The Cowboy’s Frontier Courtship

by Maya Stirling

  She'd finished most of her work of the day and had been enjoying some quiet moments to herself. It had proven hard to stop thinking about what she'd heard in the mercantile. It had been even harder to avoid thinking about her encounter with Logan. She'd seen the concern on his face. He'd clearly known something was wrong. But Kirsty couldn't have spoken to him about what she'd heard inside the mercantile. Not out in the middle of Main Street. In any case, it was none of his concern. He had a life of his own to build. The children were his responsibility, now. Not her. If there was going to be a problem with her reputation, then Kirsty would deal with that on her own.

  She watched as the buckboard rolled to a stop in the yard. Kirsty stepped off the porch and walked toward the buckboard. Abby leaped down from the seat. Halting a moment, she gathered her green skirts, composing herself. Abby's eyes glistened with emotion. Kirsty smiled at her cousin, already able to guess what Abby was about to tell her. It must be about Lucas Bradford, Kirsty told herself.

  Abby ran to Kirsty and threw her arms around her. "Oh, Kirsty. You won't believe what has happened," Abby murmured against Kirsty's shoulder as she hugged her.

  "I think I can guess, Abby," Kirsty replied carefully. She could feel the excitement in her cousin's shaking body.

  Abby leaned her head back and peered into Kirsty's eyes. "Lucas asked me to marry him." Abby grinned like a young child.

  "Abby. I'm so happy for you," Kirsty exclaimed. She drew her cousin close, wrapping her arms around her. Holding Abby tight, Kirsty heard Abby's muffled cries of joy. Kirsty held Abby for a few long moments. There was no doubting the delight which Lucas Bradford's proposal had brought to Abby.

  Finally, Kirsty released Abby. "What did he say? Did he get down on one knee?"

  Abby nodded abruptly. "He did! It was so romantic. He took me for a special dinner at the hotel restaurant. Then, near the end of the meal, he stood and came around to my side of the table. Next thing I knew he was down on one knee and he was holding my hand and gazing into my eyes." Abby gasped with joy and spun around in a full circle. "It was so beautiful, Kirsty. You should have been there to see it."

  "Did he look nervous?"

  Abby nodded and smiled. "He looked terrified," she said and then laughed. "After he proposed, he told me he'd spent the entire day worrying about asking me."

  "That's only natural. It's a once-in-a-lifetime choice," Kirsty said.

  Abby seized Kirsty's hands and gazed, wide-eyed at her. "Are you truly happy for me, Kirsty?"

  "Of course, I am," Kirsty replied. "I couldn't be happier for you." Kirsty tugged at Abby's hands. "Did he tell you when the wedding will be?"

  Abby nodded. "Soon. Maybe within a few weeks."

  "Weeks? That doesn't give us much time to make a dress," Kirsty exclaimed.

  Abby's brows furrowed thoughtfully. "I'll need to see what we can do. Maybe we can get some help from the dress shop in town."

  Kirsty pouted her lips and frowned. "Nonsense. We're MacAnliss women. We can make our own dresses. We've done it plenty of times before." Kirsty glanced at her gown and then at Abby's gown. "We made these, didn't we?"

  "But we're talking about a wedding dress," Abby objected softly.

  "It makes no difference," Kirsty snapped. "A dress is a dress."

  "If you say so," Abby replied, although Kirsty could tell her cousin had yet to be convinced.

  Kirsty and Abby started to walk hand in hand across the yard. Kirsty recalled how she and Abby had been used to holding hands at special moments when they'd been growing up. This definitely qualified as a special moment.

  Abby laughed suddenly. "Lucas told me he got some advice this afternoon about proposing."

  "Who from?"

  "Logan," Abby stated.

  Kirsty halted, and turned to face Abby. "Logan Kincaid?"

  Abby nodded. "Seems he was at the bank today. Him and Mr Baum gave Lucas some pearls of wisdom about seizing the moment. Lucas really took what they said to heart. If it hadn't have been for them, maybe I'd still be waiting for Lucas to ask me."

  Kirsty asked herself what Logan Kincaid had been doing giving matrimonial advice to Lucas Bradford. Why would he have done that?

