Montana Sky: Snare His Heart (Kindle Worlds Novella) (Loving A Rancher Book 5)

by Caroline Clemmons

  Noah scampered after his father. The boy adored Forrest. Soon he was back with a large green bottle.

  “Papa said to give you this horse liniment.”

  “Horse liniment?” She took the bottle under protest. “He wants me to use something made for horses?” How insulting.

  Noah shrugged. “Everyone uses it when they have sore muscles. Do you have them?”

  “Very sore and your father thought Frannie might be willing to rub some of the liniment on my back.” She looked at the silent girl. “Would you?”

  Frannie nodded and took the container.

  Noah edged toward the stairs. “Papa said I was supposed to go to my room and play or the school room and study while Frannie works on you.” He raced up the stairs.

  “I think he prefers his toys to lessons, don’t you?” Addie lowered her dress off her shoulders.

  Frannie smiled and nodded and uncorked the bottle. The girl gestured to the bench.

  Addie sat and waited. The little girl’s hands were surprisingly strong, although nothing like her father’s had been earlier. Whatever was in the liquid created a warm, tingling sensation that soothed her muscles.

  “Thank you, Frannie. I already feel better.”

  Frannie looked pleased while she corked the bottle and set it on a shelf as high as she could reach.

  Addie watched. “You’re getting tall. I had no idea you could reach such lofty places.”

  Daisy rushed up to Addie and tugged at her skirts. “I’m getting tall, too. Wanna see how high I can reach?”

  “Of course. Show me, Daisy.”

  Daisy tiptoed and tried to reach the shelf where Frannie had set the liniment. She lacked a foot.

  “That’s good, Daisy. You and Frannie are both growing so fast. I’d better get busy making you more dresses.”

  “Really? Did you hear, Frannie, we get ’nother new dress.”

  “Do you wear britches like Noah in the winter?”

  Frannie nodded but made a face.

  Daisy said, “They’re ugly and itchy.”

  “Before winter, I’ll make sure you have some made especially for you that are not scratchy but are warm. I might even make me a pair.”

  Frannie covered her mouth with her hand and laughed—the first sound Addie had heard the child utter since she’d arrived. Now Addie knew Frannie hadn’t lost all ability to make sounds.

  Addie pretended the laugh was nothing. “Just wait, you’ll be glad when we’re all bundled up to play in the snow.”

  Frannie nodded, her blue eyes sparkling.

  Daisy tugged on Addie’s skirt. “Will you really play in the snow with us?”

  “I will. Not all the time because I have to cook and clean, but there’s always time for fun. Now, let’s clean the kitchen and then we’ll have your lessons.”

  Daisy skipped to the drawer that held cup towels. Frannie gathered plates and carried a stack to the counter beside the sink.

  “You two are good helpers.”

  When they were finished, she wondered if Frannie could summon her brother.

  But, Noah bounded down the stairs. “Do we have to do lessons now?”

  “You know, maybe we should go on an expedition today and look at nature.”

  Daisy clapped her hands then stopped. “What’s a ’spedition?”

  “An expedition is a trip to investigate. We can take our lunch and have a picnic.”

  Noah, Daisy, and Frannie jumped up and down.

  He said, “I can carry stuff.”

  “We can each carry something. Where would I find a picnic blanket?”

  Noah shouted, “I’ll get it.” He ran to a chest where he also retrieved a hamper.

  “Okay, let’s make our sandwiches. Do we have any canteens?”

  Frannie opened the hamper and held up two.

  Addie quickly made sandwiches and filled the canteens with water. “Frannie, would you get my shears and we’ll take them for samples we find.”

  Noah volunteered, “I can carry the hamper.”

  Addie feared it would be too heavy for him but didn’t want to injure his pride. “Why don’t you take the blanket because it’s bundlesome and hard to carry? Frannie, you hold Daisy’s hand. I’ll carry the hamper and we’re ready.”

  Frannie handed her a sunbonnet and donned a smaller model.

  “Thank you for remembering. I wouldn’t want to get sunburned.” She fastened the bonnet and then tied Daisy’s under the child’s chin.

