Edith and the Mysterious Stranger Read online

  Melinda slumped and dropped her hands to her sides. She wanted to defend herself but knew she would lose even if she tried. She looked at him and said softly, “I’m feeling better, though. I haven’t had any cramps now for two weeks.”

  It sounded lame, and she knew it. She even knew his answer even before he spoke.

  “That’s because you’ve been in bed. There’s no need getting out when I’m here.”

  At that moment, Melinda felt ashamed. She realized that Gilbert was trying to help. He was the most unselfish man she knew, and she should never take his helpfulness for granted. Not every man was this supportive, and she knew it. She needed to be more patient and tolerant.

  Melinda knew that she could never love a man as much as she did Gilbert, and the love she had for her husband was deep. She had been so absorbed with self-pity that she had taken her frustrations out on her dearest possession: her husband. She was not thinking of anyone but herself, and she did not like who she was at that very moment.

  Why had she taken her frustrations out on the one she loved most? Tears welled up in the corners of her eyes as she admitted her failings to herself. She wiped them away with the back of her hand as they trickled down her face.

  With a quivering voice, she said, “I’m sorry. Please forgive me.”

  Gilbert smiled as he pulled her into his arms and held her lovingly, listening to her sobs of regret. As she quieted down, he pulled back and looked at her tear-stained face.

  He took a handkerchief from his pocket and gently dabbed her cheeks as he said, “Don’t worry, my Love. Everything will be all right. I’ve got Joe doing most of the chores on the ranch for me so I can be close to home and check on you from time to time.”

  “I know, Gilbert. I just don’t like being dependent on others. I’m not used to it.”

  Melinda’s eyes lowered with humility. A few small strands of hair had fallen appealingly about her face, and being with child had caused her countenance to glow, giving her a radiant look. Her expression was so enchanting that it had an effect on Gilbert, making his heart swell. He slightly lifted her chin and gazed into her eyes and the message he communicated was one of devotion and adoring love.

  He tucked his finger under her chin, lifted it toward him, and kissed her tenderly. Her lips were warm and sweet as he gave her a lingering kiss, one of tenderness and longing. A warm glow filled his heart at the touch of her lips, and his heart picked up speed. How he loved this woman!

  As he stroked her silky hair that had cascaded around her shoulders, he let it slide through his fingers. Then he wrapped his arms around her. He held her close to his chest and she melted into his arms.

  When Melinda felt his strong and protective arms tighten around her, she gave in to the delicious warmth spreading through her as she returned his kiss with just as much longing, turning her senses to mush. Lost in the wonder of his kisses, all her depression and concerns began to fade away. She marveled at what a delightful pleasure it was to be in love.

  Gilbert snuggled his face into her tresses and whispered, “I love the way you melt into my arms when I hold you.”

  The way Melinda responded to his hugs always had an effect on Gilbert. She had responded like this from the very first day he held her in his arms, and he had never had anyone react to his hugs like that before. Gilbert pulled back and gazed into her eyes with affection.

  “I just worry about you, Melinda. I don’t want any harm to come to you. Besides, you have miscarried several times before. If you won’t stay in bed, then we’ll have to do what the doctor suggested.”

  Melinda instantly jerked back and looked into his eyes with shock. “No, Gilbert. I won’t take alcohol to stop the cramping. It’s against my beliefs. You know that. Besides, what would it do to the baby? I can’t risk hurting her.”

  Gilbert grinned at her spunk. “I know how you feel about it, Honey. But we need to do whatever it takes to protect our baby. So, you’ll go to bed then?”

  Melinda nodded. She was defeated and she knew he was right. She could not fight it. She didn’t want to lose another baby, and Gilbert was only trying to protect her and their unborn child.

  Then with a jolt of surprise, Gilbert’s eyes widened as he asked, “Did you just say ‘her’?”

  Melinda nodded.

  “How do you know?”

  “Just a feeling. Don’t bet on it, though.”

  Gilbert chuckled with delight. “How about if I make a bed on the sofa for you, and you can watch me fix supper?”

  Melinda nodded. “I’d like that.”

  The living room and the kitchen were situated in one large room with the kitchen on the left side and the living room and fireplace on the right side. Against one wall was her pride and joy. Gilbert had bought her an upright piano when they were first married. He enjoyed spoiling her with gifts, and a piano brought her great pleasure. She hadn’t had a chance to play since the morning sickness set in about three months ago.

  Gilbert took her hand and led her to the sofa. Before she sat down, he placed his hand on her round belly and asked, “Any movement yet?”

  Melinda smiled. He was just as eager as she was and it pleased her beyond words. “No. But I’ll tell you when I do.”

  The concern and worry in Gilbert’s eyes was obvious, and he had every reason to be. As he protectively took her in his arms without saying a word, he leaned his head against hers and took a deep ragged breath. As he let it out slowly, he tried to put aside his uneasiness, his apprehension.

  Melinda could feel something was bothering him and suspected what it might be. She felt his arms tighten around her and heard him breathe in deeply.

  “Gilbert, what’s wrong?”

  He shook his head.

  “What is it?”

  Melinda leaned back to look into his face and his eyes had misted.

