Love Finds You in Sundance, Wyoming

by Miralee Ferrell

  Travis laughed. “That’s just what they call his breed. They’ve had them for generations in countries that raise sheep, but they’re good cattle dogs as well.”

  Libby sneezed and rubbed her nose. “You’re sure about this, Travis? I didn’t think you wanted a dog.”

  “I know, and I’ve regretted that hasty decision more than once.” He turned to James. “But there are conditions.”

  James straightened, and his face took on a solemn cast. “Yes, sir. I’ll do whatever you want.”

  “He’s your responsibility. That means you feed and water him. The only time he can be in the house is at night in your room.” His first impulse had been to insist the dog stay in the barn but realized James would worry about his new pet and probably sneak out to check on him. Better to have him under their roof. “That means you’ll have to get up a couple of times in the night to take him outside. And work with him. I won’t have him chasing the horses or cattle. Think you can do that?”

  “Yes, sir.” James flew across the intervening space, skidding to a halt in front of Travis. “Thank you, Uncle Travis. This is the best gift ever.”

  “It’s your birthday in a few weeks and I was going to wait, but the pups are close to three months old and the farmer wanted them gone. So I decided to give him to you early.”

  “I’ll take good care of him.” James bobbed his head up and down. “I’m going to call him Dakota, after the new state of South Dakota that I’ve been studying about.”

  “That’s a great name, Son. I think it suits him.” Libby lifted her voice above the barking.

  “Yeah, and Nate told me he used to have herding dogs, and he helped train them. I’ll bet he’d teach me.”

  The puppy bounded to Libby’s side, and she leaned over to pet it. “I’m sure he would.” She turned a wide smile on Travis. “Thank you.” Standing on her tiptoes, she placed a kiss on his cheek. “I hope someday you find a wife who deserves you.” She cast a glance at Angel, then turned back to the puppy.

  Travis’s stomach dropped. What was Libby thinking saying that in front of Angel? Why, she’d think he’d put Libby up to hinting he needed a wife. He peeked at Angel. A tiny smile tugged at the corner of her lips. On second thought, Libby was right. A wife was exactly what he needed, and if he wasn’t mistaken, he knew the perfect woman.

  Contentment blossomed in Angel’s heart. She’d been lonely for so long, but since Travis made his announcement a couple of weeks ago about not hiring someone to take her place he’d been softer—more approachable. For the first time she felt her life might amount to something. No more running from her past or the ghosts that haunted her nights. She’d found a home and people she cared about—she might even allow herself to dream that Travis might one day come to care about her, as well.

  Angel watched the antics of the puppy romping with James. Mostly black with a white chest and a white snip on his nose, the dog was full of energy. What a wonderful thing Travis had done for the boy. So many men would’ve threatened and punished James for that last stunt he’d pulled, but Travis seemed to see beneath the reckless behavior and into the boy’s heart. This puppy would help anchor him, give him a project to work with and more responsibility—a good thing for a youngster his age.

  And Libby. Her throat tightened as she thought over the last hour spent in her room talking. She’d never had a friend besides her uncle—and never a woman she could open her heart to. This friendship was in the early stages, but Libby’s acceptance felt genuine.

  Joy bubbled inside, but Angel stuffed it down. It wouldn’t do to get too comfortable in this new relationship. Things had a way of happening, and she couldn’t trust that her current situation would last forever. But it had been over three years since she’d left the outlaw band, and three states separated them. Safety and security were within her grasp.

  Over the past weeks she’d even found her heart opening to the preacher’s words about God’s love. Seeing this family interact and the kindness they extended to others made her willing to believe God might actually love her too.

  She caught Libby’s attention. “I’ll check on Grandmother. If she’s awake, she’d enjoy seeing James’s new puppy. Would you like some tea?”

  Libby nodded. “Maybe after a bit.”

  Angel smiled at the barking and laughing that escorted her back to the house. She stepped into the living area and tiptoed to where she could see the sofa. Empty. Rattling came from the kitchen, and she hurried that way.

