For certain, Amanda’s plan never had any hope of working. Their father had truly loved their mother more than life itself, and no other woman would ever compare. Jackson hoped someday to meet a young lady whom he could love and who would love him equally as much.
“Supper’s ready,” Amanda announced when they walked into the kitchen. “And thankfully, the biscuits didn’t burn.”
“Could I please wash my hands before we eat?” Lily glanced at Amanda.
“There’s water in the basin.” Jackson pointed to a washstand in the far corner of the kitchen.
“Oh, my word. Lily, come with me.” Amanda reached for their guest’s hand and tugged her toward the door they’d just entered through.
Jackson smiled as the two women disappeared out the door, whispering to each other. No doubt, his sister was showing Lily where the upstairs washroom was located. Or perhaps their guest had requested the location of the outhouse, not realizing the home was equipped with indoor plumbing. Regardless, his sister always anticipated a person’s needs where such a thing would never cross his mind. Maybe it was a woman thing. What did they call it? He wracked his brain for a moment. Nurturing? That was it. His sister would be a great mother someday.
AJ finished washing up and handed the bar of lye soap to him. “Here, son.”
“Thanks.” Jackson washed his hands, dried them with the towel his father handed him, and then hung it back on the rack. “Quite the day.”
“You get everything in town?”
“Yes, sir. Ray Cochrane had our order all ready to load.” Jackson chuckled. “Didn’t expect that cargo from Boston, though.”
AJ chuckled, heading for the table. “A delightful surprise, no doubt. It’s not every day you bring home a pretty Eastern lady.”
Jackson settled into a chair across the table from his father. He’d made it sound like his son had marriage on his mind and had brought home a gal he’d been courting to meet the family. Not likely. The ranch occupied all of Jackson’s time. “When Ray mentioned the young lady had come from Boston, I figured she was one of Amanda’s friends from school.”
“I don’t know why she’s determined to remain in Montana, but I’m willing to listen to her reasons.” AJ leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms. “As long as Lily’s not in trouble with the law, she can stay with us until she finalizes her future plans.”
“I suppose so,” Jackson mumbled. Amanda would probably put Lily in the guest room next to hers. The bedroom directly across the hallway from his!
Was his sister wise to trust Lily? Amanda’s soft heart had gotten her in trouble on several occasions, especially with their mother when Amanda was a child. Whenever his sister came across an injured or orphaned critter, she’d haul it home, stuff it in a box, and nurse it back to health. Much to their mother’s chagrin. His ma didn’t approve of animals in the house or his sister’s feathered patients leaving molted plumage everywhere. Of course, more than one victim of unfortunate circumstances had been snuck into the house and secretly inhabited his sister’s bedroom until mended and released again. Jackson smiled as he recalled the day his mother decided to scrub Amanda’s bedroom floor and was greeted by an overly protective and very territorial mallard. Pa had been in as much trouble as his sister when he sided with the frightened duck. Amanda had only been ten, but she’d cleaned her own room from that day on.
Jackson heard the familiar commotion on the back steps and prepared himself for his brothers’ nightly incursion. And what was keeping Lily and his sister so long?
Chapter 3
“Where’s Amanda?” Daniel demanded as he entered through the back door. “Found this out on the grass.” He tossed Lily’s wide-brimmed, feathered hat onto the chair beside the woodstove.
Jackson silently cursed himself; he’d forgotten about fetching it for her. Thank goodness the weather had been clear. Twin brothers, Adam and Simon, followed on Daniel’s heels. The three of them jostled for position at the sink while they washed up in record time.
“Amanda took our guest upstairs for a few minutes.” Jackson glared at Daniel, AJ’s second born.
“What guest?” Adam straddled a kitchen chair and reached for a biscuit.
AJ slapped his hand. “Wait for the others.”
Adam slumped in his seat. “I’m starving.”
“You’re always starving,” Simon scoffed, seating himself beside his father while grinning at his brother.
Jackson shook his head at the fraternal twins; their rivalry never ended. His youngest brother hadn’t followed them into the house. “Where’s Michael?”
