No Place for a Lady (35 page)

Luke wore lambskin chaps over his Levi's and a huge fur-lined duster. He was the picture of pure masculinity, exuding confidence
even in the way he walked. Though his dark hat was pulled low
and a scarf was around his neck, tiny icicles clung to his moustache and eyebrows. Crystal resisted the urge to wipe them away.
A bubble of excitement inched its way upward from her chest and
landed a beaming smile on her face.

Then her conscience reminded her to think twice about this
cowboy. Yes, he had told her it was over with April, but Crystal
remembered the earlier day when they were out riding-he told
her in no uncertain terms that he would have that land to build
his own spread. Did he care for her, or was he bent on owning
Aspengold? Maybe he thought this was easier than having to
marry April to secure the land on the Blue River. Just what were
his intentions?

"Whatcha got in the napkin?" Luke asked.

She unfolded the napkin. "This is some dried bread for the
birds. Winter is so hard on them. I'll need to order birdseed the
next time I'm in Steamboat:" Crystal broke the bread into small
bits and dropped it onto the ground.

Rusty grunted. "You are just like Kate. Couldn't stand the
thought of a harmless creature not being cared for"

`All except chickens;' Luke teased. Crystal felt her face flush,
warming her cold cheeks.

Luke laughed as he watched Crystal teeter into a slip-slide
with every step she took. "If it's skating you want, Crystal, there's
gonna be an ice skating party over at the Johnsons' this afternoon,
before it gets too cold to be out after the sun goes down" He swiftly
reached over and grabbed her elbow to keep her from falling.

"How did you know there was a skating party?" Crystal didn't remember seeing anyone leave the ranch. Her mind was now on
the hand that held her arm.

"Someone passed the word to Jube out at the line camp when
I rode up there yesterday to check things out. Are you and Carmen interested?"

Crystal clapped her gloved hands. "You bet I am-except for
one thing. I can't skate"

"What you don't know, I'll be happy to teach you. There's skates
in the barn. I'll fetch a couple of pairs to see if any will fit you.
We'll go right after lunch. It may take us awhile to get there, so
be sure you and Carmen dress in layers"

"I'll stay here and keep the fires burning till you return" Rusty
paused again with his shoveling. "Might even make us some
chicken soup. How's that sound for supper?"

"Delicious, Rusty. Can you give me a hand and we'll get the
sleigh ready?" Luke winked at Crystal.

"Be right there." Rusty thrust his shovel into a snowdrift and
followed Luke.

"Ooh ... this will be fun. I'll run and tell Carmen:" Crystal
hurried down the path back to the house. It would be so wonderful to be with friends after being cooped up for weeks-and
to be with Luke.

Crystal and Carmen chatted with excitement while Kurt settled
Carmen in the back of the sleigh. He then took his seat next to
her, covering them both with buffalo hides.

Luke took his time and with care wrapped a quilt around
Crystal, tucked it around her legs, and threw a buffalo hide on top. Not until he was sure they all were adequately covered
did he flick the reins over the horses, and they lurched forward
in a fast trot. The smooth blades of the sleigh glided over the
fallen snow, and the harnesses jingled on the wind. The air was
pristine with sparkling azure skies, and Crystal watched the
breath of the horses filter past her in a puff of white. The glare
from the sun reflecting off the snow was so stark that it made
seeing difficult, and Crystal had to squint. She snuggled even
further under the warm covers.

Crystal glanced sideways at Luke, who was sitting as close
as was proper in order for their body heat to generate warmth.
She felt a thrill that he was so capable, always taking charge with
whatever situation was at hand. She decided that she loved everything about him, but she wanted him to be in love with her, not
pretending to be in order to secure Aspengold.

In a short time they arrived at the Johnsons', and Luke stopped
the sleigh in front of the barn. John Franklin trotted up to help
him with the horses and then led them into the barn. Kurt assisted
the ladies down and escorted them to where the other guests were
gathered, their happy voices echoing in the clearing.

Crystal stiffened when she saw April, but April turned away.
She leaned over to whisper something to Beth, who was standing with Bill's arm encircling her waist. Josh broke away from the
group to meet them halfway.

"I'm so glad someone planned this little get-together. How've
you been, Crystal?"

"A bit cold, I'm afraid, but other than that, all right" Crystal had forgotten how warm and friendly Josh's brown eyes were. She
hadn't seen him since before the trail drive except at church.

Josh took her arm. "It's only a short walk to the lake, and the
Johnsons have a nice bonfire going. You can warm up there"

Before Crystal could protest, he guided her over to the merry
bunch, their boots crunching under the snow. Spirits were high
as everyone exchanged warm greetings. Luke, she noted, followed
with John, but she caught the wounded look in his eyes before
he glanced away.

"Did you survive the snow, Crystal? I was thinking about you
stuck there in the house all alone, with the wind howling. Tell
me, were you dreaming of Southern nights?" April's smile didn't
reach her icy blue eyes.

"Oh, but I wasn't alone. I had dear Carmen with me. And every
evening the cowboys would stay after supper and play checkers,
or we'd all get together to talk, sing, and just get to know one
another:"

I envy you, Crystal. Being in the line camp with Jube, I got
a little lonely. I'm glad the snow stopped:' Emily pulled her coat
tighter about her.

"You're shivering, Em. We need to get you to the fire. Are you
sure you're up to skating?"

