Letter Perfect ( Book #1) (12 page)

“She wouldn’t consider it being shackled.”

“I would.” Galen squinted at the horizon and said nothing more. Six months and … three days. He calculated it in that moment. That’s how long it had been since Melinda ran off with the butcher from Sacramento and left him with a hole the size of Texas in his heart. Last he’d heard, they were expecting their first child. That news jolted him into finally letting go and realizing he had to move on with life.

“The girl’s a beaut, isn’t she?”

“Huh?” Galen jolted out of his thoughts.

“She’s a beaut.”

“Miss Caldwell?”

Josh chortled. “She is, too, but I was talking about this sweet little pony. I always had a fondness for her.”

“Of the ones you sold me, she’s my favorite, too.” Galen gently caressed her nose. “Big heart and smart as can be.”

“I promised you first pick of the next ones, and I have three horses about ready to sell. When you get a chance, come on over and take a look.”

“I’ll do that.”

“Don’t take too long. I have Eddie Lufe breathing down my neck about them.”

Galen winced. “Time’s pressing these days. When Da has another good day, I’ll have a wee bit more freedom to come and go.”

“What did Doc say?”

“Nothing good.” The ground beneath Galen’s boots stayed solid, but in his heart, it moved. Da always said the Lord should be a man’s foundation, and Galen believed that to be true, but knowing his father’s days were numbered still sent quakes through him.

Josh squeezed his shoulder. “I’m more sorry than I can say. When you need help, you holler.”

“Ma and I have it under control. School ends in a few weeks. The boys’ll be home during the daytime to pitch in.”

“That Colin”—Josh grinned as he mentioned Galen’s oldest little brother—“I saw him riding off to school. He couldn’t sit taller in the saddle. He’s so proud to have a horse of his own to ride.”

Galen chuckled. “That, he is. If I buy a pair of horses from you, Dale and Sean are going to pester me to let them ride alone instead of share a mount.”

“I’m due to get my new saddle from Independence any day now.” Josh cast a glance at the saddle on his gelding. “This one still has plenty of life in it. You’re welcome to it.”

“Buying the horses’ll be a stretch already.”

“I’m not selling it—” Josh stopped short, then grinned. “Yes, I am. You’re going to have almonds and walnuts this fall. I want the very first pound of each.”

“You can have them, regardless.”

“And you can have the saddle, regardless.” Josh stared him in the eye.

“We’re getting by, Josh. We don’t need charity.”

“I know you don’t need charity.” Josh squinted over at the house, then looked back at him. “I’m offering my friendship and help. Your little brothers are going to have to do some growing up fast. Let’s make it as painless as possible.”

The knowledge that his brothers would be fatherless weighed heavily on Galen. He’d be the man of the house and have to provide a good example. Knowing Josh wanted to help bear the burden— well, that counted as a gift from the Almighty. “God blessed my family the day you moved into the Broken P.”

“I think you got that backward.” Josh let out a hefty sigh. “Hilda’s good at cooking, cleaning, and such, but when it comes to Laney, she’s no help at all. Dad and I are glad that Laney can run over here and talk to your mom.”

“You have Ruth to help with that now.”

“I’m not so sure she’ll be much help. I gather she’s good at getting herself into fixes. So far, she’s proving my theory.”

“Mayhap that streak of independence is what she needs to manage out here.”

A wry smile kicked up the corner of Josh’s lips. “I prayed last Sunday for more patience, and God sent Ruth here. What do you make of that?”

“You’re a brave man to pray for such a thing.” They both laughed.

Hooves beat in the distance. Galen turned to his left and watched as the Pony Express rider approached. Even if his speed didn’t announce his identity, the customary outfit proclaimed it for him. The combination of a broad-brimmed hat, yellow bandana, red shirt, leather vest, and blue jeans was distinctive. “Looks like Sam Hamilton.”

Laney twittered in the background, and soon the flurried sound of petticoats joined the thrumming hoofbeats. Laney and Ruth dashed across the yard and arrived at the fence just as the rider skidded to a halt.

“I’ll get the mail,” Galen said as Sam Hamilton dismounted.

“Obliged.” Hamilton leaned over the fence. “Ah, ladies, that looks great!” He took a big wedge of pie from Laney and downed it in four huge bites.

While he ate, Galen sweet-talked the lathered pony as he yanked off the large, square leather
mochilla
. The mail in the four corner pouches barely shifted as Galen tossed the carrier onto the fresh mare. Long, customized slits allowed the saddlehorn and cantle to serve as anchors when the blanket-like leather carrier draped over the saddle.

