by Caroline Lee
Nate shrugged. “It’s your ranch, your horses.”
Ash sighed, and dropping his arm from around Molly, ran his fingers through his hair in exasperation. “It won’t be, after Christmas.”
His younger brother’s gaze swung to him in surprise. “You’re selling the ranch?”
“No, kid. I’m giving half of it to you.”
Nate’s mouth fell open, and Ash almost smiled at the kid’s look of surprise. The younger man blinked, blinked again, and slowly sat up straighter. Ash could tell he didn’t know how to react; maybe he didn’t realize Ash was telling the truth.
“I decided a while ago that it was stupid for you to bust your rear for this ranch, and it all to belong to me. So when we go into town tomorrow, I’m going to stop by the lawyer and deed half of it to you.”
“But… what? I mean, this is your land. It was your land long before you saved my life! Why would you want to give half of it to some brat you’ve had to take care of all these years?”
There was a look of desperation in those hazel eyes, as if daring Ash to make the words true, but the older man shook his head. “You’re my brother, Nate. You have been since that first summer, when you wormed your way into my life and refused to let me be. You’ve taken care of me as much as I have you.” Nate looked down again, but Ash pushed through the awkward explanation. “I figured we could keep building this place together, and maybe, if you wanted, we could build you another house someday, for your family…”
His kid brother looked up, and Ash pretended he didn’t see the tears in those hazel eyes. “I… I don’t know what to say.”
Molly’s voice was no-nonsense, and so unexpected that both brothers jumped slightly. “Say ‘thank you’ and then tell him that you love him.”
Nate flushed. “Yeah, of course, thank you. I mean, that’s incredible, I never considered that you would—”
“Now stop stammering, get off my table, and come give me a hug to welcome me to the family.”
Ash had to grin when he turned to his wife-to-be. “Your table? You’re getting bossy already, huh?”
Her chin went up, despite the blush, and reminded him of how much he appreciated her candor and practicality. “You’re the one who asked me, Ash Barker. If I’m to be your wife, then I’ll have claim to at least half this house,” she nodded towards Nate, “More if Nate will admit that he likes my cooking enough to let me stay.” She pretended to glare at the boy, who quickly slid off the table and popped the rest of the cookie in his mouth, a grin—more strained than normal—spreading across his face.
“You’ll do, Molly. You’ll do.”
She beckoned to him, and he slowly crossed the room towards them, his hands in his pockets, looking unsure. When he reached them, Molly looked significantly at Ash, and he burst into laughter at the thought of this woman already trying to boss him around. Life was sure going to be enjoyable with her as his wife.
Still laughing, he enveloped his brother in a hug, and relished the feeling of Molly’s arms around both of them.
He had given his brother a place in the world, and Molly had said she’d marry him. Saying that he was happy didn’t begin to cover it.
Chapter 11
She couldn’t believe it was actually happening. She was on her way to Cheyenne, to pick up her sisters, so they could all start their new life together. And while there, she would marry Ash, and become a wife. She was terrified and excited and a little sick to her stomach about the whole thing. She knew he expected her to share his bed, and she was surprised to find that she was eager to experience that. She’d been a good girl for years, even in a time and place when many working-class women had ‘experimented’ before marriage… not because she was saving herself for any particular reason, but because she hadn’t had the time or the inclination. No man had ever, ever aroused even half the interest Ash did in her. No man had ever aroused her at all, truthfully. But now that she’d experienced his kisses, he could make her weak-kneed and giddy just with a heated look. And soon she’d share his marriage bed.
She sighed happily and snuggled down a little deeper in the buffalo-skin robe. It was late in the afternoon, and the air was already getting colder. Ash and Nate had put in many hours already that day, ensuring that the horses and other animals would survive for a day without their owners. Ash had told her that they rarely both left the ranch at the same time—not counting the last time, when he’d had to chase Nate into Cheyenne—but he wanted his brother beside him when they got married.
