The Texas Cowboy’s Courtship (Testament Creek Book 1)

by Maya Stirling

  "Taking care of yourself is important, don't you think?" Cal objected, trying to keep his voice soft. He didn't want to rile her.

  "Of course it is," Prudence replied. " I've told you I have my faith and, as far as I'm concerned, that's all the protection I'm going to need."

  Cal heard the conviction in her voice. He could tell she believed every word she'd just said. But he still let out a heavy sigh. He turned and faced the yard, trying to think how he was going to persuade her.

  "I have an obligation to make sure all three of you are safe here," Cal explained. "You know that, don't you."

  "You're our foreman, Cal. Not our keeper."

  The harshness of her words triggered a sudden indignation in him. "Is that all I am to you, Prudence? An employee? Just another ranch hand?"

  This time she did turn and face him. Her eyes shimmered and he could see hesitation in them. Maybe she hadn't meant to sound so unkind, he told himself. He hoped so.

  "Of course you're not just an employee," she pleaded. "I didn't mean it to sound like that." She frowned. "You have to understand. My faith is very important to me. Ever since I was little, it has been the most important thing in my life."

  "I do understand that, Prudence," Cal said. "I surely do. There are plenty of folks in Testament Creek who share your faith. Why, the town church is packed every Sunday."

  "I'm going there, this weekend," she told him.

  Cal nodded. "You'll like it. And the people are good."

  "But you don't go regularly," Prudence said gently. During some of his conversations with Prudence, Cal had already hinted at his lukewarm faith. He hadn't told her why it was like that. The history of it was complicated. He hoped she wouldn't press him for more details.

  "No I don't go, Prudence. And I don't think I will be going, any time soon."

  To his relief, she didn't pry any further. Didn't press him any further. She simply nodded. Prudence possessed deep reserves of patience. He knew that, sometime in the days to come, she'd talk to him about faith again.

  "You place me in a difficult position," Cal said.

  "Why?"

  "You and Hope and Grace need to be kept safe. I have an obligation to do what I can to ensure you're all protected."

  "Is that how you see yourself?" she asked. "As our protector?"

  He chuckled. "I've always been a bit of everything. Ranch hand, cowpuncher, cowboy, farmhand. You name it. I've done it. I'm used to taking on jobs without being asked." He knew he was straying into territory he'd avoided before. Talking about his past had been something he'd tried to avoid ever since she'd arrived.

  "That sounds like quite a life," she observed.

  Cal shook his head. "Its not as exciting as you think. Mostly going from one job to another. Drifting isn't the kind of life a man should want for himself. Not when he's getting older by the day."

  Her eyes brightened. "You're not old."

  "Twenty-eight is old enough. Some men don't even live that long down here. The gunslingers and the like." Changing the topic of the conversation made Prudence frown.

  "Guns," she murmured. Her features darkened for a moment. "Why is it that people feel the need to have guns down here?" She gazed out across the valley. "Isn't it enough that this land is so beautiful? That it provides everything we need? That God has given us this place so that we can live good lives?" He heard the utter conviction in her voice. Was that how she saw Texas? As God's own country?

  "You've already seen how greedy folks can get," Cal suggested. "People like Largo are everywhere down here."

  "But this land has so much promise. Isn't there enough for everyone?"

  Cal admired Prudence's optimism. Her faith in the good that people could do. But he also knew the truth about this place. Knew the evil that lurked in the hearts of men. "Some men just want too much," Cal said. "They see what others have, and they want to take it."

  Prudence shook her head. Maybe she was starting to learn what life here was really all about, Cal told himself.

  "I still can't interest you in some shooting lessons?" Cal tried one last time.

  Prudence gazed at him and shook her head. "No." There was a finality in her voice. He was learning that, once Prudence made up her mind, there was no changing it. For some reason, though, he liked that about her.

  Cal nodded and then stood. Gazing down at her, he thought she seemed somehow smaller, more vulnerable. Sitting there, with her hands resting in her lap, she looked heartbreakingly lovely. Cal felt his breath catch in his chest. Felt his pulse quicken. The thought of anything bad happening to Prudence filled him with a fierce indignation. It wasn't going to happen. In spite of her resistance to his offer, he'd find some other ways to protect her. Because he knew he had to protect her. He felt the obligation in his bones.

