The Ranger Takes a Bride (12 page)

Emmaline reached to stroke the puppy, and Alejandra focused on the girl. A soft smile curved the child's mouth, and her blue eyes twinkled as she watched the animal.

Alejandra's gaze drifted to Edward—and collided with his warm brown eyes. Watching her. Something about the softness in his expression. The way his eyes glistened. The sting of tears burned again. He was being too nice. How could she hate the man when he was so kind?

But she had to stay strong. He was a soldier. And no matter what, she couldn't give him the satisfaction of seeing her weak.

Chapter Thirteen

Two
days later, Edward carried his bedroll in one hand and the puppy in the other, as he tromped down the stairs. "You hungry, fella? We'll stop outside for a minute, then see what we can round up for us to eat."

A blast of cold air slapped his face when he opened the front door. On the porch, Edward dropped his bedroll by the door, then jogged down the steps and set the puppy in a grassy area. "Do your business, boy. Tired of cleanin' up after you in my room." It was a good thing Anna wasn't up and around much, or she'd never stand for the dog in his bedchamber. But the puppy was just a little tike, not big enough to stay by himself in the barn.

He examined the sky. Low gray clouds seemed to press down on him. Looked like the first snow of the winter would come today. Not something he was looking forward to riding through. A gust of wind whipped him, and Edward wrapped his coat tighter around himself.

So that raised the question, what to do with the animal when he left today? He couldn't drag a dog around on all his assignments. Besides, after a few days of good food, the animal was almost too big to ride in Edward's coat pocket. So what now? Juan might not mind taking care of him. But the weather was too cold for a young puppy to sleep in the barn without the warmth of its mother. Maybe Anna would take pity on the poor thing. But her mind was pretty busy getting ready for the baby. Especially since Doc said the infant might come any day. And she wasn't supposed to be up and around, either.

So that left… Dare he even hope that Alejandra might be willing to care for the puppy? She'd seemed to enjoy holding it that one time she hadn't fled the room the moment he entered. Even got a little teary-eyed. Anna said the woman loved horses, and she seemed to have a soft spot for dogs, too. Maybe she'd do it for the puppy's sake, even if she wouldn't for Edward.

The puppy's deed accomplished, Edward scooped him up and headed toward the kitchen. Following the aroma of hotcakes to its source, he found Mama Sarita pouring batter in a frying pan, and Alejandra whipping something in a bowl.

"Mmm... Smells good in here."

Mama Sarita smiled over her shoulder. "Will you eat breakfast with the family? Or should we pack food for your trip?"

He exhaled. "Afraid I have to leave early again today."

She nodded. "We'll pack your satchel then."

Her hands flew as she flipped a batter cake in the frying pan, then smeared jam onto some that cooled on a plate, and rolled them into skinny tubes.

His stomach growled. Alejandra wrapped the stack of hotcake tubes in a cloth, then stuffed them in his burlap satchel, along with several other cloth-wrapped bundles. The women worked together without words, as though they could read each other's thoughts. Like magic. And he had a front row seat.

"Looks like it's going to snow today."

Mama Sarita looked up, the creases in her brow deepening. "You must be careful then. Can you stay home instead?"

Warmth stole over Edward's heart. "I'll be fine. Pepper and I have ridden through much worse."

When the bag was packed, Alejandra handed it to Mama Sarita, then stepped over to add more hot cake batter to the pan. Why wouldn't she give the satchel to him herself? Why did she avoid him like scarlet fever? It was frustrating, to be judged so harshly by a simple badge. Didn't she see he'd never hurt someone without just cause? Couldn't she tell he was different from the soldiers who had hurt her? He clamped his jaw.

Mama Sarita passed him the bag of food, and he realized he still held the puppy. Best to ask now and get it over with. Maybe Mama Sarita would be willing to care for the animal, even if Alejandra couldn't bring herself to.

