“Feeling better?” Jess asked gently, as he stroked back the thick brown locks that fell about his sister’s pale features and smiled warmly. “You gave us quite a scare.”
Francie grimaced and held her hand to the bandage that Daisy had placed over the wound.
Jess moved her hand away. “It’s only a graze; you’ll be fine in a couple of days. You just rest easy; we’ll get the doctor out here to check you over tomorrow.
Francie struggled to sit up and Jess seeing her determination plumped the pillows to make her more comfortable. “I’m just fine; now stop fussing. You and Ben are like a pair of old mother hens.” She said impatiently as she smoothed out the covers.
Jess put his hands in his lap trying to refrain from helping her further.
Francie saw the hurt her words had caused and immediately regretted them. He was already hurting and here she was pouring salt into the still open wounds.
She held out her hand which he quickly took in his own and held it tightly. “I’m sorry, Jess I didn’t mean to be so sharp with you.”
“It’s okay; I know you didn’t mean it. It’s…it’s just I couldn’t bear the thought of losing you, not again.” Jess took a deep breath. “Why didn’t you tell me about the problems you and Ben were having. You only had to send word and you know I’d have come.”
“You had enough to worry about at home without me adding to things.” She squeezed his hand gently; Jess relaxed and closed his eyes as the fatigue of the long day began to take its toll.
Francie sat up and ran a finger down along his nose, just as she had when they were children and he was troubled or upset. Jess opened his eyes and kissed her palm.
“I’m glad you’re here, Jess. I’ve been so worried about you since the letter…” her voice drifted into the room’s dim light. ‘Now I’ve done it.’
“What letter?” he asked abruptly.
Francie fidgeted uncomfortably. How could she have forgotten herself like that - and now she had broken her promise?
Jess looked deep into her eyes. “Francie,” he demanded quietly. “What letter?”
She knew she couldn’t pretend anymore and she’d never been able to lie to him outright. “The letter I got from Slim. It came just after yours arrived.” She lowered her eyes guilty that she’d tried to deceive him.
“Slim wrote to you? Why?” Jess sat back in amazement. What was Slim thinking writing to Francie? “What did he say?”
“That’s between me and Slim, little brother.” Her answer was firm and unyielding.
“If it concerns me, I want to know, Francie.” Jess remembered of old the jousting matches they would get into when one wouldn’t tell the other something.
“Jess,” she pleaded. “I promised and you wouldn’t want me to break a promise, not to your best friend, now would you?”
Jess rose and walked to the tiny window. The room would have been their parents’ if this had been Texas; in fact the whole house brought memories of days long forgotten flooding back to him. Happy days and sad ones, and all intermingled with thoughts of Andy. Jess clenched his fists until his knuckles turned white as he tried to repress his feelings.
He whirled on her, his blue eyes flashing with anger. Suddenly he was angry at her, angry at Slim, angry that someone was out to destroy his family, angry that once again someone wanted him dead. He was just plain angry at the entire world. Would his past never leave him be.
“You’ve never lied to me, never kept anything from me, why now, Francie what is so important that Slim had to write to you?” he demanded furiously.
Francie patted the covers beckoning him to return to her side. “You are,” she said, softly disarming his fury. “Come sit down before you explode and let me explain.”
Jess looked long and hard at her. Here was his sister, one whom he thought was dead, and he could deny her nothing. He settled himself on the bed, he’d be patient and listen and try and keep his temper. But what had Slim been up to now.
“I was so excited when your letter arrived saying that you were coming. I was missing you so much and to know that you’d be here when the baby came…. Things have been hard for Ben and I was so glad that you would be here for him and…and I needed your strength too. You were always there for me when we were children, sticking up for me.” She paused and looked him fully in the face. “I am afraid, Jess, even though Daisy is here, I am afraid.” Jess squeezed the blanketed knees. “Then a couple of days later I got a letter from Slim. He told me all the news; all except that Daisy was coming of course.” She smiled hoping to see Jess respond but he just sat there, pensively waiting to hear what he wanted to know.
Finally, she saw she had no choice but to tell it all and she hoped he wouldn’t be too mad with Slim, or with her for keeping it from him.
“Slim told me about how Andy’s death was effecting you.” Instantly, Jess was on his feet and once more searching the darkness outside the window. He didn’t want to go through it again. “He told me about how strong and comforting you’ve been to the family and how you’ve helped him handle his grief. But he’s worried about you, Jess, and wanted me to know so that… well, so that I would understand if you…if you…”
“If I fell apart, like on the porch earlier.” Jess uttered bitterly. “He had no right, no right to involve you in this. My feelings are my business and no one else’s, not his, not even yours.” Jess put his hand over his face, the unceasing pain daring to raise its ugly head once more.
Francie watched in anguish. Finally stepping from her bed onto the cold floor she was quickly at his side wrapping her arms around her brother he turned at the feel of her touch and clung to her, trying to subdue the overwhelming feeling of loss that had so long consumed him, but to no avail. And for just a few moments he was once again the little boy she so loved. “It’s all right, Dearest, it’s all right. I’m here.”
Slowly he regained control and hugged her closer to him. “Slim was right,” she began.
“Right about what?” Jess managed though his voice cracked with stifled emotion.
“That you’ve been thinking about everyone else’s feelings, everyone else’s grief and forgetting that you have to grieve too.” She took his face in her hands and held it before her. “Slim lost Andy, yes, but so did you, Jess, and you can’t deny your feelings. Remember how you told me about how you came to stay on with Slim? It was Andy. You saw something in Andy that made you want to stay and settle down and put down roots and forget the past.” She smiled at the tear-streaked face. “In a way, if it hadn’t been for Andy, you wouldn’t be here with me and for that I am very grateful to him, he must have been a very special young man.”
Jess took a deep breath and lifted his face to the ceiling. “That he was, very special.” He blinked back the tears and smiled weakly at the dearest face in the world to him.
“I’m sure he wouldn’t want this for you, Jess he’d want you to be happy wouldn’t he?” Jess smiled and nodded his agreement. “Slim’s right; you need to be here with me, so that you can heal.”
“Is that what was in the letter he sent you?” Jess asked. Francie nodded and smiled at her brother.
“You and Slim have something very special, Jess. What was it he wrote? Now let me see, oh yes… He wrote that he wanted the old Jess back as he missed him or something like that. Do you understand what he means?”
“I understand, Francie, I understand only too well.” Jess was smiling now but this time he looked more like his old self, though maybe a little tired and drawn. Suddenly he was desperately homesick and wanted to see Slim and Mike. Francie was his only blood kin but his kin-ship to Slim was something that he valued above anything else.
He looked his sister up and down, and in an instant his own troubles were forgotten. “You shouldn’t be out of bed you’ll catch your death of cold,” he scolded and quickly lifted her into her arms and kissed her cheek. “Now young lady, you have to rest; won’t be long before that little one’s here and you won’t be getting much sleep then, I can tell you.” He said as he set down on the bed.
“Where has all this attentiveness come from? I can remember a time when all you wanted to do was pull my hair and now this. I don’t know what living at the ranch and working with Slim has done to you but I love him for it.” She pulled the blankets around her just as Daisy came into the room, carrying a tray laden with two cups.
