Big Sky Cowboy (Montana Marriages #1) Read online

  The wagon rattled past several ladies who lifted their hands in greeting. Cora smiled at the way they eyed the wagon, trying to see what vegetables Ma had to sell.

  They passed a livery barn where several men conducted business. Next to that was a blacksmith shop. Cora pointed out each business, though likely Wyatt could read the signs for himself.

  They came to a pretty white church with a steeple.

  “That’s where we go to church,” Cora said.

  Then Pa turned the wagon down another street. False-fronted wooden buildings were crowded by impressive brick structures. Cora wondered if Wyatt noticed how the town seemed determined to escape its early frontier beginnings and move into regal permanency.

  She watched him, saw he studied each business they passed, so she didn’t point out the lawyer, newspaper office, freight station and three mercantile stores. Pa stopped in front of Frank’s Hardware and Necessities, where they did their business, and got down. He trotted to Ma and assisted her to the ground.

  Wyatt and Lonnie jumped down. Lonnie stared at the store, his eyes searching. What did he want? Cora wondered as Wyatt helped each of the girls down. The twins hurried to their ma’s side but Cora waited for Wyatt.

  “I could use some help getting supplies at the feed store,” Pa said.

  Wyatt needed no more urging. He jumped up beside Pa and Lonnie climbed back into the wagon, his gaze lingering on the display in the store.

  Cora turned to see what held so much interest for the boy. Just the ordinary tools Mr. Frank sold—an array of shovels, some leather goods—nothing to hold a young man’s attention that she could see.

  She followed Ma and the twins into the store and breathed in a myriad of scents. Linseed oil on the dark floorboards. Canvas rolled up in the back. Tangy dill from a barrel of pickles. A jumble of tools and cast iron ware occupied one corner and another held ladies’ wear. The store was crowded from the roof to the floor and from wall to wall.

  Cora stuffed back unreasonable disappointment. Yes, she’d hoped to show Wyatt around the store and then the town, but of course he’d sooner spend the time with Pa.

  Her visual assessment stalled at Anna Rawley, Cora’s best friend since grade three. Anna saw her and waved her over. Rose and Lilly followed on Cora’s heels as they crossed the floor, edging past the coffee grinder and a display of pitchforks.

  Two other young ladies left off the examination of a new shipment of buttons and joined them, Nancy White and Mary Ann McHaig. Nancy lived with her family across from the school and Mary Ann had recently started up a milliner’s shop and wore a specimen of her work—a fancy affair in green satin, frothy feathers and big bows.

  Rose pointed to it. “Very nice. How is your business doing?”

  “Flourishing,” Mary Ann assured them. Her smile faded. “Though I would sooner have my uncle back.” Her uncle had been her guardian, and upon his death several months ago she had inherited money enough to start her own business.

  Cora squeezed her arm. “If you get lonely you can always come and visit us.” Silently she thanked God that she had her sisters, and Ma and Pa Bell.

  The town girls were full of news about who had been seen with whom and the newest merchandise in every store, all of which interested Cora and her sisters. She and her sisters likewise told their news, including the arrival of Wyatt and Lonnie and their need to rest their horses until Fanny foaled.

  She knew the moment Wyatt stepped into the store. She felt his eyes without even turning in his direction. A smile curved her lips as she shifted to look at him.

  Wyatt stood alone in the doorway. Ma had gone across the street to speak to a friend she’d spied. Pa had no doubt gone to fetch her.

  She’d never taken into account how tall Wyatt was until she saw him framed by the screen door. He stood with his fingers tucked in the front pockets of his trousers and his hat tipped back, which allowed her to admire his dark brown hair. He’d gotten it cut. That surely explained why she studied him so thoroughly.

  His bottomless eyes met hers. A smile barely touched his lips but filled his gaze.

  He tipped his hat forward and strode toward her.

  She jerked around, breathing slowly, hoping to calm the wild fluttering of her heart.

  When he reached them, Rose and Lilly shifted so he could join their circle. He favored each girl with a smile and greeted each of the young women in a charming fashion.