"Do you think… I mean…would you mind caring for the puppy? While I'm gone? If it's not too much trouble." Heat flamed his neck. Why did he stammer like a school boy?

Alejandra's head came around, and a glimmer lit her eyes. But she didn't speak.

"Sì. Of course." Mama Sarita reached for the little guy where he snuggled against Edward's chest. The animal braced against her with his paws, but she scooped him up and cuddled him close. "Emmaline tells me she's been helping you feed him. It will be good for her to help us." Mama Sarita smiled at him, the lines around her eyes giving her the look of wisdom.

"Thank you." What else was there to say?

Mama Sarita still looked at him, but her smile had dimmed, a sadness shadowing it. Alejandra had turned back to her work, and wasn't looking at him at all.

He shuffled his feet. "Okay, then. I'll be off." Still nothing from Alejandra. But what did he expect? Hoisting the sack over his shoulder, he turned and trudged from the kitchen.

In the barn, he went through the motions to saddle Pepper. But his mind couldn't get past the image of Alejandra's back to him, and the sad smile that haunted Mama Sarita's eyes as she held the puppy. Was being a Ranger worth it? He thought back to his reasons for joining the force. Independence. And respect. Mostly respect, if he was honest.

He huffed a humorless chuckle. Alejandra didn't respect him, and his status as a Texas Ranger was the very reason. Life sure could be ironic.

But if he weren't a Ranger, what would he be? A cow hand on Jacob and Anna's ranch again? Go back to being "Little Brother?" After all his hard work to break free, he couldn't turn back.

So now what?

~ ~ ~

Later
that morning, Alejandra stroked the puppy as it slept in her lap. Tía Laura had come for a visit, and they'd dragged chairs into Anna's room so she could remain in the bed while they talked. The conversation had run mostly in American, and Alejandra strained to follow as best she could.

"Tell me what…town?" Anna's face held a perkiness that hadn't been there these last few days.

"Well." Tía Laura's brow furrowed as she thought through her answer. "Work…courthouse is…fast. Uncle Walter's store…bigger…building. He's…thinking to…serve…bank."

"Oh my." Anna's brows rose, and she pressed a hand to her chest. "That
is
news."

Pain crept through Alejandra's head. How could she ever catch all the words and interpret them, while still hearing what was being spoken next? And the worst of it, she still didn't understand enough to know what was really being said. Something about Uncle Walter's store and a bank and a courthouse. For all she knew, the man might be planning to sell out to the bank. Although that didn’t seem likely.

After a while, Tía Laura paused in her speech, as if she'd exhausted her news. Her eyes took on a soft smile as the lines around them crinkled. "Where's Edward?"

"He's…assignment," Anna answered.

Tía Laura turned to Alejandra and Mama Sarita then, her words slowing and more pronounced. "Edward is so good…a Ranger, he makes…proud. I'm so glad he…his calling."

Alejandra's temples pulsed, as she struggled to understand the words. Was Tía Laura saying she was proud of Edward for being a soldier? How was that possible?

A frown settled over Anna's features, and she released a long breath. "I wish…dangerous." She must have noticed the look on Alejandra's face, because she turned to her and spoke in Spanish. "I was telling Aunt Laura that I am proud of Edward, but I wish his job weren't so dangerous. I sometimes long for the days when he used to work as a vaquero on our ranch."

So he had been a vaquero at one time. No wonder Edward fit in so well with the others here. "Why—" Should she really ask the question? Yes, Anna had always been open to telling anything. She started again. "Why did he leave the ranch to become a soldado?"

A thoughtful line creased Anna's forehead. "I suppose there were a couple of reasons. He needed to live his own life, for one. We moved here when he was fifteen, and he started working with Monty and the vaqueros right away. I was cooking here in the ranch house, though, where I could keep an eye on him." Her lips pinched in a guilty smile. "I was a bit overprotective at times.

"So when the Rangers built up their group a couple years ago, Edward jumped at the chance." Her head tilted. "I think the other thing he loves is the chance to help people."

