“Thank you, Mr. Whitcomb . . . I . . . I’m so much obliged for all your help.”
Whitcomb chuckled. “It was my pleasure, Dan.” He narrowed his eyes on her. “I don’t ’spect you still wanna be called Dan, do you?”
“Gennie,” she said. “Gennie Champlain.”
Whitcomb blew out a breath and took her hand. He planted a kiss on it and said, “Miss Champlain, I don’t know how LeRoy talked you into comin’ out of hidin’, but I’m sure glad he did. You’re welcome to stay at the ranch as long as it suits you.”
Gennie mumbled her thanks as LeRoy took her hand and helped her down from the saddle. She wobbled a bit finding her feet, her legs sore after the long ride.
Whitcomb looked up the mountain behind her. “Well, there’s them sorry-looking cowboys. I c’n tell they’ve had a harder time of it than you.” He eyed LeRoy. “Where’d you find them?”
LeRoy grinned. “Wanderin’ lost.”
Whitcomb pursed his lips. “I shouldn’t’ve sent them. You’re a tracker, and they’re . . . just cowboys.” He brightened. “Well, I reckon you two have quite a story to tell about that grizzly, and ever’one is gonna wanna hear it.” He looked at Gennie and smiled. “But I figure you both might want to get some grub and clean up. I’ll go tell the cook to fix you some vittles, but we got cause to celebrate, seein’ that y’all made it down the mountain in one piece—and that man-killin’ bear is dead.” He slapped LeRoy on the shoulder. “Good job, son.”
“I couldn’t’ve done it without Gennie’s help. She saved my life.” He pulled up his shirt and showed Whitcomb the stitches that were now nearly healed.
“Woo-wee! That’s some close call you had.” Whitcomb ran a hand over his brow. “Well, I wanna hear the whole tale, so let’s get you back to the ranch and cleaned up.” He turned and yelled, “Andy, take these animals and get them fed and watered.”
A young cowboy ran over as Whitcomb headed back toward the lodge. He gave Gennie a cursory glance, then tipped his hat at her, “Afternoon, miss.” Gennie was surprised he was so polite and didn’t make any remark about her clothes or hair. Or ask where she came from. His eyes drifted to Peluche. He jerked and stepped back.
“Hey, is that a wolf?” he asked, fear in his voice.
LeRoy shook his head. “Some wolf, some dog. She’s tame.”
Andy exhaled loudly, and his face relaxed. He took the mule’s lead and the horse’s reins from LeRoy’s hand. “You kill that bear?” he asked with eagerness as he started to lead the animals toward the big barn.
LeRoy said, “Yep. I’ll be headin’ back up the mountain in a few days to fetch the pelt and the meat.”
Andy pushed his hat back on his head. “C’n I come?”
“If’n your pa says it’s all right. I’m gonna need some help fetchin’ this lady’s things.”
Andy stopped and stared at Gennie. “You been livin’ up there—up the mountain all by yerself?”
Gennie, flustered, just nodded.
Andy’s eyes widened, and his mouth dropped open. His respect for her was evident, and it made Gennie smile. Maybe LeRoy was right—there were plenty of decent folks that would treat her kindly. His words rang in her head. “No one needs to know your past, and you don’t have to tell it if’n you don’t want to. It’s none of their business. And know this for a fact—every person has a secret or two they’re hidin’—some bigger’n yours.”
Another young man presently hurried over once Andy left their company. Gennie knew immediately that this fair-haired cowboy was Eli, LeRoy’s younger brother.
Eli threw an arm around LeRoy, his eyes dancing with joy. “Hey, LeRoy,” he said. “I told Whitcomb not to fret, that you’d be back. But he wouldn’t listen. Was about to send a huge posse after you.”
He let out a big laugh, and Gennie liked his affectionate, easygoing manner. It made her heart twinge for a moment, as she thought of her little brother and how she used to love to tickle him and swing him up in the air, then hug him with all her might. She’d felt so bereft of family all these years, and seeing the way these two brothers slapped playfully at each other made her longing for family pain her something fierce.
“This here’s Gennie,” LeRoy said, pulling her close to him with an arm around her shoulder. Gennie’s face heated up as Eli, wide-eyed, stared at her. She wanted to shrink to the size of a worm and crawl away.