  Cora’s lips tightened as Anna and the other two town girls preened like a trio of peacocks.

  “Girls,” she managed in a neutral voice, “I’d like you to meet Mr. Wyatt Williams.” She left it at that, then introduced each of the girls.

  “This is the man visiting at your farm?” Nancy sounded as if she’d run all the way from Fort Benton.

  Anna nudged Cora. “The cowboy with the herd of horses?”

  Cora was beginning to wish she hadn’t mentioned anything about him. In truth, she’d said very little, but Rose and Lilly had run over with information.

  Mary Ann leaned forward and offered her hand. “I own the new milliner’s shop. I guess you won’t be needing a new bonnet for yourself. But perhaps for your wife...”

  He grinned. “I don’t have one.”

  Mary Ann beamed. “Or your mother.”

  Wyatt’s grin lingered, though Cora thought it lacked the usual amusement. “I think my ma would have little use for a fancy bonnet even if she was still alive.”

  His response made her want to cheer. Why would any woman spend good money on such foolish things? But she’d seen enough women wearing elaborate hats to know not everyone shared her opinion.

  She couldn’t fault his manners, though he remained aloof despite the girls’ attention.

  “Mary Ann was about to tell us some interesting new about the Caldwells.” Cora hoped to distract the girls from practically falling over themselves trying to impress Wyatt.

  Mary Ann nodded, sending the feathers on her bonnet into a furious dance. A little curl of black hair fluttered across her cheek. Her dark eyes rounded. “I hear Duke Caldwell is returning.”

  “His name is Douglas.” Duke was his nickname, which Rose refused to use. “I thought he was gone for good.”

  Lilly nudged her in the ribs. “You only wish it were true.”

  Anna tsked. “You don’t really want that!”

  “I sure wouldn’t,” Mary Ann said, fluttering her eyelashes at Wyatt.

  Nancy nodded agreement.

  Cora had noticed Mary Ann’s particular interest in men before, but now it had grown downright annoying. “We can only hope he’ll be kept busy and maybe keep the Caldwell cowboys busy enough they won’t bother us.”

  “He was always unkind to us, as I recall.” Rose adjusted her gloves as she spoke, worrying them until Cora caught her hands and stilled them. Rose sighed. “Just like his father. I don’t expect we’ll see any changes. Certainly not for the better.”

  Lilly nodded, her face tight with worry. “It might get worse.”

  “Here’s Pa,” Cora said, grateful for the diversion. She whispered to the girls as they crossed the oiled floor to join their parents. “Don’t repeat your concerns about Duke to Ma and Pa. They’ll worry needlessly.”

  They conducted their business, Mr. Frank taking the cheese, butter and eggs and noting the amount in his little notebook.

  Ma ordered syrup, cocoa and a few other items they were low on.

  Cora watched Lonnie, who was now studying the display in the window. She turned to Wyatt, saw he, too, watched his brother. “What has him so interested?”

  Wyatt shook his head. He poked his head outside and called to his brother. “Lonnie, let’s get some candy.”

  The boy jerked as if he’d been lassoed at a full gallop. He drew in a shuddering breath and hurried in t
o the candy display. Between them, Wyatt and Lonnie filled a bag rather generously, Cora figured.

  “I’m done here,” Ma said, and led them outside. Pa helped her to the wagon. She turned to study the girls as Wyatt helped them into the back. “Is something going on I should know about?”

  Ma could always see through any secrets the girls tried to keep. Cora knew there was no point in trying to hide the news.

  “Mary Ann says Duke Caldwell is coming home.”

  Pa grunted. “The younger Caldwell returns. Maybe Philadelphia has had enough of him.”

  Ma faced forward, her shoulders stiff. She did not like the feud between the families. “Neighbors should get along. You never know when you’ll need help from each other.”

  “Sadly, the Caldwells do not share your philosophy,” Cora said.

  Wyatt sat on the back of the wagon, looking as self-satisfied as one of Lilly’s cats at milking time.

