by Emily Woods
“Yes,” she said, using the back of her wrist to wipe the sweat that was already gathering there. “I’ll be fine.”
“Good, good,” Albert said, checking his pocket-watch. He was dressed in the nicest suit she’d seen him wear. The deal they were doing had to be important.
“I hope it goes well,” she offered, wishing they had more to talk about in general.
“It will. I’ve got a feeling,” he said. His smile was genuine this time and she passed off his former one to distraction about the obviously important deal.
She wasn’t sure what else to say, and Albert didn’t seem to be either. The next instant, he nodded curtly and spun on his heel. And that was that.
Lulu watched him go then looked back at the dirt in front of her. She was alone. Well, that wasn’t fully true. Violet and Ma would be there. An Aaron.
She swallowed hard. Would it mean that Aaron would be around more since Arthur and Albert would be gone? That was exactly what she didn’t need. She wondered if she should have asked Albert if she could come, but that probably wouldn’t have been proper even if Arthur were coming along too.
Sighing, she turned back to the garden with a vengeance. Things with Albert hadn’t gone as she’d expected. He wasn’t even the man she’d thought he was, at least not in the way his letters made him seem. He was nice and a good man, but he didn’t seem to want to be around her. Wasn’t that what all this was about?
She’d wanted so desperately to talk to someone, perhaps Violet, about it, but she hadn’t been able to summon the courage to bring it up. How did she say she wasn’t sure if Albert really wanted to marry her?
Then a small part of her also wondered if she was just looking for an excuse. Was she looking for a reason to look…elsewhere?
Even that hint of a thought made her cheeks burn and her conscience feel singed. She had pledged herself to Albert and no one else. She had no right to look elsewhere. The only person that could release her from her current situation was Albert, and she wasn’t going to ask him. He’d have to bring it up. He was probably just a slow mover and felt that time apart would be good for them.
Either way, she knew that him being gone and Aaron being around could be a recipe for disaster. Instead of letting it get that far, she would do her absolute best to stay as far away from the younger brother as she could.
Aaron walked through the barn in the early morning. It was the second day since his brothers had left and so far, he’d managed to completely avoid Lulu. He felt foolish for it, knowing that he should be able to see the woman without falling for her beautiful looks and sweet smile, but he wasn’t going to risk it. At least not if he didn’t have to.
So far, things on the ranch had run smoothly. The only thing that had him worried at the moment were the ominous clouds in the distance. It didn’t happen often, but on days like this, they could get dry lightning. It was a worst-case scenario, but one he had to consider. Without the rain that they so desperately needed, adding lightning to the mix would be like setting a match to dry straw. He cringed at the thought.
The sound of soft words came from the next stall over and he paused, wondering who had beat him to the horses this morning. Then, like a punch to the gut, he realized the voice was that of Lulu.
“You’re such a handsome boy,” she cooed. “Yes.” Aaron heard snorting and could imagine the stallion tossing his head up and down in agreement. “You like the apple I brought you? I thought you might.” More soothing noises.
Aaron wanted to see this petite woman conquer the large horse, knowing it would tower over her, but that she would likely have it eating out of her hand—in every way. He edged closer and caught a glimpse of the horse’s head as its fuzzy snout nuzzled against her hand.
“That tickles,” she said with a light laugh. The sound was like tinkling bells and made him smile in response.
He took another step, but his foot knocked a rake aside and she whirled around. The horse tossed its head again, but this time when it came down, it bumped her forward and she toppled into Aaron.
His hands immediately went to her shoulders to steady her and her sweet scent wafted up toward him. Because of her nearness, he felt enveloped by the flowery smell of roses and he took in an extra breath before stepping back. She smelled so good, but he never should have been close enough to her to know that. Then again, he couldn’t have helped it, it was either that or let her fall—something he wasn’t willing to do.
“I-I’m sorry. I heard talking and came to see who had gotten here before me. You’re out here early.” He felt as if he was saying everything too fast. Was it warm out here?
“I hope it’s not a problem,” she said, dropping her gaze. “Sometimes I miss them.”
“Uh…them?”
“Horses,” she amended quickly, her cheeks turning pink. “I grew up on a horse ranch in Virginia. My father taught me everything he knew about horses—which is a lot, mind you—and sometimes I just miss being near them.”
“You’re able to ride though, aren’t you?”
“Oh, yes.” She met his gaze briefly. “Thank you for setting aside that mare for me. She’s wonderful. I just… I couldn’t sleep and thought coming out here might help.”
“You’re welcome here at any time, day or night.” He smiled, hoping she could see that he truly meant it. A question lingered behind his lips, though he wasn’t sure if he could ask it. Then again, if she were to be his sister-in-law, they’d have to get used to talking with one another. Wouldn’t they?
“Do you miss your home?”
She looked surprised that he’d asked her a question, but she seemed to honestly consider it. He watched as the lines between her brows furrowed and her gaze went up to the ceiling. Her lips quirked as well, and he thought how much he liked her thinking face.
Stop it, Aaron. Sister-in-law. Sister-in-law.