But Eli’s glare turned into a wide grin. He swept his hat off his head and gave LeRoy a look filled with a dozen questions. LeRoy shrugged, and Gennie couldn’t help but giggle. Her beau sure had some explaining to do, that much was clear.
“Pleasure to meet your acquaintance, miss,” Eli said. For a moment no one said another word, and the awkward silence rattled Gennie. She looked at the ground, her nerves jittery.
“Well,” LeRoy said, “we’ve had a tryin’ week. I’d like to introduce Gennie to the ladies so they can show her where the bathin’ room is. I know she’d like to clean up.”
Eli slugged LeRoy in the arm. Gennie was glad he hadn’t punched him in his stomach. LeRoy was still plenty tender where that bear had raked him. She shuddered thinking how close he’d come to dying for her. And then she thought on how he braved the blizzard to save her, shooting that bear at such close range. Even now, it still sent shivers down her back thinking of what a selfless, brave man LeRoy was. How lucky she was that she’d found him—and hadn’t shot him when he took aim at her wolf. She couldn’t believe she’d clobbered LeRoy with the butt of her rifle.
“What’s so funny?” LeRoy asked her, cocking his head and eyeing her curiously.
“Nothin’,” she said, tucking the smile away.
Eli squatted in front of Peluche, much to Gennie’s shock. Peluche jumped up to sitting, her tail wagging hard. Her head stood even with Eli’s, eye to eye.
“Whoa,” Eli said, noting the wolf’s stature. “This here’s no dog.” He looked at Gennie. “How’d you tame a wolf?”
“She’s part dog,” LeRoy insisted.
Eli guffawed. “What part? Her tail?”
Gennie burst out in a laugh, and LeRoy and Eli joined in. She laughed until tears squeezed out of her eyes, feeling as if a dam had just burst, chasing all her jitters away. Eli was exactly the way LeRoy had described him.
“Whatcha gonna do with her?” Eli asked LeRoy. Gennie bristled. She wasn’t sure if Eli was referring to Peluche or to her.
LeRoy must have sensed her stiffen. He gave her another of his loving smiles and pulled her into his arms. “I’m keepin’ her. Both of ’em.” Before Gennie could pull away in embarrassment, LeRoy set his lips on hers and stroked her hair. His eyes swam with love, and it seemed as if he couldn’t care a whit if all the world was watching. Her face got hot realizing everyone probably was.
“Well,” Eli said, clearing his throat. “I reckon you’ve been a mite busy this last week. And not jus’ trackin’ that bear.” He gave Gennie a knowing smile, but it was innocent and sweet.
LeRoy nodded. “That bear gave us a lot of grief, that’s the God’s honest truth, but it’s dead.”
Eli’s expression told Gennie he wasn’t a bit surprised.
“How you likin’ married life?” LeRoy asked Eli. “Clare already got you wrapped around her pinky?”
Eli laughed. “She’d done that a while back.” His eyes sparkled, Gennie noted. Just the way LeRoy’s did when he looked at her.
“Well?” LeRoy pressed.
Eli laughed and petted Peluche on the head. Gennie was astonished at her wolf’s transformation. Coming down the mountain seemed to have changed her as well. Maybe she no longer felt the need to be protective, now that Gennie had LeRoy.
“Seein’ you’re not gonna answer me,” LeRoy said, “I’ll assume married life suits you.”
“It does,” Eli conceded. “But that don’t mean I’m now a stick in the mud. I’m still up for adventure.”
“I reckon that’ll never change,” LeRoy said, catching sight of Parker and Delvi
n walking their horse to the barn. Eli took one look at the two men and laughed.
LeRoy said, “C’mon, Gennie. Let’s head to the lodge.”
Gennie nodded and let LeRoy lead her by the hand. Eli walked at his side, Peluche trotting at his heels. Gennie’s head spun with so many thoughts. When Old Bill had taken her up to his cabin in 1865, she’d been twelve and knew little of the world. It was now 1876, and LeRoy had done his best to fill in all those years she missed. He told her Colorado was now an official state, and that the railroad had come west—a person could even ride a train from one coast all the way to the other. He promised to take her by train to Denver sometime, buy her some fancy clothes and pastries. Take her to a show and go dancing. See how civilized the West had become. How much she had missed by living in that tiny cabin. The world had gone on without her, and she felt as if she had wakened from a long slumber.
