Montana Sky: Amanda's Rancher (Kindle Worlds) (Loving A Rancher Book 1) Read online

  But would it? Mara felt sorry for the man expecting a helpmate but who’d soon learn he had a wife more decorative than useful.

  “Thank you for saying so.” Amanda appeared troubled, as if something more than her lack of domestic ability worried her.

  Mara leaned forward and peered at her seatmate. “Are you all right?”

  Eyes moist with tears, her seat mate leaned against the window. “I haven’t been sleeping enough and am unbelievably tired. I’ve been so worried that even now that we’re on our way, I’m apprehensive.”

  Mara folded her cape inside out and into a small bundle. “Here, use this as a pillow against the window. Perhaps I can entertain Iris while you have a nap.”

  Relief spread over the other woman’s face. “Oh, would you? I’d be ever so grateful. I can tell she likes you.”

  Mara smiled at the little girl who sat on her mother’s lap playing with her doll. “Iris, climb here between your mother and me, and I’ll tell you a story while Mama rests.”

  The child complied and was soon asleep with her head on Mara’s knees.

  In all her twenty-two years, Mara had never before been out of Barley Town. Fear of what might come challenged her imagination. She couldn’t relax enough to doze even though the changing scenery mesmerized her. When they stopped at a town, she held her breath as she surveyed the passengers entering and people waiting on the platform.

  Heavenly Father, thank you for your kindness. Keep your circle of protection around me.

  Clyde Snyder couldn’t know she’d left Barley Town yet but how could she risk her life that he might? She’d identified him to the sheriff and then testified she’d seen him and his friends pull off their bandana masks as they rode away from the bank. After growing up with him and his friends and kin as neighbors, she’d already recognized him even with a mask over his face.

  At his trial, he’d yelled across the courtroom that Mara was a dead woman when he got hold of her. She’d wondered if she’d even be safe from his kin who weren’t involved in the robbery. They’d never let her out of their sight but she didn’t know if that was to worry her or if they intended her harm.

  She knew how vicious Clyde had been all his life. She even had a scar on her shoulder from him cutting her when she was ten. He would do all he could to find her and kill her for revenge. She was fortunate Uncle Vern agreed and had wasted no time getting her out of town.

  Vern Baxter had been sweet on her mama. As a result, he’d always looked out for Mara. She knew Mama returned his ardor, but felt him marrying her would shame him. Oh, Mama, if only you had, we could have gone anywhere else and lived as a family.

  Chapter Two

  Mara peered out the window as the train slowed and pulled into a station.

  Amanda stirred and yawned daintily behind her hand. “Goodness, how long did I sleep?”

  “A couple of hours. We won’t be here long enough to get off the train. When the conductor walked by, I asked him about the dining car. He told me they’d let everyone know when we have our turn to go for a meal. I’m getting hungry, aren’t you?”

  Amanda chewed on her lip. “I have several sandwiches in my bag and cans of milk for Iris. I’ll share a sandwich with you.”

  Mara smiled, hoping to reassure the other woman as the train rocked into motion again. “This is my first time on a train, but apparently each passenger car has to take a turn. Why don’t we all get something to eat in the dining car, my treat? I’ll bet Iris would like that. Save the sandwiches for supper.”

  Pink tinged the other woman’s cheeks. “I don’t mean to appear stingy, but you know my situation. I do have a bit left from the money Mr. Kincaid sent. I worry that if Iris or I become too tired or ill from traveling, I’ll have to leave the train and rent a room so we can sleep in a real bed for a night or two.”

  “I understand. I think being so still must be especially hard for a child Iris’ age, which is why I thought she might like walking to get lunch. She’s been an angel so far.”

  Amanda smiled at the compliment. “Thank you, but Montana Territory is a long way. We’ll be traveling for over a week.”

  “I’ll be happy to help while I’m on the train with you. I’m not exactly certain where I’ll decide to live. I’m thinking of setting up a millinery shop in a small town.”

