Blessing (Widows Of Wildcat Ridge Book 2)

by Caroline Clemmons

  “You did that very well. Someone said that’s the same man who insulted you at the corral.” Brax came to Priscilla’s side.

  “Yes, but Thad whooped him good.”

  Brax said, “Speaking of your defender, he just came in with one of your other cowboys. Excuse us, please.”

  Brax guided Priscilla onto the floor. She waved with a ripple of her fingers and whirled away.

  Slowly, Buster turned. Thad looked especially handsome in a white shirt and black string tie and a silver vest over black britches. Only his black eye marred his striking features. She knew the instant he spotted her because his mouth fell open and he stared. Not laughing was difficult, but she only smiled.

  Approaching her slowly, his eyes never left hers. “I’ve never seen a more beautiful woman. I’ve known all along you were beautiful, but tonight you look like an angel.”

  “Thank you. You’re looking very handsome yourself.” His comment made her grateful she’d worn the dress. She had to admit she felt feminine. The swishing skirt was made for dancing.

  He extended his hand. “May I have this dance, Miss Odell?”

  With a slight nod, she took his hand and they whirled around the floor with the other dancers.

  She thanked her lucky stars that Marnie had insisted she learn to dance. Papa had obliged Marnie and partnered Buster around the parlor and kitchen while Dub played his banjo and Marnie played her concertina. For the most part, local dances were not made up of skilled dancers doing precise steps. She wanted to appear at least moderately capable.

  When the dance ended, she joined others who clapped. “How long can you stay?”

  Thad rested his hand at her waist. “An hour, then I have to head to the corral so Tony and Zeb can come. Scott came with me. Mac gave me his hour at ten so I can come back. He said he gets dizzy if he moves fast and wouldn’t be able to dance. I don’t know if it’s true, but I’m sure glad to take him up on his offer.”

  The musicians struck up a waltz and Thad guided her onto the floor again. He held her closer this time.

  She wanted to rest her head on his shoulder but didn’t dare. She held herself as straight as if she was wearing one of the dreaded corsets. “Marnie and I are staying here tonight. Dub is too. Sam said he’s well enough to shoot someone if he has to defend Lucy and the house.”

  “They’ll have to marry now. Spending the night alone on the ranch will set tongues wagging.”

  “Nonsense. He’s injured and she’s just his nurse. There’s nothing wrong in that.”

  Thad sent her a patient glance. “I know that, but do you think the women who snubbed you will believe it? Even your own hands won’t believe he’s too injured to get into mischief with Lucy. You said yourself Lucy spends all her time with Sam.”

  “Maybe people will talk, but that doesn’t mean they have to marry. There’s no angry father demanding his daughter’s name be protected. And, after all, we went to the hot springs together. Not overnight, but alone all day, and no one said any gossip about that.”

  He leaned back to look into her face. “Are you serious? Dub almost shot me, hanged me, and dragged me behind his horse.”

  She laughed at him. “He did not. I admit he was in a bit of a huff until we explained the delay but that’s all.”

  “So you think. He followed me to the bunkhouse and made me go through every detail, almost minute by minute.”

  She hadn’t known that. She leaned back to look into his face and spoke low. “Bet you left out swimming.”

  He pulled her close and spoke near her ear. “Not having a death wish, you bet I did.”

  She laughed again.

  While Thad was gone, she danced almost every dance. Tony danced with her then Zeb then Dr. Spense then cowboys and ranchers she didn’t know. She danced once with Jasper, who turned out to be light on his feet.

  At nine, Joe and Dexter showed up and each danced with her. Mortimer Crane had the nerve to show up with his henchmen. She forced herself to dance the schottische with the evil man, and he was a surprisingly good dance partner.

  Dub took a break from playing long enough to dance with his sister. Then, he danced with her.

  “I’m sure proud of you tonight. You look like an angel and dance like one too. I’m sure William and Annette are smiling down tonight at what a beautiful and kind daughter they have.”

  “You and Marnie helped raise me. I hope I’m a credit to you.”

  “That you are, even when you do hare-brained things like ride a horse through town while standing up bareback.”

