Heart of Stone

by Ari McKay

  “Have a seat.” Luke gestured toward the sofa. “Can I get you somethin’?”

  “I’d appreciate some water, if it ain’t an imposition.” Stone settled down gingerly on the sofa. He was surprised at how casually Mr. Reynolds referred to his aunt, but then again, they’d probably been close if she’d been so sick she’d had to turn her duties over to her foreman.

  “Sure thing, Mr. Harrison.” Luke smiled at him again, and Stone thought perhaps Luke’s gaze lingered a little longer than it ought to before he sauntered out of the room. He returned a few minutes later with a tall glass of water, so cold Stone could see condensation beading on the sides. “Straight from the well out back,” Luke explained as he handed over the glass. “This close to the mountains, the water underground is right cold all year round.”

  “Much obliged,” Stone replied, taking the glass and sipping gratefully, appreciating its coolness, as well as the distraction it gave him. He wasn’t a talkative man by nature, and he was feeling as out of place as a turkey in a henhouse. Part of him wondered if it was too late to forget the whole thing and head back to Yellow Knife, but he’d never run out on anything in his life, so he was just going to have to tighten his belt and deal with it.

  Lowering the glass, he turned to Mr. Reynolds. “So how about you have a seat and tell me what I’ve gotten myself into?”

  Luke claimed one of the chairs, settling in with more apparent ease than Stone felt, stretching his long legs out in front of him and crossing them at the ankle. “What you’ve got, Mr. Harrison, is a right large chunk of land that’s doin’ well for itself. If you’ve got half the sense your aunt had in runnin’ this place, you’ll be set for life.”

  Stone thought about that for a minute and nodded. “Well, I’m plannin’ to give it a try.” The thought of his father crossed his mind again, making him scowl. “And call me Stone. Don’t know how much sense my aunt had, but I reckon it must have been a fair bit to have kept this place so nice. Hope I’ve got enough not to mess that up.”

  “You can call me Luke, and I hope you don’t mess it up, too.” There was a mischievous twinkle in Luke’s eyes that suggested he was teasing. “Don’t worry, I’ll teach you what you need to know.”

  “All right, Luke.” The teasing took Stone by surprise and he wasn’t certain how to respond. No one had ever teased him but his mother, and that had been a long time ago. “Why don’t you start by tellin’ me who all is around the ranch?” He grimaced. “I suppose I’m goin’ to have to talk to a lot of people.”

  “Or you could make me talk to them.” Luke said easily. “Yeah, you need to learn who’s who if you’re goin’ to be in charge, but if you want to delegate somethin’ to me, well, that’s what a foreman is for.”

  Stone frowned. He didn’t know Luke at all, so he couldn’t be sure if he could take the offer at face value or not. Maybe his aunt had let Luke do what he wanted around the place, and now Luke didn’t want a new owner coming in and having ideas of his own. Whatever the reason, Stone felt his hackles rising.

  “I don’t have nothin’ else to do but learn how to do this job.” Stone lifted his chin and looked Luke squarely in the eye. “I don’t know what Mrs. Rivers may have told you about my pa, but she sure didn’t know me, and I ain’t nothin’ like he was.”

  Luke raised both hands in an attitude of surrender. “I ain’t got no ideas about you or your pa. Priss didn’t much like talkin’ about her brother, and she never said nothin’ about you. If you do right by this ranch and the people who work here, you and me won’t have any problems. I just don’t want to see all her hard work go to ruin, that’s all.”

  Stone set his jaw stubbornly. Maybe his aunt hadn’t talked much about her no-account brother to Luke, but that didn’t mean people didn’t know, since presumably Paul Harrison had grown up here, same as his sister. “I know all about hard work. And I’d rather give this ranch to someone else than wreck it. I treat other folks like I want to be treated, so if that’s doin’ right by them in your opinion, we should get along all right.”

  “So we should,” Luke agreed, appearing unruffled by Stone’s prickliness. If anything, he seemed amused by their conversation. “I reckon it’s a bit late in the day for a tour, but I can start showin’ you around first thing in the mornin’. This is your place now, so you can have Priss’ old room if you want it.”

