Montana Cowboy's Baby

by Linda Ford

  “I was over her long ago.” He couldn’t keep aggravation out of his voice. “I thought you’d gone to bed.”

  “Nope. Just trying to give you young folks some privacy.” He chortled as if pleased with himself.

  The old man took liberties with his comments. “We were taking care of Ellie. Don’t need privacy for that.”

  Grandfather banged one of his canes on the wooden floor. “Sure hope I ain’t gonna have to show you how to treat a girl special-like.”

  “If it ever comes to the place I need your help…” He shook his head as if deeply saddened by the thought.

  But as they went into the house, Conner wondered how Grandfather would handle someone like Kate. A woman who closed her heart to family.

  That effectively left no room in her life for Conner.

  When would that knowledge become easy to bear?

  Chapter Eight

  Father had not returned when Kate got up the next morning. “God,” she murmured aloud, “keep him safe. Help him care for the injured.” She made herself breakfast, and as she ate, she read her Bible. Grammie had given it to her and elicited a promise to read it, seeking God’s will in her life.

  Kate read the verse she had underlined years ago. No man, having put his hand to the plough and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.

  She looked out the window into the distance as she recalled when she had taken her pencil and a straightedge and drew a line under those words. She’d been seventeen and Edward had been calling. She’d fancied his attention would soon bring an offer of marriage. Instead, he had delivered an ultimatum. She’d have to choose between him and a medical career.

  It had been tempting to choose him. He was a pleasant young man and had treated her kindly. Made her feel valued. Reading this verse had enabled her to make her choice. She’d put her hand to the plough when she was ten and promised Grammie she would not waste the gift God had given her. She’d renewed the promise when Mother Baker was dying and reminded Kate of the Bakers’ agreement to give Kate the opportunity to follow in Father’s footsteps.

  Kate returned her attention to the printed page before her. She would use her skills and abilities to serve others.

  Sadie’s words echoed in Kate’s mind. I can’t think of anything nobler or more satisfying than teaching my children the values I cherish… It’s like I am working hand in hand with God.

  She’d made it sound as if serving her family was enough.

  Troubled by her thoughts, Kate hurriedly cleaned the kitchen. She dusted the entire house. She tidied the examining room and the waiting room, then looked around. There was nothing more to consume her attention in the house and she hurried outside to tend the tiny garden at the back of the lot.

  Unfortunately, the work gave her plenty of time to think and every thought returned to Conner and Ellie. She yanked out weeds and tossed them aside. She pulled some baby carrots and took them to the house.

  A glance at the clock said it was lunchtime. She made a sandwich and ate it standing at the window, looking out at the backyard.

  As soon as she finished, she pulled out a big mixing bowl. She’d make cookies. They would be nice to nibble on when she and Conner went to look at the place by the river. Hopefully it would be suitable for the fair.

  Sadie had told of a romantic picnic with Logan by the river. Kate could see herself sitting by Conner’s side, watching the lowering sun drip pink and orange into the water.

  She beat the batter with unusual energy. The trip was about the fair. Nothing else. The only reason for Conner to come to town was the need to investigate the site.

  A smile caught at her mouth as she recalled Ellie’s happiness at seeing her. It had felt right to stand side by side with Conner as they watched the baby sleep.

  Her arms formed a cradle. Sweet baby. It had felt good to hold her again.

  “Enough.” She plopped mounds of cookie batter onto the baking sheet. She would bake the cookies and enjoy them, but it had nothing to do with babies or family or Conner. She shoved the tray into the oven.

  Father entered the kitchen. “Did I hear you talking to yourself?”

  “You’re back. I didn’t hear you return.”

  “I came through the office.” He sank to a chair with a heavy sigh.

  “Are you okay?”

  “Tired but otherwise fine.” He looked past her. “Is there coffee?”

  “I’ll have it in a minute.” She spun around to grind the beans and fill the coffeepot with water. “How is everything at Wolf Hollow?” she asked over her shoulder.

