Beauty and The Beastly Rancher

“Yeah. I was wondering if you’d be interested in renting some of her land. She’s not working it at all. I think she’s got a hundred sixty acres in decent shape. I thought I might plant more hay and sell off what I don’t need.”

“Good thinking. Yeah, I might be interested. However, Pete would probably appreciate knowing about it, too. He’s got a family to raise, you know. And his land connects with part of Pointer’s, like yours does.”

“That’s true. Maybe I should go over there after dinner.”

“You’re going to a lot of trouble for this woman. Seems to me I remember she’s a beauty. You interested in her?”

Joe stiffened. “You know better than that, Dad. You know I don’t attract women like my brothers do.” He turned away, like he planned on walking out.

“Boy, you make too much of having a handsome face. It’s about time you found a woman and settled down. Pete is three years younger than you and he’s got two kids. Logan has two kids, too. The other two haven’t married yet, but it won’t be long. You’re falling behind.”

“I’m doing all right. My crops were good last year, and my herd is growing. I’ve got money in the bank. I’m not complaining,” he told his father.

“That’s just it, son. You need a woman to spend the money you’re making. It keeps a man humble and working hard.”

Joe laughed, trying not to sound bitter. “I can stay humble, Dad. That’s not a problem.”

Chapter Two

Anna settled Julie into her bed after reading her one of her favorite storybooks. “All right, sweetie, time to go to sleep.”

“Okay, Mommy, but—I want to say thank you to God for the big man. He saved us today.”

“Yes, he did. I think that’s a nice idea.” She listened to her daughter’s prayers, hoping Julie wouldn’t have nightmares. Then she kissed her good-night.

In the poorly furnished living room, Anna sat down in the second-hand rocker she’d rocked her babies to sleep in. She hoped the rocking would ease her fears. She’d been so stupid five years ago when she’d let Derek talk her into marriage. She realized now that he’d married her because she wouldn’t sleep with him. Once he’d had her, he went on to new conquests, ignoring his marriage vows. By then, she was pregnant with Julie. So she told herself he was young and he’d eventually settle down.

But he hadn’t. And he’d canceled the insurance she’d thought he had. When he died, she discovered there was no money at all. He’d spent every penny they’d had. Even more. His parents were furious with her. He’d taken money from them and blamed the need on Anna.

After his death, they’d moved to Florida and wanted nothing to do with her or their grandchildren. The land wasn’t paid for, there was no money in the bank, and he had no lasting friends. She’d had to sell every piece of machinery on the place to settle his debts.

She’d found it difficult to face the community, embarrassed by her situation. So she’d withdrawn. And hoped she could sell something to pay off the bank.

She’d tilled the garden by hand and raised a good crop. But how was she going to sell them?

She’d tried to brazen her way through Joe Crawford’s questioning, but she knew she couldn’t go back to today’s fiasco.

A knock on her door startled her. She crossed the room in the shadows, grabbing her broom as some form of protection. “Who is it?”

“Joe Crawford.”

She didn’t want to let him in, but he’d saved her today. She had to at least do that much. “Come in, Mr. Crawford,” she said, opening the door.

He stood on her front porch, hat in one hand and a cake container in the other. “I hope I haven’t come too late.”

“Too late for what?”

“Before Julie’s bedtime.”

“Come in,” she said again. He stepped past her and turned to face her. “I’m afraid Julie just went to bed. You can leave a message for her if you want.”

“I’d better leave this instead of a message. My mom baked it. I thought Julie might need something to distract her from what happened today.”

His thoughtfulness made her want to cry. But Anna wasn’t one of those ladies who melted. It made her angry that he could make her want to weep on his shoulder. Stiffly, she said, “It’s very kind of you to think of Julie.”

“And you. I don’t expect Julie to eat the entire cake.” He grinned a little, something he hadn’t done much earlier in the day.

She drew a deep breath. “Thank you again.”

He stood there awkwardly. It reminded her of her manners. “Would you care to sit down, Mr. Crawford?”

“Yes, I would, Mrs. Pointer.”

He continued to stand, looking at her, and she realized he was waiting for her to sit down first. Amazing, Derek’s few friends had treated her like a servant.

He sat down, holding his hat between his legs as he rested his elbows on his knees, his gaze lowered. “I need to talk to you.”

“Please, Mr. Crawford, don’t bring up the subject of my returning to the produce stand. I have no intentions of doing so.”

His eyebrows rose. “Glad to hear it.”

