He pretended to be surprised. “Me? Never.” Turning to Noah, he nodded toward the stairs. “Why don’t you run up and get that new shirt and show me?”
Noah raced toward the stairs before she could stop him.
Ethan grasped her arms and tilted his head as if her were going to kiss her. “Now, where were we?”
She tried to pull away but his grip was strong. “You were about to keep your distance, Ethan Campbell, or I swear you will be sorry.”
“You don’t mean that, Addie. You must be tired of looking at all those scars instead of a whole man.”
As hard as she could, she kneed him between his legs. He gasped and bent double.
She quickly moved to the other side of the table. “I do mean it. I happen to find Forrest and his appearance quite satisfactory. He’s everything a real man should be.”
“Here it is, Uncle Ethan. Isn’t it nice?” Noah spoke as he ran into the kitchen. “What’s wrong?”
Addie held Noah in front of her. “Your Uncle Ethan isn’t feeling well and decided he’d better hurry home.”
Still gasping and bent slightly, Ethan reached for his hat. “You’ll regret that.”
She smiled. “Maybe, but I sure don’t right now.”
Ethan limped to the door. She watched to make certain he left. He managed to mount his horse on the second try and rode away.
“Regret what, Addie? What did Uncle Ethan mean?”
“I wouldn’t give him another slice of pie. I only baked two and if I’d given him more there wouldn’t have been enough for supper.”
“I gotta take my shirt back to my room.” Noah ran toward the stairs.
Addie plopped onto a chair and heaved a relieved sigh. She would prefer to never see Ethan again, but Forrest enjoyed his visits. She supposed everyone had in-laws they didn’t like.
Frannie’s eyes were like saucers when she and Daisy emerged from the schoolroom.
Addie wondered how much the sisters had seen and understood. “Did you girls come to help with supper?”
Frannie nodded but she looked worried.
Addie pulled Frannie close. “Did I ever tell you that I have a little revolver in my pocket? I’m only mentioning it in case you worry about being on our own here without your papa.”
The girl’s eyes widened then she smiled.
Daisy crawled onto her knees on the bench. “How come Uncle Ethan gets pie before supper and we don’t?”
Addie grabbed Daisy and tickled her. “Because he doesn’t get supper. We’re having potatoes prepared the way you like them and ham and… green beans.”
When Daisy wrinkled her little nose, Addie laughed.
Frannie did, too, a golden sound.
***
Forrest and his men were changing the water to the next field when Ethan rode toward them. He stood and waved. Biscuits and Rowdy barely glanced up but kept working.
Ethan didn’t get off his horse. “What the heck is that on your head?”
Forrest touched his face covering, pleased again that Addie had sewn it to protect him. “Addie made this to shield my skin while I’m out. Sun makes the scars ache. What brings you here today?”
“Hmph, you too?” His brother scoffed with a frown. “Do I need a reason? Thought I’d ride over and say howdy.”
“You look upset. Something wrong? Hope that cougar didn’t get any of your stock.”
Ethan focused off in the distance. “Naw, I stopped by the house to give Addie that photo she wanted and your new wife upset me.”
“How?” He couldn’t imagine Addie upsetting anyone. The few times she’d been annoyed with him, she was pleasant to everyone else.
For a minute his brother acted as if he might not answer. His face took on a sorrowful expression. “She kind of rubbed up against me. Acted like she was going to kiss me. Of course, you know I’m loyal to you so I left right away.”
“That doesn’t sound like Addie. Surely you’re mistaken.”
Ethan’s expression remained solemn. “Hate to tell you, Forrest. She said something about your scars and about you not being satisfactory or whole. Reckon that’s the real reason she made you that head covering. I wouldn’t dare hurt you by mentioning it except I thought you ought to know what’s she’s like when you’re away.”
“Yeah, well, thanks.” But he wished Ethan had kept that to himself.
“See you another time.” Ethan turned his horse toward his ranch.
As Ethan rode off, Forrest was puzzled. He thought he and Addie had been getting along really well. She was good with the kids, a good cook and homemaker, a passionate wife, and seemed happy.
