The Lone Star Collection

by Renee Mackenzie

  Her father had built the house on this land, and Alice had helped him set every post around the property the summer she was ten. She got up at the crack of dawn to do her chores and help her father. After school started back up again, she’d wait until the last possible moment before she had to run down the lane, over the bridge and another mile to get to the schoolhouse. She’d repeat her route every day in the opposite direction the instant the final bell rang.

  Alice never liked playing with dolls or doing other girly things like her sisters. She preferred being outside where she could run or build things rather than inside learning needlepoint and crocheting and cooking beside her mother. But that all changed the fall she turned fifteen.

  Her parents sent her to boarding school in Philadelphia, which she absolutely detested. She had no interest in following in her mothers’ footsteps, especially the part about finding a suitable young man to marry. When she was finishing her senior year at Elizabeth Eaton School for Young Women, she was notified that her parents had been killed in a buggy accident. Her sisters had followed in their mother’s footsteps and shortly after they arrived in Philadelphia had met and married their own suitable young men. Neither one was interested in inheriting the twenty-five-hundred acre ranch so Alice packed up what little she had that was suitable for ranch life and caught the first train headed west.

  Two years ago, when she arrived at the ranch in a buggy driven by Reverend Mark Trailer, she was surprised at the condition of the property. Reverend Trailer had met her at the train station along with his condolences and a care package from the women of the church. The reverend hadn’t said so in so many words, but it was clear he didn’t approve of her choice to live alone at the ranch. Alice never cared what anyone thought, and as Reverend Trailer helped her down from the buggy, she took a critical look at her new home.

  The house was in disrepair, the porch sagging, the garden overrun with weeds, and the roof needed patching. The barn needed some repair, the chicken coop was leaning precariously to the right, and the gate leading into the pasture needed several new slats. Now, after working every single day, the roof still leaked, and the porch still needed to be shored up, but she’d built a new chicken coop and repaired the barn among dozens of other repairs that were necessary. She’d expanded the herd from her parents’ three hundred head by an additional one hundred twenty.

  The next morning, Alice was up at dawn and after a cup of coffee and some eggs fresh from the henhouse, she grabbed her hat and headed out in search of her wandering herd.

  It wasn’t difficult to follow their tracks, and she knew it was just a matter of time before she caught up with them. Based on the tracks, she estimated ten or twelve head had gotten through the downed fence.

  Alice stopped to rest her horse and give her dog, Rex, some water from her canteen. She’d brought the dog along to help drive the cattle back to her ranch. She’d be able to handle a dozen or so by herself, but any more might be difficult. With Rex along, he’d happily do most of the work.

  Climbing back into the saddle, Alice saw motion off in the distance. She whistled and the black and white dog lifted his head toward her. “Rex, find.” He sniffed the air, then took off in the direction she was looking. Alice followed, her horse at an easy trot. As she approached, Rex was barking and circling a dozen or more head, a lone rider trailing behind.

  Alice instantly became alert, her hand instinctively going to her holster, ensuring she could draw if she needed to. As she got closer, she saw that the rider was not a big man, and she relaxed slightly, but Alice knew that any man could be a problem if he wanted to. If this was her stock, she hoped this man wouldn’t give her any trouble. Her brand was clearly visible on the right haunch of every cow. Alice approached the rider cautiously.

  “Howdy,” she said, her voice strong and commanding. She’d learned that if she sounded mousy and feminine, men wouldn’t take her seriously, or they’d try to take advantage of her. The problem was, because she refused to play the role of a woman they expected, she had a hard time keeping a hired hand. Once they realized she meant business and expected them to work, they left. She’d been running the ranch alone for several weeks, and it was starting to wear her down.

  “Howdy, ma’am,” the rider greeted, tipping his hat.

  He was smaller than most of the men in town but definitely comfortable in the saddle. His back was straight, the reins in his gloved hands loose. His shirt was dusty but well kept, his chaps worn but in equally good condition. His hat was pulled low, casting a shadow over his thin, clean-shaven face.

