by Sable Hunter
“And Clay…” King slid the worn coin back in his pocket and protectively patted where it lay beneath the wool material. “I don’t know everything about his childhood, but I do know his father was a fire-breathing, puritanical, strict preacher. It’s a miracle how normal Clay is. The reason he knows all those scriptures is because his parents forced him to memorize whole sections of the Bible. I can remember him coming to school with red welts on his back where he’d been caned. He’s a good man, with a good heart, no thanks to his family.”
“He has a new family, now. We all do.” Domino stood to his feet, propping his hand on one of the support posts. “I’m no different. We’re all running from something, I guess.”
King waited for his friend to speak. They all possessed secrets, he wasn’t one to push, but he was ready to listen.
“I guess you know I didn’t go to medical school.”
This wasn’t news to King. “You apprenticed with Doc Halliday, a perfectly acceptable form of hands on training.”
“Yea, well, I made some mistakes.” Domino turned his back on King and walked a few steps down the porch toward the rising sun. “My ineptitude claimed the life of an innocent woman in childbirth.”
King stood to stand near to Domino. “Every physician makes mistakes and some things just can’t be helped. Think of the lives you saved in the war.”
“Yea, think of the men who went home with just one leg or just one arm. If I’d been a better doctor, not just an uneducated sawbones, I might have saved them the horror of amputation.”
“War is hell, Domino. The work you were called upon to do wasn’t done in the most ideal of circumstances. If you’d been in a hospital, in a proper operating room, things might’ve been different for some, but most of those boys you treated would’ve still lost their limbs. One thing is for sure, many of those soldiers would’ve died without you on that battlefield. You have nothing to be ashamed of - nothing.”
Domino smiled sadly. “I’d like to think you’re right.”
“Right? In this instance, yes, I am.” King began walking slowly to the steps. “And you’re right about us all running from something. In my case, you were all witness to the reason I wanted to come West. I really had no reason to remain in Tennessee. Magnolia Hall was no longer my home.”
“King’s Ransom has become that place for us all. We’re starting over. This place can be as good or better than the homes we left behind.” He stopped, weighing his words. “Don’t be offended, Cap, but the same thing goes with Miss Caroline. Just because she was a fickle…female, doesn’t mean you have to give up on all women.”
“I don’t see the rest of you bringing home a woman.”
Domino heard the frustration in King’s voice. “No, but we will. Eventually. Since the cabins are all finished, there’s no reason we can’t marry…or whatever.”
“I know, dammit.” King wasn’t the first man to have a woman do him wrong. The pain of her betrayal was lessening, it wasn’t as sharp as before. “I want that for all of you. And who knows? Maybe I’ll want the same thing again…someday.” He pulled his hat down over his eyes as he set out to start the work day. “One thing at a time. Let’s get used to this new cook they’re bringing in first. If he works out, perhaps I’ll be in the mood to consider other things.”
* * *
“Oh, what beautiful flowers!” Fancy pointed at the vine covered with white blossoms. “They remind me of dogwood blooms, but these aren’t on a tree.”
“I believe that’s called a Cherokee rose,” Gentry spoke up from the second seat of Reno’s buckboard. “It’s native to the Far East, but was introduced to this country almost a hundred years ago. I think it’s taken over, become invasive. Legend says they sprouted along the Trail of Tears as the Cherokee women wept for their children when they were forced to march from their homes.”
“How sad.” She folded her hands in her lap. “I think they’re lovely, nevertheless. I’d ask for one to put in my hair, but my homeliness would tarnish the beauty of the rose.”
Reno wondered at Fancy’s tendency to put herself down. She seemed to do it quite often, maybe she said those things before someone else could say them. He was about to give a token protest of her assumption, when she started talking, not waiting for a compliment that probably wouldn’t come. “I just can’t imagine what a wonderful man Kingston must be to look beyond my faults and see my need.”
“What if he didn’t see your picture in the paper?” Jericho asked before he thought it through.
“Well, then he’ll surely be disappointed,” Fancy said with a sigh.
