get on with the rest of their lives.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  Next morning, after a tasty breakfast of beans, ham and biscuits washed down with coffee, Logan headed out to the yard, taking Jack with him. Alice had decided to stay behind and help Kirsty clean up after breakfast. During breakfast, Logan had seen plenty of signs that Alice was warming to Kirsty. Alice had responded well to every effort Kirsty had made to talk about the upcoming day and how much she was looking forward to keeping busy. Alice had seemed genuinely fascinated with Kirsty's descriptions of her daily life. Logan reflected on the sad reality that the little girl hadn't had a mother all her life. To Logan, it made perfect sense that Alice would make that connection with Kirsty. Watching it happen across the breakfast table as he sat next to Jack had warmed Logan's heart.

  Outside in the yard, Logan took the chance to inspect the homestead. Last night, in the moonlight, he'd only gotten a hint of how big the place was. Now, in the bright early morning light, he could see the full extent of what Kirsty had to work with every day. Logan ran his gaze around the hog pen, chicken coop, two corrals and vegetable patches. There were two horses in one of the corrals. A cow and calf took up the other corral. The sounds of animals filled the early morning air. The hogs were active in the pens and the chickens were making a real racket. He and Jack wandered over to the fields where some of the crops were being cultivated. There was corn and he saw some pumpkins, potatoes and squashes being grown.