Pony Express Hero

She watched him walk away with long strides. He stopped and gave Daisy one of the two cookies. Their sister beamed up at him.

Now that he knew Daisy was his sister, Lilly knew all their lives were about to change. Thankfully, he’d be even more determined to keep Daisy safe. She just prayed he wouldn’t try to take Daisy away or think he had a right to run Daisy’s half of the ranch.

Chapter Six

Jacob stomped his feet at the front door to remove the dirt from his boots. Yesterday’s trip to town had been uneventful since there was no reason to inquire of his mother. He’d gone with Lilly and Daisy to the general store, where they had purchased supplies.

With Lilly’s help he’d bought new sheets and a pillow for his cot. He’d also purchased a couple of hand towels for his room. Daisy came home with a fresh batch of lemon drops. He’d smiled when Lilly told the girl she was limited to one a day.

The rooster crowed just as he raised his hand and knocked on the wooden door. Had his mother stood at this door and knocked also? He still ached not knowing why she’d abandoned him, but now that he knew he’d never be able to ask her why, Jacob felt even emptier. Other than Daisy he had no blood relatives.

Lilly pulled the door open. “Good morning, Jacob.” Weariness filled her eyes. “What can I do for you this morning?” she asked with a note of caution.

He cleared his throat. “Well, I’d hoped to make a trip to the cemetery but didn’t feel right going into your family plots without you.” Jacob twisted his hat in his hands.

Her clear blue eyes studied him. “It’s a bit early. Daisy hasn’t had her breakfast yet.”

Jacob nodded. “I forget that little girls eat later than working men.” He grinned, very aware of the tension in Lilly.

Daisy pushed past her sister. “Hi, Mr. Jacob.”

“Good morning, Daisy.” He noted that she still wore a thin white gown much like the one she’d been wearing the morning he’d met her. With his thoughts focused on his mother’s resting place he hadn’t realized how early it was.

Daisy’s smile brightened his mood. “Are we going to go visit Ma and Pa?” Daisy asked, tilting her head back and looking up at her sister.

“After breakfast,” Lilly answered. She smoothed the curls from around Daisy’s face then looked at him. “Would you like to join us?”

It was kind of her to offer, but he could tell by her pinched face that she’d rather he not. “No thanks. Cook served flapjacks for the men’s breakfast and I’m afraid I might have overdone it this morning.”

“Lilly’s making us biscuits and gravy with sausage,” Daisy said. She grinned her pleasure and then pushed past Lilly once more, returning inside the house.

Jacob laughed. “She’s constantly moving, isn’t she?”

Lilly smiled. “From sunup to sundown. But I wouldn’t give her up for the world.”

There was a warning in her voice that Jacob hadn’t missed. He nodded his understanding of her unspoken statement. “When you ladies are ready, I’ll be in the barn. There are a couple of other things I wanted to talk to you about this morning, too. But they can wait until later.” He spun on his heels and marched across the yard back to the barn.

A tight knot in Jacob’s throat begged for release. For the first time in a long time he’d awoken with a happy desire to bond with his family. He’d dressed hastily, rushed through breakfast and hurried to see his little sister and Lilly. There had to be a connection between them and he wanted to experience it, and the best way he could think of to do that was to be in each other’s presence. But Lilly had squished the joy right out of his plans.

A warning voice whispered in his head. All women twisted up a man’s thinking; first his mother, and now Lilly. Yesterday she’d seemed like she cared...all nice like and telling him she was sorry for his loss. Then this morning she acted as if he was the enemy. How come? He’d done nothing overnight to cause that kind of a reaction from her.

One might think he was going to cart off Daisy and never let Lilly see her again. Jacob stopped his mad stomp across the yard. His mouth dropped open. Surely Lilly didn’t think he planned to take their sister away from her? Lilly was Daisy’s only family, besides himself.

Jacob knew what it felt like to lose your single living family member. Little Daisy had already lost her mother and father. He would not be the cause of her losing a beloved sister.

It dawned on him that that wasn’t exactly true. His father might still be alive. Father had never been around and his mother never spoke of him. Jacob started walking again. Should he try to find his father?

He entered the barn and inhaled the musky fragrance of hay and horseflesh. By pulling the doors wide open Jacob let more sunlight and much needed fresh air into the otherwise shadowed barn.

Then he answered his own question. No, looking for his father would do no good. He had no name to go on and no idea who his birth father was. His adopted father, John Young, had been the only Papa he’d ever known and he, too, was dead. Jacob told himself that he was alone and evidently unloved by his birth parents. If a man’s parents couldn’t love him, then who could?

