The Montana Rancher's Bride (New Montana Brides) Read Free Page A

headed home.
    As he rode along, he wondered, what would it be like having a woman in the house? I guess I’d have to move into Ma and Pa’s bedroom. I’d eat better, too. I wish I could find a woman like Letty. She is the kindest person I know. That evening, he reread the newspaper, this time concentrating on the ads placed by women. How do you pick which one to answer? He wondered to himself. He fell asleep in the chair, the newspaper in his lap.
    Two weeks later…
    It was a rare occasion. Case had mail. It was the first mail he had ever received. It was The Matrimonial Bulletin newspaper, but it was still mail. 
    The newspaper was full of ads placed by those in search of a mate. The accompanying note informed his ad was number 920. Now the waiting began. Fortunately for him, it was roundup time and he was in the saddle for hours on end, rounding up his herd, chasing the strays and culling out the ones that would be going to the Army. He and his crew would have to drive the bulk of them to Fort CF Smith, and a small number to Helena. It had been a good year for the Lazy J. The cattle had survived the harsh winter, had fattened up, and were ready for market. 
    After returning from the drive, the latest strays had to be rounded up , and some minor repairs had to be made on some of the outbuildings, in preparation for the coming winter. When he finally made it into Helena, he went by the general store to check his mail and found he had none. He gave Silas the list of supplies he needed and headed to the church to visit Jack and Letty.
    “Letty, our wandering cowboy has returned to the fold,” Jack called out when he saw Case.
    “Welcome, home,” he said, as they shook hands.  How was the drive?” he asked.
    “Uneventful for the most part. It was dusty, and we got hit by a couple of storms, and rained on for two days, but the herd behaved, and we got a good price. It was good, but I’m sure glad to be back home.”
    “Case,” Letty said as she hugged him. “It’s good to see you. We missed you in church, but I guess you were out having fun.”
    “Yeah, lots of fun, living with the smelly cattle,” he said.
    “Did you get any mail yet?” she asked.
    “I just got the paper, and my ad was in it. I guess it’s too early to expect answers. Maybe next week. I just wanted to stop by and say hello, I came in to pick up supplies. I guess they’re probably ready, so I’d best get back or Silas will think I changed my mind. See you Sunday,” he said.

 
    chapter Five
    Responses
    It was dark when Case rolled out of bed, and walked to the window. He pulled the curtain aside. It was a moonless light and it was difficult to make out any shapes. 
    He groped around until he found the matches, and lit the oil lamp. He dressed quickly, then went into the kitchen where he pulled on his socks and boots. After he blew the lamp out, he went outside, relieved himself, and wandered to the bunkhouse where the cook had coffee ready.
    The first rays of light were peeking over the eastern horizon by the time he went into the bunkhouse. He poured himself a tin cup of the steaming hot coffee. He sipped his coffee and watched the cook busy at fixing breakfast for the ranch hands who were straggling in.
    “What’s on the schedule for today, boss,” one of the men asked. 
    “I’d like to get a count and see where we stand,” he said. “If we are missing any, then round them up, and move the herd to the high pasture. There should be some good grass in by now.
    “I have to go into Helena and pick up a few things, but should be back before dark. If there is anything else that needs doing, Luke will tell you.”
    Finished eating, Case hitched his team to the wagon and headed for town. As usual, he stopped at the general store and gave Silas the list of supplies he needed.
    “I think I have some mail for you, ” he said. “You’re getting to be a popular feller.”
    “I don’t know about that. What do you have?”
    “Hold