Marianne grabbed Allison’s hand before she tumbled off the depot. “Jacklin, you were Daddy’s little girl. From the moment you were born, I was jealous of you. I’m surprised you never figured that out.”
Jacklin stopped. “No, he loved you. I was treated like the son he never had. His hand was gentle and loving with you, but hard and firm with me.”
Marianne laughed. “Oh, Jacklin. It’s like we lived in two different childhoods. Daddy watched over you like a hawk. From day one, you were the one he chose to run the ranch. I was the little girl. The one to marry off. But you, Jacklin, you were the apple of his eye. I could never compete with you.” She shook her head. “I never measured up.”
Jacklin walked down the steps and pointed to the wagon. “Climb in children.” She turned to Marianne. “I never knew. I’m so glad you came. I think this visit will be good for both of us.”
“As do I.” Marianne climbed into the wagon and sat on the seat with Jacklin. “Oh, I have bags. I guess we should drive down to the baggage car.” She pointed down the tracks.
Jacklin drove the wagon to the railcar and waited while the men loaded the luggage. “I hope we can do some shopping. As you can see, I need some dresses. Linda had to sew one of hers to fit me so I could go to the social.”
Marianne put a hand to her mouth. “You went to a social? Did you dance?”
“Yes. I did.” Jacklin was feeling so incompetent as a woman.
“Who did you dance with?”
Jacklin turned the wagon around and headed the horses on the road to home. “Well, if you must know, I danced with Harlen and Nick.”
“Nicky Marlin. Oh, Jacklin, he has always had an eye for you. I hope you consider him. As for Harlen, stay away from him. He’s also had an eye for you, but it was an opportunistic one. I never trusted him.” Marianne pointed at the land. “Children, soon, we’ll be on mommy’s ranch.”
Jacklin tensed. It wasn’t Marianne’s ranch. Well, most of it wasn’t. Jacklin forced a smile. The last thing she wanted to do was start the visit on a bad footing.
“Jacklin, I hope you will give Nick a chance. He’s a good man.” Marianne sat back and sighed. “I have forgotten how open yet hilly this area is. St. Louis has grown into quite a city.”
“How are you doing?”
“Jerry is a genius at sales. We’re quite wealthy. If you or the ranch need anything, let me know.”
“I’m glad, Marianne. He seems like a nice man.”
“Jerry? Well, he is nice. Works all day and night. Sometimes I think we’ll forget what he looks like.” She frowned and then looked at Jacklin and smiled. “Don’t you worry about us. I’m here to help you catch your man.”
Jacklin laughed and told her about the letter to the newspaper.
“I can’t believe you did that. You are full of surprises.” Marianne looked back and smiled. “We got up early to get to the train. I guess the trip wore them out.”
Jacklin glanced in the back of the wagon and saw the two children asleep on the blanket she’d put down for them. “They’re lovely, Marianne.”
“Thank you. I love them more than I thought possible.” She took Jacklin’s hand. “I’m sorry you never got to know Mother’s love. I was only five when she died, but I knew she loved me. And you.”
Jacklin nodded. Seeing her sister’s love for her children, made the ache in her heart for children of her own grow. Marianne and Jacklin talked about old times and fond memories on the way to the ranch.
Soon, they passed under the arches of Paint Rock Ranch, and Jacklin showed them the pasture with King and his mares. She stopped the wagon and got out and told the children to watch as she whistled for the stallion.
She heard him nicker first, and then he came running, topped the hill, and stood tall, looking as majestic as his name. Then he galloped to Jacklin and took the sugar from her hand.
Marianne and the children were impressed. “He’s beautiful, Jacklin. From Tennessee, you say.”
“Yes, top bloodlines. I’m making the ranch well known because of him.”
“Good for you. Daddy knew what he was doing by putting you in charge.” Marianne put the kids back in the wagon and then climbed on and sat down beside Jacklin. “You know, I was angry about his decision for some time. I held it against you.”
Jacklin stared at her. “I didn’t think you cared about the ranch.”