  "Lucas told me Logan is figuring on buying a house in town for him and the children," Abby said.

  "He is?"

  Abby nodded. "Or maybe building one for himself."

  "It's amazing what you can learn when you work in a bank," Kirsty said casually. Trying to control her thoughts about Logan was proving hard. Again. "He certainly seems to be settling down," she added. Dragging her attention back to Abby, she smiled at her cousin. "Never mind Logan Kincaid. This is a wonderful day. For you and for me."

  Abby gaze softened. "I know we've talked about this plenty of times, Kirsty. But you aren't disappointed with me, are you?"

  "Why would I be disappointed, Abby?"

  Abby ran her gaze across the yard and toward the cabin. "When I marry Lucas I'll be moving into town. For good. Of course, we'll come and visit as much as we can." Abby sighed. "You'll be here all on your own."

  "I've told you plenty of times," Kirsty replied. "I'll be fine. I can handle the homestead."

  "Can you?" Abby asked softly. "Are you sure? I'd hate to think that I'm going to make things hard for you."

  Kirsty hugged Abby and then leaned back, gazing into her eyes. "You've never done anything but make life better for me, Abby. I mean that. You know how much I love you."

  Kirsty saw Abby's eyes moisten. "And I love you, too, Kirsty," Abby said, her voice cracking with emotion.

  "You getting married is the best thing that's happened to us. God has blessed you with a wonderful man," Kirsty said sincerely.

  Abby smiled. "He has. Lucas is real godly. And his family are regular churchgoers, too."

  "I'm glad to hear that," Kirsty said. "We'll all meet up when we next go to church," Kirsty said. Kirsty glanced at the cabin. "I think it's time for a celebration. Don't you?"

  Abby frowned. "Haven't we still got work to do?"

  Kirsty shook her head firmly. "It can wait until tomorrow." Kirsty tugged on Abby's hand and started toward the cabin.

  Tonight was a night for celebration. This was Abby's moment of joy. And a new beginning.

  Kirsty schooled her features, masking her own nagging worries. Abby's future had been decided.

  Kirsty told herself there would plenty of time to worry about her own future in the morning.

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  Logan awoke when he heard the child-like sound of a cry in the night. Sitting up quickly in bed, he paused, listening intently. Another cry rang out. And then silence.

  Logan was out of bed in a moment. He knew where that cry had come from and who had made it. Quickly putting on his pants and shirt, Logan padded in his stockinged feet out into the darkened hallway. He strode across to the door of the children's room. Pushing it slowly open, he eased inside. Faint moonlight illuminated the room. By it, he saw Alice seated on the edge of Jack's bed holding the boy's hand. Jack was sitting up, hair mussed, eyes drowsy with sleep. But there was another look in Jack's eyes which made Logan's heart tighten. One Logan had seen before.

  Moving to the bed, Logan sat down on its edge. Jack's forehead was beaded with sweat. Panic seized Logan. He touched Jack's forehead, and felt relief sweep through him. Thankfully, there was no fever.

  Logan peered into Jack's troubled eyes. "Bad dream?"

  Jack's lips tightened into a thin line. For a moment, it looked like he was going to cry. Jack's lower lip became suddenly full. But Logan was getting to know Jack. The little boy would fight hard to keep in the tears. Especially with his sister sitting right alongside him. However, that same courage hadn't stopped Jack from waking up in a panic. Logan was sure Jack would have been comforted by Alice being so close.

  Logan took Jack's hand and held it gently. "You want to tell me about it?"

  Jack shook his head. Logan exchanged a look with Alice. Her brows were furrowed with
worry. She'd seen Jack like this plenty of times ever since their real father had died. These were night terrors. Dreams that made Jack wake in a panic.

  Jack had been so close to his father. He was taking the loss real bad. Logan could only try to understand what it must be like for Jack. He could see the pain written on Jack's features. It was going to take a long time for him to come to terms with losing his father. Logan knew that made it all the more important he do the best he could for both Jack and Alice. It was his job to make their suffering go away. It was that simple.

