Poor Boy's Christmas with Bonus Book

by Kathleen Ball

  He took a deep breath and fiddled with his fork. “The first three years, I had bruises all over me. There wasn’t a day where’d I was left alone except for holidays. Most of the boys went home, but I always stayed. I didn’t want Edith to spend any more money on getting me home. I liked the quiet times the best. Then in my fourth year, I grew tall and my shoulders filled out. I was bigger than the kids who had bullied me. I defended myself a few times, and that was that. They left me alone after that.”

  He stood and walked to the window. “I’ve never told anyone about it. It was a chance of a lifetime to get some learning. I studied hard and got good grades. Top of my class I was. Edith wanted me to go to college, but I wanted to come home. This is where I want to be.”

  “I’m glad you told me, and I’m happy for you. The people here really care about you.”

  He turned and looked at her. “They’ll come to like you too.”

  Her heart dropped as a lump formed in her throat. Why was he acting as though she’d be around for a while? Maybe it was easier than to think about her impending fate. She busied herself cleaning up after their meal. After that, she explored the cabin. There were books on the shelf and a half-finished needlepoint picture.

  Picking up a book, she carried it to the fire and sat. Then she opened the book and read for a bit while Poor Boy whittled.

  Before long, he jumped up. “I can’t stand all this sitting around. I’m going out to the barn. Want to come with me?” He gave her another heart-stopping smile.

  “Yes, I would love to.” She carefully marked her spot in the book and stood up. Grabbing her boots, hooded cloak and gloves she then put them on. Fresh air sounded inviting.

  “Don’t forget we’re brother and sister. There’s bound to be a few ranch hands around.”

  She nodded. “I’ll remember.” She followed him out the door and held fast to the hand he offered her. He gave her comfort without seeming to know it.

  They slowly and carefully made their way across the ice. She stepped in his footprints and it was much easier. Poor Boy let go of her hand and then opened the door. She took a step forward, and her feet shot out from under her, sending her forward. The next thing she knew she was safe in the strong embrace of her handsome deputy. They stared at each other, and the expression in Poor Boy’s gaze surprised her. It was as though he looked at her with love in his eyes but she knew it to be false. Laughing to break the tension, she pulled out of his arms and pretended to be interested in the horses. As long as she lived, she’d never forget the flare in his eyes when he gazed at her.

  “Hey, Dill!” Poor Boy greeted.

  “This is my sister, Molly. Molly, this is Dill.”

  Dill smiled deeply. “Howdy, Ma’am. It’s nice to meet you.” The handsome cowboy said. “Are you married?”

  Poor Boy’s frown made her smile.

  “No, she isn’t married. She’s not interested in courting or the like. You can pass that tidbit on to the other Romeos around here.”

  Dill laughed. “It figures. The good ones are always off limits. Speaking of good women, what are your intentions as far as Ann Marie? She’s a beaut.”

  “I haven’t met her yet.”

  Dill whistled through his teeth. “I thought you and her were getting hitched.”

  Poor Boy shook his head. “Like I said, I haven’t set eyes on her. I just found out about her the other day.”

  “So you wouldn’t mind if I asked her to go walking?”

  Molly covered her mouth to keep from laughing at Dill’s hopeful face. “Let him meet her at least. Does she think she’s marrying Poor Boy?”

  Dill shrugged.

  “That’s what I heard,” Rollo commented as he strolled into the barn. “I think the happily ever after is already planned, Poor Boy. You know how women can be.” He turned to her. “I beg your pardon. But if they want you hog tied, then that’s what you’re going to be—hog tied.” He turned toward Molly. “I’m Rollo.”

  Poor Boy stepped forward. “This is my sister, Molly, and no she does not want to take a stroll in the moonlight with you.”

  Rollo chuckled. “Well that’s a darn shame. Nice to meet you, Molly. You sure you’re related to this cowpoke?”

  She froze. Rollo recognized her from town. He had been there when Poor Boy brought her in.

  “I’m just askin’ because obviously you got all the looks in the family. Besides, Cinders told me the whole story. I saw you in town the day you arrived.”

