The Cowboy’s Frontier Courtship

by Maya Stirling

  Kirsty whirled her head around and gazed, wide-eyed at Logan. She didn't get a chance to object.

  "We can meet in Main Street. Say, ten o'clock?"

  Abby smiled with satisfaction. As she went back to her stitching, Kirsty peered at Logan. He was smiling right at her. In spite of everything she'd said, he looked undeterred. She thought about being in town tomorrow with him and Abby and the children. They would be on full display for everyone to see. Like they were already a family.

  This pretend courtship was starting to seem very real, indeed.

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  "Haven't you bought enough?" Logan asked Kirsty and Abby as they were walking together in a northerly direction along the boardwalk of Main Street.

  Kirsty turned her head and smiled at Logan. "Almost finished."

  Logan didn't like the mischievous look in Kirsty's eyes. He was sure there was more shopping to do. Already, two hours had passed. He gazed at the bags which Kirsty and Abby were carrying and wondered how women could spend so much time and money on things.

  Logan's legs were aching with all the standing he'd been doing. Waiting for Abby, Kirsty and Alice to make up their minds had been hard work. Back at the mercantile, every shelf had been examined carefully. Rolls of fabric had been scrutinized. Logan couldn't believe how many different colors of thread existed. Buttons and lace, too. The whole thing was a mystery.

  Logan held Jack's hand as they walked behind Abby, Kirsty and Alice. Logan smiled inwardly as he watched Alice slide her hand into Kirsty's. From his point of view, the morning was going well, even if he and Jack were having to work extra-hard to keep up.

  Logan looked down at Jack. "You okay?"

  Jack smiled, but Logan could tell the little guy was tired.

  "This is hard work, isn't it?" Logan leaned his head closer to Jack and murmured. "When women go shopping, there's no telling what can happen."

  Jack's mouth opened with an impending reply, but he was cut off by Kirsty's voice. "Hey! I heard that."

  Logan looked up at Kirsty. "Just trying to share some fatherly wisdom with Jack."

  Kirsty's brows furrowed and she scowled good-naturedly. Finally, she smiled at Logan. He felt his spirits rise. She'd done that a few times this morning. And each time she'd smiled at him it had made him feel real good. Made his heart warmer.

  Then, as if to spoil everything, an elegantly dressed couple, mature in years, came walking along the boardwalk toward Kirsty, Abby and Alice. The woman hitched her shoulders and gave Kirsty what could only be described as a stern look,mingled with disapproval. The short, wide-chested man, who Logan assumed was her husband, peered at Kirsty, his expression similar to that of his wife. A flash of recognition surged in Logan. He knew the man.

  Logan saw Kirsty's shoulders tense immediately. Logan released Jack's hand and stepped in front of the passing couple, halting them in their path. The couple stopped abruptly, and stared at Logan. Abby, Kirsty and Alice came to a hesitant stop. They each squinted at Logan.

  Logan raised his Stetson. "Mr Wheeler. Don't you remember me?"

  The elderly man narrowed his eyes and examined Logan. "I don't believe I do," he said shaking his head.

  Logan grinned. "You used to own the livery, didn't you?"

  Wheeler stared at Logan for a long moment. His eyes widened with sudden recognition. "Logan Kincaid? Is that you?"

  Logan nodded briskly. "It sure is me." Thrusting his arm out, he shook Wheeler's hand. "It's been a long time. Five years?"

  Wheeler glanced hesitantly at his wife and quickly released Logan's hand. She was peering sternly at him. Again, disapproval was written across her angular features.

  Logan ran his gaze down the length of Wheeler's neatly fitted suit. "You don't look like you work in a livery."

  Tugging at the lapels of his gray jacket, Wheeler laughed. "I sold it. Got too old for the work."

  "Retired, eh?" Logan asked.

  Wheeler coughed and cleared his throat. "Logan, here, used to work for me at the weekends. Looking after the horses and generally cleaning things up." Wheeler laughed and quirked a brow at Logan. "I recall you didn't always want to do what I asked. In fact, you were just plumb idle."

  Logan shook his head and laughed. "I admit I was a lazy one. But my pa wanted me to keep busy at the weekends. He figured I'd get into trouble if I didn't have something to keep me occupied at the weekends."

  "Your pa was a good man. I was sorry when he passed," Wheeler said, sounding like he meant it.