  He'd made a start today, at the bank, by making sure their money was safe. But, he urgently needed to find a place where he and the children could settle into some kind of normal life. And fast. Living in a boardinghouse could only be temporary.

  Jack turned to Logan. "Pa. Can I ask you to do something?" he asked in a quiet voice.

  Logan smiled gently. "Sure. Whatever you want. Just say the word."

  Jack glanced uncertainly at Alice. She moved her head slightly, clearly encouraging Jack to continue. Logan figured brother and sister had talked about this before.

  Jack peered into Logan's eyes. "Can we pray for my ma and pa?"

  Logan froze for a moment. He held Jack's gaze steadily, not wanting to betray the sudden emotion he felt. "Pray?" Logan asked.

  Jack nodded. "Pa used to pray with us. For ma, you understand."

  Emotions swirled around inside Logan's chest. Masking those feelings was hard. But he was determined not to show the children how he'd been affected by Jack's sudden request.

  They were both relying on him in so many ways, now. He hadn't prayed in a long while. And he felt bad about that. It clawed at him every day.

  There had been that awkward exchange with Kirsty back at the homestead when they'd talked about faith. How Logan's had weakened. Right now, Logan was keenly aware of just how fragile his own faith had become. But he wasn't going to let that be an excuse to let the children down. He recalled how his father had prayed. The words drifted up from the depths of memory.

  "We can do that," Logan said. Jack's smile cheered Logan instantly.

  Jack and Alice lowered their heads. For a moment, before starting the prayer, Logan was struck by the beauty of the situation. Here were the two most precious children in the world. His children. And they were waiting, heads bowed, for Logan to speak devout words which would bring hope.

  Logan felt the pressure of expectation. He briefly offered up his own silent prayer. Lord. Grant me the wisdom to find the right words. For You and for these precious children you have brought into my life.

  Logan drew in a deep breath, lowered his head and closed his eyes. When he spoke, he found his voice contained a surprisingly calm and steady strength.

  "Lord. Hear our prayer. We come to You this night seeking comfort. And we know You hear our words. Grant us the grace of Your mercy, Lord. Bring peace into our hearts. Especially into the heart of my dear son, Jack. Take away his pain. Protect him and his beloved sister from all evil. And, as we reach out to You, Lord, we ask that you bless the souls of Jack and Alice's dearly departed parents. Grant them eternal peace. Lord we ask all this is Jesus's name. Amen"

  Logan heard Jack and Alice repeat their own amen. Jack lifted his head and opened his eyes. He smiled at Logan.

  "Okay?" Logan asked gently.

  Both Jack and Alice nodded at Logan. Relief swept through Logan that the Lord had granted him the blessing of words. Maybe it was a sign of things to come, Logan told himself. He hoped so.

  Logan heard a gentle knock on the door. Rising, he went to the door and opened it a crack. Miss Hannigan was standing out in the corridor holding a candle. By the flickering light, Logan could see the concern in the woman's eyes.

  "Is everything alright, Mr Kincaid?" she asked.

  Logan nodded. "Everything is fine, Miss Hannigan. Jack just had a dream. That's all. He'll be fine once he gets back to sleep."

  Miss Hannigan's brows furrowed. "Would he like some warm milk? I have some cookies we made earlier today. Maybe that will help him sleep."

  Still holding the door, Logan turned and looked across at Jack. "You want warm milk and cookies?" he asked, giving Jack a smile.

  Jack's face lit up. Now, the bad dreams seemed like a distant memory. "Can I, pa?" Usually Logan would have counseled against late-night snacks. But this was a special occasion.

  Logan turned back to Miss Hannigan. "If it isn't too much trouble," he said.

  Miss Hannigan gave Logan an incredulous look. "Of course it isn't too much trouble. It's only two o'clock in the morning."

  Then she strode off down the hallway. Logan heard her thundering steps as she made her way down to the kitchen. Closing the door, he made his way back to the bed. "Once you've had the milk and cookies, you try to get some sleep. Okay?"

  Jack nodded obediently. "Sure, pa."

  "Can I have some, too, pa?" Alice asked uncertainly.

