Boaz's Wager Read online

  “It was a request,” he admitted.

  He shook his head.

  “You know I can’t go into a saloon. Just being near alcohol makes me want to drink it, and if I take a sip, I’ll have to start all over with staying sober again.” If he’d known how hard it was to break the habit of drinking, he never would have started. “If I ask around and find out a woman is being sold in a poker game, will you go into the saloon to get her out of there so I can marry her?”

  Mitch groaned. “No. I’m never entering another saloon for as long as I live.”

  “Even if I ask really nice?”

  He shot Boaz a pointed look.

  “What if I train that horse that’s giving you grief? You know I’m good with horses.”

  “No, Boaz. I’m not going to a saloon. You’ll have to find another way to get a wife.”

  Boaz rubbed the back of his neck, his fingers brushing against his dark hair that almost reached the collar of his shirt. Truth be told, he couldn’t blame Mitch. The saloon wasn’t the most pleasant place to be. Had it not been for the alcohol and temptation of making easy money by gambling, Boaz would never have spent time there.

  His brother shot him a sympathetic look. “Don’t give up hope. She’ll come when you least expect it and probably in a situation you won’t expect either.”

  Maybe. Possibly. Boaz could only hope. And he hoped it wouldn’t take years to find her. He’d already missed three years of his children’s lives, and he didn’t want to miss any more.

  He stood up and went over to them. “What did you find?” he asked Leroy who was bent over something that seemed to fascinate him.

  “This.” Leroy stood up and showed him a snake.

  Hannah, who happened to look over from some flowers she’d been smelling nearby, screamed and ran into the house.

  Despite the chuckle that rose up in his throat, Boaz called out, “It’s a harmless snake,” so Mitch would know what made her scream. He knelt by Leroy. “You have to be careful. Not all snakes are friendly. This one is, so you’re safe.”

  “What’s a bad one?” Leroy asked.

  “I don’t think there are any in the immediate area, but there are some rattlesnakes. They can be light green or brown. The way you can tell if they’re rattlesnakes is by their tail. When the snakes shake their tales, it rattles, like a baby rattle. Don’t get near those.”

  Leroy nodded and an expectant Heather came out of the house with a crying Hannah. “Has someone been hurt?” she asked.

  “No,” Mitch replied and motioned to Leroy. “He got a hold of a snake and scared her.”

  Heather cringed. “No wonder she’s crying. Boaz, make sure he doesn’t come near the house with that thing.”

  “It won’t come near the house,” Boaz promised and patted Leroy on the shoulder. “Make sure you leave that thing right there.”

  “I will, Pa,” he solemnly spoke with a firm nod.

  Amused by how seriously Leroy seemed to take orders, Boaz headed back to the porch and picked Hannah up and hugged her. “You don’t have to be scared of the snake. Your brother will leave it where it’s at.” He let Hannah down and turned to Heather and Mitch. “Thanks for having me out here again.”

  “Anytime, Boaz,” Heather replied and gave him a hug.

  His mother stepped onto the porch, wiping her hands with a towel. “Are you going already?”

  “It’s almost eight,” he told her and gave her a hug as well. “I need to get to bed early so I can get to Wilson’s place in the morning. He’s having trouble getting his new stallion to behave.”

  “If anyone can tame a wild horse, it’s you,” his mother said, pride in her voice.

  “I think horses are easier to deal with than people are most of the time.” Horses didn’t care about his past and all the times he’d made a mess of things. They accepted him as he was, faults and all.

  “Will you come out on Sunday for supper?” Heather asked as he turned to go to his horse.

  “I’ll plan on it.”

  Even better would be if he brought out a woman who’d be a mother to Leroy and Hannah, but he didn’t dare get his hopes up. For the past few months, he kept thinking he’d be bringing news of the woman who’d marry him, but so far it hadn’t happened, and he was ready to give up any hope it would. Boaz said good-bye to everyone and got on his horse.