“Warm milk to help you and the little one sleep,” she said as she placed the tray on the bedside table. She wrapped an arm around Jess’ waist. “And you, young man, should be headed for bed too. Ben was telling me about the barn roof and how it needs some attention and I told him there was nothing you didn’t know about fixing roofs.” She smiled ruefully at him.
“Daisy Cooper, you’re incorrigible; what am I going to do with you?” Jess kissed her forehead. Then he looked at the tray and its two cups. “Please tell me that you haven’t brought me warm milk; I’m not Mike, you know.”
“Well yes, it’s warm milk,” she watched him screw up his face at the very thought. “But it has a special little kick, if you know what I mean, definitely prescribed to help you sleep peacefully,” and she winked at him.
He squeezed her gently. To be with the two women who meant the world to him, it was pure heaven and although he felt terribly homesick, he was suddenly glad that Slim had made him come.
He picked up a cup from the tray and said goodnight. “Best get to my bed if I’m to get an early start…on the roof,” and he winked cheekily at Daisy.
“You know where your room is?” Francie called out as he headed through the door.
He turned and smiled. “Where it always was, I presume?”
The siblings smiled at one another. Despite the uncertainty they were facing, this was going to be a visit neither would ever forget.
* * * * * * * *
Jess was true to his word; at sun up he was already on the barn roof inspecting what needed to be done. Everything, in fact the easiest thing to do was to replace the roof in its entirety. He took measurements and then he and Ben discussed what materials they would need as they ate a hearty breakfast of bacon, eggs and washed down with several cups of coffee.
“Daisy, I’d quite forgotten what a wonderful cook you are. No wonder Jess here is looking a might thicker round the waist than the last time I saw him.” Ben said poking fun at his young brother-in-law.
Daisy laughed loudly. “You’re not the first to make that comment, why only the…”
“Daisy!” Jess scolded, as he felt the heat rising to his cheeks.
“Why, Jess you’re not embarrassed, are you? I think you look just fine, better than that skinny rake you were last time I saw you.” Francie said jovially as she unsuccessfully tried to get comfortable in her seat. She had insisted on getting up against everyone’s orders and was now regretting it but being stubborn of nature, wouldn’t admit it.
Jess glared at her fondly. “Wish everyone would just quit talking about my waist line. It’s just fine the way it is.” He picked up the coffee pot, refilled his cup and sipped away all the while peering over the rim at his sister.
She ran her hands over her ever swollen stomach and frowned.
“You all right, Francie? You know you should really be in bed.” Jess said as he watched her face crinkle in discomfort.
She nodded and tried to smile through the pain, that wasn’t ebbing away like it usually did. “Just fine; doctor said I would get these kinds of funny pains toward the end. It’ll pass.” Daisy was quickly at her side and rested her knowledgeable hand over the young woman’s abdomen, as Jess and Ben looked on anxiously.
“There he goes,” Daisy laughed brightly. “He’s certainly feeling feisty this morning,” and she laughed again as she felt the definite kick of new life.
She looked over at Jess and saw the lines of concern that had formed on his tired features. He had slept but restlessly. He looks so sad and tired but when this little one comes along, he’ll soon see things in a new light and feel better.’
“Don’t worry, both of you, everything seems just fine. Just some practicing pains I expect. But, when you go into town, would you get the doctor to come out and take a look at Francie just to be on the safe side.” She waited until she saw them smile then started to clear the dishes. She had traded one household for another but she reveled in every domestic moment as they anxiously awaited the arrival of the newest family member.
* * * * * * * *
As Jess was finishing loading the buckboard he had rented from the livery with the necessary tools and materials he and Ben would need, peripherally, he noticed the dark figure of a man standing outside the saloon. Whoever it was, he was shadowed by the overhanging porch and he blew a cloud of light grey smoke into the air. Stillness fell all around Jess and he felt the hairs stand up on the back of his neck as a shiver ran down his spine. The stance of the figure was familiar, he had seen it many times; this man lived by the gun. He could feel the man’s eyes watching his every move but carried on with the task of loading the final boxes. A strange cloud drifted over him, danger was nearby and caution was now paramount in his mind.
A few years ago he would have confronted the figure. He was older and wiser now, and better with his gun. And there were Francie and Daisy to consider. He’d bide his time and wait and he didn’t think he would be waiting long.
“Jess,” the sound of Ben’s voice brought him back from the shadows into the glistening sunshine of the early afternoon.
The man flicked his cigarette butt into the street and went back into the murkiness of the saloon. Jess was suddenly aware that he was sweating and quickly pulled his bandana from his back pocket. He removed his hat and wiped the inside band, then his brow and firmly jammed the hat back onto his damp hair.
“Jess!” The call came again and he smiled as he looked up to where Ben was hurrying down the street toward him.
“Why, Jess, you’ve got everything loaded. I hoped to give you a hand but the doctor had a patient and I had to wait. He says he’ll head right on out to the farm and see Francie.” Ben looked at the rather flustered looking state of his brother-in-law. “Something wrong, Jess?”
“No, Ben. We’d best get to the mill and collect that lumber if we want to be back before supper.” With that he jumped into the driver’s seat.
Ben climbed up beside him, noting Jess’ hurried glance over his shoulder. Something was worrying him but Ben wouldn’t press the subject further, not yet anyhow. He, like Jess, had faced danger and uncertainty before. Neither were strangers to it, both having lived for a while by their skill with a gun. But that was in their past now and both had made fresh starts. If and when danger came, he and Jess would be ready for it and stand united to defend both the land and their loved ones.
The next three days passed without incident. Ben and Jess stripped the old roof planks from one side of the barn and replaced them and on the morning of the fourth day, they were just taking a well earned rest after having replaced half of the remaining side of the roof when a buggy pulled into the yard and the doctor stepped down.
“Morning, Ben, Jess. Just come to check on Francie.” He waved at them cheerily just as Daisy stepped out onto the porch to greet him.
“So how is my patient this morning, Mrs. Cooper?” he asked as she showed him inside and took his hat. He eyed her with a note of concern when he saw her expression. “Something wrong, Mrs. Cooper?”
“I hope not, but Francie’s been having quite a lot of discomfort and I’m wondering. Well you’d better see for yourself.” Daisy showed him into the front bedroom.
Francie was laying down which had become her habit for most of the time during the past day or so. The pains that she had been experiencing had gotten worse. She could go all day and feel nothing and then suddenly be doubled over for no reason. She had taken Daisy’s advice and had decided to rest as much as possible, mostly when Jess and Ben were out of the house. But when they were about she was up and pottering around as if nothing was wrong. She knew they were both under a lot of strain with the brewing trouble and refused to add to their burden. After all, having a baby was the most natural thing in the world and besides she had Daisy with her.
Daisy busied herself in the kitchen while the doctor examined his patient. After about fifteen minutes he emerged and beckoned her into the room. His expression was grave.
“Daisy, I want you to make sure Francie has complete bed rest from now on. She’s not to get up for anything, anything at all; is that clear.”
“Why yes, perfectly clear, not the first time I’ve nursed a bed ridden patient. I think I have everything I’d need. Is it as I suspect?” Daisy asked as she straightened the bed covers and smiled warmly at the scared countenance that lay in the bed before her.
