Amandas's Mail Order Cowboy: The Story of A Mail Order Bride and Her Mail Order Husband (Mail Order Brides Book 14) (8 page)

chapter Seventeen

Cheyenne

The fourth day of the trip…

“We just entered Wyoming,” Rance said. “We’ll be in Cheyenne in about an hour.”

Rance lifted Abby from the train to the station platform. He then took Amanda’s hand as she stepped from the train onto the platform.

“Clay should have sent someone to meet us. I wired him our arrival time.”

He looked around. “There,” he said. “He came himself.” He put his fingers to his mouth and let out an ear piercing whistle, then waved his arm. Across the platform, a man began making his way toward them.

“Good to see you back, buddy,” the man said.

“It’s good to be back. Amanda, this is my best friend and foreman, Clay McAllister. We’ve known each other since we were five years old. Clay this is Amanda. We were married last Sunday.”

“Welcome to Wyoming, Amanda. I’m glad you came back with him. He would have been impossible if you’d turned him down.” He picked Abby up and swung her around. How are you, Punkin? I’m so glad to see you. I’ve been lonely while you’ve been gone. Did you miss me?”

She nodded her head.

“The buckboard is right over there, Rance. I’ll help you with the things.”

Amanda turned in a small circle. It’s beautiful, Rance,” she said.

“It is, but you haven’t seen the prettiest part. That’s the Lazy K. It will take us about forty-five minutes to get there.”

Clay had brought his horse along, tied to the buckboard. They loaded the trunk and valises into the buckboard. Rance lifted Abby up and in. Then he gave Abby a boost. He climbed up, took the reins and gave them a flick. The two horses pulled the wagon away from the platform. Amanda slid close to Rance and hooked her arm into the crook of his elbow. “I can’t believe I’m actually here,” she said.

“What was the housekeeper’s name again?” she asked.

“Consuela,” he said. “She’s the one kept telling me I needed a wife and Abby needed a mother. She was right on both counts, too.”

“The sky is so blue, and everything is so pristine,” Amanda said.

“It is. Now that I’ve seen a large part of the country, I’m more convinced than ever. There’s no place like it.”
Her hand tightened on his arm. “Those are Indians, aren’t they?”

Rance looked. “They’re Oglala Sioux. I wonder why they’re in town.” He whistled, and Clay moved closer to the wagon. “Why are the Sioux in town,” he asked.

“I think the Army is returning some of the roamers to the reservation,” Clay said.

“What are roamers?” Amanda asked.

“All of the tribe is supposed to stay on the reservation, but some of them sneak away and live off reservation.” He lowered his voice, “They were the ones who caused the trouble back when Abby’s family was killed,” he said.

“Are they safe?” Amanda asked.

“I don’t know. I’m not going to invite them to dinner. The tall one there? That’s Red Cloud. He’s the chief.”

When they turned off the road onto a trail that led to the hills. Rance said, “We’re on Lazy K land now. Another ten-fifteen minutes, and we’ll be home.”

The trail was lined with cottonwood trees. Rance pointed ahead. You can catch a glimpse of the house through the trees. Off to the side you can see some of our herd.

Amanda looked closely, and spotted a couple of men on horseback. “Those are the cowboys aren’t they? You said someone was always with the herd?”

“Right. There’s probably one on the other side too.”

“How many work here?” she asked.

“I don’t know exactly. Clay does the hiring and firing.”

“Why doesn’t he have a place of his own?” she asked.

“They used to have a ranch, but the old man was a gambler and lost it in a poker game when Clay was about fifteen.”

“It must be hard for him to work for a friend. I’m surprised there isn’t some resentment.”

“No, not with Clay, there’s not a jealous bone in his body.” He pointed to an open area off to the right. “Abby’s parent’s place was over there. Clay and I were coming from up yonder,” he pointed, “when we saw the smoke. We beat it there, but were way too late. The barn was in ashes; Jim and Cora were face down in the dirt outside the barn. I was always surprised the house wasn’t torched. They usually burn everything.”

“What a beautiful house,” Amanda exclaimed as they rode into the yard. Rance smiled in agreement, and helped her from the wagon. “Come on, Punkin,” he said and lifted Abby.

As soon as her feet touched the ground, she tugged at Amanda’s hand and began pulling her toward the house. Amanda allowed herself to be towed along. Rance caught up to them.

