At her feet, the friendly dog Roady had called Dexter dropped to his haunches and gazed up at her with adoration. His dancing eyes invited her touch, but it wasn’t a moment before an unmistakable skunk scent made her quickly step back and pull her hand away. She gasped, and clamped her hand over her mouth and nose.
Chance dismounted and tied his horse to the hitching rail. Heading for the barn, he gave a short whistle and Dexter bolted to his side.
“Oh, he got it good this time,” Francis said with a laugh. “That dog gives him more trouble.”
Chance pointed and the dog obediently slunk into the barn. Chance pushed closed the tall wooden doors, then headed back.
“Probably chasing him at night. Dogs can hardly resist their scent,” Francis said, then followed Roady to the back of the wagon. As Francis reached for her bag, Roady grasped the wooden crate of nails and set it on the porch.
“Come on, Francis. Chance is in a foul mood.” Roady looked at her. “You sure you wouldn’t rather go back into Y Knot? We don’t mind taking you back.”
She shook her head. “No, thank you. I do appreciate you taking the time to bring me out.”
A bark sounded from the barn. They all turned as Chance walked up.
“We’ll get out of your hair now.”
Chance nodded, the anger in his expression was gone. “I appreciate you bringing out the nails,” he said. “My wife, too.”
Her heart fluttered. Did he mean it? Or was he just being polite in front of the cowboys? She remembered his kiss, his hands on her waist, his expression as he’d said his vows. She’d make this up to him, if he’d just give her the chance.
Francis climbed back onto the wagon seat and Roady mounted his horse. “You have your work cut out for you,” Roady said, gesturing to the half-built structure and the stack of tarp-covered lumber. “Yep, you sure do.” He turned his horse as Francis set the wagon rolling.
“Goodbye,” Evie called, waving her hand. She felt tiny next to Chance in the wide openness of the valley. Being used to the city, with streets full of people talking and the clamor of folks coming and going, she found this desolate—and a bit frightening. “Thank you, again.”
Roady’s goodhearted chuckle floated back to them. “Next time I see you, Mrs. Holcomb, I’ll ask you if you’re still thankful.” His laughter filled the air.
The nervous energy radiating off Chance was palpable. She turned and faced him, ready for the dressing down she was sure to come.
“So,” she said softly, wanting to break the ice. A burst of cold blew past her with enough force to ruffle the hair under the brim of his hat. His cheeks were rosier than she’d ever seen them. He had to be cold. “Here, take this.” She began to unfasten the buttons when he reached over and placed his large hand on hers.
Heat sizzled where his fingers touched, and lingered. Her breath caught as she looked up into his face. Did he feel it? Was he attracted to her at all? Had she ruined everything between them?
“No. I have another in the barn. You keep this on.”
“Chance, I’m sorry.”
He nodded, then looked away, his hands still warm on hers. They were large and callused, chapped by the wind. Standing so close, she was tempted to wrap her arms around his middle and bury her face into his chest, but didn’t dare.
“I’m the one who’s sorry,” he finally said. “I told you the house was done, because I thought it would be. The bargain was I’d have a place for you, a home. I’ve let you down.”
He was mad at himself? Not at her? “But I came out even though you told me to stay in Y Knot.”
“I am a bit annoyed with you for that. Montana isn’t St. Louis. It’s dangerous country out here. How is this going to work if you don’t do what I tell you?”
Evie couldn’t stop a smile. She leaned in closer. Pulled one hand away from his and cupped his cheek. “Chance, I wanted to help, that’s all. I don’t want to be treated like some hothouse flower that needs coddling. I’m telling you now, so please listen and believe. I know how to work—I like to work.” Should I tell him the truth? Right now? What would he think if I did? “I want to be part of the team that gets this place built.” She glanced over at the boards and studs that would someday be their home. “It’s already beautiful, Chance. I can only imagine how lovely it will be when it’s complete.” She let her hand fall away.
