Winter Winds of Wyoming Page 2

  “That sounds like a dream come true.”

  “Well then, the decision is up to Dalton. If he wants the job.” His brows tented when he looked at Dalton. “You’d take my shifts here as deputy. You and Thom would be working together.”

  Dalton didn’t know what to say. Did Albert know how desperate he was? Had he talked in his sleep somehow? Could this offer be Albert’s way of giving him charity?

  “And that’s not all,” Albert hurried on after dropping Susanna’s hands. “I know only too well how cold the apartment upstairs can get. When I couldn’t stand the cold a moment longer, I’d bring one of the cots out of a jail cell and sleep in the office next to the stove. Feel free as well, if you want to. Actually, I offer that solution anyway, even if you don’t want the job.”

  Not want the job? Dalton needed this job more than ever. He looked away. Had this plan been concocted just to help him out?

  Albert’s smile faded. “An entire month. Twenty-five dollars. I’m sorry I can’t offer you a full-time position like I’d mentioned before. Money is tight in the winter. Later in the year, I’d have no problem getting approval from the town council. I hope you…”

  Dalton held up a hand. He had one more question, but voicing it in front of Susanna would be difficult. “You don’t have to say another word. I want the job. But I’m trying to decide if you’re just offering me work—to help me out,” he forced out through a dry throat.

  “Believe me when I say I have no ulterior motive beyond pleasing my family.” He glanced at Susanna with a small smile. “On top of that, I don’t think I’ve ever stepped away from my responsibility here in Logan Meadows. I think I’ve earned some time off.”

  Susanna turned from Albert to Dalton. “Thank you, Dalton,” she gushed. “I’m ever so grateful. I can’t imagine time with Albert when he’s not sheriffing—or thinking about his duties. This trip is going to be a real family holiday.”

  “Consider the case closed,” Dalton blurted, before Albert changed his mind. “Of course, I’ll take the job!”

  “Can you be ready to go by tomorrow?” Albert asked Susanna. “I don’t see why we should wait. Nate’s out of school, and I’m itching to get away.”

  The door banged open and Nate ran inside, soaked through from the snow. His nose, cheeks, and lips were ruby red. “Sorry, Ma! I forgot about eating.” When he saw the plate of chicken, coleslaw, and two golden-brown biscuits, his eyes bulged. “That mine?”

  Susanna smiled once at Dalton as she picked up Nate’s plate. “Yes. But you’re eating back here by the stove, young man. Your face is as red as an apple, and you’re wet. Remove your damp coat and hat before you catch your death.”

  “Do we have ourselves a deal?” Albert asked.

  Dalton grasped his hand. “You bet we do. Thank you! I won’t let you down.”

  Albert went to his desk, pulled out a badge, and tossed the pointed silver symbol to Dalton.

  The cold metal star sent a thrill of excitement as well as relief for the necessities the job represented.

  “I wouldn’t’ve hired you if I thought you would. The people in Logan Meadows mean the world to me. You’re capable, and I trust you. Now get down to the Silky Hen. I saw you eyeing Nate’s plate of food. Tell Hannah you want a double portion. You can afford a good meal since you’re now gainfully employed. From this moment on, you’re on the clock, and I’m off. How’s that sound?”

  Dalton barked out a laugh. “Darn good. Thank you.”

  “Get!”

  “I’m gettin’, I’m gettin’.”

  “Please tell Hannah I’m heading back momentarily.” Susanna leaned over and kissed the top of Nate’s head. His clothes were still in a wet pile in front of the stove. “Eat every bite, Nate. Supper’s not for some time. You know how hungry you get in-between meals, especially when the weather’s cold.”

  “I will, Ma!” His words were garbled around a mouthful.

  Filled with wonder, and more than a few warm sentiments for Albert, Dalton strode down the boardwalk feeling like a new man. Deputy Sheriff of Logan Meadows. Imagine that! Ten minutes ago, he’d been bemoaning his future. For at least one month, he didn’t have anything to worry about—not even the cold.

  Passing the Bright Nugget, he opened the door and called out a cheerful greeting to Kendall behind the bar. At the bank, he tapped the window, eliciting a smile from Frank Lloyd. At the mercantile, an amber glow inside showed Maude in discussion with Beth Fairington.