A few minutes later, the Pony Express horse snorted at him as Jacob pulled him from the stall. Thankful he had a job to do, Jacob focused his mind on that as he walked the horse out to the yard for a bit of exercise.

He made a mental note to assure Lilly that he’d never take Daisy away. Jacob wanted to be a part of Daisy’s life, but he’d never separate the two sisters. That would be wrong. Jacob pushed all thoughts of his birth parents and his sister from his mind and focused on the horses that were in his care.

The horse snorted and bobbed its head as they walked. The poor beast wanted more freedom and Jacob wanted that for him. No animal should be stuck in a stall all the time.

Asking Lilly for a portion of land on which to release the horses was part of his plan this morning. He had six that belonged to the Pony Express and they all needed exercise and sunshine.

An hour later, Lilly and Daisy joined him. Lilly was back in her men’s trousers and a pretty brown blouse with small yellow flowers on it. Daisy wore smaller trousers and a pink blouse. They’d both pulled their hair back into ponytails today, tied with ribbons to match their blouses.

Daisy couldn’t seem to wait to get to him, her ponytail bobbing as she ran to the barn, where he stood in the doorway. “Hi, Mr. Jacob!” She stopped in front of him with a wide grin. “Is Caleb here? I want to see my kitty.” She tried to see past him to the back of the barn.

For a moment he’d allowed himself to think she wanted to see him. That his half sister cared for him. How foolish. Jacob reminded himself once more that he wasn’t the lovable type. With a sigh he answered her. “No, he’s helping mend fences today.”

* * *

As Lilly joined them she heard the exchange between Jacob and Daisy and noticed his crestfallen expression. So the man hoped Daisy would care for him. It was as clear as the nose on his face. But he seemed to forget that Daisy didn’t know they were related, nor had she known Jacob long enough to care. But she had accepted him and whether Jacob knew it or not, that was a big deal with children. They seemed to have a built-in sixth sense about whom they could trust and who not to trust.

“Caleb will be back later, sweetie. After we visit the cemetery we’ll come straight back here and you can see the kittens.”

“But what if Caleb still isn’t here?” Daisy whined.

“If he’s not back, I’ll show both you and your sister the kittens,” Jacob promised. His warm voice brushed against Lilly’s ear like a soft feather.

Lilly didn’t dare look at him. She wasn’t sure if she could keep her wariness of him from showing. “That sounds like fun.” She smiled at Daisy.

“Let’s go.” Daisy grabbed Lilly’s hand as if to pull it and then stopped. She dropped her sister’s hand and said, “Please.”

“Is the cemetery far from here?” Jacob asked, tying the Pony Express horse to a rail outside the barn.

Daisy pointed out the door. “Just over that hill.”

Lilly answered, “Daisy’s right. It is just over the hill but if you are expecting a rider soon, we should probably take the horses.”

“Not until this afternoon. I was just exercising him before his big run.” His gaze moved up the hillside. “We can walk or ride. It’s up to you.”

She looked to the hill. If they walked, she might be able to hold him back a little while Daisy ran ahead. Lilly needed to know what his plans were in regard to their sister. She’d spent all night worrying as to what those plans might be.

Lilly knew fear wasn’t from the Lord and so decided in her heart that she’d face whatever Jacob’s plans were. “If we walk, Daisy could gather wildflowers to put on her mother’s grave.” She smiled at the little girl.

“Let’s walk, Mr. Jacob. I want to pick flowers for Mama and Papa’s graves.” Daisy looked up at him hopefully.

Jacob’s handsome face split into a grin. “Then walking it is.” He motioned for Daisy to lead the way.

Lilly walked slowly as the other two hurried forward. She watched as Daisy skipped ahead. The little girl darted about looking for the prettiest flowers. She grinned as Daisy sniffed at each blossom.

Jacob glanced over his shoulder at her and slowed his pace.

When he came even with her, he said, “I think we need to talk.”

Lilly nodded. “I do, too. Now that you know about your mother and Daisy, what are your plans? Have they changed?” She felt the air catch in her throat and her heart pound against her chest as she waited for his answer.

“Nothing has changed, Lilly. My plans are to continue to work for the Pony Express and get to know my sister.” He looked to where Daisy tugged at a stubborn flower and grinned at her determination to uproot the plant.

She swallowed hard. “What if the Pony Express decides not to run this way any longer? Then what?”

Jacob stopped walking and turned to her. “Why don’t you ask me what you really want to know?” He pushed his brown hat back on his head and waited for her to answer.

Lilly inhaled deeply. “All right. Will you try to take Daisy away from the ranch, and me?” She felt the sting of tears burn her eyes but refused to shed them. Losing Daisy wasn’t an option and she would fight him, if need be.

