Mitch's Win (Montana Collection, Book 1) Read online

  “You know,” Abe began as he pulled up a chair and sat next to him, “if you had more money, you’d be able to get a real nice place. Get enough money, and you’d be set for life.”

  “No. I’d just waste it on liquor.”

  “Not if you found a man you could trust to keep your money in a safe place for you. Get your brother to save it aside. He can buy you a quaint house and arrange something at the mercantile where you can get food. Considering how good he’s been to my sister, I bet he’d do good by you.”

  “Mitch is as good as they come,” Boaz whispered. With a sigh, he drank the rest of the beer in his last mug.

  “There you go!” Abe gave him another pat on the shoulder. “You win enough money, and you’d be set for life. If you choose to drink, you’d still have a roof over your head and food in your belly.”

  “That sounds nice.” Really nice. “But I’m no good at poker.”

  “You lose all the time?”

  “Well, no. Not all the time. I just never win enough to do more than get through a couple of days.”

  “Then today’s your lucky day. I’m a great poker player.”

  Boaz frowned. “But you lost your sister in a game.”

  “Only because John Meyer was cheating.”

  “He was?”

  “Course, he was.” Abe leaned back in his chair and shrugged. “I didn’t catch on until the other day when I was watching him. He tucks good cards under his sleeves when no one is looking.”

  “You don’t say.” Perhaps Boaz shouldn’t have been surprised. John wasn’t the most savory character in the world, but Boaz thought even he wouldn’t cheat at poker. “Mitch won the game against John, though.”

  “John wasn’t prepared for him. You remember how much John wanted Mitch to go away, don’t you?”

  “I guess.” He thought John wasn’t all that reluctant, but since he’d been drunk, he could have missed something.

  “If you don’t have John at your table, you stand a good chance of winning enough money to make your dream come true. You know how well I do if no one is cheating. I almost cleared the table that night with everyone’s money, yours included.”

  Boaz couldn’t argue that. Abe had done surprisingly well.

  “And look at what I won tonight.” Abe’s grin widened as he dug his hands into his pockets and dumped a bunch of coins on the table. “It was easy pickings. In fact, I have so much here, I don’t know what to do with it all.” He snapped his fingers. “I know what I’ll do. Since you’re my sister’s brother-in-law, I’ll give some to you.” He shoved half of the coins in Boaz’s direction.

  Boaz nearly fell out of his seat. “But…But I don’t deserve that much. I don’t deserve any of it. I didn’t win it, you did.”

  “Nonsense. We’re kin through marriage. And if there’s one thing I learned from my ma and pa, it’s that we need to look out for each other. I want you to have it. Get new clothes, a good haircut, maybe even a shave. There’s plenty here to do more than that when you’re done. I tell you, I never earned this much when I did honest work. Know what I mean?” Abe chuckled and gave him a wink.

  Glancing at the substantial amount of coins in front of him, Boaz asked, “Are you sure?”

  “Sure, I’m sure. I’ll earn that much and more tomorrow night when I return.” He stood up and stretched. “I’m beat. I’m calling it a night. Maybe I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  Boaz watched as Abe sauntered out of the saloon. That was the second time Abe did something nice for him without asking for anything in return. The whole thing was too good to be true, wasn’t it? He turned his gaze to the coins and studied them. If he accepted this gift, would it come at a price later on?

  From the next table, he heard a couple of whistles. He looked up at the two men who stared at Abe’s coins.

  “We have room for another man, if you’d like to join the game,” one of the men said, his eyes still on the coins.

  “I’m afraid not tonight,” Boaz replied and quickly put the coins in his pocket. “I’m going to bed.” And tonight, he could afford a room at the inn. It’d been a long time since he had a good night’s sleep in a real bed.

  “Maybe tomorrow then.”

  “Maybe.” Without another word, he left the saloon.

  Chapter Fifteen

  “Leroy, stop shoving that worm in your sister’s face,” Heather admonished from where she sat on the porch.