“Baby hasn’t turned, that is probably why Francie has been experiencing such severe bouts of pain. It’s those pains that usually assist in turning the baby ready for delivery. Then they subside, so that the body can rest before the actual onslaught of labor begins. But they haven’t subsided and the baby still hasn’t turned, and her time is real close.” He closed his bag and removed his spectacles.
Daisy sat on the edge of the bed and gently patted Francie’s hand. Fear and apprehension shone in the young woman’s eyes.
“You’re talking about a breach birth aren’t you?” She clasped Daisy’s hand and squeezed. “I’ve heard about women dying from a breach birth.”
Daisy tightened her grip. “Now, Francie, that isn’t always so. I’ve delivered one or two breach babies in my time and everything has been just fine, just takes a little longer and…” Daisy paused.
“But sometimes you have to operate, isn’t that right, Doctor.”
He couldn’t lie to her and silently nodded.
Her hand flew to her mouth. “Oh, Daisy.” She gasped.
“Now, now, we don’t know that will happen; the baby may still turn. Now you lay back and rest while I see the doctor out.” Daisy pulled the covers around her charge and left the room the doctor closing the door behind them.
Daisy turned to him now sharing his concern. “I’ll have everything ready, just in case. Do you want to talk with Ben before you go?”
While Ben and the doctor conversed on the front porch, Daisy took Jess into the kitchen and relayed the doctor’s diagnosis. Jess slumped into a chair his face ashen. Daisy knelt before him and laid comforting hands on his. Why do You have to keep doing this to him, hasn’t he suffered enough.
“You’re not to worry, Jess, I’ll be with her and I’ve assisted at several breach births, if it actually comes to that and it may well not. She has two things in her favor, three in fact. She’s young, she’s strong.” She smiled at the sad blue eyes. “And she’s a Harper - and one thing I know is that Harpers are fighters and not quitters.”
Jess leaned forward and hugged her glad of her never failing presence and strength. They looked up as Ben entered the house and went into the bedroom closing the door behind him.
“Why don’t I make you some coffee? I think you could do with one about now.” She patted Jess’ hands and again busied herself in the kitchen.
* * * * * * * *
Jess was rocking on the porch sipping on his coffee when he saw a rider approaching far away up the dirt track. He sat forward and strained his eyes to see who it might be. The rider, seeing that he’d been spotted, stopped. Jess put his hand to his eyes but the bright afternoon sun still marred his vision. Then it struck him like a bolt of lightening and he was instantly on his feet. The shadowy figure from the saloon! Jess stood on the porch and waited for the rider to make his move, but the figure sat motionless. Jess’ hand went to his iron and lifted it restlessly in and out of its holster. The rider made no further attempt at movement but simply sat menacingly on the dirt road.
Just as Jess thought he couldn’t stand the suspense a moment longer, the rider turned his horse and moved away back toward the road. Jess couldn’t fathom it; the whole episode had been too bizarre. What did this man want? Jess ran his fingers through his hair; he knew what he wanted all right. But why had he just ridden all the way out from town just to sit there. Jess continued to fiddle with his iron again as he mused over the problem. Then it all fell into place. This man was playing with him, taunting him. He knew that, if he played this game long enough, Jess would eventually cave in and head to town to confront him. This man knew him, knew his habits, well his past habits anyhow. The note from the rock had been from him.
Jess glanced toward the open front door. He could hear Daisy’s faint humming as she went about her work. But he had responsibilities now and reckless behavior was something best left in the past.
You’re just plain reckless, never a thought for anyone else or the consequences of rushing into things without thinking them through first. Am I always going to be getting you out of scrapes?
Jess smiled as he thought of Slim’s chastising words; he’d heard many variations on the same theme many a time when he had first settled at the ranch. Over the years, with Slim’s kin-ship he had mellowed, now thinking hard before he leapt headlong into anything. There were other people to consider, people he cared for and who cared for and needed him. He picked up his coffee cup and went in for a refill. He wouldn’t mention this to anyone, if this man wanted him, then it was his problem and he would deal with it. But he knew it had to be Jenkins’ doing. Probably hired a gun to rid himself of the two ex-gunmen who threatened to spoil his plans. But if other farmers and ranchers saw him and Ben stand up against Jenkins, then maybe, just maybe they would follow suit. A plan started to form in his mind.
* * * * * * * *
Supper was over, the dishes were washed and Jess and Daisy were sitting peacefully on the porch. She with her endless task of sewing baby clothes and Jess just sitting back and rocking gently, his mind still on the stranger and how he could unite the other ranchers and farmers in the valley.
Ben sauntered out, sat on the railing and looked out across the small yard. His expression was one of a concerned father-to-be.
“How’s Francie, Ben?” Daisy asked, though she knew Francie was very irritated by having to be bed ridden for the rest of her confinement. She could see how anxious Ben had become over the past few hours since the doctor had given his instructions to keep Francie in bed at any cost. Ben also needed her motherly reassurance and years of wisdom and experience.
“Fine, Daisy, just annoyed at being stuck indoors. She says she feels so cut off being stuck inside when we’re all out here. She was truly looking forward to visiting with you and now she’s…well…” Ben’s voice drifted off into the blackness of the night as he sighed.
“Don’t worry, Ben she’ll be just fine. It’ll only be for a short while just till the baby comes and then after a few more days I’m sure the doctor will let her get up.” Daisy said reassuringly. “But until then we have to keep her quiet and in bed.”
“You’ll have trouble there, Daisy.” Jess said jovially as he abandoned his relaxing motion and stood up to stretch the day’s stiffness from his lean back and shoulders.
“Well I’m used to difficult patients, especially one’s named Harper,” she admonished as she winked at Ben.
“Huh!” Jess exclaimed then smiled at the sweet face. “Okay, I deserved that. How about a night cap, Ben? Daisy, would you like some coffee or maybe some warm milk?” he asked sarcastically, the cheeky boyish grin filling his face.
He stepped past her heading for the open door. “Ouch!” he exclaimed as he got a well deserved swat.
“Warm milk would be just wonderful, Dear, and don’t forget some for your sister too,” she said sweetly to her incorrigible son as he headed inside rubbing his rear end. How she loved the boy in the man that made up her favorite member of her new family.
Daisy decided to visit with Francie and enjoy their soothing drink together in the hopes that it would help Francie settle for a restful night’s sleep. Jess and Ben continued to sit on the porch and enjoy the night air. Jess pulled a pouch out from his back pocket and began the task of rolling himself a cigarette.
“Didn’t know you smoked, Jess.” Ben remarked as Jess fingered the freshly rolled cigarette.
“I don’t,” he answered, as he looked down at his hands. He hadn’t even realized what he was doing. He threw the cigarette into the dusty yard. He looked across at Ben. “I used to; I gave it up after I settled at the ranch. Don’t know what made me buy the fixings. Here,” he handed Ben the pouch. “Throw it away, Ben, I don’t need ‘em.” Ben took the pouch and shoved it into his vest pocket to be disposed of later.
