by Sara Lindley
Harrison McGann gritted his teeth and closed his eyes as his son cried in his arms. He felt a little hand on his and looked to see little Mazie sniffing. He grabbed her in his arms too.
“God damn it Mac! Mazie! I love y’all so much I feel my heart will just bust wide open!”
They hugged each other for it seemed like an hour. He wiped their eyes and looked hard at them. “You ain’t gonna go to no orphanage! Your Pa has taken care of that already. This is your home and it always will be. It’s paid for so no body can take it away from yah.”
He kissed them both.
“And…I ain’t lookin’ ta get shot! So there!”
Harrison looked at Mazie and winked. “Did yuh pee?”
Mazie grinned.
“I pee in the pee pee chair Pa. I even pushed down my underpants first.”
Harrison chuckled and kissed all over her giggling face.
“That’s my girl!”
He got up and poured him some coffee he had made earlier. He made a silly face crossing his eyes and sticking out his tongue after he tasted it. Both children laughed.
Harrison sat and looked at his kids.
“We’d best get me a wife that makes good coffee before I poison myself.”
They all laughed and Harrison got serious.
“Mac? After I picked my jaw up off the floor and read those letters over and over again last night, I was gonna tan your hide but good. Then I was gonna write the woman telling her to forget it!” He wiped his face and brushed her unshaved jaw.
“But after I read them over and over again, and did a little prayin’ about it. I am going allow you to go ahead with your plan. I will send her a telegram personally and welcome her. Maybe this woman is the angel I’m hoping for.”
He shook his head and looked out the window seeing the new dawn.
“Most folks would call me crazy, but I’ll know the minute I look in her eyes. I’m not expectin’ true love, but I do expect trust and loyalty.
She will probably want a trial period to see if she can stand me long enough to marry me. That means I’ll bunk out with the men at night and she can stay here until the wedding.”
He grinned and looked at his children.
“So I guess we had better clean up around here so she’ll think this is a home instead of a pigsty. Mazie? You best start by putting your blocks and other toys away girl. I stepped on them this morning and about broke my fool neck!
Mac? You take Mazie and go collect the eggs and I’ll go milk the cow. Then we’ll have breakfast and talk about this some more.”
Harrison stood and hugged his children.
“I may even not burn it this time.”
He put a reassuring hand over Mac’s young shoulder.
“Well Mac? At least you picked one that says she knows how to cook, clean and sew. Good thinking, son.”
Mac smiled not really understanding his father’s change of attitude but he wasn’t going to look a gift horse in the mouth. She was comin’ and that was all that mattered.
That night after the children had bunked down, Harrison and Still River sat and had a whisky together. His best friend still couldn’t believe that Harrison would send for a wife. He chuckled looking at Harrison.
Harrison snorted and leaned back in the chair.
“Well, it wasn’t really me that sent for her River. Mac was the one who started this whole thing. I just hope the woman knows what she is getting into. From the letters she had sent, she knows pretty well to whole story.”
River slapped Harrison on the back.
“It is good my friend that you are getting a woman back in your house. She will be good for you. I wish I had her myself. Mac has let me read her letters. She is a good woman.”
Harrison jaw dropped.
“The hell you say! He let you read them?”
River laughed and his dark eyes twinkled with mischief.
“He did. He wanted my say before he sent for her. I think he wanted to be sure that if you didn’t want her…I would.”
Still River laughed again as Harrison glared at him and pursed his lips.
“Well there ain’t no way you are getting’ her. She’ll do me just fine.”
River grinned.
“Now let us hope that in her eyes YOU ‘will do’. Good night my friend.”
He laughed moving to the ‘guest room’.
CHAPTER FIVE
Becca stood at the station in Richmond with Nola, Uncle Frank and Auntie Marcie. It was a quiet good bye, each one knowing this was best considering the course of what the war had done to the south. Becca hugged Auntie Marcie and Uncle Frank. Last was her twin and she hugged her hard. Neither of them knew if this was the last time they would see each other. Becca smoothed her sister’s hair as Nola wiped her eyes.
