Again, she shook her head.
Jake pretended to put his thumb in his mouth. He jerked it back. “Yuck! That tastes nasty!”
Both Molly and Leah laughed. Molly pulled her thumb out of her mouth and looked at it. Leah laughed again, bringing a smile to his face.
“Enough talk about nasty-tasting thumbs,” he said. “I don’t know any songs but I had an uncle once who made up a poem about fishing. Want to hear it?”
Both of them nodded.
Jake cleared his throat, raised his head and began to recite. “Fishy, fishy, in the sea, won’t you come out and be a friend to me? I’ll put you on my little hook. Then for supper you will cook.” He smiled, revealing all his teeth.
Molly clapped her hands.
Leah looked at him with a comical expression to say the least.
Jake took a bow. “Thank you. If I ever take you hunting, I’ll recite the one about the little deer.”
“Oh, no, you don’t. I think that one might be a little much for her.” Leah laughed. “Not to mention me.”
Over the next three hours, Leah caught six fish. Jake grinned as he tossed his third fish of the day into the bucket that had held his ice auger. The auger lay on the surface of the frozen river. He was glad that he hadn’t had to use it the way it was intended. It took a lot of hard work to get a hole dug.
“Do you think nine fish are enough to feed everyone?” Leah asked. Her gaze moved to the edge of the river where Molly played.
Cold shivered down his spine. “Well, when we add them to what the other guys caught, I think we’ll have a nice fish fry.”
Leah grinned. “Do you know who came fishing earlier?”
“Uh-huh. Ike and Cole were out here shortly after breakfast. I believe they took six back to Agnes.” He began to gather their supplies. He all but clapped his hands. “We’ll be having fish for dinner tonight.”
Leah pulled her line from the water and then handed him the fishing pole. “This has been fun.” She picked up the ice auger and, once he’d secured the fishing lines, took the two poles from him.
Her blue eyes sparkled up at him. Rosy cheeks spoke of just how cold it was. “I agree. We’ll have to do it again.”
Her voice turned soft. “I’d like that.”
Jake grinned. “You know what is more fun?” he asked, picking up the bait and fish buckets.
“What?”
“Ice skating.”
Leah looked about the frozen lake and all the holes that dotted its surface. “I don’t think it would be safe to skate out here.”
Jake laughed. “No, it wouldn’t, but we could skate farther down.”
Her gaze moved down the river. “Oh, I suppose we could.”
“We could rope off a big section and make sure that Molly doesn’t go past the ropes.” Jake spoke his thoughts aloud. “It would be fun. We could build a small fire, make hot chocolate and maybe even cook something over the flames.”
Horror filled her face.
“What’s wrong?” Jake spun around looking for the danger that had placed such fear in her pretty features.
“I have trouble cooking on a real stove. I can’t imagine cooking over an open fire.”
Jake shook his head. “Woman, you scared years off my life,” he jokingly accused, relieved there was no real danger present. “Besides, women cook over fire pits every day.”
“I’m sorry, but this woman doesn’t,” she shot back.
Molly ran toward them. She looked into the fish bucket and clapped her hands.
He handed the little girl the bait bucket to carry. Then he casually wrapped an arm around Leah’s shoulders. “I’ll make you a deal. When we cook over open flames, I’ll do the cooking.”
An impish grin split her full lips. “Promise?”
Now what was she up to? Had he just tapped into her teasing nature? He’d play along. “Promise.”
“Thank you, Jake.” Pure mirth seeped through the words.
Jake pretended to growl and then asked, “What are you up to?”
Molly and Leah shared grins. The little girl covered her mouth and her eyes danced with laughter. Whatever Leah was up to, Molly understood it.
“Oh, nothing, really.” Leah’s mouth spread into a full-fledged smile. Her even white teeth shone. It was the first time he’d seen her this playful, and she seemed to be genuinely happy.
He dropped his arm from her shoulder and draped it around her waist, then set the fish pail down. Before she could protest, Jake pulled her against his side and proceeded to tickle her with his free hand.