“Never.”

His strength in the way he said “never” surprised her. She waited for him to continue. When it became obvious he wasn’t going to say anything more, Lilly asked, “You do realize that she owns half this ranch, don’t you?”

“Yep.”

Again with the one answer. Lilly sighed. “Jacob, I need you to talk to me. Giving me one word at a time isn’t talking.”

“No, I reckon it isn’t, but will you believe me if I say more?” Jacob folded his arms across his chest and waited, chin up and jawline taut.

Lilly looked away, unable to meet his gaze. She saw Daisy almost at the top of the small hill. In a few minutes she would be out of sight. “Daisy! Wait for us!” Lilly called to her. Then she turned to Jacob. “Is your word any good?”

Jacob answered without so much as a pause. “As good as yours, I suppose.” He gave an impatient shrug then leaned toward her, a determined look on his strong features. “All I’m asking for is a chance to get to know my sister. I have no intentions of taking her away from you or this ranch. And to answer your earlier question, yes, I figured she owned half the ranch since her father has two daughters. The ranch belongs to you two, I want no part of the ownership of it.”

Lilly studied him, aware that Daisy waited for them at the top of the hill.

She nodded. Peace filled her as she asked the Lord if she should trust him. Instead of telling him that she felt relief from her worries, Lilly said, “I believe you.”

He offered her a warm smile. “Good. I want to be a part of her life.” Jacob turned toward the hill. “We better get going or she’s going to come get us.”

She laughed. “True.”

As they climbed he asked, “Have you thought about sending her to school this fall?”

Lilly nodded. “Yes, but I’m not sure she’s ready yet.”

“Why not?” Puzzlement filled his voice.

“She’s young and full of energy. I wonder if she’d be too active to pay attention to the teacher.” Lilly knew how hard it was for Daisy to sit still. Attending church on Sundays depended on how active Daisy seemed that morning.

“Well, then wait a year. I think she needs an education, but starting her too early may not be the best thing for her.” He glanced Lilly’s way.

How did he know that’s what she’d been thinking? Daisy would mature more in the year she spent at home and Lilly intended to work with her on being still and listening. Maybe having him around wouldn’t be so bad after all. If they continued to think along the same lines, Daisy would have two people who loved her and were doing what they thought best for her.

Lilly topped the hill. The small family cemetery rested below. Tall trees shaded the graves and not far away the meadow opened up and allowed the wildlife to roam free within its grasses. It was a peaceful spot. She came here at times to talk to her papa about the running of the ranch. Lilly knew he wasn’t really here, but it gave her peace and at times she needed all the peace she could get.

Daisy smiled up at Jacob. “Race you to the bottom.” And then she was off and running.

Jacob took off after her.

Lilly stood where she was. Right now everything felt right. But she knew it wasn’t. She hadn’t forgotten that several days earlier someone had taken Daisy from her bed and left her in a ravine, where she could have been trampled by stampeding cattle.

A shiver ran down her spine. Would Daisy ever be safe? Could she trust Jacob to protect their sister? The question that troubled her the most was, why would anyone want to hurt Daisy?

Chapter Seven

Unease crept up into Jacob’s hairline. He sensed more than saw someone watching them. Daisy had laid her flowers on both graves and stood looking down at them. He realized that the little girl really hadn’t known either of her parents. A protective sensation raced through his veins and he looked to Lilly.

Was it his imagination or had she, too, detected someone was watching them? Her gaze darted about the area as if searching. Jacob said in a low voice, “If you two are ready, we should probably get back.”

Lilly nodded.

“But we just got here,” Daisy protested. “I want to play in the meadow.”

Lilly’s voice sounded tense as she said, “Not today.”

“But...”

Jacob spoke before she could finish. “I thought you wanted to see the kittens.” His reminder had the effect he hoped for.

Daisy’s face lit up. “I’ll race you back.” She started to turn and run but Jacob caught her around the waist and held her tight.

“Not this time.” His gaze returned to Lilly. She stood with her hands on her hips, frowning at Daisy.

“Let me go.” Daisy struggled in his arms. Her laughter assured him that his sister wasn’t afraid of him but had assumed he was playing with her.

“I think it’s time you slowed down and listened to your elders,” Lilly told the protesting Daisy.

Immediately the little girl stilled. “Are you angry with me, Lilly?”

Lilly’s gaze darted around once more before she focused on Daisy. “I’m not angry, Daisy. But, if you want to go to school in town you will need to slow down and listen when a grown-up tells you no.”

“Oh.” Her little lips trembled as if ready to go into a full-blown pout.

