The Cowboy’s Frontier Courtship

by Maya Stirling

  Bridget's eyes narrowed. "Is everything alright, Kirsty?"

  There was no fooling Bridget, Kirsty told herself. With typical Celtic insight, she had discerned the trouble in Kirsty's heart. She released her arm from Bridget and halted, gazing out across the beautiful Montana landscape. "No," Kirsty said sharply.

  "What's wrong?" Bridget peered intently at Kirsty.

  Kirsty groaned quietly. It was time for the truth. "I heard some women talking about me when I was in town."

  Bridget's brows furrowed. "Talking about you? What do you mean?"

  "I was in the mercantile and I overheard two women speaking about me and Logan Kincaid."

  "You and Logan?"

  Kirsty nodded. She rolled her eyes and sighed heavily. "I don't how it happened, but word has gotten around about Logan and the children spending the night at our homestead."

  Bridget paused for a long moment. "And they think that was inappropriate?"

  Kirsty folded her arms. "That's putting it mildly. You know how gossip gets out of hand. One thing leads to another. Before you know it, people are assuming all kinds of things."

  Bridget groaned quietly. "People shouldn't be so judgmental. It says so in the Bible." There was a stern quality in Bridget's voice.

  "But that doesn't seem to have stopped them making up lies. How can people not realize that Logan was there with his children?" Kirsty sighed. "That nothing inappropriate could ever have taken place." The hurt was even worse, now that she'd shared it with Bridget. "Nothing happened between me and Logan," Kirsty exclaimed. Emotion made her voice quiver.

  Bridget laid a hand gently on Kirsty's shoulder. "I believe you, Kirsty," she stated. "You don't have to explain a thing to me."

  Kirsty felt instantly calmer as she gazed at Bridget's kindly features. She smiled at Bridget. "You really are the most wonderful friend. You know that, don't you."

  Bridget lifted a shoulder and grinned. "I try to be a help," she said with a mischievous glint in her eye.

  Dragging her attention back to the problem, Kirsty asked: "What can I do about this mess?"

  "Ignore it," Bridget declared. "That's my advice. Hold your head up high and let them talk all they like. Give it time. They'll soon find someone else to talk about. You have to be better than all the backbiters."

  "But my reputation is being attacked," Kirsty objected. "Shouldn't I do something to defend myself?"

  Bridget leaned closer. "Kirsty. You and I have known each other long enough. I've told you plenty of times what I think is important." Bridget's gaze became steady. "Character. That's all that matters. The content of your character. Its what you do for others that counts. God wants us to love others. And that means making sacrifices and working hard. You do plenty of both." Bridget lifted her chin and looked straight at Kirsty. "I don't know any woman who works as hard as you do. And now, on top of everything, you're facing the prospect of running a homestead all on your own." Bridget scoffed. "Those folks in town don't know what they're talking about."

  "But I have to go into town every week," Kirsty said. "I'm going to have to listen to those rumors. And I'm not going to be able to do anything to refute them."

  "Never you mind what folks are saying about you." Bridget's voice rose. "Not one of them could do what you've done by keeping the legacy of your parents alive. You mark my words, Kirsty MacAnliss. The Lord will find a way to fix everything for you. Just have faith."

  Kirsty reflected on Bridget's words. There was wisdom in what her friend had said. People would talk. There was no preventing that. She wondered if Logan had heard any of this. After all, he was living in town, going about his business, trying to build a new life for himself and the children. She wondered how Logan would react if he heard that some folks were suspicious about what might have happened while he'd been visiting her homestead.

  Kirsty could understand why folks would be concerned about such things. Even out here, on the frontier, people went to great lengths to lead decent lives. And part of that was maintaining a good reputation. Kirsty sighed. It seemed like hard work and honesty weren't enough to protect a reputation. Still, Bridget was probably right. Time was a great healer. Kirsty had learned that in the years since her parents had passed. It would all be forgotten.

  Yells of delight rang out in the air. Kirsty and Bridget turned and saw Calum waving to them. It was time to be going. Another half hours ride would bring them to town. And then the delights of church. That would heal any wounds, Kirsty told herself.

