by Danni Roan
Taylor could tell that his brother was still puzzling over the problem of losing stock and how it would affect their future, but for now he was silent.
“Tomorrow I’d appreciate it if you fellas could check on the wheat for me, and see how it’s coming along. We’ve grown mostly oats and corn for the stock before, but with more and more people pouring into Wyoming, I think wheat will be needed. Why, it might even be the next big crop for this state after cattle and sheep.”
Chapter 5
Taylor lay awake in the pre-dawn hours of the morning, gazing at the roof over his head. It had been a long time since he’d slept in a real bed under a real roof, or at least one designed to shelter the human animal. He'd been pleased that the others were willing to turn in early the night before. Walt, the bald wrangler, and Stephens, a quiet but friendly cowpoke, had informed Billy they were too tired for any 'palavering' and turned in.
He smiled, remembering the ample food from the night before, and the splendid addition of a real dessert. For the first time in what seemed like years, he’d had a full belly before he turned in for the night.
He knew there’d be work to do today, but if the boss man was willing to feed him like that, he was willing to put his hand to just about anything.
Yes, he thought, I could be very happy here. The vision of a pretty girl in a yellow dress didn’t hurt either. What was it about her that drew his eye? In his head he knew she was the spitting image of her sister, but for some reason every time they walked into a room he was sure that he could tell them apart.
He smiled, stretching his lean, muscled arms behind his head, causing the blankets to slip away from his bare chest. He was warm, well fed, and finally off the trail. Maybe he’d even learn something new along the way, make his mark somehow.
As a dim, gray light began filtering through the large window on the front of the big room, Taylor rose, dressed, and crept out the door. Making a stop at the privy, he washed up in the bath house and headed for the barn. The big building was still dark as he entered, and sleepy-eyed animals turned toward him as he opened the small inset door, propping it wide to let in the earliest rays of the morning sun.
Quietly he walked to his horse, Tracker, and gave the gelding a pat before looking around the barn for the milk bucket. His horse was small and wiry like him, but a little flashy as well with his bright red coat and white mane and tail. As Taylor moved around the barn, he came to an empty stall with what looked like old boards in it. Curious, he moved to investigate, and realized that half-finished furniture pieces filled the enclosed space. A large head board for a new bed, with heavy ball like newels, leaned against one side of the stall boards, while what looked like the bottom of a rocker sat in the middle of the floor.
“That’s my work,” a rumbling voice echoed across the quiet barn, as Hank stepped through the door, carrying a bucket in each hand.
The big man made his way across the dirt floor to where Taylor stood. Never being a tall man himself, the younger Ogden brother felt small next to the big man who handed him a bucket.
“I apprenticed as a furniture builder back in Chicago,” Hank said as he pulled out a small stool and settled next to a brown coated cow.
Taylor matched the larger man’s actions as he settled to the familiar task of the morning milking.
“I’ve been making a few new things for Fiona and the ranch. Seems like every time we get a new hand on the place we have to shift furniture around.” Hank grinned across the stall at the younger man. “I’m making a new bed right now for our little house by the stream when it is done.”
Taylor leaned his sandy-haired head against the cow’s flank as his bucket filled.
“Where do you get the wood?” he finally asked.
“The past two springs we’ve gone out to the foot hills and cut it ourselves. I use the big wagon to bring home the cut wood. It’s rough work and we’re gone for days at a time.”
“There’s no sawmill around?” Taylor asked.
“Nope, nothing much around here. You came through Casper, I’d assume, so you know how far away that is, and Fort Laramie isn’t exactly interested in timber. Besides, they have plenty of the boys in blue to do the heavy work.”
Taylor ran a hand along the back of his neck thinking about the big man’s words. “I guess if the big red wagon out back is yours, then the two oversized draft horses in the corral are yours as well.”
“Jack and Scott,” the big man said proudly. “I didn’t know they’d be so useful on a cattle ranch, but they’re definitely earning their keep.”
Taylor had almost finished his work when Walters walked in, followed by Reg and Stephens.
“Who’s getting the eggs today?” Walt asked, pushing his hat down on his smooth head.
“I’ll get them,” Reg offered as he walked in, glancing in his brother’s direction before taking the basket and walking back into the early morning light.
“Let’s get this up to the house,” Hank said cheerfully, lifting his full bucket, “and see what’s for breakfast.”
Breakfast preparations were in full swing when they arrived. They set their heavy buckets on the large work table in the kitchen before moving back out to the tables.
A sleepy Eric sat at the small kitchen table, while the twins, Fiona and Bianca fried eggs and tossed pancakes. Taylor felt his eyes come to rest on one of the twins, today in a green dress and long white apron. By her quick smile, he was sure it was Isabella.
It seemed like only minutes later that breakfast was over and the men dispersed to their various jobs for the day. Joshua walked with Reg and Taylor to the barn, then mounting a thick set buckskin gelding, led the way out into the wheat fields.
“Will you boys be alright if I leave you to it today?” he asked cordially. “I’d like to get out with Will and see to the cattle; round-up’s only about a month away, so there’s plenty to see to.”