  “Two injured men. One pretty serious, but he made it through the night and should recover. I left his wife tending him.”

  By the time the coffee boiled, the first tray of cookies was ready and she slid a half-dozen gingery-smelling cookies to a plate and put them before her father.

  “Lovely. You are such a good housekeeper and I truly appreciate it.”

  It was not the first time he had commented on her housekeeping. But this time, it seemed to mean more. She liked keeping the house running smoothly, liked preparing meals and sharing them around the table. She enjoyed seeing that Father’s needs were met.

  Not that it meant anything of significance. She had Sadie and Conner to blame for making her second-guess her every action.

  Father drank coffee and ate a cookie, then brought his attention to Kate. “You sounded frustrated.” He referred to the way she had scolded herself aloud as he entered.

  She sighed. “It’s this fair that you and Grandfather Marshall have us planning. It’s going to be a disaster. We don’t know what we’re doing. We need a place to hold it. We need tents.” She explained all the things that a fair required.

  “Rather than a bunch of small tents, you could use one big tent.”

  “But where would we get one?”

  “I know a man at Wolf Hollow who has one.”

  “Father! Really? And you think that will suffice?”

  “I think it would.”

  She leaned over and hugged him. “You’ve lifted a load from my mind. I can’t wait to tell Conner. He’ll be as relieved as I.”

  The outer door opened. Someone needing the doctor and her father slipped away.

  Kate sang as she finished making cookies and cleaned the kitchen. She returned to the garden and picked the peas and sat in the shade as she shelled them. She tried to think of her upcoming departure to St. Louis for medical school. How would Father manage? Perhaps he should hire a housekeeper.

  Would Conner marry Thelma? Why did she allow the idea to hurt so much? Why did her heart leap unexpectedly when she thought of him coming this evening?

  She shook her head. They would make sure the fair was a success. That was all that concerned her.

  She and Father had barely finished supper when a knock sounded on the door.

  “I’ll get it,” Father said before Kate could get to her feet. Not that she was anxious to see if it was Conner, but how did she explain the way her breath rushed in and out when she heard his voice?

  She forced herself to remain seated as Father brought him through to the kitchen.

  He greeted her with a warm smile and sat across from her. “I see there’s pie left.”

  She could not bring herself to admit she had purposely saved some for him. “Would you like a piece?”

  “I have been drooling all day thinking of your pies.” He swallowed loudly. “That’s yes in case you didn’t understand.”

  She chuckled and served him a generous portion. “Coffee?” At his nod, she poured him a cup. “I have some good news.”

  He glanced at her.

  “Father knows where we can find a big tent.” She explained it.

  “That’s great.” He finished the pie and leaned back. “But nothing is as great as your pie making.” He sighed expansively.

  His praise brought a glow of pleasure.

  “Are you ready to go?”

  “Give me a minute.” She hurrie
dly cleaned the table, put the dishes in the basin and poured hot water over them. She’d wash and put them away later. A little sack held cookies and she took it in hand. “I’m ready.”

  He held the door and they went out into the warm summer evening.

  A young boy ran by and bumped Kate. She stumbled.

  Conner took her hand and pulled it to the crook of his arm. “Wouldn’t want you to be knocked off your feet.”

  “Thank you.” She let herself believe there was nothing more to it than that.

  “Let’s go talk to Uncle George and ask his advice about the fair.”

  Kate didn’t point out that she’d talked to George Marshall twice about that very thing. He’d helped her consider a variety of categories.

  George and his wife, Mary, lived above the store and Conner led Kate up the steps. She had never been in the living quarters before and looked around. The rooms were small and crowded with furniture and ornaments, and yet they had a warm, welcoming feeling to them. Perhaps because Mary rushed forward.

  “My, this is nice. We don’t often have company during the week. Come right in. I’ll make tea. You can taste my cinnamon rolls. I’m going to enter them in the fair.”

  Conner gave Kate a questioning look.

