Tougher Than The Rest

by Shirleen Davies

  “Great, Josh, glad to be here. Thought I’d show off the place to my daughter, Katherine, and Niall MacLaren, whom I’m sure you know. Katherine, this is Josh Jacklin, our foreman. Josh, my daughter, Katherine.”

  Josh tipped his hat, “Glad to meet you, Katherine.”

  “Kate, please, Mr. Jacklin.”

  “Kate is fine, but you’ll need to call me Josh.” He finished with a broad smile of flawless, straight, white teeth.

  Yes indeed, he’s definitely handsome, Kate thought.

  Niall dismounted and walked between Kate and Josh, extending his hand to Josh as he blocked the man’s view of Kate, who was leading her horse to the water trough.

  “How are you, Josh? Haven’t seen you since the last ranchers’ meeting.”

  “Good, Niall, I’m good.” Josh tried to lean around Niall for a better view of Kate. Not happening, friend, Niall thought as he turned to follow Kate to the trough. Sensing there was more to this than he understood, Josh took the safe approach and offered to show them the house first, then anything else they wanted to see.

  Kate found the house clean, if sparse, with three bedrooms upstairs, a decent sized kitchen, small dining room, and large living room. There was another room used as an office, plus a storage room off the kitchen. She liked it immediately, and was already making plans to spruce it up.

  “Tell me how everything is going,” Trent requested as they sat at a small table in the dining room. Josh poured coffee for all of them and took a seat next to Kate.

  “You know pretty much all of it, Trent. Herd’s growing, we had a good summer, and are prepared for the weather that’ll be moving in over the next few months. Bought the other bull you wanted. He sure has been a busy guy, from what we can tell.” Josh glanced over at Kate, “Uh, sorry, ma’am.”

  “No problem, Josh. I’m pretty sure I know how calves are created.” Did she just say that, with Niall sitting right across from her? She glanced up, and sure enough, he had the nerve to look straight at her and smile. Kate knew she must be blushing, but she turned more towards Josh and ignored Niall’s laughing eyes. Trent took this all in, but said nothing.

  “Uh, yes, ma’am,” Josh answered. “Anyway, with the new bull and the one we already have, we should have a real good crop of new calves this spring. We’re all looking forward to it. The boys are getting ready to work some of the new horses and separate the best cow ponies. We’ve got some real good wranglers, Trent, best we’ve had in three years. Our reputation is spreading and they’re starting to come to us rather than me beating the bushes for men not already taken by the bigger spreads. Begging your pardon, of course, Niall.” Josh stopped to sip his coffee before continuing.

  “No problem, Josh. I know it’s difficult for the smaller places to hire good people and I’m glad you’ve got a good group this year.” Having a successful ranch right next to his meant better conditions for everyone, in Niall’s opinion.

  “One guy is giving me problems though, and I need to cut him loose soon. We’re about one or two men heavy going into winter anyway, so I should do it now before we get any closer. Give him a chance to find something else.” It was clear Josh put a lot of thought into working with the ranch hands and understood their nomadic life style.

  “That’s your call, Josh. However you want to handle it is fine.” Trent had been more than satisfied over the years with Josh’s approach to handling the ranch and the men. “Katherine and I plan to start setting the house up, but won’t move in for a couple of weeks. I received a telegram saying the Marshals Service is transferring my work to a new captain. They’re letting me go a little early, which suits me fine.” Trent’s smile was broad. His relief at not having to report back to process any final assignments was evident. He’d given them a good, long turn, and now it was time to move on.

  “You’re moving in too, Kate?” Josh asked, somewhat surprised, but pleased. “That’s great. A woman’s touch around here is exactly what this place needs. Don’t you think so, Niall?” He cast a knowing look in Niall’s direction. It was obvious Josh was catching the under currents between Niall and Kate, the same as Trent.

  “Yeah, Josh, a woman’s touch would be good.” Niall was more than ready to head back and get Kate as far away from Josh as possible. He needed to come up with a solution to the mess he’d made of his life, and fast. The last thing he needed was competition from Garner’s foreman.

