Grant felt a rush of strength flow through his body as he stepped to the lone window, hoping he’d be able to spot whoever was approaching the cabin. If it was a band of outlaws, they’d more than likely keep to the back of the shack, not ride up in plain sight where anyone inside could draw a bead on them with a rifle.
He stood to one side then leaned forward slightly and peered out. Just as he expected. Nothing moved. But he wasn’t fooled. The horse that whinnied hadn’t been Diego.
Grant glanced at Addie. She gripped her hands in front of her, but she didn’t appear terrified in the least. He bit back a smile at the memory of her standing at the door holding the rifle even though she was afraid there might be outlaws outside. What a woman! He’d never met anyone like her except Connie—a strong woman with a heart of gold.
Where was the horse they’d heard? They didn’t both imagine it. A sudden movement from the corner of his vision caught his attention. Two men, bundled in heavy coats with hats pulled low over their eyes, rode into sight, leading a spare horse.
If his guess was correct, he and Addie would be leaving the cozy confines of the line shack soon. Relief warred with disappointment at the realization. Somehow he’d thought they’d be stuck here for another couple of days, and it hadn’t worried him at all, other than the anxiety it might cause the people back home. He couldn’t stifle the twinge of satisfaction over the thought that the older gentleman who wanted to marry Addie would have to wait. From what he surmised, the man only wanted a maid, cook, and free help in his store. That was no reason to marry, in his estimation.
The horses pushed through the deep snow and moved closer to the cabin. He knew that lead horse, as he’d helped break him in a few years ago. And that was certainly no outlaw; it was George Clancy, and behind him rode Porter Smith, one of his oldest hands, leading a horse behind him.
Grant grinned at Addie. “You can come out now and relax. They aren’t outlaws; they’re my men.”
Addie stepped to Grant’s side at the window and peered outside. “You’re certain it’s safe?”
“Yes. Those two men have worked for me for several years. I didn’t think they’d arrive so quickly or think of looking here.” He moved to the door and opened it a few inches.
The biting wind blew through the crack and Addie shivered. She reached for a piece of split wood, opened the door to the stove, and shoved it inside. Those men would be nearly frozen after traveling in this weather. She looked up. “How about their horses? Is there room in the lean-to?”
Grant nodded. “Diego is one of their pasture mates, so he won’t mind sharing. We’ll blanket them if we need to with the extra blankets from the cot.”
She frowned, wondering what they’d use for blankets if they put them over the horses’ backs. “But what about—”
The door was flung open, and two men stamped their feet on the threshold then moved inside. “Hey, boss. Hoped we’d find you out here when you didn’t make it home before the storm hit. Connie and Thomas have been worried.”
Addie’s excitement at being rescued dimmed a bit at the mention of Grant’s family. It was time she got to town and found Sam Tolliver so she could put this foolishness behind her.
Grant shot the man a look then glanced at Addie. “That’s what I figured. I got caught in the storm when Diego pulled up lame. Did you have a hard time getting here?” He frowned. “Sorry. Where are my manners. Boys, this is Miss Addie Patrick. Miss Patrick, this is George Clancy”—he motioned at the man who must be nearing his thirties—“and Porter Smith, an old galoot who hails from down Texas way.” He grinned. “And I’m lucky to have them on my payroll.”
Both men swept off their hats and bowed, revealing a shock of blond hair on the cowboy named Clancy and a nearly bald head on Porter Smith. “Proud to meet you, ma’am,” said Mr. Smith with a shy smile. “What brings you to the line shack?”
She tipped her head and smiled. “Nice to meet you both, and I’m anxious to hear your answer about the trails and the snow. But to answer your question, I was on my way to Mt. Dora when my wagon overturned. My driver was killed, and I was thrown clear. I made it here before the storm got bad.”
Mr. Smith scratched his head. “Who was your driver, ma’am?”
“I only remember his first name. Clem. He was from Clayton.”
“Ah, that’s a shame. I knowed Clem, and he was a good fella, if a mite stubborn in wantin’ to do things his own way.”
Addie nodded. “I tried to convince him to slow the horse, but he said we needed to get to Mt. Dora before the storm broke.”
Mr. Smith’s brows rose. “You walked all the way here? Clem still out there, I suppose?”
“Yes, but it wasn’t far. I imagine Clem is buried under the snow. I wish I could have done something for him, but I had no way to bury him.” Dread filled her at the next question she felt compelled to ask. “Did he have a family?”
“No, ma’am. Clem was alone in the world, other than his dog. One of the neighbors will hear ol’ Rusty howlin’ if he doesn’t get fed, and they’ll take him in. They’re used to Clem haulin’ freight and passengers to Mt. Dora and not makin’ it home at night.”
“Good. I’ve been worried he might have a wife sitting at home worrying.” She cast a look at Grant and opened her lips, but George Clancy interrupted.
“Boss, you asked about the trail. It’s passable, but we need to get you home soon as we can, if Diego can travel. Thomas came down sick, and Connie’s fit to be tied.” He motioned toward Addie. “What about her?”
Grant looked from his men to Addie. “She’ll have to come with us. We don’t have enough horses, but she can ride the extra you brought and I’ll walk.”
Addie gasped. “But I need to get to Mt. Dora.”
Mr. Smith shook his head. “Not going to work, I’m afraid. There’s another storm comin’ in. I can feel it in my bones. We’ll be lucky to get back before she hits. ’Sides, Connie needs the boss as soon as he can get there, and that’s all there is to it. We’ll make sure you get to town when the snow clears, ma’am. I promise.”
Grant looked from his ranch hands to Addie. “I have to agree with George. If there’s another storm due, we might make it to town and be trapped there. I’m sorry, but you’ll have to come to the ranch with us until the weather clears and we can safely take you to Mt. Dora.”
Addie wavered on the edge of arguing. She didn’t particularly care to meet Grant’s wife or stay in their home. It made her heart ache just to think of it—which didn’t bode well for her future relationship with Sam Tolliver. But it couldn’t be helped. There was good sense in what they proposed. She’d have to put on a smile and make the best of things, no matter what the future might hold.