The Rancher's Fiery Bride

by Amelia Rose

  She wound her arms around his neck and tilted her face up to his. “How do you feel about going back to bed?”

  Mason’s wicked grin showed his approval of the idea. As they set sail again in a sensual sea, Jenny fervently wished that the tempest of passion would never end.

  Chapter Nine

  A month passed, four weeks that were the happiest of Jenny’s life. From the way he doted on her to the way he made love to her, Mason was a constant source of joy. Although he sometimes worked long days, they made the most of their evenings together. Some nights, Cecilia and Herb retired early to give them privacy.

  School had been in session for two weeks, and Jenny loved her job. The wide age range of her students didn’t daunt her at all. In fact, she enjoyed the mix of ages and the differences in how their minds worked. There were several good students, and two that were exceptional. Jenny asked them to help some of the younger students with spelling and arithmetic while she worked with the older students who were struggling.

  At the end of every school day, Jenny was mostly satisfied with her students’ progress, but she always strived to teach them just as well the next day. Although it was important to her that she make a good impression on the townspeople, educating their youngsters mattered much more to her.

  Their well-being was always foremost in her mind, which was why she always took extra food with her. Several ranch kids often had no more than a lard sandwich for lunch. Jenny couldn’t stand the thought of children going hungry and made sure they had something good to eat so they could concentrate on their lessons instead of an empty tummy.

  One morning near the end of September, Lenny Franklin arrived at school with a bruise on his right cheek. When she inquired about it, Lenny mumbled that he’d had an accident in the barn. His little sister, Betty, had been a little withdrawn for the rest of the day, but Jenny just thought that she was worried about her brother.

  However, as the days went by, Lenny had a couple more poorly explained bruises, and the Franklin children’s behavior changed. Betty, who’d been bubbly and amusing, was now quiet and, toward the end of the day, she often grew restless. Finally, Jenny questioned Lenny and Betty in private to see if there was something amiss, but they insisted that all was well. Their denial rang hollow, and she had the feeling that there must be trouble at home.

  As she drove the buggy home that afternoon, she couldn’t get the children off her mind, and she was distracted during supper.

  “Jenny, is everything well?”

  Mason’s question broke through her musings. “Oh, yes. I’m fine.”

  “What’s on your mind?” His silver eyes were filled with concern.

  “I’m very worried about the Franklin children,” she replied.

  “Why?”

  Jenny’s appetite left her as Lenny’s haunted expression rose in her mind. “Something isn’t right at home.”

  Mason arched an eyebrow. “What makes you say that?”

  Gathering her thoughts, Jenny told the rest of her family what had been occurring with Lenny and Betty.

  Herb put his silverware down. “What exactly do you think is happening?”

  Jenny replied, “I believe that there might be some abuse occurring.”

  Mason’s eyebrows jumped higher. “That’s a pretty big accusation, Jenny.”

  “I know, but it’s the only thing that accounts for Lenny’s injuries and the changes in his and Betty’s personalities,” Jenny said. “And Betty always seems to dread the end of the school day, as though she doesn’t want to go home.”

  Cecilia laid a calming hand on Jenny’s forearm. “I’m sure things are fine, but it’s good that you’re watching out for them.”

  “That’s right,” Herb said. “Keep an eye on them, though.”

  “Yes, I will.” Jenny let the matter drop, but she was convinced that she was right.

  Later that night, she sat on the porch with Mason, watching the stars.

  Mason watched the play of moonlight on her face and knew he’d never tire of looking at her. “Honey, will you do me a favor?”

  Jenny looked at him. “Of course. What is it?”

  “I don’t want you to do anything about the Franklin kids on your own. If you’re still concerned, we’ll talk to Sheriff Ryder,” he said. “This has to be handled carefully.”

  “I’m aware of that, Mason, and I would never accuse someone without proof, but I know what I’ve seen.”

  The thought of any child being hurt twisted Mason’s stomach, but there was a lot at stake. “I’m just saying that with you being married to me, and since Andy hates us... Well, this type of thing could go sideways real quick. It’s best to let the proper people handle it.”

