He put his hands on hips but he smiled. “You have a mean streak, you know that? Okay, how about that dark swirly one?”
“I love that paisley. All right, you’re released from shopping duty.” She chose blue-checked gingham for the kitchen. Since that’s where they bathed, she would prefer having curtains that closed.
As she measured out Addie’s fabric choices, Mrs. Cobb huffed. “Is all of this going on your account?”
Addie announced. “I’ll be paying cash.”
Forrest frowned and spoke low. “You sure, Addie? You ought to save your money for an emergency or something you want.”
She leaned near him. “I have enough to pay for this and I want our home to look as nice as possible.”
She spoke up and addressed the storekeeper. “By the way, Mrs. Cobb, I’ll pay off our account as well. My husband mentioned how kind you and your husband were when his home burned. He appreciates you letting him charge more than usual.”
The storekeeper’s expression softened. “We were sure sorry about the fire. Looks like you’re a woman who takes her home to heart.”
“I am. My father sent a wedding present of cash and I want to spend it on our home and the children. Now I’d like to buy each child a pair of shoes. I imagine Noah will prefer boots. My husband and I need boots as well.”
When they were all fitted with footwear, Addie whispered to her husband, “I want to get you a new shirt and also one each for Biscuits and Rowdy. Will you help me with sizes?”
He laid his arm around her shoulders. “You’re being generous with your money.”
“Our money. I’m being selfish in choosing what I want everyone to have, except Frannie did indicate she wanted shoes when I asked. I know donations were welcome, but shoes need to fit.”
He rubbed a hand across his cheek. “Dadburnit, never occurred to me. Makes me an inadequate father, doesn’t it?”
“No, you did so well, Forrest, getting the house built and furnished. You’re only one person and can’t do everything.”
“Glad you take that attitude, Addie. You see why you’re needed. You notice things I never would.”
She linked her arm with his. “That makes us a good team.”
Addie was pleased to find she still had a few dollars left after she’d paid Mrs. Cobb and set aside what the photographer would require. Biscuits and Rowdy loaded the purchases into the wagon and Forrest helped her and the girls climb in. Noah needed no assistance.
When they were on their way, she handed each child a peppermint stick. “You were so good while I shopped I think you need a reward. I got each of us one.” She took a sweet and passed the bag to her husband, Biscuits, and Rowdy.
At the ranch, she was excited to give Biscuits and Rowdy their new shirts.
Biscuits looked at his green plaid with wonder. “How come you got us something?”
“You’re part of the family. Guess I should have let you choose your own but I wanted to surprise you.”
Rowdy smiled and unfolded his blue plaid shirt. “You did that. Sure appreciate this.”
Forrest sat with his feet extended and admired his new boots. “Hate to get these dirty, but I’m wearing them tomorrow.”
“That’s their purpose. I’ll wear mine when I take the children on walks or when I ride a horse. The ones I’ve been wearing are more suited for indoors.”
But, she couldn’t forget there was a cougar in the area. No more walks until she was certain being outside would be safe.
Chapter Thirteen
Sunday couldn’t come soon enough for Addie. She was eager to visit Murdoch Ranch since the Murdochs were their closest neighbors—other than Ethan. Due to his awful behavior, she didn’t really consider him a neighbor.
As it turned out, the subject of Rowdy’s affection and her family were invited to dinner too. The three men wore their new shirts and she’d finished Noah’s new one during the week. After greeting friends when the service was over, they climbed into the wagon and headed for Murdoch Ranch.
Rowdy drove a rented rig in which Paulette, Mrs. Dessie Norris, and Claudene rode. They made a jovial parade to the ranch. As they approached the house, Addie couldn’t believe her eyes.
She gasped. “If that’s a home it’s the largest one I’ve ever seen. And it’s made of logs.”
Forrest glanced at her. “Actually, that’s three homes. First time I’ve seen the place since the additions were added. I’ve heard Edwina and Kevin live in the middle, original house. Charity and Logan live on one end and Amelia and Sean live on the other. Supposedly, inside all three are connected.”