  Leroy grunted but stepped away from Hannah who was crying. Hannah wiped her eyes then turned her attention back to her doll. He hopped down from the porch and put the worm on the ground, making Patty giggle.

  Glancing at her friend who was in the chair next to her, Heather let out a long sigh. “I had no idea that brothers and sisters could fight so much.”

  “Oh, that’s nothing,” Gerty said as she opened the storm door and hobbled onto the porch to join Heather and Patty. She sat in the porch swing and motioned for Hannah to sit on her lap. Once Hannah was resting in Gerty’s arms, Gerty chuckled. “I remember the way Mitch and Boaz used to go after each other. Those two were relentless. The only time I got any peace and quiet was when they were asleep or helping their pa with the chores.”

  “You must be joshing, Gerty,” Heather began, turning her attention back to the shirt she was mending. “Mitch was born a perfect gentleman.”

  “Nice of you to think so, but children are children, no matter who they are.” Gerty brushed back Hannah’s hair and smiled at her. “But I promise that when Hannah and Leroy grow up, they’ll be friends.”

  Patty crossed her arms and sighed wistfully. “I wish I had a brother or sister, someone I could have played with while growing up.”

  “My brother was already gone by the time I was born,” Heather said as she pulled the thread through the cotton fabric. “If you ask me, it was the best thing he ever did for me. I hope he’s gone to Canada by now.”

  “No one can blame you for saying that,” Gerty replied.

  “He hasn’t been by again, has he?” Patty asked.

  “No, thank goodness.” Heather made a knot with the thread. It still irritated her to think her brother had the audacity to ask her for Mitch’s money. She would never do anything for him until he straightened his life out, and there was little hope of that happening. “I’m just grateful I live here.”

  “We’re grateful, too,” Patty said. “You’re my first real friend.”

  “I’ve seen you talk with other young ladies your age,” Gerty replied.

  “None of them were friends,” Patty said. “I don’t have trouble being amiable with most ladies, but I never felt I could have a heart-to-heart talk with any of them like I do with Heather.”

  Touched by Patty’s confession, Heather smiled. She was ready to reply that she felt the same way when Hannah screamed, “He’s eating a worm!”

  Everyone’s attention went to Leroy who was putting a wiggly worm into his mouth.

  “I’ll stop him,” Patty said before Heather had a chance to get up. “There’s no need for you to get up since you’re tired.”

  “You’re feeling tired in the middle of the day?” Gerty asked, her eyes wide in excitement. “Heather, are you in the family way?”

  “Oh, no. It’s nothing like that.” Heather’s face grew warm. There was no way she’d admit to anyone that she was tired because she spent most of the night enjoying Mitch when she should’ve be sleeping. She glanced at Patty who successfully got the worm away from a disappointed Leroy. Turning her gaze back to Gerty, she ventured, “It’s just the relaxing summer day, especially with the breeze to cool things off.” She could use that breeze to cool down her hot face right now!

  “Well, that’s a shame,” Gerty replied. “I wouldn’t mind another grandbaby.”

  “I’m sure Heather will give you one soon,” Patty teased as she retrieved a ball. “Leroy, you want to throw or catch?”

  He called out “catch” and ran into the yard, Patty following close behind.


  “Which one would you like to have first?” Gerty asked. “A boy or a girl?”

  Heather shrugged. “I hadn’t thought about it. I suppose a girl. I love making dresses. Of course, they’re easier when a girl is Hannah’s age, but even so, I always enjoyed making my own dresses.”

  “You should make Hannah’s next dress then. She’s about to outgrow the one she’s got now.”

  “I’d love to.” After a moment of thinking about the right dress, she said, “I think purple would be a good color on her. Don’t you?”

  “Purple would be lovely. She adores that color.”

  Heather smiled and smoothed the shirt in her lap. “I think I’m done with Mitch’s shirt.” When she glanced over at Gerty, she noted Gerty’s serious expression. “What is it? Did I miss something?” She lifted the shirt and inspected it again.

