Love Finds You in Lonesome Prairie, Montana (18 page)

She was glad to be moving in with Miriam and Elizabeth, but she couldn’t help but remember with fondness the few perfect hours she’d spent with the parson on her first stormy night. He’d listened to her intently, gazing into her eyes. And when he’d spoken, he’d projected sincerity and wit. How many times had he made her laugh since she’d arrived? His welcoming friendliness had made her stay here a touch easier. She wondered if she’d have a chance to thank him. She assumed not, since he’d probably not return from his circuit before she left for New York. Surely Mrs. Gaffin wouldn’t leave her marooned out here too long.

She sighed and felt her chest rise and fall. She’d never been in love, but the startling sensations that arose as she pondered the parson’s handsome smile, dark eyes, and strong build made her wonder if this could be how it felt at the start of a romance.

“Silly girl,” she scolded herself aloud for lingering on these thoughts. In truth, she was relieved that she’d probably not see Isaac Shepherd again. She didn’t know much about romance, but her simmering feelings surely didn’t seem safe.

“Miss Cavanaugh?”

A man’s voice.

Julia’s heart beat even more quickly. Twirling around to face the door, she saw the owner of the handsome smile, dark eyes, and strong build that she’d been daydreaming about standing before her.

“Miriam sent me to fetch you.” Isaac gazed at Miss Cavanaugh, whose face was more tanned than the last time he saw her, her hair dappled with blond. She seemed to grow more beautiful with each sunrise.

“Oh! It’s you!” Surprise reflected from her eyes, and pink tinged her neck. She dropped the hairbrush she held and gawked at him. Her look made Isaac wonder if he’d done something to offend her.

“I thought Miriam was coming,” she said, biting a thumbnail.

A twinge of pain—sensing her apparent disapproval—pinched Isaac. He shrugged. “I’d be happy, Miss Cavanaugh, to go back and get her, if you like.”

“No, no, no,” she spoke quickly. “I’m sorry.” A smile replaced Miss Cavanaugh’s shock, her shoulders relaxing. “Parson Shepherd. Of course not.” She stepped toward him, wiping her hands on her skirt.

“You just surprised me. And please call me Julia. Forgive me for that odd reception. I was just deep…in thought.” She took another step toward him, and her gaze locked with his. “I’m glad it’s you…,” she said softly.

“You are?” A rush of uninvited emotion pushed his heart against his chest.
What did she mean by that?

The pink in her neck deepened to red and wandered to her cheeks. “I mean…I have questions about the Bible,” she said quickly. “If you don’t mind.”

Isaac let out a breath, relieved. Yet, at the same time, fear crept to his heart—fear of the strength of his attraction to her.
Lord, I need Your help to keep this vow. Help me to serve her as a member of my church.
He gave her a reassuring smile. “Of course. I’d love to talk about the Scriptures.” He paced next to her and picked up the valise. “Is this all you have?”

Julia scurried to the table and grabbed the parasol from the back of a chair. “That…and this. Oh—” She snatched a book from under the flat pillow. “Can’t forget my novel, although I finished it three days ago. I must say, the evenings were quite lonely out here, and when I’d finished the book, they felt even lonelier.”

Isaac tilted his head, spying the title. “
The Prairie Knight
, eh?”

“Yes.” Julia raised her chin pertly. “And it was quite realistic. The hero rescued the ‘prairie princess’ from no less than three Indian raids, two rushing rivers, and one rabid dog.” She laughed. “I’ve been out West just a few weeks, but I can’t believe anyone takes such stories seriously.”

Isaac clamped his lips together, smothering a chuckle.

“Well, if I’m honest,” she said with a wry smile, “I suppose I also believed such tales not that long ago. But tell me, don’t you ever have Indian raids?”

Isaac led the way outside. “Not in these parts anymore.” He paused, letting her catch up to him. “I hope you don’t mind, but Jefferson is using the wagon. It’s not too long of a walk, and I figured you wouldn’t have very much luggage.”

“That’s fine. I’d love to walk,” Julia said as the children ran up to them.

“Uncle Ike!” Bea wrapped an arm around his leg then moved to cuddle Calamity.

Shelby and Johannah strolled up arm-in-arm.

“We want to go for a walk,” Shelby said. “All I keep hearing about are the buffalo tunnels. Can we go see them?”

Julia shook her head. “If you two go, everyone will want to, and we can’t leave all the children in your care.”

Shelby and Johannah twisted their heads to Isaac.

“Please, Uncle Ike, why don’t we all go?” Johannah lowered her chin and blinked up at him. Isaac had given in to this look since the blond-haired girl was Bea’s age, and apparently Johannah knew her power.

Isaac had planned on making a quick stop at his sisters’ ranch for supplies before rejoining Jim on the search for Mabelina. The two had traversed through Big Sandy and the surrounding townships for a week, with no sign of her. Yet the giant man possessed a giant faith, and he was determined to keep searching till they found her.

When Isaac had arrived at Miriam and Elizabeth’s place, they’d immediately asked him to stay the night, hoping he’d watch the first Shakespearean production in Chouteau county—performed by his own nieces.

How could Isaac refuse?

His sisters hadn’t mentioned that Miss Cavanaugh would also be there, but Isaac figured she would. And the thought of seeing her had propelled a surge of joy through him.