  Jenny reined in her temper but spoke with confidence. “As the schoolteacher, it’s perfectly proper for me to deal with this situation. After all, I’m the one who’s witnessing it.”

  Mason placed his hand over hers and squeezed it. “I know, but promise me that you’ll talk to me before you do anything rash.”

  Knowing that he meant well, Jenny’s anger dissipated. “I promise not to rush to judgment, but I won’t turn a blind eye to what’s happening, either.”

  Lifting her hand, Mason kissed the back of it. “I’m not asking you to.”

  A shiver ran through Jenny when his warm lips pressed against her skin. It amazed her that such a small action could stir her desire so much. “Good. Now, let’s go to bed.”

  The seductive look she sent Mason’s way said that sleeping wasn’t what she had in mind. “I think that’s a great idea.”

  Jenny laughed when Mason rose, tugged her out of her chair, and ushered her inside.

  WITH A SUPREME EFFORT, Jenny controlled her outrage throughout the school day. Thinking about her conversation with Mason the night before, she decided to talk to Josh Ryder after school was over instead of confronting Andy Franklin on her own.

  Ethan had shown up at school with Betty that morning. When Jenny had inquired about Lenny, Ethan had said he was sick, but the way his gaze had slid away from her convinced Jenny that he was lying. She’d known it was pointless to press him further.

  The day seemed to crawl by but, finally, the last student left. Jenny quickly gathered her belongings and hurried from the schoolhouse. She responded to people’s greetings along the way to the sheriff’s office but didn’t dawdle. She was relieved to find that Josh Ryder was in when she arrived.

  “Hello, Mrs. Crawford. How can I help you?” he asked with an affable smile.

  Jenny took a calming breath and began her story. When she’d finished, Josh rubbed his chin and a thoughtful look settled on his face. Jenny tried to curb her impatience while he took several minutes to digest the information she’d imparted.

  At length, he said, “Well, I guess I’d better go out there and see what’s what. I don’t approve of men hitting kids or women. I’ll let you know what I find out.”

  “I’m very grateful to you, Sheriff,” Jenny said with a tight smile. “It doesn’t matter what time of day or night it is, please let me know how you fare with this.”

  Josh nodded. “All right. I will.”

  Jenny expressed her thanks again and bid him a good day. She walked to the mercantile to purchase a few things, feeling a little lighter knowing that the sheriff was on the case.

  A SHORT TIME LATER, Jenny was seething with fury as she stood in an aisle of the Frosts’ store. She’d been surprised to see Andy Franklin there. Loathing filled her as she listened to the cruel threat he was issuing to Ethan and Betty. He must’ve accompanied Ethan to pick Betty up.

  “Don’t ask me for a dang thing,” he warned his children. “We ain’t got money for extras, so keep your mouth shut if you know what’s good for you.”

  Betty said, “But, Pa, I don’t have...”

  “I said to keep quiet! We all gotta do without stuff.” Andy’s voice was a low growl.

  “There’s no cause to be mean like that, Pa. She’s just...”


  Betty started to cry. Incensed, Jenny marched around the corner and down the aisle. Andy’s back was to her, but he must’ve heard her approach because he turned around.

  Behind him, Ethan stood holding Betty’s hand.

  “Is everything well?” Jenny asked.

  Andy’s blue eyes narrowed, and he took a step toward her. “Mind your own business, schoolmarm.”

  “As the schoolteacher, the welfare of my students is my business,” Jenny retorted.

  Ethan stared at her, shaking his head in a plea to Jenny, but she just couldn’t let it drop.

  Andy advanced on her again. “You don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  Jenny motioned at Betty. “There’s no need to be so harsh. She’s only a little girl.”

  Andy’s cruel smirk made the hair on the back of Jenny’s neck stand on end. “You best leave us alone and keep your nose out of people’s business.”

  “I’ll thank you not to threaten me. I don’t think my husband would take kindly to that.”

  Andy’s face blanched and then turned beet-red.

