Robin (18 page)

              Jacob trembled and drew his knees to his chest, as though he wanted to make himself as small as possible.

              Ty rubbed his eyes. Obviously the boy didn’t want to talk about it. He lay down beside the child and put his arm around him.

              Jacob turned and curled against his chest. “Don’t leave me,” the boy mumbled. He clutched Ty’s shirt.

              “I’m staying right here, buddy.”

              “Promise? Will you be here in the morning?”

              “I’ll be right here beside you, Jacob.” He drew the boy closer. “You go to sleep.”

              He’d promised he would be there in the morning, but what about all the mornings to come? If he kept his promise to Anna, would it mean giving up this little guy cradled in his arms?

              He held still and listened to the night sounds outside the window. Who’d been out there with the dog? Was it the boy’s pa? Wouldn’t a pa reveal himself? Jacob was only a little boy, yet he seemed to hide a man-sized secret. Was he in danger?

              Once, during the long night, Jacob awakened and called out for Robin. Ty whispered, reminding him where Robin was, and Jacob snuggled closer—but not before proclaiming, “I want Robin.”

              Morning light filtered through the lace curtains, and Ty still lay awake. He’d fought a battle in his heart, and lost.

He wanted Robin, too.

SEVENTEEN

              The pink rose-covered wallpaper in Emma’s tiny spare room reminded Robin of their parlor in Chicago. She must remember to tell her sisters. Wouldn’t Mama have been surprised to know the wall covering she’d so carefully chosen for their fancy city parlor, also graced the walls of Emma’s simple Kansas bedroom.

              “Robin? May I come in? I’d knock, but it’s a little hard to do with only a curtain covering the doorway.”

              Robin pulled back the curtain and smiled at her friend. “Do come in, Emma. I was admiring your choice of wallpaper. Roses are my favorite flower. They were my papa’s favorite, too.”

              “Then I made the right choice.” Emma smiled and handed her a blue glass bottle. “Here, I want you to have this. With that Mr. Benson coming for a visit, I thought you might like something sweet to dab behind your ears. Besides, the Feather does have a way of sticking to a person.”

              Robin cradled the cobalt blue bottle in her hands. “Oh, Emma. How thoughtful.” She removed the cork and sniffed the contents. “Ahh, rosewater. My mama always used rosewater. I don’t suppose I’ll ever forget how comforting that fragrance was to me. No matter if I laughed or cried—when Mama hugged me she smelled like roses, and it made me feel safe. Thank you, Emma.”

             
“
Pshaw
.
Go on with you, girl. Having you here these past days has been nothing but a pure pleasure. You’re welcome anytime. You sure I can’t come help you get ready for that Chicago fella?” She winked.

              “I’ve been thinking about his visit. Guess there’s no better time for William Benson the Third to see me like I am—the Feather and all. I only wish I knew how he will accept Jacob.”

              Emma’s eyebrows arched. “He doesn’t know?”

              “Wren and Lark don’t even know. I’m ashamed of myself for not corresponding with them sooner. But so much has happened I don’t know where to begin.”

              Emma perched on Robin’s bed. “You’re not going to clean Ty’s house, are you?”

              Robin shrugged. “Ty said he wouldn’t allow it, but I don’t want to cause trouble with Anna Blair. I’ve given it a lot of thought. I don’t think she meant to be unkind. She’s used to having things her way. What would it hurt if I helped her? It would only be this one time. It’s not like I would be a permanent fixture over there.”

              “Tell me this. Do you still have feelings for Ty Morgan? If you do, then you best stay as far away from there as you can. You go over and work in that house, and he comes in and the two of you talk there won’t be anything but trouble and a whole lot of hurt. You mark my word.”

              The bell above the door jangled, and Emma stood with a groan. “Duty calls, I suppose.” She kissed Robin’s cheek. “You know, it’s going to be mighty quiet around here without you.

              Robin laughed. “I’ve been noisy?”

              Emma smoothed her apron. “Not noisy, just present. Someone who would at least grunt when I was finished speaking my piece. George never talked much, but my goodness he was a dandy grunter.”

              “Robin? Emma?”

              Emma smiled. “That would be your Uncle John.”

              “Ain’t nobody in this here place what’s waitin’ for me?”

              Robin put her arms around Emma. “Now, there’s a grunte
r
an
d
a talker.”

