Cowboy's Bride

by Barbara McMahon

  She stared at the computer in total disbelief. She couldn't understand how all her hard work had disappeared. She'd followed the instructions perfectly. She knew she had. She felt a sinking in her heart. All the hours, for nothing! She’d have to do it all over again.

  Suddenly she glanced at Trace. He watched her warily. Awaiting an outburst?

  Or was there more?

  She couldn't help suspect something was wrong--and not only with her computer. Trace had acted funny all morning. He'd sidestepped their coming here to the office last night by taking her to bed. He’d planned to leave first thing, but she'd reminded him of the computer. Now there was nothing there.

  Horrible suspicions flooded her mind.

  He had told her how to save the data. What if he'd told her wrong? What if this was just a way to sabotage her efforts so she'd get discouraged and give up the ranch?

  He'd been acting oddly all morning. Had he known there would be nothing here? Had he deliberately taken her to bed last night when she'd mentioned wanting to run the reports to distract her? God, she felt sick. He wouldn't have done that. He couldn't have. There had to be some other explanation.

  She cleared her throat. "I guess I have to rekey everything," she said calmly. She would not reveal her thoughts or the despair she felt. She needed to think this through. See if she had made an error. It was possible—she was not used to this kind of computer, nor this program. And she couldn't believe Trace would deliberately mislead her. He was too forthright and demanding. He'd just flat out tell her things she didn't want to hear, not sneak around behind her and erase hours and hours of work.

  Yet he was behaving so oddly.

  Trace pushed back the chair and stood. She stepped back, feeling overwhelmed by his size, by his closeness. Uneasy with the way her thoughts were heading, she wanted to be alone to think.

  "Kalli—" he started.

  "No, don't tell me again how inept I am about ranching. I'll figure this out and get all the figures put back in." She avoided his eyes. Had he set her up? Had he led her to believe she was doing it correctly, only to have her spin her wheels? She remembered the endless hours and hours she’d spent hunched over the damned keyboard. How excited she'd been yesterday when she'd finally punched in the last number and hit the save button.

  "Kalli."

  "You'd better get on to your ranch. I know you have lots to do." She turned and led the way to the kitchen. Standing stiffly by the table, she avoided his eyes. Trace hesitated only a moment before snatching up his hat. He left without a word. She stood still, fighting tears of frustration as she heard his truck start, depart.

  Taking a deep breath, she turned and began to wash the breakfast plates. She had to input everything again. Surely it’d go faster the second time around. She sure hoped so.

  * * *

  Tuesday was the day she'd selected to begin the roundup. Early that morning trucks hauling horse trailers began arriving. Before long her entire yard was filled with dusty pickups, various trailers and over a dozen men and horses.

  Kalli hadn't seen Trace in the intervening four days. But she refused to let it bother her. Deep in the night she'd dream of him, dream of them together. But during waking hours, she was too busy to miss him. Too hurt and proud to call him and ask if he was avoiding her. The suspicions she'd had about sabotage of the computer only solidified with his continued absence. Yet she couldn't believe he'd ever do something so underhanded.

  She greeted her neighbors and their cowhands. Josh was beside her, giving her clues as to who each was and their importance in the area. Many had helped with past roundups, Josh and the other Triple T ranch hands reciprocating. Kalli greeted each in a friendly manner and soon felt at ease with these western men. She rarely had problems relating to men, due in large part to her brothers and her training in the medical field.

  Tom Hyden cornered her with a few friendly words as the men began saddling horses, calling friendly insults to each other and discussing the plan of attack.

  "My wife wants you to come to dinner as soon as we have this roundup done. She's dying to meet the proper Bostonian who dared to brave the wilds of Wyoming," he said with teasing grin.

  She liked him on the spot. Laughing gently in return, she nodded. "I think I'll disappoint her. Even my folks have to admit they failed to turn me into a proper Bostonian. They think they have a maverick in their midst."

  "Well, I reckon you'll fit right in here. I see Bob Marshall just pulled in, Trace behind him."

