Montana Sky: Slater's Bride (Kindle Worlds)

by Patricia Thayer

  Once they approached the herd of cattle, he slowed his mount.

  Letty did the same.

  “You ride very well,” he told her.

  His praise made her happy. “Thank you. My father taught me and I worked at the stables at school. I’ve always enjoyed being with horses.”

  Paul held the reins easily in his hand, yet he was very much in command of the large equine. “Out here, we pretty much are on horseback daily, checking or moving the herd, making sure they have grass. This is all open range.”

  They walked at an easy pace around the cows scattered like dots on the hillside.

  She enjoyed the sound of the mamas calling to their calves. She glanced around. “Do you lose a lot of cows to predators?”

  “Are you talking animal or human?”

  “I guess both.”

  Suddenly, a new calf ran off from the herd.

  “Excuse me. I’ve got a little escape artist.” He kicked the sides of his horse, took off around the herd and headed for the trees.

  She watched in amazement as he found a bawling calf, but the little guy tried to run away. Simon moved in front of the calf, shifting from side to side, and stopped his getaway. Finally, the bovine was chased back to the herd.

  She rode to Paul. “That was wonderful,” she said. “How did you do that?”

  He smiled. “I didn’t. Simon is a trained cow pony. He’s been taught to chase down runaway steers.”

  “Could my horse do that?”

  He frowned at her. “Yes, Duke is trained, but I’m not sure that’s wise.”

  “Please, Paul. Show me.”

  He finally gave in. They rode the horses toward the back of the herd, and then he instructed her. “Just let the horse do all the work. Don’t try and guide him, or he’ll get confused. Hold the reins loosely in your hands, and if you start to feel off balance, grab onto the pommel.” He turned in the saddle to see a steer wandering off. “There’s one.”

  Letty pressed her heels into Duke’s sides, and he shot off after the runaway. Duke went after him and worked to get the cow turned around and headed back to the herd.

  Paul was grinning as Letty rode back to him. “And to think I was worried. You’re a natural.”

  “Thank you.” She smiled brightly. “I can’t believe that I actually retrieved a calf.”

  “No, thank you. We can’t afford to lose any calves. Right now, we’re down about twenty-five head since the blizzard last week.”

  “Should we go look for them?”

  “We could, but there are so many places they could hide.” He rose up in the saddle and looked around. “I hate to think that someone could have taken them.”

  Letty studied the man she’d married just days ago. There was so much she wanted to know about him, and hoped she had the time. “Since you’ve been doing this for so long, you must really love it.”

  He shrugged. “Some years are better than others, but you can make a decent living ranching. I’m hoping to improve those odds with a sturdier cow. You’ve already learned how hard the Montana weather can be. We took another big loss with the recent snowstorm. There are about twenty-five head still missing.”

  “You haven’t found any of them?” she asked.

  He shook his head. “Since I returned, I’ve been out every day looking.” He pointed to a few of the young calves. “That’s one of my new breed, the Angus and Hereford mix. I was hoping for more by this time.”

  She didn’t miss the worry on his face. “Your idea must be good, because you’ve already sold one of your bulls.”

  He nodded. “I’d hoped to keep Brutus a little longer, but the harsh winter took a toll. We lost several head of cattle last January. We moved a lot of dead carcasses off to one spot, so if the wildlife fed off them, they wouldn't bother our herd.”

  “That’s such a shame.”

  “Yes, it is.” He released a breath and glanced around as if they would magically appear. “My plan has always been to sell my mixed bulls in the future. Right now, I need more cows to breed. We seem to be short a few.”

  They left the herd grazing contently and continued their ride in a slow, easy canter. Letty enjoyed the scenery of her new home. Since the snow had melted away, it revealed miles of green prairie. The mountain range stood like a giant watching over the rich pastureland.

  The sky was a vivid blue—so many different hues made it seem like an artist's painting. She stole a glance at the man beside her. His cowboy hat was low on his brow, and he wore a duster coat to ward off the spring chill. She glanced at the rifle in the scabbard, reminding her of this untamed territory called Montana.

