Blessing (Widows Of Wildcat Ridge Book 2)

by Caroline Clemmons

  Ailsa wiped tears from her face. “Our lives will never be normal again, not since I lost my husband and my children lost their father. You’ve made it possible for us to get through the year, though, and I can’t thank you enough.”

  When Ailsa had gone, Buster met Hester’s gaze. “How could I have been so insensitive? I hate I upset her instead of offering words of comfort. I feel awful for what I said about life going back to normal. Of course, no one’s will ever go back to the way it was before the mine explosion and that includes mine.”

  Hester reached over and patted her hand. “You can’t bring back those we’ve lost, and that’s the sad truth. You’re providing much needed assistance so no one goes hungry.”

  Cordelia slid her envelope into her desk drawer. “You’ve helped all the widows and their children with your generosity. That means a lot.”

  Chapter Twenty-five

  Thad sat across from Owen Vaile. They were using Mayor Hester Fugit’s office.

  Owen passed Thad a sheaf of papers. “Aubrey was able to get the state to release the property for him to dispose of in his capacity as county sheriff.

  Thad signed where Owen indicated. “This releases the ranch to me?”

  “In exchange for the funds you’re paying the state.”

  Thad passed the documents to Owen then pulled out the cash for the amount on which the state officials had agreed. “And, here’s a pound of my flesh and a gallon of my blood.”

  He shook his head. “Sorry, I’m nervous that I have so little money left after buying the ranch.”

  The lawyer scowled at him. “You got a durn good price, young man.”

  “I know that and I’m grateful I could pay without asking the bank for a loan. I suspect Mortimer Crane’s bank has high interest. That’s if he’d even approve me for the loan.”

  “Imagine you’re right about the interest. Because of that, I’m sure Crane would be eager to loan you money. Better this way even though you’ll be a little strapped for cash for a while.”

  Thad folded his copy of the deed transfer and put it in his pocket. “I’ll ride out and check the place again today.”

  “I’ll send this copy for recording.”

  The men shook hands. Thad’s steps had a spring in them. He was riding high on his ranch. He sure hoped his plans worked out. He wanted to surprise Buster.

  When he’d retrieved Goldie from the livery, he rode toward his ranch. The sound of that pleased him. He’d planned for years on having his own place.

  If the Ross ranch hadn’t been so overpriced, he would have bought that one. Learning how much they were asking had disappointed him. Now he was glad things worked out this way because he’d met Buster.

  He’d cleared with Dub that he’d be busy today and tomorrow. The foreman knew why and appeared to approve, appeared being more hopeful on Thad’s part than actual words to that affect. He hoped Buster would be receptive.

  Buster wondered how Thad really saw her. Was he kissing her because she was the woman most available or because he desired her? How would she be able to tell?

  Sitting with Hester and Cordelia while the women came to collect their share from the horse sale gave Buster a chance to observe them one by one. Sheriff Bowles had trouble sitting still and paced back-and-forth. Tony and Dexter watched the women come in and spoke to some of them.

  Thalia Plunkett barely acknowledged the men but exchanged pleasantries with the women. Bertie Templeton acted the same way. On the other hand, Bibi Flusher flirted with Tony. At least, that’s what Buster would call it.

  Buster wondered how women learned to do that. Did they know from birth or was it something that she could learn? How would she go about flirting with Thad? When she finished here in the Marshall’s office, maybe she’d go talk to Bibi.

  The afternoon had passed by time they finished passing out the last of the money. Buster went to the Wells Fargo office to deposit her receipts from the sale in the bank Grace had opened. Buster didn’t want to give Mortimer Crane the benefit of her money. The less she and her ranch had to do with that evil man the better.

  Papa had kept the bulk of his funds in Eventon. Now that Grace had a bank in Wildcat Ridge, Buster was happy to do business with her.

  She was leaving the office after a nice chat with Grace when she met Hester’s lawyer in front of the hotel. They walked in together.

  “How are you, Mr. Vaile? Thank you again for coming to our aid when we drove the horses to town.”

