Love Finds You in Sundance, Wyoming

by Miralee Ferrell

  Chapter Sixteen

  Angel stared at the diminutive woman who beamed at her like she’d found something precious and didn’t want to let go. Her grandmother? She’d never seen this person before. She shook her head, hoping to dislodge the confusion. “I’m sorry. What makes you think I’m your granddaughter?”

  Before the woman could answer, Travis looked her way and raised his brows. “You’re welcome to use my office if you’d like.”

  “No, thank you.” Angel shook her head decisively. The woman looked harmless enough, but she didn’t care to be alone with her until she understood the claim she’d presented. “Maybe we could move to the living room and sit? I’d like you and Libby to come, if you don’t mind.”

  Libby moved to stand beside Angel. “Certainly, we’d be happy to. Travis, why don’t you show Signora de Luca to a seat and we’ll be right along.”

  Travis offered his arm to the matron, and she walked regally beside him into the adjoining room.

  Libby leaned close and dropped her voice. “You don’t know her?”

  “No.” Angel hated whispering in front of someone, but she didn’t care for this woman to hear. “My parents died when I was young. I don’t know much about my mother’s family except she migrated to this country from Italy with her older brother when she was seventeen.” She rose from her chair. “I guess we should join them.”

  “Yes, that would be sensible.” Libby moved out of the way and allowed Angel to precede her into the next room. Signora de Luca sat like a delicate queen on Travis’s easy chair, and Travis stood nearby.

  While Angel had been in this room before, she’d never spent any real time here. She stopped for a moment, taking in her surroundings. Definitely a man’s domain, it boasted an elk’s rack above the river-rock fireplace and a bear skin on the wall next to the chimney. Colorful rugs graced the floors. Comfortable sofas and sturdy tables were positioned in a half circle facing the fire. It radiated a feeling of peace and contentment like nothing she’d ever felt. She longed to curl up in a chair, lean her head back, and rest. Instead, she perched on the corner of a dark-brown leather chair with a blanket draped across its back.

  Travis sat beside Libby on a sofa across the room from Angel and nodded toward Signora de Luca. “We’re happy to have you here, Signora, but I think I speak for all of us when I say we’re curious how you happened to come, since Angel doesn’t seem to know you.”

  The matron bowed her head in a grave nod. “I would be most honored if you would call me by my given name, Maria.”

  Angel gave a small start. Her mother’s name had been Maria.

  “Of course. Now please, tell us what brought you here and how you found us so far out in the wilderness.”

  Maria sat ramrod straight in her chair. “It is a long story, but I will try not to take too much of your time. And please“—she glanced at Angel—“do not hesitate to ask me questions.”

  Angel gave a brief nod. This tiny woman held a certain fascination. The thought that she might be family was enough to ignite a spark of longing in her heart. She’d felt alone for so long.

  Maria laced her fingers in her lap. “My husband and I were heartbroken when our two eldest children decided to venture to America. They hoped to escape the confines of the life we lived in Italy. Gino, my husband, had a successful watchmaking business and did not want to leave our homeland for a new country, as our children urged us to do. We begged them to stay, but no. So they sailed away and never returned.”

  Libby leaned forward, her gaze reflecting sympathy for this woman’s loss. “Did you ever hear from them again?”

  “Maria wrote frequently at first.” She nodded at Angel. “After she married your papa, la mia nipotina, her letters grew scarce. They traveled far away from the cities and were living in the West. Stagecoaches did not travel to their area often, and it was difficult to send mail. They moved frequently, as your papa’s work was unpredictable.”

  Angel gripped her hands together, trying to still their shaking. Had Papa been involved with shady men like his older brother, José, had? Best not to think about it now—just listen and hope to understand the new revelations about her parents that this woman shared— if indeed she spoke of her parents, and not someone else.

  Maria pressed on, her lined face intent and her dark eyes moving from person to person, lingering at last on Angel. “We learned of your birth and rejoiced. My husband and I hoped to visit you in America, but Guido, our youngest, took sick. He lingered for ten years before he finally went to heaven. The letters stopped coming, and many years passed. We never knew what happened to our daughter and her baby, or the man that Maria married.” She peered at Angel, her mouth drawn in a pain-filled line. “Are your parents living?”