  Despite herself, her eyes swung to the drive. She stared hungrily at Trace's truck as it found a spot and pulled to a stop. He climbed out at the same time another man got down on the far side. The cowboy went to the trailer ramp and began offloading the two horses.

  Trace's glance found Kalli and he nodded, his eyes swinging around the yard. He ignored the heat that sparked in his body at the sight of her. Four days had been too damn long. He should have come over sooner and checked on things. Now he forced his mind to the roundup. It should keep him busy enough to keep his mind off Kalli. It was a good turnout. He'd have expected nothing less from his neighbors. They'd all be willing to help, knowing Kalli was new and wanting to show their best side. And for Philip’s sake. He’d been a good neighbor to them all.

  He hadn't expected the kick in his gut at seeing her laughing with Tom, however. The older rancher was happily married. What was he hanging around Kalli for?

  Hie last few days had been endless. He'd wanted to call her a dozen times. Wanted to come by and see her even more. But he wasn't going to let himself succumb to weak temptation. He was not going to set himself up for a heart load of hurt.

  Disappointed when Trace continued to ignore her, Kalli still listened carefully as he explained the game plan to the men, pointing out the direction of the camp he'd chosen, assigning rotating tasks. The men were respectful, some of the cowhands even admiring. Surely a man such as he would never stoop to taking advantage of a woman, no matter how much he coveted her land.

  "Now the camp’s close enough that food can be easily transported from here, but far enough away to keep the flies and cattle and dust from infiltrating the homestead. Any questions before we start?" he finished.

  There were one or two, then the men mounted and rode off, each knowing his own responsibility, each ready to do his part.

  In only a few moments, Kalli was alone in her yard, with the dust still settling from the many horses. She sighed and turned to the bunkhouse. She and Charlie would be feeding this horde, and he'd said it was a full day's work every day.

  By the time they were ready to take dinner to the camp, Kalli had an entirely new appreciation for Charlie and his cooking. There was enough food for a small army. Knowing how much Trace ate, she could imagine each of the men would put away just as much. Her brothers always ate enough individually to supply a family of four.

  Charlie easily handled the logistics of moving the food and keeping it hot from years of practice. Ready to go, they climbed into the truck and headed for the action.

  It seemed like utter chaos when Kalli and Charlie crested the rise that separated the branding area from the home base, but in only seconds she could see some sort of rough choreography. Each man performed his assigned task. There were the ropers who lassoed the calves and drew them to the men on the ground. The teams on the ground flipped the calves to their sides, quickly castrated, then notched one ear while a third man pressed the hot brand onto the flank. In less than two minutes, the calf was released to run bawling back to the herd, seeking its mother.

  More men hearded cattle from the far reaches of the ranch. Several kept the branded calves from mingling with the unbranded.

  It was hot, dusty and noisy. Kalli watched in stunned awareness for a long moment, long after Charlie climbed out of the truck and began setting up the chow. It was awesome. Nothing like the romantic notion she had of cattle drives. The noise was appalling, calves bawling, men swearing, searing sizzles of the brands, deep bello
ws of the mother cows. Horses snorted and hooves pounded. The stench of burning flesh, blood and sweat mingled with the dust flying in the field that had earlier in the day boasted green grass. The sun beat relentlessly on the scene. Wrinkling her nose in distaste, Kalli thought back to her pristine hospitals. The sterile atmosphere was sometimes sundered by the trauma of the injured, but quickly restored. What a contrast.

  "You helping or just sitting?" Charlie asked as he paused in one trip from the truck's cab to the trestle set up for the men.

  "Helping." She scrambled from the truck and threw herself into the work. Still, she absorbed everything.

  Searching, she found Trace. He looked hot and tired. Even from this distance, and over the other noise, she heard him swear when a calf kicked his thigh. Was she attuned to his voice?

  When Charlie banged the metal trash can top as an announcement the meal was ready, several men came over to the trestle and served heaping plates. The rest continued to work. When the first group was done, another bunch replaced them. The process was repeated until everyone had eaten.