Right now, all she wanted was to get through this day without feeling shame or fear or worry. And LeRoy was doing a fine job helping her do just that.
The other guests at Whitcomb’s ranch had gone back inside—all except three young, beautiful women, who stood on the big side porch watching her walk toward them. They were dressed in simple, pretty dresses and lace-up boots, but there was nothing plain about them. Just seeing them made Gennie’s heart leap into her throat. Once upon a time, she’d had dresses like that, and had long pretty hair like theirs all pinned up and tucked under a straw bonnet. She suddenly felt ugly and ashamed of how she looked.
LeRoy squeezed her hand gently as if reading her thoughts, but Gennie hung her head, dreading what these women were going to say to her. LeRoy had assured her they’d be welcoming, but he was a man. And men just didn’t understand the way women could be catty and competitive and judgmental. She remembered her mother often complaining about other women in that way.
“I’ll see you in a bit, Gennie,” LeRoy said. Before she could protest, he turned and went over to the big double doors of the lodge with Eli. She watched him order Peluche to sit and stay. Her wolf stood erect and alert, staring unmoving at LeRoy as he disappeared inside the log house.
Gennie looked back at the women, her hands shaking. The red-haired woman, who looked to be the youngest of the three, came right up to her and took her arm.
“I’m Clare, Eli’s wife,” she said, a smile reaching from ear to ear. “We saw ya come down with LeRoy. I’m so glad to meet ya—what’s your name?”
“Clare, give the gal some room to breathe,” the dark-haired woman said, shooing Clare back. The woman had a sweet, gentle voice, and she was clearly expecting a child, but wasn’t too far along. “I’m Emma Rawlings. My husband and I live over in Greeley. Lucas used to live and work at LeRoy’s ranch.”
Gennie nodded. LeRoy had told her all about how Lucas met Emma and how they’d fallen in love despite her family’s protestations. She noticed how Emma spoke with an Eastern accent and polished speech. “I’m Gennie,” she said, pushing the words past her choked-up throat. The women’s kind smiles and warm words melted away her nerves. “I … uh …”
She stopped, befuddled. What could she say to them? She’d lived a life so different from theirs. They had nothing in common with her. They had lived in their comfortable homes, enjoying town life and family and companionship, while she had huddled in fear from a cruel mountain man, then spent the last three years alone and lonely. Would she always feel like an outcast? Would she ever be able to leave her past behind and fit in with women like this? She wanted to, more than anything, but her heart kept berating her. Give it time, Gennie. Like LeRoy said—it’ll take as long as it takes. She had the rest of her life ahead of her. And she had LeRoy to help her live it. The thought eased her some.
“I’m Grace Cunningham,” the third young woman said. She looked so pretty with her honey-colored hair and big shining eyes. “I’m not sure what LeRoy told you about me and my husband Monty, but you should know that LeRoy and Eli Banks risked their lives to save me some months back. They went after some outlaws that had kidnapped me and my baby. I owe them my life.”
Tears sprang to Gennie’s eyes, recalling the long, gripping story LeRoy had told her about Grace and the dangers she’d faced. And how her husband had lost his memory and forgotten her. What courage she’d shown, believing in him and never abandoning hope. Gennie felt a strong kinship to Grace, and now, meeting her, she realized that other women had faced adversity and survived. More than survived. They’d found happiness by putting their painful past to rest. Surely she could do the same.
“I’m so pleased to meet you all,” Gennie said with utter sincerity. “I’ve heard stories about all of you—good stories,” she added when they looked a mite alarmed. “LeRoy thinks highly of you all.”
Gennie swallowed past the rock in her throat. Her thick skin must have shed, for she felt suddenly so vulnerable and weepy. She blinked to keep her tears from falling.
“You’ve clearly had a trying time,” Grace said, looping her arm through Gennie’s. “But there’s nothing like a hot bubble bath and some clean, pretty clothes to make a gal feel like new.”
“Thank you,” Gennie said. That was exactly what she wanted—to feel like new. To start a new, fresh life. To make new friends, and feel like she had family. Already she felt so much happier, freed of her prison. Of her fears.
Emma said to her, “Did you bring any other clothes with you?” She didn’t ask the questions Gennie thought she might—about where LeRoy had found her or why she was dressed in men’s garb, with her hair cut short.
