The Barn Raising

by Christine Sterling

  “Aren’t you going to take it out? I want to see it.”

  She lifted the dress back out of its wrapping and held it against her. She swirled left and right causing the blue fabric to wrap around her legs.

  It was the most beautiful dress she had ever seen. “Blue is my favorite color,” she said looking at him.

  His eyes were hooded as he looked at her. “Mine too.” Rosalie walked over and pressed kisses on his cheeks and forehead before capturing his lips with her own. Martin pulled her down to sit on his lap.

  The chair tilted backwards, and Rosalie gave a little shriek. Martin laughed as he righted them, pulling her even closer.

  “I had to go pick up the flour and Mrs. Stewart just received a shipment of dresses from New York. She was getting ready to put this in the window when I told her to wrap it up.”

  “New York? It must have been very costly.”

  Martin shrugged. “I can afford a treat for my wife every now and then.”

  “The dress is lovely. Thank you.”

  “Go try it on.”

  “Are you sure?” Martin nodded. Rosalie ran inside and quickly put the dress on, returning to the porch where Martin was sipping his coffee and looking at the water flowing next to the edge of the property. “What do you think?” she asked, twirling in the dress. It was fitted at the waist and flared in the skirt.

  Other than her wedding dress, which Eva and Clementine made for her, it was the finest dress she had ever owned. Martin looked at her and his eyes started to smolder. “You look beautiful, Rosie,” he said.

  “I feel beautiful. I must have gained a few pounds as the dress is a little tight in the waist. I’ll see if Clementine can alter it.”

  Martin stood and walked in front of her. “I want to take you inside, Mrs. Davis.” His voice was husky and low.

  “Martin!” she admonished. “It is still daylight.”

  “I’m going to go wash up and then I’ll be inside.” He hopped off the porch leaving his cup on the table. “Five minutes, Mrs. Davis,” he called over his shoulder.

  Rosalie ran inside to put the dress away before her husband came back so she could show him her gratitude.

  Chapter 5

  “Remember when we talked about Audrey being sent back East?”

  Martin stopped eating. They were having a simple dinner of ham sandwiches on thick bread with butter and cheese.

  “I thought I said not to worry about it.” Martin chewed thoughtfully and then asked. “What did you want to tell me? Where is she going?”

  “I told you. Back East. Her father is sending her to Boston.” When Martin didn’t say anything, she continued. “I think she has an aunt there that she hasn’t seen in years.”

  “Boston is a big city.”

  “I don’t think she should leave.”

  “It isn’t your decision, Rosie. But if it was, Boston would be the safest option for her considering the current situation.” Martin was looking at her as if he expected her to break down and cry. “I know she is your friend…”

  “Best friend,” Rosalie corrected.

  “Best friend. And that you don’t want her to leave, but the truth is her reputation is ruined. And I don’t want my wife getting a reputation either. It is best that she moves East.”

  “Well, she's not going anywhere,” Rosalie said, rather bluntly.

  “Don’t meddle, Rosie. I almost think you are up to something.”

  “Who said anything about meddling? We just need to arrange a few things.”

  “Ah. You are up to something.” Martin pushed himself up from the table and went to refill his coffee. “What's going on in that head of yours, Rosie?”

  “I think we can help Audrey. You know everyone around here and you're a good judge of character. Maybe you could give me a list of the few responsible men left in Belle? Maybe some of the ranch hands are looking for a wife. There are quite a few new men in town. They wouldn’t know anything about her flirtatious ways.”

  Martin cocked his head. “So, you want to play matchmaking. Tell me, Rosie, how do you plan to do this? Will you propose to them on Audrey's behalf?”

  Rosalie laughed. “Don't be silly. Of course not. Here's what we are going to do.”

  “We? Who's the we?”

  “Why, but me and you of course.”

  “Slow down, Rosie. I haven't agreed to anything. For all I know, you could be planning something absolutely outrageous and I won't let you do that.”

