by Danni Roan
Will’s eyes never left Katie’s face which was now completely crimson. He could feel his own ears flaming but still he just stood there like a poll axed steer staring.
“Now wife.” Brion’s chortling voice echoed through the room. “You leave these two young people alone. There’s no harm done and I’m sure that Josh’ll understand.” He chuckled again but noticed as his wife shook her head in disgust then launched into a tirade in her native language, now glaring at him.
“You youngin’s better go on outside.” He whispered low to Will, indicating the door with a jerk of his chin. “Let her wind down a bit, then we’ll have some real grub.”
Jamming his hat onto his head Will strode toward Katie and offered her his arm, which she took reluctantly and together they walked out onto the front stoop.
“I’m… I’m…Oh, I’m so sorry Mr. Robertson.” Katie stammered.
Will smiled down at her. “It’s alright. No harm done.” He replied still not relinquishing her arm in his.
The sound of galloping feet pulled Will and Katie from their own silent thoughts and they watched as young Sean drove a group of about eight ponies into a rail corral. He then wheeled his own mount and rode to greet them.
“I’ve brought the stock in.” He stated without preamble. “We can go get your gear whenever you’re ready or you can tell me where to go and I’ll bring it back.”
Finally relinquishing the warm hand tucked in at his elbow Will replied. “No, I’ll go with you. That will give Ms. Katie a chance to catch up with your folks.” And with that he walked toward the corral to pick a mount.
Katie sighed. She knew she hadn’t heard the last of her aunt’s ideas on matrimony but there was no way to leave yet. With a deep sigh she turned back to the cabin door. She had just lifted the latch prepared to enter when a small hand slipped into hers and she turned to look into the face of her little cousin.
“Well, now where have you been?” she asked.
“I just went for a walk to let you grownups have some time to chat.” The girl replied in a matter of fact way.
Katie smiled and pulled the young girl to her. “We don’t see enough of you at the ranch lately Annabelle. You need to talk that grumpy old man into bringing you down more often.”
The girl shrugged in reply. “We would have come a couple of weeks ago but Pa hurt his leg so me and Sean have been keeping up with everything. I figured we’d get down eventually this summer. That’s why when Running-Deer stopped by Pa asked him to let your pa know we could use some supplies.”
Katie smiled. “You are too grown up for your age.” she told the girl, studying her lovely face. Annabelle would be a beauty someday. Her small heart shape face, with smooth, straight features was lovely already. Large dark brown, inquisitive eyes, were soft and intelligent. Her black hair hung in two braids over her shoulders while a rose bud mouth smiled up at Katie.
“How’s that different from you?” The girl asked in practical innocence then opened the door to her home and walked in.
Although the words were not meant with malice they struck deep in Katie’s heart.
Will swung up on the little pinto mustang and picked up the lead rope of another horse while Sean did the same and together they headed back toward the cave that he and Katie had left just that morning. He looked around him as he headed back toward the east, noting the snug home, the low log barn for the horses, and the well-tended kitchen garden. Brion Blakely had a fine place here, but not just that he had a home.
Will had all but forgotten what home was. His father had died in the War Between the States leaving his mother with nothing but two small boys to raise. When she was gone he had just started drifting. Home. The word resonated through him until he vibrated like a plucked guitar string. Well maybe if he just played his cards right, and maybe, if Mr. James didn’t run him off the ranch for being out all night with his daughter he could still have some type of home. He could ride for the brand until he earned a piece of the ranch then maybe build himself a little cabin, a place to call home.
He could almost picture it in his mind’s eye. A few head of cattle, a string of horses. A tidy little house with Katie standing at the door. The vision startled him so much that he pulled his pony up short and just sat there in shock until Sean’s intense stare snapped him back to his senses.
“You alright Mr.?” The boy finally asked as they stood in the middle of the trail.
“Oh, sorry.” Will said abashedly “Just wool gathering I guess.” Then he kicked his heels to his pony and led the way on toward the cave.
Will set his jaw determined to put the image of the honey haired woman from his mind but no matter how hard he tried he couldn’t shake the vision. Why in the world would he have imagined his place like that? True enough Katie was a beautiful woman. She was smart, determined and never flinched from hard work, she was also the cattleman’s daughter which meant she was off limits. Maybe someday he’d have time for a real home, perhaps even a family. The sudden longing that rose in his heart stopped him from breathing as loneliness settled into his soul like a poison.
It took less time to reach the cave than Will expected. Sean knew these hills well and soon they found themselves settling nervous horses as they approached the carcass of the bear. By now the meat would have spoiled but Sean quickly skinned it while Will loaded up the pack horses.
“Ma’ll sure like having this.” Sean chimed as he tied the pelt in a bundle.
It didn’t take long for Will and Sean to return to the cabin, the boy knew a short cut over rough country that brought them back well before sun down and they made good time by keeping their mounts to a steady trot. By the time they had returned supper was cooking and for the most part an amiable peace had settled over the cozy cabin.
Katie sat doing mending with her young cousin while Winny was busy in the kitchen. Brion, lay reading a book with his bandaged leg propped up on pillows. The domestic scene twisted Will’s gut with longing.