  ***

  The next morning, Boaz arrived on Greg Wilson’s ranch when he saw Greg trudge across the lawn. Boaz was ready to call out a greeting when he realized Greg was in a sour mood. He slowed his horse and sighed. Maybe this wouldn’t be a good day to start working on the stallion.

  Greg glanced in his direction and waved at him. “Morning, Boaz.”

  Boaz nodded, still hesitant to proceed forward. While Greg had offered a polite greeting, there was no mistaking the underlying annoyance in his tone. “You want me to come back another day?”

  “No. Today’s as good as any. The stallion isn’t doing me any favors while it’s being stubborn.”

  “Alright. I’ll tie my horse to the post then head to the barn.” Boaz led his horse to the post in front of the two-story home and was about to turn to the barn when a familiar voice called his name. Surprised, he looked at the porch where an attractive brunette stood by the storm door. “Patty Dixon? What are you doing out here?”

  “I married Greg.”

  He was sure his jaw dropped. “But I thought Greg didn’t want to get married.” Then for emphasis, he added, “To anyone.”

  She shrugged and fiddled with the door handle. “Yes, well, I suppose he had a minor fear of marriage.”

  A minor fear of marriage? He hid the urge to laugh. Greg didn’t fear anything. He didn’t want to get married, plain and simple. Now, he knew she wanted to marry him. In fact, it seemed that ever since they were children, she had it set in her mind that she was going to marry him, and for a while, Boaz thought Greg might fancy her, too.

  But then something changed and Greg didn’t want to marry anyone. Though he was curious about the reason Greg changed his mind, he didn’t ask him. If Greg wanted to tell him, he would. And so far, Greg hadn’t. The least Boaz could do was respect the man’s privacy. But even so, this had him ready to run right over to Greg and ask him why he did it, though he probably wouldn’t get an answer.

  Turning his attention back to her, he asked, “What made Greg break down and marry you?”

  “He did it to rescue me from that horrible John Meyer,” she replied and took a step toward him. “It was really noble of him to do that. I’ll make him glad he did.”

  “I don’t doubt you’ll try.” Whether or not she’d succeed was anyone’s guess. “Gee, Patty, if you needed a husband in a bad way, I would have gladly married you.”

  John wasn’t the most savory person he’d ever come across, and unfortunately, he actually dealt with the man on several occasions.

  “Well, it happened suddenly,” she said with a shrug. “John was trying to kidnap me and make me his bride, and when we came right on this property, Greg happened to be there and rescued me.”

  He studied the way her cheeks grew pink and shook his head. Greg was one lucky man. Here he was, struggling to find a woman who’d marry him while Greg had one find a way to maneuver him into a marriage.

  “I’d ask how you pulled off marrying Greg, but I’m probably better off not knowing,” Boaz said.

  “You haven’t had any luck with the mail-order bride ads you sent out?”

  “None. Not a single reply. Not even an ugly spinster who has no choice but to take whatever she can get.”

  She chuckled then pressed her hand to her chest and cleared her throat. “I’m sorry, Boaz. I know how much you want your children back.”

  “Too bad I can’t go find a single woman and ride onto her property, claiming that something bad would happen to me if she didn’t marry me.”

  “Oh, Boaz, you’ll find her. I didn’t give up and look where I am.”

  “I
don’t know. Greg doesn’t look happy.”

  “Not yet, but he will be. I won’t let an uncertain start ruin a promising future. Mark my words, Boaz. Greg is going to be glad he married me. It’s just a matter of time. Why, no man can be happy living the life of a bachelor. It’s impossible.”

  “Can a woman be happy living without a man?” Because it seemed to him that all of the women back East were perfectly content without seeking a husband.

  “That’s an interesting question.” She pressed a finger to her lips and paused, her gaze drifting upward as she considered his question. Finally, she lowered her finger and turned her attention back to him. “I think they can. If you think about it, men have everything to gain from getting married. They get someone who’ll cook and clean for them. It seems to me that a woman does nothing but work once she ties the knot. And while the man keeps his job—in your case you train horses—you would get to come home to a clean house with a hot meal ready for you. You won’t even have to wash your clothes. You’ll have it made. See why Greg will be happy once he sees all the benefits he’ll get?”

