Rance hugged her possessively. “You should have seen the smile on Abby’s face when she realized it was you playing. It stretched all the way from here to yonder.”
“Did you like the music?” she asked her daughter, She laughed at the enthusiasm Abby put into nodding her head.
* * *
Jennie’s comment had given Rance an idea. He put it into play the next time he was at the general store. “I need you to do something for me, and I don’t want Amanda to know about it,” he said to Sam Wilcox, the owner of the general store. He told Sam what he had in mind.
“I will see what I can find out and let you know the next time you’re in town.”
“Thanks, Sam. I would like to have it by Christmas. It’s going to be Amanda’s Christmas present,” Rance said.
Pleased with what he had done, he went looking for Amanda and Abby. Amanda had mentioned she wanted to make a dress for herself and Abby, and he found them looking at bolts of cloth.
“Mama’s going to make me a new dress, Papa,” Abby said, bubbling with excitement, “I like this color, Mama. Are you going to make Laurie a new dress too?”
“Do you think I should?” she asked. Abby nodded.
“Sam, I’ll need about ten yards of each of these. Let’s pick out some buttons, thread, and lace,” she said to Abby.
After picking what she needed, she said, “That about does it for us, honey. We’re ready anytime you are.”
With the supplies loaded in the wagon, the Kendall’s started home to the Lazy K, with Amanda singing in her soft, melodious voice, accompanied by her daughter. Unable to carry a tune, Rance listened.
Part 1
Chapter 3
Surprise, Surprise
They had a good roundup. The herd numbered over 5,000 head. The herd on the Rocking R numbered 2,150 head. Rance decided to market six hundred of them, along with two thousand from the Lazy J. He negotiated a good price for the two lots. He took the papers for the Rocking R and the bank draft to Henry Calhoun, who would add it to the growing trust fund.
At the bank, he deposited the proceeds from the Lazy K herd, minus some operating capital. He paid the balance of his account at the general store.
“Any word on Amanda’s Christmas present?” he asked Sam Wilcox.
“It is supposed to be here on the Tuesday prior to Christmas, Sam said.
“I’ll send a wagon to pick it up,” Rance said.
“It might be too heavy for one of your wagons. I’d suggest having one of the freight wagons deliver it. I can handle that, if you like,” Sam said.
“Good. It will probably work out better that way.” Rance said. “I have another box that will be coming in from New York about the same time. Just send it along with the piano. I can hardly wait to see her face.”
It was the second Christmas of their marriage. Amanda ordered a doll for each of the girls, as well as some of the new toys Sam had shown her in the catalog.
She had one of the cowboys cut two fir trees, one for the main house and one for the bunkhouse. She decorated both. The house was bedecked with ribbons and wreaths.
Christmas had always been another day on the ranch when he was a boy, and it took some time for Rance to get into the spirit of things.
Amanda had obtained a copy of Charles Dickens Christmas Stories to read to the girls. Two weeks before Christmas, she began to read and explain them to the girls.
The girls had just been put to bed; Rance and Amanda were changing into their nightclothes. She had pulled her chemise off and was preparing to don her nightgown.
“Wait, before you do that, I want to hold you,” he said. He took her into his arms and kissed her. She responded eagerly to the kiss and his touches. “It hasn’t diminished has it?” he asked.
“Not for me,” she said. “And obviously not for you either. Are you going to make love to me?”
“That is my intent, my love,” he said.
“Good.”
Afterward, he said, “I never get tired of this.”
“I’m glad.”
He lay by her side, and looked into those green eyes, “You’re really into this aren’t you?” You’re as excited as the girls are about Christmas, aren’t you?”
“Maybe not as excited, but almost. It’s hard to believe this is our second Christmas together.
“Christmas was always a big thing around our house. Mama and I decorated everything. She would make hot apple cider, and we would sing Christmas carols. It’s my favorite time of the year. It’s special for me now. Laurie isn’t old enough to understand it, but Abby is beside herself.”
Rance pulled her to him, and said, you’re making it my favorite time of the year too. Your enthusiasm is contagious.”
He turned the lamp down, and said, “Good night, honey. I love you more than words can say.”
“I love you too, darling, I’ve realized my life didn’t really have meaning until you came into it. I wish we could have back some of the years we wasted, and spend them together.”
“What a nice thought,” he said and kissed her cheek before turning over. She snuggled up against his back. Her last words were, “I’m the luckiest woman in the world.” He didn’t hear; he was already asleep.
Tuesday before Christmas…
Consuela answered the knock on the door. I have some freight for Mrs. Amanda Kendall,” the man said. “
“Uno Momento, Señor,” she said.
In the kitchen, she said, “Señora, a man is at the door.”
“Be there in a minute,” Amanda said.
“Hello, I’m Amanda,” she said.
“Ma’am, we have two pieces of freight for you,” the older of the two men said.
“Freight? I’m not expecting anything, it must be for Rance. I’ll take it,” she said.
“Ma’am, I think you’ll need us to bring it inside. Can you get someone else to help?” he asked.
She turned, Consuela would you see if anyone is by the corral and ask them to come to the front, please?”
Two of the ranch hands came around.
