Courage Canyon Read online

  “Are you and Doc Worthington certain you won’t need me for a few days?” Rosemary hesitated next to the door, looking at Clay McCord, as Bull waited on the boardwalk.

  “It’s more important for you to be with Rachel and Ginny while Dax and Luke are out of town. We’ll be fine until you return.”

  “Well, as long as you’re sure.”

  “I am. You’re needed at the ranch, and I’m certain you’d like some time to see your brother. It’s been a couple weeks since you’ve been back, right?”

  “Almost three.” Three weeks of being in town without her brother—or the uncomfortable encounters with Dirk. She missed Ben, but not the surly ranch foreman. Seeing him earlier in the week had turned into another disaster, the same as always when the two of them were anywhere near each other.

  She didn’t understand why her throat constricted, chest tightened, and stomach clenched with each encounter. No other man affected her the same way.

  “Are you ready, Rosemary?”

  Startling at Bull’s voice, she turned to see him waiting by the door. “Yes, I’m ready. I’ll be back in a few days, Doctor.”

  Standing, Clay walked toward her. “Take whatever time you need.”

  Grabbing the bag from her hand, Bull set it in the back of the wagon, helping her onto the seat. Checking the reins of his horse tied to the back, he climbed in beside her.

  “I bet you’re anxious to see Ben.” Slapping the lines, he turned the wagon toward Redemption’s Edge. “I know he misses you.”

  “I miss him, too. I’m trying to save enough money for a horse so I can ride out to see him more often.”

  Bull shifted in the seat, his gaze narrowing on her. “There’s no need to buy one. You can use any of the extra horses at the ranch any time you want.”

  Clasping her hands in her lap, she lifted her chin. “I don’t want to impose.”

  Bull let out an exasperated snort. “You wouldn’t be imposing on anyone, Rosemary. Ask Dirk which horse to take and he or one of the boys will saddle it for you.”

  “No.”

  Slapping the lines to get the wagon moving along, he glanced at her. “No?”

  “No. I don’t need Dirk’s help. If it’s all right to use one of the horses, I can take care of the tack myself.”

  “Of course you can…for one of the mares or smaller geldings. What if the only horse available is one of the bigger geldings? You’ll need help with the saddle, even if you can take care of the bridle.”

  She looked at him. “Rachel and Ginny don’t need anyone’s help.”

  Bull’s mouth curved into a smile. “Of course they do. Besides, there’s no sense being stubborn about it when there are people to help.” Leaning back in the seat, his smile widened. “Sounds to me like you don’t want Dirk’s help. I’m guessing you wouldn’t refuse anyone else’s. Am I right?”

  Crossing her arms, Rosemary’s lips twisted into a grim smile. “Maybe.”

  They rode in silence a few minutes, Bull thinking over her reluctance to speak with Dirk. Turning the last corner, he heard her sharp intake of breath when the ranch house and barn came into view.

  “It’s only been three weeks, yet I’d forgotten how beautiful it is out here.”

  Bull nodded. “Different from being in Splendor. I like the work I’m doing for Gabe and Nick, but I’m ready to get back to ranching.”

  Her eyes lit up at the look of anticipation on his face. “I’m sure you’re more than ready to be closer to Lydia and Joshua.”

  Smiling, he slapped the lines once more. “That I am.”

  “Here’s the roast, Rosemary.” Rachel handed her the platter of sliced meat, wiping her hands down the apron, glancing out the kitchen window to see Patrick playing quietly in the dirt. “Seems we’ll have a full table tonight.”

  Rosemary grinned. “I’m sure it’s always full.”

  “Luke and I are here almost every night.” Ginny leaned against the table, a hand on her expanding belly. “I love it when Bull and Lydia come over. Will Dirk be here tonight, Rachel?”

  Rosemary stiffened. “I thought he’d ridden out to stay with the herd.”

  “To check on the herd.” Rachel set a bowl of potatoes on the table, looking around. “Where are the others?”

  An instant later, the front door opened, Bull standing aside to allow Lydia, holding a sleeping Joshua, to step past him.

  “It smells wonderful in here,” Lydia said as Dax and Luke followed them inside. She handed Joshua to Bull. “I’m going to see if I can help Rachel.”

