Shannon gave him a sweet smile. “I’m just glad you’re here and in one piece. Of course, I accept your apology.” She walked over and gave Cinders a quick kiss. “Olivia is in the wagon with Cookie. Would you mind bringing her inside? Cookie hardly lets me hold her. Who knew he loved babies so much?”
Both men laughed as Cinders walked out the door mumbling something about a baby hog.
“You look real good, Shannon. Being a mother seems to agree with you.”
She blushed and then nodded. “We’ve been blessed.” She hurried to the door and took the baby out of Cinders’ arms. “Here she is. What do you think?”
Tramp got closer and smiled. “She sure is small. Wow, look at that red hair.” Both Cinders and Shannon stared at him as though they were expecting him to say more.
“Don’t you want to hold her?” Shannon asked.
Stunned, a sense of panic set in. “I never—”
She took Olivia out of Cinders’ arms. “There’s nothing to it. Hold out your arms.” She set the baby in the crook of his arm and stepped back, leaving him holding the baby. Racking his brain, he tried to come up with something to say. All he could think of was how red and wrinkly she appeared. How this little thing would grow into a beauty he didn’t know. Perhaps she wouldn’t be pretty. “I think she’s wet.”
Shannon instantly took the infant into her arms and hurried out of the room.
“You need a wife and children, Tramp.”
He shook his head. “That road isn’t for me. You enjoy it. I do like the sound of buying in and breeding horses. I relish training horses better than rounding up cattle.”
Cinders slapped him on the back. “I’m so glad. Now we just need to figure out where you’ll be staying. Jasper is the foreman now, and he has one house that he shares with his wife. Cookie has his own house and that leaves your house, but it’s occupied.”
“I can stay in the bunk house for a few days until Ilene makes other arrangements.”
Cinders frowned looking doubtful. “I’m sure Shannon will get it all figured out.”
“Well looky here!” Cookie exclaimed. “You’re as unexpected as gunplay in a Bible class. Sure is good to see your ugly face around here again.”
Tramp smiled at the older cowboy. Cookie had been at the ranch from the very beginning. “Good to see you too, Cookie.”
“’Bout time you got yourself back home where you belong. I would have come to get you myself, but you were in good hands at the Carson ranch.”
Tramp’s jaw dropped.
“You don’t think I’d let you traipse around Texas without me knowin’ where you was do ya?”
Cinders laughed. “You never said a word.”
“Heck, it wasn’t your business. As long as he wasn’t in trouble it’s best to let a man work things out for himself,” Cookie said giving a crisp nod.
Tramp and Cinders exchanged surprised glances, and then they both shrugged their shoulders and grinned.
Olivia began to cry, and Cookie’s head whipped around in the direction of the cry. “I’d better go see what’s going on. I have a way with the young’uns.”
Tramp waited until Cookie was out of sight before he chuckled. “Now that’s funny. Does he even know one end of the baby from the other?”
“Not according to Shannon. They’ll work it out, I figure. They always do. Damn, it sure is good to see you. Let’s ride and I’ll show you some of the horses we’ve been training.”
“Sounds good.”
Ilene swung up into the saddle and patted the tall, golden mustang. “Nice and slow girl and please don’t try rolling onto your back with me on you. It didn’t feel good for either of us last time.” She took the reins and gave the horse a kick. “Yaw!”
This was her heaven, riding horses. Growing up in New York City, she’d never ridden a horse before. She had been surprised when she’d wandered into the barn and discovered she actually liked the huge animals. They seemed to like her too, and it wasn’t long before she had bribed one of the cowboys to teach her to ride. Knowing how to make sweets sure paid off. Now she rode every horse, trained or not. Never near the house, though. Cinders and Jasper would probably have fits.
What they didn’t know… She rode for a good while, impressed at how well the horse was doing. It hadn’t been broke to ride but she did it. A fine sense of accomplishment washed over her. Turning the mustang, she slowed her to a stop. Riding toward her were Cinders and Tramp. Oh for goodness sake, I’ve been found out.
