Rafferty: Cowboy Trail Boss: Christian Historical Western Romance (The Kavanagh Brothers Book 9)

by Kathleen Ball

  “So, you got a woman stashed in there, huh?” The voice was deep.

  “What was your brother doing sneaking into the wagon?” Rafferty demanded. “It seems to me he was up to no good.”

  “You didn’t have to break his nose!” The deep voice rumbled. “Did you steal that woman? Is that why she’s hiding? I think you have some explaining to do.”

  Mae crawled back to the side of the wagon and peeked out. There was no way Rafferty was going to put up with that man.

  “Not that it’s any of your business, but we encountered her alone on the trail with an arrow in her. She’s been traveling with us ever since.”

  The middle brother rose. “I’ll need to see her for myself and make sure she isn’t being kept against her will. It would be best if we escort her to Fort Supply.” He didn’t sound gruff at all. In fact, he sounded somewhat gentle.

  She crawled to the back and was about to climb down when Rafferty put his hands on her waist and lifted her down. What was is about him that made her wish for love and family?

  “She’s wearing trousers.” The youngest one pointed at her as he gripped a bandana against his bleeding nose. “She ain’t no lady.”

  She couldn’t go through all this again. It was too tiresome proving she was a proper woman again and again. She didn’t say a word, instead she grabbed a clean cup and went to the fire. She poured herself a cup of coffee and sat down near the fire.

  “Mae,” Rafferty started as he gestured to the biggest man, “this is Con, Cliff and Hal.”

  Cliff tipped his hat to her. “We’re going to take you to Fort Supply. I can’t believe they, well it looks like they rolled you in the mud. I’m sure we could find someone to take you in or there is always a church.”

  She sipped her coffee, staring at Cliff. “The church?”

  “The church can be very helpful in these, ah, situations. It’s for your own good. It’ll ruin your life if people found out you were here with these men.”

  “I see.” Anger filled her and there was nothing to say. She would do what she wanted.

  Con stared at her for a moment. “Ma’am do you work for one of the men or all?”

  “All of them, of course. Why do you want to know?” The way the brothers exchanged glances had her feeling uneasy.

  Rafferty stepped forward. “She belongs to me.”

  Words once said could not be swallowed back. Rafferty quickly met Mae’s stare and grinned. Heat flickered through him as everyone turned and stared.

  Mae stared but didn’t say a word.

  “She’s my intended. We’re getting married as soon as we get to Abilene. That is why she sleeps in the wagon. The reason for the mud is simple. I didn’t want her kidnapped by Indians, so we disguise her as a boy.”

  Cliff took a step forward. “While congratulations are in order, I still don’t consider it will be looked upon as proper by others. The wonderful thing is, I am a preacher. I can perform the ceremony.” He smiled as his head bobbed up and down. “Obviously, we were all meant to cross each other’s paths.”

  Mae’s hand rested right above her heart, and she looked stunned.

  Rafferty glanced at Shea and Cookie, and they both gave him a slight nod. Why not go along with it and have these men on their way? He was sure they’d try to take Mae when they left if he didn’t marry her.

  “Mae, can I speak with you alone?” He held his hand out to help her up. He smiled at her when she placed her hand in his.

  They walked for a short bit.

  “Mae, it’s your choice. You can marry me or go with those gentlemen. I hate to force your hand, but I can’t afford to lose any men. We’re stretched thin as it is.” She just stared at him.

  Frustrated, he rubbed his jaw. “What I’m trying to say is will you stand with me and say what needs to be said? I don’t trust them to take you to Fort Supply.”

  Her eyes widened, and she nodded. “Yes, Rafferty.”

  “Nothing will change. You’ll still sleep in the wagon. You understand, right?”

  “Of course.” She still had a stunned look in her eyes.

  He offered her his arm, and she took it.

  They strolled back to the others, and Rafferty smiled. “Let’s do this.”

  Mae gazed down at her clothes and frowned. “I don’t suppose—”

  “We can’t spare the water. I’m sorry.” He made his voice as gentle as he could.

