Bart reined in and jumped from his horse in one movement.

Sam’s concern grew.

“Boss, Billy sent me to tell you we found the cows.”

Sam’s breath whooshed out. “Good to hear.”

“You better hear it all, Boss. We were finally able to follow them without getting shot at. When we reached them some tough-looking hombres was guarding them. Billy said the cows looked like ours. A big guy said it wasn’t our brand. We had a good look. It was our brand with some alterations. Instead of H-S, it was H+8.”

“No!” Just as he’d told Harry. Guess he wasn’t the only who saw the opportunity.

“They threatened to shoot us if we interfered with their cows.” Bart snorted. “Said they was sold and they were driving them to their new home. They’s headed north.”

“I might have something to say about that.” Sam jerked to his feet, swayed as his head protested the sudden movement.

Bart leaped forward, but Sam sat down on his own. “Billy says not to come. The men were rough looking and heavily armed. He don’t want to be in a gun fight and didn’t figure you did either.”

Sam leaned over his knees, his forehead in his palms, and waited for the dizziness to pass.

Elin touched his arm. “Better some cows than some men,” she murmured.

Sam sat up. “You’re right, though I hate to lose the cows. I could send someone for the Marshal, but by the time he got here they would have the cows over the line into Canada.”

“Billy just wanted me to let you know.”

“Thanks. Tell him the men come first.”

“Will do.” Bart mounted up and rode away.

Sam groaned. “I worked hard for those cows.”

Elin rubbed his arm. “Sam, I’m sorry. It isn’t fair.”

He let her words and her touch ease his tension. “I guess if that’s the worst thing that happens to me, I should be grateful.”

“I am glad it’s only cows and not you.” Her eyes filled with warmth that made the loss of the cows seemed insignificant.

He moved little all day and gladly headed for bed as soon as Joey was tucked in. The next morning, his head barely hurt. “I’m feeling lots better,” he announced at the table.

“You better?” Joey asked.

“Sure am.” He ignored Gus’s warning look and smiled away the concern in Elin’s eyes.

“I hope you aren’t planning to ride out today,” she said, a stern note in her voice.

He pretended to be surprised by her words. “Why not? I’m all better.”

She put a cup of coffee before him and tapped the side of his head that was wounded. He flinched.

“Why’d you do that?”

“To remind you of your injury.”

Gus chuckled. “I see it don’t hurt you any.”

Sam gave a long-suffering sigh. “I suppose I could sit around and twiddle my thumbs another day.”

“If you’re really good I’ll make your favorite cake. What is it?”

“Chocolate.”

“Then you shall have a chocolate cake…if you’re good.”

Joey studied him. “You be good. I want chocolate cake.”

They all laughed, sharing something special he couldn’t explain except to say it was the sense of belonging.

After breakfast, he played with Joey while Elin mixed up a cake and put it in the oven. He sniffed. “Smells good.”

She smiled, a gentle, claiming smile that settled into his heart with all the intention of setting up residence. Half an hour later, give or take a few minutes, she checked the cake and took it from the oven. She put it on the counter to cool. She turned, met his eyes, and grinned as he swallowed loudly.

Gus had been outside and threw open the door. “Rider coming. Sure do get a lot of company of late.”

Sam and Elin hurried to the door. Before he could make out the rider, he recognized the horse.

“Looks like Harry.” There was not an ounce of joy in his observation.

“Harry?” Elin said.

He wished he could tell if Elin welcomed the man or resented his presence like Sam did.

“It’s Harry, alright,” Gus said, with a great degree of disgust.

Harry rode up to the hitching post, dismounted, and hollered, “Hello.” His gaze settled on Elin. “Who do we have here?”

Sam stepped aside. “Did you forget you asked a woman to come from Norway to marry you?”

Harry grinned. “Guess it slipped my mind.”

Sam wanted to grab him by the shirt front and shake him hard. “You don’t just forget a promise.”

Harry shrugged. “Sorry.” He looked at Elin. “Your name has slipped my mind.”

“Elin Hansen.”

At the uncertainty in her voice, Sam struggled to resist the urge to pull her to his side.

“How do, Miss Elin.” Harry’s gaze went to Sam. “It is still miss, isn’t it? You didn’t decide to settle for Sam?”

Settle? Sam curled his fingers so tight the knuckles popped.

