The Cowboy's City Girl (17 page)

“I got other plans.”

Beatrice tried to decide if Levi sounded dismissive or uncertain. Maybe a girl like Emma would cause him to reconsider his attitude about marriage.

“Maybe you could change your plans. Pa could always use another man to help start a new farm.”

Beatrice could almost picture Emma batting her eyes and trying to be coy.

“It kinda looks to me like you could use a woman around here with some experience. That city gal isn't good for squat.”

All sense of gentle persuasion disappeared when she spoke of Beatrice.

Beatrice held her breath. How would Levi respond? Not that he didn't agree. Nor could she. She was inept with the work expected of a ranch woman.

“She's managed fine so far despite the challenges. I wonder how we would function in her world?”

Beatrice smiled. He'd defended her.

Emma made a rude sound. “Who'd want to live in a city and be a sissy? Not me.” Her voice changed. “I don't think you would, either. You're a farm boy. I could tell that right off.”

“You might be right. I belong here on the ranch. Don't have any plans to change that.”

“Why? You a mama's boy?”

Beatrice came away from the fence. How dare she? She sank back. She would not be the one to explain Levi to Emma.

“I am who I am.”

Beatrice grinned at the dismissive tone of Levi's voice.

Emma's voice turned syrupy again. “I might persuade ya to think of leaving the ranch.”

Beatrice couldn't see enough to know for certain that Emma had moved closer and maybe tried to get Levi to hug her, but she followed the black of his shirt and knew he had stepped away in rather a rush.

“Fine. Ya don't need to think yer the only good-looking man in this here country.” Emma flounced out of the corral and marched to the Bagley wagon and out of sight.

Beatrice held her breath as Levi followed slowly and at a distance. He stepped out of the pen and looked around.

She tried to disappear into the wood of the fence, but it was impossible. She could only hope he wouldn't notice her.

But he looked steadily in her direction and then closed the distance between them.

Her cheeks burned. She'd been caught eavesdropping, though it had never been her intention.

He stopped ten feet away. “You heard everything?”

“I heard enough.”

He shuddered. “That young woman scares me.”

Beatrice tucked the knowledge into her heart, though she failed to acknowledge why it should please her. “She's very beautiful.”

“I fear her looks are only skin-deep. She practically threw herself at me.”

Beatrice grinned. “I didn't mean to spy but I couldn't help but see how you backed away from her.”

“I would have run except I was penned in.” He saw the empty slop bucket and picked it up. “Come. I'll walk you back to the house.” He draped an arm about her shoulders and they walked with matched steps.

She understood he only did it to keep Emma at bay, but it nevertheless felt as if she fit right there. The thought had no business exposing itself. It did not belong in her world. She would continue with her plans...

She couldn't quite remember what the plans were.

* * *

Levi could not say what possessed him to put his arm around Beatrice. Yes, he hoped Emma would see them and realize he wasn't interested in her. But it wasn't Emma that had his heart thudding against his ribs. It was Beatrice. He hadn't realized she hovered nearby when he spoke to Emma, but it pleased him that she had overheard. He wanted her to know Emma held no interest for him. Never would he have the urge to pull her close like he did as he walked across the yard with Beatrice.

He tried to remember all the reasons he knew he should be fleeing such thoughts.

Why Beatrice shouldn't stay on the ranch even after Maisie's leg healed.

They reached the house and he set the slop bucket down and stepped away from Beatrice. His side, where she had brushed against him as they walked, grew suddenly cold, but he would not pull her back to that spot.

He was getting far too used to having her around. Growing to enjoy her presence, her smile. Learning to look forward to her comments that made him chuckle. He'd like to see her reaction to the cathedral of the trees, to the birth of baby calves and foals, to—

She wasn't staying. She wouldn't want to even if he asked.

She had other plans and so did he. He reminded himself what they were—guard his heart. He quietly, firmly closed the wobbling doors of his heart.

“Ma, Pa.” The youngest Bagley boy trotted by the house toward the Bagley wagon. “Lookee what I found.”