“You wash up for dinner.” Winny said abruptly as the two riders stepped into the house. “We eat soon.” She gave Will a knowing grin then began placing items on the table.
Dinner was delicious. A haunch of fresh venison roasted and tender with vegetables browned in fat and liberally seasoned with herbs and salt. There was even a cake for desert.
“You too skinny.” Winny scolded Will, pointing her fork like a scepter. “You need to fatten him up.” She then said to Katie, now pointing the definitive fork at her.
“Aunt Winny, what do I have to do with it?” Katie protested.
“Pah” Winny snorted “You see him eat. He is starved. You feed him.”
Katie groaned and shook her head.
“I’m eating so much because I missed breakfast and lunch.” Will proclaimed, trying to intercede for Katie. “And this is just about the best grub I’ve tasted in a long time.” He added for good measure.
Again Winny waved her fork at him, but this time with a smile. “You still too skinny.” She flashed an accusing look at Katie who was studying her plate with intent purpose.
“Ma’am, I swear they feed me plenty down at the Broken J…” Will began to protest again but was interrupted by Brion’s freckled hand on his arm.
“Give over son.” The older man said with a smile. “Once my Wynonna gets an idea in her head, no one will ever shift it save the good Lord himself.”
That night Will bunked down with Sean in a room that had been added to the back of the cabin while Katie shared with her young cousin Annabelle, in the room across the hall. For what seemed like hours Will tossed on the small bunk but sleep would not come. Instead he kept thinking of the beautiful young woman sleeping only feet away, and his heart thundered in his ears.
Katie might be only a few feet away across a narrow hall but to him she was as inaccessible as if she lived a world away. She was the boss’s daughter and he rode for the brand; it could never be. With a deep sigh he rolled over facing the wall and tried to sleep.
Katie lay awake in the darkness studying the shadows of the rafters overhead. The soft sound of her cousin’s steady breathing only emphasized the fact the she herself could not sleep.
Across the hall Will slept. Why couldn’t she get him out of her mind? Closing her eyes she could picture his face. His clear eyes and dark wavy hair. His smile when something pleased him. She felt again the thrill of his hand around her waist and the press of his body at her back as they rode the day before. She should never have given in to her desire to be cared for. It was impossible. She would just have to put him out of her mind. She had work to do and no time for a man in her life. That dream was past. Heaving a deep sigh Katie rolled to her side staring at the wall and willed herself to sleep.
The next morning broke clear and bright without a cloud in the sky. Immediately after breakfast Katie and Will mounted up and bid their farewells to her Uncle and his family. Her aunt had been very quiet during the morning meal, which surprised Katie until just before they left.
“Mr. Robertson.” Winny called as they sat their horses in the yard. “You take care of our Kat. She is for you.” And before anyone could say another word she turned and walked back into the cabin.
“You two get on now.” Was all Brion said and waved them out of the yard, with a chuckle.
It was a long quiet ride back down the mountain and homeward. Each of them seemed to be drawn deeper and deeper into their own thoughts.
Will found himself longing for Katie to speak to him, to point out things of importance as they rode along but she was as wrapped up in her own world as he was and silently they plodded on. They ate in their saddles, nibbling the cold venison sandwiches that Winny had packed for them, sneaking quick glimpses at each other now and then.
Katie noticed the dark stubble on Will’s jaw, and the drawn, tired lines around his eyes. Will could see dark circles under Katie’s eyes and knew what a toll this trip had taken on her. Reaching the relatively flat land of the prairie they pushed their horses into an easy canter. The steady four-four beat of the horse’s hooves keeping time with the sun's slow descent.
All around bright colors of the prairie sparkled after the cleansing showers from the day before. Here and there small pools of water dotted tiny gullies and sparkled like jewels in the afternoon sun. The sun had just passed its apex when they spotted two riders headed their way. Will eased his rifle in its scabbard, but soon recognized Isadoro and the blacksmith Deeks as they galloped toward them on lathered horses.
“Whoo Whee!” Deeks called “We been plumb worried sick ‘bout you two youngin’s.” he said pulling his horse up in front of them. The old man’s face was split into a wide grin as he hunched over his saddle, letting his horse breath.
I ain’t been out in these parts in ages and you two done just about broke this ol’ back o’ mine. But that’s no matter, what’s important is you’re alright. Ya are ain’t ya?” He added eyeing them with concern.
“They’re fine.” Isadoro chided “But I think they have a good deal of explaining to do on the way home.” His dark eyes narrowed on Will then turned to Katie.
“Grans, we’re fine but it is a long story. Let’s get moving and I’ll tell you all about it, I just want to get home. First though tell me, did the herd get off alright? Was there any trouble? When did they go?”
Isadore swung his gray horse toward home shaking his head at his granddaughter’s questions. She would never change, this one, always thinking of everyone else, always worried about the ranch. Frustration made his words come out sharper than he had intended.
“Everything went just fine and the herd is well on its way to Casper. The world won’t end just because you’re not there to tell people what to do you know. Now you tell me what happened to you. Bianca is beside herself with worry. When your horses came back without you I thought she’d saddle up and head out herself.” His dark words fell like a shroud on Katie and she cast a quick glance at Will.