  Logan grinned. "I think Miss Hannigan will bring enough for both of you."

  Realizing they'd both called him father, Logan told himself he could get used to hearing them call him by that name. It made him feel like taking responsibility for them had been the right decision.

  Logan folded his arms and peered down at Jack. "I'll be next door. Once you and Alice have finished eating, you make sure you get some sleep. Don't hesitate to call on me if you need to."

  Alice stood and faced Logan. "I'll look after Jack, pa," she declared. She sounded like she meant it, too. She'd been used to looking after her brother since long before Logan had shown up.

  Logan headed back to his room. As he closed the door behind him, he knew he probably wasn't going to sleep much for the rest of the night. Just in case Jack needed him again.

  This was what it felt like to be a parent, he told himself. This was what he'd almost missed out on by choosing the life of a drifter. Well, all that was in the past now, he told himself. This wasn't the first time during the last few weeks when he'd been called upon to do the right thing for the children. If it meant making sacrifices, then he knew he was ready for the challenge. The truth was, as he'd sat on the edge of Jack's bed saying that prayer, Logan had felt something new. Something exciting.

  He'd felt a wondrous combination of hope and love strengthen his heart. And, from now on, he'd fight with every ounce of his strength to give those children the life they deserved.

  Tomorrow, he had plenty to do. He'd make inquiries at the land office about any property for sale in town. Then, this coming weekend, there'd be one more important thing to do.

  He and the children would be going to church.

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  Friday and Saturday passed quickly for Kirsty. She and Abby were busy around the homestead. Kirsty threw herself into hard work, eager to avoid thinking too much about what she'd have to do after Abby left to go live with Lucas.

  Finally, Sunday came around. It was a bright, sunny day. When it was time to leave for church, Bridget and Calum Shaughnessy arrived on their buckboard with their three children seated in the back. It was a custom for at least one of the neighboring homestead families to meet with Kirsty and Abby. That way they could all travel the trail into town together and attend church. This weekend it was the turn of the Shaughnessy family.

  One of Kirsty's delights of sharing the journey was the chance to stop on the way and talk with her neighbors. It was a welcome break in the hour-long journey. They usually halted on a high ridge which overlooked a broad valley. A river snaked its way across the valley. In the distance, snow-capped mountains thrust toward the sky. It was one of Kirsty's favorite places in the territory.

  Once they'd stepped down from the buckboard, Kirsty and Bridget sauntered arm in arm along the ridge, walking on the soft grass. Back at the buckboard, Abby fussed with the three boisterous children, all boys aged between four and seven, while Calum looked on patiently. After Abby, the Shaughnessys were the closest Kirsty had to family. Both Kirsty and Bridget wore gray gowns
and neat-fitting bonnets. They could have passed for sisters, if it hadn't have been for Bridget's red hair and freckled features.

  The breeze from the valley swept up the ridge. Bridget's flame-colored hair fluttered around her shoulders. "I heard the good news."

  Kirsty glanced at Bridget. "You did?"

  Bridget nodded. "I think Lucas will make Abby very happy."

  "I think you're right," Kirsty agreed.

  "She obviously loves him very much."

  "And he's besotted with her," Kirsty observed. "They were made for each other."

  "The Lord has brought them together," Bridget stated. "He has great plans for them. I'm sure of it. They're going to have a wonderful life together."

  Kirsty glanced across at Calum and the children. "Just like He had plans for you and Calum. And looked what happened."

  Bridget gazed across at her husband and smiled warmly. "I have to admit that I was blessed the day that man entered my life. And the children, too."

  Kirsty felt something tug at her heart, a sudden ache she'd felt many times before. She fought to control it, but to no avail. It usually came whenever she thought about her own future. And the blessings enjoyed by others. She knew it wasn't right to feel like that, but it was hard not to. It seemed like everyone was finding husbands and having children. Families were being created out here on the frontier. Happy families, blessed with abundance and joy.

  Being surrounded by such families sometimes made Kirsty wish she had that herself. Not wanting to spoil the good feelings between herself and Bridget, she schooled her features, composing herself as best she could.