“Listen to me Nola. If you get in a bind, write me or just come. I’ll take care of you. I promise.” Nola cried again and Becca squeezed her tightly, then turned and boarded the train.
She was going to Colorado Territory and leaving her old life behind…and that included Ernest Biggs.
Becca wiped her eyes with her hanky after changing trains in St. Louis. The porter assured her that she had gotten on the right one. He took her ticket and called for the Head Porter.
A short man in a neatly pressed Porter’s suit came on board and tipped his hat.
“Ma’am, are you Miss Becca Hutchins from Richmond, Virginia?” Becca blinked wondering if her Uncle and Aunt had changed their minds about letting her leave.
“Yes. Yes I am.” She rung her hands feeling nervous.
Lord what has happened now? Have they changed their minds and don’t want me? Then what shall I do?
“Here’s a telegraph wire for you, Miss Hutchins.”
He handed the envelope to her and she paid his tip. Looking at the envelope she sighed and opened it. She smiled as she read it and giggled feeling the joy of knowing she had made the right decision.
Miss Becca Hutchins
In route by train to Lamar, Colorado Territory. Deliver at St. Louis railroad station.
Dear Miss Hutchins. Stop.
Just found out about you this morning. Stop. Yes. Mac is still alive. Stop. You are very welcome here. Stop. We will meet you at the train on May 8. Stop.
Harrison McGann, Mac’s Pa. End message.
Becca folded the wire and smiled as she started to dream what this Mr. Harrison McGann would be like. What would he look like? She had already got a picture of Mac in her mind but she really had no idea. She knew she had no idea what his Pa looked like either. And his sister of only five years, she had no idea what any of them looked like. Whatever they looked like, she was on her way to Lamar, Colorado Territory to become a new ‘Ma’.
She had begged the Porter to let her change somewhere and wash a little. He was kind enough to let her in an empty sleeping compartment with a washroom to wash and change clothes.
It was down right cold this morning but she wanted to look her best. Well, as best as she could after the long train ride. She exited the car and tipped the porter liberally for his kindness. He was very happy after he saw her tip.
“That’s right generous of yuh, ma’am. Thank yuh.”
She seated herself again feeling much better and smelling a better too. She opened her window to let the plains air dry her hair. It wasn’t but a few more hours later the porter would call out that they had arrived in Lamar.
Becca felt a thrill as she felt the train begin to slow down and she could see the people and the platform ahead looking out the window. She quickly braided her wind blown hair and tied it with a ribbon. Putting on her bonnet she got her carpet bag and searched her pockets for the ticket to get her trunks.
Becca bit her lip in anticipation of meeting all of them. She was nervous and yet so excited too.
The train finally stopped and she stepped down onto the platform assisted by a large strong hand.
Becca looked at the large hand as her eye traveled up the
muscled arm to the man it was attached to. He tipped his cowboy hat to her and looked into her eyes. He was a very rough, handsome man who looked weathered by years and sorrow.
“Are you Miss Becca Hutchins?”
She smiled. “Yes. That’s me.”
He grinned and his face shined showing the cutest dimples on each side of his full lips. He was tall with wavy black hair hanging well over his collar, a chiseled jaw and sparkling gray eyes. His nose had been broken somewhere along the way but it only added to his masculinity. He was a big man with huge shoulders, large chest and a tapered waist to long legs. He grinned as he removed his hat and bent to kiss her hand.
“I’m Harrison McGann. Welcome to Colorado Territory.”
She did a little curtsy and smiled brightly at him.
“I am so glad to meet you, Mr. McGann. Are the children here?” Harrison grinned.
“Yes. Right behind you. Mac? Here she is son.”
Becca turned around and standing before her was a gorgeous small copy of his father. The boy had big gray eyes and a few freckles across his straight nose. He was already showing a chiseled jaw and his lips were just like his fathers.