  Grandmother closed the door of the cookstove and looked up. “I hate to keep this stove hot, but it is the only way to get a decent cup of tea.” She fanned her red face with her hand. “This weather, she is going to cook me, as well as the water. Soon we will not need a stove. We just set the water pot in the sun and voilá!” She flicked her fingers in the air. “We have tea!”

  Angel chuckled and moved across to where the older woman stood. “I know. This time of day it would be nice to have something cold to drink.”

  “My piccolina, I have been hoping to talk to you but not here. Would you care to drive to town and sit with me at the hotel dining room?”

  Angel wondered at the serious tone. “Are you feeling all right? I noticed you’ve been resting a lot lately.”

  “No, no. My health, it is good. Do not worry about this old woman, little one.” She clucked her tongue and shook her head. “It is other things I think on. Will you go with me? I would like a few minutes sitting at a table being waited on while we talk.”

  “Of course, Grandmother. I’ll run to my room and change out of these dusty clothes. Could you ask Travis to hitch the buggy, or shall I?”

  Grandmother flicked her fingers toward the hall. “You change, little one, and I’ll ask.”

  Angel drew the horse to a stop in front of the hitching rail and waited for the cloud of dust to settle before she stepped down from the buggy and turned to help Grandmother descend. The silence during the drive unnerved her, giving Angel plenty of time to stew over what might be coming. Had Grandmother somehow discovered her past and planned to confront her away from the ranch? A peek at the older woman revealed nothing, other than a seeming interest in the single-story building nearby. Zane’s Hotel was blazoned in gold paint on the glass pane of the door. Angel grasped the handle and swung it open, her heart hammering in her chest.

  They walked through the lobby and into the dining room. The interior wasn’t what Angel expected. Most eating establishments in the West were simple, basic, and not always clean. This was just the opposite. Linen napkins graced the small, cozy tables scattered around the room, boasting both glasses and teacups set at each place. Cheerful gingham curtains splashed red and yellow color to the sides of the two front windows, and a glass case of pies lined the space between. Everything was tidy, sparkling, and fresh, giving off an air of rest and refreshment.

  Both women settled into their chairs and Grandmother smiled as she shook out the linen napkin and carefully spread it over her lap. “A touch of civilization out in the wilderness. It is nice, yes?”

  Angel started to answer but paused as a matronly woman with a white apron tied around her waist and hair pinned back in a bun bustled up to their table. “Good afternoon, ladies, I’m Emma. How about cold tea to start with, or perhaps a cup of coffee and pie? Or were you looking for a late dinner? We have soup and bread, or I can bring you a menu.”

  Grandmother beamed. “Cold tea would be a wonderful treat, and perhaps a slice of pie.”

  Angel nodded. “The same for me, thank you.”

  Emma nodded and turned on her heel. She returned moments later with a tray and carefully set their order before them. “Enjoy, ladies, and take your time. Our evening rush won’t start for another couple of hours.”

  Angel took a sip of the tea and sighed. “This is very good. They must have a root cellar where they store blocks of ice.” She leaned forward and placed her hand over Grandmother’s. “You were quiet all the way here. Is something troubling you?�
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  Grandmother’s eyes took on a dreamy quality and she stared into the distance. “Home, mia. Italy. My husband’s grave. Great-grandchildren. So much I must consider.”

  “Great-grandchildren?” Angel leaned forward. “You didn’t mention that before. I thought your other son died without children.”

  Grandmother focused again on Angel. “Sí. You are my only grandchild.”

  “But…” Angel’s mind whirled at the words. “I don’t have children. I’m not even married.”

  “Sí. But you could be one day.” She gathered Angel’s hand in her own. “I want you to come to Italy with me. I know many good families—old families with young men who would fall at your feet. You would be the Bella of Venice. I would present you in a wonderful coming-out party. You would marry and give me great-grandbabies to love in my twilight years.”