He eyed his nieces, gazing with all earnestness. “All right.” He gripped each one’s shoulders. “If Miss Cavanaugh doesn’t mind.”

She nodded. “I’ve been hearing a lot about those buffalo tunnels myself.”

“I’ll lead the way!” Christopher raced up and dashed ahead.

“Wait! I know where it is. Why do you always have to go first?” Johannah hollered as she and Shelby ran after him.

The others scampered along after them as Julia and Isaac sauntered behind. Julia breathed in the sweet scent of the prairie. The sun overhead warmed her shoulders, and the man walking next to her warmed her thoughts.

He led her toward the coulee Miriam had taken her to once before.

“In the spring these coulees fill with melting snow,” he said. Passing through, they reached the other side, which opened up to an ocean of tall, waving grass.

Julia’s skirt brushed against the dust as more dirt accumulated on her boots.
So much for the prim and proper city girl.
She glanced up ahead at the herd of children racing through the grasses. “Do you see Bea?” She surveyed the field.

“I just did. She’s so little the grass hides her.” He pointed toward the right. “There she is.”

Julia could barely make out Bea’s head as it bobbed along a few yards behind the others.

“This tall grass…” Isaac pushed a clump of it to the side. “They call it buffalo grass. Probably because the first settlers saw the buffalo lazing in it.”

Julia grazed the grass with her hands, letting it tickle her palms. “Buffalo?” Her footsteps paused. “I saw some from my window on the train. Do many herds pass through here?”

“Not too many. Like cattle, they don’t like drinking from the same waterholes as the sheep. But once in a while, a herd rumbles through. What you have to watch out for are the stragglers and wounded.”

“So I’ve read. In my dime novels, it’s the weak animals that are the most frightening. Are they really dangerous?”

“Yes, you wouldn’t want to face a live one. But don’t worry.” He puffed his chest out. “I’ve stared down more than one in my day.”

Julia eyed him, unsure.

He chuckled under his breath, telling Julia he was joking again.

“If I ever have need of a mighty buffalo hunter,” she said, “I’ll most certainly call on you.”

With an impish nod, Isaac winked and started walking again. They tramped over a grassy knoll, and reaching the other side, he pointed. “It’s right up there. This way.”

She followed him until they came to a low-lying spot where a cluster of trees had sprung up, and behind them the land seemed to fold in on itself. Instead of standing straight up, the tall prairie grass arched, forming what looked like tunnels.

“What
is
this place?”

“It’s a buffalo trail.” Isaac stomped the ground under the arch. “See, the herds have taken this path for so long, it’s packed solid. It’s almost like a wagon rut, only wider, and the grass only grows up the sides. Then it curves over, you see, and makes a tunnel.” Julia palmed the top of the curved tunnel. “It’s amazing.”

“C’mon.” Isaac hurried down the tunnel’s filtered light, her valise swinging in his hand, and Julia followed.

The scent of the grass was strong, and every so often she noticed brown patches of hair poking out, evidence of the beasts. She giggled as she raced after Isaac and wondered when she’d ever had such a happy day.

Coming out the other side, she stood beside Isaac, who reached out his hands toward the limpid depths of a large pond. “And now, you finally get to see our lake.”

Julia thought he was teasing again. “This is it?” she questioned. “I saw lakes on the train ride out here—the Great Lakes, all those quaint Minnesota ones. Is this really considered a lake?”

Isaac frowned. His forehead scrunched. “It’s called Lonesome Lake.”

Julia covered her lips with her hand. He wasn’t fooling. This really was the lake. “I’m sorry. I guess I just expected…something bigger.”

“You don’t like our lake?” His voice sounded disappointed. “I thought you’d like it.”

Julia touched his arm, concerned. “Of course I do. It’s lovely.”

Isaac laughed as he patted her hand. “I suppose it does look pretty meager compared to what you’ve seen.” He shifted his stance to face her and then threw her another wink.

“Oh! You weren’t upset.” She stomped her foot. “You were teasing me again.”

“Forgive me.” His voice lowered. “It’s so fun.” His eyes shone with a smile and then softened to convey compassion. “I’ll bet it’s not only our lakes that are different from the world you’re used to.”

A breeze picked up off the water, loosening a strand of Julia’s hair. She tucked it behind her ear. “It’s very different—in so many ways—and the past couple of weeks haven’t been easy, but…” She plucked a piece of grass from his sleeve. “I’m glad I came—and even that I’ve had to stay awhile.” Her gaze fell to her hands. “I’ve been able to learn much more about God.” She angled her head up and peered into his eyes. “Thanks to you.”

Isaac’s gaze joined hers. Julia sensed tenderness as well as esteem in his eyes, and she was loath to let the moment pass.

Then abruptly, Isaac’s eyes shifted to the side, and the tender look was replaced by a cool, awkward glance.

Julia reproved herself for reading something into his actions that wasn’t there.
He’s only trying to comfort me, behaving like a minister,
she thought.
I’ve got to stop letting myself think there’s anything more.

As if to affirm her thoughts, Isaac began walking toward his sisters’ ranch atop a nearby hill. “We’d better get back,” he said pleasantly, swinging the valise again. The intimacy of the previous hour was gone.

Julia gathered up the children, and they plodded home.