The Cowboy's Christmas Proposal

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CONTENTS

PROLOGUE

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTER ELEVEN

CHAPTER TWELVE

PROLOGUE

TWO attractive young ladies held hands as they stood by the four graves, tears streaking their cheeks as they struggled to overcome their emotions.

“At least we know they didn’t suffer,” one of the girls said, sniffing away her tears, the morning sun glinting off her shiny blond hair.

“No,” the brunette agreed, “but they were much too young to die so soon.”

“I know.” She gulped back her emotions. “It means we’re our only family now, you and I. We’re going to have to stick together if we’re going to continue.”

“Yes. And that’s what they would’ve wanted, for us to continue.”

They were interrupted by the townspeople in Bailey, Colorado, wanting to express their condolences. The young cousins stood shoulder to shoulder and greeted their neighbors and friends. The deaths of their parents in a car accident, having traveled to Denver for a football game and run head-on with an eighteen-wheeler on the way home, had been totally unexpected and the tragic loss had taken everyone by surprise.

“You girls should ask for help when you need it. You’re awfully young to be on your own,” one neighbor had told them. They exchanged looks but received the piece of advice graciously. They were both twenty-five, a reasonable age to be independent, but neither had wanted it to be like this.

They received many offers of help, but they didn’t expect to ask for any. They both thought they had a plan laid out to carry on their lives and their beloved family traditions.

But then they hadn’t planned to be alone, either.

CHAPTER ONE

PENNY BRADFORD strode toward the bunkhouse, knowing she was getting there late, but she needed to talk to Gerald Butler, her ranch manager.

She was grateful she had her father’s trusted manager to rely on. Because of her brother’s unexpected death at the age of sixteen, she hadn’t been taught much of anything about ranching. Grieved by his death, her father had feared she might die also and had decided that Penny would instead be sheltered from ranch work and showered with affection. She had become her father’s princess and his tragic death in a car wreck with her mother had devastated her.

But now it was time for Penny to start learning about running a ranch and Gerald had agreed to teach her. She had planned to meet him later that morning, but something else had come up and she had gone in search of him earlier than anticipated. She reached the bunkhouse and stood for a moment to draw a deep breath and prepare to knock on the door. Before she could do that, there was an uproar of laughter.

Leaning forward, she listened to determine what could be so funny and froze upon hearing her manager’s betrayal.

“I don’t see why I shouldn’t continue. If I could fool her dad, the girl ought to be ridiculously easy. She’ll never have any idea that I’m skimming off the top. Why, I’ve collected more than fifty thousand a year for the past four years.”

Penny backed away from the bunkhouse in shock. When she thought she couldn’t be heard, she turned and ran back to the ranch house.

Inside the house, she reached for the phone and called her cousin. “Oh, Sally, thank goodness. I—I just heard Gerald bragging that he’s been skimming at least fifty thousand a year off Dad for the past four years! What do I do?”

“Oh, my! Penny, that’s awful. Well, there’s really only one thing you can do—you’ll have to fire him. Clearly the man isn’t to be trusted so you make sure he leaves with nothing that belongs to the ranch. Will you be able to do that?”

Penny took a deep breath. “Yes, I can do that I’m so angry that he would treat my father that way. The only problem is, what do I do then? You know I know nothing about ranching. Dad refused to teach me, afraid I might have an accident, and Gerald is the only one who knows how the ranch works.”

“I know, you are going to need some help. Wasn’t your dad friends with Dexter Williams? He’s the biggest rancher in the area, maybe he could recommend someone trustworthy to replace Gerald.”

“Good idea. Thank you. I couldn’t think for a moment. I think I’ll get the sheriff to escort Gerald off the ranch. I’ll go see him first thing in the morning and let him come back out with me. I doubt I could prove what Gerald has done, but I should be able to scare him enough to send him on his way.”

“I’m glad I could help. Let me know what happens.”