  Cora pretended to adjust her skirts so she could study him. Had he enjoyed the attention the girls had paid him?

  Ma and Pa chatted as they journeyed home. Pa seemed satisfied with his purchase—new wooden planks that filled the air with a piney scent.

  Ma nodded and made agreeing noises at the appropriate times as Pa talked, but Cora wondered if she really listened to him. Was she worrying how Duke’s return would affect them?

  Cora turned to her sisters. “Did Mary Ann say when Duke is expected to arrive?”

  Rose snorted. “Too soon for my liking.”

  “You’ve never forgiven him for teasing you about your red hair, have you?”

  “That was only one of many things he did.”

  Lilly interrupted before Rose could itemize Duke’s faults. “According to Mary Ann, Mrs. Caldwell said he was making a leisurely trip, stopping to visit a few places. They are anxious for his return, but Mary Ann didn’t know a specific date.” She turned to Rose, her expression so guileless few would guess she meant to tease her twin sister. “Rose, did you hear when he would arrive?”

  Lilly and Cora darted amused glances at each other. Rose and Duke had their own personal feud going on, and the sisters didn’t mind reminding Rose of it.

  “I don’t care.” Rose managed to look glum.

  “Nice town,” Wyatt murmured as they drove away. He settled back, pulled out the bag of candy and passed it around.

  They crossed the river and turned homeward. She sat up and looked toward the farm. Out of habit, she ran a practiced eye about the place, mentally checking each pasture, the orchard, the sheep—

  Whoa. She jerked her gaze back. The sheep pasture stood void of the little wooly animals. She rose to her knees. “Where are the sheep?”

  At her question, Pa and Ma strained forward.

  Lilly jumped up and pressed to their backs. “The pasture is empty.”

  Rose leaned around Ma.

  Wyatt crowded close to Cora’s back, not touching, but she breathed the lemony scent of his freshly groomed hair.

  “There.” He pointed past her, his arm brushing her shoulder, sending startled awareness up her spine and down to her fingertips.

  The small flock huddled at the water’s edge a hundred yards farther down, half-hidden by the rocks and a scraggly bunch of bushes at the river’s edge.

  Lilly staggered toward the back of the wagon.

  Cora and Wyatt both reached for her at the same time and steadied her.

  “Sit down and wait until Pa stops,” Cora ordered.

  Lilly jerked to one side and then the other to escape their grasp but finally sank to her knees. “It’s those Caldwell cowboys again. If any of the animals are hurt—” Her voice broke.

  Cora turned to Wyatt, knowing full well her concern filled her face. “Why must the Caldwells constantly harass us?”

  Wyatt touched her arm. “We’ll get them all back safely.”

  She nodded, grateful for his reassurance and comforting touch. She could not remember a time when she didn’t feel she had to be the one to stand strong to protect her family.

  She shook away the foolish thought. She would never let harm come to them so long as she could prevent it.

  * * *

  Wyatt hung on to Lilly. He figured if she could, she would launch herself out the back with no heed for life and limb. Were these girls intent on killing themselves over the farm and their animals? Over family? Someone ought to inform them they were of more value to family and home alive than dead.

  Before Mr. Bell pulled the wagon to a halt, Wyatt jumped to the ground. He reached up and helped Lilly down. She grabbed up her skirts and ran toward the bleating sheep.

  Wyatt turned back in time to help Cora alight. “Does this happen often?”

  “If not this, then something else.” Her words were tight, as if it hurt to move her jaw.

  Rose jumped to their side. “Come on, you two. Lilly needs help.” She raced to her sister. “Now, now, Lilly. Don’t fret. We’ll get them all back safely.”

  “The poor things.” Lilly’s hands fluttered helplessly.

  “I’ll take Ma to the house,” Mr. Bell called, the wagon rumbling away.

  Wyatt watched them depart. The man was likely grateful for an excuse to escape the near hysteria of his one daughter.

  He turned to Lonnie, who had the look of a trapped animal. “It’s okay,” Wyatt said softly. “You can help or go to the house with Mr. Bell.”

