Josh Page 12
Suddenly he lifted his hat and waved it. “Get ready.”
The first of the cattle appeared over a ridge, moving in an undulating wave, their hooves sending up sprays of snow and grass in their wake.
At the spectacular sight, Sierra felt an unexpected lump in her throat. It actually looked like something out of a movie. But this was real. For Josh and his family, this was their life, their livelihood.
The horsemen began to fan out, ready to join the wranglers that rode in a loose formation on the fringes of the thundering herd.
Sierra reined in her mount at the top of a rise, which gave her a panoramic view of the scene below. She focused her camera on the great black sea of cattle, snapping off shot after shot.
Gradually her attention was caught by the individual wranglers. From a distance they were merely men astride horses, occasionally waving a rope or hat to keep a stray cow in line. But as she zoomed in on their faces, she could see the shaggy hair beneath the wide-brimmed hat; the rough growth of beard on a man who had been living in the high country for endless nights; the body, lean and muscled from years spent in hard, manual labor; and even the eyes, alert to the job at hand, catching sight of an errant cow almost from the moment it began to stray.
As the herd thundered past, she saw Josh take up a position near the rear. Even as she focused her camera on him, his rope snaked out, neatly dropping over the neck of a cow that had veered away from the others. While the cow thrashed about, Josh’s horse drew back until the rope was taut. Horse and rider worked as a perfect team until the cow settled down, then, with the rope still around its neck, meekly followed along behind until they rejoined the rest of the herd. Josh slid from the saddle and his horse moved just enough to loosen the taut rope. When the noose was removed, the cow was swallowed up in a sea of cattle. Josh climbed back into the saddle, and horse and rider moved to the far side of the herd to do it all again and again.
Through it all, Sierra snapped off photo after photo, recording every moment.
She heard a yell and watched as Big Jim spotted a line of cattle breaking away from the herd and heading for a narrow canyon. Because of the tremendous noise, none of the other wranglers heard his warning or took notice. Big Jim’s horse broke into a furious gallop as it raced to get ahead of the runaways.
Using her zoom, Sierra captured every moment of the heart-stopping teamwork between man and mount as they inched forward over rocky terrain until they were able to head off the mutinous action and return the line of cows to the herd.
Instead of remaining at her vantage point behind the herd, Sierra was suddenly eager to return to the corrals, so that she could record just how such a large number of cattle would be contained when they finally reached their final destination. Urging her horse up a hill and over the other side, she managed to get there well ahead of the herd.
Quinn and Cheyenne were quickly joined by Cole and Big Jim. Astride their horses, they shouted and whistled and waved coiled ropes and hats to keep the cattle moving through the open gates of the corral. When one corral was filled, they opened the gates of a second and directed the rest of the herd inside.
Josh and Jake arrived at the rear of the cattle, making certain that the last of the cows followed the others into the holding pens.
Once inside the cows milled about, churning the snow and dirt into a sea of mud. Outside the corrals the lathered horses blew and snorted from the effort, their breath pluming in the air.
The wranglers dismounted and led their weary horses toward the barn, where feed and water and a good rubdown awaited them as a reward at the end of their long journey from the high country.
Sierra recorded all of it, pausing to frame a lanky wrangler as he shook Big Jim’s hand, and catching a stunning moment when Quinn lifted Cheyenne from her horse, then continued holding her in his arms as he took the time to slowly lower her to the ground while thoroughly kissing her.
The two were laughing as they walked toward the house, arm in arm.
When Sierra lowered her camera and turned, she found Josh beside her. “Why were you photographing them? I thought you were looking for shots of the real West.”
“They’re not real?”
Jake strode up behind his brother. “Real mushy, if you ask me.”
Josh touched a hand to her camera. “Did you get some good pictures?”
“Yes.” She felt almost breathless, and blamed it on the excitement of the roundup. It couldn’t possibly be because he was standing so close while she was feeling so emotional. “I can’t wait to see every frame.”