  At first Addie thought she must be wearing Evie’s sunwear, but realized everything of Evie’s would have burned. Donations, she decided, grateful someone had included an adult size.

  They traipsed outside past the smokehouse and the pig pen and toward the canal. Beyond the large garden were fields of ripening grain and corn. Apple trees stood at the garden’s end. A row of mixed shade trees lined the banks at the water’s edge.

  “Don’t go too close to the stream. Remember Rowdy almost drowned and your father had to save him. Papa’s not here so we have to be extra careful.”

  Noah shifted the blanket. “What are we investigating?”

  “First let’s see how many different plants we can find and whether we can name them.” She cut a twig from a willow tree. “Do you know what this is?”

  “It’s a willow.” Noah was obviously proud of his knowledge.

  “That’s right. Daisy, why don’t you carry this twig for me?”

  They found samples for a while longer before Addie suggested Noah spread the blanket so they could look at their collection. She talked about each one and what it contributed to the land and to people. Daisy spun in circles until she was too dizzy to stand.

  She plopped onto her stomach. “I’m hungry, aren’t you?”

  Noah ruffled his sister’s hair. “You’re always hungry.”

  “I hafta eat to grow, don’t I?”

  Later, on their way back to the house, Noah asked, “Will we go on another expedition soon?”

  “We will. Let’s think of something new to look for next time.”

  When Forrest and the men returned that evening, he hung his hat on the peg and faced Addie. “We saw cougar sign. If you leave the house even for a few steps, take the rifle. Don’t let the kids play in the yard for a while.”

  She clutched her hands at her breast and her legs threatened to become rubber. “Dear merciful heavens. Today we walked to the canal and had lessons and a picnic under the trees.” Closing her eyes, she gave thanks they hadn’t encountered the animal.

  Forrest held her shoulders. “Hey, you’re all right, but that little pistol wouldn’t discourage a cougar. More likely just enrage the thing.”

  She gazed into his dark blue eyes. “I realize that and it makes me sick to my stomach to think what might have happened. Suddenly, I’m longing for sidewalks, civilization, and the policeman on patrol.”

  He pulled her against him and rubbed her back. “I didn’t tell you to frighten you, Addie. You need to know so you can take precautions. We have all kinds of wildlife, from bears to bobcats.”

  A chill sped down her spine when he released her. “Will you hunt the animal?”

  “Not at this time of year. Near calving, we would. If we spot him, we’ll kill him but big cats travel on a route so this one will keep on the move. Likely deer will be his meal.”

  Daisy tugged at her skirt. “You mean we can’t go on a ’spedition again?”

  Addie patted the little girl’s back. “Not for a while. Don’t worry, there are lots of fun things we can do instead and stay safely inside.”

  The little girl skipped to her siblings. “Did you hear? We’re gonna do fun things ’stead of a ’spedition.”

  Addie wondered which of her list she could implement tomorrow. These were good children, but they were bright and required her at her sharpest. While they were reading their lesson books one day, she’d made a list of possibilities.

  As if he’d read her mind, Forrest leaned near her ear. “You
have something planned to keep them inside?”

  “Yes, thank goodness.” She held on to his arm. “Forrest, what about gathering eggs?”

  “Right.” He turned to the children. “While the cougar’s in this area, you three stay inside, you hear? I’ll gather the eggs for a while.”

  Noah’s expression left no doubt he was disappointed. “Papa? You said I’m in charge of the chickens. That’s my rancher job.”

  “And you do first class work. Don’t worry, you’re still boss of the chickens’ care and feeding but I’ll fill in for you a few days.”

  After supper they gathered in the parlor. Addie relaxed and knitted a red sweater for Noah. No doubt due to his annoyance at having to relinquish his egg duty to his father, the boy was in a bad mood—unusual for him. He picked a fight with his sisters by running his train over their skirts.

  Frannie made a face and hit him without speaking.

  Daisy hit him too. “You did that on purpose. That was mean.”

  He stuck his face in hers. “You bumped my train.”

