After Pa passed, Ma only lasted a year without the man and home she’d loved. Zach had fought in the War and chased criminals for the Rangers. But he had never wanted to see anything or anyone destroyed as much as the Kirby gang. His hatred was a palpable, burning malignancy eating away at his insides.
He fought every day to control this darker part of his soul. He’d been taught to forgive. Nothing would ever absolve the Kirbys of their crimes. And any man could bet any stakes on him accomplishing his revenge. One thing Zach could count on, Joel would find the men responsible and play out the hand.
Chapter Seventeen
Alice and the rest of the family had been conspiring all week. Today Seth was seven years old. She wasn’t sure he even knew his birth date, but back at the cabin she and Zach had seen it written in the Bible.
Lizzie had baked a dried apple cake with burnt sugar icing that reminded Alice of a kind Mama had mentioned. Alice had helped Mrs. Harmon and the aunts prepare what Seth had said were his favorites of the foods he’d eaten at the ranch. After having so little food for years, the hungry boy liked everything, but he had mentioned a few favorites.
A beautiful dark-haired woman carried in a hatbox. She was smaller than Alice, and elegantly dressed in a lilac mohair dress that surely must be the latest fashion. Alice would have been intimidated but for the woman’s friendly smile.
“Hello, I’m Hope Stone and this is my husband Micah, younger brother of Zach and Joel.”
The man she called Micah carried a squirming baby. “And this wiggle worm is our son Andrew.”
Alice took the box and addressed Micah. “I would have known you and he were brothers. You’re almost twins.” Of course, Zach was the most handsome, but all three brothers looked a great deal alike.
Alice plopped the box with the other gifts, and turned to speak to Hope. Before she could, Joel arrived, accompanied by the preacher, Mr. Billings. The two men dragged in something covered with a piece of tarp.
Maggie bustled up. “Here now, Joel Stone, what are you two dragging in this clean house?”
“Don’t worry, Aunt Maggie. It’s something for the birthday boy.” Joel looked taken aback at the glare radiating from Zach. “Preacher here helped me put this together.” He looked over his shoulder. “James, you know everyone, don’t you?”
Eyes twinkling, Reverend Mr. James Billings grinned at Zach, and gave a slight bow toward Alice and the other women. “I hope I’m not intruding.”
An impish notion spurred Alice. “We’re especially honored you’ve come for Seth’s party, Rev. Billings.” She turned to Zach. “Aren’t we, Mr. Stone?”
His steely stare put lie to his words. “Sure, glad you could join us, preacher.”
Hope, Micah, Andrew, Joel, Rev. Billings, Zach’s foreman Mick Harmon, his ranch hand Rabbit Edmonds, Mrs. Harmon, and the aunts joined with Alice and Zach to wait for Seth’s appearance. Everything was ready.
When Zach called Seth for dinner that evening, they moved into the dining room. Zach guided Seth inside, and everyone said, “Surprise!”
Seth looked at the cake, then at the presents piled at one end, then at the smiling people. “It ain’t Christmas, is it?”
“Happy Birthday, Seth,” Alice gestured at the cake. “Today is your birthday. You’re seven years old and this surprise birthday party is for you.”
Excitement and question warred on his face. “For me? How could I have a party if’n I don’t even know when I was born?”
Zach kept his hand on Seth’s shoulder. “Son, remember when you showed us your mother’s Bible? Your name and birth date were written inside, and Miss Price remembered.”
The boy looked at Alice, his face filled with wonder. “You did? You mean this is a sure ‘nuff party just for me?” He took a step forward. “Are...are those presents for me?”
“They certainly are, but we’re going to have dinner first. Then you can have your cake and open your gifts." Lizzie gestured to the head of the table. “You sit here in the place of honor.”
Seth looked up at Zach. “Is it okay, Pa?”
“Sure is. “ Zach swung him up into his arms. “Whew, since you’ve turned seven you’ve gotten heavy.” He set him down in the chair and scooted it close to the table.
“Mrs. Harmon and the rest of us women have made your favorite foods, so you eat up. We’ve saved plenty for Harry, too.” Maggie took her seat.