As the two men enjoyed the evening, Jess thought on home, of Slim and Mike and wondered how they were doing. He and Daisy had already been away a good three weeks, best he put pencil to paper to let them know that things were okay. Deciding not to mention the land troubles, they’d been through enough and he didn’t want them to worry.
A rustling sound filled the stillness as Daisy appeared in the doorway to say her goodnights. She told them that Francie was sleeping and to keep the noise to a minimum. After kissing them both she disappeared into the house.
“She’s a fine woman, Jess. Don’t know anyone else I’d rather have tending Francie right now.” Ben said as he refilled his brother in law’s glass.
“You’re right there, Ben. Couldn’t imagine what Slim and I would have done if she hadn’t come into our lives. She has certainly made the ranch into a home and Mike loves her so.” He smiled as he thought of the day Daisy had arrived. That was a day that he and Slim would never forget, the day their lives changed forever and they often gave thanks for the angel that had been sent to them. His thoughts deepened as he remembered his own mother and the emptiness he had felt for so many years. The void no longer existed as Daisy had filled it with her kind, gentle love. He hadn’t yet realized just how much Daisy meant to him, but in time, life, with its hills and valleys would show him the depth of his connection to this wonderful woman who had fast become his mother.
He took another sip of the invigorating liquid and rocked pensively, his mind suddenly changing route. “Ben, how many farms has Jenkins brought up?”
“Oh, I’d say about three but he’s pressuring several other ranchers and farmers besides me. I’m top of his list. I think that maybe he sees me as some kind of threat, considering my past.” Ben turned to look at Jess. “Why’d you ask? You got some wild idea brewing in that head of yours?”
Jess laughed. “How’d you know that?” He beckoned for Ben to refill his glass yet again.
“It stands to reason. First that threatening note, then that stranger today.” Jess was staggered by the remark and his jaw dropped As Ben continued. “Yes, I saw him sitting there on the road. I was about to open the bedroom window when he rode up. Strange how he just sat there and then just rode off. Why’d you think he did that, Jess?”
Jess drained his glass. “Habits, Ben. He knows my habits, well my past habits. He’s taunting me, baiting me into a fight. He thinks if he comes near the family that I will eventually dance to his tune, but he’s got another think coming. Maybe a few years ago I would have risen to the bait but not now. There’s Daisy and Francie to consider and not least of all Slim and Mike. No, Ben, if he wants a fight it’ll be when I’m ready and on my terms.” Ben offered to refill his glass but Jess declined. “Thanks, Ben but no. Sleep is what I need and you’re right, I do have an idea, but so far that’s all it is, an idea. Once I have it all clear in my head, then we’ll see what can be done to stop Jenkins.”
How to unite the other threatened ranchers and farmers was the elusive key he sought and he had no idea of how to find it. Sleep. He needed sleep, a good night’s rest, that always helped him to see things straight. Wishing Ben goodnight, Jess stood out of the rocker and headed for his bed.
“Jess are you sure this idea of yours will work? I mean the ranches and farms around here are all small like ours, how can we hope to squelch someone like Jenkins?” Ben asked as the two brothers worked to finish the roof the next morning.
Jess hammered away steadily, taking his frustrations out on the work at hand. “Stands to reason, Ben. Jenkins is only one man. Yes, he has ranch hands but they are all workingmen, like any others here in the valley. It’s them we have to get on our side and if they see everyone united together, it might just tip the scales in our favor.” Jess took another nail and placed it in his mouth as he hammered another relentlessly into the new board, then removing it from his mouth he continued to secure the final roof board. “There.” He leaned back and wiped his shirt sleeve across his perspiring brow. “We’ve finished, Ben. Think we deserve a drink in town; don’t you?” Jess quizzed with a smile.
Ben followed his brother-in-law down the ladder. “I’m with you, Jess. It’s an idea that might just work. I’ll call a meeting of the rest of the valley here this evening.” The two stood back and looked at their handiwork, then at each other. “But if Francie and I want our new beginning to be here, it looks like I’m going to have to call on my past skills if we want to keep this place.” Ben said patting the iron that he wore about his hips once more. He had hoped he would never have call to use it again. But it seemed that for once his past skill would now be used for the well-being of others. His family!
Jess patted Ben on the back. “Maybe it won’t come to that, Ben, but we’ll see it through together. We’re family after all and I know you’d do the same if I were in your shoes. As I recall Daisy said she needed some supplies in town. What you say we oblige her, then we could stop off and have that drink and spread the word about the meeting.” Jess winked slyly as he and Ben headed into the barn to put away their work tools and hitch up the wagon.
“Now you two, don’t you go hanging around in that saloon all afternoon.” Daisy admonished as Ben and Jess climbed into the wagon.
Jess eyed her quizzically. Couldn’t a fella have at least some secrets from this woman? “Why, Daisy who said we were…” he began innocently.
Daisy folded her arms and looked him straight in the face. It never failed. Jess pulled his hat firmly on his head. “We won’t, Daisy,” he said defeated yet again by her psychic powers of deduction.
It was just past mid-morning when the two brothers rolled the wagon to a halt in front of the General Store. Barney Wallace, the store owner, stood helping a customer with some fresh produce as he greeted them cheerily. “Morning, Ben, Jess. Any sign of that new baby yet?”
“Not yet, Barney, but doctor says it’ll be any day now. Got a list of a few things, think you could fill it for us?” Ben handed Barney the list. “Jess and I finished the barn roof this morning so we thought we’d celebrate with a nice cold beer.”
Barney rolled his eyes enviously. “Wish I could join you. Been mighty hot lately but, as you can see, I’ve customers. You enjoy and I’ll have this order filled by the time you get back. I know you’ll be anxious to get home afore supper time, else that Miss Daisy will have your hides.” He waved as the two men headed off for the much needed refreshment.
“Daisy’s reputation sure got around quick,” Jess said as he and Ben mounted the steps to the saloon and stepped into the dim light.
The cool air of the saloon was a welcoming change from the heat of the midday sun. They ordered two beers and found a seat at a table near one of the windows. Each savored every mouthful of the cold thirst quencing brew. As they settled back in their respective chairs a pretty young blond who had been eyeing them since they entered, perched herself on Jess’ knee.
“Hey handsome, you’re new around here ain’t you? Goin' to be in town long?” she asked merrily as she removed his hat and casually tossing it on the table began to run her fingers through his thick hair.
Jess smiled warmly and pulled the willing diversion closer. “Well now who might you be?” he asked.
“Name’s Jenny, what’s yours?” Jenny took Jess’ glass and sipped on the cool liquid.
“Jenny, now that’s a pretty name. Pleased to meet you, Jenny, mine’s Jess, Jess Harper.” Jenny handed back his beer.
“You’re Francie’s brother, ain’t you? I heard her talking in the store last week. You come because of all the trouble?” She removed herself from Jess’ lap and settled her slim frame into a chair next to him.
“No, I didn’t even know about the land problems till Ben here told me about it.” Jess nodded toward his brother-in-law who was sitting silently watching the young man enjoy the attention he was receiving.
Jenny glanced over at Ben and smiled. “You’re Ben McKittrick, I heard about you.”
Ben sat straight in his chair. “What have you heard?” he asked anxiously.
