“That’s one of the nice things about women,” Jack said. “You can see the possibilities.”
“That’s it exactly. We’re coming up with possibilities in our minds. When those things don’t happen, we need time to mourn, and then more time to start dreaming again. I wanted to see the Pacific Ocean. I wanted to see Oregon and all the places Lewis and Clark explored. I’ll need time to come up with some new dreams—it’s not something that happens in the blink of an eye.”
“But who says I can’t show you the Pacific Ocean? Or Oregon? Why is that made-up rich rancher the only one who could take you on a trip like that?”
She blinked. “Because . . . things like that take money.”
“So we’d save up for a little while. Doesn’t mean we can’t go—just means it would take us longer.” Jack reached over and touched her hand. “Being with me wouldn’t mean saying goodbye to your dreams, Miss Wynonna. It would mean going about them differently, that’s all.”
She felt a little out of breath, as though a sudden wind had just come up and filled her lungs beyond their capacity. She’d honestly never thought of that. She’d believed that marrying a rich man was the only way she’d have those adventures, and now that a different idea had been presented, she didn’t know what to do with it.
“All I’m askin’ for is a chance,” Jack said. “Don’t make any hasty decisions or write me off just yet. Thing is, we got along together so well yesterday, I believe we could get along that well every day, and I believe that in time, you could grow to love me. We have a few days until you’ll hear back from your matchmaker with your new train fare—spend that time with me. Then, when you’re ready to go, we’ll both know what the right choice should be.”
“All right,” she said slowly. “But aren’t you breeding cattle tomorrow? I’d really rather not be involved in that.”
He threw his head back and laughed. “I won’t ask you to help with the breeding, but what about tomorrow night? Maybe a quiet horseback ride down by the river?”
She nodded. “That would be nice.”
“Thank you, Miss Wynonna.” His blue eyes caught her again. “Just a chance. That’s all I want.”
“And all I want,” she said, taking a step closer and lowering her voice, “is for you and all your friends to bring your dirty laundry outside and dump it on the ground next to the clothesline first thing in the morning.”
He lifted a brow. “You want our laundry?”
“Yes. It’s laundry day.”
He smirked. “We can do that. I’ll even fill the washbasins with water before I go help Sully with the cattle.”
“Then we understand each other perfectly. Will you walk me back to the house, Mr. Milton?”
“I’d be delighted, Miss Westcott.”
Chapter Ten
The next morning when Wynonna and her friends crossed the compound on their way to the dining room, they found that sure enough, Jack had kept his promise. Several large basins of water waited for them next to the clothesline, and next to that was a huge pile of soiled linens and another of clothing. A large pot of water boiled on a tripod nearby, a fire merrily blazing beneath, and to round everything out was a basket filled with laundry soap.
“Seeing this all laid out almost makes me eager to get started,” Wynonna said.
“Smelling it all laid out makes me dread getting started,” Rowena replied. “We might want to tie handkerchiefs over our noses and mouths—I have a feeling that everything’s going to smell like sweaty cows.”
“And horses,” Helen reminded them.
They went into the kitchen and fried up dozens of eggs, putting biscuits and ham alongside them and hoping that would hold the men until lunch. Beans were put on to simmer, and then it was time to tackle the mess that was the laundry.
“I’m glad they brought out their linens, but we really can’t expect them to make up their beds fresh if everything else is dirty, can we?” Helen asked.
“No, we can’t,” Fiona said. “I think they need to clean up the bunkhouse before they get their bedding back.”
“Is that fair to ask of them, though?” Cora nodded toward the corrals. “They’re working so hard today.”
“I’ll ask Jack what he thinks,” Wynonna said at last after thinking it over.
“Oh, so we’re having deep conversations with Jack now, are we?” Helen asked her teasingly.
“I think we worked some things out last night,” Wynonna replied. “We’re not as irritated with each other, at least.”
“That’s a start,” Helen said. “The start of what, I’m not sure, but any time we can take anger and transform it into something else, that’s progress.”
“And what about the rest of you?” Wynonna asked, hoping to take some of the attention off herself. “Fiona, I caught Mike looking at you during dinner last night. Did he speak to you at all?”
“No, and it’s good that he didn’t because I might have thrown something at him,” Fiona replied. She picked up one of the shirts and plunged it into the hot water. “It’s going to take quite a lot for him to get on my good side—that is, if he even wants to. I get the feeling he’d happily see me fall in the river and wouldn’t fish me back out.”
“Then you really are a match,” Cora said, and Fiona flicked water at her with her fingertips.
As they began in earnest to do the laundry, Wynonna could see that it was going to take more than one day to get it done. Some of the clothing was so encrusted with mud, it would take several scrubbings, and there was so much to be washed that the line would fill up quickly.
“Hello there!”
Wynonna looked up at the cheery voice and saw Margaret coming toward them across the compound. “I thought you might be able to use a hand,” she continued.
“Good morning, Margaret,” Wynonna replied. “The more the merrier, but I’m not sure this is a possible task.”
“Oh, dear.” Margaret stopped at the laundry pile and studied it, her hands on her hips. “Perhaps we should just burn these and take the men shopping for new ones. That would save lots of time, and likely quite a bit of frustration.”
