The Rancher’s Spirited Bride

by Chloe Carley

  “Yes, but honestly, and I’m ashamed to say this,” Gideon said, “but we all blamed ourselves for her coming after us. We knew she might try to follow us, but we never checked. Not once.”

  Carl was quiet for a moment and then asked, “So, you all blamed yourselves? Did you ever tell Sara Jane that?”

  Shawn and Gideon shook their heads. “She never wanted to talk about what happened. Pa didn’t want to upset her, and over time, we all just got used to pretending it had never happened.”

  Carl said, “I’m going to need a lot more prayer.”

  Gideon added, “You did good, and Shawn and I talked. We both agree, letting Sara Jane ignore the past probably wasn’t very wise. We can talk to her …”

  “I told her I would talk to her when we got back. I think maybe I should try to get her to talk about the past, if you are both comfortable with that?”

  Shawn nodded and added, “Let’s make sure we don’t have a threat knocking at our door and then go home and see about dealing with the past. Carl, just so you know, you have our full support to go after Sara Jane with everything you’ve got. Neither one of us liked the way that newcomer was looking at her.”

  “Don’t worry on that front. I got an eyeful when he dropped her off at the mercantile today. The man seems to have his sights set on your sister and she’s either oblivious or actually entertaining what he has to offer.”

  “No way! Sara Jane would never fall for a pompous man like that.”

  “I’m just telling you what I saw. The man kissed the back of her hand … twice … and was standing much too close for a man who just met her yesterday. I didn’t like it and I think he knew that.”

  “Well, we’ll just have to make sure he doesn’t have access to Sara Jane without one of us around.”

  “He asked her to sit with him in church Sunday and she agreed,” Carl told them.

  “What?” Gideon asked. “Why would she do that? She knows what everyone will think.”

  Carl shook his head. “I’m not sure she felt like she had a choice, the man was awfully persistent. Anyway, she told him he and his ma could sit with the family down front. I think he means to send a message to the townsfolk that he’s in good with the Lawsons.”

  “We’ll just see about that. Look.” Shawn pointed to the area on the other side of the river where it appeared the Indians had decided to set up their camp. They’d already erected several teepees and had a large fire going in the center of the camp.

  Everyone was quiet for a moment as they watched the camp. Gideon spoke first, “They look peaceful enough.”

  “Peaceful enough that you want to risk riding into their camp?” Shawn asked with note of challenge in his voice.

  Gideon shook his head, “No. I think we could ….” He stopped talking at the sound of branches breaking a short distance away. He held up his hand, signaling the other two men to remain quiet. They watched the brush and then two braves stepped into the clearing.

  They didn’t see Carl and the brothers for a long moment, and when they did, shock and wariness covered their faces.

  “Now might be a good time to make sure they understand we don’t mean them any harm?” Carl suggested.

  Gideon nodded and lifted his hand in greeting. The braves had spears and bows in their hands and Carl and Shawn kept their rifles at the ready, just in case. Gideon relaxed a bit, knowing that the two men were watching out for him. He truly hoped this group was peaceful and just passing through. He didn’t see any war paint on the men’s faces, and he hoped that meant these were the friendlier Pueblo Indians and not from the Apache or Comanche tribes.

  Gideon moved his horse a few feet forward. He’d only seen two horses over in the camp. He also hadn’t seen any indication that this group had guns. He stopped a dozen feet away from them. Gideon found it surprising that they were still moving about this late in the year, especially with the storm clouds closing in.

  He did his best to communicate with them; not speaking the same language was always a struggle. He was pleasantly surprised to hear English words coming from their lips as they explained a missionary had lived amongst them for a short time and taught them the language.

  “Where are you headed?” Gideon asked.

  “Mountains. There.” They pointed to the distant mountains and Gideon nodded. These were Pueblo Indians after all and, after another short conversation, he learned they had come to the lowlands to hunt for food to last them through the winter. They’d already gathered enough and were headed home before the snow arrived, but the chief’s wife had birthed a child a few weeks earlier and they had decided to stay put until she was ready to travel.

  Gideon wished them well and then signaled the others with him to move away. He waited until the two braves had crossed the river before he explained what he’d been told.

  “So, basically, they are harmless?” Carl asked.

  “I wouldn’t go that far. Pueblo Indians have been known to get violent, but this group is an entire tribal unit. A similar tribe came through here the year before I left … they were mostly peaceful and protective of their elders, women, and children. I didn’t see any guns, and they appear to only have two horses. We have horses and guns. Starting a fight with us would not be wise on their part.”

  “How long do they plan on staying here?” Carl asked, keeping his eyes on the camp in the distance, wondering if there were even more braves on horses lurking nearby.

  “They’ll be gone come morning and we’ll probably never see them again. They are headed for the mountains.”

  “Your sister will be relieved to hear that,” Carl stated. “Let’s get back and make sure she understands she has nothing to fear. I don’t think I can stand to see that terrified look in her eyes again. It nearly broke my heart.”

