Montana Sky: Slater's Bride (Kindle Worlds)

by Patricia Thayer

  She walked through the grove of large pine trees and found a somewhat private spot. Although it was more difficult with trousers, she managed to get her drawers down. She couldn’t help but giggle a little. If the nuns could see her now.

  After taking care of her business, she returned to the wagon to find Paul giving the horses some water. She pulled her wool tweed coat together against the cold, wishing they were already in Morgan’s Crossing. She climbed back up into her seat herself and covered her lower body with a blanket. “Do you need me to help with anything?”

  “No, I can handle it.” Paul placed the water bucket in the wagon, took something out of the bag, then swiftly returned to the driver’s seat. His shoulder brushed against hers as he settled in beside her.

  She found she liked having a man close. Or maybe it was this one particular rancher.

  “Here,” he said and held out an egg sandwich. “It’s all I have until we get to the cabin.”

  “Thank you.” Normally, she’d be a lot pickier about her food, but hunger won out. She bit into the cold bread and decided the sandwich was delicious, warm or cold. “This is pretty good.”

  “Yes, it is, but not as tasty as S Bar D beef.”

  “So, the ranch is named after both of you?”

  Paul nodded. “I didn’t know it at the time, but I now know that the D stands for Drennan.”

  She started to comment about her brother’s business endeavor when she felt something on her face. Looking up, she caught the swirl of snow flurries. She didn’t need to tell Paul.

  “Let’s go.” He picked up the reins with his gloved hands, released the wagon brake and started the horses moving. With another flick of his wrist and a shout from Paul, the animals picked up the pace.

  “Are you going to make it to the cabin?” Letty asked

  Paul never took his eyes off the road. “Like I said, we don’t have a choice. So we move a little faster.”

  “How long before we’re there?”

  “About four hours. I suggest you pull that blanket up around you and stay warm.”

  “Is that your way of saying I talk too much?”

  “No, it’s my way of saying there’s nothing we can do about this situation but to keep going.”

  “Then we should go faster.” Letty wrapped the colorful print blanket around her body, trying to absorb the heat. She glanced at Paul. He seemed plenty warm enough in his big sheepskin coat with the collar pulled up and a scarf covering his neck.

  Then he moved the wool to cover the bottom half of his face.

  He glanced at her with those startling blue eyes, and a strange feeling came over her.

  He leaned toward her, “I bet you’re wishing you never left Chicago until later in the spring.”

  “I didn’t have a choice but to come now.” She wondered if it was too late already.

  ***

  Hours later, the snow blew all around them and visibility was nearly zero, but Paul couldn’t stop. It could be deadly to be left out here exposed to the elements. The cabin had to be close. Suddenly, they came upon the recognizable groupings of trees.

  Paul squinted into the dim light. The horses’ pace had slowed to a walk as they made their way through the deep snow. He glanced at Letty. She was asleep, sagging against his shoulder, her body covered completely with the extra blankets he’d bought at the general store. The cost of the purchase was so worth the money.

  They passed a familiar giant Ponderosa pine, then he looked to his left and the small structure appeared like a mirage. Thank God.

  He got the wagon as close as possible, then pulled back on the reins and put on the brake. He peered under the blanket. “We’re here.”

  She raised her head. “Really? Wonderful.”

  “Come on, let’s go get warm.” He climbed down and lifted her into his arms. She barely weighed as much as a weaned calf. He made his way through the snow and set her down on the small porch.

  “I’ll go inside and check out the place.” He didn’t expect to find anyone, but you never knew, there could be a strange animal or two. When he swung the door open, the dark musty room greeted him. Quickly, he located a lantern on the table. With a flick of a match from his pocket, he lit it, glad there was oil left to burn.

  “It’s safe to come in,” he called and turned around and saw against the rough log walls were bunks. The potbelly stove was close to the center of the room and there were several logs beside it, along with some kindling. He couldn’t help but wonder what she’d think of her sleeping arrangements.

