Jacklin nodded. Although, she hadn’t seen Harlen miss with his rope often. It hadn’t looked like that hard of a shot, but then maybe his horse stepped wrong and threw off his aim. After seeing Nick’s horse, she knew someone was seeding her pasture with mares for King Rock and avoiding her stud fees.
“If she’s still in the pasture, we’ll get her tomorrow.” She turned her big dun gelding and walked him toward home. Seeing that stray mare bothered her. She wasn’t used to being taken advantage of. And she didn’t like it.
Harlen rode with her, letting his horse limp. Finally, he stopped. “I thought Ace would work out his limp, but he hasn’t. I better see if I can see what’s hurting him. You go on ahead.”
Jacklin nodded. For some reason, she felt uneasy with Harlen. Maybe he was just nervous about tonight and afraid she’d show up in her leather split skirt and dark green shirt. She smiled. “Well, you got a surprise coming, Mr. Harlen Sims.”
Chapter 8
Wanting to look his best, Nick had stopped at the barbershop and got a trim and a shave. He’d even bought a new shirt and trousers and traded his usual hat for a new derby. He thought altogether, he looked distinguished.
Tonight, he’d see if there was any chance between Jacklin and himself. He’d make her choose. She should know that he did care about her by the way he looked after her books, but he didn’t think she did.
Then again, they mostly argued. Nick questioned if they were right for one another. But tonight, he’d find out. If he thought there wasn’t a chance for them, then he’d be free to find a wife elsewhere.
He paced the room and then went downstairs to his office and paced some more. If he did marry, he’d have to buy a house for his bride. She wouldn’t want to live above his office. And he would no longer be available all hours of the day and night.
No sir, once he married, that woman would be number one in his life. A nagging thought struck him that the reason he wasn’t married very well might be the result of his habit of always working.
Even Jacklin thought of him as an overworked man. Not that he’d ever seen her take off to do anything. In fact, if she came to the social, that would be her first.
Stopping at the mirror, Nick tipped the hat, smiled, and then went out the door. He looked the best he ever had. He was confident. And it was time to go and see about Jacklin.
The church was up the street and sat on the hill above the town. It gave him comfort as if it were a picture of the Lord watching out for His people. Like the sheep of His pasture in the twenty-third Psalm.
It was early yet, but he could see others walking to the church. The whole town would show up. The pastor usually gave a small talk hoping to bring wayward sheep into the flock. Pastor Jones and his wife, Mabel, were two of the kindest people he’d ever met.
Nick knew full well that a lot of the mothers of Austin had eyes on him for their daughters. He’d never paid it much mind until it came time for the socials at the church. Already, he saw the banker’s wife watching him.
Her daughter, Florence Carson, was a lovely young woman, but too young and immature for Nick. Besides, far be it for Mrs. Carson to know, but her daughter had her eye on Jacob Allen, the store owner’s oldest son.
Nick found it a bit humorous that mothers and daughters had different tastes. So far, he’d maneuvered away from all the interested mothers and daughters. The only woman in Austin that Nick had ever considered was Jacklin.
Yet, she’d never looked at him or any other man that he could tell in a way that one might construe as romantic. She enjoyed work, and like him, that was all that their lives wrapped around. Until recently, for him when he realized most of his friends were married and had children.
He was behind. And if he didn’t do something soon, he’d get too old to change his ways and accommodate a wife and family. Tonight, he’d see if he was to go on pursuing Jacklin or give her up and look elsewhere.
He tipped his hat to Pastor Jones and Mabel. “Lovely night. It looks like your outside tables are a hit.”
“Thank you, Nick. So glad you came.” Pastor Jones shook his hand while Mabel took him and led him inside.
“I hope tonight there will be a certain lady to attract your attention. I’ve been praying for you.” She smiled and patted his hand and went back to stand by her husband.
Nick grinned. It would seem the town was on the lookout for him to get married. He must be the news around the dinner tables of those in Austin. It was clear to Nick that either he found himself a wife or the town was going to do it for him.