“Yes, ma’am?” Curly said.
“Would you help them bring this into the house please?”
“Yes ma’am,” he said.
“I have a pie in the oven I need to check on. Call if you need me, and thank you,” she said and returned to the kitchen.
Thirty minutes later, a voice called out. “Mrs. Kendall, where would you like for us to put it?”
“Put what?” she asked.
“The piano,” he said.
“The piano? Oh my Lord, Rance bought me a piano? I can’t believe it.”
“Can’t believe what, honey?” Rance said, as he walked into the living room.
“You bought me a piano,” she said. “You actually bought me a piano.” She threw her arms around his neck and kissed him full on the lips.
“Merry Christmas, honey,” he said.
“Just put it over here against the wall, and the stool also,” he said. “We can move it later if she wants. Do you have the other box?”
“Yes sir. It’s on the porch, I’ll get it,” the man said.
He retrieved the box and handed it to Rance.
“Thank you men, and well done.” He gave each of them a twenty dollar gold piece. I appreciate it and Merry Christmas,
When they left, he handed the other box to Amanda. “You can’t open this one until Christmas,” he said.
“I can’t believe it. I have a piano, I actually have a piano.”
“Don’t you want to see if it works?” he asked.
She flexed her fingers and ran through the scales. “If I had a dollar for every time I’ve played the scales, I’d be rich,” she said.
“You are rich, honey,” he said.
“More than you know.”
Abby came into the room, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. “We have one of those now?” she said.
“Did I wake you baby?” Amanda asked.
“I’m not a baby
,” Abby said. “I’m a big girl now. You said.”
“Yes I did. You’re Mama’s big girl. Come sit on my lap.” She took Abby’s finger and struck the middle C key. Abby’s eyes lit up. Amanda took the finger again, and struck three keys, saying “Do Re Me”. It was the first of many lessons to come for Abby.
Part 1
Chapter 4
Christmas Day
It was dark outside when Rance rolled out of bed.
“Don’t get up yet. The chores can wait a few minutes,” Amanda said. “It’s Christmas day. Come hold me.” She sat up in bed, and took her nightgown off.
“When you put it that way, how can I refuse,” he asked grinning. He knew he was about to be given his first Christmas present. He removed his clothes and lay back down.
Amanda turned to face him. “You’ve made me the happiest woman in Wyoming, and I’m not talking about the piano. I’m talking about how kind and thoughtful you are. Know what I want?” she asked.
“I want you to give me another baby. I want you to make love to me now, and give me a baby boy.” She kissed him, with a growing hunger.
He returned her kiss and more.
Nine months later, her wish was fulfilled when she gave birth to Douglas Rance Kendall, who would prove to be their last child.
Later…
Rance had completed his morning chores and returned to the kitchen. “Good morning, Consuela,” he said. “Merry Christmas.
“Good morning, Señor Rance. Merry Christmas to you.”
He kissed Amanda. “Good morning again,” he said.
“I think you did it,” she said.
“Did what?” he asked.
“I think you gave me a little boy,”
“You think so?”
“I hope so,” she said. “It’s possible,
He rubbed her cheek. “I’m going to get Abby,”
“She’s probably still asleep,” Amanda said.
“It’s Christmas. I’m going to get her.
He returned carrying the sleepy four year old, her head nestled in the crook of his neck. “Laurie is still asleep. Consuela, would you pour me another cup of coffee and join us in the living room?”
In the living room, he pulled back the curtains to let the morning light in. Amanda sat on the divan. He put Abby down beside her. He went to the tree and picked up one of the presents Amanda had wrapped. He handed it to Consuela, kissed her on the cheek and said, “Merry Christmas, and thank you for all you do for our family.”
Her eyes filled with tears. “Gracias, Señor Rance,” she said softly. She unwrapped the package, and removed a new, store bought dress. “It is beautiful,” she said. “You are too kind, Señor y Señora.”
He handed a package to Abby, and said, “Merry Christmas to you, sweetheart. This is from Mama and Papa, to our little girl. You can go ahead and open it.”
“I hear Laurie. I’ll get her,” Amanda said. “She’ll need changing. Abbie, would you wait until I get Laurie?”
She returned and said, “She’s still asleep. You can go ahead now.”
Abby tore the paper off and opened the box. Her eyes widened as she took out the bisque doll. “Look, Mama, it has hair, and blue eyes!”
“It’s beautiful, honey,” she said.
“And one for my beautiful wife,” Rance said as he handed her the mysterious package that had arrived with the piano.
She opened the box. Inside was another box. She opened it and took out a packaged collection of sheet music for Chopin’s nocturnes. Her jaw dropped. “Where did you… how in the world did you get this?”
“I had help,” he said. “I’m not the only one that loves you, my darling. Look under the box.”
When she removed the smaller box, she found all of her sheet music from home. It contained all of the music she had used for her music lessons as well as the music she played for her own pleasure.
“Mama did this,” she said. “She knew about the piano?”
“I told her and asked her to order the Chopin music. She packaged the other on her own,” Rance said.
There was one last package under the tree. “That one’s for you. It’s from Abby, Laurie, and me.”