  That gave Stone pause; he’d not really thought about the fact that he’d be living in the ranch house, not out in the bunkhouse. But the thought of staying in the room of a woman, one he’d never met to boot, didn’t set well with him, and he shifted uncomfortably. “Is there another room?” He lowered his gaze. “I sure don’t need nothin’ fancy or big.”

  Luke nodded. “There’s a guest bedroom. We don’t get a lot of guests anyway, and we can turn Priss’ room into the guest bedroom if you’d rather, or there’s Sarah’s old room. She was the housekeeper. You can have either of those, if that suits you better.”

  “The guest bedroom would be fine.” Stone looked at Luke with a frown. “There’s no housekeeper here now?” He gestured at the room, which was clean and didn’t seem to be dusty or cluttered. “Who takes care of the place, then? I sure don’t know nothin’ about cleanin’ up a place this big.”

  “Well, I do look right pretty in a ruffled apron,” Luke drawled, and then he laughed at the look on Stone’s face. “Naw, after Sarah left, I hired a girl from town to come in and do the cookin’, cleanin’, and washin’, but she leaves when she’s done for the day.”

  Apparently Luke was a bit of a joker, and Stone sighed quietly, telling himself he was just going to have to put up with it, since he needed Luke’s help. “Well if that suits you, it’s fine with me.” Something occurred to him, and he regarded Luke questioningly. “Does that mean you live in this house, too?”

  “Indeed I do,” Luke affirmed. “I worked for Miss Priss a long time, and we got to be close. Almost like family, you might say. She stopped treatin’ me like just a foreman a while back, and when she got sick, me being right here in the house made helpin’ Sarah take care of her a lot easier.”

  “Makes sense.” Stone nodded. It was unusual for the foreman to stay in the main house, but his aunt hadn’t had any family to take care of her, so Luke had stepped in, which was nice of him. “Well, it’s a big place, and I’ve been livin’ in bunkhouses for the last ten years, so if you want to stay here, it won’t bother me. Although….” He paused, knowing that his neck was probably turning red, but he needed to get it out in the open. “If you want to do any courtin’, I’d be obliged if you’d do it at the foreman’s house.”

  Luke laughed, although Stone couldn’t see what was so funny. It was almost like Luke was amused by a joke only he knew. “I ain’t of a mind to go courtin’.” He was still smiling, although Stone didn’t get the impression Luke was making fun of him. “None of the girls ’round here interest me much.”

  “All right.” Stone wondered what Luke meant, but he wasn’t going to ask, taking his words at face value instead. Apparently Luke was picky about his women, which was fine with Stone. He had no use for women whatsoever, at least not in the way men usually did. Not that he wanted anyone to know that; information like that getting out could ruin a man’s life, and Stone had enough to deal with just being part Indian. He stood up, deciding he’d had enough small talk for one night. “Well, then, I suppose I ought to get my horse taken care of and then find somethin’ to eat before bed.”

  Luke rose as well. “There’s some cold fried chicken and cornbread in the kitchen. I’m willin’ to bet there’s pie, too. Mary always leaves too much for my supper, and I don’t mind sharin’.”

  “Thanks, I’d appreciate that.” Stone loosened up enough to smile. Fried chicken and pie sounded like heaven, since he’d eaten nothing but cold bread and beans that morning in his hurry to get to the ranch. “But Raider comes first.”

  “Of course.” Luke nodded, as if Stone’s attitude was the most sensible thing in
the world, which set Stone’s mind more at ease. The man understood the importance of a good horse, at least. “There’s plenty of empty stalls, so take whichever one you want. I’ll dish up the food. Just come on back to the kitchen when you’re done.”

  “All right, thanks.” Stone walked through the parlor and out the front door. It felt odd, seeing himself out that way, but that’s what you did in your own place. He hadn’t had a place to call his own in a very long time, and he hadn’t even realized how much he missed it until he stood there on the wide porch of the ranch house, looking out over the serene blue water of Copper Lake and missing his mother with a soul-deep ache. He was a loner by nature, but even loners could want a place to call their own. Somehow this place felt right to him, as though he could actually belong. As though he could make it a home.