  Angel swallowed the lump in her throat. She’d grown to care for this scrap of a woman who was her only link to her mother. But move to Italy? Leave everything? Her mind balked at the idea. She’d just congratulated herself on how smooth her life was going. Moving halfway around the world wasn’t an option. But Grandmother had desires and needs. Could she deny this woman the one thing that would make her life complete?

  Another thought ignited. If she left, there would be no danger of exposing her past. No one would know she’d been present when a Texas Ranger had been killed, or she’d ridden with a band of outlaws stealing a herd of cattle. Hope surged, and she gripped Grandmother’s hand. She could start a new life and discover the places where her mother played as a child.

  Angel’s heart thudded to her toes. Travis and Libby. How could she leave the people she’d come to care for? She shook her head. It couldn’t be done.

  “Angel?” Grandmother lightly pressed her fingers again. “What is it? What are you thinking?”

  “I don’t know what to say. I’d never thought about you leaving, or going with you. I guess I just assumed.”

  “I would stay forever, mia?”

  “Yes.”

  “I have thought of that, as well. I like this country—and the people who live in this place.” She flicked her wrist. “I came to find you and planned to return to my homeland immediately, but instead, I stayed. Partly because you needed time to know me, but also because I am drawn to the vastness and beauty of your country.”

  “Then stay, Grandmother. Stay and live here forever. We could still visit Italy.”

  “You would not return with me?”

  Angel gently loosened her grip and sat back in her chair. “I’m not sure I could leave all that I know here, but I don’t want to lose you. It feels like I’ve finally found my roots and am beginning to learn who I am—where I came from—and I don’t want to let you go.”

  “Come, mia. I would not force you to stay. You could always return to your magnificent country if Italy does not please you. Will you think on it?”

  Angel considered the request and slowly nodded. Confusion mixed with excitement swirled in her mind. “I will, but I can’t promise I’ll say yes.”

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Travis rubbed the base of his back. He’d spent parts of the past three days shoeing and trimming horses. Shoeing was one chore he didn’t enjoy. He shaded his eyes against the sun’s glare as the rolling beat of hooves reached his ears.

  Nate galloped down the lane leading into the ranch yard and slowed his horse as he neared the barn. “Boss, I got bad news.”

  Travis tossed his hammer into the wooden box by his feet. “I’ve had a feeling something was coming. It’s been too quiet.”

  “Yeah, I know what you mean. And I’m glad I left James behind today.” Nate swung down from his lathered horse and tossed the reins over the hitching post. “I found shod hoofprints on the east side of the ranch that don’t belong to any of our horses.”

  “Ah-huh.” Travis waited, knowing more was coming.

  “Cows are missing, Boss. Mostly two-year-olds and a few older.”

  Travis balled his hands into fists. “Cattle thieves, or did the stock wander to another pasture?”

  “That’s what I thought at first, until I stumbled on the tracks. Me, Charlie, and Bud followed ‘em for a mile or so till we hit a rocky patch. The tracks are old, at least a week, so trailing them won’t be easy. There are thousands of prints on this ranch, and the men were careful to hide their trail whenever they could.”

  “I’ll talk to the sheriff. See if there’s been any report of rustling in the territory over the past couple weeks. Looks like we’d have heard news of it.” He took off his hat and wiped the sweat from his brow. “You think the Sundance Kid has taken to rustling as well as robbing trains?”

  Nate shook his head. “Doubtful, Boss. Not on this small of a scale, anyhow. At least, there’s been no word that I know of.”

  “We always lose a few beef per year to the Lakota tribe, but I can’t see them taking a herd.”

  “Naw. Besides, they don’t ride shod horses, and we rarely see them around here since the battle with Custer a few years back. I think we’re lookin’ at some low-down rustlers. I can send Arizona to our closest neighbor and see if they’ve been hit.”

  “Good idea. Tell him to hit the trail. I’ll head for town.”

  Travis rode down the main street of town, veering around a wagon loaded with grain bags and crates, and barely avoiding a child who darted away from his mother. He reined to a stop, stepped down from his horse, and tossed the reins over the rail in front of the imposing brick courthouse. He needed to get to the bottom of this, and soon. Stepping onto the boardwalk, he entered the front door and made his way toward the back of the building to the sheriff’s office. He gave a quick rap on the door and entered.