“I will, Thanks, Sally, I’ll call you tomorrow.” Penny hung up the phone and prepared to take her first difficult step as ranch owner.

“Mr. Williams, I appreciate your taking the time to talk to me. I know you and Dad were friends, and I need your advice.”

“Of course, Penny. How can I help you?”

“I need a ranch manager, someone known for his honesty as well as his ranching skills, and who would be willing to teach me about ranching.”

“Hmm, that’s a tall order, my dear. What happened to Gerald?”

“I fired him this morning after I discovered he was ripping Dad off. Now I need a replacement”

“I’m sorry to hear that, Penny, your father was a good man. Decent honest ranch managers are hard to find.” Suddenly, as if a lightbulb went off in his head, he said, “But I may know just the man for you. He’s ready for a managerial job but there isn’t an opening here for him.”

“What’s his name?”

“Jake Larson. There’s only one thing about him.” The old man began to chuckle as he decided how to phrase his next words. “He has a bit of a reputation…as a ladies’man, so you’d best keep your distance.”

“Oh, I’m sure I can do that, Mr Williams, as long as he can be trusted on my ranch.”

“Oh, he’s completely trustworthy. I’ll send him over to talk to you first thing in the morning.”

“Thank you, Mr. Williams. I appreciate your assistance.”

“I’m glad to help out, Penny. Now you let me know if there is anything else I can do for you.”

Penny replaced the receiver, pleased that she had found an answer to her problem, but curious as to exactly what kind of man Jake Larson was.

Jake Larson walked up to the big house, gritting his teeth. He hoped it was Dexter who wanted to see him and not the much younger Mrs. Williams. She’d been chasing Jake all summer and he’d been expecting to be fired.

It wouldn’t be fair, because he had no interest in the woman, but he couldn’t convince her of that. He had even less of a chance to convince Dexter it was his wife who was doing the chasing.

So he’d take what was coming as well as he could.

He knocked on the back door and waited. Dexter appeared and opened the door to him. “Come on in, Jake.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Let’s go to my office and have a chat.”

Jake figured he’d be lucky if Dexter gave him a recommendation.

Once they were seated, Dexter said, “Jake, we both know things can’t continue as they have been. I didn’t want to let you go, because you’re a good man. That wouldn’t be fair. So I’ve found you another job.”

Jake’s head came up and he stared at his boss. “I usually find my own jobs.”

“Okay, I’ll be honest with you. You’ll be doing me a favor if you take this job. You’re ready for it. The daughter of a friend of mine who recently died needs a new manager. Someone who can run the ranch and also teach her about ranching.”

Jake frowned. He’d been wanting a managerial job. That was great news. Teaching a woman about ranching didn’t appeal.

“I’m not sure I’m right for the job.”

“You’re right for it, Jake. And we both know you can’t stay here.”

“Yeah, I know, but—what ranch?”

“The Rocking B ranch, on the other side of town. It’s a good operation, but she’s just found out her manager has been skimming the profits for the past four years.”

“That’s the one with the brand that looks like a hat?”

“Yeah, that’s them.”

“I guess I could talk to her.”

“Good. She’s expecting you this morning. Pack your things. I’ll let my wife know you’ve moved on.”

“Yes, sir.” Jake figured he’d talk to the lady about the job. Then, if he didn’t like the situation, he’d move on. He’d saved some money and would be all right for a few months.

When he got back to the bunkhouse, the men had already gone out on their assignments. He’d call a couple of them after he got settled. They all knew the situation, so they wouldn’t be surprised to find him gone.

It didn’t take long to pack up his belongings. The main thing he would take with him was his mount. He and Apache had been partners for the past four years. He was well trained and Jake had had a lot of offers for Apache, but he knew the value of his horse.

His truck and trailer had been well-maintained and would come in useful wherever he worked. He loaded Apache in the trailer and connected it to his truck, then he threw his belongings into the back seat and took the hour-long drive to the Rocking B ranch.