Mr. Bagley plucked something from the boy's hands and held it aloft.

“It's the kitten.” Beatrice picked up her skirts and headed for the wagon.

Levi followed on her heels.

“It's too little to be any good to anyone.” Mr. Bagley made to toss it aside just as Beatrice reached him and grabbed the kitten.

“It's mine.” The boy lunged at Beatrice but she stepped aside.

“How can it be yours when it's on this property?” Beatrice demanded, cupping her hands over the yowling kitten so no one could take it from her.

The Bagley family gathered together in a tight group.

“It weren't in your barn or nothing, were it?” Morgan asked.

“Nah,” young Ray said. “It was out there all alone and lost.”

Beatrice took another step back right into Levi and then eased forward so they didn't touch. He didn't move and remained right there to back her up. He didn't care for the ugly expressions on every one of the Bagleys.

“That kitten belongs to Dolly. She must be out there somewhere.”

“I didn't see no Dolly girl. You ought to thank me for rescuing it if it means so much to ya. Instead, sounds like yer accusing me of stealing.”

Mr. Bagley's stance widened and his fists went to his hips. “My boys ain't thieves.”

“'Sides,” Morgan added. “That little cat ain't big enough for anything. It'll die, sure.”

“It will not.” Beatrice hurried toward the house with the kitten.

Levi looked from one Bagley to another. Emma scowled at him as fiercely as the others. Having no wish to antagonize any of them further, he followed Beatrice.

She went around the house. “Where's Dolly? Did that boy frighten her into hiding?”

She didn't wait for an answer, which was a good thing because Levi had none she would like.

“Dolly, Dolly,” she called. “Listen.”

He listened. Heard nothing.

“That boy scared her.” She rubbed her cheek against the kitten, tears filling her eyes.

He trailed a finger along the kitten's back. His knuckles brushed Beatrice's cheek. He pulled his hand aside and rubbed it against his leg, which did nothing to slow the tingling that swept up his arm.

“We have to find her.” Beatrice turned away, the kitten held close to her heart. “Dolly. Dolly. We have Smokey. She's safe and sound. Where are you?”

He grabbed her hand as they searched for the child. After several futile minutes he pulled her to a halt. “We'll never hear her. I wonder if Smokey knows where she is. Put her down and let's see.”

Beatrice looked dubious. “What if she disappears, too? How would we explain that to Dolly?”

He could not guarantee the kitten wouldn't run off. “I have another idea.”

“I hope it's better than the last.”

He chuckled. “Me, too. Why don't we make Dolly come to us?”

She stared at him like he had two heads. “How do you suggest we do that?”

“Watch and listen.” He turned toward the trees. “Dolly, Smokey is here looking for you. Can you hear her meow?”

Beatrice raised her eyebrows, definitely doubtful this would work.

He grinned. He'd heard a faint rustle and guessed—hoped—it might be Dolly. “Meow, meow. Smokey wonders where Dolly is.”

Beatrice rolled her eyes. “If you think she'll believe that's really Smokey—”

He nudged her and pointed to a spot a few feet away. “What do you see?” he whispered.

“Dolly.” She rushed forward and pulled the child into her arms. Poor Smokey would be crushed. But she didn't seem to mind and licked Dolly's teary face.

Levi knelt down beside them and wrapped them all in his arms. Never mind that he meant to keep a healthy distance from Beatrice.

She turned glistening eyes to him. “I didn't think you knew what you were doing. Thank you.” She tipped her head up and kissed his cheek then withdrew. Her eyes conveyed surprise and something more...a feeling that echoed in his heart. As if this was where he belonged.

The earth stood still.

And then Dolly pulled Smokey into her arms. “That bad boy took him from me. Said he would hurt her.”

Levi tried to bank back the anger that rushed up his throat. He pulled Dolly into his arms. “That boy won't hurt your kitten again.” Or poor defenseless Dolly. He got to his feet and drew Beatrice up after him. “Let's get you all back to the house.”