  Uh oh, she didn’t realize he’d have already heard about that. “I can explain, Dub. I had to prove Sugar was tame. That man who insulted me the other day was taunting her and saying she should be put down because she was a killer horse. He was going to bad mouth us all over town.”

  “So I heard. His boss, Moses Van Buren, came to see me and apologized. He fired all three… let’s see… Walter Jensen, Bill Forsythe, and Max Winfield. Cordelia ran them out of town. She said if she sees the trio again, they’ll go to jail. Aubrey Bowles told them to leave the county before he saw them again.”

  “Thank goodness. I was afraid that Walter person would show up at the sale and cause trouble.”

  “Reckon he would have. Don’t think he’ll try now. Well, I’d better pick up the banjo again.” He hugged her. “No more daredevil stunts, okay? I’ve lost enough hair as it is.”

  At ten, the party was still going strong. Fortunately, there were more than enough men to go around due to prospective horse buyers being in town plus the soldiers from Fort Bridger who’d come for Silas Hansen and his men.

  Thad returned and swept her into a dance.

  She was unaccountably happy to see him. “Is everything calm at the corral?”

  “Peaceful and orderly. Quite a few buyers dropped by to look at the horses today and this evening. Your daredevil ride caused a lot of interest.”

  “I hoped it would. Have you seen Cesare Delaney yet?”

  “He came by about supper time. He’s staying at this hotel as you suggested but said dances are not his thing.”

  “I didn’t realize they were my thing either but I’ve enjoyed this evening immensely.”

  “I suppose so.” His voice had an edge to it. “I heard you were the most popular woman here.”

  “You did not. Look around us.”

  “How many dances have you sat out?”

  “One or two, when I got punch. For once there are more men than women so we’ve all been able to dance every dance if we wish.”

  “And, I gather you wished?”

  Buster’s anger fired up. He wasn’t her keeper. “Thad King, you get that tone out of your voice this instant. There’s nothing wrong with me dancing while I have the chance.”

  “No, but I’d prefer it was with me.” His statement immediately quenched her fiery temper.

  A soft blanket of warmth wrapped around her instead. Maybe he was even a little bit jealous. “Oh, well, I’d like that better too. I’m sorry you have to guard the corral but it’s important nothing else go wrong.”

  “I agree, but that doesn’t mean I don’t wish I could spend more time with you.”

  “What a nice thing to say. Thank you.”

  He danced her into a dark corner toward what had been the kitchen. When they were shaded from view, he kissed her. At first his lips pressed gently on hers but then his ardor grew and his tongue pressed open the seam of her lips.

  His arms tightened around her and his tongue probed hers. When he broke the kiss, his breath was ragged. He held her close.

  “You are so soft and lovely. Your parents were right to name you Blessing.”

  In the dining room, Mr. Tweedie called, “Last dance. This will be the last dance, folks. Grab your favorite partner.”

  Thad pulled her toward the dance floor and they glided to a waltz. She hated for the night to end. She saw Marnie dancing with one of the soldiers. Some folks had already left the party
but there were still a lot present. Clusters of people chatted in the lobby.

  When the music ceased, she sighed and clutched her hands in front of her. “I hate for the night to end.”

  Thad had his hand at her waist. “No more than I do. Well, this part of the night anyway. I guess I’d better get back to the livery. We’re determined nothing go wrong.”

  Dub had returned his banjo to the carrying case. “Things all set?”

  Thad didn’t move his hand from her back. “They are. Delaney came by. Horses are quiet and have been fed and have fresh water.”

  “You going back now?”

  “Yes, this was supposed to be Mac’s turn but he said he still gets dizzy if he moves much and couldn’t dance. He’s coming back here to sleep as soon as I get to the corral. I hope you’re staying here too.”

  Dub appeared indecisive. “I feel like I oughta be there.”

  Thad shook his head. “You need to stay here and get a good night’s sleep. Someone will need to be clear-headed tomorrow.”

  “You sure it’s all handled?”