“Oh nothing much; just that Matt Jenkins is looking to buy your land.” Jenny shifted uneasily in her seat as two men walked into the bar.
One was middle aged, Jess would guess about 40; the other appeared to be slightly younger. The elder smiled luridly at Jenny as they passed.
“Jenkins and his foreman Lyle Forrester,” Ben whispered.
The two men settled at a table in the back of the saloon. The older man snapped his fingers and Jenny almost jumped out of her skin. She went to stand up but Jess put his hand on her wrist. She looked down and met his eyes they were smiling up at her.
“I didn’t ask you to leave - or would you rather be with him?” Jess saw the fear in her eyes as she glanced to the other table.
She turned back and continued to stare into his eyes. They were so blue and filled with such kindness. Kindness aimed toward her, a mere saloon girl who made her living by throwing herself at any man who would take an interest in her. She sat down, strangely drawn by the gentle persona not wanting to leave its security.
The barkeeper placed a bottle and two glasses in front of the new arrivals. The younger of the two pulled the cork from the bottle and filled the glasses, spilling liquor over the tabletop. He watched his companion anxiously.
“Jenny,” the older man snarled.
Jenny started to tremble but didn’t move. She looked at Jess as he placed a tender hand on hers and smiled warmly at her. “It’ll be okay,” he whispered reassuringly.
“Maybe I shou….I don’t want no trouble,” she pleaded, her voice trembling, Jess squeezed her hand.
“There won’t be.” Jess’ voice was gentle and calm. “Not unless they start it.”
“Jenny, get your boney ass over here, girl, I want some company,” Jenkins spat irritably, then downed his drink and banged the glass impatiently on the table glaring at his foreman. “Well fill it up, man, I’m thirsty.” He downed the refill almost as fast as the first and wiped the back of his hand across his mouth and unshaven features.
“You coming over here, girl, or do I have to come over there and get you.” Jenny nervously entwined her fingers in Jess’ seeking a measure of courage, and sat firm.
Jenkins stood to his feet red with rage at her disinterest and kicked his chair violently against the wall, smashing it into a splintering mass. “Let it go, Boss; she ain’t worth it.” Forrester said, trying to allay what he knew, from past experience with Jenkins temper, was about to happen next. He sipped on his drink and watched the two men and the girl. Real cool customers for ranchers, yet they carried their hard wear like it was part of them. He’d never seen McKittrick wear an iron before and it worried him somehow. There was something about these two, especially the man he knew to be McKittrick’s brother in law. Most men would have cowered from Jenkins by this time but not these two, these two were different and he found himself admiring their steely nerves.
It took Jenkins three brisk strides to be at Jenny’s side. He grabbed her roughly by the arm making the girl yelp out in pain. Instantly, Jess was on his feet smashing his right fist into Jenkins jaw, sending the man staggering backwards till he lost his footing and hit the floor with a resounding thud.
“The lady is with me,” he snarled as he rubbed his knuckles. He eyed his gloves that lay on the table. Why on earth had he removed them?
Ben moved his chair back so as to keep Jenkins’ companion in full view. But he was surprised to see that Forrester was nonchalantly sipping on his whiskey.
Jenkins wiped his hand across his mouth and viewed the blood on the back of his fingers. Outraged, he flew at Jess, who nimbly sidestepped the older man. Jenkins staggered into the next table sending the occupants scattering for the safety of the batwings and the street. He grabbed the chair that blocked his path and threw it at his opponent but again Jess quickly ducked out of the way as the chair flew past his ear. Jenkins saw the slight distraction as Jess ducked and he used that moment to rush one more time at this annoying young cowboy. This time he threw his whole body into him and the two men sprawled backward onto the table sending Jenny to seek cover behind Ben. Jenkins’ fist met Jess’ stomach and then his jaw, splitting his lip.
Jess slammed his right fist hard across Jenkins’ cheek sending his assailant once more to the floor, and threw himself onto the winded man. Jenkins let fly with a left hook that sent Jess rolling onto the ground but before Jenkins was fully on his feet Jess had grabbed him from behind and spun him around. The older man was too quick and another left hook bloodied Jess’ already half closed eye. Then Jenkins spun him round and held his head firmly in an excruciating headlock. Jess’ arms flayed around trying to find a hold, until finally he sent his right elbow into Jenkins’ stomach winding the older man and managed to throw his tiring opponent over his shoulder and onto the pile of strewn bar room chairs shattering them with his fall.
Jenkins lay unmoving but breathing. Forrester who had moved to the bar now rushed to his boss and knelt beside him to feel for a pulse. He looked at Jess and smiled. “No one’s ever bested him like that. He’s out cold.” He stood and smiled at Jess’ bloody and rather bruised countenance. “You’d best make tracks; he ain’t going to be none too pleased when he wakes up.”
Jess was breathing hard but returned the offered smile. He’d won not one but two victories as he saw it. Ben was suddenly at his side offering his arm for Jess to lean on.
“I’m all right. Where’s my hat?” He said turning to where their table had once stood. Jenny stood there holding it and his gloves in her small hands. He stepped toward her as she held them out to him. “Thanks, Jenny,” he said as he took his gloves and pulled them over his burning knuckles. He noted how pale she looked and that she was shaking. He smiled at her warmly. “Will you be all right?” Jenny looked into his gentle eyes and ran her fingers through his mussed up hair and placed his hat on the back of head, gently touching his bruised face and nodded as she lowered her eyes from his gaze.
Jess placed a hand under her chin and lifted her small face to his and enveloped her mouth with a painful yet lingering kiss. The moment passed and their lips parted as their eyes met again. She felt like she was drowning and she clung to him still shaking. He placed a protective arm around her slender shoulders and nodding to Ben walked with Jenny through the bat-wing doors and into the afternoon sun.
As Ben stood behind them on the boardwalk outside the saloon, Jess asked the question again. “Are you sure you’ll be all right, Jenny? Jenkins won’t take this out on you, will he?”
“I’ll be fine but you don’t look none to steady, Jess, you should head over to the doc’s and let him take a look at you.” She said, steadying Jess on his feet.
Ben put a supportive arm around the young man’s waist but Jess rejected the whole idea of heading to the doctor’s office and instead insisted Ben simply take him home. He smiled at Jenny as Ben helped him to the buckboard that stood outside the store, now partially filled with their order. Jess struggled onto the hard seat as Jim the young stock boy came out with another box of provisions and placed it in the back.
“That’s it, Mr. McKittrick,” he said then noted Jess’ rather bedraggled state. “Looks like you tangled with a bear.”
“Yeah, a bear named Jenkins,” Ben replied proudly.
As he needed to get Jess home he wouldn’t now be able to go visit the other ranches and farms to call the meeting together. So he asked Jim if he would deliver the messages for him; promising the young lad a dollar for every person that showed, and some of Daisy’s homemade apple pie. Jim said he was finished for the day and would head out right there and then. He’d heard talk around town as how Mrs. Cooper was a great cook.
With a flick of leather, Ben set the horses homeward. Jess sat hunched beside him trying to stem the flow of blood from his lip and the cut near his eye, which was fully closed now. “Daisy’s going to kill me,” he sighed.
