Over her shoulder, she called, “Jack, take care of Dorie.”
Inside the bedroom, she closed the door and threw herself across the bed. She’d never get the hang of preparing a decent meal. She’d worked so hard and been so hopeful of making Travis proud of her.
She had to keep him from changing his mind. So far, he’d been good to her and the children. Knowing her good fortune wouldn’t continue, she’d wanted to preserve his mood as long as possible.
Sobbing onto her pillow, she must have dropped off to sleep.
A weight dropped beside her on the bed. “You’re missing a good meal.”
She rolled over to see her husband munching on a slice of bread. “How can you pretend to eat that?”
He pulled off a bite and fed it to her. “When I cut away the crust, it’s good. Haven’t had homemade light bread in longer than I can remember. Sure is nice.”
It wasn’t as bad as she’d feared but she’d intended it to be delicious. “Oh, Travis, I burned it.” Tears threatened anew.
“Come on, off the bed or there won’t be any food left.”
She wiped at her eyes. “I’m too embarrassed to face Billy and Paco. They’ll know I’ve been crying.”
“They won’t say a word. Vanessa, no one expects you to be perfect. Jack and Dorie are worried.” He took her hand and pulled her to her feet.
Reluctantly, she let her husband guide her to the kitchen. She had to face the others eventually. They must think her weepy and silly.
The others sat at the table and looked up when she and Travis entered.
Billy toasted her with his coffee cup. “You gave up too soon. All we had to do was slice off the top and bottom crusts. Sure nice to have light bread.”
Paco nodded. “This is good. Next time you will have no problem. You will be used to this stove soon.”
Billy waved toward the range. “Ever one of the beasts cooks different. Reckon this one’s good but takes getting’ used to.”
Dorie crawled from her chair and came to Vanessa. “I don’t want you to be sad, Mother. Jack and I were very good so you would be proud.”
Vanessa hugged her daughter and laid an arm around her son. “I am proud of you and your brother. You’re wonderful children.” She looked at the men. “Sorry I overreacted. I’m still getting used to being a housewife.”
Travis smiled at her. “Doing a swell job so far. House looks nicer than I ever imagined it could.”
After supper was cleared and the kitchen tidy, she gathered her sewing tools and flannel she’d intended for clothing. Instead, she thought the black watch plaid would make good seat cushion covers. She cut out the shapes needed then sat and sewed while the men chatted.
With a lamp at her left, she worked and enjoyed listening to the men banter. She’d have to wait for batting to fill the cushions until someone went to Sweetwater Springs. At least she had one wifely skill.
A gust of wind rattled the glass and she turned toward the window. Fog of moisture covered the inside and prevented her seeing clearly. “Was it snowing when you came inside?”
Travis said, “No, but looks like more on the way. Little early for a blizzard, but I wouldn’t be surprised if we have several inches of snow tomorrow.”
“Do you have to close the shutters then or are they for protection against attacks?”
“Don’t expect attack from anyone. Indians here about are friendly and don’t know of any criminals in the area. Shutters make an amazing difference in the temperature when they’re closed. You’ll see this winter.”
Billy pointed at the window. “That’s right. We’ll be closin’ those afore long. Makes the room dark durin’ the day, but sure helps hold in the heat.”
Paco looked at her. “I came to Montana Territory from South Texas where there is almost no cold. My first winter, I thought I would never be warm again. Now, I am used to this weather. I still get cold, but I know I can survive if I am cautious.”
***
Travis relaxed in the comfort of his home with his family around him. This was his dream. Wife sewing beside him, children playing at his feet, his friends sitting nearby. Cold wind pushed against the house, but his parlor was warm.
He surveyed the changes his wife had made. Already the house appeared more homelike with her additions. He never thought he’d have real silver or fine lace decorating his place.
Though he appreciated them, such things hadn’t been in his thoughts. He’d fought to establish his ranch and hold on to it through dire conditions. So far, he’d been able to withstand Mother Nature’s worst. He prayed that this year he could recover and get ahead, that his cattle would survive, that nothing else bad would happen.
