The Rancher’s Bride

©2019 by Stella Clark

All rights reserved. No part of this may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written permission.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are a product of the author's imagination. Any resemblance to actual people, living or dead, or to businesses, events or locales is completely coincidental.

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Epilogue

Chapter One

The young woman didn’t mean to kiss the stamp before she turned the letter over to the handler, but when the note was gone, she suddenly missed it. She watched the man with sandy blond hair climb up onto the stagecoach, tip his hat, and slip the bag of letters away carefully.

Hollie Markland clasped her hands together and took a shaky breath. It was just foolishness, she told herself. Simple foolishness that could lead into all types of directions she wasn’t quite certain she wanted to explore. But her eyes stuck to the young man driving the horses out of town, and she knew her letter was out of reach now. It was going west, off to Montana just like her last five letters.

“Hollie! My shoe. Look at my shoe. Look, see? There’s mud on it. Tommy splashed mud on my shoe, Hollie.”

The high plaintive voice stirred her from her thoughts. The pounding in her heart slowed as her youngest sister, Josephine, pouted with one hand gesturing toward the ground and the other tugging on Hollie’s skirt. They both looked down to see that, indeed, one black boot was covered in brown mud.

If mud was good for anything, Hollie decided, it at least covered the missing buttons. Those shoes had gone through all three of the Markland girls. First Hollie, and then Ruth, and now Josephine. There wasn’t a lot of room for new clothes in a family of seven children. Trying to put herself back on track, Hollie crouched down to the little girl’s face and brushed back the soft curls. She was too serious for a six-year-old.

“That wasn’t very nice of Tommy,” she said with a nod, “but surely he didn’t do that on purpose. Nonetheless, my darling Josephine, it’s only mud. And what is mud?”

Josephine shifted but the pout didn’t budge. “Dirt and water.”

“Which means we can wash it right off. We can do that at home, can’t we?”

“But I didn’t want to go home yet,” Josephine explained. “I don’t like being at home. There’s nothing to do. Only lots and lots of chores.”

Hollie’s lip twitched. “What? Don’t you like your chores?” Her sister made a face and that was enough to make her laugh. She straightened up and tugged on her sister’s messy braid. “It’s time to go back, all the same. I’ll need to get started on supper. Do you want to help me with the bread?”

“I suppose.” Josephine’s gaze dropped back down to her shoes as she daintily tried to kick the mud off without falling over or touching it with her hands. It made their walk home rather tricky and slow, but Hollie wasn’t in a hurry. Her sister had a point, after all. Home wasn’t a lot of fun.

The two girls kneaded the bread as Ruth prepared the soup. Every couple of minutes, Hollie would check and recheck the measurements. Then she’d glance at the shelves and then to the front door, waiting for her father and brothers to return from the factory. Their mother was in the next room, finishing her work as a seamstress. Everyone needed to work to survive in Boston.

But even then, sometimes it wasn’t enough. The Marklands gathered around the supper table as the sun set. Hollie glanced at the platters, wishing she’d had enough flour to spare for two loaves instead of one. So she passed it up when it came around, feeling her parents’ gaze on her as she took the smallest pieces of every dish.

“I saw Mr. Bartholomew again,” their father spoke up in the silence. The kids chewed quietly, their gazes down. “He asked about you, Hollie.”

That’s when all the eyes turned on her. She stared at her nearly empty plate and pushed around the green beans. Mr. Bartholomew was a machinist at the car factory her father and brothers worked at. He was an older man, never married, and had more hair on his body than she thought possible. And she hadn’t even seen that much.

But the children were growing, and the three-bedroom home wasn’t big enough for all of them. Mr. Bartholomew wasn’t the first man her parents had brought up or brought by the house. Ever since she was fourteen, they’d been trying to help find her a new home, a place where she had enough to eat. Her own home to tend to.

“That’s nice.” She put the fork down, realizing it was time to tell everyone the truth. It had been five months now, and they needed to know. “Please send him my greetings. However, I suppose it might come time to … that is, I know I haven’t … well, I’m leaving.”

Everyone stopped, their mouths falling open in shock.

Her face heated up, and she looked around at her family—her mother, father, Ruth, Josephine, Michael, Daniel, Tommy, and Robert. They were a good little family, in a hard little life. She took a deep breath and prayed that her next family would have love in it, too. “I … I’ve accepted a proposal. He’ll be sending for me. He … he’s a good man. A … a rancher, in Montana.”

The Markland children watched their parents exchange glances with furrowed brows. It was suppertime, so Hollie knew there would be no more conversation until Mother and Father had an opportunity to discuss the new matter at hand. Swallowing, she finished her green beans and waited to be excused.

Her parents wouldn’t stop her. She was eighteen years old; too old to be at home, especially with so many mouths to feed. And she had the answers to their questions. Yes, he was a God-fearing man. Yes, he had a warm home and hundreds of acres of land. And yes, he already had children of his own—two children who needed a mother. That was the only aspect that worried her, but as she looked around at the siblings she had helped raise, Hollie felt an assurance that she could do it.

After all those years of prayers, surely this was what the Lord wanted her to do with her life.

Chapter Two

It was a chilly morning. Anton Delaney rubbed his hands together to warm them up as he stepped out the back door to look towards the mountains. They were practically on his doorstep and looked mighty pretty with the sun rising right behind them. He’d built the house eight years ago, right around the time his Paul was born. They’d stayed in Pastor Williams’ old place until this was ready for their little family.

He’d just wanted something that would keep them warm in the winter and dry against the snow and rain. It was his wife, Julie, who’d decided their front door would face the setting sun and the back door would face the rising sun. She’d had a whole theory about how it would bless their family. So he had done that, just for her.

And they’d been blessed for a good while. His ranch thrived, his animals grew, and they were blessed with a sweet little girl shortly afterwards, as well. Anton had expected life to be hard, certainly, but he’d expected his wife to be with him during those difficulties. Instead, she’d passed away just this last year, leaving him with too much space and children who had just stopped asking where Julie had gone.

Pulling on his gloves, he glanced towards the snowy mountaintops and wondered if the summer was really here or not. May was a tricky month, and he never knew what to expect.

“Are they awake?”

Martha Reed, his foreman’s wife, arrived in the wagon with her four children. It wasn’t far from their house, just down the road, but as the children stumbled out sleepily, Anton could see the use in using the wagon for just a few hundred yards. He glanced at the woman who wore a tight-lipped smile, clearly already tired of her children.

He tipped his hat and hesitated. “Good morning, Mrs. Reed. I’m afraid not. I wanted to let them get some rest …” Anton stopped, feeling guilt leech onto his chest as he looked at her kids. There was no one else around to watch Paul and Jenny except for Martha since he needed all his hands available. They hadn’t had clear skies like these for some time with the heavy winter and with June right around the corner, they had to take advantage of it while they could.

“I’m sorry,” he sighed. “I really am grateful to you, ma’am. And, well … it won’t be much longer. I can assure you of that.”

“Oh?” The older woman gave him a look as she continued up the steps, attempting to shepherd all her kids through the door. “Why? Are you finally getting yourself a nanny?”

The words spilled before he could help it. “No, actually. I’m getting me a wife.”

Martha Reed stopped short, one hand on her youngest child’s head who stumbled into the wall. Neither of them appeared to notice. “Oh, are you now?” She stared. “Is—is it Nancy, from town?”

His cheeks reddened. “No, I … I actually put an ad out. You know, for a bride. Out East, I thought …” Anton struggled for words. “She’s got experience, you see, with children. And she agreed to marry me, so she’s … on her way here.”

“You … Anton Delaney,” Martha asked quietly, “did you mail order yourself a bride?”

Anton swallowed. “I did. She, uh, she arrives next week. So—so you’ll be free to tend your own children in your own home. Just thought you should know.”

She stood above him now, in front of the door as he stood at the bottom of the steps. The Reeds had been with him since the beginning, old friends of his ever since he first arrived in Montana. He held very high esteem for both of them and had hesitated on saying anything to them. Well, to anyone, really. An itch started up behind his ear. Maybe he should have consulted them earlier than this.

“Well, I’ll be …” she murmured quietly. It took a minute before she nodded. “Good. Your home could use a woman again. I’m not exactly the replacement you’re looking for, after all. Now get back to your cows, sir. My husband is already in the northern fields waiting on you.” She offered a stiff smile and disappeared inside.