Ben took a steady pace home and just as the sun was turning the sky into a bright shade of orange and red they pulled into the yard. Ben quickly jumped down and was helping Jess when the front door opened and Daisy appeared.
“No, we won’t be in the saloon all afternoon, Daisy. Now where did I hear those words?” she scolded. Ben supported Jess’ arm as the two turned to face their accuser. “Jess!” she exclaimed as she saw his face. Daisy ran down the steps. “Jess, what on earth happened; who did this, Ben?”
“Daisy, I’m all right really,” Jess began as she put a supportive arm around his waist and he laid his arm round her small shoulders. “Don’t fuss.”
“I’ll fuss all I want, now let’s get you inside and cleaned up,” and she and Ben helped him into the house.
Having heard all the commotion, Francie had gotten out of bed and was standing in the bedroom doorway. Her hand flew to her mouth when she saw her brother’s condition. “Jess!” she exclaimed and ran to his side.
“Francie, go back to bed; you know what the doctor said.” He admonished as Daisy sat him down. “I’m all right; go back to bed, please.”
Francie pulled up a chair and sat next to him as Daisy came back carrying a basin and clean cloths. “Let me, Daisy.” Francie bathed his bruised face and made careful note of his swollen eye that was tightly shut. “Daisy?” she began as Daisy inspected the injury.
“Ben, can you get me some ice from the ice house, please? We’ll make a pack to help reduce the swelling.” Her gentle fingers knowledgeably inspected the rest of the cuts and bruises.
“Ouch!” Jess yelped. “Careful, Daisy.”
“I’m sorry, Dear, your lip is split and there is a nasty cut above your eye but I don’t think it will need stitches. Now, are you going to tell us how you come to be in this state? I thought you and Ben were getting supplies and having a beer then coming straight back home again.”
“We did, Daisy. Gave the order to the clerk at the general store and headed over to the saloon for a beer while we waited for the order to be filled.” Jess said innocently.
“And what happened then?” Daisy asked, knowing that Jess wasn’t telling them the whole story.
“A pretty girl by the name of Jenny is what happened.” Ben answered as he came in with the ice.
“I might have known,” Daisy said rhetorically. “Thank you, Ben.”
“It wasn’t my fault, Daisy, I didn’t start it, Jenkins did.”
“He’s right there,” Ben agreed as he chipped away at the small block of ice in the kitchen finally returning with a small bowl filled with cooling ice chips. Daisy wrapped some in a clean cloth and grabbed Jess’ hand and thrust the cooling compress into it and roughly placed it over his swollen eye. “Daisy!” he exclaimed as the pain shot through his face. He carefully held it over his eye and looked up at his nurse. Her pale eyes were dark and thunderous, a look he knew all too well.
Ben escorted Francie back to bed leaving Jess and Daisy in the kitchen. Jess shifted in his chair awaiting the tongue-lashing he knew was coming his way. But it didn’t come; in fact, Daisy headed to the kitchen and started to prepare supper. Jess sat back in the chair as the cold numbed his face replacing the endless throbbing. He glanced toward the kitchen and watched Daisy as she peeled vegetables. The silence was deafening. Ben reappeared saying he was going to unload the supplies and unhitch the team. Jess offered his help but Ben told him to sit back as he could manage.
Jess moved from the kitchen table and settled himself in the rocker and tried to find a midge of solace. He continued to watch Daisy. He had never known her to be this quiet and it disturbed him. Finally, he stood out of the rocker and walked quietly into the kitchen. He removed the ice-pack and placed it on the table.
“Can I help?” he asked timidly. Daisy shook her head and continued to prepare their meal. “Daisy?” he began again, this time placing his hands of her small shoulders. “I’m sorry, really, I am.”
“And so you should be,” her voice trembling with emotion.
Jess turned her to face him. “Daisy,” he saw the tear streaked face and it cut him to the core. He pulled her to him and hugged her.
“You could have been…” her voice trailed off, “and then what would I have told Slim and Mike.
“Hush now,” he said trying to quiet her. “Jenkins pushed and I pushed back, that’s all. With things the way they are, it was bound to happen sooner or later and you know me and my temper.” He moved her back so he could look at her and smiled at her warmly. “Forgive me?”
She wiped her face on her apron and looked at this battered yet still handsome man before her. Why was it she just couldn’t stay mad at him. She returned the smile and nodded. “Of course I forgive you, it’s just that…”
Jess hugged her again. “I know, Daisy, I know. Now can I help you with supper?”
Just as she was about to answer, a chilling scream came from the bedroom. Both ran for the door and hastily threw it aside. Inside they found Francie doubled up on the floor a wet pool was meandering its way across the floor.
“Her waters have broken. Let’s get her into bed and we need the doctor out here now.” Daisy spoke her instructions calmly and deliberately as Jess lifted a frightened Francie into his arms.
“Jess,” she cried as he laid her down.
“I’m here, Francie,” he said trying to calm her, his own afflictions totally forgotten.
Ben rushed into the room and was quickly by her side taking her hand in his. Francie took some deep breaths and looked at him. “It’s time, Ben.”
Jess was out the door and headed for the barn before Daisy even noticed he was gone. It wasn’t until she heard the sound of clattering hooves leaving the yard that she realized he was already headed for town and the doctor.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Daisy knew it would be a long wait for the doctor to arrive, so with Francie and Ben settled in the bedroom she busied herself with the necessary preparations for the impending arrival.
She checked constantly on Francie and how she was progressing. Then she instructed Ben in the breathing techniques needed to help Francie through each contraction. The clock ticked slowly on till finally hooves and the sound of a carriage could be heard. Daisy started for the door but Jess was through it before she even had a chance to reach it. He looked exhausted.
Daisy informed the doctor on Francie’s condition and progress and both went in to her. Eventually Ben opened the door and stepped into the small living room and then closed it firmly behind him. The long hours had taken its toll on him and he looked drawn and haggard. The two men looked at one another.
“All we can do is wait, Jess.” Ben walked to the kitchen and found Daisy had a fresh pot ready brewed. “Coffee?” he asked simply.
Jess affirmed and settled himself into the rocker. Exhaustion didn’t come close to describing how he felt and it wasn’t until he finally sat down that he realized in what bad shape he was. His ribs hurt like the devil and his face throbbed mercilessly.
“Here; you look like you could do with this.” Ben stated as he noted the pained expression on Jess’ face. “Damn it all, the meeting. What about the meeting?”
“Not to worry, Ben. I met Jim leaving town and told him to forget about the meeting for now.”
Jess took the cup and sipped it slowly. Nothing in this world worked better to revive an aching body and spirit like a good cup of coffee. He closed his eyes and began to rock back and forth. Low moans emanated from the bedroom and he opened his eyes and stared at the closed door.
The hours passed slowly by and the moans became louder. Ben was pacing around the room, his pacing matching the throbbing in Jess’ face. Jess was in the kitchen, trying to keep busy. Daisy had been in the middle of preparing supper when it had all begun and he knew how she disliked a messy kitchen. So he had set himself the task of finishing the vegetables and setting them aside in a pan of cold water. Then he had thrown the peelings into the trash and had washed down all the work surfaces.
Suddenly, a scream reverberated through the small house. Jess hurried from the kitchen to find Ben standing outside the bedroom door.