“I am not married.” Elin’s voice was full of challenge, but of course, Harry didn’t notice, or if he did, paid it no mind.

Joey peeked out from between Sam and Elin.

Harry’s eyes narrowed. “And who might he be?”

“He’s your son.” Sam took pleasure at the shock in Harry’s face. But it was quickly replaced with denial.

“Who says?”

“You recall a Josephine Scarrot?” Harry’s face provided the answer. “Seems you left her in the family way.”

Harry shrugged. “She shouldn’t have been so easy.”

Elin stiffened. Sam felt her anger rise. He’d love to see her tell Harry what a scoundrel he was.

Harry sniffed. “I smell something good. You a good cook?” he asked Elin.

“I do my best.”

Harry headed for the door. “Let’s see what your best tastes like.”

They stepped aside, rather than be elbowed out of the way. Sam scowled at Harry’s back.

Harry strode over to the cooling cake, broke off a large piece, and bit into it. “It’s good.” He looked around the room. “See you’ve cleaned the place up. What else can you do?” His gaze went up and down Elin’s length in a way that made Sam want to send him on his way. But Harry and Elin had an agreement and, moreover, the house was half his.

“Help yourself to the cake,” Elin said with a degree of sarcasm.

Harry laughed. “Bet you don’t put up with any nonsense.” He grabbed a chair, turned it around, and swung his leg over the seat. “Do I smell coffee?”

“Would you like a cupful?” Elin asked in a sweet voice.

Sam leaned back. He could think of nothing he’d like better than to see fireworks from her. Except to not see Harry.

She filled three cups and set them on the table. Gus and Sam sat down. Joey stared at the newcomer.

Harry looked at the boy. “How old is he?”

“Three,” Sam said, when it became apparent no one else would answer.

“He talk?”

“Yes.”

“Huh.” And that was the end of his interest in his son.

A heavy silence filled the room.

“Three men were here looking for you,” Gus said, his voice full of disapproval. “Said they had unfinished business with you.”

“I settled up with them. They got what they wanted. Won’t see them again.” He turned to Elin. “You gonna join us for coffee?”

* * *

Elin studied the man she was supposed to marry. He was handsome enough, with black eyes and black hair. He wore a buff-colored silk shirt with a corded tie at his neck and black trousers. A bit overdressed for work.

She turned to the cake Harry had taken.

Most of all, he wasn’t Sam.

“I need to start supper.” How could she have been so foolish? She couldn’t decide if she meant learning to care about Sam when he’d been clear that he did not have marriage in his future or if she meant her correspondence with Harry and her agreement to marry him.

Now what was she to do? Her thoughts raced as she prepared the meal. If Sam would give some indication that he cared enough to marry her…

But he hadn’t, even though she’d let herself believe his affections would grow to that place. Eventually. But she’d run out of time.

She served the meal, sitting beside Joey and across from Harry. Joey had not spoken a word since Harry’s arrival. It would take time for the boy to warm up to his father.

Elin should find comfort in knowing it would take time for her to warm up to him too.

“So what’s been going on here?” Harry asked.

“Rustling,” Sam said. “Lost about thirty head.” He gave the details.

“Huh,” Harry said. “That will cut into our profits.”

“’Fraid so.”

Elin couldn’t keep quiet. “Sam got shot taking care of your cows.”

Harry looked at the side of Sam’s head. “Wondered what happened. You’re okay though?”

“I’ll live.”

“Good.”

“Where have you been?” Gus asked.

“Had something to take care of.”

Gus jabbed his fork into a potato. “Well, it sure weren’t the ranch.”

“There are other things in life.” Harry’s gaze rested on Elin.

She kept her head lowered as if the food consumed all her attention when in truth, she could barely swallow. Her appetite was non-existent.

As soon as the meal ended, Harry got to his feet. “Guess I’ll have a look around.”

Sam and Gus followed him outside. Elin could finally pull in a satisfying breath.

Joey relaxed too and went outside to play with his collection of rocks and shapes of wood.

As she worked, Elin watched the men out the window. Sam shouldn’t be moving about so much. But was it any of her business? No. But she cared for him.

Her insides tightened as the men came toward the house.

She glanced at Sam as they entered. His color seemed good though his mouth was set in a hard line. She couldn’t say if that was from pain or from dealing with Harry. She had no right to think that way. The two were partners and had grown up together.

Harry smiled at her. “Would you go for a walk with me?”