  “You new around here?” Alice asked. He didn’t look familiar, but there were new settlers coming to the area every day.

  “No, ma’am, just passing through.” He pointed to the cattle between them. “These strays were wandering around out there.” He used his thumb to point over his shoulder. “I’m bringing them in so they can get back to their rightful owner. They obviously aren’t wild.”

  “How do you know?” Alice asked, curious if he knew what he was talking about or full of horseshit.

  “They’re too well fed. Their hide isn’t all tore up from the brush, and they’re too healthy.”

  “You’re right,” Alice confirmed, sitting more confidently in her saddle. “They’re mine.” The man narrowed his eyes as he assessed her then came to a decision.

  “I’ll be happy to help you get them back, ma’am.”

  “I can manage, thank you,” Alice said, her voice a little harsh. She hated it when men thought she couldn’t do anything just because she was a woman.

  “Yes, ma’am, I’m sure you can, but it’s no trouble.”

  Alice trusted her gut, and it was telling her this man was not going to be a problem. There was something familiar about him, but if she’d met him, Alice would have remembered.

  “All right, and you can stay for dinner. It’s the least I can do to thank you for bringing them in.” Out here, a hearty meal and a strong cup of coffee was often payment enough.

  “Much obliged, ma’am.” The man touched the brim of his hat again. “The name’s Cabe Holloway.”

  “Alice Wilson, and that’s my brand, the Double Arrow. That’s Rex.” She pointed to the dog keeping the cattle contained.

  Cabe was surprised when Alice told her, in no uncertain terms, the cattle were hers. She didn’t use the word ours or say they were her husband’s. Cabe had never met a woman who owned cattle. She’d never met a woman who owned anything. Women were little more than the property of men and had no rights of their own. Alice didn’t seem to be the property of anyone, and she was intrigued.

  “Where are you from, Mr. Holloway?” Alice asked as they rode west, the sun in their face.

  Cabe couldn’t miss the tan on her forearms, exposed by her sleeves rolled up, a clear indication she spent a lot of time outdoors. The way she sat in the saddle and handled her horse was impressive for anyone, especially a woman.

  “Lots of different places,” she answered, her standard reply.

  “Where are you headed?”

  Cabe didn’t hear anything sinister in Alice’s voice so she answered honestly. “I’m not sure. I guess I’ll know it when I see it. I’m a pretty good ranch hand. I’m sure I’ll find something.”

  They fell into step behind the strays, and in a short time, they were at the fence line of her ranch. Alice led the first cow through a gate, and the others quickly followed. One large heifer tried to bolt, but Alice expertly maneuvered her horse to the left, closing off his escape route. Cabe was again impressed with her horse handling skill.

  They rode in silence, Cabe glancing at Alice often. She had never seen a woman dressed like a man and until she got closer, Cabe thought she was. She was thin, maybe too thin, and she appeared to be a similar age as Cabe, which would put her in her mid-twenties. But Cabe wasn’t a good judge of something as trivial as that. Her face had a healthy glow associated with hard work, and outdoors, her eyes were as blue is the northern sky. The only
thing alluding to her femininity were her womanly curves and her long dark hair secured at the base of her neck in a wide clip.

  Cabe was curious about this woman more so than she’d ever been about anyone before. She’d always kept to herself, worked hard, and didn’t concern herself with most people. But Alice Wilson was very different, and it made her uneasy.

  “How many head are you running?” Cabe asked, referring to the number of cattle on the ranch.

  “Counting these, four hundred and twenty. If these are the only ones that got out.”

  “I didn’t see any others. What’s the name of your ranch?”

  “The Double Arrow,” Alice replied. “When my father died, I kept the brand and name of the ranch so as not to cause confusion.”

  “Is your mother still at the ranch?”

  “No. She and my father were killed in a buggy accident,” Alice answered without emotion.