  Logan lowered his shoulders. "It's been a long time. I've been away for a few years. But, I'm back for good." Laying a hand on Jack's shoulder, he glanced down proudly at the boy. "This is my son, Jack." Logan glanced over at Alice. "And that is my daughter, Alice." Kirsty placed a hand at Alice's back and urged the little girl forward a couple of paces.

  Alice curtsied right in front of Mrs Wheeler. "Pleased to make your acquaintance, ma'am," Alice said in her sweetest voice.

  Mrs Wheeler's mouth popped open. She stared down at Alice and then at Jack, who'd extended his hand to her. "Likewise, ma'am," Jack said with perfect politeness. Logan grinned proudly at the children. City manners sure did come in handy sometimes, Logan told himself.

  Mrs Wheeler took Jack's hand and shook it slowly. She was clearly taken aback by the sudden turn in events. What had started out as passing judgment on passersby was fast becoming a friendly reunion, Logan reflected. Jack shook Mr Wheeler's hand and stepped back alongside Logan.

  Kirsty moved to Alice's side and rested her hand on the little girl's shoulder. Instinctively, Logan edged Jack closer to Kirsty and Alice.

  Now they were all standing together, Logan met Mrs Wheeler's startled gaze. "Me and Miss MacAnliss have been friends since schooldays, Mrs Wheeler. You understand, don't you?"

  Mrs Wheeler was staring at the two adults and the boy and girl standing in front of her as if she couldn't quite understand what was going on. Logan could see the confusion in the woman's eyes.

  "You've known one another that long?" Mrs Wheeler asked.

  Kirsty nodded. "Logan and I are long-time friends." She smiled at Logan. "Isn't that right?"

  Logan smiled. "Kirsty's helping the children and I get settled again in Inspiration," he declared. "She's been real helpful."

  "Indeed," Mrs Wheeler said. Logan could tell that the woman was assessing him and Kirsty with great care. If she'd heard anything about him and Kirsty, he hoped this little encounter would show her that town gossip couldn't always be trusted. By the way she and her husband had tried to quickly pass him and Kirsty by, Logan was sure Mrs Wheeler had heard some whisperings.

  Mr Wheeler took a step forward. "These are fine children, Logan. You must be very proud."

  "I sure am," Logan replied. Glancing down at them, he added: "I couldn't be more proud." Logan looked at Kirsty. "And me and the children will be spending time out at Kirsty's homestead. Miss Chalmers, the schoolteacher, thinks it'll be good for Jack and Alice to learn the ways of homesteading."

  "Is that so?" Mrs Wheeler asked, clasping her hands at her middle and giving Logan a querying look.

  "And I'll be helping Kirsty look after the homestead," Logan said. He saw Kirsty's eyes widen slightly. "For a while, anyway," he added quickly. "When I was away, I learned plenty about ranching and homesteading." Logan grinned mischievously at Kirsty. "I'll be hoping I can be useful around the place." Logan tilted his head. "Isn't that right, Kirsty?"

  Kirsty hesitated a moment and then nodded her head. "Sure. Of course."

  Logan figured Kirsty didn't sound too sure. He gave Mrs Wheeler a long look. "You understand," Logan said, grinning down at the children. "I don't go anywhere without my precious children. We're together day and night." He playfully mussed up Jack's hair. "Ain't that right, Jack."

  Jack grinned at Logan. "Sure is, pa."

  Logan saw Kirsty give Mrs Wheeler a blank look. He wondered if she understood what he was doing. Judging by the gradually softening expression on M
rs Wheeler's features, she knew Logan was telling her, in no uncertain terms, that his friendship with Kirsty had history. And that his intentions were honorable, dictated as much by the needs of the children as by his desire to help Kirsty on the homestead. And also that, whatever gossip she might have heard could not be relied upon.

  Mrs Wheeler glanced at her husband. "We must be going, Rufus."

  Mr Wheeler smiled at Logan. "Nice to meet you again, Logan. Hope you and the children get settled in town."

  "Thank you for the kind words. We're here to stay," Logan informed Mr Wheeler.

  When Mrs Wheeler looked at Kirsty one final time, her expression was no longer stern. There was understanding in her eyes. She bowed her head slightly. "Miss MacAnliss. It seems I might have misjudged you. If I have, then all I can do is give you my best wishes." Mrs Wheeler glanced down at the children. Her eyes brightened slightly. It was the nearest she would get to smiling, Logan told himself. "My husband is right. They are delightful children." She peered at Logan. "Mr Kincaid. I'll wish you a good day. Welcome back to Inspiration."

