The Lone Cowboy of River Bend

Alice patted her hand. “You’re trying to make an old woman feel better.”

“It’s the truth.”

The other woman smiled briefly. She shifted, bringing her hands back together in her lap. Her back straight, chin lifted, and expression proud, her gaze traveled from Hannah to Nate.

“The hour is late. We need to speak of practical matters.”

“This place is falling apart.” Nate kindly didn’t point out why. “You need at least one farmhand.”

“There’s no money for one. Last week, I had to charge the supplies we needed to Jed’s store account because there was no cash. I’m selling off anything of value bit by bit to keep the roof over our heads and food in our bellies.”

“Jed isn’t working at all?”

“No.”

“Why didn’t you tell us? You know we’ll help.”

“As I said, I kept thinking he’d get better.” Alice reached up and patted Nate’s cheek, as she did with the children. “And I know you all would help. For now, understanding I can’t return any time soon is enough. I just can’t leave Jed and the boys like this.”

Hannah, knowing how much working for the Rolfes meant to Alice, couldn’t help speaking up. “If you need to go, I won’t leave.”

“You’re an angel but, as we’ve discussed, staying isn’t best for Jemma. In fact, it may become necessary to take the boys away and I need to be here to make that decision.”

“Perhaps a man-to-man talk would help?”

The older woman’s sigh filled the room. “If I thought a talking-to would snap my son out of this I’d have herded you into his room straight away. We’ve tried.” She paused, glancing over at Jed’s door, then back at Nate. “Many times. But if you want to take a stab at it, please do. Just wait until the boys are at school tomorrow. I don’t want them exposed to another ruckus so soon.”

“His bad day?” Nate looked at Hannah as he referenced their earlier conversation.

“A bad morning for all.” Alice grimaced. “Because I tried to change the bed linens.”

His brow furrowed. “And?”

“Jed wants everything as it was the day Bessie died,” Hannah added in. “Changing even something small upsets him.”

Nate’s expression went from surprised to thoughtful. “Ben saw this fancy doctor in Corvallis maybe-”

“I thought of that. Jed won’t go.”

“What about bringing the boys and Jed to the ranch?”

“I knew you’d make that offer. I appreciate it.” With the stubborn tilt of her chin Alice indicated to all arguing with her would be futile. “But I want to give my son every chance here, in his own home, first.”

“I understand but if things continue to go downhill?”

“I’ll take you up on it. I may be a stubborn old woman but I’m no fool.”

“I’d have words with anyone who said you were.” Nate smiled at Alice, affection for her written on his face. “May I stay for a day or so? Fix a few things?”

“I’d be grateful.”

“Make a list. I’ll get started first thing in the morning.”

Alice nodded. “There’s one other matter I want to discuss this evening.”

“Of course.” His expression serious, Nate shifted, sitting on the edge of his seat.

The look in his eyes warmed Hannah’s heart. The man seemed eager, hopeful of hearing other ways he could help. If so, Nate would soon be disappointed. She knew what the older woman wanted to address an issue they’d glossed over earlier. Her job.

“I don’t know how long I’ll need to stay.”

“I understand.”

“Jed could get worse, stay as he is or, given a miracle, my son could finally start to heal.”

“Take as long as you need.”

“I worry, wondering how all of you are getting by.”

“Don’t, we’re fine.”

“But I will. So I want you to-”

“Don’t suggest we replace you.” His voice suddenly became granite. “Not. Going. To. Happen.”

The obvious effort behind Alice’s threadbare smile was troubling. “I love you too. But the work still needs to be done.”

“It’ll keep. With Ma and Pa off visiting and Becca back east, the house is barely used. The boys and I usually eat with the hands. There’s nothing to worry about.”

The expression on Alice’s face said she didn’t believe him.

“We are fine.”

“I have no doubt. But is the house clean?”

“We haven’t been making it dirty. Only I sleep there.”

“The laundry?”

“Evie is taking care of it.”

“Evie?” Alice raised an eyebrow. “Isn’t she getting close to her time?”

“Yes, but starting next week, we’ll be hauling our stuff to town. It’s a small matter. We’re fine. Don’t worry about us.”

“But I do.”

“Don’t.”

Alice studied Nate in silence, patiently waiting.

“I am not hiring a stranger to replace you.”

“I don’t want you to.”

“Good.”

“I want you to hire Hannah.”

Chapter 5

“What?” Nate and Hannah spoke as one, sounding shocked.

“Alice.” Hannah tried to control her reaction. “We’ve talked about this.”

“Yes, we did.”

