Tex nodded at the man, a big fellow who likely attracted women like flies, and wondered what he wanted. “How-do.”
“Good to meet you, Tex. I’m Cole Richards, Oreana’s marshal. I’m also Cy Gardner’s son-in-law—Cy’s the mayor and owns the mercantile in town. He sent me out to tell you that the lumber came in.”
Richards reined his horse toward the back of the wagon and got a little too close to Wilbur. He honked and put up quite a fuss. The black horse shied and Richards had a time getting him back in control.
“New horse—green broke.”
Tex chuckled. “That goose don’t like me either.” He patted his brother on the shoulder. “This here’s my brother Jeff. The little imp on my lap is my son Arthur. And of course you know Miss Jensen.”
Wilbur honked and glowered at Tex. “Excuse me. I forgot Wilbur—meet Wilbur the guard goose.”
“I heard about that goose. My brother-in-law Forrest said he comes to school with Miss Jensen sometimes. Forrest is about Jeff’s age.”
“Is Daisy at the store?” Miss Jensen asked.
“Naw, she ain’t been feeling too good lately.”
“Sorry to hear that. I was hoping to see her today—we talked about getting a house raising for the Dillons organized.”
“She already did that. Between her and her mother, they’re a force to be reckoned with. All you have to do is let us know when and the lot of us will be there armed with hammers and saws.”
* * *
Moriah sat with her mother, Grace, Morgan, and Arthur at Ruth Howard’s big dining room table at the boardinghouse. The rest had gone their separate ways. She’d put Wilbur in a cage at the livery, which hadn’t made him happy. At all. Jeff took off with Forrest Gardner and Moriah surmised the two of them would find some sort of fun—and likely trouble, for they were twelve. Tex had left to do errands, which relieved and annoyed her at the same time.
“Unfortunately, Oreana has had to do without a carpenter by trade,” Edith said over coffee. “So with you setting up shop here, I’m sure the community will attract potential businesses.”
“We have to get our own family settled before I open up shop.” Morgan looked over the bill of lading Cy Gardner had given Tex, who had promptly given it to his pa. “Since the lumber’s here, we can get started on that.”
“At least you have a goodly amount of furniture—not starting from scratch like a good share of the folks who move here.”
“We’ll be needing a few things. I’d like a buffet, preferably oak. Maybe Charles will make one for me this winter when it’s cold and he can’t work outside.”
“There’s work to do outside whether it’s cold or not if he has livestock.”
Grace grinned and grabbed her husband’s arm. “I’m so excited—it could snow!”
“We don’t get much snow in Tyler, Texas,” Morgan explained. “We rarely have to use the stove to heat the house.”
Moriah wondered if they knew what they’d gotten themselves into when they moved to Idaho, and wanted them to be prepared for what was to come. “Fresh snow is beautiful, but it’s cold and can be deadly. You must treat it with healthy respect or you’ll suffer frostbite while doing your chores. It’s also hard on the livestock and you might as well expect some winterkill. Also, it’s difficult for the children to get to school, and sometimes I spend half the morning thawing them out.”
Edith lifted her coffee cup. “We’ll talk about winter preparations later. For now, let’s enjoy the nice fall air. It’s warm in the daytime and cool enough at night to sleep soundly—my favorite time of year. We have delicious food, enough to preserve, and we always have a harvest ball at the end of September.”
Ruth Howard joined them, and brought a plate of biscuits with her. “I don’t look forward to winter, but the worst of it only lasts a few months, and when spring comes, we’re that much more joyful.” To Moriah, she said, “You didn’t have to cancel school at all last year, did you?”
“No, we had a mild winter. Our biggest problem was mud—it sticks to the students’ shoes and is so heavy that they can barely lift their feet by the time they get to the schoolhouse. We have one corner designated for de-mudding.”
Daisy Richards came in through the front door without knocking. “Moriah, are you here?”
“In the dining room,” Moriah called.
“I heard you were in town today,” Daisy said as she settled into a chair. “We have big plans for the harvest ball, but I just talked to Jonas and he said we could have a barn dance to welcome the Dillons to Oreana. So we’re having that next Saturday.” She turned to Grace. “How do you do, Mrs. Dillon. I’m Daisy Richards—you already talked to my husband Cole.”