  “I’m certainly glad everything is worked out for you, Miss O’Dell. And now that Mr. King has secured the ranch that had belonged to that Hansen fellow, I imagine you’re especially happy.”

  Buster was thunderstruck. “You’re saying that Thad King has purchased the former Silas Hansen ranch?”

  A panicked expression crossed the attorney’s face. “I’m sorry, I thought you knew and that I haven’t broken client confidentiality. I’ve seen you two together about town quite a bit. I hope I haven’t put my foot in it.”

  Somehow Buster forced a smile. “Not at all. I just didn’t realize the deal was finalized. That’s good news then, isn’t it?”

  While the attorney claimed his key and went to his room, Buster clung to the reception desk as if it was a life raft and she was in churning water. How could Thad double-cross her like this? He had to know she intended to buy that ranch.

  All the while he was kissing her and pretending to like her he was planning to snatch that ranch away from her. No wonder he wouldn’t commit to selling her his horses. He was going to breed them himself.

  She could hardly breathe and she thought she might throw up. What a silly schoolgirl she’d been.

  Diantha grabbed her hand. “Buster, you look like you’ve seen a ghost. Do I need to help you upstairs and get you a room? I’d say you need to lie down.”

  Buster clutched at her friend’s hand. “I guess I’m more tired than I realized. I’m sure I’ll be fine in a moment.” But she wouldn’t be, she would never be fine again. Not after the man she loved had toyed with her as if she was one of the women at Rose’s bordello.

  Diantha reached behind her for a key then came around the counter to escort Buster. “Let’s get you upstairs before you pass out.”

  “I’ve never passed out in my life.” Buster hadn’t the energy to resist Diantha and let herself be guided upstairs to a room.

  “You sit on the bed. I’ll pour you a glass of water.” Diantha gently shoved her onto the mattress.

  When Buster had consumed the liquid, Diantha tugged off Buster’s boots. “You lie right there until you feel better.”

  She covered Buster with a light blanket and closed the drapes. “I’ll check on you in a little while.”

  No sooner had Diantha closed the door than Buster’s tears came. Dub was right and she didn’t really know anything about Thad. He might have a dozen women who he had kissed and made feel special. She had no way of knowing. One thing was for sure, she’d never trust another man again.

  When she awoke the room was dark. How long had she slept? Good heavens, Marnie and Dub would be worried.

  Buster pulled on her boots and straightened the bed, folding the blanket as it had been when she came in. She hurried downstairs, remembering she hadn’t yet paid Diantha for the dance and the rooms her people had used at the hotel. As she came down the stairs she saw the clock in the lobby said eight o’clock.

  Her friend was behind the reception desk. “You look much better now. I hope that means you feel all right.”

  “I have your money right here.” Buster pushed an envelope across the counter. “I think this will cover everything but if it doesn’t please let me know.”

  Diantha opened the envelope and gasped. “You know this is too much.”

  “No it isn’t. If it weren’t for you the sale would not have gone as well. Plus, we would’ve had to ride back-and-forth every day to the ranch. While it isn’t far, thirty minutes each way does mount up.”

  “
I won’t deny this will really help. Thank you for your generosity.”

  She was about to leave when Thad rushed into the hotel.

  He grabbed her by the shoulders. “Where have you been? We’ve been worried out of our minds about you. Expected you home hours ago.”

  She pulled from his grasp. “Home? You mean my ranch or yours, you rat. How could you go behind my back the way you have?”

  He caught her hand and cradled it in his. “I wanted it to be a surprise.”

  She tried unsuccessfully to extract her hand from both of his. “Well you succeeded there. I thought I could trust you.”

  “You can trust me. The surprise is a gift for you, a wedding gift if you’ll have me.”

  She blinked, uncertain she’d heard him correctly. “A what?”

  He framed her face with his hands. “You heard me. I couldn’t come to you with my hat in my hand like a beggar. I bought Hansen’s ranch to give that and the horses to you as a wedding gift so we can be partners. The catch is you have to take me.”

  She threw her arms around him. “Oh, I do. I take you as my partner forever.”

  He twirled her around in a giant hug. “Let’s go to the ranch and tell everyone, as if they haven’t already figured out I’m crazy about you.”

