The Rancher Inherits A Family. Cheryl St.John

time Marigold had seen a smile on his face, and she appreciated the relaxed expression. He and Dewey had obviously shared a long friendship.

      “You rode the train all the way from Missouri?” Russ asked the boys.

      Harper looked at Tate, and Tate responded. “Yes, sir. Part way we met Miss Brewster, an’ she helped look after us.”

      “She has a cat,” Harper added.

      “Where do you live?” Tate asked.

      “I have a place in town,” Russ replied.

      “A new house,” Evelyn said. “I helped him with rugs and furniture and the like. It will be a fine home for a family.”

      Russ gave his mother a tolerant grin. “Someday.”

      “Not long now.” She glanced at Marigold. “The young woman Russ has been corresponding with is coming to Cowboy Creek in only a few weeks.”

      “Mother,” Russ said by way of shushing her.

      “Where do you stay, Dewey?” Marigold asked, to change the subject.

      “I have a place in the rear of the small barn.” He gestured over his shoulder with a thumb.

      Evelyn tilted her head. “I’ve tried to get him into the house, but he won’t have it—not even over the winter.”

      “Got ever’thing I need right out there, and I don’t bother nobody when I get up to look at the stars of a night,” he replied. “Ain’t slept in a house my whole life, an’ I don’t have a mind to now.”

      It was clear they’d had the discussion more than once, and Evelyn wasn’t winning.

      Little John woke up, and his disoriented gaze went from person to person, until he found his brothers. He sat up and scooted close to Marigold. She patted his leg. “This is Little John,” she told the newcomers.

      The boy stuck his thumb into his mouth.

      “Harper, will you please take him around back?”

      “Yes’m.”

      Tate followed his younger brothers.

      “Three children are a big responsibility,” Russ commented.

      “I know all about responsibility.” Seth’s voice held a depth of meaning.

      Russ took a sip of his coffee.

      “Miss Brewster is here to help us.” Evelyn gave Marigold a warm smile.

      “I’ll see to those dishes now,” she said. She got up and made her way inside.

      There was more to this family than anyone had shared, but it was none of her business. None of this was her business, when it came right down to it, but here she was, embroiled in the care and feeding of three children and a wounded rancher.