Chapter 14
“Boss?” Rusty called from the front door. “We’re ready to go.”
Jerry rolled toward the door and motioned him in. He threw his thumb back over his shoulder. “They’re all in there clucking away. I guess they’ll be ready before the social ends.”
Leanne had loaned the girls some of her fancy new dresses. She had never even worn them. With help from Natalie, they had made temporary alterations to suit each girl. She stood back and admired them.
“All of you look divine!” She made each one turn slowly while she checked their hair and total appearance. “I think you’re ready.”
Natalie looked at her nervously. “I really wish you were coming with us. I’m afraid I’ll be a wallflower.”
Leanne giggled. “Not with so many men and very few women. Just be sure you wear comfortable shoes. I’m sure you won’t be given much chance to sit.”
She opened the door and motioned them out. “Pick up your baskets from the table before you leave. There will be plenty of hungry men waiting.”
Jerry watched them enter the room, seeing Leanne’s face glowing with pride and adoration at the girls. He wished with all his heart that he could take her to the social. She would certainly be the most beautiful woman there. When he tried to talk her into going with the girls, she wouldn’t even let him finish. Now she stood there, missing out for herself, while being sincerely happy for someone else. She was remarkable, and she was his. He was truly blessed.
Eight of the ranch hands were going tonight, each taking turns being on watch, and promised a dance with each of the girls.
Leanne sighed as she waved goodbye from the doorway. “I hope they have a wonderful time.”
He came up beside her and took her hand. “I wish you had gone with them.”
“Oh, Jerry. You don’t really mean that, and you know it. You wouldn’t want another man to dance with me, would you?”
“That’s what I have Walt and Max, and the ranch hands for. You could have had a wonderful evening.”
She looked at him lovingly. “I plan to, but here, with my husband, and a quiet, empty house.” She wiggled her eyebrows.
“I’m so tired from all the gardening and canning, I’m looking forward to you getting out of that chair and snuggling up with me on the couch.”
“Hmm, I just may be ready to share a surprise with you, since we have the house to ourselves.”
“Oh really?” she teased. “And what would that be?”
He rolled his wheelchair across the room, positioning it about six feet from the couch. “Just stand near me, but don’t help me.”
Her eyes were huge. “What are you doing?”
He strained a bit and stood, gaining his balance, then took four steps, closing the gap between his chair and the couch. He half turned, and half fell onto the couch, turning back to her with a massive grin.
Tears of joy ran down her face as she stood frozen with her hands over her mouth. She sat down beside him and hugged him as they shared this moment of joy together. No words were necessary for long moments.
They joined hands and thanked the Lord together for this miracle He had allowed.
“Oh, Jerry! This is what I have prayed so hard for. I knew the Lord heard my prayers. Why did you keep your progress from me?”
He kissed her sweetly. “I really wanted to keep it from you until I could walk across the room, but tonight seemed the perfect time.”
She put her head on his chest and cuddled in as close as she could, with his strong arms wrapping her in safety and lots of love.
He kissed her hair and rested his head on hers. “I love you so much, Leanne. I never knew how full my heart could be until you came into my life. I thank the Lord every day for you.
“Even though I’m not thrilled about my injury and this long period of healing, I have to thank the Lord for that too. I would have been in a marriage with someone who could never mean as much to me as you do.”
He tipped her face up toward his. “I know why you came. You needed me. But why did you stay when I told you I would release you from your obligation?”
“Jerry, I was scared and full of doubts when I first arrived. After the first week, I could tell you were sincere in everything you said and did. I don’t know exactly how or when it happened, but it wasn’t long before I knew I was falling in love with a man filled with kindness and compassion. You are the most wonderful man I’ve ever known.”
She chuckled sarcastically. “You scared me when you threatened to send me away, and the fear wasn’t from being on my own. It was the fear of losing you.”
“My darling, Leanne. You are precious above rubies and diamonds.” He kissed her for long moments.
The kisses stirred their souls, leaving them wanting more.