  She scooped her arm inside Bridget's and then both women started to make their way back to the buckboard.

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  "Oh, my!" Miss Hannigan exclaimed as she stood at the foot of the staircase in the boardinghouse. "Look at you two. Don't you both look delightful." She bent down and gazed at the children. "All ready for church?"

  Jack and Alice nodded. "Yes, Miss Hannigan," they said in perfect unison. Logan smiled and rested a hand on each of Jack and Alice's shoulders. Jack and Alice were both wearing their Sunday best. Jack wore his neat-fitting dark gray suit. He grasped his broad-brimmed hat in his hand. Alice wore a dark blue calico gown, blue gloves and matching bonnet. Both of the children looked elegant and, frankly, wonderful, Logan told himself. Logan felt pride swell in his chest as he gazed down at them.

  "And you, Mr Kincaid. Can I say you look mighty handsome in that suit of yours," Miss Hannigan declared.

  Logan felt himself blush at the compliment. "Thank you, Miss Hannigan. It's kind of you to say so."

  "Don't let me hold you back. I'll see you all there," Miss Hannigan said. "Bertha and I have a few things left to do, and then I'll be along."

  They bid farewell to Miss Hannigan and headed out the door. It was a bright morning. The air was cool and fresh. Logan led the children down the garden path and out the gate. They started to make their way up the dusty street. It was a five minute walk to church. Logan figured it was a perfect morning to take a stroll with the children.

  He'd been busy the last couple of days. Things hadn't gone exactly as he would have wished. Logan had viewed three properties, none of which had been suitable. In fact, all three had been rundown. Two of them had been too small. And one had been too close to the railway tracks. Logan was looking at the possibility that he'd have to buy some land and build a place of his own. But even that wasn't going to be easy. A visit to the land office had showed him there was a shortage of available land around town. It seemed like Inspiration was becoming a desirable place for folks to come and settle down.

  Right now, he and the children would either have to stay in the boardinghouse or find a place to rent until they had a house of their own.

  Being unable to find a suitable place to live hadn't been the only problem Logan had faced over the last twenty-four hours. As he considered the other source of concern, Logan felt a heavy sensation in his gut. And it had nothing to do with the enormous breakfast Miss Hannigan had served in the dining room this morning.

  His other worry was the gossip he'd overheard about himself and Kirsty. It had all started on Friday when Logan had stopped by the town cafe for some coffee. Sitting by the window, minding his own business, he'd been taken aback when he'd heard his name mentioned by a woman he didn't recognize. She was sitting at a nearby table along with two other women. They'd talked in hushed tones, but Logan had been able to make out what they'd said.

  It seemed folks knew about when Logan had stayed over at Kirsty's homestead the other night. There had been no mention of the children. Only that a man from out of town had stayed at the homestead. According to the women this was scandalous and inappropriate.

  Sitting there, sipping his coffee, Logan had tried to ignore what was being said. It had been hard to stop himself from going over to the table and correcting the false impression being spread by the malicious gossip. He'd figured that might have made things worse. The fact that the women didn't recognize Logan merely confirmed in his mind that the gossip had nothing to do with the
facts.

  Logan had left the coffee shop in a hurry. Reflecting on what he'd heard, he realized this was a serious situation.

  For Kirsty.

  Her reputation was being questioned by folks who didn't know the full facts. Logan knew nothing inappropriate had taken place between himself and Kirsty. But this whispering campaign was going to do serious damage to Kirsty's reputation. And then there were the children to consider. If they heard that their father's reputation was being called into question, would they understand what it meant? Of course they were too young to fully comprehend what was being suggested by the rumor-mongers. But that wouldn't prevent some damage being done. And that damage might last a long time, especially since Logan was determined to settle in Inspiration for years to come.

  Logan wondered of Kirsty was aware of this. Maybe he'd have to tell her what he'd discovered. Then they could both come up with some way to deal with it. The last thing he wanted was for Kirsty to be hurt by his own actions.

  Logan and the children emerged out onto Main Street. Logan paused at the corner of the street. All the stores were closed as was right and proper on a Sunday. A few riders rode up the street. He could see some folks making their way along the boardwalk toward the street which led to the church.