She’d have to brave it out. Glancing down at the pants she wore, she grimaced. She was a grown woman and could wear whatever she wanted. But suddenly she didn’t feel so brave. Men had their own ideas about what was right and wrong.
Cinders was the first to reach her, and he looked more puzzled than mad. Sighing in relief, she then smiled at him.
“I didn’t know you rode,” Cinders said as he raised one eyebrow.
“I didn’t but now I do.”
Tramp rode up and whistled. “Great horse. You handle her so well. How long have you had her?”
She wasn’t sure what to say.
“That horse wasn’t saddle broke a few days ago. Who broke her?” Cinders asked sounding more curious then upset.
“It was me,” she admitted reluctantly.
“You? How? When?” Cinders shook his head as he stared at her.
“Lying never gets you anywhere,” Tramp said. His eyes narrowed.
“I’m not lying. Gold Dust here is doing much better than yesterday. She’s a great horse.” Her face grew warmer with each word.
“I guess I don’t understand,” Cinders said as he jumped down off his horse.
Ilene dismounted as well, Gold Dust didn’t like standing around with someone on her, at least so far. She watched Tramp get down, and she couldn’t help but admire his long legs and his firm backside. Her face heated.
“I’m really sorry if I broke the rules. I walked into the barn one day, and I was surprised when the horses allowed me to pet them. Then we talked. I learned to ride, and then I found a herd of horses, and they let me ride with them. At first I thought they were running away from me but when I turned, the black horse in the lead turned and followed me.” She clasped her hands in front of her and shrugged. Her stomach tightened as a sense of dread went through her. She’d known all along the men would be mad.
Tramp snorted. “How many bones have you broken? I bet you’re full of bruises. Who put the saddle on for you?”
She lifted her chin and straightened her shoulders. “None, perhaps and me.”
“You saddled the horse?” Tramp looked her up and down.
Wearing pants suddenly made her feel unclothed, but it wasn’t practical to wear a dress and ride. “Why do you think that every word that comes out of my mouth is a lie? You don’t know me. I’m sorry, Cinders, that you disapprove. I never meant to do something you wouldn’t like. I knew the men would balk at me riding the new horses, but I didn’t mean no disrespect.” She stared at the blades of grass as they danced back and forth with the wind.
“I’m not upset. More surprised. From now on, take someone with you. If you get thrown, you’ll need someone to ride for help. I could tell you not to ride the horses, but I’m impressed. I’ve never seen anything like it. That horse was considered to be the very devil himself. What did you call her? Gold Dust?”
She looked up and nodded.
“Gold Dust is yours to keep.” The respect in Cinders’ eyes took her by surprise.
She couldn’t help the smile that spread over her face. “Thank you. I need to grab Chuck before going back. I usually saddle Chuck, ride out then take that saddle and put it on one of the other horses.”
Tramp scowled. “So you saddle twice?”
“Actually it’s three times. I have to put the saddle on Chuck again before going back home.”
Cinders chuckled. “I’ll go grab Chuck, you two ride on back. Where is he?”
“He’s under that tre
e over yonder.” She pointed to a big cottonwood in the distance.
“See you back at the ranch,” Cinders said before he took off after Chuck.
The ensuing silence was awkward. Tramp’s disapproval of her radiated off him. They’d certainly gotten off on the wrong foot.
“Do you need help getting on the horse?” Tramp’s voice was full of amusement as he stared at her legs again.
Ignoring him, she mounted Gold Dust and started toward home. If he wasn’t Cinders’ friend she’d leave him in the dust but good manners prevailed. She slowed her horse to a walk until Tramp caught up.
“Don’t you have any fear? Horses can be dangerous, you know. They’re not toys.”
She turned her head and stared at him. “I never thought of them as toys. Why have you been away from the ranch? Did you fall off a horse and hit your head? It would explain your behavior.”
