"We want what's ours." The youngest spoke up. "Our father never gave us a damn thing and now even in death he..."
"Shut up Julian," Alexander snapped at his brother. He looked to Ashley. "My brother can be rash. I know his comments would be taken as threats when he ran off at the mouth in town. We were making inquiries so we could meet with Elizabeth Dawson and discuss our father's money."
"Our mother's name is Elizabeth Cole now." Bronson narrowed his eyes at them.
"You could have just come and spoke to our parents." Grayson neared not lowering his gun. "They're reasonable people."
"I bet not reasonable enough to give us what should be ours." It was obvious Julian full of resentment. "How about that?"
Alexander placed a hand on Julian's shoulder. "My brother and I would like to speak to your parents. We don't have anywhere to go. No money left. So, I would like to apologize to your Mother in person and ask her to at least help us with enough money to return to Virginia."
"As long as we hold on to your rifles," Grayson warned.
Julian looked to Alexander and shrugged. “Not like we have a choice.”
Everyone but Bronson holstered their guns until Ashley gave him a look that left no question. “Put it away.”
It was understandable of course. Bronson had two children and was not about to leave them orphaned.
Alexander and Julian didn’t have horses, so Julian rode with Bronson and Alexander with Grayson.
Ashley rode behind them with all the weapons. By his silence and steely gaze, it was more than obvious he’d not hesitate to shoot if it was warranted.
Alexander, once again, apologized for Julian. And although the younger brother glowered, he kept stealing glances at him and Ashley.
Grayson could tell the man looked for any resemblance between them.
Like him and Bronson, Alexander and Julian had light brown hair, but the brothers did not have the Cole blue eyes. Instead Alexander had dark brown eyes, while Julian’s were a remarkable clear shade of green.
Much like their mother’s, Grayson mused.
Seeming to not sense any harm from the brothers, Bronson loosened up and returned to his normal good-natured way. He talked the entire way telling Julian and Alexander all about Alder Gulch, about their land and what the town had to offer. Thankfully when he got to the subject of ranching, the family home came to view. The boy could talk for hours.
Grayson and Ashley exchanged aggravated looks. Obviously, Bronson was glad not to be the youngest for once. Bronson hated that he was born second and was always referred to as the baby of the family.
Julian's presence made him feel like an older brother. Surprisingly Julian took to him, asking questions and seeming to forget his anger for the moment.
Grayson felt bad for the brothers. Both were not dressed for the harsh Montana weather and shivered, their lips turning blue.
Alexander's teeth chattered. "Its beautiful here, but sure is cold."
Grayson nodded. "Can't say you ever get used to it."
“There’s our house,” Bronson pointed out.
Once they’d arrived at their parent's home, Ashley went inside first. His brother had decided the women and children would be moved to the second floor where they'd be safe in case the newcomers raised a ruckus.
Grayson and his twin escorted the brothers in, while Ashley, Josiah and his father stood around the room forming an impressive show of force.
"Boys," his father approached with his hand extended. "I'm Hank Cole, the boys’ father. Now, either you sit down and listen or you go back out that door and are escorted by my boys to the edge of our land. Once there, they will turn you over to the sheriff for making threats and trespassing. Your choice."
Alexander shook his hand. "Sir, we..."
"Oh, look how handsome you are." His mother pushed past their father and hugged a startled Julian. "I knew you'd be reasonable once you met your family." She turned to Alexander and pulled his face down. "You are so much like my uncle, but much better looking. She pressed a kiss to his startled face. “Hang your coats on the hooks there.” She pointed to the hooks by the door.
“Come boys. All of you. It’s warm in the kitchen. I made some hot cocoa. Let's get you fed."
She looked past the brothers to her husband, the message clear. She would take care of it. "Wash your hands and I'll get you fed."
Obedient as lambs Alexander and Julian traipsed into the kitchen and washed their hands and sat at the table looking at her with rounded eyes, barely blinking. Bowls of steaming stew were set in front of them along with fresh bread. Cups of hot cocoa were dispatched next.
Grayson along with Ashley and Bronson stood with their father watching agog. It was as if only the three of them existed at the moment. The young men began to devour the food, obviously too hungry to stop themselves.
"Now." His mother lowered to sit across from them. "What's this threatening nonsense? If either of you ever make threats to my family again, it will be the last thing you do. My boys here won’t stand for it.” She looked to him and his brothers.
“ We're family and we do for each other, not fight. That includes you both. Am I understood?"
She met each of their eyes until they nodded. "Good, you will stay here through Christmas. After the holiday, we'll talk about your money."
Alexander's mouth fell open. "Our money?"
"Don't talk with your mouth full." His mother smacked his hand. "Yes, your money. I can't believe you thought I would keep it. You could have waited to meet me before talking nonsense to people in town." She eyed Julian who blushed a bright red.
"I'm sorry, it was wrong of me," Julian told her and looked at his empty bowl. "May I have more?"
"Of course, sweetheart."
Hank chuckled and went to join them. "I'm pouring coffee if anyone needs some."
"I do," Grayson and Bronson replied in unison making their way to sit.
