Brides of Kansas

by Bateman, Tracey V. ;

  “Cassidy darling, wake up.”

  From far away, Cassidy heard Dell’s voice breaking through her foggy mind, and slowly she opened her eyes. Dell sat on the floor, cradling her in his arms, while her head rested on his lap. The three older children stood around them, taking in the scene.

  “What happened?” Dell asked.

  “S–snake.” She gulped.

  “Snake?”

  “There was a snake in my bed.”

  “How in the world would a snake have gotten into your bed?” Dell wore a perplexed expression on his face.

  “I don’t know,” she said, her head beginning to clear. “Why don’t you ask the snake?”

  How indeed? Cassidy sat up and glanced around at the faces of Sam, Luke, and Tarah. She was a little surprised to find Tarah’s eyes clouded in concern. The boys were red-faced and lowered their heads at her scrutiny.

  Sam glanced up and caught Cassidy’s knowing gaze. He cleared his throat.

  “Uh, Pa,” he said slowly.

  Cassidy broke in quickly. “Dell, I’m sure it just came in and found its way to my bed accidentally. I’ve heard of things like that before.”

  Now why had she defended those little hoodlums? They certainly deserved the whipping Dell surely would have given them.

  The looks on the boys’ faces as they looked from her to each other registered surprise that matched her own.

  “Well, I’ll take a look around and see if it’s still here,” said Dell, helping her to her feet. “Boys, get back to bed. You, too, Tarah. And snuff out that candle. It’s bedtime.”

  “Yes, Pa. ‘Night.”

  Cassidy sat quickly on the bed and pulled her legs off the floor. She was sure she heard laughter coming from the hallway as the boys made their way back to their room. She almost wished she hadn’t defended the ungrateful pair.

  Dell scanned the room, then looked in every corner and drawer, as well as through the wardrobe.

  To Cassidy’s relief, the snake appeared to have taken its leave.

  “Well,” he said, scratching his head, “I still don’t know how it could’ve gotten in here, but I guess it left the way it came.”

  He glanced at Cassidy, a concerned frown creasing his brow. “You okay?”

  She nodded, still trembling from the ordeal.

  Dell hesitated. “I could stay for a while.”

  “That’s not necessary. I’ll be fine.”

  He swiped a hand through his hair and headed toward the door. “If you’re sure…”

  “I’m sure.”

  “Good night, then.” With one last worried glance, he exited the room.

  Exhausted emotionally and physically, Cassidy sank down in the bed and fell asleep.

  Sunday morning dawned bright and sunny, promising a good day for the picnic. To Cassidy’s disappointment, Dell was nowhere to be seen when they loaded up in the wagon and headed for town. She had dressed in the white cotton dress she’d worn on her wedding day. Somehow, she’d hoped he would see her and remember the tenderness they’d shared.

  The schoolhouse was full when they arrived, so they found seats in the back. The service began with hymns. The sound of voices lifted in praise to God brought a thrill to Cassidy’s soul. Although there were no instruments to accompany the voices, she had never heard a symphony that sounded more beautiful.

  “Psst…psst…Cassidy!”

  Several people turned around as Tarah gained her attention.

  “What is it?” Cassidy whispered.

  “I’m not feeling well. May I go to the wagon?”

  Concerned, her gaze roved across the girl’s face. More than likely she was just sleepy from reading so late, but Cassidy didn’t want to take any chances. She nodded. “Do you want me to come with you?”

  “Oh no,” the girl replied quickly. “I just need to lie down for a while.”

  They were causing a stir among the congregation, and even the minister was glancing their way.

  “Go ahead, then,” Cassidy whispered.

  Conspicuously Tarah stood and tiptoed to the door, causing every eye to turn. Once she was out the door, the preacher cleared his throat loudly to regain everyone’s attention.

  Cassidy sat through the rest of the sermon, soaking up the atmosphere. Although she was sorry to admit it, the message was somewhat lacking. The minister bounced from subject to subject—sin to sin. She supposed since he only came through the town once every few months, he wanted to hit on all of the human vices possible to get the little congregation through until his next visit.