“I’ve a serious concern.”

“Your husband?” Nate put in.

Husband? Startled anew, Hannah’s gaze shot from Alice to the man beside her. “I don’t have a husband.”

“Sorry.” While his tone relayed sympathy, another emotion flickered briefly in his eyes.

Satisfaction? No, it couldn’t be… Hannah pushed away the thought. “It’s a natural assumption.”

“I’m sorry you have to leave us.”

Alice’s gentle words brought tears up, stinging Hannah’s eyes. “So am I but…”

“You have to leave?”

“I…” Hannah hesitated, feeling awkward about sharing more financial woes with Nate. She decided to keep it simple. “Yes.”

“Jed can’t pay her,” the older woman stated bluntly.

“And you need to support your daughter.”

“Yes, I do.” The calm response she gave him was in direct contrast to the knotted anxiety within Hannah.

“You don’t believe Jed will recover soon?”

“I pray he does, but even so he wouldn’t be able to afford hired help, not for some time.”

“You’ve made plans?”

“I discussed them with Alice soon after she arrived.” When she confronted me about not drawing my pay. The older woman had been quite upset. Hannah didn’t regret the decision, though, and given the same circumstances, she’d do it again. If she hadn’t, there wouldn’t have been enough for necessities now. “I don’t want to go, not when…”

“Bessie would understand.” Emotions – sorrow, love, and concern – flickered in the older woman’s eyes like the flames warming the room, but her statement carried conviction.

Hannah knew Alice was right, logically. Bessie had loved Jemma. Without a doubt, her friend would’ve understood the needs of her daughter coming first. Reason, however, didn’t dispel the wrenching feeling in her gut.

“I still don’t like it.”

The older woman nodded her understanding before returning to her original concern. “Taking on my job would solve your immediate problem.”

“Your job.” Hannah leveled a look at her new friend. A mule would be less stubborn. Alice probably met few challenges she couldn’t overcome. Failing to help Jed has to be one. Sympathy snaked through irritation, softening her tone. “Hasn’t been offered to me.”

Alice waved her hand in a dismissive gesture. “Nathaniel will. It’s the logical solution.”

“I will?” The man referenced cut into the women’s exchange.

“Of course.”

“Alice.” Nate and Hannah spoke in unison again, expressing mutual frustration.

Startled, their gazes met and held. Silence stole the next few seconds. Her heart beat faster. Hannah shifted in her chair, unaccountably nervous. Finally, she glanced away, looking back at the other woman.

“You know, it’s more than a job I need for Jemma.”

“You’re worried it might be temporary?”

“Might be?” Nate interjected firmly, brooking no argument. “We’re not replacing you. So if I considered your suggestion, it would only be until you returned.”

“And if I can’t come back?”

“You will.”

“I appreciate your faith. I’m not so sure. For my piece of mind, Nathaniel, I want you to hire another housekeeper. Offer the job to Hannah. It’s what she and Jemma need.”

Shocked, Hannah’s mouth dropped open. It took her several seconds before she regained composure. Exasperated, but trying to be patient, she stated softly. “You’re not listening to me.”

“Of course I-”

Jemma cried out from other room, cutting the older woman off. Hannah immediately got to her feet. In a distracted air, she excused herself before hurrying off to her daughter.

“Poor baby, she’s probably having another nightmare.”

“Another?”

“Almost every evening lately.” Alice’s expression morphed from troubled to one of determination as she looked away from the door Hannah had disappeared through to him. “Nothing some time in a happier home wouldn’t fix.”

“And you think that home should be on the Bar 7?”

“I do.”

“I don’t believe you’ve thought this through.”

“Don’t underestimate me, young man.” The look in her tired eyes was sharp and direct.

Nate gentled his voice. “You’re under a lot of strain.”

“Yes, I am and if you hire Hannah it’d relieve some of it.”

“How?” he prompted, hoping to finish the discussion before the young woman returned.

“It’d ease my mind about you boys.”

Nate shook his head, dismissing the notion. “We’re grown men. No need to worry about us.”

“Oh?” Her eyes narrowed. “If there’s no need, why do I have a job?”

“Alice.”

“Nathaniel.” She patiently stated his name.

“We need you.”

A pleased smile was her immediate answer. “I miss you boys too.” Alice reached over, patting his hand. “But my son needs me more.”

“Yes, he does. That doesn’t mean someone has to take your place at home.”

“Sweet boy, no one can take my place.”

“That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you.”

“Hannah wouldn’t take my place. She’d just be doing my work for now.” She tried to reassure him.

“That’s different, how?”