  “It’s fine.” She nodded and smiled. “It’ll be a grand story to tell.”

  “Cliff, are +

  + ready?” Rafferty asked. He wanted to get this done with and let the men get some sleep. Tomorrow they’d have to travel longer than before if they were going to get the cattle to the river before they died.

  She stood next to Rafferty. It was so dreamlike. Her heart blossomed, but a small part was sad her father couldn’t be here to witness her wedding. He would have approved of Rafferty. He was a good man and an honorable man. He’d looked out for her since he had come upon her.

  Suddenly she became cold. She didn’t know how to be a wife. What if she made a mess of everything? They would kiss when Cliff stopped talking, wouldn’t they? She dutifully repeated after Cliff and the next thing she knew; she was a married woman.

  She turned to Rafferty, expecting a kiss. Instead, he took her hand and gave it a squeeze. “Let’s bring you back to the wagon.”

  Cookie gave her a hug. “I’d kiss you, but I don’t want my mouth full of mud.” He laughed, and she laughed.

  Rafferty lifted her up into the wagon and nodded to her. “Good night.”

  She waited for some gesture of affection, but it never happened. Confused, she went to her spot. She’d witnessed kisses before. Why hadn’t he kissed her? Was it the mud? He could have wiped some away even to kiss her cheek. Perhaps he didn’t approve of showing his emotions unless they were alone. That made sense. She’d just have to get him alone to get her a kiss.

  The next morning, she helped Cookie with breakfast and they sent the brothers on their way. She wiped dishes and then wiped her lips. Anticipation filled her, and she grinned. She was a married woman now. Try as she might there wasn’t a time to be alone with her husband. Maybe later. Would they get rings in Abilene? She shouldn’t get her hopes up; not every married couple could afford rings.

  As she rode in the wagon, the brightness of the world delighted her. Was this what love was all about? Happiness coursed through her. Thank You, Lord.

  As the day wore on her frustration increased. Rafferty hadn’t even ridden near the wagon at all, not even to grab a few biscuits to eat. He was a busy man but…

  It grew dark, and finally Cookie stopped the wagon. “Be careful, the beeves get antsy when they’re thirsty. They know there’s no water around. We’ll try to be as quiet as we can.”

  She nodded and peered around, looking for Rafferty. Where was he? It would be too shameful to ask anyone, even Cookie.

  Soon the fire flared, and they served the supper of biscuits and beans.

  Phil dismounted and ate his while leaning against the tailgate. His presence made her apprehensive, and she kept watching to determine if Rafferty had spotted him.

  “Be extra careful tonight, Mae. Indians make the sounds of animals to communicate. You may think you hear a bird call, but if you listen carefully, there is usually a return call. It can be any animal sound, actually.”

  She didn’t like the way he looked at her from head to toe as he talked and ate. “A woman as lovely as you would be a grand prize.”

  Mae stiffened. “I’m dressed as a boy. I’ll be fine.”

  “I can see you are very much a beautiful woman,” he said with his mouth full.

  Her face heated from embarrassment and outrage. He had no cause to talk to a married woman the way he did. “I have work to get done.” She strode away from the wagon. There wasn’t a place to hide from that man. She shuddered. Somehow, he made her feel dirtier than mud.

  Each man dropped in and ate their fil
l. She waited. This would be their first supper as a married couple.

  “Here I made you a plate,” Cookie said, “I noticed you hadn’t eaten yet.”

  Her stomach clenched, and she swallowed hard to keep the tears at bay. “Thank you.” It was lonely sitting by the fire and her appetite had fled. She forced herself to eat. Cookie would notice if she didn’t, and she wasn’t up for questions. She didn’t have any answers.

  Cookie took her empty plate from her. “Go on to bed. I promise you all the hot water you desire to get clean tomorrow night.” He smiled.

  “You’re always so good to me.” She wanted to hug him, but he might think it odd. Climbing into the wagon, she then cinched the front nice and tight. It had taken some practice but she could do it all on her own. Once they got to the Canadian River things would be better. Rafferty was most likely keeping a sharp eye on the cattle.