  Amanda brought her hand to her throat. “All by yourself? How adventurous you are. I would never have been brave enough to leave Atlanta alone if circumstances hadn’t forced me. I just pray Mr. Kincaid is the man Iris and I need.”

  “How long did you correspond?” Mara didn’t have pleasant sensations about her new friend adjusting to life entirely opposite from the one she’d led.

  “You’ll think me foolish. I only have the letter he sent to the matrimonial agency and then the one he sent me when I replied. That’s the one that included my ticket and traveling expenses. Both envelopes are in my purse.”

  “What does he do in Montana? How old is he?”

  “Well, he sounded like a hard-working man of twenty-eight who sets goals. He and his father homesteaded seven years ago and built up their ranch. They went to Montana after his mother died in Texas. Just he and his father and their cowboys live there now.”

  “A ranch sounds nice. What can you tell about him from your two letters?”

  “He waited to marry until he’d saved more cash and expanded the house, which sounds wise. Still, I worry about being the only woman and alone a lot.”

  Mara shook her head. “That wouldn’t bother me, but I can see you’re used to a more social type of life. How far away is a town?”

  “I’m not sure, but he rides into Morgan’s Crossing for supplies. He also goes to Sweetwater Springs, which is where the train will stop. I think that’s a much longer drive, though, because he sometimes spends the night there.”

  “Do you sew or knit or enjoy other activities to occupy your time? Are you sure you’re prepared to live with no other women around and no servants?”

  She shrugged. “I can knit and sew but not well. I’ve never enjoyed that sort of thing. That doesn’t matter because now I have no other choice.” She took a deep breath and lowered her voice, “You see, after the funerals, I thought grief had caused me to miss my monthlies. Then I learned I was….” She sobbed into her handkerchief.

  Mara captured her hand and gave a gentle squeeze. “Oh, you poor dear. How far along are you?”

  “I have to be almost four months at least. I-I’ve had a few problems and feel horrible. What will I do if Mr. Kincaid turns me away?” She balled the handkerchief and met Mara’s gaze. “I didn’t lie to him, truly I didn’t. But I accepted his ticket and cash without wiring him of my… my altered condition.”

  “No wonder you look exhausted and worried.” She made a sudden decision to help her new friend. “Look, I might just as well go to Sweetwater Springs or Morgan’s Crossing to set up my millinery shop. If they already have one, I’ll think of something else. Then I can help you on your trip.”

  What did she have to lose other than the expense of extending her fare? Clyde Snyder wouldn’t think of looking for her in Montana Territory, of all places. The more she thought of the idea, the more she liked the plan.

  “I don’t know what to say, Mara, except thank you.” She leaned back against the seat and dabbed at her eyes. “I’m so relieved.”

  Mara admitted, “I feel better, too. Now I’ll have a friend when I start over.”

  The porter called their car to dine. She led Iris and Amanda to have lunch.

  Mara gulped at the price of a full meal, but she’d offered and wouldn’t back down. Iris ate heartily and chattered about the sights and meal so that Mara decided the cost was justified. Even Amanda’s face gained a more natural color than the gray it had been.

  When they returned to their seats, Iris climbed between them and laid her head in Mara’s lap as if she did so every day.

  An elderly woman walking by stopped at their seats. “What a pict
ure you two ladies make. I admired you while we were having lunch. Are you twins?”

  Mara blinked her surprise. “No, ma’am, we’re not.”

  “Well, you certainly look enough alike to be. You two sisters have a good journey now.” She went back to her seat several rows behind them.

  Amanda stared at Mara, an odd expression on her face.

  Mara sat thinking of how much she and Amanda resembled one another. Could it be? She wondered how that could be possible.

  Mara gathered her courage. “What was your father’s name?”

  “James Lawson.” Amanda took a breath. “What was yours?”

  Tears gathered in her eyes as, in a whisper, she admitted, “The same.”

  Amanda rested a hand against her cheek. “I couldn’t help wondering when I saw you sit down. Seeing you was like looking in a mirror. When that woman mentioned how much we looked alike, I knew it.”

  In tears, the two hugged.

