The Cattleman's Bride: A Golden Valley Story (The Brides of Birch Creek Book 4)

by Laura D. Bastian

  Living out in the open range away from others and running a home and farm required a strong willed person. His mother had been up to the challenge, yet as he looked Cora over, he wasn’t sure how she’d do. He should have been a little clearer in his specifications. A little thing like her that he could pick up and throw over his shoulder with little effort might not be the best option. But as he looked at her, he felt something he hadn’t expected.

  Interest of course, but a hint of protectiveness and fascination. He wanted to get to know her better. To have those bright eyes and smiling face look at him with admiration. Not the trepidation her expression held now.

  “I’ll be good to you,” Levi said. “I’ll treat you right. You have my word.”

  “Thank you,” Cora said. “I’ll do my best to be the wife and help you need.”

  Levi nodded and remained silent. Nothing else needed to be said.

  The preacher returned to the house and behind him were two men. Levi stood and approached them. He recognized the men immediately and gave them each a handshake.

  “Thank you for coming,” Levi said.

  “Of course,” Michael said. “Besides, I had to meet the woman who was brave enough to come out here and marry you sight unseen.”

  Colten laughed. “You know, any woman brave enough to consider being a mail-order-bride can handle anything she finds on the other end.”

  “So true,” Michael said. He stepped away from Levi and walked over to Cora and gave her a partial bow. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. My wife, Susan, told me you’d arrived. Welcome to Birch Creek.”

  “Thank you,” Cora said with more volume than she’d given Levi. She seemed more relaxed with Michael and Colten there. Levi must really worry the girl. He’d have to work on his manners.

  “Susan, Annabelle, and Mrs. Howard are throwing together some quick plans.” Michael turned to look back at Levi. “They’ll make sure to feed you before you head back home.”

  “There’s no need for that,” Levi said, and immediately regretted it when he saw Cora’s face fall.

  “That’s what I tried to say when it happened to me,” Colten said. “But no one can change my mother’s mind when she sets it to something. Besides, the whole town is practically here. You couldn’t get away without at least hearing the congratulations of everyone who’s come to get a glimpse of the future Mrs. Finch.”

  “I suppose you’re right,” Levi said. He looked at Cora. “Will that be all right with you?”

  “Of course,” Cora said, a small smile gracing her lips. Levi decided right then he would have to make her smile more often.

  ***

  Cora was stunned at how quickly everything came together. Before she could even understand what was happening, she found herself standing in front of the preacher next to Levi while holding a bouquet of wildflowers and repeating her vows.

  Susan and Annabelle had wrapped her in love and friendship the moment she had stepped out of the preacher’s house. They had taken care of all the little preparations of freshening her up from her travels and then helping her feel beautiful.

  Levi had been taken by Colten and Michael and washed up a bit. His hair was no longer as wild, and his beard had been calmed to the point where she no longer thought he looked like a bear.

  As she stood next to him and promised to be his wife and care for him through health and sickness, the gentle squeeze of his hand sent a shiver of excitement through her.

  Though he was rough on the outside, she could see that deep within, he would be all right. It would just take some getting used to. Her fears that things would be horrible when she arrived had eased and she felt a calmness that things would work out. With the friendliness of the people here in Birch Creek, she knew there would be help if she needed it. And though Levi lived miles away somewhere in the valley, it wouldn’t be impossible to return here.

  When the preacher pronounced them husband and wife, the gathered guests cheered.

  The preacher laughed. “Now wait a moment, I didn’t tell them to kiss yet.”

  “Then tell them!” someone behind Cora and Levi hollered.

  The preacher smiled. “Well, Levi, you heard ‘em. You can kiss your bride.”

  Levi turned stiffly and leaned down, giving her a quick peck then standing straight again. Cora tried not to let that hurt, but she felt the rejection keenly. He didn’t want her that way. But he would be her husband and provide for her. So that was better than what she’d experienced as a widow.

  “All right, folks. Head over to the pavilion and let Mrs. Howard tell you what to do next.”

  A chuckle from many of the guests rose as the crowd stood from the church benches and started talking and visiting as they worked their way out of the building. Cora stood still next to Levi who hadn’t moved. Reverend Morrison handed him a paper he’d signed and Cora looked over at it. The marriage certificate stating she was now Cora Finch.

  That would take some getting used to.

  “You two head on out there. Don’t want to make Mrs. Howard come in and get you.”

  Levi took a deep breath then took Cora’s hand and walked down the now empty aisle.

  When they walked out of the doors of the church, the gathered crowd cheered again. Mrs. Howard waved at them. “Hurry over you two. We’ve got to get you fed so you can be on your way.”

  Levi kept hold of Cora’s hand as they descended the stairs and she was glad he was showing some interest in her at least in front of the people there. She didn’t want them to pity her or think this was a foolish choice on her part.

  ***

  Levi had to admit this wasn’t as bad as he’d anticipated. The families in Birch Creek were great people and they were all so welcoming to him and Cora. She seemed to thrive on the social interactions and he hoped she’d be at peace out at his place. Once the meal of breads, preserves, boiled eggs, and dried meats had been shared and his horse and wagon brought over from the mercantile where it had been loaded with the supplies he’d ordered, Levi turned to Cora who was once again holding Annabelle and Colten’s baby.

