Chapter Two

Slim had no sooner gotten the door open when a young child leapt from the stage, landing with both feet on the step, and then bounded quickly to the ground. A whirlwind of skirt and lace swirled as the little girl ran past him and around the corner of the house beside the porch. It all happened in a flash, and all Slim could tell was that the she was quite young and, obviously, energetic.

"Elizabeth! Come back here!" The voice came from the passenger still within the stage, and a pleasant voice it was, despite the note of frustration in it. "Elizabeth!"

With a bit of a smile at the child's impudence, Slim turned back to help the woman from the stage. He reached a hand just inside the doorway. "May I help you, ma'am?"

"Yes, please."

Gathering her skirt with one hand, she placed the other in his and then raised her head to meet his eyes. Slim's breath caught in his throat. She had to be the most beautiful woman he had ever seen.

She was around 24 or 25, he guessed. Her hair was a dark blond, with occasional light copper strands. Her skin was like porcelain, her eyes a sparkling hazel, her coral-pink lips pleasingly full. Every feature of her face was too perfect to be real, Slim thought.

His gaze remained glued to that face, and as she stepped to the ground, he noted the top of her head reached just to his shoulder, and, though slender, she cut quite a figure. She was dressed in what even he could tell was a very expensive traveling outfit.

"Thank you, sir," she said.

Somehow Slim found his voice. "My pleasure. Welcome to Sherman Ranch."

"I'm terribly sorry for our abrupt entrance." She gestured in the direction the little girl had run. "My daughter saw the swing hanging from the tree at the side of the house, and a little boy standing near it. It's been quite a while since she's had the opportunity to play, what with our traveling, and, well, I'm afraid her enthusiasm couldn't be contained." She bestowed a brilliant smile on him. "I hope she isn't too much of a bother."

"No bother at all. Mike will be happy to have someone about his age around here for a while. Would you like to come into the house for some coffee while the kids play for a bit and the team is changed?"

"That would be very nice, thank you."

"Oh, and my name's Slim Sherman."

"I'm happy to make your acquaintance, Mr. Sherman. I'm Kathryn Barrett."

He held his arm out and she accepted it, slipping her hand around his elbow. As they began to walk toward the house, he suddenly chuckled a bit. "So, your daughter is Elizabeth Barrett. Who enjoys poetry, you or your husband?"

Kathryn laughed too, a beautiful lilting sound that was music to Slim's ears. "Well, actually, I'm the one who enjoys Mrs. Barrett Browning's poetry. I don't know if my husband would have approved of my giving my daughter the name Elizabeth. I hope she won't be teased about it someday. But actually, Mr. Sherman, you are the first person I've met beyond my home in Denver who's ever made a reference to the poet. It seems not many I've encountered on our journey have been familiar with her work."

"Well, my mother was a teacher before she married my father, and she made sure I read lots of literature and plenty of poetry. And please, call me Slim."

"All right. If you'll call me Kathryn."

"Kathryn. That's a beautiful name too. Like Elizabeth. You said your husband might not have approved?"

"Yes. Unfortunately, my husband died shortly before Elizabeth was born. She arrived weeks before expected, and we hadn't yet discussed names."

They had reached the porch when Andy called out, "Slim, you'd better take a look at this."

"Excuse me, Kathryn. If you'll go on in, you'll find Daisy in there. She can help you. And I'll be in directly." He held the door open.

As she entered the house, she again smiled at him, and Slim was certain no one else in the nation had such a flawless smile.

He turned to head back to the stage, his thoughts not quite on whatever had Andy concerned; rather they remained on the shapely young lady he'd just left.

Hmmm… she was a widow. Not recently either. So… He couldn't help where his mind suddenly took him. He was interested in her. No doubt about it.

Daisy welcomed Kathryn into the home, and they introduced themselves to each other.

"May I get you a cup of coffee? Or tea, maybe?" Daisy offered.

"Thank you. Whatever you have ready is fine. Even just water. Don't go to any trouble," Kathryn replied.

"Well, I myself would like to have some tea," Daisy smiled at the lovely and polite young woman. "And we have a habit of always having a pot of coffee at the ready. The other young man who lives here drinks it like other folks drink water."

