Winds of Paradise (Paradise Valley Book 2) Page 12

  Beside him on the wagon seat, Cookie hummed a tune, then lay back against the canvas cover with his hat tipped over his eyes and promptly fell asleep. As the old man snored beside him, Dusty watched the sunlight filter through the leaves overhead. He listened to the songs of the birds flitting through the trees and watched a mule deer dart across the trail just ahead of the team. Whenever his inner turmoil seemed ready to boil over, he could always rely on the comfort of time on the open trail. When surrounded by God’s creation, he was renewed.

  He smiled and leaned back in his seat, letting the whip and reins dangle from his hands. No matter what else was going on in his life, that one thing didn’t change.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Monday morning “dawned” with a cold drizzle and dreary darkness. The rain made Jane wish she could stay in bed, but school beckoned – and thanks to yesterday’s communal lunch, she had a lot to do that morning to turn the sanctuary into a classroom.

  She groaned and rolled from bed, quickly pulling a robe around her shoulders as the cold air burrowed through her billowing nightgown. It was kind of the townspeople to give her so many hand-me-downs, but she’d have to get some clothes of her own soon, or at least tailor what she had to fit her better. And Mrs. Langston’s nightgown was just too big. It would be easy enough to sew a new one that fit, provided the haberdashery would extend her line of credit. Now that it seemed clear she’d keep her job, they just might.

  She lit the lantern, drew back the curtains and looked out on the drab, gray day, then set the lantern on the bedside table and sighed as she pulled on a scuffed brown corduroy dress. She didn’t want to seem ungrateful, but she missed her wardrobe of pretty things. While she’d never owned many gowns, petticoats, coats, stockings or shoes, she’d always enjoyed putting them together to create an outfit. Now, left to the town’s generosity, her wardrobe was old mismatched odds and ends day after day.

  The Reverend was seated at the kitchen table when she came down for breakfast. She extinguished her lantern and set it on the sideboard before taking her place beside him. He was reading the morning newspaper and sipping a cup of coffee. He glanced in her direction, smiled, then returned his eyes to the paper. “Good morning, Miss Wilder. Sleep well?”

  “Good morning, Reverend. I did, thank you. And you?”

  “Mmm.” He was clearly engrossed in the article he was reading.

  “How lovely ya look,” Mrs. Langston said as she scurried to the table with a pleasant swishing of skirts and petticoats. She placed a plate of pancakes before each of them.

  “Thank you, Laura.” Jane blushed. She cut off a bite of pancake and lifted it to her mouth with a sigh. She’d lost much of her appetite since the fire, and didn’t seem to be able to taste anything even when she was hungry.

  After breakfast, she headed to the church and started setting up the pews as substitute desks. She leaned the blackboard the Reverend had found in a back room of the church against the wall, with some chalk and an eraser on a stool beside it, then stacked the firewood they’d need for the day beside the fireplace.

  She rubbed a hand across her face with a sigh. She knew she shouldn’t feel so low – shouldn’t she be exhilarated that she’d been saved from almost certain death? And she was grateful, but there was something weighing her down. Ever since she’d realized her true feelings for Dusty, she’d been waiting on pins and needles for things to end.

  What would happen when she told him about her past? Jane didn’t know. And not knowing sent her mood spiraling deeper into darkness.

  ***

  It had been weeks since the incident with Cookie, and as far as Dusty could tell, he was recovering tolerably well. He hadn’t smelled booze on the old man’s breath since, and was beginning to believe he might have been serious about quitting the stuff. Right now the old man was snoring on a chair by the bunkhouse door, his face glowing with a more natural hue. He looked healthier than he had since Dusty met him in Fort Worth.

  He patted Cookie’s arm as he walked out the door and donned his hat to face another day of fencing. Thomas wanted to get all the fences done for the winter paddocks before the snow came, and they had a lot of work still to do.

  Fall was a busy time. There was the harvest to gather – Thomas had sown wheat and sorghum in the spring, and both had thrived through the summer heat – but Ost and Vaquero were doing the harvesting and threshing. Dan and Bill were fixing the barns – there were two now, and each needed weatherproofing. That left Dusty and Thomas to do the backbreaking work of fencing.

