A Rancher for Rowena Read online

  “You think we’ll be late getting back?”

  “Might be. The cows are in a good mood today, but they’re sure taking their time, and we don’t want to rush them too fast or we’ll agitate them. Considering they’re supposed to be nice, placid milk cows for the hotel, it would be a shame for them to turn up ornery.”

  She smiled. “Yes, I can see that would make things more difficult. I’m fine to stay if that’s what we need to do. I wish I’d known that was a possibility, though—I would have liked to bring a small overnight bag with me.”

  Billy felt a little embarrassed. “I’m sorry about that. We’re not used to having a female along with us on one of our little jaunts, and we’re used to leaving and coming back whenever the job’s done, bags or no bags.”

  “That’s all right. We’re all getting accustomed to things.” She paused. “Sully suggested that the girls might learn a few things about ranch life while you’re learning about city life. What would you think about that?”

  “Ranch life?” He thought about that for a minute. “Seems to me, you’re already working awfully hard. I’m not sure what else I’d expect of you.”

  “Sully was thinking about things like shooting rifles.”

  Not a bad idea. “I can see the good in that. Being able to protect yourself is a valuable skill to have.”

  “And he mentioned skinning rabbits.”

  Her arm had brushed against his, and he felt her shudder as she spoke. “You’re not interested in skinning rabbits?” he asked with a smile.

  “I had a pet rabbit growing up! I can’t even imagine doing something like that.”

  He grinned again. “Well, we don’t tend to eat a lot of rabbit, so you’re likely safe.”

  She turned and looked at him curiously. “Why don’t you eat rabbit? I’ve seen plenty of them since we got here.”

  “Well, there are a lot of us on the ranch, and a rabbit will only feed so many hungry men. Seems like a lot of work for not a lot of meat.”

  “You eat chicken, though,” she replied.

  “We do, but we already have the chickens on hand. We don’t have to go looking for them like we would rabbits.”

  “Oh.” She gave a nervous laugh. “I could have figured that out myself—sorry for the silly question.”

  “It’s not a silly question. It’s like you said—we’re all getting used to new things. I don’t expect you to know every little thing about ranching, and besides, it’s kinda fun to teach you about it.”

  She smiled and looked up at him. “It’s fun?”

  “Yeah, it’s fun. And if Sully does start teaching ranching classes to you gals, I’d be more than happy to be one of the teachers. Every young lady should learn how to use a whip.”

  Rowena outright laughed at that. “Oh? I didn’t realize that was a necessary skill.”

  He loved the sound of her laugh. “Whips are good for all sorts of things. Your husband’s getting out of line? That’ll teach him. Can’t reach something on the top shelf? Flick your whip and it’ll fall right into your hands. Also excellent for picking apples in the fall.”

  She laughed again. “I stand corrected. I must learn how to do this at once.”

  “More than glad to teach you.”

  The first part of the trip had seemed to drag on forever, but now they were reaching the outskirts of Topeka, and it felt like only a few minutes had gone by. Being with Rowena made Billy see things differently, and it was a welcome and needed shift in perception.

  Tenny wheeled his horse and rode back to speak with them. “Sully and I’ll take the cows on to the hotel.”

  Billy nodded. “We’ll catch up.”

  He guided the wagon to the mercantile and brought it to a stop out of the way of regular traffic, then hopped down and assisted Rowena to the ground. It was a lot easier from the passenger side, but he certainly didn’t regret that brief moment of holding her in his arms when he’d helped her down before.

  “If you’d like to head in and start looking around, I’ll just be a minute—need to move my horse around to the front so he can reach the water trough too.”

  “No, I’d like to wait for you.”

  He tilted his head. “You would?”

  “Of course. Shopping’s really no fun alone.”

  “All right, then.” He grinned as he untied his horse from the back of the wagon and brought it to the trough. She was waiting for him—the prettiest girl he’d ever laid eyes on was waiting for him. It was almost unbelievable.