He went to the table that offered sandwiches and had just picked out one when he saw her. Jacklin in a yellow dress and her hair was different, soft and wavy and down on her neck. Her blue-gray eyes shown with a brightness he’d not seen before.
Then he saw Harlen help her from the buggy. He’d brought her to the social, but was he more than her driver? By the way that Harlen took her hand and placed it on his arm, the answer would be yes.
Not that Nick wasn’t up for a little competition. Harlen didn’t scare him. Even though at times, Nick got the feeling that Harlen didn’t like him around Jacklin or the ranch. So, which one was Harlen bringing to the social? Jacklin or the Paint Rock Ranch?
If Nick had to guess, he’d say the ranch. Harlen had that opportunistic way about him. Give him an inch, and he’d take ten miles. And there was still the discrepancy about the cattle dip. Things weren’t right, but Nick wasn’t sure why.
Still, he’d have to win Jacklin’s heart on his own. He didn’t want her love by default. Either she would love him and want him, or he would call it quits. Now that he saw her with Harlen, Nick wasn’t so sure about his chances.
He hadn’t counted on Harlen bringing her to the social. Then again, Nick could have asked her and gone to pick her up. He’d hesitated, and Harlen had ridden right in and taken advantage of Nick’s slow reaction.
Being an accountant, he was steady and sure while looking ahead and crossing T’s and dotting I’s. All the while, his competition swooped in and took Jacklin to the dance.
Lesson learned. Nick determined that he’d take the first initiative with Jacklin from now on and not leave her in Harlen’s grasp. Then he looked at her. Jacklin smiled at Harlen, and Nick wanted to punch the man.
Getting hold of himself, he walked over to them. “Jacklin, I must say you look lovely.”
Harlen eyed him with a challenging stare but didn’t say anything.
Jacklin smiled. “Why, thank you, Nick. You look nice yourself.”
Nick stayed with her. Harlen wanted him gone, but that wasn’t going to happen. Unless Jacklin told him to leave. Even then, he knew this was the night, and he needed to fight for her. And that was what he’d do.
He held out his hand to her. “Could I have the first dance?”
She glanced at Harlen. “I already promised it to my, well, Harlen.” She’d caught herself.
Nick had seen it. Harlen had heard it. She almost said foreman as if the man was her hired help, which is what he was. Nick took that as his cue to cut in. “Then the second dance.”
Jacklin smiled. “I’d love to.”
“Good. Can I get you a drink or a sandwich?”
Jacklin nodded, but Harlen took her by the hand and led her to the table. “These look good. Pick one.”
Nick grinned. He’d made his presence known all right, and Harlen didn’t like it. Jacklin did. That he was sure of. Perhaps being out of their usual surroundings would play to his advantage. He’d seen interest in her eyes. He was sure of it.
The fiddlers started playing, and Harlen set her plate down and pulled her to the dance floor.
Nick grinned at the scene. Jacklin hadn’t liked being towed around by Harlen. She had wanted to finish her sandwich and drink. Nick could see the pout on her lips and had to think Harlen was lucky that Jacklin had left her bullwhip at home.
To start the dance, the fiddlers played a fast one. Changing partners, whirling around. Ni
ck could see the distance between Jacklin and Harlen growing and could also see the irritation on Harlen’s face as Jacklin was whisked away by another partner.
Good, hopefully, the next one would be a slow waltz. One that Nick could talk to Jacklin and see where he stood with her. One where he could tell her how he thought about her. Something he should have done five years ago.
Though Jacklin kept her head up, Nick had seen a change in her. A hardness in her heart that led to her keeping others away from her. That was five years ago, and she’d only become harder and more embittered.
Yet, tonight she had smiled at him. A real smile and not one of the usual looks of annoyance that she gave him when it was time to go over the books.
Finally, the dance ended. Nick brought her glass of punch and took her from Harlen’s hand. “I hope this dance is slower.”
She wiped her forehead. “Yes, it was fun, though.” Her eyes were bright. Not piercing with giving out orders, but delighted and happy.
