They were very late returning. She paced back and forth.
Noah said, “Papa’s late a lot in summer.”
“Oh. Well, he said he didn’t know when they’d come in today. I think you and the girls should go ahead and eat.”
Noah and Frannie set the butter and milk in the table’s center and Daisy carried the jam. The children ate their stew and drank their milk. She buttered a slice of bread and added jam for each of them.
She heard the wagon and quickly readied the men’s places. The door opened and Addie’s heart hit her knees.
Her floor, her beautifully clean floor. Her aching back and knees protested.
The dirtiest, muddiest three people she’d ever seen dragged inside. Forrest and Biscuits supported Rowdy. Her horror must have shown on her face.
Forrest met her gaze. “Sorry, Addie, we had a little trouble today.” His sandy blond hair was muddy brown and his face matched.
“What’s wrong with Rowdy?” She poured coffee as she spoke and set the mugs on the table for the men.
“Sorry about the mess, Addie.” Rowdy offered an apologetic smile as he collapsed onto a chair. “Almost drowned. Boss saved me.” His red hair was the color of mud and his blue eyes red-rimmed and bloodshot.
Biscuits plopped onto his seat. “Some dadburn yellow-bellied polecat, egg-sucking coyote, lowdown snake-in-the-grass caved in the irrigation canal. Made a awful mess.”
Forrest reached for his coffee. “We have a couple more days of digging to get water flowing again. Afraid we’ll look like this tomorrow and the next day, only hopefully Rowdy won’t be half-drowned.”
“You men can’t sleep like that. Noah, go to the bunk house and fetch clean clothes for Biscuits and Rowdy. Frannie, you help me fill pans with water and I’ll set them to heating so they can each bathe.”
Biscuits shook his head. “Won’t do no good. We’ll look like this again tomorrow.”
“Well, you can bathe tomorrow night, too. No one should have to sleep covered in mud.” She ladled bowls of thick stew and set one at each place then sliced the bread.
When Noah returned, she asked him, “Can you bring in the bathtub or do you need help?”
He shrugged. “I can drag it. If you want it carried, I need help.”
She followed him to the back porch and helped set the tub by the range. “Girls, go upstairs so the men can bathe as soon as they eat.”
Daisy frowned. “Don’t we get dessert?”
“I’ll bring it upstairs. Hurry now. These men are exhausted and need to get to sleep.” She laid out a stack of towels and started filling the tub from the range’s reservoir.
Forrest said, “You’re correct about that, Addie. Can’t remember ever being this tired.”
Rowdy protested, “Addie, we can’t use those white towels. They look new and we’ll ruin ‘em.”
“Well, these are to be used and that’s what you’ll do. Now, I’ll get Forrest a change of clothes and then leave you men to get clean.” She hurried upstairs and gathered her husband’s underwear and a pair of pants. He shouldn’t need more to come to bed.
Biscuits rose. “I’ll put the horses away while you start, Boss. Won’t take me long.” He moseyed out the door as if he could barely walk.
Noah ran after him. “I’ll help. I know how.”
She took a deep breath. “All right, Forrest Clanahan, you come upstairs as soon as you’ve bathed. Rowdy and Biscuits can sleep in the spare rooms. Neither looks like he can make it across to the bunk house. Goodnight, men.”
She climbed the stairs thinking of how hard she’d scrubbed today. Guilt bit her hard, reminding her Rowdy had almost lost his life. That meant that Forrest could have died rescuing him. She had to keep in mind ranching was dangerous.
In the girls’ bedroom, she remembered the dessert. “I’m sorry, girls, I forgot your apple cobbler. Tomorrow, you can have a double helping. Right now, your papa needs to bathe so he can come to bed and get lots of sleep.”
Sweet-lover Daisy pouted. “Are you gonna hear our prayers ’stead of Papa?”
“If you let me, I’d be honored.” She listened while Daisy blessed every person and every creature on the ranch. She lowered the lamp. “Goodnight. Sweet dreams.”
Noah came to the master bedroom twenty minutes later. “Is Papa gonna die tomorrow?”
She touched his shoulder and guided him to his room. “No, dear. Why would you think that?”
