The Rancher Takes a Cook (4 page)

A whinny from the yard caused the older
woman to look up from the teacup she’d been stirring, and her
ever-present grin widened. “There be my cousin now.”

“Your cousin?” Anna struggled to keep the
disappointment out of her voice. Where was Mr. O’Brien so she could
get this errand over with? “Your cousin lives with you and Mr.
O’Brien? It must be nice to have family with you.” She attempted a
smile, frustration weakening her effort.

The older woman’s grin turned somewhat
mischievous. “Aye, lassie, family is a wonderful thing. But my
cousin
is
Mr. O’Brien. I haven’t got a husband—never did
have one—so Marty took me in some years back after his precious
Katherine passed. Said he needed a bit of a woman’s touch with his
boy. It was reason enough for me, so I’ve stayed on, helping where
I can.”

Anna wanted to melt into the steamy tea
she’d been swirling in her cup. “I…I’m so sorry. I just
assumed…”

“Nothin’ to be sorry about.”
Miss
O’Brien scolded. “I wasn’t thinkin’ about ya bein’ new to these
parts. Should’ve told you my story right off.”

Just then, the front door squeaked and boots
thudded in the hallway. A tall man with broad shoulders and a full
head of salt-and-pepper hair appeared in the doorway. His dark blue
eyes matched the color of his petite cousin’s, and they even held
the same twinkle as they took in Anna seated on the sofa.

“Marty, ya must come in and meet our lovely
guest.” Miss O’Brien took her cousin’s arm and pulled him into the
room. Anna rose to her feet for an introduction. “Miss Anna
Stewart, may I present Marty O’Brien.”

The older gentleman approached and bowed low
over Anna’s hand then rose with the sparkle still securely in his
eye and his lips twitching. “What a great pleasure you bestow on
us, Miss Stewart. A lovelier creature I’ve not seen in a month of
Sundays. And to what do we owe this honor?” His voice didn’t hold
the same Irish brogue as his cousin but sounded more like what
she’d imagined from a Texas ranch owner—full and vibrant, as if the
indoors couldn’t contain it.

The heat crept back into Anna’s cheeks from
the flattery and she lowered her eyes. Her downcast eyes caught
sight of the man’s dusty cowboy boots, jolting her mind back to her
purpose for coming. Setting her jaw and locking her eyes with the
dark blue in Mr. O’Brien’s, she began, “Mr. O’Brien, I’ve come to
discuss a matter of importance with you.”

“Indeed? “ His mouth straightened and a brow
quirked. “By all means, please come into my office.” He held out an
elbow for her, as if he were a fine Englishman escorting a lady to
dinner. The image contrasted sharply with his bandana, dirty work
shirt, vest, and pants—and the dusty boots she had spied
before.

Taking his proffered arm, Anna raised her
chin and swept forward as he led her down the hallway. He gestured
for her to precede him through a doorway, and she entered a smaller
room with hundreds of books lining two walls. Through the windows
on the third wall, light streamed onto a mahogany wood desk.

He motioned toward a smaller guest chair as
he settled in the high-back chair behind the desk. The chair seemed
to fit the large man, and he nestled with his hands clasped behind
his head. “Now, my dear. How can I help you?”

Anna fought the urge to wring her hands. Now
was not the time to show weakness. “Mr. O’Brien, you may have
learned from your foreman—a Mr. Monty, I believe his name was—that
he has recently hired a new cowboy to work on your ranch. What you
may not know, however, is that the new employee is not more than a
boy—much too young to work around the dangerous longhorn
cattle.”

Mr. O’Brien’s brows rose. “A boy, you say?
And how are you acquainted with this boy?”

Anna’s already firm jaw tightened a little
more. “He’s my brother, and he’s a lad of but fifteen years, not
even old enough to need a razor.” Anna took a deep breath. Logic
was probably the best way to approach this conversation. “You see,
Edward has always lived in the city and hasn’t spent any
significant time around cattle. He can handle a horse but doesn’t
have any experience dealing with wild animals of any sort. I’m
afraid he would be a liability to you, and it would simply put him
in too much danger. Now I’m sure you can see why I object to his
being employed on a cattle ranch.”

