“Be careful out there and tell my wife I apologize for being gone so long.”
“She’ll understand, boss. If it were me with such a pretty filly at home, I wouldn’t have wandered off in the first place. Isn’t that what you’ve got all of us for?”
Thane slapped Ben on the back then watched as the dependable young man got on his horse and rode away.
Late the following morning, the sound of jingling harnesses greeted Thane like a welcome chorus.
He grabbed his coat and rushed out of the cabin to greet Tully and Walt as they approached with two wagons of supplies. Ben and a few of the ranch hands followed with another wagon full of blankets and food.
“With all this help, we’ll have the men out of there in no time,” Thane said, thumping Tully on the back after he jumped down from the wagon.
His friend gave him a broad smile. “Way I hear it, there’s a lonely woman back at the ranch who can’t wait for your return, or so the story goes.”
“Let’s get John in the wagon and headed to town to the doctor before we do anything else.” Thane’s hired hands packed the food inside the cabin then hurried to the mine to begin the hard work of freeing the trapped men. Thane and Tully carried the injured man out and settled him in the nest of blankets Jemma had no doubt sent. Ben drank a cup of hot coffee before climbing back on the wagon seat to take John into town.
Thane glanced up at him as he gathered the reins in his hands. “Did you give my wife the note I sent?”
“Sure did, boss.”
“Did she read it? Say anything?”
Ben grinned. “I believe her exact words were, ‘That infuriating lunkhead! Just wait until he gets home! I’ll show him a thing or two…’ Then she shoved the note in her apron pocket and stormed off toward the house. Don’t know what you wrote, boss, but it sure made her face turn red.”
“Good. If you beat me home, tell her I intend to do exactly what I said in the letter.”
Ben chuckled as he released the brake and clucked to the horses. “Will do, boss, but if you head straight home, you’ll most likely get there before I do.”
“We’ll see. Thanks for your help, Ben, and be careful out there.”
Thane rushed to help the men unload the timbers and long metal rods they’d use to hold the beams in place and move the heavy rocks.
Within two hours, the men who had spent almost five days trapped in the dark mine tunnel sat in the cabin in front of a roaring fire, drinking their fill of hot coffee.
Assured his men were fine, Thane thanked everyone for their help and watched as the wagons headed back to town.
Anxious to return to the ranch and his family, Thane gathered his few belongings and rushed out the door. If he rode hard, he could make it home by the time dark settled for the night.
He ignored the cold biting at his exposed cheeks and turning his fingers into ice inside his gloves. Instead, he focused his thoughts on seeing Lily, Jack, and Jemma.
A grin lifted the corners of his mouth as he thought about Jemma’s reaction to his letter. He looked forward to discovering just what she had in mind to show him. Maybe it was wishful thinking on his part, but he certainly hoped it involved several welcoming kisses that led to something more.
Chapter Twenty-One
Jemma sighed with relief when Ben rode in after dark, half-frozen and exhausted, explaining there had been a collapse at Thane’s mine and he needed help.
She spent hours helping Sam prepare food to send in the wagon as well as gathering blankets and other needed supplies.
Before he climbed onto the wagon seat to head back to the mine in the pre-dawn hours the following morning, Ben patted his pocket and pulled out a piece of paper in an envelope, handing it to Jemma.
“Thane asked me to give that to you. I plumb forgot about it last night.” Ben watched as she scanned Thane’s note.
Uncertain whether to laugh or cry at the message written in her husband’s bold hand, she read it a second time.
My Darling Wife,
Rather than your leathery steak and burned biscuits, I heard you made quite a feast for Thanksgiving. I’m sorry to have missed it.
Would you make me a pumpkin pie? I’d share a bite or two with you. Maybe even three.
I’m definitely willing to share that big ol’ bed in our room. It’s been absolute misery trying to sleep without your snores ringing in my ears at night, although I’m purely tired of your pillow barricade. Do you think you might be willing to tear it down and toss it aside?
If you aren’t so inclined to remove the wall between us and share yourself along with the bed, I’ll take you and the kids into town and set you up in a house as soon as I return. The choice is yours.