  “Did not.”

  Frannie shook her finger at her brother.

  Forrest snapped his fingers. “That’s enough of that. You know you’re not allowed to fight. Noah, go to your room and get ready for bed now.”

  He grabbed his train pieces and stood. “Aw, Papa. You always take their side.”

  “Wrong, I don’t take anyone’s side. I saw you start that ruckus and now I’m ending it. You scoot up to bed pronto.”

  When Noah had time to get to his room, Addie laid her head on Forrest’s shoulder. “Don’t you hate when you have to discipline them?”

  “Hurts me every time.”

  Before he left their room the next morning, she collected her nerve and showed him what she’d made. “You said the sun hurts your scars so I made you something I hope is better than a towel.”

  She draped the covering she’d made of tan cotton over his head. The semi-mask covered the top of his head and all of the scarred area. Ties secured it across his nose and under his chin.

  He looked in the mirror. “I look like a bank robber.”

  “No you don’t. Take the towel with you, though, in case this is too hot tied up close to your skin.”

  He turned this way and that to examine the hood. “Why did you choose brown?”

  “White shows up too much. If someone has a vendetta against you, I don’t want him to be able to pick you off so easily.”

  “Thank you. Nice to know you don’t want to get rid of me.”

  “I plan to keep you fifty or sixty years.”

  His lopsided smile was visible in spite of his covering. “After that, we’ll have to talk about new terms.”

  “Rowdy said something about riding to town today.”

  “I need supplies. Mostly I’m giving him a chance to see his girl.”

  “That’s really nice of you. He’s very smitten.”

  “He’ll get the mail while he’s in town.”

  “I have letters to send and I hope I have a letter from my parents.”

  He touched his face. “Addie, thanks for the headgear. Nice to know you thought enough of me to sew this thing.”

  Chapter Eleven

  Rowdy returned from town with several pieces of mail and a copy of Frank Leslie’s Monthly Magazine. “Something for you, Addie.”

  She looked at the envelope and recognized her sister’s hand. The second one was from her father. “Excuse me, Rowdy. I can’t wait to read these.”

  She sat at the kitchen table and opened the one from her sister. The children gathered around her. “How wonderful—Erroll, that’s my sister’s beau, proposed and they’re getting married in July.”

  Her father’s letter contained money. Before she counted it, she read his letter. There was also a note from her mother. “They might come here for Christmas. Isn’t that exciting?”

  Noah wore a perplexed expression. “Why did you get money? Did he think you needed to buy something?”

  “The money is a wedding gift to your father and me. I’m supposed to buy things for us and the house. What do you think we need most?”

  Daisy clapped her hands. “Candy.”

  Noah shook his head. “I can’t think of anything.”

  Frannie pointed at her feet.

  Addie nodded. “Shoes that fit. I’m sure your father will agree to that.”

  When the men came in for supper, Addie told Forrest about the gift. “What do you think we need most?”

  Forrest shook his head. “That’s for you to decide. The house is your domain. Whatever you want is fine with me.”

  She slid the letters into her apron pocket. “I’ll think about things and make a list.”

  The next afternoon a rider arrived, looped his horse’s reins around the hitching post, and came to the door. Through the window the children waved at him, so she opened the door.

  He took off his hat. “Howdy, Ma’am. My name’s Whitey Knox from the Murdoch’s spread. Miss Edwina sent you this.” He handed her an envelope.

  “Won’t you come in for coffee and a piece of pie?”

  “If you don’t mind, Ma’am, that’d be real nice.” He left his hat on a peg and took a seat and removed his gloves.

  Noah sat beside him. “Did you know there’s a cougar around?”

  “Sure did. We found a deer carcass that proved he’d passed our way but none of us have seen him. You folks catch sight of him?”

  Noah answered before Addie could. “Papa saw signs. We hafta stay in the house until the cougar moves on.”

  “Good idea. I’m keeping on the lookout. I figure my horse will let me know before I see the animal.”

  Addie set a mug of coffee and a generous slice of apple pie in front of him. “If you don’t mind, I’ll read this in case it requires a reply.”