“She wants to show you off,” he said.

“I love it,” Amanda said.

They entered into a warm kitchen. “Consuela,” he called out, “We’re home.”

A short, plump Hispanic woman walked in, nervously wiping her hands on a gingham apron.

“Señor Rance. It is so good you are home,” she said, as. he embraced her.

“Consuela, this is my wife, Amanda. You can rest easy now. I have a wife,” he said.

“It was from love, Señor Rance. Señora, welcome.”

With no hesitation, she hugged Amanda. She stepped back and said, “La Señora es muy hermosa.”

Amanda looked at Rance, who said, “Consuela said you are very beautiful. I agree with her.”

“I’ll get the trunk and things,” he said.

Someone had put the trunk and valises by the door and taken the wagon and horse away. He put the valises in the kitchen and lifted the trunk, took it through the kitchen to the bedroom. Amanda followed close behind.

It’s beautiful Rance. She drew the curtain back and looked out. “Ohhh, this is what I’m going to see every morning when I wake up. What an incredible view!

“Thank you for bringing me here. In all of my dreams, I never thought of anything like this.”

She felt Abby tugging at her dress. “Mama, come see. Come see my room.”

Amanda followed Abby into her bedroom. She looked around.
Something has to be done about this. It’s too plain
.
It should have little girl colors.

There was a rocking chair in the corner of the room. “We have a place for me to read your bedtime stories, don’t we?”

Abby nodded.

“Let’s try it out, okay?” Amanda said.

She sat in the rocking chair. “Come get in my lap,” she said, and held her arms out.

Abby climbed into Amanda’s lap. Amanda began rocking and singing a soft lullaby, her eyes closed. Rance had come to the door, and was looking in. He motioned to Consuela, who joined him at the door watching. She brushed a tear from her eye.

“You have a good woman, Señor Rance,” Consuela said. “A good woman.” They moved away from the door without disturbing the scene.

That evening…

“You’ve made a hit with everyone,” Rance said. “Consuela has told me twice you are a good woman.”

“Aw shucks, if I’m so good, why don’t you make love to me in my new to me bedroom?” she said.

“Now that sounds like a good way to finish off the evening,” he said, as he draped his arms over her shoulders, each hand landing on one of her breasts.

She covered his hands and rubbing them. He pushed the now unbuttoned dress from her shoulders, then lifted her chemise over her uplifted arms, and tossed it aside. He unsnapped her bra and she shrugged it from her shoulders, allowing the unfettered breasts to fall into his hands.

She turned to face him, and began unbuttoning his shirt. They traded pieces of clothing until they stood, totally revealed to each other. She came into his arms, and pressed herself against him, flattening her breasts on his muscular chest. She had a sharp intake of breath when she felt his growing manhood against her inner thigh.

When his eyes met hers, her heart turned over. His eyes penetrated to her very soul. “Amanda, I have fallen in love with you. I can’t imagine a life without you.”

Tears flooded her eyes. “You don’t have to. I’ve wanted to hear you say that. I’m here with you and for you. I’m not going anywhere, Rance Kendall,” she said, looking into the dark pools that were his eyes, “I love you with all my heart. You’ve made my dream come true. I have a good man, a beautiful daughter and a lovely, secure home.”

He looked at her, his eyes caressing her body. She felt it give her a tingling in the pit of her stomach. His tongue traced the soft, fullness of her lips. She parted them issuing an invitation. His kiss was slow and exploratory. A kiss she returned with a hunger that surprised her.

Maintaining the kiss, he swept her into his arms, picked her up and gently placed her on the bed, then lay beside. He kissed her chin, then her neck. Her eyes followed him as he kissed his way down her breasts. He moved his hand down her body, rubbing, massaging the tender flesh. When his finger penetrated her entrance, a surge of desire washed over her.

He took her breast in his mouth, as she writhed under his ministrations. She lost control completely to the urgency of her passion. She relaxed. “Now,” she whispered. “Now,” and pulled him to her.

“Ahhhhh,” she sighed and they began moving in rhythm together. Their pace increased as they climbed the mountain of ecstasy, and fueled by the recent declarations of love, they went over the top.

“That was wonderful,” she said. “I felt all of you. It was like magic. I really like being married to such a man.”

His response surprised her. He was ready again.” With less urgency than before, they enjoyed one another again.

