The Rancher Takes a Cook

by Misty M. Beller

  “Are you okay?” He turned his face toward her ear so his words would be heard over the storm. The warmth of his breath on her face made Anna’s skin tingle, and she wasn’t sure if her rapidly beating heart was due to her near tumble over the edge of the wagon or from being tucked under Jacob’s arm.

  He was still looking at her with concern on his face. Anna nodded and yelled above the din, “I’m fine.” Before she could disentangle herself from his protective grip, the sky opened up and chunks of ice the size of silver dollars began falling. Anna gasped and burrowed deeper into Jacob’s side to escape the sting of ice pelting her skin through the thin cotton of her dress. The wagon lurched as the horses moved faster to get away from the cold assault. Jacob’s arm tightened around her as he moved the reins into both hands for a better grip.

  “What can I do?” she yelled, lifting her face toward his ear to be heard through the racket.

  “Hold on,” he called back. “There’s no cover for a couple of miles, so we have to push on. And pray.”

  Anna obeyed on both counts. She clutched Jacob’s side with both hands as she curled into his warm protection. Lord, please guide the horses and keep them from bolting. Give Jacob strength and wisdom to get us home safely.

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  The hail lasted for about ten minutes, but it seemed an eternity. Jacob’s shoulders tensed in preparation for the horses to bolt against the frightening phenomenon. Even after the sky stopped showering large masses of ice, the rain continued in torrents. Jacob was thoroughly soaked except for the side where Anna’s warm body pressed against him. He tilted his head to rest on top of hers so the rain flowing from his hat brim didn’t soak her hair. Anna’s bonnet had been pushed off her head when she’d almost catapulted over the front of the wagon, and her hair still smelled a bit like honeysuckle. This ride should have been miserable in the ice and rain, but the warm bundle tucked under his arm made it almost comfortable.

  As they finally entered the ranch yard, Anna shivered under his touch. She was such a slender thing and didn’t have enough meat on her bones to serve as insulation. Three men bolted from the bunkhouse, pulling their coats on as they came. One grabbed the horses’ bridles while the other two began unloading the supplies.

  Anna had pulled away from Jacob when the wagon stopped and now sat huddled on the seat, arms wrapped around herself. He wasted no time in jumping from the wagon, then reached up to lift Anna down. “Can you walk?”

  “Yes, of c-course.” Anna’s teeth chattered so hard, it was difficult to make out her words. Her face was white, and she wobbled like she would collapse any second. Jacob kept a hand under her arm and called instructions to the men to care for the horses. Turning back to Anna, he led her toward the porch. She stumbled on the first step and he wrapped an arm around her waist to help her regain balance.

  Aunt Lola met them at the door, her wrinkled brow creased in concern. “Bring the lass into the parlor. I have hot water on the stove for tea and a fire built to warm your bones. I’ll go get towels for the both of ye.”

  Jacob did as his aunt instructed and settled Anna into the overstuffed chair closest to the fire, grabbing a quilt to wrap around her.

  Anna sat with her arms hugging her body, shivers visibly convulsing her shoulders. Jacob kneeled to stoke the fire then turned back to her. What else could be done to make her more comfortable? Where was Aunt Lola with that hot tea? Anna needed to get warm from the inside out. And she needed to get out of these wet clothes.

  “Aren’t you c-c-cold?” Anna asked in a weak voice, her teeth chattering faster than the rattle on a snake’s tail.

  Jacob knelt in front of her, both to hear better and to see her at eye level. “I’m okay, but we need to get you warm so you don’t catch a chill. Do you think you could make it upstairs to get out of these wet clothes?”

  Anna nodded, biting her bottom lip. It didn’t stop her teeth from chattering.

  “Okay, then. Let’s get you up.” Jacob gently pulled Anna to her feet. He stayed right next to her as she took tentative steps.

  “I’m f-fine,” she said, as if trying to convince herself. “Just a little d-dizzy.”

  By the time she reached the stairway, Anna seemed to gain a little strength. On the third stair she started to sway. “Oh...” she breathed, and then she collapsed.

