Chapter Fourteen
The next morning, Addie was gathering her laundry for washday. Worry nagged at her because she’d be outside but there’d be a fire under one of the cauldrons. Surely no wild animal would approach in the daytime with flames and smoke visible.
Terrible commotion sounded from outside. Noah ran to the fireplace and reached for the rifle. “Something’s after my chickens. I bet it’s that cougar.”
Heart in her throat, Addie grabbed the firearm from him. “You promised you’d stay inside the house until the cougar is killed or travels out of our area.”
Noah’s face displayed torment. “I got to protect my chickens. We need them and they’re being killed.”
Addie’s chest hurt. She wanted to hide, but she was in charge and couldn’t let their hens be slaughtered. “You stay in this house and take care of your sisters.”
“You’re ’sposed to stay inside too. How come you can go after that cat and I can’t?”
She sent him her sternest glare. “I’m not going anywhere. Stay inside! Take your sisters upstairs. You can watch from the window.”
Addie strode to the kitchen door, which gave her a good view of the hen house. My word, the cougar was tossing a hen like a child with a ball. She opened the door and stepped onto the back porch.
Her insides quaked but she willed her rubbery legs to support her as she took aim. She’d only get one chance. If she ran back inside, could an angry cougar break through the door or window?
Addie aimed and took her time, just like her father had taught her. Pretend this animal is only a target set up for you to shoot. Only this object was alive and could kill her in a flash if she missed.
She yelled, “Here, kitty, kitty.”
When the animal looked her way, she took her shot. The mighty cat dropped. Was it dead?
Noah and his sisters pounded down the stairs and into the kitchen.
“You did it, Addie, you got him.” Noah stood in the open doorway.
Addie wanted to curl into a ball right there, but she fired two more shots to alert the men—if they were close enough to hear.
Noah tugged on her arm. “I gotta see about my hens.”
She shook her head and held his shoulder. “No, you don’t. Stay where you are. He may just be wounded. Remember, you promised Papa you’d wait inside. He’ll come soon as he can if he heard my shots.”
She stepped into the kitchen and shut the door then leaned the rifle against a wall. No, she couldn’t leave a firearm there with the children present. After picking up the gun, she returned it to its place above the fireplace.
She staggered into the kitchen. “I think we need a glass of milk and cookies, don’t you?”
Daisy clapped her hands. “I do. I always need cookies.”
Noah hung his head, reconciled to waiting. He drug his feet but sat at the table. Daisy was already on her knees in her place. Frannie carried the pitcher of milk.
Addie set out four glasses and sank onto a chair. “Thank you, Frannie. You’re a wonderful helper. Do you mind bringing the cookies too?” The steam had gone out of her and she wasn’t sure her legs would have supported her any longer.
They hadn’t finished their glass of milk when horses galloped into the yard. Forrest ran into the house.
He took in the scene at the table. “Are you all right?”
A pouting Noah announced, “Addie shot the cougar but she won’t let me go look.”
Forrest lifted her to her feet. “Addie? Honey, are you okay? Talk to me.”
The realization she didn’t have to be in charge now hit her and she clung to her husband. “The hens. It killed some of our hens. Oh, Forrest, what if I’d missed?”
Biscuits came inside. “One shot, Addie. You got that cat clean with one shot.”
Forrest kept her in his arms. “Shall we go see?”
Noah and Daisy ran to the door. Frannie caught her sister’s hand and slowed her. Forrest led Addie to the hen’s enclosure.
One side was torn to shreds. Remains of several mutilated hens were visible but she couldn’t bear to see them. She focused on the cougar.
“I didn’t realize he’d be so large.” Tears ran down her cheeks. “Oh, Forrest, he’s a magnificent animal and I killed him.”
He hugged her shoulders. “For which I’m both surprised and grateful. When you said you were a good shot, I didn’t realize you meant this good.”
“I’ve never aimed at a living thing before. I know I had to, but I regret killing such a marvelous creature. He was only finding food he needed to live.”
