The Kissing Tree (5 page)

“For what?” she asked.

“For givin’ me a chance ta apologize.” He looked up into her face so she would know he was sincere.

“Well, I know you’re feelin’ bad, but it was a very mean thing to do . . . even for you, Ridge,” Georgiana admonished him.

“I s’pose you’re right,” he admitted. “Well, you’ll be glad ta know I’ve decided ta give up pullin’ pranks,” he announced.

“And teasin’ too?” She looked stunned.

“Nah,” he said, shaking his head. “It would be too hard ta give up the teasin’. Usually teasin’ don’t harm no one, as long as it’s all in good fun.” He smiled over at her, and she smiled back.
Boy, she’s pretty,
he thought,
with those gray eyes and all that blonde hair.
He studied her golden hair for a moment and how it was noticeably shorter than it was a week ago. “Pranks are different,” he began again. “Ya never know when someone is gonna get hurt.” He stopped and turned to her, picking up the end of one of her braids. “I’m sorry ya got your hair cut ’cause of me. I’ve always kinda liked your long hair.” Her cheeks turned slightly pink, and he let go of her braid.

“Well, to tell ya the truth, Ridge, I think ya did me a favor. I like it better this way. Its lots easier to brush out at night, and ’sides, it’s not that much shorter.”

He could tell she was trying to make him feel better, but it actually made him feel worse. After school was out that fateful day and he had been scolded by Schoolmaster Robinson for failing to bring him the scissors, Ridge had walked to the railing where it all had happened. The ends of her braids, at least four inches long each, lay forgotten on the ground.

It hadn’t been necessary to cut so much, but Schoolmaster Robinson was mean by nature, and Ridge bet he had cut that much on purpose.

“Anyway,” Ridge said, feeling the shyness returning, “I bought somethin’ for ya, ta sort of show ya I really am sorry.”

Georgiana’s eyes lit up immediately as he reached into his pocket and retrieved a small brown paper package. He handed it to her and waited for her to open it. As she tore the paper away, two long, bright blue ribbons fell to the ground. She quickly bent to pick them up and examined them lovingly.

“Oh, Ridge, they’re perfect.”

“I was thinkin’ maybe they would match that blue dress you’re always wearin’,” he nervously added.

He noticed her cheeks glow pink again, so he turned and started walking once more so she wasn’t embarrassed. She folded the ribbons up, putting them in her apron pocket, and hurried to catch up with him. When they got to the turnoff to her family’s ranch, she stopped and turned to look at him.

“I forgive you, Ridge, for bein’ a rotten apple to me, but I will say one thing.” She took a step closer to him so her face was mere inches from his. His heart began to race. She was so cute, and he wondered what it might be like to kiss her, in a year or two anyway. But then she narrowed her eyes at him. “If you ever . . .” She poked her finger into his chest then and tapped it with each syllable she spoke. “I mean, if you ever try to pull a prank like that on me again, Ridge Carson . . .” She paused for emphasis while she stared into his eyes. “I can promise ya, you will wake up the next mornin’ shaved as bald as the day you were born.”

Stepping back, she gave him a broad grin before turning and skipping down the road to her house.

Ridge smiled at the memory again. The girl had a lot of spunk, and he believed she’d do exactly what she had threatened that day if he crossed the line again. He hadn’t pulled another prank. Jeremiah and Jonas had pestered him for months before they finally started to believe he had been reformed.

He really did possess a bushelful of fond memories from his childhood. They had been good friends, Georgiana and himself, after she’d forgiven him. When Samantha finally forgave him too, they became an inseparable threesome and had spent many fun times together. After Georgiana’s father had been trampled and killed, both he and Samantha had been there for her. Then, suddenly one day, her family was gone.

Ridge pulled a blue ribbon out of his pocket for a moment and stared at it. The color had faded some, but it still felt soft between his fingers.

“Well, hello there, lad.”

Ridge was startled from his thoughts when Angus walked up and leaned against the bunkhouse wall beside him. Discreetly, he folded the ribbon and slipped it into his pocket again.

