“I’m fine, Daddy,” she said, sitting up straighter. “I just wasn’t hungry. Shouldn’t have taken any dessert. Sorry.”
“No need to fret as long as you’re okay.”
“Och, I can vouch for her good health,” Uncle Tye said. “We’ve merely been enjoying the peace and quiet out here, but I suspect I’d best join my darlin’ wife before she comes hunting for me to help with the wee ones.” Rising, he grinned and bowed gallantly to Nora. “Thank ye for keeping your old uncle company, Mistress Nora.”
She laughed. “You’re welcome, Uncle.”
With a nod to her father, he walked to the door and went into the house. She rose from the swing and bent to pick up her plate. “I guess I should see if Mama needs any help.” She started for the door but her father stopped her.
“Here, let me have that. I’ll take care of it,” he said, relieving her of the plate. “Since you’re feeling all right, I need you to go invite the Medinas to join us in the courtyard for some Christmas cheer.”
For the briefest moment, Nora thought of arguing, fearing Vittorio wouldn’t want to see her after their last unpleasant exchange. But she wanted to see him and try to figure out if Uncle Tye truly was right about Vito wanting to kiss her and hold her.
She smiled happily. “Sure, Daddy, I’ll be glad to invite Vittorio and his family over.”
His lips twitched. “I thought you wouldn’t mind helping me out with that.” He chucked her under the chin and headed back inside while she dashed off to the Medinas’ house for the second time that day.
Knocking on their door, she tried to think of something to say to Vito, some way to get him to admit he really was attracted to her despite her being too young. Why, oh why couldn’t she have been born sooner? Then he wouldn’t be able to use her age as an excuse not to love the boss’s daughter.
The door opened and he stood there scowling at her.
“Vito, I –”
He raised his hand palm out, silencing her as he stepped outside and closed the door behind him. Before she could speak, he lit into her. “Why are you here? Did I not make clear we can be no more than friends?”
“Yes, but –”
“You must forget your foolish little girl dreams about us. You cannot change what we are, pequeña. ” His voice softened at the end and she saw deep sadness in his beautiful dark eyes. Uncle Tye was right! Vito did love her! He was just too stubborn to admit it, and he didn’t give her enough credit for knowing her mind and heart.
Nora drew herself up as tall as she could. “Vito, I’m young but my dreams aren’t foolish. Someday you’ll see that. Now, my father sent me over here to invite you and your family over for a Christmas celebration in the courtyard. Please tell your folks.” Swinging on her heel, she tramped away, proud of herself for not losing her temper with the pig-headed idiot.
Chapter Seven
A short time later Nora gathered with her parents and brothers in the walled in courtyard along with the hired hands and the other families, including the Medinas. She darted a glance at Vittorio every now and then, hoping to catch him watching her but never did. Standing with his family on the other side of the covered veranda that ran along the back of the house, he always seemed preoccupied with talking to one of his sisters or brothers.
The plank tables had all been broken down except for a short one pushed back against a side wall. Upon it sat a large tub of hard apple cider -- fermented to make it alcoholic – for the men and a smaller bowl of sweet fresh cider for the women and children. Everyone had a cup or glass in hand as Nora’s father stepped into the middle of the group and called for attention.
“First, I want to thank the ladies for fixing such a fine meal for us all.” He raised his cup in salute to Mama, Auntie Lil, Maria and Granny Rebecca, who sat holding the youngest children on chairs placed on the veranda. The other men chimed in, loudly praising the Christmas feast and the cooks who had prepared it.
Then Daddy spoke to the cowboys. “Del, Tye and I want to thank you men for your hard work and loyalty to the brand, whether it’s the River T or the C bar D. Some of you herded cattle for my father before he passed on. Others rode for Del and his brother Jeb when their ranch was still called the Double C. You’ve seen both spreads through drought, fire, Indian attacks and rustlers.”
He paused to look from man to man. “This past year has been a good one despite a few setbacks along the way and that wouldn’t have been possible without all of you. Speaking for myself and my family, the Crawfords and the Devlins, we’re grateful to all of you. To prove it, you’ll each receive a Christmas bonus on payday at the end of the month.”