Your devoted husband,
Thane
“That infuriating lunkhead! Just wait until he gets home! I’ll show him a thing or two…” She marched to the cabin with Ben’s chuckles following her across the ranch yard.
Angry, yet oddly energized by Thane’s note, she looked forward to his return.
Early that afternoon, she put a roast in the oven then baked two pumpkin pies.
While Lily napped and Jack stayed with Sam at the bunkhouse, Jemma bathed and changed into one of her best dresses then carefully styled her hair.
In need of something to calm her nerves, she made herself a comforting cup of tea, glancing out the window as Maggie rode into the ranch yard. Jemma hurried to the door and motioned her friend inside while one of the hands took the horse to the barn.
“What are you doing out on a cold day like this?” Jemma asked as Maggie breezed inside, carrying a basket on her arm.
“Tully told me he heard from Thane. He’s taking some men and supplies up to the mine to help. I just wanted to make sure you knew he was fine and see how you’re holding up.”
“I’m well and I appreciate your thoughtfulness.” Jemma took the basket Maggie held out to her and lifted the cloth covering.
“Those are muffins I made this morning with some huckleberry preserves. I think you and the children will enjoy them. I like them for breakfast, warmed with butter.”
“They smell delicious.” Jemma poured a cup of tea for Maggie and led the way to the sofa by the fire.
Maggie sat in the chair closest to the crackling flames and stretched out her feet, absorbing the warmth. “My, but that feels good. I didn’t realize how chilly it was until I was halfway here.”
“I’m glad you came, but I hate for you to have to ride back in that cold.”
“I’ll be fine. Are you excited for Thane to come home?” Maggie sipped her tea and studied her friend.
“Yes... No... I’m not sure.” Jemma blushed and set down her teacup. “If he walked through that door right now, I’m not sure if I’d kiss him first or take him to task for disappearing like he did.”
Maggie laughed. “Kiss him first. There’s always time to argue later, but don’t ever miss the opportunity for kisses. Love him all you can while you can. You’ll never look back and wish you’d had more harsh words instead of kisses.”
“Oh, Maggie, this must be terribly trying for you.” Jemma leaned forward and placed a hand on her friend’s arm. “I hope it doesn’t bring difficult memories to mind.”
“I’d be lying if I said it didn’t, but it helps knowing everyone will be fine. My poor Daniel died in a gas explosion, along with two other men. Thane would have, too, if he hadn’t been the one who pushed out a cart of ore.” Maggie dabbed at her eyes with a handkerchief she pulled from her pocket. “Tears won’t bring him back or change anything, though. Now, have you decided how you’re going to woo your husband?”
Jemma’s cheeks felt hot with embarrassment as she glanced at Maggie. When the woman wiggled her eyebrows at her, Jemma giggled.
“I’m beginning to think he might be more interested in forgetting about his ridiculous vow than I first anticipated.”
“What makes you say that?”
Quickly removing Thane’s note fr
om her pocket, Jemma gave it to Maggie. “This.”
Maggie read the note, wearing a big smile as she handed it back to Jemma. “I think that should clear up any questions you might have. Did you bake him a pie?”
“Two.” Jemma looked at Maggie and they burst into giggles.
As the afternoon progressed, Jemma became more distracted, continuing to glance out the window as she walked from the sofa to the kitchen table and back again.
“You’ll wear a hole in the rug with your pacing, and it’s much too lovely for that.” Maggie smiled at Jemma over the cup of tea she held in front of her mouth.
Jemma walked to the kitchen window to stare outside again then glanced over her shoulder at her friend, wondering if Thane would ever come home. “I know, but I can’t seem to help myself.”
She felt Maggie’s hand on her shoulder and welcomed the woman’s comforting embrace.
“He’ll be home before you know it, but I better head back to town before dark.”
“I’m so glad you came today, Maggie. Thank you for keeping me company.” Jemma held Maggie’s coat for her while she slipped it on. “I’ll return the favor one of these days.”
Maggie grinned at her as she wrapped a scarf around her head and tugged on her gloves. “I doubt it will be anytime soon. As soon as Thane gets home, he won’t be willing to let you out of his sight for a good while to come.”