  Logan touched the front brim of his Stetson. "Thank you, ma'am."

  Then the Wheeler couple moved off.

  "They seemed nice," Abby said.

  Kirsty gave Abby a quizzical look. "You think so?"

  "They were just being polite," Logan offered.

  Now it was his turn to be on the receiving end of Kirsty's steady gaze. "Maybe at the end, they were. But not at the start."

  Logan glanced down at the children. They were listening to every word. There would be plenty of time for him and Kirsty to talk later. Logan peered at Kirsty. "What's next on the shopping list?" he asked, trying to change the subject.

  "The selection at the mercantile was sparse," Abby declared. Peering up the street, she added. "Next stop, Mrs Nichol's haberdashery."

  Logan dragged in a deep breath. He could already feel his legs start to ache.

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  The following morning, Logan arrived early at the homestead with the children. Soon Abby and Kirsty were busy with the children, getting started with the making of Alice's dress for the wedding. As she sat next to Abby in the cabin's main living area, Kirsty watched as Logan played with Jack at the table. Logan seemed preoccupied today. Kirsty wondered what was on his mind.

  Yesterday, in Main Street, he'd gone to great lengths to impress upon Mrs Wheeler that he and Kirsty were more than just old friends. He'd done it in an indirect fashion. Kirsty figured he hadn't wanted to spell it out in front of the children. But to the adults standing on the boardwalk, Logan's meaning had been clear.

  Logan had just about declared to Mr and Mrs Wheeler that he and Kirsty were courting. Later, at the haberdashery store, Abby had innocently mentioned to the owner, Mrs Nichols that they'd met Mrs Wheeler. Mrs Nichols had casually commented that anything they'd said to Mrs Wheeler would soon be common knowledge around town.

  Upon hearing that, Kirsty had exchanged a long "told-you-so" look with Logan. If that had been his intention, then he'd done well, Kirsty told herself. Maybe it would give credibility to the pretend courtship she and Logan were cultivating.

  If she was being honest, Kirsty had enjoyed every moment of their shopping trip to town. Striding up the boardwalk, on the bright, sunny morning, with Logan and the children alongside her, Kirsty had seen the way some townsfolk had looked at her. Some with suspicion, some with surprise. But almost every one of them had seemed taken aback by the presence of the children.

  Maybe they'd actually looked like a family out shopping in town, Kirsty reflected. Just an ordinary occurrence in Inspiration. What had they all expected? Something scandalous? Instead, they'd seen a man, a woman and two delightful children taking time to enjoy a day in town. Just like any other family in Inspiration.

  The morning passed quickly. Kirsty lost track of time. Both Abby and Kirsty took turns explaining dressmaking to Alice. The little girl was a fast and enthusiastic learner.

  Soon though, it was time for Kirsty to go outside and attend to some of her daily tasks. As delightful as it was to have Logan and the children at the homestead, there were plenty of things that needed doing. Abby offered to help, but Kirsty insisted she'd be fine. Abby and Alice went back to their work.

  Kirsty made her way outside, avoiding Logan's querying look. If that had been an offer of help, she was glad she'd made her disinterest plain. Outside, Kirsty attended to the animals for a while. Eventually she heard the door to the cabin opening. Logan emerged and strolled across to the pig pen. The pen had been constructed of sod walls with a deep trench inside each wall to stop the hogs from rooting at the wall and damaging it. Logan halted, watching Kirsty as she worked, throwing pig feed from a bucket.

  Bending low, Kirsty glanced up at Logan. "Having fun?" she asked, lifting a brow.

  "Just watching," he replied. "Want me to help?"

  Kirsty shook her head. "No." She carried on with her work, acutely aware he was watching her. The pigs grunted. "I don't think they like you standing there," Kirsty suggested.

  "I've been around pigs before," he admitted. "And not just those kind. The human kind, too."

  Standing, Kirsty wiped the back of her hand across her forehead. It was warm this morning and the sun was bright. "That's not very charitable."

  "I guess not. Working as a hand on a ranch, you get to see all sides of humanity. The good and the bad. Some men can be bad. There's no denying that fact."

  "Everyone can find redemption, Logan," Kirsty said. "Even the ones you think are beyond hope."