Anton let out the breath he’d been holding. Rubbing his ear, he started towards the barn to get his horse. He couldn’t help a glance back at the house and wondered if he’d made a mistake; made a mistake by choosing to stay here after his wife passed, made a mistake having Mrs. Reed take care of his children, made a mistake bringing in a new wife, or made a mistake not telling anyone about it.

He gritted his teeth as he saddled his horse. It was a bad habit, second guessing decisions he had already made. Both Paul and Jenny were having a hard time of everything, after all. Losing a mother wasn’t easy, especially in such a small town that wasn’t exactly made for children. He just didn’t know what to do with them. He’d prayed and prayed, and this was the only solution that had come to mind.

The Lord wanted a man to have a wife, didn’t He? And for children to have a mother, didn’t He? Anton took a deep breath and told himself he was being a darn fool. It was going to work out, one way or the other. He missed Julie more than anything in the world, but he knew the children needed someone more. So he was doing it for them, and he was doing it for her.

“Hup to, old boy,” he muttered to the horse, and headed out to start the day.

Chapter Three

It was just nerves, Hollie told herself. Surely, that’s all they were. Just nerves wound up so tight in her stomach that she could hardly breathe. She clutched her purse now, tighter than she had when the stagecoach driver had shouted they had arrived in Bannack, Montana.

She was there. Blinking rapidly, the young woman tried to take in the sights. There were mountains, so many mountains. They towered over the little town of Bannack. It made her stomach even tenser. And, Anton had told her he lived outside of the town, in an even more rural area. Hollie thought she had a good imagination but nothing had prepared her for this reality.

The carpet bag was all she had to her name. Tightening her grip, Hollie glanced around. She wasn’t sure what her future husband looked like. She worried and wondered if he would recognize her. Not knowing how to describe herself, she’d offered the idea of a tall girl with too much brown hair and thin lips.

“Ms. Markland?”

Hollie turned and sucked in a breath so suddenly that she began to cough. “Oh … oh my! Yes, I … Oh, I’m sorry.” She cleared her throat. Her heart lurched as her cheeks tinged with embarrassment. Of course he was here. She straightened up and licked her lips as she got a good look at the stranger she’d promised herself to.

He was older, sure enough, but not as old as she’d expected. Probably only ten years older than herself without a sight of gray hair in his neatly-combed dark hair. His lips were stiffly shut but she saw the crow’s feet by his eyes and knew he must be as kind as his letters. She reminded herself she might not love him, as she had accepted when she had first answered his ad, but surely they would come to some form of pleasant agreement.

Especially with the children. Oh God, she prayed, please bless the children. Help me to love them as their mother did, to do right by them. Help me to do right by Mr. Anton Delaney.

On the other hand, he’d had a few minutes to study her before making his way to her side. There had been four other travelers, two sets of two. It could only be her. She certainly had brown hair like she had mentioned, so much that it spilled from her hat and down her shoulders. It was pretty, he decided.

“Anton Delaney. I … It’s good to meet you,” Anton offered and then belatedly tipped his hat. He spent so much time around his men that he kept forgetting about that lately. “Do you have any bags?”

She’d nearly forgotten. “Oh yes. I mean, no. Just this one.” Hollie lifted up the heavy carpet bag to show her intended just how little she’d brought with her. Immediately, Anton accepted the piece of luggage as though she’d offered it to him and carried the bag as though it weighed nothing.

Her mouth opened in protest, but she stopped herself in time. The man was trying to be a gentleman, she reminded herself. That idea helped one of the knots untangle in her stomach, and she found herself able to take a deep breath. Surely, this was a good man.

They were quiet as he guided her to his wagon. She was carefully helped up to the front seat before he moved to the other side, untying the horses as he went, and climbed up beside her. When his thigh brushed her leg, a hot blush spread across her cheeks again, and she prayed it would stop. She’d just recovered from her embarrassing cough.

Anton noticed both moments of pink on her cheeks, but forced himself to do nothing. He was on a tight schedule, after all. Picking up the reins, he glanced at the pretty little girl beside him and wondered if he really was crazy. “I’ve already spoken to the pastor,” he announced. “He’s ready to marry us now.”

“Now?”

She had such big eyes, he marveled. But with her bonnet, he couldn’t quite see exactly what color they were.

The man swallowed tightly, dropping his gaze. He felt like a young boy all over again, trying to find the right words to say in front of a girl. “I thought it best before I … before I took you home. If you don’t mind?”

Blue. They were blue eyes that warmed up as she smiled. “Of course. It’s why I came, isn’t it?” She nodded. “Let us meet your pastor.”

Pastor Williams went back and forth between Bannock and Green Peak, where Anton lived. Montana was a big place and even the faithful church attendants didn’t have time every week to leave their fields and animals. Anton brought Hollie to the church there in Bannock where the pastor’s family acted as their witnesses for their simple ceremony.

She wasn’t certain what she had expected, but it made Hollie a little glad that she had such few expectations. Though she had once hoped for flowers at her wedding, this was something she was able to put past her, and she said all her lines appropriately.

Mr. and Mrs. Anton Delaney shared a chaste kiss. And then, with both of their hearts beating right out of their chests, they headed for home. As Hollie wished to find something to ask Anton about her new home, she couldn’t find the words. At the same time, Anton tried to find something to say about the mountains and the fresh air, but he couldn’t get his tongue to work.

They drove peacefully on their way to the Wild Creek Ranch. There was a dip in the valley that brought them to the greenest plains. When the horses led them over a river, Hollie caught sight of wildflowers growing in every color she could have possibly dreamed of. Flowers turned to tall trees that finally gave way to mountains.

It was different than the world of cobblestone streets, factories, and smoke. Instead, there was a natural sense of peace and beauty that she didn’t feel was possible to ever break. An absent smile slipped over her lips as they drove deeper into Montana. And seeing those pretty curled-up lips, Anton smiled in relief. Perhaps, they both considered, this was the right choice after all.

Chapter Four

The Delaney house was twice the size of the Markland home. It stood tall against the winter winds and offered shade in the sunshine and rain. One floor had a good-sized attic, and there was a large wrap-around porch adorned with two rocking chairs and a bench. Patterned curtains hung in the windows, faded but still a spark of color against the dark logs.

A small thrill of excitement ran its way through Hollie’s spine as they pulled up. “I’ll put the horses away in a heartbeat,” Anton explained as he hopped off the wagon and made his way to her side. “Let me first introduce you to the children.”

Swallowing the lump in her throat, she offered a shy smile. “I’d like that. What—if you don’t mind, what have they said about me so far?”

“Papa’s home! Papa’s home! He’s back!”

A door slammed, and the two of them turned towards the house. She didn’t have a good view of the front door because of the way he’d parked them to the side. Squinting against the sunlight, she stood there anxiously, waiting to see what might happen next.

Anton left her side and ran onto the porch, scooping up one child and then the next until he was swinging them both around in his arms. Hollie couldn’t help but grin at the sight. She remembered how her father used to do that with her and her siblings, back when he had the energy to romp around with everyone. Drawn to the cheerful energy, she made her way over to the steps.

“Did you bring me a peppermint?” a little boy’s high voice demanded. That had to be Paul. He had the same hair as his father, she could see, and looked rather disheveled though she couldn’t tell if it was from something he had done or the way Anton ruffled it.

“Me too! Me too!” Little Jenny. Oh, how Hollie prayed for the hundredth time that she could do right by them.

Their father laughed. It was so deep and loud that she was caught off guard. The step beneath her squeaked and the children turned, realizing they weren’t alone. Jenny disappeared behind her father, and Paul crossed his arms. Hollie hesitated, her breath caught. That wasn’t a good sign. He looked like her brother, Michael, when he didn’t get his way.

“Of course I did,” Anton replied as though he hadn’t noticed the sudden change in his children. “And I brought you something better, too. Paul, Jenny, this is my new wife. Your new mother.”

That confident smile he gave her made Hollie dearly wish she could amount to deserving it someday. But she understood in that moment that everything was wrong. It was clear Anton hadn’t told his children about her. She was showing up on their doorstep and for all they thought, she was going to steal their father. Her heart dropped.

Without a place to hide or anything else to do, she made a quick decision to make the best of the new situation. Hollie stepped forward and put on her sweetest, sugariest smile that she gave her siblings whenever she was about to bribe them to behave better.

“Hello, Paul. Good afternoon, Jenny. I—I have heard so much about the two of you from your father. My name is Hollie M—well, I’m Hollie, and I’m very excited to be here with you.” She glanced up at Anton, who nodded her way. “Jenny,” she ventured, seeing the little girl peek out between her father’s legs and knowing she would most likely be the most pliable, “I’ve never been to this house. It’s very pretty and—and very big. Do you think you could show me around?”

