“What if it’s not a girl?”
“I think we’re going to have to rethink it because Jonathan is way too active to be trusted with a baby.”
The cradles and all the children’s things arrived from Texas along with her rocking chairs. Meeks put one in the nursery and one in great room. She was starting to get low back pains and told him that she had to stop helping for a while. He told her to lie down on her side as he sat and rubbed her sides where it ached. Matthew came running into the room which surprised both of them. He got down on the floor and kissed his mother then touched her stomach. Jonathan and Dog were on him before he could stand up and Maggie dropped her doll to hug him.
James stopped at the doorway and looked at them. “What are you doing?”
“It’s nice to see you James.” She had her head resting on her arm.
“I missed you too but what are you doing?” He put down his saddlebag and walked into the room. He put his hand on the bottom of her stomach. “You’re too early to be in labor.”
“My back is hurting so my husband has been rubbing it.”
“Where does it hurt?”
“James, don’t you think you should go get the road dirt off of you and relax before you start worrying about babies?”
“No I don’t. One of the first signs of labor is intense back pain.” He asked Meeks what area she had indicated ached.
“James.” She sat up and was almost nose to nose with him. “I’ve missed you.”
He smiled and kissed her nose. “How have you been feeling?”
“Wonderful until I spent the day making Alexander move furniture. How was your ride?”
“Way too long but it was really nice to take Matthew out on a real ride.” He stood up. “Alright, I’m going to clean up but I want you off your feet for the rest of the night. I’ll handle dinner.” He walked out and Mirisa looked at her husband who just shook his head.
“Guess the peace and quiet is over. It’s been wonderful having you to myself for so long.” Meeks helped Mirisa up and they ran into Garnett and Dominic. Dominic put his hand on her stomach.
“Are you sure you are having a baby because you have barely grown.”
“Thank you but I have.”
“No, you are a lot smaller with this one than you were with even Matthew. This is going to be a very small baby.” James came down the hallway and stopped.
“I thought I told you I wanted you off your feet. If they want to play with you they’ll just have to do it on the couch.”
Meeks picked her up and put her on the counter. James looked at both of them as he started to make dinner. “I see neither of you are going to listen.”
They both smiled because it was nice to have him home. Mirisa told James that there was fresh bread on the table and chickens outside roasting in the brick oven. James picked her up off the counter and put her on the couch and told her not to move. Meeks fixed her a cup of tea and sat down next to her.
“James we missed you.”
Dominic and Garnett headed south to his house to clean up and said they would be back for dinner before they headed to Denver for the evening.
“James, there’s a letter on the desk for you.” He looked up at her. “She’s coming out with Charisse and the children.”
James put down the towel and walked over to the couch. “Why?”
“I guess because Charisse needs help on the train with the children.”
He sat down and read the letter handing it to Mirisa. She reached over and took it reading it slowly. It was very formal and almost Victorian merely stating that she would be visiting. Meeks was reading over her shoulder but she read it again this time slower as James watched her face. The investigative report had been shared with everyone except Mirisa and after Garnett had arrived back in New York they staked out the apartment with their lead investigator who identified Russell Barrows as the man with Catherine. Russell had changed his looks and she kept her face covered so as not to be easily recognized. Russell looked like he belonged in dark alleys or on the docks. His clothing was loose and ill-fit, his hair was black and slicked back with a wave and the bulge in his jacket pocket outlined a flask. She was dressed down but wasn’t wearing mourning clothes. Her hair was down and loose the way she wore it when she made love to James.
Mirisa looked up into his eyes and shook her head. “She certainly not very personal in her letter but I find her to be less social than most women.”
James dropped the letter in the fire and lit his cigar. Mirisa was surprised that neither Garnett nor Dominic even teased him about her coming out. She had tried hard to figure out the relationship but everyone seemed to avoid the conversation when she inquired.
After a quiet dinner, Mirisa went to the nursery to spend time with the children. Meeks finally turned down the lanterns and told James that he hoped he would stay around for a while.
James stepped out onto the porch taking in the great pine smell when he saw the light coming from the back bedroom. He walked around the porch and knocked on the door before he stepped into the room finding Mirisa and Meeks curled up on the bed reading different books.
“What are you doing in this bedroom?”
“Meeks and I decided when we came back that we felt better being close to the children and it really is a nicer bedroom in the springtime.” He sat down on the edge of the bed.
“Where are you putting Charisse and the children?”
“She’s only bringing the youngest four so they will bunk with the children since we have plenty of room. We’ll move back to the second floor so Charisse can use this room and we will put Catherine in the first guest room upstairs. I think Garnett will probably stay with Dominic to avoid what will be a very noisy house.”
James nodded. “How long is she staying?”
“Charisse is staying until the first of August.” She put her arms around her knees. “It was Charisse’s idea or maybe Catherine offered, I’m not real sure but if you are uncomfortable you can move in with Dominic.”
“I think I need to turn in. It’s been a long day.”
“Good night James.”