  Dax started toward the kitchen. “I’d better find Patrick and get him cleaned up for supper.”

  Luke clasped Bull on the shoulder. “I heard you’re almost done in town.”

  Shifting Joshua in his arms, he nodded. “The men start laying the foundation next week. I found a real good man from back east to supervise the construction. If he’s as skilled as I think, I’ll only have to ride to town once a week to check on the progress. It’ll be good to get back to my real job.”

  Luke watched Bull stroke the cheek of his infant son, feeling his chest squeeze. He and Ginny had tried to have a child before, only to lose it a few months into the pregnancy. She’d gone longer this time, and every day he prayed they’d have a healthy child.

  “Dirk’s ready for your return. Even with Dax and me helping out, there’s a lot of ground to cover on a ranch this size. I guess he told you we need a few more men.”

  Bull nodded. “I put the word out in town. I thought we might be able to use John and Joe Smith, but Beau’s going to need them at his place.”

  “Aren’t they working for Caro at her place?” Luke asked.

  “For another few weeks, then they’ll be at Beau’s. With Beau and Caro marrying in a few weeks, they’ll be combining their properties. Might even need more men if Beau decides to run a full herd of cattle.”

  Scratching his jaw, Luke’s brows furrowed in a thoughtful expression. “We may need to look for men farther out. Dax and I leave tomorrow morning for Big Pine. We’ll pass the word around there.”

  “Supper’s ready.” Ginny walked toward Luke, reaching up to kiss his cheek. “Rachel’s made enough for the entire ranch. Hope you’re both hungry.”

  “Starving.” Luke put an arm around his wife, escorting her to the table.

  Everyone took their seats, waiting as Dax got Patrick settled next to him, then said a prayer.

  “Please, don’t wait.” Rachel reached for the bowl of potatoes, handing it to Rosemary as the front door opened.

  “Sorry I’m late.”

  Rosemary’s stomach knotted at the sound of the familiar voice. Scooping out a small portion of potatoes, her hand shook as she handed the bowl to Bull. Taking it, his gaze narrowed on her, his mouth tilting up in an encouraging smile.

  “We didn’t know if you were going to stay with the herd or come back this evening.” Dax nodded to the empty chair next to Rosemary.

  Dirk’s footsteps faltered, spotting Rosemary for the first time. Hesitating, he glanced at Rachel. “You sure there’s enough for one more?”

  “There’s more than enough,” Rachel replied. “Sit down and fill your plate.”

  Pulling out a chair, he edged it as far away from Rosemary as possible before taking a seat. Piling food onto his plate, he did his best to ignore the woman next to him, preferring to concentrate on filling his empty stomach.

  “I heard you found some of the strays,” Bull said.

  “Six alive and one dead. Don’t know about the others, but we’ll keep looking. The men are doing a count each day, and I’m still keeping extra guards posted.” He shoveled a forkful of meat into his mouth, chewing slowly.

  “You missed the biscuits, Dirk.” Ginny passed the bowl to Rosemary, who reluctantly handed it to Dirk, her fingers brushing his hand. An immediate and unfamiliar sensation passed through her when he took the bowl, touching her arm before he jerked his hand away.

  “Do you still need the extra
men?” Bull asked.

  “We will if the meetings in Big Pine go well.” Dax looked at Luke. “There’s no reason to think they won’t.”

  “We’re meeting with a buyer from the army and another from Salt Lake City,” Luke said. “Agreements with either would mean shorter drives than taking the herd to Omaha.”

  “I’m all in favor of shorter drives.” Bull covered Lydia’s hand.

  “We’d all like that, as long as the terms are acceptable.” Luke leaned back in his chair, draping an arm across Ginny’s shoulders. “What do you think, Dirk?”

  Setting down his fork, he glanced across the table at Luke. “Whatever’s best for the ranch.”

  Rosemary snorted, drawing everyone’s attention, especially Dirk’s.

  “What?” He glared at her, his jaw tensing.

  She looked at her lap, shaking her head. “Nothing.”

  Dirk turned to face her. “If you’ve got something to say, then say it.”