  Prudence stood and smiled at Cal. Then she made her way back into the house. Cal stood a while, thinking about his failure to persuade her, and why it was making him feel so bad. The explanation was simple, really.

  Over the last few weeks, Prudence had been gradually finding a place in Cal's heart. In the quiet, solitary moments, out on the range, and at night in the bunkhouse, Cal had told himself that Prudence was real special. That she was unlike any other woman he'd ever known. The truth was, Cal had kept himself to himself with regard to women. Over the years, he'd had a few close relationships, but none had been serious. In the ways of romance, Cal Logan considered himself to be something of a beginner.

  Deciding that the best way to conquer his disappointment at Prudence's refusal, Cal got his horse saddled and rode out onto the yard. Being busy was the best way to deal with hurt, he told himself. As he rode past the ranch house, he saw Prudence looking out at him from the kitchen window. When she smiled at him, his heart leaped. He touched the front brim of his hat, dug his spurs into his horse, and headed out onto the trail.

  A day of hard work seemed like the most welcome thing in the world, right now, he told himself.

  But there was one other thing he wouldn't let slip out of his mind today. He was going to figure out a way to keep Prudence safe. And if that meant never letting her out of his sight, then that was what he was going to do.

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  "Are you all ready?" Prudence called up from the bottom of the stairs. She heard footsteps on the wooden floor of the hall and then Grace and Hope appeared at the top of the staircase. They were both dressed in their best gowns and bonnets.

  It was Sunday and they were all going to church. Prudence was excited.

  Grace and Hope raced down the stairs. Prudence told herself that all three of them looked fine. The sound of footsteps at the open front door caught Prudence's attention. She turned and gasped quietly. Cal stood on the porch and he also looked mighty fine, she told herself. He wore a dark suit and waistcoat and shiny leather shoes. His tall, broad-shouldered physique filled out the suit in a way which was truly eye-catching. Prudence saw the eyes of Hope and Grace widen appreciatively.

  "Well? How do I look?" Cal asked and tugged at his jacket. "Its been a while since I wore this suit. I wasn't sure it still fitted me. Seems like it does." He turned his head, gazed out across the yard, and sighed. "It sure is hot this morning."

  Prudence went to Cal and smiled. "You look like a Kansas City gentleman," she told him.

  Cal lifted a brow. "Is that a good thing?"

  Prudence laughed quietly. "Take it from me. It's a compliment."

  "If you say so," Cal responded. But he didn't seem too sure about it.

  Prudence, Hope and Grace fussed a while longer, getting ready to leave. They were going to share Prudence's Bible. She carried it in her gloved hand as they all made their way out to the buckboard. Prudence glanced up at the bright Texas sky. It filled her heart to see the azure blue, cloudless expanse. Cal had been right. It was already warm, even for early morning. But, it was going to be a beautiful day. They were all going to church. Prudence couldn't have been happier.

  They crowded onto the
buckboard seat and Cal took the reins. Then they were riding southward down the trail toward Testament Creek. Lucia, her husband Pedro and their young son, rode behind on another buckboard.

  Prudence glanced at Cal. She still felt surprised that he'd offered to come into town and attend church. He'd made the suggestion this morning over breakfast and everyone had enthusiastically agreed. Prudence recalled her conversation with Cal on the porch. After what he'd said, she hadn't expected he'd come to church with them today. But she was glad he was here with them.

  "Are you a regular at church, Cal?" Hope asked.

  Prudence saw Cal's brows furrow. "Not exactly."

  "Oh," Hope exclaimed, perhaps realizing she'd assumed too much.

  "Cal was telling me that Testament Creek is a godly little town," Prudence said. She glanced at Cal. "Isn't that right?"

  "Well, it is. I figure there'll be about a hundred folk in church today."

  "That many?" Grace asked.

  Cal nodded. "There's even talk of making the church bigger." He smiled at the three of them. "In case you hadn't noticed, we've still got newcomers arriving in Testament Creek all the time."