  “Yep. We have it covered. Someone needs to be here to keep an eye on Buster. That Walter Jensen fella has it in for her. You know he blames her for him being fired.”

  “I guess you’re right. Okay, I’ll stay here and you keep things going smoothly at the corral. I’ll see you in the morning.”

  When Dub had gone toward the stairs, Buster entwined her arm with Thad’s. “Thank you for seeing he stays here. He needs to sleep in a bed. He isn’t as healthy as he was. Marnie and I know he saw Dr. Spense, but he won’t tell us why or what the doctor said.”

  “Guess that explains why he’s relied on me so much even though I’m new.”

  “Tony’s been working for the ranch for seventeen years but has made it clear he doesn’t want to be in charge. Otherwise, I guess he’d be the one Dub turned to for help. You’re someone Dub can trust.”

  His hand still at her waist, Thad walked her to the stairs. “Now I feel better about sleeping on a bale of hay tonight. At least I can dream of an angel in her blue dress with roses in her golden hair.”

  How she wanted this magical time to continue. She laid her hand on his arm for a few seconds. “Goodnight, Thad. I’ll see you in the morning.”

  Reluctantly, she turned and climbed the stairs as he left the hotel.

  Marnie waited for her at the top of the stairs. “I hope you had as much fun as I did. I can hardly wait to get my shoes off, though. A couple of my partners confused my feet and the floor.”

  Still cocooned in a haze of happiness, Buster twirled down the hall in front of Marnie. “Tonight was the best party I’ve ever attended.”

  Chapter Twenty-three

  The following morning, Buster waited near the small raised area her ranch hands had created for Cesare Delaney. Not far away, Garnet and her niece and nephew were setting up a refreshment booth. Ailsa McNair and her oldest daughter, Tillie, were helping Garnet.

  Buster was happy to see Ailsa earning some money. The widow was about thirty-five and had been left with ten children ages two to fifteen. Buster couldn’t imagine how Ailsa was going to keep her family fed now that she was on her own.

  A handsome man about thirty approached Buster. He held the hand of a young girl who was dressed in overalls. “Ma’am, I’m Morris Cooper and this is my daughter Jessamyn. She saw you riding bareback and has been having a fit to own the horse you rode.”

  “I’m pleased to meet you both. How old are you, Jessamyn?”

  The girl tugged at one of her brown braids. “Ten. My friends call me Jesse. I want to learn to ride like you do.”

  “I’m sure you can eventually. How long have you been riding?”

  “Since I was six. Pa promised me my own horse for my birthday. That was last week.”

  “The horse I rode is Sugar and lives up to her name. There are several others that would be good for someone your age.” She gestured to a buckskin. “That’s Buck and he’s a real sweetie. He’s one of those I’d choose if you were my daughter.”

  Mr. Cooper laid a hand on his daughter’s shoulder. “Keep in mind this is an auction, honey, and prices may get out of hand. You may not get the first one you chose.”

  The girl didn’t respond other than to stare up at Buster.

  “Another that would make you a nice pet is the bay with the white on his nose.” She laughed. “Or this bay who’s sticking his nose over the top of the corral to check on you.”

  Buster rubbed the horse’s nose and then kissed him. “You’re a nosy boy, Billy. Did you choose Jesse as your person?”

  The girl reached up to pet Billy. “He’s nice. How did you learn to ride standing up?”

  Buster exchanged a glance with Mr. Cooper. “I had to learn to ride sitting in the saddle really well before I could try any tricks. Then, when I was fifteen, a Wild West Show came to Lizard Hill. My father took me to see it. I was so excited to watch the tricks the riders could perform. Gradually, I learned to do some of them but it took months and months.”

  “Like what?” Jesse asked.

  Buster didn’t want to encourage this child to try anything dangerous. “First was learning to dangle and pick up something from the ground. You’ll have to wait until you’re taller to try that, though.”

  “Oh. At least I can ride fast now, can’t I Pa?”

  Her father smoothed his hand lovingly across her head. “Too fast at times.”

  Buster met Jesse’s gaze. “I’ll tell you what, Jesse. When the horses are auctioned, I’ll nod if it would make you a good mount or shake my head if it wouldn’t. How do you feel about that?”