She wanted to refuse but how could she? Unless Sam raised an objection. He didn’t.

“Very well.” She hung the towel she’d dried dishes with and took off her apron. He waited at the door and pulled her hand to rest on his forearm as they left the house. They walked down the lane.

She had to continually remind herself that she had corresponded with him for several months and thought she knew him well enough to marry him. Surely he was the same man.

“You’re a good-looking woman and a good cook. I guess a man could do worse.”

It wasn’t exactly a compliment. “I expect you could.”

“Do you want to get married right away?”

She took two steadying breaths. “Could we get to know each other a little better first?”

“Fine by me.” They walked in silence for the space of thirty seconds during which Elin thought her heart would crack in two.

“I’ll find a house in town for you.”

She stopped. “Town? Why town?” Sam. Gus. They were family.

“I can’t very well leave my future wife living with two old bachelors, can I?”

Funny that thought never crossed his mind when he wasn’t there to meet her as he had agreed. “What about Joey?”

“You don’t mind looking after him?”

“No.”

“Then he can come along.”

What would his plan be for the boy if she’d said no? Would he leave the child with Gus and Sam?

Again, she told herself not to be too eager to judge harshly. They needed time to learn about each other.

They returned to the house and Harry bid her good-bye. “I’ll be back when I’ve arranged for a house.”

Sam overheard Harry and waited until he rode away to ask, “A house? What does he mean?”

“He’s going to rent a house in town for Joey and me. We’ve decided to spend a little time getting to know each other.” Oh Sam, if only you would ask me to stay. If only you weren’t so afraid of being hurt.

“I see. I think I’ll check on the barn.” He strode away.

Nothing more than I see? Her dreams fluttered to the floor and lay there dying. She went out to the garden and attacked the weeds with a vengeance.

Could she hope Harry wouldn’t find a house?

She jabbed the shovel into the dirt. What difference did it make, if Sam wouldn’t ask her to stay?

She worked throughout the afternoon, ignoring the sweat dripping down her face.

Joey played in the shade. Occasionally he looked toward her, his face pinched with concern. Poor little boy would have to go through another change. She would do her best to make the transition easy for him.

She stopped to prepare supper. Afterwards the meal, she put Joey to bed and slipped out of the house while Sam said good night to the boy. She returned to the garden and worked until dark.

She put aside the shovel, wiped her face on her apron. As she neared the house, Sam stepped from the shadows.

“You’re spending a lot of time on a garden you’re going to leave behind.”

“Maybe Gus will take care of it.” She paused, hoping Sam would say more. When he didn’t, she stepped by him and went inside.

Gus was awake in his chair. He glanced past her as Sam followed her. “You are both blind if you let this happen. If you go with Harry.” He scowled at Elin. “And if you let it happen.” He directed his scowl at Sam.

Elin shrugged.

“She promised to marry him,” Sam said. “He sent her the money to come here.”

Elin didn’t correct his assumption. Her grandfather had paid her passage, saying she needed to begin without obligation.

“I’m sure things will work out,” she said with more conviction than she felt as she went to her room and sank to the side of her bed. What was she to do? What choice did she have?

As usual, she mattered not to anyone. Harry showed no affection. She was a housekeeper and someone to care for his son.

Well, she said, mentally shaking herself. She’d have a home of her own. And a child to love. That’s more than she expected when she came to America.

She’d hoped for a few days in which to adjust her thinking. Though the truth was, she’d hoped a few days would give Sam a chance to ask her to stay. But even Gus’s nagging didn’t cause Sam to change his mind.

The next day was Sunday but no one suggested going to church. Elin didn’t want to ever go to town again. As if she could thus avoid her future, but Harry arrived midmorning the next day driving a wagon. He jumped down and greeted them cheerfully. “I found a house. It’s furnished and everything. Pack your bags. I’ll take you to your new home.”

She gave Sam a long look. He didn’t meet her gaze. So that was his answer. She turned and went to her room to throw her things into her trunk and Joey’s things into his bag. Harry took Elin’s trunk and heaved it into the back. “Come along, boy,” he said.

Joey drew back, sidling up to Sam. Sam lifted him into the wagon and stepped back, ignoring the way Joey’s bottom lip trembled.

Elin stood at the side of the wagon, unable to say good-bye to Sam and Gus.

Gus patted her back. “Stupid man,” he muttered.

Elin didn’t know which man he meant.

