Big Sky Homecoming

by Linda Ford

  Upon their arrival they hurried inside. Cora, Wyatt and Lonnie were already seated. Next to them sat Caleb, Teddy and Lilly, who patted the spot next to her. Rose slipped in, leaving her parents to follow.

  “How was tea?” Lilly whispered.

  “Very fancy. The sandwiches were—”

  “You know I don’t mean the food.”

  “You did say ‘tea.’”

  “How was the company?” Lilly nudged Rose. “There he is now.”

  Duke caught Rose’s eye as he paused in the aisle.

  She nodded and smiled politely.

  Billy waved.

  Duke hesitated a moment. When she didn’t invite him to join them, he guided Billy across the aisle and they sat down.

  “What’s the matter with you?” Lilly whispered. “You should have invited him to sit with you.”

  “There’s hardly room.”

  Lilly gave her a look brimming with disbelief. She sat back with a grunt but two seconds later she turned to Rose. “Did you two argue?”

  “No.” But someone had sent her a strong warning and she wasn’t about to ignore it. Least of all in public. They rose for the singing of the first hymn and Duke turned slightly—not enough to attract notice or speculation but enough that Rose felt him watching her. She tried to keep her attention on the hymnal in her hands but she knew the words by heart and her gaze went unbidden in his direction.

  His blue eyes flashed in awareness and question.

  She couldn’t pull herself from the power of those eyes. Couldn’t remember she meant to hide her attraction for fear of making Ebner angry enough to do something dreadful to the Bells.

  The song was over and Lilly tugged at her to sit down.

  She plunked to the hard bench and smoothed her skirt. Somehow she managed to keep her attention focused straight ahead throughout the rest of the service. But from the periphery of her vision she glimpsed his blond hair, noted how steady he held his head, as if mesmerized by every word Pastor Rawley spoke.

  To her shame, Rose could not recount a single thing the man said.

  The final amen ended the service and they rose to leave.

  Duke stepped into the aisle and greeted Pa.

  Pa shook his hand. “Nice to see you again, son. You’ll join us at the farm for dinner I hope.”

  Every sound sucked from the building as people stared at her pa.

  So much for being discreet about the Bells and Caldwells socializing.

  Rose glanced at every face. Was there anyone who seemed unhappy about this apparent reconciliation? But none gave her cause to think they would report this to Ebner. Nevertheless, he’d soon enough know. News traveled fast in a small town like Bar Crossing.

  “I gratefully accept your invitation.” His smile included them all, but he held Rose’s gaze until Lilly jabbed her in the back.

  “I’d like to move, if you don’t mind,” Lilly whispered.

  Rose hurried after her parents and quickly climbed into the sleigh. “The others will be along right away,” she said to Pa, hoping he would take the hint and hurry home.

  Not until they were back and she saw the buildings still standing and the animals all safe was she able to relax.

  * * *

  On horseback Duke and Billy followed the entourage of sleighs headed toward the Bell farm.

  “Why didn’t we sit with Rose and her ma and pa at church?” Billy asked.

  “Didn’t appear to be room.”

  “Oh.” Billy sounded more puzzled than satisfied. “Maybe there won’t be room at the farm.”

  Poor Billy. Still expecting to be turned away by people. Duke slowed King so he rode directly at Billy’s side. “Do you think Mr. Bell would ask us in that case?”

  Billy brightened. “I guess he wouldn’t. Good. I like the Bells and want to see them again.” His brow furrowed. “Will Rose’s sisters like me?”

  “Of course they will. You just be Billy. Everybody likes Billy.”

  Billy’s smile barely touched his lips before he sobered. “Not everybody.”

  “You have lots of friends here, so stop worrying about those who might not like you.”

  “Ebner doesn’t like me.”

  Billy had mentioned it before. Duke knew Ebner made unkind comments but he’d not witnessed anything more harmful and Billy seldom left Duke’s side. “Ebner won’t hurt you.” He hoped he was right in making that promise.