  He shifted from one foot to the other as he considered her words. True, he had everything to gain by getting a wife, including getting his children back. But it seemed as if he should be able to offer the woman he married something she’d want. The problem was, what would that be?

  “Greg’s lucky I love him enough to do all the things I’ll do for him.” She offered a nod as if to reassure herself that her statement was true then smiled at him. “Would you like something to drink before you get to work on Greg’s horse?”

  “Well, I wouldn’t mind some water if you don’t mind,” Boaz replied.

  “I’ll be happy to get it for you.”

  She hurried into the house so he checked to make sure his horse was tied securely to the post. If women had that attitude about marriage, it was no wonder that he didn’t get any replies for his ad. Just how was he supposed to talk a woman into marrying him? He couldn’t think of a single thing he could offer a wife, at least one who didn’t love him. Hannah had loved him. That was why she married him. Patty loved Greg and was willing to subject herself to all the chores she mentioned for that reason.

  But a woman he didn’t know? A complete stranger? With a heavy sigh, he stroked the horse’s neck. Maybe he wouldn’t be able to get Leroy and Hannah back until they were old enough to take care of themselves. Or maybe when they were old enough to go to school, he could make sure he only worked during the school days. He knew they would be in school in a couple years, but he hated the thought of being away from them, even for that brief period of time. They were growing up so fast, and he’d already made the mistake of missing out on three years of their lives.

  Patty returned and offered him a glass of water. Thanking her, he drank it and handed the empty glass to her before heading to the barn. When he got there, he noticed that Greg was muttering under his breath.

  “I heard the good news,” Boaz ventured as he approached the stall where the stallion neighed at him.

  Greg glanced from the bridle he carried and rolled his eyes. “More like bad news, Boaz. I can’t believe it. It’s because of her father’s ranch I couldn’t say no.”

  “Oh?”

  He handed him the bridle. “Meyer would have gotten a hold of it if I hadn’t stepped in. I wish she’d go back to her father’s land now that I’ve secured the ranch for him.”

  “But then she wouldn’t be here where she belongs. She’s your wife. She should be here.”

  “So she reminded me. Several times.” He shook his head and opened the stall door. “At least you’ll have an easier time with ol’ Dusty than I will with Patty.”

  “I wish I had your misfortune,” Boaz told him as he set the bridle on the horse who snorted in protest. “I want a wife in the worst possible way and you want to be a bachelor.”

  “It seems like a cruel joke, doesn’t it?”

  “Yeah, it does.” Boaz couldn’t argue with the irony in their situations.

  “I better get to haying.” Greg dug into his pocket and handed him a coin. “Thanks for helping with the horse. I only wish Patty was as easy to manage.”

  As Greg headed to the stall to get his horse ready, Boaz slipped the coin into his pocket and led the stallion out of the barn so he could start working with him.

  Chapter Three

  Boaz was on his way home that afternoon when he caught sight of a group of men who seemed overly excited about something. He told himself after a long day of work, he should just go home and rest. He didn’t need to see what was going on along the horse track outside of town. But then he saw his friend, Herbert Allen, yell out twenty dollars. Curiosity getting the best of him, Boaz turned from the path he’d been taking and rode over to the crowd, wondering what the men were doing as they yelled out dollar amounts.

  As he neared the group, he saw two women. They looked as if they’d been traveling for weeks. The blonde had an overwhelmed expression on her face. The brunette seemed like she was ready to kill someone. At least that was the impression he got from her clenched fists, the thin line along her lips, and her red face.

  He slid off his horse and led it over to Herbert. “Herb, what’s going on?” he asked over the excited yelling going on around them.

  “The two women are up for sale,” Herb replied.

  He couldn’t believe his ears. “What?”