  Chapter Nineteen

  “All we can find out is she’s not from here. Won’t give us her name or age, or if she has any kin nearby,” Sam said. Niall and Trent had stopped by the sheriff’s office to check out the girl, see if she was doing all right, and if they knew anything more about her or the thefts. Sam stared at the cells behind him and continued in a soft voice filled with frustration. “But, I’m pretty sure she has a brother.”

  “Is that so?” Trent asked as he removed his hat and sat down in the one of the offered chairs.

  “You won’t believe it, but Gloria Chalmette, you know her, Niall, from the Desert Dove down the street?” Sam paused a second, but Niall merely nodded. “Well, she stopped by a few days ago saying there’s this boy, maybe ten or eleven, who keeps stopping by, asking for work. But he’s also checking to see if anyone’s seen a girl, about fourteen, with sandy blonde hair and brown eyes. You know Gloria can’t turn a hungry kid away, so she feeds him, but he won’t open up much. Always mentions this girl, and when no one offers information, he takes off. He’s done that three or four times now. She figures he’s due back today, maybe tomorrow, if his pattern holds true.”

  “Sounds to me like someone should be down at the Dove, watching for him,” Trent interjected as he thought about another child being involved in the thefts. “Anything else missing that you know of, Sam?”

  “Not a thing. Since she’s been in here a few days, nothing’s been reported. But it’s got me thinking we may have ourselves a hungry family camped or living somewhere outside of town. Send their kids into town to steal, and then the adults come in and buy the food.” Puzzles had always been of interest to Sam, and this one sure was a puzzle.

  “As good a guess as any, I suppose. Niall, you want to head down to the Dove, check around, and speak with this Gloria woman?” Trent asked.

  “Uh, why don’t I do that, Trent,” Sam spoke up. “I’ll grab something to eat, hang around, and see if the boy shows.”

  “Sounds good to me.” Niall glanced at Sam and nodded, knowing the deputy was trying to help a touchy situation. He hadn’t seen Gloria since the night he’d been with Kate. He had no desire to be with anyone else, couldn’t work up the enthusiasm or desire. Niall knew Gloria would be hurt, but he couldn’t risk being seen with her at the Dove if there was to be anything between him and Kate. “I can stay here with the girl if you have things to do, Trent, or you can go with Sam.”

  “Guess I’ll tag along with you, Sam. Meet this Gloria woman I’ve heard so much about over the years.” With that last remark, he cast a meaningful glance at Niall and then headed out the door.

  Hell, Niall thought. He must have heard about her from Jamie, or maybe Sheriff Rawlins. Just can’t keep secrets in small towns.

  ******

  “There he is, Sam, leaning around the corner at the back of the bar, near Ross.” Gloria nodded in the boy’s direction. Sam and Trent had taken a seat at a corner table so they could watch the doors, but each had missed the small figure already hiding in the saloon.

  “So, how do you want to handle this, Sam?” Trent sipped his whiskey while gazing over the rim of his glass at the deputy.

  “I’m thinking it best if you talk to him. You’re not the law anymore. Maybe he’ll open up to you.”

  “Sure. It’s worth a try.” The ex-marshal pushed himself up from the table and sauntered to the bar, following Gloria. He rested his arms on the bar, signaled to Ross for another drink, then waited to see what would happen.

  About ten minutes later, the boy emerged, approached Trent with purposeful
steps, and then stopped to look up at the big man.

  “Hey, mister?”

  “Yes, son, what can I do for you?” Trent smiled down at the small figure. The boy couldn’t be more than ten, with the same sandy blonde hair as the girl in the jail. His clothes were dirty and his shoes ragged with holes, but his eyes were clear.

  “Wondered if maybe you’ve seen a girl with blonde hair kind of like mine anywhere in town?”

  “I might have. Why do you ask?”

  “You saw her? Where at?” The boy tried to contain his excitement, but failed.

  “I said I might have seen her. What do you want her for, son? Is she your kin?”

  “That’s my business, mister,” the boy said, a hint of defiance in his voice.

  “Well, then, I guess I haven’t seen her,” Trent countered, and set his glass down on the bar. “Thanks, Ross. See you later,” he called to the bartender. He looked at the boy for a moment, and turned to leave.