“Yes and no. I miss the evening talks I used to have with my father. The horses. The work there was different too—dealing with the horses, that is. But there are things I like here as well.” Her eyes flicked to his then she looked away immediately “I like gardening here. I couldn’t do much of that back home.”
“I hear from Ma you’re a regularly old green thumb.”
She laughed and shook her head. “More like a determined thumb.”
“Either way, I know Ma and Violet are happy you’re here. And Albert.” He knew the addition of his brother sounded like what it was—an afterthought. But he couldn’t help it. It seemed as if the only person who wasn’t making an effort with Lulu was her intended—his own brother!
“Yes. I suppose he is.”
The way she said it drew Aaron’s gaze to her. Had she noticed his lack of attention as well? How could Albert not be spending every waking moment with this beautiful woman who was funny and knowledgeable about horses and likely so many other things. His brother was a fool if—
He cut himself off. It wasn’t his place.
“Are you adjusting all right to the Bowen Ranch?” he finally asked.
“I—” Her gaze caught on his and this time, Aaron was certain they both felt…something. He wasn’t sure he had a name for it, but he couldn’t deny that he was drawn to the woman in front of him. He’d never follow through with the thoughts, but they were there all the same. Did she feel it too?
For a moment, he considered asking her about whatever it was that he felt, but the next moment, she had taken a step back.
“Yes. I like the ranch a lot. It almost feels like home. I mean… I should go. Lots to be done in the garden today. Sorry for interrupting your early morning routine.”
“Not at all,” he replied honestly. “You are welcome here any time you’d like.”
“Thank you,” she said, then ducked her head and left him behind, all alone in the barn.
5
Aaron worked in the barn and back arena the rest of the day. He’d gotten a new horse he wanted to break and had been so consumed with it that he’d almost no
t noticed the time slipping past. When his stomach growled, he was finally pulled from his extreme focus.
He knew it was good for him to lose track of time like this. To get his head out of the thoughts that had circled him since that morning. Of the feeling of Lulu’s arms, the scent of her, her nearness. All of it threatened to undo him, bringing up a desire he knew was forbidden. Then his thoughts had tried to change his mind. Had tried to convince him that Albert wasn’t paying enough attention to her—that he didn’t deserve her.
It was thoughts like that that had driven him to work relentlessly. That had forced him to keep his thoughts directed at work and at the truth. He would be happy for his brother and that was that.
“There you are,” came a soft voice from the fence.
He looked up from where he’d drawn the now docile horse to him. He rubbed at the white blaze on his forehead and met the piercing gaze of his mother.
“Hey, Ma, what is it?”
“You missed lunch. That’s not good for you, son.”
He grinned. “Still keeping an eye out for me even at the advanced age of twenty-three years?”
“Always. You’ll forever be my child. Now clean up and come eat something. You look too thin as it is.”
He looked down then back up at her, feigning an expression of hurt.
“Come along,” was all she said before she turned and walked back to the house.
He knew she was just teasing him. Although she did still care deeply about his well-being, she would never force him to do anything. She only asserted her opinions, but he’d come to realize that she was usually right.
His stomach growled again, and he gave in to his mother and his stomach, taking the horse back to his stall and then heading back to the house.
“I’ve got soup on the stove and a sandwich made up for you.”
“Thank you kindly,” he said, meaning it. He was starved and dug in right away. The bone soup was flavorful and wonderful, and the sandwich was equally as tasty. He ate quickly, wanting to make it out of the house and back to the relative sanctuary of the barn, when a loud knock came on the front door.
He frowned and looked up to his mother. “Expecting someone?”
“No,” she said, looking equally confused. “Let me see who it is.”
Generally, if a neighbor came by, they’d knock, but the only other people who frequented the ranch that would knock were out of town visitors or their hired hands. With his brothers gone, there were even less workers around. They had taken advantage of the majority of their bosses being gone to take well-earned time off.
“Aaron,” his mother said, coming back into the kitchen with a look of shock. She was followed by one of their oldest, and most faithful, hands. “Joel has news.”
Aaron’s mind went to many different places with the way his mother said that phrase. News? Was it news of his brothers? News of the deal they’d gone to make? News from town?
“What is it?”
“Sir,” he said, stepping into the kitchen and clutching his hat in his hands, “There’s a fire.”
“A fire?”
“Prairie, sir. Still far off by the looks of it but heading this way.”
Aaron shot to his feet. This was bad news. He’d seen the clouds that morning but had been so distracted by Lulu and then so focused on his work that he hadn’t taken the time to check on the storm’s progress.
“How far off?”
“Still far,” the man said with a curt nod, “but I don’t hold out hopes on the far west pasture.”
Aaron wrinkled his nose in thought. What was back there? He spent so much time around the ranch and working with the horses he’d lost track of where their herds were.
“That’s where the cattle are currently.”
Aaron tried to swallow but his mouth and throat were dry. “How many?”
“Enough.”
That was answer enough.
“What do you think?”
