Prairie Cowboy

Gabe leaned closer, making it even more tempting. “Seems to me you’re overreacting, unless…” He dragged his sentence out as he sat back waving a finger. “You’re more interested in her than you’re willing to admit.”

“You’re plumb loco.”

“Then ask her.”

“Please, Pa, please.”

Conor sighed loudly, letting the pair know just how annoying they were. “Fine. I’ll ask. But don’t expect she’ll say yes.”

Virnie had been grateful to Conor’s friend for bringing Rachael to and from school. But it only lasted a few days. When Virnie got a chance to speak to Rachael privately, she learned the Faulk boy or man, whichever he was, had left again and taken the dog with him.

“Did you tell your pa about the dog?”

“Didn’t need to. He’s gone.”

“What about when he comes back?”

Rachael gave an unconcerned shrug. “Maybe he won’t.” And Virnie had to be content with that. So why did she stare down the road every morning until Rachael arrived and check every afternoon, sighing in disappointment when Rachael marched down the road, swinging her lunch pail and kicking up little clouds of dust? It wasn’t because she hoped Conor would ride up for his daughter. It couldn’t be. Because she wouldn’t allow herself such silly thoughts. His behavior was too much like her father’s. And forget the worry and concern she’d seen in his face over Rachael. It didn’t count.

And forget the way his probing look had stirred such an unfamiliar response deep inside in places she had never known existed. Now those places refused to be ignored despite her firmest efforts. The ignited feeling both frightened and thrilled her. With a decided shake of her head, she pulled her thoughts into submission and focused on the letter from Miss Price.

She skimmed over the suggestions on ways to help the Schmidt boys learn English more quickly and nodded as she hurried through the problems Miss Price had sent that would require George to do extra reading before he could solve the challenging arithmetic problems. She found what she really wanted at the end.

As to your questions about your little student, bear in mind that not all parents are willing to let their children benefit from personal involvement with a teacher. In my experience, there has only been you and Belle.

Belle had been a student before Virnie. She came from a large family and when her parents decided to move farther west they made the choice to let Belle continue her education. Boarding with Miss Price had been a perfect solution for Belle. Her parents had left her reluctantly.

Unlike Virnie. In her case, she had learned to accept that her father was glad to be rid of her.

She turned back to the letter.

“That is not to say there aren’t other ways of helping this child both inside and outside the classroom.” Miss Price went on to list several scenarios such as involving Rachael in extra reading, or performing in a drama or being involved in some community endeavor. “I will pray for such opportunities.”

Virnie folded the letter and put it in the drawer with the previous letters from Miss Price. She owed it to her mentor to do something for Rachael even if it meant having to deal with Conor and her errant feelings around him.

But what?

God would have to provide the answer.

The next day, Conor surprised her by bringing Rachael to school. Rachael ran to Virnie. “Pa wants to talk to you.”

She wondered at the excitement in Rachael’s voice. But her main concern when she crossed the yard to where Conor waited was controlling the sudden roll of her heart that left her breathless.

“You wanted to speak to me?” She kept her voice admirably calm despite the way her insides vibrated at speaking to this man who had inadvertently opened up an unwelcome door in her heart. She didn’t know what lay past that open door and didn’t intend to find out. She had her life plans laid out firmly. She would be a dedicated teacher such as Miss Price had trained her to be. And because it was what she wanted.

Conor seemed very interested in the reins draped across his palm. “Umm. I have to go to Gabe’s farm and help him with his harvest.”

She nodded. “Does that mean yours is done?”

“Yes, and a fair harvest, too.”

“Good. I’m glad for you.” Though she wondered what it had to do with her and why he continued to twist the reins.

“Rae can’t go with me.”

“Of course not. She has to attend school.”

“And do the chores at home.”

She nodded. “You’ll miss her, I suppose.” She had to see his response, assure herself he did care, that Rachael being a girl wasn’t reason enough to resent her.

Conor’s gaze rested on Rachael standing near the school watching them. Then he turned to look hard at Virnie.

She saw his stark feelings about his daughter. He loved her so much it seemed to almost hurt him.

“I will miss her.” His voice was low, edged with roughness. “But out here we do what has to be done without complaining.”

She nodded, not understanding the warning note in his voice.

He sucked in air and jerked his gaze away as if aware of the tension lacing the air between them. “She needs someone to stay with her.”

“Certainly she does.”

He shifted back to look at her. “Would you?”

His gaze was so intent, so demanding, she found it difficult to think. “Would I what?”

“Would you stay with her?”

Her mouth fell open. She forced it shut and swallowed hard. Was this God’s answer for a way to spend more time with Rachael? He’d certainly found a unique way of doing it.

Conor took her hesitation for regret. “I wouldn’t be there. Be gone for a week or two.”

“Why I’d love to stay with her. On one condition.”

His eyes narrowed. “Tell me before I agree.”

“You allow me to teach her a few skills around the house.”

Darkness filled his eyes. “Don’t need fancy stuff.”

“Seems to me from the little I saw that you would benefit from someone knowing a few basics like washing dishes and tidying up.”

They did silent battle with their eyes and then he nodded. “So long as you don’t teach her to be a silly, weak female.”

She laughed, despite feeling like her past had slapped her full-on. “Female doesn’t necessarily equate weak and silly.” She’d tried to prove it to her father. Unfortunately, she had failed so miserably he had sent her away and never again contacted her. She pushed the hurt of her former life back into the shadows. This was not about her. It was about Rachael.

Conor only quirked his eyebrows at her quick defense. “I have to leave immediately. Take good care of her.” He waved Rachael over.