“As soon as I can walk a bit more, and stand for at least fifteen minutes, I want to marry you.”
“We are married, Jerry. A ceremony isn’t necessary.”
He put his finger on her lips before gently kissing her. “Yes, legally we are, but you know as well as I do that we aren’t really married…yet.”
She looked in his eyes and saw so much love and desire, she melted. Her insides quivered and her heart pounded.
“A ceremony has nothing to do with that. I’m your wife, and I’m ready to be your wife in every way.”
He turned her loose and started to stand. She stood and helped him to his chair, with him pulling her down on his lap. She wrapped her arms around his neck as he rolled toward his room…their room.
********************
Mid-morning on Monday, Max flew into the yard on his horse, hurrying up to the porch, and looking very agitated when Leanne opened the door.
“Max? Is something wrong?” Her face went pale, knowing the answer but not knowing what else to say. Holding her breath while waiting for an answer, he touched her arm.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to alarm you. It’s just an annoyance named Fred. I need to speak with Jerry, please.”
“Sure, he’s in his office. I’ll be right in with some coffee.”
Jerry looked up from his ledgers as Max entered the room. “Max, good to see you, I think. What’s wrong?”
Max handed Jerry a piece of paper and sat down, waiting for Jerry’s reaction.
“That no-good…” Jerry’s face was red with fury when he looked at Max. “He’s claiming the ranch should be his because I can’t father children? He’s stooping really low and has no idea what he’s talking about. Just ignore him.”
“I can’t ignore him, Jerry. That paper you hold is a legal complaint. Your grandfather’s terms were very clear. He wanted a family to live here, always.”
“And there will be! For goodness sake, Max, I’ve only been married five months and still getting over the results of that accident. What is he pushing for?”
Max lowered his voice and looked to make sure Leanne wasn’t approaching. “He is claiming your marriage is a farce, and between that and your disability, you will never father any children.
“Has the doctor said anything about…well, anything like that? He will be the main witness either in your defense, or to your possible demise.”
Jerry’s face softened, and his scowl turned to a smile. “Like I said, Fred doesn’t know what he’s talking about. Leanne and I are married, in every sense of the word. The doctor can set it all straight. But while we’re talking about my disability, let me show you something I am very proud of.”
He pushed his chair back and stood, taking a few steps before beginning to shake and catching hold of the desk.
Leanne walked in and set the coffee tray down quickly, seeing Jerry hadn’t planned this out so well. He still couldn’t turn around by himself, and was about to fall, not able to get back to his chair.
Taking his arm and helping him back to his chair, she scolded, “Showing off again, I see.”
She kissed him quickly before starting to pour the coffee.
“Jerry!” Max exclaimed. “That’s wonderful progress. You’ll be well in no time. Fred will be pulling his hair out.”
Jerry sipped his coffee and asked, “What do you know about Fred? Is it just greed that drives him? Or is he in financial trouble? Still holding a family grudge?”
“A bit of all that. He got into gambling a little while back and had a good winning streak going. So, there’s the greed. He wanted more and didn’t stop until his luck ran out. Which led to financial trouble. The land he used to own free and clear, now has a mortgage he’s struggling to pay off.
“As for the family grudge, I can’t say. I don’t know anything that isn’t legally documented in your grandfather’s will. I don’t need to know, even though it does seem a bit extreme.”
“I don’t mind sharing with you. It wouldn’t hurt for Leanne to know either. It’s identical to the story in the Bible of the prodigal son. Fred’s father, Marcus, demanded his half and my grandfather gave it to him. He squandered it away, while my father and grandfather worked harder than ever to pay off the land sold back to the bank because of him.
“When he returned, my grandfather took him in, fed him, loved him, everything was just like it was before, except he already had his share. He was never to get anymore because that would have taken away from my father, but he could live here, work, raise a family, and receive pay just like the other workers.
“That old cabin on the edge of the north pasture is where he lived and started his family. Grandfather loved all of us grandchildren and didn’t want to take the ranch totally from Marcus’ children. So, he came up with the clause, giving the others a chance to claim it, only if my father’s children gave it up. Because of my father’s loyalty, I have first claim to it.