  Angel bit her lip. “No. They died of the fever when I was eight. Papa’s older brother, José, raised me.”

  “Ah. That is as we feared. That would explain why the letters ceased.” Maria nodded as a shadow of sadness cloaked her face. “Gino and I determined to close the business and come to America. The last time we heard from your mama, she wrote to us from Wyoming. We sent out letters, hoping to find her. We spent three years searching and had nearly given up, when word came from a town marshal saying he had heard of an Angelo de Luca working on a nearby ranch.”

  Angel’s heart contracted, and she felt as though she’d been cow-kicked. If a marshal had heard of her, what more might he know? Letters sent to law officers could stir up questions into a past best left alone.

  Maria leaned forward. “We felt hope for the first time and made plans to sail on the next ship.” Her voice faltered, and she sniffed.

  Travis withdrew a handkerchief from his pocket and leaned across to press it into her hand. “What of your husband, Maria?”

  The older woman dabbed at her eyes. “His heart was weak and could not stand the excitement. I buried him two months before leaving my Italy. My only hope lay in this Wyoming, where I was told my Maria and her baby lived.”

  A flower of hope blossomed in Angel’s heart, as the light of Maria’s words poured into her spirit. She’d never known Mama and Papa had lived in Wyoming before moving to Texas. Maybe the God she remembered her mother talking about had cared enough to bring her back to the place where her grandmother could find her.

  Grandmother. She shivered at the word, her thoughts in turmoil. What would it mean, having someone who belonged to her? Would this woman love and understand her, accept her for all that she was and all this country had helped her become? Or would she strive to change her and scorn the work she did? Maria must never know of Angel’s past. The woman sitting across the room had endured much already—this would be more than anyone should have to bear.

  “Angel? Are you feeling all right?” Libby’s words roused Angel from her deep reflection. “Maybe you need to lie down. You shouldn’t tax yourself on your first day out of bed.”

  A gasp left Maria’s lips, and she pushed from her chair. “Child, you have been ill? Forgive me for my thoughtless chatter.”

  “I’m all right, just tired.” Angel smiled at Maria and rose from the couch, uncomfortable at the attention. “I think I’ll go to my room, if you don’t mind?”

  Maria took a step toward her and lifted her arms. “Do you believe me, child of my heart? That I am your grandmother come to find you at last? Can you forgive an old woman for taking so long to come?”

  Angel shook her head. “There’s nothing to forgive. It’s all come as such a surprise. Will you be here when I get up?”

  Travis cleared his throat and smiled. “I hope I can answer that. Signora, my sister and I would like to extend an invitation for you to stay as long as you’d like. We have a room upstairs and would be honored to have you here.”

  A tiny tremor of surprise shook Angel. Travis’s offer indicated a willingness to believe Maria’s story.

  Maria dipped her head and turned to Libby. “You are sure it will not be an imposition? I am certain you have much to do withou
t adding another burden to your day.”

  Libby reached out her hand and took the older woman’s, giving it a squeeze. “No imposition at all. It will be our pleasure.”

  “Then it is settled. I thank you both.” Maria looked from one to the other and turned her gaze on Angel. “I understand your confusion, little one. Go. Sleep well. We will speak again when you are rested. I want to know everything about you, your parents, and how you were raised.”

  Angel spent much of the next two days in her room. The lack of exercise chafed at her, but she didn’t care to chance a private meeting with Maria. She could deal with having a relative, even anticipated the prospect of getting acquainted with a grandmother she’d never known. Her heart told her the older woman spoke the truth, but Maria’s final statement shot fear into Angel’s mind.

  She woke the next morning determined to take a ride and get away from the house. If nothing else, she’d make sure any time spent with Maria was in someone else’s company, where she could draw Libby, Travis, or James into the conversation. Better yet, the cowboys might offer a welcome diversion. Relief flooded her as men’s jovial voices drifted toward her from the dining area. She slipped out her bedroom door and down the hall.