  Sheriff Jensen looked up from a stack of papers on his desk. “Travis?” He stood, extended his hand, and waved at the chair across from him. “Have a seat. I’m glad you stopped in. I planned on taking a ride out your way today or tomorrow.”

  Travis groaned. “Not more problems with James?” He’d hate to have to take the puppy back if he discovered the boy had gotten into trouble.

  The sheriff tipped back in his seat and shook his head, a rueful smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “Just the opposite. I caught the little renegades who caused the trouble and scared the truth out of ‘em. James has never been part of the mischief. There’s a new boy who lives on the edge of town that bears a striking resemblance to your nephew. Same size, age, and hair color, but that’s it. Just wanted to lay your fears to rest and assure his ma James hasn’t done anything bad.”

  Travis let his breath out in a whoosh. One less thing to worry about—Libby would be thankful. “Thanks, Sheriff. Good to know.”

  “So that’s not what brought you to town today?”

  “No.”

  The sheriff leaned forward and propped his forearms on his desk, his gaze leveled at Travis. “I’m listening.”

  “My foreman rode in this morning from working the eastern edge of my ranch. Cattle are missing, and they found tracks of shod horses they didn’t recognize. They followed the trail but lost it in a rocky patch. He thinks the rustlers split the cattle and took them different directions, hiding their tracks along the way.”

  “Huh. This the first time you’ve had a problem?”

  “Yes. I wanted to alert you. Any other ranches hit?”

  Sheriff Jensen shook his head. “Not that I know of, but I’ll check. The West is growing, and it was bound to happen sooner or later. Men are always trying to get rich on someone else’s hard work.”

  Travis pushed to his feet. “Thanks, Sheriff. I sent one of my hands to my closest neighbor.”

  “Good. We’ll talk later.” He walked Travis to the door. “The last thing we need is another Hole-in-the-Wall bunch of outlaws camping in our backyard. We’ll root ‘em out before they get a toehold.”

  Travis swung into the saddle and reined his horse around. He certainly hoped so. His herd had grown over the past three
years and had achieved a size where he could enjoy a little financial freedom. That could change in a heartbeat.

  “Travis. I nearly forgot.” The sheriff lifted his voice above the sound of a stagecoach rolling past.

  “Yes?” Travis stopped his stallion and turned sideways.

  “There’s been a gent asking about your new hand, Miss Ramirez.”

  “A gent? You get his name?”

  Sheriff Jensen scratched his chin. “No, come to think of it, I didn’t. Said he’s her brother or cousin or some such. Got back from a long cattle drive and found her missing. Guess he’s been trailing her for some time now.”

  Travis sucked in a sharp breath. Angel had never shared she had a brother, or a close cousin for that matter. Why would she withhold that information? His mind raced with the possibilities, and his hands grew clammy. This stranger came at the same time as the cattle disappearing. Could that be why she’d never mentioned this relative? “Did he tell you where he’s camped, or did you point him to our ranch?”

  “Nope. Something about him didn’t set right. I told him I’d look into it. See if I could find any mention of a young woman of that description.”

  “So you don’t believe he’s related to her?”

  “Didn’t say that. He may be, but he had a shifty look about him— not trustworthy, if you know what I mean.”

  “Yeah.”

  “I’ll let you be on your way. Tell Miss Ramirez if you’re of a mind to.”

  “Thanks, Sheriff.” Travis touched his horse with his spur, his mind awash with possibilities—none of which he liked.

  Angel rode into the ranch yard bone-tired and heartsick. She’d not been in time to save a calf from a cougar attack and hadn’t been able to find the cat. Mountain lions were private, oftentimes solitary creatures that kept out of sight as much as possible. It could take her days to hunt him down, and she dreaded the thought. This cat was more than likely the same one who clawed her arm. He didn’t seem to have much fear of man, and she didn’t like the idea of cornering him.