“They said Rowdy almost drowned and Papa could have died saving him. He won’t drown tomorrow, will he?”
She sat on the side of the boy’s bed and held the boy’s shoulders. “Rowdy fell in but your father rescued him. No one will fall in tomorrow. Now they have to dig and it’s very hard work because instead of dirt, they’re shoveling mud. In a couple of days, things will be back to normal.”
He struggled not to cry. “I can’t help being scared sometimes. Mama died and I don’t want Papa to die too.”
What a lot of worry for a small boy to carry. Addie hugged him to her. “Your papa plans on living right here until you have grandchildren of your own.”
After pulling away enough to meet her gaze, he asked, “Me? That will be a long, long time. What if I don’t get married?”
“You will, Noah, because you’re a handsome young man and a very good person. Lots of women will want to marry you. You only have to pick the right one. Now, do you feel safe enough to go to sleep?”
He offered her a tentative smile. “Yeah, I guess I do now.”
“I listened to the girls’ prayers. Do you want me to hear yours?”
“Okay.” He bowed his head. “Thank you, God, that Rowdy and Papa didn’t drown. Protect them tomorrow and Biscuits too. Bless Frannie and Daisy and Addie. Amen.”
“Thank you for including me. Get in your pajamas and get into bed. If you ever get scared, come tell me. Do we have a bargain?”
“Sure, will you tell me if you’re scared?”
“Of course.” But she wouldn’t frighten the boy more than he already was.
She returned to the room she shared with Forrest. After changing into her gown, she dug out the ointment she’d purchased from her family’s doctor in Atlanta. She hoped her husband would allow her to use it on him.
Soon, Forrest almost stumbled into the room. “Bath helped. Thanks for thinking of it.” He climbed between the sheets.
She held up the jar. “Now I want to smooth this ointment on your scars.”
He turned so his back was to her. “I knew you’d hate looking at them and I’m right, aren’t I? Nothing will erase them, Addie, I thought you understood that.”
“You misunderstand. This ointment is to lessen the pulling of the tissues. Our family doctor in Atlanta was well-known for treating burn patients. He said this will make the scars less uncomfortable.”
He rolled to his back, appearing mollified. “Well… that would be welcome. Got too much sun today and that makes the stretching hurt worse. Should have worn a cup towel hanging from my hat to shade them.”
“I know you’re exhausted, so just lay there and let me smooth this on and rub until it’s absorbed.”
“You’ll stain these fancy sheets.” He fingered the flowers she’d embroidered along the top edge.
“They launder. Quit complaining and be still.”
She’d made the sheets expressly for her marriage bed. Now the hours of workmanship didn’t seem as important as easing her husband’s pain.
“Yes, Ma’am.” He rolled to his side to give her access.
She started with his face. In slow, circular motions she rubbed on the ointment. He exhaled a deep breath and closed his eyes. Before she finished with those on his arm and shoulder, he was fast asleep.
She thought how handsome and peaceful he looked. He must suffer constantly from the scarring. Maybe the ointment would help permanently as her doctor predicted. She prayed it would. With a sigh, she lowered the lamp and went to sleep.
She woke early and s
tretched.
He stood pulling on his britches and smiled. “That stuff did the trick. Easier to move this morning.”
“That’s wonderful. I’d better get coffee going.” She climbed from bed and reached for her robe.
“Biscuits is up and puttering around in the kitchen.”
She slid her feet into her slippers. “He needs to relax while he can. You three were beaten to chaff by the time you got home last night.”
“At least we won’t have to swim today. Got a third of the way opened up. I’d like to know who’s causing these problems.”
“There’s no law nearby, is there?”
“There’s a good sheriff in Sweetwater Springs and a few guards at the mine in Morgan’s Crossing. We’re pretty much on our own here unless there’s advance notice. I reported the mischief to the sheriff so he’d have it on record. Had El Davis take a note to Michael Morgan in Morgan’s Crossing to alert him. Unless we catch someone or can prove who it is, there’s no way for anyone to help.”
“How long have you been having trouble?”
“Started a few months before the fire. Slacked off some while I was bedfast, but picked up once I was up and around.”