“Please call me Grace. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” She patted her husband’s arm. “This is Morgan, and the little tyke is our grandson Arthur. We have two sons somewhere—Charles is running errands of some sort and Jeff is off to parts unknown with your brother.”
“I met your elder son. He introduced himself as Tex.”
“He got that name on the cattle trail, but it’s hard for a mother to change what she calls her boy.”
“He’s quite the handsome fellow.” Daisy winked at Moriah. “Quite a lot more than a boy, I’d say.”
Moriah’d say so, too, but she’d already been suckered by one handsome man—that was enough for her. So she kept her counsel.
Edith, with a concerned frown, said to Daisy, “Cole said you were feeling poorly.”
“Oh, that was earlier. I’m much better now.”
* * *
In the alley behind the mercantile, Tex checked the shipment against the bill of lading, and found everything he’d ordered. The windows were a larger size, but he’d adjust the house plan to accommodate.
“How much do I owe you?” he asked Cy Gardner.
“Not a thing. You already paid for the goods and the freighter unloaded it. All I did was send Cole out to let you know it’d come in.”
“I’ll have to go back to the Jensens’ and get the wagon and team. It’ll take me several trips to haul all this out to the place.”
“Already talked to Jonas about that. He has two rental wagons—you can use them both for the price of one. I talked to a bunch of folks and we can all come out tomorrow, so get your shovel and dancing shoes ready. I expect we’ll be laying the foundation, then we’ll all descend upon you again in five or six days, depending, and get you a house built.”
“Tomorrow? Thanks.” He shook Cy’s hand. “With your help, I’ll be able to get my family moved into the new place before the cold weather comes.”
“Yep, and that could be tomorrow or Christmas. You never know around here. Sometimes Owyhee County gets seventy-degree sunshine and snow on the same day, especially this time of year.”
At the sound of dogs barking, Tex glanced down the alley and saw his brother and Cy’s son chasing after Prince and another dog about the same size.
“That’s my boy, Forrest,” Cy told him. “Between him and that dog, they find all kinds of mischief.” He shook his head and grinned. “Looks like your brother’s gonna add to the fun.”
“I’m glad Jeff found a friend. He wasn’t too keen on leaving his friends and moving here. But you’re spot on about the mischief.”
“Twelve’s a hard age to move. Iris, our oldest daughter—she’s married and lives in Silver City now—was about that age when we moved here. It took some time for her to be happy here. Not sure she ever was, for she had lots of friends in Virginia City but nary a soul her age in Oreana. Daisy was younger and the same age as Sarah, the Howards’ daughter, so she fared better.”
After a little more conversation, Tex heard more barking, accompanied by honking. Here came the dogs running toward them, followed by the boys, with Wilbur chasing them all, honking up a storm.
“I thought Jonas had that demon goose caged up in the livery.”
“Wilbur won’t go far.” Cy laughed. “You should see that stupid gander—
he hangs around the school while Moriah’s teaching. I think he’s in love with her. Craziest goose I ever did see.”
“Or the smartest.” Tex immediately wished he hadn’t said that.
“She’s easy on the eyes, all right. Don’t you go sniffing around her skirts, though. She signed a contract to teach for three years and she has two years left.”
“You don’t have to worry about losing your schoolteacher. She doesn’t like to be anywhere near me.”
Cy chuckled again. “Sounds like a challenge, don’t it?”
* * *
The next day began early. Moriah and her mama rose at first light as Wilbur honked and the roosters crowed. As soon as the two women were dressed, they set to work. Moriah took the basket and went to the chicken coop to fetch the eggs while Edith milked the cow, then together they fed the barnyard livestock. Once those chores were done, the two of them started cooking, for they’d have a lot of mouths to feed that day.
The next week or two would be hectic for Moriah, what with school, grading papers, and cooking for people who showed up to help Tex build his house. She wished he’d settled somewhere else, for it’d be a trial to be around him. She’d have an easier time of it if he weren’t so kind to her. Still, she’d sworn a solemn oath never to fall for a dashing man again, and she aimed to keep her own promise. Her heart couldn’t bear another shattering.
