Always, Stone

by Nan O'Berry

  “Your mighty quiet today, Stone,” Ransom began. “Something a matter?”

  He paused and looked up. “No, not with me.” Then, he went back to brushing.

  Out of the corner of his eye, he caught sight of Clay’s slight grin and his nudge against Ransom’s ribcage.

  “You sure?” Clay grinned.

  “Me? Yeah, sure.” Stone brushed the horse a bit harder.

  Ransom glanced at his hands. “Heard Anna talking to Dell and Emma.”

  “Oh?” Stone looked up to find Ransom staring at him.

  “Yep, says you got yourself a girl.”

  Stone lips pressed together. “Anna talks too much.”

  Both former riders laughed loudly.

  “What?” He glanced from Clay to Ransom.

  Ransom snorted and looked at Clay. “He has no clue.”

  Clay shook his head. “No, no he don’t.”

  Anger boiled in Stone’s veins. He tossed the brush into the bucket outside the stall so hard the horse startled and throwing his head up, backed away. “Take that back,” Stone ground through gritted teeth as he made his way out of the stall prepared to do battle.

  Both Clay and Ransom backed away with their hands up but the smiles never faded.

  “Easy now, Stone,” Clay urged.

  “Take it easy, you’re under the influence,” Ransom explained through his laughter.

  “Influence of what?” Stone demanded.

  “Love,” Ransom replied.

  Stone came to an abrupt halt. He stared from one cowboy to the other.

  Ransom stepped forward and extended his right hand. “Welcome to the club, Stone. It couldn’t happen to a nicer fella.”

  Stone clasped Ransom’s hand.

  Ransom drew him forward with a vigorous shake and thumped his back. “Congratulations.”

  Clay moved up and took Stone’s hand. “I have to say it was getting a bit lonely with only three of us in this club. With a fourth, we’ll be able to play a good hand of cards.”

  Stone shook his head. “I can’t wait for you to meet her.”

  “Well, she’s got to be special to put up with you.”

  Chapter 12

  Stone adjusted his tie for the umpteenth time.

  “You’d think he was going to a hanging rather than to pick up his girl,” Wyeth snickered. The last of the remaining original riders had joined the company. Escorting his wife, Tillie, to the door of the Hawkins home, he’d hurried to find Ransom, Clay and the others in the bunkhouse.

  Stone had returned from the bath house and was desperate to get his string tie balanced. “This is impossible,” he snapped.

  Chuckling, Clay came to his rescue. “Here let me help you.”

  Stone turned so that he could grab both ends and begin the process.

  “Little more cramped than when I was here last,” Wyeth mused shifting his glance to look around.

  “You were the last to leave. It shouldn’t seem so different,” Ransom remarked.

  “It’s like a lifetime ago.” Wyeth laughed. “Who’d a thought I would be married back then?”

  “Not me,” the riders chorused in unison.

  “You were always the joker,” Clay said to Wyeth as he finished the tie. “Okay. You’re done.”

  Stone turned to study his reflection.

  “Apt words my friend,” Ransom mused.

  Wyeth folded his arms across his chest. “While we’re here away from the ladies, any of you heard of an uprising?”

  Ransom shook his head. “Not for fact, more of a rumor.”

  Clay nodded. “I have to say, we’ve lost a few more steers than usual and a few horses. The other day, Emma’s brother, Drew came across a whole lot of unshod pony tracks along the draw leading to the canyon by the old route.”

  Stone stilled. Turning away from the mirror, he glanced to Clay. “You tell Levi?”

  “Going to after tonight,” Clay looked around at the other men. “Heard a rumor from the next ranch over that old Chief Running Deer has passed away.”

  Silence filled the bunkhouse as the four friends stared at one another.

  “Not a good sign for the new year,” Ransom muttered.

  One by one, each man nodded in agreement.

  “Any idea how he died?” Stone inquired.

  Clay took a breath. “Nope. Only that Swift Eagle and Coyote have been stirring up factions.”

  Stone picked up his hat and wiped his hand around the brim. “Brett’s late.” He glanced at Clay, then Ransom. “They sent him on the old route.”