Lily wandered out of her room before Maggie opened the door to leave, so she spent a moment visiting with the little girl. Jemma hurried to the barn to have one of the hands bring Maggie’s horse to the end of the walk then rushed back inside the warmth of the cabin.
“It is so cold out there, Maggie. Are you sure you don’t want to stay the night? You could have Jack’s room and he could stay in the bunkhouse for tonight.” Jemma hated to think of her friend traveling alone on the trail to town, especially in the cold.
“I’ll be fine. I’ve got on plenty of layers to keep me warm and it doesn’t take nearly as long to get there on horseback as it does in the buckboard.”
Jemma hugged her friend and walked her outside. “Be careful and we’ll see you at church Sunday.”
Maggie mounted her horse and turned to grin at Jemma. “Make sure you give Thane a welcome home he won’t soon forget!” Amused by Jemma’s flushed cheeks, Maggie turned her horse toward the trail and waved one last time.
After stepping inside the cabin and shutting out the winter air, Jemma combed Lily’s hair and helped the little girl into one of her favorite dresses. She draped one of her mother’s linen tablecloths over the table, set out her best china, and tried to steady her nerves.
Preoccupied, she listened to Lily sing a silly made-up song as she rocked her doll in the chair by the fire. Jemma glanced down from her vigil at the window when Lily yanked on her skirt.
“I’m hungry, Auntie Jemma. Can we eat soon?”
“Yes, poppet. We’ll eat soon.” Jemma lifted the child in her arms and kissed her pert little nose. “We’re going to have a wonderful dinner, aren’t we?”
“I hope so. My tummy’s talking to me.” Lily glanced down at her stomach.
Jemma smiled and playfully poked Lily’s tummy. “What is it saying?”
“Feed me! Feed me!”
Laughing, Jemma swung Lily around in her arms and stopped mid-swing when Jack burst into the room, eyes glowing with happiness.
“He’s back, Auntie Jemma! Uncle Thane’s back! He said to tell you he’ll be in soon.” Jack yanked on her hand in his excitement.
“Uncle Thane!” Lily squealed, wanting down so she could run out to see him.
“No, lovey, you stay in the house with me. Jack, you may go back out to the barn and come in with your uncle.”
“Thank you, Auntie Jemma!” Jack turned and ran out the door, forgetting to close it behind him. Jemma shut it then set Lily down. The little girl’s lip protruded in a pout as she scuffed her toes across the floor to her chair at the table.
“Are you excited Uncle Thane is home, Lily?”
The little girl nodded her head.
“You don’t want to greet him with a pout, do you?”
Another nod.
“I’m sure Uncle Thane would appreciate a big smile and a hug or two. Do you suppose he’d like to hear one of your new songs? Can you sing one for him?”
Lily’s eyes brightened as she bounced up and down on her toes. “Yep!”
“Wonderful! Why don’t you practice the one about the princess?” Jemma grinned as the little girl began flitting around the room singing about a beautiful princess and a magic pony.
Jemma stood at the stove stirring a pan of gravy when cold air blew behind her from the open cabin door. Spurs jingled as Thane stepped inside with Jack. Lily screamed and ran across the room, flinging herself into her uncle’s arms.
He lifted her up, tossing her in the air twice, before cuddling her close and kissing her cheeks and forehead.
“How’s my Lily? You just get prettier every time I see you, honey. Did you miss your ol’ uncle?”
“Yes, Uncle Thane. I missed you whole bunches.” Lily squeezed his neck and pressed her little cheek against his, making a lump catch in his throat.
He couldn’t and wouldn’t leave them again for an extended period. He missed both the children more than he would have dreamed possible.
Nearly as much as he missed Jemma.
While Lily wiggled in his arms, telling him all about the things she’d done that day, his gaze lingered on his wife.
Thane stared at Jemma, taking in the sight of her from the rich, auburn hair pulled into a neat chignon and the fire radiating from her coppery eyes to the deep blue of her gown and the cameo pinned at her throat.