Mama had taught Moriah well, though, and she could keep a stiff upper lip as well as the next person. And she would. She would have to.
Jonas Howard and Cy Gardner showed up first, each with a wagonload of round two-man rocks for the new house’s foundation.
“Hello, the house!” Jonas called.
Edith stepped out of the kitchen and onto the porch. Shielding her eyes from the morning sun, she asked, “Did you load those rocks in the dark?”
“We fetched ’em last night.” Jonas hopped down from the driver’s seat. “Tex said him and Morgan already brung in a couple loads. By the way, are they up yet?”
“Haven’t seen them. You might as well set the brake and come in. Coffee’s on the stove.”
Cy joined them in the kitchen, groaning as he sat. “Ain’t as young as I used to be.” He happily accepted some coffee from Moriah. “Once we get the rocks unloaded, we’ll head back to town to fetch the women so they can help you. Cole’s bringing out another load of rocks and the fresno, too. I think the Muellers plan to bring some sweets, so that’ll be a treat. The rest of the men will stay here and do whatever Tex and Morgan need them to do.”
Tex walked in. Moriah sensed him before she saw him, and chastised herself for feeling like a giddy schoolgirl.
Chapter 5
Moriah firmed her jaw and plopped a cup of coffee in front of him. “Breakfast in half an hour.”
“Thanks.” He smiled at her, hoping to soften her up a mite. “Good morning.” When she turned and tossed a hunk of lard in a bowl of flour, he decided she wasn’t in a conversational mood and said to Cy and Jonas, “Our team is harnessed and ready to go. I’ll help you unload the rocks and we can all head to the creek and fetch more if we need them. If we have time, we might as well bring all the lumber out, too. Get it out of your way.”
“Sounds good.” Cy reached for a gingersnap to dunk in his coffee. “Edith, I do love your cookies.”
Tex helped himself to a cookie. “Jeff can help, too. Short work with more hands. Maybe Pa, although he tends to get down in the back.”
“When you’re my age, packing rocks around is never short work, but you’re right about more men—I’ll welcome all the neighbors who’re able to come.”
Jonas snagged two more gingersnaps. He was a big burly fellow, a blacksmith by trade, and Tex reckoned he could put away the groceries. “We ought to have a dozen men here today. The ladies are all bringing food.”
“I’ll let you know what Daisy brings,” Cy said, “so you can avoid it.” He and Jonas laughed. “I never could piece out how a woman who’s as good a cook as Hazel is could spawn a daughter who can make boiled water taste bad.”
“She makes herself useful elsewise,” Jonas said. “And you’ve got to admit, she keeps our town hopping.”
“That, she does.”
Tex thought Moriah could use a little of Daisy’s attitude, although he sure did appreciate her cooking. She and Edith put delicious meals on the table—better than his ma’s.
Wilbur honked through the screen door. He must’ve been annoyed at so many men in close proximity to Moriah.
Edith grabbed the broom and hurried toward him. “Don’t you mess on my porch, you ornery goose!” Wilbur had the sense to run, but he didn’t quiet down any. She came back in and propped the broom in the corner. “That goose is going to make a fine Christmas dinner if he doesn’t start behaving.”
“Mama!” Moriah looked mortified.
“You have to admit, he’s a pain in the patootie.” Edith picked up a paring knife and helped Moriah peel a huge mound of potatoes. “Then again, no one’s going to sneak up on us with that goose around.”
Tex didn’t dare crack a smile, and he noticed Cy and Jonas had their fair share of difficulty on that score, too, for Cy sat back with his hand over his mouth, and Jonas even turned his chair sideways.
“Best we go get those rocks unloaded.” Tex stood. “Pa and I have the corners marked—we can pile a few on each side and Pa will direct where they’re placed.”
“Make it fast.” Edith turned around, still peeling the potato. “I’m putting these on to fry and if you’re not here when they’re done, you’ll be eating cold fried potatoes.”
“Yes’m.” Tex took his hat off the rack beside the door. “Champion rock lifters, we’ll be.”
“Speak for yourself, whippersnapper,” Cy grumbled.