“I see.” Mr. O’Brien had leaned forward
during Anna’s explanation and his elbows now rested on the desk in
a thoughtful pose. “So your brother is not intelligent enough to
receive training?”

Anna bristled. “Of course he’s intelligent.
I’m simply concerned for his safety. Our parents are both deceased
and Edward is my responsibility, therefore I must insist you
release him immediately.”

He leveled her with a kind look, but it held
a hint of sadness, too. “Miss Stewart, I won’t begin to tell you
there’s no danger or discomfort in a cowboy’s job, just as there is
some sort of danger or discomfort in most professions. What I do
know, however, is my men are all honest, God-fearing cowboys who
put forth a full day’s work in exchange for regular pay, hot meals,
and my highest regard. I have full confidence in Monty’s judgment.
If he felt your brother has the qualities needed to develop into a
talented cowpuncher worthy of his fellow cowboy’s respect, then I
believe your brother will be just fine. Monty will make sure he’s
properly trained, and the rest will be up to your brother.”

Anna sat back in her chair and exhaled a
breath she didn’t realize she’d been holding. Was he right? Could
this ranch be a good place for Edward? Releasing her brother’s care
into the hands of a group of rough cowboys made bile rise in her
stomach. Edward was all she had left, her only connection to Mama
and Papa and home.

“I have a proposition for you, Miss
Stewart.” Mr. O’Brien’s deep voice broke into her thoughts. “I
don’t know what your current pursuits include, but I am in need of
a cook for my ranch. You met Lola, my cousin, who’s been handling
all the meals and housecleaning for a number of years now. She’s
worked hard in her lifetime and is beginning to slow down a bit.
This house is her pride and joy, but I’ve convinced her to give up
the kitchen if we can find a suitable replacement.” The twinkle
came back into his eyes. “I believe from her introduction that she
approves of you, so I’m sure she would be willing to teach you her
skills as a cook if you would be willing to learn. That way you
could keep an eye on your brother and even make sure we feed him
properly.” His lips quirked as he spoke the final words.

Anna’s mind reeled as she absorbed the
offer. A cook on a cattle ranch? She’d been cooking and keeping
house for Papa and Edward over the past eight years since Mama
died, so she’d developed quite a repertoire and loved being in the
kitchen. But that was her own kitchen back at home, not a
stranger’s kitchen cooking for strange cowboys. And Edward… Taking
this job would mean she would see her brother every day and ensure
his safety as much as possible. They would stay together.

Anna scrutinized the man across the desk.
Uncle Walter had spoken highly of him, and everything appeared to
confirm he was a gentleman. And Miss O’Brien was here, so she would
have female company as well. Perhaps this could work?

Clearing her throat, Anna tried to sound as
business-like as possible. “And how much does the position
pay?”

Mr. O’Brien’s face broke into a true smile.
“Thirty dollars a month to start, then more when you’re able to
handle the meals by yourself.”

“And my quarters?”

“You’ll sleep in one of the guest rooms
upstairs. I believe you’ll find the accommodations
satisfactory.”

She nodded. “I agree to a trial basis. I
will cook all meals for you and your men for thirty days in
exchange for room, board, and thirty dollars a month. And I can
assure you, I am most capable in the kitchen. You must also agree
to allow my brother and me to attend church services on Sundays. At
the end of thirty days, we will reassess to determine if you and I
are both satisfied with the arrangement. Agreed?” Anna rose and
extended her hand to shake on the deal.

“Agreed.” He grinned like he’d just caught a
two foot fish and rose from his chair to grasp her outstretched
hand. “I have a feeling we’re going to get along fine, Miss
Stewart. Just fine.”

Two days later, Anna rocked with the steady
rhythm of the wagon as she sat next to Uncle Walter and peered
ahead for another glimpse of the ranch house. From the back of the
wagon, Edward leaned over the side to catch his own first look at
the Double Rocking B—their home for who knew how long.

Butterflies flipped in Anna’s stomach.
Another temporary place to live. Would they ever truly have a home
of their own? Since their home in Columbia had burned and Papa died
in battle shortly afterward, she and Edward had stayed with several
different families for a few weeks. Then they’d finally boarded the
west-bound train on the journey that brought them to Seguin. They’d
arrived in town with only the clothes on their backs, although Aunt
Laura had soon provided one more set of clothes for each of them.
Anna was so thankful for the generosity they had received from
friends and family, but she longed to have the means to make their
own way. Her heart craved a space to call their own. Maybe this
would be a fresh start, the change they needed.

