A Dream Unfolding

by Karen Baney

  “Thank you again for the flowers,” Hannah said. “They are lovely.”

  “Not as lovely as you,” he replied with a tender expression.

  Hannah blushed at the compliment. First flowers, now compliments? What has gotten into Mr. Colter? Seeking to shift the attention from her, she asked, “Is everyone from the ranch here with you?”

  “Everyone except Pedro and Miguel. They volunteered to keep an eye on things.” They took a few steps forward in the line. Then, he turned and looked down into her eyes. “How have you been, Hannah?”

  The direct question gave her a moment’s pause, as did the fluttering of her stomach at his gaze. She looked away, suddenly self-conscious. “I’ve been well. The boardinghouse has been very busy. Betty, Martha, and I baked pie after pie yesterday.” Glancing up at Will out of the corner of her eye, she teased, “I will certainly miss your help with dishes this evening.”

  Will chuckled. He had such a deep laugh and it lit up his whole face. “Who knows, you may get some extra help after all.”

  ---

  When they arrived at the buffet, each of them took a sampling of food. Will looked around for a place to sit. All of the tables from the boardinghouse were full. While any one of the men sitting there would likely give up their seat for a lady, he doubted if they would let him join her. Wanting to keep her at his side, he searched for another place. Seeing a shady spot on the grass he motioned her forward. “Will this be okay, or should I see if I can get a blanket for you?”

  “This is perfect,” Hannah answered, handing him her plate. She sat down on the ground and spread her skirt out.

  Will handed down both plates as he took his place next to her. After taking his plate back, he paused. “Would you like me to say grace?” At her smile and nod, he said a quick prayer, not entirely aware of his own words as her nearness distracted him.

  When he looked up from the prayer, his heart started beating faster. That shade of brown she wore made her eyes appear even deeper blue. The life reflected there drew him in.

  “I didn’t realize there were so many people in the area,” Hannah said, stirring his thoughts from her appearance.

  Looking around the crowd, Will agreed. He figured there were roughly three hundred men there. And there were about ten women—the most important one sitting next to him.

  He turned his attention back towards Hannah as he swallowed a bite of the venison. The dress she wore hugged her curves in a pleasing way, before narrowing at her waist. Will thought he could easily span that waist with his hands. Heat rose to his face with the thought. He quickly stuffed a biscuit in his mouth to shift his focus.

  He was still contemplating his next move when an unexpected visitor arrived.

  Will glared up at the officer whose shadow fell across his plate. What was he doing here? Before Will could think of some pleasant way to get the man to leave, Hannah looked up.

  Her smile lit up, as Will’s heart sank.

  “Joshua, please join us,” Hannah said to the lieutenant. “Have you met Mr. Colter?”

  As Hannah made the introductions the two men sized each other up. Will was disappointed to still be associated on a more formal basis while the young lieutenant was on a first name basis. He wasn’t sure why, but it stuck in his craw. As they shook hands, Will gripped the man’s hand firmly. He found himself feeling possessive and not the least bit happy with sharing Hannah’s time. Harrison’s shake was curt, adding to his air of military precision. Will could only wonder at what was going through his mind. Hannah appeared oblivious to the subtle tension between the two men.

  Taking a seat on the other side of Hannah, Harrison launched into a conversation with her immediately. “Are you enjoying the celebration?”

  “I loved the parade. Seeing the military drills really adds to the patriotism of the day,” she answered, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

  After Harrison directed another question to Hannah, seemingly ignoring Will, Will felt like an outsider—and this was supposed to be his time with Hannah. As his jealousy started to rise, he stood, excusing himself with the pretense of wanting to watch the miner’s rock picking competition. He walked over close enough to see, but not really seeing. Crossing his arms over his chest he knew he could not just leave her there alone with the lieutenant. Their obvious connection already put him at a disadvantage. If he had any hope of winning Hannah, he should march right back over there and steal her away. But, something held him back.

