Alone in Austin

by Patricia Pacjac Carroll

  She stared at him.

  He didn’t move, except to hold her hand.

  This was what she’d wanted. She looked up at him. “I want to say yes. But how will we work things out?”

  “We’ll trust that we can.” Nick pulled her to him and kissed her.

  Jacklin leaned against him, needing his warmth, but then pulled away, shaking her head. “How can we be married, and I have the ranch, and you have your business? I just don’t see it.”

  “We’ll have to find a way.”

  She stared into his eyes. Could it work? But who would she be? Jacklin owner of Paint Rock Ranch, or would she have to give it all up? “I need to think about it, Nick. I do want marriage and a family. I just don’t know how it will work.”

  He rubbed her shoulders. “We have to learn to trust each other. And trust God. We’ll work it out.”

  She nodded. “Maybe so.”

  “Unless there is someone else?”

  “No. Not at the moment.” She turned and went to the edge of the porch. “My goal while my sister is here is to learn how to be a woman.”

  “From where I’m looking, I’d say you know.” His voice was low and soothing.

  She turned. “Aren’t you full of surprises today. Stay for dinner?”

  “I planned on it. Are you cooking tonight?”

  Jacklin grinned. “Wouldn’t that be a surprise. Make yourself at home. Marianne and I have things to do.”

  Nick grinned and walked down the steps. “I’ll just take a walk around.”

  “I’ll call you when dinner is ready.” She smiled at him and entered the house. Could they really work it out and have a marriage where she didn’t have to give up everything?

  ***

  Nick walked to the barn and looked over the colts. They were an excellent lot of horses. Prince had to be a son of King, all right. He was admiring one filly that was black as night with one white stocking and a blaze.

  “She’s a beauty, isn’t she?”

  Nick turned to see Bucky. “Yeah, she is.”

  “Jacklin needs you. She doesn’t know it, but there is talk since she fired Harlen. She might lose more men.”

  “Not you?”

  “No, this is my home. But she needs to hire a man that can handle the ranch. Harlen was a good foreman until he got greedy.” Bucky took his handkerchief and wiped the back of his neck. “I’m too old. They don’t respect me.”

  Nick nodded. “Any ideas?”

  “One. You.” Bucky stared at him.

  “I don’t think she wants me as the foreman.” Nick was about to add that he didn’t want to be her foreman. Her hireling.

  “Just until you find the right man. She needs you.” Bucky went up to him. “Her father always liked you and hoped you and Jacklin would marry. Is that a possibility?”

  “Might be. But not if I hire on as her foreman.”

  Bucky put a hand on his shoulder. “I thought about that. We’ll have to something quick. I think Harlen will make a play soon enough. He knows that she’s shorthanded.”

  Nick drew in a deep breath and let it out slowly. “What do you think he’ll do? Take King again?”

  “Not unless he’s leaving Texas. Even then, that would be too risky. I think he’ll dirty her name, make it hard for her to hire good men.” Bucky looked at the corral. “He’ll try and ruin her. That’s why I’d like you to take over. Men respect you.”

  “I’m a bookkeeper. I push a pencil and add up numbers.”

  Bucky nodded. “But that’s not all you are. You’re a good judge of men. You can find the right man for her. In the meantime, she’ll have someone she can trust. Think about it, anyway.”

  Nick leaned against the corral. “How many more men might leave?”

  “I heard four talking, and they have friends. Harlen is putting the word out that Jacklin has money problems.” Bucky started to walk away but stopped. “I figure you’d be the one to quiet that kind of talk. I’m going to the bunkhouse. It’s about dinner time, and I thought I’d give the men a pep talk. I’d like to tell them I found a foreman to take over until Jacklin can find a replacement for Harlen. I’d like that man to be you.”

  Nick caught up to him. “Without asking Jacklin?”

  “She said I could pick a man until she had time to look around.” He tapped Nick in the chest. “I pick you. She needs you. She’s liable to lose a lot if you don’t.”

  Nick looked at the bunkhouse. “All right.”

  Bucky nodded at his pistol. “Might want to be ready.”