“Delivering a late-season calf. Looked like the mother might have some trouble,” Adam replied, tapping his fingers on the table.
AJ chuckled. “And being the youngest, Michael naturally drew the short straw and will be late having supper.”
“Of course,” Daniel replied, smiling.
“Sorry for the delay.” Amanda rushed into the room with Lily trailing on her heels.
Jackson noticed Lily had gathered her hair at the nape of her slim neck and fastened it in place again with the yellow ribbon. The trail dust had been washed off her face and her healthy complexion glowed beneath. His heart skipped a beat as he admired her natural beauty.
“Not a problem, ladies,” AJ offered. “Something sure smells good. My mouth has been watering.”
Amanda pulled a chair out from beside her place at the table. “Take a seat here by me, Lily.”
AJ introduced Lily to his other sons while Amanda set a place for Lily and then finished setting several platters filled with steaming, hearty food on the table. The three men tripped over themselves, extending their hands to welcome Lily to the ranch. She shook hands with each brother, thanking all of them for their warm welcome and hospitality.
“My youngest son, Michael, is delivering a calf,” AJ explained. “Perhaps he’ll be in later.”
Jackson smiled as Lily shared her thoughts on calves with them, using the newly learned, proper terminology for baby cows. He wasn’t certain how he liked the idea of having a beautiful young lady like Lily staying in the house with his brothers staring at her all the time. The twins were practically drooling. Of course, he and his brothers were raised as gentlemen. Lily would never fear for her virtue or safety. Still, he felt obliged to watch over her since he’d been the one to bring her to the Double M.
Or was it more?
He had to admit he hadn’t noticed any young lady in the way he’d appreciated Lily. He couldn’t bring himself to talk to her or barely look her way on the trip to the ranch. He wouldn’t risk saying something stupid or having her catch him staring. He hadn’t been dumbstruck by a female in his entire life, but Lily had him tongue-tied most every mile on the way home.
He shifted in his chair. His pa and brothers regaled Lily with anecdotes about life on the ranch and working with the animals. She appeared completely enthralled, and the meal hadn’t begun yet. Finally, his pa offered the blessing and the platters were passed.
“I cannot tell you how long it has been since I enjoyed a hot meal.” Lily smiled at Amanda. “You’re a wonderful cook. I existed on sandwiches and cookies for most of my trip.”
Amanda gasped. “We would have sent you money if we’d known—”
“No! No!” Lily shook her head and reached for Amanda’s hand. “It wasn’t that I didn’t have the money to pay. My mother left me a substantial sum and I still have funds left. I would fall asleep and miss dinner hour on the train. And then when I traveled by stagecoach, it seemed we seldom stopped long enough to purchase any food. Or I would fail to plan ahead. More times than not, I’d forget to purchase or bring along extra at breakfast,” she confessed.
“Well, eat up and enjoy,” AJ encouraged, handing her one of the platters of roasted chicken.
Lily placed a piece on her plate, tearing up. “Thank you so much. You’ve made me feel so welcome.”
Amanda rubbed her arm. “You must be exhausted. As soon as w
e’re finished supper, we’ll get you into a hot bath and then a comfortable bed.”
Jackson choked on a mouthful of mashed potatoes. An ungentlemanly image of Lily disrobing and stepping into steaming water in the cast iron clawfoot bathtub upstairs flashed across his mind. He cleared his throat and gulped down a glass of water. Dang his sister anyway. His brain would have a dickens of a time keeping that image at bay.
“Are you all right?” Lily inquired, meeting his eyes.
“Yes. Thank you.” Jackson swallowed hard. “Lump in the potatoes. I’ll be fine.”
Amanda’s mouth dropped open. “I’ll have you know there are no—”
“So, Lily, your trip was uneventful,” AJ interjected, grinning at Jackson. “You must have been traveling for some time.”
“Days! It felt like months! By the time we reached Butte, I thought I’d never arrive here. I heaved a thankful sigh of relief when I disembarked from the stagecoach in Milestone. And then Mr. Cochrane at the general store immediately arranged for my ride to the ranch. I mistakenly believed one of your ranch hands was picking up supplies and agreed to bring me. I wasn’t aware your son was accompanying me.”