  Cassidy fought the urge to squirm when he broached the subject of deception. She knew she was deceiving Dell by not telling him about the baby; she would have to tell him soon. I’m just so afraid of his reaction, Lord, she prayed, knowing, even as the words lifted from her heart, that the excuse was not a good one. Part of honoring her husband required honesty. Repenting, she determined she would tell him that very day, no matter what the outcome.

  Some of the older men were beginning to nod off, and even the most devout among the women were stirring uncomfortably on the hard wooden benches when the preacher finally dismissed the service.

  Emily jumped from her seat and grabbed Cassidy’s hand. “Ma, come and meet Miss Nelson.”

  She practically dragged Cassidy to the front of the building. “Miss Nelson, this is my ma,” she announced proudly.

  The young woman was indeed as lovely as Emily had promised. Her chestnut hair was netted in a stylish chignon, and she looked out at Cassidy from clear blue eyes.

  “Why, Mrs. St. John,” she said in a low, smooth drawl, “how lovely to meet you.”

  “Likewise, Miss Nelson,” Cassidy replied, feeling herself drawn by the depth of feeling in the woman’s voice. “Emily has certainly been singing your praises all week.”

  The teacher glanced down fondly at the little girl. “Emily and I get along just fine, but…” A frown furrowed her lovely brow. “May I speak candidly?”

  “Certainly, Miss Nelson.”

  “Please, call me Aimee,” she said with a smile.

  Cassidy returned her smile, feeling at ease. “All right. What would you like to talk to me about, Aimee?”

  Aimee chewed her bottom lip and glanced cautiously at Emily. Taking the hint, Cassidy turned to the little girl. “Emily, sweetheart, why don’t you go to the wagon and tell everyone I’ll be right there?”

  “Aw, Ma,” Emily replied, but she did as she was told.

  Cassidy turned expectantly to the teacher, who gestured toward a bench. “Let’s sit down,” she suggested.

  Once they were seated, Aimee drew a deep breath. “It’s about Luke.”

  Tension gnawed at Cassidy’s insides as she waited for the teacher to continue.

  “He is quite a handful and most disruptive, even destructive, in class.”

  Tension turned to alarm. “What sorts of things does he do?”

  Aimee paused, then the words came spilling out. “He puts nails in the students’ chairs, dips ribbons in inkwells, pulls the girls’ hair, and just Friday he…” She shuddered. “He put a snake in my desk drawer! I almost fainted, Mrs. St. John. Can you imagine the chaos in my school if I had fainted in front of my class?”

  Cassidy could well imagine.

  “I might have lost my job.”

  Well, Cassidy doubted that, since there were no other teachers interested in coming to the rustic town for a teaching position that paid only twenty-five dollars for the three-month term. Still, her heart went out to the young woman. Luke was difficult enough to deal with at home under his father’s stern hand. In the classroom with only this young woman who was barely older than Tarah, she could imagine how unruly he could be.

  She reached forward and placed a hand over Aimee’s. “I’ll have a talk with him.”

  Relief passed over the lovely features of the woman sitting beside her. “Thank you.” She glanced down at her hands. “This is my first teaching position, and I didn’t want t
he school board to feel I couldn’t handle it myself. But standing in the corner is simply another way for Luke to disrupt and gain attention. I—I have never believed in corporal punishment, but a whipping may be what he needs.”

  Yes, a whipping might be exactly what he needs, unless… Cassidy held back the laughter bubbling up inside of her as an idea formed in her mind. She would teach the little monster a lesson. She stood and held out her hand to Aimee.

  Aimee stood, as well, and accepted the proffered hand. “I don’t want to cause any trouble, Mrs. St. John.”

  Mrs. St. John. Cassidy loved to be called that. Each time she heard the name, a thrill moved up and down her spine.

  “I assure you, you’ve caused no trouble for anyone who doesn’t deserve it. I promise you, Luke will be dealt with, and if he isn’t better on Monday, send a note home with one of the other children.”

  “All right,” Aimee agreed, relief evident in her voice.

  “I must be going now. We have family plans. But it was very nice to meet you, and don’t worry,” she reassured the teacher. “You’re doing a fine job with the rest of the children. Luke is just a difficult case.”

  Quick tears sprang to Aimee’s eyes. “Thank you.”

