Perhaps if she’d talked to her mother or confided in her female cousins, she might have been able to work through what troubled her. It had taken going to another ranch, forming friendships with Mildred Evanston and Levi Abrams, to see herself as others did. She remembered the last words Levi spoke to her before he left.
“Don’t dwell on the past. You’ve got a lifetime to look forward to. Take what you’ve learned and make the most of it.”
How she wished he hadn’t left.
Heather hadn’t realized she’d almost dozed off until the sound of breaking branches to her left had her eyes popping open. Sitting still, she listened, hearing the noise again. Jumping up, she grabbed her rifle, aiming in the direction of the sound.
“You’d best raise your hands and come out or I’ll be shooting.” Her loud voice woke Bram and Fletcher, who rose quickly, grabbing their guns.
“What is it, lass?” Bram asked. He instinctively looked at the herd, relaxing when he saw they hadn’t been disturbed.
“I heard something out that way.” She indicated the direction with the barrel of her rifle.
Fletcher walked around the fire to stand beside her. “Did you see anything?”
“Nae, I—” The sound of footsteps stopped her. She started to move forward, halting when Fletcher grabbed her shoulder. By then, Bram had already taken off in the direction of the noise.
“Stay here and guard the horses. It could be someone trying to draw us away from camp.” Fletcher didn’t wait for her response, running after Bram.
Seconds later, she heard her cousins yelling, the sound of horses, then nothing. Her body tensed. She didn’t want to wait, wondering if Bram or Fletcher had been hit. Thankfully, she didn’t have to wait long.
“What happened?” She lowered her rifle, dashing up to them.
Bram glared over his shoulder in the direction they’d come. “Two men. They got to their horses and took off before we could reach them.”
Heather glanced over each of them, seeing no sign of injury, then toward the herd. The animals hadn’t moved. “Did you recognize them?”
Fletcher shook his head. “Nae. One was tall and skinny.”
Bram looked at Fletcher and nodded. “Aye. Taller than any man I can remember seeing. The other was shorter, maybe Fletch’s height.”
He winced when his cousin slugged his shoulder. At six-foot-five, Fletcher was the tallest of the MacLarens.
Bram rubbed his arm, then ran a hand through his hair. “I’m guessing they were after the horses.”
Fletcher nodded. “Aye. If they’d wanted the cattle, they’d have been coming from the other direction.”
Resting the butt of her rifle on the ground, Heather looked around as her heart rate began to slow. “Only two?”
Bram nodded. “Aye. There could be more.”
Fletcher scrubbed a hand down his face. “We should all be staying awake tonight.”
Bram nodded. “I’ll not be getting back to sleep. Heather, why don’t you try to rest? Fletch and I will keep watch.”
She shook her head. “Nae. I’ll not able to sleep after this.” Walking to the fire, she threw on more wood, then grabbed the empty coffee pot. “I’ll make some fresh. It’s going to be a long night.”
Chapter Seven
“Don’t be forgetting to get the new tools from the blacksmith.” Blaine stepped away from where he’d finished hitching the horse to the wagon for Caleb’s trip to town. “We’ll need to be taking some of the tools to Colin tomorrow.”
Climbing onto the seat, Caleb picked up the lines, glancing at the early morning sun. “I won’t. Maloney’s, Ferguson’s, and the blacksmith. Do I need to get anything at the feed lot?”
“Nae. You could always grab a bottle of whiskey at Buckie’s. Put it on the MacLaren account.” Blaine lifted his brows, grinning.
“The bottle in the house is still almost full.”
Blaine chuckled. “You’ve not checked it in a few days, lad. I’ve had a wee bit since we shared the bottle earlier in the week.”
Caleb shook his head. “Must not have been too little, but I’ll get a bottle. Anything else?”
“Nae. I’ll be seeing you this afternoon.”
“Sooner, if the supplies and tools are ready.”
Slapping the lines, Caleb took the trail to town, glad for some time to himself. He needed more space than the MacLarens, who seemed to draw energy from the constant banter and bickering within the family.