              “And don’t I know it.” Emma wet her fingertips and smoothed her eyebrows.

              “Wait.” Robin dabbed a bit of rose water behind the woman’s ears. “Cedar Bluff does have a way of sticking to a person.” She giggled.

              Emma blushed like a schoolgirl. “Now, don’t you go getting ideas.”

###

Ty lifted Jacob onto the saddle in front of him and clicked his tongue to let his horse know they were ready to move. Robin was home, and it was time to take Jacob back to the Feather. “Are Robin’s hands still hurted? Do you think she’ll remember me? Why do Tag’s ears wiggle back and forth when I talk? I wish Tripper would come back. Do you think he got dead somewhere? I wish you would stay at our ranch all the time.”

              Ty sighed, grateful Jacob didn’t seem to require answers to his questions. Right now he had too many of his own to try to keep straight. How he wished he could stretch the miles between the Hawk and the Feather to give him time to settle his heart. There was no question as to what to do about Anna. He’d made a promise, a vow. He would marry her. But oh, how he dreaded saying good-bye to what might have been.

              “I see ‘em! I see ‘em!” Jacob shouted and waved his arms.

              “I see them, too, little man.” Ty nodded at John when they reached the house. “Evening, neighbor. You ready to have this little lightning bolt back in your house?” He handed Jacob down to John.

              “Give you trouble, did he?” John ruffled the boy’s hair. “Guess you can imagine how quiet it’s been with him and Robin both gone. Plumb forgot what it was like before they came. Don’t mind tellin’ ya, I’ll like it a whole lot better now that they’re back.”

              “And I’ll be the one checking to see why there’s no noise coming from Jacob’s room.” Ty shook hands with John. “How is she?”

              “Robin?” John raised one eyebrow.

              Ty removed his hat. “You know good and well who I mean.”

              John shrugged. “Why you askin’ me how she be? Her hands seem healed enough, if that’s what you was a meanin’ by ‘how is she.’ If you was a wonderin’ anything else, I reckon you best be pointin’ them questions at the lady yourself. It may be you need to finish up some talkin’ you might’ve left undone when you was still in the barn.”

              “I’ve said all I’m free to say, John. I’ll leave it at that.”

              “Yeah. Well, I’m only gonna say this one time so ya better be payin’ some mind. Another week or so, and ya might be wishin’ ya would’ve cut whatever ropes is a holdin’ ya back. Never can tell who might beat ya to it.”

              Ty scratched his chin. Sometimes this old neighbor could be downright cantankerous. “Want to tell me exactly what it is you’re trying to say?”

              “Told ya I was only gonna say it one time, and I done did it.” He turned his back on Ty. “Jacob, boy? Let’s you and me go put this horse in the barn.”

              “Are we gonna put your horse in the barn, too, Ty?” Jacob took Tag’s reins. “Can Ty stay here tonight? He’ll get real lonesome at his house without me.”

              John shook his head. “Not tonight. Maybe if he gets lonesome enough he’ll think about it.”

              Ty frowned. The sly old fox. He was up to something. What did he mean ‘never can tell who might beat you to it’? Did he know about this Benson guy?

###

Robin stopped the sway of the swing with her good foot and clasped her hands in her lap. Why would Uncle John leave her alone with Ty? Didn’t he know how awkward it would be?

              Ty sat in the wicker chair facing her swing, his long legs stretched in front of him. “It’s good to see you, Robin. I take it your hands have healed or Emma wouldn’t have allowed you to come home.”

              “Doc Mercer’s miracle cure did the trick.” She wiped her sweaty palms on her skirt. “Did you and Jacob get along well?”

              “Very well. Don’t have to wonder what he’s thinking, do you?”

              “Did he ask you why the moon doesn’t fall if stars fall? He asked me and I told him maybe you’d know.” Banter about Jacob would keep things lighter.

              Ty laughed. “That was thoughtful of you, Miss Wenghold.”

              Robin peered into the dusk. “Did Sam recognize him? Was there any trouble?”

              “I didn’t take any chances. Rusty knows I want to protect the boy and is aware of my suspicions that Sam might recognize him, so he sent Sam away for a few days.”

              She raised her eyebrows. “Away? Where? Could you trust him not to sneak back?”