Maybe she was a good actress, but the idea surprised him. Yet, Ethan had ridden to deliver the message. What was it about him that caused women to turn away from him?
He finished up work without another word to either of his men. On the way back to the house, he was silent while he went over and over what Ethan had said.
Biscuits interrupted his thoughts. “You broodin’ ’bout somethin’?”
Surprise at the man’s question caused him to ask, “What?”
“Ever since your brother stopped off you been keepin’ to yourself. He stirrin’ up trouble?”
On his other side, Rowdy hissed, “Biscuits, shut your mouth.”
Forrest asked, “Why would you ask such a thing, Biscuits?”
After a glance at the younger cowboy, Biscuits shook his head. “Aw, never you mind. Forget I said anythin’ ’bout it.”
Forrest wished he could forget what Ethan had said but his brother had pulled the rug out from under him. His two hands and he took care of their horses and washed up then went inside.
Addie greeted them with a smile. “Hello, how was your day?”
The children surrounded her and she was the picture of a perfect wife and mother. How could he be so easily deceived? And for the second time at that?
“Fine.” He hung his hat on one of the pegs by the kitchen door.
“Ethan brought that photo by and I noticed the photographer is in Sweetwater Springs. I hope we can take it to him soon and also have our family portraits made.”
He stared at her then shook his head. “Are you serious? I’m not having mine taken.”
She touched his arm. “Wait until I explain. You and I could look at one another for the picture. We’d be in profile and your scars wouldn’t show. Then we could have a picture taken of the children. They grow so quickly. I’d like to have their photo taken once a year. I hope you won’t mind, but I have money to pay for them.”
He digested what she said. She didn’t sound as if she hated looking at him or planned to leave. He wished Ethan hadn’t sought him out with his revelation.
For certain, photos of his girls and son would be welcome. “I reckon we can go tomorrow soon as we finish morning chores. We’ll get photos made then pick up supplies. Biscuits, you, too.”
The other man slapped his chest. “Why me?”
“You’re a part of this family, a big part whether you like it or not. Don’t suppose I have to convince you, Rowdy. Figure you’ll want one to give the girl you’re courting.”
Red skin started at Rowdy’s neck and blazed a trail upward to match his hair. “Matter of fact, she’s asked for one. Haven’t gotten around to it ’cause doing so seemed kind of vain. If you think it’s all right then I’d appreciate the chance to have one taken.”
Forrest took his seat. “Then that’s settled.”
Noah hopped around. “Yay, we get to go to town and it’s not Sunday. Can I get a peppermint stick?”
Daisy clapped her hands. “Papa, I want one, too. Don’t you want peppermint, Frannie?”
Frannie smiled and smoothed the escaped tendrils of Daisy’s hair from her sister’s face.
Forrest couldn’t keep from grinning at the eager happiness shining from his children’s eyes. Addie laughed at the children as she set supper on the table. He could almost forget about his brother’s accusations. Almost.<
br />
Biscuits glared at him. “Well, you gonna say grace or keep us sittin’ here with hunger gnawin’ at our backbones?”
He bowed his head and mumbled a prayer he hoped made sense. If not to those at the table, surely God understood what he intended.
Chapter Twelve
Addie hurried through breakfast cleanup while the men finished the chores. Thank goodness she’d completed the girls’ second dresses. Frannie was dressed in sprigged muslin in blue that matched her eyes. Daisy wore pale green calico printed with multi-colored flowers.
“I’m sorry I couldn’t get your second shirt sewn by today, Noah. Perhaps I can get the buttons and buttonholes done before Sunday.”
Noah shook his head. “I don’t mind, Addie. Us men don’t worry as much about new clothes as girls and women.”
She struggled to prevent a chuckle at the boy pretending to be grown. “Thank you, Noah, that’s very mature of you.”
Daisy smoothed her skirts. “I sure like my new dress. I counted ten flowers.”
Noah leaned toward his youngest sister. “There’s a lot more than that. It’d take a long time to count them all.”