Caleb thought of the conversation he and Blaine planned to have with Ewan and Ian after supper tomorrow. He didn’t think they’d get much resistance to closing the Evanston house and merging the cattle with the existing MacLaren herd. The same with the old Estrada place. He already knew they wouldn’t touch the Pearce ranch, not as long as Big Jim and Gertie wanted to stay. Their foreman, Boyd Doggett, did a good job, but his skills were wasted on such a small ranch.
He knew Brodie had been struggling with the decision to continue as sheriff or return to the ranch, where the family needed him. Perhaps Boyd could take on some of the work, giving Brodie more time to make a decision. Caleb resolved to stop at the jail to speak with his friend.
The outskirts of Conviction came into view. Within minutes, he’d joined the other wagons and horses on the main street. Saturday mornings were busy, especially when one of the steamers came up the Feather River from Sacramento. The ships often docked on Fridays or Saturdays, carrying supplies the ranchers needed. Most importantly, they brought passengers who either planned to start a new life in Conviction or visit, spending their money in the hotel, restaurant, and other businesses before moving on. Judging by the number of people on the boardwalk, Caleb figured the River Belle or another steamship had arrived.
Pulling the wagon to a stop, he jumped down. Bounding up the steps, he opened the door of the general store.
Clarence Maloney nodded at him from behind the counter as he helped a woman with her purchases. “Good morning, Caleb. You’re in town early.”
“Morning.” As Caleb reached the counter, the woman turned.
“Hello, Mr. Stewart.”
Removing his hat, Caleb smiled. “Miss Harris. It’s a pleasure to see you again.”
“As it is to see you. Have you come to town for supplies?”
“Yes, and some other errands.” He looked down at the counter, seeing soap, some fabric, and other items. “Appears you’re doing the same.”
“Saturdays are the only time I have to do my shopping.”
Clarence cleared his throat, getting their attention. “Do you have a list for me, Caleb?”
Fumbling to get the list out of his pocket, he handed it to Clarence. “I’ll also need some potatoes.”
Reading, he glanced at Caleb. “This won’t take long.” He looked at Miranda. “I’ll see you next Saturday, Miss Harris.”
“Thank you, Mr. Maloney.” Miranda sucked in a breath, looking up at Caleb. “Well, I suppose I should leave you to your business.”
Caleb’s mouth opened before he’d thought things through. “If you have no plans, perhaps you’d consider joining me for dinner at the Gold Dust.” If her face hadn’t lit up at the invitation, he might have regretted his rash action.
“I’d love to.”
He nodded, still not certain why he’d made the offer. “Would noon suit you?”
“It would. Should I meet you there?”
“If you don’t mind.”
“Not at all. I look forward to it, Mr. Stewart. Goodbye…for now.”
Caleb massaged the back of his neck, watching her leave. He had no business asking her to dinner, but the way his invitation pleased her made him glad he’d spoken up. She seemed like a nice lady and he knew, from speaking with August, she hadn’t had an opportunity to make friends. Maybe she’d realize that was all he offered and not expect anything more. He winced. Somehow, he doubted it.
“Tell me about the work you do at the ranch, Mr. Stewart.” Miranda sipped her tea, sparing litt
le attention to the boiled ham and vegetables on her plate.
Caleb finished chewing the bite of roast beef, swallowing it down with coffee. “Not much to tell. I’m working at the old Evanston ranch with Blaine MacLaren and a couple ranch hands. Most every day is the same. We take care of the cattle, make repairs. Not very exciting.”
A smile curved up the corners of her mouth. “Well, to someone who grew up in the city, it sounds quite exciting. Is it dangerous?”
“Only if you don’t know what you’re doing.”
“And you do?” Miranda asked.
He nodded, picking up his coffee cup and taking a sip. “I’ve learned from the best.” He speared another piece of roast, putting it into his mouth.
“The MacLarens?”
Chewing, he thought about living at Circle M and all they’d taught him. He’d been fortunate to have them take him in as part of their family. Setting down his fork, he pushed his plate away.