“Thought it might be ye standin’ out here all alone,” Angus said.

“Figured everyone had hit the hay long ago. What brings ya out so late this evenin’, Angus?”

“Ginger should be birthin’ her new colt any day now. Thought it’d be best if I looked in on the old gal once more tonight before I turn me old bones in.”

“Wouldn’t mind keepin’ a closer watch on her, if ya like. I seem to be up a bit later these days,” Ridge offered.

“Been havin’ trouble sleepin’, have ye now?”

“Seem to be.”

“Wouldn’t have anythin’ to do with that pretty girl of mine, now would it?”

Ridge looked over at the old man, who wore a grin on his face and a twinkle in his eye.

“Aye, she’s been gettin’ to ya, hasn’t she, now? I may be old, but I ain’t blind. Been seein’ how ye set me girl off huffin’ more than yar fair share.” He let out a soft chuckle. “If there be one thing that girl of mine inherited from her da and old Irish grandparents, it be her Irish temper.” He chuckled again and continued, “And you, me lad, are right grand at flarin’ that temper of hers easily enough.”

Ridge gave Angus a forlorn look. “That can’t be good, can it?”

“Awk, don’t be so certain, lad.” Angus grinned and gripped Ridge’s shoulder, squeezing gently. “There be an old Irish tale me good da told me once. Said his own old da told it ta him as a young lad. Don’t know who told it to me granda, but if it be true, ye still have hope. Well then, if I can just be rememberin’ how it goes.” He looked thoughtful for a moment. “Aye, I remember now.”

When Irish born, then Irish blood

Runs through a lass’s veins,

The truth of where her true love lies,

Be how her temper flames.

If when first ye steal a lover’s kiss,

She warms within yar arms,

Her heart will not be given true,

Ye are not the one she loves.

But if when that kiss be stolen,

Her anger burns like fire

She’ll bind her heart and soul to ye,

And none but ye desire.

Mark me words and listen well,

T’were not mere legend ye be told.

Take heart, me lad, she’s yar true love,

If her flame with ye be bold.

“Me Shannon were like that, and she was the great love of me life.” He sighed deeply, and they stood in silence for a moment. “Well, lad, best be gettin’ off to me bed now and ye best be doin’ the same. Mornin’ comes early on a cattle ranch. Good night, then.” He turned and ambled back toward the house.

“Night, Angus,” Ridge called quietly after him, “and I thank ya . . . for the advice, I mean.”

“Anytime, lad . . . anytime,” Angus called over his shoulder.

Ridge stared into the night, pondering. A few moments later he heard the door to the ranch house close. If Irish tales were true, maybe she did like him a little. He smiled thoughtfully at the idea of stealing his own kiss from Miss Georgiana McLaughlin. After another moment of pondering, he headed into the bunkhouse to try to get some sleep. If he was going to be able to keep his wits about him around that woman, he’d need it.

“Grandad,” Georgiana addressed her grandfather as she served the men their breakfast, “I have a list of things I need from town. Is there one of the men who can drive me there? I haven’t yet learned to drive the team myself.” Her grandfather looked about the table into the hopeful faces of the men before his gaze settled on Jimmy.

“Jimmy, me lad . . . how ’bout ye take me granddaughter into town today?”

Jimmy’s face beamed with the luck of being chosen.

“Yes, sir, I’d be right pleased ta do it.”

Georgiana smiled at his enthusiasm and then sat down at the table.

“When would ya be wantin’ ta go, Miss McLaughlin?” he asked after she had placed her napkin properly in her lap.

“Just as soon as we’re through with breakfast Jimmy, and I’ve cleaned up.” She smiled again at his eager look. “I’ll need to change into something more suitable. I imagine about an hour will be an ample amount of time.”