  Death was a common occurrence in harsh country. Cabe had seen it many times. “I’m sorry for your loss. Do you have other family at the ranch?”

  “No. My sisters are married and live in Philadelphia. My father knew I loved this place so he left it to me.”

  If what Alice said was true, she was running the ranch alone. Being a woman herself, Cabe felt a connection with Alice for following her dream regardless of society’s ridiculous standards of what a woman should be.

  Chapter Three

  “This meal is mighty fine, Miss Wilson.” Alice smiled at Cabe’s statement, and Cabe felt her stomach flutter, an odd sensation. She’d changed her clothes and washed up in a barrel of fresh water in the barn.

  “When was the last time you had a hot meal, Mr. Holloway?”

  “Well, I admit, ma’am, it’s been some time. But that doesn’t make yours any less delicious.”

  “Well, it’s been some time since I’ve cooked for someone other than myself. I’m afraid I’m out of practice.”

  As they ate their dinner, Cabe asked questions about the ranch, the seasons, and the town. When the meal was finished, Cabe stood, gathering up his plate and cup.

  “Where would you like this, ma’am?” She almost laughed at the expression of shock on Alice’s face. “In my house growing up, the cook didn’t do the dishes.” No, that was the maid’s job, but Cabe didn’t add that piece of information.

  “That’s not necessary. Sit down and finish your coffee,” Alice said, indicating Cabe should put her plate back on the table.

  “Yes, ma’am.” Cabe replied. “The coffee is delicious.” Cabe held up his hands. “And yes, it has been a long time since I’ve had a good cup of coffee.” Alice’s light laughter made Cabe’s heart skip, and she had to take a few deep breaths to calm it.

  They finished their coffee in comfortable silence, Cabe not at all nervous, which was unusual for her. She was careful not to spend too much time this close to people. That’s what had forced her on the road this time. She finally broached the subject she’d been thinking about all evening.

  “Miss Wilson, I don’t mean any disrespect, but it looks like you could use a hand around here.” Cabe paused to judge her reaction. When there was none she continued, “And I need to restock my supplies. So, if you could see your way clear to let me give you a hand, in exchange for a few meals like this, I’d be more than happy to oblige.”

  Cabe had asked for many jobs in the past, but for some reason, she had never wanted one as much as she did this one. Alice studied her for a long while, her eyes serious. The longer she didn’t answer, the more nervous Cabe became.

  “You’re right, Mr. Holloway, I could use some help. But every man I’ve hired ultimately didn’t want to take orders from a woman. And all of them thought that I was part of their wages. What makes me think you’ll be any different?”

  Cabe was surprised at her bluntness. She understood why that would be, and for the first time ever, what she wanted to say was “because I’m a woman myself, and I understand what it’s like to do whatever you have to to do what you love.”

  “I know some men are like that, but my mama didn’t raise me that way, and my daddy taught me to give an honest day’s work. I have no issue taking orders from you, Miss Wilson. It’s your ranch, and you’re the boss. Now I can understand how my words don’t mean nothing to you right now, but if you give me the chance, I’ll prove that I’m a man of my word.” Cabe hoped she’d convinced Alice she was truthful, even though her entire life was a lie.

  Alice continued to look at her, searching her eyes as if she would ultimately find if she was telling the truth or not. Cabe had never backed down from a confrontation, a threat, or a challenge, but a woman had never looked at her like this. She had confidence and determination, something Cabe had rarely seen in a woman, and it thrilled and frightened her.

  “All right, Mr. Holloway, I’ll give you your chance. I pay twenty-five cents a day, and payday is at the end of the week. You can bed down and take your meals in the barn,” Alice said sternly, making it clear that this was the only meal she would share at her table.

  Chapter Four

  Alice wasn’t surprised when Cabe’s horse was not in the corral the next morning. A wave of disappointment and regret fell over her like a dark cloud. She had hoped that Cabe was different than every other man she’d known, but obviously he’d proven otherwise.