Forrest gently guided her closer to the cougar. He bent down and picked up a paw. “Look at the claws. Imagine what those could do to a person.”
The children crowded around her. She shuddered at the image of one of those claws ripping into a child.
He opened the animal’s mouth. “Look at the teeth. He’d go for your throat and rip it out. I agree the animal is a splendid example of his type, but he’s a killer.”
“I know, but I’m still sorry he came here and I had to kill him.”
Noah rubbed the cougar’s head. “Papa, can I have him for a rug? He could be in my room.”
Forrest glanced at her. “That’s up to Addie. She’s in charge of what goes into the house.”
Noah hurried to stand in front of her. “Can I, Addie? Please?”
Addie closed her eyes. Could she look at the result of her kill each day? Noah was a good child, but he was a boy and boys liked such things.
“I suppose, as long as you know someone who can tan the hide. That’s outside my ability.”
Forrest leaned near her ear. “Thank you. It’ll mean a lot to him.” Aloud, he said, “I know how to tan the hide.”
Biscuits stood from where he’d been kneeling by the carcass. “I’ll help fix him up. Be right nice for a boy’s room.”
Addie gulped down her tears. “I’d better see if I can salvage any of the dead hens.”
Rowdy met her gaze. “You go on into the house, Ma’am. I’ll see to the hens.”
Noah hurried to Rowdy. “Can I help? I’m supposed to be in charge of the hens.”
Rowdy laid his hand on the boy’s shoulder. “And you do a fine job of tending them. Maybe you’ll help me repair their pen.”
Forrest guided Addie to the house. “Sit down for a while, honey. Or go lie down on our bed. You’ve done a grand job protecting the children and our home. I couldn’t be prouder of you.”
His words poured healing oil on her tender sensibilities. “Thank you. You don’t know how much that means to me for you to say that.”
“Then I’ll remember to say it more often.” He leaned down and kissed her before he turned and went back to tend the animal’s carcass.
Later that evening as they readied for bed, Forrest took off his boots. “That supper included some odd-shaped pieces of chicken, but they tasted delicious. You recovered from this morning’s experience yet?”
She paused from unbuttoning her dress. “Not quite, Forrest. I keep seeing the cougar as it looked up and saw me. He stared into my eyes. I know it sounds crazy, but I… I sort of felt a connection.”
“Indians believe there is one. Maybe they’re right. I’ve heard they ask the animal’s forgiveness.”
With a shiver, she shed her dress. “I hope I never have to kill anything else.” Apprehension akin to foreboding surrounded her like a cloak. She shivered and donned her gown.
He hung his shirt over the rocker’s back. “I do, too. But now both of us know that you can defend our children and home. I won’t worry about you as much when I’m away.”
She looked at him, hope springing into heart. “I didn’t realize you worried about me—or even thought of me while you were working.”
“Of course I do. How could I not? You prepare the lunch we carry with us. I wear the headgear you sewed for me and the new boots you bought me.”
“Oh.” Disappointed, she crawled into bed.
He r
ubbed at his jaw and his voice was conciliatory, “That’s not all, Addie. I confess I find myself wondering what you’re doing at that moment. I see something and think I want to remember to tell you about it when I get home.”
She nodded, her eyes pricking with unshed tears. “Thank you for telling me. I think of you during the day, too. With all that’s going on, I send up a prayer that you’re safe.” And she prayed she’d win her husband’s love but he didn’t need to know that.
“That’s kind of you. The Good Lord knows we need His help. I’m no closer to solving this mystery than I was months ago.”
She reached for the jar of ointment. “I’m sure you will. You’re a smart man. Someday soon, you’ll catch whoever is responsible and put a stop to the troubles. Now, turn over and let me apply this ointment.”
“Gladly. This is one of my two favorite things.”
“Oh? What’s the other?”
He grinned. “When you’re through rubbing the ointment on me, I’ll show you.”
Chapter Fifteen
“Oh, boy, Uncle Ethan is coming.” Noah dashed outside to wait on the front porch.
