Page 20 of Beyond Montana's Sky
“Can’t stop the gossip among the Andersons. I can already hear the chattering.”
Cai raised his eyes heavenward.
Mormorlaughed and elbowed him in the side.
“It’s the gossip getting to Sweetwater Springs that I’m worried about.
“You know not a single word will pass outside this ranch.”
He did know and was grateful.
“I’ll pack some food for you—enough for several meals.”
“Farfartold me to take all the oatmeal cookies.” Cai kept his expression innocent.
This timeMormorwas the one who rolled her eyes. “When have you been able to put one over on me?”
Cai thought for a few seconds. “Never,” he answered with a teasing grin. “But you can’t fault a man for trying. Bound to happen one of these days.”
Their banter felt good.Natural.Until today, he hadn’t realized how solemn he’d been with everyone.And they with me.
Her expression broke into a smile. “Get on packing. I’ll send you off with beef stew and biscuits.”
“What about cookies?”
“You can take a dozen. I have a large family to feed, and you well know it.”
“But what about the lady? I’m sure Mrs. Grayson will also want your chewy-sweet, best-in-the-county cookies.”
“Are you aged ten or thirty-five?”Mormorsounded exasperated, but her eyes danced.
“When it comes to cookies,” Cai said with due solemnity, “all men are ten.” He cocked his head, pretending to think. “Well, all men acquainted withyourcookies. I’m sure there’re cookies out in the world someplace that aren’t worth taking a stand for.”
She snapped the towel at him. “Get on with you now. Flattery won’t get you any more than a dozen.”
Cai laughed and went down the hall to his room. He passed the doorway to Aurie’s bedroom and, for the first time, didn’t feel the familiar pinch of grief. Instead, he could almost imagine he heard her giggle. She’d had quite a sense of mischief, his little sister did, and Cai suspected she’d approve of him chasing down Edith Grayson.
CHAPTER SIX
Deep in her heart, Edith knew driving away from the Driscoll Ranch wasn’t a smart decision. But, for different reasons, staying also wasn’t wise. She kept glancing over her shoulder at the sky, watching the building dark clouds move in her direction. Slowly, the light began to fade, the wind kicked up, and the temperature plummeted.
Although grateful for her warm coat, the cashmere scarf wrapped around her neck, and for the bearskin over her lap, Edith didn’t like how the cold wind chilled her cheeks, whipped tendrils of hair into her face, and yanked on her hat until the hatpins pulled against her scalp.
As much as Edith wanted to urge the horses into a fast pace, she knew the geldings were tired, and they still had a long way to go, so she kept them at a steady, ground-eating trot. She wondered if her arms would hold out and promised herself a hot bath as soon as she arrived home.If I reach home.She was starting to have doubts.
Don’t be a pessimist, she chided.
A group of antelope in the tawny grass to the far left caught her attention. A bear snuck across the clearing, stalking its prey.
Fear hitched Edith’s heart, and she flicked the reins, urging the horses to greater speed and realizing how very alone she was out here. Not that the bear was close enough to harm her or the horses, but she knew bears were fast. Stomach tight, she turned her head to watch the drama play out.
An antelope burst across the hillside. The others ran with it, their bellies flashing white, and disappeared out of sight.
The bear stood on its hind legs to sniff the air, looking in the direction of the herd, its cocoa-colored fur ruffled by the pressing wind.
The surrey pulled away, leaving the bear behind.
I should have stayed at the ranch.She slowed the horses. Her heart took a while to calm, but the sense of isolation didn’t leave.