And then he had something to do so he could keep his promise to Dolly. He would tell the Bagleys they had until morning to leave. Pa and Maisie would stand by him once they heard the truth.

The truth. What was he going to do with his own truth?

He lengthened his strides, forcing Beatrice to trot after him.

The truth of what his heart wanted warred with the truth of what his experience told him.

Which was he to believe?

Chapter Fifteen

B
eatrice fled to her room and closed the door behind her. Thankfully, no one witnessed her hurry and Dolly seemed as anxious to reach the safety of the bedroom as she. She leaned against the door and pressed her fingers to her lips. What had she been thinking to kiss Levi's cheek? Only that she was relieved Dolly was safe. But gratitude did not begin to describe her reaction. Never before had she felt such a jolt in her heart. A bolt of happiness that made her insides dance. Yes, he'd kissed her once before, but her initial reaction had been surprise. This time was different. This time she'd made the first move, been deliberate, but she had not been prepared for the response that raced through her.

Somehow she must get her reactions under control before she saw him again.

Telling herself he would never let himself care for her didn't help as much as she'd like.

She helped Dolly prepare for bed. Dolly insisted on story time, as usual.

Beatrice usually told her a Bible story. This time she told about Ruth. She simplified the story for Dolly but she couldn't help thinking her life was like Ruth's in that she had gone to an unfamiliar land. From there, their stories went in opposite directions. Ruth was accepted and honored. Ruth became a wife and mother. Beatrice would continue her journey alone.

Dolly's eyes drifted shut. Beatrice put her into bed and tucked the covers around her.

Restless for answers to her longings, she opened her Bible. Reading from the Book of Matthew where her bookmark held her place only caused her disquiet to increase.
Oh, God, speak to my hungry, restless heart.
She flipped the pages of her Bible seeking an answer. The pages fell open at
Psalms
138. She read it. Then read it again and again. “The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O Lord, endureth forever.”

She pressed her fingers to the verse. “Lord, You know what concerns me.” She tried to think specifics but her mind rattled with so many things. And her thoughts circled again and again back to Levi. His black hair, his all-seeing dark eyes, the way he lounged against a fence as he watched an animal, the feel on his fingers against her thumb, the roughness of his skin as she kissed him.

“Lord, do not forsake me.” That wasn't what she meant. “Make me strong to do that which I must do.” She closed her Bible, put it on the table next to her bed and prepared for the night.

She did not belong in this world. Wasn't even sure she was welcomed in it, though Maisie appeared to appreciate her help. She'd found being independent more of a challenge than she imagined possible and she didn't mean solely the tasks she felt totally inept to manage. Her heart had proved to be even less manageable.

* * *

She woke the next morning to the rattle of a wagon in the yard and leaped from bed to glance out the window. The Bagleys were leaving. She couldn't say she was sorry to see them go. Sounds of activity came from the kitchen. She groaned. It had taken hours to fall asleep last night and now she'd overslept. From the voices reaching her, she knew everyone else was already there. She wakened Dolly and helped her dress, then slipped into her own dress, brushed her hair hurriedly and wrapped it in a careless bun. No time for fussing this morning. She dashed to the kitchen. Maisie sat in her chair. Big Sam handed her a cup of coffee. Levi stood at the stove.

His gaze slipped to her hair. Already she could feel strands falling from the bun, but she resisted an urge to reach up and tidy it.

“Sorry I overslept. I see the Bagleys are leaving.” She should not have mentioned the fact.

Levi and Big Sam exchanged looks.

“They're in a hurry to get to Idaho.” Big Sam sounded amused. “Especially after I suggested they should be.” He chuckled. His gaze dropped to Dolly, who headed for the door with her kitten. He waited until the door closed behind her. “I won't tolerate that kind of behavior here.”

Maisie reached for his hand. “The child had endured far too much without being tormented by a bully.”

Beatrice smiled at Levi. He'd spoken up on the child's behalf. Not that she was surprised. She'd come to expect high ideals from him. Would he defend her, come to her rescue if the need arose?