Penny paced the kitchen, waiting for Jake Larson to show up for his new job. She hoped Dexter Williams had explained everything. She thought he should be there at any time.

It would be a relief to have someone in charge of the ranch. She knew so little about the decisions she should make. She intended to study hard to learn what she should do, but she would have to have some help.

She heard a vehicle turn in her long driveway. She peeked out the window and saw a truck and trailer come to a halt. Holding her breath, she waited until the truck door opened and a tall, rangy man got out. Dexter had told her he was a ladies’man, and she intended to make her lack of interest very clear.

When he came closer, she was surprised to see he wasn’t what one would call a “pretty boy.” He had rugged good looks that might tempt many women, but not her. She needed to learn ranching, not find a boyfriend.

The man strode toward the back door. She waited until he knocked and taking a deep breath, she opened the door. “Yes?”

“I’m Jake Larson. Mr. Williams suggested I come talk to you about a job you have open.”

“Yes, come in, Mr. Larson.” She moved back to give him room. Then she walked toward the cabinet. “Coffee?” she asked.

“Yes, please.”

Okay, so he had nice manners. She poured him a mug of coffee and one for herself. Then she offered him a seat at the table. She sat down across from him. “I hope Mr. Williams explained that you’d also be doing some teaching. I don’t know much about ranching.”

“Yes, ma’am, he mentioned that. I’m not sure I’m the one for the job. I’m not used to explaining the hows and whys of my job.”

“I can understand that, Mr. Larson, but I’m afraid that aspect of the job is absolutely necessary.”

“If you trust me to do the job, why do I need to teach you?”

“Because I believe I need to know the job as well as you. Otherwise, I can’t give my opinion.”

“It’s not something easy to learn. You realize I can’t teach you what I know in six months or a year. It takes longer than that.”

“I understand. But I have to start somewhere.”

“Do you understand that you may have to postpone asking questions until the end of the day? There isn’t always enough time to do that during the day.”

“Yes, I can be flexible.”

He stared at her for several minutes, and she held her breath. His dark brown eyes were hard to read. She had no idea if he’d accept the job or turn her down.

Finally he extended his hand across the table. “Very well, Miss Bradford, if you want me, I’ll take the job.”

She shook his hand, liking the strength of that hand as it grasped hers. “Yes, I’d like that. May I show you your quarters?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

She got up and led the way out of the kitchen to the bunkhouse. She had cleaned out a private room at the end of the building yesterday after her talk with Dexter Williams.

“This is the manager’s room. I hope it will be satisfactory for you, but let me know if there’s anything else you need. You can put your dirty laundry in this basket. I’m hiring a housekeeper and I’ll instruct her to do your laundry once a week.” Penny paused and looked at the ground before continuing. “I didn’t fire any of the other cowboys, but if you catch any of them cheating, feel free to fire them.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Will your quarters be satisfactory?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Then I’ll leave you. The men should be in before sunset. One of the men will come in early. He’s the designated cook.”

He nodded his head.

Penny returned his nod and got out of there before she started answering yes sir in response to his yes ma’ams. She strode across the grass that parted the main house from the bunkhouse. Hopefully Mr. Larson would do his job well and teach her about ranching for many years to come.

Jake watched her walk back to the house. She seemed awfully young to him. Maybe it was her name. It made him think of a child. Not that she looked like a little girl. Her body was definitely that of a woman.

But he didn’t intend to show any interest in her. He’d learned his lesson. Romance and ranching didn’t work for him. He intended to avoid any hint of flirtation.

Looking around the room, he decided he liked having a separate room from the rest of the men. He’d tired of sharing large rooms with everyone else. If the cook was good, he’d be happy. Good food made the difference in some jobs.

Before he settled in his room, he went out and unloaded Apache and put him in a corral. “You’ll be okay here, Apache. I’ll be back in the morning.” He checked the water barrel before he went back in and stored things away, making himself at home. Having his laundry done was handy, too. And he had a desk for doing paperwork.