              “The Hawk’s a big ranch, Robin. It wasn’t hard to find a place to keep him busy. Rusty trusts him. Besides, if he’s up to no good, we’ll find it out sooner or later. Jacob was in no danger. I kept him with me all the time.” He frowned. “Trust me. He was as safe at the Hawk as he’s been over here.”

              “I wasn’t implying he wasn’t safe, Ty. I only voiced the same concerns I thought you had.” Why was there a lump in her throat? She didn’t want Ty to see her in tears, ever again.

              Giggles and shouts announced Jacob’s return. “Robin! I missed you.” He hopped into the swing beside her and sent it swaying. “Ty has a swing, too. I liked it. But he don’t cook good. Did you miss me?”

              Robin pulled the boy onto her lap and wrapped both arms around him. “I missed you so much I won’t ever let you go.” She laughed while he struggled to get out of her grip. “Nope, little man. You have to stay here forever.”

              Jacob pried her hands away and scooted to the other end of the swing. “I couldn’t get loose when Ty tickled me. He’s bigger. And Ty teached me to ride a horse all by myself. Did you see me, Robin?” He straddled the arm of the swing and mimicked a riding motion.

              Robin used her toe to stop the swing’s movement. The rocking motion, and Ty’s close proximity, did nothing for her swirling stomach. “Emma sent some cookies with us. Would you like a glass of milk and cookies before you go to bed?”

              “Aww, do I have to go to bed?”

              Ty chuckled. “Hey, buddy. You had to go to bed at my house, too, you know.”

              Jacob hopped from the swing and stood in front of Robin. “You should see my bed at Ty’s house.” He held his hand above his shoulder. “It’s this bigger than me. Ty had to lift me in. You should stay all night there sometime, Robin. There’s another room nobody sleeps in and it’s real purty. It’s yellow. I sawed it. And I bet Ty would help you get in bed if it’s bigger than you. He’s real nice.”

              John cleared his throat. “Ty, if you wouldn’t mind fetchin’ the milk from the well, I’ll get some cups and the cookies. Jacob, boy, I’m thinkin’ you probably ought to think about lettin’ somebody else talk a while.” He winked at Robin.

              Both men left the porch with silly grins on their faces.

              Jacob wrapped his hands around Robin’s arm and laid his head on her shoulder. “I wish Ty lived here. Don’t you?”

Robin couldn’t answer. Why, oh why, hadn’t she let Emma come?

EIGHTEEN

              The unmistakable wail of a train whistle broke the stillness of the prairie, and Robin shifted on the hard wooden bench of John’s wagon. If she didn’t know better, she’d think he was being pokey on purpose. Though he’d never admit it, she believed her uncle to be as apprehensive about William Benson’s arrival as she was. Now William would probably be waiting at the depot when they arrived. She’d so hoped she’d get there first and have time to . . . to what? The small train station in Cedar Bluff certainly didn’t offer the amenity of a washroom so she could freshen up. Robin fingered the lace collar on the new blue dress Emma had tucked away in her valise as a surprise. How silly to be so nervous. She’d known William for as long as she could remember, but could she ever see him as more than a friend?

              “I wish I could’ve stayed with Ty.” Jacob huffed, crossed his arms, and stuck out his bottom lip.

              Robin fought to keep her voice calm. “We’ve gone over and over this, Jacob.” She had deliberately waited to tell the boy about William’s visit until this morning. Perhaps that wasn’t such a wise decision, but Jacob would surely announce it to Ty Morgan.

              “Will he like me?” Jacob’s eyes grew round. “Is he a nice man?”

              Robin put her arm around the boy and pulled him close. “Do you think I would let him come for a visit, all the way from Chicago, if he were a bad man? Of course he’s nice.”

              “But will he like me? Ty likes me. He told me when you was getting your hands all better.”

              “He told you? Did you ask him, Jacob? It’s not polite to ask questions that might make people say things they don’t want to say.” She needed to avert his questions about William. She didn’t know if William would like him. What if he didn’t?

              “Is that him a standin’ there holdin’ up the wall of the depot?” John flicked the reins across the horses’ backs. “Hup there, you lazy animals. Doggone, the way you been lollygaggin’ over every tuft of grass between here and the Feather, a body would think I never fed ya.” He turned to Robin and winked. “That there fella don’t look like no city slicker to me. Suppose your Mr. Benson got lost?”