"Oh no." Emily patted her rounding belly. "I came along for the
company. I'll feel much better once I get warm" Emily scooted
over to hook her arm in Jube's, who agreed they needed to get
moving.

"Standing around won't keep us warm, but skating will," Beth
said. "Let's go:" Beth led the small group to the bonfire that Mary
and Sara were feeding with wood. The fire snapped and popped and shot its flames upward into the sky to create a toasty retreat.

"Did you bring some skates, Crystal?" Josh asked.

Luke hurried over to the makeshift bench that Crystal sat on
and placed a pair of skates before her feet. "I have a couple pairs
right here for you to try." He more or less pushed his way in front
of Josh and started unlacing a pair for her. Josh yanked his skates
on and stood there, hands in his pockets. Crystal grinned. She
watched as Luke's long fingers quickly worked on the eyelets of the
skates. He had nice hands, and she remembered how his hands
had caressed Buck's head and forelocks.

The first pair Luke tried was a perfect fit, but he laced them
so tight that Crystal winced. "Sorry," Luke said, "they need to
be tight around the ankle for support. He pulled her up into a
standing position. "Now just stand still a moment and get the
feel of them"

Crystal watched all her friends, some already whirling around
on the frozen lake, and wondered how in the world she would
ever be able to stand, let alone skate.

"I'll take her out, Luke. You get your skates on:" Josh grabbed
Crystal's gloved hand.

Somewhat unsure of her ability, Crystal followed Josh, her
legs wobbling like jelly on a saucer. She leaned over, not trusting
herself to stand up straight. She giggled and tried to cover her
nervousness, but she was perfectly aware that Luke was miffed
as he followed close behind.

Josh was a smooth skater, but he took smaller strides for her
sake, and after five loops around the pond, Crystal could pull her
chest and shoulders up. To her surprise, she had more balance this way. Mary and Sara were cheering her on by the fire, and
Crystal yelled out to them in her excitement and waved, and
would have lost her balance if it hadn't been for Josh's steady
arm.

Luke skated closely behind them in case Crystal fell. He was
fuming that josh had just taken over. Crystal had never answered
him when he'd asked about josh the night Carmen had walked in
on them. Well, I won't play second fiddle to anyone. I've already told
her how I feel. He watched them laughing at her struggle and was
amazed at how fast Crystal learned. Not great, but pretty good,
considering this was her first time on skates.

"I'll take it from here, Josh. You can go get rested up or sit by
the fire" Luke tapped josh on the shoulder.

"Crystal's catching on fast. I don't believe she needs your help,
Luke." Josh's voice was steady.

"She came here with me, and I intend to skate with her. Do
you get that?" he said, poking josh on his chest.

Josh was red-faced when he spoke. "Who put a burr under
your saddle, Luke?" He nodded to Crystal. "I'll see you by the
fire, Crystal" He released her hands and skated in the direction
of the bonfire.

"Luke! Where are your manners?" Crystal said.

"Well, you did come with me, Crystal. Is he courting you, or
what?" Luke pulled her around the circle of the lake in easy fashion.

"He most certainly is not. I was trying to let him down gently,
as a matter of fact, when you interrupted."

"So where exactly do I stand, Crystal? Or do you want to leave
me dangling like you did Josh? Maybe that's why Drew dropped you, since you flirted with all the men:' The words tumbled out,
and in a heartbeat he was sorry he had said them.

"How insulting! I haven't figured you out, Luke. One minute
you're engaged to April, and the next minute you're telling me
you want to court me. I find it mighty strange, Luke Weber, that
you made a deal with McBride to marry his daughter just so you
could have the land on the Blue River. Now that she's out of the
picture and my aunt is gone, suddenly you are interested in me.
Is it just so you can have Aspengold?" Crystal spat out the accusation, and Luke was shocked by her outburst. She stood on
wobbly ankles, her hands on her hips.

"Watch out or you'll fall:" He pulled her in the direction of
the fire, holding on to her arms with a firm grip to keep her feet
stable, while he faced her and skated backward. "If you think for
one single minute that I want to marry you in order to own the
ranch, you've got another think comin'! I already told you how
I feel:'

"Marry me!" Crystal squeaked. "We haven't even courted
yet:'

Luke's shirt collar felt tight around his neck now, and the muscles in his jaw clenched in frustration. As their voices grew louder,
a few skaters slowed to watch them.

He wanted to tell her that he already owned the ranch, but this
was not the place. So much for the perfect day he had planned.
It was ruined, and they hadn't even had refreshments. "Crystal,
honestly. You can't believe that ... Do you think I would stoop
that low?"

"I don't know ... I'm not sure what to believe" Her voice wavered.

"Fine." Luke's voice was flat. "Have it your way." He turned away
and skated off, his head down. He stared at the ice as though it
held the answers to the questions tormenting his mind.

As he flew past the other skaters, he ignored their waves and
greetings. He was wounded to the core. Had these past few months
been just something to pass the time? Their time had always been
shared when the other punchers and Carmen were around, but he
thought Crystal had enjoyed his company. Why in the world did
he think Crystal felt something for him? Apparently he mistook
the signals she had given him as something else. Maybe she was
just a flirt.

And why hadn't that lawyer sent her a post about the ranch
deed? Or had Luke promised the attorney that he'd inform her?
Why couldn't he remember something as simple as that conversation? He didn't know, but sure as the moon was rising, he would
find out.