  His mood must have been transparent to Betty as she approached, for she said, “She doesn’t love him, you know.”

  “Beg your pardon?” Will asked, caught off guard by her candor.

  “Don’t worry. She doesn’t love Lieutenant Harrison,” she confirmed before turning her attention back to the miners.

  Will hoped that was true, but he had his doubts. He looked over at the two as they were deep in conversation. They had such a comfortable familiarity between them. She seemed genuinely delighted by the lieutenant’s presence. Did she look like a woman in love? Did he even know what that looked like?

  He thought of his parents who loved each other dearly. It was evident in every interaction. His father gave her hand a gentle squeeze as they gathered for supper each evening. His eyes would take on a different, softer look when he spoke to Will’s mother and she reflected that same look. How does a man know when a woman is in love?

  ---

  As she watched Will walk away, Hannah felt disappointed. He seemed to be warming up to her, but then his abrupt departure threw her off balance.

  Nonetheless, she was here with Joshua, so she focused her attention on him. “What did you do before the war?”

  “Back in ’49, my family moved to California during the gold rush. I was twelve at the time. My father was always a shrewd man and, when he made his fortune, he invested it wisely in a freight company. In a few short years, he built the business into a successful enterprise. When I finished school at sixteen, I spent the first two years working different jobs at the freight company. Then, father sent me east to Georgia to attend university with my cousin.”

  Joshua paused, his eyes taking a faraway look. Then he continued, “I had a wonderful time getting into all manner of trouble with my cousin, but still managed to keep up with my studies. When I finished at the university, I returned to California to help my father run the company.

  “When the war started, and California called for volunteers to serve throughout the west, I applied for a commission as an officer in the cavalry. It was approved and I joined the First Cavalry of the California Column.”

  Hannah asked, “So, you joined in California at the onset of the war? How did you end up at Fort Larned?”

  “The First Cavalry, once we were trained by one of the regulars, travelled all over the Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Kansas territories. We fought in skirmishes in most of these territories.

  “Once the governor’s itinerary was finalized, General Carleton assigned the First Cavalry to escort his party safely to the Arizona Territory. Then we were to remain at Fort Whipple for the time being.”

  Hannah marveled at how much of the country Joshua had seen. When she first met him, she thought he might have been a regular, one of the men in the army prior to the war, for he seemed a natural cavalry man. But, she learned later that most men in service to the Union were volunteers, set to muster out by the end of the war and return to their former lives.

  “Do you like your job?” she wondered aloud, glancing back towards Will. Betty said something to him and he looked her direction, then away.

  “Most of the time. More so, since having found my faith,” Joshua said. “That helps me let go of the horrific things I have seen. When I was first training under Captain Benjamin Davis, I instantly felt as if I was where I belonged. The discipline of the cavalry suited me well. I enjoy the strategy involved in planning and executing orders.”

  “What will you do once the war is over?” she asked.


  “I have thought that if the army should still require men in the west that I might stay on. If that does not happen, then perhaps I will return to California and work for my father again.”

  Taking her hand, he looked into her eyes. “Of course,” he said, “much of that will depend on the situation I find myself in, once the war is over.”

  Hannah swallowed. Something in the intensity of his look told her things might be changing between them.

  Chapter 29

  Still perplexed over the situation with Hannah, Will decided he would not give up without a fight. He strode to where she and Lieutenant Harrison were seated. Though irritated by the lieutenant’s familiar hold on her hand, Will pasted on a smile and extended his hand. “Come watch the miner’s competition with me. It is very entertaining.”

  Hannah smiled and took his hand. Inwardly, he rejoiced over the small victory. He helped her up and waited as she brushed bits of grass from her skirt. When he offered his arm, she took it. They arrived at the miner’s competition just as it concluded, dashing his hopes momentarily.

  Someone suggested a roping contest among the cowboys, unknowingly aiding Will’s cause. Several men from the other area ranches lined up, next to Jed, Whitten, and Owens. Will pointed out his men to Hannah and could not help but notice her louder cheers for them as they dazzled the crowd with their lasso tricks.