  He was whistling as he walked down the hill toward the barn where the horses were stabled when he heard a cry come from the main house. He turned and spied Genevieve waddling out and waving at him, and ran back up. “Genny, what is it?”

  “Sarah’s having the baby!” she yelled. “Fetch Bill, will you please?”

  “I’ll get him directly,” he called back. “Want me to fetch the doctor?”

  “Yes, hurry!” Her face was pale as she turned back toward the house with one hand on her lower back. He knew she was likely worried about her own coming labor as well.

  He bolted toward the barn, one hand on his hat to keep it from blowing off in the freezing wind. “Bill? Bill, where are ya?” Ducking inside, he found Bill and Dan staring down from the loft, surprise on their faces. “Bill, yer baby’s a-comin’ – best get on up to the main house.”

  “Thanks, Dusty!” Bill scampered down the ladder, a hammer still in his hand. He passed it to Dusty and tore out the door.

  Dan laughed. “You’d best come up here and help me out, then. I have to finish setting this piece in place or we’ll have snow inside the barn before we know it.”

  Dusty hesitated. “Don’t think I can. Genny told me to go get the doc.”

  “This will only take a few minutes, then you can go.”

  “You sure?”

  “Positive. Come on up.”

  Dusty did so. “I reckon Bill’s eager to see that baby?”

  “Of course he is.” Dan stood to ease the kinks out of his back. “What about you, Dusty? Ever wanted a family of your own?”

  “Yeah, I suppose. Though I never thought about it that much ‘til I met …” His cheeks burned, thinking about how chummy Jane and Dan had seemed during the hunt. They hadn’t been together since, though.

  “Getting serious between you two, is it?”

  “Dunno. Serious for me, but I’m not sure ‘bout her. I thought maybe she fancied you for a bit.” He settled down in the straw and braced the replacement plank Dan was fixing to the wall.

  “Me? I don’t think so – during the hunt, she couldn’t keep her eyes off you the whole time. Otherwise, I might have made a play myself.” He chuckled and set a nail against the timber. “But I knew I had no chance. I’m surprised you didn’t see that.”

  Dusty handed Dan the hammer with arched eyebrows. How had he missed that? She’d seemed to him to be having the best of times with Dan. “I’m … well, I’m thinkin’ of askin’ for her hand. What do ya reckon she’d say?”

  Dan hammered the nail into the plank before answering. “I’m betting she’d say yes. I mean, what woman wouldn’t.” He winked at Dusty and reached for another nail.

  Dusty scoffed. “Now be honest – what could I offer a woman like that? She’s so far out of reach, sometimes I feel the clouds’d be easier to catch.”

  Dan stared at him with a furrowed brow. “What is wrong with you, man? She’s already yours. I don’t know what makes you think she’s not suited to you or you to her or whatever it is you’re saying, but none of that matters if she loves you. And she does – she’s absolutely mad for you. If you ask me, you’re the luckiest man around.”

  Dusty was stunned. “Ya really think so?”

  “I know so. And I also know something else – if you don’t ask her to marry you pretty soon, I just might change my mind and do it myself.” Dan hammered the next nail in place.

  Chapter Nineteen

  I
t was time. Dusty was determined. He was going to propose, come what may.

  He’d risen early and hitched up the wagon to drive into Bozeman and bring Jane back for her much-anticipated visit with Genevieve. She’d get to meet Bill and Sarah’s new baby girl Jocelyn, currently squalling up a storm inside. And he was looking forward to showing her around and letting her see where he lived and worked.

  He was proud of the place Thomas, he and the others had built. It was a stunning property, and the buildings, crops, livestock and gardens were already impressive given the short amount of time they’d lived there. Everyone had put so much of themselves into the place that it felt like it belonged to all of them in some small way. Thomas had made sure they knew how much he appreciated their efforts, how he considered them all family and that the ranch would always be their home. Paradise Ranch was his home.

  He hoped Jane would feel the same way in time. He couldn’t wait to show her the cottage he and Vaquero had built. It was a small place, but there was plenty of level ground behind it to expand. He’d built everything he thought he’d need to make the cottage a home, and he was nervous about what she’d think of it.