  “No, it’s not that.” She paused and looked at Hannah. “Sweetheart, will you play with your doll by the flower pot?”

  Hannah shifted on the swing, nodded, and hopped down from the swing. She sat by the flowers, her doll cradled in her arms.

  Heather rose to her feet and tucked the shirt under her arm before she went to the porch swing so she could sit next to Gerty. “Is there something you want to ask me?”

  “Mitch won’t tell me anything,” Gerty replied. “I hate to come to you, but I can’t stop worrying about Boaz. Is he alright?”

  Her gaze went to Leroy and Hannah, and she wondered what Boaz had been like before his wife died. Had he been like Mitch? Happy? Hardworking? A man who’d never dream of getting drunk to wipe away his pain? She thought to ask Gerty, but it didn’t seem like the right time, given the worried look on her face. She sighed. What could she tell her? Was it fair to tell her that her youngest son was drinking again, that he lost his job? But what good would it do to lie?

  “It’s not good,” Gerty softly replied. “He’s drinking again, isn’t he?”

  “I’m sorry, Gerty.”

  “There’s no need to apologize. You didn’t do anything wrong.”

  “Maybe not, but I wish I could give you good news.” From what she’d seen of Boaz in the little time she’d known him, he didn’t strike her as a bad man. Just lonely. She suspected he felt trapped and didn’t have the strength to get out of the cycle he’d been caught up in. She clasped her hand around Gerty’s and squeezed it. “Maybe something will happen that will change his life around.”

  “I pray you’re right.” A tear fell from her eye and she leaned her head on Heather’s shoulder. In a softer voice, she repeated, “I pray you’re right.”

  ***

  A week later, Boaz counted his money in his hotel. He sorted through the coins on the table and debated how he could be wise with money this time. Abe had gone out of his way to help him out, and he vowed he wouldn’t waste this gift. He’d wasted money in the past, but he wouldn’t do it this time. He could do better. Before it seemed hopeless, but he had a substantial amount of money now.

  I can do this. I can do this.

  He closed his eyes and repeated the phrase a few more times before he opened them. This was a new start. This time he would save the money instead of gamble it. With a shaky breath, he stood up from his bed and collected the coins. He needed a safe place for them. Maybe Mitch would hold onto them. If he gave them to Mitch, they’d be sure to stay safe. He should give Mitch some for Leroy and Hannah.

  Sitting back on the bed, he swallowed the lump in his throat. He should have thought of his children sooner. Yes, he would set aside some money for them. It was long overdue that he did something for them. He wiped his eyes and let out a shaky breath. There was so much of his wife in them. If only he could look at them and not remember the way she died in his arms after a difficult labor. He begged her to stay with him, to keep fighting, but in the end, he lost her. She would be heartbroken if she knew he couldn’t care for their children.

  Well, he’d rectify that, and he’d start by giving Mitch money to give them what they needed. His emotions settled and he slipped the money into his sack. He stood up, this time with determination, and left the hotel. He’d make another attempt at having supper at Mitch’s. Maybe this time he’d be able to stay through the whole thing. And maybe Mitch would finally be pleased with him.

  Boaz made it halfway to the livery stable when Abe called out to him. Surprised, he turned to face him. “Afternoon, Abe. How’ve you been doing?”

  “Good. Real good.” He pulled on his suspenders and let them snap back into place. “Won me more poker games last night.”

  “Did you?”

  “Yep. Got double on what I gave you last week.”

  Boaz’s jaw dropped. “How did you do it?”

  “Don’t know exactly. Just had a feel for the game, I suppose.”

  Apparently so. Besides John Meyer, Boaz couldn’t think of a single person who could win so many hands. Scratching the back of his neck, he asked, “Have you played with John again?”

  “That Meyer fellow?”

  He nodded.

  “Not since that night my sister married your brother. Learned my lesson on that one. So, where you going?”

  “Oh, I thought I’d see my brother.”