              Their wagon pulled along the station platform and Robin’s breath caught. This man certainly didn’t look like the William she remembered. Clad in dark gray britches and black boots—the white and gray striped shirt contrasting sharply with the tan of his face—this person didn’t look like anyone she knew. But when he pushed away from the wall and stood, legs apart and hands behind his back, she recognized all too well his familiar stance.

              Robin ducked her head
.
Oh, dear little Wren, you did not exaggerate. He does look delicious.

###

William Benson peered at the wagon approaching the station. The tilt of the woman’s head left no doubt. He’d often teased Robin for her strange little habit of turning her head to one side when she studied something—or someone
.
You even look like a robin, you know—cocking your head like that. That’s what they do before they go after the worm.

              When the older man stepped from the wagon, William walked to the end of the platform and reached for his hand. “Will Benson, sir. I’m glad to meet you.”

              John laughed.
“
Psha
w
. You ain’t so glad to see me as you are that pretty little gal sittin’ beside me. But to be mannerly, so I don’t make her blush any more’n she already is, I’m glad to meet you, too.”

              William smoothed his mustache with his thumb and forefinger. “Hello Robin. You did get my letter, didn’t you?”

              “Course she got your letter,” John grumbled. “You think we make a habit of meanderin’ up to the train depot to pick up whatever warm body what might be tiltin’ his shoulders against the wall?”             

William nodded. “I guess that was a dumb question. Forgive me. It’s just that you look a bit surprised.”

              “Well, she is surprised. And I’m downright befuddled. Ya certainly don’t look like no city slicker to me.” John walked all the way around him. “Nope, son. You ain’t no city slicker.”

              “What’s a city licker, Robin?” The little boy hadn’t taken his eyes off him since they stopped the wagon. Wary? Frightened? Who was he? Why was he with Robin? He surely wasn’t the older man’s child.

              William knelt on the platform. “A city slicker, young man, is what they call someone who doesn’t know a thing about a ranch.” He reached for the boy’s hand. “My name is William, but you can call me Will. And you are . . . ?”

              The boy didn’t answer until Robin nodded. “Robin said I’m supposed to call you Mr. Benson. My name is Jacob. You can call me Jacob.”

              “Well, now, perhaps we can get Miss Robin to change her mind once we get better acquainted. Do you think that might be possible?” He winked at Robin, and nodded in response to her mouthed thank you.

              John pointed to the leather valise. “This all you brung? Thought you was a stayin’ a while.”

              “I thought I might purchase some items locally. Mr. Rempel mentioned Emma’s Mercantile. Does she carry men’s clothing?”

              “She don’t carry many fancy things. Got britches and shirts, I reckon.” He grinned at Robin and her face turned red. Apparently, it was a private joke.

              “Robin has some man clothes. You could borrow some from her.” Jacob grinned. “She can’t wear ‘em no more cuz Uncle John gets—”

              “That’s enough, boy.” John scowled.

              The smile slid off Jacob’s face, and he snuggled closer to Robin.

              “If this is all you got, then we better get.” John lifted the valise into the wagon.

              “There is one more thing, but I’ll fetch it, Mr. Wenghold.” William pulled a large trunk forward. “I believe this belongs to you, Miss Robin.” He bowed.

              “My trunk! Oh, William, how did you know?”

              “A little bird told me.” He laughed. “As a matter of fact, two little birds made double sure I wouldn’t forget it. Wren said you would be so happy to receive it, you might even give me a kiss.” He leaned toward her.

              “Stop it, William.” She pushed him away.

              “If I’d a knowed you was a gonna start courtin’ before ya even got in the wagon, I’d a sent Robin in alone.”

              William settled the trunk into the back of the wagon and climbed in beside Robin. “Here, Jacob. Want to sit with me?” He placed the boy on his lap and wrapped his arms around his middle. “You know, Mr. Wenghold. I don’t ever remember not knowing your niece. And would you believe, after all these years, I still haven’t gotten a kiss from her?”

              Jacob clasped his hands on top of William’s. “Ty don’t kiss her, neither. But I think he wants to.”

              “And who is Ty?” Surely Robin hadn’t been here long enough to have a beau? Who would be available in Kansas? A cowboy? She deserved better than that.

“Ty likes me. He might be my pa someday. I been praying. Ty is big, like you Mr. Benson. And he’s not a city licker, either.”