  Unhooking the loop, Nick nodded. “I know how to use it.”

  “You better.” Bucky strode to the bunkhouse and shoved open the door. “Listen up. I brought the new foreman in. Make your peace with him, you’ll be dealing with him until Jacklin finds a new man to take over.”

  Nick walked in after Bucky and heard a smattering of groans. The men weren’t happy with the choice.

  “You going to vouch that she’s got the money to pay us?”

  “Yes.” Nick stood tall. “I’m Nick Marlin. I’m also the accountant for Paint Rock Ranch. The money goes through me, and I see what is in the bank. There is no shortage of funds. Is there anyone here that will have a problem working for me?”

  From the back, a young cowboy stood. “You want us to take orders from a pencil pusher? I don’t, but I don’t think you’re the man to do it.”

  Nick pulled out his pistol and laid it on the table. “You might think I’m weak, come and see.”

  The young cowboy grinned. “You won’t fire me if I beat you?”

  “You’ll have to beat me to see.” Nick walked toward him. Fists at his side.

  The kid came forward and lunged at him.

  Nick sidestepped and clobbered him on the back. “Missed.”

  Angry, the boy came after him with head lowered and plowed into Nick, pushing him over the table and onto the floor.

  Nick swung and hit him in the jaw, catching the boy while he was stunned, and grabbed him by the collar and shoved him against the wall. “Satisfied?”

  With a grin, the boy nodded. “Yes, sir.” He picked up his hat and walked to the table and righted it. “The man has my approval.”

  A couple of others nodded.

  One man, an older one, stepped forward. “I’m Tray Granger, been on this ranch most of my grown years. You know much about ranching?”

  Nick wiped the blood from his lip and nodded. “I know enough, and I know enough to ask if I don’t. I figure together, we can make this ranch run smoothly and watch out for anything Harlen, and his men try and pull.”

  Tray nodded. “All right. You got my vote. I want to see this ranch do well. It’s a matter of personal pride for me and a bunch of us.”

  “It is for me, too. I won’t do anything to jeopardize Paint Rock Ranch.” Nick tucked the pistol back in his belt.

  Bucky slapped him on the back. “Well, I’m glad that worked out. Right, Tommy?”

  The kid laughed. “Yes, sir. I learned you don’t tangle with accountants.”

  Nick grinned. “If you men know anyone that you’d like to nominate as foreman, let me know.” He walked outside, went to the water trough, and cleaned his face. He’d just finished when Jacklin called him.

  Chapter 15

  Jacklin called Nick to come for dinner. Yes, she actually helped Linda make the roast and helped Marianne make the rolls. Overall, Jacklin was glad she could afford a cook as it wasn’t something she enjoyed.

  She looked at Nick as he walked toward her. His shirt was torn, and his lip was swollen. Jacklin ran down the steps. “What happened?”

  He brushed some dirt off his shirt. “Oh, just a little misunderstanding.” He caught her arm. “Bucky asked me to be the foreman until you find someone.”

  She stepped back. “You’re my foreman. How will that work?” She turned away. “How can we be engaged if you work for me?”

  He rubbed her shoulders. “Only for a short time.”

  She
turned to him. “But you asked me to marry you, now I’m supposed to hire you?”

  “Jacklin, we’ll work it out. I’m sure we can find a good man to be foreman of the ranch before too long.” He pulled her closer. “Besides, you were about to lose some men. They’ll stay now.”

  She touched his bloodied lip. “That’s why your lip is swollen?”

  He nodded. “I just had to do some friendly persuasion.”

  Jacklin glanced toward the bunkhouse. “I guess it will work. Let’s go eat.” She took his hand, and they walked into the house.

  “So, did you cook for me?”

  Pleasant feelings returned to her. “Yes, as a matter of fact, I did. I hope you like it.” Once in the dining room, she sat at the head of the table and then looked at him. “Oh, well—”

  Nick laughed. “I’ll sit beside you. I’m not threatened by where we sit at the table.”

  Marianne and her children came into the room.

  Nick stood and welcomed them.