  Mr. Cooper shook Buster’s hand. “I say that’s real nice of you, Miss Odell.”

  “Jesse, don’t show you want a certain horse to other people. Let your dad handle the bidding. If you look excited before the sale is final, others will also bid more and it could ruin the sale for your father.”

  She received a smile from Mr. Cooper. “Thank you, Miss Odell. I’ve tried to tell her but another voice helps.”

  “Here’s Mr. Delaney now to start the auction so I’ll excuse myself. You folks have a good day.” She headed to talk to the auctioneer. Dub and Thad accompanied him and his assistant, Harold Bidmead.

  The farrier she used, Steve Farris, had his forge going. He was using a lean-to attached to the livery stable. He’d checked the horses before they arrived in town, but promised to be available in case he was needed today.

  When Thad saw Buster, his face beamed a welcome and he walked toward her. His lip was healing but his black eye still appeared painful. “You look a sight to start the day right.”

  She was glad she’d worn her mauve split skirt and coordinating shirtwaist. “These boots are more comfortable than the slippers I wore for the dance. I had a real nice time last night.”

  “So did I, that is, what time I was able to spend with you.”

  Buster turned his face so she could look at his black eye. Swelling had gone down but the skin was purple, blue, and yellow. “Does your eye still hurt?”

  “Naw, not much. Mostly it’s just embarrassing.

  He put his hand at her back. “Looks like you’ll have a crowd here today. Mr. Gregory told me he wants ten or twelve horses.”

  “The man I was talking to wants one for his daughter. She wants Sugar so she can ride like I did. I hope I convinced her she’ll have to be older.”

  His eyes shone with something she couldn’t define. “I suspect Sugar is going to be your star today. Word of your ride has spread like measles. Delaney is holding her for late in the day.”

  “Hmm, then I guess I should do the same ride with other horses.”

  He gently turned her to face him. “I guess you should not. That is, unless you want Dub and me to throttle you.”

  She grinned up at him. “Ha, what makes you think you have the right? Besides, you already said you would never hit a woman so no point bluffing.”

  He pretended to
pinch her nose. “Dub has made no promises and he assured me he will find a way to retaliate if you try anything like that again.”

  “He would, too. Since Papa died, Dub thinks he’s my father. He always kind of acted like he was my second papa.”

  “Lucky you have such loyal people working for you.”

  “We work together like a family. I don’t know the new men yet but Tony and Mac and Sam are not just employees.”

  “What about me?”

  “I… I don’t know yet whether you’re family or just passing through.” She hoped he’d make a commitment.

  “I went by to see Eddie this morning. He’s awake and can sit up. Doctor Spense said he can move to the hotel later today if he doesn’t have a relapse.”

  “I went by to see him, too, and he said you’d just left. I hate he got hurt so badly. I’m sure it was that Walter who’s responsible but I can’t prove it.”

  “Dub rode out to check on Sam and Lucy before breakfast.”

  “Everything all right?”

  He looked away. “I’ll let him tell you about that.” His voice sounded odd.

  Buster jerked his arm to turn him toward her. “Thad King, you can’t do that to me. You brought up the subject so you have to finish the story.”

  He glanced around then lowered his voice. “They were sharing Lucy’s bed. I don’t know what else went on. Lucy said it only made sense for her to sleep there so she would know if Sam needed anything.”

  “That does sound logical.” She recalled the discussion she and Thad had had previously. “Reckon you were correct and they’ll be getting married after all.”

  “Right you are. Dub is acting like he’s Lucy’s father. He was pretty upset with Sam.”

  “She’s all alone except for us but it’s not as if she’s a child. She’s been with us for ten years. Dub and Marnie are like her parents.”

  Buster thought more about the situation for a few seconds. “Shy as she is, she must be really fond of Sam, maybe even in love with him. Remember how firm she was when she saw he’d been injured?”

  “Hey, you’re right. She really took charge, didn’t she? Surprised the heck out of me. Before then she’d acted as if she was afraid of her own shadow since I’d been here.”