Brides of Kansas

by Bateman, Tracey V. ;

  “It’s settled, then.” Anthony spoke up before another argument ensued. “Ben, come take this crate off my hands. Laney, can you warm water for the baths?”

  “Guess I can do that, Preacher.”

  Ben limped forward and took the crate of clothes, his eyes growing wide at the sight of the wool coats. “Never had a coat that I recollect,” he said in awe.

  “We got coats in there, too? Lemme see.” Suddenly Laney turned to Tarah, her nose scrunching in disgust. “Ya ain’t aimin’ to try and get me to wear no dress, are ya? ‘Cause I ain’t wearin’ no dress, and ain’t no one makin’ me do—”

  Tarah laughed outright. “Laney Jenkins, do you think I’d try to get you to wear anything you don’t want to? There are two fine, sturdy pairs of blue jeans and two warm shirts just your size, I think.”

  Laney beamed. “Yep, ya sure ain’t like them other folks.” She followed after Ben, trying to grab at the new things.

  “Keep yer dirty hands off my new coat!” Ben hollered.

  “Sor–ry. Don’t you be puttin’ yer hands on my new coat neither, then.”

  “Anthony,” Tarah said, once the children were out of earshot, “can you ride to my house and let Ma and Pa know I’ll be along later with guests?”

  Anthony scowled. “What if Jenkins comes around while I’m gone?”

  “He won’t. Besides, I need that soap—and I noticed them both scratching their heads. Better bring some kerosene just in case they have lice.”

  Anthony grimaced. “You’re right.”

  “Oh, and ask Ma to send along some bread, too. These children probably haven’t eaten all day. I want to get something into their stomachs to hold them over until we get them home.”

  Tenderness flickered in Anthony’s eyes. He reached forward and brushed his fingertips along her cheek, sending a shiver up her spine. “I admire what you’re doing for these children,” he said. “You’ve become quite a woman, Tarah St. John.”

  Before she could respond, he mounted Dodger and took off toward the St. John ranch.

  The moon hovered full and bright, and a smattering of stars dotted the sky by the time a weary and waterlogged Tarah climbed into the wagon with two very clean, bug-free children.

  Laney had sputtered and protested, but Tarah insisted on helping the girl with her bath. They were forced to change the filthy water three times before no more dirt surfaced on her skin.

  The child had let out a howl loud enough to put any warring Indian to shame while Tarah poured kerosene through her hair, then soaped the long tresses three times to remove the grime. Once clean, Tarah noticed Laney’s hair wasn’t brown or dark auburn as she had originally suspected. Laney had beautiful dark blond hair, with just a hint of curl at the ends.

  The combing process was long and painful for the girl, who begged Tarah to simply chop it off like Ben’s and be done with it. Tarah refused, and once the ordeal ended, she managed to convince Laney that two braids hanging on either side of her head would help keep her hair from matting up again.

  Anthony repeated the process with Ben, although he gave the boy more privacy. But he took care of his hair and inspected the dirt removal process just to be certain the lad cleaned himself thoroughly.

  The children fidgeted with pent-up anxiety on the ride to the ranch.

  “I sure hope yer folks don’t mind about you invitin’ us to yer house, Tarah,” said Laney from the back of the wagon.

  “They seem to be looking forward to it,” Anthony answered for Tarah.

  “Well, they ain’t met us yet, Preacher,” she shot back.

  Tarah turned in the seat and gave the girl a reassuring smile. “I know they’ll love you. Don’t worry.”

  “Ain’t worried. Just don’t stay where I ain’t wanted, that’s all.”

  Tarah noticed Anthony’s lips twitching and was hard-pressed to bite back her own laugh. Laney was the most stubborn child she had ever met. “I assure you, you are wanted at our home.”

  Laney let out a snort. “We’ll see.”

  Both children were sound asleep by the time they made it to the ranch. Pa greeted them from his seat on the porch. “I was about to head over to the soddy and make sure everything was all right,” he said.

  “It took awhile to finish with baths,” Tarah replied, glad to be home.

  Anthony offered Pa his hand. “You needn’t have worried. I wouldn’t have let anything happen to her, sir.”

  Pa grinned. “No, I don’t suppose you would. You two had better get those youngsters inside. I’ll tie up Anthony’s horse and take care of the team.”