* * *
Not long after the men left, Moriah heard a terrible ruckus outside—Prince barked like a rabid dog and Wilbur honked in a most frightful way. Before she got her apron untied and out the door, Wilbur’s honking turned into an outright scream.
“Mama, Wilbur’s in trouble!”
To her horror, Prince ran toward Wilbur at full speed, teeth bared, growling and snapping. Just before he got to Wilbur, he leapt into the air at least five feet, clamping his jaws onto the long thin creature and creating a huge cloud of dust, which made the frenzied goings-on nearly impossible to see.
At the same time, Arthur ran out of the barn.
“Nooooo, Wilbur...” Moriah screamed, as Arthur yelled “Nooooo, Prince...” their voices colliding. She could hardly bear to look, for she was sure she’d just seen the murder of her dear Wilbur by the big dog Prince. She and Arthur both ran closer to the fracas.
“It’s not Wilbur, Miss Jensen. It’s not!”
But she could see the dog shaking something through the dust cloud, and every once in a while she saw a flapping wing. Her Wilbur was doomed.
“Stay back, Miss Jensen!” Arthur’s eyes were as big as teacups as he held up his hand, palm out. “Stay back!”
Prince kept shaking his catch, growling, and spinning in the dirt, raising an even bigger dust cloud that obscured the horror.
As the noise subsided and the dust cleared, Moriah was astonished to see Wilbur standing next to Prince, honking, as they inspected the six-foot rattlesnake at Prince’s feet. Prince grabbed the now-dead snake and with a shake of his head, flung it away. Then he nuzzled and licked the still terrified Wilbur.
Moriah didn’t think Wilbur was all that fond of dog slobber, but he surely must’ve appreciated that Prince had just saved him from certain death.
Arthur ran to her side and took her hand. “My Prince saved your goose, just like in the fairytales.” He smiled up at her. “I knew that was the best name for him. Pa made fun of me for it, but my dog is the Prince of princes.”
Moriah agreed about the dog, but not about the fairytale ending. Not for people. But she didn’t say anything about that so as not to spoil Arthur’s happiness.
Wilbur tried
to nuzzle and groom Prince, but Prince nudged him away.
Arthur laughed. “I don’t think Prince is too keen on havin’ his fleas picked by a stupid goose.” He ran over and hugged his dog. “You should’ve seen it from my side, Miss Jensen. That snake was just about to strike Wilbur when Prince chomped it right below its head. I thought sure it’d get Prince, but he hung on good and tight. I have the bravest dog in the world!”
“I have to agree.”
“What’s all the excitement about?” Grace said as she walked alongside Morgan, holding hands.
“Grandma, you should’ve seen Prince—he saved Wilbur from a rattler. Come with me and I’ll show you!”
“I’ll let Grandpa inspect it, for I best get in the kitchen and help with the cooking.” She shuddered, then let go of her husband’s hand and headed for the house.
Morgan gave the dog’s ears a good scratching. “So Prince saved the day, eh?”
“Everyone needs a Prince,” Arthur said. “Don’t they, Miss Jensen?”
* * *
Tex had chosen a nice spot about a quarter of a mile up the creek from the Jensen house to build his own. It had the advantage of enough flat ground that he could build another house as well, for he had it in his mind that his folks would need a smaller place when they got older.
He double-checked the corner markers that he and his pa had so carefully laid out. “We can just kick these rocks out of the back of the wagon close to where they’ll be placed, and that’ll save us a lot of work later,” he told Cy and Jonas. “Pa, you can mix the mortar and run the level.”
Morgan had hurt his back a few years ago and it still pained him some, so Tex didn’t want to burden him with unloading rocks. He needed his pa’s expertise. The last thing Tex needed was for his pa to be bedridden during construction, and foundation work was a backbreaking chore. While Tex did well with cabinet making, and had helped build houses and stores and barns, Morgan had twenty years of experience.
“Pa! Pa!” Arthur, his eyes wide and his hair sticking out every which direction, ran to Tex. “Prince just saved Wilbur from a snake. I have the best dog in the world!”
Idaho Fairytale Bride (Rocky Mountain Romances Book 2) Page 3