“If there was no such thing as expense, I’d say let’s hitch up the wagon right now.” Wynonna chuckled. “I was just wondering if it was possible to add a few more ropes to the clothesline. We’re going to run out of space fairly quickly.”
“I’m sure it is—Zeke would be the one to do it, and he’s over at the breeding corral.” Margaret looked back the way she’d come. “I wonder if one of you would go fetch him. I’m suddenly a bit worn out from crossing the yard just now.”
Wynonna looked at her sharply. Her face had suddenly gone pale, and her breath seemed to catch as she inhaled. “Rowena, please grab a chair,” she said in a low voice.
Rowena stepped inside the dining room, grabbed one of the wooden chairs, and brought it outside. “Sit down, Margaret,” she said, giving the woman a hand to lean on while she did so. “I’ll get you some cool water.”
“Thank you,” Margaret replied. “I don’t know why I feel so strange all of a sudden.”
Wynonna turned to Helen and spoke near her ear. “Could you please go over to the corral and get Wade? We’ll pretend like you’re just fetching Zeke, but I think Margaret needs her husband too.”
Helen nodded. “I’ll go get Zeke,” she said brightly. “We’re going to need that line soon, and if I have a basket of wet clothes and nowhere to put it, I’m likely to get grumpy.”
“You mean, grumpier,” Fiona retorted.
“I like things done certain ways. That does not mean I’m grumpy all the time.” Helen shook her head. “I’ll be back in a minute.”
Wynonna kept an eye on Margaret while she tossed the next few shirts into the hot water. The spring day wasn’t overly warm, so she didn’t think it was a question of being overheated. She suspected it was the exertion of walking across the yard, but the distance wasn’t that great. She wanted to encourage Margaret to lie down, but h
er own bed would be best, and Wynonna didn’t think it was wise for her to walk back to the main house if this was to be the result.
A few minutes later, Helen returned with Zeke, Wade and Jack in tow.
“I hear you’d like more clothesline strung,” Zeke said, glancing at Margaret and then turning to Wynonna.
“I would. If you could do that, we’d appreciate it.”
“I’m on it.” He headed over to a shed where she assumed the extra rope was kept, and she turned back to Margaret.
Wade had crouched down next to her and was speaking to her softly. After a moment, he straightened. “We’re going to carry her back into the house so she can rest, and then one of the men will ride into town for the doctor.”
“Oh, I don’t think we need to go through all that trouble,” Margaret protested. “I’ll be fine in a few minutes.”
“Miss Margaret, I’m no expert about women’s troubles, but from what I know about regular types of medicine, I’m strongly encouraging you to see the doctor,” Jack told her. She looked up at him for a long minute, then nodded.
Wade and Jack formed a chair by linking their arms together, then scooped her up and carried her across the yard as though she weighed next to nothing. “I’ll go with them in case she needs a woman’s help,” Wynonna said. “Would you all hate me forever if I left the laundry for you?”
“Yes,” Fiona replied, “but Margaret needs you more.”
Zeke was already stringing the additional rope and Wynonna knew everything was under control, so she followed Margaret and her helpers into the house. Once Margaret was situated on the bed, Wade caught Wynonna’s elbow and guided her over to the side.
“Jack will be nearby until the doctor gets here. Like he was sayin’, he knows a bit about medicine, but I’m glad you’re here too for the female aspects of it. I’m not helpful at all for things like this.”
“You’ll be a comfort to her, and that’s the most important thing,” Wynonna told him.
He passed a hand down his face. “I surely hope so. I’m going to send Tenny to town for the doctor. Can you think of anything else we need? Of course I’ll have him check on the telegram situation too while he’s there.”
Wynonna shook her head. “Please don’t even worry about that right now. Margaret’s your priority.”
“Thank you. I appreciate that.” His face looked drawn, and it struck Wynonna how much he loved his wife.
“How did the two of you meet?” she asked impulsively.
He chuckled. “Well now, that’s a story. We were bringing the herd through town to load up at the train station for auction, and one of the animals went astray and knocked Margaret right into the dirt there in front of the hotel. I came back later to apologize, and I’ve been smitten ever since.”
Wynonna grinned. “That’s a wonderful story, and one that you’ll tell your child someday.”
“Yes. That’s what I’m planning on.” He gave a nod. “I’ll go find Tenny and be back in a minute.”
Wynonna watched him leave the house, then turned and went back into Margaret’s room. “That’s quite a husband you have there,” she said as she took the chair next to the bed. “I think he’d go to the moon and back for you.”
“I know he would if that’s what it took.” Margaret pressed a hand to her forehead. “I feel so foolish. Aren’t we making a big deal out of nothing? Women get tired all the time when they’re expecting. This is a natural part of the process.”
Jack stirred from where he’d been leaning against the wall. “That’s true, Miss Margaret, but your heart’s beatin’ fast, and your breathin’ isn’t right. It’s best to get you checked out.”
“How do you know my heart’s beating fast? You haven’t checked my pulse.”
He nodded toward her. “I can see it fluttering in your throat there.”