  Kalli talked, laughed and asked a million questions. Everyone was willing to tell her all she wanted to know and then some. She enjoyed meeting her neighbors, enjoyed their banter and jokes. The only dark spot was the way Trace avoided her. But she tossed her head and smiled at everyone else. No one would guess her heart felt bruised and battered. Least of all Trace Longford.

  * * *

  Three days. Trace watched the last of the calves move slowly toward the camp. They'd finish today if he had to keep them at work until midnight. He couldn't keep seeing her every day and not speak to her, touch her. These had been the longest three days of his life. He saw Kalli every time she came near. She was always cheerful and friendly. Half the cowboys working had a crush on her already. She knew just what to say, just how to be friendly without crossing any lines that would lead to further expectations. Bob and Tom thought she was great. The food she'd ordered and served couldn't compare with anything Philip had served over the years. It was tasty and plentiful.

  And she ignored him as if he had been invisible.

  Which is what he wanted, he told himself. He knew they had no future, but dammit, it hurt. He wanted her to talk to him, flirt with him. Miss him.

  He didn't like the way she flirted with the other men. Of course, others might not see it as such, but just looking at a man with those bright dark eyes of hers, just grinning at someone as if she was sharing a private joke that only the two of than knew—hell, things like that could get a man thinking thoughts be had no business thinking.

  Trace knew he ought to ride right up to where she was now and let Rory Jefferies know that Kalli would be leaving soon. Make sure Bob and Tom warned their single cowboys about falling for a city girl who was here as part of a fantasy and would be leaving at the first sign of trouble.

  But he kept away, afraid he'd lose what little control over his temper he had and punch one or another of the men right in the face.

  He frowned, urging his horse toward the small band of cows and calves coming down the hill. He'd worked as hard as anyone these last few days. Tried to exhaust himself so he'd sleep at night. But he only remembered Kalli sleeping with him. How soft and sweet and feminine she was tucked up against him in that bed of hers. How fragrant she smelled, like a woman, not like a stinking cow or a bleeding calf. Her voice was full of laughter and excitement. Not grumbling and swearing like cowboys.

  Hell, he didn't want anyone looking at her but him. And there wasn't a damned thing he could do about it. He kicked his horse and tried to outrun his thoughts.

  10

  Kalli struggled with the heavy saddle. She'd rigged up a cross hitch near the corral, set a sturdy wooden box beside it. Using that, she gained enough height to heave the saddle across the horse's back. Now to cinch it up. It wasn't easy, but she wanted to see some of the roundup from horseback. And they said today would be the last day. Her ankle was better. Even standing on it for long stretches while serving meals these last couple of days hadn't caused a problem. Time to see a bit of the action from the back of a horse.

  She yanked up on the cinch for all she was worth, then flipped down the stirrups and reached around for the reins. She unhooked the cross hitch. Still on the box, she stepped into the saddle and settled herself. She'd done it. Just another example of how Yankee ingenuity paid off. She didn't need anyone saddling her horse for her anymore.

  "So, want to show me what a good cow pony you are?" she asked as she kicked the gelding lightly with her heels. He began walking toward the open fields. She urged him into a faster gait until they were loping toward the camp. In only a couple of minutes the thundering roar of horses sounded as she crested the hill above the branding site. She spotted Trace, Josh and Jose riding hell-for-leather straight after a fleeing group of calves. Smiling, she drew up and watched as they turned them, slowed them and headed the recalcitrant group to the camp.

  Urging her mount forward, she intercepted Trace as he drew near the branding site.

  He drew up and watched her ride to him.

  "Hi," she said brightly, ignoring the fact he hadn't spoken to her in a week.

  "What are you doing here?"

  "I came to take part in the roundup. I'm tired of cooking. I want some of the action."

  "You don't belong here. You don't have the first idea of what to do. It's dangerous, Kalli, not some picnic."

  "I believe it’s still my ranch. And my place to participate in my roundup. You're in charge, what should I do?" Jutting her chin out, she glared at him. She would not be sent home like a child!

