Chapter 11
Jerry settled in the parlor with Walt and Max, grinning from ear to ear.
“How did I get so blessed? She’s wonderful! She’s better than I dared to hope or dream!”
Max chuckled and leaned back. “Yeah, she’s the pick of the litter for sure. I’m glad to turn them over to you, and if you feel like running away, my door is always open. I need to get home and sleep for about two weeks.”
“Max, I appreciate all you’ve done. I was hoping you’d stay for supper, or at least long enough to tell me anything you can about her, them, or any update on what’s happening with the conflict they escaped from. Are they still in danger? Do I need to have the men work closer to the house?”
Max sighed. “I don’t know. The lawyer back there said it was too dangerous to send a telegram, so something is going on, but I don’t know what. That was a week ago, so maybe my father has heard something by now.
“As for the women,” he shook his head. “They are quite a bunch. Each one is uniquely different, but they’re loyal to each other. It won’t take you long to figure them out, or at least see how they really are.
“Leanne, well, she’s intelligent, witty, strong and brave. The only thing that concerns me is all the acting she’s been forced to do. She has excelled in each role. I just wonder if she even knows what her true self is at this point, and if we are seeing it.”
Jerry listened intently and nodded. “Did that man hurt her in any way?”
“No, just a few bruises on her arms from his goons when she was still fighting against him. Catherine was the one that got the worst physically, which is why Leanne gave in and started being nice to Staley. He never did anything himself, always appearing in public to be the nicest man around. He ordered his goons to take care of unpleasant details.”
Jerry hated to ask, but needed to know, speaking through gritted teeth, “How nice did she have to be?”
“Not that nice. Like I said, the man appeared in public to be a gentleman. Leanne was always in public with him during their courtship.”
Jerry unclenched his fists he hadn’t realized he was holding so tightly. “That’s a relief to know.”
Max looked at Walt. “So, which one do you want?”
Walt sputtered and choked. “Me? Oh, no sir. Not me. And I hope your opened door will be there for me too when I come running. They’re a noisy group.”
Boisterous laughter filled the room.
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Jerry had a hard time not staring at Leanne. He purposely attempted to keep the conversation on someone else at the table.
Between Walt, Max and himself, they told the ladies about the ranch, town, people, shops, and church. Not much of the conversation was about the past, just keeping their eyes on the future.
“Do any of you ride horses?” Jerry asked.
“I do,” was spoken softly by Natalie, who had barely said a word. “I love horses, and most animals.”
He looked at Walt. “Do we have a side-saddle around here anywhere?”
“Oh,” Natalie interrupted. “I don’t need one. I prefer a regular saddle.” Her eyes lit up a bit and her voice sounded hopeful. “You would let me ride one of your horses?”
“Sure! Maybe we can take care of that tomorrow.” He looked around the table. “Anyone else?”
Leanne raised her hand. “Me. I too, love to ride horses. At least I used to. It’s been years since I had the chance.”
He reached and took her hand. “You can ride until your heart is content. Do you need a side-saddle?”
“No, thank you. I like a regular saddle. I’m afraid that’s not lady like, and my mother used to scold me about it. Father would laugh and tell her to leave me be. But I don’t want to shame you in any way, if you would rather…”
He squeezed her hand. “You’ll be glad to know, things are different out here. We’re still civilized, of course, and propriety is of utmost importance, but we aren’t quite as rigid as back east.”
“Hmph!” Catherine retorted, wanting to spout her opinion of westerners being close to barbarians. She caught herself, immediately looking at Max and remembering his threat. “What I meant was, umm, some of the people who flooded our town the past year weren’t rigid by any means. Some were downright heathens.” She glanced at Max again, seeing his slight nod of approval.
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Other than one trip to town to let the ladies have a better look around, and another trip around the ranch to see where the perimeters were, Leanne had stayed right by Jerry’s side. At first, he was flattered that she chose to spend time with him, then he started thinking she probably did it out of obligation.
“Leanne, why don’t you go to town with your friends today? You don’t need to be stuck with me every hour of the day. Go on, enjoy yourself.”
He stopped midway across the parlor when she took his hand. The wheelchair wouldn’t continue straight without using both hands, but he didn’t care if he was late for breakfast, or anything. Her holding his hand was worth being a bit late.
“Jerry, I have no need nor any business traipsing off to town. The girls are trying to find work, and making sure they are being seen by handsome, unmarried men. I’m doing neither, so I would rather stay here with you. I’ve enjoyed getting to know you.”
His heart melted. She seemed so sincere. He wished Max hadn’t said anything about her ‘acting skills’, because now he found himself wondering.
“Besides, Mrs. Cooper is teaching me some new recipes and showing me all the household duties. She says the townsfolk are anxious to get her back at the diner.”
He smiled, knowing for sure that much was true. “Okay, I’m really glad to have your company.” He kissed her hand and released it. “I just want you to be happy, Leanne.”