  The few people in the lobby applauded.

  Buster and Thad rode for the Rafter O Ranch as fast as was safe for their horses. The lights were on in the house and the bunkhouse when they arrived.

  Once they were inside, Marnie stood with her arms crossed. “Blessing Odell, you had me worried sick. Now sit down because I saved you a plate. You, too, Thad.”

  But he remained standing. “Marnie, Dub, acting as Buster’s parents, I’m announcing she consented to become my wife and ask for your blessing.”

  Marnie hugged him. “I can’t tell you how happy this makes me.”

  Dub stuck out his hand. “Glad to have you in the family. I know you’ll be good to her.”

  Marnie put a hand on Thad’s shoulder. “Sit down and let me get your supper. You must be half-starved.”

  Lucy poured coffee for everyone. Sam limped out of her room using a cane.

  Lucy beamed at Sam then looked at Buster. “Us, too.”

  Buster rose and hugged Lucy then Sam. “You’re perfect for one another. I know you’ll be happy.”

  Sam smiled at Lucy with such tenderness it warmed Buster’s heart. “Thad is going to let us live in his house, the one that was Hansen’s.”

  Thad shook Sam’s hand. “Guess the women will tell us when to show up for the ceremony.”

  Dub chuckled. “You can count on that.”

  Chapter Twenty-six

  Three weeks later

  Rafter O Ranch

  Buster sucked in her breath. She hadn’t realized her mother’s wedding dress was packed away. The day after she announced her engagement, Marnie unpacked the dress so it could air. Surprisingly, the gown fit—but only if she wore a durn corset.

  “I said I never wear one of these things. Yet, here I am letting you cinch me up so I can fit into Mama’s wedding dress.”

  Marnie tied the laces. “This kind of dress depends on a corset for the foundation. In your mother’s day, no respectable woman would have been caught without a corset. She even wore one when she rode a horse.”

  “Now that I guarantee will never happen with me.”

  While Marnie helped Lucy with her corset, Buster stepped into her petticoats. Only for the man she loved would she wear the blasted corset and several petticoats. Warm tingles covered her when she recalled the look on his face at the dance.

  She’d known the moment when he first spotted her. His face lit up like a child’s at Christmas. She hoped he was as appreciative today.

  After Marnie had finished with Buster’s hair, Buster carefully donned her mother’s wedding dress. Her parents had married before the Civil War so styles had changed a great deal—even she knew that. At least she wasn’t wearing a crinoline so wide no one could stand close to her.

  The soft white silk gown had a two-foot ruffle of scalloped lace at the skirt’s bottom but no train. Three-quarter sleeves ended in a lace ruffle and lace decorated the bodice’s center front. The neckline was lower than she would have liked, but no more than the one Lucy would wear. Valencia lace made up Buster’s veil and was topped by a crown of silk flowers.

  Marnie fastened the dress and stepped back, hands clasped to her breast. “Oh, Blessing, you look like an angel. Your parents would be so proud of the woman you’ve become.”

  Buster met Marnie’s eyes in the mirror. “Do you really believe that, Marnie? I so want to be a credit to their names.” She tilted her head to consider her reflection. Someone she almost didn’t recognize stared back from the glass.

  “Now you’re fishing for compliments. You know you’ve accomplished more than most people your age.”

  “You are the one who deserves credit for whatever I’ve done. No one has influenced me more than you, Marnie, not even Papa.”

  Marnie hugged her. “Stand there and don’t wrinkle your gown while I help Lucy. My wedding dress isn’t as fancy as your mother’s, Blessing, but I was very proud of it when I wore it twenty-four years ago.”

  Lucy adjusted the lace Bertha collar on the dress Marnie had loaned her. “Thank you for letting me wear it, Marnie. I feel elegant.”

  The ivory silk gown looked lovely with Lucy’s coloring. A pointed waist emphasized her slenderness. A crown of ivory silk roses held a small veil.

  “I’m honored to have your wear it, Lucy. I’d hoped to have a daughter, but Robert and I didn’t have children. You and Blessing are my daughters.”