Daisy looked at Frannie. “Is that right?”
Her sister nodded.
Daisy tapped Addie on the shoulder. “You’re wearing a different dress than you did when you and Papa got married.”
She smoothed a hand down the brown taffeta trimmed in tan piping with cream lace at the sleeves and throat. “That’s correct, Daisy. Maybe I should be sentimental about my gray traveling suit, this is much prettier for a photograph.”
Noah tapped her on the shoulder. “What’s sentimental mean?”
“That the thing reminds you of something you want to recall with happiness.”
Noah sat back on the bench. “Then I’m sentimental about our trip to town.”
Addie couldn’t help laughing. “Something in the past, Noah. For instance, you can choose a certain time you made a trip to town.”
“Like when we came to meet you and you and Papa got married?”
“I’d be pleased if you recall that trip with happiness.”
What sweet children and they looked so good in their new clothes. Even Biscuits wore his best red shirt and black vest. Forrest was wearing what he’d worn to the wedding, a blue shirt the color of his eyes and a brown leather vest. Rowdy had on a dark green shirt that looked good with his red hair.
The ride to town lifted her spirits even further. Later the day would probably be hot, but at this early hour the air was pleasant. A slight breeze cooled the sun’s rays shining from a bright blue sky.
Her husband was unusually withdrawn but she supposed he was nervous about having his photo taken. At least he’d consented. She wanted copies to send to her parents and sister as well as to display at home.
She’d drawn the ranch house and other buildings and sent the results and a description of the interior to her family. Artistic ability was not her forte, but she wanted them to have a general idea of her home. They’d written with surprise at the size.
Daisy tapped her shoulder then pointed at the roadside. “Look, Addie, we saw that kind of bush on our ’spedition.”
“Good for you, Daisy, for recognizing and remembering.” But the child’s comment reminded Addie that there was a cougar in the area. Surely the animal wouldn’t attack a large group.
They reached the edge of Sweetwater Springs. She enjoyed a leisurely examination of the town as they drove to the center. On her wedding day, she’d been too keyed up to pay much attention. The homes they passed appeared to be neat in spite of dirt streets creating dust.
Forrest glanced at her. “You have your list?”
“Right here in my handbag. I hoped for a chance to look around at the mercantile.”
“Noah can take the list in before we go to the photographer. You can shop all you wish when we come claim the goods you requested.”
She fished the list from her bag and handed it to Noah. When the wagon stopped in front of the mercantile, he hopped down and ran inside. He was back in a few minutes.
Noah climbed into the wagon. “I had to wait because someone was ahead of me. Mr. Cobb said they’ll have everything ready.”
Forrest drove to the barber shop and parked the wagon on the side. A small sign hanging beside the door announced David Lucas, Photography.
Addie waited for her husband to help her down. Excitement thrummed through her. Their crowd trooped into the studio.
Forrest stopped just inside the doorway. “I don’t know about this, Addie. You sure this is necessary?”
She laid her hand on his cheek. “Don’t worry. You’ll be pleased with the result.”
Poor man was so self-conscious about his scars. Were it her, she would be the same. She had to reassure him no one cared how he looked but only that he was an honorable person.
Filled with curiosity, she gazed around the studio to find it wasn’t that different from the one her family used in Atlanta. A backdrop gave the appearance of a garden bower. In front of that, a rug covered the floor. Various chairs and benches were at the side available for posing. The difference from Atlanta was that through an open door, the barbershop was visible.
After looking at her and shaking his head, Forrest walked to the doorway separating the barbershop and studio. “Hey, Lucas, you doing photographs today?”
A middle-aged man with blond hair held a pair of scissors. “Be right there soon as I finish Sheriff Mather’s trim.” In only a few minutes, he brushed hair from the sheriff’s collar and the lawman waved and left.
Addie and Forrest posed looking into one another’s eyes, another with Addie gazing at the camera while Forrest gazed at her, each of the children alone and then together, Biscuits actually smiling, and Rowdy looking self-conscious but happy.