Eager to work, the mare pranced in place. Galen untied her. “Ready to go.”

The rider accepted the glass Ruth held out. He emptied it in a few quick gulps, passed it back, and mounted up. “Thanks!” With that, he was gone.

“Wasn’t that exciting?” Laney looked up at Galen all brighteyed.

“Absolutely,” Ruth agreed. “I read all about the Central Overland California and Pike’s Peak Express, but words on a page didn’t do that justice.”

Laney’s smile melted into a look of utter confusion. “The Overland is the stage company.”

“Overland Stage is what brought Ruth,” Josh said, “but Central Overland California and Pike’s Peak Express is the formal name for the Pony Express.”

“Oh. I see.” Laney’s smile returned. “Galen, you were so quick changing out the mail.”

Ruth twisted the empty cup she held and agreed, “You were. I’m surprised at a few things, though. It never occurred to me that the rider would sit on that whole mail pouch thing.”

Galen shrugged. “His weight holds the mochilla in place and protects it. The four corner pouches distribute the weight so the horse carries it easily.”

“But the horse …” Ruth cast a dubious look at the mustang. “I read that they were using the best-blooded horses money could buy. Back East, they have magnificent Morgans.”

Galen chuckled and picked up the mustang’s reins. “No horse is sturdier or hardier for California terrain than these mustangs. They’re smart and tough. Whoever bought the horses paid attention to the task at hand and made a wise decision.”

“I’m sorry.” Ruth winced. “I didn’t mean to insult your stock.”

“No offense taken. You were merely thinkin’ aloud and asking a reasonable question. Now, if you ladies will excuse me, I need to give this baby a cooldown.”

The lasses went back into the house and Galen began to walk the beast around the yard.

Josh took a few paces along with them. “I led the girls to believe I rode over to let you know about the horses and to make sure Ruth wouldn’t kill herself by falling off her mount.”

“So why did you really come?”

Josh grimaced. “I can’t swear to it, but I have an odd feeling that Toledo is following Ruth. I’ve caught him watching her the past two days.”

“She’s comely. Lively too. Such a lass is bound to catch any man’s attention.”

His friend shook his head. “I can’t explain it. Something doesn’t feel right. Do you mind if they stay awhile?”

“Ma always wanted a daughter. Whenever Laney drops by, Ma’s the happiest woman in three counties. I’m sure she’ll be thrilled with Ruth, too. Hold no worries about it, Josh. They’re more than welcome to brighten Ma’s days.”

“Okay. Thanks.”

“I’ll keep a look out for anything strange.”

“I’d appreciate that.”

Trying to lighten the mood, Galen said, “Ruth looked capable in the saddle.”

“She had to be.” Josh finally chuckled. “God knew I didn’t have the patience to teach a woman to ride.”

After Josh left, Galen finished cooling down the Pony Express mount, then took it into the stable. Motes danced on the golden streams of light, turning the wooden structure into a haven. Galen loved the stable. A pleasant breeze blew through the doorway, helping cool the horse as Galen removed his saddle and tack.

Nostrils still flared and skin hot, the horse showed how hard he’d run to perform his duty. He pushed toward the trough.

“None of that for you, yet.” Galen pushed him into a stall. “Drink too soon, and you’ll founder. Here. This’ll suit you better.” He scooped water into an empty tin can and poured it over the horse’s head and neck, then repeated the kindness and included its legs. “Feels fine, doesn’t it? Cools you off.”

The horse stood still and relished the attention. “You’re a fine beast, you are. We’ll cool you down, and later I’ll be sure you have a treat. You’d like that, wouldn’t you?”

“Do you always talk to animals?”

Galen turned around and looked at Ruth. “That, I do. To my way of reckonin’, Adam named them all. Why name something if you’re not planning to talk to it again?”

She smiled. “You have a point. Your mother wanted to ask you something. Shall I lead the horse to water so he can have a drink?”

“Nay, lass. He’ll sicken if he drinks too soon.” Satisfied the horse was cooling down sufficiently, Galen led him to a stall and latched him in.

Ruth fell into step with him as he headed toward the house. “You’re right about your mother.”

“Hmm?” He shot her a questioning look.

“She’s beautiful in pink.”

Galen nodded. “Aye. She’s a fine woman, and I don’t mind sayin’ so. ’Tisn’t my doin’, so it’s not pride speaking. God gave her a heart for others, and that shines through.”