Rance fell asleep first, as she lay on his arm with a leg on each side of his left leg, her warmth against his thigh. Her last thought before she fell asleep was,
how did I ever get this lucky? I have it all. It’s perfect.

chapter Eighteen

Ranch Life

“Have you noticed how much more Abby is talking?” Rance asked Consuela.

“Sí. Señora Amanda?”

“Yes, she took her for a walk right after we got there, and Abby started talking to her after that. She reads to her every night at bedtime.”

Amanda walked into the kitchen. Consuela hugged her.

“What was that for?” she asked.

“Usted es un hacedor de milagros,”

“I don’t know what that means,” Amanda said.

“It means you are a miracle worker,” Rance said.

“I’m not. I just love children and they can tell when someone means it. They are a lot more perceptive than we give them credit for,” Amanda said.

“Consuela needs some things for the pantry, and the bunkhouse cook needs some supplies. Would you like to come with me to Cheyenne?”

“I would. I want to see what kind of things the stores have, too,” Amanda said.

A surprised look came on her face. She went to Rance and whispered into his ear. “You’re right,” he said. “I plumb forgot about it.”

“I’ll get it,” she said and left the room.

When she returned, she was carrying a box. “We brought you something from New York, Consuela,” she said and handed her the box.

“Let me set this straight,” Rance said. “Amanda brought you something. It was her idea and she picked it out.”

Consuela opened the box, and took out a bright red dress. “Oh, Señora, it is beautiful.” She hugged Amanda.

“I thought you might like something new to wear to church,” Amanda said.

“Gracias, Señora. Gracias.”

Later that evening…

“You really made a hit with the dress,” Rance said.

“Every woman likes a new frock once in a while,” she said.

“If it is all right with you, I would like to make Abby’s room look more like a girl’s bedroom.”

“This is your home. You can decorate it anyway you like. Nothing has been done inside since it was built. It was a place to live. I don’t know whether Mama ever thought about it or not. She died when I was twelve, and my memories are a bit blurred.

“All right, I’ll see what the store has or can order. If they can’t, I’ll ask Mama to help with it.

“We haven’t talked about it, but how do you feel about church?” he asked. “I’ve always attended except at roundup time or when the weather makes it impossible,

“I would like for you to go. Sundays are about the only time we get to see our neighbors. I want to show you off to my friends.”

“I don’t know about the showing off part, but I would love for us to go to church,” she answered.

“Good. I have some good friends on the other ranches and in town. You already know about Clem and Margaret; and Jennie and Cal.

Amanda awakened, and found she was in an empty bed. She peeked around the curtain. It was still dark outside. She slipped into a robe and went into the warm kitchen. She could smell the aroma of biscuits baking. “Consuela, do you know where Rance is?”

“He is working. He will eat later,” Consuela said.

“Does he get up this early every morning?” Amanda asked.

“Sí. Many things need to be done. The Señor works hard.”

About an hour later, she heard him on the porch. He came into the kitchen, bent over and kissed her on the cheek.

“Why didn’t you wake me when you got up?” she asked.

“There was no need. I’m up this early every day. I light a fire, make coffee and get started on the chores. You don’t need to get up that early, he said.

“I might have a need,” she said with a coy look on her face. “Besides, “I would like to get up with you,” she said.

“I’ll have to file that need thing away for future reference. I’ll wake you if you insist,” he said. “Mama always ate breakfast with Papa, but she never got up with him, that I know of.”

“I would like to get up with you,” she repeated. “When does Abby usually get up?”

“I always let her sleep,” he said.

“It was different at our house. Mama always got up with Papa and fixed his breakfast, but it wasn’t this early.

“On another subject, I would like for you to show me around, when you have the time. I want to meet the people that work here. I want to know about what you do.”

“Glad to. Would nine or ten be too soon to leave for town?” he asked.

“Either is fine with me. You decide. I would like for Abby to go,” she said. “I want to include her in everything.”

Consuela mumbled something. “I’m sorry Consuela, I didn’t hear you.”

Consuela shook her head. “Dé nada.”

Rance said, “She said you’re a good woman. She told me that last night, too. Dé nada means it was nothing.”

“Consuela, I need for you to teach me some Spanish,” Amanda asked.

“Sí”, Consuela said.

She set her coffee on the table. “Abby’s awake,” and hurried out of the room, and returned carrying her.