They were silent for a few moments, the only sound the clip-clop of hooves and the creaks of the wagon wheels as they moved westward toward King’s Ransom.
Fancy was so nervous, she couldn’t be quiet for long. “I can’t believe I’m going to be living in such glorious country.” She spread her arms wide. “Fairy tales do come true, don’t they? I’ve never been so ecstatically happy! I feel like I could just fly away on the wings of a dove!”
Boone felt ill. He needed to tell her the truth. If the bride they were bringing had been Anita, there would’ve been a chance King would take one look at her and fall head over heels in love. There was no chance of that with Fancy. Despite her expectations and their manipulation, King would never agree to marry this poor woman. And who could blame him? No, they’d have to come clean and tell her what they’d done.
“Settle down, Fancy. You’re going to fall on your head,” Gentry cautioned her.
“Oh, yes, I must.” She brought her arms down to her sides to grasp the bench seat where she sat. “What would Kingston say if I took a tumble and broke my neck?”
“Thank you, he’d probably say thank you,” Jericho mumbled from the second buckboard, only to earn an elbow jab from Clay.
“Can you cook, Miss Fancy?” Clay asked to cover up Jericho’s tactless remark.
“Oh, yes. I’m a good cook. I’ve got tons of experience. I’ll bake cakes and pies and fresh bread every day.”
“That’s good to know,” Gentry soothed things over. “We haven’t had a decent meal since our last cook left.”
Fancy looked from one man to the other. “How will this work? Do you all live in the same house with Kingston?”
“No, we each have our own cabin on the ranch,” Boone explained. “We do eat together most of the time. When Ling Ho was with us, he prepared the meals and we all ate together.”
“I’ll cook for you all too,” she assured them. “I’m sure Kingston won’t mind. I like to keep busy.”
When Boone looked back at Fancy, she gave him a big smile. He almost fell off the side of the buckboard at the sight. The smile completely transformed her face. Up to that point, he would’ve sworn the woman was as plain as plain could be. But she wasn’t – her eyes sparkled, and her smile rivaled the sun. “There’s plenty of work to do at King’s Ransom, all right. We’ve taken in a young boy whose family was killed by savages, his name is Ace. And the laundry keeps piling up – piles and piles.”
Fancy laughed, happy that someone was showing a bit of enthusiasm for her being there. “Don’t worry. I can do it all.”
After that, their conversation died down. No one really knew what else to say to the woman, considering they were pulling the wool over her eyes.
Boone glanced back at her several times, wondering what she was thinking. She knew none of them and she’d left behind all that was familiar. He didn’t know a woman could face an uncertain future so placidly.
Fancy wasn’t nearly as calm as she looked. She was excited, but she had no idea what to expect. Life had dealt her some harsh blows, so she was almost afraid to get her hopes up. To calm her nerves, she tried to concentrate on the passing landscape. “This is very different than Missouri. I’ve never seen so many beautiful streams. Is there one close to the ranch?”
“Yes, the Llano River flows through our property.” Reno flicked the whip over the team’s back. He
was more than anxious to get home.
“Are we getting close?” she asked as she rubbed the goosebumps on her arms.
“Not far. The house is just over the next rise.”
“Oh, my goodness.” Fancy fanned herself. Now that she was here, she was feeling very uneasy. She had a portending feeling that all of this was a cruel joke. Nevertheless, her circumstances were too desperate to not follow through.
“Look.” Jericho pointed at a copse of trees up ahead. “I see King’s horse up here by the springs.”
“Should we stop?” Clay asked. “Or…wait?”
Fancy took a deep breath. If she were like most women, she’d suggest that she have time to freshen up. Unfortunately, her appeal wouldn’t improve, no matter how much preening she did. “No time like the present, let’s stop.”
Reno guided his pair of horses off the main path and brought them to a stop beneath a big oak. “Let me help you, ma’am.” He held out his hand.
From this vantage point, Fancy had a perfect view of the valley below. “Oh, my. What a beautiful home! Just look at that house!” She hugged herself. “I’m so lucky!” Rising up on her tiptoes, she hugged herself. “I’m so excited, I could pass out!”