  Then Covington came up next to Will and Hannah. “Boss, you should go out there. You’re the best roper in this whole territory,” he bragged.

  While Will was good with the rope and knew several fancy tricks, he doubted he was the best. And he certainly did not want to leave Hannah’s side again, especially not to show off in front of the crowd. He pretended not to hear Covington’s comment, until Hannah spoke.

  “Go ahead, Mr. Colter,” Hannah said.

  Several others around them agreed so Will was obliged to take the stage. As he started forming the loop, he noticed Harrison and Covington flanked Hannah in the crowd. He sighed inwardly, thinking he lost her attention again. However, catching Hannah’s gaze, he realized the opposite was true. Maybe showing off his rope skills would work to his advantage after all. He started with some easy twirling of the rope in front of him then progressed to more challenging moves. He finished with stepping into the loop while continuing its spinning up his body, until it was over his head.

  Covington shouted out that he should take a volunteer to step into the loop. Agreeing, he waited to see who would come forward. Will had not expected Hannah to stumble forward, until he saw Betty and Martha’s mischievous looks from behind her. If he didn’t know better, he would have thought the two women were conspiring to help him.

  Will took Hannah’s hand and led her to the center of the stage, his heart racing. He explained that when he started twirling the rope near the ground, he wanted her to step into center when he nodded. When she was ready, he started. Once she was inside the loop, he performed the same trick with her—moving the loop upward, over head and back down again. He resisted the temptation to tighten the rope about her waist and pull her to him. The last thing he wanted to do was embarrass her.

  The crowd applauded and cheered loudly. Will took Hannah’s hand. While she curtsied, he bowed. She was breathtaking as her face glowed from the thrill of the experience. He wanted to take her in his arms and kiss her.

  Instead, he directed Hannah back toward the crowd.

  “That was amazing!” she exclaimed, followed by nervous laughter. “Where did you learn how to do that?”

  “Growing up on a ranch can be kinda boring. It was a creative use of my time that kept me out of trouble and away from my brother,” he replied.

  “Mrs. Lancaster, how long do we have to wait for that delicious looking pie?” a short somewhat fleshy man asked, greedily rubbing his hands together.

  Others followed suit, begging for dessert to be served, until Betty agreed. Enlisting Hannah and Mrs. Murphy’s help, Betty started slicing the sweet treats. Again, Will was separated from Hannah. Taking his piece of pie, he found a spot in the shade to sit and wait for her to be free. The serving took longer than expected as every miner, rancher, and townsman wanted to chat with the lovely ladies.

  Harrison appeared, taking a seat next to Will without invitation.

  “What exactly are your intentions with Hannah,” the lieutenant questioned, getting to his purpose immediately.

  Clenching his jaw, Will did not take more than a second to respond. Failing to veil his ire, he said, “I might ask you the same question.”

  “Don’t be coy with me, Colter. The roping trick was an interesting way to get her attention. I suppose you planned to have your men call you out so you could show off.” The lieutenant’s irritation sharpened his words.

  “I planned nothing, other than a lovely afternoon with a lovely woman.”

  “I suggest you reconsider the rest of the afternoon.”

  Will did not like the Harrison’s demands. “She seemed to enjoy my company today, Harrison. That got you on edge?”

  “Tread lightly.”

  “Why? Do you have some sort of agreement or commitment to Mrs. Anderson?” Will challenged. “From where I sit, I doubt it, as she doesn’t impress me as the type of woman to take a commitment lightly.”

  Harrison’s lips formed a thin line as his brows drew together. “I have not spoken to her of my affections, yet. But I had planned to do so very soon. I would appreciate your bowing out.”

  The competitive spirit rose in Will. He had not planned to fight for Hannah, but he was not ready to step aside easily and see her coupled with this arrogant man. “While I find your confidence in the lady’s presumed acceptance admirable,” Will replied, purposefully finding the biggest words he could think of, “I propose we let her decide who she prefers.”