  “Thank you, Pa.”

  Tarah gently woke Ben while Anthony gathered up Laney and carried her into the house.

  Cassidy’s face gentled at the sight of the tiny girl snoring lightly in Anthony’s arms and Ben limping behind them, a wide, sleepy yawn stretching his thin mouth. She turned to the boy and took his hand. “I’m Tarah’s ma, but you can call me Cassidy, unless you’re more comfortable with Mrs. St. John. I’m delighted to have you with us.”

  “Thanks, ma’am. Me an’ Laney ‘preciate yer kindness.”

  “Think nothing of it. It’s our pleasure. Are you hungry?”

  “A mite.”

  “I have a pot of buffalo stew warming on the stove. You sit at the table there, and I’ll be back in a jiffy.” She turned to Tarah. “Show Anthony to Emily’s bedroom. The covers are already turned down. I put Em in with you in Granny’s room for the night.”

  In the bedroom, Anthony gently deposited Laney onto the bed. Tarah glanced down at the beautiful face bathed in moonlight shining in through the window. “She’s lovely, isn’t she?”

  “Who would have ever thought beneath all that dirt was such a pretty little girl?” Anthony said with a chuckle.

  Tarah pulled up the quilt and tucked it securely around Laney’s shoulders. The little girl moaned and shifted in her sleep. Anthony and Tarah remained motionless until she lay still and her steady breathing resumed.

  Edging toward the door, Tarah motioned for Anthony to follow.

  “Got her all settled in?” Cassidy asked when they reached the front room.

  Tarah smiled and nodded. “She’s sound asleep.”

  “Good. This fellow will be ready for bed as soon as he’s eaten his fill.”

  Ben beamed at Cassidy. “This is mighty good cookin’, ma’am.” He reached up as if to swipe his sleeve across his mouth, then stopped, his gaze darting to Tarah. She smiled and inclined her head toward the napkin next to his plate.

  “Will you stay and have some supper, Anthony?” Cassidy asked.

  “I’d best be getting on home. Ma doesn’t know where I am, and I’m sure she’ll be worried.”

  Tarah swallowed her disappointment at his refusal. “I’ll walk you out.”

  “Don’t stay out too long, Tarah,” Cassidy said. “There’s a chill in the air. We don’t want you catching cold.”

  Warmth flooded Tarah’s cheeks. Honestly. She didn’t need to be treated like a baby right in front of Anthony. But she smiled and nodded, then slipped out the door ahead of him.

  “I want to thank you for coming after me today,” she said as they stepped into the star-filled night. “I couldn’t have managed those children alone.”

  “My pleasure.” Anthony’s mouth curved into a smile. “You did a fine job. Although I think I’ve mentioned that a couple of times today.”

  “I think so. But I couldn’t have done it without you.”

  Reaching out, he fingered a strand of hair, long since pulled loose from her chignon. “I guess we make a pretty good team.”

  “Yes,” Tarah murmured, lifting her chin a little just in case he wanted to kiss her. “I suppose we do.”

  Anthony touched her shoulder, then her arm, until finally he took her hand in his. Warmth enveloped her, and a soft, unbidden sigh escaped her lips as Anthony pulled her ever so slightly forward.

  A loud cough from the other side of the porch startled
them, making Tarah jump. Anthony dropped her hand and took a large step back.

  “Guess you two didn’t see me sitting here,” Pa said with a chuckle.

  Tarah’s cheeks warmed, and she was glad for the cover of darkness to hide her humiliation.

  “No sir.” Anthony’s voice cracked like a twelve-year-old boy’s.

  “Didn’t think so. I guess you’ll be going now?”

  “Yes sir.” Anthony turned to Tarah. “Good night. I’ll see you in church on Sunday.”

  “We’re looking forward to it,” Pa said, a teasing lilt to his voice.

  “Well, good night, then,” he said, backing down the steps.

  “Night, Anthony,” Pa called, a little louder than he needed to, in Tarah’s opinion.

  A lump of disappointment lodged in her throat as Anthony mounted and rode away. Furious, she turned her gaze to Pa.

  “Well, now,” he said. “I couldn’t have him kissing my little girl right in front of me, could I?”

  “Oh Pa.”

  “Now there’ll be plenty of time for that if he ever says his piece and asks for your hand. And not before. Is that clear?”