Alejandra couldn't stop her brows from shooting up. "Help people? As a soldado?" The puppy in her lap raised its head and growled a complaint.

The corners of Anna's eyes crinkled. "Sì. Edward is one of the kindest people I know. As a Ranger, he captures the people who do wrong, so the good people can be safe."

Safe? That didn't match her experience with soldados. Could Edward really be so different?

~ ~ ~

Edward
shucked his muddy boots on the front porch and rolled up the legs of his brown wool trousers. The snow from three days ago had only brought a couple inches, and now this frigid rain washed the last of the white powder away, leaving a dreary, muddy mess. He shook off his coat too, and laid it next to the boots. No sense in bringing it inside where the wet wool would leave a mess in the hall. A mess Alejandra would likely have to clean.

Alejandra. A warm anticipation sped up the thumping in his chest. But first he had to clean himself and get rid of these damp clothes.

A half hour later, Edward jogged down the stairs, fresher than he'd been in days. He followed the sound of women's voices to Anna's room, and found her and Mama Sarita sewing tiny shirts. He ambled over to where Anna lay in the bed, and planted a kiss on her cheek. "How's my best girl today?"

She swatted his arm. "Emmaline would be heartbroken if she heard you say that."

He stuffed his hands in his trouser pockets. "Where is Emmy-bug?"

Anna sank back into the pillows. "I think Alejandra finally got her to sleep for a nap. I don't know what I would do if I didn't have these two here to help with things." She waved toward Mama Sarita.

He nodded to the older woman. "We're awfully thankful for you both."

The lines around her eyes crinkled. "I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. Are you hungry? I think Alejandra's in the kitchen feeding that puppy. I’m sure she'd be happy to rustle up some grub for you, too."

Was that a twinkle in her eye? No matter, the invitation was just what he'd been hoping for. "Yes, ma'am." He tipped an imaginary hat, then headed out the open door.

The murmur of a soft female voice drifted from the kitchen, but quieted at the sound of his footsteps. His heart pinched. Why did Alejandra always seem disturbed by his presence?

He paused at the doorway to take in the scene. Alejandra sat in the middle of the floor, the puppy perched in front of her. She eyed Edward like a wild stallion locked in a corral—wary, and not willing to show fear or weakness.

"Hola." He spoke the simple greeting to her, then turned his attention to the puppy. This approach worked with wild horses. Maybe it would have the same effect on people. He dropped to his knees and held out a hand. "Hey there, fella."

The puppy kept its seat, but cocked its head as Edward cooed. Edward crept closer, keeping his hand outstretched. When he was within reach, the puppy pawed at him. Edward responded by scratching the soft golden fur behind his ears—a favorite spot for all dogs. "You like that, sì?" The little guy responded with a wide yawn.

"Is he crawling yet?" He flicked a glance at Alejandra, then focused on the animal again.

"Sì. He follows me around the kitchen while I cook. Always underfoot."

Despite her words, her voice held a loving tone. And who couldn't love something as cute as this little guy? At least she was talking, and hadn't jumped up and run yet.

"I was thinking, we need to give him a name. Any ideas? I'm not too good with this kind of thing."

She was quiet, and Edward fought hard not to look at her. The puppy nibbled on his fingers with wet gums. An adorable distraction.

"I don't know your American names, but I would call him Sol, because he's yellow like the sunshine." Her voice was strong, sure. And had the most beautiful cadence to it. He could listen to her all day if she would let him.

A grin tugged at the corners of his mouth. "Sol. I like it." He scratched under the puppy's chin. "What do you think, Sol? Perfect?" The animal let out a high pitched bark.

He glanced up to grin at Alejandra, and found a smile playing with the corners of her beautiful mouth. "He likes it."

"Sì."