  When a few minutes had passed and Mara regained control of her emotions, she released her new-found sister and pulled the handkerchief from her cuff.

  Amanda said, “Papa wanted a boy. I know he kept a lot of women on the side, but he never had a son. I have no idea if we have other sisters or not, but probably.”

  Mara wiped her eyes. She smiled at her new-found sister as realization swept through her like a tidal wave. “I’m not alone now. I have family. We’re a family.”

  Amanda dabbed tears from her cheeks. “Ours wasn’t a loving father. His womanizing hurt my mother so badly. She tried to hide her sorrow but I knew. To make matters worse, she couldn’t have more children after me.”

  Mara blew her nose. “I’m sorry for her but I can’t forgive him for the way he treated my mother. She was a young, naïve girl when he talked her into leaving her parents to go with him. He promised her marriage, but kept delaying. After he learned I was a girl, he left her alone and destitute.”

  “What did she do? Did she go back to her parents?”

  “They’d disowned her for living in sin. She had nowhere to turn and ended up in a brothel. That’s where I grew up.”

  Amanda clutched Mara’s arm. “Oh, how horrid! That doesn’t sound safe. Were you… did you….”

  Mara shook her head. “I had to stay in the kitchen when men were there. When I was old enough, I helped out with the cooking and cleaning in exchange for my protection and a place to live.”

  “Is your mother still there?”

  “She died when I was fifteen. With the help of a friend, I was able to get a job sweeping up and cleaning in the mercantile in exchange for room and board. Then a couple of years later, I was hired to wait on customers.” But not paid much because they knew she had nowhere else to turn. At least they let her live in the back room for free, probably because of Uncle Vern’s prodding.

  “I’m so sorry, Mara. I’m sure Papa caused the same problem for other young women. He was a selfish, hateful, arrogant man. Even though Caleb wasn’t very good at his job, he flattered Papa and wormed his way into Papa’s good graces. That’s why Papa pushed me to marry Caleb.”

  “At least you have Iris and soon another child to comfort you.”

  Amanda broke into tears again. “If Mr. Kincaid accepts me for his wife. If not, I’m likely to end up like your mother.” A horrified expression crossed her face. “Not that I blame her at all, but I don’t want that life for me or for my daughter.”

  Mara squeezed her new-found sister’s hand. “Of course not. If he turns you away, you can work with me in my shop.”

  Amanda’s eyes widened and hope shone through her tears. “Oh, do you mean it?”

  With a smile, Mara reassured the other woman. “Certainly. Now that we’ve found one another, we have to stick together.”

  “I’ve always wanted a sister and you’re the perfect one.” Amanda broke into sobs.

  Iris’s face crumpled as she stared at her mother and patted her knee. “Mama? Mama, don’t cry.”

  Mara touched her sister’s shoulder, her voice stern, “Stop that, Amanda, you’re upsetting Iris. Let’s decide here and now there’ll be no more tears for either of us.”

  “Can it be that easy?” Amanda pulled Iris into her lap and smiled at the girl. “I’m all right, baby, see?”

  Iris leaned against her mother.

  Mara handed Iris the doll she’d dropped and wondered if she painted too glowing a picture. Nevertheless, she wanted to encourage her sister. “We’ll be fine. I can hardly wait to see what Montana’s like.”

  Amanda shivered. “It’s very cold in the long winters and I don’t like cold. No matter, as long as I have a safe home with a kind man, I’ll manage.”

  “I agree. Iris and your baby need a warm, secure, and happy place. You deserve one, too.” She smiled and put her hands on her hips. “Come to think of it, so do I.”

  “How wonderful we’ll be able to visit with one another. I think the ranch is isolated, but surely I can see you occasionally.” She heaved a huge sigh. “I feel much better about my impending marriage now.”

  As night deepened, the conductor came through and doused all lanterns except one at each end of the car. Quiet descended as passengers, including Amanda and Iris, ceased conversations and fell asleep. The train’s rocking lulled Mara.

  Did she dare give into her fatigue? If she didn’t rest, she’d grow ill. Besides, there was no way she could stay awake for days.