  They arrived at the farm and while Billy went directly to the house, Duke took their horses to the barn. Wyatt and Caleb also led in their horses. The two men watched Duke with open curiosity.

  Thankfully Duke didn’t detect any hostility in their looks.

  Caleb spoke first. “I never thought to see the day a Caldwell would be invited to join us. Rose, especially, has had nothing good to say about you and your family.”

  “But especially you,” Wyatt added.

  Duke finished with his horse then stood in front of them. “I was an awful tease.”

  They grinned. “So we’ve heard.”

  “Also heard that Rose did her best to teach you better manners.” To illustrate his meaning, Wyatt tossed a pretend punch at Duke’s stomach.

  Caleb’s eyes narrowed. “And now she has two brothers-in-law who will defend her. So be warned. Don’t mess with our little Rose.”

  Both men crossed their arms over their chests and stood facing him.

  Duke caught his fingers in the pocket of his jacket and leaned back on his heels. “Good to know. But you can relax. No one is going to hurt Rose.” Again he hoped he would be able to keep that vow. He would certainly do everything in his power to do so. “Things change. People change.”

  The pair continued to study him.

  He returned their stares without blinking.

  Caleb nodded first. “I’m prepared to give you a chance.” He dropped his arms and stepped back.

  Wyatt nodded. “Me, too. But only one.” He nodded toward the door. “Let’s go join the others.”

  The three men marched across the yard and into the house.

  The table had been extended to accommodate the extra people. The house was full but somehow it didn’t feel crowded. Duke tried to analyze the feeling but Billy called to him.

  “Teddy is teaching me to play a marble game.” Billy and Caleb’s five-year-old son sat in the corner by the cot, each with a handful of marbles.

  Duke watched the game for a moment but the rules made no sense to him even though the two players seemed to understand them.

  Mrs. Bell and her three daughters hustled around with last-minute meal preparations.

  Lonnie, Wyatt’s almost-grown brother, bent over a drawing Mr. Bell described.

  Caleb and Wyatt discussed the weather.

  Duke watched them all, feeling like an outsider. Then Wyatt turned to him. “How did your animals fare during the storm and after?”

  Duke joined the men. He told them he’d ridden out to the pastures and found the cows sheltered safely in a lower pasture. “Some of the men had to break the snow crust so the cows could get at the grass.” He didn’t mention that Ebner had pointed out that they had managed without Duke’s help or presence. Or that he’d suggested Duke should stay in the house where he’d be nice and warm.

  Sooner or later, Ebner would have to accept that Duke meant to help his father run the ranch even though every time he rode out to help, Ebner informed him he wasn’t needed. He’d wanted to move the cows to a lower pasture that had a natural pond where they could water the animals. But the cowboys had followed Ebner’s instructions and moved them to one with more trees but no water. It was the sort of thing that happened over and over.

  Mrs. Bell announced the meal was ready and told everyone to find a place to sit.
Somehow Duke ended up directly across from Rose, who sat next to her twin sister.

  Both of them smiled at him. He wondered at the way Lilly’s eyes flashed but immediately forgot it as he was captured by the warmth and welcome in Rose’s eyes.

  He liked her hair all soft around her head like that and quirked his eyebrows to silently tell her so.

  Her cheeks blossomed. Like a beautiful summer rose.

  Mr. Bell reached for his hand and the family formed a circle of joined hands as the patriarch asked a blessing upon the food and those who gathered around the table to share it.

  There followed a flurry of passing food—a pork roast with three different kinds of roasted vegetables, flavorful beet pickles and generous slices of Mrs. Bell’s bread.

  For a bit the conversation centered on comments about the food, then it gradually shifted to questions and answers about various friends and neighbors.

  Duke had been aware of Cora’s careful study throughout the meal and as soon as a break came in the conversation she leaned forward from down the table by Mrs. Bell.

  “I have to say I’m full of curiosity. What is a Caldwell doing in the Bell house?”