  Once the horses were situated, Rowena reached into the little bag dangling from her wrist and pulled out a piece of paper. “I have the list,” she said, waving it in the air. “Everything Margaret could even dream of wanting. I hope the wagon’s big enough.”

  Billy grinned. “Well, if it’s not, that’s what saddlebags are for.” On a whim, he held out his arm, and a thrill shot through him when she took it. He’d never been more proud in his life than escorting Miss Rowena MacDonald into Appleby’s mercantile.

  ***

  Mr. Appleby took a look at Margaret’s list and let out a low whistle. “This will take a little while to fill,” he said. “Why don’t you head over to the hotel and grab some coffee while you wait?”

  “That’s a kind suggestion,” Rowena told him. “Are you sure you don’t want us to stay and help?”

  Mr. Appleby shook his head. “We’ve got things around here down to a system.”

  “All right, then—we’ll be at the hotel. Thank you.”

  Rowena took Billy’s arm again as they crossed the street, mostly because she liked the feel of it under her fingers, but also because she wondered how he’d react. He didn’t seem at all surprised and he didn’t pull away, so she considered that a very good step in the right direction.

  Their ride into town had been one of the most enjoyable things she’d ever experienced. Billy was funny and smart—things she’d suspected all along, but couldn’t definitely prove without having a real conversation with him. Now she knew it, and she was more attracted to him than ever. If this was the result of just one class with Margaret, she could hardly wait to see what would happen after classes two and three. That woman must be a miracle worker.

  When they entered the hotel, Rowena heard Sully’s distinctive voice coming from the dining room, and they joined their friends at a table by the window.

  “We were just tellin’ Mrs. Brody here about the party,” Sully said, nodding toward the woman standing next to their table.

  “It sounds wonderful, and I’m sure our waitresses would love to come,” Mrs. Brody said. “If you don’t mind, I might even bring my husband—Adam and I haven’t had an evening out in quite a while.”

  “We’d be delighted to have you,” Sully replied. “And I’ll dibs your first free dance.”

  Mrs. Brody laughed. “I’ll plan on it, then.” Turning to the others, she added, “I’ll send someone around with the coffee pot. We’ll be serving dinner in about half an hour, if you’re hungry.”

  Sully thanked her, then looked at Billy. “I asked about rooms for the night, and they’re all arranged for if we want ’em. I don’t know if anyone told you, Miss Rowena, but sometimes we stay over—is that all right with you?”

  Rowena smiled. “Billy mentioned it while we were driving. Yes, it’s fine.”

  “Good, good. The cows are nice and tucked away in the hotel’s barn, so they won’t be slowin’ us down anymore, but we’re lookin’ at a late night anyway. I think it’s best.”

  A waitress came by a moment later and made sure they all had coffee, and a short time after that, the train arrived, and the dining room came to life with passengers and even more waitresses. Just as she had the first day they’d arrived, Rowena marveled at how efficiently everything was run and how quickly everyone was served. Timing was crucial because most of the diners had to be back on the train before it pulled out of the station, and it had all gone off beautifully.

  Billy had become a little quiet aga
in when they’d joined Sully and Tenny, but that was understandable—the other men were each a little overbearing. They weren’t trying to be, but it was a natural part of their personalities, just as it was Billy’s tendency to withdraw when surrounded by louder people. Rowena just hoped that he’d open up again when things were quieter and less chaotic.

  Once the meal was over, Billy pushed back his chair and stood. “I’d best get over to the mercantile and pick up the wagon. The horses are ready to be put up for the night, I’m sure.”

  “I’ll come with you,” Tenny said, and the two were gone before Rowena could volunteer as well.

  Sully chuckled. “I see that you and Billy are gettin’ along a heap better.”

  “How can you tell that?”

  “Oh, just by watchin’. You were each glancin’ at each other during dinner, and he smiled a time or two—I’d say things are definitely headin’ in the right direction.”

  “And they probably would be even if you hadn’t made me drive the wagon,” Rowena told him, giving him a pointed look.