“Yes, well, it was kind of you to be concerned,” she said as she stood. “Thank you again.”

He blinked several times. “Is this a bad time?”

“No, of course not, but I thought—Is there something else?”

“Yes, ma’am. I wondered why you’re not working the land.”

It was her turn to blink. “I—I don’t have any tools. I had to sell them. I was embarrassed by Derek’s debt and wanted to pay it off as soon as I could.”

“Ah. I see. Well, then, would you consider renting the land to me? Not all of it,” he hastily added. “My brother Pete would like half of it.” He named the going figure for good land.

All Anna could do was stare at him. She’d placed a small ad in the local paper two months ago, but she’d gotten no response. “Why would you be interested, Mr. Crawford?”

“I don’t like to see land go to waste. With a little work on my part, I can have a bigger harvest.”

“And your brother?”

“He’s got two kids to feed. He always needs a bigger crop.” Again, he smiled at her.

He looked much friendlier when he smiled. “I—I advertised my land a couple of months ago. No one contacted me.” She lifted her chin to challenge him.

“I didn’t see it,” he said simply.

“I don’t want charity!” she snapped.

“Mrs. Pointer, I won’t pretend that I need your land to survive, but I can make a profit off it. If you’re willing to rent it, why shouldn’t I do so?”

“You’re sure you want to lease it?” She was trying not to jump from her chair and sing and dance because he’d solved her major problem. “I can make it one way or another if you—” She couldn’t really but he wouldn’t know that.

“My brother and I are both interested.”

“Then, of course, I’d be delighted to rent it to you.”

“Great. I’ll have my lawyer draw up a lease agreement and bring it by tomorrow. We’d like to split the lease between us. Pete is taking the land that meets with his place and I will use the other side.”

“That’s satisfactory.”

“We’ll exclude the acre your house and garden occupy.”

“Thank you.” She stood again, assuming their business was settled.

“Uh, I have something else to say.”

She sank back into the rocker. He was going to lecture her again, which irritated her.

“My mother is on the board of directors of the Lawton Market place. She gets a space free of rent.”

Anna had no idea where he was going with this subject.

“I thought you could sell your produce Saturday in town.”

“I told you I can’t afford—”

“That’s just it. I can use the space free. All you need to do is stay with me all day and no one will question you.”

“I couldn’t do that!”

“Why not?” His voice changed, filled with bitterness. “Why not? Afraid of what people will say?”

She blinked several times, unsure of the reason for his change of voice.

He continued, “I promise I won’t take advantage of you.”

She turned bright red. “Of course not. I didn’t t-think that.”

“Good. I’m a confirmed bachelor. I’m not offering because you’re pretty, even though you are. And you don’t have to pay me back in any form. We’re just going to sell some vegetables and fruit. Agreed?”

His words were forceful and she sensed that if she refused, it would hurt his feelings. Besides, his offer was a godsend. First the land and now selling her produce. He was like a genie in a bottle, granting her three wishes.

“Mr. Crawford, I didn’t mean—being able to sell my goods there would be wonderful. But it would require you to spend the day in town. I know you have work to do.”

“Always,” he agreed with another grin, but the bitterness was gone. “I can wait to start plowing your land until Monday.”

“You’re sure?”

“I’m sure. Will you be here tomorrow?”

“Yes, of course.”

“Okay, once the leases are drawn up and I have Pete’s check I will come pick you up. Then we’ll go to town, take the leases to the lawyer and deposit the money in the bank. We can look at the space we’ll have for Saturday. Agreed?”

With her mind whirling, she said, “Yes, that would be wonderful, but—never mind. We’ll be ready.”

“What is it?”

“I was thinking of my son’s nap time, but it doesn’t matter.”

“Why don’t we drop the kids off at my Mom’s?” When she started to protest, he held up his hand. “She’s already offered. She likes little kids.”

“That—that would be wonderful. If something comes up, I can take them with me.”

“Fine. I’ll tell her you said that. Now, I’ll go,” he said as he stood, and she was reminded again how tall he was. Julie’s prayer for “the big man” was certainly appropriate.

“Mr. Crawford, you’ve been—so helpful. I can’t thank you enough.”

“I’m getting more land to work, Mrs—Aw heck, we might as well call each other by our names. Otherwise, no one is going to believe we’re friends. I’m happy with our agreement, Anna. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Yes, Joe. Thank you again.”

He was out the door before she could reach it and disappeared in the spring night.