“Oh, it’s in my blood. Daddy knew it and saved me that special section by Mama’s lake. He knew I’d want to come back someday.” She took Jacklin’s hand. “Thank you for asking me to come home.”
“I had no idea that you missed it. You were always welcome.”
Marianne looked at her and tilted her head. “Really? Somehow, I didn’t think I was. This is the perfect time. Maybe it’s like a crossing of our paths where you become the woman you were meant to be, and I come home to the ranch that I was meant to love.”
“I like that, Marianne. This place is big enough for both of us.”
Marianne grinned. “For now, it can be our place. But you know we both have our own place in this world. I would like to come and visit more often, especially with the children. But no, this is your ranch. Daddy gave me my portion, but he knew you were the one to run it.”
Jacklin stopped the wagon in front of the house. “I have your room all ready for you. Linda has been so excited to see you.”
As if on cue, Linda ran out of the house and pulled Marianne into a big hug, and then she turned her attention on the children.
Jacklin told one of the hands to carry the luggage in and then walked to the porch. “Nick will be coming by today. He does the books to the ranch.”
Marianne smiled. “Good. I can’t wait to see him, and since he is coming, let’s go to my room and see what I can do with you. I want him to see the woman you are. The one you’ve been hiding all these years.”
Jacklin followed her. Marianne had no idea how many times she’d admired her big sister. How Marianne could always look so beautiful, Jacklin couldn’t fathom.
Inside her room, Marianne ran her hand over the dresser and then the bed. “Just like I remembered it.” She turned to look at Jacklin. “All right. I brought a beautiful blue skirt and blouse that I think you’ll wear today. Perfect for meeting with Nick.”
“I, I don’t really dress up at all.” Jacklin pointed to her split skirt. “This is my usual.”
“That is not good enough. You look like a mean boss lady. If you want to catch a man, then you’ll do what I am going to show you. Besides, you have plenty of men working for you. There is no reason for you to do the hard, dirty work.”
“I suppose not.”
Marianne pulled the clothes from the luggage. “Don’t you love this color?” She held it up to Jacklin. “Perfect. You are going to surprise Nick.”
There was a knock on Marianne’s door.
Jacklin opened it to see Harlen. “Yes?”
Harlen stepped in. “Marianne, I’m glad to see you again.”
Marianne turned and stared at him. “Harlen.” That was all. No glad to see you. Jacklin could see by the look on her sister’s face that she didn’t like the man.
Harlen pointed at the children. “Cute kids. I was wondering if they wanted to go for a ride. I have their horses in the corral.”
The children jumped up and down, but Marianne shook her head. “Not today. Perhaps tomorrow but thank you for asking.” She went to the door and pulled Jackson back and began shutting it, forcing Harlen to step back until she shut and locked it.
Jacklin grinned. “Well done. I never thought I’d see you be so authoritative.”
“My husband says I’m downright Texas bossy, but I had to learn. Just like you are going to learn to dress like a woman. You can still run your ranch and look like a woman.” Marianne smiled. “And catch that man and have a family.”
“Watching you in action, I believe it.” Jacklin took the skirt and blouse. “I’ll go change.”
“Good, t
hen you come back, and I’ll do your hair.”
Jacklin rushed to dress. She wanted to be ready by the time Nick arrived.
Chapter 13
Nick knew that Marianne had arrived on the train. The sheriff had told him, and he’d seen Jacklin drive by in her wagon with Marianne and her children. She hadn’t brought her husband with her, though.
After gathering the books for the ranch, Nick pulled the pencil from his ear and stuffed it in his pocket. He hoped he’d have time to talk to Jacklin alone. But he looked forward to seeing Marianne again too.
He’d missed her. He recalled her as always being cheerful and kind to him. A remarked difference from the rough and tumble Jacklin. Yet, it was Jacklin who had always stolen his heart.
The day was bright and sunny. Nick decided he’d ride Prince to the ranch. He wanted to be the cowboy bookkeeper to Jacklin. Yes, he wore glasses to read and do the books, but he was strong and not afraid. He needed to show her that.
