Unusual Inheritance

by Rhonda Grice

  Unusual Inheritance

  By

  Rhonda Grice

  Kansas Prairie Series Book 1

  Copyright 2014 Rhonda Grice

  Chapter One

  Small white boulders and piles of grey rocks were seen from the corner of her eye. Stormy, suddenly alert, turned the animal with a slight nudge to the ribs and headed the short distance away from the road. This place was her last chance to get water before continuing the remaining two miles of her trip. She remembered the small pond, nestled behind the rocks, from when she and her parents had come by it on their way to another near-by town years ago. What a welcome sight it was. She would have turned to the North from here, if she were heading to the small settlement of Tindal. But today her mission was in another direction. Her skin felt as if it had reached a boiling point, and cool water would feel like heaven!

  Long full branches from several trees spread their limbs out over the water, giving her the shade she so desperately needed. Stormy slid down from the saddle and rubbed her behind. Three long days she had been riding, and was so ready to plant her feet on the ground and sleep in a real bed. But for now, the best she could do was cool off.

  Squatting down by the water’s edge, her slender hands dipped a rag into the cool inviting stream. Ah, the coolness of it felt refreshingly good as she cleaned the dust from the road off herself with the wet rag. She let down her hair and brushed the long chestnut brown strands for the meeting with the attorney, Mr. Biggs, and tied it back with a ribbon. “It wouldn't do for me to look as poor as I really am,” she thought out loud

  Her mind began to wander to the strange letter she’d received about some kind of inheritance, but she quickly stopped those thoughts for now and got back to the task at hand. The sooner she got to Possum Junction, the sooner her questions would be answered and this would all be over. Stormy stood by the pool of water to stretch her legs and let the gentle breeze dry the skin where she had bathed. Time was getting away from her, so better change clothes and be on her way, she reminded herself.

  Her only other dress had seen better days, but at least it was clean. Quickly Stormy stripped down to her underpants, wishing she had time to jump in the water and really get cool. Then she heard it; the noise. Her eyes turned back to the rock ledge and there he was, just staring at her. Before she could cover herself, the dusty cowpoke came all the way from behind the rocks, looking just as surprised to see her as she was him.

  Stormy pulled the dress up to her bosom for a small bit of cover. “What do you want,” she asked, scared of the answer.

  The cowpoke tipped his dusty hat at her. “Sorry Ma’am.” A large grin spread across his thin, but clean-shaven face as his brown eyes took her in. For a moment it seemed they were both speechless.

  Flustered, Stormy spoke in a harsh voice. “The least you could do is turn around while I finish getting dressed.”

  “Sorry Ma’am.” He said softly as he turned.

  No man, other than her pa, had ever seen her half-dressed! It was degrading…it was…well she wasn’t sure what it was, but she didn’t like it! She hurriedly threw the dress over her head and closed the buttons. “You can turn around now.”

  He turned to face her again. “I just want to water my horse Ma’am, if that's alright.”

  “Of course it's alright. It's a free country,” she almost hissed the words.

  Undeterred by her behavior the cowboy asked. “So what's a pretty young girl doing all alone out here in her underpants? He pointed at the edge of her dress still caught up to the waist on one side, a small grin doing its best not to escape his lips.

  More humiliation, Stormy thought as she pulled her dress down where it belonged. “For your information mister, I was just changing clothes before heading into town. How was I supposed to know some…some peeper would show up?” Her voice almost squeaked in agitation.

  The man smiled slow and easy like, then responded to her outburst. “Huh…a peeper?” He rubbed his chin back and forth as if he were thinking. “Well I've been called many things lady but never that. So don't be so uppity about your…attributes.” He looked her up and down as he spoke. “I just want to water my horse, like I said.” He led the horse to drink and bent to quench his own thirst as well, ignoring those dainty hands resting upon shapely hips as Stormy mumbled under her breath.