He looked down at the narrow space between them. “That might take awhile.” His voice was soft and she had to strain to hear him.
“If it does, so what?” she whispered, inching closer. “We’ll build it together.”
“Actually, I’m planning on hiring some workers. We’ll go into town tomorrow and I’ll see who I can find. That way, it should be finished in a day or two.”
She couldn’t reply. A yearning so strong took hold and she went up on tiptoe, pressing her mouth to his. Gently, questioningly. For a split second, he didn’t respond, and she feared she’d gone and made a fool of herself again. But then he wrapped her in his arms and kissed her passionately, his hands pulling her close, and closer still.
He took a deep breath and stepped back, a lopsided grin appearing on his face. “I hope you like eating jerky and sleeping on the ground.”
His eyes were doing funny things to her insides. “The ground?” With spiders to crawl all over me as I sleep? Nest in my hair?
“Where else did you think? I camp. Sleep in a bedroll.” He glanced to the carpetbag sitting on the porch. “I can’t imagine you have a bedroll tucked away in that thing.”
She gaped, looking back and forth, before realizing he was teasing her.
He laughed, then took her by the hand. “Don’t worry about it now; we’ll work it out when night falls. Just so you know, I have a few extra blankets in the barn.” He winked and Evie’s breath escaped in a small puff. Oh, how she loved Chance, this Chance. Would he always be like this, so understanding, so warm?
“Come on. I want to give you the grand tour.”
Chapter Seventeen
DRESSED IN his extra slicker, Chance straightened and stood, taking one last look at his tools in the barn. He was ready, and itching to get going. He’d finish the house in record time. After showing everything to Evie, pleased by her oohs and aahs over each little detail she saw, he took her out to the barn where she met his three horses, explored the tall loft, and cozied up to Dexter who was sulking in a stall. She begged Chance to let the dog out, saying the smell went away after her nose got used to it. True or not, the animal had taken to her. He devotedly trotted by her heels as if he knew Evie was his deliverer.
Longing for a glimpse of her, Chance went to the barn door and looked out. It took a minute in the waning light, but he finally spotted his wife and Dexter. They were a short distance into the pasture, where she crouched low, proffering an outstretched handful of greenery to two calves standing knee-deep in grass. Their mamas, who’d wandered up toward the barn in the late afternoon ahead of the rest of the herd, grazed nearby.
His heart filled. Marrying Evie was the best thing he’d ever done. Even this soon, he felt it was true. When one of the calves looked her way, she inched forward and the tiny heifer nibbled the grass in her hand. She laughed and it bolted. Glancing over her shoulder and catching him watching, she smiled and waved.
Twilight eased over the land, calming the breeze and muting the vividness of color. The dark clouds had given way to a gray-blue sky. All they had for tonight was a bag of jerky and a half loaf of day-old bread. He hoped it would be enough to satisfy her until they went into town first thing tomorrow. From there, he’d go over to Lichtenstein’s to see if anyone had been in looking for work. Evie could take some time at the hotel to clean up if she wanted. It promised to be a full day.
Dexter barked and Chance quickly looked back to Evie. The rest of the herd was on the move up the valley toward the ranch, coming in for nightfall. Dexter barked again and then bounded out to meet them. As trained, he circled around to the back of the herd, then
drove them forward.
When Evie started his way, he went out to join her. The calm evening light was too nice to waste. “How do you like the calves?”
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything so cute.” Her eyes sparkled and he stifled the urge to reach out and touch her nose. “They look so soft. I’d love to pet them.”
“Just keep at it. They’ll let you when they get used to you.”
“Really?”
“Sure. Cattle can be very domestic. Remember though, they’re beef animals and not pets. If they aren’t used for breeding, someone’s going to eat them.”
Her eyes opened wide. He nodded. She needed to know how things worked around here.
They walked along a little farther. “You getting hungry?”
“I am.” Her voice was small. She was still thinking about the calves. “But I don’t see any restaurants nearby,” she said teasingly.