A wistful look flitted across Kathryn's face, along with the trace of a smile. "A man who used to work on my father's ranch was like that. Loved his coffee more than anyone I've ever known."

"I'll make the tea, and you'll have your choice."

"Well, I grew up drinking a lot of tea. My mother is British. So if you're having tea, Miss Daisy, I'll join you. Thanks very much."

"I'll be right back. Please make yourself at home." Daisy headed for the kitchen.

As she prepared to heat water for tea, she heard children laughing and glanced out the window to see Mike run by, and chasing after him was a smaller child. Although she didn't get a good look at the second child rushing by in a flash, she did notice a dress and a sunbonnet. Kathryn must have a daughter.

When Daisy returned to the hearth room, Jonesy was seated at the dining table with Kathryn, having introduced himself when he came in the front door soon after she did.

"So you say you're from Denver?" Jonesy hoped it didn't come across as nosiness. But Kathryn was obviously the friendly sort. She welcomed the conversation.

"Yes, my parents had a home in Denver, and also a ranch about fifteen miles east of the city. My mother and I spent a lot of time in the city home and joined my father at the ranch on weekends and all through the summer," Kathryn explained. "Mother was originally from London, and she was never much at ease in the country. Father came to the city during holidays, except Christmas. We always spent Christmas at the ranch."

"So, sounds like you're a city girl and a country girl." Jonesy smiled at her.

Kathryn returned the smile. "Yes, Mr. Jonesy, I was very fortunate to grow up enjoying the best of both worlds."

"Will you be staying in Laramie long, Kathryn?" Daisy asked.

"No, just for the night. Elizabeth and I had been visiting a family friend up north. We'd taken a different route to get there, so we've been enjoying this alternate way home."

Daisy poured tea and handed a cup to Kathryn, setting the tray with sugar, honey, lemon wedges and cream on the table where Kathryn could flavor her drink to her preference. "Kathryn, I just saw a delightful child playing with our boy Mike. Is that Elizabeth? Your daughter?"

"Indeed she is. I'd better go check on her. She can be rather rambunctious. And I also don't want her to impose on the little boy's time and cause him to feel she's a nuisance." Kathryn scooted forward in her seat, preparing to stand.

"Oh, don't be worrying about that. I'm sure Mike is thrilled to have a playmate for a while. They're fine."

At Daisy's assurance that all was well, Kathryn relaxed. "This countryside is just beautiful. I'm sure Slim and his family must be very happy here," she said. "Is Mike his son?"

Jonesy smiled into his coffee cup, wondering if Kathryn was just continuing with polite conversation or if the question was her tactful way of asking if the young rancher was married.

Daisy supplied the answer as she explained about the Sherman family, how they had come to the area, and that Slim and Andy's parents were deceased. Then she explained how Mike had also lost his parents in an Indian attack and ended up at the Sherman Ranch. Jonesy added further information about Matt and Mary Sherman and how he'd been a friend first to Matt and then to his sons. And so conversation continued with Daisy and Jonesy both finding Kathryn to be as sweet as she was beautiful.

Slim had joined Andy and Mose at the stage as they examined one of the rear wheels.

"We got us a problem here, Slim," Mose said, pointing to a big crack in the wheel. "Lucky we didn't have it snap clean in two on us on the way here. I checked everythin' out before we left. Must'a been kinda weakenin' though, and probably cracked when we hit a bad rut."

"Yep, Mose, it's a problem all right. Because we don't have a replacement. Put the last one we had on the westbound yesterday. Jess is pickin' up two wheels and supplies in town right now."

"When do ya reckon he'll be back?"

"Late this afternoon. I can lend you a horse to make it on into Laramie to give the stage office the word that this run will be delayed."

"That works for me. But what about them passengers?"

"Well, Jess has the buckboard, so unless they want to ride, I guess they'll be here till he gets back." It was a prospect he relished. More time to spend with Kathryn.

"They got a few travelin' bags. You want I should unload 'em, just in case they need somethin'?"

"We'll see which ones they need later. First I'll go explain, and see if they're okay with a delay for gettin' to Laramie or if they'll want to go by horseback right away. After Jess gets back, we'll fix up the stage and then one of us can drive it into town. They might want to wait till then to go. Hope they planned on stayin' there tonight and not connectin' with the late outbound."