  Somehow, she managed to smile, but her body stayed tense. This was going to be much harder than she thought. She’d need some witty replies to have ready for next time. She used to joke with her brothers, but she hadn’t had to watch what she said. Lies only led to disaster.

  “Molly and I were just about to go to the main house. I want to introduce her to the kids before all you yahoos head in for lunch.”

  “Nice to meet you, Molly,” Rollo said.

  “It certainly is,” Dill added.

  “Nice to meet you both too.” She held her hand out to Poor Boy. She’d need his strength to get her through the next few days.

  “Whew, I’d forgotten Rollo saw you the day I arrested you. Thank goodness Cinders was able to talk to him before he saw you again.”

  “You can say that again.”

  Chapter Four

  Cinders and Shannon’s house was warm and cozy and full of laughter. Poor Boy sat on a settee with Molly and felt blessed. They watched as the two children played. Olivia was the oldest at five years of age. Her winsome smile was the same one Shannon had, and her blue eyes seemed to take everything in. Her hair was blond like her father’s. Then there was Robert, the two-year-old. He toddled after his sister, often falling down into a sitting position. He reminded Poor Boy of Cinders and would probably take right after his dad.

  Molly stood and gathered some wooden blocks that were scattered on the wood floor. She took them and sat down in a corner, out of the way of others, and waited until the two children came to her. Her face lit up in delight when Robert plopped down in her lap. There were screeches of delight as they built up the blocks and then knocked them down.

  Poor Boy watched as Olivia ran, got her doll, and showed it to Molly. His heart filled as Molly oohed and aahed over the doll, bringing a bright smile to Olivia’s face. Looking around, he wasn’t the only one who noticed. The house was filled with approval.

  He’d only known Molly for such a brief time, but she was somehow becoming important to him. Sighing, he glanced up and found Shannon observing him with a sad smile on her face. She knew what Molly’s future most likely would be. His heart squeezed.

  Cookie was busy making lunch, but he acted as nervous as a pregnant mare. His mouth formed a grim, straight line. It wasn’t like him at all.

  “I’m sure Edith is just fine, Cookie,” Poor Boy said.

  Cookie’s eyes widened as he stared at Poor Boy before he nodded. “You’re right of course. I’m just fretting like an old woman.”

  “Is that what old women do, Cookie? They fret?” Shannon chuckled.

  “So I’ve been told.”

  The door opened, but before Tramp could even get a foot in the door, Cookie sent him back out for more wood. Ilene’s eyes filled with humor as Tramp mumbled something before turning back around.

  “It’s a cold one out there. How’d everyone fair last night? Poor Boy, were you and Molly warm enough?” Ilene took off her wrap, hung it on a peg near the door, and walked over to Cookie as she rolled up her sleeves.

  “We were fine, thank you.”

  Cinders smiled. “Cookie, I think all women fret.”

  Shannon hit him playfully on the shoulder. “Just for that remark you can help me set the table. The men will be here soon enough.”

  The other men. Poor Boy would have to spin more lies about Molly. His gut clenched. Lying wasn’t something to take lightly and at the same time, he’d never do anything to endanger her.

  Molly helped Shannon get the ch
ildren seated before she took a seat next to him. Tramp came in followed by six other men. The men took off their hats and coats and nodded to Molly before they sat at the table.

  Poor Boy waited for the questions but there weren’t any. Tramp introduced everyone to Molly and they each nodded and said “Ma’am”. Someone must have told them she was his sister and to not ask questions. It worked in his favor. He finally relaxed enough to enjoy the food and the company.

  “How long will the ice last?” Molly asked.

  Cookie cleared his throat. “You’re not from Texas, so you wouldn’t know. I’ve lived here all my life, and I don’t know either. You see, God likes to keep us amused by making us guess. It could all be melted by morning or another round of ice could cover us. Hard to tell. I’m lucky enough I can feel the bad weather coming. These old bones of mine are fine at telling me when a storm is coming. That’s why being a man is best. We can tell things like this.”

  Poor Boy saw a lot of twitching of lips as he peered around the table. Cookie was always entertaining, but he was one of the best men he knew. He was a man you could count on, and he seemed to know more than most what was right from wrong.