Leah’s laughter filled the air. “Stop! Stop!” But he paid no attention.
He inhaled her sweet fragrance.
“What is so funny?” he asked, tickling her more.
Molly jumped around them, flapping her arms. The little girl reminded him of a chicken with its head cut off. It amazed him that she didn’t verbally join in the fun.
He stopped tickling Leah for a moment. “If you don’t tell me quick what you are up to, I’m going to tickle you some more,” he threatened her.
“All right, all right!” she squealed.
Reluctantly he released her. He missed the warmth against his side immediately. Her hair now hung around her shoulders in disarray, and her blue eyes danced with happiness. He merely stared, tongue-tied. Leah Hollister was the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen. But Jake had learned from Molly’s mother that beauty didn’t make the woman special or trustworthy. Fear of his heart being broken forced him to look past her outer beauty.
Leah tried to put on a serious face but her lips continued to twitch as she said, “Did you forget our house has a fireplace in it?”
He felt as if his mind was mottled. “So?”
“It’s an open flame.” Leah giggled.
Molly clapped her hands in joy.
Although his thoughts had just been somber, Jake couldn’t help but feel the laughter boom within his chest and from his gaping mouth. She’d tricked him. Or had he volunteered? Yes, he’d said it. She’d just weaseled a promise out of him; a promise that he would do all the cooking over an open flame. What she didn’t know is that it was a promise he’d freely give again.
They almost felt like a family as they made their way back to the station. Right here, right now, Jake knew he was happier than he’d been in a long time, and that both scared and pleased him. This kind of happiness could only lead to heartbreak. His heartbreak.
*
It was a little after lunch the next day when Jake rode into Julesburg. The village was named after Jules Beni, the hard-drinking, French-Canadian fur trapper who had established it in 1859 as a trading post.
Jake frowned as he observed the group of rugged shacks interspersed with saloons. During his short months away from the town, it had grown even more dangerous. Men of all types stood on the walkways watching him enter.
He recognized Theodore Rand, one of the pony express riders, and tipped his hat in the young man’s direction. Theodore was a good man, but Jake had no desire to stay in this den of thieves any longer than he had to.
In front of the trading post that also served as the home station, Jake got off his horse and tied it to the hitching rail. He made his way inside.
Jim Moore, another express rider, motioned to him once he was inside. Jim sat at a small table off to the right. Jim was big for a pony express rider, at five feet, ten inches tall and weighing about one hundred and sixty pounds. Jake noted that Jim’s back was to the wall, not the door. Men learned fast in Julesburg not to sit with their back to the entrance. It wasn’t safe.
The two men studied each other. They’d developed a friendship when Jake lived at the home station. Jake knew Jim to be honest and trustworthy.
“What brings you to our little station?” Jim asked, indicating that Jake take a seat to his left where he would also be facing the door.
Jake noticed he and Jim were the only two in the trading post portion of the building. He eased into the chai
r. “You aren’t going to believe this, but I’m looking for a preacher.”
The sound of Jim’s chair legs hitting the floor echoed through the quiet room. “Why? You havin’ a funeral out at the Frontzs’ place?”
The thought of getting married would seem like sudden death to some of the men of this rugged town. “Nope. More like a wedding.”
Jim eased his chair back once more. “Who’s the lucky gal?”
“Her name is Leah Hollister.”
The express rider placed a piece of straw between his teeth. “And the gent?”
Jake cleared his throat before answering. “Me.”
The straw moved from one side of Jim’s mouth to the other. “You?”
“Yep. I find myself in need of a wife and she needs a husband. Made sense to get married and solve both our problems.”
Jim laughed. “You don’t see getting married as putting yourself in a world of different problems?” He swished the straw to the other side of his jaw.
Jake grinned. “I’ll let you know.”
“When’s the big day?” Jim asked, setting his chair down once more.