  He held up both hands. “I told you we could stay home—you chose to drive.”

  “That was hardly a fair choice, and you know it.” She shook a finger at him. “Mr. Crenshaw, there’s a bit of an evil streak running through you.”

  “Only a bit of one?” He threw his head back and laughed. “Miss Rowena, I’m nothin’ but evil through and through. That’s why I’m so delightful to be around.” He leaned forward and lowered his voice, although there was no reason to. “I have a suspicion that a certain young cowboy would like to take you for a walk after he’s bedded the horses down for the night.”

  “And I might be inclined to say yes. What about the wagon, though, and all the goods?”

  “That’ll be parked in the back there, safe and snug until it’s time to leave in the morning. Nobody will take anything.” Sully put both hands flat on the table and pushed himself up, wincing. “These trips . . . I don’t know how much longer I’ll be makin’ ’em. I get a little more rickety every time.”

  “I’m a bit sore myself,” Rowena said, coming to her feet the same way. “Mine will go away, though—I wish yours would.”

  He waved her off. “Just part of bein’ old. Happens to everyone sooner or later. Trick is to enjoy whatever part of life you’re in and stop hankerin’ for a part that’s over or you ain’t reached yet.”

  Rowena thought about that while she climbed the stairs to her room. She had been hankering for things she didn’t have, but that’s what had brought her out to Kansas. Should she regret doing that? Perhaps if she were to regret something, it would be that she’d been running away from a life she didn’t want rather than toward a life she did want. Regardless of how it had happened, she was glad to be where she was at that moment. She was glad to be getting ready for a walk with a handsome cowboy, one who made her heart thump and her breath come unevenly. She was even glad to be taking advice from a grizzled old man who freely admitted his evil plans and took pride in them. She laughed aloud. Yes, she was happy here in Kansas, even if she had stumbled upon the idea accidentally.

  She figured it would take Billy and Tenny a little while to bring the wagon back and get the animals situated, so she lay down on the bed and stretched out her back. It felt so good to let her muscles relax and to let go of the tension she’d been carrying. She still couldn’t believe she’d driven the wagon. She was proud of herself, but if she never did that again, it would be too soon.

  Closing her eyes felt nice too. She only intended to rest for a minute, but then she was being awakened by a knock on her door. “Yes?” she called out, a little disoriented. The room was dark, and for the smallest moment, she forgot where she was.

  “Mr. Smits is downstairs inquiring after you, Miss MacDonald. What shall I tell him?”

  It sounded like one of the waitresses from downstairs. Goodness—how long had she slept? “Please tell him I’ll be down in a few minutes,” she replied, then fumbled to find the light. She’d need a minute to smooth down her hair and make sure she didn’t look like she’d just taken an impromptu nap, even though she had.

  When she descended the stairs, she noticed that Billy had also taken a moment to freshen up. The hair along his collar was damp and a little curly, and it had been tidied up somewhat. It looked nice, but she did want to reach out and muss it a little.

  “I’m sorry for keeping you waiting,” she said as her foot touched the bottom step.

  “I was going to apologize to you. It took us a little longer than we thought to settle the animals down.”

  “Are they all right?”

  “Oh, they’re fine. They just get a little skittish sometimes when they’re in a new place.” Billy nodded toward the front door. “Would you like to take a walk?”

  “Yes, please. That would be nice.”

  The air outside was definitely cooler. Rowena pulled in a deep breath as they walked away from the hotel, filling her lungs to capacity. “It’s so humid back home,” she commented. “I never noticed that until we arrived here, but the air feels different in Kansas.”

  “Better or worse?” Billy asked.

  “It’s hard to say.” She considered it. “I think it’s easier to breathe here because the air is lighter, but at the same time, my skin is drier. I suppose you have to choose which you’d rather have.”

  “We have humid days. They just aren’t real frequent.”

  They strolled along the quiet street. Most of the businesses were dark now that night had fallen, but up ahead, Rowena saw the lights of a saloon.