  Once they reached the creek, Paul slowed the horses to a walk then finally stopped. “Maybe we could stop and rest the horses.”

  “I could use some rest myself.” She climbed down and went to the rocky bank.

  He followed her and knelt down, removed his gloves and drank from the stream. “I’m surprised with your skills with a western saddle. I thought you might be one of those women who need to ride sidesaddle.”

  “I do ride sidesaddle.”

  “Why didn’t you say something?”

  “Because, I also ride western, too?”

  He shook his head. She laughed. “It was fine, really. I think I adjusted very well, don’t you?” His blue gaze held hers, and she realized she had trouble breathing.

  “You seem to have done a lot of adjusting since arriving here.”

  “And I discover I’ve enjoyed it. My life back at the convent hasn’t been exactly exciting.”

  “You don’t like to teach?”

  “I love teaching, but there are so many restrictions on the girls. They can’t do this and they can’t do that, so many things are not ladylike. How many times have I heard that from the nuns? 'A lady wouldn’t do that. You should be ashamed, Loretta Drennan, for your behavior. You’d be wise to say a novena tonight'.” Letty watched Paul fight the urge to smile.

  “Seems you got yourself into a lot of trouble as a child.”

  Loretta raised her chin just a notch. “Why, because I was curious? Adventurous? Boys never got into trouble because they want to run off to discover things.”

  Paul took the time to study her as the horses drank their fill from the creek. This woman was full of surprises. “Is that why you came all this way by yourself from Chicago? An adventure?”

  “I came on my own because I didn’t have much choice. I had to find Johnny.”

  “Most women still wouldn’t make the trip alone. I bet you’ve heard stories about Indians living out here on the plains. And how most towns don’t have any law.”

  She nodded. “Isn’t that why it’s called the Wild West?”

  He sat down on one of the boulders and laughed. “I bet Johnny had his hands full with you growing up.”

  “Have I caused you any trouble since I’ve arrived?” She sat down beside him. “And don’t you dare say the trip to Morgan’s Crossing. You didn’t have to bring me. You offered.”

  “You’re right.” He took off his hat and combed his hair back then replaced it. “That is true, I did offer to bring you.” He turned to her, and quickly got caught up in her deep brown eyes. “Because I was frightened you might go on your own. So I figured I'd save any more trouble and just travel with you.”

  “And you got me safely to my brother. Now…we’re married.” She began to laugh. “Do you realize I don’t know much about you or your family.”

  He, too, smiled. “Not much to tell. I have a mother and father, sister and brother.”

  Letty grew serious. “I have a feeling there is more, but I won’t ask.” She hesitated, then finally said, “I hope, when all this ends, that we can remain friends.”

  He glanced away. “We can try, but you’ll be returning to Chicago and will probably find a nice man to marry—for real. You’ll forget all about me.”

  “No, I won’t.” She jumped up. “How could I possibly forget the man who bought my first pair of jeans
?”

  “Don’t forget, I’m the man who made you sleep on the floor.”

  His sapphire eyes had her completely mesmerized. “And who kept me warm during a very cold night,” she said, her voice suddenly husky.

  Still seated on the rock, Paul placed his hands on her waist. “Who also made you wear long johns.”

  Bravely, she took a step closer, liking the feel of his touch. “And who gave me my first real kiss.” She looped her arms around his neck. “That was my favorite part, Mr. Slater.”

  “All of it was my favorite part.” He slowly stood, leaned forward and brushed his mouth over hers. “You’re too tempting, Letty Drennan.”

  “It’s Letty Slater.” She offered her mouth to him.

  He took it in a slow, gentle kiss that quickly turned passionate. His arms circled her back as he stood and drew her against him.

  Letty welcomed the feel of hard chest, his strength. She wanted more from this man.

  Suddenly, he pulled away and took a step back. “This isn’t right.”

  “Why not? We’re married.”

  “We are only married so you could have your inheritance. We barely know one another.”

