“Reckon I’ll ride with the young ‘uns.” Moose climbed over the seat and sat with his back leaning against the bench so he could hear what Charlotte and Bret said but with his legs stretched out so the kids couldn’t get too close.
Bret released the brake and snapped the reins. When they’d turned toward the ranch, he glanced at her. “Well?”
She pulled a handkerchief from her purse and dabbed at her eyes. “Mrs. Gregory accused me of being a… a… a loose woman because you stayed in the house while you were recovering. She’d already heard you paid off the mortgage, no doubt from Winfield.”
That burned his biscuits. “Did you set her straight?”
“I tried but her mind is made up. Other people in the store stared at me as if I carried smallpox. Unless Winfield is shown for what he is, a lot of people in town will believe him.”
“Moose and I figure with Winfield knowing he won’t have the ranch that he’ll try moving those cattle this evening. The sheriff will come to the house today not long after we get there.”
She turned on the seat to grab his arm with one hand and put her other hand on his chest. “Bret, please don’t get yourself killed. I couldn’t stand it.”
She gasped and released him and faced forward. “Um, you and Moose are fine men. Capturing Winfield isn’t worth either of your lives.”
“We hadn’t planned to get killed, Charlotte. I know that’s no guarantee but we’re both going to stay alert and be prepared for whatever happens.”
For the next few miles, Charlotte twisted her handkerchief in silence.
Bret reached over and took her hand in his. “Sweetheart, you’ve murdered that piece of linen about sixteen times.” The endearment slipped out before he could stop it.
She sent him such a weak smile it was almost nonexistent but she tucked the handkerchief into her cuff. “Winfield will retaliate against us for destroying his plans. I know he will.”
“Moose and I will be ready for him. I have a few more things to tell you. I deposited four hundred dollars into your bank account. You’ll need supplies until you can sell cattle.”
“Oh, Bret, you’re being too generous” She stared at him as if he’d lost his mind. “I don’t know why you’d do such a thing.”
He couldn’t explain how he felt about her because she’d been widowed too short a time. Surely she had an inkling. His situation left him frustrated.
“Don’t worry about my motives, Charlotte. I don’t mean you and the children any harm. You don’t owe me anything in return. You saved my life and offered your hospitality. I can never repay you.”
“But, Bret—”
“No but anything.” He squeezed her hand. “We’ll get through this. Look on the bright side. Picture Winfield’s face when he learned your mortgage was paid. Wouldn’t have been surprised if we’d heard an explosion from the bank.”
“Knowing I won’t lose the ranch is definitely a bright spot in our lives. But it’s not really a ranch unless we get the cattle back.”
“I promise you’ll have cattle by the end of the week. Now, cheer up or you’ll scare the children.”
She sighed. “You’re right. Those women in the store destroyed my confidence and stole my joy. I don’t want the children worrying. Davie especially is concerned but Susie and Jimmy fret in their way. Susie’s been having nightmares and fears a bad man coming into the house.”
“I hope she was secure last night with Moose and me there. Was she afraid of us?”
This time Charlotte’s smile was genuine. She wrapped her hand around his arm. “Of course not. She was as relieved as I was. Although I’m sorry that man died I’m grateful you weren’t in the bunkhouse when he set fire to it. ”
“Sure hate he opened fire and we had to shoot him. I wish we could have made him talk about who sent him. He was an older man, probably down on his luck and that’s why he took the job.”
Bret shook his head. “Naw, that’s no excuse. When I met Moose he was down on his luck but he stayed honest.”
From behind them, Moose said, “Now don’t go jabberin’ about my good points. That’ll keep you busy all day and I’ll get such a swelled head I won’t be able to wear my hat.”
Charlotte giggled. “That’s not a problem. Now that I’m a woman of property and means, I can buy you a new hat.”
“Thank you but I like this one real well. I have it broken in just right.”
Bret turned the team at the drive to the ranch. As they drove into the yard, chaos greeted them. Chickens ran free and the barn door was open. The hogs were chewing at the corncrib. Both milk cows stood at the water trough. Frenzied barking came from inside the house.
Davie and Moose hopped out before the wagon stopped. Bret set the brake and wrapped the reins around the handle. Susie and Jimmy climbed down as soon as he’d stopped.
Bret jumped down and reached for Charlotte. “Wait here until I give the all clear.” When he’d set her on the ground, he ran into the house.
Jimmy and Susie helped Charlotte herd chickens toward the coop’s enclosure.
Bret opened the front door and both dogs ran out, barking and growling. Inside, he checked each room. Chairs were overturned, possessions scattered, but no real damage he could find. Good thing he’d taken his cash with him and hidden it in the wagon.
At the door he motioned to Charlotte. “You’re gonna be mad but you’d better come check things.”
Chapter Eighteen
Charlotte closed the chicken pen door