“No, Ben, it’ll be fine. How about we go check on things outside, get some fresh air. Nothing we can do in here.” Ben looked helplessly across and nodded his agreement and they strolled out into the night air.
With the animals tended to and bedded down, they found themselves leaning on the corral fence.
“How long does it take to birth a baby, Jess?” Ben asked anxiously.
Jess shrugged his shoulders. “Don’t know, Ben. I remember when my ma was giving birth to my younger brother and sister that it seemed to take all day. But then again I was only a kid and everything seems to go slow when you’re a kid.”
Francie screamed again and Ben spun round looking anxiously at the lights that gleamed from the windows.
Jess put a comforting hand on his shoulder. “She’ll be okay, Ben, Daisy’s with her and the doc.” It surprised him as to how calm he felt.
Ben turned back to the fence and kicked at the dirt. The moon was at its peak now and wisps of cloud tumbled across it as the moonlight lit the yard with its sparkling white beams of hope.
Both men turned at the sound they had long waited to hear. The cries of a new life.
Jess breathed a sigh of relief and slapped Ben on the back. “Congratulations, Pa! Sounds like he’s got a good set of Harper lungs on him.”
Ben smiled relieved that it was finally over and wondered how Francie was doing. He didn’t have to wait long for his answer, as Daisy appeared on the porch. Both men hurried to her eager for news. Her face was grave. They stopped at the bottom of the steps, as a knot formed in each of their stomachs, dreading what her expression would reveal to them.
“Something went wrong, didn’t it, Daisy?” Jess asked calmly.
She nodded her head and looked at the strained countenances before her.
“You can tell us, Daisy,” Jess urged but then cries from the new life trickled through the open door, like the sound of a rippling brook. Ben and Jess looked at one another and then at Daisy.
Jess’ bruised face twitched as he stared at her. “Daisy?”
Smoothing her apron she clasped her hands in front of her and looked keenly at them. “Something did go wrong, Ben. I’m sorry to say it’s a GIRL!” Her face filled with happiness.
Jess dissolved into a fit of laughter as he slapped Ben on the back.
“But she was so sure….” Ben started then rushed inside.
Jess climbed the three small steps and laid his large hands on the small petite shoulders. “Thanks, Daisy.”
Their eyes met and, for the first time in months, Daisy saw blue eyes filled with gratitude and pure joy. She leaned against him as exhaustion enveloped her. It had been a grueling night. Jess wrapped his arm firmly round her and stepped into the house to be greeted by the shrill cries. His heart leapt at the sound and suddenly he found himself at peace with his feelings.
The doctor appeared and congratulated Jess on his new niece and told them they could go in. Ben was seated on the bed beside Francie who had a small bundle snuggled in her arms. Francie beamed when she saw her brother and beckoned him to come closer.
“Jess I want you to meet your niece,” and she pulled back the blanket as he sat down on the other side of her; and revealed a plump pink face with cornflower blue eyes, crowned with a mass of dark brown curls.
The baby gurgled and, as if by instinct, she wrapped a chubby little hand round his finger as he gently touched the curly cues of hair. Jess lifted his face; he was beaming. “She’s beautiful, Francie, just like her ma.” He kissed her gently on the cheek. For a few minutes more the small family of Harpers and McKittricks reveled in the joy of its newest and most precious member.
“Come on now, you two; Francie needs her rest.” Daisy hustled them out as she placed the now sleeping infant into the cradle that stood by the bed. “Time we all got some sleep; it’ll be dawn in a couple of hours.”
The doctor left saying he would be by in a day or two just to check up on things. He said that he’d never seen such a healthier looking mother and child but we should get him if there were any concerns about anything.
Ben said he would sleep in the chair for a couple of hours so as not to disturb Francie and the baby. Jess wandered out onto the porch and found the rocker. He settled himself down as he watched the sky lightening over the hill. Daisy quietly followed and stood in the doorway observing him as he huddled against the chilly air.
Jess looked up at the sound of the swish of her skirt as she wafted out onto the porch and took a deep breath of clear morning air. “Daisy, go to bed for a while. You look dead on your feet.”
“I’m just fine. Not the first time I’ve been up all night bringing a new life into the world. Well, its manna for the soul, seeing God’s miracle.” She settled into the chair next to him and sighed. “Aren’t you glad you came now, Jess?”
Jess rocked back and forth in his familiar fashion. “You know I am, Daisy, but don’t you go letting on to Slim. I’ll never hear the end of it.”
Daisy closed her eyes and listened to the sounds of the dawn as the birds began their welcoming song to the new day. The sounds of the gentle breeze as it hurried through the trees blended perfectly with the comforting squeak of the rocker as Jess moved rhythmically back and forth. Daisy drifted into a dreamless slumber.
Daisy woke with a start at the shrill cry and smiled. She pushed back the quilt and rose from her bed, and then she turned and stared down at the crumpled blankets. She didn’t remember going to bed. She shook her head, musing that she must have been more tired than she thought and just didn’t remember. She refreshed herself in the small basin and changed into fresh clothes, and then, standing before the small mirror she brushed out her long hair and pinned it neatly into place. She smiled to herself as she heard Jess whistling in the other room. Stepping into the kitchen he turned and threw her his brightest smile.
“Mornin’ Daisy, did you sleep well?” he asked as he placed wood into the range.
The aroma of fresh coffee filled the air and, returning his smile, Daisy greeted him warmly with a gentle kiss to the cheek.
“Wonderfully, thank you, but I must have been really tired because I don’t actually remember going to bed, but I must have as that’s where I woke up. Funny!” She picked up her apron and looked about the kitchen, it was clean and tidy. “My word! Someone has been busy,” she said whimsically as she looked at him.
“Well a body has to do something while everyone else is sleeping. Coffee will be ready in a minute, so why don’t you sit yourself down and I’ll pour you some for a change.” Jess was beaming and bustling around in the kitchen like he was born to it.
It had been a long time since she had seen him look so happy, and content. If only Slim were here to see this.
Daisy dutifully sat at the small table. “How are Francie and the baby this morning?” she asked as Jess placed a blue and white china cup and saucer before her and filled it, and moving the sugar toward her so that she could reach it. Grabbing a mug he poured himself some of the dark elixir and sat down with her at the table and sipped on it; enjoying its life awakening properties.
“Okay, I guess.” Jess began. “Ben went in just a few minutes ago when the baby began to cry and everything has been quiet since then.”
Daisy looked at the day through the small kitchen window; the sun was high, too high.
“What time is it, Jess?” Daisy asked.
“About mid-morning I would say,” he replied as he continued to work on his coffee.
“Mid-morning!” Daisy exclaimed. “Why on earth didn’t you wake me? There is so much to do with a new baby in the house.” And she started to raise herself out of her chair.
Jess put his hand out and taking a firm hold on her arm urged her back down. “Take it easy, Daisy. You were tired so I let you sleep. Now relax and enjoy your coffee for once.”
“But…,” she began to protest.
“But nothing. You were worn out. I could see that when you fell asleep on the porch.” Jess’ cheek twitched; he hadn’t meant to tell her.
“I fell asleep on the porch, then how…” she started to inquire.