Dexter had been right. He was ready for this job. And he’d even teach the woman about ranching. After all, it was a job he loved.

Penny ate some lunch and then began pacing the floor again. She had someone coming to interview for the housekeeper’s job and she was feeling anxious. Penny had always helped her mother in the house, but if she was going to be on horseback most of the day learning ranching, she wouldn’t be able to keep the house in order or prepare good meals. A housekeeper was a necessity.

But she wasn’t sure she could stand to have a stranger live with her, in the same house. She’d always shared the house with her parents and brother, but no one else. Penny was more nervous about this interview than she had been with Jake Larson.

Another vehicle pulled into the driveway. Penny watched through the window at the lady who got out. She guessed her age was about fifty, a little overweight, but not much. Even better, she had a pleasant expression on her face.

Again, Penny waited until her visitor knocked and then opened the door. The lady introduced herself as Harriet Buckner. Penny invited her in.

“My, what a lovely kitchen,” the woman said, looking around.

“Yes, my father had it redone last year for my—my mother.”

“Oh, yes, I heard. I’m so sorry for your loss.”

“Thank you. I helped my mother with the housework and cooking, but now I’m going to be riding out each day with my new manager to learn the business and I don’t think I’ll feel like cooking and cleaning also.” She drew a deep breath. “So, I’m looking for a housekeeper who can do all those things herself.”

The woman nodded. “I’ve been cooking since I was a little girl and I enjoy it. And I’m good at cleaning. Are there any duties you’re especially looking for?”

“No, I don’t think so. But I did tell the new manager you’d do his laundry. I put a laundry basket in his room. And maybe occasional baking for the men. They seldom have time for any cooking that takes time.”

“Of course. So it’ll just be you and me for meals here in the house?”

“Yes, unless I invite someone. My cousin and I try to visit as much as we can. Or I might ask the manager to join us occasionally so I can ask questions about something that happened. I’m a raw beginner at ranching.”

“I see. I could always prepare enough food for three. Then I’d eat the leftovers the next day for lunch, so it wouldn’t go to waste.”

“Yes, that would work. Do you think you’d like the job?”

“It sounds perfect to me.”

Penny drew a deep breath. “I’ll show you your room.” She’d already decided the guest room on the first floor would be perfect for the housekeeper. She led her down the hall and opened the door. “This bedroom would be yours and it has an attached bathroom for you.”

“Oh, my, it’s quite lovely. I’ll be very comfortable here.”

“All right. Do you need to go back to Trinity to get your belongings before you move in?” To Penny’s surprise, the woman’s face turned a bright red.

“No! I—I took my belongings with me. You see, the rancher I worked for previously decided he—he was interested in marrying me, but it had only been a month since his wife had died. I thought he was looking for a way to have my services without paying me a salary. I wasn’t interested.”

“Oh, yes, I understand. That would be awkward.”

“Yes. I really appreciate you giving me this job. I promise I’ll do my best. You just let me know what you want me to do.”

“I will. I’ll take care of my own bedroom. You’ll just need to clean the downstairs.”

“You’re making the job sound too easy.”

“No, I’m sure you’ll be busy.”

“Okay. What time do you want breakfast on the table?”

“Oh! I didn’t ask my new manager what time he wanted me to be ready. I’ll go ask him while you’re getting settled.”

Penny stepped out on the back porch and gave a sigh of relief. Harriet seemed like she’d be okay and easy to get along with.

She walked down to the bunkhouse and knocked on the door. When there was no answer, she stepped inside and moved to the manager’s room. No answer there, either.

Moving back outside, she noted that the truck and trailer had been parked out of the way but were still there. She moved to the main barn that held some of the hay supply but also housed any cows that had problems with their calves, or injured horses.

No one there.

Then she heard that deep voice that fascinated her. It was coming from the nearest corral. She moved out into the cold air again and found him petting a horse.

“Beautiful horse. Is he yours?” she asked.