Lord, I’m still not sure if we’re doing
the right thing here. If this is not Your will, I pray You’ll make
it clear to me. And please keep Edward safe.
A bit of the
tension released from her shoulders. No matter what happened, God
would be with them.

As they pulled into the yard, Edward jumped
out of the wagon before the horses came to a complete stop. He
reached a hand up to Anna and helped her down from her seat, but
his body twisted around while his gaze scanned the surroundings.
His face held the expression of a puppy just released into a new
field.

With her feet on solid ground, Anna’s
attention focused on two figures coming through the open door from
the house onto the wide front porch. Uncle Walter’s deep voice
resonated beside her. “Marty, Aunt Lola. It’s good to see you both
again.”

“Walter, it’s always a pleasure.” Mr.
O’Brien made his way down the stairs and pumped her uncle’s hand.
Facing Anna, he bowed low like a gallant knight. “Miss Stewart,
it’s wonderful to see you again as well.” Turning to Edward, he
extended his hand. “And you must be Edward. I hear good things
about you, son. Looking forward to you joining our group.” Edward
pumped his hand so eagerly that Anna wondered how the older man
could keep a straight face.

“Marty, don’t keep them standing in the
sun.” Aunt Lola called from the porch. “You folks come in. I have
coffee and cookies awaitin’.”

Aunt Lola’s bent frame led them down the
hall and into a large dining room where three coffee cups were set
out on a gleaming pecan wood table. “You men make yourselves at
home while I pour you coffee, then I’ll take Anna upstairs to get
settled in her room.” She winked at Anna.

Anna followed the older woman up the stairs.
She admired the detailed scrollwork carved into the handsome
banister. Someone had obviously put a great deal of time and care
into building and furnishing the house, yet it was warm and
inviting—as if it were welcoming her home.

“Your room is down at the end of the hall
next to mine, so if you ever need anythin’, just come and knock
hard on me door. Me old ears aren’t what they use to be.” The
twinkle flashed in Aunt Lola’s eyes as she turned to smile at Anna
before opening the door at the end of the hall. “Here ye go.”

As the door swung open, a gasp slid out from
Anna’s parted lips. This wasn’t what she’d expected. The large,
sturdy pine bed was impressive in the middle of the room, covered
by an exquisite quilt with a star design pieced together in deep
burgundies, hunter greens, and royal blues.

“Oh, how lovely,” she breathed, stepping
forward to caress the soft fabric. A flash of color in the corner
of her vision brought Anna’s attention to the windows, where
curtains of the same rich burgundy material hung from the twin
windows on either side of the bed. An arm chair rested under the
glass on the left, and a pine bureau and mirror to match the bed
sat in the opposite corner. The room held an aura of comfortable
luxury.

Aunt Lola’s Irish brogue broke into her
gawking, “You take your time, dearie, and settle in, then come
downstairs when you’re ready. We still have a few hours yet, but
you can help me get things ready for supper tonight. While we work,
you can tell me all about yourself.”

Anna moved fast as she unpacked her single
spare dress and underclothes, then tidied her hair and washed her
face in the basin Aunt Lola had been thoughtful enough to fill with
water.

She would like this feisty little Irish
woman. She glanced in the mirror to make sure everything was in
place, fingering the gold cross that hung around her neck. It had
been Mama’s, and Papa had given it to Anna for her thirteenth
birthday. The necklace and her olive complexion were all Anna had
left from her mother. She straightened the cross to lay flat on her
brown dress then turned to hurry down the stairs, anxious to say
goodbye to Uncle Walter before he headed back to town.

* * *

Later that afternoon, Anna stood over the
stove stirring a large pot of what Aunt Lola called Irish stew. It
was similar to the beef stew she used to make for Papa in the
wintertime and smelled heavenly. Her gaze drifted to the pots
hanging from hooks in the corner and the large work counter against
the wall. This kitchen was larger than what she was used to working
in and much better equipped. The variety of pans and utensils would
make it easier to cook for a crowd, not to mention the large stove
that was already causing beads of sweat to roll down her face.