The news hit her at her core. Whoever was causing problems must be directing them at her husband. “Please be careful, Forrest. Someone means dirty business. If he was willing to murder Evie and your girls, he won’t stop at anything.”
He held her shoulders. “I know, that’s why I want you to keep your pistol on you. The rifle over the mantle is loaded. Noah can shoot it but his aim’s not true yet. In a pinch, he’d be able to help, though. If you need help, fire the rifle three times into the air.”
“I pray we never have to put his aim to the test.” She wondered how far the sound would carry. Would the men be able to get to the ranch in time to help?
Chapter Eight
On Sunday morning, Addie sat beside her husband as he drove the wagon to town. Each of the girls wore a new dress, Frannie in lavender sprigged muslin and Daisy in pink embossed with tiny white flowers. Addie had finished Noah’s red plaid shirt only last night.
Grumbling, Biscuits sat on a bench behind the children. Rowdy rode his horse because he’d been invited to dine with Paulette Norris, her mother, and her sister in their rooms behind the millinery shop.
The young man was handsome in his best clothes and wearing a happy expression. “Boss, you don’t mind if I sit with the Norris family do you?”
Forrest shook his head. “Guess you should since you’ll be going there for dinner.”
When they reached the church, Forrest helped Addie down and escorted her with the children and Biscuits trailing behind them. Inside the door, he tried to pull away so she could go ahead.
She held firmly to his arm. “You said you’d sit with the children and me.”
He closed his eyes and took a breath. “I know… but… I’ve lost my nerve. I’ll wait here and meet you at the wagon after the service.”
She tightened her grip and smiled sweetly for onlookers. “That’s not acceptable. We stay together because we’re a family. Anyone who doesn’t like your scars can look the other way.” She drew him with her.
Murmurs rippled across those seated. Hating that he had to dread people, she knew they’d soon become used to his appearance. Heaven knew she understood the sensation of being the object of stares.
He whispered, “They’re talking about me. I should have waited at the back.”
“Of course, they are. I’m sure they’re saying how nice it is you’ve brought your new wife to church and are sitting with her and your children.”
He mulled that over a couple of seconds. “Reckon that may be part of the speculation at that.”
He stopped and gestured for her to precede him. “Here’s where our family always sits.”
Biscuits scooted in first. Next Frannie brushed by her followed by Daisy and then Noah. She followed the boy. Before she could be seated, a man in the pew behind stood and extended his hand.
He had dark hair and a friendly expression in his blue eyes. “Sure glad to see you, Forrest. Heard you’d married.”
“Seth, this is my wife, Addie. The strawberry blond sitting with him is his wife, Trudy Flanigan.”
“I’m so happy to meet you.”
Trudy extended her hand to Addie. “We’re happy for Forrest. You’ll love living in the Sweetwater Springs community.”
Before she could answer, a blond man stepped from the pew across the aisle. He carried a dark-haired toddler in one arm and extended his other hand to Forrest. “About time you sat with your family, Clanahan.” He extended his hand to Addie. “I’m Jonah Barrett and this is Adam.”
Daisy pushed past Noah and held her skirts out at each side. “Adam, look at my new dress.”
At the sanctuary’s front, Reverend Norton stood at the lectern. “Please, take your seats and we’ll begin.”
Jonah whispered, “Later.” He quickly sat beside a dark-haired woman who leaned forward and offered a smile and small wave.
After the service, the woman rushed to Addie. “I’m Lina Barrett. I hope you’ll all come to dinner with us today.” She leaned sideways. “You, too, Mr. Buchanan.”
Addie looked at Forrest. He shrugged as if leaving the decision up to her.
“We’d love to, Lina, if you’re certain you want this many invading your home.” She looked at Biscuits. “Is that all right with you, Biscuits?”
He nodded and grinned. “Miz Barrett’s a mighty good cook.”
The pert shorter woman smiled. “We always hope for guests. I love to cook and look forward to getting to know you. You take time meeting people and we’ll go ahead home. Forrest knows the way.”
“Thank you. I’m grateful everyone’s so friendly.”