  The cowboys all got up, thanked Cookie, and left. Rollo turned and winked at Molly, and then he quickly left. Rollo was beginning to leave a bad taste in Poor Boy’s mouth. He glanced at Molly and saw that she’d turned a beautiful shade of red. He mentally shook himself. She was his prisoner, nothing else.

  He drank his coffee, listening to Tramp and Cinders making plans for the next few days in case the weather grew worse. Finally, Cookie sat down and joined them. “The ice will be gone by late evening.”

  It amazed Poor Boy that they all took Cookie’s word for it. “How do you know?” he asked.

  “My leg is feeling much better. The aches are going away.”

  A smile tugged at Poor Boy’s lips. Real life was obviously more educational than school ever had been. “Good to know.”

  “Tomorrow I’m supposed to bring you to town to see the restaurant,” Cookie told him.

  “No can do. I have Molly to look after. I have my orders from Shane.”

  “I have my orders from Edith. We’ll figure something out. Edith trumps Shane every time.” Cookie shrugged.

  “You can’t really believe that.” Poor boy turned the corner of his mouth down.

  “It’s easier, if you ask me. But I do see your point. I’ll bring Ann Marie to you.”

  “Whoa. I don’t know what everyone has planned for me, but I’m my own man. I make my own decisions, and that includes women. I don’t need one or want one in my life right now. I also take offense to the fact that the men think we’re getting married. I have never met this Ann Marie. I know nothing about her.” He felt Molly stiffen at his side.

  “You’ll get to meet her tomorrow, and then you can take the rest from there.” Cookie stood and piled all the plates for washing.

  Poor Boy sighed. “It looked like tomorrow he was meeting Ann Marie.

  The sound of the ice melting started that afternoon and water dripped from the roof long into the night. Molly laughed with Poor Boy about Cookie’s weather predicting leg. She could tell he had a lot on his mind. He was preoccupied and didn’t immediately answer her. Finally, she gave up having any type of conversation with him. Perhaps he was anticipating meeting Ann Marie.

  A lump formed in her throat. Telling herself she was happy for Poor Boy didn’t help at all. He deserved happiness, he really did. If these were her last days on earth, she was glad she was spending them with him. She could be spending them in the jail cell. Tomorrow she’d spend as much time outdoors as she could. She wanted to experience the sun, the wind, and the smells while she still could. She wanted to see the horses and cattle. She wanted to watch the trees sway back and forth.

  She didn’t want to watch Poor Boy meeting Ann Marie. She was probably beautiful and poised with an education. And the other woman’s clothes were bound to be better than hers.

  “I’m going to bed. Good night,” she said as she walked to the back of the cabin where the bed was. She didn’t even check to make sure his back was turned. He was a man of integrity, kindness, and strength, and she was going to miss him.

  Finally, she lay in bed and prayed for her soul to go to heaven when she died.

  The next morning she woke to an empty cabin. She pulled the blanket around her and padded to the fireplace. A roaring fire was going, and a pot of coffee was sitting among the hot embers. Next, she walked to the front window and was relieved to see that it was early morning. The world appeared wet, but at least it wasn’t frozen. She went back to the fire poured herself a cup of coffee and set it on the table to cool while she washed and dressed.

  She decided to wear the burgundy dress that Cecily had given her. She didn’t want to look like Poor Boy’s penniless kin. Quickly, she undressed and put a cloth in the basin of water near her bed. She washed herself and was just about to get dressed when the door swung open.

  Foolishly, she turned to see who it was without covering herself. “Oh! Turn around! I don’t want you to see me like this!” She grabbed her blanket and wrapped herself in it. “You didn’t see anything, did you?”

  Poor Boy just walked back out the door, closing the door firmly behind him.

  Oh dear, he’d seen everything, and she had shamed not only herself but him too. Her shoulders slumped, and an overwhelming desire to cry came over her. She quickly grabbed her clothes and got dressed. There wasn’t time for tears. They were expected at Cinders’ for breakfast, and then Ann Marie would most likely make her debut.

  As soon as she was ready, she opened the door and smiled when she saw Poor Boy whittling on the front steps. He glanced at her over his shoulder.