Frannie froze, her face panicked. She reached for Daisy’s hand.
Addie put her arm around Frannie and whispered. “Don’t worry. I’m here and no one will hurt you.”
The girl turned around and hugged Addie’s waist.
Addie didn’t understand whether the child was afraid of all men except her father and the two cowboys who lived here or whether she was only afraid of her uncle. Well, since he was here, she could return his photo. She retrieved the photograph card.
She heard Ethan’s step on the porch. “Hello there, favorite nephew. Where is everyone?”
“Papa’s working but Addie’s here.” He opened the door for his uncle.
“She’s the one I came to see.” Ethan stepped inside.
Addie forced a thin smile. “Good morning, Ethan. How are you today?”
“Fine and fit as a king.”
She set the photo on the table and stepped away several feet. “Thank you for loaning us the photo. What brings you by when Forrest isn’t here?”
He slid the card into his shirt pocket. “Can’t I stop by to see my kin?”
Frannie’s eyes were saucers and Daisy looked from her sister to Addie.
Addie hoped her smile reassured the children. “Time to start your lessons. Remember where we left off yesterday. You go on in and I’ll be there right away.”
Noah dragged his feet but grabbed the bench and carried it to their school. Frannie ran to the room, dragging Daisy with her.
Ethan stepped closer. “Well, thank you. Now we’re alone.”
Puzzled, Addie went to the other side of the table. “What do you mean by that?”
His grin was a leer. “You know what I mean. I’m kissing kin, remember?”
Addie was shocked. “Not mine, you’re not. That’s entirely inappropriate. You’ve said hello, I’ve returned your photo, and there’s no reason for you to stay.”
In a flash he was around the table. “What kind of hostess are you? After all, I’m family.”
“My husband’s step-brother. How can I forget, especially after the spectacle you made at the Murdoch home? That doesn’t give you any right to be alone with me.”
He slid his hands up her arms. His thumbs brushed her breasts as he did. “I think you owe me a brotherly kiss, Addie. I’ve ridden all this way to see you.”
She grasped the knife she’d left on the counter. “You’d better have come to see your nieces and nephew, which you’ve done. You have your photo and now you should leave.”
“Not until I’ve had a taste of what my brother enjoys. Surely you prefer a whole man to one who’s half scarecrow.” He leaned in as if to kiss her.
She sliced his arm and pushed him away, flourishing the knife. “How dare you? Forrest is ten times the man you’ll ever be. Leave, and don’t return unless you know Forrest is home.”
“Witch! You cut me.” His eyes widened and shock crossed his face as he stared at his injury. He took out a handkerchief and wrapped it around his bleeding arm.
She pointed the knife at him. “I’ll slice off body parts next time.”
His dark eyes took on the depths of evil. “I’m leaving, but I’ll be back and you’ll be sorry. I always get what I want.”
She shook her head but kept the knife poised to strike. “Not if you want me, you won’t. You repel me, you vile creature.”
He left and she heard his horse gallop away. She sagged against the table and dropped onto a chair. Shuddering, she pushed the knife away from her. When she raised her head, all three children watched her from the doorway. Dear merciful heavens, what must they think?
She smiled as cheerfully as possible. “Well, let’s get started on your lessons, shall we?”
Noah was too distressed. Frannie smiled. Daisy was just herself and talked as fast as a comet shooting across the sky.
What should she say? Noah fought tears. Frannie and Daisy watched their brother.
“Noah, would you like to talk to me?”
“Why did Uncle Ethan try to kiss you? Why did you cut his arm?”
She put her arms around him. “That’s hard to explain. Men like your uncle believe all women want to be kissed by them. They can’t take no for an answer. My papa taught me to defend myself when that happened.”
He held on to her and sobbed onto her shoulder. “He shouldn’t have tried to kiss you. You’re married to Papa.”
“That’s right, a man should never force his attentions on any woman. I like being married to your father. He’s a good man and a good father and a good husband. Let’s forget today’s ugliness happened.”