  He arrived at the church just as the sun rose over the valley. Chimneys sent smoke spirals into the air and a light frost lit the ground, making it sparkle and shine like jewels under the sun’s cool glare. The crunch of the horses’ hooves on the gravel drive must have alerted the Reverend, who emerged from the parsonage with a wave and a smile, pulling a thick coat around his sturdy frame. “Dusty, my good man. How nice it is to see you this fine morning.”

  “Good mornin’ to ya as well, Reverend. How goes things?” Dusty settled the horses with feed bags and water while the Reverend waited for him in the open doorway.

  “Fine, fine – thanks, Dusty. Sorry thing, that whole schoolhouse fire – can’t quite believe it myself. We built that place, some of us early settlers, with our own two hands. Feels sad to see it gone.”

  Dusty sighed. “I know what ya mean. I’m sorry for Jane and all y’all, ‘specially the children. I know Jane’s et up about it. Anyway, I’m takin’ her up to the ranch for a few days – if anyone can help comfort her, Genny can.”

  Rev. Langston nodded forcefully. “A fine idea, young man. Come on in, warm up by the fire.”

  Before long Dusty and Jane, along with a small bag of items borrowed from Laura for the weekend, were settled on the wagon seat and bound for Paradise Valley. Laura insisted they take some blankets to keep Jane’s legs warm, so they were tucked in snugly as the sun began thawing the frosty ground. Jane smiled at Dusty, but her smile was thin and her face looked paler than usual. Dusty frowned – something was definitely wrong. “Are ya feelin’ well?” he asked.

  “I am, thank you. And you?”

  “Yep, I’m well. It’s a nice day.”

  “Yes, it is.” She went quiet again, and the rest of the journey was interrupted only by occasional small talk.

  They pulled up in front of the ranch house around noon, and Dusty was more nervous than ever. Would she like the place as much as he did? Perhaps she’d say no to his proposal, or worse still, say yes but never again be the bright, cheerful woman he’d known. But to his delight, she was enthralled by the ranch house, showing more emotion than she had for their entire journey. “Oh, it’s so beautiful! I can’t believe this view – look at that lush valley. It’s just the way you described it, but seeing it … something this stunning, words really can’t do it justice.”

  Dusty’s cheeks flushed with pride. He was relieved she liked the place. He hurried around to help her from the wagon just as the front door of the house flew open and Genevieve bustled out, one hand on her pregnant belly and the other waving gleefully. “You’re here, you’re here! I can’t believe it!” She reached them and threw her arms around Jane’s neck, kissing her on the cheek.

  “I’m so glad to see you, Genny.” Jane voice was reserved.

  Genevieve stepped back to look at her in alarm. “What’s wrong, my dear? You’re pale and thinner than when I last saw you, and you seem unhappy.” She frowned and crossed her arms over her bulging stomach.

  “I’m fine, I assure you – fit as a fiddle,” Jane replied. “I’m just appreciating this magnificent view. It’s breathtaking – I don’t know how you get anything done with a view like that.”

  Dusty watched with interest as Jane changed the subject, distracting her friend. He furrowed his brow but said nothing, instead turning the wagon to lead the horses back down the hill to the barn. There was most definitely something wrong. He only hoped Genevieve could discover what it was.

  After a late lunch with Genevieve and Thomas, Dusty and Jane wandered outside for a walk. Jane wanted to see the bunkhouse and the river. Dusty had warned her the bunkhouse was all stunk up by a bunch of smelly cowboys and she’d do better to steer clear of it, but she just laughed and made him take her anyway. He introduced her to Cookie and to Ost, who was off that day nursing a strained wrist. She was courteous to the youngster, who blushed and stammered through their entire conversation. Cookie was pretty tongue-tied himself.

  Afterward, Dusty retrieved his fiddle from beneath his bunk and led Jane outside, determined to cheer her up. He missed her darling grin and the melodious laughter that would make a man burst into song just from hearing it. Out in the yard, she spotted Patches grazing in her pen and wandered over to pet the cow, while Dusty sat on a tree stump and began tuning the fiddle. It took him a moment, but when he was done he broke into an energetic jig.