“We didn’t mean to worry anyone.” He stated, his words clipped. “I’m sure you’ll understand when Ms. James explains.” He ended his lips compressed into a grim line.
Chapter 8
Katie stomped into her boots using her frustration and anger to slam them onto her feet. For the past four days she had been working around the ranch just waiting for her father and the rest of the men to return to the ranch.
She had been furious when she’d been informed that the other girls had all gone along and that her father had left word that she was not to try to catch them up. She’d argued, and ranted, and even stamped her booted foot a few times in pure temper but her grandfather had stood firm as had Nona, Chen Lou and anyone else who was left on the ranch.
It was Isadoro’s soft voice that had finally put paid to the issue though. Grans, wasn’t a tall man but within him there was a presence, and energy and intelligence that could match any of the larger men on the ranch. He’d looked at her, his cinnamon eyes, soft but firm.
“You’re staying here.” He said bluntly. “There is no use in you two charging off after a herd that has already been on the trail for three days. Your pa and the others are old hands and they know what to do. Be still.” He’d then turned and walked away leaving no doubt he expected her to heed his words.
Katie stood from her bed where she’d settled to pull her boots on and sighed. He was right and she knew it. The crew that had gone with her father was more than big enough to get them to Casper safely. It just rubbed the wrong way that she wasn’t along. Trying to look on the bright side of it all she could at least grudgingly be happy for her sisters and the fact that they would have a chance to go to town. Something that happened rarely at best.
Again huffing a deep sigh she stepped out of her room and headed to breakfast. She knew her grandfather would have a list of chores and odd jobs to be done today, just like he had done for nearly a week. She and Will had both been given assignments and she was determined to see them through before the rest of her family returned. This was her home and it deserved her undivided attention.
Will threw himself back into the work on the ranch with a vengeance. Isadore had stepped in to see that things were done while Joshua and the rest of the men were gone and his energy was contagious. Each day at breakfast the aging builder would go over the work for the day and all the men would listen intently, then head out to their assigned jobs.
Will had volunteered several times to check the herd, or ride the few fence lines trying to get away from the ranch and specifically an attractive young woman, but each day he found his chores kept him close to the house. More than once he wondered if Katie’s grandfather did it on purpose to keep an eye on him, but he quickly put those thoughts away.
Today he was working with the blacksmith Deeks helping to stoke the fire to heat the new horse shoes being formed by the thick set man. Deeks had been a blacksmith his whole life and it showed in the muscles of his arms and chest, but he was now stooped with age and after years of bearing the weight of horses as he’d shoed them he seemed to be in almost constant pain. Today Will’s job was to assist him in shoeing what was left of the remuda. He stoked the fire, and one by one brought the horses to the older man. The day was hot and before noon both men had stripped their shirts in the sweltering heat of the forge.
Will hadn’t seen Katie all day and although he’d worked with her off and on over the past few days he suddenly realized that he’d had little time with her at all. Again he wondered if this was Isadoro’s plan and he couldn’t blame the man for his protectiveness, if that’s what it was, especially considering the circumstances of their recent trip to the Wind River Range. With a shiver, he wondered if his time at the Broken J was limited to the day that Joshua James rode back onto the ranch.
Working the billows of the forge, urging the fire to a red hot glow and completely engrossed in his thoughts he didn’t notice as Katie rode up with a few more horses in tow. He looked up just as she stepped from her saddle and for a long moment their
eyes met. Will’s heart picked up its pace and he couldn’t drag his gaze from her face. Her green eyes sparkled, and soft color, painted by the rays of the afternoon sun, graced her cheeks. Time seemed to freeze as they stood staring at each other. The sound of Deeks’ hammer ringing out on his anvil snapped them from their stupor.
“Katie, you tie them horses over there.” Deeks said pointing with the large hammer in his blackened hand. “I reckon they’re the last ones for today.” The old black smith’s voice crackled like his fire.
Katie, dragged her eyes away from Will Robertson who stood under the low roofed shed. His lean body rippling with muscles as he held the handles of the billows, the warm glow of the coals casting each angle in relief as sweat ran in droplets along his chest and over his flat stomach. She found her mouth had gone suddenly dry.
“Katie!” Deeks’ voice echoed again and she snatched her eyes away from the younger man, a deep blush rising along her cheeks. “Get them horses tied and head in to see if Bianca needs you.” The blacksmiths words were sharp, demanding, leaving no room for argument.
In slow, jerky motions the girl did as she was told. Will watched her as she secured the horses to the hitching rail, then turning on her small booted heel walked toward the house.
Quite suddenly Will breathed again. He’d been standing there looking at her, looking at him and his breath had just left his body, without warning, as he’d stood rooted to the spot by her heady green gaze.
Chapter 9
Casper Wyoming August, 1888.
Joshua James stepped out of the bank and headed for the post office. The cattle had been sold and loaded on the train and his job was done. He’d deposited the money for the ranch and now turned toward the post office, anticipation making his heart beat loudly.