  “Melinda, I couldn’t bear it if something happened to you, too. Please listen to the doctor’s advice. Do you understand what I’m trying to say?”

  Melinda realized why he had become emotional and held her so protectively in his arms. She had married Gilbert just seven years ago. Jenny was Gilbert’s daughter from a previous marriage. After nine months of marriage, his former wife died while giving birth to Jenny. He had blamed himself for years because he had brought her to Paris, Idaho, where the west was quite wild and good doctors were few. That was sixteen years ago, but the memory of it was still vivid in his mind, and he was worrying that the same thing would happen to Melinda.

  Feeling remorse for being impatient, Melinda gazed into his eyes and knew the anxiety he felt at that moment. “Gilbert …” She hesitated as she bit her lip, and then said softly, “I’m sorry I was ornery with you.” She wiped his unruly hair back from his forehead, noticing the concern in his eyes. “I love you and will be more careful from now on.”

  Gilbert pulled her close to him again, held her tightly against his chest, and whispered in her ear, “Be as ornery as you like, but just stay in bed. Please? You’ve only got five months to go.”

  “Five months?” Melinda groaned in despair.

  Chapter 3

  The New Ranch Hand

  David was standing in line at the Cozy J to be interviewed for the cattle drive by Gilbert Roberts. As he waited, twisting his hat in his hands, he turned toward the porch of the large ranch house and saw an attractive young woman. She had hair that was the color of wheat and large blue eyes. She was tall and slender with fine and delicate features. Her hair was pulled away from her face, allowing him to see her youthfulness and innocence. The afternoon sun accentuated the silkiness of her hair as it hung over her shoulders, and this young teenage woman intrigued David.

  As his eyes swept over her, he realized, in all of his eighteen years, he had never seen a young woman this lovely. As he watched her intently, she happened to turn in his direction and their eyes met. He smiled at her and gave a nod. She smiled back and quickly looked down at the ground, fiddling with her skirt. She acted quite
shy, which he had not seen in a female for a long time. And that intrigued him all the more.

  Gunplay nudged him playfully and said, “She’s a shy one. Don’t know if she’ll give ya the time of day, but no harm in tryin’. Maybe after the interview, ya’ll can meander over and introduce yourself. It doesn’t hurt to get to know the boss’s daughter.”

  “The boss’s daughter?”

  “Yup. I overheard the other hands talkin’ about her. They said the boss has one daughter and one son. I just figured she was the one.”

  David nodded as he watched her from a distance. He was not really interested in helping with the cattle drive. He and Gunplay were here as part of a scheme, as part of a plan that had been set up. He was new to this cattle-rustling business, but he was not new to cattle ranches.

  David was a tall muscular young man. He had blond hair that touched the top of his shirt and light blue eyes with a distinct dimple in his chin, which made him attractive to most young women. And he knew it, too. His shoulders were broad, his arms were tan, and his eyes sparkled with mischief.

  Why he chose this destination, he was not sure. He knew he wanted excitement in his life, and maybe this was the answer. He was a handsome young man with a touch of rebellion. Why he chose to be contrary, he was not sure, either. His father had been hard on him and pushed too much. Perhaps that was the reason. He knew of his father’s love, but David felt rebellious. His mother was a soft-spoken woman and tried to help alleviate the tension that sprang up between David and his father. For some reason, they clashed. Now, here he was learning to be a cattle rustler. He knew his father would not approve, but this was his life and this was how he chose to live it.

  Yes, this was going to be exciting. The adrenaline rushed through his veins as he thought about it. This was the life he had chosen, and he did not regret it one bit.

  Gunplay nudged him. “It’s your turn.”

  David turned and nervously walked inside the bunkhouse for his interview, hoping all would go well and that he would be hired.

  Jenny was standing on the porch when the door of the house slammed shut. She turned around and saw her little six-year-old brother John walk outside. She gave him a wink as John looked up at his big sister.

  “Jenny, where’s Pa?”

  “He’s still interviewing men for the cattle drive.”

  “Oh. How come?”

  “We don’t have enough men to make the drive. We have twenty–five hundred head to take and we don’t have enough, yet.”

  “Oh. When will he be done? I need to talk to him.”

  “Pretty soon. He’s interviewing the last man now.”

  “Oh. I just have a question to ask him.”

  John’s tone was low and soft with a touch of hope, and Jenny noticed it right away.

  “What do you have on your mind, John?”

  “I was just thinkin’ about asking him…” He hesitated. “Well, if I could go along this year. I’m older now and bigger. And I’ve been working hard helping Pa. I’ve got a muscle, too. Wanna see?”

  Jenny tried to suppress a giggle, knelt down beside her brother, and wrapped her arm around him. “‘Fraid you can’t go this year, buddy. He doesn’t take greenhorns on a cattle drive.”

  John looked puzzled. “I don’t have no green horns, Jenny.”

  She laughed softly. “No, you’re the greenhorn. That means you don’t have any experience.”

  “Oh.”

  John’s voice was a little saddened as he looked down at the ground. Jenny took his face in her hands and turned it towards her. Then she looked into his beautiful dark brown eyes and pushed a few strands of brown hair out of his face. He was the spitting image of his father.