  Tears in her eyes, Lucy hugged Marnie. “Thank you for saying that. You don’t know how much that means to me.”

  Each of the brides wore new slippers. A small bouquet of roses, daisies, and larkspur waited for each of them.

  Buster put an arm around Lucy and one around Marnie. “Look at us, aren’t we the prettiest women on the ranch?”

  Lucy laughed. “At least, in this room. Oh, I hope I can speak when the preacher asks me if I do. You know how talking in front of people makes me feel.”

  “But this will be to marry the man you love and he’ll be there holding your hand.” She turned to Marnie. “You look lovely, Marnie. I’m sure I haven’t seen that dress before.”

  Marnie smoothed the skirt of her pink print pongee trimmed in rose taffeta. “I made this a few weeks ago because I believed I’d have a wedding to attend soon. How lovely to have two at the same time.”

  Buster started to shake her head but stopped because she was afraid she’d dislodge her veil’s headpiece. “You always get to wear high neck dresses.”

  Dub rapped at Buster’s room. “Anyone in there going to get married today? We have a crowd downstairs waiting.”

  Marnie opened the door. “Does one of them include a preacher?”

  “Sure does. He arrived an hour ago and I’ve fed him. Tony and I are ready to escort the brides and Mac’s here for you, sister.”

  Marnie took Mac’s arm. “Thank you, Sean. I’ll appreciate a strong arm going down the stairs.”

  Tony offered his arm to Lucy. “You ladies son muy hermosas, very beautiful. Escorting you to your beloved is my honor.”

  Before leaving the room, Dub held Buster’s shoulders. “I thought your mother was the prettiest woman I’d ever seen, but you are even lovelier. Even better, I’m proud of who you are, Buster.”

  “Thank you, Dub.” Tears filled her eyes as she hugged him. “Thank you for caring about me and looking after me.”

  He cleared his throat and moisture shone from his eyes. “Thad’s waiting. His eyes are going to bug out and he’ll swallow his tongue when he sees you.”

  Her eyes filled with tears and a lump the size of a saddle stuck in her throat. She forced a smile for her beloved foreman. “I hope not. He has to say ‘I do’ so we can be wed.”

  “Come on, we’ll soon see.” D
ub offered his arm.

  Furniture had been moved out of the parlor except for all the chairs they could find. Every chair was taken and people stood at the back and sides. The preacher and the grooms stood in front of the fireplace.

  Sam still relied on his cane but he stood straight and looked nice. He beamed at Lucy.

  Thad wore a black suit and his gray vest. She’d never seen a more handsome man. His blue eyes shone with love as he focused on her. If Dub hadn’t been beside her, her rubbery legs might have given way.

  The minister was a smiling man with wispy brown hair and wearing a dark suit that needed brushing. Buster didn’t care, as long as he was able to perform the ceremony that would unite her and Thad legally. The preacher held the Bible, ready to begin.

  When she and Lucy were each beside her groom, the minister gave a short sermon on the duties of husband and wife. The longer he spoke, the more nervous Buster became. She knew if he didn’t end his talk soon, she would dissolve in a puddle of nerves at Thad’s feet.

  Thad squeezed her hand. When she looked at him, he smiled. Instantly, she calmed. This man loved her and would be by her side forever. They were a team now, partners in life.

  The preacher launched into the actual ceremony. Buster tried to pay attention but her mind went numb. Thad took her left hand and slid on a gold band. She was able to mumble “I do” at the correct time.

  Beside her, Lucy’s answer was barely a whisper.

  Finally, the minister said, “Grooms, you may each kiss your bride.”

  Thad’s kiss was soft and sweet. Then, they turned around to face the friends who had come to wish them well.

  The preacher announced, “May I present Mr. and Mrs. Thad King and Mr. and Mrs. Sam Jameson.”

  Dub stood. “Friends, please join us for a reception in the dining room.”

  Thad kept his arm around her shoulders as people congratulated them. When their well wishers slowed, her husband leaned near her ear. “You have to be the most beautiful woman in the world. I almost passed out when you came down the stairs.”