  Jacklin felt so unsure of herself and in her own home. How would things be if she married Nick? Would it always be this way?”

  He didn’t seem to mind it and was already laughing with Marianne. They had always gotten along. That was one reason Jacklin never thought Nick really cared about her.

  Nick clinked his fork on his glass. “I wanted to make a toast.” He held up his glass. “To Jacklin, the most beautiful woman in Texas, inside and out, and the woman who I have asked to marry me.”

  Jacklin gasped. She hadn’t wanted him to tell anyone. One look at Marianne’s smile, and she knew her sister was pleased. The problem was, why did she feel so trapped?

  Nick set his glass down. “She hasn’t answered me yet, but I’m sure she will when she’s ready.”

  She nodded. “Yes, I will.” Soon, she hoped. But now that he had told her that he was foreman of her ranch, she wasn’t sure what to do.

  “The food was wonderful.” Nick folded his napkin and stood. “Can I interest you in a walk?” He glanced at Marianne. “I promise I won’t keep her from you for long.”

  “Take your time, Nick.” Marianne gathered her children. “I have two children to entertain for a little while before bedtime.”

  “Ah, Mom.” The boy complained as she tugged on him to leave the dining room.

  Jacklin took Nick’s hand. “A walk would be most desirable. I like to go down to King’s pasture and give him a treat.”

  “You spoil that horse.”

  “Yes, I do.” She grinned and pulled a couple of sugar cubed from the tray.

  He led her out of the house, and they walked toward the King’s paddock. “I hope you’re not mad because I told Marianne that I asked you to marry me.”

  “It surprised me.” Jacklin was annoyed with him for doing it. She didn’t like to be pressured.

  “No, I can see that you’re irritated by it. We seem to do that to one another on a regular basis.” He stopped walking and faced her. “But we have to see if we can get along. If there’s a chance for us.”

  Jacklin nodded. “I just feel so unbalanced. I’m used to being in control. I’m not sure I want to play second on my own ranch.”

  He took her hand. “It will always be your ranch. I don’t want to take it away from you. I’m just helping out. Bucky told me some men would leave, and he thought I’d make a good foreman. I also thought it might be a good test for us.”

  She pulled her hand away. “Because I don’t want to share my ranch, the running of it, with anyone. I never had.” With tears in her eyes, she looked at him. “But somehow, I feel that it’s wrong of me. I don’t know what to do. I know my life is passing before me, but I can’t seem to let go of the ranch and reach out to you.”

  “Jacklin, I love you and have for years. I believe it’s time we found out if we can make it work.”

  “I don’t know. That’s my problem. I’ve worked hard to make this ranch prosper. I don’t want to give it up.”

  Nick pointed to the moon rising over the hill. “Pretty moon tonight. It’s not like the sun, but it has its own purpose. I don’t want to run your ranch, but I do want to help. I think we can be a good team.”

  “Can we? Or will we always be at each other’s throats? I don’t want a marriage of arguments.”

  “Neither do I.” He pointed to King. “He’s a magnificent animal. You found him, Jacklin. Bought him and have already established yourself as the ranch to buy premium horses. You did that, and no one is going to take that from you. Least of all, me.”

  She leaned against him. “I want to say yes that I will marry you, but I’m afraid that I will lose who I am.”

  He held her, not hard so that she couldn’t move, but in a tender way that let her know that she was cared for. “Maybe, just around the corner is the woman you will be. Jacklin, a woman rancher, married to Nick. Both have their own business, and they help each other when they can. Equal and whole, they are a matched team that no one can separate.”

  She turned and looked at him. “You think it’s possible?”

  “I do. You asked Marianne to come and help you with new clothes. A new you. Not throwing out the old but adding to her.”

  “I like that.” She put a hand to his face and traced just above his lip. “Does it hurt?”

  “No.”

  “You did it for me, didn’t you?”

  “Yes, I don’t want the ranch to suffer because of me. I think it’s important the men see that I’m also adding to myself. They saw me as a pencil pusher, now they know I can throw a punch and take a few licks.”