  “Really? Is that how much faith you have in me?” Rosie asked almost sounding hurt.

  Martin returned to his seat and put his cup down. He bit into another sandwich and chewed thoughtfully. “You know that's not what I meant. But you do have the most outrageous ideas. And before you say anything, I love that about you. I probably would go along with whatever you say right now.”

  Rosalie was back to smiling “How the mighty has fallen.” Martin laughed.

  “Yes ma'am, I have fallen into your heart. Now, tell me what you are thinking.”

  “Well, I think we could help Audrey find a husband.”

  “How?”

  “Perhaps we can go see Paps at the livery tomorrow. He can put the word out there about Audrey getting married.”

  “I don’t think that is wise.”

  “You can't tell me there isn’t a man, an unmarried man, that hasn’t looked her way? For all the complaining about her being a flirt, there are just as many times that men stare at her.”

  “The person would need to be responsible. Have a reason for marrying. Most men I know aren’t ready to be tied down yet.” Rosie scowled at him. “I said most.”

  “Well then it has to be someone that needs something from her in return.”

  “Who would that be?”

  Rosalie gave him a little smile. “What do you know about Hunter Lawson?”

  “Hunter?”

  Rosalie nodded. “I was in town and met his sister today. Seems there are some nasty things being said about his children.”

  “You don’t mess with a man’s children.” Rosalie’s heart leapt. If Martin was this protective over another man’s children, she couldn’t wait to experience that with their own. “You are aware he is still mourning his wife, aren’t you?”

  “Yes. But he needs to start living again. And those children need a mother. Paps can help. Hunter listens to Paps.”

  Martin tried not to be exasperated. “Does this mean I don't need to talk to the others anymore? Hunter will do?”

  “I think you should still make that list, just in case things don’t work out. That way we can talk to the others. She leaves in just a few days.”

  “I’ll mention it to Paps tomorrow. I promise.”

  “Thank you,” Rosalie cried, leaning over the table to give him a kiss. “It would probably be good for both of them.”

  Rosalie was thrilled that her friend was now married. Apparently, Hunter must have taken Paps advice to heart, because Rosalie just witnessed Audrey and Hunter exchange vows.

  She wished that Martin could have been there, but he needed to be back at the ranch. There were some new horses that had just arrived, and Martin was going to make sure the animals settled into their new home.

  Eden and Rosalie made a lunch of chicken salad sandwiches and several side salads. Eden had even made a cake.

  She noticed Eden talking to Paps during lunch. Her friend was animated, her face lighting up as she discussed whatever it was with the older gentleman.

  Rosalie finally had an opportunity to ask once Audrey and Hunter left with their new family for the Lawson farm.

  “That girl will be a good mother to those children,” Paps said, placing his arm around Rosalie and leading her back to the house.

  Her friend was already a mother. The thought caught Rosalie by surprise. She placed her hand against her flat belly. How she longed for a baby. She realized Paps was talking to her. “I missed what you said,” she admitted, apologizing to her father.


  “I asked what was going on in that head of yours, girl.”

  Rosalie laughed. “Not much.” She gave an awkward laugh. “Perhaps too much.”

  “Eden is going to come to the ranch to live.”

  “She is?” That surprised Rosalie. “I thought she might be headed home now that Audrey is gone.”

  “She doesn’t feel it is appropriate to stay with Mr. James.”

  “But staying on a ranch with a bunch of single cowpokes is alright?”

  Paps laughed. “I don’t have cowpokes. Those are down at the Cole’s ranch. I have ranch hands.” Rosalie laughed. “Besides, she might find a man to get hitched to.”

  “Paps!” Rosalie feigned shock. “Are you going into the matchmaking business?”

  Paps looked at the wagon headed down the road. “I guess the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, does it, daughter?”

  Rosalie laughed. “I’m going to help clean up and then I better get going home. I’m not sure what time Martin will be returning.”