So it was well after noon when they ate the big meal Molly had prepared, and bundled all of the bags and blankets on to the sleigh—Molly wanted to make sure that the girls would be warm enough on their way to their new home—and they got on their way.
This trip was different from the one she’d taken from Cheyenne; Nate was just as talkative, and Ash was just as reticent, but this time, he kept his arm around her. His left arm had healed enough that he could hold the reins, as long as he didn’t need to pull too hard, so he made sure she sat up against his right side. She was deliciously warm and cozy, snuggled under the same buffalo hide as him, her cheek pillowed against him.
She spent the hours watching what scenery there was. Whenever they had to cross a streambed—covered in snow, of course—there were scrub bushes or trees, some of which she even recognized. The mountains were behind them, and the land was as flat as her favorite iron pan. It seemed like the snow stretched out in every direction, but Ash seemed confident in the route they were taking.
She asked him why he’d chosen to settle someplace so desolate.
“You think it’s desolate? Really?”
She reconsidered. “No, not really, I guess. It’s actually quite lovely, in a lonely sort of way. There’s beauty in it.”
He nodded, and turned back to the horse’s rump. “I’m glad you can see it. I chose it because it was lonely. It suited me.”
“Why?”
He was quiet for a time, but she could see that he was thinking. “From my porch, I can see for miles, and it’s all mine. No one to tell me what I can or can’t do. It’s lonely, but it’s free, and I like that. Freedom is important to a man.”
“I guess I can see that. I’ve lived in a city my whole life, but I can see the attraction to living someplace where the only demands made of you are for your own survival. No one else’s.”
“Exactly.” He squeezed her a little tighter. “I grew up in an orphanage where I couldn’t even go outside without someone’s permission. Usually it was only for an hour or two a day. I loved the sun and the heat and the cold and the rain. So when I eventually found work on the range, I enjoyed the weather and the freedom I didn’t have as a kid. That’s what Cheyenne, and the ranch mean to me. Freedom.”
Molly smiled, appreciating the passion and sincerity in his voice. “I like the sound of that.”
He turned slightly and kissed her forehead. “I’m glad, because I’m looking forward to having you out here with me. I know it’s hard work, and there’s a whole lot of nothin’ to see, but I think it’s pretty special.” She lifted her lips to his, and just before they met, he whispered, “I think you’re pretty special too.”
It was stupidly romantic, and made Molly’s heart melt. Then his kiss made her insides melt, and she was just a puddle of goo when he pulled her back up against his side for the rest of the cold ride into town.
They got two rooms for the night in that same hotel where she’d stayed before. It turned out that it was their preferred place to eat while in town, but they usually bedded down someplace cheaper, like the livery with their horses. Today was a special occasion, though, and so they’d splurged on actual rooms.
There was just enough time to visit Bullard’s store before closing, and the three of them picked out some supplies and personal tidbits. Knowing that they would soon be a family, Molly took special care in choosing small things to give as gifts on Christmas morning. She was standing beside a display of dolls, admiring one friv
olously beautiful concoction in pink silk and wishing she had the money to waste on it for Annie, when Ash reached over her shoulder and picked it up.
“You going to start playing with dolls?”
She smiled. “No, but I did have quite the collection as a girl. I was just wondering if Annie ever had anything that beautiful.”
His eyes softened, but he smiled. “Well, she will this year.” He added the beautiful blonde-haired doll to his pile of items. It was sweet and generous, and Molly realized right then and there that she was head-over-heels in love with this man.
And if he was willing to do something as impractical as wasting money on a beautiful doll, just because a girl he’d never met would enjoy it, then it didn’t matter if he never loved her back. He would treat her well, and she wouldn’t regret marrying him.
So her smile was bright and sincere when they went to pay for their purchases, and he introduced her as his bride-to-be. It was the same sour-faced young lady behind the counter as last time, and Molly took a little pleasure in watching her eyes widen in surprise. That’s right; he’s making an honest woman out of me! She managed not to giggle at the thought.