“While your folks are gone, you’re doing work they would’ve done on the Bar 7. But you’re not taking their place.”

Nate shook his head, although he understood her point. Alice was right. Her suggestion made sense. He just didn’t like it.

“If I hired her, temporarily, what would happen to her and Jemma when you come back?”

“Offer Hannah a permanent job.”

“Doing what?” Surprise colored his voice.

“The Bar 7’s books? Helping with your breeding program?”

Nate ignored the reference to his plans. He was particular about who assisted with his horses. Up to now, he’d only allowed family to lend a hand. “She’s a bookkeeper?”

“Yes, but Hannah did more than the books here. Because they were still building up the place, she also worked with Bessie on the breeding charts and helped out in general.”

“That’s nice, but Pa handles the books.”

“And he’s hated doing them for as long as I’ve known him.”

“He does?” As Nate thought about it, a few vague memories surfaced. There were times his father grumbled under his breath or made an occasional grimace before heading into his study but he remembered no complaints. “I didn’t know.”

“Wouldn’t it be nice to have a bookkeeper in place before they return so your father would never have to do them again?”

Nate admired her persistence. Alice had a plan and wanted it done. “What then? I put Pa out to pasture?”

“No, lazing about for days on end would drive the man crazy but I’m certain he’d enjoy spending his time on other things.”

Restless, Nate got up. He put another fir round on the fire and listened to a bit of pitch crackle in the heat. “Pa could’ve hired someone himself years ago.”

“Jeremiah doesn’t trust outsiders easily, especially with money.”

“I know.” He turned to face Alice again. “That’s why your bookkeeping idea won’t work.”

“Hannah is a longtime friend of my son and his late wife and is now a close friend of mine. Your father won’t consider her a stranger.”

“I’m not so sure. And I-”

“Could do with some proper help.”

Distracted, he shook his head. “I’m doing fine.”

“Still keeping all the information in your head? What if you get sick or hurt?”

“Ben knows enough to help then.” Nate reclaimed his seat, leaning forward and assuring Alice, “I appreciate your concerns, truly.” He paused, taking a small breath then moved on, bringing up the point he’d wanted to make before. “You know I share Pa’s aversion. Bringing a stranger to live on the Bar 7 doesn’t sit well with me.”

“Hannah’s not a stranger.”

“You just met her.”

“Yes, but I’ve heard plenty about her over the years. She and Bessie were closer than most sisters.” Calmly, Alice looked him square in the eye. “Hannah’s a good person. If I had any doubts about her character, I wouldn’t ask this of you.”

“I know but… I’m not convinced hiring her is a good idea.”

“Nor am I,” Hannah announced from the open doorway.

But time’s running out. In measured strides, she crossed the room and rejoined those by the fire, a mask of composure concealing the nature of her thoughts. The notion of turning down a job, even a temporary housekeeping one, knotted her stomach.

“I meant no offence.”

“None taken.” Hannah clasped her hands together in her lap to hide how they shook. She couldn’t stop the effect of growing fear but refused to allow it to overcome her. So far, no other place had offered her work. Her choices were few. “But, should you be inclined, I’m willing to discuss Alice’s idea.”

Nate studied her a moment before offering a few polite words. “Another time, perhaps?”

“Of course,” Hannah agreed graciously. It’s fine. I really don’t want a job with the Rolfes anyway. Michael must have had a good reason to warn me away. Tension tightened a band around her chest. He must have.

Alice cleared her throat, drawing Hannah’s attention. “Will you both to give my suggestion some serious consideration?”

“I will,” she promised, in a whisper.

Somber, Nate also assured her. “As will I.”

“Good.” Alice got up. “Now, I’m heading to bed. It’s been a long day and this old lady needs to rest.” Nate stood, offering her his arm. She refused it with a weary smile. “Good night.”

The older woman walked away. After the dull thuds of her boots faded, only the occasional hiss from the fire disturbed the silence for a long moment. Uncomfortable, Hannah murmured an excuse, got up, and went over to start clearing the table. Nate followed, helping, unasked. Working together provided a short-lived but surprisingly pleasant experience. However, as soon as they finished fresh tension filled her.

Either she or Alice routinely tried tempting Jed to eat something around this time. Hannah dished up a small portion of stew, took a deep breath, then looked over at Nate. “Excuse me, I’ll be back shortly.”

“Taking Jed supper?” At her nod, he continued. “Would you ask if he’d like to visit with me?”

Hannah held his gaze a moment. “I’ll ask but…”

“It’s pointless.”