  Raider saw him and snorted, and Stone wasted no time jamming his hat back on his head. “I’m comin’. I ain’t forgot you.” He hurried down the stairs and patted the horse fondly on the nose. “Let’s go see if your new place is as nice as mine seems to be.”

  Indeed, the barn behind the house was large and well stocked, and Stone found everything he needed to make his horse comfortable. He couldn’t resist a peek in the other stalls, with a cowboy’s innate interest in good horseflesh. There were over thirty stalls in the barn, all of them empty except for three, which meant the men hadn’t come back from the day’s work yet.

  One stall held a beautiful, pregnant gray mare with the softest eyes Stone had ever seen, and she whinnied to him until he stroked her on the nose. “Hey, girl, you’re a pretty thing.” She agreed, apparently, and nudged him pointedly until he chuckled and got an apple for her out of a nearby bushel basket.

  The other horses were another gray mare, as pretty as the first one, and a big, strong plow horse, who looked him over but didn’t seem ready to make friends just yet. Curiosity satisfied for the moment, Stone made his way back to the house, going to the back door where he was pretty certain the kitchen would be. He was right, and he dumped his saddlebags by the door as he looked around. It was a big room, bright and cheerful, and he liked it.

  “This is a well-kept place,” he said to Luke, as he crossed to the sink to wash up. “It’s good to see.”

  “Priss was particular about doin’ things right.” Luke carried two loaded plates to the table. In addition to the promised chicken and cornbread, mashed potatoes were piled high, slathered in white gravy, and Stone’s stomach growled again when Luke set it in front of him. “She was proud of this place and determined to show everyone she could run it herself. I did things her way from the beginnin’, and now they’re my way, too.”

  Stone picked up his fork. “Makes sense.” He paused, suddenly self-conscious. He wasn’t a religious man, but maybe Luke was, so he waited to see what Luke did.

  Luke bent his head and said grace, keeping it brief, and then he nodded at Stone. “Dig in. There’s more chicken if you want it.”

  “Thanks.” Stone did so, enjoying the taste of fresh, home cooked food. He’d have to compliment Mary on her cooking when he met her and make sure she wanted to stick around.

  Luke’s appetite didn’t seem to be lacking either, and he enjoyed the meal as much as Stone. Fortunately, he didn’t make small talk while they ate.

  “That was good.” Stone gave a sigh of contentment as he polished off the last bite. “I was hungrier than I thought.” He rose, picking up his plate and carrying it to the sink. “I’ll wash up, since you were nice enough to share your supper with me.”

  Leaning back in his chair, Luke regarded Stone inquisitively. “You’re the boss,” he pointed out. “You don’t have to do the washin’ up if you don’t want to.”

  “As I said, I don’t mind cleanin’ up after myself. Been doin’ it for a long time.” Stone crossed to the table and pointed to Luke’s empty plate. “If you’re done, can I take that?”

  “Sure enough, if you’re set on washin’ up anyway.” Luke picked up his plate and handed it over, the surprise in his expression shifting into what appeared to be approval.

  Stone took the plate, and then he carefully washed everything, stacking it next to the sink and drying it with a towel that was dangling from a hook on the pantry cabinet. He wasn’t certain where everything got put away, so he left it; better to let Mary or Luke put things where they belonged.

  After washing and drying his hands, he turned to Luke. He wasn’t much for socializing, and he found himself suddenly bone-weary. “If it’s all the same to you, I think I’ll call it an early night.” He paused, wondering if that sounded weak or if Luke would think he was soft or something. “I’d just got back from a ten-week cattle drive when I got the letter last week, and I’ve been on the move ever since, tryin’ to get here. I think it’s catchin’ up with me.”

  “I ain’t been a foreman so long that I’ve forgotten what it’s like,” Luke said, sounding sympathetic, as if he really did understand, and he pushed back his chair and rose. “C’mon, I’ll show you to your room, and you can get settled. Tomorrow, I’ll show you around. Mary has breakfast on the table by six, and we can leave right after.”

  “Sounds fine.” Stone was glad Luke didn’t seem to think badly of him. Now that he’d eaten, all he could think about was climbing into bed and getting some much-needed shut-eye. He picked up his saddlebags. “Ready when you are.”