He opened it, and took out the new Stetson hat.
“Every cowboy needs a new hat occasionally,” Amanda said.
“You like it Papa?” Abby asked.
“Yes, I do. Thank you both.”
Amanda stood, “Laurie’s awake.”
“I didn’t hear her,” Rance said.
Amanda went into the bedroom. She changed her daughter’s diaper and returned carrying her to the living room.
“Let me have her, I’ll help her open her present.” It was a bisque doll, smaller than Abby’s. Laurie hugged her doll to her chest, and smiled.
Rance said, “Now, how about playing us some Christmas music.”
“Good idea,” Amanda said. She sat down and began to play. “Dashing through the snow, in a one horse…” she sang along with the music.
Bouncing Laurie on his knee, Rance said, “Life was never like this on the Lazy K before you.
“You’ve made our ranch into a home.
“That is just about the nicest thing you’ve ever said to me, she said, and began to play “Oh Tannenbaum.”
For the noon meal, Consuela and the bunkhouse cook prepared a full meal, desserts, canned vegetables, and no beans. It was served at the big table in the bunkhouse.
Rance tapped his glass with the edge of a spoon. “Amanda and I want to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a happy new year. We thank you for your hard work and all you’ve done for the Lazy K.” He said a short prayer of blessing. The entire crew and the Kendall family had Christmas dinner together.
Back in the house, Amanda put Laurie down, and returned to the living room. With the score for one of the nocturnes on the piano, she did finger exercises, then studied the score for a minute and began to play.
Rance closed his eyes to enjoy the magic of Chopin. When the music stopped, he opened his eyes to see Amanda staring at him
“It is beautiful, isn’t it?” she asked.
“It is, and I can see how much you enjoy it,” he said.
“Oh I do. I’ve missed it. I want Abby and Laurie to love it the way I do,” she said.
“I’m going to start Abby on it right away. Laurie will have to wait a while to begin her music education.”
* * *
The next morning, with Abby sitting on her lap, she began teaching finger placement. Abby loved it and wanted to keep on playing. Amanda didn’t want it to be boring or tiring, so she kept the sessions short.
Her next step was to give fingering exercises. She was pleased when she saw Abby begin to do the exercises on her own.
She likes music. I’m glad.
Part 1
Chapter 5
You Can’t Take Abby
“Rance, I’ve had three letters come in over the past few two months for Cora Russell,” San Wilcox said.
“Really? I wonder what that’s all about.”
“What did you do with them?” Rance asked.
“The law requires I return them to the sender marked deceased,” Sam said.
“Do you remember where they came from?” Rance asked.
“”Germantown, Pennsylvania, according to the postmark.”
“Thanks, Sam”
“No problem. Do you have a list for me?” the storekeeper asked.
“I do. I’ll be back after a while,” Rance said.
Rance went into the land office. “Arnold, have you had any inquiries about the Russell property?”
“No, I haven’t,” Arnold Burke, the Cheyenne County land agent said. “Why do you ask?”
“Probably no good reason. Let me know if you do, would you?”
“I’ll be glad to, Arnold said.
“I just thought of something,” Rance said. “Would you check your record and make sure it’s registered to the Abigail Russell Trust?”
“Hold on, and I’ll do that now.” He pulled a ledger from the safe, and ran his finger down the pages. “It sure is, right here.”
“Thanks, Arnold. I appreciate it,” Rance said.
His next stop was in Henry Calhoun’s office. “Henry, I may be whistling past the graveyard here, but I have a question. Three letters have come in for Cora Russell. Are we on solid ground regarding our adoption of Abby.”
“Absolutely,” his lawyer said. “No question about it. Do you think someone might be going to make a move on it?”
“I have no reason to, but I’m a worry wart. I just wonder why after over two years, someone has started writing letters.”
“You have no cause to worry. I’ll talk to the Clerk of Court and ask him to let me know immediately if anything comes up,” Henry said.
“Thanks, Henry. It’s probably nothing. I’ll see you next trip in.”
Two Months later…
“Rance, the Clerk Of Court told me they had an inquiry from an attorney in Germantown about the estate of the Russells, They answered by return mail that it was being held in trust for the daughter. Since I’m listed as the attorney of record, I received a telegraph message asking who the trustee is. I responded by mail, and told them it was a trust ordered and established by the Judge of the Laramie County Circuit Court, because the Russells died without a will.”
“This is beginning to get serious, Henry.”
“I’m telling you, you have nothing to worry about,” Henry said.
* * *
“Henry, what brings you out this way, today?” Rance asked.
“An attorney from back east showed up at my office today,” Henry said. “I didn’t argue with him, but I made it clear the court had final authority on releasing information. There was a couple with him. The lady claimed she was a sister of Cora Russell. They demanded I give them an accounting of the trust. I refused of course, and told them only the Judge could issue such an order. The lawyer blustered that he was an officer of the court and the lady was the duly established sibling of Cora and as such, his client demanded her share of the estate. I found it interesting Abby was never mentioned. I don’t think they know about her, much less her being legally adopted.
Mama Was A Mail Order Bride (Mail Order Bride Series Book 14) Page 2