  “Are you ready to go?”

  Cora looked at him then back to the people still visiting with each other.

  “Take a few more minutes to say your goodbyes. I need to check the wagon and horse to be sure things are all done. And I need to pay Mr. Howard for the supplies. We’ll leave soon though.”

  Cora nodded. “Thank you.” She moved over to where Susan Clark and Annabelle Howard were standing together. She didn’t pass the baby over immediately, but held her close as she spoke with Annabelle. He watched for a moment as Cora hugged the two women and as they put their heads together to talk about whatever it was women talked about. Levi turned to find Mr. Howard.

  “I’m sorry about all the fuss, Mr. Howard.” Levi offered his hand to the store owner. “Thank you for taking care of all my supplies. And please thank your wife for all her efforts in this. I think it was important for Cora.”

  “That’s why she does it,” Mr. Howard said. “And your horse has been fed and watered. Michael also noticed a bit of an issue with her foot so I believe he checked the shoe and adjusted the fit.”

  Levi nodded. He should have taken care of all of this himself and felt awkward having to accept help from the others. But he was grateful they’d done what they had so he could get headed back home with his new bride.

  Once he’d paid for his supplies, Levi walked over to his horse and wagon, did a quick double check on things, then when he was sure all was as good as possible, he moved toward Cora.

  She now had Mrs. Howard and a few other ladies around her as well, allowing Levi to thank them all for the impromptu celebration.

  “It’s time to go now, Cora. It’s a long drive to the ranch.” He looked at the sky and knew the sun would be set by the time they reached his property.

  Once more, Cora was given hugs from all the ladies and then she finally passed the child over to Susan. Cora then turned to Levi in resign
ation and walked with him to the wagon. He assisted her in without a word and she turned to look in the back of the wagon.

  “Oh, good. My things are loaded.”

  Levi glanced in the back and was surprised he hadn’t even thought about getting her trunk and bag. What kind of husband was he that someone else had to take care of everything for them?

  ***

  Cora turned to watch the people of Birch Creek as they waved goodbye and wished them well. She was surprised to find how kind and friendly everyone had been. People back home had been polite and caring in their own way, but there was something incredible about the people here.

  Perhaps it was because they were so far away from everything else that having the support from everyone was necessary. Cora looked at Levi and considered starting a conversation, but wasn’t sure if he’d welcome it.

  It was obvious he was a man of few words and she didn’t want to push him to talk if he didn’t want to. Yet she couldn’t spend the entire drive back in silence. Besides, he’d told her there would be time to talk as they rode home.

  “What kinds of things do you have planted in your garden?” Cora asked.

  “The usual. Corn, beans, peas, carrots, potatoes, beets, squashes. Things like that.”

  “How about your animals? You said pigs, chickens, and cows, right?”

  “Yes. There are three milk cows. The beef cattle we have are out on the range and most of the time they are watched over by the cattle hands we have.”

  “So I’ll be cooking meals for how many people?” Cora asked.

  “Seven. Four hands, my father, myself, and you.”

  “Is there a well, or will I need to bring water from a creek?”

  “We put in a water pump. It’s not in the house like some of the places there in Birch Creek, but it’s not more than forty feet away.”

  “Sounds doable,” Cora said. She sat in silence for a bit, wondering if she should ask more questions, but feeling like he was more happy with the silence. Cora decided to just watch the scenery as the wagon slowly moved through the valley. The trail was obvious, but didn’t look like it was traveled often. The grasses in places were as high as the bottom of the wagon bed, and in other places, the different kinds of bushes caught her attention. Some looked green, while others were yellow as if full of pollen just ready to be spread by the honey bees. Still other bushes had kind of a light blue tint to them where they almost looked gray.

  And the smells were new and fascinating. So fresh and clear.

  The sunshine on her back felt nice instead of unbearably hot as it had earlier. With it behind them as they traveled down the old dusty road, Cora could appreciate the way the setting sun made the valley in front of her take on a golden glow. She’d heard someone refer to the area as a golden valley and she could see why. The name fit it perfectly.

  Beside her, Levi just sat quietly, speaking only occasionally to the horse or pointing out a particular landmark for Cora’s benefit. He motioned up ahead at a rocky outcropping. “That is the beginning of our land.”

  “So we’re almost there?” Cora asked.

  “Another hour and a half once we leave this road. If we were riding instead of pulling a wagon, it would be a quicker trip, but the wagon is taking time. Sun will be set before we’re there.”

  “Will I need to make dinner when we arrive?”

  “I’m sure Pa or one of the hands took care of feeding themselves. We’ll be able to just unload the wagon, feed ourselves, and then get some rest.”

  CHAPTER THREE

  Levi allowed himself to get so distracted by thinking about the woman next to him that he didn’t pay attention to the road. The wagon wheel slipped off the edge and into a deep rut hard enough to jar the wagon and send Cora against him. The horse stumbled a little, continued to pull — though with difficulty — and the wagon wheel got caught between two rocks poking out of each side of the rut.