Ashley studied the group. "I'll go get everyone from upstairs."
Chapter Three
Alexander tossed and turned that night. It was so different. Everything. The extreme silence and darkness made him uncomfortable. They’d been settled into the bunkhouse and although it was not as nice as the house, it was a huge step from the drafty cabin they’d been staying in since arriving.
Now as Julian slept soundly, he couldn’t help but get out of bed and look out the window toward the family ranch.
According to Bronson, the more talkative of the brothers, they all lived within a few miles radius. A tight family bond existing between the brothers and the ranch hand Josiah, as well.
Despite what he’d heard about a shortage of women in the west, every one of his cousins were married to beautiful women.
One thing he’d not considered ever was marrying. With little to no resources after losing his job at the factory in Virginia, he’d barely gotten by with odd jobs. He wouldn’t dare think to propose to any woman without anything to offer.
Julian, who was an apprentice for an actuary in town, had done his best to stretch his earnings and pay their monthly rent for a minuscule, two-bedroom apartment above a print shop.
Both had taken a huge leap of faith. Left everything they’d ever known in hopes of talking their aunt into what was their birthright.
The star-filled sky took Alexander’s attention. What would happen now? It had been a bad idea to come without the resources to return home. Now they were at the Coles’ mercy, having to depend on them for food and shelter.
Elizabeth had said it was “their money” but had not offered any explanation or conditions for how they’d get it.
What would they do with the money? He and Julian had discussed starting a business while traveling there, but now he had second thoughts.
Returning home made sense in a way, although nothing awaited them there. However, at least it was familiar back in Virginia.
The sum was large, they could save most of it and He was hopeful to regain employment at a new
textile factory being built just outside the town where he and Julian lived. The man whom Julian worked for was kind and insisted he’d hold Julian’s position until his return. Yes, the future would be set and probably easier once they purchased a small place to live with the inheritance.
Spread across the bed deep in slumber, his brother didn’t seem to have the same cares as he. Julian was a free spirit. Never seemed to worry about much. In that Alexander envied him.
While he was up staring at the sky, his mind racing in many directions, his brother slept soundly, taking full advantage of the warm comfortable accommodations.
Sunrise came too soon. Alexander jerked awake when after a couple bangs on the door, either Bronson or Grayson walked in. It was hard to tell since the person’s scarf was wrapped high around his ears and a hat was pushed down exposing only his eyes. Plus they were identical in features.
“Ma says get up. It’s time to eat.”
Julian mumbled something and rolled to his side to face the wall. Alexander got up and went to the hearth to place a fresh log into the fire. “Thank you. We’ll be there shortly.”
“Don’t be too long.”
He squinted his eyes in an effort to once again figure out who it was.”
The man grunted in response. “I’m Grayson.”
Obviously, he was used to people unable to tell him and his twin apart. “Don’t dally.” He left, leaving a wake of cold air behind.
Alexander hovered over Julian. “Get up. How did you ever get along with a job?”
“First time slept so comfortably in a long time,” Julian shoved his face into the pillow. “Getting up.”
Within minutes, wearing thick jackets loaned to them by the Coles, they hurried to the main house.
Upon entering the house, the aroma of bacon made Alexander’s stomach grumble in anticipation.
People bustled about doing different things. Babies were rocked, conversations held. This was so very different from his life. It was a true home, a place where people belonged.
His and Julian’s mother had struggled to make them a home with the monthly pittance their father gave her. Although they worked hard to ensure she was cared for once they were old enough to work, she’d died young from pneumonia.
Now as the rumble of laughter and voices met them, Alexander couldn’t help but hesitate once inside the door.
One day he’d have that. He’d marry and have many children. If not born to it, he’d make his own family. In that moment, Alexander vowed to be a good husband and father.
Upon arriving at the large family home, Julian wasn’t sure how to act. In truth, most of his life it had only been him and Alexander. And although they never showed it physically, there was no doubt in Julian’s mind Alexander loved him as much as he loved his brother.
The Coles were different. The patriarch, Hank, hugged and kissed his grown sons without hesitation. The matriarch seemed to be the one who doled out responsibilities to each member of the family, while at the same time was generous with demonstrations of affection.
Julian bristled when Hank Cole neared, not prepared for how they’d be treated this day. The man seemed to sense his apprehension and kept his distance. “Come on in boys. Time to eat.”
They joined the huge group in the large dining room. There were more than enough chairs around the table, which could sit twelve easily. Julian figured they must entertain often.
The discussion centered on the plans for the day and what everyone was going to do for the next couple days to ensure the safety of their livestock from predators and the elements.
Everyone seemed to have different roles and what they concentrated on. Grayson mostly horses, while Ashley and his father managed a large herd of cattle. Bronson worked in town and the other man, Josiah, worked at the ranch with the Coles.
The wives maintained a separate conversation often laughing at inside jokes. He overheard talk of gifts and sewing. It was interesting how they had a rhythm of the conversations separating and intermingling at times.
He occupied himself with buttering his biscuits and observing.