AJ glared at Jackson. “You never introduced yourself to the young lady? I raised you better than that.”
“Sorry, Pa. I forgot my manners. Eager to hightail it back here before dark,” Jackson muttered. He didn’t appreciate being scolded like a miscreant schoolboy in front of Lily.
“That’s not a problem, sir. I appreciated the ride and Jackson ensured I arrived here safe and sound,” Lily offered.
Jackson smiled at her. “Pleased to be of assistance.” The woman could give lessons on tact and diplomacy. Which spoke of her proper upbringing back East.
The main course followed by hot apple pie disappeared in no time at all, and his three younger brothers excused themselves and leapt off their chairs the moment the meal ended.
“Boys, bring Miss Watson’s trunks and whatnot inside please,” AJ instructed.
“Put them in the guest room beside my bedroom,” Amanda chimed in.
Jackson grimaced; he’d guessed correctly.
“Okay, will do,” Daniel called, herding his twin brothers outside. The back door slammed closed in their haste.
AJ and Jackson pushed their chairs away from the table.
AJ patted Lily’s shoulder. “Come along to my study and explain your reasons for coming to Milestone.”
Amanda shook her head. “Papa, she’s obviously asleep on her feet. There’s no rush. I’m certain Lily has justifiable reasons to come here.”
“Please believe me… I… I had no choice but to leave.” Lily’s voice caught on the last words.
“Then I demand to hear what those reasons are. Why would you come all this way if you received my telegraph and knew I’d canceled the engagement?” AJ glared at Lily. “What are you up to, young lady?”
Lily gasped and glanced at Amanda.
“She’s not up to anything, Papa,” Amanda defended her.
Jackson stuck his hands in his pockets before he embarrassed himself by wrapping Lily in his arms and holding her tightly, protecting her from whatever had forced her to flee her home. Something back in Boston worried her or frightened her or both. He eagerly awaited hearing her explanation. “You’re safe here,” he blurted before thinking better of it.
His pa glared at him. “How do you know she’s in danger?”
“Well, I… I don’t. It’s just… I wanted to assure Lily that…” Jackson closed his mouth before he embarrassed himself further.
“Jackson, in a way you’re right. While I hope I’m presently not in imminent danger, I do have my reasons for refusing to return East.” Lily stifled a yawn.
“I’m certain you do, and you will explain those reasons in the morning.” Amanda took Lily’s hand. “Let me accompany you upstairs. My brothers will have your belongings in your room by now.”
“Thank you, Amanda. You’ve been extremely kind.”
“Dang it, girl,” AJ shouted. “I want to hear what this young lady has to say for herself. And I want to hear it now.”
“Tomorrow, Papa! Lily is exhausted.” Amanda raised her voice in response.
AJ harrumphed then stomped out of the kitchen and down the hallway.
Lily bit her lower lip and turned to Jackson. “I’m sorry if I caused a rift within your family.”
“Don’t worry,” Jackson chimed in. “Amanda’s right, and I apologize for Pa being a mite argumentative. We’ll hear your story in the morning.”
“AJ doesn’t trust me.” Lily shrugged. “I understand. I don’t trust easily either. Especially since…”
Jackson stared at her, but she didn’t complete her thought.
“Lily, my silliness caused this disruption in your life. I feel obliged to help set you on a new path here in Milestone.” Amanda slipped her hand around Lily’s elbow. “And I’d like nothing better than to make a new friend as well.”
Jackson almost seconded the idea but caught himself in time. He’d like for Lily to explain herself tonight, but once his sister set her mind on something there’d be no changing it. And Amanda had decided Lily was heading off to bed and explaining her situation in the morning.
Lily placed her hand on Amanda’s. “You’ve already made a friend. And I cannot tell you how much your friendship means to me.”