  Seeing his opportunity vanish, the boy ran after him. “Wait, mister. I have to find her,” the boy called as he tried to catch the fast-walking, long-legged man.

  “Then I guess you’ll have to tell me why, son, ‘cause I’m not telling you about her until I know more.”

  The boy hesitated a mere moment this time. “She’s my sister. We got separated and I can’t find her anywhere. It’s been a few days.” The poor kid sounded desperate, but Trent still wanted more information.

  “Where’s your family?”

  “It’s just my Ma, sister, and me. That’s all.” He stopped as if he didn’t know if he should say any more.

  “And where is your Ma? You’re not from around here, are you, son?”

  “No, sir. We were headed to California when our wagon broke down. Then Ma got sick and we ran out of food. I’ve been trying to get work at the saloon. Miss Gloria is nice and all, but she says a saloon is no place for a boy.” He lowered his head as tears began to form in his eyes.

  “Where’s your Ma now?”

  “We found an abandoned shack a couple of miles out of town. As soon as Ma gets better, and I find Alma, then we can take off again.”

  “Alma. That’s your sister?” The boy nodded. Trent was glad to put a name with a face. “And your name?”

  “Thomas, but Ma and Alma call me Tommy,” he said before his eyes shifted back up at the stranger.

  “All right, Tommy. Let’s go find Alma.” Trent smiled as he started to walk with Tommy to the jail.

  Chapter Twenty

  “Hey, Niall. What brings you out here?” Trent called out as his friend rode up to the barn.

  “Riding over to Donovan’s spread. Thought I’d stop for a minute since your ranch is on the way, see how much progress you’ve made for your move.” Niall dismounted Zeus and led him to the water trough. “Been out with the boys all morning and could sure use a cup of coffee, if it’s not too much trouble.”

  “Course not. I was heading that way myself. If we’re lucky, Kate may have some food waiting.” Trent smiled and slapped Niall on the back.

  “Kate, we’ve got company,” Trent called as he entered the kitchen.

  “Company? But we haven’t moved in yet,” Kate called back. Then she saw the man standing behind her father. “Oh, hello, Niall.” She hung a towel on a hook and placed the last bowl on the table.

  “Kate. It’s good to see you.” Niall’s breath caught as he took in the sight of her. He’d been out on their property most days this week and hadn’t encountered her more than once or twice, and that only in passing. Seeing her now, hair piled on her head with a few loose strands falling down her neck and face, he realized he would never tire of looking at her.

  “You’ll join us for dinner, won’t you?” Kate wanted him to refuse. She was doing better, coming to terms with his decision to marry Jocelyn. She didn’t want to spend Saturday dinner with him.

  “If it’s not too much trouble, that would be great,” he said, still taking in her image. “You’ve accomplished a lot in a few days, Kate. I guess it won’t take long to get settled once you bring your things over from the ranch.” He knew his attempts at small talk were pathetic. Their brief encounters at his ranch were made up of polite comments and stilted conversation. It wasn’t enough.

  “Well, you and Papa go ahead. I ate earlier, and was just headed out to get Captain,” she lied. “Enjoy your day, Niall. Papa, I’ll see you in a little bit.” Kate kissed Trent on the check before gathering her hat and gloves to head for the barn.

  Niall stood, staring after her. He’d come here specifically to see Kate. He wasn’t riding to the Donovan ranch at all. It was an excuse to be around her, maybe talk with her a little.

  “Guess you’re going to have to try something else, son.” Trent chuckled as he filled his plate.

  Niall turned to look at him, ready to deny what Trent implied, but gave up, exhaling a deep breath he hadn’t realized he was holding. “Ah, hell, Trent. I don’t know what to do, what to think. She avoids me, won’t speak to me other than polite conversation, and rides off each day as soon as she’s done with Beth. All I want is some time to be around her, figure some things out.”

  “And what is it you need to figure out?” Trent had known Niall for almost fifteen years. He was like family, like a son. His affection for the MacLarens couldn’t be stronger, and he’d be thrilled if Katherine took to Niall. He thought she already had, but understood her hesitancy, believing that he was determined to marry for reasons other than love.