“Leah wants a Christmas wedding, so sometime around Christmas.” Jake looked about the trading post. It resembled the general store in South Platte but held different things, such as Indian rugs and pottery.
Jim stood and walked to the coffeepot. “Want a cup?” He held up a chipped mug that he’d pulled from a shelf over his head.
“Love some.” Jake stood also and stretched. With no one else around he felt free to browse the store. “Where’s Beni?” he asked, picking up a pair of boots and looking at the size. Too small. He replaced them.
Jim poured the thick brew. “Went over to the livery, said he’d be back in a bit. You know how that goes. He could be gone for the rest of the day. Things have been slow with the storms coming through. Now that they’ve slacked off some, I’m thinking business will pick up soon. Beni must think so, too, since he’s been off at the livery a lot lately.”
A sparkle caught Jake’s attention by the counter. He walked to the glass case and looked inside. “I’m surprised Beni has a fancy case like this and that it hasn’t been smashed up yet.”
Jim laughed. “Yeah, his wife brought it in filled with those pretty trinkets. Don’t expect it will last long. See something you like?” He came over and handed Jake the coffee.
A flower pin with clear stones sparkled up at him. Leah had once mentioned flowers. Maybe she’d like something like that for Christmas. “Is the case locked?”
“Sure is.”
“How much do you think ole Beni will want for that flower pin?”
Jim slapped him on the back. “More than it’s worth, I’m sure.”
Jake nodded. His gaze landed on a woman’s ready-made coat hanging against the wall. He walked over and pulled it off its hanger. The fabric was a soft blue. Would Leah like it? It looked as if it would fit her. A price tag hung from the sleeve. He whistled low. Instead of putting the coat back, he handed it to Jim.
“Can I buy this now?” he asked.
“Sure can. I’ll make sure Beni gets his money,” Jim said, holding out his hand.
Jake laughed. He knew his friend would give the money to Beni. Even if Jim had second thoughts about giving it to him, Beni would get it, one way or another. Fishing in his pocket, Jake pulled out some money and handed the price of the coat to his friend.
He nodded. “I need to be getting back. Could I ask a couple of favors from you?”
Weariness entered Jim’s reply. “Depends on what they are.”
“Nothing too hard.” Jake looked at the cash still in his hand. “Would you find out from Beni what he wants for that pin?” He handed some money to Jim. “If it’s more than that, pay the difference and I’ll pay you back.”
“All right.” Jim stuffed the money into his front pocket. “What’s the second request?” He leaned against the counter.
Jake grinned. “If that preacher or another preacher happens to come this way, would you send him to South Platte? The sooner the better.”
Jim’s stance relaxed. “That’s it?”
Living in Julesburg wasn’t easy. Men stole from and killed each other on a regular basis. Jake hated that his friend felt the need to keep his guard up, even around old pals. He slapped Jim on the shoulder. “That’s it.”
Jim walked with him to the door. “I heard that the preacher might be coming back this way. I’ll be sure and send him to South Platte for you, but are you sure you’re ready to settle down?” he asked.
Jake nodded. The question echoed in his mind as he rode back to South Platte. Was he really ready to get married, settle down and have a family? Did he have a choice? With the care of Molly came great responsibility. Leah’s pretty blue eyes came to mind. Jake reminded himself that he wasn’t going to fall in love, not with Leah, not with anyone. Once more he mentally built an invisible wall around his heart to keep it from being broken.
Chapter Nine
A week later, Leah leaned forward and listened as Will began to tell them about his latest ride.
“I really thought I was a goner this time.” He inched even closer to the edge of the soft cushions on the settee.
His eyes danced with excitement and the joy of having a good story to tell. Like all good storytellers, he let his statement hang in the air.
Unable to wait any longer, Leah asked, “What happened?” She felt like a little girl again, listening to stories of adventure. Leah was aware that everyone in the room wanted to know the answer to her question as much as she did.
“It was dusk, and I was going through one of the more dangerous areas. Usually I’m alert because of the Indians, outlaws and black bears that frequent around there. Anyway, I looked back over my shoulder,” he said, “and saw them coming…as hard as they could ride after me, yellin’ and shootin’.”