Jake peered over his brother’s shoulder. “You going to share them with all of us?”
She nodded. “You bet. As soon as I sort through them and see just what I’ve got.”
“Good.” Josh turned toward the house. “It’s not over yet.”
“What do you mean?”
“I’ll show you.” Instead of heading toward the mudroom, he led her around to the front of the house, with its wide front porch that ran the entire width of the building, offering a sweeping view of grassy meadows and towering mountains for miles in every direction.
Tables and benches had been set up on the sheltered front porch. The tables were covered in lengths of festive red-and-white-checked plaid, and groaned under mountains of roast beef and ham and chicken and barbecued ribs. There were bowls of whipped potatoes, corn on the cob and baked beans, and baskets of hot buttered rolls. There were gallons of foamy milk, as well as a side table holding coffee, and a tub of ice filled with beer and soda.
Josh leaned close. “I hope you brought your appetite. Because, believe me, our wranglers have been thinking about this feast for weeks now.”
Jake, trailing behind them, added, “Phoebe and Ela are our secret weapons.”
Josh laughed. “He’s not kidding. This is the bonus we offer every year to persuade cowboys to spend endless days in the high country with nothing but cows and coyotes for company. By this time every year, all they can think about is a real home-cooked meal.”
“Well,” Jake added with a laugh, “this feast might be number one on their list of favorite things, but heading into town with fat paychecks is a close second.” He punched Josh on the shoulder. “Hell, after so many nights of seeing nothing but cows, no woman will be safe. Even old Flora and Dora will look good to them tonight.”
Josh joined in the laughter and winked at Sierra. “Too bad we can’t be flies on the wall tonight at Flora’s Diner. I’m betting Flora’s been baking dozens of apple pies all day, just to satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth.”
“You know what they say.” Sierra couldn’t help getting into the spirit of the moment. “The way to a man’s heart…”
Jake gave a shake of his head. “These cowboys don’t need any bait. But that won’t stop Flora’s daughter, Dora, from practically bathing in enough cheap perfume to clog their lungs.”
“And dull their brains,” Josh added.
Jake chuckled. “They don’t need brains for what Flora and Dora have in mind for them tonight.”
“In fact,” Josh said, “they’d be better off leaving their brains home. Thinking will just get in the way.”
The two brothers were still laughing as they climbed the steps of the front porch and dipped into the tub of ice to help themselves to cold, frosty longnecks.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Sierra hurried upstairs to shower and change into fresh clothes. After a long day in the saddle, she’d expected to feel bone-weary. Instead, she was feeling surprisingly agile, and for that she was thankful for the years of conditioning her muscles got from her hiking and climbing.
She slipped into clean denims and a turtleneck sweater the color of ripe raspberries before reaching for her ever-present camera. She couldn’t wait to record the feast.
Downstairs the wranglers streamed from the bunkhouse, their faces clean-shaven, their shaggy hair slicked back from their showers. All were wearing fresh denims and flannel shirts, their once-filt
hy, trail-dusted boots polished to a high shine as they made their way to the banquet awaiting them on the front porch.
When Sierra approached, Josh looked up from the corner of the porch, where he was deep in conversation with Jake and Cole. He stepped away from them to hurry to her side.
As he led her toward the others he looked her up and down approvingly. “Well, don’t you look pretty.”
She dimpled. Why was it that a simple compliment from this man meant more to her than a dozen flattering comments from anyone else?
“Want to take our picture?” Jake dropped an arm around his brother’s shoulder, and the two of them stepped up beside Cole.
“I’d love to.” Sierra lifted her camera, framed the shot, and snapped.
“That’s it?” Jake looked puzzled. “Usually we have to stand here wearing silly grins for a minute or more.”
“That’s for amateurs.” Josh nudged him with his elbow. “You’re looking at a pro here.”