She handed Mr. Lucas the card showing Forrest and Evie. “Can you make copies of this?”
He examined the card. “I reckon I still have the plates in the darkroom.”
“Wonderful. Can you do a portrait size and three just a little smaller? We want one for each child’s room.”
Mr. Lucas’ expression radiated excitement. “Sure can. Mind if I keep this for a few days to remind me?”
They discussed sizes and numbers of each of the poses taken that day. Forrest stood at one side and let her negotiate details.
Mr. Lucas was obviously pleased at the large order. “They’ll be ready on Saturday. You want the portraits colored? If I do say so myself, I do fine work with the paints. You can see a few examples there on the wall behind you.”
Addie examined them then turned back to the photographer. “That would be wonderful. You see the girls’ coloring matches that of my husband. His first wife, Evie, had coloring like our son, Noah. You see the men’s coloring.”
The photographer scribbled notes on a sheet of paper. “Right you are, Mrs. Clanahan. I’ll do you folks a nice job.”
After thanking him, they strolled to the mercantile while Rowdy moved the wagon. She examined the hats in the millinery shop window before proceeding to the store. A young woman inside smiled and waved. She remembered her as the person Rowdy sat beside in church.
Forrest cupped her elbow. “We have time if you want to go in there.”
“Thank you, but I’ll wait until another day. Forrest, I appreciate you giving me the photographs. I’ll treasure them forever. When they’re grown, I’m sure the children will cherish theirs.”
“You’re a force of nature when you make up your mind you want something. Reckon if I said no you’d hogtie me and load me in the wagon anyway.”
She gasped and glanced at him. “I’m not quite that bad, am I?”
He held out his arms. “I’m here, aren’t I?”
When he opened the mercantile door for her, she went inside. The children pushed by and hurried to the candy counter. They were quiet but shifting from one foot to the other and pleading with their eyes.
Forrest laughed and gav
e each one a penny. “Get what you want. Don’t get your clothes dirty or Addie will be mad at all of us.”
Addie ambled up and down each aisle, surprised at the wide selection of merchandise. At the pasta, she selected one package of each kind. She’d forgotten to put that on her list. That required she add tomatoes, spices, and cheese.
A pinch-faced woman asked, “What can I help you with?”
“You must be Mrs. Cobb. I’m Addie Clanahan.”
She sniffed. “Figured that out right away on my own. You want me to put those on the counter?”
In spite of the woman’s rudeness, Addie smiled sweetly. “Why, thank you.” She handed over her stash and continued shopping. At the fabric, she stopped. “Girls, please come here.”
Sucking on a peppermint stick, each girl complied.
“You need curtains and a nice matching coverlet for your rooms. Frannie, you’re oldest, so you choose what you’d like for your room. I know you don’t use it now, but you might soon and it should look pretty.”
Frannie scanned the different offerings. She touched a bolt of lavender sprinkled with tiny white flowers.
“That’s a good choice and will be very pretty when finished. Now, Daisy, what do you choose? Don’t touch it, dear, just tell me.”
Daisy stood with her little face a study in concentration. “Pink’s my favorite color. My dolly Sally likes it best too.”
“I’m glad your doll agrees with you. Thank you both, and now you can go stand by the shoes but don’t touch anything with those sticky hands.”
“Noah, would you come here?”
“I heard what you said to Frannie and Daisy. I don’t care, Addie. I figure you’ll choose something nice—but nothing that looks girlish, okay?”
“Of course not. You’ll get something manly.” She chose a patriotic print for him.
Forrest strolled up and gave her a lopsided smile. “You buying out the store?”
“Just about. I’d like curtains for the bedroom windows. Would you like to tell me which design you prefer?”
He stepped back and raised his hands in surrender. “You choose.”
She really wanted his opinion so she held up the ugliest selection she could see. “How about this and I could put ruffles and lace on it?”
Montana Sky: Snare His Heart (Kindle Worlds Novella) (Loving A Rancher Book 5) Page 9