  He and the children crossed the street and started to make their way up the boardwalk. Halfway up Main Street, Logan heard the rumbling of carriage wheels. Turning he saw two buckboards rolling up Main Street. Holding the reins of the first one was Kirsty, with her cousin Abby seated next to her. Logan recognized the folks on the second carriage as the Shaughnessy family. On his way to Inspiration, he'd stopped at the Shaughnessy homestead. That had been where he'd confirmed that Kirsty still lived on her family's homestead. Thinking about what he'd heard in the cafe, Logan wondered if his decision to stop at her homestead had been a wise one, after all.

  Jack pointed to the carriages. "There's Miss MacAnliss," he cried out. Jack seemed genuinely excited to see Kirsty.

  Seeing Logan and children, Kirsty slowed the buckboard and pulled to a stop. The Shaughnessys did likewise. Up close, Logan figured Kirsty looked beautiful and elegant in her gray gown and bonnet. When she smiled at him, he realized how much he'd missed being in her company.

  "Good morning," Kirsty called out. Abby, seated next to Kirsty, nodded politely and smiled.

  Logan touched the brim of his Stetson. "Morning." Glancing at Bridget Shaughnessy, he repeated: "Morning, Bridget." He nodded. "Calum." Logan smiled at the Shaughnessy children crowded onto the back of their buckboard. "How are you all this morning?"

  "Fine, Logan," Bridget declared. "And don't those two children of yours look wonderful."

  Logan glanced down at Jack and Alice. "They're a sight for sore eyes," he said and gave them a broad grin.

  "I take it you're all going to church," Kirsty said. Logan peered up at her. There was an expectant, bright look in her eyes. He told himself she looked pleased to see him. Even if it wasn't true, it was nice to believe that for a moment.

  "We sure are."

  Kirsty tilted her head. "Why don't you hop on board. We'll take you over there."

  Logan glanced down at the children. Both seemed eager to take a ride on the buckboard. The children took their place on the back of the buckboard. Logan took a place next to Abby on the seat. Kirsty flicked the reins and the buckboard continued on up Main Street.

  "Have you been busy?" Abby asked Logan.

  Not wanting to show his disappointment about his house hunting, Logan smiled and nodded: "Sure have. I've had plenty to do. The children start school tomorrow."

  "That's wonderful," Abby exclaimed. She turned to Kirsty. "Isn't that lovely, Kirsty?"

  Holding the reins tight in her hands, Kirsty twisted her head around the the children. "You see and be good to Miss Chalmers. I hear she's a real nice teacher. You're both going to learn a lot from her."

  "They'll be good," Logan said and laughed quietly. He saw Jack and Alice smile at one another. They both looked delighted to be riding on Kirsty's buckboard. Maybe they'd felt confined in the boardinghouse. Logan had done his best to keep them occupied while he'd been attending to important matters. Being at church today would give them something else to enjoy.

  The buckboard made its way up the street. Arriving at the church, Logan saw many carriages and buckboards parked up in front of the church. Folks were already making their way up the stairs and into the church. Some were mingling in groups for a while in the yard in front of the church. A few heads turned in the direction of Kirsty's buckboard as she drew it to a halt. The Shaughnessy buckboard halted alongside them. Everyone got down from their seats.

  Looking across at the groups of townsfolk, Logan recognized the woman from the restaurant. The one who'd been talking about himself and Kirsty. Upon seeing Logan and Kirsty standing next to one another, the woman's mouth dropped open. She leaned closer to a woman standing next to her and muttered something. The other woman turned and stared across at Kirsty and Logan. Logan grunted quietly.

  Kirsty looked up at Logan. "What is it?"

  Logan shook his head and turned to Kirsty. There was no sense in making her aware of what he'd just seen. "Nothing." He ran his gaze down the length of her gown. "Did I tell you how beautiful you look in that gown?" he said quickly. The moment the words left his mouth he saw Kirsty's cheeks bloom with a delightful red tinge.

  She lifted a hand to her throat and smiled hesitantly. "Why, thank you, Logan. It's not every day I get a compliment like that."