Zach sat on one side of Seth and Alice on the other. When everyone else was seated, Mrs. Harmon brought out the rest of the food, then took her place beside her husband.
Seth stared at the presents. “I’m not hungry. I’m ready to eat cake and open presents.
Zach laid his hand on Seth’s shoulder. “Calm down, son, and eat your dinner. The cake and presents will still be there after you finish your meal.”
When they’d eaten and cleared away the food, Alice cut the cake. “Don’t worry, this one isn’t made with salt.”
Everyone laughed.
Maggie said, “Your cake is made with some of Alice’s specially treated dried apples and burnt sugar icing. Aunt Lizzie made this especially for you, Seth."
“Just for me?” His brown eyes were big as silver dollars.
Alice served slices to everyone. “Oh, this smells delicious. Seth, since you’re the birthday boy, you get the first slice.”
Seth looked happier than she’d ever seen him. His small face fairly glowed with pleasure. “I might have to have another piece after I open them presents, huh?”
“Go slower, son, or you’ll choke yourself.” Zach patted Seth on the shoulder.
In a few minutes, Seth had emptied his plate. “Do I have to wait ‘til everyone’s through eating cake?”
“Normally, it would only be polite, but this is a special occasion and you are the birthday boy.” Alice cleared away the glass, plate and cutlery from in front of Seth.
Zach pushed the presents near. “Go to it, son.”
Seth stared at the pile of gifts. “I never seen so many packages. Which one should I open first?”
Alice scooted one forward. “This one is from Aunt Maggie.”
Seth untied the ribbon and looked inside the box. “A top. I seen boys playin’ with one of these afore. Thanks, Aunt Maggie.”
Scooting another his way, Alice said, “This one is from Aunt Lizzie.”
Losing no time, Seth opened the gift. “Hey, just like my pa wears.” He held up the blue-checked shirt and turned to Zach. “Look, now we’ll be alike.”
Seth quickly unwrapped two hand-carved horses from Rabbit Edmonds. “Oh boy, thanks, Rabbit. I can play with these in my room.” He held one in each hand. “Look, Harry.” Seth made clomping noises with his tongue as he moved the carvings across the tablecloth.
His next gift was from the Hammonds, a new lasso.
Mick Hammonds said, “Your pa and I’ll show you how to lasso.”
“Can I rope a steer?”
“Not yet, son.” Zach cautioned, “Wait a few years. But you can practice now so you’ll be a champion roper. Just don’t practice on anything alive, especially not Harry, okay?”
Hope, Micah, and Andrew presented Seth with a Stetson just his size.
He set it on his head. “Now I’m a real cowboy.”
Alice gave him a set of tin soldiers Rabbit had located for her in town. “Now you’ll have something else to play indoors in bad weather. My father was a soldier, Seth, and these are what he would have played with at your age.”
“Your pa in the picture?”
“Yes, but he died before I really knew him. I thought you might like to have these since your new pa was a soldier too.”
Seth turned to Zach. “You were a soldier? Did you wear a uniform like this?” He held up a soldier in blue.
Zach shook his head. “Nope, mine was gray. These will be good to play with though.”
“Thanks, Miss Price.”
Rev. Billings gave him a half dollar. “Thought you might want to purchase
something when you go into town.” He pushed a small bag toward Seth. “Mr. Bowman at the mercantile sent you some peppermint sticks.” He smiled at Alice. “Imagine you’d better wait until much later to eat them, though.”
“Thanks. This is some birthday.” Seth slid the coin into his pocket and let Harry sniff the candy sack. “What’s that big thing?”
“My gift.” Joel pulled off the tarp to reveal a fake steer made from a nail keg body, bucket head, two-by-four legs, and a rope tail.
The adults chuckled, but Seth was still wide-eyed. “You made it just for me?”
“Sure did. Mick told me he was giving you a lasso, so figured you needed something to practice roping. Ah, you’ll have to put it in the yard, of course.”
“Can I ride it?”
“It’s strong enough if you’ve a mind to sit on it.”
“Thanks, this sure is a good party.”
“The last one is from me,” Zach said.
When Seth opened the gift, he found a bridle. He held it up and looked puzzled. “It goes on a horse, doesn’t it?”