“My behavior?” He shook his head. “You do know that wearing pants isn’t a good idea. I can see the outline of your legs, your thighs, and your rear end. You’re finely built.”
“That is exactly what I mean. How about, it’s none of your business. I think you’re just threatened a woman can break horses better than you. I wish you luck. Right now I have a few pies to bake.” She spurred Gold Dust into a gallop and off they went. She didn’t even look back. Whether or not he followed, she didn’t care. Toys, indeed. He was a big buffoon.
She slowed the horse when she was just about at the barn. Shannon waved to her and she hopped off the bay and led her to where Shannon stood. “Nice to see you, Shannon.”
Shannon smiled. “Did you see Cinders and Tramp out there?”
“Yes, I did. Your husband is the perfect gentleman.”
Shannon’s eyebrows rose. “So you met Tramp. I have to warn you he’s a bit rough around the edges, but he means well.”
“Well if staring me up and down is well meaning, it’s lost on me. He rubs me the wrong way. He wants his house back, and he wants me to stay away from the horses.”
“Is that the horse you were talking about? The mustang that couldn’t be ridden?”
Ilene nodded. “Cinders gave him to me. I’m so surprised. At least he appreciates a person who is good with horses.”
“Oh my. Tramp was that bad?” Shannon touched Ilene gently on the arm. “You’ll grow to like him.”
“I wouldn’t be so sure of that.”
“Things will work out.”
“I hope so. It was nice talking with you. I’d better get Gold Dust settled. I have a lot of thinking to do.”
“I’ll see you at supper.”
Ilene nodded and led Gold Dust toward the barn. At first the mare balked at going into the big building but Ilene talked to her, and in she went. She lifted the saddle off with ease, shaking her head at Tramp’s doubts that she could saddle a horse. Next she brushed Gold Dust and then gave her food and water. “Get a feel for the stall. I’ll put you in the front pasture in a couple hours.”
She strolled out of the barn and into her house, intent on making pies but something didn’t feel the same. The joy of living in the house had fled as she now thought of the house as Tramp’s. Really she was just an intruder, no better than a squatter. Tramp had a right to be mad about it.
Maybe now that she’d be working horses, she’d get a raise in her pay. She could save up and move on. In the meantime, she’d think of something.
Chapter Two
It’d been two days since he’d been back, and Tramp wasn’t any closer to getting into his house. In fact, he hadn’t seen Ilene except for the evening meals. She wore dresses and he had to admit he missed her pants. The bunk house wasn’t bad at all. He’d lived in it before, and he knew almost all the cowboys.
The more he studied the problem, the more he thought he had an answer. Ilene needed a husband and quickly. Then she’d move out and he’d have his house. It should be easy enough. Ilene was very attractive. Her curves were in all the right places, and her dark hair curled wildly and it looked so shiny in the sun. Her face was fair, and her lips always appeared juicy and ripe.
He shook his head, trying to get the image of her out of it. He’d start with the hands, one was bound to want her. Perhaps Rollo would be a good husband for her. He was a decent man. It was about time Rollo married. Now to bring them together.
Tramp spent most of the day working on a plan. The first step would be for Ilene and Rollo to sit together at meals. There had to be some way for them to spend some time alone. Rollo would realize what a good wife she would make, and Tramp would have his house. So, supper and a walk under the stars it was.
That evening, when everyone started to take a seat at the big dining table, Tramp made sure that there was an empty space between him and Rollo. The other men gave him strange looks as he told everyone where to sit. Tramp just shrugged; it was for the greater good. They just didn’t know it yet.
Tramp smiled as Ilene walked to the empty chair. He waited for Rollo to stand and pull the chair out for her but he just sat like a bump on a log. Tramp gritted his teeth and stood. He pulled the chair out, and Ilene nodded her thanks, while Shannon gave him a beaming smile. Damn, he had a feeling Shannon had gotten the wrong idea.
The men were loud and boisterous, and conversation with Ilene was damn near impossible. Finally, everyone was busy shoveling food into their mouths, and Tramp decided Rollo and Ilene needed to get to know each other.