  Just as she was about to turn to go inside, she saw a rider off in the distance quickly approaching. After a few moments, she recognized Cabe, and she was overwhelmed with happiness. Suddenly, she chided herself for her reaction. One morning of Cabe being here did not prove he was a man of his word. She would have to keep reminding herself of that.

  Alice watched him ride up, her thoughts jumbled, not unlike her body’s reaction to seeing him again. He was a man, just like any other man, and he probably wouldn’t last long as her hired hand. He would soon grow tired of taking orders from her and would fill his belly and his saddlebags and be on his way just like all the others.

  Cabe dismounted and walked toward her. He didn’t swagger like most cowboys, and for a slight man, he didn’t try to be something more than he was. In the short time she’d known him, Alice had lost count of how many times he had surprised her. Suddenly, the thought of Cabe leaving grabbed her heart. Alice was confused. She’d never felt like this before with anyone, certainly not one that just started working for her. She didn’t have time to dwell on it; she had a full day ahead of her. She pushed it out of her mind.

  “Morning, ma’am.” Cabe nodded and touched his hat in polite greeting “I thought I’d take a look around before breakfast. Nice spread you have here, Miss Wilson. There is some fence line out towards the east that needs a little shoring up. I can get to that today.”

  Alice had to admit she was impressed with Cabe’s initiative. But this was only the first day. She’d see how quickly that changed.

  “Breakfast will be ready shortly.”

  “That’ll be fine, ma’am, thank you.”

  When Alex turned back inside, she noticed a basket of fresh eggs sitting on the porch beside the front door. Obviously Cabe had been in the chicken coop this morning before heading out to the fence line. That was one more thing she wondered how long it would be before he had to be told to fetch the eggs every day.

  Alice just finished scrambling the eggs when Cabe knocked on the door behind her. She’d left the door open, allowing the cool breeze into the house. It was nice this time of the morning, but as the sun rose it would get hotter until it cooled down again later in the evening.

  “Anything I can do to help, Miss Wilson?” Cabe asked, surprising Alice with his question. Where did this man come from? Are there any more like him? No man ever offered to help in the kitchen.

  She checked the eggs one more time before turning to see Cabe in the doorway. His sleeves were rolled up, and the water spots on his shoulders and wet hair indicated he’d cleaned up before returning. His face was smooth, and his body looked more like a teenage boy then a full-grown man. For so
me strange reason, Alice’s body tingled.

  “Thank you, Mr. Holloway, but I’m just about done.”

  “All right, ma’am. I’ll just wait out here on the porch.” He put his hat back on and moved away from the doorway his boots tapping on the wooden porch.

  Alice took the plate of eggs and biscuits and one of the cups of coffee and stepped outside. Cabe was sitting on the steps, and he immediately stood when he saw her. That was a sign of politeness that Alice hadn’t experienced in quite some time and certainly not on her own front porch.

  “It smells delicious, ma’am, thank you,” Cabe said taking his plate from her.

  Their fingers grazed when he reached for the cup, and a surge of pleasure scorched through her. Her stomach did a little flip flop while her fingers burned. Their eyes locked.

  A flash of surprise filled Cabe’s eyes, then just as quickly disappeared. Alice couldn’t take her eyes off him. It was as if they had a mind of their own, and for reasons she didn’t want to understand, she didn’t want to. It was the same feeling she’d had when they were riding in yesterday and last night at the dinner table. She didn’t understand it any more now than she had then.

  “Are you all right, Miss Wilson?”

  “Yes, I’m fine,” Alice managed to say, her breathing fast and shallow.

  “You looked a little peaked all of a sudden, if you don’t mind me saying so,” Cabe added.

  Alice realized she was still holding the cup, their fingers still touching. She quickly released her grip.

  “Yes, I’m fine, thank you. Enjoy your breakfast. We’ll get started right after.” Alice turned quickly, feeling the need to escape the intensity of his eyes. This time when she entered her house, she closed the door behind her, needing a firm separation from this very unusual cowboy.