Telling herself not to let her thoughts get sidetracked, she turned her attention to preparing breakfast.

Levi remained near the stove, making her movements feel awkward and clumsy. She was bound to make a mistake and ruin breakfast if he didn't move.

“Someone is going to town today if you have a note ready to go to your aunt.”

“Oh, good. Thank you. I do.” She'd written the note after much pondering and finally just came out with the news that Maisie was soon ready to take over her own work and Beatrice hoped her aunt had heard of a job for Beatrice. “I'll get it right away.”

“It can wait until after breakfast.”

Beatrice's nerves strummed like a violin during the meal. The tune grew more brisk when Maisie announced she felt better and intended to get up and move around more today.

Big Sam sputtered a protest but Maisie smiled sweetly at him. “Don't you think I know what I can do better than anyone?”

Levi chuckled. “Pa, you know you'll give in to her, so why put up a fuss?”

Big Sam held his hands up in a defensive gesture. “At least let me think I'm the boss in my own house.”

“But you are,” Maisie said with such sweetness that Beatrice joined the others in laughing.

Her thoughts grew serious as they finished the meal. She brought her note from the bedroom and handed it to Levi, then turned her attention to washing the dishes. Maisie got to her feet and began measuring out ingredients for bread.

Beatrice laughed. “You couldn't wait to get on your feet and tackle that job.”

“I don't know what you mean.” Maisie gave her such an innocent look Beatrice almost believed her, until Maisie chuckled. “You'll learn to make bread if you want to. I think you can do almost anything you set your mind to.”

“Thank you.” The words strengthened Beatrice's resolve. She would miss the ranch and the Harding family when she left, but like Maisie said, she could do whatever she set her mind to and she had set her mind on proving she could—

Her hands grew idle. What did she want to prove? That she could be independent? Or that she belonged? Or was it that someone valued her enough to put her above their own plans?

Maybe all of those.

She had only glimpses of Levi throughout the morning. He and Big Sam came in for dinner, but ate hurriedly without taking time for conversation. Big Sam said they had to begin work with the horses. Beatrice had no idea what that meant except it appeared to be urgent.

Someone rode in late in the afternoon, just as she was putting the finishing touches on supper. The rider went directly to where Levi and his father had a horse inside the corral Levi had built and handed them a handful of papers.

It was the cowboy returning from town. Would Aunt Opal have sent a reply?

Likely not, she reasoned. It would take time to find someone willing to take on a woman as inexperienced as she.

The men strode toward the house and she hurriedly served up the meal.

Levi entered first, his face shining from washing up at the outside wash basin. “Your aunt sent a reply.”

“Really? Already?” Her heart stalled. “I wonder what it means.”

Levi's eyebrows rose. “Perhaps read it and you'll find out.”

“Of course.” She opened the envelope and removed the piece of paper. Unfolding it, she read her aunt's words.

She must have looked as stunned as she felt for Maisie asked, “Is it bad news?”

“No, it's good news.” Wasn't it? It was what she wanted. What she'd hoped for. “My aunt says there is a widower in town who needs someone to care for his three children. He's willing to hire me for the job.”

The words hung in the air.

She focused her gaze on Maisie, afraid if she looked at Levi she would see relief. “He indicates he will wait until you don't need me any longer.” She didn't read the part that said he hoped it would be soon.

Maisie's surprise disappeared into a kind smile. “I'll be able to manage on my own in a few more days.”

Dolly grabbed Beatrice's hand. “What about me?”

Beatrice hugged the child. “You can stay with me until your aunt comes.” No one raised any objection, so she assumed they found the arrangement satisfactory.

Dolly clung to Beatrice as she served the meal, and edged her chair as close as possible when they sat to eat.

Only after Big Sam had said grace did Beatrice allow herself to look at Levi. He watched her, a thoughtful look on his face. But she could not say if he felt relief or regret at her announcement.

She might ask him if he wanted to go for a walk later and she might drum up enough courage to ask what he thought.