  A solitary tear traced down her cheek. Part of her didn’t accept her excuses. She’d just have to buck up. She was a Kavanagh now. The best thing she could do was be a help to her husband and if that meant not seeing him for a day, then she’d best get used to it no matter how much it hurt.

  Chapter Thirteen

  The Canadian River was a bit of a disappointment. She imagined a big river, but this one was low and slow moving. At least they had water, and the cattle were safe. They drank their fill and crossed over to better grazing. At least there were a few trees, but they would still have to use their dried cow pies for the fire.

  Once crossed, Mae jumped out of the wagon and washed her hands. There was still daylight, and she was going to make extra biscuits. It was the same thing every day. Cook soaked beans overnight, cooked them and he dished it up with two biscuits. She’d hoped to fish in the river, but it didn’t look promising.

  Hank, Jeb, and Griff showed up first for supper. Cookie doled out the beans and biscuits. Mae wanted to laugh when they all wrinkled their noses. Why didn’t one of them go hunting for meat? They were lucky to have food and water, she supposed, but something, anything different would have been welcome.

  Cookie stared at the three drovers as they complained. He shook his head and mumbled about at least they didn’t have to eat hardtack all the time.

  Mae touched his arm. “I’m sure you’re appreciated more than they let on. I’m tired of beans too. Who is supposed to hunt?”

  “You can’t hunt on Indian land. They barely have adequate food as it is. It would bring them raining down on us. I’ll make pancakes in the morning. It’ll be a pleasant change.”

  “I’ll look forward to it,” she smiled until she caught sight of Rafferty. He glanced her way and frowned. He actually frowned. Her smile vanished as her stomach plummeted.

  “Cookie, there is no reason to heat water for me tonight. I’ll wait until the water isn’t as sandy.” She climbed up into the wagon. “I’ll help clean up in a little while.”

  Sitting on her blanket, she shook her head. She’d never felt unwanted before. If only she could pretend to smile as though it didn’t hurt. She’d never been very good at disguising her emotions.

  Lord, please guide me. I don’t know what I’m doing. I thought being married was different, but it’s the worst thing I’ve ever done. Rafferty won’t even smile at me, and I don’t know what I did wrong. Do You think it’s because I look like a boy? I don’t understand any of this, and I feel alone. Please wrap me in Your love. Your love is forever, and it’s the greatest gift. I also ask that we remain safe from harm. I have so much to be grateful for, but my emotions are getting the better of me. Thank You for being with me.

  Rafferty had turned her into a ninny. Had he stolen her strength? Is that what love did? She wiped her tears. Love doesn’t feel like this. It couldn’t. She’d have to accept it and allow any emotion she thought she had for him to die. How else was she to safeguard her heart?

  Hearing his voice caused her heart to lurch. She needed to uncover her strength again, squash her feelings and take control of her emotions.

  Ever since he had done Mae a favor, he’d been treated like the bad guy. She knew it wasn’t real. He had explained it to her before they were wed. She’d get over it, and his men had best get over it quickly. He’d had enough of them glaring at him.

  He sat among Shea, Phil, Donald, and the O’Reilly brothers. It was unusually quiet as they all ate.

  “This isn’t the time to watch me or Mae. This is the most dangerous part of the trail. We’ve been on the lookout for the Kiowa for a while now, but we have to double our vigilance. They never have a set number of cattle they want. In fact, you can’t predict what they may want. We have food set aside just for them, and when they demand our horses, we offer a pile of shirts instead. We will save the tobacco for the last bargaining. I don’t want Mae anywhere near them. They are observant and most likely will realize she is not a boy. She’s too pretty. Guard the cattle and horses. Don’t be distracted by their threats. Got it?”

  They all said, “yes, boss,” at the same time.

  Rafferty stood and brought his empty plate to Cookie. “Is Mae in the wagon?”

  Cookie nodded.

  “Mae, I’d like to have a word with you.” He heard stirring in the wagon and he immediately helped her down. It felt too nice to have his hands on her waist, and he quickly let go and put distance between them.

  She stared at the ground and he couldn’t help but observe the trail her tears had made through the mud on her face.