Somehow, he felt that she thought he was weak. He wasn’t though he wasn’t sure what would happen if she did marry him. Would she run the ranch, and he run his bookkeeping business?
Most marriages he knew, the man did the work, and the woman ran the household. The only women who really had jobs either weren’t married yet or were spinsters or widows. And they had to work to survive.
He thanked David for getting Prince ready and then mounted and rode toward the ranch. Nick couldn’t think of one woman who ran a business while being married. The closest was the Allens, and they both worked in the mercantile, but Warren was the boss. He did all the buying and deals.
The more Nick thought about it, the more he had misgivings about marriage with Jacklin. He already knew that she did not take well to being given orders. Even when he told her problems on the ranch, he’d feel her tense and fight back.
That was something they were going to have to sort out. Nick laughed. Here he was trying to decide their lives together, and there was no reason he should believe that she’d say yes. For all he knew, Harlen had beat him to her and asked her to marry him.
Nick hoped not. After talking to Harlen last night, he was worried about what the man might do. He’d never considered the foreman dangerous before, but last night, Nick had seen a desperate man.
He rode to the ranch without any trouble and handed his horse off to Bucky, who had to go on and on how Prince looked just like King. Finally, Nick walked to the porch and knocked on the door.
He was surprised to see Marianne open it. “Nick, how pleasant to see you. Come in. Jacklin is getting ready.”
Nick hugged her. “Good to see you again. I heard you brought your children.”
“Yes, I did. They’re taking their naps right now.” She grinned and walked to the study. “Jacklin said she’d meet you in here.”
“That’s usually where we meet.” He smiled at Marianne. I hope to see you and visit during your time here.”
“Me too. I’m sorry that Jerry couldn’t come. I think you’d like him.” Marianne gave him a mysterious grin and walked down the hall.
Nick set out the books and put his notepad next to it. He’d written several questions for Jacklin to check on. Mostly about Harlen and his use of her money. Even though the foreman had paid it back, he should have asked her permission.
He had just set his pencil down when he heard Jacklin walking down the hall. Nick turned as she came into the room. Instead of her usual leather skirt, she was wearing a pretty light blue one. And her hair was different.
Nick stared at her.
“Hello, Nick. Marianne said you were here.” Jacklin smiled.
Stunned, Nick went to her. “Jacklin, you’re beautiful. I, mean, not that you aren’t—”
“Thank you, Nick.” She pointed to his chair. “Have a seat. Let’s get our meeting over with so we can talk with Marianne.”
“Sure.” Nick sat down and turned the book around to her.
She looked at it and frowned. “So, there was money missing, but it came back, and now there isn’t.” She shut the book. “The question is who would take it. The answer is it had to be Harlen because it wasn’t me.”
Nick nodded.
“The next question is what do I do about it.” She sat back in the chair. “I know the answer, I just hate to do it. The man has been with the ranch before Daddy died. In fact, my father was the one who hired him.”
“Do you want me to fire him?”
She smiled at him. “No, that would be the coward’s way out. I’m a grown woman and need to face facts head-on. That’s how my father would handle it.” Jacklin smiled at him. “Thank you for laying it out for me. I can’t deny it any longer. Harlen has been doing things for his interest and not mine for some time.”
“Yes, he has. I wish there was something I could do to help.”
“Back me, and I’ll be fine.” Jacklin got up and walked to the door. “I would like it if you came with me.”
“Sure.” Nick was glad he’d worn his holster and pistol. Not that he thought he’d need them, but if he did, he was prepared.
He walked with her to the bunkhouse. She knocked on the door.
Harlen answered, smiled, and then saw Nick. “What is it?”
“Step outside. I need to talk with you.” Jacklin didn’t wait to see if he did or not. She just walked to the porch and sat on the swing and gestured for Harlen to sit on the chair in front of her.
Nick saw her nod, and he sat next to her by the swing.