Chapter Fourteen

A woman's cry pierced the kitchen walls—half scream, half moan. Alejandra wrapped her arms around Emmaline as the girl scrambled onto her lap. "It's all right, niña. Your mama's doing a great job, and I'm sure she'll be fine. It will be over soon, and you'll have a new baby to help take care of."

Oh, how she hoped her words would be true. Anna had to be fine. Women had babies all the time, and many of them came through with no problems. But not all. An invisible weight pressed down on Alejandra's shoulders. For once, she wished she could pray to a God who would take care of things. A God who would make things better.

It was awful to be so useless. She could do nothing to make sure Anna came through this healthy. But Doctor Steiner was with her. And Mama Sarita and Tìa Laura. She couldn't ask for any better nurses for her friend. And it was Alejandra's job to keep Emmaline busy.

Another cry rent the air. This one snapping Alejandra from her thoughts. "Come on, Emmy. Let's go see how the horses are doing." She rose to her feet and clasped the girl's hand.

They went out the back door, the quicker to get outside and away from the heart-wrenching screams. Alejandra tried to keep up a steady stream of questions and conversation, but for once, Emmaline didn't seem inclined to talk. She didn't blame her. It was hard for Alejandra to pull her mind from what was happening in that bedroom. How much harder for this little girl who was so worried about her mama?

When they rounded the house, a figure paced the front porch. Señor O'Brien—or Jacob, as he insisted she call him. He paused when he saw them, and Emmaline raced up the stairs to throw herself in his arms.

"Papa!"              

He scooped her up, and held her tight for so long, it was amazing Emmy didn't squirm out of his grip. But they both seemed paralyzed with fear. Alejandra had to do something to help.

"Emmaline and I were just going to the barn to pet the horses. Would you like to come with us?"

He hesitated, then looked back at the house. "No. No, I should stay here. Just in case."

Alejandra forced a smile onto her face. "Of course. You'll want to be ready the minute the doctor tells you whether it’s a boy or girl."

"Sì." Jacob still had that hesitant, uncertain look on his face. He finally set Emmy down, then pointed her toward Alejandra. "Give the horses an extra pat for me?"

"All right." Emmaline plodded down the stairs obediently, and Alejandra took her hand again.

When they stepped into the barn, it took a moment for Alejandra's eyes to adjust to the dim light. As they did, the form of a man took shape, walking down the center aisle. Those shoulders. Her heart squeezed at the sight.

"My two favorite girls." The rich voice flowed over her, bringing heat to her face as the words sunk in. Surely he didn't mean her. He was just being kind. But a soldier? Kind?

"Uncle Eddie." Emmaline's voice lacked its usual zest, but she still flew to Edward, wrapping herself around his legs.

"Emmy-bug." He bent down so she could see the puppy in his arms. "Sol here was just asking for you."

Emmaline ruffled the animal's fur, bringing her face close to his and cooing. He responded by licking her nose. Instead of giggling like normal, she looked back at Edward, her voice taking on an unusual seriousness. "Mama's having the baby now. But I think it's bad, because she was screaming awful loud."

Edward's brow wrinkled as he studied the girl. Then he lowered himself to the ground and sat cross-legged, right there in the middle of the barn aisle. Wrapping a hand around Emmaline's waist, he settled her on his leg where she could still see him. "Emmy-girl, do you know it was just the same when you were born?"

Alejandra swallowed down a lump in her throat as the little girl shook her head, wide eyes focused on him. She couldn't help but stand mesmerized, watching Edward's tenderness with his sobrina.

"It was. And I was so scared something was wrong. Your mama's always been strong and brave. When I heard her cry like that, I just knew it was bad. But then I prayed, and asked God to keep her safe, and make you healthy. And the next thing I heard was a little tiny baby crying." He tickled her tummy, and Emmaline doubled over in a giggle.

When she recovered, she studied Edward's face again. "So God made her okay?"

Edward nodded. "Yes. And I think we should pray again. What do you say?"