  “All dressed?”

  She nodded and stepped back so he could come inside. “I’m sorry, I didn’t think to lock the door,” she said in a quiet voice.

  “It’s my fault. I should have knocked but in my defense, I thought you were sleeping. No harm done.”

  She wished she could believe him, but a telltale blush crept up his cheeks. Not knowing what to say, she stared at her feet. The silence was awkward, and it was a big relief when Poor Boy suggested they head over to the main house.

  It turned out to be a more jovial meal, with everyone talking and sharing stories. The lovesick gleam in Rollo’s eyes worried her, and she moved her chair so close to Poor Boy’s, their knees touched. Poor Boy scowled at her, but she didn’t care. She knew nothing about this cowboy, and her father usually made sure no one stared at her. Rollo seemed nice enough, but she wasn’t interested, and his boldness disturbed her.

  As soon as the meal was done, she offered to help with the dishes, but her offer was politely refused by Cookie. She turned and walked out the door instead, with Poor Boy right behind her.

  “You don’t suppose they don’t like me do you?”

  He linked his arm with hers. “How could anyone help but like you?

  She stumbled, and Poor Boy caught her. He held her to him until she regained her balance. Looking up, she gazed into his eyes. He cared for her. It was right there for her to see. But that only made her sadder. Thoughts of what could have been made her heart heavy. She took a step back and turned toward a wooded area a little ways away from the houses.

  “Do you think we could take a walk in the woods? I might not see the outside world after Judge Gleason gets here. I want to feel the earth alive all around me.”

  “Of course. It’s muddy, but what’s a little mud? Let’s go.” He held his hand out to her and she clasped it as if it was a lifeline.

  They laughed as the mud tried to suck their shoes in. After going several yards they were completely alone in the woods and she closed her eyes. She listened as birds sang and squirrels ran up and down trees. Even the buzzing of a bee delighted her. The wet mud was pungent, but it was tempered with the crisp scent of the pines. Opening her eyes, she stared up and marveled at the way the sun streamed th
rough the tall trees. She took many deep breaths wanting to remember nature in case she was stuck in a cell for the rest of her life. Or…worse.

  “You’re shaking,” Poor Boy said as he took her into his arms, warming her.

  She’d never known anyone like him. He was so kind and gentle, and he sensed her moods and thoughts. She placed her cheek against his chest and heard the thumping of his heart. Life was so very precious and hers might be done soon. Tears filled her eyes at the unfairness of it all. She had finally found someone she could love with her whole being, but it wasn’t to be.

  He framed her face with his hands and stared into her eyes. “Aw honey, I know you’re scared. I wish I could tell you that everything would be fine, but I don’t know what will happen.” He leaned down and brushed his lips against hers. They both had their eyes open, and the tenderness she saw made her heart squeeze.

  He pressed his lips to hers and kissed her soundly. She never thought of a man’s lips as being soft before. He tilted his head and coaxed her mouth open. She jumped when he slipped his tongue past her lips, but soon she relaxed and found it to be blissful. His moan of pleasure filled her with happiness, and she wished with all her heart she wouldn’t have to leave so soon.

  Poor Boy was still walking tall after the kiss when he heard a wagon pull up. “I’m here with you, no matter what happens. There is no sense having them come looking for us.”

  She nodded. “Of course, you’re right. Let’s go.”

  He clasped her hand in his as they walked through the woods and back to the main area of the ranch. He saw Edith with a man and women. It must be Aaron and Ann Marie Pike. He frowned. He didn’t go for matchmaking even if it was Edith doing the matching. Molly tried to snatch her hand back, but he held on tight.

  “We might as well go and meet the Pikes. They have been running my restaurant after all. Heck, we might actually like them. I wouldn’t have had any qualms, but with Edith and her plans for me and Ann Marie, it doesn’t sit right with me.”

  “You might actually like her.” She pulled him to a stop. “Poor Boy, don’t put your life on hold or make any decisions because of me. I’ll only be here for a very brief time. Ann Marie will be here long after I’m gone.” Her voice became thick, and he hurt for her.