  Leaning closer to Kirsty, Logan murmured. "If I had my way, you'd hear those kind of words every day of the week."

  Kirsty's mouth opened. She gazed into Logan's eyes, apparently startled by his bold declaration. He'd meant what he'd just said. Sometimes the truth had to be spoken out loud. And this was one of those times, Logan told himself.

  Turning back to the gathered churchgoers at the foot of the stairs, he saw that his arrival with Kirsty hadn't gone unnoticed. Eyes filled with curiosity glanced their way.

  Logan took the children's hands and led them up the stairs. The pastor, who Logan recalled was named Joseph, stood at the open door. He smiled warmly at Logan and the children. "Someone told me you were back, Logan," Pastor Joseph said brightly.

  "Really," Logan said heavily. "Word seems to get around this town."

  "Everyone is just delighted you've come back." The pastor smiled down at Jack and Alice. Logan introduce them to the pastor and then led them into the church interior. Most of the pews were filled with worshippers. Logan found an empty pew near the rear of the church. Kirsty sat right next to Logan and the children. Abby and the Shaughnessy family found seats close by.

  To everyone who craned their necks around to look at Kirsty and Logan it must have seemed like she and Logan were together. Logan was secretly pleased about that. If anything, it might confirm the suspicions some folks harbored that Logan and Kirsty were more than just friends.

  Kirsty smiled at Jack and Alice. "You must come visit me at the homestead," she said to them. Glancing at Logan, she lifted a brow. "And you to."

  Logan felt his cheeks flame with heat. He told himself he'd be happy every day if Kirsty was by his side and looking at him like that. "That sounds like a good idea. Maybe when they're out of school we can pay a visit or two."

  Kirsty gave Logan a long look filled with emotion. She nodded. It was as if he'd said exactly what she'd wanted to hear from him. Logan realized his heart was pounding furiously. Kirsty seemed pleased to see him. And he was certainly happy to be so close to her. He was surprised at how the morning had turned out. Here he was, seated alongside Kirsty. And in church. He wondered how that had happened. Had a guiding hand moved them all together? And was that same guiding force bringing Logan back into Kirsty's life?

  The pastor made his way to the front of the church and called the congregation to attention. The service was about to begin.

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  After the service, Kirs
ty, Logan, Abby and the Shaughnessy family all made their way down to the busy yard in front of the church. All five children immediately started to busily play a game of tag. Kirsty sensed her opportunity had come. Tugging on the sleeve of Logan's jacket, she urged him to follow her away from the group who were busy chatting amongst themselves.

  Logan's brows furrowed. "What is it?"

  "Can we talk?" Kirsty asked quietly.

  Instantly, Logan's gaze darkened. It was as if he'd expected her to ask him that exact question. "Sure." Glancing up the dusty street toward Main Street, Logan added: "We can go that way."

  Kirsty glanced at the groups of churchgoers. "What will they think?"

  "When they see us together?" Logan asked sharply. Logan glanced at the townsfolk. His features assumed a grim expression. "They can think whatever they like. I don't care."

  There was a sharpness to his tone of voice which took her by surprise. "Are you sure?"

  Logan defiantly offered Kirsty his arm. She smiled at him and then scooped her arm inside his. She let him lead her away from the group. Kirsty was acutely aware of how this must look. Especially given what she knew about the gossip which was circulating about her and Logan. Glancing back, Kirsty saw Bridget smile at her. Kirsty felt delight flicker into life.

  Off to one side, Jack and Alice had paused their game of tag and were standing still, watching Logan and herself as they strode up the street. Just before she turned back to Logan, Kirsty saw Jack and Alice smile at each other. That was all the encouragement she needed. Now she knew for sure that she was doing the right thing. Logan was correct. It didn't matter what people thought. If her and Logan being together made the children happy, then that was all that mattered. Wasn't it?

  By the time they'd reached the corner of Main Street, Kirsty still hadn't found the words to address her concerns. Her mind was a delicious blank as she savored the feelings of being with Logan. It just felt so good to be walking with Logan like this. She hadn't realized how much being with him meant to her. Or how tense her anxieties had made her. All those concerns had been washed away in an instant when she'd taken hold of Logan's arm.