Jess raised his eyes and smiled. “How do you think?”
Daisy relaxed back into her seat as she viewed the rueful smile and shook her head. Just then Ben emerged from the bedroom, freshly shaven and looking all the part of a new father as he held the gurgling bundle in his arms.
“Mornin’', Daisy, Jess; Francie is sleeping and the baby is restless.” Ben settled himself into the chair that had been his bed for the past few hours. “Not sure exactly what to do.” The baby gurgled then fussed and then began to cry.
Daisy was on her feet and extricating the bundle from his still nervous arms. She walked the floor back and forth, gently patting the restless bundle, but nothing worked. She tried rocking her back and forth, then placed the baby over her shoulder and continued with the gentle patting but the baby still fussed.
“Rock her.” A quiet deep voice suggested.
Daisy looked dumfounded across at the kitchen table. Jess caught her gaze and swiftly moved to pour himself more coffee, the heat rushing to his still unshaven face.
“Rock her, Jess? Is that what you said?” she asked as she followed him into the kitchen.
Jess almost dropped the pot back onto the stove. “Yes, Daisy rock her. Isn’t that what rocking chairs are for?” he replied with a note of sarcasm and embarrassment.
Daisy smiled at his embarrassment as Jess avoided her eyes and said he was going to get cleaned up and hurriedly walked to his room and swiftly closed the door behind him. Daisy continued to smile after him then strolled out onto the porch and sat in the rocker. Gently she moved back and forth and hummed softly. Soon the fussing turned to gentle gurgles, then stillness filled the air and the new bundle of joy was sleeping peacefully. Still smiling Daisy continued to sit on the porch enjoying the long forgotten motion of rocking a baby to sleep.
She was still rocking and humming when she felt a presence near her and she looked up to see his dark azure eyes focused on her, a look of remembrance on his face.
“How long have you been standing there?”
“Long enough,” he replied with his usual finesse and cheeky smile.
Daisy gingerly rose from the chair as Jess held it for her. “Best get this little one into her cradle,” and she started indoors.
Jess stopped her and pulled the blanket back to peek at the tiny pink face. Daisy watched as the new uncle took stock of his niece. She smiled to herself; he was so strong, yet had a gentleness that he kept closely hidden from the world. Someday he will make a fine father, just let me be around to see it.
Jess covered the tiny form and the threesome carried on into the house and the bedroom. Francie was just starting to sit up when they came into the room. “There you are. I was wondering who you were with.” Daisy carefully handed over her charge and Francie cradled her daughter in her arms.
* * * * * * * *
After a few days the household very quickly resumed its daily routine, though with some definite changes. Such as night-time feeds, extra laundry and the constant cries for food, attention or just plain But I don’t want to sleep.
It was on one of those particular mornings when the newest member didn’t want to sleep that it happened. Jess and Ben were away from the house fixing fences in the lower pasture, Daisy was busy hanging out freshly laundered diapers and Francie was nestled in bed feeding the baby in an attempt to quiet her for her morning nap.
It was a brilliant day, the sky a clear sapphire blue with not the sign of a cloud and the smell of sweet honeysuckle filling the air about the house. Daisy was hanging out the last diaper and wondering what to prepare for lunch. Suddenly the air was filled with an acrid smell. She screwed her nose up at the unpleasant aroma and wondered what it could be. Something crackled behind her and she turned abruptly only to see wisps of dark smoke drifting out from the barn.
“The barn!” she exclaimed and rushed to the house. “Francie, Francie,” she cried anxiously. Francie came running at her terrified cries. As she stopped in the bedroom doorway Francie could already smell the smoke.
“Daisy, what is it?”
“The barn, Francie, the barn; it’s on fire!” Daisy was breathing with some difficulty from her exertion as she tumbled the words out.
“There are some extra buckets in the ice house out back,” Francie cried as she ran through the living room and out the back door.
By the time the two women had returned to the water trough near the corral, flames were licking their way up the side and along the barn’s new roof. Diligently they threw water over the still unscathed woodwork in an attempt to wet it down, thus impeding the spread of the flames. Next they concentrated their meager efforts on the blaze. Minutes seemed like hours as they worked. Francie had loosed the horses that were in the corral and they galloped off with wails of terror. The two women worked unrelenting until they heard the welcomed sound of horses’ hooves as Ben and Jess rode into view.
Leaping swiftly from their mounts, which they sent off with a yell, Jess and Ben grabbed the buckets and hustled Daisy and Francie from the area. As the minutes ticked by, all they could do was anxiously watch their men folk from the porch as they poured bucketful after bucketful onto the blaze until finally it turned into a smoking smoldering mess of dripping blackened timbers.
The two men stood back and looked on. It had been a tough battle but, through their persistence and the fact that Daisy and Francie had gotten to the fire just in the nick of time, and had wetted down what they could, the damage wasn’t too bad. They would have to replace a portion of one wall and their hard work on the roof would now see them having to replace a part of it yet again.
Satisfied that the danger was over, they staggered wearily back to the house. Their clothes soaked and covered in ash and their faces blackened with the smoke the two men collapsed on the steps and coughed intermittently.
Francie hurried to check on the baby, who had slept through the turmoil without even stirring. When she returned to the porch she found Ben and Jess settled into chairs and drinking glasses of cool invigorating water.
“How on earth did it start?” Jess coughed, and drank deeply from his glass.
“I don’t know. I was in the yard hanging out the wash. Oh goodness, the wash!” Daisy exclaimed and ran to the side of the house, with Jess hurrying after her. “Just look, after all my hard work.” Every piece was speckled with soot. “Well I suppose I will just have to start over.” She began to remove the soiled items from the line and throw them into the basket that she had abandoned in her haste to save the barn.
Jess was chuckling to himself as he started to help her remove the soiled garments. The barn could have burned down, even the house and she worries about the wash. He shook his head. Women! Would he ever understand them and their priorities?
* * * * * * * * * * * *
“So what do you think caused it, Daisy, any ideas?” Jess asked as he carried the heavy laundry basket into the kitchen and set it down on the table.
“Like I said, I was hanging out the wash when I smelled this awful odor and I turned round and saw the smoke. I ran and got Francie and, well, the rest you already know.” Daisy said as she put a large pan of water onto the range to boil.
“Jenkins again,” Jess said as he turned to see Ben and Francie standing behind him. “It had to be.” He fingered his iron as he mulled over the problem. “Time we took some real action, Ben. What time did you set that meeting for?”
“Around six this evening. Why, Jess?” Ben replied.
“Because tonight is the night we are going to get this valley organized,” Jess answered over his shoulder as he strode purposefully into his room. “Now I’m going to get cleaned up, then we’re going to clean up this valley.”
“Well, Francie.” Daisy began “I’d best start cleaning up if we’re to have company this evening.” In her usual manner, she began scurrying about the small house.
Supper was a light meal, the troubles of the afternoon having given neither woman time to think of preparing a proper supper. But Ben and Jess still left the meal table full and satisfied. They strolled out onto the porch as dusk began to fall about the place and a pair of riders called out to them from the dimness.
The meeting was about to begin.
To "NEW BEGINNINGS" Chapters 11 to end