Land of My Heart

by Tracie Peterson

  Takes-Many-Horses shook his head. “I can’t. There are hard times coming for our people. I need to be there to help them.”

  “And if you’re killed?”

  Takes-Many-Horses shook his head. “I won’t be. I saw myself as an old man in a vision. I’ll live many years before I die.” He tucked the gifts into his pack, seeming completely unconcerned with his sister’s worries.

  Dianne felt like an intruder, but Koko had asked her to hold Jamie while she fetched the gifts. Now standing there with the baby, Dianne didn’t know what to do but wait out the departure scene.

  “I’d better go,” Takes-Many-Horses declared. He headed for the front door, but Koko took hold of his arm.

  “No, come this way. Bram has a gift for you too.”

  Takes-Many-Horses raised a brow and looked to Dianne, as if to ascertain her knowledge on the matter. Dianne knew what the gift was, but she wasn’t about to spoil Bram’s surprise. Instead, Dianne turned to walk toward the door herself.

  Outside the sun was shining brilliantly and the reflection against the snow was almost painful to the naked eye. Bram stood just outside the barn with a fine black gelding. The animal had been equipped with a rope hackamore and blanket but no other tack.

  “We thought you could use a strong mount,” Bram said, bringing the horse forward.

  Takes-Many-Horses seemed genuinely stunned. He said nothing for several moments, then looked to his sister and finally back to Bram. “It is a gift of great value. I don’t know what to say.”

  Bram chuckled. “You don’t need to say anything. I hope he’ll keep you on straight paths. Dianne helped to train him, but he’s still a little green. I figure you’ll have your hands full and maybe that way you won’t be so interested in getting into mischief.”

  Takes-Many-Horses slung his pack around his neck and took up the rope reins. He catapulted himself onto the horse without any need of stirrups or help. The horse whinnied nervously and backed up several paces as if to protest, but Takes-Many-Horses soon had the animal calmed as he stroked the neck and spoke to him in Blackfoot.

  “Good travels, George,” Bram said, coming to stand beside his wife.

  “Good life to you,” Takes-Many-Horses replied.

  “Oh, I almost forgot!” Dianne declared, handing Jamie over to Koko. “We packed some pemmican for you.”

  She hurried to the house and found the food bags. Hurrying back, she handed the pouches over to Takes-Many-Horses.

  “These are very soft—good quality work—chewed soft,” he said, taking up the bags. He grinned at Dianne and she smiled as she remembered their conversation last night.

  “I didn’t make them, although I did help make the pemmican.”

  Takes-Many-Horses laughed softly. “Sister, you need to teach Stands-Tall-Woman to chew leather. She may have need of such skills in the future.”

  With that he gave a little yell and nudged the horse’s sides to head him off down the road.

  “What did he mean by that, I wonder?” Koko asked, looking to her husband.

  Dianne bit her lip to keep from laughing out loud. She knew exactly what the implication was, and she had no desire to share it and face further teasing by her aunt and uncle.

  CHAPTER 35

  “WHEN WILL YOU HEAD OUT TO BRING THE CATTLE HOME?” Dianne asked her uncle as they watched Morgan work to saddle break one of the horses.

  “I’m planning for the end of the week. A few of the boys we let go last winter have come back looking to be rehired, and I think I’ve finally got enough hands for the roundup.”

  Without warning, the agitated horse swung around, catching Morgan off guard. A swift kick of the gelding’s hind leg sent Morgan slamming into the dust. Dianne couldn’t restrain a gasp and jumped up on the fence to go in and rescue her brother.

  “No, you wait here,” Bram declared. He opened the corral gate and went inside with slow, deliberate steps. “Whoa now,” he called as he walked to the horse. Morgan was already getting to his feet, though his hand was on his lower back.

  The gelding bobbed its head up and down as Bram approached. Dianne watched as the horse shied away, ears flattened against his head. Bram seemed undaunted. Two other hands came to help Bram while Morgan made his way out of the fenced enclosure.

  “Are you hurt?” Dianne asked as she hurried to his side.