Jacob slowly released his hold on the little girl but took her hand in his. Lilly moved to the other side and took Daisy’s free hand. Daisy looked at them both inquisitively.

“Let’s see if we can walk back to the barn without dropping hands,” Jacob said as if he had just created a new game.

Daisy forgot all about pouting and laughed. “Oh, that’s easy.” She swung her hands but continued to hold his and Lilly’s tightly. “See, I can even move them.”

Before Jacob could answer he saw Sam riding up on his left. It seemed odd that they hadn’t noticed him before. The feeling that they were being watched evaporated like a morning mist. Had Sam been watching them? Or was there someone else who had simply left when he saw Sam coming?

“Good morning,” Sam said. He pulled his horse to the side of Lilly and kept it at a slow pace. “What are you three doing out here?”

Daisy answered. “We were visiting Mama and Papa.” She happily swung their arms. “I got to put flowers on their graves.”

“I see.” Sam shook his head as if he thought they were wasting time.

Over the last few days, Jacob had managed to stay clear of the foreman. Either the man had been busy elsewhere or had been away from the ranch.

“Did you just happen to notice us, Sam, or was there something you needed to see me about?” Lilly asked, grinning down at Daisy.

Jacob watched the tips of Sam’s ears turn red. Was the man embarrassed that she’d asked why he’d sought her out? Or was he angry that she’d talked to him like his boss and not his friend?

“I need to discuss this year’s cattle drive with you.” Sam looked pointedly at Jacob.

Lilly’s gaze slid to him as well, then she returned her attention to Sam. “What about it?”

“Do you think we should be discussing ranch business in front of a Pony Express man?” Sam asked, making it clear he thought Jacob had no business listening to their conversation.

Lilly answered. “I don’t see why not.” She stopped walking. “It’s not like he’s not going to miss the men when they leave.”

Daisy almost lost her grip on Lilly’s hand. She held tightly to Jacob and laughed. “I almost dropped your hand.” Her face shone as she held up their two hands for Lilly to see.

“I’m sorry, Daisy. Why don’t you just hold Jacob’s hand for a few minutes while I talk to Sam?” Lilly said as she released Daisy’s hand.

“All right.” Daisy clung tighter to Jacob, not wanting to lose the game.

Lilly turned back to Sam. She crossed her arms over her chest and waited.

Sam shrugged his shoulders as if he didn’t care any longer if Jacob heard their discussion or not. “I need to hire about six more men.”

She nodded. “When will you be heading out?”

Sam leaned against the saddle horn and looked down on Jacob. “Next week. Soon as I get the men and the cattle rounded up.”

Jacob asked. “How big is the herd?”

Sam glared down at him.

Lilly answered, “Should be about fifteen hundred head this year.”

“Can we go see the kittens now?” Daisy asked.

He didn’t want to leave Lilly with Sam. He couldn’t pinpoint what it was that he didn’t like about the man. Was he starting to care about Lilly? Was he jealous of the other man? No, that couldn’t be possible. They’d only known each other a short while. Besides she was his sister’s sister. There was no way he was going to get romantically involved with her, or any other woman for that matter.

* * *

Lilly answered Daisy. “Wait just a minute, sweetie, I need to finish my business with Sam first.” She didn’t understand Sam’s reluctance to talk in front of Jacob. “Is there anything else?”

A snarl twisted Sam’s thin lips. “We need a horse wrangler to handle the horses. Maybe Jacob would like to come along.” His gaze met Jacob’s.

She heard the insolence in Jacob’s voice as he answered. “Already have a job, Hawkins.”

Lilly watched Sam’s eyes harden. It was obvious Sam didn’t care for Jacob addressing him by his last name. Or perhaps it was Jacob’s tone Sam didn’t appreciate.

Sam turned his horse to leave but then looked back down at Lilly. His voice dripped with sarcasm as he said, “When you have time, Cook wants to talk to you about his supplies for the trip.”

She nodded then watched Sam kick his horse hard. The gelding snorted its pain and leaped forward. Lilly frowned. Sam normally wasn’t so rude to her.

Daisy took Lilly’s hand into her smaller one. “Mr. Sam isn’t very nice, is he?” she asked.

Lilly turned her gaze to the little girl. “He just has a lot on his mind,” she answered. Was that true? Or was he upset to find her and Daisy out with Jacob?

Sam had offered to marry her shortly after her father had died. Lilly remembered assuring him that she’d be fine and that he needn’t offer her marriage. Sam had warned her that if she didn’t marry him, other men would try to marry her to get the ranch in their hands. He’d not asked again but sometimes she felt his gaze upon her and shivered. Sam was her father’s age. She couldn’t see marrying anyone her father’s age.

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