“The exterior is impressive. I look forward to seeing the interior.”
“After his sons’ mother deserted the family, Kevin used to be against women and didn’t want any visiting. I came by a few times over the years to talk about ranching projects. Sure surprised me when I heard he’d married.”
The three Murdoch men came onto the porch when they were near. Standing in a row, the resemblance between them was obvious. Each was tall, broad-shouldered, good looking.
Their cowhands came from the bunkhouse and took charge of the wagon. Logan helped Addie down before Forrest could come around the vehicle. Sean helped the girls while Noah hopped down by himself. Biscuits hitched up his britches as he moseyed up the steps.
Right behind them, Rowdy pulled up his rented rig and set the brake. He climbed off and hurried to help down the three women he’d brought. Whitey and another man escorted Paulette and Claudene while Rowdy guided Mrs. Norris.
Addie tried not to stare at her surroundings, but she’d never seen three houses built together as these were. When she’d left Georgia, she had expected most log dwellings to be constructed with two or three rooms. The size of Forrest’s home had surprised her, but this one looked like a fortress—or a log castle.
They filed inside, talking and laughing. Kevin led them to the large dining area, which had been supplemented with a second table to accommodate the number of diners.
Edwina greeted them with a smile. “I’m glad everyone is here.” She scanned the surge of guests. “Except I don’t see Ethan, so we’ll wait for him.”
Disappointment swamped Addie. With this many people, perhaps she could avoid him. She had no intention of letting that man spoil her afternoon when she’d been looking forward to this dinner.
Behind her Logan mumbled to his brother, “Why did she have to invite that depraved polecat?”
Sean spoke low, but she heard. “She hasn’t had a chance to get to know him.”
She wanted to hug Sean and Logan, but pretended she hadn’t heard their whispered conversation. Their comments created questions. Where did Ethan acquire that reputation? Did other people in the area share that opinion or were Sean and Logan the only ones?
Drifting toward the other women, she heard hoofbeats outside. Her body tensed. Drat the man for causing her insides to knot and roil. Why did a nice man like Forrest have such a wretched brother? Why couldn’t Forrest see Ethan for what he was?
Forrest slapped his brother on the back. “Glad you’re here.”
Ethan offered his charming smile. “Couldn’t miss a get together like this one, could I? Hey, there’s my favorite nephew.” He tickled Noah.
This time, Noah didn’t contribute to their routine. “Hi, Uncle Ethan. Isn’t this a great house?”
“Sure is.” Ethan scanned the room and when he met her gaze, he smirked.
There was no other word for it. She wondered who else might have noticed. A shiver crawled up her spine.
Charity put an arm around her shoulders. “Why don’t you come with me, Addie? I think my aunt can use our assistance.”
Addie sighed. “Thanks. I’d love to help.”
Charity leaned close to speak. “We don’t really need to pitch in, but I saw the way your brother-in-law looked at you and how you tensed. What a shame we can’t choose our relatives. Although I have wonderful ones here, I see you’re not as fortunate.�
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Addie shook her head and sighed. “That’s an understatement. I shouldn’t complain. Forrest is so kind and considerate. Unfortunately, Ethan tells him lies and he believes his brother.”
Amelia apparently overheard. “I’m sure you’ll work things out. Forrest has to see his brother for what he is eventually.”
Would he? Addie wished she could foresee the future. “I hope so. I love being married to Forrest and adore Noah, Frannie, and Daisy. They’re well-behaved—well, for the most part—and I couldn’t love them more if they were my own children. We have a nice ranch and the hands are good men. The only fly in the ointment is Ethan.”
Charity chuckled. “What you need is a giant flyswatter.”
Addie laughed. “Great idea. Know where I can find one?”
Paulette and her mother and sister moved closer. “Sounds as if we’re missing out on fun.”
Edwina clapped her hands. “Everyone take a seat. Dinner is ready to be served.” She turned to the other women. “Each of you please carry a dish to the table and then sit down.”
Two women whose names Addie didn’t know were diligently working. One stood at the stove and another at the sink already washing what had been dirtied so far.