“You seem well,” he finally said, unable to stop gawking at her. Although he’d been gone less than a month, he’d nearly forgotten the breath-stealing beauty of his wife.
“Thank you.” Jemma tipped her head demurely, but not before she gave Thane a thorough once-over. Flakes of snow covered his hat, his hair brushed the top of his coat collar, and a scruffy beard covered his cheeks and firm jaw.
At that moment, she didn’t care if his beard reached his knees and housed a flock of pigeons. She was grateful to have him home, where he belonged.
“I’m glad you’ve returned. Is all well at the mine?” She wanted to diffuse the tension that flowed between them, threatening to pull her into the current and drag her under.
“It is now. Thank you for the food and blankets you sent with Ben.” Thane kissed Lily’s cheek again and set her in her chair before removing his outerwear.
While Jemma dished up their supper, he stood beside her, washing his hands and breathing deeply of her fragrance. He’d missed it nearly as much as the sight of her. The handkerchief he’d pilfered had lost much of her scent, although he continued to carry it in his pocket as a reminder of what awaited him at home.
As he dried his hands on a dishtowel, he noticed two pumpkin pies sitting on the counter. Quickly tossing aside the towel, he leaned around Jemma and blocked her in at the stove. “I see you made pies. Is one of them for me?”
Engulfed by Thane’s warm presence, Jemma could barely think much less form a response. She’d missed this so much — his teasing, the way he managed to press close to her while pretending innocence, the fiery longing in his eyes.
Ensnared by those two glowing orbs as she gazed over her shoulder at him, he lowered his face closer to hers.
Numbly nodding her head, she hurriedly spooned green beans into a bowl and handed it to Thane, needing some space between her and his strong body. Before he stepped away from her, she felt his breath blow across her ear.
“Did you miss me? Even a little?”
“Yes, Thane. I did.” Her voice sounded breathy and strange to her own ears.
He grinned and set the bowl on the table. If the pies and the look in Jemma’s eyes were any indication, he might not have to work as hard as he thought to get her to remove th
e barrier from the middle of their bed and release him from his promise.
“I’m so hungry I think I could eat just about anything, even some of your burned biscuits.” Thane smirked at Jemma as she set a platter of meat on the table then turned to lift a basket full of hot biscuits.
As she set it on the table, she raised her eyebrow at him, challenging him to offer more insults about her cooking.
“Did you make them yourself?” Thane eyed the biscuits, his mouth watering as he thought of eating a fluffy biscuit slathered with butter.
“I did. I believe you will find them to your liking.” Jemma sat in the chair Thane held out for her and draped a napkin across her lap. She glanced at him, waiting for him to offer thanks for the meal, smiling when his deep voice filled the cabin.
While she placed food on Lily’s plate and cut the little girl’s meat, Thane told them about some of the interesting things he saw while he was visiting the mines. Jack asked several questions about the mining process and Thane promised to take him to see one of the mines when the weather warmed.
He drew the children into a lively conversation about the approaching holidays. Mindful of Jemma’s eyes on him, he lifted his gaze to hers and sent her a flirtatious wink that left her flustered yet anxious for the children to be in bed.
“Would you care for a slice of pie now?” Jemma asked as Thane leaned back in his chair and rubbed his flat but full belly.
“No thanks. But I plan to sample one later. You outdid yourself, Jemma. That was a fine, fine meal and the biscuits were as good as any I’ve eaten. You’ve been practicing.” Thane’s smile held admiration and a touch of softness when he glanced her way.
“Thank you.” She hurried to carry dirty dishes to the sink so Thane couldn’t see how much his words pleased her.
“I’m tired of biscuits. Auntie Jemma’s baked them every day for weeks and weeks, trying to get them just right.” Jack tattled on his aunt. She gave him a reproving stare he either didn’t notice or ignored. “I hope she got them right so we can eat something else now.”
Thane chuckled and reached out to ruffle Jack’s hair. “She got them just right, son. Maybe she’ll make some Yorkshire pudding tomorrow or a few crumpets. I wouldn’t mind some myself.”
Crumpets & Cowpies: (Sweet Historical Western Romance) (Baker City Brides Book 1) Page 27