Brazos Bride

by Caroline Clemmons

  She smiled at him. “And I am sure Ramona will return as soon as she gets her grandmother settled.”

  He released her hand and urged her to eat. “That’s right. With all of us watching out for you, no one can get close enough to harm you.”

  Around a bite of potatoes, she said, “That is a comfort.”

  “Soon as you’ve eaten, I’ll send Maria to help you out of those clothes and into your night things. You need good food and hours of sleep to help you regain your strength.”

  While she ate, Micah talked between his own bites of food.

  “You know, when I saw my section of land, I fell in love with it. Then I bought old Perkins’ section at a good price when he pulled out. Zach and I drove our cattle up from San Antonio. Joel helped, and he has a share in them, but he hasn’t decided where he’ll settle down yet.”

  “So Joel owns part of your cattle but has no land?”

  “Yeah. I told him his cows were the ones that died.” He looked embarrassed. “Not a good joke, is it? Zach’s cattle are on his place further up on Stone Mountain. Grass is thick and there’s water year around.”

  “That is where you hauled water from? Why did you not move your cattle there?”

  Micah nodded, then took a swallow of coffee. “Not enough grass for all the cattle, so we just lugged water barrels on the wagon. But that was wearing us out and we couldn’t haul enough to save all the cattle. Now that Bert and Slim can drive them to the river, we can nurse the ones we have left.”

  “Micah?” She asked, feeling strange using his given name. “Were you really a Captain?”

  “Not to start with. But men were promoted fast in battle. As leaders fell, replacements were appointed on the spot.”

  “Then Bert and Slim served with you in the War?”

  “Sure did. Neither one had family or a home left to go back to, so they sort of followed along with me, even when I was in the Rangers. They’re good men but they like someone else giving the orders.”

  “But you are not much older than me, are you?”

  “Twenty-six next month. Enlisted when I turned fifteen. My height and weight made me appear older, so I lied about my age.”

  Appalled, she said, “You were only a boy.”

  His brow creased in a frown. “Like many of my comrades, I was man enough to fire a gun. Reckon that’s what counted.” When he looked up, his face softened. Taking her fork from the plate where she’d placed it, he coaxed her to eat another bite of ham.

  Her sensitive stomach roiled, and she waved away his effort. “Bert and Slim sounded loyal. They seemed devoted to you.”

  “Happens in battle. You form a bond with the men you’ve faced death with over and over. Stronger than family sometimes. Lucky for me, my brothers are loyal too.”

  “Even though you served on different sides? How was it that men as close as you did not serve together?”

  “They enlisted first, with a bunch of men from where we lived. Not that they believed in slavery, mind, but they believed the people in each state had a right to govern themselves without a lot of Federal interference.” His posture sagged. “I was full of myself, like a lot of teenaged boys and I’d been reading a lot about slavery. I enlisted with a bunch going to fight for the Union.”

  “And your father, which side did he support?”

  “Neither one. He figured every man ought to mind his own business, but he agreed with me that no man had a right to own another. Like to broke his heart to have us boys off fighting. Him and Mama both worried all the time we were gone.”

  She couldn’t imagine what he must have gone through. What if he’d met Zach or Joel on the battleground? “Yet now you seem so close.”

  “We’re still brothers. We argue with one another like any set of brothers, but we unite to face anyone who threatens one of us. That’s why they came when I was in jail. They stayed because they planned to find out who really killed your father and kill the rumors for good. Plus there’s a killer walking around free to kill again. So far, all we’ve done is rule out suspects.”

  “Why do you think you can find out who is behind the attempt on me now?”

  “Whoever is targeting you and your family is getting impatient. That’s evident by the attempts this week. With Slim and Bert taking the cattle to water, my brothers and I can devote all our time to you. We’ll work the problem, believe me. You have all concentration.”

  “I am sure the person who poisoned me also killed my mother and then shot my father from ambush. Now he wants to get rid of me. And my cattle. Aunt Sofia said many are missing, but I haven’t asked my foreman.”