“If I were you, sir, I’d move ‘em this way toward the house. Push them through Round House Creek where it’s shallowest. I don’t think it’ll jump that. Or we can pray not.”
“And we will be,” his mother said. “Praying, that is.”
“Thank ya, ma’am. Me too. What do you say?” he asked, turning toward Aaron.
“You’ve been with us a long time, Joel, and I know my brother’s trust you. I’d be a fool not to take your advice. We’ll move the cattle across the creek.”
“Yes, sir.” Joel took a step back but hesitated, looking between Rose and Aaron. “We’ll need help.”
“Round up who you can on the ranch and send someone to town.”
“Most of them won’t be fit for riding, if you know what I mean.” He looked uneasily toward Rose. “Pardon me, ma’am.” She nodded in an understanding way. The men would have made use of the saloon without thoughts of work to do.
“I’ll come,” Aaron offered. While he didn’t do much with the herds these days, he was far from inexperienced when it came to herding cattle.
“And me.” Everyone turned to the entrance to the kitchen and stared at the petite woman who squared off to face them all.
“Lulu,” Aaron began, but his mother beat him to it.
“No, you won’t, young lady. How do you think Albert would feel if he came back and found out I let you go off toward a fire to herd cattle? Nonsense.”
“Forgive me,” she said, taking a step into the room and keeping her gaze leveled at Ma, “but I’m a more than capable rider. It sounds like what you need is bodies.” She turned her unwavering gaze toward Aaron then. “And I want to do what I can to help save the herd, especially since it sounds important to the ranch.”
“You can come.” The words were out of Aaron’s mouth before he could stop them, but he wasn’t unhappy he’d said them. In fact, he knew beyond a shadow of a doubt it was the right thing to let Lulu come.
The wind whipped a lose strand of Lulu’s hair across her face. She batted it away and leaned closer to her mount as they raced across the open plain toward the blaze of orange in the distance.
Was it her imagination or was it warmer?
She swallowed down the vestiges of fear and urged her horse on. Around her, men on their own steeds rode full-out toward the blaze and the herd trapped between the coming fire and the creek. It was actually more like a river, or so she thought, as they approached it and slowed their horses.
“We’ll cross over here,” Joel said, indicating a section of the creek that looked shallower than the rest. “Then we’ll circle around back and urge the herd forward. Keep your lines tight, fellas—er, and lady.” He gave her a gap-toothed smile and she merely nodded, gripping her reins tight. She’d asked for this and, while she wasn’t regretting volunteering, it was a lot to take in.
They made their way across the creek, the water reaching up almost to her horse’s flanks in some areas. She was on the outer side though and noticed it was shallower further over. When her horse pulled up onto the other bank dripping wet, she endured its quick shake and then directed the horse to follow Aaron.
He had agreed to let her come, showing a surprising confidence in her that she hadn’t expected, but he had requested that she stay close to him. She didn’t feel like he didn’t think she could do this, more that he felt responsible for her coming and likely hoped that he could explain allowing her to come to his brothers by saying she was near him the whole time.
Either way, it gave her this small sense of freedom and accomplishment. Much like gardening back at the ranch did. It was why she enjoyed the ranch life so much. Why she felt like the Bowen Ranch was becoming her home.
Pulling her attention back, she followed Aaron around to the back side of the herd. They started raising their hands and making noise, so she followed suit. The next few hours were met with exhaustion and tension. Lulu felt as if her shoulders were on fire from all of the scrunching and lifting of her arms she’d done, but finally, the last part of the herd was alm
ost through the creek.
She sat on her mount watching the last few head of cattle take the slight plunge through the water and then turned her attention back toward the fire. It had closed the distance more quickly than she would have expected, and she began to see pieces of floating ash filling the air. She was about to go across the creek herself, seeing Aaron helping to get the last stubborn cow into the water, when she spotted the mother and calf.
They were just a little ways off downriver, hesitant on the edge of the water, but she could see from where she was that it would be too deep for them. She urged her horse toward them, hoping to catch them before they entered the water.
She circled around and, just before they could lunge into the water, she made a whooping sound and startled them away from the creek. They overcorrected and ran in the direction of the fire. The heat startled them back to her in a maddening circle of dangers and it was all Lulu could do to keep from screaming in frustration. She was so focused on the cattle that she almost didn’t notice that the flames were leaping faster.
The wind had changed.
Suddenly, the very real possibility that she could be cut off from the shallow crossing hit her with reality. The next moment, her eyes locked with Aaron. He’d come looking for her.
He urged his horse forward, coming too close to the flames for comfort, and soon, he was next to her. “I’ll go around to the right, you go to the left, we’ll drive them forward and across the water. Whatever you do, don’t stop.”
She saw the earnestness in his facial expressions and nodded. “I won’t.”
He nodded once and they sprang into action. She dodged to the left, toward the riverbank, leaving Aaron to cut to the right to head off the cow and its calf before it could escape. With Aaron driving them forward, they soon had the pair at the water’s edge. One last push and they were going across to join the rest of the herd.
Lulu, heart pounding, turned back to see Aaron rush forward in a wave of heat.