“Thanks, Boss. That’s mighty generous of yuh,” an older River T hand named Willie Ray said. The other cowboys quickly added their grateful comments.
“Here’s to another good year for all of us,” Daddy added, raising his cup high to a chorus of agreement. “Now how about some music? Willie Ray, unpack that fiddle you toted over here and rosin up your bow. Sam, drag out your harmonica. Play us some Christmas tunes, boys.”
Loud cheers rang out as the two men produced their instruments. Soon, the strains of O Come, All Ye Faitful lifted heavenward accompanied by twenty or more voices, some singing off key, although no one cared. Then came Joy to the World followed by Angels from the Realms of Glory. One song followed another until the musicians had played every Christmas carol they knew. Then they began playing lively favorites like Camp Town Races and Sweet Betsy From Pike that had everybody clapping, singing and tapping their toes.
It wasn’t long before the cowboys began to dance. They took turns swinging Elena and Sofia Medina around the courtyard in time to the music. Those who weren’t dancing with one of the girls swung each other wildly to and fro. Watching them laugh and carry on, Nora yearned to be kicking up her heels just like them.
Glancing at Vittorio, who continued to stand with his father and brothers near his mother’s chair on the veranda, she wished he would invite her to dance. Maybe he didn’t trust himself to touch her again if Uncle Tye was right about his feelings for her. But gosh darn, what would one little dance hurt? If that was asking too much, he could at least look her way and smile.
Dejected by his avoidance of her, she shifted her gaze back to the dancers in time to see a gangly young cowboy ambling toward her. His name was Curly Matthews – Curly being a nickname that referred to his reddish orange, tightly curled hair. He was one of the newer hands, having worked for her father less than a year. He halted a few feet away from her and politely tugged off his hat.
“Miss Taylor, can I have this dance?” he asked, a smile making his long face almost handsome.
Nora opened her mouth but nothing came out. Not knowing how to answer, she glanced helplessly down at her mother whose chair she stood beside. Holding drowsy little Seamus on her lap, Mama appeared almost as flustered as Nora felt. Both of them looked to her father, who stood on the other side of Mama. He frowned at Curly then met his daughter’s uncertain gaze.
“Do you want to dance with him, Nora?”
“I . . . I guess.” She smiled shyly at Curly.
“All right then, go ahead.” To the young cowboy, he said, “Boy, I expect you to behave like a gentleman with my daughter. Is that clear?”
“Yes, sir!” Curly nodded heartily. “I’ll give you no cause to fret, I swear.” He offered his arm to Nora and she nervously slipped her hand into the crook of his elbow, feeling the heat of him as he led her out among the dancers. Clapping his hat back on, he turned her to face him, clasped her hand and set his other big paw at her waist.
She stiffened at his touch, not sure she wanted to go through with this.
“Relax, honey, I’m not gonna bite yuh,” he said.
He was taller than Vittorio, forcing her to tip her head far back to meet his eyes. “This is my first time dancing with anybody except my brothers. I’m not very good at it,” she said, hoping he’d change his mind and escort her back to her parents.
As he turned her in a circle, Nora glanced toward where she’d last seen Vittorio and caught her breath. He scowled at Curly and her, the corners of his mouth turned down and his black eyebrows nearly meeting over his long, straight nose. Nora’s heart leapt with joy at the sight. He was jealous! That was the only explanation for his furious expression.
Curly turned her again, blocking her view of Vittorio. Frustrated, she craned her neck, trying to see around his large form.
“Hey, you’re s’posed to look at the guy you’re dancing with, little gal,” Curly chided, “not some other cowpoke.”
She snapped her head around and looked up. “Oh! I’m sorry. I was just –”
“I know what you were doin’.” He pulled an ugly face. “You were lookin’ for Luis Medina’s boy. I seen how yuh hung on him when the C bar D crew rode in today.”