The little girl had blonde hair that spun in soft curls over her shoulders as she glanced up at her father. Anton patted her head and smiled. “Go on. You can show her your room and the kitchen and everything. Go on. You’ll like her.”

He hadn’t been sure that would be enough, for Jenny was very shy. She wasn’t yet five, granted, but he could have sworn Paul had been more outgoing at that age. So when the blonde little angel slowly walked over and held out her hand to Hollie, Anton couldn’t have been more relieved. He knew he should have told the children sooner, but the words had been harder than he’d expected them to be. He watched them go. What a pair the two girls made, walking hand in hand into the house.

“Come on, Paul.” He reached out to ruffle his son’s hair again, hoping it would stay that soft forever. “Let the women talk for a minute and join me in the barn. The horses need to be brushed down.” The two of them made their way around the house. Anton watched the boy curiously, wondering why he’d fallen so quiet. Usually, Paul was full of stories whenever Anton returned. He made several attempts to engage him in conversation but nothing worked.

Paul worked carefully as Martha Reed packed up her children to go home. Luckily, she’d been kind enough to prepare supper, or a small wedding feast she’d called it, before they left. It was a delicious meal but even then, Anton couldn’t get a word out of the boy.

***

“I’m sure he’s fine.” He decided that evening after the children had been put to bed and the house was cleaned. Standing in front of Hollie at the base of his bed—well, their bed—they had a moment to themselves.

She offered a hesitant smile with a glance towards the door. “Perhaps it’s just shock, then.”

That made sense. He nodded and loosened the top button on his shirt. Only then did he glance down to see Hollie wringing her fingers. Anton opened his mouth to ask what was wrong but saw her eyes glance towards the bed and realized her concern.

“That chest …” He cleared his throat and gestured to the corner on her side, “can be used to store your dresses and nightclothes. I’ll … turn around if you want to change.”

“Oh? Oh! Oh, thank you.” Hollie flushed and glanced over. “That’s kind of you.”

The words sounded so formal. Unable to handle the nervous movements of her hands, Anton reached out and grabbed them. And he gave her his friendliest smile to let the girl know she didn’t have to be afraid of him. “You’re my wife now,” he reminded her, and then stalled, trying to find the right things to say. “We’re equal in this, in marriage. You know that, right? I’m not … I want you to be happy here. With us. Whatever it takes. Understand?”

She searched his eyes carefully until she was certain he was honest. And then she gave him that sweet smile all over again.

Chapter Five

Time heals all wounds, her mother used to say. Hollie stepped out onto the back porch the next morning, crossing her arms against the chill, and considered the scene before her. It was nothing like she’d ever seen before, and she wondered if she would ever get used to it. The mountains were so close and so tall. They even had snow on top of them, she marveled. Time did miraculous things.

It would melt the snow, it would get her comfortable in her new home, and quite hopefully, it would help Paul to warm up to her. He’d been through some hardships, so of course, it would take some time. The boy was already awake, watching her carefully from his room as she stepped out to put on her shoes. She’d invited him to join her, but the boy had turned away.

She didn’t blame him. Hollie simply hoped time would help. And in the meantime, she vowed, she would do everything she could to support them and help them and love them. Anton’s letters had already described Paul’s forward-thinking nature, telling her that he was both playful and intelligent. He could read and write well and did all the arithmetic problems at the school. Only they didn’t go too often, so he didn’t always have a lot to do. And Jenny—Anton had talked about all the sweet things she did for others like helping out, gathering flowers for everyone, and saving little birds with broken wings. Hollie had wanted to love them with all her heart since she’d received those letters and only more so now that she was there in Green Peak.

The Bible said that charity is the true love of Christ, she reminded herself, and one can do that by serving others. Hollie took a deep breath and after a good look at the view before her, she returned inside and started making flapjacks.

Anton was already out of the house, tending to the cows and goats. He’d woken Paul up to help with the chickens, and then released him to get a few more minutes in bed when he still wouldn’t talk. After moving the horses out to the pasture, he turned back to the house as well.

A familiar sniffing sound caught his attention, and he hurried towards the children’s rooms. He’d heard that sound much too often since they’d lost Julie, and it broke his heart every time. Before he could do anything, however, Hollie was there. The young woman wrapped the four-year-old in her arms and started humming. Jenny’s face was tearstained as she cradled her little doll.

“I’m sad,” the child pouted.

“You poor thing.” Hollie stroked her hair. “Well, I’m here for you. You be sad and I’ll sing you a song until you feel better. Would that help?”

“Mhm.”

“Wonderful. Don’t you worry, I’m here for you.” And she started to hum again, an old familiar hymn. The worry in Anton’s shoulders faded as he watched the scene unfold with genuine surprise and relief. Any apprehension about Hollie had clearly faded with Jenny. Usually no one could console her about the terrible dreams she had so often. His eyes followed them around the room carefully, praying this wasn’t a dream.

When she made a turn around the room, Hollie finally noticed they weren’t alone. They said nothing to each other as she continued singing about Christ’s love in the spring, but he saw how the corners of her lips turned up, and she nudged her head towards the kitchen. Anton could only offer a nod before he allowed himself to be distracted with a delicious scent of maple syrup.

By the time he had finished eating, Jenny decided she wasn’t sad anymore and was ready to get dressed. Hollie offered to help but the girl decided she was old enough to do it on her own and disappeared speedily into her room.

“Does she usually do it all by herself?” Hollie chewed her lip, fixing the apron as she returned to the kitchen where Anton sat. The apron had been Julie’s, he realized, and as old feelings arose, he had to look away. “Should I go and check on her?”

He hesitated, staring at his boots. A rush of mixed emotions was running him over, and there weren’t any words to explain the pain and the fear. He licked his lips and tried to focus.

“I don’t rightly know, but … I think she’s fine.” Clearing his throat, he stood up. “I have to be going. I’m late for—we’re branding the calves today, you see, and my men will already be halfway through on the range. I’ll try and come back—around midday?”

Glancing around the kitchen, she picked up a plate. “Oh, right. Of course, yes. You … you have a job to do, after all. I’ll just … I’ll watch the children. And clean up,” she stammered, wondering why he wouldn’t look at her.

Ducking his head, Anton stood. Maybe when he came back she wouldn’t be wearing the apron. But it was the only one they had, he realized. A lump in his throat was forming and before it could get worse, he grabbed his hat and left.

Hollie watched, confused if she’d offended him. Fidgeting with her dress and apron, she wondered if she had done something wrong. Perhaps the flapjacks hadn’t tasted good enough. The young woman licked her lips and tried to tell herself she was being silly. He was a busy man with a ranch to run. He didn’t always have time for niceties. And besides, they had just been married yesterday. Everything would need time.

“I’m dressed! Dressed. See?” Jenny appeared, a perfect distraction. The sight of her attempted outfit for the day made Hollie chuckle. They were already going to be good friends, she knew, and so she hurried over to the girl. First she’d work on Jenny, and then she’d win over Paul.

Chapter Six

“Oh!” Hollie clamped a hand over her mouth, stifling a scream. It was the fourth time she’d found an unexpected surprise in the house. Though they had come into a sort of rhythm in the three weeks she had been there, not everything on the schedule was to her liking.

Clearing her throat, she tried to gather her nerve and with a deep breath, pulled out her handkerchief to pick the dead toad off her seat. The least she could do was carefully bury it outside near the garden. Next to the snakeskin left in the sink. And where she’d left the live mouse that had been tucked in one of the kitchen drawers. Time, she reminded herself, they just needed more time. None of this was by accident, she knew, having raised several boys. Paul was just acting out because he didn’t know what else to do. But eventually, eventually, something good would happen.

Those were the worst of the things he did. Everything else she didn’t bat an eye at, such as leaving his clothes about, not cleaning his dishes, and attempting to refuse baths. Anton helped with the latter since the boy had grown more talkative around him. He’d even addressed her twice now, though only at his father’s insistence.

“He’s quiet still,” she shared with him frequently. “But we’re making progress, I’m certain of it.”

At night after they’d settled into bed, Hollie’s thoughts would wander, and she questioned again if she should tell Anton about what Paul was really doing. They were married now, and there weren’t supposed to be secrets in a marriage. Those were about trust, after all, and honesty. But she didn’t want him to fight her battles for her, and then she worried about pitting the two boys against each other. What could she do?