“I’ll go fetch the horses and hitch up the wagon right away,” Jimmy said eagerly, standing up promptly. Grabbing his hat, he hurried out the door. Georgiana stood up from the table, gathered his plate, and brought it to the sink, briefly wondering at his untouched meal, but flattered at his eagerness. Once he was out of hearing range, the rest of the men at the table burst into laughter. Georgiana spun back around to face the men.

“He ran out of here so fast . . . ,” Jeremiah began as the laughter finally died down a bit.

“ . . . that he hardly ate a thing,” Jonas finished the statement.

“He’ll sure be hungry come lunchtime,” Tiny added sympathetically.

“Think that was wise?” Ridge asked her grandfather. “The boy’s terribly smitten already. Walks around moon-eyed most of the day as it is.” Ridge paused and rubbed his chin in contemplation before adding, “In fact, since your granddaughter arrived, that boy has been happier than a pup with two tails.”

A fresh bout of laughter made its way around the table at Ridge’s comment, and Georgiana narrowed her eyes at him.

Roddy sobered a bit and then offered his opinion. “I think ye made a good choice. The lad has been lookin’ a might worn out of late.”

“That’s ’cause he can’t sleep . . . ,” Jonas snickered.

“. . . ’cause he’s always thinkin’ ’bout Miss Georgiana here and hopin’ she’ll spark with him a bit . . . ,” Jeremiah added.

“. . . out behind the barn,” Jonas finished. The men burst out in laughter yet again.

Georgiana couldn’t believe they were talking about her like she wasn’t even in the room. She turned bright red and fought to keep her temper in check. Purposely, she cleared her throat loudly to get their attention.

“Well, it seems to me you men are finished here,” she announced and began stubbornly picking up their unfinished plates and tossing their remains into the compost bucket. The men were stunned. “I’m sure you need to be getting off to your work,” she added, smiling inwardly, satisfied at the shocked looks on their faces. “Oh, and since I’ll be spending the better part of the day in town . . .
with dear Jimmy
,” she turned to her grandfather, “I’m afraid it will be your responsibility to fix the men both their lunch and supper.”

At that, all the men groaned. They remembered well their boss’s skills in the kitchen, or rather his lack thereof. Georgiana wasn’t done yet. After making sure all of the food, even the portion she hadn’t served, was discarded in the compost bucket, she stripped off her apron and hung it on the peg beside the sink. Walking toward the parlor door, she stopped and turned to face the men once again.

“Since Jimmy will probably be finished hitching the wagon soon, I’d better hurry and make myself presentable. I’m sure you boys wouldn’t mind cleaning up the kitchen for me. After all, I wouldn’t want to keep
dear Jimmy
waiting.” She walked to the door that led to the parlor, paused, and turned. “But mind you do it well,” she warned, remembering its condition when she first arrived. “If I find it in a poor state when I return and it becomes necessary to spend the evening hours cleaning it again, I might just sleep in tomorrow. Of course I’m sure none of you will mind.” She smiled innocently, immensely enjoying the way they were squirming, “Only Grandad here would have to cook your breakfast too.” With her head held high, she turned sharply and walked the rest of the way to her room.

“Now look what you’ve done.” Jeremiah swatted at his brother, who ducked just in time.

“Me?” Jonas asked innocently and became the aggressor, attempting to pummel his brother in return. “You said as much as I did.”

“Fellas.” They both stopped when Angus stood up. “Why don’t ye go and get to workin’ on finishin’ them fences, now. We’re needin’ to be headin’ up the mountain. That storm last week will have brought them cattle down to the winter gate, to be sure. Those fences need finishin’ before we can bring them the rest of the way in.”

Angus tried to keep the worried look from his face at the mention of the cattle. He was none too happy that the cows would have to be brought in almost two months early, but with the early snowstorm covering their winter grazing lands in the higher mountains, they had no choice. Thankfully, they had harvested a good crop of hay that would likely last for winter feed. He might be wise to buy some extra feed to store in the loft in case the winter ran long. Angus turned his attention back to the men.