He stomped his boots clean before entering the cabin. “Sam Hamilton just came through. All four pouches on the mochilla felt full. I’m thinkin’ this Pony Express idea pleases folks even more than the organizers anticipated.”

“The stage took just over three weeks to get here,” Ruth said from beside him. “If the news is important, that is a long time compared to ten days.”

“I always said bad news can wait and good news only gets better.” Ma walked from Da’s bedside and over to the stove, where she stirred something in a pot. “Galen, I was hopin’ Josh was still here. Your da and I have been talkin’ about takin’ on another horse.”

“Is that so?” Galen walked to the bedside and pulled up a chair. He leaned forward and rested his forearms on his thighs. “Truth be told, Da, Josh just offered us first pick of the three horses he’s ready to sell.”

Laney sidled over and handed Galen a tin cup of water. The tin felt cool to the touch, prompting thirst Galen hadn’t realized he felt until now; but he lifted Da’s head. “Here. Have a sip.”

“Mmm. Thanks.”

Laney didn’t move. In fact, she rested her hand on his shoulder. “You ought to get two of the three ponies. Really, you should. I heard Daddy and Josh talking, and the mustangs are the best ones yet. The other one—well, Josh calls him a headache on hooves.”

Da looked at Galen. “Could be we’d go for two. You take a gander at them and use your best judgment.”

“Laney,” Ma called, “would you be a dear and fetch me some butter from the springhouse?”

“Sure. How much would you like?”

“One block. Warm as the days are growin’, I don’t dare keep extra in the house.”

Laney’s skirts whispered her departure, and Galen threw his mother a grateful look. She winked back at him.

Heat crept up Galen’s neck when he caught Ruth’s wide eyes. She’d seen the exchange. “I suppose I’ll have to beg your discretion, Ruth Caldwell. Your friend Laney is a sweet lass, but that’s all she is—a wee lassie.”

Da let out a rusty laugh, then coughed. Galen lifted his head and shoulders and offered him another sip of water. “Ach, son, a bald head on a man can be excused, but a bald tongue—that’s another matter.”

“Da, I can’t have anyone—most of all, Laney—thinking I return her fancy.”

“It’s a shame you don’t.” As soon as she spoke the words, Ruth clapped her hand over her mouth.

“The less fuss we all make of it, the better.” Ma took a mixing bowl from a shelf and set it on the table. “There’s not a lass alive who didn’t set her cap for the wrong lad at some point in her tender years. Given time, our Laney’ll meet the lad the good Lord intends for her. We all know ’tis the truth. In the meantime, we’ll temper honesty with Christian love.”

Galen looked to Ruth for some response. She slowly lowered her hand and moistened her lips. “I don’t imagine I’d be much of a friend if I encouraged Laney to pursue eventual heartbreak.”

“That’s the truth of it.” Ma briskly rubbed her hands together. “Now, Galen, you get on back to your chores. I’m going to talk Laney and Ruth into staying the day. You just might find a nice treat on the table come dinnertime.”

“Sure, Ma.” Galen gave his father one last sip of water and rose. To his surprise, Ruth slipped to the other side of the bed.

“Mr. O’Sullivan, while your son’s here, why don’t we have him lift you into the rocking chair? By lunch, he’ll be back and can tuck you in for another rest, but I’m sure you’d enjoy being able to sit by the window for a while.”

“I’m strong enough to make it on my own.”

Ma shook her spoon at Da. “The only way I’ll let you up, old man, is if you promise not to boss me around in my kitchen.”

“Kelly-mine,” Da said as he shifted in the bed, “you must think I’m a fool if you believe I’d tamper with perfection.”

“He’s right, Ma. You’re the best cook I know.”

“You’re the best cook I know, too,” Laney said as she reentered the cabin. “Are we going to use the butter to bake something?”

“Aye.” Ma smiled.

Ruth crossed the room, took the butter from Laney, and set it on the table. “But I’m sure we’ll need eggs. I don’t know where anything is. Why don’t you take me out to the coop, and we’ll gather eggs for Mrs. O’Sullivan?”

“I’d appreciate that.” Ma handed her the egg basket.

Galen waited until they left, then hovered as his father threw back the quilt and hobbled to the rocking chair. Ma dragged it over to the window and tied back the drapery so Da could see as much as possible. Galen left the house as his mother tucked a lap blanket around his father. It hurt to watch them care for one another, knowing that whatever time they had would soon be over.