  She hurried through the door and hugged herself. “Oh, this is so much better.”

  “Let me get a fire going, and then I need to tend to the horses.” He went about his task, and soon there was a flame lit inside the stove. He watched a moment for it to catch. “Stand here and thaw out. I’ll be right back.” He wrapped his scarf around his face and went outside. Making fast work to unharness the team, he led Duke and Simon behind the cabin to a three-sided lean-to that would help keep them out of the elements. He hiked to the wagon and brought back some grain to feed the animals. After covering them with horse blankets, he got more supplies from the wagon and headed inside. He found Letty huddled on a chair next to the fire.

  “I can’t seem to get warm,” she said, her voice trembling, her slight body shaking. “What do you need me to do to help?”

  “Just keep working on getting warm.” He was more concerned about her welfare. “I have a few more trips to bring in the supplies.” He walked out the door. He had no idea how long they would be stuck there. This storm was a lot bigger than he even thought. At least they had food and shelter. He picked up the wooden box filled with coffee, eggs, flour and sugar. He walked to the porch, happy to see a stack of cut wood that would probably last them for a few days. That was one thing he didn’t have to worry about. His thoughts turned to Letty. She was another story. Could she handle these rough accommodations? Better question, how would he handle being in close quarters with this beautiful woman. Easy, he just had to keep remembering she was Johnny McCreary’s sister.

  Letty was finally starting to feel her feet and hands again. She looked around the one-room cabin, the two bunks against one wall. A small, scarred table with two rickety chairs, a rusted sink with a well pump attached. The overhead shelves held a few dusty cans of food. The wood floor was covered in dirt.

  There was one thing this place lacked: a privy. She would have to brave the elements to make a trip outside to the outhouse.

  Oh, dear Lord, what am I doing here?

  Yesterday, she’d been on a train to find her brother. In one day’s time, she’d ended up in a strange part of the country, in the middle of a snowstorm with a man she barely knew.

  Suddenly, the door swung open when a strong wind slammed it against the wall.

  She gasped and jumped, then she saw Paul Slater walk into the cabin.

  “Sorry,” he called and quickly shut the door, then placed a rifle next to it. He removed his hat and muffler and revealed his handsome face and thick sable hair. He looked at her, those blue eyes intense, mesmerizing.

  Oh, dear.

  “Please, come sit back by the fire.” She motioned for him to take her seat. “You have to be nearly frozen.”

  “So are you.” He crossed the small room, reached for the other chair, and put it up next to hers.

  My word, this man is large.

  He removed his gloves and held up his hands. “My guess is you’re regretting not staying in Sweetwater Springs.”

  “Regrets or not, it doesn’t seem to make any difference now. I’m here, you’re here, and we’re both safe.” She looked at him, playing with her hair that had come undone. “I only hope I’m not a burden to you.”

  He shook his head. “Honestly, it’s nice to have some company.” He gave her a rare smile. “Mac and I have been living pretty much with cattle for company the past few years. He’s going to be surprised to see you.”

  “Or, he will be
very angry that I made this trip.” The fire crackled in the stove. The orange flames hypnotized her. She shook away the fog. “Could I help with some supper?”

  “Is this the meal you promised me?”

  She smiled sweetly. “No, I think I’ll wait on that special meal for when Johnny’s with us. And I need a stove to work with.”

  “I’ll look forward to it. But conditions aren’t much better at the ranch. I know you’re used to luxuries.”

  “I’m not as spoiled as you might think, Mr. Slater. I’ve been employed since I graduated school.”

  He nodded. “I’m sure you had a lot of advantages since your father owned Drennan Meat Packing. Even out here in Montana, I’ve heard of that company.”

  “My and Johnny’s father died almost six years ago. Yes, my schooling was paid for, but since I didn’t do what my mother wanted—it was actually what my stepfather demanded--I was cut off from any money. I have a trust fund from my grandparents, but I can’t touch it now.” She couldn’t get the bulk of the money until she was twenty-five, or married. Besides, if she went to the bank for money, then her stepfather would discover what she was doing. She couldn’t let that happen until she talked with Johnny.