  Glancing up, she felt her face heat as all eyes seemed fixed on her. Swallowing, she lifted her chin, giving Dirk a bland expression, keeping her voice low.

  “I think everyone wants what’s best for the ranch, Dirk.”

  “And?”

  Rosemary bit her lip, wishing she’d kept her mouth closed. “Well, I believe Luke asked you for your opinion, not for you to tell him what he already knows.”

  Ginny covered her mouth with a hand, while Rachel glanced at Dax and back at Rosemary, her eyes dancing in amusement.

  Crossing his arms, Dirk leaned back in his seat, a slight smirk on his face. “Is that so?”

  “Well…yes.”

  “Fair enough.” He looked at Luke. “If you’re asking for my opinion, I’d have to say until I hear the terms they’re offering, there’s not much I can say. However, we don’t know the trail to Salt Lake, but I’ve heard it can be tough to travel over the mountains. I’ve also heard the Indian tribes along the trail to Salt Lake aren’t as hostile as those between here and Omaha.”

  Dax looked at Luke, raising a brow. “All good points, Dirk.” Moving his gaze to Rosemary, his features softened. “Don’t ever be embarrassed to speak what’s on your mind.”

  She didn’t dare look at Dirk, knowing she’d probably made things much worse between them.

  Luke glanced between Bull and Dirk. “As soon as we have some information, we’ll send a telegram with what we’ve learned. You reply as soon as possible, but keep in mind we want to strike a deal if either one of them makes any sense.”

  The men nodded their agreement as Rachel stood. “Rosemary, would you mind helping me bring out the dessert?”

  She couldn’t have been more relieved at the request. “Of course.” Before she knew what was happening, Dirk stood, pulling out her chair. “Thank you.”

  He didn’t respond to her quiet remark, but for the first time since she’d met him, his lopsided grin was focused on her.

  Chapter Three

  “The men found another carcass. That makes three in less than a month. Tat is certain we have a wolf pack attacking the herd.” Dirk leaned against a stall, watching Dax groom his chestnut stallion, Hannibal, as the sun crept up the eastern sky. It was the same stallion the ex-Confederate general rode during the war against Dirk’s Union troops. The fact they’d formed such a strong bond still surprised him.

  “Does he have any estimate on how many are in the pack?” Dax placed the saddle on Hannibal’s back, tightening the cinch.

  “His guess is eight to ten, judging by the amount of time between kills.” Leaning down, Dirk picked up a piece of straw, rolling it between his fingers. “We’re going to need every head to fulfill the contracts you and Luke agreed to in Big Pine.”

  Leaning his arm against the saddle, Dax looked at him. “We’ll fulfill the contracts. We already have more than enough cattle for the drive to Salt Lake, and the army doesn’t want their order until late summer. There’s still a chance we’ll be driving a smaller herd to Omaha. Suzanne will buy a few head for the boardinghouse, as will the St. James. Next year…” His voice trailed off, his expression thoughtful. “If all goes well with these contracts, we’ll need another bull to fulfill the obligations next year.”

  “I heard the Murtons have one they’re looking to sell. Do you want me to talk to one of the brothers?”

  Dax nodded. “Rosemary’s ready to go back to town and I have an order you can give Noah. Afterward, you should still have time to ride out and speak with the Murtons.”

  Noah Brandt owned the livery and blacksmith shop. A former sharpshooter in the Union Army, he’d come to Splendor with his closest friend, Gabe Evans, the local sheriff. Following a tumultuous courtship, he’d married Abby Tolbert after her father, King Tolbert, was murdered.

  “I’ll have time to ride to the Murton’s and get back here before dark.” Dirk concealed his displeasure at spending time with Rosemary. Although the last few days had gone well, he’d spent most of his time traveling between herds and checking on the men.

  “Rosemary can take one of the horses and stable it at Noah’s livery. That way she can ride back here whenever she wants.”

  “Alone?” Dirk couldn’t hide his incredulous tone.

  “As long as it’s light out, she should be fine.”

  “I don’t like the idea of Rosemary going between the ranch and town without someone with her.” His expression clouded. “The same as you wouldn’t want Rachel or Ginny doing it.”