  “Yes, Pa.” Tarah said a curt good night and stomped inside. She’d been sure she was about to get herself kissed. If only Pa hadn’t been on the porch, she could have made Anthony forget all about Louisa Thomas!

  Chapter 9

  Looks like we’re not the only ones who thought a fall picnic was a good idea.”

  Tarah glanced up at the sound of Pa’s voice. Dread engulfed her as she recognized the pair seated on a blanket a few yards from the river. She inwardly groaned at the sight.

  “Unless my eyes are playing tricks on me,” Pa said, thick amusement coloring his words, “I’d say that’s Anthony and Louisa up ahead.”

  “And Josie,” Luke piped in, excitement edging his voice. “Hi, Jo!”

  From her spot at the riverbank, Josie grinned and waved. Luke hopped from the still-rolling wagon and sprinted to join her, leaving Cassidy to call after him to stay close by.

  Tarah felt a low ember of indignation quickly give rise to an inferno of temper as Anthony’s beseeching gaze reached out to her. With a jerk of her chin, she averted her gaze, letting him know just what she thought of the situation.

  Nearly choked with tears, Tarah felt his betrayal to her toes. After all they had been through just two days ago, she had caught the two-timer having a chummy picnic with Louisa Thomas. And he called himself a preacher!

  Seated next to his girl, Camilla, on the wagon flap, Sam gave Tarah an understanding smile. His compassionate gaze searched her face, sending a rush of heat to her cheeks. What did Sam know about unrequited love? He and Camilla had been in love since they were both fifteen years old. And now, seated together with a twin on each lap, they made a picture of domesticity.

  Cringing, Tarah realized that Pa’s comment a few weeks ago about Sam getting married first might actually come true. She gave Sam what she hoped to be a reassuring smile, then looked away to hide her humiliation.

  Anthony rose from the blanket and stepped forward, waving in friendly greeting.

  To Tarah’s way of thinking, he looked just about as guilty as a dog caught with a Christmas ham.

  Obviously thinking the same thing, Pa gave a low chuckle.

  “Dell…,” Cassidy lightly admonished.

  Louisa rose and took her place next to Anthony. Her willowy hand slipped through his arm, and she challenged Tarah with a lift of one delicate eyebrow.

  “What’s she doin’ here?” Laney asked, her perky nose wrinkling into a scowl. “That preacher’s not too smart. I told him he oughtta send her packing.”

  Pa laughed outright.

  “Dell!” Cassidy turned to the outspoken little girl. “Laney honey, please don’t be rude.”

  “But that lady ain’t nothin’ but a—” She broke off the flow of words, apparently thinking better of what she’d been about to say, and ducked her head in submission. “Yes ma’am.”

  Resisting the urge to bolt, thus giving Louisa the pleasure of knowing she was upset, Tarah plastered a smile on her face and reined in Abby. She dismounted and tied the horse to the wagon.

  “Looks like we’re sharing a picnic spot,” Pa said, extending a hand to Anthony. “That okay with you?”

  “Of course.” Anthony accepted the proffered hand and gave a short, dry cough.

  “This is just wonderful,” Louisa gushed, taking Hope from Sam’s arms. Tarah scowled as the little girl went to Louisa without so much as a hint of protest. Her chubby hands grabbed on to a strawberry-blond ringlet. “Pwetty.”

  The little traitor!

  Releasing an annoying giggle, Louisa planted a kiss on the little girl’s cheek. “Look,” she called to Anthony, who had joined Dell and Sam to help unload the food from the wagon. “She loves me.”

  “Aw, don’t think yer nothin’ special,” Laney said, reaching up a hand to tickle Hope’s belly. “She loves everybody. Don’t ya, Hopey Wopey?” Hope laughed outright and threw her body toward Laney. “See?” With a smug grin, Laney took the toddler and headed toward the blanket Cassidy had spread on the ground.

  With a great sense of satisfaction, Tarah watched Louisa’s cheeks grow red. She silently blessed Laney for putting the bothersome woman in her place. But her guilt got the better of her, and she gave Louisa a genuine hint of a smile. “You three might as well eat with us,” she offered, to take away the sting of Laney’s rudeness.