  Jenny didn’t wait for him to respond. She turned and marched away, keeping her spine straight and her head up. However, she shook inside with righteous anger as she got in her buggy and started for home.

  “YOU DID what?”

  Jenny’s heart stopped beating for a moment at Mason’s harsh tone before it lurched into a fast rhythm. His eyes had darkened to a stormy gray. She’d seen him get angry before, but this was the first time his ire had been directed at her.

  “You heard me. Must I repeat it?” Sarcasm tinged her query.

  Mason’s jaw tensed. “I told you to talk to me first before you did anything.”

  Jenny was thankful that they were alone in the barn. Mason had been out there when she’d arrived home and he was unhitching her horse. She’d been petting her horse’s face, but she walked away as her agitation grew. Horses picked up on emotions and she didn’t want to make the mare nervous.

  “Why must I talk to you before I speak with the sheriff? I’m perfectly capable of relaying the events of the past few weeks,” Jenny said.

  Mason freed the horse from the buggy and started undoing the harness. He wasn’t used to being annoyed with Jenny, and he didn’t like it. However, he felt he was justified. “Okay, I’ll give you that you were right in going to Josh, but you shouldn’t have confronted Andy on your own.”

  Clenching her fists, Jenny asked, “What would you have had me do?”

  “Go get Damon and let him deal with Andy.”

  Jenny let out a sarcastic laugh. “Oh, I see. It’s fine if a man would have confronted him, but not a woman. Is that it?”

  This was a touchy subject, and Mason knew he had to tread with care. “Yes, but only because I have a feeling that if he got mad enough, he’d have gone after you.” He freed the horse from the harness which he then draped over the buggy. He went to Jenny and put his hands on her shoulders. “Jenny, I love you, and it would just kill me to see you get hurt.”

  Jenny’s eyes went wide and her heart beat in triple-time. She knew Mason held great affection for her, but she hadn’t known his feelings went beyond that. “You love me?”

  Taking her face in his hands, he said, “Yeah. You’re everything I could want in a woman and so much more, and I’ll be danged if I’m going to let anything happen to you.”

  Jenny covered his large hands with hers and kissed his right palm as happiness surged through her. “Oh, Mason, I love you, too.”

  “You do?”

  “Yes. I have for a while, but I was afraid to tell you in case you didn’t return my feelings,” Jenny said.

  Mason wrapped his arms around Jenny’s waist and pulled her close. He lowered his head and claimed her lips in a fierce kiss, trying to convey all he felt. Her immediate response excited him, but it was short-lived. She broke the kiss and stepped out of his arms.

  “This makes me happier than I can tell you, but it doesn’t mean that I agree with you,” she said. “I appreciate your concern, but I’m a grown woman, and I can take care of myself.”

  Mason planted his hands on his hips and glowered at her. “God knows I admire your bravery, but you don’t have the fighting skills to defend yourself from a mean son of a gun like Andy.”

  Jenny conceded that point. “I know, which is why I left the store when I did. I’m sure that Josh will successfully deal with Andy. He’s going to let me know what happens. So, the problem will be solved.”

  Mason wasn’t convinced. “Josh will do his best, but you can’t change a person with one warning. I want you to stay away from Andy. If you meet him on the street or whatever, just avoid him. If he gives you any trouble, get somewhere safe and send for Josh. Andy’s the kind of guy who would want revenge.”

  Jenny refused to be intimidated. “I won’t stop speaking up on any child’s behalf.”

  Mason ran a hand through his hair. “I’m not asking you to. I just want you to be careful.”

  “You must think me a simpleton. Of course, I’ll be cautious.”

  “I don’t think you’re stupid, Jenny. I just think you’re acting without thinking,” Mason said.

  His words stung Jenny. “In other words, you think I’m reckless.”

  “Yes. You’re letting your feelings cloud your judgment.”

  She stepped up to him, her gaze locked on his. “You’re wrong. But, while we’re discussing feelings, I’m hurt that you think so little of me. You profess to love me, yet you don’t think I’m being rational.”

  Mason took her by the upper arms. “Look, I know how smart you are, but...”