  “Cora!” Mrs. Bell sounded shocked. “He’s a guest.”

  Cora, undeterred, continued. “First and foremost, he’s a Caldwell.”

  Lilly chuckled. “Cora, you don’t know the half of it. I’ve been dying to tell the story.”

  Rose jabbed her sister in the ribs. “I’ll tell anything there is to tell.”

  “Someone tell me,” Cora said.

  Wyatt chuckled and turned to Duke. “My wife has had a little trouble letting her little sisters grow up.”

  “I’ll always be their big sister who promised to take care of them.”

  Lilly and Rose looked at each other and rolled their eyes.

  “I’m waiting,” Cora said, as if she knew the girls pretended to be diverted.

  Mr. Bell smiled adoringly at his daughters. “Rose, tell your sister before she gets agitated.”

  That brought a laugh from everyone, except Teddy and Billy, who watched wide-eyed.

  “Duke fell and hurt his head,” Rose began.

  “Well, that explains it all.” Cora sat back as if the conversation was over.

  Lilly laughed. Mr. and Mrs. Bell made scolding noises and the others looked confused.

  “He fell off his horse,” Rose continued, this time waiting for the reaction that came swiftly from Duke.

  “I didn’t fall. I got thrown.”

  Rose shrugged. “Same thing.”

  “Not at all,” Wyatt said, and Caleb agreed.

  Duke grinned at them. At least they understood the difference.

  “I rode as fast as I could to get Rose,” Billy said. “I knew she would help him.”

  Cora gave Rose a look of profound surprise and disbelief. Then she laughed. “Guess Billy didn’t know he might have been putting Duke in a risky situation.”

  Billy’s face twisted. “Did I do something wrong?”

  Mrs. Bell patted Billy’s hand. “You did exactly the right thing.”

  Bit by bit the story came out, accompanied with much teasing and laughing.

  Cora sat back. “I can’t believe you spent the night here.”

  “And now they’re friends.” Lilly waggled her brows as she said the word as if she meant more than friends.

  Cora looked down the table to her father. “What does Mr. Caldwell think of this?”

  Mr. Bell seemed unconcerned. “He is away in Helena.”

  Cora gasped. “So Ebner is in charge? That’s even worse. He’ll not like Duke being here.” She looked as if she meant to chase Duke from the room immediately.

  His spine tingled. Was everyone afraid of Ebner? To be honest, even he was but— “I’m in charge while my father is away.” His announcement did little to ease the tension around the table.

  “It’s time for dessert and tea,” Mrs. Bell announced. She planted her hands on the table as if to push back but instead she spoke again. “And it’s time to put an end to such talk. Duke is our guest and he is welcome, as is Billy and everyone seated here. I won’t hear of anyone objecting to it. Do you all hear me?”

  “Yes, Ma,” the girls chorused.

  “Good.” She rose and went to slice generous portions of chocolate cake.

  As soon as the meal was over, Cora started gathering the dirty dishes. She paused between Lilly and Rose and whispered, “We aren’t the one who needs to hear it but I very much doubt Ebner would listen to Ma or anyone else.” She shot Duke a challenging look.

  He hoped their fears were unfounded but they had plenty of reason to expect Ebner to harm them in some way. He silently vowed to make sure nothing happened.

  After that the tension eased and he spent an enjoyable afternoon with the Bells. When the afternoon shadows lengthened he knew he must leave. “Billy, I’ll saddle the horses and bring them to the door.”

  “We have to go?”

  “I’m afraid so. I’d like to get back before dark.” He shrugged into his coat.

  Rose followed. “I’ll help. I need to check on the animals anyway.”

  Lilly and Cora watched Rose; Lilly with a little smile, Cora with a frown.

  Duke met each of their looks with a silent promise that Rose was safe with him, then he and Rose crossed toward the barn.

  “I want to show you something.” Rose led him around the barn. “Someone was here yesterday while I was away.”