“Harlen, I’ve gone over the books. I know you used my checks for your gain. I also know you paid them back. So technically you didn’t steal from me. Or at least you paid it back, and we’re even. But I also know that King’s paddock has been seeded with mares that aren’t mine. I saw Prince and know that he is King’s offspring. How many more are running around, I have no idea.”
“Jacklin, let me explain. I never—”
She stood. “I have to let you go. Take any men with you that are loyal to you.”
Harlen stood. “It’s going to leave you short.”
Jacklin looked toward the barn. “Bucky, call the hands for a meeting.”
“Yes, Ma’am.”
Nick looked at her and was proud that she wasn’t letting Harlen buffalo her. And all while she was wearing a dress and looking like a woman.”
Harlen stepped closer to her. “And I thought me and you could be married. What was I thinking, you don’t know how to be a woman.”
Nick stepped closer. “Really? Because today, I see her being what she was made to be. And she’s never looked more beautiful to me.”
Harlen shoved him. “Go ahead, you can have her. She’ll run you like a whipped pup.”
“You don’t know anything, Harlen.” Nick went inside. “I’ll get the checks if you want to pay them off now?”
Jacklin nodded. “Thank you. Just what I was thinking.” She smiled at him. “I think we make a good team.”
Nick nodded and got the checkbook. He sat at the end of the porch and waited.
Harlen stood at the bottom of the porch and gathered the men together. “Miss Baird wants to fire me. Any who wants to go with me, raise your hand.”
Most of the men looked around and went and stood behind Bucky. Five went to Harlen.
Jacklin went and stood over Nick’s shoulder. “Come forward, and I’ll pay you now. I think it goes without saying, but I don’t want to see any of you on Paint Rock land. Understood.”
There were a few mumbles, but Harlen stood up to her. “Yes, Ma’am.” He said with a sneer on his face and menace in his tone.
Jacklin stepped closer to Harlen. Standing on a step, she was taller and glared into his eyes. “I’m still having the sheriff look into King’s theft. Any mares I find in that paddock are mine. I don’t care what the brand is. Bucky, take three men and notch the ears of all the mares in the paddock without the PR brand.”
“Yes, Ma’am.”
Harlen glared at her. “We’re not done here,
lady.”
Nick finished paying off the men and held Harlen’s check out to him. “I’ll notify the bank, so don’t get any ideas.”
Harlen didn’t answer but turned around and walked with his men to their horses and rode off.
Nick turned to her. “They weren’t riding Paint Rock horses, were they?”
“No. I don’t think they were. I looked them over and saw the brands before they left.” She smiled and turned to him. “Thank you for standing with me.”
“You’re going to need a new foreman.”
She took his arm. “I thought maybe I found one?”
Nick shook his head. “No, I’m the bookkeeper, remember?”
She frowned. “Very well, you have any suggestions?”
“No. You might go to town. Ask Bucky. He knows the men. In fact, he might be a good choice for now.”
Jacklin grinned. “I think you might be right. Thanks, Nick. I’ll tell him when he gets back.”
Nick closed the checkbook. “How about we have that visit with Marianne?”
“Good idea.” She took his arm, and they went inside.
Chapter 14
Jacklin enjoyed Nick’s company. He was pleasant to her and Marianne and her children. Jacklin had to admit, the man was a charmer. She’d always known that, and she’d always known that she liked him.
But enough to marry him? Then again, he’d not asked her. Perhaps, Jacklin would have to go onto the next part of the advice column and prove to him she could cook. Although she hoped not.
After Harlen left, Jacklin had to admit, she felt a little lost. The man had run the ranch pretty much on his own. She wasn’t sure what she needed to do.
Nick took her arm and led her outside to the porch. “Jacklin, there are some things I need to say.”
Jacklin nodded. “I know. I’m going to have to figure out what Harlen did. I really—”
Nick’s finger was on her lips. “No.” He took her by her arms and sat her down in front of him. Holding her still by his intense gaze, he knelt on one knee. “Jacklin, I have wanted to ask you this since I was ten. I can’t believe it has taken me this long. Will you marry me?”
Alone in Austin Page 8