“We’ll be fine sir,” Reg spoke up, gazing off along the acres of tall wheat grass, turning the prairie a verdant green. “We’ll just have a look around and see how things are going, look for signs of pests or disease, and report back later.”
“See you at supper then,” Joshua James said, raising a hand in farewell and spurring his horse into a long, ground-eating lope.
Lunch was a simple affair, with only the women and Chen Lou in for the afternoon meal. Nona had made some of her flatbread with vegetables, herbs and the cheese their Aunt Cathleen sent over. The bread was eaten quickly while it was still hot out of the oven.
“Fiona and I’ll take a basket out to Isadoro and Hank at the house,” Nona spoke as they finished their simple meal. “I’d like you girls to take some out to those new boys in the fields.” Her dark eyes skewered Lexi and Issy, making them pinch each other to keep from laughing at the ploy.
“That would be lovely, Nona,” Issy said quickly, trying to repress a smile. “We’ll take a blanket and make a picnic of it.”
“Perhaps we can take a few of those apple dumplings that you made along,” Lexi suggested innocently. Her coffee colored eyes widened with what she hoped looked like surprise as she began packing another basket. She didn't dare look at her twin or she knew she'd burst out laughing. They’d known it was only a matter of time before their grandmother and the others tried to get them to spend time with the new hands.
Twenty minutes later, both girls found themselves walking along the trail that led out to the fields. The wide expanse of grain was planted on the southeast side of the ranch, and wrapped the outer edges of the compound itself. They had always grown grain on the Broken J, but now this was something new. Large fields of bright green wheat swayed in a light breeze.
“It does make sense to diversify the ranch,” Lexi said as she scanned for any sign of the two young men. “We already do pretty well with cattle sales from what I understand, but after the big blizzards of ’86 -’87, I know Pa worried. This way we’ll have other ways of making money.”
“Is that why Un
cle Brion is raising sheep now as well?”
“Yes, I think he makes some income from the sheep, goats and wool production. I’m not clear on how that works, though.”
“I wonder if Uncle Brion and his family will come down off the mountain for the Fourth of July.”
Lexi smiled at her sister. “I’m sure they’ll come, it’s not like Uncle Brion to miss a celebration.”
“I love listening to him talk about Ireland. Do you think Katie, Meg and Fiona would have talked like that if their mother had lived?”
The sound of men’s voices interrupted their conversation and the girls called out to let them know they were there. A few minutes later both men appeared, walking out of the wheat field, hats in hand. The warm sun had peaked their color, and the red of Reg's hair dazzled.
“Miss Lexi, Miss Issy,” the Ogden men said.
“We brought you lunch,” Issy spoke, lifting her basket with both hands, her eyes locking with those of the shorter brother.
“Thank you, Miss Isabella,” he said, his bright gray-blue eyes twinkling.
Surprised at Taylor’s recognition of which sister she was, Issy gaped at him for a moment until he reached out and took the hamper from her hand.
“Let’s sit down,” Lexi suggested, lifting the blanket she had draped over her arms.
Spreading the blanket on the ground, they were all soon seated under a wide blue sky. Issy began to unpack the food, handing each man a now cold flatbread, then pouring them a tin mug full of lemonade from a canning jar.
“What’s this?” Taylor asked, looking at the irregularly shaped bread.
“Nona calls it Focaccia. It’s really easy to make and carry out to the men who don’t come in for lunch,” Issy replied with a smile.
Lexi watched her sister closely, and although they had agreed that they’d take turns getting to know each young man before making any kind of decision, she could see a strange attraction growing between her twin and the sandy-haired young man seated opposite her on the old blanket.
She turned her own attention to the young man with the shockingly red hair.
Taylor Ogden bit into the soft bread as he listened to the girl across from him explaining what it was. It was good. Chewing slowly, he watched the young woman, her brown, silky hair shining in the afternoon sun, and he wondered what it would feel like between his fingers.
Again, he wondered about what it was that drew him to her. Perhaps it was the sparkle in her eye. For just a moment, he turned his head to where his brother was chatting with the other twin. Her eyes were just as dark, just as bright, but there was a serious, thoughtful quality to them where his Bella seemed to sparkle.
A slow grin spread across Taylor’s face as a glint of mischief glimmered in his gray green eyes. Bella. He liked that.
Isabella hesitated a moment as she looked at Taylor. He had a strong face with an easy smile and gorgeous eyes that looked like a stormy sea, but were ringed with a midnight blue that made the subtle golds and greens pop. She could drown in those eyes. A shiver ran up her spine as he looked back at her, and suddenly it was as if they were completely alone.
“You sure have a pretty name,” Taylor was saying as he returned her smile. “Isn’t it confusing having your grandfather called Isadoro and you called Issy?” he suddenly asked. “I mean to me you look just like a sweet little blue bell, not an Issy.”
Isabella blinked at his statement, as a warm summer breeze blew around them, whipping long strands of hair across her face.
Taylor’s hand seemed to move of its own free will, gently stroking the soft strands of dark hair away from the young woman’s face and tucking it behind her ear. “I’m afraid I’m just going to have to call you Bella,” he said so softly that only she could hear.