  Jane spun around, her eyes wide and her mouth open in surprise. Her face brightened a little, and she clapped and hurried toward him. “You play the violin? Why didn’t you tell me? It’s wonderful – you’re so good at it.”

  He laughed and nodded while skimming the bow across the strings, weaving a jaunty melody.

  Jane couldn’t resist the music – she began to dance, her feet skipping and spinning across the gravel driveway between the ranch house and the bunkhouse. The smile that lit her face made his heart soar, and he stood to dance along with her. Generally speaking, he didn’t like to dance while playing – he could bob his head and tap his foot easily enough, but dancing was another matter. Still, he was determined to turn her smile into a laugh, even if he had to act the fool to do it.

  She stopped to watch him for a moment – and a peal of laughter escaped her. It was working!

  He spun and leaped in the air, making a silly face as he did. She laughed again, and this time heartily, from the depths of her belly. He sent his feet into a flurry of tapping, jumping and spinning until he lost his balance and fell on his rump in the dirt, still bowing.

  She ran to him, laughing all the while and threw her arms around his neck to stare into his eyes. “Well, now I know how you got your name,” she cried before bursting into a fresh bout of giggles.

  He stopped playing, pretending offense, then dropped his bow and grabbed her around her narrow waist. “Oh really? How ‘bout I show ya what it’s like down here in the dust with me, eh?” he threatened, mischief in his voice. He turned as if to throw her onto the ground beside him, and she squealed in protest.

  But instead, he pulled her into his lap and held her close. He could see the flecks of gold in her blue eyes, could smell the faint scent of lilac and soap in her hair. And the smattering of freckles on her nose begged for his kiss.

  Dusty leaned forward, and pressed his lips to hers. She closed her eyes, as her hands found their way around his neck. He gently set down his fiddle and let himself sink into the warmth of her embrace.

  An eternity later, he pulled away. There was dirt and dust on the end of her nose, on her forehead and over her cheeks, and he’d never seen anything so beautiful. He laughed, then kissed her lightly before releasing her. He gathered his fiddle and bow, stood and held out his free hand to help her up. Together they returned to the house, his heart soaring with love and his body tingling in the aftermath of their embrace.

  Chapter Twenty />
  The long, sturdy supper table hosted a cornucopia of good things to eat. Jane sat with her hands together in front of her bowed head. Her eyes appreciatively surveyed the steaming dishes and plates piled high with food. All the ranch hands were eating in the main house tonight in celebration of her visit, and there was a general feeling of warmth and goodwill amongst the group.

  Thomas finished saying the blessing, and everyone set to filling their plates from the bounty, the table abuzz with conversation. She couldn’t help but feel a little jealous. Her meals at the schoolhouse had been lonely and quiet, and at the Langston’s only Laura chattered away. When she’d boarded with the Wisharts, there’d always been an uncomfortable silence at mealtimes. But the people at Paradise Ranch had an easy camaraderie she’d never experienced before.

  Her eyes met Genevieve’s across the table, and her friend smiled warmly before answering a question from Hannah, a young Scottish woman who’d just moved down from Canada and been hired to help around the house. Genevieve looked happy and her skin radiated health in the warm glow of the flickering lanterns.

  Jane couldn’t help but think about her own life. Dusty had been so attentive before the hunting trip and the fire – visiting her, fussing over her, bringing her little gifts like bunches of wildflowers or pretty stones he’d found on the riverbank. But lately she’d only seen him a couple of times, and he’d seemed distant and withdrawn.

  After the meal was over, Jane helped Hannah, Genevieve and Sarah clear the table and wash the dishes. Dusty said something about going to the barn to groom the horses and left through the side door. Most of the other men gradually dispersed, returning to the bunkhouse for bed. Only Thomas and Vaquero stayed behind, playing cards in the den.

  “Well, Jane, now that we have some time to ourselves, we wanted to show you what we’ve been doing.” Genevieve stood and placed her coffee cup on the side table. “Where is Sarah? She was going to do this with me. Perhaps she went to bed already.”