As if it were commonplace, he took her hand in his and started back toward the house. “You’re right about that. The only eatery you’ll find around here is—” He paused, thinking. “Hungry Holcomb’s Offerings. You’ll find it up ahead. One thing though, it’s not too good. Only thing on the menu is over-salted jerky and a half a loaf of hard bread. But don’t despair; I hear tell he’s getting a new cook.”
Her face blanched, and he wondered what he’d said wrong. Maybe the fact that he wasn’t much of a cook and she thought she’d have to do all the work herself. He didn’t mind helping, and doing what he knew how. They wouldn’t starve by any means, but he did look forward to what she’d have to offer.
He gave her hand a gentle squeeze. Was she nervous being out here alone with him? They walked up the wagon tracks toward the house in silence, him enjoying the feel of her at his side.
A rustling sound at their feet made Evie gasp and grab his hand, jumping behind him as if a dragon had just popped up out of the grass.
He laughed, enjoying her physical touch very much. He could get used to it—and quickly. “That’s just a whippoorwill.” He pointed to a small brown speckled bird running through the grass. “They nest on the ground and when evening falls, they’re everywhere. You’ll get used to ’em soon enough.”
She’d stopped and watched the bird that was almost invisible. A hand to her heart told him she was rattled. “I guess.”
The cattle had settled and Dexter trotted back, wagging his tail. Chance gave her hand a tug. “Come on. I’m hungry myself. I want to eat and get the bedrolls laid out before all the light is gone.”
***
Perched on a chair Chance had brought from the barn, and still snuggled in his large, warm coat, Evie ate a chunk of bread feeling like the Icelandic Viking’s woman she’d read about at the library. She had already consumed a slice of jerky—finding the smoky flavor to her liking—then guzzled several long draws of water from his canteen. So far, this new experience of camping with Chance had been exhilarating. She’d helped him lay out the bedding by the light of two lanterns that hung from a beam overhead. Earlier, he’d made several trips to the lumber pile for planks to lay across the massive bed frame constructed of tree trunks. It was a beautiful creation. The four flat-topped posts were twelve inches across, and could easily hold a vase of flowers. People in St. Louis would pay a fortune for something so sturdy. It would keep her bedroll off the floor. Thank heavens for that! The blackness of the night surrounded them, with the chirp of the crickets the only sound.
Dexter, lying by her chair, sat up and tipped his head, then trotted through the nonexistent wall to the edge of the front porch. He let out a soft growl.
The enormity of where she was filled her. Montana wilderness. Indians. Wolves. She looked out into the darkness, trying to see what had riled Dexter, but the light from the lamps made that impossible. Feeling nervous, she walked toward Chance.
Chance placed a gun down, still having one in his holster. Her bedroll was laid out on the thick boards, and several blankets were neatly laid on the floor beside the bed. His rifle was within his reach, too.
“The dog hears something outside.”
He stood. “We’re outside too, Evie,” he said, then chuckled. “But you don’t have to worry. Most of the wild creatures have come to terms with the homestead. They cut us a wide berth.”
She fretfully fingered a strand of hair. “But—he’s growling.”
“He’s always growling at something. You’ll get used to it. Probably a squirrel hunting acorns.”
Another thing to get used to.
She doubted it would be as easy as Chance seemed to think it would be. The streets of St. Louis were noisy, even at night, masking any threatening things that may have been lurking close. She could take the hustle and bustle of the city, but the inky blackness, with silence so vacant it echoed, had her on edge. The clicking of Dexter’s nails on the hardwood made her look over her shoulder. The animal came over to her side and sat down. “Guess you’re right.”
“You having second thoughts?”
His eyes and smile said he didn’t think that in the least. He’d been watching her all night, his expressive eyes making her blush at every turn. She’d gone and kissed him in the barn, for goodness’ sake! Did he think she was some loose woman just waiting for the sun to set? Well, the night was here, and she had nowhere to go and no one to trust but him. “Of course not.”