  His heart kicked his ribs hard. “Did they do anything?”

  She led him to the sheep shed. The animals looked content and he said so. “Yesterday they were crowded into the corner, shaking with fear. I found a dead chicken there.” She pointed.

  His heart kicked again. “Anything else?”

  “Just some hay kicked about.” She showed him the pile behind the barn.

  “Odd.”

  “I believe it’s a warning.”

  “By whom, to whom and about what?” His skin felt two sizes too small for his bones.

  “I suspect Ebner. He’s telling us he isn’t done with us no matter what promises you make.”

  “I’ll talk to him.”

  “Will it do any good? The man has a mean streak as wide as the ocean.”

  “I am the boss in my father’s absence.” Though Ebner certainly didn’t treat him as such.

  Rose led them into the barn. “This whole situation makes my nerves twitch.”

  He caught her arms and turned her to face him. “We’ll work this out. Do you believe me?”

  She clutched at the sleeves of his coat and searched his eyes.

  He let her see beyond the surface to the dreams and hopes of his heart, the longings of his soul.

  She nodded; her eyes so full of trust and expectation that he wanted to shout.

  He pulled her close, studying every detail of her face. Her porcelain skin, her fine cheekbones, her green eyes with thick dark lashes, her hair. “I like your hair like this.” He trailed a finger over the roll, careful not to pull out the hairpins.

  Her hands flattened and pressed to his chest, warming his heart and soul.

  His gaze drifted to her full red lips. Kissable lips.

  He lowered his head.

  “I’ll get the sleigh ready.” Wyatt’s voice came from outside the barn. “I’d like to get back before dark, too.”

  Rose stiffened but before she pulled from his arms, he trailed his finger along the curve of her jaw. Then they went to the horses and saddled them as Wyatt and Caleb entered the barn and prepared to leave.

  Duke stayed back, letting them deal with their outfits. He led King and Billy’s mount from the barn as Rose’s sisters and their families drove from the
yard shouting goodbyes.

  Lilly’s last words drifted to him. “It’s about time the Caldwells and Bells became friends.”

  Rose smiled and shook her head. “Lilly has changed since she got married.”

  “I hear married life does that to people. For the better if they marry wisely. For the worse if they marry foolishly.”

  She laughed. “Now you’re getting all philosophical.”

  Billy left the house, bidding the Bells goodbye.

  “It’s time to go.” Duke made no attempt to hide the regret in his voice. “Back to the lonely Caldwell house where I’ll have to rustle up something from the pantry for supper.”

  She grinned. “I’ve seen your pantry so I’m having a hard time feeling sorry for you.”

  “You can’t blame me for trying.”

  “You know you’re more than welcome to stay and have supper with us.” Her eyes begged him to accept.

  “I need to get back to check on things.”

  Questions filled her eyes but he didn’t intend to add to her worries by admitting he felt a strong urge to check on Ebner’s activities.

  He and Billy swung up into their saddles. He called goodbye and thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Bell, who hovered in the doorway. Then with a final, reluctant goodbye to Rose, he and Billy rode away.

  As they crested the hill, he turned. Rose stood where he’d left her. He waved again.

  She lifted her hand slowly as if regretting his departure.

  He tucked the thought into safekeeping in his heart and stood watching her across the distance for another moment.

  A movement beyond her caught his attention. A rider. Someone bent low over the saddle and riding fast toward the river. As if trying to avoid detection. He couldn’t be certain but it looked a whole lot like Ebner.

  A thousand alarms filled his head.

  Chapter Fifteen

  There weren’t a lot of chores to do but Rose wasn’t in a hurry to return to the house. She wanted time alone with her thoughts so she returned to the barn. The little pile of hay remained on the floor. She scowled at it fiercely enough to send every blade and leaf scrambling as if driven by a fierce wind. Then she grabbed the fork and tossed it to one of the milk cows. Whatever the culprit meant to do she would not let him cause her to live in fear.