  All four men’s took on a pained expression. The clock on the wall struck the hour.

  “Go.” Ransom gave him a push on the shoulder. “Get your girl.”

  “Yeah,” Wyeth piped up. “I want to see what cute thing can put up with a mug like yours.”

  Stone chuckled at the good natured ribbing then headed to the door.

  She was nervous. Charity stared at her reflection. She had forgone the pot rouge. Tonight, she wanted to be one of the girls. She stood and gazed at the mirror. The red silk taffeta dress shimmered in the light of the lamp. Lifting her hand, she ran it along the scalloped neck edge that came across her shoulders accentuating her long swanlike neck. She felt elegant with her dark hair braided and swirled across her crown. She had taken the time to weave a deep green ribbon threaded through the knots and tied in a bow just behind her right ear.

  “I hope he likes this,” she murmured.

  A soft knock came against her door.

  “Charity?” Laiden McMasters called out.

  “One moment.” Pushing the abundance of silk from her feet, she hurried to the door. Squaring her shoulders, she took a deep breath and eased it open.

  The reaction from Laiden was just what she was hoping for. His eyes widened as his gaze meandered from her head to her toes.

  “What do you think?” she inquired.

  Laiden shook his head. “For one night, I wish I was Stone Brown.”

  Charity curtsied. “Thank you.” She peeked past him into the hallway. “Is he here yet?”

  “No.” McMasters stepped inside. “I wanted to come in early.”

  Charity closed the door. Her curiosity peaked. She watched as Laiden brought his hand up and with two fingers wiped the skin above his upper lip. A motion some might think displayed his nervousness. Her concern grew when he didn’t speak. Reaching out, she placed a gentle hand upon his arm. “Mr. McMasters, is something wrong?”

  Her question seemed to jerk him to answer, “No, no my dear, nothing wrong.” He glanced around the room them motioned for the stool at her dressing table. “Please, come sit.”

  Charity moved to the stool and eased down careful not to add wrinkles to her gown.

  “You know, we’ve been through a lot together, you and I. In many ways, I feel like a father.”

  She gave him a gentle smile. “In many ways, you have been,” she whispered. “You were there when I skinned my knee and when those awful dreams would disturb my nights.”

  He glanced at her and nodded. “We do have a special bond.” His hands went to his vest pockets. “I have something for you. Something I saved until now. Turn around and face the mirror.”

  Charity did as she was told.

  “Long ago on that night when the Crystal Dawn burnt, I managed to get back to the safe. I didn’t have much time, but I was able to get it open and grab this.”

  Using the reflection, she watched him draw out a golden chain. Hung upon its delicate links was an oval bust of a young woman in white, against a stone as blue as a robin’s egg.

  “Do you mind?”

  She couldn’t speak. All Charity managed was to nod that it was okay.

  Laiden lifted the delicate oval and placed it around her neck.

  Charity’s hand went to the pendant and held it in place for him to secure the clasp. “It’s beautiful,” she whispered, staring at the elegant jewel hanging precisely at the oval where her collarbone met.


  Laiden appeared to blush, and then shrugged it off. “I was going to save it for your wedding day, but this seems more appropriate. I hardly think it would be fitting for me to escort you down the aisle.”

  Charity’s eyes filled with tears. Rising, she moved to his side, then came to her toes and placed an innocent kiss upon his cheek. “Thank you for everything you have done for me. No father could have done more.”

  Laiden lowered his gaze and nodded.

  Another knock echoed.

  “Charity,” Ruby called out. “Your young man is here.”

  She and Laiden exchanged glances.

  “Allow me to get your cloak.”

  She waited for him to grab her heavy woolen cape, then turning her back to him, Charity waited for Laiden to slip it onto her shoulders.

  “Now, go. Don’t keep that young man waiting.”

  She offered him one last look before hurrying to the door.

  “He’s downstairs by the kitchen, honey,” Ruby told her. “And he looks good enough to eat.”

  “Thank you, Ruby.”