  Angel slid into her seat just as Travis quieted the table for prayer. Maria sat on Travis’s left and Libby graced her normal place to his right. Angel’s seat next to Libby remained open, and she heaved a sigh of relief. At least Libby hadn’t decided to place her next to Maria, where the older woman could pester her with questions. Having James to Angel’s right would give her someone to visit with. Bless Libby for coming up with the new seating arrangement.

  The sudden hush and the quiet words to the Almighty brought an unexpected sense of peace to Angel’s spirit. She remembered the gushing spring at the plateau and how the water called to her—Tra-vis’s prayer tugged at her heart in the same way, although she wasn’t sure why. Was it the man, and the words he spoke, or something that went deeper?

  Angel met Maria’s tranquil, warm gaze. The message came through. “I’m here. I care.” And it scared Angel a little. She ducked her head and turned toward James, dropping her voice. “I think your mother might allow you to go riding with me, but you’ll need to ask her to be sure.”

  James’s freckled face lit with joy. “Ah, golly, Angel, thank you. Uh—I mean, Miss Angel.” A blush crept into his cheeks. “Can I bring a rifle?”

  “Not this time.” She placed a finger against her lips. “Let’s not push your mother, all right? I think it’s enough if she lets you come along this first time.” She dipped the large serving spoon into the pot of oatmeal sitting near her plate, filled her bowl, and topped it off with a helping of sugar. Not one of her favorite dishes, but the hot bread smothered in some of Smokey’s apple jam would help it go down.

  Libby touched Angel’s forearm. “How are you feeling? Did your rest yesterday help?”

  “Yes. My arm is much better, and my strength is back. I thought I might take a short ride today.”

  Libby’s forehead scrunched and her lips puckered. “Are you sure it’s wise to go back to work so soon? Shouldn’t you ask the doctor first?”

  “I’m not going to work, just take a ride, and I promise it won’t be more than couple of hours. I need to get out of the house and back on my horse. Being cooped up is difficult for me.”

  “I understand.” Libby took the plate of bread that Travis handed her, took a slice, and passed it along to Angel.

  Angel helped herself and turned back to Libby. “I have a favor to ask. Would it be all right if James comes along? I won’t let him take a gun, or shoot mine.”

  Libby sat for a moment, her gaze moving from Angel to James and back again. “Yes, I think that would be fine. I appreciate your thoughtfulness in not allowing him to shoot. At least, this time.” She finished with a small smile.

  James let out a whoop, then covered his mouth with his hand. “Sorry.” He whispered the word.

  Travis broke off his conversation with Maria and stared at the boy. “James? What was that for?”

  “Sorry, Uncle Travis. Mom said I can go riding with Angel— Miss Angel—today.”

  Travis glanced from James to Libby, then stared directly at Angel. “You’re riding?”

  Maria raised her brows but didn’t speak. Angel could tell the woman appeared worried. No doubt she’d hoped to spend time together today.

  Angel held up her hand and smiled. “Not working, don’t worry. Merely going for a short ride before I go crazy.” Something fluttered inside. Libby had expressed concern for her well-being, but something in Travis’s voice denoted more than simple worry over a new employee. She stuffed down the thought before it could surge too far to the fore.

  “Sounds like a good plan. I think I’ll tag along.”

  Her arm froze partway to her mouth. “Why?”

  He shrugged. “I’d like to keep you company on your first ride after your accident, if you don’t mind.”

  “James is coming with me.”

  “Good. Should make an enjoyable ride.” He gave her a cocky grin.

  Her heart rate increased and she took several shallow breaths, hoping to calm herself. Did he think her incompetent to ride alone, even with James along? Or didn’t he trust she’d keep her word about not going back to work? She shook off the thought and glanced at Maria. Even if Travis came along, that would be preferable to staying. Yes, riding with Travis might not be such a bad thing, after all.