  “My back is twisted something fierce. I can hardly take a step without it shooting pain down into my hips.”

  “Come on, I’ll help you to bed. Koko will know how to ease the pain.”

  Morgan nodded and allowed Dianne to put her arm around him for support. He leaned on her heavily, leaving Dianne little doubt that the severity of his wound must be great. They’d all suffered their fair share of bumps and bruises in working with the animals—especially the horses. Dianne herself had been thrown a half-dozen times.

  “What happened?” Koko questioned as Dianne and Morgan came into the cabin.

  “The black gave him a kick in the pants,” Dianne said, trying to sound lighthearted.

  “More like the back.” Morgan pointed and Koko nodded.

  “Let’s get him to bed. I’ll get hot compresses and make some tea to help relax those muscles.”

  Moments later Bram joined them. “You going to be all right?” he asked Morgan.

  Morgan moaned in pain as Dianne stripped him of his shirt. “Feels like I was hit by a bolt of lightning.”

  “Koko, don’t forget that great salve you made for me that one time.” Bram turned back to his nephew. “Had me up and running before I knew it.”

  Morgan clenched his teeth and nodded. Dianne felt awful for her brother. He’d never made a good patient. Being confined and in so much pain was probably more than Morgan could bear.

  By the end of the week Morgan was better but still in no shape for the roundup. “You stay here with Koko and the baby,” Bram told him. “That way I’ll know they’ll be taken care of.” He turned to Dianne and smiled. “Why don’t you ride along with us and help cook for this band of no-accounts.” He laughed, adding, “They’ll be so grateful for the sight of a pretty gal and a good meal that they’ll work twice as hard for me.”

  Dianne didn’t care what the excuse, she was delighted. “Truly, Uncle Bram? I can help with the roundup?”

  “Well, nothing dangerous. Just cooking.”

  “When we first came west, that was danger enough,” Dianne laughed. Her heart was as light as a feather. She’d been so anxious to do something—anything—to break the monotony of being cooped up on the ranch all winter.

  Since they would be gone for as long as two weeks, Bram loaded the wagon with food supplies and bedding. Dianne made the hard decision to leave Dolly behind. The mare was due to foal in a few weeks and needed the extra rest. Dianne was excited about the new arrival. It would be wonderful to raise the colt from birth.

  The mount Dianne chose for herself was a gray-and-white gelding that she’d worked with throughout the winter. The animal seemed to have a natural affection for Dianne and worked hard to please. He was also a good cattle horse, having proven himself the fall before when the herd had been gathered to drive north.

  Dianne called the horse Pepper, but the men in her family thought it a silly name. She didn’t care, however. The animal’s coat reminded her of finely ground pepper, and no other name seemed appropriate.

  “Come on, boy,” she encouraged, leading Pepper from the barn. Dolly whinnied in protest, but Dianne pressed on. “I’ll see you soon, old girl.”

  “You about ready?” Bram asked. “I’ve sent the boys ahead with the wagon. Figured that’d give them some extra time in case the road’s muddy. Besides, we’ll have some time to talk, just you and me.”

  “I’d like that,” Dianne declared. She positioned the horse beside one of her mounting blocks, then quickly climbed atop.

  “There’ve been some things on my mind and I figured now would be as good a time as any to share my concerns.”

 
Dianne eyed him suspiciously as she came up alongside. “Sounds serious.”

  Bram nodded. “It is, but it’s nothing I want to get all maudlin about.”

  “All right.”

  They urged the horses into a slow walk past the house. Morgan sat in a rocking chair on the porch. Koko had wrapped him in a blanket and stood beside him with Jamie in her arms.

  “Be careful,” she called.

  “We will,” Bram replied, bringing up his horse to pause. “Don’t forget you have Jake to help with the milking if you need him. He won’t like it, but I’ve told him to help if you need it.” Jake was one of their older hands, whom Bram declared in no shape for taxing roundup work. He’d given the old man a job because he felt sorry for him, but Jake had quickly jumped in to pull his weight.