  They all laughed at that. Prudence was pleased that Cal seemed to be in such a good mood this morning. If he hadn't been to church in while, there must be an explanation for that, she told herself. But still, he seemed determined to accompany her, Grace and Hope to church. And, after his obvious disappointment at her refusing his offer of shooting instruction, that had to be a move in the right direction.

  Grace and Hope had taken Cal up on his offer. This week, Prudence had heard shots ring out from behind the ranch house as Cal had given her two friends lessons. According to Grace it had been exciting. But Hope still had some reservations about the whole idea. Nevertheless, she seemed determined to persevere.

  They arrived in Testament Creek. Main Street was almost deserted. The only sound was the distant tolling of the church bell calling worshippers. All the stores were closed. The saloons were shut, too. It seemed like some pressure had been put on the owner to respect the sabbath. Prudence was encouraged by that. They drove by the only place which was open. The coffee shop had a few folks inside it taking breakfast.

  They took a right and headed down a long, tree-lined street. At the far end was the church. Prudence smiled as she gazed at the tall, white-painted spire rising above the main church building. The church was set on flat ground and surrounded by a white picket fence. Out front were parked about a dozen carriages and buckboards. A small crowd had congregated at the open gate to the church. The church doors were open, and Prudence could see the dark-suited figure of the pastor, who she knew was called Pastor Lewis MacLane. He was a Scotsman. Prudence had known one Scottish pastor before, back in Kansas City. She knew they could be fiery at times, and she wondered if Pastor Lewis would be like that.

  Cal drew the buckboard to a halt and everyone got down. Some folks recognized Cal and came up to him to shake his hand. Some other folks also seemed surprised to see Cal and kept their distance.

  Prudence went to Cal. "Can I say how pleased I am that you've come today?"

  Cal nodded. "It's my pleasure, Prudence," was all he said. Prudence was sure Cal's features had turned a shade paler since they'd all stepped down from the buckboard.

  They made their way into church and took their places near the back. It seemed like most folks had a regular place to sit. The inside of the church was plain and clearly well-maintained. There was a small piano in the corner near the front.

  Prudence glanced at her two friends. She knew that Hope had grown up in a faithful family, but had confessed to being lukewarm in recent years. Grace, however, hadn't been fortunate enough to have grown up with the faith. Her parents had been stern and practical and had discouraged religion in their household. Prudence felt sorry that Grace had been denied the comforts of the faith. But she was encouraged that she had come to church today. Maybe it would be the start of something wonderful for Grace. Prudence hoped so, because she was starting to warm to her new friend with whom she had, for the moment, a shared fate.

  At the beginning of the service, Pastor Lewis made a point of welcoming the newcomers. When everyone turned and greeted Hope, Grace and herself, Prudence felt her face flush with heat. But it was still delightful that the pastor had taken the time to make them all feel at home.

  Cal was sitting next to Prudence. As the service began in earnest, and the first hymn sung, she rose and Cal stood alongside her. She was encouraged that he knew the words without using a hymn book. Maybe he'd spent more time in church than he'd said, she reflected.

  After the service was over, they all made their way outside. At the church entrance, they introduced themselves to Pastor Lewis. Prudence found his Scottish accent appealing. Pastor Lewis was a tall, thin man in his late forties, she guessed. His shock of blonde hair was delightfully ruffled. He had piercing blue eyes and a warm smile that made her immediately take a liking to him. The pastor seemed genuinely delighted to discover that they were the new owners of the Circle T, although Prudence guessed he'd heard about them soon after their arrival.

  "Silas was a regular here," Pastor Lewis revealed. "He made our churchyard his last place of rest. He insisted upon it before he passed." Pastor Lewis's eyes filled with a deeply sympathetic expression. "Of course, he didn't know he would come to rest in our grounds so soon. But the Lord called Silas, just as He calls us all when it is His will."

  Prudence glanced at Grace, Hope and Cal. "Can we pay our respects?" she asked the pastor.

  "Of course," the pastor replied. He gestured toward the rear of the church. "Let me show you where Silas is."

