The Cowboy's Unexpected Family

He closed his eyes and willed his inner turmoil to settle. He had nothing against a woman having a business if she had the hankering. But Cassie’s desire went beyond what was necessary or expedient. She seemed set on proving something. He had no idea what.

“You gonna tell Cassie you’re going?” Neil asked.

“I’ll let you.”

“You should tell her yourself,” Daisy interjected, sounding quite certain.

The four watched him closely.

“Ma always said—” Neil started.

Here we go again. Them wanting him and Cassie to act like their ma and pa. He didn’t want to disappoint them but he had no idea how to be a pa any more than he had a hankering to put down roots. A no-name cowboy didn’t expect to belong any place for long. As he’d said to Cassie, he liked being able to say when, where and with whom. “If it will make you happy.” He knew his voice revealed his frustration as soon as Daisy clutched Pansy closer and Neil reached for Billy’s hand. He was getting as prickly as Miss Cassie.

If such a little thing eased their minds, he could do it graciously. “You’re right. I should tell her.” He flashed them a grin as he tromped back up the hill to the shack where pots and pans clattered. Hat in hand, he paused in the doorway.

Cassie glanced up, saw him and pointedly returned to her work.

“I’m going to take the wagon back to the ranch and get a saddle horse.”

Her hands stilled. He felt her indrawn breath.

“Do you want to come along? You and the youngsters?”

She didn’t look directly at him but he caught a flash of eagerness. Then it disappeared, and she grunted. “Thought you were taking the wagon back.”

“Uh-huh.” Of course, he couldn’t bring them back on a saddle horse. “Eddie might be willing to lend us a wagon.”

“No need. I can’t go. I’ve got work to do.” She nodded at the bowl of dough and set of bread pans. “Check and see how Linette is, though, if you don’t mind, and say hi to Grady for me.”

“I can do that. You’ll be okay until I get back?”

That brought her about so fast he chuckled.

“I think I can manage just fine, thank you.”

“See you later, then.” He was still chuckling as he returned to the wagon and bid the youngsters goodbye.

* * *

Later, he pulled the wagon onto the Eden Valley Ranch property and drove past the ranch house. From the dining room window overlooking the yard, he saw Linette watching and waved. At least she was feeling well enough to be up and about.

Eddie trotted from the barn. “Roper. Nice to see you back. Are you here to stay?”

“No. Sorry, boss, but you won’t believe what I’ve been doing.”

“Tell me about it. No, wait. You better come to the house and tell Linette at the same time.”

Roper jumped from the wagon and fell in step with Eddie as they headed up the path to the house. “How’s Linette?” When he left, Eddie was worried that she was so sick.

“She’s fine.”

“Good to see you grinning from ear to ear. Not all hangdog like you were when I left.”

Eddie laughed. “She tells me she’s in the family way. That’s why she’s ill.”

Roper ground to a halt. He wasn’t sure how a man should respond. “You seem happy.” The idea of family filled him with a queasy feeling. It seemed an unnecessary risk.

“I feel like I’m walking on air.”

“You don’t mind that she’s sick?”

“Linette assures me it’s normal and temporary as her body adjusts to the new life growing in her.”

Roper grinned. “Eddie Gardiner a papa! Now won’t that be something?” He couldn’t wait to tell Cassie the news.

Eddie grinned wide enough to split his face. “It will certainly be something to behold.” They reached the house and Eddie threw open the door.

Linette waited in the entrance, the picture of health.

“You’re looking good,” Roper said.

“I’m feeling fine. Better than fine.” She sent Eddie a look full of love and adoration.

A hollow hunger hit Roper’s gut and sucked at his soul. He pushed away the feeling. It was enough that Eddie and Linette were happy, he told himself. He was glad for them.

Linette led the way into the cozy room with big windows allowing a view of the ranch buildings. “Have you been with Cassie all this time?” she asked as they sat at the big table.

“I have and you wouldn’t believe why. She sure didn’t want me to stay and help but...”

Linette served tea and cookies as he told of finding the children and his agreement with Cassie.

“Boss, I’ll be needing time off to help with the kids.”

Eddie nodded. “Take as much time as you need. Your job will be waiting.”

“I’m so grateful it’s worked out that way. I’ve been praying God would somehow make it so Cassie would get help. She’s so...”

Roper sighed. “Prickly.”

Linette chuckled. “Actually I was thinking independent. She once told me she didn’t feel she could trust anyone. Or was it only men she didn’t trust? I can’t remember but once she figured out how to start her own business she was set on proving she didn’t need any help.”

“She’s still set on doing so.”

Grady burst into the room. “Hi, Roper.” He looked about. “Where’s Cassie?”

“I left her in town. Remember, she said she was going to live there.”

Grady climbed to Linette’s lap and snuggled close.