She brushed her hand across his cheek and gave him a warm smile that went through him.
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The house fell silent after Walt left with the ladies. Jerry and Leanne looked at each other and laughed at the whirlwind that had calmed in little more than an instant.
“Can I do anything for you, before I start helping Mrs. Cooper?”
“No. You go on. I’m going to work on my exercises I can do without Walt’s help. But thanks, anyway.”
“Jerry, I’m your wife. I could learn to help you instead of depending on Walt.”
“No!” he snapped; immediately ashamed. There she stood, wrapped in compassion and kindness, offering to be helpful, and he snapped at her. Her face had gone from an easy smile to a look of shock.
“Leanne, I’m sorry. I’m a bit self-conscious about my, umm, handicap.”
She fell to her knees beside him and took his hand. “There’s no need to be. I’m here for you. I always will be.”
He drew back his hand. “Leanne, I know you mean well, and I sure wish I could make myself believe it.” He cupped her face in his hands. “You are beautiful and young. I can’t expect you to give up your whole life to someone who isn’t even a man. If I don’t get better soon, I intend to release you of your obligation.”
She gasped and tears filled her eyes. “Jerry, I thought we were in this together. Do you think I judge you by if you can walk or not? Doesn’t what I see in your eyes and your heart count for anything? I’ve never met a man as kind-hearted as you.”
Before he could respond, she squinted her eyes and continued. “And what if I refused to leave you? Would you have me removed? Could you actually send me away, kicking and screaming?”
He huffed, not knowing how to respond. “You better go on now and help Mrs. Cooper. We’ve talked enough nonsense.”
“Nonsense? Jerry! For almost a week, I have learned about you and enjoyed my time with you. Has it been for nothing? If you refuse to give us a real chance, then why am I here at all?”
Her eyes went wide and she swallowed hard. “You used me to save your ranch. Is that all I mean to you?”
She stood and left him abruptly, almost running to her room. Before he heard the door close, he heard a heart-wrenching sob.
“What have I done?” he mumbled.
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Walt stepped out on the porch to join Jerry after supper, leaving the chattering women to clean the kitchen and share more details about their day with each other.
“Phew! Finally, some peace and quiet,” he sighed with a chuckle as he sat down. “They are so excited about two of them getting jobs today. But I sensed that you and Leanne didn’t really share their excitement. What’s the problem?”
Jerry shrugged. “We had words right after everyone left today. We haven’t spoken since.”
He looked at Walt. “Take her to town tomorrow so she can find a job. I want her out of here.”
“What? Jerry, what did she do?”
“Nothing but steal my heart. I can’t stand knowing she’s staying with me out of obligation. She deserves a real man. She may hate me for now, but she’ll get over it. It’s better than spending her best years tied to a cripple and regretting it. She would hate me more if that happened.”
“I’m not believing this. You can’t be serious. You’re sending away someone who seems to be delightful and a perfect match for you? You can’t do that. Besides, Fred will be right here to take this ranch.”
Jerry scoffed. “Yeah, I know. But what good is it to me? I can’t get out and work it. Leanne already thinks that’s the only reason I want her here, so get her out of here quickly before it rips my heart any worse.”
“I think you need to tell me what happened and let me try to make sense of this.”
By the time Jerry finished telling Walt the details, Walt was almost as upset as Leanne had been. After he finished telling Jerry how wrong he thought he was, he walked off the porch into the darkness.
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For three days, Walt had refused to take Leanne away from the house, while making sure everyone was occupied elsewhere. By now, everyone knew something was wrong between Jerry and Leanne.
Leanne’s heart was broken. Jerry was the most tender-hearted, kind man she had ever met, and she was losing grip on her heart. Even with this hurt, she could understand why he was doing it, and it was another admirable attribute…putting others before himself. If only he knew he already had her heart.
While the house was quiet, Mrs. Cooper took the opportunity to speak with Leanne as they hung clothes on the line. It didn’t take long for the girl to break down in sobs and let it all out.
“There, there, dear.” She wrapped her arms around Leanne and soothed. “Jerry has gone through such depression, and it’s a shame. We can only imagine how he feels.
“The only one who can handle him or bring him out of it is Walt. Sometimes it got right ugly. Until he found out about you coming here. It’s like the sun had come from behind a dark cloud. Now, he’s experiencing feelings for you that he didn’t truly believe he would, and he thinks too much of you to tie you to this kind of life, just in case he doesn’t get well.”
She wiped Leanne’s tears with her apron. “If you have prayed and really think this is where God intends for you to be, you may have to get as tough and stubborn as Walt. But I advise talking to him about praying with you about it, just as soon as you get him out of this mood.”
Leanne hugged the woman. “Thank you. I will straighten my shoulders, dry my tears, and go have a talk with my husband.”