No, Paul needed his father. She couldn’t do that to the boy who was clearly struggling. There was no need to start a fight, to get Paul angry at her and have Anton need to choose between them. Just the idea made her shudder. Watching her siblings argue like that and pick sides had always bothered her. In this new family, she promised then and there, she would never do such a thing.

Once the frog was properly buried, she returned inside to wash her hands. Her eyes drifted to the children playing with wooden toys on the rug as she turned to the sink to wash her hands and continue supper.

Before she could reach it, however, her hip nudged a chair sticking out a little too far. Her heart caught. The chair had been precariously supporting the pot of stew on the table. It wasn’t supposed to be on the table, let alone held up with a chair. With the chair’s movement, the pot spun and even as she jumped for it, Hollie was too late.

“No!” Broth and carrots and potatoes scattered on the dirty floor. She stumbled, arms outstretched as though to rescue part of it, any of it. It was laundry day, which required most of her time, so she had gathered the basics to prepare a simple meal for the evening. Anton would be returning soon, and her heart skipped a beat in dismay. Supper was ruined and now, so was the kitchen.

The house had gone silent as the children watched. Her eyes stung. Hollie swallowed a lump in her throat, telling herself not to be silly. This was no time to cry. A child’s resentment was not a good enough reason to react negatively, not when he didn’t understand everything and not when he was still wishing for his mother.

Balling her hands into fists, she took a deep breath. And then another. Being embarrassed was natural, she tried to tell herself, but this was an opportunity to grow and be better. Knowing she had left the pot next to the fireplace on a chair, Hollie had to accept that Paul had done this. He was trying to chase her away, but she was the adult and she needed to be responsible about this.

Hollie went back down on her hands and knees to gather up the vegetables for the pigs. Once that was handled, she started to clean. She was nearly halfway through when the familiar sound of footsteps reached the porch. Jenny and Paul were out the door as they ran to their father. Hollie watched as Anton swung them around as he had the first time she’d seen them together, all of them laughing merrily, and her heart warmed.

“How were the cattle today?” Paul asked brightly when his father turned his attention to him. Anton raised his eyebrow, wondering why the boy had grown so interested in the ranch lately. “Did you lead them all to the river?”

With a smile, he nodded and led the children inside. “I sure did. We’ve got some nice river water in our wild, wild creek, and they enjoyed a mighty fine day.” He was just describing something his foreman, Peter Reed, had done when he turned to Hollie. “Something smells good. What’s for supper?”

The bright smile she’d worn a second ago disappeared. “I … I’m afraid I spilled it.” Her gaze dropped. “My sincerest apologies. We have some fresh apples on the counter. I saved those, and you could eat them while I start on something new? I’m sorry, Anton, I’ll fix this for all of us just as soon as I can.”

Chewing on his tongue, he studied her for a moment. This wasn’t the first time their evening meal had been ruined. But he didn’t think he asked for much, just having the expectation that there would be food on the table and the house would be maintained. It didn’t make a lot of sense what was happening now, but he didn’t know what to say. The fact that she wouldn’t meet his gaze now further confused him. “You spilled it?”

“Yes, I’m afraid so.”

“Did you trip over something?”

She hesitated, rocking on her feet as though she had to think about it. “Well, perhaps.”

This wasn’t helping anyone. “You don’t know?” He shook his head when she shrugged. But it didn’t look like she had anything else to say. Anton sighed before noticing how quiet the room was. Both children still held his hands. Glancing at them, he reminded himself to be a good father. Hollie was only doing her best, after all. Surely if something was wrong, she would tell him. There was no reason to be mad at her.

“I’m sorry,” his wife volunteered once again.

Her wide eyes reminded him that she was still young herself. For a moment, he felt guilt for the unkind way he had treated her. The girl was wringing her hands anxiously, a sign he recognized now to be that she was terribly nervous.

She wasn’t old enough to even have a child like Paul yet. The East Coast grew soft women, he knew, but Hollie was a strong one. He just couldn’t seem to read her right. So he gave up and tried to better the situation for them. “It’s just fine,” he declared, glancing at his children. “Supper doesn’t mean everything. And mistakes happen. We’ll make the best of this. Who wants an apple?”

Jenny’s arm leapt into the air. “Me! Me! I do!”

Chapter Seven

“Here we are,” Anton announced as the wagon came to a stop. He jumped out, tying the horses before he reached Hollie’s side. She waited patiently for him to help her down, and then to get the children as well. Afterwards, he held out his arm to lead them into the church building.

It was odd, Hollie had decided, that they had one pastor who traveled frequently between towns. But because of the size of the towns and the space between them, she found that understandable. Everything was simply so spread out and far apart that it was hard to remember things moved slower in Montana. She was only disappointed that she couldn’t attend church every week. Two weeks ago, they had planned to come, but Anton was needed to help a sick calf, and they’d had to miss the sermon.

So she was more than happy to finally make it to church. Glancing at her new little family in their Sunday best, a small seed of hope sprouted within her heart.

Only she noticed everyone’s eyes were on hers as they entered the building. Hollie’s grip tightened on Anton’s arm. In return, he placed his other hand on top of her own and offered her a small smile. “Let’s take a seat,” he said, pointing to one particular row. “I’m afraid everyone’s going to be mighty curious about you,” he added once they’d taken a seat.

“Oh?” Her eyes widened.

“Don’t worry. They’ll wait until after the sermon to come talk to us.”

Anton meant that to be reassuring, Hollie knew, but it didn’t make her feel any better. Her heart skipped a beat and again, her eyes darted around. What were they all thinking? What did they know about her? Or was he surprising everyone as well, like he’d done to his children? She could hardly sing the opening hymn, her thoughts were so sidetracked.

It was the same pastor who had married them. What was his name? She couldn’t recall, but he smiled when he noticed the two of them. Though his tone never wavered, the man nodded his head in her direction. Anton must have noticed as well because he scooted closer to close the space between them.

Pastor Williams was addressing the topic of charitable love in his sermon. The Bible quotes he referenced and the hymns they sang made Anton think. He had known he loved his Julie from the moment he saw her. They were only kids but she had come West in the wagons, and they’d stopped in Indiana when her mother fell ill. When the woman passed, her father didn’t want to leave her grave, so they’d stayed. Anton had spent the next ten years convincing Julie they were meant to be together. With her father’s approval, they’d married and started their own journey West. He’d fallen in love with the land at first sight, and he’d loved his two children upon knowing of their existence.

His gaze dropped down to his knee, seeing how his thigh brushed against Hollie’s blue dress. It was a pretty dress and made her eyes shine. Though hesitant, she always invited his touch and put forth effort to make him happy. He searched his feelings for her, wondering what it was that he felt for her. A fondness, certainly, but there was still so much they didn’t know about one another. So much was still unsaid; she hesitated when she spoke to him in private, and she was always very careful and deliberate whenever she touched him. They had a good relationship, Anton thought, but something felt different.

Love was a funny thing. It breathed within people in strange ways and as Pastor Williams spoke of long-suffering, Hollie’s gaze dropped past her husband to the little boy. To their little boy. She was only eighteen years old and though she’d only been a Delaney for a month, her heart was full for Paul. Life was hard in general, and he was going through so much that all she wanted to do was hold him tight. If only he would let her.

They sang the final hymn and immediately, people began to mill around, walking over to their friends. And now, Hollie’s heart skipped a beat, to her.

“Now, Mr. Delaney, who might you have brought all the way out here to our little town of Green Peak, Montana?” The first woman, a redhead, proclaimed loudly.

Hollie swallowed tight. But before she could start wringing her hands anxiously, Anton subtly took one of them in his and intertwined their fingers. It was like he had read her mind. Though quiet and often distracted, he still treated her well and tenderly. A small sense of relief trickled through her body, helping her to relax.

“It’s good to see you, Mrs. Smith,” Anton started slowly.

“She’s my new mama!” Jenny announced eagerly, taking up Hollie’s other hand. Biting back a chuckle, she squeezed the girl’s hand in return. Now this little one was the easiest to love, she knew without a doubt. Hollie wondered how lucky she was to be with a good family. And hopefully, someday, they’d all love one another.

Until then, Hollie tried to put her best foot forward to the town. “Good afternoon, everyone. My name is Hollie Delaney. It’s lovely to meet every one of you. Mrs. Smith, was it?”

Chapter Eight

“Are you sure?”

She stopped biting her lip and offered her husband a tight smile. He asked her that all the time, just in case she wasn’t certain. Though Hollie firmly believed that he meant well, being asked that question repeatedly was a little tiresome.