  Gideon told him teasingly, “You, my friend, are roped and hogtied. Once Sara Jane realizes that, she’s going to make your life miserable before she agrees to marry you. I for one am going to sit back and enjoy watching this play out.”

  Carl was afraid that Gideon was right.

  I should be grateful that Gideon and Shawn are content to just sit back and watch. If they ever decide to stir the pot and give Sara Jane a push in my direction, there’s no telling what kind of trouble I’ll be in for. Sara Jane strongly objects to being told what to do.

  Carl sent up a silent prayer for some heavenly guidance where Sara Jane was concerned. Sara Jane was a force to be reckoned with and once she realized the power that she actually held over him, there was no telling what she’d do with it. He only hoped they could come to an understanding sooner than later. He was already tired of this courting game and it hadn’t even really started yet.

  Chapter 8

  Sunday

  Carl eyed the stairs leading into the church and then turned to Shawn and asked, “That teacher fella already cornered your sister?”

  Shawn scowled. “He’d best get his hands off of her person before I do it for him.” Mark Lawry was standing much too close to Sara Jane and had his hand resting lightly at her waist, on the opposite from where he was standing.

  Carl clenched his fist, fighting the urge to walk over and make good on Shawn’s earlier statement. He took one step in their direction, but a hand on his arm caused him to halt.

  “Remember this is the Lord’s day, son,” James told him. He, too, was watching his daughter and the new schoolteacher and he didn’t appear to like what he was seeing. “If the man steps any closer to her, he’ll have to pick her up.”

  Carl narrowed his eyes and then decided something needed to be done. “Looks like the preacher is almost ready to get started. What do you say we help Sara Jane introduce her new friends to the congregation?”

  Shawn eyed him. “What did you have in mind?”

  Carl gave him a brief summary and Shawn smiled. “I like it. Pa, make sure you and Ma scoot all the way down to the end of the pew today. Our new friends will be sitting with us.”

  James eyed his son
and then Carl before asking, “What are you two boys planning?”

  “Nothing much, but it seems the schoolteacher needs a lesson in how things work around here.”

  James nodded and then lowered his voice, “Maybe his mother will pick up the hint as well. She was downright condescending when she visited the ranch the other day and your ma, bless her heart, she was polite enough but hopes to never have to entertain the woman again. Your ma didn’t like her and that tells me everything I want to know about the woman.”

  “If their plan in coming here was to find a place to settle and put down roots, they are surely going about it the wrong way,” Pearl said as she joined them, having overheard the last of their conversation. “A more bitter and unhappy woman I’ve yet to meet.”

  “Come, wife. Let’s go into church.” James extended his arm and Pearl took it. Carl watched them head into the building and could easily see himself escorting Sara Jane in a similar fashion ten years from now. Of course, in order for that to happen, he would need to get rid of this interloper and make sure Sara Jane knew she was spoken for. He knew she had feelings for him, now he just needed to get her to admit to having them. To herself and to him.

  “Ready?” Shawn asked.

  “Let’s do it.”

  Mark Lawry, his mother, and Sara Jane were standing at the bottom of the stairs talking to the preacher when Carl and Shawn joined them.

  “Good morning, Shawn. Carl, I haven’t seen Jace or Lily this morning,” Pastor Russell greeted them each with a handshake.

  “Mornin’, Preacher. Lily was feeling extra tired this morning so Jace decided to stay at the ranch with her and let her rest,” Carl informed him.

  “I hope everything is okay with the baby?” the preacher inquired.

  “Babies, preacher. Lily is having twins.”

  The preacher’s brows rose and then he smiled. “I hadn’t heard. How wonderful.”

  “Yes, they are very happy with this news,” Shawn answered.

  “Well, good. Shall we all go in and get seated? Service time is upon us.” Pastor Russell gestured for them to precede him up the stairs.

  Carl and Shawn had placed themselves as close to Sara Jane as possible when they’d joined the small group, and now Shawn stepped forward and took his sister’s elbow. “Shall we, sis?”

  Sara Jane gave him a funny look, but when Carl stepped to her other side, forcing Mark to step back or risk making a scene, she merely nodded, seeing the light of battle in both men’s eyes and not wanting to start anything up on a Sunday. Carl and Shawn weren’t opposed to putting the newcomer in his place, but they’d rather do it in actions and not words.

  Shawn smiled at her and started up the stairs with Carl following closely behind them.

  “Mark, don’t just stand there. Do something,” the older woman hissed at her son, causing Carl to bite back a smile. “She’s supposed to be sitting with you this morning.”

  Mark responded and Carl shamelessly listened in, slowing his steps a tiny bit. “Mother, I’m handling things with Sara Jane. I can’t hardly pull her from her brother’s arm, now can I?” Mark whispered harshly.

  “I told you the connection to the Lawsons is important. If you don’t care about your own standing in this town, think about mine.”

  “Sara Jane is not just a connection. I like her,” Mark whispered again.

  Mrs. Lawry humphed and then shook her head. “I’m sure you can do better.”