Noah raised his head, his face red and angry. “You should tell Papa!”
Frannie touched her arm and nodded.
“Maybe, but I don’t want to upset your father. He’s had so many bad things to deal with lately. Let’s get busy with our lessons.”
She sat for a moment, fighting for the calm she tried to project. With a sigh, she realized the children waited for her instructions.
Focus, focus, focus.
“Who remembers how to count by fives to one hundred?”
Noah raised his hand. “I do, wanna hear?”
“I’m listening.”
The rest of the day was so pleasant Addie could almost forget the ugly incident with Ethan. When she allowed her mind to wander, though, the terror she’d experienced returned. If only she could tell her husband, but she couldn’t burden him more than he already was.
Chapter Sixteen
At supper, Forrest stared at her with question in his eyes. “Ethan saw us in the field and stopped to talk. He said he’d been by.”
“He stopped by to see the children. I returned the photo he loaned us.”
“I see.” He dug into his food with an odd expression on his face.
Biscuits watched him. Rowdy concentrated on his food. As soon as the meal was over, the two cowboys stood. Biscuits acted as if he wanted to say something but Rowdy nudged him. The older man turned and followed Rowdy to the bunkhouse.
Addie watched them. “Odd they wouldn’t stay for a while.”
“Guess they had better things to do.” But Forrest didn’t look at her.
He went to the parlor and read the newspaper. She was certain he’d already read every word. By now he should have it memorized.
Addie and the children cleaned the kitchen and played dominoes. She had to help Daisy but Frannie did as well as Noah counting by fives again—which had been Addie’s purpose in introducing them to the game.
She read them a story then sent them upstairs to get ready for bed. While they did, she went to sit in the parlor for a few minutes. “Did you have a hard day today?”
“About the usual.” Forrest turned the page, snapped the paper, and ignored her.
She was flummoxed. What had come over him? She gave up and went to check on the children.
Frannie made motions to show she wanted her hair braided.
“Of course.” She brushed the little girl’s hair and plaited it. “You have lovely hair, Frannie.”
Frannie hugged her neck. Addie returned the hug.
Daisy climbed beside Addie. “Can you braid my hair?”
“Certainly.” She brushed hers as she had for Frannie.
“Do I have lovely hair?”
She winked at Frannie. “Yes, you do. You and Frannie are both beautiful girls. What’s even better is that you’re beautiful on the inside as well as the outside.”
Frannie touched Addie’s face, pointed at Addie’s chest, and nodded.
“Thank you, Frannie.” She was so touched she almost cried. “All right, girls, prayers and bed.”
Daisy climbed between the covers. “Are we goin’ to do something fun tomorrow?”
“Maybe. You’ll have to wait and see.”
“So, it’ll be a surprise. I like surprises.”
When they were tucked in, she kissed each one. “Goodnight, sweet girls. Sweet dreams.”
She went to Noah’s room next. He was sitting up in bed.
“Addie, are you gonna tell Papa what Uncle Ethan did?”
She shook her head. “No, Noah, I don’t want to upset him. After all, Ethan is his brother.”
He studied his hands. “So, I should lie to Papa?”
“Never! If Papa were to ask you what happened when Ethan was here, you’d have to tell the truth. Always tell him the truth. And me, too. We love you and want what’s best for you. We need to know what’s really happening.”
“You love me?”
“Very much. I know I’m not your real mother, but I couldn’t love you and your sisters more if I were. You’re each very precious.”
“Do you love Papa?”
Could she admit it? Why would she lie? “Yes, I do.”
“Did you tell him?”
“Not yet. See, he still mourns your mother. I don’t think he’s ready to know I love him yet. He’ll always love your mother, but someday he might find room in his heart for me, too.”
“I loved Mama and I love you. I’m sure glad you came here.”
Montana Sky: Snare His Heart (Kindle Worlds Novella) (Loving A Rancher Book 5) Page 11