  "Jose!" Trace roared, calling the young man as he cut out a bawling calf. "Ride with Kalli, show her the ropes." Trace touched the brim of his hat and rode away without a backward look.

  Turning her horse toward Jose, Kalli tried not to let the hurt take hold. But it was impossible. After a week of not speaking, he'd treated her like a disliked acquaintance. She hated that!

  "Hi, Kalli. I was just getting ready to bring in another bunch. Come on and I'll show you how." At least someone was glad to see her, she thought as she partnered with Jose. At least she’d get some experience in.

  * * *

  "Cows are dumber than dirt," Kalli mumbled as she shampooed her hair a second time, letting the hot water course over her aching body. "Almost as dumb as a certain cowboy I know," she said, getting the last of the dirt and grit from her long hair. Chasing calves and separating than from their mothers had proved much more difficult and dirty than she would ever have suspected. Dust almost an inch thick had covered her. Her ankle ached again from staying in the saddle as the cutting horse had darted and turned, doing his job. Her arms were weak from swinging ropes. And she had lasted only four hours. Those men did it day in and day out, all day long. No wonder Trace's muscles were so well-defined.

  Paired with Jose, she had little time to seek Trace out. But she caught glimpses of him during the afternoon, and found his eyes on her from time to time. Refusing to let him know how his reactions were confusing her, she smiled each time, pleased to note his frown when he realized she'd seen him before he returned to whatever task he was doing. At least he wasn't indifferent to her.

  "Dumb man," she said as she shut off the water and snatched a thick towel to dry with. What game was he playing? If he thought he was going to chase her away to get her ranch or get her to leave, he was dead wrong. She didn't think he was thinking at all. Just reacting. What had caused his distant attitude? What had changed, that last night? She had thought their lovemaking had been spectacular. Had she said something to offend him?

  As long as she lived she would never understand the male of the species, she thought as she drew on a loose caftan. She turned on the hair dryer and began to dry her hair, puzzling on the mystery of Trace Longford.

  His warm hand covered hers and flicked off the dryer. Startled, Kalli spun around.

  "You scared me to death!" she said. But the fear vanished in
stantly when she saw him. He was covered in the dust and mud and blood from the branding. His face was worried.

  "We've got a man injured. Can you look at him? We might need to call an ambulance."

  "Of course. Where is he?" She followed Trace to the kitchen where she saw a young man propped up in one of her chairs. Blood was coursing down his face. His shirt was torn and bloody. Josh and Bob Marshall supported him as he sagged against them.

  "What happened?" Kalli asked as she hurried to the injured man.

  "Ran into an irate mama cow," he said, trying to make light of the serious situation.

  "Looks like she won. Can you men put him up on the table? It'll do for an exam. Josh, run to the bunkhouse and get that first-aid kit we got a couple of weeks ago. Bob, help me get his shirt off. Trace, can you run the water until it's hot, but not so hot it burns?" Calmly Kalli directed the men on the various tasks she wanted done as she assisted the cowboy onto her dining table. Kalli's training and work as an emergency nurse stood her in good stead. She worked swiftly and efficiently. Grateful she'd had the foresight to get Charlie to purchase a large industrial first-aid kit on his last visit into town, she knew she had enough supplies for emergency first aid. Now to see the extent of the injuries.

  As she worked and joked with Jerry Williams, the injured man, she was conscious of Trace's eyes on her. He leaned against the wall and watched her work, watched as she joked and washed away the blood. Watched as she assessed the extent of damages and made a call to the local hospital. Watched as she bandaged the injured man and helped Bob and Josh get him to her spare room.

  "Get a night's sleep and then we'll see how you feel. If everything's fine in the morning, you're free to go. The cut didn't even need stitches, and if you don't show signs of a concussion, I declare the altercation a draw," she said as she eased a light blanket over him.

  "Sorry to be so much trouble," he mumbled, giving in to the pain pills she'd given him.

  "Not a bit of trouble. I've missed nursing, didn't realize how much until right now. I'll check on you during the night. If you wake and need something, call me. I'll leave the door open."