  “I envy you. I’d love to see my sister, but she won’t have anything to do with me. I’m afraid I’ll never get a second chance. You know, to be on good terms with her. I’d give anything to do so.” He tipped his hat lower over his eyes and cleared his throat. “Do what you can to mend things with your brother, Boaz. There’s nothing more important than family.”

  “Maybe you should come with me,” Boaz offered. “If you tell Heather what you told me, I think she’ll forgive you.”

  “I don’t know. What I did was the worst thing a brother can do to his sister.”

  “We’ve all done things we regret.”

  “Maybe so, but if I talk to her, I want to make amends the right way. I want to return Mitch the money he gave me that night he married my sister. But to do that, I need more money.”

  “Don’t you already have enough from your winnings last night?” If he recalled the amount correctly, then Abe should have more than necessary.

  “I promised a preacher I’d give my winnings to some widows and orphans.” He shrugged and gave him a sheepish grin. “All my money is spoken for. Thought it might be good to give to a worthy cause.”

  “Oh.” Boaz thought about the amount he had. “I don’t have enough to help you out.” Which was a shame since Abe had gone out of his way to help him. “I’m sorry.”

  “You didn’t do nothing wrong. I gave you that money as a gift, cause we’re kin and kin look out for each other.”

  “Then I should find a way to help you make amends with your sister.”

  He rubbed his chin and gave a slight nod. “Maybe there is a way you can help me. That is, if you really wanna.”

  “I do!”

  “Well…I wouldn’t mind having a right-hand man at the poker table tonight. It’s nice to have a friend to talk to.”

  Boaz shifted uncomfortably as he considered what Abe was asking. Could he sit at a poker table and not give into the temptation to play a game?

  “Course, if you don’t want to help me…”

  He winced at the hurt tone in Abe’s voice. “No. I want to help you.” Taking a deep breath, he decided he could avoid playing poker as long as he thought of his children, his mother, and Mitch. “I’ll help.”

  Abe grinned and patted him on the shoulder. “Thanks, Boaz. You’re a real friend, you know that?”

  It’d been a long time since someone smiled at Boaz as if he was proud of him. Abe’s confidence in him lifted his spirits, and for the first time in two years, Boaz felt good about himself. He would help reunite Abe with his sister. Finally, he would do something worthwhile with his life.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Heather stirred in her sleep as she became aware of the frantic knocking at the front door. Beside her, Mitch got up from the bed and threw on his
clothes. She blinked back the sleep from her eyes and picked up his pocket watch from the nightstand by the bed.

  In the moonlight, she saw the time and frowned. “Who’d be coming here at one in the morning?”

  He glanced her way as he buttoned his pants. “I have a nagging suspicion it’s Elliot.”

  “Who’s Elliot?”

  “My brother’s friend.” He tucked in his shirt and ran out of the room before she could ask him anything else.

  Curious, she slipped out of the bed and went to the open window. If she was quiet enough, she could make out what people were saying from outside. Ignoring the chirping of the crickets, she heard an anxious male voice from the porch.

  “You got to come,” he begged. “He’s about to lose everything.”

  “No, Elliot,” came Mitch’s calm, resolute tone. “If you want to bail him out, do it, but I’m done.”

  “You know I can’t. I barely make enough to provide for my family.”

  “Then Boaz is out of luck.”

  “But he’s your brother.”

  “And I’ve done him no favors by running to his aid. He’s a grown man. It’s time he acted like one.” After a moment of silence, he added, “I’m sorry.”

  Then the door softly closed.

  Heather hurried back to the bed and settled back in it. Heavy footsteps trudged up the staircase, and Mitch entered their bedroom, head bowed, shoulders slumped. “Mitch?” she softly asked, uncertain of whether or not it was wise to talk to him when he was in a solemn mood.

  “I’ve helped Boaz too many times in the past,” he said as he shut their bedroom door. “Except, it hasn’t been help. All I’ve done is prevented him from taking responsibility for his own decisions.” His gaze met hers, and in his eyes, she saw that he was pleading with her to understand why he told Elliot no. “He needs to dig himself out of the hole this time.”