Jake spun around as if she’d crept up behind him. “Uh, yeah, he’s mine. His name is Apache. I—I took a little hay to feed him.”

“That’s fine. The men usually put their rides in a corral in winter. It makes it much easier to get started in the morning and more efficient to feed them when they are in a corral.”

“Yeah, I figured.”

“I needed to ask you what time you wanted to start in the morning.”

“I usually eat breakfast at six-thirty. There’s barely enough light at seven in the winter. That’s when you’d need to be in the saddle. Have you ever ridden a horse before?”

“Yes, I’m a proficient rider. It’s the one thing my dad insisted I learn.”

“Okay, then I’ll see you at seven.”

“Do we take our lunches with us?”

“Would you like us to have a picnic together?” he asked, sarcasm in his voice.

Penny stiffened. “No, I didn’t mean to have a picnic, but I’m used to eating lunch. I didn’t want to waste time coming in for lunch.”

“You go ahead and bring along what you need to eat, but it has to be eaten while you’re in the saddle. I don’t eat lunch.”

“Fine. I’ll see you at seven in the morning.”

She didn’t wait for an answer. Spinning on her heels she headed for the house.

CHAPTER TWO

PENNY marched back to the house, her teeth clenched. The nerve of the man! He thought she was hoping for a romantic picnic? He had the wrong idea about her. She would have to be on her toes to make sure he didn’t get that idea again!

When she reached the house, she went to Harriet’s bedroom. The lady was storing away her clothes.

“Is everything okay, Harriet?”

“Yes, ma’am. What time did the manager expect you to be ready?”

“He said seven. His name is Jake Larson, by the way, but don’t expect him to be friendly.”

“Oh? And you hired him anyway?”

“I was warned that though he’s honest, he has problems with thinking he’s a ladies’ man. When I asked him if I should bring a lunch tomorrow, he thought I was expecting a romantic picnic!”

“And that’s what he wanted?”

Penny looked at Harriet, frowning. “No,” she said slowly, “his question was sarcastic, as if that was the last thing he wanted.”

Harriet didn’t say anything.

“Maybe he’s changed his tune, but I’ll be on my toes anyway. I’m not looking for a boyfriend.”

“So you’re not taking a lunch?”

“I need something to eat that I can manage in the saddle. Do you know what I can take with me?”

“A sandwich will work. It won’t spoil in winter. An apple works okay, too, and what you don’t eat can be fed to your horse.”

“Good idea. Oh, rats. I didn’t think about bringing my horse to the corral. I’ll be back in a little while. You might want to check the supplies in the kitchen when you have time.”

“Right. I’ll do that.”

Penny hurried out of the house after pulling on her coat and adding a wool cap and gloves. She walked to the barn, collected a bridle and opened the gate that led to the pasture where the active horses were kept. She saw the horse she preferred to ride, a dark colored mare named Stormy that her father had given her when she’d first learned to ride.

It took a few minutes to reach Stormy and talk her into accepting the bridle. Then Penny led her to the corral where Apache was waiting. She got some hay for Stormy and settled her down in the corral. Then she removed the bridle and, after patting Stormy’s neck, replaced her bridle in the tack room and headed back to the house.

When she entered the house, she could smell fresh coffee. In the kitchen, she found Harriet going through the pantry.

“I’m going to have some of that coffee, if you don’t mind.”

“Of course not.” Harriet stepped out of the pantry. “You’ve got just about everything I can foresee for the immediate future. Your freezer is well stocked, too.”

“Good. I’ve got my horse penned up ready for tomorrow. I’ll need coffee in the morning and oatmeal with bacon and toast or eggs with bacon and toast. Either one, or you can rotate them. I like pancakes on Saturday morning and even Sunday morning when I can eat more leisurely.”

“That sounds good to me. Though I might suggest cinnamon rolls one of those mornings. I make them from scratch, and they’re quite good, if I do say so myself.”