“Hi Ma. I’m Mac. This here is Mazie. You’re more beautiful than I dreamed!”
Harrison scowled at his son. “Mac! That’s not polite.”
Mazie took hold of Becca’s gloved hand as Mac stammered. “But Pa. She is. She’s pretty. Don’t you think so, Pa?”
Becca hugged Mac and Mazie.
“Now you two quit pushing your Pa to compliment me. It isn’t necessary. I’ll tell what I would like…if your Pa agrees that is.”
Harrison was all ears for this. The first of many ‘I wants’.
“And just what is it you want, Miss Hutchins?”
Becca noticed the bite in his voice.
She bit her lip wondering if she should ask.
“Something to eat? I’m starving. I still have some money for food I can use.”
Harrison snorted embarrassing himself. Food? That’s it? Food? No jewels or dresses? Suite of hotel rooms?
Then he realized it was a very simple request from a woman who had ridden a train all the way from Virginia. Harrison felt like an ass already finding fault with her.
“Then let’s go to the Hotel dining room and get a good hot meal. I bet this poor woman is starved.”
Harrison starting herding them to the wagon. Becca giggled and took Mazie’s hand.
“Oh! Goodness! My trunks.”
She pulled her claim tickets from her reticule and Harrison took it.
“I’ll get your trunks Becca. Hold up for a second and I’ll put them in the wagon.”
Mac stood by Becca with Mazie as his Pa carried her trunks to the wagon. Harrison helped her into the bench seat as the children piled into the back on quilts. Mac sat and watched his Pa seeing the beginning of the twinkle back in his eyes. Harrison looked around the wagon. “Everyone ready to eat?”
There was unison of voices.
“Yes!”
Harrison laughed and started towards the hotel. He stopped and tied off the horses paying the hotel clerk to have the wagon watched. The clerk stared at Harrison’s smile like he was seeing something he couldn’t quite believe.
Sitting in the Hotel dining room was like being a fish in a glass bowl. Harrison swallowed hard and tried to look relaxed. Let them look! He didn’t care!
Becca couldn’t figure out why everyone was staring and running off in a corner to whisper. Harrison knew. He had a stupid smile on his face but he couldn’t help it. She was lovely and she didn’t talk a lot. And the look in her eyes…well they spoke of hope for the future. A future with him!
People who had seen his family for years were now staring and some were turning their heads now to the point of running into someone else staring.
Daisy the waitress was weaving in and out of gawkers to get to their table.
“Howdy, Mr. McGann. What can I get yuh?” Daisy stood and pouring them all water.
Harrison cracked a grin at Daisy and she looked at him strangely, like he was making a facial expression she had never seen.
“Are yuh feelin’ alright, Mr. McGann? Have I done somethin’ wrong? Or are yuh just tryin’ ta smile?”
Harrison closed his eyes and shook his head.
“What’s good today, Daisy?”
Daisy chuckled and reared back on her heels clapping her hands.
“Ma’s got her chicken and dumplin’s today. They are mighty good!”
Harrison looked around the table.
“That’s what I’m gettin’. How about y’all?”
With unanimous consent, bowls of chicken and dumplin’s were placed before the hungry people at the table.
“Ma says she just got these biscuits out of the ovens and I just churned this butter this morning.” Daisy set down the fresh baked biscuits as Becca slipped her napkin in her lap.
“Thank you so much for taking such good care of us Daisy. This is lovely.”
Daisy grinned at Becca and did a little curtsy.
“Pleasure’s mine, ma’am.”
Becca scooped into her bowl and moaned as her taste buds went crazy.
“Oh my, this is so good!”
Harrison was so engrossed in watching Becca eat he was ignoring his own meal. The woman liked to eat. Mac nudged him.
“Eat Pa. Ma can do just fine eatin’ without yuh watchin’ her.”