  She shrugged. How could they refuse the invitation? “I’d love to sample them.”

  With an eager smile, Mary served tea and handed each of them a dessert plate holding a large cinnamon roll covered in golden thick syrup.

  Kate took a bite. “These are superb.”

  Mary beamed. “Thank you. This fair is a wonderful idea.”

  Conner spoke up. “Uncle George, we need help getting this organized.”

  George seemed guarded. “Did Grandfather give you this task?”

  “Yeah.” Conner sounded glum.

  “Then I’m not about to interfere.”

  “What? You’re a grown man and still afraid of your father?”

  Kate wondered how George would respond to the mocking question, but he laughed.

  “You’re pretty much a grown man, too. Don’t see you refusing his orders.”

  Conner shuddered. “And you won’t any time soon. But can’t you at least give us some advice?”

  “I think I can do that without incurring any wrath. What can I do for you?”

  Conner laid out their concerns. Was a big tent enough? Would the clearing by the river serve as a site? How did they arrange food and entertainment?

  “A big tent will work. People selling food, the games and entertainment can take place outside. You better pray for good weather.”

  “Thanks.” Conner pushed back and escorted Kate back outside. “Did you hear that? Now there are to be games.”

  “I’ll add it to the list of things we need volunteers for.” She took his arm again, needing his strength. This whole thing was exploding into something that required months to plan and they had three weeks. Two and a half now, she corrected.

  They made their way to the town square, where two men visited. They passed by with only a wave and continued down Silver Street in the direction of the river.

  The business area of Bella Creek was small and soon behind them. They passed houses with tidy yards. Children called to each other. From one of the houses came the sound of a baby crying.

  “How is Ellie?” Kate asked. The question had been on the tip of her tongue since Conner stepped into the house, but she didn’t want to appear too eager and so hadn’t voiced it. Hearing the nearby baby gave her the perfect reason to ask.

  “She’s doing so well. Today she put her arms out to me when I went to see her at noon. She babbled away like she had a long story to tell me.” He sighed. “I wish her future was more certain.”

  “No word of Thelma?”

  “No. I stopped to see Jesse. He said he’d notified a wide range of towns. Several knew of the traveling show but hadn’t seen it in months.” He paused. “Sooner or later we will find her. I wish it to be sooner rather than later.”

  “I pray for the same thing.”

  He patted her hand where it lay on his arm. “I know you care as much as I do.”

  She couldn’t deny it.

  They left the town behind, reached the clearing and stopped to look around.

  “This will work,” Conner said. “There’s room for a big tent there. Wagons and horses can be corralled there. Smaller tents or booths can go along the edge along the trees and there’s still lots of room for people to gather.”

  “And play games.”

  He laughed. “I feel better knowing this will work.”

  They walked around the perimeter, assessing and approving. They reached a break in the trees. “Shall we?” Conner indicated the path leading to the river.

  “I’d love to.” It was not a romantic interlude. But seeing as they were so close, they might as well go to the river.

  The path was narrow, requiring they go single file. She followed him. He broke through to the wide, grassy bank and stopped and held out his hand.

  It wasn’t as if she needed help. The ground was level. It wasn’t as if she longed for this contact and yet she took his hand readily enough. He drew her forward. The low murmur of the moving water, the call of marsh birds and the warning, protesting quack of several ducks provided a musical backdrop.

  They wandered a hundred yards upstream to a slightly wooded area. He indicated a fallen log and they sat.

  Almost like the day she’d remembered her brothers and cried in his arms.

  Her cheeks warmed at the memory. He knew more about her than anyone else. That forged a bond she couldn’t deny. Nor was she prepared to think it meant anything special.

  *

  Conner was beginning to feel better about the fair. It might not be a total flop after all. Grandfather and Dr. Baker just might get the bell they wanted.

  With no reason to hurry back to town, he sat beside Kate, wishing he could prolong the moment.