  “Wooster? I’ll speak with him in the morning. And whoever is guilty will have a lot to answer for when we catch him. In the meantime, you rest up and try to relax.”

  “Already I am relieved, Micah.” She indicated her almost empty plate. “Last night and today I have eaten without fear each bite is poisoned.” She offered a guilty smile. “Today I have been careful not to overeat.”

  “You’ll be stronger in no time.”

  “Perhaps then I can get back to Bella, my horse. How I have missed the freedom of riding across the ranch.”

  “I’ll take you riding as soon as you’re strong enough.” Micah stood and moved the tray aside. He bent and kissed the top of her head. “Good night. I’ll send Maria up. Remember to leave the door open between us and call if you need anything or hear anything suspicious.”

  He looked at her longingly, and she knew he wanted an invitation to join her in bed. She couldn’t offer it, no matter how much she shared his need.

  “Good night, Micah. Thank you.”

  Chapter Sixteen

  The next morning, sounds of laughter from the kitchen greeted Hope. How long had it been since she’d heard laughter in this house?

  Never!

  A great symphony could not have pleased her more. She peeked into the kitchen. Micah and his brothers sat at the large table while the aunts and Tomasina busily prepared breakfast.

  “It sounds like a party in here,” Hope said as she stepped into the room.

  Micah jumped up and held a chair for her. “Maria said you’d rung for her, but I didn’t expect you down so early.”

  She smiled at his courtesy as she slid into the seat. “What are your plans for the day?”

  He sat down beside her. “I’ve already spoken to your foreman, Wooster. He said you’ve lost over a hundred head of cattle in the last two months.”

  She pressed her hands against her cheeks. “A hundred! In only two months?” She calculated the cost in her head. “I have a large herd, but no rancher can sustain those losses if they continue.”

  “He has no suspects. Thinks they’re local because a few at a time disappear. Said he hasn’t been able to track the rustlers far enough to catch them. Your uncle had told him to stay here and concentrate on protecting the ones left rather than going after those that were missing.”

  From the disgust displayed on Micah’s face, she believed he disagreed with her uncle’s orders. So did she.

  “What will you do?” She looked at each man.

  Micah explained, “We’ll lay a trap. Wooster seems like a nice enough guy, and I suppose we’ll have to trust him.”

  Zach raised an eyebrow. “Up to a point anyway.”

  “First,” Joel said, “we’ll scout around and try to locate the missing cattle. If only a few at a time are disappearing, the rustlers are probably holding them somewhere nearby for a big drive.”

  “We drew straws and I won.” Zach grinned at Hope. “I get to stay here today while those two are in the heat hunting for missing cattle.”

  Maggie pointed a wooden spoon at Zach. “That’s good. Maria helped us empty our trunks and they’re ready to be put away. We brought enough food for today, but we need to know what’s in the smokehouse so we can plan meals.”

  Zach held up his hands in defeat. “I’m supposed to watch out for Hope, remember?”

  Tomasina s
aid, “Señoras, I will ask Alejandro to put your trunks in the attic. Hanging in the smoke house and cold room we have much beef and pork. There are chickens out back in the coop. The root cellar has potatoes, carrots, yams, corn, and turnips The garden behind the hacienda has fresh vegetables still--peas, beans, tomatoes, melons, and onions. There was much fruit from the orchards.”

  Lizzie clapped her hands. “Lands sakes, we’ll eat like kings and queens,”

  Hope thought that perhaps this seemed like a very prosperous home to the Stones. To her, the laughter she’d heard this morning was worth more cash than any bank could hold. Imagine, pure joy in this house.

  She looked at the aunts, smile lines etched into both their faces. The care she’d seen on the brother’s faces had been replaced and each appeared relaxed and comfortable with one another. Micah winked at her, his dimples deepening in a smile. Warmth spread through Hope. Although only for a short while, for now she was part of this cheerful family.

  Then she remembered Micah’s action in the hotel. He’d stood up to Eduardo in the dining room and won. He’d reacted instantly to the gunshots in their room that night. Relentlessly, he’d fought the barn fire at his ranch. He might be smiling now, but this man was strong as the stone of his name. He was her rock for now, sustaining her while she regained her strength.