  Luke led him upstairs to a bedroom that wasn’t grand, like the master bedroom likely would be, but it was spacious enough for him. It was furnished only with a bed, a wardrobe, a washstand, and a small bedside table, with lace curtains at the window and a colorful quilt on the bed.

  “Here you go.” Luke smiled as he waved Stone inside. “It’s all yours. If you need anything, I’m right next door.”

  “This is just fine. Thanks again for supper.”

  “Night, boss.” Luke waved cheerfully and sauntered away, going downstairs. Stone watched him go, and then he closed the door with a shake of his head. Luke was one of those sociable people who always perplexed him; he just didn’t understand actually liking being around other people. But as Luke had said, he was the boss, which meant he only had to be sociable if he wanted to.

  The sun was setting, but Stone didn’t bother to light the lamp on the table. Instead he stripped and crawled between the sheets, settling down on the firm mattress with a sigh. He barely had time to think about what he was going to have to do the next day before he fell quickly and deeply asleep.

  4

  AS THEY rode along at a leisurely pace, Luke took the opportunity to study his new boss without getting distracted by the fact that Stone Harrison was a handsome devil. He’d felt a jolt of attraction and awareness as soon as they’d shaken hands, but he’d tried to ignore it, reminding himself Stone probably didn’t share his inclinations.

  Still, that didn’t keep him from admiring the view. Tall and long-legged with jet black hair, dark eyes, and tanned skin, Stone was just the type to set Luke ablaze, and unless Luke missed his guess, Stone had a little Indian blood in him somewhere. Those high cheekbones were as much a clue as his dark hair and skin, but Luke didn’t care if he did or didn’t. Luke didn’t hate Indians or fear them like some white folk did. They were just people like any other, and he thought Stone was one of the best-looking men he’d ever seen, no matter who begot him.

  Looking was all he could do, however, and so he behaved himself while he showed Stone around the ranch, starting with the house grounds. Before they left the house, he’d showed off their indoor plumbing and icebox with pride; Priss had been able to afford a few comforts, and she hadn’t been so thrifty she’d deprived herself of them. He’d introduced Stone to the thirty-odd hands, most of whom would be with them through the winter, and he’d taken Stone around to the barn, the hay sheds, and the main stock area, and then they’d mounted up to see some of the pasture area, the lake, and the copper mine.

  Flanked by the mountains, the ranch was as beautiful as it was productive, at least
as far as Luke was concerned. He’d been there nigh on ten years, and he still wasn’t weary of the view. He couldn’t tell by looking at his profile whether Stone appreciated it too, and since they had a few miles to go with only themselves for company, he decided to start up a little conversation.

  “So what do you think?” he asked casually. “Like what you see so far?”

  Stone turned his head toward Luke, his dark eyes gleaming. For the most part, Stone had a damned good poker face, one that betrayed little of what he was thinking, but there was no mistaking the light of pride and possession in his gaze. Luke had seen it in Priss’s eyes often enough, and it looked likely the deep connection she’d shared with the ranch had been transferred in full measure to the nephew she’d never met.

  “Yes.” Stone’s voice was soft, his tone almost reverent. “I like it a lot.”

  “Good. Me too,” Luke replied with a warm smile as he admired the way Stone’s face was transformed with his inner light. Stone didn’t have to know Luke wasn’t talking about just the majestic mountains and rolling pastures, and Luke wasn’t about to admit it, but he was starting to think working for Stone was either going to be the best job he’d ever had or the worst, depending on how out of hand this wayward attraction got. Possibly a little of both. “I never get tired of lookin’ around when I’m ridin’ fence. Seems like there’s always somethin’ new to see.”

  Stone nodded, turning his gaze toward the mountains. “I forgot how beautiful it is out here,” he murmured, almost to himself. “Sky’s so close you could almost touch it.” He cleared his throat, as though embarrassed by what he’d said. “It’s a lot of fence to ride. Must take a heap of time keepin’ it up.”

  Luke nodded in agreement. “A place this big always has somethin’ that needs doin’. You won’t never be bored, that’s for sure.”

  That earned him a snort. “I can imagine. Hard work don’t worry me. I’d rather be busy anyways.”