  “I’ll be just fine. Morgan can watch Jamie for me, and I can tend to the milking.” She waved to Dianne. “Have fun.”

  Dianne returned the wave. “Don’t take any trouble from Morgan. He’s never been good about being sick or laid up. When he starts getting mean, that’s a good sign that he’s almost well.”

  Koko and Bram laughed, while Morgan shook his head. “Very funny,” was all he said.

  Bram and Dianne finished their good-byes and turned the horses down the drive. Dianne felt a surge of exhilaration wash through her. Soon she’d see Cole again, and she could only wonder what the meeting might hold in store for them. Throughout the winter she’d thought a great deal about him. Had he put his past to rest, whatever that past might be? Had he thought about her? About them together?

  She couldn’t help but realize that something troubled him deeply, and while she didn’t feel she had the right to intrude on those feelings, Dianne often prayed for Cole’s release.

  “Well, now is just as good a time for our discussion as any,” Bram began.

  Dianne pulled herself from thoughts of Cole and turned to her uncle. “What do you have on your mind?”

  “Quite a bit, actually. I suppose the best way to lay it out is just to tell you what I’m thinking and let you decide how you want to deal with it.”

  Dianne frowned. “Is there a problem?”

  “In a sense. You know this ranch is important to me,” he began, “but certainly no more important than Koko and little Jamie.”

  “Of course not,” Dianne interjected. “That’s easy to see.”

  “My concern, however, is for them. You see, I own all of this land. I have a good-sized herd, and with the money you gave me years ago, I’ve been able to gradually increase that stock, both in numbers and quality. We’ve been able to add permanent hands to help with the work, and we’ve built a good many additions to the ranch itself.

  “Furthermore, you know it’s my desire to build a fine house. That’s something I plan to begin this summer.”

  “Wonderful!” Dianne declared. “I know it will be lovely.”

  Bram nodded. “I want to give Koko good things. She’s had a hard life.”

  “I know. She’s told me about much of it.”

  “There are many things she won’t speak of,” Bram said softly. “She’s a good woman, Dianne. I’ve appreciated that you’ve never seen her as less than that because of her being Blackfoot.”

  “She’s not held it against me for being part Dutch,” Dianne said with a smile. Her uncle sounded much too serious for such a beautiful day. She worried that something troublesome was afoot.

  Bram smiled at his niece, then looked down the road thoughtfully. “I will make this house the finest in the land, big enough for you and your family as well as mine.”

  “That’s kind of you but not necessary. I still plan to put in for my homestead come fall.”

  “That’s part of why we’re having this discussion, Dianne.” He pulled up on the reins and stopped the large bay gelding. Dianne halted Pepper and waited for her uncle to speak.

  “If you homestead, you’ll have to live at least part of the year on the land. The nearest tract will put you a good distance from the house, even though the land will adjoin. And given what I’m about to tell you, you won’t need the property anyway.”

  Dianne knew her puzzled expression was probably more than enough to prompt Uncle Bram to continue, but still she asked, “Why?”

  “I’ve talked it over with Koko, and I plan to add your name to the deed for the ranch.”

  “I don’t understand. Why would you do that?”

  “Because when I die, I want to know that the property will stay in the family. Your brothers certainly have no interest, but I know your heart. You love this place as much as I do.”

  “But what of Koko and Jamie? This is their home.”

  Bram nodded and replied, “Yes, and I’d like it to stay that way after I’m gone. But you see, Indians cannot inherit—they can’t own land. They aren’t even deemed citizens of this country.”

  “But Koko is half white.” Dianne couldn’t imagine that the government would force a wife, even a wife of Indian blood, from the home of her dead husband.

  “I don’t think it will matter to anyone, so long as she’s also half Indian. Believe me, I’ve discussed this with the authorities and this is the counsel they’ve offered. Laws may well change, but they may not. I want to make certain my family is provided for, and you are the only way to ensure that.”

  Dianne felt almost sickened by this news. “How awful for Koko. How terrible that a man can’t leave his own son a legacy.”