Emmaline raised her face to Alejandra and reached out. "Miss Alejandra, come pray for Mama with us."

How could she deny such a request? She crept over and sat down on the ground. This dress was due for a washing anyway. She left as much space as she could between Edward and herself, despite Emmaline clutching her hand.

"Father, please be with Anna and the baby." Edward's strong voice washed through Alejandra. "Keep them healthy and make the hard work go quickly. In the name of Your son, Jesus. Amen."

"Amen." Emmaline released her hand.

Alejandra looked up, her focus pulled as if by a rope to the warm chocolate eyes of Edward Stewart. She might have fallen into that gaze, as deep as it was. The dark shadows under his eyes gave him a haunted look. What was it that plagued him? His sister? Out of the corner of her eyes, she saw the motion of his hand stroking the top of Emmaline's head. He did love his family. That couldn't be denied.

"Uncle Eddie, now that you prayed and Mama's going to be better, can we go see her?" Emmaline turned those blue eyes on her uncle again.

A smile tipped the corner of his mouth as he looked down at the child. "Soon, Emmy-girl. As soon as they call us. Shall we take Sol to see the horses first?"

"Yes." Emmaline scampered up, and Alejandra stood, too.

As she rose, a hand touched her elbow, assisting her efforts. She scrambled up, then spun to face Edward, breaking the contact. But those eyes caught her again, stopping her mouth before she could snap at him. The haunted expression. It pierced to the core of her being. Would his prayer make a difference? Would God listen to Edward better than he'd heard Alejandra all those years ago when Mama was killed?

A voice called from somewhere outside the barn, and Edward's head whipped to the side. Listening.

Alejandra held her breath to hear better. Yes, it was Mama Sarita. Calling Edward.

He shoved the puppy in her arms and took off in a sprint.

Alejandra reached for Emmaline's hand. "Come, niña."

When they made it to the front porch, Mama Sarita stood waving them in, a huge smile lighting her face. "It's a boy. And your mama's dying to see you, little one." Mama Sarita took the puppy from Alejandra. "She's asked for you, too, mija. Go see the babe."

Anna wanted to see her? Surely not. But Mama Sarita's eyes twinkled as she nodded toward the front door.

"Go."

Tiptoeing toward Anna's bed chamber, Alejandra met the doctor coming out.

"Go on in, but just for a moment." He motioned into the room. "Anna needs her rest, but she insists on seeing everyone first."

Alejandra stopped at the open door to examine the scene inside. Anna lay in the bed, eyes drooping and mussed brown hair no longer confined to a braid. In the crook of her arm lay Emmaline, her face upturned as she chattered to her mother in American. Jacob stood beside them, a sentinel on guard duty. One protective hand rested on his wife's shoulder, but his face shone with such pride it was impossible to miss.

Edward perched on the edge of the bed beside his sister, his back to the door. What relief must he feel, seeing her well and safe?

Alejandra searched the room for the infant. Anna's arms were empty. Panic welled in her gut. Where was the babe? Had something happened to it? But then she saw a corner of the blanket Anna had painstakingly crocheted, sticking out past Edward's arm. She crept inside, staying toward the outer edge of the room, moving around so she could get a better look at the bundle he held.

Anna motioned her over. "Come see, Alejandra. He's finally here."

She hated to come closer. This was their family moment. She couldn't intrude. But then the blanket in Edward's arms moved, and a little fist raised up from it. Curiosity pushed her forward, close enough she could finally see inside the bundle.

"Oh," she breathed. He was perfect. Such delicate, tiny features. His little nose, mouth, chin… All too precious for words. He opened his eyes, a dark smoky blue, and looked at her. Not an intense focus, but a vague, fuzzy gaze. A noise came from his mouth, an incoherent babble. But the look and the sound seemed to be a greeting.

"Hola,
niño." She smiled at the babe.

He thrust his tiny hand in her direction, and Alejandra couldn't resist caressing it. His skin was softer than anything she'd touched.