  “I overheard what you said to the men. I’ll hide when they arrive. Is that all?” Her voice was soft and detached.

  “I’m glad you heard. How are you? I haven’t really seen you in a few days.”

  “Since we got married, you mean. I’m fine. I’m exhausted. If you’ll excuse me, I have work to do, then I’m going to bed.” She didn’t wait for him to answer she just walked away.

  What was the matter with her? She’d said since we got married. She didn’t expect the marriage to be legitimate, did she? How did he get himself into such a mess? He’d have to make her understand. And if that led to tears… No tears. Once there were tears, he was a goner.

  Shea stood guard near the wagon. He shook his head at Rafferty.

  “What?”

  “Rafferty, what’s going on in that head of yours? She’s your wife. I would have offered to marry her, but her eyes only glow for you. At least explain to me why you practically ignore her?”

  Rafferty shrugged his left shoulder. “I didn’t mean for it to be real. I wanted to protect her. I doubt Cliff is a real preacher. Somehow she misconstrued the situation.”

  “Misunderstood? She’s not the only one. You’re going to break her heart, aren’t you? There is much to admire in Mae. She is strong and smart. She’s more than eager to pull her weight, not to mention she’s beautiful. Too bad she only has eyes for you. I was wrong, I thought you were taken with her. You light up when she’s around. I guess you’ll need to talk to her about it. Sometimes when you shove a person away, they don’t come back.” Shea turned his back on Rafferty and patrolled a wide perimeter around the wagon.

  Rafferty sat back down near the fire. Was he the only one who didn’t believe the marriage to be authentic? His heart sank. Shea was right, Mae did have many good qualities. But being pushed into a marriage wasn’t something Rafferty was prepared to accept.

  Lord, I know I’m supposed to do the right thing, but does that mean sacrificing love I might find with a different woman? Mae is a good person, Lord. But I always thought I’d make the choice myself. Sometimes I do feel things in my heart for Mae, but is that love? I just don’t want to make a huge mistake. I never asked her to be my wife.

  He grabbed his rifle and set about going to the remuda. He was going to have to do the right thing, wasn’t he? What a mess. Was he supposed to pretend he doted on her? He did enjoy her company. Tomorrow was going to be a hard one.

  Chapter Fourteen

  “Lie down, put the blanket over you, and don’t make a sound,”
Cookie told her the next morning.

  Fear raced through her. What if they found her? She was married, but would Rafferty fight to keep her? A few days ago, she would have said yes, but now… Surely the rest of the men would protect her. Her confused thoughts only led to heartache.

  Although she couldn’t see the Kiowa, she heard them. Where was Phil? He was supposed to know how to talk to them. It sounded like a whole lot of horses out there. Her hand shook as she covered her mouth.

  “I knew you’d want a gift for allowing us to travel through your land,” Cookie said. He started taking things out of the wagon.

  Finally, she heard Phil’s voice. “They want twenty steers and their pick of the horses.”

  “Then they don’t want the food?” Cookie asked. His voice was powerful and calm. “One steer, no horses, the food they can have plus I have many shirts.” Cookie rummaged in the wagon for a minute.

  “They claim you are not in charge. They want to talk to the leader,” Phil translated.

  “They are right,” she heard Rafferty say. “So is Cookie. One steer, all this food and the shirts. No horses.”

  After Phil translated, it grew quiet.

  The silence was broken by shouting, and Phill translated. “They want the woman.”

  She gulped back a gasp as she squeezed her eyes closed.

  “Mae, come out please,” Rafferty requested.

  This couldn’t be taking place. She hesitated, and finally she climbed out of the wagon. Standing tall, she glared at the Kiowa. She’d have time to quake and cry later.

  “You don’t want her. Look how she keeps herself so filthy, like a dog,” Rafferty said with disgust in his tone.

  “She would make a good slave or she would bring a mighty price.” When Phil translated, she focused on not swaying. Thankfully, Rafferty came to her side and put his arm around her waist.

  “This is my woman,” he growled.

  “You said she was filthy like a dog.”