  Jacob had kept his arms hovering nearby, so he was able to scoop her up before she fell. He carried her the rest of the way up the stairs.

  Aunt Lola waited at the top for him and led the way to Anna’s room. “You lay her on the bed there and then skedaddle. I’ll take it from here.” The older woman shooed him.

  Jacob laid Anna down and gazed at her pale face. She looked so fragile, with dark circles under her long black lashes.

  Aunt Lola patted a gnarled hand on his arm. “She’ll be fine now. She’s probably just overtired from everything she does around here then getting soaked through was the final straw. Why don’t you go get yourself changed into dry clothes and get some hot coffee. Ya might as well bring Anna a cup of warm tea, too.”

  Aunt Lola seemed to understand he needed to feel useful. Jacob gave a quick nod and headed out the doorway.

  When he ran back upstairs about fifteen minutes later carrying a mug of hot tea, Anna was sitting up in bed, propped on pillows. Aunt Lola was pulling quilts out of a trunk in the corner and stopped to wave him in. “Come on in. She’s ready to drink something warm.”

  Anna’s cheeks tinged pink as he approached the bed, and she dipped her chin, looking up at him through those beautiful black lashes.

  “How’re you feeling?” It was all Jacob could get out. Seeing Anna lying there in her dressing robe with skin still pale and her long brown hair flowing to her shoulders caused a strange lump to clog his throat. He swallowed, trying to clear the obstruction.

  “I’m much better now.” Anna’s sweet voice sounded like an angel. “I don’t know what happened to me. Getting a little wet shouldn’t have done all that.”

  Aunt Lola’s “Hmmph” came from the trunk in the corner as she raised herself up to glare at Anna, wrinkled hands settled on her hips. “Missie, you’ve done more than get a little wet. I’ve been telling you for days now yer workin’ too hard and yer gonna make yourself sick if you don’t get some rest. Well now, I’m gonna see you get that rest, and that’s all there is to it. You’re to stay in that bed all day tomorrow. I’ll bring your meals up to you and you can sleep or read the day away.”

  The feisty woman nodded as if the matter was settled, but Anna spoke up. “But I can’t stay in bed tomorrow. The men need to eat, and it’s the day to make bread again, not to mention the garden vegetables need to be canned. I won’t work too hard, I promise, but I can’t stay in bed.” Anna spoke the last few words with finality and a stubborn set to her chin. The weak little angel who had lain in bed two minutes ago was gone, replaced with a fighter.

  Jacob almost grinned, but one glance at Aunt Lola showed her Irish roots were kicking in, and she was looking forward to a good battle. He’d better step in before the boxers squared off. He hated to gang up against Anna, but it looked like she wasn’t going to take care of herself, so someone else had better see to it.

  “If Aunt Lola says you need to stay in bed, then that’s exactly what you’re going to do.” He spoke in a stern voice, but he wasn’t talking to an ornery cow. “Please.” He added the last word with a touch of gentleness as Anna’s eyes met his. A parade of emotions passed through them—first anger, then frustration, and finally resignation.

  “Just for tomorrow then.” Turning to Aunt Lola, she added, “And can you please bring me the mending stack so I can work on that while I sit here?”

  Jacob did smile then. She was a bit hard-headed, to be sure.

  * * *

  Anna awoke several hours later to a gentle rap of knuckles on her bedroom door.

  “It be me, lassie, bringin’ stew to warm up yer bones.” The strong Irish brogue came from the other side of
the door as it creaked open. Aunt Lola’s petite frame backed into the room, shoulders hunched under the weight of the tray.

  “Thank you.” Anna cleared her throat, trying to rid herself of the sleep-induced tickle. “I’m sorry you have to wait on me. I could get up and come to the table, at least.”

  “Nonsense. I told you ta stay in bed and I expect ya to mind me.”

  Anna gave a weak smile at the woman’s mothering. She suspected Aunt Lola enjoyed the opportunity to play mother hen, but it irked Anna more than a bit to be sitting around while everyone else was working.

  After the tray was arranged just right on the bed next to Anna, Aunt Lola stepped back to examine the scene. “There now. You just call down the stairs if ya need anything. I’ll be cleanin’ up a bit, so I won’t mind the interruption.”