  Why couldn’t she trust him to catch the killer without also stealing her freedom?

  When Micah and Joel had left, the aunts shooed Hope and Zach out of the kitchen.

  Zach held the door for his sister-in-law. “Where’s your favorite place to spend your morning? Or do you want to go back up to your room?”

  “I would have been content to stay in the kitchen, listening to the aunts’ pleasant chattering. Even shy Tomasina talks with them.” She shrugged. “For now, I would like to sit and read for a while.”

  “Sounds great. You have a book I can borrow? One in English would be best?”

  Her eyes widened. “You speak Spanish?”

  He smiled and held out his hands. “Can’t grow up in Texas without learning some Spanish. Speaking and reading are different. I’m mighty slow at translating.”

  She returned his grin. “Recently I acquired the works of Charles Dickens from England. In fact, I am reading A Tale of Two Cities. The story is wonderful.” She waved a hand. “Shall we go to the library so you can choose for yourself?”

  He looked over the library’s impressive shelves and thick walls. “Mighty nice room. First time I’ve been in here.” Two windows faced the courtyard and offered no chance for a sidewinder to sneak up for a shot at Hope. The door they’d used was the only entrance or exit. Thick walls.

  “Always I have loved this room, but it’s a little dark for my taste. Perhaps I will add a few sunny cushions and lighter draperies.” She glanced around, then ran her fingers along a shelf. “Oh, you might prefer Mr. Jules Verne’s work.” She indicated several volumes. “These were recently translated from the French.”

  He selected Five Weeks In A Balloon. “You know, balloons were used by both sides in the War. Never rode in one myself, and sure wouldn’t want to spend five weeks in one. Book sounds interesting, though.” Zach angled the large leather wingback chair so he had a view of the door and both windows.

  Hope appeared to hesitate before she said, “I usually read in the sunroom. There’s so much nice light.”

  Zach remembered. And too many windows that offered a clear rifle shot from the trees and brush. Careful not to ruin her day by reminding her a killer targeted her, Zach pretended to weigh her suggestion.

  “Aw, this chair looks more suited to my size than any in the morning room. You mind if we settle here for a spell?”

  “I suppose a man your size has trouble getting comfortable in most chairs.” Giggling, she said, “I was too worried to notice, but Theresa told me how uneasy you looked sitting on her mother-in-law’s settee.”

  When she laughed, her eyes sparkled. Easy to see why Micah had fallen for her hard. At a fandango, she would have been laughing and probably flirting with Micah. Damn shame her father interfered back then.

  Zach winked at Hope. “Didn’t know it showed, but it’s a fact I was wary for fear the whole thing would splinter.”

  “That would have hurt.” She held her hand over her mouth to hide a grin.

  “Especially after Mrs. Henderson or the judge lit into me.” Zach didn’t mind if she laughed at him. From what he’d learned so far, he figured she hadn’t had much humor in her life. “But that wouldn’t have been the first piece of furniture my brothers or I shattered.”

  “I think you’re safe in that chair. I will rest on the chaise.” She sat and arranged her skirts to cover her feet.

  Even though spring bloomed outside, inside cool air surrounded them. What looked like a folded Mexican blanket lay across the sofa. He rose and spread the blanket over her legs, then returned to his seat.

  “Gracias. You and Joel have been with Micah many weeks. Do you not have wives or women waiting for you?”

  Zach froze. He hated divulging personal information, and sure didn’t intend to spill details about Joel’s private life. “C-Can’t speak for Joel.” He decided she was just trying to make conversation, and relaxed. “I’ve been sort of courting a woman.”

  Tilting her head to one side, she asked, “How does a man sort of court a young lady?”

  “Now you mention it, maybe she doesn’t know I’m courting her.” He smiled and winked. “Reckon I’ll step up the process once I’ve finished here.”

  “I appreciate that you and Joel and your aunts have stopped your lives to help Micah and me. Well, I suppose it’s mostly for me now.”