  “You go right ahead. Miss Edwina told me to wait for your answer.” He dug into his pie.

  She unfolded the sheet of paper and read. “How lovely. She’s invited us for dinner Sunday. Biscuits and Rowdy are included too. Please tell her we’ll be delighted, except I don’t know if Rowdy will have other plans.”

  He swallowed a huge bite of pie. “He’s courtin’ Miss Amelia’s assistant, isn’t he?”

  She nodded. “He’s a nice young man and I’m glad he’s found someone.”

  “Where will they live if they get hitched?” He took a swig of coffee.

  She shrugged. “I haven’t a clue. I guess he and Paulette will figure that out when the time comes.”

  Whitey traced his fork through the crumbs in his plate. “Wish I could find someone. Don’t know where we’d live, but I’ll bet the Murdoch’s would let me build a little house at their place.”

  “What a good idea. I’ll bet Forrest would do that for Rowdy. Isn’t it nice we’ve solved that problem?”

  He looked at her over the rim of his mug. “Rowdy’s, not mine.”

  “You could send for a mail-order bride. When you live in Montana Territory, mail-order seems to be the easiest way to find a wife.”

  “I’m saving to do that very thing. The ticket and cash for the trip are expensive plus I’d have to build and furnish a house.” He pushed his empty plate away.

  She refilled his mug. “Don’t you think your boss and others nearby would help with the construction?”

  He drank most of the brew before setting it down. “Hadn’t thought of that but they probably would. You’ve cheered up my day, Mrs. Clanahan.”

  After finishing the coffee, he stood. “I’d best be getting back. Thank you for the pie and coffee.”

  “I’ll see you Sunday. Tell Mrs. Murdoch I’ll look forward to seeing their family again.”

  Whitey had only been gone fifteen minutes when Ethan rode up to the house. He opened the door without knocking, which annoyed Addie. True this was his brother’s home, but it was hers too and he had to know Forrest wasn’t home.

  Noah ran to greet him. “Uncle Ethan, did you know there
’s a cougar around?”

  “Really? I’ll be careful.” He lifted Noah and turned him in a somersault. “How’s my favorite nephew?”

  Frannie hurriedly took Daisy to the schoolroom. They loved school lessons.

  “I’m your only nephew. Only now that Addie and Papa are married, she might get me a brother. Then you’d have two nephews.”

  Ethan ruffled Noah’s hair. “Aw, you’d still be my favorite.” He poured himself a cup of coffee and sat at the table. “I’ll take a slice of that pie.”

  His lord-of-the-manor attitude annoyed her. This wasn’t his manor. She cut a smaller slice of pie than she had for Whitey and set it in front of Ethan. “Did you find the photo I asked to borrow?”

  He took a photo card from his pocket and set it on the counter. “You promised you’d return this unharmed.”

  “And I meant that.” Addie examined the photo. Forrest and Evie made a handsome couple. Forrest appeared happy. “What brings you to call at this time on a weekday?”

  Ethan flashed his charming smile. “Do I need a special reason to call on my sister-in-law and check on my nephew and nieces?”

  “No, except I would expect you to wait until Forrest is here so you can visit with your brother.”

  “You mean I’m not welcome?”

  Noah hung on Ethan’s every word.

  “That’s not what I said.”

  He punched Noah on the arm. “I think that’s what she meant, though, don’t you?”

  “Nuh-uh. Addie says what she means.” He looked at her. “Don’t you, Addie?”

  “Most of the time.” She scooped up Ethan’s empty plate and his fork and put them in the hot water she’d drawn to wash Whitey’s plate and mug.

  Ethan came up behind her and nuzzled her neck. “Wouldn’t mind a taste of this.”

  She jumped away then whirled to face him. “What did you say?”

  He laughed at her, his dark eyes glinting. “That I wouldn’t mind more pie, what did you think I said?”

  She knew what she’d heard and how he’d rubbed against her as if she were his. She met his grin with a scowl. “There for a second, I thought you were way out of line.”