  “Well, I don’t have to stand here and be insulted”. Stormy mounted her horse, and rode off before the man could say anything or ask any questions she didn't want to answer. She had only ridden about a 100 yards before she realized that egotistical cowboy, dirt farmer, or whatever he was, had called her pretty. Yeah, she would admit he wasn’t hard on the eyes and smiled for a moment. A perfect stranger thinking she was pretty. Hmmm, maybe this ain't such a tiresome day after all!

  The weather was almost unbearable as Stormy plodded along. Her behind was throbbing and old Wobbles seemed about ready to call it a day. Once he made up his mind to stop you might as well be prepared to stop, because that’s the truth of it. No doubt about it, old Wobbles had a mind of his own at times. She’d better get to town and quick!

  Stormy spent the rest of her ride reflecting on her situation. Aunt Lucy had died, that was the reason for the letter. She wasn't sure what all was involved in this inheritance because the attorney indicated he needed to talk to her in person. Truth be told she wasn't even aware she had any living relatives until right before her momma died. Her momma had tried to get her to make contact with Aunt Lucy, knowing she was dying, but Stormy was too pig headed to ask for help from a strange relative she had never known existed.

  What could have happened to keep them from speaking all these years? She may never know since both sisters are passed on now. It was as strange as the letter she had received instructing her to come to Possum Junction. However, if it had something to do with her momma she would find the truth before leaving.

  Her ma and pa both died of the fever a few months apart, leaving her alone on the farm which the bank soon took away as well. No need feeling sorry for herself, she thought. She had managed to get a one room shack on the edge of town where she took in laundry for folks and was able to scrimp by. “End…of…story,” she said out loud, refusing to give in to any kind of sadness! Stormy gave old Wobbles a little kick, hoping to end this trip before she got so stiff she couldn’t walk.

  Chapter 2

  The town loomed before her and was larger than she had expected. It was full of shops of every kind and people coming and going. It literally bustled with activity! With a name like Possum Junction she had expected very few buildings with maybe some farm land on the outskirts of town. It wasn’t anything like her Cedar Wells. It appeared she wasn’t the only one taking in the scenery. All eyes were on her as she rode down the main street. It's almost as if they were expecting her.

  The brown sign with large white letters caught her attention about half-way through town. Biggs, Attorney At Law, is how it read. She may not have the best education but was proud she could read and write better than most people she knew.

  Stormy threw one leg over to the other side of Wobbles and slid down to the ground. She tied his reins to the hitching post, pressed the wrinkles out of her dress the best she could, and entered the office of Biggs, Attorney At Law.

  Her eyes took in the high back chairs and an opulent desk that dwarfed the small but tidy office of Mr. Biggs. He saw her, rounded his chair, and met her with a smile.

  “Good afternoon, Theodore Biggs at your service Ma’am.” He extended his hand and guided her to a chair. “Please sit,” he added.

  Stormy spoke right away. “I'm Stormy Calder, the one you sent the letter to. I'll be honest Mr. Biggs, I didn't really know my Aunt Lucy and so I can't imagine her lea
ving me anything of value. Let's just get this over with quickly. I have a long ride back to Cedar Wells tomorrow.”

  “No matter, no matter,” he brushed her remarks aside. “The important thing is that you are here now and we can start completing your aunts final wishes. As her attorney, I can't rest until all this is finished. You understand, don't you my dear?” He leaned in close, almost too close in her opinion.

  “The best way for me to explain Lucy's will is to just show you. If you will accompany me, I'll take you out to her place to show you what she left you.” He stood up from the big desk and walked around to where she sat.

  The thought of riding anywhere didn’t appeal to Stormy but Mr. Biggs explained they would be riding in a buggy and not horseback so she agreed. It was only a few of miles out of town so there was no need to wait until morning.

  Biggs rambled the entire time of the journey to Aunt Lucy's. It was as if he was nervous and didn't want to give Stormy a chance to ask any questions. She didn't mind because she was just bone tired and ready to eat and rest for a while. Her mind was half way listening to Mr. Biggs until she heard him call her name, rather sharply.

  “Miss Calder, did you hear me? We are just about there. You aunts place is just around the bend.”