Gennie shook her head. LeRoy told her Whitcomb had a closet full of clothes that guests had left behind. She figured she’d be allowed to rummage through those to find something that might fit—until she could buy some proper clothing. She worried where she’d get the money for the things she needed, but LeRoy had assured her that if she wanted to earn her keep, he could drum up plenty of work for her—respectable work. He told her Clare had been making saddles and bridles, and Emma had sold some of her drawings of plants to a book publisher. Grace was a seamstress and had supported herself and her baby for a year making dresses for a shop. Gennie had been shocked to hear that all these women could earn money doing work they loved. Surely, with all her skills, Gennie could find something that brought her both joy and money.
“Clare,” Emma said, “you look about Gennie’s size. Do you think you can find something for her to wear after she’s done bathing?”
Clare clapped her hands. “Oh yes, I’ve got just the dress! And your feet might fit my nice riding boots.”
“You don’t have to do this for me—” Gennie protested.
Emma smiled. “Oh nonsense! We’ve been sitting around all week, waiting for LeRoy to get back. We never thought he’d show up with such a pretty girl. I’m surprised he bothered to come back at all, after meeting you.”
Gennie’s cheeks grew hot. She couldn’t think how to answer that.
“And by the way he was lookin’ at ya,” Clare added, “I just bet he’ll fall out of his saddle once he sees ya all purty and your hair done up.”
Emma laughed, and Grace said, “I’ll do your hair. And I’d just love to make you some dresses to go with those bright-green eyes of yours.”
Gennie felt dizzy with all their attention. “I . . . I don’t know what to say.”
“Say yes,” Clare insisted. “I’ve been needlin’ LeRoy for months to find himself a girl, and he always waved me off. Said he hadn’t found the right one yet.” Clare smiled big at Gennie. “But it looks like he struck gold.”
“Come on, Gennie,” Grace said, taking her hand. “Whitcomb’s got a fine big bathtub—and copper piping comes from the kitchen to fill it with hot water. Can you imagine that? And I’ve got some lovely lavender soap you can use. You can wash up and shampoo your hair, and when you’re done, we’ll get you all gussied up.”
Clare laughed and jumped up and down on her toes. “LeRoy’s eyes are gonna bug out when he sees ya.” She studied
Gennie’s face, her eyebrows raised. “That’s what ya want, I reckon.”
Gennie could only nod and laugh along with her three new friends as they nearly dragged her into Whitcomb’s lodge.
Chapter 15
The bell clanged for dinner, the sound drifting off over the pastures as horses lazily grazed. That meant LeRoy had about fifteen minutes to get to his seat in the spacious dining hall. He stood outside in the warm evening with Peluche at his side, letting the wind play with his freshly washed hair that fell down over his shoulders. His face felt raw and clean after the close shave, and he’d put on some of his clean wool trousers and a light-blue chambray shirt. He felt good all over. Presentable and respectable. He hoped Gennie liked how he looked.
He chided hisself for such thoughts. He’d never been one to fuss over his looks, and especially not for some lady’s eyes. But now that he was back in his world, a niggle of nerves upended him. He knew Gennie had clung to him because he’d saved her, and she was counting on his encouragement and strength to face her new life on the Front Range. He worried that maybe once she adjusted and saw there were other decent, honorable fellas besides him, she might lose interest in him. What if he was just a crutch that, once no longer needed, she would toss away? It hurt his heart to consider it, but he knew he had to face the possibility.
He walked over to the split-rail fence and leaned on it, looking at the wild herd of horses that he and Eli had chased down the mountain only months ago. You couldn’t tell they’d been wild, not now. The first few weeks they’d been terrified and resisted handling. But upon seeing the other horses enjoying their easy life, in communion with humans, they’d lost their fear. LeRoy knew the saying was true: you can take the horse out of the wild, but you can never take the wild out of the horse. There would always be a trace of the wild in a mustang, even a young one. Even years of living on a ranch among humans couldn’t completely squelch that spirit. To LeRoy that was a good thing. And he knew the same would hold true for Gennie, and that’s why he was sweet on her.
Wild Secret, Wild Longing: A Sweet Historical Western Romance Novella (The Front Range Series Book 3) Page 13