  Anna’s “Thank you” was heartfelt, and she confirmed the words with an appreciative smile.

  “And your brother was askin’ about ye, of course. I told him I’d check and see if you were up ta havin’ visitors tonight.”

  “Of course. I’d love to see Edward. Please tell him to come up anytime.”

  Aunt Lola nodded in confirmation. “I’ll send him on up to sit with ya while ya eat.” She turned toward the door but stopped, as if forgetting something. “Oh, I almost forgot. I put your fabric and trimmings on your dresser over there.”

  Anna’s eyes followed the direction of Aunt Lola’s finger and she glimpsed two packages wrapped in brown paper—one about the size of a hat-box and the other much smaller. “Those are mine? Where did they come from?”

  Aunt Lola looked at her, curiosity clouding her eyes. “Ya brought them back with the supplies today. That’s the prettiest dark green muslin I’ve seen in a long time. Will make a right lovely dress, it will.”

  Anna sank back against the pillows, warmth flowing through her. Aunt Laura must have cut and packed the dress supplies while they were loading the wagon. What a wonderfully thoughtful thing to do. Despite her exhaustion, Anna’s heart soared at the thought of a new dress. She’d made do with so little for so long, but things were finally getting better.

  True to her word, Aunt Lola sent Edward straight up to visit while Anna ate. He caught her up on the day’s activities, and it appeared the storm had been the highlight.

  “You shoulda’ seen how nervous the longhorns got when the hail started coming down, Anna. Monty thought they would stampede for sure, but we were awful glad they stayed put.” Anna smiled at the boy’s excitement. He was even starting to sound like a Texan.

  * * *

  The next day, Anna slept in and enjoyed a leisurely breakfast in bed and began work on her dress straight away. She drew out several patterns before settling on one she liked, then started cutting the material. It seemed just short of criminal to slice through the soft muslin, but one glance at her sketch brought the end result back into focus.

  After a couple of hours working on the dress, the pain across her forehead forced her to take a break from the exacting focus of the tiny stitches. Setting the fabric aside, she reached for her Bible on the bedside table and opened to the Old Testament. After flipping through several pages, she landed in the book of Judges and her eyes caught sight of Gideon’s name. She began reading, enthralled with his victory over the Midianites. She had forgotten how exciting the Old Testament stories were, and Gideon had always been a special favorite. She marveled again at the way he put so much trust into God’s plan, even when it sounded like the craziest thing in the world to do. But God had kept His word, like He always did.

  Her mind drifted to her own life. Things had seemed impossible after Papa died and she and Edward had to move from one neighbor to another. They hadn’t really had a choice when they moved to Texas to stay with their Aunt and Uncle, but God had used that situation to bring them to a wonderful new home. On a cattle ranch, no less. And who knew what was in store for them next? Father, please forgive me for not trusting You to guide us in the best path. Thank You for bringing us to this new home, and help me to keep my eyes focused on You.

  Just then, a knock sounded on the door. Time for lunch.

  “Come in,” she called. Placing her Bible on the bedside table, she looked up with a smile to greet Aunt Lola. But it wasn’t the aged Irish woman in the doorway. It was Jacob. He was looking at her with those sky blue eyes and one brow quirked.

  “How’s our patient today?” He was wearing his work clothes, complete with leather vest and bandanna, and carrying her lunch tray.

  Anna’s jaw had slackened so she quickly closed it. “What are you doing here?”

  A twinkle sparkled in his eyes. “This is where I live, remember? You must still be pretty tuckered out. Do ya think you should stay in bed another day?”

  “No.” Anna responded before she stopped to think. “I mean, what are you doing home in the middle of the day? Why aren’t you out with the herd?”

  Jacob shrugged. “Had some things to take care of here. I’ll head back out in a bit.” He brought the tray in and balanced it on the bed next to Anna. “In the meantime, Aunt Lola tells me the thing that will help you regain your strength besides resting, of course, is to eat everything on this plate.”

  Once he’d settled the food tray, Anna looked at him expectantly. He’d be heading off now to finish whatever it was that had brought him to the ranch during the middle of the day.