Charity nodded toward the one at the stove. “That’s Jenny Young, housekeeper for Kevin and Edwina. She was just a kid herself when she came to work but she helped raise Logan and Sean. The woman at the sink is her niece, Millie Young, who works for Logan and me.” She grabbed a bowl of carrots covered in cream sauce.
“How nice you have a housekeeper. Forrest included a room for one when we can afford her. Right now we use that room as our school.” She carried a large bowl heaping with green beans and set it on the table.
When Ethan had chosen a seat, Addie selected one as far from him as possible. As it turned out, the men and Noah sat at one table and the women and girls at the adjoining one. That suited Addie perfectly.
The meal was filled with laughter and chatter. Addie loved having women to talk to about anything and everything. Paulette’s sister Claudene was shy at first, but soon warmed to the others. Dessie Norris, their mother, was an interesting woman.
Addie didn’t need constant companionship or parties or teas or shopping. Being in her own home with the children pleased her. She was grateful for the opportunity to socialize occasionally, though.
At one point, Addie leaned toward Amelia and whispered, “What are you going to do when Paulette and Rowdy marry? I’m sure he’s going to ask her.”
Amelia nodded. “They’ve already discussed marriage although he hasn’t made it official. Fortunately, Dessie wants to manage the shop for me full time. I’ll have more time at home and still be able to create hats. Claudene will help Dessie until she weds, which probably won’t be long since there are so few women here.”
“That’s great about Dessie. I’ve seen your hats and they’re really wonderful. How fulfilling having a career must be.” But there was nothing Addie would rather do than the life she had.
Amelia gave her an exasperated look. “You should know. You’re raising three children plus teaching them.”
“I hadn’t considered that, but you’re right. I have a full life that satisfies me. I couldn’t be happier.” Unless her husband loved her, but she kept that need to herself.
The women pitched in to clear the tables but the two housekeepers shooed them out of the kitchen. Charity and Amelia offered a tour of their respective homes.
Addie admired a large rug near the fireplace in Charity and Logan’s parlor. “I would love to know how to braid one of these. They add to the room and I imagine they help keep the house warm in winter.”
Edwina patted her on the arm. “I’ll be happy to show you how to make these. Learning is not difficult. You’re right about them adding warmth in winter.” Her eyes sparkled with mirth. “We intended to surprise you when you were leaving today but I might as well tell you now. We have one to send home with you as your wedding gift.”
“Oh, wonderful. I can’t thank you enough. I’ll think of you each time I see it.”
Charity laughed. “You’ll walk all over us, is that it?”
After the meal, apparently the men passed around the bottle Ethan had brought. He must have had a head start before he arrived at the Murdoch home because he’d spoken too loud during the meal.
Addie and the other women watched the scene unfold. She was embarrassed for Forrest.
Ethan’s raised voice announced, “Women want me.” He focused on Addie with a smirk. “Some pretend they don’t, but I know all they need’s a little persuasion.”
Forrest sounded sterner than she’d ever heard, “Ethan, go home! You’ve had too much to drink and you’re way out of line.”
Ethan punched a finger in Forrest’s chest. “I was invited here and you have no right to order me anywhere, little scarecrow brother.”
Kevin stepped in front of Ethan. “This is my home and I do have a right. I’m ordering you to leave now. Don’t return unless you’re sober and can keep a civil tongue in your head.”
Ethan thrust his chin forward and shook a fist at Kevin. “Listen, old man, you can’t make me.”
Logan and Sean moved to their father’s rescue.
Before they reached him, Forrest touched Kevin’s shoulder. “Step aside, Kevin. I’ll take care of this.” He drew back a fist and connected with Ethan’s jaw.
Ethan dropped to the floor.
Kevin eyed Forrest appreciatively. “I’d say that’s not the first time you’ve had to do that.”
“Afraid not.” Forrest motioned to Biscuits. “Help me get him on his horse, will you?”
Logan grabbed Ethan’s arms. “No need to bother another guest.”
Sean took Ethan’s feet. Together the brothers carried Ethan from the house.