"It'll be nice if they decide to wait here, huh, Slim?" Andy grinned, noticing the huge smile on his older brother's face as he turned toward the house.

Slim threw a surprised look at his brother. Guess Andy's growing up. He followed it with a smirk.

After explaining the situation, Slim was thrilled to find Kathryn had a flexible schedule and didn't mind at all that she and Elizabeth would need to stay at the ranch longer than planned.

"We'll get the stage fixed once the buckboard gets back here with the wheel. Then I can drive you to Laramie," Slim said. "Although I'm afraid it could be well after dark before we'd get there. You're welcome to spend the night here, and we can head to town in the mornin'."

"Oh, we couldn't put you out like that," Kathryn replied.

"Not at all. It's not unusual for us to have passengers as guests. All us males can bed down in the bunkhouse, and you and Elizabeth can have that bedroom there." He pointed. "You don't mind, do ya, Jonesy?"

"'Course not. We'll have us a high ol' time, all us menfolk out there yarnin' about fishin' and huntin' and such."

"Well, if you're sure. I know Elizabeth will be getting sleepy early tonight, what with the travel. And with how she's wearing herself out playing." Kathryn laughed.

Slim smiled brightly at the prospect of an entire evening in the company of Kathryn Barrett.

He explained to Mose that either he or Jess would have the stage into Laramie in time for its outbound run in the morning.

"No need for that, Slim. That one ain't scheduled for an outbound tomorrow anyway. Got a extra one coming in from the other direction, and it'll be the outbound. I'll send your horse back with it, and someone to drive this one on into Laramie. I get the day off tomorrow too!" Mose headed out on the borrowed horse.

Slim set about getting chores done as quickly as possible.

Throughout the afternoon, Slim worked on mending a fence, shoeing a horse, the general daily work of the ranch and changing the team for the afternoon stage bound for Cheyenne.

Daisy was thoroughly enjoying the time spent with the young mother. Kathryn was familiar with the eastern area where Daisy had come from, and they talked about various aspects of Philadelphia. Other topics ranged from fashion to music to children. Kathryn eagerly absorbed Daisy's wisdom on childrearing. "I could use any and all hints you can share, Daisy. I've got my hands full some days."

Daisy could see that. She still hadn't actually met Elizabeth. The child stubbornly refused to come inside whenever Kathryn checked on her. Mike was busy showing her the animals, playing hide and seek, and other activities. Kathryn had a little picnic with the two kids while Daisy prepared pies and popped them into the oven.

Jonesy was likewise busy. He and Andy moved their things needed for the night, along with Mike's, out to the bunkhouse. Then they spent time helping Slim with chores, as he seemed in a big hurry to finish early without telling them why. He didn't need to. Jonesy could see the eagerness in his eyes every time he caught a glimpse of Kathryn across the way as she came out of the house to see to the children.

None of them had been back to the house for quite a while. And then came time to get washed up as the afternoon waned and supper would soon be ready.

Jonesy had gone inside to lend a hand to Daisy, and Andy and Slim were in the bunkhouse when the buckboard pulled into the ranch yard.

Jess stopped the wagon over by the corral, just in front of the barn and began unhitching the team. Slim hurried to intercept him before he got anywhere near the house.

"Get everything we needed?"

"Yup. All set. Looks like we got spare wheels just in time." Jess hooked his thumb toward the stage, having noticed the problem. "I'll unload the stuff that goes in the house now. And we can take care of the wheels and things that go in the barn after supper, and get that stage fixed up."

"Nah, we'll leave it all till after supper. Just take care of the team for now."

Jess shrugged. "Sounds fine to me."

"Hey, Jess, remember that agreement we have about not hornin' in when one of us sees a girl first? I'm expectin' you to honor that, even when you see the beauty that's here."

Jess drew up from the traces he was checking. "Well, now. What's this, hardrock?" He knocked a knuckle to the brim of his Stetson to tilt it back above his forehead, as he looked up and grinned. "Got your eye set on a lady, do ya?"

"As a matter of fact, I do. And she's the most beautiful woman I've ever set eyes on. She's a widow, and she and her daughter are gonna spend the night here since the stage is out of commission."