“Well then,” he said, looking around the table. He suddenly had an urge to laugh at the miserable looks on their faces. His granddaughter had put them all in their place. They would likely think twice next time about opening their mouths until after their food was eaten. Angus again suppressed his desire to laugh and instead motioned toward Ridge. “Ridge and meself will see to cleanin’ up the kitchen.”

Nodding their agreement, the boys scrambled out of the kitchen still bellyaching over the loss of their breakfast. They didn’t want to be stuck cleaning up after the meal they hadn’t been allowed to fully partake of.

Angus turned to Ridge and spoke. “Best we be gettin’ to work afore me granddaughter be comin’ back through here.” He smiled and shook his head. “Aye, she be all fire today, that is fer certain.”

Ridge walked over to the sink, grabbed a pot to fill with water so he could heat it on the stove, and began gathering the dishes. Angus grabbed a broom and started sweeping the floor.

They had been working for about twenty minutes when suddenly and without warning Ridge burst out laughing and Angus couldn’t help but join in.

“Did ya see the look on her face, lad, when Jonas and Jeremiah mentioned the boy’s daydreamin’?”

“Never saw that shade of red before on a woman,” Ridge marveled.

“Aye, but you better be gettin’ used to it. If she be like me own Shannon, ye ain’t seen nothin’ yet.”

“How much worse can it get?” Ridge asked, a look of worry contorting his face. Angus laughed blithely at the boy’s expression.

“Don’t ye be worryin’ your head about that, now. Though ’tis true that sometimes the arguin’ can be hard, I can assure ye, lad, the makin’ up is worth it.” Angus gave Ridge a wink and laughed again.

“Well, I see at least you two men are getting something done in here despite all the chatter going on,” Georgiana suddenly burst into their conversation.

Both Ridge and her grandfather spun around to see her standing in the kitchen doorway. She watched with satisfaction while Ridge’s eyes wandered from her head to her toes and back again. She’d chosen to wear a lavender gown that she knew complimented the color of her hair and eyes while following her curves almost sinfully. Frankly, she had chosen it on purpose. She had also pinned her hair up in a stylish manner, leaving a few curled strands loose about her face. She could tell by the look on Ridge’s face she had made the right choice.

“It’s best I hurry along,” she continued as she pulled a pair of lace gloves over her slender hands. “I’m sure Jimmy is eager to begin our day, and it would be rude of me to keep that delightful boy waiting.” Walking to her grandfather, she gave him a kiss on the cheek and headed toward the door, brushing past Ridge as she did. She meant to unsettle him, but it was she who became unsettled when goose bumps shot up her arm. She was thankful he couldn’t see her surprised expression.

Jimmy was sitting on the porch steps waiting for her with his hat in hand. He stood quickly as she walked out and offered her his arm. As she slipped her arm into his, his face pinked up.

“Ya look mighty perty in that dress, Miss McLaughlin,” he complimented, grinning bashfully.

“Why thank you, Jimmy, but please, you may call me Georgiana.” She squeezed his arm affectionately, causing the pink in his face to creep to the tips of his ears. “I do appreciate your willingness to drive me into town today. I’m sure you’ll be good company.” Georgiana didn’t have to glance back at the door to know Ridge was still watching her. She could feel his eyes on her back, and she smiled complacently to herself.

When they reached the wagon, he released her arm, and she held her hand out to him so he could assist her up onto the wagon seat.

“Thank you, Jimmy.” She smiled as he released her hand.

Although she tried to fight it, her eyes were drawn back to the house. However, instead of catching one last glance of Ridge, she unexpectedly saw Jimmy doing a little jig as he came around the back of the wagon. Quickly, she turned forward again so he would not know she had witnessed his jovial dance. A second later, he climbed onto the seat next to her. She continued facing ahead, trying to hold back her grin and smothering the desire to giggle.

Georgiana liked sitting atop a wagon in the fresh air better than in some stuffy carriage. The slight wind playfully tugged at her hat. She glanced at Jimmy. He really looked nervous. She decided to try to make him feel more comfortable.

“Jimmy, how did you come to be working for my grandfather?”