  When the younger woman looked up, she smiled and nodded.

  He tipped his hat and kept walking. He wouldn’t let Albert, or the citizens of Logan Meadows, down. December had the town at a standstill. And in a little over two weeks, Christmas would be here. He planned to sit back and enjoy the ride.

  Chapter Three

  Courtney Costner carefully wrapped a forgotten strand of snowy-white popcorn around the Douglas pine Chase Logan, her new-found brother Jake, and the other ranch hands of the Broken Horn ranch had delivered earlier in the day. The men set the short, full tree in the main room of the ranch house close to the front window. Then they’d all spent a joyous hour helping Jessie Logan, Chase’s wife; their three-and-a-half-year-old son, Shane; and eight-year-old daughter, Sarah, decorate until the Christmas tree was the prettiest Courtney had ever seen.

  At the moment, in the kitchen, Jessie and Sarah were making cookies and Shane was down for his nap. The others said their goodbyes an hour ago.

  Her life had taken a definite turn for the better since moving to Logan Meadows. She couldn’t be more thankful. Alone in the quiet room, Courtney listened to Sarah’s high-pitched voice drilling her mama with Christmasy-type questions.

  “When will the cookies be finished?”

  “Can I have one before dinner?”

  “What do you think Santa will bring me this year?”

  “What do you want to bake next?”

  At the murmur of Jessie’s soft responses, Courtney straightened, her heart pinching. Blinking back tears, she gazed up at the homespun angel perched at the top of the sweet-smelling pine. Her life could have been so different…

  How foolish. I could have been with child. But fate spared me and gave me a fresh start in a new town. Fifteen and unmarried is no way to begin. I have so much to be thankful for this Christmas, one being my wonderful brother who so gallantly saved me from myself.

  Only three weeks prior, eating and sleeping were difficult. Her monthly was late. So much so, she’d believed herself in the family way. Fear and shame kept her from telling Adaline. Back in Newport, Adaline insisted Courtney be careful. Not meet Wil alone. But Courtney believed romance a game. She’d lied, skipped school, and promised Adaline nothing unseemly transpired between her and her all-too-old beau.

  Jake knew about the possibility of a child. To her horror, he’d caught her and Wil together on the couch back in Newport before they’d come to Logan Meadows.

  Thankfully, on the day of Jake and Daisy’s wedding, her monthly arrived. No baby had been conceived. That day, she’d promised God she’d be a perfect lady. Never again act so foolishly. She’d treat others the way she wanted to be treated. She’d think before she spoke. She’d keep a check on her temper and tame her mischievous tongue. She’d not look for confrontations, like she’d done the past year, but look for ways to help.

  And, to tell the truth, being good was much easier than she’d expected. She kept busy helping Jessie around the ranch house and sometimes Jake in the barn. She awoke early, ready to do chores, and fell asleep tired. She never let her mind stray back to Wil—and their past.

  Her lips wobbled. The fact her actions had plagued her dying father was penance enough. How could she have acted so thoughtlessly?

  “Courtney,” Jessie called softly from the kitchen. “You still out there?”

  Pulled from her thoughts, Courtney hurried to the doorway. “Yes, I’m here.”

  Jessie wiped her hands on her ap
ron. “Wonderful. The room was so quiet I thought you might have gone upstairs. I need to run over to the bunkhouse to see if Tater Joe has any baking soda I can borrow. I’ve used the last of mine, and Sarah and I still have some baking to do. Do you mind watching her? I’ll only be gone a moment.”

  Jessie and Sarah made a pretty picture standing at the kitchen counter. Jessie’s slim figure looked lovely in anything she wore. Today, a cheerful red-and-gold Christmas apron covered her soft blue skirt and long-sleeved, cream shirtwaist.

  Sarah kneeled on a chair so she could reach the rolled-out sugar dough. With firm little hands, she pressed a cookie cutter in the shape of a star. Her waist-length, nut-brown hair, pulled into a messy ponytail and tied with a pink ribbon, swished to one side. So intent in her work, the child didn’t even look up.