The fiddlers started up again and played a waltz. He set her glass down. “Ready?”
She nodded and put her hand in his. “Yes. I am.”
It could be the air of enjoyment in the church, but Nick detected there might be more in her words than just a simple acknowledgment. He hoped so anyway.
As they went around the dance floor, Harlen glared at him. It was clear to Nick that Harlen had hopes for the night too.
Nick turned his gaze on Jacklin. “I haven’t seen you smile so much for years. Not since we were kids.”
She grinned. “Well, I guess that I realize what I’ve missed out on all these years. I even invited Marianne to come and visit.”
He twirled her around, smiling at her when she came close and faced him. “Are you mending the rift you girls had?”
“I think so. There’s been enough time and distance between us.” Jacklin smiled, but her gaze had become wary. She didn’t like talking about her private life.
The waltz ended. Nick held her hand. “Could I have another dance?”
“I think I’ll sit this next one out. I see Mr. Seers over there. I’d like to talk about the cattle with him.” Jacklin started in the man’s direction.
Nick caught her arm. “Jacklin, at these socials, the one thing men don’t do is talk business. This is for pleasure. Besides, you’re in a dress, and you’re likely to blind him with that yellow.”
Her eyes fired up, and she started to slap him, but he caught her hand. “I’m sorry. I was just trying to save you from embarrassment.”
“Let me go.”
“Promise you won’t slap me?”
“Yes.” The word came out in a hiss.
Nick let her go. Sad that he’d ruined the night for them. Here he’d wanted to show her how he cared, and she’d taken his advice in the opposite. Then as if on cue, Harlen walked up to her.
“Any problem, Jacklin.” The man hesitated at her name.
Nick figured he’d wanted to call her boss. He nodded at her. “Jacklin, save the last dance for me.”
She glared at him, turned, and strode to Mr. Seers with Harlen following like a sad puppy.
Nick saw her say something, but Mr. Seers shrugged, pointed at his wife, and then they walked away from her. Jacklin darted a look toward him. He’d been right, and he wondered if Jacklin was thankful for his warning or angry that she’d been shown wrong.
The woman did not like to lose in anything. The fiddlers started another song. Harlen took Jacklin’s hand, and she followed him to the dance floor.
Nick watched. They talked. Some anyway. Harlen was doing his best to impress her. Twirls, pulling her close, but Jacklin remained stiff. She wasn’t having it. Nick didn’t think she really liked Harlen.
The banker’s daughter walked by, stopped, and smiled. “You’re not dancing.”
Nick smiled. “Florence, would you like to dance?”
She smiled, looked back at her mother, and nodded. “Yes.”
He took her hand and led her to the floor. She was a pretty woman, but he knew she had eyes for another. “Where’s Jacob?”
“He had to work. How did you know?” She grinned at him. “I’m not fooling you at all, am I?”
“No, I know your mother and father are worried about you. Follow your heart, Florence. That’s my advice.”
“Thank you, Nick. It’s not that I don’t think you’re a handsome man, but you have always given me the impression that your heart already belongs to someone else.”
That surprised him. Nick had no idea others might see it. “Is that so?”
With a small laugh, Florence nodded. “And I’d say she’s over there in a yellow dress dancing with Harlen. I don’t like him, he’s not a respectable match for her. Someone should tell Jacklin. I’ve seen Harlen a dozen times out with a saloon girl. If Harlen wants anything, it’s Jacklin’s ranch.”
“I think you’re a wise woman, Florence. I hope you find your happiness.”
She grinned again. “I have. Listen around, and in two months, you might hear that I’m married. Eloped actually.”
“I won’t tell your secret.”
“I know that. You’re a good man, Nick Marlin. I know several girls that are interested if things don’t work out with Jacklin.” She winked at him.
“Well, I might have to come calling before you elope if they don’t.”
The song ended, and the people stood apart and clapped.
“Thank you, Nick. I’ll go back and sit now that I’ve made Mama happy.” She laughed and went to the refreshment table.