  The pastor led them all around the side of the church. At the rear there were a small collection of headstones standing in two neat rows. At the front, near the rear church wall, was a tall headstone. When Prudence saw the name on the light-gray headstone, she felt her throat tighten. She sobbed once and lifted a hand to her face. Glancing at Grace and Hope, she saw that they had been affected in a similar way. Cal's expression was grim.

  All three women stood to one side of the grave of the man who'd left them a priceless legacy. Cal stood a few steps back with the pastor alongside him. Seeing Silas's resting place brought home to Prudence the importance of everything that had happened. This kindly generous man, whose life she, Grace and Hope had all touched in a unique way, was here. This was the closest she'd been to Silas since the last time she'd seen him in Kansas City. The emotion of the moment threatened to overwhelm Prudence. And, as at all moments like this, the need to pray rose up inside her.

  She turned to Pastor Lewis. "Pastor. Can I ask you to offer up a prayer?"

  Pastor Lewis nodded. "Of course," he said and smiled warmly. He went to stand at the end of Silas's resting place.

  Clasping his hands, he lowered his head and spoke quietly. "Lord. Hear our prayer as we thank You for bringing us all here today to pay our respects to a man who was a good servant to You. Silas Rowen was a good man. A kind man. And, a generous one. We thank you, Lord for accepting Silas into Heaven. And we pray that You provide protection for the three fine ladies who Silas chose to care for his legacy at the Circle T. Grant them strength in the days to come. And guide their hearts so that they make wise choices. Protect them from all evil, Lord. We ask for this in Your name. Amen.

  Moved by the prayer, Prudence hooked her arms inside Hope on one side and Grace on the other. The three stood, arm in arm, and gazed down at Silas's resting place. They were quiet for a long while. Prudence allowed the thoughts from the prayer to settle in her mind. She felt grateful to be here with Grace and Hope. And she was glad that Cal was standing close by. It felt somehow right that Cal was here. After all, he had been close to Silas.

  Then it was time to go. They all made their way around to the front of the church. Most of the churchgoers had left. They bid the pastor farewell, promising to return the following Sunday.

  Perhaps sensing that they weren't quite r
eady to go home to the ranch just yet, Cal offered to treat them all to a visit to the coffee shop. Hope and Grace accepted quickly. Prudence smiled at Cal. "I think that's a fine idea," she said.

  And then they all got in the buckboard and Cal drove them toward Main Street.

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  The coffee and donuts seemed to have helped, Cal reflected as he and his three bosses left the coffee shop just after one o'clock. He held the door as Hope, Grace and Prudence made their way out onto the boardwalk. He was pleased to see the brightness was back in their eyes.

  The mood at Silas's graveside had been somber. He'd seen the tears in the eyes of all three women. Seen the way they'd all been affected by seeing Silas's last resting place. The Pastor's words had been perfect. Cal had felt himself choke up as he'd listened to the man's soft, Scottish burr.

  Any doubts about how much Hope, Grace and Prudence had loved Silas had been well and truly swept aside now, Cal told himself. These were no gold-diggers. These were good women, with decent hearts. He reckoned the Circle T was in good hands. And that was good to know. Some of the uncertainty which had been in the air since Silas had passed was beginning to vanish.

  "Would you like to walk a while, ladies?" Cal suggested. He glanced up at the blue sky. "It's a nice day."

  The three consulted each other with the briefest of glances and then all three nodded in perfect unison. They were really starting to form a close bond, Cal reflected.

  "I think that would be lovely," Prudence said.

  They all started to make their way southward. A few townsfolk were moseying up both sides of the boardwalk. The occasional rider loped up Main Street. There was a calm spirit in the air. Cal didn't come into town too often on a Sunday. There always seemed to be something important going on at the Circle T. Even on a Sunday.

  But, today had been a revelation to him. He'd enjoyed being in church. And that was something he hadn't expected. It wasn't that he'd expected it to be unpleasant. It was just that it had been so long since he'd been inside a church. Silas's funeral, a few weeks ago, had been something different. Cal's memory of that was still hazy. He'd been overcome with emotion that day. Today, in the church, he'd felt different. There had been a real feeling of joy and optimism in the church.