  She shook her head. “We’ve spent more time together than most couples do when they’re courting. And now we have this time to get to know each other even better.”

  “Then what? Johnny comes, and you return to Chicago, and our marriage is annulled. I will not take your virtue, Letty.”

  Her heart tightened in her chest. Suddenly she realized she wanted Paul to be a real husband to her. She didn’t want any other man.

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  That evening, Letty was dressed in her nightgown and robe, pacing around the living room. The fire crackled, but she welcomed the distraction. Why hadn’t Paul come home? It was late and she was beginning to worry.

  Since they’d returned from the ride and their discussion about the status of their marriage, he’d told her he had to go into town. Was it just because she pushed the issue of the marriage? As much as she wanted to change the arrangement, Paul resisted the idea, but his kisses told her something different.

  Her feelings for her husband were growing stronger with each day together. She wanted to change their arrangement. She’d remembered seeing her mother talk sweetly to her father after they’d had an argument. Somehow, her father would always give in to his wife.

  Letty recalled the evening at the Morgan’s home. Prudence had batted her eyelashes at her husband and smiled sweetly, and he couldn’t do enough for her.

  The nuns had left this topic out of her education.

  If she tried her feminine wiles on Paul and he rejected her…Suddenly, she thought of the possibility of him being in love with another woman. Her head was spinning with possible reasons for him to reject her, or was it because he was loyal to Johnny?

  She finally heard boots scrape on the porch floor. Her heart raced when the door opened and Paul walked in.

  He took off his hat and hung it on the hook.

  “I was worried.”

  He looked at her. “Sorry, I was talking with Michael at the mining office. There was a telegraph from Johnny. He made it to Chicago.” He walked toward her, and his gaze went to her attire.

  There was a flash of awareness in his eyes. Her heart leaped in her chest. That was when she smelled alcohol. “You’ve been drinking.”

  He turned around. “I stopped by the saloon and had a drink. Is there something wrong with that? One beer with a friend.”

  “I was just concerned, because if you had too much to drink you wouldn’t make it home safely. Of course, I’m sure that the women there would have gladly taken care of you.” She knew about the two saloon girls. Marla and Becky Lee might be nice, but they performed a service she believed to be sinful.

  “Jealous?”

  “No,” she insisted. “Of course not. Like you said, we don’t have a real marriage. It’s just, I don’t like being humiliated by town gossip. After all, we are newlyweds.” Not wanting him to see her hurt, she start to go upstairs.

  He grabbed her by the arm, turned her around and close to him.

  So close she could feel his warmth and see his tense gaze.

  “You have nothing to worry about, Mrs. Slater. I don’t want those women, or any woman, but you.” His mouth closed over hers in a heated kiss.

  For a moment, Letty was too stunned to react, then she moved against his body, aching to get closer to this man. To her husband, the man she loved.

  With a gasp, he released her.

  She stumbled backward. “Paul…”

  He shook his head. “No, don’t say a word, just go upstairs to bed.”

  She didn’t want to leave him. She stepped closer. He held up his hand. “Just go, Letty. Please.”

  Tears formed behind her eyes, but she refused to let him see the pain his words caused her. This wasn’t the first time, and she would handle his rejection with dignity. If years of experience with her mother had taught her anything, it was to not show your hurt.

  “Good night, Paul.” She straightened her shoulders, then turned and walked up the stairs. Once her door shut, she collapsed on the bed, and let her tears come.

  Downstairs, Paul clenched his fists. How could he reject her that way?

  He shut his eyes, aching to go after her, to spill his true feelings. Yet, in doing so, he’d break the promise he’d made to Johnny. Watch over Letty and keep her safe was the only thing his friend asked of him.

  He might be falling in love with his wife, but he couldn’t show her, or commit to her, because she would still go back to Chicago. That was her true home. It’s where she belonged, with her wealthy family.