  “But through you, I can leave him a legacy. I’d like to see that the land is shared. I’d like to see that Koko is allowed to live out her days in comfort. She’s a young woman; if I die and she chooses to remarry and go elsewhere, that’s up to her. But if she desires to stay here, then I want that to be an option. Do you understand?”

  Dianne nodded. “Of course.”

  “And will you do this for me?”

  The weight of responsibility fell heavy on her shoulders. “Yes. I’ll do whatever you ask.”

  He smiled as if her words suddenly made everything all right. “Good. I’ll have the papers drawn up after we get back from roundup.”

  The men were already hard at work when Dianne and Bram made their way to the camp. Most of the herd had been gathered into a manageable collection, and the mothering up of calves and cows had already begun.

  Dianne watched in fascination as Gus and the men would rope the calves by the hind legs and drag them to the fire for branding. She had thought this part of the job would upset her or even sicken her with the smell of burnt hair and flesh, but in truth she wasn’t bothered at all. It seemed she had ranching—all aspects of ranching—in her blood.

  Cole seemed surprised by her appearance but said nothing. He was too busy to stop and talk, but it didn’t keep Dianne from watching his every move. She thought him more handsome than she’d even remembered. She loved to watch him work with the calves, his arm muscles straining against the flannel of his shirt. He needed a haircut, to be sure, and a shave. Both he and Levi had grown beards over the winter. No doubt it offered their faces added warmth.

  If Cole noticed her watching him, he didn’t respond, and for this Dianne was grateful. She wasn’t sure how to handle her feelings for him. She’d hoped that in his absence she might be able to let go of her consuming thoughts, but that hadn’t happened. And now, with dreams of Cole Selby mingling with the news her uncle had shared, Dianne wasn’t at all sure what she would do.

  She longed to discuss the situation with Cole. She longed to let him know what her uncle had said and see what Cole thought about his plan. Then she wondered if she should say anything at all. What if he doesn’t have feelings for me but when he hears that I’ll someday inherit the entire ranch he pretends to care so that he can take control?

  “Have you heard the news?” Bram asked Dianne. “We’ve got fifty new calves. Fifty!” He was so excited about this that he didn’t even wait for Dianne’s response. She laughed as he rode off, calling out for Gus. The herd was growing more rapidly n
ow. Most of the new cattle he’d brought in the previous year had made it through the harsh winter, and now the calves were showing great promise as well.

  “Well, in another ten years your uncle will have a herd to be reckoned with,” Levi said, pausing to get a drink from the water barrel.

  Dianne nodded. “To be sure. I’ve never seen Uncle Bram this excited.”

  “We lost only two calves and one cow over the winter,” Levi declared. “He’s got reason to be excited.”

  That evening as the men and cattle rested, Dianne cleaned up the supper dishes. She’d been pleased that her elk stew had gone over so well. The men had come back for seconds and before she knew it, every bit of stew was gone. She’d not even had a chance to have a bowl for herself. But it didn’t matter. The men were well fed and happy, and that blessed Dianne in a way she couldn’t explain.

  “Good supper,” Cole said, coming to where Dianne stood at the back of the wagon.

  “Thank you. I’m glad you liked it. Did you get enough to eat?”

  “Sure did. Had three bowls.”

  Dianne already knew this but said nothing. She continued washing the dishes as Cole stood casually beside her. She wondered what he wanted—if there was something more he intended to say. She might have asked, too, but her hands were trembling so much that she worried her voice might well do the same if she opened her mouth to speak.

  “You didn’t bring Dolly,” Cole commented.

  “No … ah … she’s due to foal. Did … you forget?”

  He shifted to lean back against the wagon. “I suppose I did. Hope she’ll wait until we get back.”

  Dianne finished the last of the dishes and started to lift the basin to dump the water. Instead, Cole swept her aside and lifted the pan himself. “Where do you want it?”

  “Anywhere,” Dianne said. “I was just dumping it.”

  Cole tossed the water aside and handed the basin back to her. Dianne quickly dried it out and then began drying the other dishes. By the time she finished and Cole hadn’t said another word, Dianne thought she might scream. What did he want? Why was he here?