  Cassidy smiled and squeezed her hand before saying her farewell. With a feeling of anticipation, she walked out of the church to the waiting wagon.

  She frowned, looking around for Tarah.

  “It’s about time,” Ellen huffed. “We’ve been sweltering out here.”

  It didn’t seem that hot to Cassidy, but rather than comment, she asked, “Where is Tarah? I thought she came out here to lie down in the wagon.”

  “We thought she went back inside.”

  Oh, where was that girl? Cassidy’s eyes scanned the little town, looking for the gingham dress Tarah had worn to church that morning.

  “Everyone stay here so no one else gets lost,” she commanded and left the wagon to begin her search. First she reentered the schoolhouse to be sure Tarah hadn’t gone back inside. There was no sign of her. Next she walked outside and checked the privy. Still no Tarah.

  Fear and frustration combined inside Cassidy’s stomach, forming a large knot. She stopped and asked several of Tarah’s friends if they’d seen her, but no one had. Cassidy once again scanned the little town for any sight of the lost girl. Suddenly her eyes focused on a familiar horse tethered outside the general store. It belonged to Johnny, the ranch foreman. Cassidy shuddered, remembering their encounter in the barn.

  Now why would Johnny’s horse be in town on Sunday? The general store wasn’t even open.

  Suspicion built inside of her, and she decided to investigate. She walked through the pathway between the store and the building next to it, around to the back. A gasp escaped her lips as she spied the familiar gingham-clad girl in Johnny’s arms.

  Anger welled up inside Cassidy, and she stormed toward the pair. Grabbing Tarah’s arm, she jerked her away. “Johnny Cooper, you get your hands off my daughter, and don’t ever let me catch you near her again. Do you hear me?”

  “How dare you? You’re not my mother!” Tarah’s eyes sparked in fury.

  “Be quiet and get to the wagon right now, young lady. We’ll talk about this later.”

  Apparently too stunned to argue, Tarah emitted a strangled sob and ran down the alleyway toward the wagon.

  Cassidy turned back to Johnny. “I mean it, Johnny. Don’t you ever come near that child again.”

  Johnny stood in stunned silence as Cassidy whirled around and stormed to the wagon. Arms crossed, Tarah sat seething in the back of the wagon, tears of fury still pooling in her eyes. Without a word, Cassidy climbed into the seat and flapped the reins, leading the horses toward the ranch.

  First Luke and now Tarah. Give me wisdom, Lord!

  Chapter 10

  Cassidy’s heart did a strange little flip-flop as she pulled hard on the reins, halting the wagon in front of the house. Dell sat on the porch awaiting their return.

  Jumping from the wagon, Tarah flounced inside without a word.

  Dell raised a questioning eyebrow at Cassidy.

  Shaking her head, she shrugged. No sense ruining the day if she could help it. And telling Dell she had caught his daughter with the likes of Johnny Cooper would serve no purpose right now. A twinge of guilt made Cassidy hesitate, but she pushed it back. After all, she reasoned, if Dell found out, he would beat the living daylights out of Johnny and send him packing. And if he did that, Tarah would never get over the despicable man. No. The girl had to see Johnny for what he was and make the decision herself.

  “You getting down from there today?”

  Cassidy glanced down. Dell stood with a hand extended, ready to help her from the wagon.

  “Sorry,” she murmured, throwing him a sheepish grin.

  “All right, everyone change out of your Sunday clothes and let’s get going,” Dell called, giving Cassidy support while she climbed down from the wagon.

  “Everyone but you, that is. You keep that dress on.” His voice was low, husky, and filled with longing. He’d noticed. Cassidy’s heart went wild as his gaze caressed her. Was that love reflected in the blue depths of his eyes? Then why did he stay away? She pushed the disturbing thoughts aside for the moment and enjoyed walking to the house, hand in hand, with the man she loved.

  Once inside, Dell left her to get the fishing poles while Cassidy busied herself collecting the picnic fare.

  “Want me to carry anything for you?”

  Cassidy glanced up in surprise to find Sam, hands in his pockets, staring red faced at his boots. Ah, he’s making up!

  “Thanks, Sam. I’d appreciate it,” she said, keeping her voice steady as she handed him the platter laden with fried chicken.