“Well, don’t pass out, you need to stay awake for introductions,” Reno chuckled, amused.
“What do you think he’s doing here?” she asked with curiosity.
“Fishing, maybe.” Clay offered. “There’s some nice-size trout in Barton Creek. You all go on down, I think I’ll stay with the team.” He wasn’t relishing King’s learning he’d acquired a bride without his knowledge or consent.
“I’ll keep the reverend company,” Gentry added.
“Me too,” Jericho chimed in.
“Cowards,” Boone mouthed at his friends. Taking the woman’s arm, he spoke softly. “Ease on down to the creek, Miss Fancy. Don’t make much racket, we don’t want to keep the fish from biting. I need to go check on that bush over there.” He pointed to a mesquite. Stay here with Reno, I’ll be right back. Yea, he was as yellow-bellied as the others. Why had he ever thought this was a good idea?
Fancy took a deep breath and forged forward, pulling away from Reno’s guiding hand. “I won’t introduce myself until you come back,” she warned Boone. “I want everything to be right and proper.”
Over the next few seconds, her whole idea of what was proper changed…for when she caught sight of Kingston Ramsay, he was standing knee deep in the tranquil waters of Barton Springs, washing the trail dust from his nude body. His magnificent nude body. “This man is to be my husband?” Fancy covered her mouth, trying to quell the surprised gasp. “Oh, my God. I’ve hit a bonanza. He’s beautiful.”
“Well, I wouldn’t go that far.” Reno raised his hat and held it in front of the woman’s eyes. “I’m sorry, ma’am. We shouldn’t have brought you down here. I had no idea the fool would be taking a bath this time of day.”
“I’m not sorry.” Fancy pushed the hat away. “I want to see.” She smiled as her eyes caressed the image before her, she’d never seen a naked man before. Her palms itched as she surveyed his wide shoulders, broad chest, and powerful arms. “He’s going to be heaven to touch. I can’t believe he chose me,” she whispered.
Boone returned in time to hear the woman’s bold words. He felt trepidation crawl up his spine like a sidewinder. “Well, he didn’t. Not exactly.”
His soft words almost knocked Fancy to her knees. “What do you mean?” She felt sick to her stomach. Nervously, she tugged on the short jacket she was wearing, very aware of her less than perfect appearance. “I have the directions Mr. Pierce gave me. He told me Kingston asked for me specifically.”
Reno bent his head and cursed softly. The woman was certainly no looker like King’s former fiancé, or the mail-order bride they’d chosen…but her eyes were big and bright, pretty in a soft, sad way. “We were worried about him. He’s been through a really rough spell.”
Pulling the woman back onto the trail, Boone gave King a little belated privacy. “Look, I’m not sure how to say this other than just to say it.”
“Please do, Mr. Roberts.” Fancy didn’t say she was dying inside She didn’t say she had no place to go if King didn’t want her. No, she squared her shoulders and stood straighter. “Have I been played for a fool?”
“You don’t have to put it like that, no.” Dammit, what had they done? “The truth is, King was betrayed by his fiancée. He came home from the war expecting to marry her and arrived just in time to see Caroline marrying his brother. He was devastated, he swore he’d never let another woman hurt him again. For the last couple of years, he’s been alone. We’ve watched him try to move on, and he doesn’t seem to be doing it. So, we decided to help him. The truth is - he doesn’t know you’re coming. He’s not expecting a wife. And…”
“So…you chose me for King?” Fancy didn’t understand.
“No.” Boone shook his head sadly. “We chose someone else entirely. Jubal Pierce is a man with a grudge against King, he chose you to…”
Fancy felt her heart sink and her knees grow week. “I was chosen to anger and shame him.” She hung her head. “Oh, God, he’s going to send me back, isn’t it?”
“Well, I don’t know. Maybe not.”
Fancy began walking toward the wagon, careful not to make a sound. She needed to think. Seeing the others waiting, her face crumpled with tears. “Why did you do this? Why didn’t you just send me back to start with? Did you want to humiliate me?”