  Aromas of cinnamon and apple cider scented the air. “Of course, I will. But better, let me run to the bunkhouse so you don’t interrupt your important work. I’ve nothing to do since finishing the tree. The fresh air will do me good.”

  Jessie tipped her head. “You sure? Wyoming is much colder than what you’re used to in Oregon.”

  “I’d love to get out in the snow for a little while. I was contemplating a walk myself.”

  She’d loved Jessie from the moment the woman had taken her into her home with open arms, making both her and Adaline feel a part of the family. Courtney would do anything to keep her past secret.

  “In that case, I’ll let you.” Jessie laughed playfully as she gestured to the full rack of coats hanging by the kitchen door. “Take one of Chase’s, and my scarf and boots. Your clothes aren’t suited for a Wyoming winter—yet.” She winked.

  Again, the sensation of unconditional love.

  Hurrying over, she lifted a heavy, wool-lined coat and struggled into the garment. Wyoming inhabitants needed such protection to live in the harsh elements. She must have made a face because both Jessie and Sarah softly laughed bringing a smile of her own. Next, she wrapped a green plaid scarf around her neck and tucked the ends next to her shirtwaist and buttoned the coat. Unlacing her shoes and removing them, she stepped into Jessie’s tall boots. Breathing heavily, she straightened. “I feel like a snowman and can hardly move. I’m not sure I can walk.”

  “You say that now, but you’ll be thankful the moment you step out the door. Now, don’t stay out long. The snow might look pretty, but the temperature is dropping. Don’t be fooled.”

  “What about Jake and Daisy? Will they be all right on their way to town?”

  Jessie’s sifter created a flour snowstorm in her large mixing bowl. “Your brother has lived in Wyoming for most of his life, and Daisy, pretty much, too. If the snow begins in earnest, they’ll most likely stay in town or with Mrs. Hollyhock. Jake mentioned he’d like Daisy and his mother to get better acquainted. So don’t worry. Chase doesn’t expect more than a light dusting today. The heavy snowfall usually happens a good month after Christmas.”

  “I guess I have a lot to learn.”

  “That you do, young lady.” She smiled warmly.

  “When I’m finished, we can take a walk in the snow,” Sarah called. “I’ll show you where a fox has a den in the rocks.”

  “You’ll do no such thing, Sarah.” Jessie turned to her daughter with a shaking finger. “You’ve just gotten over a runny nose. I’ll not have you take sick before Christmas. You’re staying inside.”

  Sarah made a face.

  Opening the door, Courtney gasped at the blast of prickly cold that stung her face. She hunched her shoulders and started toward the bunkhouse, lifting her skirt to keep the light dusting of snow from wetting her hem.

  On the other side of the fence, horses bucked playfully and raced off.

  She allowed her worries to ease away. Mr. and Mrs. Logan were kind and caring. She’d been given a second chance, and she’d not throw away such a precious gift. Nobody would discover her past.

  Jake promised her to keep what he knew to himself.

  The sounds of a guitar floated across the yard from the bunkhouse, a sweet melody that made her smile. She’d met the ranch hands several times, but they’d hardly said more than a few words to each other. Did they have other homes somewhere, or mothers and families they were missing at Christmas?

  She thought of Gabe Garrison, the Logans’ adopted son, who spent time in the ranch house as well as the bunkhouse and had a talent to make her laugh. The same age as Adaline, he had a sweetheart named Julia who worked on a ranch on the other side of town.

  Tyler Weston, Jake’s good friend, seemed shy. He had a nice chuckle when kidded by Jake or Gabe. She couldn’t help but compare his clear, honest-looking eyes to Wil’s, whose had always seemed bottomless. Tyler wasn’t a man she’d call handsome, but his strong jaw and dimple were very attractive—or would be someday, to some woman.

  At the bunkhouse, she stepped around the hitching rail, onto the porch, and up to the door. Suddenly, she wished she hadn’t been so quick to offer her services. Would anyone see through her pretense? Would they discover her shame? She glanced back at the ranch house, wondering if Jessie watched through the window. Without any other option, she lifted her cold fist and knocked.

  Chapter Four

  Dalton stepped inside the Silky Hen to a bustling café. The clingy air felt fine and smelled delicious.