“Your horse, son. Rabbit and Mick helped me hide it from you until today, but there’s a pony in the barn for you that’s just your size.”
Rabbit rose and reached for the bridle. “I’ll bring it up to the back rail for you.” He left the room and Alice heard the back door close behind him.
Seth was near bouncing on his chair. “Can I go, too? My very own horse? What’s his name?”
“Her, son. We thought you might like to name her, since she’s your horse.” Zach rose. “Guess you can come learn how to saddle her, but you have to promise you won’t ride without my permission. Horses are big animals, and a boy can get hurt even if the horse doesn’t aim to do any harm.”
Alice stood. “Maybe we can all go see this special horse.”
Everyone donned a coat or jacket and filed out of the house. When they reached the barn, Rabbit had the bridle on the paint mare and was cinching down a boy-sized saddle.
Seth ran toward the mare.
Zach grabbed him. “You have to learn not to startle her. Move slow and easy, but don’t let on you’re afraid of her.”
“I-I ain’t scared.” His face displayed otherwise. “You ‘member my other pa had those horses in the pasture yonder.” He gestured to the two nags still not recovered from lack of nourishment and care.
“Did you ever harness or ride them?” Alice asked.
The birthday boy shook his head. “He wouldn’t let me. I fed ‘em, though, when we had feed and hay.”
Alice had worried Seth might be hurt. His big bravado hid a small boy learning his way in a new life. She had wanted to protest when Zach told her he was giving Seth his own horse. But she was leaving, so she reckoned she didn’t have any say in raising Seth.
Now she wondered. “Maybe he’s a little young for his own horse.”
“Naw, I rode at his age. So did my brothers.” Zach hefted the boy into the saddle. “I’ll lead her, son, while you get used to the feel of your saddle.”
“I’ll bet she can run really fast.” Seth gripped the pommel.
Alice sent Zach an I-told-you-so glare.
Zach met Alice’s angry gaze, exhaled, then peered up at Seth. “No running fast yet. When you ride well enough here in the corral, then we’ll practice on the range.”
“What will you name her?” Alice asked. She liked the looks of the little mare.
Harry followed close, but didn’t bark or nip at the horse.
“Hmm, what’s a good name, Pa?”
Alice loved the way Seth looked adoringly at Zach. He’d chosen a wonderful role model.
Zach shook his head. “Don’t ask me, son, she’s your horse.”
Alice thought Seth needed help. “Some mare names could be Bonnie, Princess, Lady, Belle, Lassie, or Beauty.”
Seth stroked the mare’s neck. “Bonnie. That’s a good name, ain’t it, Miss Price?”
“Reckon it’s perfect. I read that in Scotland, Bonnie means pretty, and she is a pretty girl.”
“Then Bonnie it is.” Zach led the horse around the corral.
Seth laughed, swaying awkwardly in the saddle.
Alice watched the man and boy. How lucky she was to have witnessed this day. She stored it away to savor later.
She hadn’t realized Rev. Billings was beside her until he spoke. “Fine little boy, isn’t he?”
“That he is, but he’s so small to be on such a large animal.”
“Most boys ride at that age. He’ll get the hang of it soon enough.”
Seth raised one hand to wave. “Look at me, Miss Price.” As he waved, he slipped from the saddle and plopped on the ground.
Harry barked in alarm.
As fast as her legs would move, Alice ran to him. The exercise created a bout of coughing, but she was the first of the onlookers to reach man and boy.
Zach had already knelt to examine Seth.
“My arm sure hurts.” His lips trembled as if he tried not to cry. A big tear escaped and rolled down his cheek.
Lizzie asked, “We better get our doctorin’ box.”
“No need. I’ll take him inside.” Zach scooped up Seth.
“But I want to ride Bonnie some more.” He cradled his left arm as he protested.
“Not today.” Alice said, shooting Zach another I-told-you-so glare.
Chapter Eighteen
“You’re sure you feel like doing the laundry?” Maggie carried a pile of clothes. Her face held concern...and misgivings.
Alice hoped she could go through with her plan. “Sun’s out today and I reckon the steam rising will be good for my cough. I should be finished by noon.”