  Paul stared into the fire for a long time then he said, “We have a few dozen eggs, lots of potatoes, flour, sugar and bacon. And two loaves of bread and some cans of beans.”

  “Maybe we should keep it simple and have eggs.”

  “That sounds like a great idea. I’m so hungry I could eat anything.”

  She nodded as she stood and made her way into the kitchen. There was another lantern on the shelf, along with matches. She struck one and lit the wick. “Oh, now I can see better.” She could also see the dirt everywhere. Not important. “It’s nice that this cabin exists for travelers.”

  Paul came up behind her, and she could feel his heat curl around her. She looked up and suddenly her breath was trapped in her chest. What was wrong with her? She turned away.

  He reached under the sink and pulled out an iron skillet. “Glad it’s still here.” He set it on the top of the stove, then went to the box, took out the white-wrapped package and opened it. “This was a special request from Johnny. He loves his bacon. I guess we’ll just have to buy some pigs to butcher,” he added as he took out his large pocketknife and sliced several strips off the slab of pork belly.

  “He is a butcher’s son,” Letty said. “Our father used to take us to the plant when we were kids. Johnny was fascinated, watching the cattle get butchered. I guess adolescent boys love that sort of thing.” She shivered. “I think it was because he could be with our father. Myself, I couldn’t bear to watch. I’d wait in the office.”

  Paul laid the strips in the skillet, and the bacon quickly began to sizzle. His stomach grumbled. “I guess I’m hungry.”

  “So am I.” She reached out a hand. “Give me your knife, and I’ll cut some bread. Too bad we don’t have any butter.”

  Paul dug through the box and came up with another wrapped item and a jar. “Fresh churned butter and some of Mrs. Perkins’s elderberry jam.”

  “I’m impressed, Mr. Slater.” She offered him a pretty smile as if he’d given her diamonds. “You’re very resourceful. And here I thought we might starve.”

  Suddenly, another strong gust of wind rattled the door. It was almost as if they were being told they had no control over their destiny.

  “We might not starve today, but if we’re here too long, we could run out of food and wood.” He caught her shocked look.

  “We’re not leaving here tomorrow?”

  “That depends on the weather, and how much snow there is on the ground. I can’t risk the horses, or our lives, if we get stuck out there.”

  Letty nodded. “Then I guess we should enjoy our meal tonight. And pray that when we wake up in the morning, we find the day bright and sunny.”

  Paul scrounged around and came up with two forks, another knife and two tin plates.

  Letty found the coffee pot in the box, pumped water from the sink into a tin container, added fresh grounds and set it on the edge of the stove to brew.

  Once the bacon was cooked, the eggs were added to the hot grease. They watched them fry in the liquid until they were done, and Paul managed to scoop them out with a big fork.

  He set the plates on the table. “Time to eat.”

  He held out a chair for her, and she quickly sat down. “This looks good.”

  “It does.” He quickly dug into his food. He stole a look at Letty, who was slowly eating.

  She took the time to butter her bread and coat it with the jelly. She took a small bite. “Oh, my, this jam is good. Tastes almost like blueberry.”

  His gaze went to her mouth as she licked her lips. He held back a groan, wishing he could steal a taste of her. Whoa, just hold your horses.

  He glanced away. Not a good idea. He reminded himself once again, this was his best friend’s sister. His one and only job was to get her to Morgan’s Crossing safely. Where his thoughts were headed was far more dangerous than the storm raging outside.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  Two hours later, with the chilling wind blowing outside, the drafty cabin still wasn’t warm unless you were close to the stove. By nightfall, Paul had stuffed a blanket under the door to keep out as much of the cold as possible, and he did the same for the windows. Although he hated to use any of the extra blankets, there wasn’t any choice. He had to find ways to keep the cabin warm, or they would freeze.