Becca snickered and Harrison lifted a brow at his son.
“Hmmm. Let’s finish our meal. Then why don’t we go to the church and you kids can play on the rope swing while Becca and I talk.”
Mac grinned and took another bite of chicken and dumplin’s.
“Yes sir, Pa.”
With their meal finished, Harrison paid the bill and escorted Becca with the children out to the wagon. They all piled in and he started for the church that was closer to home.
They left the Hotel with several people watching them leave and talking among themselves.
As he entered the church yard he stopped the horses under the large pecan tree. Mac and Mazie jumped out and ran to the swing. Soon Mac was pushing Mazie and with each push she rose higher laughing. Becca bit her lip watching.
“You be careful with her now Mac. Okay?”
Mac grinned and gave a little salute.
“Yes ma’am, Ma.”
Becca grinned and turned to see Harrison staring at her with a look of admiration. Becca was somehow comforted by it.
Harrison cleared his throat and looked around.
“This has got to be just as uncomfortable for you as it is for me. Yuh have to admit this meeting is kind of crazy.” He chuckled.
Becca nodded and chuckled.
“It is very unusual. But I could tell somehow from the first that Mackenzie had everyone’s interest at heart, even if he was a wee bit naughty.”
Harrrison snorted and nodded.
“Yeah well. I’ll admit I wanted to whip him good when I found your letters. Mac is a very lovin’ boy and wants everyone to be happy. Mazie…my little Mazie…” Harrison’s voice trailed off and he choked and swallowed hard. Becca instantly reached his forearm and squeezed gently. “Harrison….”
“I’m way too rough with her Becca. I scare her sometimes. She doesn’t feel safe with me and that’s all I really want for her is to feel safe and loved.”
He blinked an eye fighting back tears and Becca saw the dour face return.
“I’ve got a room set up for you in the house. You and the children can stay in the house and I will move to the barn…”
Becca shook his head and sat up straight placing her hands in her lap.
“No! I will not drive you from your home. I came here to be a help to you Harrison, not be a pampered guest.”
Becca sighed and removed her gloves slapping them in her hand. She had decided.
“I have made my decision already. I knew from the very moment I stepped off the train and felt the helping
hand of a large, handsome man.”
Harrison looked surprised and smirked.
“You made your decision? Already?”
Becca sat a little straighter and lifted her chin. “On my part yes. Call it women’s intuition. If you will have me Harrison McGann, I will marry you.”
Harrison was dumbfounded.
“You’ll marry me? Really? Right now?”
Becca nodded, firming her resolve.
“I have seen all I need to. I know we will have to get to know each other. Perhaps you may come to love me someday, perhaps not. I’m really not looking for love but I am looking for trust and faithfulness. But I feel very strongly that my being your wife is important to all of our happiness.”
Harrison was struck dumb still was in shock. He blinked and reality smacked him in the head. “You’ll really marry me? Now?”
Becca nodded.
“Yes. Right now. If you wish to.”
Harrison wiped rubbed his neck. Since she was bein’ so honest with him he would do the same with her.
“I want a real marriage Becca. Do you understand what that means? I want my wife in bed with me. I want to wake up seeing you next to me every morning for the rest of my life.”
Becca bit her lip and smacked her gloves again. She reached over and placed her hand on his.
“I have been told in great detail what that means by my Aunt. I am willing to be your wife Harrison McGann. I know it seems impulsive but, I feel this is right. Till death do us part.”
Harrison whispered to her.
“So you’ll marry me now?”
Becca giggled and nodded.
“Right now.”
“I won’t make any promises Becca. I know you are not in love with me and I am not in love with you but…we may come to care for each other. If that is agreeable to you then, I’m in.”
Becca nodded as she grinned.
He chuckled looking around.
“Well, we’re at the right place. What do yuh say we go get married?”
Harrison looked at the little church and into the mountains of Colorado Territory and smiled at his good fortune.