“They’ve been very generous to me. I owe them a great deal.”
Miranda took another bite of her boiled ham. Looking up, she cocked her head. “Do they pay you for your work?”
Caleb’s eyes widened for an instant before he lifted a brow, his features showing a hint of amusement. “I’m not considered a slave, if that’s what you’re implying.”
Dropping her fork, Miranda’s face reddened. “Of course not. I didn’t mean anything of the sort. I’m so sorry if my question offended you.” Picking up the napkin, she dabbed at the corners of her mouth.
“What did you mean?”
She shrugged, placing her napkin back on her lap. “I don’t know about ranching, but I’ve seen places where people work for food and shelter. There’s no way for them to get ahead when they’re stuck in places like that.” Letting out a breath, she leaned toward him. “Tell me how it works on a ranch.”
Leaning back in his chair, Caleb crossed his arms. “It’s not much different from any other job. They provide a place to stay, food, and a wage that compares with other places I’d work as a ranch hand. The difference is the MacLarens treat me like family. If I’m sick, they pay Doc Vickery. My horse goes lame, they give me another one, the same as they’d do for Blaine or any of the others.”
Her brows furrowed. “What about the other men who aren’t family?”
He shook his head. “There aren’t many. From what I’ve seen, they’re more than fair with everyone who works for them.”
“Would either of you like some pie?”
Neither had noticed the waiter walk up.
Miranda smiled, shaking her head. “Not for me, thank you.”
“I think we’re finished. I’ll take the bill, if you have it.” Caleb reached into his pocket, pulling out some bills. He held them up for Miranda to see, a wry grin on his face.
Biting her lip, she shook her head. “I shouldn’t have said anything.”
Caleb handed the money to the waiter. “You’re always welcome to ask questions, Miss Harris. Don’t be surprised if the answer isn’t what you’re expecting.” Standing, he pulled out her chair, escorting her outside. “It’s been a pleasure.”
“Thank you for dinner, Mr. Stewart. It was wonderful to see you again.” Stepping away, she hesitated a moment before turning in the direction of the boardinghouse.
Caleb watched until she opened the door and stepped inside. He felt dueling pangs of relief and regret as she moved out of his sight. He’d enjoyed their meal, even if her continuous questions caught him off guard. They were honest, not meant to ridicule or judge him. He also knew how hard it was to make friends in a new town. During the week, her days were filled with teaching. He wondered what she did to keep herself busy at night and on weekends.
Living at Circle M meant he had little time to be alone. There were days all he wanted to do was saddle Jupiter and ride for miles. A few times, he and Heather had worked together herding small numbers of cattle. Those had been the best days. Unlike most, he’d never let her surly attitude or brisk manner get to him. He’d seen through her bravado, knowing her need to prove herself to her family.
And she hated doing it in front of him.
“Caleb!”
Turning, he saw Brodie across the street, waving at him. Dashing between wagons and horses, Caleb made his way to him.
Brodie clasped him on the back. “What brings you to town?”
Caleb pointed down the street to the wagon. “Maloney’s, Ferguson’s, the blacksmith.”
Brodie cocked a brow. “And Miss Harris?”
Glancing behind him at the boardinghouse, he shook his head. “It’s not what you think.”
“I’m not thinking anything, other than she’s a comely lass. And she’s single.”
Caleb sent him a warning look. “I saw her at the general store and asked if she wanted to share a meal. There’s nothing more to it.”
Brodie grinned. “All right, lad. I’ll be taking your word for it. Do you have time to come inside for a bit?”
“I do. In fact, there’s something I want to talk with you about.”
Brodie rubbed his chin, considering Caleb’s suggestions about the ranch. “I’ve no problem supporting your ideas for the Evanston and Estrada lands. There’s no sense keeping the houses and barns in repair, and I think the uncles will agree. You’re right believing the Pearce ranch shouldn’t be touched while Big Jim and Gertie still live there.”
“Have you heard how Big Jim is doing?”
“He isn’t doing well. Gertie’s been trying to convince him to move to town to be closer to the doctor.”