They enjoyed a late dinner together, just the two of them. Nate had made himself scarce, probably at his brother’s urging, and Molly was pleased to have some time alone with the man she’d soon marry. They laughed and chatted and exchanged stories until well after bedtime. Molly was floating on air when he escorted her to her room. He kissed her goodnight at the door, and she was tempted to invite him in. But he pulled away first, and there was a twinkle in his eyes when he told her to sleep well. She fell into bed with a sigh, and even though she was worried she’d be up all night fretting about her sisters and the wedding and a million other things, she fell right asleep.
Ash was almost tempted to skip his errands to have breakfast with Molly the next day. After all, it was their wedding day. But he rarely came to town, and these were important. He’d see her in two hours at the train station.
His first stop was the church, because he knew that Reverend McCullough would be there early. Sure enough, he was sweeping between the pews when Ash doffed his hat and slipped through the doors. The two men met in the aisle, the little preacher positively vibrating with determination.
“Ash Barker, what’s this I hear about you living in sin?”
The little man’s anger was so clear, and so comical, that Ash stopped in his tracks. He half expected the preacher to start shaking a finger under his nose, like he was a tardy schoolboy. And when that very thing happened, Ash burst into laughter.
Reverend McCullough had never heard him laugh, based on his surprised reaction. “You think it’s funny? Corrupting your servant?”
“Sorry, Reverend.” His grin was unrepentant. “But there’s been no sin, yet.” The man of God relaxed slightly, but the determined look in his eyes didn’t let up. “That’s why I’m here, though. Molly and I want to be married today, before we head home.”
The smaller man’s brows eased, and a smile spread across his face. “Well, alright then. You should have said that in the first place. I’d be happy to marry you two.”
They talked specifics for a few more minutes, and Ash was grateful the preacher didn’t push him for details about his relationship with Molly. The fact that he was willing to marry them so quickly, before he’d even met Molly, was just how things were done out West. If a man found a woman he was willing to spend forever with, he had to snatch her up before someone else did. And Molly was well worth marrying.
After saying goodbye to Reverend McCullough, Ash stopped in to see Doc Sanderson. The elderly man assured Ash that his arm was healing well, and that the cast would be ready to be cut off sometime after the new year. It was good news, and Ash was glad to know that he’d be able to use the arm more in the next few weeks.
He then made his way to the legal offices of Packers & Brown, two stuffy-shirted easterners he’d worked with before. Neither of them had ever ridden a horse, or even broken a sweat, but he knew they were honest, and that counted for a lot out here.
Even without an appointment, he sat down with Clayton Brown, and explained what he wanted to do. Within an hour he’d changed his will, naming his wife as his co-heir with Nate, and he’d deeded half the ranch to his brother. It was mainly in name only, meaning he’d deeded half the ownership to Nate; but he also named some prime land in the legal document, so Nate would have several hundred acres of good growing land, if he ever wanted to branch out from ranching. The lawyer never once asked why he was doing it, or commented on the fact that he and Nate weren’t actually related, and Ash was grateful that he didn’t have to explain. Brown did congratulate him on his upcoming wedding, though, and both men smiled when they shook hands.
Then Ash made his way to the train depot, sure that his little brother had escorted Molly there safely. He hoped the girls’ train—he was going to have to start calling them by their names, since they’d be part of his family now—would be on time, and that they were actually on it. Truthfully, any number of reasons could have interfered with their travel, but when he’d arrived in town yesterday evening, he’d checked the telegraph station, and there weren’t any messages waiting for them. So he had to assume that Molly’s sisters would be on the morning train.
He was striding down the street, enjoying the rare sunshine and the knowledge that soon he’d be able to swing his arm freely again, when he heard the train whistle. He smiled to think that Molly’d be seeing her sisters again soon, and started towards the station at a jog.