Anna awoke the next morning with a spring in her step that had been absent for the last five years. She was going to have enough money in the bank to make the payment and have some left over. If she sold even half her things at the market on Saturday, she could purchase a few things that they needed.

She’d have to be careful though. Another payment would come around sooner than she’d realize. Now, for three whole months, she’d be able to face each day with a smile. She was thrilled. She was also relieved because she’d dealt with pressing charges against the men over the phone last night.

She took extra care with her hair and donned a blue dress that matched her eyes. She didn’t bother with makeup. That would be too obvious. When Julie got up, having had a restless night, she did a very unmotherly thing. She fed her cake for breakfast.

“Cake? I get cake?” Julie asked with excitement.

“Just this once. Mr. Crawford brought it over last night especially for you. He was disappointed that you were already asleep.”

“He came to see me?” Julie said in reverential tones. Anna realized no one came to see Julie. She had no playmates because Anna kept to herself. She felt doubly guilty at making her daughter pay for her sins.

“Yes, and he’s coming back today. He’s going to rent our land, honey, and that money will help us out. So everything is going to be better.” She lifted Julie in her arms and danced around the table.

“Mommy! I like it when you’re happy!” Julie exclaimed with a joyful laugh.

Again Anna felt guilty. She’d been letting their situation drag her down, but she hadn’t realized how aware of everything Julie was.

“Everything is going to be better, baby. You’ll see.”

“Is Mr. Crawford going to stay for lunch?” Julie asked.

“No, we have to do business today. You and Henry are going to stay with his mother while we go into town.”

“His mommy? He has a mommy?”

“Why, yes, he has a mommy. Why wouldn’t he?”

“‘Cause he’s so big,” Julie said with a look of wonder.

Anna laughed again. “Come to the table, sweetie and start on your cake. I’ll pour you a glass of milk.”

“Are you going to eat cake, too, Mommy?”

Anna stopped in surprise. With a smile, she said, “You bet I am.”

While Pete was signing the lease papers, he said, “If I remember right, Anna Pointer is a good-looking blonde.”

Joe grunted and looked at Kelly, Pete’s wife.

“How’s the store doing?” he asked, deliberately trying to change the topic.

“It’s doing great, Joe. Stop by and visit some day,” Kelly invited, smiling at her brother-in-law. “We don’t see you often enough.”

“I’m not usually in town as much as Pete.”

“I don’t remember ever seeing Anna Pointer either. Doesn’t she ever come to town?”

Joe doubled his hands and slid them into his pockets. “Nope. She has little kids.”

“So do I,” Kelly said with a laugh.

“I think I hear one now,” Joe said, looking up the stairs visible from the kitchen table. In no time, a fouryear-old boy came running down the stairs. “Uncle Joe! Uncle Joe, hi! I didn’t know you was coming!”

“Were coming, son,” Kelly said.

Ignoring his mother, the boy continued. “Why are you here? Are you going to give me a ride?”

Joe grinned. Drew was his favorite nephew, mainly because he was the only one old enough to play. He loved it when Joe swung him up on his shoulders and galloped around with him.

Kelly intervened. “No, he’s not. But he does have a treat for you,” she assured her son.

“What?” Drew asked.

“Uncle Joe is going to drop you off at Granny’s house and let you play with a little girl who’s coming over. And I want you to be sweet to her.”

“A girl? No, Mom, I don’t want—”

“Drew?” Pete said quietly.

“Yeah, Dad?”

“Be a gentleman.”

“Yes, sir. But girls can’t play.”

“What do you mean?” Joe asked, curious.

“All Alexandra does is sleep and eat.”

Kelly laughed quietly. “That’s because she’s a baby. She’ll do more as she gets older. This little girl is four years old, just like you.”

“Okay. Will Granny make cookies?”

Kelly rolled her eyes. “I’m sure she will. She always does.”

“Yeah. She’s a good granny,” Drew said in satisfaction.

“Go put on a clean shirt.” He started to protest, but his mother said, “I know you got that shirt out of the dirty clothes. It still has peanut butter on it.”

With a disgusted look, he trudged back up the stairs. “I’ll be right back, Uncle Joe. Don’t leave without me.”

“No, I won’t.”

Kelly sighed. “At least the tornado has passed for a few minutes. He keeps getting more and more energy.”

“Yeah. How’s Alex doing? Prettier than ever?”

“Of course,” Kelly agreed.

“You need kids of your own,” Pete said with a frown.