“Well, if you’re sure. Since Mrs. Harmon isn’t feeling well today, we’ll have to pitch in extra.”
“You and Lizzie needn’t worry a bit about the washing. I’ll tend to it and get it hung up to dry before you know it.” At least she hoped so.
Outside the back steps, Seth filled one cauldron and stoked the fire under the other. “This all you need? I got my ranchin’ business to tend to. I’m gonna practice ropin’ my pretend steer.”
Harry watched Seth’s every move with adoration. Alice slipped the dog a slice of bacon saved from breakfast. He wagged his tail and licked her hand, then went back to gazing at Seth.
“Fill the other one with cold water and stack some wood nearby so I can keep the fire going. Then you and Harry can be off on your ranching. Leave me a bucket of fresh water, though.”
“I seen you in the barn when I finished gathering eggs. What was you doing?” Seth poured the last bucket of water needed.
Drat! She’d hoped no one would see her. “Just looking through some of my sacks. Women like to keep track of such things.”
“Them packs ‘peared awful heavy. You got rocks in there?”
“Just...books and other things.” Eager to stop his prying, Alice said, “You can run along now if you’ve a mind to.”
Alice started with the aunts’ and her laundry. When it was on the line she tackled Seth’s clothes along with Zach’s britches. She smiled as Seth ran through the pasture then tried to rope the mock bull from Joel. Seeing the boy happy and secure cheered her. Harry had filled out nicely, too.
She saved Zach’s white shirt and longjohns for last. They’d been soaking in the cold water. She emptied a bag into the boiling cauldron and stirred, then dropped Zach’s clothes in. Guilt rode her hard, but some things had to be done.
When his clothes were hung away from sight of the kitchen window, she poured water on the fire. Shying away from the smoke and steam, she plopped down on the back porch, exhausted from her morning’s work. Soon as the water in the big cauldrons cooled enough, she could tip it out and be done.
Lizzie opened the door. “My, look at all those clothes. You certainly worked fast. Lunch is ready, dear.”
Alice stood. “I’ll empty the wash water and be right in.”
After lunch, Alice had to lie down and
rest. Another bout of coughing warned she’d overtaxed her strength. At least she’d done what she had to, even though it pained her to be so underhanded. She fought sleep, determined to gather the clothes as soon as they’d dried. Exhaustion won and Alice slipped into dreams.
***
Zach and his two hands, Mick and Rabbit, were herding heifers that were ready to drop calves toward the barn pasture.
Mick squinted. “Say, boss. Look at all them things flappin’ in the sun. They flags or something?”
In spite of his hat brim, Rabbit shielded his eyes with his hands. “Whew! That color’s near bright enough to blind a body.”
“You men keep these heifers moving. I’ll see what’s going on.” Zach urged Solomon into a gallop.
As he rode nearer, the blinding yellow flags took shape. He reined in Solomon and sat staring up and down the rows of laundry. No second glance was needed to see that only his clothes were affected. Seething with anger, he knew the culprit behind the sickly phosphorescent shade.
Dismounting, he yanked his best shirt down and strode toward the house. Alice Price had a lot to answer for this time. Damned if she could play pranks on him.
Alice wakened to banging on her bedroom door. Zach turned the knob and stomped inside before she was fully awake.
He extended a bright yellow shirt and yelled, “What the hell happened to my clothes? This was my best shirt.”
“It’s more of your plan,” she said quietly. She sat up and peered out the door to see if the aunts or Seth were listening.
He lowered his voice, but not his anger. “We’re alone. Why would you do this? Clothes cost money and I’m cash poor until fall.”
She hadn’t realized he wasn’t rich as Midas. His was a huge house and he’d had cash money at the hotel and he had that fancy bedroll. She’d figured he was wealthy.
Alice slid her feet from the bed and stood. “Don’t worry, the color will come out. I didn’t set the dye.”
She heard footsteps and the swish of women’s clothing before Lizzie and Maggie appeared, all out of breath.
Maggie said, “Now, Zach, I’m sure there’s a reasonable explanation.”
High Stakes Bride, Men of Stone Mountain Book 2 Page 11