Sam didn’t move.

So be it. “Good-bye, Sam.” Harry helped her to the seat and they headed for town.

It was the longest, loneliest ride of her life.

* * *

Sam headed for the barn. The best thing he could do was ride out to the cattle and stay there until he forgot all about Elin. But Gus blocked his way. “Are you just gonna let her go with him? You ain’t gonna say anything? She belongs here like I been saying from the start.”

He edged past the old man but Gus followed him.

“What kind of life do you think she’ll have with him?” Gus slapped his hat against his leg. “And here I thought you had some sense.”

“What about the boy?” Sam said softly.

“Joey? What about him? He belongs here too.”

Sam stopped and faced the old man. “He’s Harry’s son. He belongs with Harry. But at least he’ll have Elin.”

Gus puffed out his cheeks. “You might be right on that score.” He grew fierce again. “But I know that’s not the reason you didn’t ask her to stay.”

“Gus, you don’t know nothin’.” He continued to the barn, but Gus followed hard on his heels.

“You think I don’t know how much you were hurt by losing your ma and pa and being raised like a hired hand? And then that Luanne girl up and died on you. ’Course you’re afraid of bein’ hurt again. But boy, shutting yourself up to the likes of Elin isn’t the answer. You’re denyin’ yourself the best thing you could have.”

“Gus, I’m going to check on the cows. I’ll be away a few days.”

“You’re leaving me on my own? First, you let Elin and Joey go without a word of protest and now you’re gonna leave me on my own. Boy, I thought better of you.” He stomped back to the house.

Sam sighed. What was wrong with Gus? He’d been alone lots of times. ’Course, he didn’t blame him for missing Elin. He missed her so bad he almost wished the gunshot wound had been a little more to the center.

He rode out to his herd and, with a bitter taste in the back of his throat, counted those that were left. Seemed he was destined to lose everything that mattered to him.

He was short with the men, and generally bad company. After three days, Billy approached him as the men sat around the evening meal.

“Uh, Boss, can I say something?”

“Ain’t I always listened to you?”

Billy twisted his hat. “Well, the thing is, me and the boys are getting tired of your crankiness. I don’t know what burr you got under your saddle, but I’m guessing it has something to do with Miss Elin, seein’ as you’re here ’stead of with her.”

“She’s gone.”

Billy digested that. “Gone where?”

“To Buffalo Hollow with Harry.”

Billy made a sound that could be growl or groan, but all disgust. “Then get yourself in the saddle and go after her.” He swallowed hard. “Sorry, Boss, but it’s plain you’re nothin’ but miserable.”

Sam dumped out his coffee and strode toward his horse. “Maybe I will go.” Only not to town. He didn’t much care if he ever went to town again. The last thing he wanted to see was Elin on Harry’s arm, smiling up at him.

It was dark by the time he reached home. He strode into the house. Gus slept in his chair, a lamp burning on the table beside him. He jerked awake. “Wondered how long it would be until you came to your senses.”

Sam threw his hat at the hook. It fell to the floor and he left it there. “Seems everyone knows exactly what I should do. But there ain’t no one else in my boots.”He crossed to the stove, lifted the coffeepot and, finding it empty, put it down hard.

“The truth is as plain as the nose on your face. You love Elin. She loves you. But neither of you will be the first to say it. Stubbornness will lead to a miserable life for you both.”

Sam snorted. “What makes you think she loves me?”

“I got eyes.”

“And I never said I love her.”

“Don’t need to. I got eyes.”

Sam plopped down on the chair and leaned his elbows on the table. What good were eyes that saw so much when he saw nothing but barriers?

Something jabbed his leg and he stuck his hand in his pocket to see what the problem was. He pulled out the silver horseshoe he’d found while trying to discover the rustlers. And stop them from taking more cows. He’d sure failed at that.

Gus heard the clink of the horseshoe and got up to look. “How’d you get that?”

“Found it while I was trying to track the rustlers. Harry must have lost it before he left.”

Gus flicked it across the table with his thumb. “Don’t see how that’s possible. He was wearing it the day he left.”

“You sure?”

“Dead certain. He had on a blue silk shirt and his favorite bolo tie. I recall he touched it and said it was his lucky tie.”

Sam stared at the horseshoe. “Then how did it get out there where I was looking for rustlers?”

“That my boy, is a very good question. Best you figure out the answer.”