  Nothing could have prepared Stormy for what she saw as the buggy rounded the large row of trees. It was as if the heavens had opened up and rained down the most beautiful pastures and grassy meadows she had ever seen. Yellow flowers covered the fields until they got a little closer. It was then she saw it. In the distance was the largest house she had ever seen. And it wasn't empty or closed up as she had imagined. There were men walking around the barn that was off to the West side and horses in the corral.

  The house was nestled back toward the tree line, with a veranda that went all the way around the front and both sides of the white two-story home. A white picket fence marked the front yard and gave the huge place a homey feel. She knew her mouth must be open and consciously shut it. What was going on?

  With open arms she asked. “Is…is this Aunt Lucy's place?”

  “Yes, it is,” Biggs answered. “Your aunt owned one of the largest and most successful ranches in these parts. Of course she started it with Luther, her husband, but after he died ten years ago she took over. Many people thought it would go downhill, but Lucy was a smart and resourceful woman and the ranch did better than ever these past ten years. In fact, when Luther died I offered to buy it from her, but she wouldn’t hear of it.” His tone a bit resentful.

  The buggy came to a stop in front of the big house and within moments she was standing in the parlor, her mouth agape again.

  “Carmen,” he called. “Carmen, we're here!” Like magic the stout Mexican woman appeared with a huge smile on her face.

  “Welcome senorita, welcome,” she said as she took Mr. Biggs hat.

  Biggs made the introduction. “Stormy Calder, this is Carmen. She takes care of things around here in the house and has been here since she was a very young girl. Anything you want to know, just ask Carmen.”

  Stormy nodded, she was at a loss for words. Finally she asked in a small voice. “Well Mr. Biggs, what is it you brought me out here to show me? You know, what you wrote me about.”

  Mr. Biggs nodded at Carmen and she immediately left the room, but returned quickly with a small child.

  “Miss Calder, this is Katy Marie.” He ushered the child forward. Both Carmen and Mr. Biggs stared at Stormy waiting for her to say something.

  Stormy looked at the child, about eight years old she suspected and then looked at the both of them. Oh my! Surely this wasn't...was it? Katy Marie was her inheritance? Oh no, she thought! What would she do with a child? Just as Stormy was about to say something the little girl spoke.

  “Are you the lady who is going to take care of me? Aunt Lucy died,” she said as the tears fell down her little face. “I promise I’ll be good if you stay. I don't want to be alone any more. I'm scared,” her little voice faded softly away.

  Stormy's heart melted at Katy Marie's words. Here was this slip of a little girl with long pigtails and the most adorable freckles. But what could she do? She knew more than anyone how it felt to be all alone, but she could barely feed herself! How could she manage a child?

  The child’s tears increased to a sob when Stormy didn’t answer. When that happened Stormy dropped to the child’s level and held her by the shoulders. “You are not going to be alone Katy Marie. We will get through this together. Okay?” she smiled at the child.

  Katy Marie instantly threw her arms around Stormy and held on for dear life. In that instant it was settled.

  “Well it seems you two are going to get on just fine,” Mr. Biggs chimed in. “Katy Marie why don't you go and play so Miss Calder and I can get the paperwork done.” The girl left and Mr. Biggs ushered her to the table in the next room.

  Once seated, Stormy spoke. “Mr. Biggs, I can barely feed and clothe myself. I can take her back home with me to Cedar Wells, but she won't have the same kind of life she had here with Aunt Lucy.”

  “Take her back! Why would you do that?” Biggs said in a raised voice.

  “I thought that is why you sent for me so I could come get Katy and take her to raise,” she answered.

  “Yes, of course that is true, but I don't think you understand the entire inheritance,” he said. “Your Aunt Lucy left you this entire ranch, and little Katy Marie. It was her last wish that you live here, run the ranch, and raise Katy Marie. Whoever raises Katy Marie gets to run the ranch, and Lucy wanted that to be you.”

  Stormy stood to her full height of five foot six and took in her surroundings in a different light. “You mean all this she left to me?” She could not believe what she had just heard. Why, Aunt Lucy didn't even really know her. “Why?” she asked.