  Hannah Donovan, hands filled with three heaping plates of corned beef hash, flashed him a warm smile. “Good to see you, Dalton. Take any table you like. Even the dirty one by the window, if you’d like. Mother will be out directly to clear the dishes.”

  Being gainfully employed sure changed his mood. A little money coming in made all the difference in the world. “Thanks, Hannah.” Feeling more at home with a job under his belt, he fingered the badge resting in his pocket. “Susanna asked me to tell you she’s on her way back momentarily.”

  “Thank heavens. The tables filled the second she walked out the door—and haven’t quit since. I’m not complaining, mind you. Take a seat, and I’ll be right back.”

  Jake, Daisy, and Adaline were at a table in the back of the room in deep conversation and hadn’t noticed he’d entered. He didn’t want to intrude on the family any more than he already had since Newport. Several tables were occupied, with plenty of noise to go around. Dr. Thorn dined with Reverend Wilbrand. Across the room, Nell and Charley, and Charley’s cute-as-a-button, blind daughter, Maddie, were eating with Seth and Ivy, who had recently wed. Seemed Logan Meadows was having a matrimony explosion of late. Seth and Ivy rarely came to town, but Seth must have a soft spot for his fiddle and Christmas carols. This was his third day straight.

  Adaline turned in her chair, as did Jake and Daisy.

  Had they recognized his voice?

  “Dalton!” Jake waved a hand. “Come join us.”

  Adaline beamed and pulled out the chair next to her.

  “Don’t mind if I do.” He crossed the room, feeling a bit self-conscious under Adaline’s scrutiny. He wasn’t ready to divulge the information about his new position quite yet, in case Albert changed his mind.

  Susanna breezed through the front door, crossed the room, and disappeared into the kitchen. She reappeared one moment later, divested of her coat and wearing a white apron and approached their table. “My, my, every time I leave, hungry patrons come out of the woodwork and stampede the place. Only two tables were occupied when I left, and now look at the place. Maybe I should leave more often.” Her face brightened. “And I might, for a short holiday.”

  Daisy, who also worked at the restaurant on different days, perked up. “I was just about to go for my apron and take some orders. Now, what’s this about you going away? When? For how long?”

  Susanna’s eyes beamed. “Possibly tomorrow, if Hannah will let me off. Since Albert has hired an additional deputy, he wants to take me and Nate on a short trip over to New Meringue. See some sights. Enjoy the town’s Christmas decorations. Eat in a restaurant where I don’t w
ork.” She laughed. “Just a few nights away in a hotel sounds like a dream come true.” She winked at Dalton. “I’m off to get you a cup of coffee.”

  “New deputy?” Jake barked after she’d walked away. “I had no idea Albert was looking. I wonder who.”

  Dalton cleared his throat. The decision to wait or to tell had been taken from him. Withdrawing the badge from his pocket, he opened his hand. “You’re looking at him, Jake. I’m the new deputy.”

  All three friends stared in stunned silence.

  “It’s not that much of a surprise, is it?” he said, a bit defensively. “I’ve ridden guard for Wells Fargo and the First Bank of Denver. And the position is only temporary. So Albert can take this trip and then do a few tasks around the house he’s been putting off. Unfortunately, I’m just filling in for a month.”

  Adaline pressed her hands, one atop the other, onto her chest, her eyes bright. “That’s wonderful news, Dalton. You’re perfect for the job. Who knows where this might lead. I’m happy for you!”

  Dalton felt a silly grin. Although they’d only met in Newport when she and Jake had busted him out of the prison camp, she was his most ardent fan, and as much as he didn’t have a right to, he enjoyed her admiration. But here, in front of everyone else, her warm gaze felt a bit awkward. “Thank you, Adaline. I hope you’re right.”

  If possible, her face became even brighter. “I’ve heard all the stories. How you bravely used dynamite to blow the roof off the reinforced train car to rescue your fellow guard. How you thwarted a band of outlaws singlehandedly by pretending to be one of them. That’s the stuff of dime novels.” She sighed deeply, making her feelings quite obvious. “Has anyone documented your achievements? Written a small story? I can’t think of anyone so brave. And you saved Susanna’s and Albert’s life! Just ask anyone around town. You’re the local hero here in Logan Meadows, and I can see why.”