  “Really? I doubt it. Not in this town,” Mark answered. “Now, be nice and smile. It’s time for church service.”

  Carl was both amused at the machinations the older woman was about and incensed that she and her son appeared to be using the Lawsons to gain stature in the town. Carl glanced back as he climbed another step and saw Mark offer his mother his elbow, which she begrudgingly took, and then Pastor Russell brought up the rear.

  It was clear from the preacher’s face that he, too, had overhead the conversation between the uppity woman and her son. Carl met his eyes for a brief moment and then turned around, deciding to just let things work themselves out.

  Shawn escorted Sara Jane down to the second pew, entering first, leaving her to follow with Carl right behind her. That left Mark and his mother to bring up the rear, forcing Mark to let his mother inside and placing him at the aisle. He was about as far away from Sara Jane as Carl could manage, given the circumstances, and as he met Gideon’s eyes when he and Riley joined them, he couldn’t help but feel as if he’d won this particular battle. They hadn’t actually gone to war, but he’d managed to thwart the newcomer’s intentions of making it seem as if he had a closer alliance with Sara Jane than he actually did.

  A man didn’t escort an unmarried woman to church unless his intentions were honorable and of the long-term variety. Carl didn’t care what Mark Lawry had in mind, if the man’s plans included Sara Jane, he was going to be very disappointed.

  After they all sang two hymns, Pastor Russell briefly introduced the Lawry’s to the congregation, inviting anyone who hadn’t already greeted them to do so right after the service. Carl smiled when he saw Mrs. Lawry cringe and bit the inside of his cheek to keep his expression neutral. Pastor Russell was being very helpful and didn’t even know it.

  The preacher began his sermon a few moments later. Carl wasn’t quite sure what the topic of his message was, he was too aware of Sara Jane sitting on his right, and the fidgety Mrs. Lawry on his left. The older woman couldn’t seem to sit still and if the noises she was making beneath her breath were any indication, she was not the least impressed with Pastor Russell’s sermon.

  Carl and Shawn shared several glances over Sara Jane’s head, silently congratulating themselves and each other for keeping Sara Jane away from the teacher. The man kept glancing over at her, trying to gain her attention, but Carl always seemed to shift his weight around at those exact moments, effectively blocking Sara Jane from being able to be seen from the end of the pew.

  After the final prayer finished, Sara Jane crossed her arms over her chest. “Would either of you like to explain what all of this was about?” she hissed quietly.

  Shawn and Carl looked innocent. “What are you talking about?” Shawn asked.

  Carl shrugged his shoulders. “I could ask the same thing. Are you feeling alright, Sara Jane? You seem a little flushed and irritated for having just listened to Pastor Russell’s message.”

  “I’m feeling fine.”

  “Sara Jane, are you coming?” Mark called from the aisle. His mother had already departed the pew and was making her way toward the doorway with a placating smile in place for Pastor Russell’s benefit.

  Carl stood up, blocking his view, and spoke over Sara Jane’s head to Shawn. “Feel like riding out to the east pasture after lunch?”

  “Yeah, I’d like to check on things. What about you, Sara Jane?”

  Sara Jane was trying to look around him and finally put her hands on her hips and glared at him. “Carl, I know what you and Shawn are trying to do, but it’s not going to work. Please move so that I might exit this pew.”

  “Sure thing,” Carl told her in a slow drawl. “You didn’t answer the question. You interested in taking a ride with Shawn and me later?”

  Sara Jane looked undecided for a moment, but then the enticement of riding free across the land won over and she nodded. “I think so, but what about …” she didn’t even get a chance to finish her sentence. Carl knew she was worrying about the Indians they had seen there the day before.

  He said, “There’s nothing to worry about. I promise.”

  “But …” she stopped, swallowing loudly. Carl hated the look of fear that had invaded her eyes. He’d made good on his promise the night before, seeking her out before supper to tell her what they’d discovered about the Indians. Sara Jane had nodded, pretending that his news had set her mind at ease, but she’d been jumpy throughout dinner and he could tell that James and Pearl were worried about her.

  “The Indians?” he asked
quietly. When she nodded, he gave her a tender smile and whispered, “They’re gone, Sara Jane. Let us prove that to you this afternoon. There’s nothing to be worried about.”

  “Okay. But it’s going to snow.”

  “Maybe, but it won’t be the first time we’ve been out in the snow.”

  Sara Jane said, “That’s true and Shiloh needs a good exercise if those clouds make good on their promise.”

  “Exactly. So, this afternoon?”

  Sara Jane nodded and then sighed. “Now will you let me out of this pew?”

  Carl stepped out of the pew, making way for her to follow, holding back his glare when he saw Mark waiting impatiently for her.

  “Come, Mother is already waiting for us.” Mark reached for her elbow and Carl had to steel himself not to react. The man once again had his hands where they shouldn’t be. Carl was relieved when Sara Jane extricated her elbow from Mark’s hand and put some distance between them.