  Jenny shook off his hands. “But nothing! You’ve made your feelings quite clear. I’m through with this discussion. I’m going to help Cecilia with dinner.”

  Frustration burned through Mason as Jenny exited the barn. He didn’t want to argue with her, but he knew that Andy wasn’t to be trusted. He felt terrible about the Franklin kids, but he wasn’t sure what could be done about it. As he groomed Jenny’s horse, he prayed that Josh would be able to make headway with Andy.

  CECILIA HAD JUST SERVED dessert after a tense supper when someone knocked on the kitchen door.

  Herb got up to answer it. “Well, Josh. Good to see you. Come on in.”

  Josh entered the kitchen, a tense expression on his face. “Evening, everyone.” His dark eyes found Jenny. “Mrs. Crawford, uh, the young... I mean...”

  Jenny smiled. “Just call me Jenny, Sheriff. That will avoid any confusion.”

  “All right. Thanks, Jenny,” Josh said. “I paid the Franklins a visit, and I saw what you meant about the kids having bruises and all.”

  Jenny stood up. “Are you going to arrest Andy?”

  Regret shone in Josh’s eyes. “No, ma’am. Mrs. Franklin took Andy’s side and swore that it was a misunderstanding. I can’t press charges without a witness.”

  “I’m a witness!” Jenny insisted.

  Mason rose to his feet. “Jenny, I’m sure Josh did all he could.”

  Josh shook his head. “Unless you saw Andy do it, you’re not a witness. I don’t believe Mrs. Franklin, but my hands are tied. I gave Andy a stern warning, but unless she or the kids come forward, I’m pretty powerless. They weren’t willing to go against him.”

  Tears welled in Jenny’s eyes. “Something must be done.”

  Mason shared his wife’s feelings, but he didn’t see a solution. If Josh, a lawman, couldn’t remedy the problem, then what could he do?

  “I’ll keep an eye on the situation,” Josh said. “And if you see anything else or come up with any ideas, let me know. Sorry I didn’t have better news.”

  Jenny swallowed her anger and sorrow. “I understand. Thank you, Sheriff.”

  Josh bid them farewell and they all returned to their seats. Jenny pushed her pie around on her plate but couldn’t eat it. After a few moments, she said, “Excuse me,” and left the table.

  Cecilia turned to Mason. “Did y
ou two have a disagreement?”

  Mason scrubbed a hand over his face. “Yes. I’m going to go talk to her.”

  He followed Jenny to where she sat on the porch outside. She brushed away a tear as he came to stand next to her.

  “Have you come to gloat?”

  Her accusation stung. “Of course not. I was hoping Josh would be able to reach Andy. Those kids don’t deserve what’s happening to them.”

  Jenny glanced at him and the pain in her eyes tore at him. “No, they don’t.” She made an angry gesture. “He has his wife and children trapped. He’s the one controlling their finances, so there’s no way Mrs. Franklin can get away from him and have enough money to finish raising her children. Even if she did, she would be shunned for leaving him because society says that a man and woman must stay married no matter what.”

  Jenny tried to rein in her turbulent emotions, but she couldn’t seem to shut her mouth. “No matter how much torture and pain a man metes out, his wife is powerless against him. She is forced to endure whatever treatment of her he sees fit.”

  Mason said, “Not all men are like that, Jenny. I’m not like that. Most men aren’t.”

  Her smile as she faced him wasn’t one of agreement. “Of course, you’re not. You and Herb are good, decent men, but even men like you expect their wives to obey them. You’re very unhappy with me over this because I just won’t let the matter alone.”

  “Only because I...”

  “Don’t want me to be hurt. Yes, I know,” Jenny interjected. “But I also think that it wouldn’t do for the head of the town council’s wife to be seen meddling in other people’s affairs. Isn’t that part of it? Or perhaps the main reason?”

  Mason couldn’t deny that it had crossed his mind. “It’s not the main reason, but I do have a responsibility to the community. And people won’t listen to me if they don’t approve of you.”

  “I think many people would approve of the schoolteacher protecting children.”