“He’s my best friend and it’s been months since I saw him last,” she said defensively. “I was excited to see him.”
“Yeah? Kinda looked to me like yuh want to be more than just friends with him. Ain’t that right?” His tone bordered on sarcasm.
Taken aback by his remark, she felt heat flood her face. She dropped her gaze to the buttons of his faded blue shirt. “I-I don’t know wh-what you mean,” she stammered, voice higher than usual.
“Don’t yuh? Then how come you’re blushin’ right now? Answer me that.”
Nora’s temper blazed. Yanking her hand from his, she stepped back and glared at him. “I don’t have to answer you, Curly Matthews! You’ve got no call asking me such prying questions.”
“Ah now, don’t go gettin’ all het up, little miss. I didn’t mean no harm. I was just thinkin’ a fine young lady like you oughtn’t to dishonor herself with some Mexican who’s got no right touchin’ a white girl.”
“Why, you mangy coyote!” Nora exploded, balling her fists. “Vito is a better man than you’ll ever be! You’re the one who has no honor!”
Curly’s face darkened, twisting in anger. His hand shot out to capture her arm, wrenching a cry of pain from her throat with his tight grip. “Just cuz you’re the boss’s daughter don’t mean you can talk to me thata way.”
“Let go! You’re hurting me!” She slapped at his hand, trying to break free. Then suddenly Vito was there, pushing between her and the brute.
“Release her, cabrón! Now! Or you will taste my blade,” he snarled, grabbing a fistful of Curly’s shirt and jabbing the point of a knife at his throat.
“Don’t cut me!” Curly cried. He turned loose of Nora’s arm and raised his hands, showing he carried no weapons. His Adams apple bobbed frantically.
“Vittorio, let him go,” her father’s voice boomed out. “There will be no bloodshed here today.” He strode up and laid a hand on Vito’s shoulder. “Put your knife away.”
A second later, Mama dashed up and wrapped a protective arm around Nora. “Are ye all right, child? Did he hurt ye?” she asked, anxiously touching Nora’s face and looking her over.
“H-he only squeezed my arm a little, Mama.” Nora’s voice trembled like the rest of her. She clung to her mother in abject relief.
“Bithiúnach! Muclach!” Mama shouted at Curly. “We trusted ye with our daughter. How dare ye mistreat her?” She shook with the force of her anger. Nora had never seen her so furious.
Clinging together, they watched the situation play out, along with the rest of the people crowded around them. By now, Vittorio had released Curly and lowered his knife, but he looked ready to lunge at him again if given the slightest provocation.
“Matthews, you swore to act like a gentleman with Nora.” Daddy said in a stony voice. “You broke your word and abused the hospitality of this house. I want you out of here and off my land.”
“But, Boss, I only tried to tell your girl she oughtn’t to go throwin’ herself at that bean eater the way she did today. It don’t look right.”
Vittorio growled and started for him but Daddy flung out his arm, blocking him. Then he barked at Curly, “Shut your filthy mouth and get out of here before I change my mind and turn Vittorio loose on you.” He called two of the other ranch hands and ordered them to escort Curly to the bunkhouse. “See that he packs his gear. I’ll be over shortly to pay him what he’s owed.”
“T’ain’t fair. I only spoke the truth,” Curly grumbled as he was led away. “And what about that bonus he promised us?”
“Boy, you are dumber than a fence post,” one of the men said. “Count yourself lucky the boss don’t whip you off the place. That’s what you deserve for insulting Miss Nora.”
As they exited the courtyard through the back gate, Willie Ray took up his fiddle and began to play again. Sam joined in on his harmonica and the dancing resumed, although in a more subdued mood. Meanwhile, Daddy turned to Vittorio, whose own father and mother had come to stand close behind him. His knife was nowhere in sight. Nora wondered if he’d slipped it into his boot.
“I’m grateful to you, son, for stepping in to help Nora,” her father said. Exchanging a glance with Luis Medina, he added, “What Matthews said about her and you was pure filth. You’ve been like a big brother to my daughter all her life. Her mother and I have always trusted you with her and we still do.”