The young woman didn’t have the heart to respond. Without a word, she strode off, carrying the food into Jed’s bedroom. She moved easily through the dimly lit area straight to him. Hannah placed the bowl in his hands, then waited several seconds until his fingers flexed, gripping it before she stepped back.

“Nate is still here.” Jed didn’t give any indication he heard her. His gaze remained focused beyond her, out into the darkness. “Would you come out and talk with your friend?”

After waiting for an answer for some minutes, Hannah headed toward the door. The soft chink of the bowl being set on the side table next to Jed sounded loud in the quiet space. A step from exiting, she stopped and looked back, saddened. He hadn’t eaten all day again, to the best of her knowledge. She missed the man he’d been before: a good friend, playful father, and loving spouse. Bessie would be appalled to see her husband now.

Hannah blinked back the urge to cry and continued forward, closing the door behind her a moment later. Her gaze found Nate sitting near the fire again. He lifted an eyebrow and she gave a small shake of her head in answer to his silent inquiry. Without a word, she slowly walked over to join him, pausing on the way to grab the sewing basket.

“Would you like some more coffee?” She put the basket down on the floor next to a chair.

“No, thank you.”

As soon as he declined, Hannah sat down, picking up Jemma’s spare dress out of the pile of clothes needing mending. Pulling the needle out from where she’d left it, she settled back. There was comfort in tending to a familiar task, yet more than a sliver of guilt traveled through her.

Her little girl was growing fast. She’d outgrown all but the dress she’d worn today, filthy from running around with the boys, and the one Hannah held. The repair had to be finished by morning. She focused, keeping her stitches strong and small.

I need to provide better for my daughter.

It was past time to sew Jemma more clothes. I should’ve taken care of it weeks ago. It felt like there were never enough hours in a day. For a moment, the weight of her responsibilities threatened to overwhelm her. Hannah swallowed a sigh, unwilling to draw Nate’s attention to her inner turmoil. After a short time, she dug up her determination. Tomorrow, she’d go through her trunk and pick out some of her mother’s old dresses to cut down for her little girl.

If only all my problems were so easily solved.

Unexpectedly, Nate broke the silence. “Alice isn’t replaceable.”

“I agree. She’s a special woman.” Although Alice’s blunt proposal had been a bit embarrassing, Hannah knew her friend had the best of intentions. She glanced up at Nate then back down to her stitching, trying to think of what to say next. “Your ranch must do well to have a housekeeper for so long.”

As soon as the words left her mouth, she regretted them. It sounded like she was fishing for information. Her hand stilled mid-stitch while Hannah considered if an apology would make it better or worse.

“We do fair.” Nate got up, gesturing to the wood stacked beside the fireplace. “May I?”

Relief coursed through her upon hearing his casual response. He wasn’t offended. Stop over-thinking every word. She relaxed and resumed sewing. “Please.”

He added another round on the low-burning flames. “My mother likes working outside. Time often gets away from her. A housekeeper was a wise investment.”

Curiosity brought her gaze up from the little dress to the man standing nearby. “Your mother works as a ranch hand?”

“On our ranch, yes.”

“Even when you were young? With Jemma underfoot, simple chores around the house often take twice as long.”

“When it was just me, Ma claims it wasn’t too hard.” Nate returned to his chair. “Then she married Pa and, in short order, I had four siblings. According to my mother, Alice was a gift from Heaven.”

There was a slight curve to his lips, a suggestion of a smile, which intrigued her. In a few simple words, the love he felt for his family was obvious. Hannah smiled at him and for a second a thread of connection seemed to weave between them. She looked away, jabbing the needle into cloth nervously.

“How long has she worked for your family?”

“Since I was eleven.”

“Then you know Jed well?”

“He’s closer to Sam but, yes, I do.”

Hannah finished mending the tear, knotted the thread, then snipped the needle free. The hour was late. She folded the tiny dress and set it on top of the basket. It’s best to know. She met his gaze and held it squarely. Time is short.

In a pleasant but forthright manner, she inquired. “Are you giving serious thought to Alice’s idea?”

“I am.” The look in his eyes was unreadable. “Would you take the job if it was offered?”

“I don’t know.”

“Perhaps we should sleep on it, talk more tomorrow?”

A wave of exhaustion crashed over her. Tomorrow promised to be another long day. Suddenly, sleep held great appeal. In the morning, rested and refreshed, perhaps the problems facing her wouldn’t feel so overwhelming.

“That’s a great idea.” Hannah pushed herself out of the chair, up onto her feet. “In fact, I believe I’ll turn in now.”

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