A bevy of people introduced themselves and moved on. Addie doubted she’d be able to keep the names straight but she was touched by their cordial welcome. Several couples lingered.
A tall, elegant woman took Addie by the hand. “I’m Darcy Walker.”
“Thank you for staying longer to introduce yourself, Darcy.”
“That shy man behind me is my husband, Gideon.”
The name clicked and Addie went to him. “Oh, you made that beautiful furniture!” She clasped his right hand in both of hers. “You were so generous to give your wonderful creations to Forrest. I marvel at them every day.”
Gideon’s blush showed red against his almost silvery light hair. “Glad you like it.”
Beside him, Darcy said, “We know what losing everything in a fire is like. Fortunately, when our house burned we were able to live in Gideon’s workshop until he completed the new home.”
“I’m so pleased to meet you both. I hope you’ll come for a visit soon.”
Darcy’s smile lit her gray eyes. “We will.”
Two young women and one about middle age waited for the Walkers to leave.
Forrest cupped her elbow. “These are the Murdochs, our nearest neighbors. Men, would you stand by your wives?”
When the three men had complied, Forrest presented them, beginning with the older couple. “This is Edwina and Kevin Murdoch. Next, Charity is married to Logan. Amelia owns the millinery shop and is married to Sean.”
Sean grinned. “I think I should have come before the shop.”
His wife sent him a coquettish smile. “Are you certain he didn’t get them in the right order, dear?”
Edwina said, “We’ll have you over soon. I’d love to get to know you.”
“Thank you. Now, we should go. We’re supposed to have dinner with the Barretts and I hate to keep them waiting for us. I see Biscuits is already in the wagon.”
Charity held her husband’s arm. “Lina is a wonderful cook. She’ll even share her recipes.”
Logan shook his head and gently guided her away. “They’re going to be late for dinner with Lina and Jonah.”
Forrest picked up Daisy. “We’d best hurry before Biscuits leave
s without us.”
They rode on a different road than the one to the ranch.
Forrest turned off the road onto a narrower one. “You can see there are more trees surrounding the Barrett home.”
She surveyed her surroundings. “Is he a rancher?”
“No, he’s a farmer and a good one.” Forrest chuckled. “His main crop may have to become tomatoes for Lina’s sauces. She’s of Italian descent and makes enough for the whole community.”
Jonah and Adam waited on the porch for them. “Glad you’re here. Lina has dinner ready to serve.”
Biscuits climbed down. “I’ll take care of the horse. You go on in but save my place. I aim to load up on her cooking.”
At the door, a delicious aroma greeted Addie. “My goodness, the smell is making my mouth water.”
Lina was wearing an apron. “Come in, come in. As soon as Biscuits gets inside, we’ll eat. Children, I’ve made you a place here at Adam’s little table. Noah I think you’re old enough to join the grownups.”
Noah puffed out his chest. “Thank you, Mrs. Barrett.”
Addie whispered, “Thank you, Lina.” Aloud, she asked, “What can I do to help?”
“Nothing. Why don’t you sit by Forrest? Noah will sit by Biscuits.”
After the blessing, she removed a pan from the oven. “This is my lasagne alla napoletana. I baked it yesterday and just reheated it.”
Lina took the lid off a large pan of tube-shaped pasta swimming in marinara sauce topped with cheese. “This is baked ziti, a favorite of Adam’s. Beside it, the circles are eggplant parmesan.” Next to it sat a plate holding two loaves of bread already sliced. Nearby were butter, honey, and jam.
Lina pointed with a wooden spoon. “On the dark blue plate is salsiccia, which is peppers and onions with a tiny bit of sauce. Next to it is the sliced polenta, which you can eat alone or cover in the marinara sauce. The tureen holds minestrone soup, which is why you have a bowl by your plate.”
Lina took her seat. “Addie, have you eaten Italian food before?”
“Yes, but it certainly didn’t smell this delicious.”
Lina passed the bread and butter. “This is my grandmother’s recipe for marinara. I will send some home with you.”
Montana Sky: Snare His Heart (Kindle Worlds Novella) (Loving A Rancher Book 5) Page 6