  As Laiden watched her disappear, Ruby walked over to him and tucked her arm beneath his. “You raised her right, Laiden,” she whispered. “Charity was never meant for life in a saloon. It’s good to let her go.”

  He nodded and slowly, with precision, he breathed out a breath before pretending to fix his vest with a tug. “I shall miss her.”

  Ruby nodded. “We all will. At least, she’s not going away.”

  They strolled to the hall and Ruby waited while he closed her door. “You know,” she began as he moved to her side. “If you play your cards right, you can stay in this town and watch her family grow.”

  The thought placed a smile upon Laiden’s face. “I’d like that, Ruby. Yes, I’d like that a lot.”

  The party was in full swing by the time Charity and Stone arrived.

  Clusters of town folk stood greeting everyone as Stone slipped the cloak off of her shoulders. The flash of triumph in his eyes told her that her efforts with the needle had led to success. “You look beautiful,” he whispered as he slid her cloak over the back of a chair.

  Then taking her arm, he slipped it under his for protection and moved to where Delia, Ottie, and Emma plus their spouses were standing.

  “Oh, my word, what a gorgeous gown!” Delia exclaimed. Her hands moved to her rounding middle. “I cannot wait to wear something like that again.”

  “You don’t have to wear a dress like that to be beautiful,” Ransom told his wife. “I think you are the most beautiful woman in attendance.” He glanced around the close knit group. “Other ladies, withstanding.” He winked.

  All the rest, including Charity, gave a nod of consent.

  “Charity,” Stone began the introductions. “This is Delia and Ransom.”

  “How do you do,” she said.

  “Clay and Emma.” He nodded to the other couple.

  “So nice to meet you.”

  “Of course, you know Ottie and Wyeth.”

  “I’m so glad to see you again,” Ottie murmured and reached over to give Charity a hug.

  “Good to see you again, too,” Charity replied.

  Looking over the heads of the ladies, Ransom winked. “Stone, you’ve out done yourself.”

  Hearing the comment, Charity glanced at her escort. He looked to her and they shared a smile.

  Stone’s grin seemed plastered from ear to ear as if he were about to burst with pride.

  “Charity!” Anna’s excited cry filled the air as she rushed over.

  Charity turned and held out her hand to the Hawkins daughter. “Let me see how you look,” she whispered.

  Anna moved in a slow circle. She had pulled her hair to the crown of her head and created a small bun, then curled the wisps along the back so that they brushed her shoulders.

  “Wait a minute.” Ransom looked confused. “Do I know this enchanting creature?”

  Anna blushed. “Oh hush, Ransom before I step on your toes.”

  The riders roared with laughter.

  “I think she’d do it too.” Ransom grinned, and then leaned down close. “You look awful pretty tonight, Miss Anna. Who’s the lucky young man?”

  Her face took on a sad frown, then just as quickly, it went away. “No one in particular,” she lied. “I have to help momma. I’ll be back for the first dance.”

  Charity gave her hand a squeeze as she moved away. She knew different. The young man who was the object of her affection had failed to show up.

  “All right,” Levi’s voice boomed across the room. “We came here to party. Joe, you get your fiddle and Sam tune up your guitar. Let’s have some fun.”

  The small band of musicians moved to the hallway and soon the house was filled with their songs. Riders, young ladies, and town folks lined up to participate in reels and waltzes.

  Charity found herself in demand. So much so, that she caught a glimpse of Stone’s frustration as one dance ended. Excusing herself from her partner, she moved to where he stood. “You okay?”

  “I am now that you are here.”

  The music stopped and Olivia walked into the center of the room. Her cheeks were pink and full of life. Charity knew she was enjoying herself as much as everyone else. Once in the center, Olivia held up her arms and everyone grew silent. “We are going to give our fine musicians a break for a moment. I’d like every young man to grab a chair and place it in a line here in the center of the room.”

  “I guess that’s my cue,” Stone whispered.

  “You too Major. Captain Merrick, please.”

  “Oh, I so wanted to talk to Captain Merrick,” she murmured.