  “Don’t give it a second thought. Micah would do the same for us. He shared that cash you gave him, and shared a third of the cattle now at my place and Joel’s third and Micah’s are now drinking at the river, thanks to you.”

  They settled into companionable silence. Zach tried to appear relaxed, but how could he let down his guard? Micah counted on him to keep Hope safe. Much as Zach hated this lolly gagging when he longed to hunt rustlers and killers, he liked his new sister and wanted her protected.

  He’d read the same damn page at least ten times and still didn’t have any idea what it said. Every bird or leaf stirred by a breeze outside caught his attention. Hope slammed her book.

  “Whew.” He fought against jumping to his feet at the sudden sound.

  Her gaze met his. “The story is a good one, but it cannot hold my interest. I long to rise and do something, anything, to battle this awful killer.”

  Zach closed his book also. “Must be hard, but your fight is to regain your strength. Let the rest of us combat whoever’s been attacking your family.”

  “I know you are right, but waiting is difficult.” She patted her stomach and grinned. “I suspect the aunts’ good cooking and my appetite will result in me gaining all the weight I have lost...and more.”

  “Our aunts will pamper you, that’s for sure, but you can stand to put a little meat on your bones.” Damn! Leave it to him to put his foot in his mouth. “Not that there’s anything wrong with the way you look now.” He’d prefer seeing her plump with Micah’s child, but wondered at the likelihood of that ever happening.

  “Zach, do not worry about your words. I know I am too thin.” She held up her wedding ring and showed him how large it was. “Micah believes this ring will fit one day. His faith means more than I can tell you.”

  Maria appeared. “Señora Hope, the ladies, they say you must rest now until lunch. I will help you to your room.”

  Zach leaped up. “I’ll help as well, little sister. While you rest, I’ll be in Micah’s room or nearby. You just call out if you need anything. If I can’t figure it out, I’ll fetch Maria.” He carried his book as they climbed the stairs. When they passed the foyer clock, he was surprised to see he’d been in the library only two hours.

  Been too long since he’d spent hours on watch. Already surveillan
ce created an ache behind his eyes. Danged if ranching hadn’t turned him soft. Sure, he could still work a sixteen-hour day, but not and remain constantly on guard.

  While Hope rested, Zach took off his boots so she wouldn’t hear him patrolling back and forth. He went out on the balcony of Micah’s room, which ran to the end of the home in each direction. The house’s red tile roof would make climbing from the one-story wings almost impossible. He judged the distance to the closest trees. Mighty dangerous jump even if the villain was a circus performer.

  Zach leaned on the sturdy rail and peered down. A tiled terrace jutted out at least twenty feet beyond the house. Deadly if someone fell from the balcony. Beyond the terrace, he spied a vegetable plot and a large flower garden. In the distance, he spotted the orchards. This ranch was definitely well planned and prosperous.

  He and Joel had talked about this paper marriage of Micah’s and both scorned the fix Micah was in. He hated to see his little brother hurt, and he’d never forgive Hope if she didn’t see reason. All he could do is pray Hope changed her mind and wanted to make the union permanent.

  He retraced his steps and listened at the open doorway to Hope’s room. Did Micah go to Hope’s room or she to his? Mama wouldn’t have slept anywhere but with Pa unless she was off taking care of sick folks. Odd that from the start this house was designed to drive a wedge between husband and wife. Wonder what made rich folks so peculiar?

  Chapter Seventeen

  When Maria told her lunch was served, Hope hurried downstairs. Her cares dissipated with the assurance of good food and a protector. At least, here inside her home, safety cocooned her.

  After lunch and another rest, Hope’s time with Zach passed as it had that morning, except that he kept her laughing at antics he and his brothers had gotten into when they were growing up. She suspected he embroidered the tales to entertain her. How she envied their life, even though they’d had little cash and worked hard. They had the things she’d been denied--love, siblings, affectionate parents, happiness. At least for a while, she was part of that lucky family and she planned to soak up enough memories to last her forever.