  Harrison bolted to his feet. For a brief moment, Will thought he might engage by throwing a punch. He did not. Instead, he turned back towards the cavalry as they gathered for the last presentation.

  “Guess we’ve got a real competition going,” Will muttered to himself as he searched the crowd for Hannah. He tried to push forward to catch sight of her, but to no avail. At least Harrison, as one of the mounted cavalry, would be busy with the final presentation.

  After the grand finale, the crowd started to thin. Many men went to the saloon, while a few lingered about the town square. Will caught sight of Hannah, Betty, and Martha near the pie table, clearing the dishes away. The three ladies disappeared inside the boardinghouse.

  Frowning, Will could not keep his disappointment from showing. He hoped to speak with Hannah before she returned to work but he was too late.

  ---

  Paul filled the reservoir with water for the ladies then went to find a few men to help him bring the tables and benches back into the dining hall. While Hannah and Martha brought all of the boardinghouse’s dishes in, Betty heated the water for the large dish washing chore.

  Hannah could not stop smiling. Her cup was overflowing.

  “Hannah, you are positively radiant,” Betty observed. “You obviously had a good time, dear.”

  “I did. I can’t remember the last time I had so much fun. Wasn’t Will’s roping fantastic?”

  “Will?” teased Martha. “You mean Mr. Colter, right?”

  Hannah felt the heat rise to her face, but she did not respond.

  “I couldn’t help but notice you had one or two admirers today,” Betty said.

  Hannah had an idea who Betty was talking about, but she wasn’t sure she liked the direction of this conversation. Playing it off, she asked, “What do you mean?”

  “Mr. Colter and Lieutenant Harrison were both enamored by your presence,” Martha said with a dramatic flair.

  Betty said, “Oh, I think they are more than just enamored. I think they are both in love with you, Hannah.”

  Hannah’s mouth suddenly felt dry. That was not possible. Was it?

  “Oh, that lieutenant has been in love with you since yo
u were at the fort,” added Martha. “I don’t think you will be single much longer. And to think, you’ve got a choice of two very handsome men.”

  The thought sobered Hannah. She wasn’t sure if her friends were just teasing her or if they were serious. And Hannah didn’t want to think about what would happen if what Betty said was true. Even though she was not wearing widow’s black, she was still mourning her husband. Wasn’t she?

  “Dear, don’t look so sad about it,” Betty said as she started washing the dishes. “I know what you’re thinking and you just leave that thought lie. Drew was a wonderful man, but he is gone now. It is okay to move on.”

  She was not ready for this discussion, despite her own confusing feelings. “But you haven’t moved on. At least you haven’t married again, Betty,” Hannah said.

  “Yes, that is true. But I am also not as young as you, nor as beautiful. And I have my son to take of me. As young as you are, you can look toward the future and see it with a man and with a house full of children. You do want a family, don’t you?”

  Both set of eyes were on her as she dried the next dish. “Yes, I do want a family. I thought that longing would go away after Drew died, but it hasn’t. It has only gotten stronger.”

  “Then we must help you decide who you want to share that life with,” Betty said, mischievous grin in place.

  Martha stopped her short, “Now Betty, don’t be interfering with Hannah’s life. It’s one thing to listen and help her see what she hasn’t noticed, but don’t you go plotting out her life for her. Her heart needs to decide on its own.”

  Betty pouted, “That doesn’t mean we can’t list the fine attributes of each man does it?”

  Hannah covered her eyes, pretending to hide from Betty. Martha burst out giggling at her reaction. Betty couldn’t pretend to be upset any longer and joined in the laughter. Before Hannah knew it, she was carried along in the swell. Soon none of them could remember what they were laughing about. Tears pooled in the corner of their eyes. Paul stuck his head in through the back door, took one look, cocked an eyebrow, and walked back out. His expression and subsequent quick exit brought another round of hysterics. It felt so good to laugh with her friends.