Leah held her breath as she waited to hear more.
“Who were you running from this time, Indians or outlaws?” Ike asked in his soft tone.
“Bandits. I pushed Wild Boy as fast as his legs would go. We managed to stay out in front of them but their bullets whizzed about my head like angry mosquitos. It felt as if they would follow me all the way here, but after a few miles their horses must have tired because they fell back.” Will took a deep breath.
“Why would bandits be chasing you, Will?” Leah asked when it became clear he had no more to add to his story.
He grunted as he sat back. “I suppose they thought I was carrying cash in the mailbags.”
“Could be they just wanted his horse, too,” Ike added.
Everyone in the room nodded their agreement. Agnes sat in one of the big chairs mending a shirt for her husband. Ike stood by the fireplace staring into the flames. Leah imagined he was reliving one of his own wild rides. Mr. Frontz held a book with a ragged cover in his hands.
The front door opened and Jake entered the house. “Evening, everyone.”
Leah grinned. She’d been worried about him when he hadn’t shown up for dinner.
“I saved a plate for you in the kitchen.” Agnes put her sewing to the side and prepared to stand up.
Leah stopped her. “I’ll get it for him. You rest.” She hurried toward the kitchen, aware that her heart beat overtime.
The sound of a cowbell drifted down from the second floor. Leah glanced up the stairs. She wanted to ignore the sound, knowing it was Mr. Dalton summoning someone.
Agnes had given him the bell earlier, since they were both too busy to stay at his side all day. Leah had managed to stay away from the offensive man but poor Agnes had traveled the stairs many times. Leah sighed, knowing it was her turn to go up.
She heard Jake say, “Stay put, Agnes. I’ll see what he needs.” There was gruffness to his voice that she hadn’t heard before. His boots pounded up the stairs.
Thankful she didn’t have to attend to the man, Leah entered the kitchen. The rich smell of fresh bread greeted her. She and
Agnes had baked all day. Leah enjoyed baking; something about kneading and working with dough gave her a sense of accomplishment.
Taking Jake’s dinner from the warm oven, Leah wondered what Mr. Dalton wanted now. She felt he was well enough to be on his way, but Agnes had insisted he stay upstairs one more day. She’d heard him the night before moving about upstairs. Leah had locked her room, something she’d never felt compelled to do before.
Jake pushed through the kitchen door. “It smells wonderful in here.” He walked to the table and sat down on one of the stools.
Leah carried his plate to him. She placed it on the table and asked, “What did Mr. Dalton want?”
“A drink of water.”
She frowned. He could have gotten the water on his own. So why ask Jake for water?
Jake pulled the plate to him and picked up a slice of fresh bread. Just before taking a bite from it, he said, “I think he was disappointed it was me that came at his summons.”
“Oh?” Leah poured him a glass of apple cider.
He chewed and swallowed. “I think he’s taken a shine to you.”
She said the first thing that popped into her mind. “He’s vile.”
Jake nodded. “I agree.”
He picked up his fork and dug into the roast beef and potatoes. “After tonight, he’ll be gone.”
Relief washed over her like water off a duck’s back. “He’s leaving, then?”
“Yep. I spoke with Mr. Frontz this morning and we’ve agreed that he’ll be leaving in the morning.” Jake drank deeply from the cider.
Leah sat down on Molly’s stool. “I know it’s unkind of me to say, but I’m glad he’s leaving.” She met Jake’s gaze. Intense brown eyes looked back at her.
Jake sat his spoon down and leaned forward. “Leah, if any man ever treats you like he did yesterday morning, tell me.”
So he did know. She’d felt certain he saw the way Mr. Dalton had grabbed her and pulled her toward him. Now she knew for sure that he had. Leah dropped her gaze and nodded her head, even though she doubted she’d bring up such a personal matter with him.
Love Inspired Historical November 2014 Page 59