Learning that Lily intended to remain in Milestone had been the best news Jackson heard in ages. For some reason, the young lady from back East set his heartbeat racing and he could see himself courting her. Of course, until he heard her explanation in the morning, he really shouldn’t count on any kind of future with Lily. Lord only knew what she’d share with them. And considering how busy the ranch kept him, did he even have time for courting?
For Lily, he’d make time.
She’d claimed she wasn’t in trouble with the law. But he couldn’t erase the idea from his mind that Lily had troubles of some kind in her life. Either of her own making or because of someone else. He just hoped he and his family could help her eradicate those troubles, ensuring her future looked as rosy as her cheeks when she embarrassed herself. Usually by a slip of the tongue; he recalled her blushing on a couple of occasions during their journey to the ranch.
“Goodnight. Sleep well.” Jackson smiled at her.
“Thank you. I’m certain I will,” Lily called on her way out of the kitchen, following on his sister’s heels.
Jackson found his father in the study. They’d discuss any issues that had cropped up on the ranch today, over a glass of whiskey as they habitually did nightly. No need to rush through the updating tonight though. Jackson doubted he’d fall asleep too quickly after turning in. At least Lily was no longer vulnerable to whatever she’d left behind back East, and he intended to keep things that way. But morning came early on a ranch, and he needed his rest. That might be easier said than done with a hazel-eyed, auburn-haired beauty sleeping across the hallway from him.
“You all right?” Pa stared at him. “You’re grinning like that Cheshire cat.”
Jackson slumped into his chair across from the old mahogany desk. The McLennons were a family of avid readers, and the study walls were lined with bookcases offering a wide variety of literature from the classics to agriculture periodicals. Jackson knew exactly which literary character Pa referred to and he forced the smile from his face. “I’m fine. Just content after a good meal.”
“A good meal,” his father muttered. “You eat a good meal every night. I doubt your sister’s chicken and potatoes put that smile on your face.”
Jackson crossed his arms over his chest. Closing his mouth seemed the best option.
“I’m eager to hear what Miss Watson has to tell us tomorrow.” Pa passed him a glass containing a couple fingers of whiskey and then took his seat behind the desk. “Can’t say I’d be surprised to hear she’s in some kind of trouble. If not with the law, then with something else.”
Jackson nodded.
“My thinking also. I hope we can lend her a hand.”
“I’ll apologize to her. Not known for my patience, but there’s never any excuse for rudeness.” AJ sipped his whiskey, leaning back in his leather chair. “Guess we’ll learn more in the morning.”
“Yes, sir. In the morning,” Jackson muttered, sipping his whiskey while feeling a little troubled himself. And all due to their disarmingly pretty new houseguest.
“Well, son, I’m off to bed.” AJ stood and lumbered toward the door.
Jackson startled, lost in his reminiscences of the trip to the ranch with the Eastern beauty. “Goodnight, Pa. See you tomorrow.”
“Don’t worry about Lily. She’ll be fine. We’ll see to it.”
Jackson hoped his father’s predictions would prove true. Somehow he doubted that would be the case, considering she’d agreed to become a mail-order bride in the first place.
Morning couldn’t come soon enough for his liking. He needed to know what brought Lily all the way to Montana despite the canceled proposal. And what on earth could be her reason for insisting she stay here?
Chapter 4
Lily awoke to the cheerful trill of birdsong outside the bedroom window. For a moment, she forgot where she’d slept and panicked, fearing she’d missed the stagecoach. Then she remembered she’d arrived at her destination last night. She stretched leisurely, like a lazy cat waking from a long nap. The guest room’s rose and beige décor soothed her travel-weary mind and she relaxed beneath the warm quilts.
She’d never appreciated a hot bath more than she had last night, pleasantly surprised at the home’s indoor plumbing. The hot and cold water seemed such a luxury on a ranch. But Amanda explained that the previous owner had been a man of some means and prided himself on ahead-of-his-time thinking, experimenting in amenities seldom seen outside the largest of cities. The McLennon family must also be well to do, she’d decided, considering the size of their home and the conveniences offered. Equal to the standards she’d been accustomed to while growing up.
Canceled-Order Bride (Sons Of A Gun Book 1) Page 3