“Hired me last spring when my pa died,” Jimmy answered solemnly and continued explaining. “When it happened, Pa dyin’ I mean, my oldest brother Phil moved back home with the family to help keep the farm goin’. I never did care much for farmin’, and so I decided I’d stay on only long enough to help Phil plow the ground and get the crop seeded. After that I figured I’d find me some work on a ranch somewhere. No one ’round these parts was needin’ help, so I decided to take the stage to Castle Rock and see if I could find me a job on a ranch over there.”

“You changed your mind then?”

“Your grandfather changed it for me.” He smiled at her. “There I was standin’ at the station awaitin’ the stage when Angus happened along.

“ ‘Jimmy Hutchins,’ he says ta me ‘is that ye lad?’

“ ‘Yes, sir,’ I says back.

“ ‘Why, I haven’t seen ye since ye were nigh to a hitchin’ post.’ He laughs and asks, ‘Where ye be headin’, now?’

“ ‘Out to Castle Rock,’ I tell him. ‘Lookin’ to get hired on as a ranch hand.’

“ ‘A ranch hand is it? I thought ye be a farmin’ boy.’

“ ‘No, sir,’ I says. ‘Farmin’ may be in my blood, but it isn’t in my heart.’

“ ‘Well, the saints be praised,’ he shouts and then says, ‘If I ain’t the lucky one. I’ve been lookin’ for another hand, and here ye be. How would ye like workin’ for old Angus, now?’

“At that, I could have jumped for joy right then and there, ’cause even though I ain’t got the heart for farmin’, my ma was achin’ real bad that I was leavin’. I didn’t have much of a heart for hurtin’ my ma any more when she was already a-grievin’. So that’s how I come to work for your grandfather.” Jimmy smiled sincerely. “He’s been good to me too, payin’ a good wage and all,” he added, his gratitude for her grandfather clearly evident.

“Do you have any other family besides your mother and brother living nearby?” Georgiana continued to question him. Their conversation was clearly helping him to relax.

“Sure do. My sister Lizzie is married to Reverend Stevens,” he answered proudly. “Figured I’d go pay them a visit while ya did your shoppin’. She just had her a little boy a month past, which means I’m an uncle again. ’Sides, your grandfather sent some beef to give ’em. He is a right generous man, your grandfather.”

Georgiana was smiling now. She remembered well her grandfather’s generosity. It was one of the things that had always made her feel so proud to be part of his family.

For the remainder of their trip, she asked Jimmy general questions about town. Did the Whitaker’s still own the mercantile? Who was the sheriff now? What were the new buildings she saw as they came into town? She noticed Jimmy becoming more and more comfortable the more they talked, and she was glad of it. In no time, it seemed, they had arrived.

“Would you like me to drop you off at the mercantile, Miss McLaughlin?”

“Actually, I need to post a few letters and inquire about an old friend first. If you would please stop at the post office, I will walk over to the mercantile from there.” She didn’t know quite how long it would take. “Why don’t you pick me up in front of the Whitakers’ store in about an hour? Afterward, we can have something to eat together over at the café and maybe peruse some of the shops along the boardwalk before heading home.”

“Sure thing, Miss McLaughlin . . . I mean, Miss Georgiana,” he said enthusiastically. She could tell he was pleased at the prospect of sharing their noon meal and spending some extra time together. Pulling to a stop in front of the post office, Jimmy quickly jumped down and hurried around to the wagon’s other side.

“Thank you, Jimmy.” She smiled and squeezed his hand lightly as he helped her down. He immediately turned red all the way to the tips of his ears again. “I’ll see you in a little while,” she added, turning quickly to suppress a laugh.

Poor Jimmy. Unconsciously, she feared she had undone anything she had accomplished on the way over to make him feel more comfortable in her presence. She would have to be careful not to encourage him though, if indeed what the other ranch hands had said was true.

The bell on the door rang out announcing her as she entered the post office, and a pleasant-looking elderly woman came through the door of a back room to the counter.