  She lifted the sack she had carried with her. “I brought cookies. I had thought we might be wanting a little snack about now, but between the pie and your aunt’s cinnamon rolls, I don’t suppose you’re a bit interested.”

  He couldn’t think of anything he’d sooner do than linger here with Kate at his side. “Cookies? Why, I’d love some.” Thankfully, as Grandfather, Pa, Annie and Ma had often pointed out, when it came to eating, Conner was a bottomless pit.

  She opened the drawstring and held the sack toward him.

  He dug in and pulled out two ginger cookies. He bit into one. Moist and chewy with enough ginger to send his taste buds into full gallop. “These are good.” He spoke without waiting to empty his mouth.

  She favored him with a pleased smile. “Good.” She nibbled at one as well. The way she ate, he decided she wasn’t in the least hungry, but perhaps she wanted to keep him company. Maybe, even, she wanted to make this evening last.

  For the moment he would ignore the truth that this was only temporary. She wasn’t staying. He wasn’t leaving. She didn’t want family. He could think of nothing he wanted more…except for Ellie to be his child.

  Kate stared at the water. “I remember when I was very young our family had a picnic by a river. I don’t know where it was, but I suppose where we used to live.” She smiled at him. “We had a farm near St. Louis.” Her gaze returned to the rippling water. “Johnny wanted to see if he could catch a fish by hand and stood on a rock in the river and tried to catch one. I remember Martin kept saying he couldn’t do it. But Johnny managed to grab the tail of a trout. It wiggled and fought and Johnny ended up in the water. He wouldn’t let the fish go even though it meant he had his face in the river. I was jumping up and down, worried he was going to drown. Mama and Papa were on their feet watching. I knew Papa would jump in and rescue him if necessary. Finally, Johnny got up holding the fish. He crowed that he had proved Martin wrong. Martin laughed so hard he had to sit down.” She chuckled. “It was a happy moment in my life.” She turned to him. “It’s be
cause of you and your family that I remembered my brothers.”

  “Really?” He couldn’t imagine what they had done.

  “Yes. I began to have flashes when I was around your family, but I couldn’t identify the memory. But then Sammy told that silly joke and it reminded me of the jokes Johnny told. It took only a little longer for me to realize what I was remembering.” Her laugh was low and throaty.

  He curled his finger against her chin. “I’m glad we helped you remember those pleasant times.”

  Her eyes darkened. He felt her surprised waiting. Could she tell how much he longed to pull her into his arms? Keep her close?

  Even more, pull her into his family?

  She lowered her eyes and eased away. “One cookie left. Do you want it?”

  His bottomless pit was about full, but if it gave them a reason to linger…

  “Can’t turn that offer down.” He took his time eating that last reason for delay. In fact, he could make it last a long time if he held it in his hand and told her about the time he and his brothers had gone to the waterfalls. “Dawson said he read somewhere that there is always a hollow behind waterfalls. I said I didn’t see how that could be with our falls. They are really a series of falls rushing into each other. But Dawson was sure it was so. He pointed out a particular place where the water could have pounded out a hole. Logan and I wanted him to prove it, so we tied a rope around his waist and he jumped into the stream.” He laughed at the memory. “The river caught him and tore him downstream. Logan and I had our hands full pulling him back. Somehow he managed to get directly into the falls. But all he found was a solid rock wall. He was soaking wet and bruised when we finally pulled him out. Ma wanted to know how he managed to get so wet. But we had sworn not to tell. We said he jumped into the river because he thought he saw something. It was a good day.”

  Kate’s eyes were wide. She shook her head. “Was it good for Dawson?”

  He shrugged. “He never complained.” A beat of contemplation. “Never again insisted there was a hollow behind the falls either.”

  “Your poor mother.”

  “I know.” He shook his head sorrowfully as he purposely misunderstood her. “Imagine being married to Pa and having Grandfather for a fatherin-law. I don’t know how she endured it. And then to have a son like Dawson.” He brightened. “Good thing I came along when I did.”