Linda Ford - The Cowboy's Unexpected Family

He released her hand and turned to the children. “Come on, kids. You’re staying here.”

They scrambled from the wagon and edged their way over to face Cassie. She felt their uncertainty like a heat wave.

She wanted to ease that fear. “You’ll be safe here as long as you need.”

The oldest girl teared up. “Thank you. Thank you.”

The oldest boy’s expression remained guarded. Cassie knew he wouldn’t easily accept words; he’d have to see for himself they were more than empty promises.

Roper introduced them all and at Cassie’s request they gave their ages: Daisy, thirteen; Neil, twelve; Billy, six; and Pansy, two.

Cassie quickly assessed them. They seemed weary and afraid but not defeated, especially Daisy who appeared competent in her role as mother, her watchful brown eyes never leaving her siblings.

Neil, too, seemed strong though not yet grown past childhood. His brown hair was in need of a cut, she noted as he stared at Cassie with the same deep brown eyes as Daisy.

The two younger children were both fair-haired, like their older sister, and blue-eyed and clung to their older siblings.

They all shuffled their feet and grew exceedingly quiet as the Mountie crossed from Macpherson’s store.

“You kids ready to go?”

Cassie shot Roper a look full of hot accusation. He had neglected to say anything about the NWMP having a claim to these children. What else had he not told her?

“Constable, they’ll be staying here with us.” Roper included Cassie in his announcement.

The Mountie looked about slowly, taking in the pile of lumber, the tiny sagging tent and likely a whole lot more. His gaze stopped at Cassie. “Are you in agreement with sheltering these children temporarily?”

She nodded, too nervous to speak as he studied her. His look seemed to see a whole lot more than the tight smile she gave him.

His gaze again went to the tent.

Roper stepped forward. “I guarantee they’ll be as safe and dry as any kids setting out with their folks in a wagon.”

He might as well have said things would be a little rough.

The Mountie didn’t answer for several minutes then shook his head. “This is most unusual. Two unmarried people caring for a family. However, I’ve had reports about a group of Indians stirring up trouble and I need to check on them before I head back to the fort. Should be gone a few days. I’ll leave the children in your care until then. When I get back, I’ll make my decision.” He donned his Stetson to indicate the interview was over and headed back to the store.

Tension filled the air after he left. Cassie searched for something to ease the moment, but as she glanced about, the enormity of the situation hit her.

“Where is everyone going to sleep?” She waved her hand toward her tent that grew more bowed with each puff of wind. Obviously that wouldn’t be sufficient.

The kids considered the tent. As if the thought of so many inside was too much for it to contemplate, the tent collapsed with a heavy sigh.

Billy giggled. “It got tired and laid down.”

For some reason his words tickled his brother and older sister and they pressed their hands to their mouths, trying to contain errant giggles. They failed miserably and stopped trying.

Pansy’s eyes widened and she gurgled at their amusement—a sweet pleasing sound that brought a smile to Cassie’s mouth.

Their reaction was likely the result of all the emotion of the past few hours, Cassie reasoned. She glanced toward Roper. As he met her gaze, he started to chuckle.

“I don’t see what’s so funny about the prospect of sleeping out in the open.” But there was something infectious about the laughter around her and she could no longer keep a straight face.

They laughed until she was weak in the knees and had wiped tears from her face several times.

As if guided by some silent signal they all grew quiet at once.

“I’ll put up a temporary shelter,” Roper said. He headed toward the pile of lumber.

Neil sprang after him. “I can help.”

“’Preciate that. Let’s find something to build half walls with.”

“Half walls?” Cassie asked.

“Temporary but solid. I’ll get some canvas from Macpherson to cover the top. It will be warm and dry until we get the house done.”

Neil grabbed the end of a board that Roper indicated.

Cassie trotted over and reached for a second board.

Roper caught her shoulder and stopped her. “I can handle this.”

Did he think he could simply take over? “We need to discuss our arrangement.” She edged away from the children so they wouldn’t hear the conversation. “I want to be clear this is only while the children are here.”

“Cassie, that’s all I expect.” Something about the way his eyes darkened made her think of retracting her words. But only for a quick second.

“I don’t need or want help for my sake.”

He lifted his gaze to the sky as if seeking divine help then grinned at her.

She gave his amusement no mind. “I’d pay you if I could.”

“You take care of the kids.” He tipped his head toward the quartet. Neil had joined the others and they regarded her warily. “I want nothing more.”

“Good. So long as you understand completely.”

“You’ve made yourself more than clear. Now about the children...”

“Of course.” She had no idea how she could manage until they had some sort of shelter and a stove, but she’d keep her part of the bargain and care for them. She squared her shoulders as she joined them. “When was the last time you ate?”

“We’re not hungry,” Daisy said but the way Billy’s eyes widened with hope and little Pansy stopped sucking her fingers, Cassie knew Daisy did not speak for the others. “I’ll make tea.” She headed for the tent to retrieve her stack of dishes. She lifted the canvas and crawled inside, fighting the billows of rough material. A moment later, she backed out with her hands full.

Billy giggled.

“Shh,” Daisy warned.

He sobered but the way his lips trembled tickled the inside of Cassie’s stomach.

“I feel like a bug crawling out from a hole.” She grinned and ran her hands over her hair.

“Pretty big bug.” Billy’s smile flickered and sputtered to an end as Daisy poked him in the back.

“He doesn’t mean anything bad. He just hasn’t learned to think before he speaks.” Daisy’s stare dared him to say anything more.

“Have, too.”

Cassie chuckled. Obviously the boy didn’t seem inclined to listen to Daisy’s warnings, silent or otherwise. To distract him, she said, “Billy, why don’t you gather up some firewood?” There was plenty of it lying about. Neil had gone back to helping Roper so she asked Daisy, “Could you help with these things?” She indicated the kettle and the box of supplies.

Daisy jiggled Pansy farther up on her hip and grabbed the kettle.

It was on the tip of Cassie’s tongue to suggest that Daisy put her sister down but she wondered if either of them were ready to be separated and decided to leave it be.

It didn’t take long to get a fire going and hang the kettle over it. Roper paused from his work to drag logs close.

“Benches,” he explained, and she thanked him.

She took the biscuits and jam out of her provisions and when the tea was ready she called Roper and Neil. The other children hovered beside the fire, Pansy still riding Daisy’s hip.

Roper hung the hammer over the board walls he had started and squatted to begin a mock fistfight with Neil. “You hungry, boy, or do you want to stay here working?”

“I’m hungry.” Neil batted Roper’s harmless fists away and tried to jab Roper’s stomach.

Roper bounced away on the balls of his feet, still throwing mock punches.