  The wood cracked and Levi pulled the horse to a stop as quickly as possible. He hopped off the wagon as soon as it came to a rest and studied the wheel to determine how much damage it suffered.

  It had gotten wedged, but not broken. If he tried to have the horse pull it forward and free it, the wood might truly crack and he’d have difficulty returning home with a broken spoke. Levi straightened up and adjusted his hat, overly aware of Cora’s eyes on him. He wanted to make sure this was taken care of quickly so they could be on their way again.

  Placing his hands on the wheel, he pushed with all his might, checking to see if it gave way at all. The wheel moved only a little, but the rocks scraped and there was nothing else to do but dig it out. Unfortunately, he didn’t have a shovel or any kind of working tool with him.

  Levi looked inside the wagon to see if anything in it might prove useful. There were some canned goods and dried goods, but nothing that looked like he could use as a shovel.

  He pulled out the pocket knife he carried and unfolded the blade. That would help loosen the soil, but would take a long time. Levi turned around in a circle to see if there might be anything nearby that could help. There were no trees he could get branches from, but there were plenty of sage and rabbit brush. The bushes weren’t made of the toughest of wood, but it would help more than just the knife.

  Levi left the trail and walked out toward a bush. After examining the bigger pieces and branches, he sawed one off with his small knife and whittled the branch into a sharp tip.

  “Let me help.” Cora surprised him by appearing right by his side. She reached for the branch, but he turned a little to keep it out of her reach.

  “No need,” Levi grunted.

  Cora clasped her hands together and met his eyes. She seemed exasperated at his refusal and said, “I can help, Mr. Finch. Isn’t that why you sent for me?”

  Levi looked at her, realizing she wasn’t going to give up on this.

  “Guess two is better than one.” He passed the branch to her then went to get another one. When he returned, Cora was on her knees to the side of the wagon wheel, stabbing at the hardened and packed dirt as she attempted to loosen the soil. She’d made decent progress, but the piece of rock looked as if it might be a half buried boulder. He considered chipping away at the soil holding the protruding rock, but it was underneath the wagon.

  The two took turns chipping away at the soil and eventually they got it to where the rock would be movable. Levi stood up and pushed at the rock, making it move a bit back and forth.

  “Go pull on the horse, would you?” Levi asked. “I’ll stay here and see what I can do with the rock.”

  Cora moved to the front of the wagon and he smiled at the sound of her voice speaking gently to the horse. She pulled on the reins and the wagon began to move a little.

  Levi kept an eye on the wheel to be sure it didn’t take any damage.

  “Keep going,” he called to her. The horse took another step forward and the wagon’s wheel moved with ease this time and finally came unstuck.

  “That’s far enough,” he said. The wagon came to a stop and Levi walked to the front to pat the horse on the shoulder. “Good work.”

  Cora gave him a pleased smile and he realized she had thought he was talking to her. He let her think that, knowing he should have actually addressed her instead of the horse. He was definitely in over his head having a woman in his life. “Thanks for the help,” Levi said as he took the reins from her and returned them across the back of the horse and placed them on the front of the wagon.

  “Is the wheel sturdy enough to continue?” Cora asked.

  “It is. Do you need help getting in the wagon?”

  Cora shook her head. “I’ll be fine.” She walked over to her side and climbed up then held the reins for him as he climbed up on his side. Once he was in she turned to him. “How often do you travel this road?”

  “Couple times a year. We go into Birch Creek in the fall before the snow storms. We want to make sure we have enough supplies since traveling in the winter is brutal. On occasi
on, we’ve gone to celebrate the founder’s day in July, but most times we’re too busy at the ranch to leave.”

  “Makes sense, I suppose,” Cora said. She looked out into the distance with a contemplative expression. Was she regretting her choice?

  “It’s not too bad out there,” Levi said. “The ranch is beautiful. I hope you’ll like it.” Levi guided the horse to the right, leaving the main road and transitioning onto the side one that would lead them to the ranch.

  “I hope so, too,” Cora said quietly.

  They continued on in silence. The mishap with the wheel had taken a good half hour with everything and the sun had slipped behind the mountain, leaving the long shadow across the entire valley, but not quite dark enough to see the stars yet.

  It would be another hour to home and as they rode the lonely stretch, Levi realized it didn’t feel quite so lonely now. She didn’t speak, and when he glanced at her, he realized she was nearly asleep while sitting. Her back rested against the backboard as the wagon moved slowly and rhythmically with the horse maintaining a constant pace. It didn’t look like a comfortable way to sleep and he slid over just enough that her shoulder touched his arm.

  After a moment, she leaned into him and rested her head against his upper arm and he was certain she was asleep. Knowing she was comfortable enough to lean into him made his heart happy. He wasn’t sure what to think of the other emotions building. She was a hard working and kind woman. Brave as well. The fact was that she was beautiful and lovely, although really rather small compared to himself. But she wasn’t weak or fragile. He could tell she was solid and strong and he wished he could pull her close and learn more of her.

  After another half mile, he put his arm around her and pulled her close, feeling her practically melt into him. Life with Cora might actually be wonderful.