  She grinned. “Made an impression, did you? Well, do I need to sit with you in your business and push a pencil?”

  “Only if you want to.” Nick grinned. “I think we have the possibility of being an unstoppable couple.” He kissed her, pulled back, and put a finger to his swollen lip. “Ouch.”

  She put her handkerchief to his sore lip. “That answer you wanted. It’s yes.”

  This time he kissed her with more fervor and no ouch.

  Chapter 16

  Jacklin sat in her room, looking at the wedding gown her mother had worn. Marianne had found it in a trunk and held it up to her.

  “Perfect. Mama would have been so proud. And she’d be pleased about Nick. She liked his family.”

  “I just keep wondering if I am making a mistake. Since Nick is the foreman of the ranch, while things have gone smoothly, I wonder how it will be when we are married. Will I still run my ranch?”

  Marianne looked at her. “Jacklin, you’re going to have to trust the Lord and Nick. He doesn’t want to run the ranch. He’s told me as much and worries that you’ll think he’s trying to take over. You can trust him.”

  “I don’t know. I’ve never—”

  “Trusted anyone. Believe me, I know that. Even as my little sister, I could see that in you. Jacklin in charge. You ruled over me. Oh, I let you. I think I felt sorry for you that Mama had died, and you never got to know her.” Marianne sat beside her and hugged her.

  “Thanks, I forget how lonely I’ve made myself trying to rule everything.” Jacklin smiled at her sister.

  Marianne looked her in the eye. “You do know that this was Mama’s ranch when Daddy married her?”

  Jacklin thought back and really hadn’t thought about it. “No. Daddy was always in charge, but Mama was gone.”

  “Well, I’m older, and let me tell you, Mama ran the ranch. Daddy was her foreman. He never tried to take her authority away. Together, like a well-matched team, they forged through the troubles and worked together. But I never remember a time when Mama didn’t have the last say. Of course, I was little. But I would have remembered if there were fights, and I don’t recall any.”

  Jacklin stared at her sister. “Are you sure? I mean, I had no idea. All I ever knew was father in charge of everything, but of course, Mama was already gone.” Hope rose up inside her. “So, it is possible.”

  “I would say so. In fact, how ironic that you would
marry Nick, and he is your foreman right now. I know you are both on the lookout for another man to take over the job, but Mama and Daddy ran the ranch the same way.”

  “I feel better. Hopeful.”

  “Well, you better get your dress on. You don’t want to keep the preacher or Nick waiting.”

  Jacklin had just put on her dress, and Marianne buttoned the back when shots rang out. She darted a look at Marianne. “Stay in here with your children.”

  She rushed into the hall and nearly ran into Nick. He had a pistol in his hand. She grabbed a shotgun kept by the front door, and they ran outside.

  Harlen rode in front of her. “I see I’m in time for the wedding. You didn’t invite me, Jacklin. I thought you might marry me. We could have made an empire together.”

  “I don’t think so. I never loved you.”

  Harlen sent her a mocking grin. “Well, I never loved you either. Although I have to say, at least you look like a woman now. For the day anyway.” He spat on the ground. “I came for what’s mine. You owe me. I want that stallion.”

  Jacklin stepped forward. “Why would I owe you King?”

  He waved his gun. “Not King, Prince.” He pointed his pistol at Nick. “That horse wasn’t for sale. I’m leaving the valley and want what is mine. I thought about taking him, but you’d send the law after me.”

  “I bought and paid for him. The horse is mine. Besides, you were using him to take King.”

  “Only for a month or two. I wanted him to run with my mares. Prince will make a nice replacement for King. But for now, I’ve got a good group of horses to make my own empire.”

  Jacklin stepped up next to Nick. “Prince is not for sale. Leave the ranch.”

  “I can make trouble. Some of your men will go with me.” Harlen’s horse pawed at the ground.

  Nick shook his head. “I don’t think so. We’ve weeded out the troublemakers. The rest of the men are solidly with us.”

  Harlen stared at them. “Jake, Adam, Carl. I’m hiring if you’re interested in working for a real man and not a pencil pusher.”