  She wriggled, searching for a position comfortable enough for sleeping. Using her cape as a blanket, she fell asleep. Each time the train stopped, she came awake, watching who entered.

  But what if Clyde and his friends boarded another car and walked along as the train sped down the track? She was driving herself into a pitiful state. Praying she was correct, she decided she was hours and miles ahead of anyone pursuing her.

  ***

  Preston whistled to his dogs and urged his horse to head off a stray cow. When he’d coaxed the wandering beeve back to the herd, he and his hands began the process of branding and castrating the new stock.

  Foreman Garrett McDonald threw a rope around the first to be branded. “Not many calves, boss.”

  “Guess we’re lucky there are any after the winter we had. If Barrett hadn’t warned everyone, we’d have lost more. I wonder how many we did lose?”

  Monty McGee strode over, his bowed legs giving the impression his horse had ridden out from under him and his limbs hadn’t noticed. “Might be up to a third gone. Found a cluster of carcasses back in the ravine. You know how the wind whips through there. Still, that’s less than some.”

  No comfort in that when this meant his family’s livelihood. Preston nodded at his father. “Perhaps I was foolish to send for a mail-order bride after us suffering losses this great.”

  Papa clapped him on the shoulder. “Don’t worry. What’s done is done. You’ve been planning this since we came here. We’ll get by.”

  “This has set us back a couple of years. We have another winter like the last one, some ranchers will fail. I hope we have enough to hold on.”

  “We do. We have the crops, the orchard. We can last a long time even if we don’t live high on the hog.”

  Preston took off his hat and wiped his brow with his sleeve. “I’ll watch every dime from now on. I agreed to sell some of our oats to the new folks, the Harpers. Wonder if we should hold on to the rest of our harvest?”

  “We’ve never worked like that. A Kincaid has never turned away a neighbor in need. Sure would hate for that to change.”

  Preston set his hat on his head. “You’re right. I’ll keep that in mind. I just don’t want to be the reason all our hard work goes for nothing.” He strode off to help with the calves.

  While he worked, he joked with the hands and listened to their banter. All the while he was worrying about the ranch. Seven years he and Papa had sweated and scraped to build this spread.

  They’d battled drought, the coldest winter on record, and rustlers to shape their
fortune. He was proud of the ranch and of his father. He was grateful to the loyal hands he had working for him. Together they’d build toward the future.

  And soon he’d have a wife beside him. In time, they’d have children to carry on. He tried to visualize the photo she’d sent coming to life. She said she had dark red hair, blue eyes, and fair skin. He looked forward to meeting her in person.

  ***

  Several days later, Mara and Amanda sat still catching up on all the years they’d been apart. Suddenly, all color left Amanda’s face and her eyes widened.

  Mara leaned toward her. “What’s happened?”

  Her sister pressed her hands to her lower abdomen. “Something’s wrong. I lost a baby a year ago and this feels the same—terrible cramping and I have the sensation of liquid oozing from me. I-I think I might be losing the baby.”

  “My heavens!” Mara jumped up and pulled their cases from the overhead storage. “We’re almost to a town. We can leave the train and find a doctor.”

  As soon as the locomotive hissed to a stop, Mara carried their bags. “Iris, hold on to Mama’s skirt so you don’t get lost.”

  As they debarked, Mara asked the conductor helping passengers at the steps, “Where are the nearest doctor and hotel?”

  He gestured to a large building about half a block away. “Hotel’s there and they’ll know how to reach a doctor.”

  Struggling with the valises and paraphernalia Amanda owned, Mara urged her sister forward. Gray tinted the other woman’s skin and she walked slowly while slightly bent.

  Dear Heavens, Mara heard the sound of her heartbeat crashing in her ears and her pulse raced like the locomotive they’d left. Her lips trembled so she clenched her jaw and kept moving. Her entire focus was on helping her sister.

  “Just a little farther, Amanda. We’re almost there. When we get inside, the porter will help me get you upstairs.” Mara hoped she spoke the truth. Amanda was fading quickly and wouldn’t be able to walk much longer.