His kid brother was standing just inside the door, his hands shoved deep in his pockets, his dark hair tucked behind his ears, trying to dig his shoulders into the wall. Nate had always known prejudice and distrustful looks when he went out in public, so places like the train station often made him uncomfortable.
The young man was trying not to stare at the reunion going on across the station, by the big doors that led to the platform. Molly was alternately laughing and hugging two girls who stood beside a pile of trunks and bags. The older one was a year or two younger than Nate, with Molly’s curly brown hair and sturdy build. She had spectacles perched on the end of her round nose, and was clutching a book absently while she peered around interestedly.
When Molly sank to her knees to embrace the youngest girl, Ash saw her clearly for the first time. Molly had said that Annie was seven, but the little slip of a girl looked younger. She was frail, and had skin so pale it was almost translucent. He was suddenly concerned about the advisability of dragging such a sickly looking little thing to the ranch in the middle of winter. Molly was speaking slowly to Annie, and occasionally making funny-looking gestures. He was going to have to talk to her about her sister’s health, and if she’d be alright in the middle of the Cheyenne nothingness.
Ash was looking forward to meeting the girls who’d soon be his family, but for now, he was content to rest his good arm across his cast, lean his hips against the wall beside Nate, and watch the three of them.
“…and the porter was so rude to us, but he did help us off the train, and I made sure we got all of our trunks, and they’re still locked, see? Some of them we haven’t opened since you helped us pack them, really. Except my books, of course, but I kept some of those with us. Annie has been reading a few, which is remarkably advanced, don’t you think?”
Molly smiled and nodded when Wendy paused for a breath, and then a burst of laughter slipped out. She couldn’t help it; she was just so happy to see them both. Wendy was so patient and kind to their youngest sister, but she did love to talk, and Annie couldn’t appreciate it. So Wendy tended to chatter when she was around Molly, and her older sister couldn’t fault her one bit. She smiled wider and hugged them both again, just because she could.
“You did a wonderful job of arranging everything, and getting all of our things here. I’m so proud of you, and can’t wait to hear all about your trip.” Out of habit, Molly made sure that she spoke distinctly, wit
h her face turned slightly towards Annie. Since the younger girl lost her hearing after she’d learned to speak, she could understand a lot from watching lips. But they’d developed a type of language with their hands, and Molly occasionally made signs to emphasize the words she spoke. “But for now, I want you to meet the man who hired me.”
She turned to the two men standing against the wall, and heard Wendy inhale sharply. “Oh, he’s handsome, Molly. Who is that beside him, another servant? He looks like an Indian! Is he an Indian?”
Molly was only half-listening to her sister’s chatter when she beckoned Ash, and couldn’t help but take a moment to admire the way his jeans clung to his hips as he sauntered over to them. Blushing slightly, she took a deep breath and turned to her sisters. Wendy was staring up at Ash, shock and a bit of admiration in her eyes. Molly wasn’t surprised; Ash towered over both girls, and was incredibly handsome. Lord knew what Wendy was thinking, but if they’d been alone, Molly would certainly have heard about it.
“Girls, this is Mr. Ash Barker.” Annie was wearing the frustrated look that meant she knew she was supposed to understand, but couldn’t. Molly thought quickly, and made Annie’s sign for ‘fire’—wiggling the fingers of both hands upwards, like flames—and then lifted it towards her head, in a sort of opposite of ‘rain’. Then she spelled ‘ash’ with her fingers, and Annie smiled. They often had to make up new signs, and Molly was glad they could, because Ash was going to become part of their family, and would need a name-sign.
She turned to Ash, and caught him looking thoughtfully at Annie. “Ash, these are my sisters, Wendy and Annie Murray.”
He smiled easily, and nodded politely. Wendy had overcome her awe, and bobbed a curtsey. She nudged Annie, who followed suit. “It’s very nice to meet you, Mr. Barker. Molly’s telegraph said we’d be staying with you; Annie and I look forward to seeing your home.”