  He had nothing to offer her, but years of hard work to build up this ranch. He couldn’t do it. He wouldn’t let Letty struggle along with him, and there’s no guarantee that he’d ever make a good life here, ever produce good breeding stock. And ranching was all he’d ever known. He glanced up the stairs. How could he ask her to share his dream?

  ***

  The morning came, and the day started out dark and dismal. The spring rain was appreciated, but not welcomed. Letty didn’t want to get out of bed. She had chores to do, especially caring for her chickens. She hoped the coop had kept them dry overnight.

  She quickly went through her morning routine. Because of the weather, she dressed in her jeans and boots, knowing she’d be outside. She made the bed and straightened the room then went into the hall. She saw Paul’s door closed and paused. The pain from his words still lingered. She doubted he would be happy to see her.

  Once in the kitchen, she saw evidence that her husband had been there. The coffee was made, and he’d sliced some of the bread from yesterday.

  Letty went to the stove and warmed the kettle for some tea. Her stomach was too unsettled for coffee. She, too, sliced bread, buttered it and nibbled at the corner. Her appetite was nonexistent, and her body ached. Maybe she was becoming ill. Glancing outside, she saw rain sheeting off the roof.

  Sick or not, she had to check on her chickens. She grabbed a jacket on the hook, one of Paul’s coats. She slipped it on and it nearly swallowed her up, but she loved the scent of him surrounding her. She wanted him close, one way or the other. She took the old cowboy hat off the hook and put it on her head.

  She opened the back door and stood on the porch as she buttoned up the coat as the rain blow across the porch, then she made a quick dash toward the coop. Hurrying to the fenced enclosure, she checked inside to see her chickens huddled together, warm and dry. She fed them, then found a bonus: three eggs. She slipped her bounty in her jacket pockets and rushed back to the house.

  Back on the porch, she glanced toward the barn. Was Paul there, or did he go out and check the herd? Since the rain was coming down so hard, she decided to go back inside. Hopefully, he would return to the house soon, and they would talk.

  With hope in her heart, she hung up her coat and went into the living room to start a
fire. The logs were already stacked in the firebox. After adding kindling, she lit the logs, then sat down in the rocking chair next to the hearth and stared into the growing flame. What did she do now? Go back to Sweetwater Springs and take the train to Chicago? Tell Paul, 'thank you for your help, but I’m getting out of your life'?

  She hated the thought of leaving here. She’d fallen in love with Montana, Morgan’s Crossing, particularly. There weren’t many amenities now, but someday, she knew the community would be thriving. A tear fell. She wouldn’t be a part of it.

  Hearing the sound of boots on the front porch, she quickly brushed off the tears, hurried to the door. She swung open the door and gasped, seeing her stepbrother, Hank Jensen, standing there.

  The short, round man smiled at her.

  She had to keep from cringing.

  “Hello, Loretta.”

  She stood at the entrance, not allowing him inside. “What are you doing here?”

  “Such a greeting. I came to see you, my darling sister.”

  She felt her stomach tumble, and she had to slow her breathing to keep from getting sick. “Well, I don’t want to see you, so leave.” She started to shut the door.

  But he was quick and stopped her. Then he pushed at the door and forced his way inside. “That’s not very nice, Loretta.”

  “And since when do you barge into a person's home?” She countered, working to hide her fear. “I want no part of you, Hank Jensen. How did you find me?”

  He grinned. “It wasn’t difficult. I just intercepted a telegram addressed to Maggie. That old lady should mind her own business.”

  Oh, God. Did he hurt Maggie? “My mother is her business. And if you’ve been hurting her, then you and your father are the ones in trouble. Johnny will make you pay.”

  Hank lost his smile. “So, Johnny is finally coming home?”

  She nodded. He wasn’t there when Johnny arrived? “In fact, he’s there right now. So I hope you and your father are planning to move out soon.”

  Her stepbrother sneered. “My father is legally married to your mother, and he runs the Drennan Meat Packing Company. Soon the name will be changing.”

  “Not for long. Johnny will be taking over, because he has controlling shares of the stock.” She enjoyed being able to tell him what was about to happen.