“Don’t start, Pete. I’m fine. It gives me time to be a good uncle to Drew.”

“I’m not complaining about that, of course, but you’re older than me. Don’t wait much longer.”

Joe shrugged his shoulders and picked up the check and signed lease. “Okay, I’m taking this over to Mrs. Pointer and then driving her into town. I think the payment is due right away.”

“And it’s okay if I start working the land today?”

“Yep.”

“Thanks for lining this up for me, Joe. It will be helpful.”

“For me, too. But Anna—that is, Mrs. Pointer, thinks we’re giving her charity. I had to talk a little while to convince her I wasn’t.”

“Good for you,” Pete said, watching his brother closely.

“Stop looking at me that way,” Joe protested.

“What way?”

“You know what I mean. This is business, that’s all.”

“Right,” Pete said.

“Joe, why don’t you bring her by the store and introduce her to us. Lindsay will want to meet her, too.”

Joe paused. Then he said, “I might do that. I don’t think she has many friends.”

“Good. We’ll look forward to meeting her.”

“Hey, wait a minute. How come you get to meet her and I don’t?” Pete demanded of his wife.

She leaned over and kissed him. “Because you have to work today.”

Joe laughed at the look on his brother’s face. But he wasn’t worried. Kelly spoiled Pete, as he spoiled her. They had a good marriage that made Joe envious if he thought about it too long.

His sister, Lindsay, had a good marriage, too. Her husband, Gil Daniels, trained horses and was making quite a name for himself. At least two out of six wasn’t bad for his parents. Well, he had to make it three out of six because Logan had married his boss, Abby. A beautiful woman, who talked ranching with the best of them. Logan had learned that the hard way. She was a strong woman who resented being pampered as if she were weak.

But Anna…he thought she might need some pampering. Not that he would be the one to take care of her. He was her temporary protector. Maybe he’d look around for a good man for Anna. He could push her in that direction when he found someone good enough for her. That was a good idea. In town on Saturday, he’d make sure she was introduced around and see who he could find.

In the meantime, he’d think about his friends. Surely he had nice friends who would be interested. Well, not really. Most of his friends were married already. He scratched his head again. There was Dr. Patrick Wilson. He was actually a friend of Pete’s. He and Pete had become friends when Kelly took Drew to see him. Joe couldn’t hold back a chuckle. They hadn’t started out friends. Pete had been too jealous. But he’d delivered Alex and had become a trusted friend. Would Anna—Mrs. Pointer be interested in a doctor? Most women were, he thought with a shrug.

How about Bill Quigley? His wife had died last year. He had a couple of kids too. Anna seemed like a good mom. Maybe that would work out for her. There was Larry Baker. He was a widower, too, but he’d heard some not-so-nice gossip about him.

He wanted to be sure he didn’t connect Anna up with someone even worse than Derek. The poor woman had suffered enough. Not that she’d said anything, but her house, while clean, didn’t look good. She didn’t have any of the frilly stuff like his mom did. And her furnishings looked old. Okay, so he’d make a new list and only include men with a good reputation and good money. It occurred to him that that list might be pretty short unless he decided to include himself. But, he wasn’t looking for marriage. Was he?

When he drove into town early that morning to leave the lease with his lawyer, he actually ran into Patrick Wilson, the man who headed his list for Anna.

“Hey, Pat! What are you doing out this early?”

“Heck, Joe. I’m not out early. I’m just getting back. I had a call about two.”

“Everything’s okay, I hope,” Joe said, a polite hint for more news.

Patrick sighed. “Andy Elkins fell and broke his leg and got a concussion. He’ll recover, but it’ll take a while.”

“Andy? What was he doing up at two in the morning? He’s eighty-seven!”

“Making a trip to the bathroom in the dark.”

“That’s too bad. I guess it’s a good thing you don’t have a family with the hours you keep,” Joe said frowning.

Patrick looked surprised. “I guess you’re right. Doctors’ marriages aren’t too stable from what I’ve observed. It would take a strong woman to deal with my life.”

“Yeah, I guess so,” Joe said, thinking he needed to mark Patrick off the list.

Patrick jabbed him with his elbow. “Don’t be telling anyone that. You’ll ruin my social life.”

“I won’t,” Joe said. He waved goodbye and continued into his lawyer’s office. But under his breath he muttered, “I guess we’ll see who’s next on the list.” He had to find a better husband than Patrick. This was going to be hard.

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