  “Let’s turn down this way,” Billy suggested, and she smiled. She wasn’t surprised at all that he was steering her a different direction—from what she was coming to know about his character, that was very like him. She tucked her arm through his again, and it felt right to have him so near her side.

  “Miss Rowena, may I ask you a question?”

  “Of course.” His voice had gone a little deeper, which in turn had made hers go a little squeaky, and she wondered what he wanted to know.

  “You and I have gotten along real well lately, today most of all, and if I’m not mistaken, you think so too.”

  She nodded. “It’s been a wonderful day. Well, except for the parts that weren’t wonderful.”

  He chuckled, then laid his hand on top of hers where it rested on his arm. “It also seems to me that when I touch you, there’s a certain spark between us, something that leaps back and forth and makes us both come alive.”

  “Yes, I’ve noticed that too,” she replied. The light from a nearby house gave them just enough illumination that she could see the intensity in his eyes, and she swallowed.

  “So, my question is . . . why didn’t we get along that first day?”

  Hmmm. He couldn’t have chosen an easy question …?

  He continued. “At first, I thought you were disappointed that we weren’t wealthy, but the more I get to know you, the more I see you don’t care about things like that. So, how did we get off on the wrong foot? Why are we just now getting around to spending time together?”

  Rowena paused, thinking about it. She knew he wanted a serious answer, not something she could toss off with a laugh. “When we first got here, we were shocked,” she replied. “We’d been told so much about the Lazy Q, we could almost see the place in our heads. When we got here and learned we’d been fooled, and that you didn’t even have a place for us to live, it was hard to push aside those daydreams and see what was really in front of us. We’re intelligent women—we were going to nursing school, after all—and to discover that we’d been conned by the matchmaker we’d trusted? It was embarrassing and hurtful, and for some of us, it felt like the end of the road. Being mail-order brides was our last option, and if that wasn’t even real, what were we supposed to do now?”

  He nodded. “I can understand that. And I’m sure the money came into it somehow.”

  She chuckled. “I have to admit, I did like the idea of be
ing married to a wealthy man, but that was never a deciding factor for me. As far as your other question, why we’ve waited this long to start getting to know each other—well, I don’t mean to sound accusatory, but today’s the first day you’ve really spoken to me. I’ve tried striking up conversations with you dozens of times, and it’s never seemed to work.”

  He looked down at the ground, then back up into her eyes. “I’m sorry about that,” he replied. “I’ve just never thought I had anything interesting to say.”

  “Why don’t we let me decide whether or not you’re interesting? If I’m the one you’re talking to, aren’t I the best judge of it?”

  A smile twitched across his lips. “You’re right. You’re the only judge I need. Fact is, Miss Rowena, you’re the only judge I want.”

  Her breath caught in her throat. “What do you mean, exactly? I’m asking because I want to make sure that what I’m hearing and what you’re saying are the same thing.”

  Billy slid his arm around her waist and pulled her in close. “What I’m saying is that I’d like to start courting you. I want you to be my only judge, the only one I look to for their opinion.”

  She was sure he could hear her heart pounding. “Courting?” she repeated, feeling like a parrot.

  “Courting.” He lowered his head and brushed his lips across hers. It wasn’t a kiss, exactly—more the touch of butterfly wings, and she wanted to grab his head and bring him back to do it properly. She didn’t, though.

  “All right,” she said instead. “We can do that.”

  He chuckled. “Thank you. I’m just sorry that it’s taken me so long to work up my courage. The truth is, Rowena, I’ve felt something for you from that first minute you got off the wagon at the Lazy Q. I wanted to step forward and say ‘She’s mine’ before anyone else could. But then the misunderstanding was uncovered, and it just wasn’t the right time anymore.”

  “I think we can make up for some of that lost time, don’t you?” She looked up into his eyes, then glanced at his lips, hoping he’d take the hint. Thankfully, he did, and he kissed her properly.