After wiping his mouth with his napkin, Tramp cleared his voice. “Rollo, it really is great that you’re still here. You’ve been here since your daddy died. I admire your commitment to your job. You’re a dependable man.” He gave Ilene a sidelong glance.
“Yep, been here for going on seven years.” He went on eating.
“Ilene, isn’t that a good trait in a man? Knowing you can count on him?” He felt her stiffen next to him.
“Why yes that is a nice quality in anyone,” she answered not looking at him.
This was going to be harder than he thought. He ate some more, wondering what to say next. “You know it’s a nice evening. The stars are out. Have you ever taken a walk in the moonlight, Ilene?”
Her face turned bright red. “I most certainly have not. I may be a bit unconventional at times, but I do not walk at night with men.”
“I didn’t mean it as an insult or anything. It’s just that the stars are so bright here. Don’t you think so, Rollo?”
Rollo shrugged and continued to eat. This was not going as planned.
“You know, there is nothing scandalous about walking as far as the corral and looking up at the sky. You’re still in full view of the house. Tramp, I think it’s a wonderful idea for you and Ilene to take a walk after supper.” Shannon smiled. “You’ll enjoy it, Ilene.”
Ilene and Tramp quickly exchanged glances and then looked away.
“I was thinking it would be a nice walk for Ilene and Rollo to take.” Maybe it was going to work after all.
Ilene swallowed hard while Rollo practically spit out the water he’d been drinking.
“It is a nice idea, but I’m going to have to bow out. I have guard duty tonight. Sorry, Ilene,” Rollo said staring at his plate.
Shannon placed her hand on Cinders’. “Well, since you brought the subject up, Tramp, you can take her.”
Cookie put his tin cup down hard on the table. “That’s the best idea I’ve heard in a long time. I’ll help Shannon clean up. You two skedaddle.”
Stunned, Tramp wondered how the conversation had taken such a wrong turn. He’d seen the stars plenty of times. But he couldn’t object without looking the fool. “Ilene, may I have the honor of taking you for a walk?” Her frown took him by surprise. She didn’t look one bit happy.
It looked as though she was gritting her teeth. “I’d be delighted.” She stood, grabbed her shawl, and went to wait by the door. “Shall we?”
“Of course.” He stood and opened the door for her then grabbed his hat and followed her outside. They walked to th
e corral in silence.
She looked up at the night sky and smiled. “There are stars, all right. Not much of a moon, though.”
He stared at her graceful neck. “There are different phases of the moon.”
“Oh, really?”
“Yes, there is a full moon once a month.”
“Then what? Does it drop out of the sky making room for a new one?”
“No, the moon doesn’t fall.” He saw her hand over her mouth and he set his chin. “You’re making fun of me.”
“Hey, this was your idea. Funny thing, though, I could have sworn you were trying to match me and Rollo together. This walk was meant for me and him wasn’t it?” She crossed her arms in front of her and tapped her foot.
He inwardly groaned. “I just figured since you haven’t married yet, you needed some help. I was trying to be nice.”
Her eyes flashed at him. “Is there something wrong with me? Do you think me unappealing? Let me tell you something, Tramp. I have had plenty of marriage proposals while living here.”
“How many? Two? Three? Why didn’t you say yes before it was too late?”
Uncrossing her arms she put her hands on her hips and gave him a pointed stare. “Seven proposals you jackass. I’m only eighteen, so I have a few days left before I’m considered to be an old maid.”
“Days?”
“Yes, by your judgement not mine. I figured I had a few years left but with your thinking, it’s too late…”
Tramp took off his hat and rubbed the back of his neck. “I’m sorry. But you have to agree seven proposals are more than the average amount, yet you turned them all down. Perhaps you want to be an old maid.”
“And what’s wrong with that? Not every woman wants marriage and all that goes with it. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m calling it a night.” He took a step in her direction. “I can walk myself home. Good night, Tramp.”
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