Nick looked about but didn’t see Jacklin or Harlen. That made him worry a bit, but then he knew Jacklin could handle herself. Even if she was wearing a dress.
Chapter 9
Jacklin sipped the punch and waited for Harlen to finish talking with a couple of men. She should call him out and order him to take her home or better yet take the reins and drive herself. But she didn’t. She waited. Like a lady.
She glanced at Nick. He’d danced with Florence and then a couple other women. She’d saved the last dance for him, but he’d ignored her and danced with Sylvia McAllister. That girl was all woman.
Everything that Jacklin was not. From head to toe, Sylvia was dainty and feminine. Her voice, the way she moved, and the gestures she made put men on notice that they were in the presence of a real lady.
Jacklin hoped that when Marianne came, she could help her learn some ladylike things. There was no way she was going to catch a man by acting like one. The advice column had said as much.
Well, she’d done the first thing, and that was to go to the social in a dress and dance with men. Really, only two. Harlen and Nick. Harlen treated her fine, but the man seemed to bounce from holding her like a woman one minute and then stumbling over her name as he wondered if he should call her Jacklin or boss the next.
Plus, she was beginning to wonder about Harlen. She’d always trusted him without question. And he’d never given her reason to doubt his character until recently. She wasn’t even sure why, but she had a troubled nagging in the back of her mind about her foreman.
Although, Jacklin wondered if it was because she was beginning to look at him differently. Not only as a hired hand but perhaps as something more. They would make a formidable couple.
Harlen turned to her and smiled. “You’re ready to go. I’m sorry. I should have been paying closer attention.” He went to her and took her arm, but not as a hireling. He held her like a man escorting a woman.
“Yes, I’m ready. Tomorrow I have much to do to get the place ready for Marianne.”
Harlen nodded. “I should have paid more attention to the time. Forgive me.” He looked genuinely sorry.
“I want things to look nice for Marianne. It’s been such a long time since I’ve seen her.”
Harlen helped her in the buggy. “We’ll be home before too long. Unless you want to spend the night at the hotel. It is late.”
“There’s a full moon. I think we’ll be al
l right to drive home.” She settled herself in the rig.
Harlen nodded but drove her to the hotel. “It’s late. I really don’t like driving in the dark. Coyotes have been bad, and one of the boys spotted a cougar roaming close to the ranch. I’ll make sure to get you back first thing in the morning.”
“But I don’t have my things.”
Harlen grinned. “I had Linda pack you a bag just in case we stayed late.” He held up a satchel from the back of the buggy.
Jacklin smiled. “You thought of everything.”
He grinned. “Yes, I did. Even to make sure you had a room in the finest hotel.”
“And you?”
Harlen helped her out of the buggy. “I’ll be staying down the road, as soon as I see to the horse. Tomorrow morning, I thought we could have breakfast at the Lonestar Café.”
“I’d like that. It’s also been a long time since I’ve stayed in town. Thank you for thinking of everything.” She was surprised. Pleasantly, if not somewhat warily. Yet he didn’t seem to have any untoward ideas about her.
Harlen pulled a lock of her hair and gently rubbed it between his fingers. “Someday, maybe we can be more to one another. I’d like to think that. You’re a beautiful woman, Jacklin.”
She wanted to pull away from him, but his hands in her hair and the warm way he talked had set off a fire of hope inside her. Yet, Father had warned her about men who were in her employ.
Jacklin took his hand away from her hair. “It’s late. I’ll see you in the morning at the café.” She took the satchel from him and walked into the hotel.
Harlen went inside with her. “I feel it best if I walk you to your room. I wouldn’t want anything to happen to you.” He took the bag from her hand.
“Thank you, Harlen.” She allowed him to walk with her. “I do think this was a good idea. I am tired, and it would be late tonight before we got home. Thank you for thinking of me.” Jacklin couldn’t remember the last time when she felt anyone had thought about her. Not that she gave room for anyone to watch out for her. She liked to be in control, but this had been a nice surprise.
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