“I am, yes. The ranch is important, after all. You’ve told me enough about the animals out there that I trust you’ll keep yourself safe. And your men, of course.” Hollie finished tying the braid and pinned it up around her head. “One night should be fine.” To her relief, her voice didn’t waver.

Still, it didn’t set well with Anton. He had left for a few nights at a time, covering his land and tracking the animals in the pastures. But it would be the first time they spent a night apart since she’d arrived, and she didn’t blame him for not feeling confident about leaving this time around. Internally, Hollie was terrified. Anything might come their way. Strangers, natives, bears, mountain lions, snakes, and worse. Most would keep to themselves, but trouble could come from anywhere, and Hollie didn’t know how to handle anything outside of a house.

With a sigh, Anton took a step forward, but didn’t reach for her. Instead, he fiddled with his hat. “I should have taught you how to shoot. That would make me feel mighty better, knowing you could protect yourself. Paul knows a thing or two, and we’ve talked about it plenty, but I still don’t like it.” He wore a deep frown, and she watched the crease in his forehead grow deeper.

“Nor do I,” she offered, taking a step closer. Hollie searched his eyes, trying to see if he worried because of the house or because of her. How much did he care for his second wife? She tried not to think such thoughts, knowing she had accepted this particular role for what it was, but sometimes she couldn’t help but wonder. “But you have to take care of this ranch. When you do, you’re taking care of us. It’s like how I take care of the house; it’s for all of us.”

“You said it yourself,” she reminded him. “Paul can help if someone comes. I’ll keep the bolts in, and we’ll keep the windows shut. You’ve done this before, and you’ll do it again. I’m positive all will be well, Anton.”

Though she looked more serious than he’d ever seen her before, Anton couldn’t help but be reminded that she was still a young woman. He knew she woke up at the wolves howling and jumped when animals crossed their paths. Studying her face, he remembered again just how pretty she was. Not a typical beauty, but there was this reservoir of strength within her and, combined with the compassion she gave to his children every day, she was a remarkable woman. How had she ended up here with them?

The question made him uncomfortable, and he looked away. Things had always been so easy with Julie. He just wished he could remember how that had happened and how to make it work with Hollie as well. The pain of losing his beloved had yet to fade and some mornings, he woke up expecting still to see her, confused to find someone in her place. Had he tried too soon to replace her?

No, he wasn’t replacing Julie. There was always room for more in the family. That’s what she had always told him. They’d talked about it when Paul was on the way; Julie had demanded he be ready to marry again if anything ever happened to her. It was for the children. For Julie’s children.

“All right.” He cleared his throat. “Then I’ll see you tomorrow. Hopefully before sunset.”

“Right,” she nodded. “I will see you then.”

For another second, they studied one another’s gaze. Hollie wondered if he would kiss her or take her hand in a rare moment of affection. Just something to show that he cared. But instead, Anton stepped back with a short smile and grabbing his coat, headed out of the room.

Hollie tugged at her fingers. The man was tender with her, patient and kind. He didn’t do anything that upset her and carefully respected her choices and boundaries. He was a good man, and she was fortunate. She knew this. Yet part of her continued to hope that the fondness could be something more. Taking a deep breath, she sighed and sent God a little prayer of gratitude and then a petition for everyone’s safety.

The back door banged shut. He was gone. She fixed her skirts and stepped out to find the children watching their father leave. Paul held Jenny close in silence, and Hollie thought of her siblings. Everyone needed some support. Her heart went out to them, knowing the ache of a loved one needing to leave, and she resolved to do something about it.

“There you two are.” She forced a cheerful smile as she bent down. “Don’t you two worry about a single thing, my dearest little ones. Papa will be back before you know it. Now, how do you think we might distract ourselves until his return? What about some pie, perhaps? Who wants to help me in the kitchen?”

Jenny’s eyes lit up. “I do! Pies are my favorite food.”

“That won’t make Papa come back,” Paul scowled. “And you’re not my mother!”

Hollie swallowed and shook her head as she straightened up. “No, Paul. I know that. And I’m glad you know that. You had a mother. A wonderful one, from what Anton has shared with me. She was beautiful and kind, and she loved you very much.” She smiled, simply wishing he would meet her gaze. If only he could understand how much she wanted to love him and care for him. “I’m only here to help. And to, perhaps, prepare some pie. Which is your favorite? We could always save one for Papa, don’t you think? He’ll return, after all. He always does. Papa would never leave you. He loves the two of you so much. You know he has a responsibility to the ranch, remember? But he’ll be back …”

“Well, he doesn’t love you.” Paul pushed her outstretched hand away and stomped off.

She watched him go, her throat tight. Jenny came over to clutch Hollie’s skirts. They stood there quietly as Paul found his boots, put them on in a huff, and headed outside to tend the chickens. He ignored both of them, the strong and frustrated eight-year-old that he was.

Perhaps not today or even tomorrow would he like her, Hollie accepted. But she’d raised her siblings and even after all their fights and squabbles and problems, everyone forgave eventually. His outburst hurt her, just as it was intended. She forgave him. With the Lord on her side, she’d wait years if that’s what it took to show how much she loved the boy.

“All right.” Hollie cleared her throat and looked down at Jenny’s furrowed brow. “Shall you be my little helper then? What sort of pie shall we bake, hm?”

Chapter Nine

Paul refused the pie, but the moment Hollie turned her back, she found another slice missing and Paul in his room. It made her smile but she said nothing when he returned with a spot of powdered sugar on his cheek.

Once the kitchen was carefully cleaned, she started on a vegetable pie and bread for supper. Then there was cleaning to do, some laundry to take down, and weeding in the garden. Jenny trailed along curiously, helping where she could. The child made for good company and loved every story Hollie shared, whether it was new or she’d heard it several times before.

There was always something to do. Although the list of things that needed to be done often felt overwhelming, it helped distract Hollie from thinking too hard. She was able to distract herself until after the children had gone to bed, forgetting it would be her first night alone with an empty bed in this strange world.

Growing up in Boston, she’d always shared a bed with her sisters. Glancing around the bedroom now shared with Anton, she felt the fear creeping back in from when he’d first told her he wouldn’t come home that night.

Shuddering, she hurried into the bed and considered leaving the lamp lit for the entire night. Under the covers, Hollie changed into her nightgown and clasped her hands together for a prayer. As she said “amen,” the door creaked.

Whirling around, her heart nearly stopped when she found Jenny with a long face. “Can I come in?” the child whimpered. “I’m scared.”

She opened her arms immediately, and the fear faded as she prioritized caring for the child. “Of course, darling. Come.”

The girl ran and scrambled into her lap. Jenny was all skin and bones, but she smelled as sweet as rain in Hollie’s arms. “It was a bad dream with mean monsters,” Jenny sniffled. “Papa couldn’t make them go away.”

Hollie tutted. “Nonsense. Your papa can do anything. He will always protect you.” As she kissed the girl’s head, the door creaked again and to her surprise, Paul was there. The boy yawned, and it gave her a moment to gather herself. “And see? Paul is here, Jenny. He wouldn’t let anything bad happen to any of us.”

Glancing around the room carefully, Paul cleared his throat and requested, “I wanted to check on Jenny. I heard her running.”

In response, Hollie flung back the covers on the large bed. “Join us, Paul. It’s just for this one night, however, understood?” She gave Jenny a firm glance. “You are both growing children, and it’s important you learn to mend yourselves together after a bad night. Tonight is just the exception.” Jenny climbed off her lap and settled down in the middle of the bed. Paul hesitantly climbed onto the other half, never meeting Hollie’s gaze. She wasn’t certain if her words were true, but she wanted to be ready in case Anton didn’t approve.

Anton had told her how the children used to share Paul’s room. But Julie, his first wife, had noticed that the two children lost rest whenever one of them woke up before sunrise. She had insisted they add a room and so it had been done, giving Jenny her own space. Hollie couldn’t imagine having a room to herself like that, for she’d always had all of her siblings to keep her company.

Then she wondered about ever having her own children. She hadn’t talked about that with Anton, Hollie realized, and wondered if she should. Did he want more children? As a girl, she’d been raised with the expectancy she’d have her own babe in her arms someday. Glancing down at Jenny, she knew she was already lucky. But the thought of a baby to hold and cherish, her own baby, made her yearn for more.

As she hummed, Hollie watched the children fall asleep. Once they were settled, she turned the lamp off for the flame to die and tried to rest as well. It was a long night for all of them, but the sun still rose as expected and lit up the room at dawn.