James bent over and kissed her then stepped back out onto the porch instead of heading to bed.
“It is going to be nice to have her visit with the children.”
The train wasn’t due until 4:20 p.m. but they came into town early to pick up supplies. James pulled the wagon up next to the platform as Matthew jumped down with dog and ran down to the ticket window and asked when the train would be coming. The ticket taker looked over his glasses at Matthew.
“Well Matt I would say it would be coming when it gets here. What do you think?”
“I think you’re right Mr. Land but mom said it would be here at 4:20 p.m. so is that soon.”
“Well son right there is the official clock.” He pointed to the clock hanging on the platform. “What’s it say?”
Matthew looked up at the clock and thought. “It says it is four o’clock.”
“I guess you got yourself twenty minutes to wait.”
“Okay. I think we’ll sit on the bench.”
Dog laid down under the bench as Matthew swung his legs looking down the track. When he saw the smoke above the trees, he stood up and put his hands over his eyes squinting. The train began braking as smoke billowed out from everywhere and it slowed until the engine rolled past the ticket office and slowly came to a stop. James stepped down as Mirisa and Meeks walked over from the post office and stepped up onto the platform. People were starting to climb out of the dozen passenger cars. The train would be at the station for a couple hours which allowed everyone to get off to stretch or get something to eat. Meeks put Mirisa up on the back of the wagon as he walked down the platform to where James and Matthew were standing. James reached up and helped Charisse down, before he reached for her two youngest daughters as the boys climbed down on their own. He waited as Catherine stepped onto the platform and Mirisa had never seen him hesitate before he took her bag and helped he
r to the wagon.
Mirisa had asked Garnett about Catherine and he told her how they met and how she took the initiative but that even though James appeared to be very drawn to her he also was not talking about it.
Meeks helped Mirisa down so she could greet everyone and then attempted to get everyone back into the wagon for the trip back to the lodge. They finally got all of the trunks loaded and he thought if they made it without losing someone that it would be a good day. Both James and Matthew mounted their horses as Meeks climbed onto the buckboard and turned it around heading back to the lodge.
The children were hanging on the sides pointing at things. Mirisa rode in the back while Charisse and Catherine rod up front with Meeks. He stopped several times when they would spot a large herd of horses or deer. At one point, he stopped and pointed south as a large brown bear was walking across the pasture heading into the woods. She kept turning as the two little bears tried to keep up with her. Catherine asked Meeks if the bear would come after them and he assured her that they were too far away. James and Matthew waited patiently. The wagon moved until one of the children would yell to stop. It took them almost two hours to reach the lodge but the children had so much fun.
James dismounted handing his reigns to Matthew who walked them down to the stable. Charisse’s sons asked their mom if they could go and before she could say yes they were out of the wagon and running after Matthew with Jonathan. James reached over and picked up each of the girls putting them on the porch before he helped Mirisa step down. Meeks walked around the horses and helped his sister and Catherine down.
“Oh Meeks, it is so beautiful out here. I can see why you love it so much.”
It took Meeks and James an hour to unload everything as the children took over the house. They settled the children into the nursery as Mirisa set the table for dinner. Meeks showed Charisse and Catherine to their rooms and told his sister not to worry about the children because they would find her soon enough. They both cleaned up and put away their clothing. Mirisa knocked on the door which was open to the nursery.
“Mirisa, please come in.”
“Is there anything you need?”
“I don’t think so but I think my clothing is way too fussy for out here.”
“We’ll go into town and get you clothes you can ride in.” They were talking about the trip when Catherine knocked on the door. “Catherine, is there anything you need?”
“I am so overwhelmed that I don’t know if I can answer that. This house is so magnificent. I must thank you for allowing me to visit.”
Mirisa smiled. “I hope you enjoy your stay. If you need anything, just ask otherwise I hope you will enjoy every moment. If you will excuse me, I need to help James with dinner.”
“May I help?”
Mirisa smiled. “Of course. Charisse, don’t worry about the children. They will eat dinner on the porch off the nursery and Jasmine is always with them.”
“I know but they are a handful.”
Mirisa and Catherine walked out to the great room as Dominic came through the door. He put his hat on the peg and walked over to the bar. Mirisa took down an apron and wrapped it around Catherine as James watched her out of the corner of his eye. Mirisa told James to give Catherine something to do. Mirisa went out onto the porch checking on the children who were all standing at the railing looking at the lightening bugs. She asked them if they were ready to eat and they all nodded but didn’t take their attention off of the bugs as Matthew tried to get one to land on his finger.
Dominic stepped out onto the porch with Garnett and sat down watching the children. “Garnett, are you staying at my house while everyone is here?”
“What do you think?”
James handed Catherine the cutting board and knife to cut up the vegetables. She stood at the counter with her back to James and looked at the vegetables before putting a carrot on the cutting board and hacking at it until it flew off the counter and landed across the room. James watched her for a few minutes and stood behind her putting his hands over hers showing her how to cut the vegetables. Catherine looked up at him and Mirisa thought she would be good for him if she could handle life in the wilderness.