But Big Sam said they had more work to do and they left right after supper and had not returned when it was time to put Dolly to bed. There wasn't a hope that the child would go on her own. Since Beatrice had revealed the contents of the note, Dolly had stuck to Beatrice like she'd been sewn to her skirts.

She wished she could offer the child more assurances, but they were still waiting to hear from the aunt.

As she lay in bed, next to Dolly and Smokey, she allowed herself to dream of a future here shared with Levi, surrounded by his loving family, with Dolly part of that plan.

It was an impossible dream and she turned on her side, brushing away the tears that seeped from her eyes.
God, You are my strength. Please help me through this change. It's going to be harder to say goodbye than I could have ever imagined possible.

Unless Your plan is for Levi to ask me to stay.

I'd be quite fine with that arrangement.

But of course that was impossible and she knew it.

But if he did?

She dare not allow herself to consider the possibility.

* * *

Levi stayed outside until the last minute the next morning before he went to the house for breakfast. All night he had fought a mental war with himself. The note from Beatrice's aunt was exactly what Beatrice wanted from the beginning. A chance to be independent, to prove to herself, and perhaps her father, that she was more than a high-priced prize for some enterprising young man.
A suitable young man.
And that left him out of the picture.

But hadn't she fit into ranch life rather well?

That didn't change any of the facts, any more than it changed the color of his skin.

He washed up, then entered the kitchen, allowing himself one quick glance at Beatrice before he sat down. She appeared happy. Of course she was. Her plans had fallen into place.

His one concern—okay, his
other
concern—was how Dolly was handling this. He smiled at the child and she smiled back. Her eyes said as much as any words would. She felt secure with Beatrice. He was grateful Beatrice had assured the child she would go with her. His lungs caught at the knowledge Dolly would soon leave. He'd grown so fond of her.

After that he forced his attention on his food and on Maisie and Big Sam as they talked, though he would be hard-pressed to tell anyone what they talked about.

He fled the house as soon as he'd downed his cup of coffee.

Pa followed more slowly. “I want to keep working with that mare.”

Pa didn't need him to help. “I think I'll ride out and see if I can find any clues that will lead me to those troublemakers.” There was something about that cold campfire that bothered him and he'd like to have another look.

“Go see what you can find.” Pa was already in the pen with the horse.

Levi's bedroll was still tied to his saddle and he left it there rather than take the time to remove it and put it away. He saddled Scout and swung to his back. Turning toward the house, he stared at it a moment. Would Beatrice stay if he asked her?

Of course she wouldn't. She was a fine city woman who should be in a fine home in town, perhaps with a girl to do the heavy chores for her. She was not a country girl.

She had proved otherwise, his wayward mind pointed out.

It didn't change a thing. He was still a half-breed and associating with the likes of him would make people judge her harshly. She was prepared to care for three motherless children. They would benefit from her presence.

He reined about and galloped away. At the cold campsite, he dismounted and bent over to examine the ground. There was a fresh hoof print. Someone had been here since his last visit. He stood and looked around. He took Scout and followed the trail. It wasn't easy and took complete concentration to find, but it was there. No rain had washed away the signs and the tracks didn't veer toward the river.

He reached a rocky spot and lost the trail. Slowly, methodically, he circled the wide expanse of the area, determined to pick up the trail again. Two hours later he found the sign he searched for and again set out after the rider. The trail climbed higher into the trees. It crossed a deep valley. Levi pressed onward. He would find this man, and the others. He would demand an explanation and put a stop to the harassment.

Daylight faded. He could not track after dark. He was too far from the ranch to go back and wasn't willing to give up following the trail. Like his brothers said, it felt personal on the troublemaker's behalf and had grown personal on Levi's part. He would find these men.

He unsaddled Scout and left him to graze while he spread his bedroll, drank from his canteen and ate beef jerky.

Stretched out in his bedroll, his thoughts returned to Beatrice. How long before she left the ranch?

He grabbed at his chest as a knife-sharp pain pierced his heart. How could he let her go?

But what did he have to offer her?

Not a fancy house, not a life of ease, not prestige or even acceptance into every home in town.