“Since Grandfather’s death, Marcus and Fred have kept a war raging. Marcus left the ranch by choice rather than work for my father. As far as I’m concerned, Fred or Marcus could move right back there in that cabin if they chose to. But they couldn’t continue to give the trouble Marcus gave my father.
“Marcus stole cattle and horses, and sold them, keeping all the money and lying to my father about it. It happened several times and my father tolerated it, feeling sorry for his brother.
“When he finally put his foot down and started having him watched, Marcus flew hot and left.”
Leanne listened intently, with a question stuck in her head. “What happened to Marcus? You make it sound as if he’s still living.”
“He is. He lives with Fred and his family about fifteen miles from here. The only time my father or I heard from them was when they wanted something, which my father usually gave them. I haven’t been quite as gracious. For one thing, I was gone for five years. Walt kept a tight fist on every dollar that came and went around here.
“Since I’ve been home, Marcus and Fred haven’t come around asking for a handout, instead, they think they can take the entire ranch because of my disability.”
“I’m glad to say they can’t.” Max stood. “I’ve got to run, but this has been a more than wonderful visit. I’m so glad you’re on the mend and looking happier than ever.” He winked and waved goodbye.
“The judge will be in town next month. Be prepared to take a trip to town,” he called over his shoulder.
********************
“That’s the last of it!” Leanne shouted with glee as the last basket of produce was brought to the kitchen. “Don’t get me wrong, I’m thankful for the garden, but for now, I’m tired of it.”
“Hmm, wonder how long it will take you to grow weary of the snow? It only snows here from October to April.”
Leanne gasped. “Are you serious?”
He laughed at the shock on her face, then took her hand and pulled her on his lap. “Yep, and it will be nice to snuggle down with you all winter.”
She slapped his arm playfully and stood up. “Jerry, seriously. How will we get supplies? How will the girls get back and forth to work?”
“Usually, after the first big storm, most of the shops close, only reopening when the snow stops and melts a bit. Everyone around here knows to have enough supplies to last for the winter. Most shop owners live close enough to town that they can get to them if necessary. Don’t worry. I’ll take care of you.”
“The girls won’t have jobs?”
“Not unless they stay in town. Then it will only be on the nicest of days that the shops may reopen. It would probably be best for them to just stay here for the winter.”
“October until April? But it’s already November, and we’ve seen very little snow.”
He looked out the window. “Weather seems to be holding pretty good for now. But the blizzards could hit within the next few weeks.”
“Do you think we’ll be able to go in front of the judge? That’s just next week. I’m looking forward to having Fred and his shenanigans behind us.”
“Stop worrying. The weather will hold out, we will be victorious, and live happily ever after.” He pulled her back down on his lap and kissed her as she giggled.
She wriggled from him and finished preparing supper. It was a good thing she had fixed a big one. Although she intended to have some leftovers to send with the girls the next day, she wasn’t disappointed to share the meal with Max and Ben. They never knew when someone would join them and always wanted to make people welcome at the table.
Max had come with good news and was fairly bursting before he could share.
“Staley’s trial is over, along with most of his men. He’s broke, harmless, and has no friends. He will spend the rest of his life in prison, and most of his men got several years.”
Cheers went up around the table, except for Catherine. She smiled a bit but didn’t seem excited. Max pretended not to notice. He couldn’t figure her out but didn’t let it worry him. This was a night to celebrate.
After supper, the men went to the parlor while the ladies cleaned the kitchen. Jerry noticed that Ben seemed a bit occupied with his own thoughts, refusing to sit down.
“Jerry, Mr. Durham, sir, umm, could I speak with you in private?”
Jerry teased by looking around the room. “Are you talking to me? Since when do you call me…” then it hit him. Seeing the nervous look on Ben’s face, he knew what he wanted to talk to him about.
“Sure. Let’s go in my office.” He waved Ben on, then whispered for Walt to get Leanne.