“Dammit!” Jericho spit on the ground. “I knew this was going to happen. Did he tell her to get lost?”
Reno shook his head. “No, he’s taking a dang bath. He doesn’t know yet.”
“But they told me everything.” Fancy spoke the words in an agonizing whisper. “I so wanted someone to love.”
“Wait...” Gentry spread his hands, seeking a solution. “We don’t know what King’s gonna do.”
“Well, he won’t want to marry her.” Jericho grated out the words.
“No, he won’t want to marry me.” Fancy wasn’t under any illusion. She hadn’t been chosen for her bravery, she’d been chosen because she was ugly.
“You know he wanted a cook. Fancy can cook.” Reno supplied what he thought was a solution.
“He wanted a man,” Clay reminded them, unnecessarily.
Fancy wasn’t listening, she was busy praying that somehow, someway, King would want her and let her stay.
…They decided not to have the confrontation at the springs. For one thing, Fancy didn’t want King to know she’d seen him unclothed. Their meeting was going to be humiliating enough, now that she knew the truth.
As Reno and Boone drove the two buckboards down to the barn, Fancy’s gaze took in her surroundings. Everything was just as wonderful as she imagined. She could see a barn with hay sticking from the loft, a wellhouse, a smokehouse, and several other outbuildings, one which looked like a bunkhouse. An assortment of smaller cabins could be seen in the distance, but the crowning jewel was a large log house with a wide front porch. She could see glass windows and two chimneys and there looked to be an attic with an attached kitchen. In the distance, she could see cattle and horses. Compared to the other places she’d lived in her life, this was paradise.
For a brief moment, she’d thought a place to belong and someone to belong to was within her grasp. Now, she knew it wasn’t going to happen. “Maybe you should just take me back to town. Why bother King with this?” With me.
Reno helped her down and they all gathered around. “King is expecting a cook to arrive today. I think we should just tell him the truth. Honesty is supposed to be the best policy. Right?”
“Fine.” Fancy nodded. “Let’s just get it over with.”
“While we give King time to get back to the cabin, why don’t we show you around?” Reno offered.
“Might as well.” Fancy took his arm. “At least I’ll know what I’m missing.”
* * *
Knoc
k! Knock!
“Ace, get the door!” King yelled as he pulled on a fresh shirt.
Knock! Knock!
“Who the hell knocks around here? Ace get the door!”
When no one answered, but the knocking persisted, King drew the conclusion that he was alone. “Hell, if that’s the trail boss here early, I’m going to have some choice words for a certain motley crew. We can’t afford to miss getting ready for this cattle drive tomorrow.”
As he finished doing the buttons and tucking the shirt in his pants, he stumbled through the cluttered living room to open the front door.
For a second, he just stood there, trying to figure out what the hell was going on. All his men, save for Domino, who was rounding a few horses to include in the remuda for the cattle drive, stood in his doorway. Their knocking to gain entrance in a home where they came and went as they pleased was unusual enough, but the fact they were circled around a pale, big-eyed woman was even stranger. “Ma’am.” He tipped his hat to the woman, he wasn’t completely without manners. “What the hell is going on?”
At his perturbed bark, Fancy trembled and hung her head.
“Could we come in, Cap? We’d like to talk to you for a few moments.” Boone held his hat in his hand and waited to see what King would say.
What could he say? “Of course, but this better not be what I think it is.” King backed away, so the group could enter his cabin.
Fancy meekly followed the men, choosing not to sit, but to stand in a corner by the fireplace as far from Kingston as she could get. She tried not to look at him, it was just too painful. All his friends were handsome, she supposed. To be honest, she’d been so caught up in the notion that she’d found someone to love, how the other men looked hadn’t even registered with her. After seeing her would-be husband, she knew the others couldn’t hold King a candle to run by, he was perfect. Fancy had a lifetime of love and longing stored up to give to someone and the man she’d hoped to give it to was standing mere feet away from her. To Fancy, the distance seemed to be a thousand miles. He was completely out of reach. Not hers.