Vanessa set her sewing aside. “Jack, Dorie, time to get ready for bed. Bring your toys.”
“Aw, I’m not sleepy.” Jack dutifully picked up his horses and rose.
“I’m not sleepy but my dolly is so I’ll put her in bed.” Dorie hugged his neck and kissed him on the cheek. “Goodnight, Papa.”
Jack hugged him. “Goodnight, Papa. Goodnight, Billy and Paco.”
Dorie rushed to the other two men. She kissed each on the cheek loudly. “Goodnight.”
Billy rubbed his cheek with a smile. “Well, I’ll be. Don’t that take all?”
Paco grinned. “She is one who will drive you crazy in ten years or so when the boys come to call.”
Travis shook his head. “Already I see life is out of my control. Thank goodness those two are well-behaved.”
He leaned back, happy to observe that the children accepted Billy and Paco as family. Especially Billy appeared moved by Dorie’s kiss. Who would have imagined that a six-year-old girl could wrap three grown men around her finger? But, there was no doubt Dorie had done so.
Right now he was lucky to have a beautiful wife capable of passion in bed but dignified otherwise. Yet even though she was responsive to his lovemaking, he sensed she withheld part of herself from him. After what he’d heard about her late husband, he knew gaining her trust would be a battle.
His children couldn’t be better unless they’d been born his. Would Vanessa let him adopt them? Time would tell.
She returned to the parlor and reclaimed her seat beside him. “Lucky for me Dorie’s doll was sleepy.” She chuckled. “That nosy little minx is afraid she’ll miss something if she goes to sleep before we do.”
Billy hadn’t lost his stunned expression. “She’s a good child and so is Jack. You’ve done a first-rate job raising them so far.”
“Thank you, Billy. I’ve tried, but I have worried about them.” As if she hadn’t meant to say those words, she looked up.
After a sigh, she offered an explanation. “Before we came here, they couldn’t act like children very often. Greta and I were determined they have some joy in their lives, but their father had outdated ideas about children. He acted as if he didn’t like our children unless his friends were around. Even then, he thought they should be seen and not heard.”
Travis put his arm around her shoulders and gave a light squeeze. “Sorry they were in such a repressive atmosphere. They’re fine children and should blossom here.”
She smiled at him. “I see a difference already. Jack has more confidence and smiles more. Dorie is able to chatter without anyone yelling at her.” She gazed from him to Billy to Paco. “I appreciate the interest each of you has taken in them. You don’t know how much your acceptance means to me—to us.”
Billy shifted in his chair. “Aw, easy to be nice to nice people. Those two will enjoy ranch life. They sure like the dogs and cats. Jack’s itching to ride a horse.”
Paco nodded. “Sí, and when he does, Dorie will want to ride also. I think the small horse you call Shadow would be good for Jack and the pony would be good for Dorie.”
Vanessa paused in her stitches to meet her husband’s gaze. “You think Dorie could ride?”
He patted her shoulder. “With lessons first, of course, but yes. When they learn well enough, the
y could ride to visit the Clanahan children. That won’t be until spring. More snow is on the way, and next time there will be too much for them to be out in it.”
She met his gaze with a puzzled expression. “How can you tell? The sun was shining all day.”
“In the north almost at the horizon there was a dark bank.” He chuckled. “Plus, Paco is never wrong and he said snow is headed this way.”
Billy gestured toward Paco. “He’s a walking, talking weather indicator. Never known him to be wrong.”
Paco sat up as if proud of his ability. “Sí, many years ago I was stomped by a horse. My bones mended but now they tell me if the weather is going to change. They are saying beware, a blizzard is on the way.”
Vanessa’s eyes twinkled as she looked at Travis. “Then I’m glad we have a warm, sturdy home to shelter us.”
His laughter bubbled forth. “I know, small as it is.”
His remark was rewarded with an elbow’s nudge to his ribs
Chapter Seven
Vanessa snuggled closer to her husband while the wind whistled around the home’s exterior. Sturdy as the house was, this bedroom was cold. She was grateful Greta had packed her favorite eiderdown duvet.