  “John. It’s not bad to be a greenhorn. But in a few years you’ll get experience and then you can go with Pa. I’ve gone with him every year now since I was eight and that’s because I know what to do. I’m going this year, too.”

  “Is it fun?”

  Jenny’s eyes brightened at the memory of it. Her father had taken her at such a young age because she had coaxed him every day until the day of the cattle drive. Not only that, Melinda encouraged it, not only to strengthen their relationship, but also to give her confidence in herself.

  She was about to answer John’s question when she saw an image move out of the corner of her eyes. She turned and saw the same young man walk out of the bunkhouse with a smile on his face. He looked too happy to have been turned down. She wished she knew what had happened. The young man was having an earnest conversation with the fellow beside him. Then the man pounded the younger one’s back and laughed out loud. The older one climbed upon his horse and then waved to the younger one and rode off. Then the man with the adorable dimple turned and began walking toward her, smiling.

  “Oh, my!”

  “What, Jenny?”

  She sucked in her breath, and her eyes widened. “Oh, my!”

  “What?”

  “He’s coming this way.”

  John acted completely confused with his sister’s actions.

  Jenny had just turned sixteen and young men were beginning to notice her. This was new to her, and she was not sure how to handle it. She had been such a tomboy for so long that her parents finally insisted on her acting like a young lady. She was supposed to wear dresses more often instead of men’s pants, and help around the house instead of doing the chores outside. Life was becoming quite interesting now that she was considered a young woman.

  Jenny sensed that she had life in the palm of her hands, but at times she was not sure if she was ready for it. Her parents treated her like an adult, and she even took care of John when her stepmother wasn’t feeling well. In fact, she never thought of her stepmother in any other way but her very own mother.

  Melinda had treated her with unconditional love since the day she became her new teacher eight years ago. It was then that Melinda helped her in a most difficult time of her life, when her peers were rude and said unkind things, shunning her because she was different. When her father proposed to Melinda, Jenny was ecstatic with joy. At the age of eight, she would have a mother of her own choice.

  David had a broad grin on his face as he walked up to Jenny and stood before her. He took off his hat and held it in his hands, twisting it as he looked into her eyes. The dimple in his chin deepened as he grinned, making him even more charming.

  “I’m David Walker. I was just hired by your pa. He told me to take a note to you.”

  Jenny could not take her eyes off him and could not find any words to say. She noticed that he had a pleasant sounding voice and he was so good looking that she wondered if she should pinch herself to see if she was still awake.

  David stuffed his hand in his pocket, pulled out a piece of paper, and then stretched forth his hand to give her the note, smiling the whole time. Jenny reached for it, and when his hand brushed against hers, she blushed. Why was this young man’s smile having an effect on her? For all she knew, he could not be trusted. He could be a vagrant or something.

  When she didn’t say a word, David wondered what was wrong. He had never met anyone so shy before, or so lovely. No, shy was not the correct word. She wasn’t necessarily shy, but was more reserved, aloof perhaps.

  David grinned. “Cat got your tongue?”

  She shook her head.

  David cleared his throat and said, “The man that interviewed me is your pa, isn’t he?”

  Jenny nodded.

  Then David pointed to the note in her hand and said, “I think your pa wants you to read that, if I’m not mistaken.”

  He waited for her to open the note and when she read it, her eyes widened. She looked up at David and asked, “What did you say to him?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Pa usually doesn’t do this.”

  Her voice was firm with a touch of bewilderment.

  “Do what?”

  “Well, he said you’ll be staying with us until the roundup. He usually has the men
come back in September, just the day before. But for some reason, he’s hired you on the spot and he says that you’ll stay on until the roundup is over.”

  “That’s right.”

  “I’m confused.”

  “Well, I’ve had a bunch of experience on other ranches, so maybe that was it. He’s really nice. We talked for a long time.”

  “I noticed. He’s usually done in half the time he spent with you.”

  She was baffled by this new information. Her father was never this trusting with someone he didn’t know.

  “So, what else did the note say?”

  “That you’ll be having supper with us and to set an extra plate.”

  David smiled. “Is that all right with you? You seem a little put out by all this.”

  Jenny shook her head vigorously. “No, just confused. That’s all.”

  Gilbert called out to David, interrupting their conversation, and said he would show him his sleeping quarters in the bunkhouse. After telling him what time he was expected for supper, Gilbert headed back to the house.

  As he dished up the baked potatoes, Jenny was spreading a tablecloth out on the table. “Pa? Why did you hire a total stranger for the next couple months? I haven’t seen you do that before.”

  “Don’t know, Jen. He’s had lots of experience even though he’s only eighteen. I sort of felt sorry for him. Besides that, I just felt good about this young man, so I went with my gut feeling and asked him to stay.”

  “Oh.” Jenny went to the cupboard, pulled out some plates, and then looked over her shoulder at her father. “I’m looking forward to this roundup, you know. I like being out in the open stars and hearing the cattle lowing in the background. It’s my favorite time of year.”

  Gilbert turned toward his daughter with a sober look and said, “Uhm…Jen?”