Caleb’s face sobered. “The last I spoke with Quinn, he thought Big Jim was improving.”
“I’m thinking they don’t want Emma and Quinn to know how bad he’s getting. She’s the only child they have left, and they still feel the need to protect her.”
Caleb leaned back in the chair. “I don’t think he ever recovered from being shot.”
“Or their son’s death. I know Quinn still misses Jimmy.”
Nodding, Caleb let out a breath. “Colin said they were best friends.”
“Aye, since right after we arrived. Now, enough of this talk.”
“I agree,” Caleb said. “How are you doing with your search for new deputies?”
“Good news. I’ve hired two.”
“That’s great news, Brodie.”
“Aye.” Pulling out a drawer, he grabbed a piece of paper, handing it to Caleb.
“You expect me to read these scratch marks,” he snickered, trying to make out Brodie’s writing.
“So now you’ll be mocking me?”
“Do you even know what this says?”
Brodie grinned. “Aye. It’s the names and backgrounds of the new deputies.”
“Seth Mon…Mont…”
Brodie stood, walking around the desk to pull the paper from Caleb’s fingers. “Seth Montero. He used to work for Juan Estrada.”
“Does he have experience as a lawman?”
“Nae, but neither did I when the town council hired me.”
Caleb rubbed his forehead. “True. I don’t recall him in the group of men who stayed on after Estrada sold the ranch.”
“Seth found work on a ranch near Sacramento. A deputy he knew mentioned we were looking. The lad took a chance and rode in yesterday.” Brodie glanced back down at the paper. “The other lad is Alex Campbell. Fought for the North, then rode west. He saw a note posted at the general store in Crocker, Nevada, and rode over.”
“Didn’t we ride through there on our way back from Oregon?”
“Aye. It’s a nest for outlaws. I’m surprised the old man who owns the general store even posted it. They don’t like lawmen in Crocker.” Brodie walked to the window, looking out. “They started work this morning.”
“You still looking for more?” Caleb asked.
“One, maybe two if I get approval from August. Do you know of someone?”
“Wish I did.” Standing, Caleb walked to the door. “Will you be at
supper tomorrow?”
Brodie’s brows lifted. “Aye. Will you be there? I know the family’s been missing you.”
Smirking, he shook his head. “Most of the family.”
Brodie moved around the desk, stopping next to Caleb. “Colin’s been telling me Heather’s changed since coming back.”
“Why would you think I care?”
“You’ve not said anything, but we all know you care for the lass.”
Caleb shook his head. “Not as I once did. There’s no future pretending anything can come from believing otherwise.” He looked away, sucking in a breath. “I’d better get back before Blaine comes looking for me.”
“I’ll be seeing you tomorrow, though?”
Nodding, Caleb opened the door. “You will.”
Checking the contents of the wagon, Caleb climbed onto the seat, picking up the lines. Steering the wagon down the street, he turned north, riding along the river on his way to see the progress restoring the stores in Chinatown burned down by the mob. The amount of improvement surprised him. People still worked, replacing burned wood with new, installing new windows, painting, and hanging signs. A couple businesses looked ready to reopen.
Having seen what he wanted, Caleb turned the wagon toward home. Relaxing, he thought of his meal with Miranda. She’d made no attempt to hide her interest in him, which made him cautious about developing a friendship. If he didn’t still have feelings for Heather, no matter how futile he knew they were, he might be attracted to the pretty schoolteacher.
He wouldn’t ignore her, but had no intention of leading her on. Maybe he’d change his mind in the future. For now, he’d concentrate on work, time alone, and a chance to voice his feelings about the ranch to Ewan and Ian.
Blaine and Brodie supported his ideas. He believed Colin, Quinn, and the rest of the family would, too. If they did, it would mean he and Blaine would return to the main ranch—Blaine to live in his mother’s house, and Caleb to live…well, he wasn’t sure where. While Heather was gone, he’d stayed in her mother’s home. They had more than enough room for him to move back in. With Heather there, though, he had no desire to be under the same roof.
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