“I wouldn’t know about that.” Jake winked at his father. “So far, we haven’t seen a single picture to back up that claim.”
“All in good time.” Sierra turned and snapped off several shots of the tables laden with food.
“Want a beer?” Josh held up a cold bottle.
“Thanks.” She sipped, then set it aside when she caught sight of Big Jim stepping up to the center of the porch and calling for silence.
In a whisper she added, “For now, if you don’t mind, I’d like to capture this for posterity.”
As she quietly moved about, snapping off shot after shot, Josh stood to one side, keeping her in his line of vision.
He couldn’t take his eyes off her. He was clearly captivated by this woman.
That fact wasn’t lost on his father and brother, who exchanged knowing looks.
After Big Jim’s words of thanks to the wranglers for their hard work, they filled their plates and settled around the tables. The good food, the abundance of beer, and the friendly atmosphere loosened them up until they were regaling one another with stories of their time spent in the hills.
As Sierra moved among them, snapping off pictures, she overheard snatches of conversation that were as revealing as any photo.
“… was glad when Josh joined us.” The speaker was a stick-thin cowboy with skin the texture of aged leather and dark hair threaded with gray.
“Yeah.” The stocky young wrangler beside him nodded. “Funny thing. He’s never pushy or loud. But he has a way of taking charge. I swear those old cows know when he’s around.”
A sandy-haired, freckled cowboy overheard and added, “If I didn’t know he was one of the owners, I’d think he was just another hired hand. He works harder than any of us.”
“That’s how you get to be the owner of one of the biggest spreads in Wyoming,” another said with a laugh. “Just ask his grandfather. Big Jim has always been able to outwork, outplay and outthink every man in Wyoming.”
That had the entire table of cowboys laughing and nodding.
Sierra glanced over to where Josh and his brothers stood, tipping up longnecks and talking in low tones.
It was reassuring to hear such nice things being said about Josh and his family. But, she thought with a smile, they were wrong about one thing. That loose, easy style couldn’t hide the fact that Josh Conway knew exactly who he was and what he was doing. He wasn’t just the go-to guy on the slopes of the Tetons. He carried his share of responsibility every day here on the ranch.
She watched as Josh, Quinn, Jake, Cole, and Big Jim moved among the men, shaking hands, listening, smiling. They couldn’t fake the appreciation they felt for every man here and for the job they all did so well. That was evident in the way the men responded to them. Not as employee to boss, but man to man.
She continued to snap photos until Cheyenne touched a hand to her arm. “You haven’t eaten a thing.”
Sierra turned to her with a look of surprise. “You’re right. I guess I got so caught up in trying to capture every single moment of this day, I forgot about food.”
“That would explain that tiny waistline.”
Sierra laughed. “I could say the same about you. If you’d like to borrow my clothes, be my guest. I’m betting they’d fit you like they were your own.”
“Thanks. I may have to take you up on that if Quinn and I stay here a few more days. I didn’t bring much with me, thinking we’d be back at my ranch yesterday.”
“How far is your ranch from here?”
“About an hour.” She pointed. “It’s just over those foothills.”
“I wish I could have seen it while I was here.”
“Maybe you could extend your visit?”
Sierra shrugged. “I’ve already been here longer than I’d planned. I’d hate to overstay my welcome.”
“You could never do that with the Conway family. They’re the most welcoming people I’ve ever known. Someday I’ll tell you about how long I was here while my ranch was being rebuilt after a fire, and how welcome they all made me feel. Besides,” she added with a laugh, “I know one Conway who wouldn’t object if you stayed longer.”
When Sierra shot her a questioning look she said, “Don’t pretend you haven’t noticed the way Josh hovers over you.”
The two young women laughed as they moved along the food-laden tables, filling their plates before finding an empty spot to sit and eat.
“Okay.” Sierra turned to Cheyenne. “Tell me about the fire you mentioned, and the amount of time you spent here.”