“Good. You’ve used the necessary and are all ready to be tucked in.”
It was a statement, not a question. She’d had him walk with her out to the outhouse and hold the lantern a few feet away, embarrassing as it was. She wasn’t walking half the distance to the barn after nightfall by herself. The memory of the Victorian’s indoor plumbing almost made her sob.
“Yes.”
Going to her carpetbag, she rummaged through. She didn’t have a clue what she was looking for, she just needed to be grounded by familiar things from her old life. Oh, how she wished she had Trudy’s hanky! Holding it now would calm her nerves. She closed her eyes and envisioned it in her mind. Love Never Fails. When she opened her eyes, Chance was regarding her solemnly.
“Everything all right?” he asked.
She nodded. Began unbuttoning the coat.
“You’re going to want to keep that on. It’ll be plenty cold by morning.”
Of course! She felt stupid.
The bed was tall. He’d made a small step, and assisted as she clambered in, dragging her long dress. She felt as attractive as a billowing circus tent. It took some doing to get settled without messing up the blankets too much, but with Chance’s help she was finally covered and tucked in tight.
With a satisfied smile, he looked down at her. “There.”
In six strides, he was through the wall and reached up for the lamp in the kitchen area. Dexter tried to follow him back into the bedroom, but he told the dog to stay put.
Chance laid down on the floor beside her. Bumped around. Got comfortable. “You good up there?”
“Umm.”
“Okay, I’m blowing out the lamps.”
She heard the scrape of metal on metal. He lifted the first flue, then the sound of his breath. The darkness expanded. The process repeated and the light vanished entirely. As her eyes adjusted to the night, a brilliance of stars filled the sky above.
“Oh, Chance,” she whispered, not wanting to mar the beauty with the sound of her voice. “It’s so beautiful.” She couldn’t take her gaze away. Snuggling down into the blankets, she pulled his coat around herself more securely, feeling like a speck of a speck, so tiny she’d be lost if she closed her eyes.
“Yeah, it is,” he drawled. “Pretty darn spectacular. I remember being a boy in my bedroll and wondering how the sky could be that big, that bright with stars.” A long moment passed. “I still don’t know.”
“I see what you mean.”
“Is this your first time camping?”
“Yes. I’ve never been out of the house in St. Louis.”
“Just wait. If you think t
his is dark, wake up sometime in the early morning. Around one or two. I’ve never seen black quite so…black.”
Several quiet minutes passed. After the eventful day, it wasn’t long before her eyelids drooped. She struggled to keep them open. She wasn’t exactly frightened with Chance sleeping nearby, especially with all his guns close by his side. It was more an excited unknown feeling, of how her life had changed, and the wonder of where it was going.
Chapter Eighteen
A BLUR of movement caught Evie’s eye.
The inky black body with the sinister long, crinkling legs inched toward her, menacingly.
Her breath jerked, held. Her feet, glued to the floor, felt like immoveable boulders. Before she could blink, the thing skittered and sprang. She screamed.
The spider wriggled under her skirt.
With a sickening awareness, she felt it run across her stomach and crawl across her chest. She groped frantically at the heavy binding keeping her down. She whimpered and moaned. She needed to find it. When she took hold of the foul thing, another shriek ripped from her throat as she flung it away. She gulped air and screamed repeatedly, her head thrashing back and forth.
“Evie, wake up,” a voice said urgently. “You’re dreaming, darlin’. You’re dreaming. It’s okay. You’re okay.”
Violent shivers made her body quake. She felt cold and hot at the same time. The calm voice soothed her fear, distancing her from the panic she felt gripping her insides.
Warm hands gathered her close and rocked her back and forth. Lips, warm and soft, kissed her forehead. “Shhh, it was just a nightmare. You’re out at the ranch with me. I’d never let anything harm you.”
Mail-Order Brides of the West: Evie (McCutcheon) Page 10