Forrest raised a hand. “Folks, I apologize. Please don’t let this ruin a fine afternoon.”
Addie wanted to rush to her husband, but instead she turned to Edwina. “I’m terribly sorry. The meal was wonderful and the company superb.”
Edwina patted her arm. “Don’t think a thing about this. My first husband would have made Ethan look like a saint. Let’s sit in Charity’s parlor and enjoy the rest of the afternoon.”
***
Forrest wished the Earth would open up and swallow him and his brother. Due to Addie’s encouragement, he had worked up the gumption to associate with folks. Now, Ethan had to act like an idiot and spoil everyone’s day.
He massaged his aching fist. Too bad he’d only gotten in one blow. He still had the urge to punch something about a dozen times and wouldn’t mind if it were Ethan.
When the Murdoch brothers had Ethan draped over his saddle and secured, Judd Brown, a Murdoch cowboy, rode from the barn.
Judd grasped the reins of Ethan’s horse. “I’ll take him home. You folks go right back to having a good time.”
To Forrest, Judd said, “Don’t you worry none. I’ll see he gets home safe and sound.”
Forrest kept rubbing his aching fist. “Right now, I’m too angry to care but I will later. Thank you, Judd. I won’t forget your kindness.”
Forrest walked back into the house with the other men. He put his hand on Kevin’s shoulder. “Sure sorry, Kevin.”
“Nothing to apologize for. You aren’t responsible for your step-brother’s actions.”
“He’s changed in the past year. I don’t know what caused it, but his behavior has become cynical and coarse.”
The older Murdoch offered a sad smile. “Maybe a woman turned him down. Could be he has some kind of illness. We never know what’s going on in someone else’s head.”
“Well, I hope he gets over whatever’s bothering him. He’s going to lose his friends and his ranch. I don’t think he spends as much time working as he should.”
Logan clapped Forrest on the back. “Takes a lot of sweat to keep a ranch running, doesn’t it? Heard you’d lost some cattle.”
“I wish
that were all that’s happened. About three or four months before the fire, I had a run of incidences. Fence cut, cattle lost.”
They sat in the main house’s parlor.
Forrest rested his elbows on his knees. “While I was laid up from the fire, the mischief slowed. Now it’s back even worse.” He explained all the things that had happened, including Rowdy almost drowning.
Logan pursed his lips. “Your brother lose cattle too?”
Forrest nodded. “Yeah, and had fences cut, but nothing like I’ve had. Have to think this is directed at me.”
Sean shook his head. “But why? You’re well-liked and respected. You think of anyone has a bone to pick?”
“Thank you for saying that, Sean. I’ve wracked my brain. I can’t think of anyone I’ve crossed. I did fire the cowboy that Rowdy replaced, a man named Buck Harper. Far as I know, he left for Wyoming and hasn’t been back.”
Rowdy crossed his legs in front of him. “That was three years ago. That’s too long for it to be him.”
Biscuits tapped his fingers together. “People carry grudges for a long time, but no one has seen Harper around since he left. I’d a heard if they had.”
Forrest nodded. “I think I would have too. This has kept me puzzled. I’m always on edge, waiting for the next incident. Plus, having to redo fences and canals is making double work for us and we’re getting behind on tasks we should be doing.”
Kevin rubbed his jaw. “You talked to the sheriff?”
Forrest nodded. “Sympathized with me and looked things over but said he can’t do anything without something to go on.”
Biscuits pointed at Forrest. “We’ve durn near scoured every inch of the ranch lookin’ for clues as to who’s doin’ this or anythin’ they left behind that might be traced. We’ve found nothin’ so far except the poles they used to cave in the canal.”
He pounded a fist into his other palm. “Makes me so durn mad I could eat a bug. I know you Murdochs are good people, but there ain’t a better man anywhere than Forrest Clanahan.”
His old friend and employee’s declaration surprised Forrest. “Thank you, Biscuits. Well, let’s talk about you fellows. What’s been going on here besides building Fort Murdoch?”
Montana Sky: Snare His Heart (Kindle Worlds Novella) (Loving A Rancher Book 5) Page 10