  “The men said they found them stranded and said the women need two good men to marry them.” Nudging Boaz, he added, “You got some money saved up. Why don’t you bid? I’d bet you could have a wife tonight if you wanted.”

  “I can’t buy a wife.”

  “Why not?” He turned to the men who were selling the women and called out, “Fifty!”

  “Fifty-five,” another man countered.

  Herb groaned but turned back to Boaz. “You want to get your children back or not?”

  “Of course I do, but is it right to buy a woman like she’s cattle?”

  “This isn’t the time to question what’s right or wrong. It’s time for action. Wives are hard to come by around here. Right now, we’re bidding on that pretty blonde.”

  Despite his better judgment, he asked, “Does the brunette belong to anyone yet?”

  “Nope. We just started bidding. The brunette is next. You better get in this quick before the chance is gone.”

  Boaz scanned the crowd of men. There were twenty of them total, and they were all bidding on the blonde. Before long, she’d be taken and the brunette would be the only one left. It didn’t seem like the honorable way of getting a wife, but then didn’t Patty set it up so that Greg had to marry her? If she went through all the trouble of making Greg believe her father’s ranch would go to John Meyer if he didn’t marry her, then he didn’t see how bidding on a woman was much different. And Patty got what she wanted.

  The two women were likely to be upset with whoever won them, but maybe given enough time, they would be happy with the men who married them. Patty was sure Greg would be glad he married her in due time. Maybe one of the women would forgive him in due time for forcing her into a marriage she didn’t ask for. Granted, she would lose out on the deal since she’d take care of his children and do the housekeeping, but Herb was right. He wanted his children back and he was tired of waiting for them.

  “You want the blonde or the brunette?” Boaz asked his friend.

  “The blonde.”

  He nodded and waited as the bidding continued. If he had to, he’d help his friend secure the blonde. His friend might not have children who needed a mother, but he wanted a wife, too. And wouldn’t it be nice if the women could marry men who were friends? He thought both would benefit from being able to see each other. At least they could comfort each other as they struggled with the demands women had to endure after getting married.

  The bidding got up to a hundred and fifty when Herb countered with a hundred and seventy-five. The crowd grew silent as the men waited for anot
her offer but none came.

  “Sold!” the man holding the blonde’s arm said, a pleased look on his face. “Come on over and take your bride.”

  Herb shot Boaz a relieved smile. “Make sure you bid on the other one. Who knows when you’ll get another chance?” Then he hurried over to her.

  “Now,” the man who was standing next to the brunette began, “this here is Eva.”

  “I’m not for sale!” she protested and tried to free herself from his hold, but he held onto her arm. “Unhand me at once, you brute!”

  “She’s a fiery one, but that’s good news, gents,” the man said then his smile widened. “Imagine this kind of passion in the bedroom.”

  The men roared with laughter and Boaz took the opportunity to wiggle his way closer to Eva. It didn’t really matter what she looked like. One woman was as good as another as far as he was concerned, but he was happy to note that she was pretty.

  “Who’ll start the bidding at twenty dollars?” the man asked.

  Eva gasped and voiced her protest, but someone called out, “Twenty!”

  “Twenty-five,” Boaz countered. If he was going to do this, he needed to do it quick.

  “Thirty,” someone else called out.

  “Thirty-five,” Boaz replied.

  And so the bidding continued. The higher the bidding went, the more irritated Eva got, and considering how upset she’d been before, that was saying a lot. He’d be lucky if she talked to him after this was over.

  Finally, the bidding came to a tie at a hundred and fifty, and that tie was between Boaz and Otis Mills. The man holding onto Eva searched the crowd. “Come on, men! Doesn’t anyone have a little bit more than a hundred and fifty dollars? Women don’t come to Lewistown every day.”

  Boaz mentally thought of everything he owned and as much as he tried, he couldn’t figure out anything that was worth adding to the money he had saved. He looked at Otis to see if he could top that amount, but Otis shook his head.

  “Why don’t we race for it?” Boaz asked Otis.