  Instead, Jacob pulled the side chair over next to her bed and settled himself in it, long legs spread out in front of him, crossed at the ankles, and arms settled across his broad chest. The room seemed half as big with him in it.

  When he looked up and caught her watching him, an impish grin raised one corner of his mouth. “Well, go ahead and eat.”

  “Are you going to sit there and watch me?” Anna asked, a touch of defiance in her voice to cover the butterflies that flitted in her abdomen.

  “Yep. Have to make sure you build up your strength so you can come back to the kitchen. The boys are threatening to mutiny if they miss out on your cookin’ another day.”

  Anna stared at Jacob for a second in disbelief then released the giggle that would not be suppressed. It wasn’t her most lady-like moment, but something about Jacob’s words and the stoic expression on his features was more then she could contain. Jacob’s face broke into a grin at her reaction, revealing slight dimples when he smiled. Funny, she hadn’t seen that before.

  Regaining control of herself, she ate the beef stew and biscuits Aunt Lola had prepared on the tray. After two bites, though, she sat back and met Jacob’s gaze. “So Aunt Lola’s not feeding you enough?”

  His neck turned a couple of shades red. “Well, she’s feedin’ us plenty. It’s just, well… I don’t think we ever knew how good food could taste until you started cookin’ it. And the cowpunchers, well, I think we could stop payin’ ’em and they’d still stay on just to eat the food. It’s about all most of ’em talk about.”

  Anna grinned at his embarrassment. “Well, you can tell them I’ll fix something extra good for breakfast tomorrow.”

  Jacob’s face sobered. “How are you feeling? Really.”

  Anna’s heart lightened at his concern. “I’m much better, I really am. I slept a couple of hours this morning and have been able to catch up on my Bible reading.”

  “What are you reading?” He leaned forward, glancing at the Bible on the bedside table.

  “I’m in Judges, studying one of my favorites, Gideon.”

  He nodded, picked up the Bible and started thumbing through. “I always did like that story. Reminds me God can use anyone to accomplish His plan, even a farmer’s son like Gideon or a rancher’s son like me.”

  Anna was surprised at his honesty, but nodded. “It helps to remember He’s in control of things, although I confess I still do my fair share of worrying.”

  Jacob looked at her, his gaze drilling. “And what do you worry about?”

  His eyes were wide but intense. Anna’s answer was easy. “Edward, mostly. I’
m responsible for him now, and he’s still just a boy. I worry about his safety, but I also want him to grow into a strong man of God. He doesn’t have a father to teach him the things he’ll need to know.”

  Jacob nodded and sat back in his chair, considering her words. At last he spoke. “Edward is a fine young man. He has a good head on his shoulders and spends time every day reading the Bible. With that foundation, he’s on the right track. Monty and his family are Godly men, as well, so they’ll help keep him out of trouble.” He leaned forward in his chair and caught her gaze. “And I’ll teach him everything I can—about cattle and ranching, about becoming a man, about learning from his Heavenly Father.”

  The familiar clamp tightened around Anna’s chest, so much that she could only breathe a single word, “Why?”

  Jacob inhaled a deep breath and then let it out. “I guess because I care.”

  She let his sentence hang in the air as she searched his eyes. Did he mean he cared about Edward or her?

  Jacob’s eyes dipped to her still half-full plate. “Now you’d better focus on your food.” Rising, he turned toward the door. “Rest up, and I’ll check on you again tonight.” At the doorway, he glanced back at Anna as if to assure himself she was okay, then he was gone.

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  Over the next week, things settled back to normal with just a few changes. One of the most interesting was a difference in the start of Anna’s morning routine. From the first morning she went back to cooking, a pail of milk and a basket of eggs awaited her on the work counter when she entered the kitchen. The first day, she assumed Aunt Lola had milked the cow and gathered eggs to help her ease back into her daily chores.

  But when she thanked the Irish woman, Aunt Lola said, “Ye be getting’ your facts wrong, dearie. It wasn’t me. Ya must have another little elf helpin’ ya.” That was all she would say on the topic, but her dark blue eyes sparkled like she knew a secret.