“Since you’ll be here for the foreseeable future, you need to earn your keep,” Hank addressed him and Alexander. “Can you ride?”
For some reason the men gave Josiah a pointed look and he rolled his eyes. Perhaps the man could not ride at one time.
“Yes sir,” Alexander answered for them, annoying habit of his brother’s. “We can.”
Julian looked to the older man. “I don’t mind working to pay for room and board. Whatever I can do. I am not as familiar with riding as Alexander and admittedly know nothing at all about ranching.”
“What did you do back in Virginia dear?” Elizabeth asked.
“He is an actuary,” Alexander replied with pride. “Very good at numbers.”
Bronson perked up. “Is that so. I may have some tasks for you then.” The man’s blue gaze went to his father. “Seems he’s more like me.”
“My son,” Elizabeth said, “is the family accountant. He is also very good with mathematics.”
Julian had felt a bond of sorts with Bronson since meeting him, and now he understood the reason.
“I’ll be glad to help.”
While eating he slid glances at the women. Every single one of them was beautiful in a very different way. He’d not considered being around women while in Montana. He was inexperienced in interacting with the fairer sex and they made him nervous.
In the small shop he worked at it was only he and his boss, with an occasional visit from clients. All male.
“Pretty, aren’t they?” Bronson whispered and Julian swallowed at being caught. “I steal glances at them all the time myself. Women are fascinating.”
“Yes...yes they are. I don’t mean to offend.”
“If you notice, they take all of our attention.” Bronson chuckled. “Leave a love behind in Virginia?”
“No.” He struggled to change the conversation. “Will the weather get much colder here?”
Chapter Four
Christmas Eve.
Grace turned in bed to find Ashley had already gotten up. She hated that he’d barely spoken to her since arriving at the Cole ranch. He was brooding and whenever that happened, it annoyed her to madness.
Unfortunately, she’d married a quiet man of few words, but at times it was aggravating, especially when it was obvious something bothered him.
She couldn’t blame it on the newcomers because he’d been like that for a couple weeks now. If only she could give him what he really wanted.
God had his own timing. It was not the time apparently for them to have children. Hopefully soon they’d be blessed with a babe. For Grace, it was enough right now to have what they did. In her opinion, a good marriage and the support of their wonderful families made them very lucky people.
After getting dressed, she entered the kitchen where only men were present. Nora and Olivia were tending to their children.
She made her way back to the main area and found her mother-in-law seated while Ashley read with one of the babies on his lap.
The corner of his lip lifted when she met his gaze. One day he’d make a wonderful father. And if it wasn’t meant to be, then being aunt and uncle to the growing Cole brood would have to be enough.
“Hello sweetheart,” Elizabeth stood and Grace followed her to the bedroom.
Elizabeth made the bed and hesitated while holding a pillow. “How are you this morning? You seem troubled.”
Grace smiled at spotting a small portrait of Ashley as a toddler on her mother-in-law’s beside table. “You do favor him, don’t you?”
Elizabeth sighed. “That child stole my heart immediately. I do love my twins, but Ashley, he just is so very special to me.” She blinked rapidly, her eyes shiny. “I’m so silly. Getting emotional over silly things. The holiday season makes me weepy for some reason.”
“I understand.” Grace went to the table and lifted the portrait of a pouting Ashl
ey, his gaze straight ahead probably looking at his mother. “Something is bothering him lately, and I hate that he won’t talk to me.”
Her mother in law shook her head. “That Ashley. He’s been through a lot, but I wish he’d learn to trust and know that it’s safe to share his thoughts with you. As you know by now, takes a lot for him to open up.”
Elizabeth came to stand beside Grace and looked down at the picture. “He was a quiet child. Rarely gave me any trouble. As a teenager, although he remained reserved, he did have friends and enjoyed running about causing trouble.” Her lips curved. “He even had a sweetheart or two. I am not sure if you recall. I do remember he loved to tease you.”
Grace nodded, remembering it. At only ten, she’d been annoyed by him. “Yes, I do remember. I think it bothers him that we are not expecting a child yet.”
“Goodness, you haven’t been married long.” Elizabeth laughed. “Those boys are always competing. I bet he hates that the twins are both fathers already.”
The comment made her hopeful. “That’s it, isn’t it? Sometimes it doesn’t happen right away.”
“Come.” Elizabeth took her hand and led her to sit on the bed. “Listen to me. As you know, Ashley hasn’t had it easy. The horrible experience in the cavalry involved a lot of physical abuse. I pray it didn’t harm him permanently.” Elizabeth hurried on. “Physically, I mean. We all know mentally he may never fully recover.”
“What...what do you mean physically?” Although Grace suspected during the beatings, the soldiers may have been brutal in way she didn’t want to think about. She had to ask.
“If he was harmed, you know, in his manly parts, he may never be able to give you a child. I’m sure he worries about that more than anything.
Grace straightened and placed both hands over her chest. “I’m happy with just the two of us. If we one day take in an orphan or two, that would be the same to me as having our own. My parents adopted me and I am so very blessed by it. My entire life, mother and father showed me a child doesn’t have to be born to a person to be theirs.”
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