  “Over what?” Stone inquired.

  “The house by the river. I—I wanted to purchase it.”

  Stone looked confused. “The old Miller place?”

  She nodded.

  “No one has lived in that for years.”

  Charity felt the heat rise in her cheeks and she shyly glanced away. “I know, but it would be the perfect place for us to begin. Away from the town for the most part.” She brought her gaze back to him and placed a hand upon his arm. “Think about it, Stone, will you?”

  He opened his mouth to speak, as Olivia interrupted.

  “Stone?”

  They turned to see Olivia smiling at them. “Are you coming or has someone grabbed your fancy?”

  Stone glanced back at Charity, the tips of his ears turning pink as he gave her a wink. “Oh yes ma’am, she sure has my fancy.”

  The crowd roared with laughter.

  He grabbed a straight back chair and like the other men in attendance brought it to the center.

  There, Olivia helped to put the chairs in a line some facing one way while others, placed against the back, faced the opposite direction. “Now, we’re going to set a beat using our hands, and when we stop clapping, everyone must find a seat as quick as possible. However…” She held up a hand and those in attendance groaned. “We shall be one seat too few and the one left standing, will be asked to step out of the game.”

  There were groans amid the laughter.

  “Are we ready?”

  “Yes.” Charity joined in the ladies cheering on.

  “Gentleman, take your places.”

  The men lined up and with Olivia leading the familiar tune, they began to march around. Olivia encouraged each young lady to join in and hum along. Round and round they moved, until suddenly Olivia held up both hands and everyone stopped.

  It took a minute for the boys to realize what happened. Then boots scrambled across the floor until everyone found their seat except for Jonas.

  “Oh, Jonas first one out!” Anna cried.

  Everyone clapped and laughter ensued. One by one, the men fell away. Pierson was ousted by the major, and then the major was out flanked by Merrick.

  Finally, one chair was left.

  Stone and Ransom eyed each other over it.

  Olivia picked up the tempo until they were n
early tripping over their feet. Then, the music stopped. Both men rushed toward the chair. But dizzy from their circling, they hit the seat at the same time. The weight of their bodies colliding threw each off balance and both landed with a plop on the floor.

  “Oh, my, a tie!” Olivia cried out.

  “No, no,” shouted Ransom. “My hand is on the seat. I win!”

  Laughter encircled the room. Both Charity and Delia moved forward and extended their hands. Ransom rose and pulled his wife to his embrace. She brushed away tears of laughter as he placed a kiss on her cheek. Charity pulled Stone to his feet. Her hands steadied her special young man.

  Stone held out a hand to the victor. “Well done, Ransom.”

  They shook hands.

  “Such fun!” Olivia cried. “I believe our band is well refreshed. It’s now ladies choice. Mr. Hawkins, will you join me?” She held out her hand.

  Levi made it across the floor.

  “A waltz please.” She gave a wink to Charity. “Gentleman, hold your loved one close.”

  Delia turned to Ransom.

  Charity to Stone. “May I have the pleasure of this waltz?”

  “The pleasure is mine,” Stone replied and he swept her into his arms.

  One by one, the ladies selected their partners and with a four time rhythm, the music swelled again.

  Anna stood at the sweet table; a forlorn feeing in her chest. Oh, how she wished Brett was here. She so wanted to dance. A mumbled voice caught her ear.

  “Disgraceful, I tell you.”

  Anna glanced to her left.

  Mrs. Davidson stood with a group of townswomen and the new minister and his wife. Their eyes focused on a figure swirling along the floor.

  “What are the Hawkins thinking?” another biddy harped. “They’ve an impressionable young girl still at home.”

  Anna shifted her gaze to the dance floor. Still, she could feel several eyes fastened upon her.

  “All the gall, inviting the likes of her to dance with our upstanding men.”

  Anna clenched her fists. She looked around hoping to see one of the riders unattended. Instead, she caught sight of Whitney standing on the fringe of the crowd. “Fine. He will have to do.” Marching toward the freight driver, Anna managed to put a smile on her face. “Whitney, care to dance?”