  Travis whistled as he walked to the barn a couple of hours later. It had been a long time since he’d gone out on a ride just for pleasure. The sun shone bright, a light breeze blew across his skin, and the fragrance of baking donuts drifted from the house. His mouth watered thinking of the special treats Libby was making in honor of their guest. They’d be sprinkled with sugar and waiting when he returned. He grinned and jerked open the barn door.

  Angel collided with his chest. She stumbled, and Travis gripped her upper arms. She flinched and took a step back.

  Travis dropped his hands to his side. An empty feeling washed over him as she retreated yet another step. “I barreled through the door without looking. You all right?” He glanced at her still bandaged arm.

  “Yes. Fine.” She turned and headed back into the barn, but the wince of pain belied her words.

  “I can catch Bella and saddle her for you. I don’t want you lifting anything heavy.”

  “No need, Boss.” Arizona poked his head around the stall partition. “I moseyed out here when I seen her heading to the corral. Got Bella all tacked up and ready to go.” A smile lit his handsome face. “Want I should come along?”

  Irritation shot through Travis, and he nearly bit off his tongue to keep from shouting. “No. You’ve got work to tend to, and you’d best get to it.” Arizona’s lips drooped, and Travis felt a pang of remorse. “Sorry, Arizona. But there’s a lot of work waiting, and I can’t spare you now.”

  “Right. I get it, Boss.” The cowboy swung toward Angel, turning his back on Travis. “Maybe next time, Miss Angel?”

  Angel glanced from one man to the other and shrugged. “Sure. And thanks for saddling Bella.”

  “Anytime.” Arizona shot a hard glance toward Travis and stalked from the barn.

  Travis stared at the retreating man. That hadn’t gone well. His best hand was smitten with Angel. The surge of jealousy shocked Travis. Had Angel invited Arizona along? He felt a twinge of shame— ever since Arizona arrived on the ranch Travis had attempted to talk to him about the Lord, to no avail. The cowboy didn’t see his own need. Travis had hoped his life would serve as an example. From Arizona’s scowl of disgust before he walked out the door, he’d botched things good.

  “Am I late?” James bolted through the open doorway and skidded to a stop a few feet from Travis, his chest heaving. “Ma made me stay and help clear the table.” Loathing laced the words, and he kicked at a clod of dirt. “That’s women’s work.”

  Angel drew herself upright. �
�My uncle helped me with the dishes every night he was home, and he was more of a man than most I’ve met.” She reached for Bella’s bridle. “You should be thankful you have a mother, and not complain.”

  “Sorry.” James hung his head. “Didn’t mean nothing bad by it.”

  Travis tousled the boy’s hair. “Miss Angel is right, but you’ve apologized, so catch your horse and let’s head out.”

  James brightened and grabbed a rope. “Thanks, Uncle Travis. I’ll be right back.”

  Travis leaned his arms against the wooden rail where Bella was tied, avoiding Angel’s gaze. He sure hoped the last few minutes would be the end of the irritations between them.

  Angel turned a somber expression his way. “It’s none of my business how you treat your cowhands, but I appreciated what Arizona did for me.”

  He clamped his jaw shut. She’d probably asked Arizona to go along, and now she’d be mad that he’d killed the idea. And that got under his skin more than it had any right to.

  Travis brushed away the feelings of jealousy and reminded himself Angel was his employee, nothing more. And he intended to keep it that way.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Angel rode in silence, barely registering James’s prattling voice as he bounced along beside her. She glanced over her shoulder. Travis brought up the rear. Right now the last thing she wanted was conversation with the man. What was riding him, anyway? He’d been rude to Arizona when the cowboy had done nothing to provoke him. Travis’s expression when he poked his head around the stall was—what? Angry? No. More like frustrated. Could he be irritated that someone needed to saddle her horse? She scowled.

  “You say something, Miss Angel?” James turned in his saddle and squinted against the sunlight.

  Angel straightened and picked up her reins. No sense in allowing the boy to see her exasperation. She turned toward Travis. “Mind if James and I lope the horses a bit?”

  “Sure. I’ll mosey along and catch up if you don’t go too far.”