A Headstrong Woman (15 page)

“I’m sorry, Lexie.”

“Me too, Anna, don’t worry; I have no intentions of remarrying.”

“Why not?” Anna asked with a frown.

“Anna, I’m not the type…”

“Nonsense! You’re a wonderful mother and…”

“Anna, look at me, I’m not the type men go for. They like women short and…and… more…something that I’m not.”

“Lexie, that didn’t even begin to make sense” Anna laughed.

Alexandria laughed and shook her head, “It didn’t, did it?”

“No. Now go on, I’ll try and be more reasonable in the future.”

“Thanks, Anna, I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

Alexandria hugged her sister. She emerged from the house and onto the porch to find Jonathon waiting. She hoped that he hadn’t overheard her conversation with her sister, though with the door open to catch the first warm hint of spring breezes and the proximity of their argument to the back staircase, how he could have missed it she didn’t know.

“I’m glad to know you don’t start affairs at your kitchen table,” Jonathon goaded her as soon as she stepped outside.

Catching him off guard, Alexandria spun and hit him on the shoulder. “You shouldn’t eavesdrop on other people’s conversations.”

“Ow!” Jonathon grabbed his shoulder. “Like I had to,” he quipped.

“You really are a rogue,” she accused as she grabbed Spirit’s reigns.

“Your sister’s right, that didn’t make sense, nor is it true,” Jonathon turned serious on her.

Alexandria stopped short and turned to him; she was not sure what to say to that.

“I really wasn’t trying to eavesdrop, Alexandria, but I couldn’t help overhearing. Don’t let Elijah’s issues turn you against marriage. Having been blessed with a wonderful marriage I can tell you it is a gift when it’s right.”

“Thank you for your concern, Jonathon, but it’s my decision to make and right now I just don’t believe I’ll ever wish to remarry,” she offered with a shrug. She knew marriage could be wonderful; she had only to look at her parents to know that; it didn’t guarantee she was meant for a happy ending.

“Just, don’t be closed off to the possibility.”

“I’ll think on it,” she placated.

“Do that,” he nodded; his tone said he understood she was avoiding the topic.

“We should get back to work,” Alexandria turned toward the corral.
                            “You don’t think you’re going to try that again do you because if you do we’re in for an argument you
won’t
win,” he informed her.

Alexandria, her arms crossed, turned and faced him. Her eyes narrowed as she took a deliberate step closer to him.

“Really?” she asked and watched Jonathon pull back as though suddenly wary of her.

Alexandria smiled, “You can relax; I have no intentions of trying that again.”

“Good,” his voice was heavy with relief.

“Do I make you tired?” she asked and Jonathon laughed.

“You keep me on my toes, you definitely keep me on my toes,” he responded as they mounted and prepared to return the heifer to the herd.

They were half way to the range when Rusty, his face grim, rode up.

“We’ve got a hole in the north west corner of the fence and cattle missing,” Rusty informed them.

“Ever had this problem before?” Jonathon asked.

“No, well once a long time ago, but it was small compared to this.”

“Rustlers?” Alexandria’s eyes were wide.

Jonathon turned to her and nodded.

“Come on, I’ll show you the spot. We followed the tracks, but they led into the creek just past the property line and we lost them from there,” Rusty offered.

“Should we go for the sheriff?” Alexandria asked.

“We can,” Jonathon replied, “but chances are they wouldn’t turn up anything. I will send for them when we’re through, just for good measure.”

Just as Rusty had said, there was a neat hole, intentionally cut, and tracks marring the ground. They followed them across the property line and into the stream. They were nearing an area of small hills and rocky terrain when a shot buzzed past Alexandria’s ear and startled Spirit; he sent her spilling into the cold stream.

Rusty grabbed Spirit’s reigns and led him toward home at a gallop. A moment later, Jonathon was reaching for Alexandria and settling her into the saddle in front of him. A few more shots landed in the stream around them, but none came as close as the one that had almost claimed Alexandria. Jonathon slowed Raven as they passed through the hole in the fence and reined him in beside Rusty.

“Glad you made it. Whoever took those cattle intend to keep them” Rusty said to Jonathon.

“No joke,” Jonathon responded. “You okay?” Jonathon asked Alexandria. “You’re not having a very good day.”

“Hadn’t noticed,” she returned.

“What else has happened?” Rusty asked and Jonathon shared her morning experience with him.

“Be careful. I don’t want to lose another boss,” Rusty cautioned her. Not trusting her voice, Alexandria nodded; she was starting to shake uncontrollably. It was a mild day and she hadn’t bothered with her coat, that combined with shock were taking their toll.

“Have you got a blanket I can borrow?” Jonathon asked Rusty.

“Sure. I’ve got to go to the bunk house I’ll get another.”

“Thanks,” Jonathon said as he took the blanket and wrapped Alexandria in it. “Let’s get you home,” Jonathon suggested as he tied Spirit’s reigns to Raven’s saddle.

“I can ride,” she argued.

“And freeze to death? I think not,” he argued. Alexandria at first tried holding herself erect, but soon gave up and leaned against Jonathon. “Are you sure you’re okay? Getting shot at is a pretty traumatic experience.”

“Shaken, sore, and cold, but I’m fine.”

“Do you ever admit when you’re not?” he teased her.

“Not if I can help it,” she confessed.

“What on earth happened now?” Anna demanded as she watched her sister dismount and climb the porch steps.

“Rustlers stole our cattle and then shot at us when we tried to retrieve them,” Alexandria watched her sister frown.

“Alexandria, are you sure trying to run this ranch by yourself is such a good idea?” Anna demanded.