This was the only clock Paul needed to wake up. Creeping out of the bed, he shot the two girls a glance and went to put on his clothes. By the time he finished the chores, the girls were up and about. Paul did his best to avoid the older woman.

Not that she was very old. He wrinkled his nose at her but she gave him a wink in return. It bothered him that so little of what he did worked on her. She wouldn’t scream, and she wouldn’t run. Why wouldn’t she just leave them be? Shaking his head, he stepped back outside.

It was summer but he could feel the chill in the air. That was Montana. School had taught him that they were nearly in Canada and that’s why it was so cold all year round. All the animals knew it, too, grabbing the sunshine they could and huddling close to the others to prepare for the incoming cold.

He glanced toward the mountains again. Was that where his father was? Papa had promised to take him further out, but hadn’t made good on it. With a groan, he started to pace. He was tired of being cooped up out here. Hadn’t he been told he was a grown boy? Almost a man? The home life was too boring, especially when he knew he could be helping out Papa with the ranch and the cattle. But he never got close to the cattle.

“Paul!” Jenny scampered out. “Mama said we could play. Do you want to play horses with me?”

“No,” Paul frowned. “I don’t like playing horses.” Nor did he want to babysit. And he especially didn’t like how Jenny called Hollie “Mama.” He kicked the bottom step of the porch. “This is dumb.” That’s when an idea struck, and he glanced towards the fields.

“I’m not dumb,” Jenny pouted. “I’m four.”

His father was already out there. If Paul could go meet him, perhaps Papa would show him everything. He couldn’t say no then. His papa would see then how he was a man and not just a boy to be left behind at the house.

Paul looked at Jenny and wrinkled his nose. “Go play with Hollie. You like how funny she talks. Go make her tell you another story, you hear? I still have chores. Stop bothering me.”

“I’m not dumb,” Jenny repeated. “You’re dumb.” Then she scurried away as he had hoped.

He glanced towards the open windows. Not willing to get caught, Paul slipped around to the side of the house where he knew Hollie couldn’t see him. It would take him longer, but it would prevent him from being seen. If he was lucky, he’d find his father before noon.

Chapter Ten

It was perfectly round with a sweet blackberry syrup tucked nicely within the folds. Hollie chuckled, glancing at the little hole where Jenny’s finger had accidentally broken through. Glancing at the girl, she winked. “You won’t tell Papa, will you?”

“Just one piece, please?” Jenny’s eyes opened wide.

“One piece it is,” Hollie brought out the knife. She cut three pieces and wrapped the rest for later. They’d made it through a day and night without Anton, but he’d be back soon, and she wanted to have a surprise for him. It had also helped pass the time without him.

The girls took their plates to the table but as Jenny started to eat, the young woman glanced around for Paul. It was past midday and he hadn’t come out for a while. “I’ll return in a moment,” she murmured and went to check around the house. “Paul? Paul, we’re having another slice of pie. Would you like one?”

Silence. He hadn’t actually hidden from her before, and she wondered if this was something new to test her. Hollie tried to treat it as a game for a few minutes but it wasn’t fun or funny. After checking out in the barn and around the garden, he was still nowhere to be found.

Pushing her braid back over her shoulder, she turned in a circle as if he might appear. Hollie tried to ignore how the beating of her heart sped up, and she swallowed hard as an ill feeling crept over her.

“Paul!” she shouted, rubbing her hands together. “Please, just let me know you’re safe! Where are you? Paul!” She rushed back inside and found Jenny still eating. “Darling, where’s Paul? Do you know where he is?”

“He said he was doing chores,” Jenny nodded. “He was mean.”

Offering her a sweet smile, Hollie shook her head. “I’m sure he didn’t mean to be. He loves you, remember? But unfortunately, I cannot find him. Does Paul like to hide anywhere? Or—or run off to some place away from the house?”

The little girl made a face. “I don’t know. He doesn’t tell me. Paul is silly.”

“That’s true.” Hollie felt the strain as she tried to hold back the panic. Rubbing her hands, she decided she couldn’t just wait around here. He wasn’t in the house, and he wasn’t in the barn. That meant he could be anywhere.

What if something happened? He was just a little boy. The thought of some bear or mountain lion …

She clapped her hands and quickly brushed back a tear. “We’re going on a trip! You like Mrs. Reed, don’t you? Let’s go say hello to her, shall we? Up and up. Just leave your pie, darling, we’ll return to it soon enough. Off we go.”

Hastily, she gathered up the girl. Martha Reed was a sweet woman who had cared for Paul and Jenny in the past, and Hollie had met her several times since. If they had more time, she thought, they could become rather good friends. Fortunately, they didn’t live too far off, still on Anton’s property and just yards away from the bunkhouse for the rest of the working cowboys.

“Oh, thank goodness,” Hollie cried out when the door opened to reveal Mrs. Reed. Panting, she nudged Jenny into the house. “You are here. Please, Mrs. Reed, can you see to Jenny? I have to—I can’t find Paul, I think something happened, and I need to go find him. Watch her, will you?”

The woman hardly had time to blink. “What? Gracious, child, did you run here? I’m sure Paul is around here somewhere.”

Hollie’s eyes widened. “Have you seen him?”

“N—no, but he can’t be too far. He’s just a boy, after all.”

The flicker of hope faded and she shook her head. “I know, I know. He’s just a boy, and he’s out there somewhere. I can’t …” She covered her mouth. “I won’t lose him. I’m going to look for him now.”

Mrs. Reed nodded at last. “Find him, then. But on your way, stop by the bunker. One or two of the boys are resting up and can go find Anton for you.”

She hadn’t even considered that. Tears sprang to her eyes at the thought of her family suffering. Anton would know she couldn’t keep track of his son, that he’d run off probably because of her. Struggling to maintain her composure, Hollie thanked Mrs. Reed and hurried off.

On her way, she notified the cowboys as Martha had suggested, asking that they find Anton and let him know what had happened. They reminded her they had no way of knowing where he was, but she wouldn’t take no for an answer. It took more time than she would have liked, however, knowing every minute counted.

Finally, one cowboy headed out. Only when that was taken care of did Hollie start off. The fear wasn’t going to solve anything, she told herself, so she had to do whatever she could. She didn’t know where to go or where to even start, but she wasn’t going to let that stop her. Determined to find Paul, Hollie marched into the plains and started her search.

Chapter Eleven

Anton whistled and pointed to the sun. Colors streamed through the sky like wings, and he was amazed at this beautiful place. He thanked the Lord again for His goodness. Then he glanced down to see his son looking up as well.

“It’s nice,” Paul ventured a moment later, not knowing what else to say.

“It’s God’s work,” he reminded the boy. “We’re very fortunate to have what we have. I bet Hollie would like this view. What do you think? Does she like watching the sun?”

Just like that, the boy closed down. His brow furrowed, and the half smile he’d been wearing since he came upon Anton and Peter Reed a mile back on the old mountain lane left his face. Having not wanted to broach the topic before, nothing had been said. But it’d been a few months now, and Anton couldn’t keep putting this off.

“You don’t like her, do you?”

Paul glanced up at him. “I don’t know,” he said finally.

Anton sighed and turned the reins of his horse over to the boy to hold onto as they walked. It would give the boy something to fidget with while Anton ran his hands over his horse’s mane. “Paul, Hollie is here to stay. I need you to understand that once and for all. Hollie is our family now.”

“But I already had a mother,” Paul protested.

“And you need another,” Anton responded in a sharp enough tone that the boy didn’t talk back. He didn’t enjoy being stern, but clearly he’d put this off too long. “You’re a growing boy, Paul, you’re almost a man. And what about Jenny? Don’t you think she needs a mother?”

He didn’t respond. Trudging through the grass, Paul sighed as the house came into view. Anton continued. “You both do. And I need a wife. Life out here, it’s different. You need everyone you can get. Julie …” His throat constricted, and he tried to get the words out. “She’s still with us. You heard Pastor Williams. And she would want us to be happy. Don’t you think so?”

“I don’t know,” Paul groaned. “Maybe. I guess so.”

“Were you happy with my cooking?” Anton pointed out, and his son made a face. “That’s what I thought. From now on, I need you to be making nice. She needs help, too, remember. Hollie’s not from around here. She needs us as much as we need her.”

Paul shrugged as they reached the barn. “She seems fine to me. Even when I …” he trailed off with a cough. It was an odd place to stop, and Anton opened his mouth to respond when he heard the familiar sound of the banging door.

“Papa!” Jenny raced over to them. At first she looked eager to see them but when she drew up, Anton saw the tears stained on her pink cheeks. “Papa! I want Mama. Where’s Mama?”