She listened in wide-eyed amazement as Cheyenne described the house fire that swept through her place while she slept, and how Quinn’s heroics managed to save them both.
“Is that when you knew you loved Quinn?” Sierra asked.
Cheyenne laughed. “I barely knew him then. But I will admit that I was very intrigued. And by the time I’d been here a few weeks and got to know Quinn’s family, I knew that what I was feeling was something very special.”
“Were you afraid?”
“Of my feelings?”
Sierra shook her head. “Of making a lifelong commitment.”
“Oh.” Cheyenne smiled. “I guess everyone has some concerns about making promises for a lifetime. But with Quinn, it was so easy.”
“Why?”
Cheyenne touched a hand to Sierra’s. “I can’t explain it. I just knew he was the one I’d been waiting for.” She pointed to Sierra’s plate. “You haven’t eaten a thing.”
“You’re right.” With a laugh Sierra sampled a little of everything, from chicken to steak to ribs and baked beans, and gave a sigh of pleasure. “With food like this, how do you keep from weighing a ton?”
Cheyenne laughed. “Discipline and hard work.”
Sierra nodded. “I’ve had a sample of the hard work today. How do you and Quinn manage two ranches?”
Cheyenne sighed. “We’re finding out that it isn’t easy. When he’s here helping his family, he feels guilty that he isn’t at my place helping me. When I’m here with him, the chores at my ranch suffer. That’s why we know that we have to make some decisions soon.”
“What about your family?”
Cheyenne’s face clouded for a moment, and Sierra wished she could take back her question.
Then Cheyenne managed a smile. “My family is all gone now. My father, mother, and brother.”
“Oh, Cheyenne.” Sierra touched her hand. “I’m so sorry.”
“Thanks.” The young woman sighed. “Having Quinn’s family around me has softened the loss. I love all the teasing that goes on among his brothers.”
“Yeah. They’re fun to be around. I never thought that families could enjoy one another’s company so much.”
“I guess you haven’t had a lot of experience with family, have you?”
Sierra shook her head. “It’s so much better than anything I could have imagined. The private jokes. The shared history.” She looked at Cheyenne. “You must miss that with your family gone.”
“How will you ever decide which one to live on?”
“That’s easy. Quinn built a cabin on the property Big Jim gave him. It’s nestled in high country, near his current wolf pack, between this ranch and mine.” Her smile became dreamy. “It’s a place we both love. We spend as much time as possible there, until we can make it our permanent home. As for merging the two ranches, and the crew of wranglers, it will take some planning, but we think we can make it work.”
“I hope so.” Sierra gave her a gentle smile. “I’ll hold a good thought for you.”
“Thanks. That’s sweet of you. I appreciate it.”
They looked up when Quinn and Josh walked over to join them.
“About time you ate something.” Josh sat down beside Sierra. “I was hoping I wouldn’t have to hog-tie you and force you to eat.”
“With food this good, no force-feeding’s necessary. I just got busy and forgot for a while. Now I don’t need any reminder to eat.”
He nodded toward the dessert table, laden with slices of gooey chocolate cake and apple pie. “You don’t want to miss that.”
Sierra shook her head. “Believe me, I intend to sample a little of everything. But not just yet.” She sat back. “This has been the most amazing day.”
Josh nodded. “And it isn’t over yet.” He leaned close, causing a shiver to race down her spine. “Maybe, if we’re lucky, it’ll be an even more amazing night.”
Her eyes went wide, and she turned to him with a look of surprise. Before she could respond, Cole tapped him on the shoulder.
“The light’s starting to fade, son, and these cowboys are getting eager to head to town. I need a hand passing out the paychecks and bonuses.”
“Right.” Josh stood, then bent low to whisper to Sierra, “When I get back, remind me where we left off.”
Before turning away he touched a finger to her cheek. Just a touch, but she absorbed the pleasure of it all the way to her toes.