  “Smells good,” he said and walked carefully to the door, then turned to her. “Thanks for not snitching Luke out to Pa last night. He’d a got a lickin’ for sure.”

  “He probably deserves one,” Cassidy said, giving him a wry smile in spite of herself. “Did he ever find the snake?”

  “Nah, it’s long gone.” Sam shook his head. “We never thought you’d faint though. Scared us half to death.” With that, he left the house. Would wonders never cease?

  Emily appeared at the kitchen door dressed in her everyday clothes, bonnet hanging by its strings around her neck. “Can Warrior come with us, Ma?”

  Barefoot and wearing his new war bonnet as usual, Jack stood beside Emily. Each child stared at her with imploring eyes.

  Tenderness for her youngest children welled up inside Cassidy, and she knew she could deny them nothing at this moment. “I don’t see why not,” she said with a smile. “He’d probably enjoy a day of splashing about in the creek.”

  Jack let out a war whoop and threw his arms around Cassidy. “You’re the best ma ever!”

  Tears stung her eyes as she watched the two children bound out the door, calling for the puppy.

  Ellen limped into the kitchen next, and the two women made the final preparations for the picnic. After the wagon was loaded with family and food, Cassidy took a final peek around the kitchen and decided it was time to put her plans for Luke into action. She went to the spice cabinet and took down a small bag she had brought with her from Missouri. Tucking it into her apron pocket, she set out to join her impatient family.

  A grinning Dell stood beside the wagon when Cassidy stepped onto the porch.

  Cassidy’s heart leapt. He’d saddled Abby for her.

  “Thought you might like to ride horseback today.”

  “Oh yes, Dell. I would love it. Thank you.” She grabbed the reins and lifted a foot into the stirrup.

  “Cassidy,” Ellen said cautiously.

  “What?”

  Ellen gave a pointed gaze at Cassidy’s stomach.

  Maybe horseback wasn’t the best thing for the baby. “O–oh, right.” She placed her foot back on the ground and turned to Dell. “Thanks anyway, but I think I’d rather ride in the wagon today.”r />
  With a small frown, he helped her up to the seat.

  “I’ll ride Abby, Pa.” Tarah stood in the wagon and jumped down. “Since Cassidy doesn’t want to.”

  “It’s your ma’s horse. You’ll have to ask her.”

  Cassidy cringed at his reference to her as Tarah’s ma. She drew a breath, wondering what Tarah would say.

  Eyes blazing, the girl turned to her. “May I?”

  Exhaling in relief, Cassidy smiled. “Of course I don’t mind. It will do her some good to be ridden.”

  “Thank you,” Tarah replied through gritted teeth. Taking the reins from her father, she mounted and headed off toward the creek.

  Dell glanced after her with a puzzled frown, then climbed onto his own horse. “Do you want to explain what just happened between the two of you?” he asked.

  “Oh, a little disagreement,” was all Cassidy said, and thankfully Dell dropped the matter.

  “Let’s go, then,” he said, following Tarah’s lead.

  They found a secluded spot surrounded by shady trees and tall prairie grass. Enlisting the help of all the children and Dell, Cassidy had the picnic ready in no time. They sat around a red-and-white-checkered tablecloth spread out on the ground. The tension seemed to fade away. Even Warrior had a feast of the chicken bones, and soon everyone was ready for dessert.

  Cassidy cut the cake, serving Dell first, then Ellen, and continuing until everyone but Luke had a piece of the fluffy treat.

  “Land sakes. I’m a plate short,” Cassidy said, placing a hand to her cheek. “I know I counted right. Wait just a minute.” She strolled to the wagon and grabbed the last plate. Glancing cautiously about to make sure no one watched, she gingerly pulled the little packet from her pocket. Sprinkling some of the red powder on the plate, she carefully walked back to the picnic spot. No one paid any attention to her as she cut the last piece of cake and placed it on Luke’s plate. They were too engrossed in Dell’s story of the Indian chief he’d seen in Abilene.

  Luke took the plate from Cassidy’s hands. “Hope this is edible.” He threw Tarah a sideways glance, obviously trying to get a rise out of her.

  Sticking out her tongue in retaliation, Tarah turned back to her pa’s story.