  Paps looked at his watch. “I’ll get to the ranch and send him home.”

  “He needs to get that barn roof fixed before it rains.”

  “He still hasn’t gotten it fixed yet?”

  Rosalie shook her head. “He fixes one thing and then something else falls apart. I don’t understand why he just doesn’t build the new one.”

  Paps rubbed his eyes. “Men are funny creatures, Rosie. They want to be able to provide for their families. Their wives. They don’t want to accept help. Sometimes they view it as charity.”

  “I don’t know why he is so stubborn.”

  “Because he loves you. He doesn’t want to look like he can’t provide for you.”

  “I would never think that.”

  “I know. How about I come over once we get these horses to auction and I might be able to talk some sense into him.”

  “When will that be?”

  “Probably three weeks. We have to move all the horses to Kansas City.”

  Dread welled up in Rosalie’s throat. “Is Martin going with you?”

  “It is his job, Rosie.”

  “I don’t want to be alone at the house.”

  “Then why don’t you come to the house with Eden?”

  Rosalie thought about it for a minute. “I’ll talk to Martin tonight.”

  Chapter 6

  Rosalie couldn’t believe that Martin had been gone for three weeks. She was just visiting Eden at the ranch when she heard that the men were arriving home.

  She looked for her husband among the ranch hands that came into the yard. The men looked exhausted. Their faces were streaked with dirt and she could smell them from the porch. Seeing Paps, she walked over to him. “Where’s Martin?” she asked.

  “He went straight home. There was some ruckus towards the end of the trip. Once we arrived in Glenda, he said he was headed back to you.”

  “Thanks, Paps,” she said. “Alright if I take Nettie?” Paps nodded and whistled for one of the stable boys to assist her in saddling the horse. It didn’t take long for her to cross the meadow to where her small house sat by the river.

  She led Nettie up to the barn and tied her to a post. She could see Martin sitting on the porch with a jar in his hand. Why didn’t he come to greet her?

  She stepped onto the porch. “Paps told me you came directly home,” she said walking towards him. She leaned over to give him a kiss and he turned his cheek. “Martin?”

  When he turned and looked at her his eyes were hard. His forehead was in deep wrinkles and the corners of his mouth were turned downward. She had never seen him look that way towards her. Rosalie was worried.

  Shakily, she asked, “Martin, what's wrong?”

  “Who have you been confiding to about our marriage?”

  “I don’t understand. What are you talking about?”

  “I just spent three weeks with a group of men, and do you know what the topic of conversation was the entire trip?”

  Rosalie looked confused. “I have no idea.”

  “All I heard the entire trip was about how I was a thief.”

  Rosalie put her fingers to her lips. “What?”

  “Someone heard in town that I stole a horse back in Dakota. But they didn’t know the whole story.”

  Rosie was stunned and terrified. “Martin...”

  “Is it true that you told someone?”

  “I – I...”

  Martin cursed under his breath. “I thought you were the one person I could trust. The only two who know are Paps and you. And I know he didn’t say anything.”

  “Martin, it wasn't like that. I swear.”

  “It wasn't? How was it, Rosie? Tell me, I'm itching to know.”

  Rosie felt that burning in her throat. She blinked, trying to keep back the tears. “I swear, I would never betray you. Never. Someone must have heard me while I was talking to Audrey. I swear. That's the only explanation I have.”

  “Oh really?”

  “You have to believe me. Audrey is closer to me than a sister would be. I share everything with her. She tells me things she wouldn’t tell anyone else, and I do the same.”

  “Why would you even share something like that with her?”

  Rosalie swiped at the tears that were starting to fall down her cheeks. “Audrey thought you must have grown up with a strict family. She thought that was why you're such a disciplined man. I only sought to correct that notion of hers. I wouldn't just tell anyone. I'm so sorry.” She placed her hand on his arm. Martin shrugged it off as if her touch burned him.