  He glanced at Letty, perched on the chair next to the flames. They’d eaten, but she hadn’t moved from the warm spot, and she was shivering again. For the hundredth time, he regretted not leaving her back in Sweetwater Springs. This was no place for her.

  He grabbed his hat and slipped on his leather gloves. “It’s too cold and windy to go outside to use the outhouse.” He nodded to the bottom bunk. “There’s a chamber pot underneath. I’ll be outside checking the horses, and that should give you enough…privacy.” He didn’t wait for her answer or to see her embarrassment. He walked out the door, but heard her soft 'thank you' as he quickly slipped out into the blowing snow. And there was plenty of it.

  He stepped carefully to get through the high drifts around the cabin. His thoughts went to Johnny. He hoped his partner wouldn’t do anything foolish, like going out and searching for lost cattle. No matter how vital each calf was, his friend was more important. Especially now with his sister looking to him to help the family.

  So stay inside, Johnny. I’ll get there to help you.

  Paul made it through the snow to the lean-to. The animals were doing as well as could be expected in the bad weather. He found some wide wood planks and set them up as another barrier to help shield the icy wind from the horses. He used a snowdrift to hold the planks in place.

  “Sorry, boys.” He petted both of them and refilled the feeding trough. “It’s the best I can do.” Worse, he knew they couldn’t leave here tomorrow. Not unless there was a miracle, and the sun melted the snow away.

  Inside, Letty had never been so cold, or in a direr situation than this. They could die out here if they ran out of wood for the fire.

  She made the sign of the cross and began to pray. It had been years since she truly believed in a loving God, not when her father had been taken from her.

  Not even years of teaching in parochial school had changed her beliefs. Now, she hoped for a forgiving God who would listen to her prayers this time. She wanted to hang on to a little hope that she could be reunited with her brother, and Johnny could help save their mother. Maybe together they could figure out how to stop Henry Jensen and regain their family legacy.

  She wiped a tear from her cheek as she began another litany of Hail Marys, using her fingers as her rosary. The nuns had taught her well, and she still remembered how to pray. Now if God would just hear her.

  The door opened, and Letty quickly turned to see Paul carrying in a bundle of wood. She rushed over, caught the door and pushed
it shut after him.

  “Thanks,” he called and carried the kindling to the stove. “I think this should get us through the night.” He opened the stove’s iron door and put the chopped logs inside.

  To stay out of Paul’s way, Letty went to sit on the edge of the bunk, but soon she got too cold and returned to the stove. “How is the weather outside?” The windows had been covered, so she hadn’t seen anything since they arrived. There was only the light from the lanterns.

  “It’s still blowing. I found some wood planks to block the snow from the horses. They’re covered and seem to be handling the weather, so far.”

  “That’s good. We need the horses to get to Morgan’s Crossing.”

  “We can’t think about leaving here until the roads are clear. We have to wait and see what tomorrow brings.”

  Disappointment hit her, and she couldn’t seem to stop the tears. She turned away. The man was trying everything to help her, and she didn’t want him to think she was ungrateful.

  “Letty…”

  She glanced at him when he used her first name. He removed his hat, revealing that thick, dark hair that nearly fell to his shoulders.

  He arched an eyebrow. “Since we’re stranded here in this cabin, may I call you Letty?”

  “I would like that…Paul. And I apologize for not being more help to you. I guess the lengthy travel and the cold weather have finally gotten to me. Maybe I should fix us some coffee.” She started to go to the sink when he reached for her and made her stop.

  “I’m sorry, too, Letty.” His blue eyes were intent on her. “I hate that you’re going through this. I should have insisted you stay back in Sweetwater Springs.”

  In hindsight, she knew she’d be safer, too, but the thought of Paul out here by himself sent a different kind of chill through her. “We’re both here now. And we seemed to make the best of it.” She put on a teary smile. “And I’ll get to see my brother. It’s been nearly five years. Does he like living in Montana?”