“How did you know she was awake?” he asked.

“I heard her,” Amanda said.

“I didn’t hear anything,” he said.

“A mother hears things,” she said.

Rance shook his head. “How’s Papa’s girl?” he asked.

“Good,” came the muffled reply. Her head was nestled under Amanda’s chin.

Amanda sat down, with Abby in her lap. “Consuela, would you please warm my coffee. I should have gotten it before I sat down.”

“Did you sleep well, Abbie?” Amanda asked.

“Yes,”

“We’re going into town today. Would you like to go or stay with Consuela?”

“Go,” Abby said.

Cheyenne…

The wagon stopped in front of the general store. Rance assisted Amanda in getting down, and swung Abby around and set her on the plank sidewalk.

“The store owner’s name is Sam Wilcox. I’ve known Sam all of my life. He will go out of his way to help you get what you need,” Rance told Amanda.

Morning, Sam,” Rance said. “This is Amanda. She’s behind the mail you’ve been getting for me. We were married last week.”

“Welcome to Cheyenne, Amanda. He’s needed someone to take care of him. He’s run loose since his mother passed,” Wilcox said.

“Thank you, Mr. Wilcox. We won’t have any problems, as long as he does what I tell him,” Amanda said, with a laugh.

“He’s a good man,” Wilcox said.

“I found that out right away, ” she said.

“Rance tells me you can order things I might need,” she said.

“Indeed I can,” the storekeeper said.

“Abby and I will wander around and get familiar with the stock,” Amanda said. She took Abby’s hand and began her tour.

“I’ve got a list here of things we need,” Rance said.

“I’ll have Jimmy start getting this together. So how was your trip?”

“Long, but worth it,” Rance said. We saw a lot of the country, but Wyoming sure looked good when we got back.”

“Mr. Wilcox, can you get wallpaper?” Amanda asked. “I want to decorate Abby’s bedroom.”

“Is that what it sounds like?” he asked.

“Yes, it comes in rolls and you use paste to get it to stick to walls.” Amanda said.

“Let me see if I can find anything on it,” he said.

“While you’re getting the order ready, I want to introduce Amanda to Clem and Margaret,” Rance said.

“I’ll check on this wallpaper while you’re gone,” Sam said.

Back on the boardwalk, Rance carried Abby as they walked toward the church.

“Clem and Margaret have a house around the corner from the church, but usually they’re in the church. Clem works on his sermon while Margaret gets it ready for the Sunday services. Church is the place the townspeople and ranchers get together and keep up with what’s going on.

“About once a month, folks bring in food and we have a picnic after the service. I believe there’s one this coming Sunday. I think you might enjoy it.”

As they crossed the street, Rance said “The schools are right down the street here. They hadn’t been built when I went to school. The school I went to after the one room elementary burned.”

At the church…

Just as Rance had said, they found Clem polishing his sermon for Sunday. Margaret had her hair tied in a blue bandana, and was carrying a feather duster.

“Clem, look who’s back,” Margaret called out.

Clem came out of the small room that served as the church office. He smiled and shook hands with Rance.

“Amanda, these are two of my favorite people in the entire world. After you of course. Clem and Margaret Hutchison, this is Amanda. We were married Sunday before last, in Elmira, New York.”

“I’m pleased to meet you. It was so kind of you to write the letter. I had made up my mind, but it helped mother reconcile herself to my going off into the wilderness with a stranger. She was at peace with the idea after reading your letter.”

“It was my pleasure,” Clem said. “Will you be joining us on Sunday?”

“I most certainly will,” Amanda said.

“We are both happy for Clem to find someone to share his life. And for Abby as well.

“How is Abby adapting to this?” Margaret asked.

Rance smiled. “Abby, who is this?” he asked.

“Mama,” Abby said.

“They were friends from the get go. Amanda got her to come out of her shell.”

“She is a delightful little girl. Aren’t you, Abby?” Amanda asked.

Abby nodded.

“I am tickled to death,” Margaret said. “She’s been through a lot and deserves someone to hold on to.

“Sunday is picnic Sunday, isn’t it?” Rance asked.

“Yes it is,” Clem said. “Amanda, I like to introduce newcomers to the congregation. Would it embarrass you if I did that?”

“Probably,” Amanda said, “but I’ll get over it. I would be pleased to have you do that.”