“I’m not giving up, Anna,” Alexandria’s chin was raised and her jaw firm; she was not a quitter. Alexandria dismissed the topic and moved inside to change from her wet clothing. She was soon redressed and joining the others in the kitchen. Jonathon sat at the table, Anna across from him.

“I think I will be glad for the end of this day,” Alexandria predicted as she eased into a chair. She was feeling rather stiff at the moment.

“I’ll get you coffee,” Anna jumped up to see after her sister.

“Thanks, Anna,” Alexandria offered her sister a smile.

“I sent Sparky for the sheriff. I’m more concerned that these thieves shot at you than I am the missing cattle.” Jonathon looked grim as he took a drink of his own coffee.

“I want my cattle back,” Alexandria grumbled.

“Well, right now, you are all to eat,” Millie said firmly as she placed the last dish on the table.

“Thanks, Millie; join us and don’t bother arguing. I think it’s clear that we don’t stand on formality around here,” Alexandria insisted.

“Thank you,” the woman seated herself.

Conversation remained fairly light over dinner despite, or perhaps because of, the day’s traumatic events. None of them were anxious to dwell on their issues.

“I want another cookie,” Lilly announced after dinner as the table was being cleared.

“Two is enough,” Alexandria argued.

“I want another!” Lilly’s lower lip thrust out.

“Lillian Marie, when I say no, it means no,” Alexandria countered. Lilly looked ready to argue further, but stopped short and cut her eyes in Jonathon’s direction; she seemed to think better of it at the last moment. She scooted from her seat and went to climb into Jonathon lap instead.

“She’s a spitfire isn’t she?” Jonathon eyes lit with mischief.

“She is,” Alexandria acknowledged.

“Are you sure she isn’t yours?”

Alexandria, her hands on her hips, turned to glare at Jonathon.

“I think it’s time for me to go; the sheriff should be here soon,” he announced as he stood and placed Lilly on her feet.

“Good night ladies; see you in the morning, Alexandria,” Jonathon claimed his hat and let himself out.

“You know, don’t you, that he wouldn’t aggravate you if it didn’t get a response from you?” Millie asked.

Alexandria shook her head and turned back to the dishes. “He is so frustrating! Helpful and nice one minute and aggravating the next,” she said as she plunged her hands into the soapy water.

“Most men are, dear, most men are,” Millie chuckled.

***

Alexandria moaned in misery as she rolled from the bed the next morning. Her shoulder hurt so bad that she wanted nothing more than to remain in bed. Her body over all was rather stiff, she realized as she began dressing. It was with slow steps and movements that she entered Lilly’s room to dress the child for the day. She stopped only to rush forward a moment later. Her daughter was not in her bed. Alexandria turned and moved to her sister’s room. If her sister was up then she had likely dressed her for the day, but Anna would have made the bed; it wasn’t made.

“Anna,” Alexandria opened the door and peered into the room.

“Hmm?” Anna sat up and blinked at her sister groggily.

“I can’t find Lilly,” Alexandria was starting to panic now. She turned from her sister’s room and checked the bathroom before hurrying down the steps; she was wincing as she went.

“Good morning,” Millie greeted from where she was just setting the coffee pot onto the stove; it was further evidence to how early Alexandria was up.

“Have you seen Lilly?” Alexandria demanded.

“No,” Millie instantly looked concerned. Alexandria searched the house, her panic rising with each empty room. Anna and Millie were now in on the search as well. Alexandria thought her heart would leap from her chest when she noted that the back door was not pulled completely to. She rushed through the door and slammed into Jonathon.

“Whoa, what’s wrong?” Jonathon steadied her by her arms.

“Lilly’s missing. I’ve searched the whole house and the back door was cracked,” she explained.

“Are you sure she isn’t inside?” Jonathon was frowning now.

“She’s nowhere inside.”

“Double check while I look out here,” he instructed.

Alexandria nodded and returned to the house. Jonathon scanned the area, where could the child have gone? He noted a small foot print at the base of the porch steps and felt his heart leap. At least she had left the house of her own volition; that was good. Considering all that had happened as of late, his fears ran rampant. Another print and another, they were going in the general direction of the barn, though they had obviously been obscured by some of the men coming and going on their horses.

Jonathon decided to start with the barn, though he wasn’t certain how she would have gotten inside. He opened the smaller door and stepped inside and stopped to let his eyes adjust to the dim interior. After reaching for a lantern he began searching.

“Lilly,” he peered into each stall. He was about to give up when the sound of movement overhead pulled him to the loft ladder. Relief flooded him as he topped the ladder. His relief was quickly replaced by concern. Lilly sat cross legged in the hay, a kitten snuggled to her. Evidence of recent tears stained her face.

“Hey sweetheart, your mama is scared silly. What are you doing out here?” Jonathon moved to squat in front of the child.

“I dreamed Papa was in here,” her blue eyes filled with tears again.

“Oh, sweetie, I’m sorry. Did you know my wife died? I dream of her sometimes too,” Jonathon shared. “Can I take you back in now? Your mama is scared something happened to you.”

Lilly nodded and reached to be lifted with one arm. Jonathon lifted her into his arms and carefully descended the ladder to make his way to the house. Lilly, sobs still occasionally racking her small body, snuggled against him. They entered the house just as Alexandria was descending the stairs.

“Lilly!” Alexandria rushed forward to take the child; her own tears spilled over again. “I was so worried something had happened to you!”

“She had a dream that her daddy was in the barn,” Jonathon shared and watched fresh pain fill Alexandria’s face as she cuddled her daughter close and rubbed her small back.

“If Lilly is okay, why is Alexandria hysterical?” Anna joined them.

“I think everything has finally caught up with your sister, would you take Lilly and dress her please?” Jonathon requested.

“Of course,” Anna took the child from Alexandria. “Oh! You have a kitty!”