  “I don’t suppose we have a choice,” Louisa hissed, “although we’d much rather be alone. It was bad enough we had to bring Anthony’s horror of a niece along with us.”

  A gasp escaped Tarah’s lips, and she felt her eyes growing wide. “We certainly didn’t interrupt your little outing just to inconvenience you. My family has been coming to this picnic spot twice a year for the last three years. And Anthony doesn’t seem at all bothered by our presence.”

  Louisa’s nostrils flared in anger. “Don’t think I can’t figure out what you’re up to.”

  “I don’t know what you mean.”

  Pursing her lips, Louisa narrowed her eyes. “Come now, don’t act innocent with me. We’re both women, and we both know what we want. Or rather whom we want. The difference is I already have him. And you never will.” She spun on her heel and flounced away to join the others.

  Tarah stared after her, fuming and wishing she could refute the other girl’s words. Though it grated on her to admit it, Louisa had spoken truthfully. She had staked her claim on Anthony, and it appeared he had no desire to be rescued from her clutches. That was his misfortune, Tarah thought stubbornly. Louisa would make him miserable in the long run, and it served him right for being so ignorant of the ways of women.

  “Teacher?”

  “What?” she asked in a clipped voice, turning to find Ben standing next to her, looking as if he’d been slapped. “Oh Ben, I’m sorry. It’s not you.”

  “I heard them things she said to you.”

  Chafed from the knowledge that this child had witnessed her humiliation, Tarah planted her hands on her hips and frowned. “It’s not nice to eavesdrop.”

  “I wasn’t. Just heard it, that’s all. Anyways,” he murmured, “I wanted to tell ya not to believe what she said. It ain’t true.”

  He started to limp away, but Tarah placed a restraining hand on his arm. “Wait. What do you mean?”

  A shrug lifted his bony shoulders. “Preacher ain’t gonna ask her to marry him. Near as I can tell, he don’t care too much for her.”

  Tarah’s heart soared, then plummeted. What did a fourteen-year-old boy know about love? “Thank you for trying to make me feel better, but you needn’t worry. Reverend Greene is perfectly free to court whomever he pleases, and it’s immaterial to me.”

  The look of disbelief covering his face brought a fresh rush of heat to Tarah’s cheeks, but she stood her ground. “Anthony and I have known each other for several years,” she insisted. “There’s not
hing but friendship between us.”

  The boy’s gaze darted over her shoulder, and his eyes widened.

  “Really, Ben. It’s not very polite to look past someone when they’re speaking to you.”

  “Sorry, Teacher.”

  “Oh, it’s all right. I just hope you understand that whatever Louisa said to me doesn’t matter, because I’m not interested in Anthony as a beau. You see? He’s just a good friend.”

  Tarah released an impatient sigh as the boy’s gaze drifted past her once again. “Honestly, Ben.” She twisted to see what he found so interesting.

  A knot formed in the pit of her stomach as she realized why Ben had been so antsy. With a sinking feeling, she wondered just how long Anthony had been standing less than five feet behind her.

  Anthony tried to concentrate on his food but found his stomach recoiling at the sight of the meal Louisa had prepared. The talking and laughter from the merry group of picnickers buzzed around him unintelligibly, and he wished for a quick end to the day so he could salvage his wounded pride in private. How could he have been so mistaken about Tarah’s feelings for him?

  If Dell hadn’t interrupted two nights ago, he would have taken Tarah into his arms, and he had the feeling—or had had at the time—that she would have allowed a small kiss before all was said and done. He glanced at her now, observing the fact that she struggled with her appetite just as he did.

  As if sensing his eyes studying her, she lifted her head, a question written on her lovely face.

  Dear Father in heaven, he prayed, the shock of revelation shooting down his spine, I’m in love.

  Sorrow, combined with question, filled her eyes. Anthony wanted to look away but found that he couldn’t escape the violet depths of her gaze. Surely she knew how he felt. He could shoulder her anger, swallow her disdain, or accept her love, but her pity he could not and would not abide.

  Just as he was about to excuse himself from the company, he heard Josie speak up. “Ma says we’re going back east as soon as the school term is up. Isn’t that right, Uncle Anthony?”

  Dragging his gaze from Tarah’s, Anthony nodded. “Ma’s doing much better. Ella is anxious to get home before the baby arrives, but she wants to let the children finish out the term first.”