  “Just realizing I may be making an enormous mistake if I marry Jocelyn. But I can’t get over the sense I’d be letting my family down if I don’t make the most of the opportunity with her.” He stopped long enough to shovel food into his mouth, and smiled. “She’s a good cook, isn’t she?” Niall asked on a swallow.

  “That she is,” Trent said, forging ahead when Niall didn’t continue. “And how would you be letting your family down by not marrying Jocelyn?”

  “I’m the oldest. I need to set things up so the ranch will continue to grow, be successful. Jocelyn has connections, money, everything we need to ensure success as the territory grows.”

  “But you don’t love her.”

  “No, I don’t love her. And she doesn’t love me. Like I said before, it would be a marriage of convenience to further the interests of the MacLarens, as well as Jocelyn’s dreams. She’s an ambitious woman—has her eye on the governor’s house. She thinks I don’t know her goals, but I do. She believes I could take her there, but that’s not what I want and never has been. She’s easy to read, and there’s no way I could ever love that woman.” Niall lowered his head to take a few more bites of food.

  “And how does my daughter play into this? Is she just a distraction, someone to focus on while you make a final decision on Jocelyn? ‘Cause I got to tell you, son, if you decide you want Katherine, then break her heart, I may have to break your neck.” The last was said in a quiet tone, but there was pure steel behind the words.

  Niall stopped to set his fork down and straighten in his seat. He wanted Kate. That was the absolute truth. Hadn’t been able to get her off his mind since their night together. But was he certain he was in love with her? If he decided to go after Kate, and it didn’t work out, he’d put the strongest bond he had, outside the family, to a severe test.

  “I won’t lie to you. I don’t know that I can ever love again, after Camille. She meant everything to me. You understand. You were around us before she died. Don’t know if a love like that can ever be replaced.” The sadness in his voice was still apparent after all these years. “But I care a great deal for Kate, more than I ever thought I could. She’s everything I’d want if I were to love again. I just don’t know that I can promise it.”

  Trent took a few minutes to finish his dinner and let Niall’s words play in his mind. He knew his daughter had feelings for this man, strong feelings, but she didn’t want her father to know it. There wasn’t much advice he could give these young people. He
knew from experience they’d have to work through this on their own.

  “Seems to me you have some thinking to do. She’s not going anywhere, and spends five days a week at your place. If anyone has a chance to win her heart, it’s you. That is, if you decide you want it. But if you don’t, then stay away from her.”

  ******

  “Niall, you coming home to dinner today?” Aunt Alicia asked after church on Sunday. “Trent and Kate have decided to eat with us, then they’ll be leaving for their ranch. Looks like it’ll be their last day here.” Alicia was sad, but still hopeful something might develop between her nephew and Trent’s daughter, assuming Niall didn’t decide to ask Jocelyn to marry him. The thought made her wince.

  “Can’t make it today, Aunt Alicia. Beth and I are going over to Jocelyn’s for dinner. I’m sure I’ll see them later in the week.” More than anything, Niall wanted to spend the day around Kate. His heart told him to go home, spend time with her. His mind told him he owed it to the future of his family to confirm the decision he’d made was right.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Jocelyn answered the knock in her most beautiful day dress. It was deep apricot, appropriately designed and form fitting, with a slight bustle. The brooch she wore was expensive, as were the matching earrings. The cook had outdone herself and Jocelyn planned to be the perfect hostess while reminding him of what he would lose if he walked away.

  “Good afternoon, Jocelyn,” Niall said as she opened the door and let the two guests move past her into the elegant foyer.

  “Niall, it’s good to see you.” Jocelyn smiled but tempered her enthusiasm, waiting to see how the afternoon would unfold.

  They proceeded into the parlor, making small talk while the cook put the final touches on their dinner. A short time later they were seated at the long dining room table, being served by the efficient butler. Niall had been here many times for Sunday dinner, but today the pompous atmosphere and over-abundance of formality bothered him. Before, he’d taken it as a sign of what to expect, and had tried to accustom himself to her life style. Today he winced at the display of such wealth and pretense.