Chapter 6
The walk home from the wheat field was quiet as both girls pondered the afternoon’s visit. The two young men, so close to their own age, had been polite and conversed easily with them.
“You like Taylor, don’t you?” Lexi finally asked. There was no accusation in her voice, but still it made Issy feel strange. She couldn’t seem to help herself from being drawn to the young man with the amazing eyes.
“There’s just something about him,” she finally replied with a soft sigh.
Lexi reached for her sister’s hand. “It’s alright if you like him,” she said, keeping her voice soft.
“But we agreed…” Issy’s voice trailed off.
“Issy, if I’ve learned anything from watching our sisters and listening in on Pa’s conversation with the others, it’s that no amount of planning can ever ensure that things will go to plan.” She smiled at her twin, her best friend.
Issy wrapped her arm around her twin. “Did you hear what he called me?” she asked softly. “He said I should be called Bella.”
“If you like him, why don’t you see where it goes?” Lexi said logically.
“But what about you?”
Lexi smiled, “We’ll just have to wait and see. I’ll get to know Reg and see if I develop feelings for him. If not, well, no harm done. Besides, it’s not like an arranged marriage where I have no choice.”
Their giggles carried them up the back stairs and into the house where Nona, who was busy at the stove again, looked at them with a bright smile, which made them giggle harder and hurry up to their room. They didn’t even stop to commiserate with their baby sister, who sat with her hands soaking in a bowl of warm water and witch hazel.
******
“It’s an awfully nice night for a walk, don’t you think?” Isabella asked slyly as they finished supper that evening, shooting a look at her father and hoping he’d pick up on the opportunity.
“Why don’t you girls give our new hands the grand tour this evening, since it’s so nice?” Joshua suggested, darting a look along the table to his mother-in-law, who smiled back at him.
“That sounds like a splendid idea,” Nona chimed in. “I’m sure the rest of us can get the dishes done. You go on and have a nice walk,” she added, ignoring the strange looks from the other girls.
Issy shot a knowing look and a wicked smile at her sister as they thanked their father, then waited for the men to retrieve their hats before starting the tour.
Lexi boldly stepped up and took Reginald’s arm as they began to walk down the stairs into the warm night, allowing Issy to then take the arm Taylor offered her. She noted how Taylor tucked her sister’s small hand in close to his side with a grin. If ever two people were taken with each other those two were, and in only a little more than a day.
Issy’s hand sizzled as Taylor tucked it up close to his body, dropping his other hand over her small fingers.
“It sure is a pretty night,” he stated, looking up at the stars appearing one by one in the darkening sky. “Where should we begin?” His fingers brushed over hers, and a sharp tingle ran all the way to his chest.
“Well, you’re familiar with the bunk house.” She titled her head in that direction then smiled as she watched his old dog waddling slowly toward them. “I think we’re going to have company,” she stated.
“You don’t mind, do you?” he asked, as the old cur nuzzled his leg with her nose, begging to be petted.
“No, but I do think you’d better set her up with a proper home pretty soon, or it will be too late.” She leaned over and scratched the dog behind the ears. From somewhere near the bath house she could hear her sister’s voice explaining something to Taylor’s brother.
“I’ll see if Hank can spare some wood for a dog house.” Taylor said standing and moving on into the darkening night.
“I hope you don’t mind me saying so, but you have a very unusual name,” Issy commented boldly.
“You think so, do you, Bella?” His voice was husky and she felt heat rise to her cheeks as he called her by that name.
“Yes, I do,” she stated, hoping the gathering darkness would cover her blush. “I’ve never heard of anyone called Taylor as a first name.”
“I have to admit I think I prefer Taylor to Eustis.” She paused as they walked along the outskirts of the house. “Is your mother still living?” she finally spoke what was on her mind.
“Yes. She’s back in Pennsylvania, but I’ve started thinking she’d like it out here. Once Reg and I get a stake, maybe we could send for her to come out here and live with us.” He felt the young woman’s hand tighten on his arm and his heart rate quickened. He knew he shouldn’t be thinking it, but he wanted to kiss her under the stars.
Pushing the thought away, he concentrated on his surroundings, trusting his dog to warn him of any dangers he couldn’t see on his own as they walked around the ranch.
“You should ask my father to send for your mother. I’m sure he’d be happy to.” Isabella smiled into the darkness, thinking about the additions they’d already seen at the Broken J, not to mention little Mary, and now Fiona would soon be adding one more.
A shiver ran down her spine as an image of her pregnant with Taylor’s child popped into her head.
The man himself wrapped his arm around her shoulders. “Are you cold? Do you want to go back?” He sounded bewildered, and she could understand why especially on a warm night like this.
“No,” she laughed shrugging it off, “it was just a chill, let’s keep walking. Did you notice the little house on the other side of the yard fence when you first arrived?” she asked, pointing in the direction of the fence that ran along behind the bath house. "If you look between the bath house and the bunk house, you'll see the light."
“Yes. It’s a nice little place.”
“That’s Will and Katie’s house. Will came to the ranch about two years ago to become Pa’s foremen. They live there with little Mary now.”