“Into my arms, dear.” He swung her around but that didn’t help. Wiping away a tear, Anton glanced at the house and then at Paul. “Put him away, will you?” He gestured and turned to Jenny. “Mama, hm? Isn’t she inside?”

His girl shook her head, much to his confusion. “No. That’s Missus Reed. She’s here. And everyone wants my toys. I want my toy.” Sniffling, she laid her chin down on his shoulder. “I want Mama.”

He heard the tears start up again but he was busy trying to understand what she said. Mrs. Reed? He hurried inside, tightly holding Jenny in his arms. Usually, he could find Hollie in the kitchen but the table wasn’t set and Jenny was right. Mrs. Martha Reed was near the fireplace with her brood of children.

It was a familiar enough sight, but not what Anton had expected. He pulled up short as she noticed him and hastened over. A strange and cold sensation draped over his body at the expression she wore, for something was definitely wrong.

“Why are you here?” Anton shook his head. “Where’s Hollie?”

“Mr. Delaney, why, she’s somewhere out there.” She pulled Jenny into her arms. Mrs. Reed hesitated with a dark look. “Paul disappeared, I’m afraid. She sent your men out to come find you …”

That made no sense. “Paul?” Anton glanced towards the back door.

Chapter Twelve

“Of course.” Hollie rubbed her hands together as she paused to catch her breath. “Of course this is the time I forget to bring my coat.” She was always good at telling everyone else to bring their coat to stay warm, but she’d been too much in a rush this time to follow her own advice.

It was getting cold with the setting sun. As beautiful as the colors were in the sky, she was having a difficult time enjoying them. Already, she’d come across three trails that had faded into nothing, a pond, and a few pastures.

Soon, it’ll be dark and what if I can’t find Paul? But another terrifying thought struck her.

“I’m lost,” she whispered and shivered as a sharp wind blew by.

Blinking rapidly, the young woman turned in a circle and decided to retrace her steps, thinking she might have missed a sign of Paul’s passing. However, Green Peak was filled with trees and pastures and more trees. In the distance, even all the mountains looked alike.

She shuddered. “Oh dear.” Rubbing her cold cheeks, Hollie looked again and again. Confused at the sight of even more trees, she tried to think.

There was no telling where exactly she was or where she had come from. How would she get back to the house? Wrapping her arms around herself, Hollie wished for the cozy warmth of a fire. That sounded terribly lovely. Perhaps she should go back; perhaps this had all been for naught.

Immediately she pulled up short and knelt, clasping her hands. “Oh Lord,” she gasped. “Forgive me, please. I didn’t mean that, I promise on my soul. Lord in heaven, I want to find Paul more than anything in the world right now. Forget what I thought, forget that, please. I just need to find him. Please, guide me to him, Lord. Amen.”

She stumbled back onto her feet, away from the frozen ground. How could it be so cold in summer? True that it was nearly harvest time, but they hadn’t had the heat she had experienced for the first eighteen years of her life. Swallowing her dry throat, she wished she’d had more water to drink that day. She wished Paul hadn’t run off. She wished for a lot of things.

Hollie shook her head. No, she needed to concentrate. The light was fading fast and already, she had to squint to see through the trees. But there was a hill up ahead, and she wondered if she might be able to see better from up there.

“Paul?” she called, licking her chapped lips. “Paul! Where are you?”

And yet there was no reply. She rubbed away a tear of frustration. All she wanted was to find the boy. To have a family. Why had he run off? Was she that terrible? Sniffling, she squinted and searched for movement.

What if she couldn’t find Paul? What would Anton do? Send her back to Boston?

He was distant, but kind. The man had never raised his voice like she knew some wives endured. Though several years her senior, he was still as strong as an ox, strong and quiet, and she didn’t always understand him.

But she appreciated him, Hollie reminded herself, and respected him. Not just for bringing her here and all that he had done for her. But for the life he had created for his family. And for others. He took care of animals and the land. They’d feasted with some of his cowboys in the past, and they had clearly admired him. Anton Delaney was an impressive man.

And he’d raised two wonderful, albeit stubborn, children.

How could she not love him? How could she not love any of them? The
Lord didn’t let small things like age differences or stubborn behavior stop Him from loving everyone. So she would do the same.

Yet she was still lost, cold, and parched. And she hadn’t even found Paul. For a minute, she just stood there, trying to think of a new course of action. Where was Paul? Where would he go? As she thought, she heard something nearby.

It was the river! Yes, the sound of rushing water. It was the only river on this side of the mountain, the one that Anton had named the ranch for. Wild Creek. A familiar one, one that everyone knew about. Including Paul.

Only as she moved forward to find the river did she step on something she couldn’t see in the dark. As she screamed, the wolves howled.

Chapter Thirteen

“Yes,” Mrs. Reed explained again. “Mrs. Delaney couldn’t find Paul. She dropped Jenny off and then just took off towards the hills to look for him.”

But why would she think Paul was missing? Anton’s brow furrowed. “But he’s with me. He was. He’s in the barn. And are you talking about the Taylor boys looking for me? But they have the day off.”

Mrs. Reed gave him an impatient look. “I’m telling you what I know. Do I need to tell you again? Your Mrs. Delaney came to my house, frantic that she couldn’t find little Paul. She told your men, and she took off to go find him. And now we’re here.”

Anton stood there, waiting for the pieces to come together. Something wasn’t right. His heart skipped a nervous beat, and he felt a cold sweat break out. “Stay here,” he turned back for the door. “I’ll go find her.”

He ran towards the barn, not bothering to pick up his hat when it slipped off his head. “Stop!” he called to Paul, and grabbed the horse. He’d had an easy day of it and could manage one more ride. Huffing, he glanced at the confused Paul as he put the bridle back. “Did—what did you tell your mother when you came to see me?”

“What?” Paul frowned, but Anton saw the hesitation as he swung into the saddle. “Well, I … I didn’t tell her. I didn’t think …”

Anton gritted his teeth. “Well, she left to look for you and now we don’t know where she is. For all we know, she’s been attacked by a wild bear.”

“I didn’t know. She doesn’t care …”

He gripped the reins tight and growled. “How can you not see? She’s from the city, boy. She hasn’t … I’m not wasting my time on you. Not now. It’s almost dark, and she’s got to be scared. You get inside right now, Paul, and you stay there.”

The boy turned pale at the harsh tone. Looking away, Paul knew he couldn’t live with the shame. So he shook his head and looked up. “Let me come. I can help. See?” And he ran over to their other horse, grabbing a blanket and saddle, trying to prove something.

Impatiently, Anton brought his horse towards the barn doors. “Paul, it’s not a good idea. You’ve done enough—” but he stopped there upon seeing his son’s sober expression as he desperately hurried. The animal flinched at the sudden movements and he sighed, knowing he shouldn’t have been so forceful. “Don’t scare him. Hurry up, then.”

It only took another minute until Paul was in his own saddle. If he would have had time to consider it, Anton would have been impressed by his son. But they didn’t have time for that now, not with the sun fading so quickly behind them.

He swore under his breath, hoping Paul wouldn’t hear it, and said a quick prayer. “Lord, I’ll do whatever it takes. Just lead me to Hollie. Please. For the kids, for—for me,” he found himself adding. Swallowing the forming lump in his throat, he shook his head and glanced northwest.

The river came to mind. She’d follow the river, wouldn’t she? “Follow me,” he ordered his son. “We’re not going to gallop because it’ll tire the horses out too quickly. But we’re keeping a quick pace. I need you to stay close, you hear? If you lose me, you stay exactly where you are. If anything comes for you, you turn tail and the horse will know what to do. Do you understand?”

“Yes, yes.” Paul nodded. “I already knew, Pa. Now let’s find her already.”

Anton swallowed and turned back. It was a beautiful place, indeed. But at night, anything could happen. The threat clung to his heart tightly, and he struggled for breath as they trotted quickly for the river.

He’d taken her here on their first Sunday, he remembered. There had been no church sermon to enjoy, but with the children playing in the garden, Anton had brought Hollie here because he’d always thought it to be a spiritual place.

She was an agreeable girl, with the sweetest smile. The more he thought about her, about even losing her, the more Anton realized how much he cared for her. How he always wanted to hold her hand when she grew nervous, how he kept bringing her new flowers just to see her face light up. He liked how she tried to impress him with new recipes and games for the children.

Even in their letters, he had liked the way she wrote so prettily. “I’m well experienced with children,” she’d told him in her first letter, “and I’m looking for a husband myself. The world is a beautiful place and that’s what I would teach your darling son and daughter if I joined you out West.”