  “Wouldn’t it have been better for people to think of me as one who was brought up with too much discipline rather than have my wife betray my trust in her?”

  Rosalie was sobbing. “I'm so sorry, Martin. Will you forgive me, please? It won't happen again. I promise, Martin. It won't,” she vowed vehemently.

  The anger rolled off him in waves. He didn’t say anything as he walked around her and down off the porch. “I don’t think I can talk to you right now.” Rosalie watched as he walked to the barn and released Nettie into the field with Thunder, Bessie and the goats. He didn’t even look back at her as he put the ladder against the barn and climbed up with a hammer and bucket of nails.

  Rosalie went inside and laid down on the bed. When she was done crying, she thought about the day she had that conversation with Audrey. They were at the café in Belle. They spoke low and in whispers, but there still must have been someone who heard them.

  She suddenly remembered that Helen and Lucy Mae were in the café. Those were the only people she knew who could spread gossip like wildfire within minutes.

  She hadn't meant to betray her husband's confidence. This was a lesson to her that what was said between a man and wife needed to stay there.

  How could she make Martin forgive her? More importantly, would he trust her again? It had taken considerable effort from him and patience for her before he was able to trust her. How would she get that back? How would her husband love her again after this? These troubling thoughts filled her as she fell asleep on the bed.

  Rosie woke up and looked around the room. It took her a moment to remember what happened. Her eyes felt puffy and her throat was dry.

  She stood and walked to the window. It was twilight. Her favorite time of the day. Darkness would be falling soon. She didn’t see Martin on the roof and the ladder that was against the barn was missing as well.

  She needed to make things right. She grabbed a wrap from the end of the bed and draped it around her shoulders. Grabbing a cup, she filled it at the water pump and started walking towards the barn.

  The animals were still in the field. That’s odd, she thought. Martin should have brought them inside by now. She walked around to the far side of the barn and she let out a scream, the cup slipping from her hands. There on the ground was her beloved Martin.

  He was sprawled on his back; his leg was in an unnatural position. The wooden ladder had him pinned to the hard dirt
.

  “Martin!” she cried. She tried to lift the ladder, but it was heavier than she imagined. She was able to move it an inch, but Martin groaned when it rested back on him.

  She called his name again. With a strength she didn’t know she had, she lifted the ladder and tossed it a few inches away from him. Rosalie could hear the hissing as he took a breath and exhaled. That couldn’t be good.

  “Martin. Please wake up.” She couldn’t see through the tears. She brushed Martin’s hair away from his face. There wasn’t any blood visible. She gave a sigh of relief.

  Rosalie put her arm under Martin’s neck and tried to get him to sit up. He wouldn’t budge. She was going to need help to get him into the house. She needed to get to town to get the doctor.

  There was no one near she could call for help so she could stay with Martin. She was quite frantic with tears and helplessness. She knew she needed to get help, but she didn’t want to leave her husband alone with no one beside him.

  “Stay still, Martin,” she said, leaning down to give his forehead a kiss. His skin was clammy. “I’m going to run for help.”

  Martin didn’t move. His breathing was becoming shallower. A thought occurred to her and she ran back to the bedroom and grabbed a pillow and the quilt from the bed. She returned to her husband and lifted his head slightly to slide the pillow underneath. She didn't know if it would help or not. She covered him with the quilt and gave him another quick kiss. “I’ll be right back.”

  She quickly grabbed a harness from the barn and went to the field to whistle for Nettie. The horse wandered over and Rosalie slipped the harness over her head. She had never ridden bareback before, but she didn’t have time to saddle the horse.

  She grabbed a handful of Nettie’s mane and swung herself onto the mare’s back. Digging her heels into the sides of the gentle beast, she held tight as the horse ran into town.

  She saw folks stop and stare as she sped around the tree in the center of town and headed towards the livery.

  She pulled into the open area and there was Micah, one of the stable hands brushing a horse. “I need someone to run and get the doctor,” she yelled.