"Got a little girl, and that ain't slowed ya down none, huh? Well, this gal must really be somethin'. Can't wait to git a look at her."

"I mean it, Jess. You won't believe how pretty she is. And sweet. And smart. And I mean this too… I saw her first."

"All right, all right. Don't worry. I ain't in any condition to try to impress a woman anyhow. I'm made up mostly o' whiskers and road dust after the trip back here. And I probably only got time to wash up some quick and change m' shirt before we eat."

"All right, then." Slim gave Jess a slap on the shoulder and returned to the bunkhouse to finish getting ready for supper.

Jess went back to unhitching the team, hiding a laugh at how smitten Slim seemed.

To help Daisy, Kathryn had been setting the table when she heard the buckboard pull up. She finished placing the plates and then strolled to the front window. She saw a man with Slim that she hadn't seen before. His back was to her, but there was something familiar about him.

"Daisy, there's a gentleman talking with Slim. He just drove in on a buckboard. Would that be Slim's ranch hand?" she asked.

Daisy took a quick look to be sure it wasn't a neighbor come calling. "Yes, that's him."

Kathryn pondered the man, again thinking she must have seen him somewhere before, but she just couldn't put her finger on why she had that haunting sense. She'd only caught a couple of partial glimpses of him, and hadn't seen his face at all, before he was obscured by the two horses. It was too quick to offer her any recognition, and yet it gave reinforcement of the strange feeling of familiarity.

"What is his name?" she continued looking out the window, waiting to catch a view of his face or at least see enough to put the pieces of the puzzle together.

"I guess I never did mention it, did I? That's Jess."

The lean, muscular, broad-shouldered, narrow-waisted physique; the graceful movements; the chosen color of blue for shirt and black for hat, gloves, boots and holster—that holster slung low around the hips—everything immediately rushed to register in Kathryn's memory, completing a fully recognized form that almost caused her to gasp. She whirled around to face Daisy. "Jess," she repeated. Then hesitantly, she added, "Harper?"

"Why, yes," Daisy said, noting the look of unease suddenly appearing on Kathryn's face. "Do you know him?"

Kathryn took a breath and, steadying herself, turned back to the window. "I knew him," she said softly.

As minutes passed, Daisy and Jonesy busied themselves in the kitchen, and Kathryn remained in the hearth room, continuing to look out the window as Jess led the horses into the barn. She circled the room repeatedly and finally returned to the window just as Jess left the barn. She stood quietly, wringing her hands as she watched him walk to the bunkhouse, noting the confident stride that was so familiar. Soon the kitchen door opened, and Slim and Andy entered, saying hello to Jonesy as they passed him and walked alongside Daisy as the three of them made their way into the hearth room.

"Hello, Kathryn," Slim said, smiling. She turned to look at him. "I don't think you've met my brother Andy yet."

"No, I haven't. How are you, Andy?" Kathryn smiled, although seeing the tightness around her eyes, Slim thought it seemed forced. Like something was bothering her.

"How do, ma'am. I'm fine. And you?"

"I'm… quite well. Thank you."

Slim wondered why she seemed so distracted, nervous even. But there was no reason why meeting Andy should make her feel that way. Probably she's just tired and needs to eat somethin'.

Andy took a seat at the table, smiling at Daisy as she stood next to it. Kathryn walked over to stand in front of them, although that didn't seem to be a spot she'd particularly chosen. More like she'd wandered and ended up there. She fidgeted with her hands, and her eyes darted around the room. Daisy sensed she was troubled about something, but thought it best not to inquire at the moment and returned to the kitchen to gather other things for the table.

Slim continued to make small talk with Kathryn, but she gave only brief, though polite, answers and didn't converse in the animated way she had when they'd met. Again, he chalked it up to the tiring stage ride, although he found it rather odd that she almost seemed to be pacing a bit.

Daisy and Jonesy came back into the room, and Jonesy stood next to Slim by the fireplace. "Supper's close to ready," he announced. "Miss Daisy and I make a fine team o' cooks."

"We do indeed." Daisy laughed lightly and sat down at the dining table, nodding to Andy, before switching her gaze to Kathryn. She was about to ask how she had known Jess when the front door creaked open.

Kathryn turned to face it. Jess stepped inside.