And she was doing that. The impression she’d made on shy little Jenny had helped transform the girl. She’d only had two bad dreams since Hollie’s arrival and had finally stopped sucking her thumb. The house smelled better, it was tidier, and there were all those little touches that she made for everyone. She gave them all her energy and love, Anton realized.

What of them? Jenny loved readily in return. Paul was having problems with her; something Hollie had said wasn’t a concern. And what about him? He searched his feelings, trying to push back the rising fear. It wasn’t that he couldn’t lose her, Anton realized as they reached the hills. It was that he couldn’t lose her without letting her know that he really did love her.

Pastor Williams had talked about charity and love; that it was through actions people showed their feelings. Julie had taught him how to do that, and it was time to do the same for Hollie. It’s what Julie would have wanted. And if he had the chance, Anton vowed, he’d do a better job of showing how much he cared.

They just needed to find her.

Chapter Fourteen

“Paul? Paul!”

Anton pulled up short, holding a hand up for his son. “Did you hear that?” His brow furrowed as he searched the darkness.

The wolves howled again, closer now. Paul nudged his horse closer beside Anton. But Anton was certain he’d heard something a minute ago. He waited with bated breath, praying to the Lord for His guidance.

“Paul!”

A groan of relief escaped Anton’s lips. That was Hollie. “Straight ahead,” he gestured to Paul. “But move slowly. We don’t want to miss her.” Then he raised his voice. “Hollie? Hollie, where are you?”

The horses walked through the wood, and he realized they were moving upstream. Parallel to the river just to their left, they stepped lightly in the dimly lit evening. His stomach growled, but he stayed focused. Wiping the sweat from his brow, he searched for movement up ahead. It was her; he could feel it.

“Paul!”

“I’m here!” Paul cried out, taking a look at his father. Guilt gnawed at his insides, and he swallowed hard. Papa hadn’t looked this angry or anxious since they’d lost his mother. Only this time, it was all his fault. He kept waiting to be knocked upside the head or shouted at again, as if that might help ease his conscience.

No, he tried to tell himself. Everything would be better if they could find Hollie. Part of him wished she wouldn’t come back to them. But he knew how mean that really was and tried not to think it again. Maybe if he fixed this, then Papa wouldn’t be angry at him. He gripped the reins so tightly that his knuckles shone pale in the moonlight. Paul wondered how everyone else saw so well and tried harder to look between the trees.

It was too dark. “Hollie?” he called out, his voice cracking. Paul slowed the horse down more and glanced at his father. Papa was swinging his head around, trying to listen. They hadn’t imagined it, had they?

“Paul? Is that you? Paul!” They heard a sob of relief.

Anton automatically started the horse forward. “Hollie!” He ignored his own advice, moving faster now in the darkness. Paul struggled to keep up, trying to make sure he didn’t drive the horse into a tree or the river. They rounded the bend, and Paul came to a stop as he saw his father jump down.

“Oh! Anton!” Hollie disappeared into his arms, hidden from the world. Relief seeped warmth into her bones as she leaned against him, tears springing to her eyes. He held her so tight she could hardly breathe, but Hollie wouldn’t protest. She had never felt safer.

He kissed the top of her head once, twice, three times. “We were so worried,” he muttered. “You’re miles from the house, and it’s dark. I can’t believe you made it this far. You’re freezing.”

Swallowing, she shook her head. Her throat was parched and her voice sounded hoarse. “No, it’s all right. I’m … I’ll be fine. I needed to find Paul, though. I thought I heard …”

“I’m here.”

Hollie gasped, pulling herself free to find the boy right there. Unable to help herself, she touched his face to make sure he was well. “You … oh my goodness, you are here. I was so worried; I couldn’t find you. I couldn’t imagine …” Her voice grew shaky, and she swallowed the words, tears spilling from her eyes. “I don’t know what I would have done if I’d lost you, Paul.”

Swallowing, he glanced up at his father who still had a hand on Hollie. There was a look in the man’s eye that he hadn’t seen in a while. He used to look at Mama that way. The mama with soft blonde hair, sparkling eyes, and a beautiful singing voice. He gulped and glanced at the taller woman with dark hair, who looked too young and tried too hard.

But Papa loved her. And so did Jenny. The guilt only grew worse. Not just from the problem he had caused here, but the problems he had caused since Hollie arrived. She’d handled everything well and acted like she really cared. Paul realized she’d been out here because of him. She hadn’t gone home and not tried to find him; the woman had gone into the unknown for him.

“I’m sorry.” He hung his head. “I haven’t been nice. I didn’t mean to …” He didn’t know where to start.

She offered a watery smile and took him in her arms. He was surprised to find it reminded him of his mama, with a warmth he hadn’t realized he’d missed. Trying to hold back his own tears, Paul found himself returning the hug. “Everything is just fine,” she whispered. “I love you, Paul.”

“I guess that’s all right,” he allowed after a moment. “Jenny needs a mama, after all. I’m fine, but she needs one. So I’ll be better. Or, I’ll try.”

Sniffling, Hollie ruffled his hair. “That is most agreeable, Paul, thank you.”

Anton stepped in, an arm wrapped around her waist. “Then shall we return to the house? We need to get you warmed up and somewhere safe.” He’d already draped his jacket around her shoulders. But the moment they went to take a step forward, Hollie gasped in pain. “What is it?”

“Oh, my foot. I twisted it earlier.” She swallowed hard, having forgotten about it in the reunion. But now that everyone was well, now that her family was safe and sound, the pain came splintering back. “I’m sure it’ll be …” Hollie gasped as Anton swung her up in his arms. Immediately, she wrapped her arms around his neck.

“It’s long overdue,” he murmured in her ear. “But I thought I should carry you eventually.”

Epilogue

Anton added another log to the fire as he heard the page turn. When he glanced back, he found both of his children curled up on the floor, watching Hollie. She had her legs resting on a stool, one wrapped tightly for her sprain, and continued reading the Bible story.

A peace had settled over his home since yesterday. It was hard to put into words, but something had changed. No longer did he feel uncertain around Hollie or get his tongue tied in a knot. Just like that, something had clicked.

He wondered if she felt it, too. Anton had wanted to talk to her about it earlier, but they hadn’t had a chance. The three of them had hurried home, building a fire to get Hollie warm. Horses had been put away, and Mrs. Reed had gone home with her children. When he’d checked Hollie’s ankle, it was so swollen they’d nearly needed to cut the boot off. It was a bad sprain, but she’d recover. She just needed rest.

They’d eaten pie for supper, and Hollie had fallen asleep shortly thereafter. Anton had carried her to bed, and she’d slept late. He’d brought her water and oatmeal and then helped her out to the parlor where she had stayed since. Jenny and Paul were having a game of it, offering to carry anything and everything to Hollie.

She could feel Anton’s gaze on her as she finished the story and answered seven of Jenny’s questions. Even Paul had one for her. When he looked at her, Hollie’s heart warmed up, and she would willingly get lost in the wild all over again, even breaking her leg just to have him look at her.

“That’s enough,” Anton chuckled when Jenny asked yet another question. “We can talk tomorrow. But let’s get to bed. Mama needs her rest. Good night.” They obeyed, waving farewell before disappearing.

Hollie waved in return, sighing as Anton put the book down and sat beside her. Something was on his mind, for he’d been distracted all day. They hadn’t had a moment to themselves, however, since the children were so curious about her injury that they wouldn’t leave her alone.

“I don’t know what other trouble Paul caused, but I think he’s going to stop,” he mused quietly. “He even called you Mama this morning, while you were asleep.”

Her cheeks warmed. “Did he? Did he truly?”

Taking her hands in his, Anton nodded. “He sure did. And Jenny hasn’t been too worried about calling you her mother since you arrived. I … I know I haven’t put much stock into words, Hollie, but I want you to know. You belong here, with us, always. Don’t ever doubt that. We’re a family, the four of us.”

Her cheeks tinged pink as she looked up at him, wondering how he knew that’s what she had been wondering. Anton didn’t always say much, certainly, but his words were always right. She had wanted this so badly, finding a place to belong. And Anton had done this for her. He’d brought her in, cared for her, respected her, and saved her. How could she not love him?

Before Hollie had a chance, Anton leaned in close. “I love you, dear.”

The young woman wrapped her arms around her husband, pulling him eagerly into a kiss. He was warm from sitting by the fire, and he tasted like blackberry syrup. Anton felt like home to her, and Hollie never wanted to let go.

The End