Wynonna turned to look, and she too could see it. She smiled, trying to look encouraging. “Tenny’s a good rider, I’m sure. He’ll be back with the doctor before we know it.”
“Meantime, I’ll step out for a minute and get myself cleaned up—I was helpin’ Sully, and I’m afraid I’m not fit to be in the house at the moment.” Jack grinned, then turned to Wynonna. “While I’m gone, why don’t you help her change into some nightclothes and get her comfortable—see if there’s any broth in the kitchen or somethin’ that would nourish her without bein’ too heavy.”
“Of course. I’m glad to help.”
Wynonna helped Margaret change and got her settled again, then went down to the kitchen and looked around. There was a bit of steak left from breakfast, so she placed it in a small pan with some water and warmed it up, pouring the juices off into a mug. She’d simmer a decent broth later, but that would give Margaret something to start out with at least.
When Jack came back inside, he brought with him a handful of plants and grasses. “These herbs will make a healthful drink,” he explained.
Wynonna put another pot of water on the stove, this time to simmer the herbs, and they both returned to Margaret’s room. It felt like Wade had been gone a long time—he’d probably gotten sidetracked with ranch business.
Margaret sipped at the broth, then said she’d like to sleep. As she closed her eyes and drifted off, Jack and Wynonna exchanged worried glances. Wynonna didn’t know a great deal about all the things that went into pregnancy, but she did know that whatever was happening to Margaret, it wasn’t normal.
***
Jack ate the ham and potatoes Miss Wynonna cooked up for him, appreciative of her thoughtfulness, then checked on Miss Margaret again. This time he did take her pulse, as the flutter in her throat wasn’t as pronounced. She’d gone from having a rapid heartbeat to a weak one, and he wasn’t sure which concerned him most.
He excused himself and went outside to stand on the porch. He’d known Wade ever since day one at the Q—he’d known him just as long as he’d known Sully. He’d seen Wade experience some pretty rough times and pull through each one of them with his integrity and his good humor intact, and Jack admired him more than possibly any other man alive. If ever a man deserved a happily ever after, it was Wade, and Jack couldn’t fathom the idea of anything happening to Miss Margaret. It would be too cruel of fate to do that.
Jack heard the door open and close, and Wynonna joined him at the porch railing. “Are you all right?” she asked softly.
“I’m fine. Just needed a breath of fresh air and a minute to pray.”
“Is it that bad?”
He turned to her and smiled. “My grandma always said that if we wait until things are bad off before we pray, we’re prayin’ about five days too late.”
Wynonna chuckled. “She sounds like a wise woman.”
“She was.” Jack turned and looked back toward the road. He’d calculated how long it ought to take Tenny to get to town, plus how long it ought to take to get back, and they still had a wait ahead. That didn’t keep him from scanning the horizon, though, looking for a cloud of dust or another sign that help was on its way.
“Come back inside,” Wynonna said. “Talk to me while I make some bread.”
He knew what she was really asking—she wanted both of them to be within earshot of Miss Margaret, and he nodded.
He took a seat at the table and watched as she heated some water on the stove, then poured it into a bowl and stirred in honey. “Miss Wynonna, about what I said last night. About the money.”
She looked up at him and shook her head. “You don’t need to worry about that, Jack. It’s forgotten now.”
“I appreciate that, but there’s something I’ve got to make clear.” Now he just hoped he could phrase it out loud like it was in his head. “The thing is, Miss Wynonna, I’ve never had much money. It wasn’t till I came here that I could even put a little aside, and I don’t see myself ever bein’ wealthy. I didn’t think I’d marry because I’ve been so busy here on the ranch and also because I didn’t have a lot to offer a wife. When I met you there on the train plat
form, I thought, maybe now a poor, hard-working man has a chance to find happiness. But when we talked last night . . . well, I took offense when I shouldn’t have, and I’m sorry.”
Her hands had stilled, her spoon dangling motionless against the side of the bowl. “I made you feel as though you weren’t worth loving because you didn’t have any money?”
“I know what’s not what you meant to say, and lookin’ back, those words didn’t actually come out of your mouth, but because I was bein’ sensitive, that’s how I took it. I’m sorry for puttin’ that on you—you didn’t deserve it.”
She set the spoon down and joined him at the table. “I think we’ve both got a lot of voices in our heads that are keeping us from hearing each other,” she replied, meeting his gaze earnestly. “How can we fix this?”
“Maybe we can think of a way to get rid of those other voices.” Her hand was lying on the table, and he reached out and gathered it up into his own. “I don’t know how much time we’re gonna have here together, but I’d sure like to spend it getting to know you—the real you, and to show you the real me.”
She smiled. “We keep trying to call a truce—how can we make it stick this time?”
He didn’t answer for a moment. Instead, he traced her knuckles with his thumb, then brought her hand up to his face and pressed it to his cheek. “I don’t know, but I think we need to keep tryin’.”
“I do too,” she whispered.
He could have sat there with her for hours, but he cleared his throat, reminding himself that he was there for another reason. “I’ll go peek at Miss Margaret,” he said, coming to his feet.
A Wrangler for Wynonna Page 10