“Thank you, Señor David,” Vito said. “I would never hurt Noracita. I care for her too much.” He glanced at Nora and smiled tenderly.
Heeding the call of her heart, she hugged her mother and drew away. Stepping to Vito’s side, she slipped her hand into his, smiled and raised imploring eyes to her father. “Daddy, I didn’t get to dance much before Curly turned nasty. Is it all right if I dance with Vito just once? Please.”
He grinned. “Baby girl, you go ahead and dance all you want. That is if this young fella wants to be your partner.” He cocked a questioning eyebrow at Vito, laugh lines framing his mouth.
“I . . . I would be honored to dance with her,” Vito said, sounding rather like he’d been knocked in the head.
“Best get to it then before the party’s over.” Chuckling, Nora’s father winked at her.
“Thank you, Daddy!” She tugged excitedly on Vito’s arm, urging him into the mix of dancers. The musicians were playing another waltz, and she was eager to dance with him to the romantic tempo. Since he hesitated to touch her, she took his hand and placed it at her waist, gripped his other hand and gazed at him expectantly. She frowned when he just stood there staring at her and shaking his head.
“What’s wrong? Don’t you want to dance?”
“I am sorry, pequeña, but I keep thinking of what Curly said. He is a stinking dog but what he said is true. You should not dance with me. It is improper for you.”
“Improper! Are you loco? My father doesn’t think it’s improper.”
He bent close and stared into her eyes. “Because he does not know your foolish thoughts about me. If he did, he would never allow me near you again.” He spoke quietly but in a harsh, unyielding tone. When she tried to argue, he stopped her. “Do not. You cannot convince me otherwise. Now, you want to dance, so we will dance for the first and last time.”
With that, he swung her into the waltz. He was a much better dancer than Curly, skillfully leading her through several tunes, some fast, others slow. Nora forced herself to smile. She had gotten her wish; Vito was dancing with her. She should be happy, but her heart felt as if he’d stomped on it. His ominous statement that this was their first and last time to dance rang in her head like a bell tolling the death of her dreams.
Chapter Eight
Sundown was fast approaching when Nora’s father called an end to the celebration. The Crawfords, Devlins and their crew needed to head back to the C bar D. Night would fall before they arrived home. Nora knew this but hated for t
hem to leave because it meant Vittorio also must go. And she feared she wouldn’t see him again for months.
She and her brothers hugged goodbye with Uncle Tye and Auntie Lil, Granny Rebecca and Mr. Crawford on the front porch. The wind had picked up and a chill was in the air, sending Reece and little Seamus running back inside to play with their new toys, watched over by Grandda Seamus. Having grabbed a shawl before stepping outside, Nora remained with her folks, watching as the Crawfords climbed onto their buckboard. A generous share of leftover food had been loaded in the wagon bed.
Tye and Lil mounted their horses, each setting one of their boys up in front of them. The C bar D riders were already mounted and waiting to go, except for Vittorio. He was still saying his goodbyes to his parents and siblings over in front of their house.
“We’re heading out,” Del Crawford announced. He nodded toward Vittorio. “Tell the boy to catch up when he’s ready.”
“We will. So long,” Daddy said, raising his arm in farewell.
“Thank ye all for coming,” Mama called out, waving to their departing guests. “May angels guide ye safely home.”
Nora also waved, but her attention focused on Vittorio as he hugged his mother and shook hands with his father. Would he stop to tell her goodbye or would he simply ride away? She waited anxiously to see which it would be.
Vittorio parted with his family saying, “Keep me in your prayers.”
“We will, mijo,” his mother promised.
He gathered the reins of his horse and hesitantly approached the main house, leading the mare. Seeing Nora with her parents on the porch, he wondered if she would even speak to him. She’d been upset by his harsh words to her a while ago and had said little afterward. He hated wounding her but she was growing up and must realize things could not stay the same between them. The insults that pig Curly had spouted were only a small taste of what she would endure if he allowed her too close.
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