  “Well, I guess you are entitled to know the whole story,” Biggs said. “Your Aunt and your mom were very close once. In fact Lucy, even though she was your mom’s aunt, was only eight years older than your mom. They were always together when they were young and when they got older, and got interested in boys, they both fell for the same guy.

  Your Aunt Lucy won Luther's heart and the girls never spoke to each other again. I think Lucy felt guilty all these years and wanted to make it up to your ma, but then she passed away. She wants you to have all this Stormy, so please don't turn this opportunity down. There is a good foreman here on the ranch that can run things until you figure out how things are done.

  Okay, here are the papers. Just sign here on the first page and date and sign on the last page,” he thrust them in front of her. “Oh yes, now that you have signed the papers, here is my final bill.” He placed another paper down in front of her. “Just go to the bank and get things changed over into your name and bring the money by my office. The bank knows you have the right to do so and I’ll stop by and have them set the paperwork up for you.”

  Stormy did as Mr. Biggs said and in an instant went from having nothing to more than she could ever need or want.

  Chapter Three

  As soon as Mr. Biggs rode off Carmen entered the room. “Miss Stormy,” Carman said. “Let me show you to your room so you can freshen up and maybe rest a little before supper is ready.”

  Carmen didn't know how good that sounded. “Thank you Carmen,” she said. “I am rather tired from the long trip from Cedar Wells.” Stormy didn't even take time to look at her room, or any other part of the house. She was so tired she threw herself across the bed and fell asleep almost immediately. The next thing she knew Carmen was waking her for supper.

  “Oh” she said, “how long did I sleep?”

  “About two hours, Miss Stormy. You feel better now?”

  “Yes, thank you. Let me wash up and I'll be down in just a minute.”

  As Stormy entered the dining room she couldn’t help but notice the table was set with beautiful matching china, and it was breathtaking. Katie Marie was patiently waiting for Stormy and jumped up from her c
hair when she saw her. Long ribbon-laced pigtails bounced up and down as the child quickly pulled out a chair for Stormy. Who could resist those big brown eyes? Already Stormy felt responsible for the little thing.

  Katy Marie sat back in her chair. “Hi Stormy, you feel better now?”

  “Much better.” Stormy smiled back at her. “I just needed a little rest. Who are the extra two plates for,” she asked.

  “Oh, they are for Jed and Jake. They are our best ranch hands and always helped Aunt Lucy run the place so she has them take supper with us every night. Not breakfast or our noon day meal, just supper.” The child rambled on some more, seemingly without even taking a breath, to Stormy’s amusement. “Aunt Lucy said it was her way of showing them how much she appreciated all they did for her on the ranch, but I think she like having adults at the table.”

  Just then the door opened and in walked two men, one right behind the other. Right before Stormy was about to speak her eyes got a good look at the man coming in last. It was him! The peeper from the watering hole!

  Oh dear, was she having dinner every night with the one man who had seen her half-dressed? Her face turned red at the thought. She stood but before she could introduce herself, the large burley man in front spoke.

  “Howdy Ma’am, my name is Jake Renner and I'm the foreman here at the Double LL. You must be Lucy's niece.” He placed his hat on the rack to his right and continued. “We heard you were coming, but didn't know when.” He spread his arm out wide in the other man’s direction. “This here is my right hand man and best wrangler, Jed Rivers.”

  Jed quickly took the lead. “Nice to meet you Ma’am,” he said as he took off his hat. “Boy Katie Marie, something sure smells good this evening,” he added, turning to pinch the little girl’s nose gently.

  Katie Marie giggled. “It's Carmen's chicken and dumplings.”

  It seemed that Jed was not letting the cat out of the bag and so she wouldn't either. At least he had enough manners not to embarrass her by sharing their little encounter. Her eyes could not help but notice he cleaned up right nice. Now that he was without his hat on she could see he had black hair to match those brown eyes and bronzed skin. Without anything else said they all sat down to supper with Jed keeping Katie Marie entertained and Jake making small talk. Once supper was over there was an awkward silence that was finally broken by Jake Renner.