She wondered if Jack and Dorie were warm enough. At least, the children’s room received warmth from the back of the fireplace. Perhaps when new rooms were added they could each include a small fireplace.
Travis pulled her head to his chest and tucked the cover around them. “Stop worrying. Everyone and everything will be okay. This isn’t a bad storm.”
She gave in to sleep. When she woke, she was alone in bed. Quickly, she dressed in a wool dress and flannel petticoat before she went to check on her children.
At the next bedroom, Travis had lined up two sets of clothes. “Come in, Vanessa. You might as well see how this works.”
“I already know how to dress.”
“Not this way.” He turned back to Jack. “Get out of your pajamas and put this pair of underwear on.”
Jack face wore a worried frown. “Papa, I’m not supposed to let a girl see me without my clothes.”
“Just this once it’s all right, son. Getting all this gear right is important.”
Reluctantly, Jack removed his night wear.
Dorie put her hands over her mouth and giggled.
Vanessa tapped the little girl on the shoulder. “This is a serious lesson. Pay attention to what Papa says.”
Travis helped her son don a pair of longhandles. “You start with these and quickly add the top. Then you tuck the top into the waist of the bottoms.”
When he’d helped Jack with the long-sleeved undershirt, Travis handed him the heavy-knit wool socks. “You put these on and pull them up over the legs of your long handles. Then, if your feet get wet, you can change socks without getting undressed.”
He handed the twill pants to Jack. “Get these on then your flannel shirt. You tuck the flannel shirt into the pants, but not into the underwear. See, then you have more layers to protect you from the cold. Now your new boots.”
When he had completed his clothing, Jack stood and walked back and forth testing his new boots. “These are neat. Guess I can go outside now, right, Papa?”
“You can go with me to the barn after breakfast. I’m not through, Jack. Always wear a hat that covers the top of your head and your ears, even if it’s just a knit cap. A scarf is good because it warms your throat and you can pull it up to cover most of your face. Now, get your new coat and bring it to the kitchen.”
Jack grabbed his hat and coat. “I’ll see if there’s a peg I can use.”
Travis nabbed a red scarf and followed the boy.
Vanessa helped Dorie repeat the sequence of clothing before they went to help with breakfast.
When they entered the kitchen, Billy turned from the range. “About six inches last night. Not as bad as we feared.”
Travis held a cup of coffee. “Paco milking?”
“That he is. He likes milkin’ and I’m glad. I never took to it.”
Dorie tugged on Travis’ sleeve. “Look, Papa, I’m ready to play in the snow.”
Jack sat at the table. “Me, too. Are we gonna play or work?”
Travis smiled at Jack and lifted Dorie to her chair. “I thought you’d like to play with the dogs and cats while Paco, Billy, and I work in the barn.”
Dorie clapped her hands. “Kitties. I love all the kitties. Blackie’s my favorite and I’ll bet he’s missed me.”
Jack leaned forward. “You’re not taking the dogs out on the range today?”
“Not this morning. If the snow continues, we’ll have to feed the cattle.”
Jack scooted to the edge of his chair. “But, how can you do that?”
Patiently, Travis explained, “You remember the barn with the hay in it? We load hay on the wagon you rode here. There’s another one we do the same with. Then we divide up and go out on the range and look for cattle. When we find them, we pitch hay down for them.”
“If you only have two wagons, how can you divide up? Besides, three doesn’t divide in people.”
Billy leaned over. “Paco and I take one wagon. He won’t let us go alone ’cause that’s dangerous, but he takes the other one out by hisself, the stubborn young cuss.”
Paco entered the kitchen with a pail of milk, steaming in the cold air that arrived with him. He stamped his feet then carried the milk to the counter.
“I will get the eggs after breakfast unless you need them now.”
Billy waved dismissively. “We got plenty for now but them hens’ve slowed down now it’s cold.”