“James, do you live here?”
He looked at Catherine. “Sometimes but not always.”
Mirisa walked out onto the porch to check on the children before sitting down next to Garnett.
Dominic lit his cigar. “How are you going to adjust to him having another woman?”
Mirisa smiled. “He’s always had other women. All of you have always had other women. I think life is wonderful when you are content. Are you taking the boys camping this summer?”
“We’re taking them east a little ways where the river is quieter.”
“Do we have enough horses?”
“Not small enough for the boys but we can just use the wagon for the gear and throw them all in the back.”
“I wish I could camp out.”
Meeks came out and lit his cigar before sitting down next to her. “Charisse said you’re going into town tomorrow?”
“We’re going to get them clothes that are more suitable for out here. I’m just sorry that I am so far along that I won’t be able to enjoy their exploring the countryside.”
They had a very enjoyable evening and Garnett teased Charisse mercilessly which made everyone laugh. Meeks helped Mirisa clean up after dinner and everyone else sat out on the porch enjoying the beautiful weather.
James watched as the women headed to town without an escort. “Meeks, don’t you think someone should be going with them?”
“If it makes you feel better and knowing how slow Mirisa drives the buggy, I think you can probably catch up with them before they hit the cross road.”
James walked in putting on his gun before heading toward Denver. He caught up to them in ten minutes but merely fell in behind the wagon. Catherine turned and looked at him before saying something to Mirisa.
“He’s just afraid I won’t be able to shoot anything that might cross our path and still drive the carriage.”
“What would cross our path?”
“Besides bad men, probably just bears or moose.”
Charisse laughed and told her that it would be nice if you could shoot men in New York. The ride was uneventful and as Mirisa pulled the wagon in front of the General Store James dismounted and tied his horse to the back of the wagon before helping the women down.
Mirisa kissed his cheek and he smiled. They went into the General Store and James stood against the counter as Mirisa helped them pick out riding skirts, shirts and leather boots. They bought new clothes for the boys including good cowboy hats and boots. He thought it was comical as he watched them discuss everything. When they finally made up their minds, James had everything put on Meeks account and told the Clerk he would pick up the packages later. They had lunch as James checked the post office and bank before they headed back to the ranch.
All of the children were in the river with the men and Mirisa stopped and turned to Charisse. “I must warn you that they frequently are without clothing so I’ll leave it up to you whether or not you want to sit out on the porch when they are swimming.” Catherine blushed as James put the packages on the table. James asked Mirisa if he could saddle her horse and she nodded. When he came back in Charisse was sitting on the porch with her youngest daughter and Maggie. Mirisa came down the stairs as James pulled her up and kissed her passionately.
“I feel like I’m cheating on you.”
“It bothers you to have Catherine here?”
“Yes.”
She ran her fingers through James’ hair. “You used to tell me that nothing would ever change with us and I believe that.”
“I know but our world with you has always been so closed.”
“James, I shall always, always love you.” Mirisa stepped away from him as he watched her walk out onto the porch with towels for the children. He headed for the stable to saddle the Bay and came back in
as Catherine was coming down the stairs. She had her hair pulled back and was trying to not look self conscious.
“Have you ever ridden?”
“Only sidesaddle.”
“Alright.” He put out his hand and escorted her out to the horses. Catherine stood next to the Bay and looked at James. He told her to put her foot in the stirrup and swing her leg over the saddle. She tried to get her foot in the stirrup but it kept slipping out before she could pull herself up. Frustrated, she turned and looked at James who pulled her up and kissed her. He knew from the report that she not only knew how to ride but was an expert marksman.
James helped her mount the horse and made sure the stirrups were the right length. He mounted and turned south as she fell in next to him. They rode leisurely along the pasture enjoying the day when James spotted riders off in the distance. He pulled over into the edge of the trees and pulled Catherine’s horse up next to his.
“What’s wrong?”
“Probably nothing.” He took out his binoculars and scanned the horizon focusing on the distant riders. There were two men riding fast. He scanned further and on the horizon was a band of Indians. “They’re Cheyenne Dog Soldiers.”
“James, what does that mean?”
He smiled and turned his horse toward the deeper woods as she followed him. “James, I’m afraid.”
“Sweetheart, nothing will hurt you.” He finally stopped and dismounted loosely tying up his horse before he helped her down. He took his rifle out of the scabbard and took Catherine’s hand as he worked into the underbrush behind an outcrop of boulders. The horses waited quietly as the two riders galloped just below them running along the line of trees. One of them had an arrow lodged in his leg and he was bent over his horse holding on with faltering strength.
James knew the Dog Soldiers would be armed with rifles though they frequently terrorized their victims by wounding them with arrows to slow them down. He wondered what they were doing this far north of the trail. James took off his hat and beaded his rifle on the front soldier.
“James will they kill us? Oh, I think I’m going to faint.”
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