  Mounting Hannibal, Dax held the reins in his lap, looking down at Dirk. “You’re right. Set up some kind of schedule so you can accompany her to town some days and back to the ranch on others.”

  Dirk opened his mouth to protest, shutting it when Rosemary walked into the barn. Dax reined Hannibal around, stopping next to her.

  “Dirk will get your horse ready and ride to town with you. I want you to work out a schedule with him so you aren’t riding back and forth alone.”

  “That’s not necessary, Dax. I can ride alone.”

  His eyes narrowed as he looked at her. “You can, but you won’t.” He glanced at Dirk, noting his clenched jaw and narrowed gaze. “I need to get riding. Figure something out with Dirk.” Kicking Hannibal, Dax rode out, lifting a hand when he saw Rachel standing on the front porch.

  Dirk didn’t wait for Rosemary to complain further before he walked out the back of the barn, a halter in his hand. He returned a few minutes later with Lydia’s horse, Angel. Without speaking, he groomed and saddled her, then did the same with Banshee.

  “Ready?”

  Rosemary wanted to shake her head, change her mind and stay another night. It would’ve been an easy decision if she hadn’t already been gone from the clinic several days. Nodding, she stepped up to Angel, tying her small bag behind the saddle.

  Her heart pounded as her fingers fumbled with the leather ties. They had little interaction the last few days. She’d spent her time making certain Johnny was following Doc McCord’s instructions, helping Rachel in the house, and visiting with Lydia and Ginny. With two pregnant women and another caring for an infant, she felt conflicted. A part of her wanted to stay, knowing they’d appreciate her help. The other, more insistent part encouraged her to flee, put as much distance between her and Dirk as possible.

  “Do you need help?”

  Lost in her own thoughts, she hadn’t noticed Dirk approaching. Shaking her head, Rosemary placed her left foot in the stirrup and mounted.

  Dirk watched until she was settled in the saddle before swinging onto Banshee’s back in one effortless move. “Let’s go.”

  Rosemary didn’t mind riding alone, getting lost in her own thoughts. The solitude gave her time to think about her and Ben’s future. She’d spent more time with her brother in the last few days than she had in the last few months. They sat together at breakfast, but he preferred taking his other meals with the men and the other ranch orphans, as the townsfolk referred to them. Homeless boys and girls who called Redemption’s Edge their home. Eve
n at twenty, Rosemary still felt like one of them. She thought of each one, a smile curving the corners of her mouth.

  Jimmy and Teddy Odell were orphans who lived with Rosemary and Ben in a rundown shack outside of Splendor for months before the Pelletiers took them in. At seventeen and sixteen, they’d become like older brothers to twelve-year-old Ben.

  Seventeen-year-old Sam Rinehart and thirteen-year-old Selina were Lydia’s younger brother and sister who lived with her and Bull.

  At eighteen, Billy Zales lived at an adjoining ranch Dax and Luke purchased from older, widowed brothers who’d decided to sell. It had become the location of their horse breeding operation run by Luke and Travis Davis. An approximate two-hour ride, Billy didn’t often make it back to the main ranch to see his younger sister, ten-year-old Margaret, which meant she spent most of her time with Selina.

  None of them would ever be able to repay the Pelletiers for their kindness in taking them in, making them a part of their extended family.

  “I want to take a detour to check for any missing cattle.”

  Dirk’s gruff voice cut into her daydreams, a habit she’d acquired while spending so much time worrying about the future. It was a hard habit to break.

  Nodding, she followed him along a narrow trail still covered in a light dusting of snow. After a while, the trail merged with the original route, allowing enough space for them to ride next to each other.

  “I thought you found all the missing cattle.”

  “There are always some that wander off.” He kept looking around, checking for strays or other dangers. “They aren’t the brightest animals in the world, but they’re what keeps the ranch going.”

  Swallowing, she shifted in the saddle, letting out a slow breath. “Did you raise cattle back east?”

  Glancing at her, he shook his head. “No.”

  “What did you do?”

  Focusing on the trail ahead, he shrugged. “It’s not important.”

  Catching her bottom lip between her teeth, she frowned, taking a quick sidelong glance at him. “Why would Dax and Luke hire you if you didn’t have experience?”