Vanessa had taken over cooking the ham steaks. She didn’t know hens didn’t lay as many eggs in cold weather. Every day she realized how foolhardy she was to think she could catch on to ranching.
How she wished Greta was here to teach her to cook and do laundry and all the other things a ranch wife needed to know. She’d been good at running a household in Atlanta. Supervising staff took skill, but was entirely different from performing chores.
After breakfast, the children were eager to go to the barn.
“Wait, Dorie, use the chamber pot before you go out.”
Dorie’s eyes widened. She stage-whispered, “Mother-r-r, we’re not supposed to say that in front of the men. What must they think?”
Hands on her hips, Vanessa gave her most severe expression. “They think I’m your mother and you had better get in the bedroom and do as I say, young lady, or you’ll spend the day inside the house.”
With a mutinous expression on her face, Dorie marched to the bedroom.
Travis coughed, and Vanessa was certain he hid a laugh. Billy turned his back but she heard his wheezy laugh and Paco examined his boots. Dorie certainly didn’t need to know they thought her funny. It would only encourage her to be more incorrigible.
Jack put his hands in his pockets. “Dorie gets confused because we have different rules here. She doesn’t mean to be naughty.”
Travis smiled at Jack. “She’s not naughty. I know ranch life takes getting used to after city life.”
When Dorie returned, the children donned coats, hats, gloves, and scarves.
Travis kissed Vanessa on the cheek. “Unless the children need to come in, we’ll see you at dinner. Don’t worry, we’ll keep an eye on them.”
“Thank you, Travis. This means a lot to them—and to me. I appreciate your patience.”
He leaned in for another kiss. “Hold that thought.”
Since the men were staying home, she thought they’d expect the main meal at lunch. Billy had brought in a roast, so she started it cooking in the Dutch oven. He’d said let it cook with water for two hours then add onions, carrots, and potatoes.
She’d better go to the cellar and get the vegetables. Uneasy about the task, she lit the lantern and raised the trap door. The steps were steeper than she thought necessary.
This dim cavern gave her the shivers. She hung the lantern so she could collect the ve
getables in the bag she’d brought. Enough to have left over for supper would be needed, so she grabbed extra onions and carrots.
As she reached for a potato something dropped onto her shoulder. She guessed she must have jumped a foot as she batted at whatever had fallen. Eeuw, it was one of those salamander things, which scampered under a bin.
She paused a moment to absorb the reality of being underground. Whole families existed in a space not much larger than the cellar. How could they keep children safe?
And, how did people get used to this life? To think Travis had lived in a soddie similar to this. She couldn’t imagine sleeping here. She wouldn’t be able to close her eyes.
Quickly, she finished collecting what she needed and climbed back up the steps. She remembered to bring the lantern and lower the wick to extinguish it once she was in the kitchen. She lowered the trap door and sat down at the table.
Heavens, her heart still pounded as if she’d been running.
***
They had just sat down for dinner when the dogs began barking.
Travis stood and went to the door. “Rider coming.” He grabbed his coat and slid his arms into the sleeves. The responsibility of his family had turned him exceptionally vigilant and he grabbed the rifle over the door. By the time he reached the front porch, the rider was at the hitching rail.
“Hello the house.”
From the way the man dismounted, Travis figured he was young. Bundled up as he was, only a pair of brown eyes showed with snow-crusted eyelashes.
He looped the reins around the rail and raised his hands. “Sam Devlin here. May I come in?”
Satisfied, Travis motioned for the newcomer to precede him into the house. No one was turned away in this weather, but he had a family to protect.
After stomping the snow from his boots, the man walked into the kitchen. He tossed his hat at the pegs by the door and the hat hooked one as if he’d had aimed at that same target every day. Next he removed his gloves and dug into a pocket to produce an envelope.
“If you’re Travis Boyd then I have a note for you from Sheriff Mather.” He passed it to Travis before he unwrapped the scarf from around his neck and face and hung it and his coat with his hat.
Montana Sky: Capture Her Heart (Kindle Worlds Novella) (Loving A Rancher Book 6) Page 6