  Logan nodded thoughtfully.

  Kirsty stood up straight and peered down at the pigs, who were busy rooting around. "I keep forgetting about all those places you worked on."

  Logan thrust his hands into the pockets of his jeans. "I guess you'd call it work experience. Still. It seems to have come in handy."

  Kirsty peered at him. "What do you mean?"

  Logan ran his gaze around the homestead. "I figure I could be pretty useful around this place."

  "Who says you're going to get that chance?" she challenged. Logan lifted a brow in surprise. She knew where he was going with this line of conversation. She wanted to head him off before he got too deeply into it.

  "Have you forgotten what I said to you?" Logan said calmly.

  Ignoring that question, Kirsty stepped out of the pen and placed the bucket on the ground at her booted feet. Logan's eyes narrowed and he reached out a hand toward her face. Kirsty leaned back, but Logan smiled. "You got some dirt on your nose, there," he said. Squinting, she saw the dirt on the tip of her nose. Logan swept it off with the slightest of touches. "That's better," he said appreciatively.

  Then, as if encouraged, Logan took a loose lock of hair which had settled against the side of Kirsty's cheek. Tucking it back behind her ear, he smiled. "And that's even better. Now I get to see your face." His eyes narrowed approvingly. The corners of his mouth creased with the hint of a smile.

  Heat raced to Kirsty's cheeks. Taking a step back, she felt her legs collide with the walls of the pen. Feeling herself stumble backwards, she thrust her hands out, eager to prevent a fall. Logan surged forward, grasping her arms and pulling her quickly toward him. Before she knew what had happened, she was being held tightly in his arms.

  "Whoa there!" he exclaimed.

  Pressing up against Logan, she felt the strength of his arms. She raised her hands and curled her fingers around his heavily-muscled shoulders. The fabric of his plaid shirt was rough against her skin.

  Logan quickly spun Kirsty around, moving her away from the pig pen. The sudden movement dragged her out of the momentary reverie of being in his arms. Kirsty gave Logan a stern look and pulled herself free of his gentle embrace. The nerves in her body still tingled from the memory of how it had felt to be in his arms. She'd had a glimpse of Logan's strength and it had surprised her. Years of outdoor work had sculpted a firm physique.

  Logan ran a hand through his dark hair and t
urned away from Kirsty. Suddenly he looked ill at ease. Even self-conscious. Maybe he felt he'd stepped over a line, she told herself.

  "Thanks," she said quietly. She giggled. "Although, it wouldn't have been the first time I'd have ended up sitting in mud."

  Logan laughed quietly. "Now why can't I imagine that?" he asked rhetorically.

  "I've an idea," she told him. "I bet there's something you don't know a whole lot about."

  Logan lifted a brow. "There isn't any job I haven't done around a homestead."

  "What about fruit trees?" she asked abruptly.

  His brows shot up in a line. "Have you got fruit trees?"

  Kirsty shook her head. "My parents planted some." Gazing out toward the far end of the valley, she added. "The government passed a law. They'll give me extra land if I cultivate fruit trees."

  "What kind?"

  "Apples," she said. "We got some bare roots to plant. I know it'll take years for them to grow, but they're coming along nicely." Kirsty looked up at Logan. There was interest in his eyes. "You want to help me? I have some pruning to do."

  Logan nodded quickly. "Sounds like something to do," he replied and gave her a smile.

  "We can take the horses," Kirsty said,

  Logan started toward the small stable by the barn. "I'll saddle them up."

  "I can do that," she said catching up with him.

  Logan stretched out a hand and she halted. "Let me do that. I've spent most of the morning watching Abby and Alice make a dress."

  Kirsty nodded slowly. "Okay."

  Soon, Logan had the horses ready. Kirsty explained to Abby that she'd be back soon. And then Kirsty and Logan were riding out across the valley, heading southward for the apple orchard. Kirsty rode fast along the narrow trail. Logan kept a steady pace alongside her. Once or twice she glanced across at him and saw the broad grin on his features. He looked like a man who'd had the reins loosened on him.

  They made their way across the flatland of the valley, down a steep incline. Then she led Logan across eastward to where there was a tree-lined slope near the valley's deeply sloping side. There, nestled along a stretch of flat land were the neat lines of the modestly-sized apple trees, arranged many rows deep. They stretched out across to the edge of a distant ridge.