  Lonnie looked about. “I’ll help him unload.” He scurried away and Wyatt turned his attention back to the girls.

  “We’ll get them all back,” Cora said as she hurried to Lilly’s side.

  Lilly sobbed hard.

  Wyatt pressed the heel of one hand to his forehead. If all three of them started weeping he’d... He wasn’t sure what he would do, but being locked up with a bunch of angry men sounded safer at the moment.

  He dismissed the thought as quickly as it came. Surely crying lasted for only a moment. Being locked up was endless.

  He kept to Cora’s side as he took in the scene. Some of the sheep were in the river. He figured all that kept them from being swept downstream were the rocks that corralled them. Other sheep stood in the bushes.

  Heedless of her dress and shoes, Lilly rushed into the stream. “They’ll drown.” Only the weight of the water around her legs slowed her frantic hurry.

  “Sheep can swim,” Cora said. She turned to Wyatt. “She’ll drown herself before she’ll let something happen to one of those creatures.”

  Wyatt didn’t stop to think about his actions but plunged in after Lilly, calling to Cora over his shoulder, “You stay there and pull them from the water when I shove them in your direction.” The cold made him gasp. The water sucked at his legs.

  He grabbed the nearest ewe and shoved her toward Cora, who helped the animal climb the rocky bank to safety.

  Meanwhile, Lilly had her hands full trying to persuade another animal to back away from the rocks so she could push it to Cora. The animal bolted, was caught in the current and would have been carried downstream if Wyatt hadn’t reached out and snagged it.

  In a few minutes, all the sheep stood on grassy ground. Wyatt helped Lilly out of the river and then began to scramble over the slippery rocks.

  Cora held a hand out to him. Without hesitation he let her help him out of the water, but he dropped her hand as soon as he stood on two feet. He needed to keep his distance from her. Each time he saw her it grew harder. He thought of the moment he’d stepped into the store and seen her dark blond hair hanging in a braid down her back. She’d met his gaze, her eyes dark and watchful across the cluttered shop. She’d stood surrounded by five young women, but none of them were half as beautiful as she, and their expressions revealed nowhere near as much character. Cora was a force of nature—strong, independent, protect
ive. Her family came first with her. The thought swept through his mental wanderings, leaving him with one solid surety. Nothing would ever entice her away from her sisters and the Bells. Nothing would be allowed to endanger them in any way.

  The bracing thought enabled him to ignore how warm and firm her hand had been in his.

  “It’s cold.” He shivered.

  “Thanks for helping get the sheep out.” She favored him with a sunlit smile that slipped right past his defenses and plopped into his heart like a stubborn squatter.

  She cast a troubled look at the wet sheep bleating in a huddle nearby. “Lilly would have been devastated if one of them drowned.”

  Poor Cora, always trying to protect her sisters from anything bad. What would she do if she failed or thought she had? “Where did Lilly go?” Cora searched for her sister, though she must be as cold as he.

  They saw her at the same time, tromping through the bushes. “The sheep are caught in the branches.”

  Ignoring his wet clothes and waterlogged boots, Wyatt went over and helped free the animals.

  Cora worked at his side. “Lilly, they’re unharmed. All we have to do is get them back to their pen.”

  Rose shepherded each animal back to the pasture as it was freed.

  Finally, the last ewe was back, the lambs bleating after them. The smell of wet lanolin filled the air. The warm breeze dried the edges of Wyatt’s shirt, but his trousers hung heavy about his waist and his feet stood in boots full of water.

  The four of them stood together in the gap of the fence. The posts were tipped over.

  “I know those posts were in solidly.” Cora ground the words out. “But those Caldwell cowboys know how to make it look as if they had nothing to do with it.”

  Wyatt looked for signs in the ground, but the sheep had trampled away any clue. His fists curled; his insides tightened. This was beyond causing trouble. It was vindictive. Mean-spirited. Harsh. The sheep might have drowned if the Bells had been gone longer. He couldn’t abide someone bigger, tougher and more powerful treating those weaker and more vulnerable this way. It reminded him too sharply of his father.