"I think he likes you." Edward's voice was husky.

Alejandra glanced up to see him watching her, his brown eyes glistening with extra moisture. Heat slid up her neck. She should look away, but his gaze held her.

A dimple appeared in one of his cheeks as his mouth tipped. "God answered our prayer."

~ ~ ~

The
rest of the day, Alejandra watched for an opportunity to hold the babe for longer than a quick moment. But the first opportunity came that evening. Poor Anna was exhausted. The wee one seemed to be eating well and healthy, but hadn't settled down to sleep longer than a few minutes at a time. When Alejandra offered to care for the niño while his mother rested, Anna almost drifted to sleep before she could say yes.

Now, as she sat in the rocking chair in the main room, little Martin slept in her arms. She looked down into his perfectly formed face, and that ache formed again in her chest. The same knot that had started when she'd first touched his little fist. When the babe lay in the arms of his uncle Edward.

Had Edward's prayer made the difference in Anna's delivery? Or had she and the baby already been healthy, without the need of a God to intervene? As she watched the infant's delicate nose breathe in air, and his little mouth exhale, his tiny eyelids fluttered as a dream occupied his sleep. It was hard to imagine such a perfect babe could form without the help of a greater Power. Did God really know and care about little Martin? It seemed cruel, and a little impossible, to think He didn't. But what did that mean about her? Did God pick and choose the people He provided for?

Before she could examine the question any closer, light boot thumps sounded in the hall. Edward peered around the open doorway, a soft smile spreading over his face when he saw them. He sidled into the room, hands in his pockets as he ambled their way.

"There you are," he whispered when he was close enough to be heard. "I was looking for this little guy. Jacob wouldn't give him up earlier, so I thought I might get some nephew time now." He sank into the wingback chair beside Alejandra.

He wanted to hold the baby? But little Martin had just fallen asleep. And having the tiny bundle snuggled in her arms sent a warmth through her that she was loathe to give up. But she was only the cook and housekeeper. She had to remember that.

"Do…you want to hold him?" She couldn't bring herself to look at the man.

"No." A hint of a chuckle laced his voice. "I wouldn't dare disturb either of you."

Her gaze shot to his face. He was looking at the babe with such love shining in his eyes, it squeezed the breath from her chest.

Edward extended a hand to brush the feather soft hair that stuck out from the blanket wrapped around Martin's head. "I always wanted a little brother when I was younger." His voice was soft, throaty. "Someone to help bear the brunt of Anna's mothering. Mama died when I was seven, so that's when Anna grew over protective. And bossy."

Alejandra couldn't help another sideways glance at him. A smile curved his lips as he stared at the baby, but his focus seemed inward, somewhere far away.

"Looking back, though. Anna had a tough lot, becoming the woman of the house when she was only twelve. She did an amazing job at it. Even if she was a bit pushy sometimes."

A need burgeoned inside Alejandra. To defend Anna. To make sure he knew just how hard it was to grow up without a madre to love, to learn from, to be loved. And on top of the loss, she'd been expected to take over the running of a house. The cleaning and cooking. To fill such an immense void. She inhaled a strengthening breath.

"Your sister took on a woman's work at only twelve years old. I did the same, when my mama died. It is not easy, to be stripped of your childhood and your dearest friend, and be forced into the role of a grown woman, without anyone to show you the way. Your sister is strong and did what she had to do."

He was silent for a long moment. Had she offended him? But she didn't regret her words. He should know how amazing Anna really was. How hard her life must have been.

"I do know that now." His voice was barely more than a whisper. "I think I knew it even then. After Papa died in the war and our house was burned to the ground, all we had was each other."

His words pierced her chest, as if they'd been a bullet from a rifle. His father was killed, too? At the hands of soldados? But… How could he bring himself to wear the same badge? How could he become one of those that killed his own papa? None of it made sense. She opened her mouth to ask, but his words cut her off.