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Montana Rhapsody Pt. 01

By: Egmont0409



CHAPTER 1

Hard-faced commissioning editor Ruby Street looked at one of the publishing company's premier writers of soft romances that were laced with mild naughtiness. She smiled bleakly, thinking the success of this attempt to wrench Paris McCoy out of her comfortable rut to hit the bookshelves with a sexy sizzler were about as good as finding a hundred bucks on the sidewalk in Wall Street.

Paris was currently their third-highest revenue producer in fiction and Ruby wanted to force the break-through to hit the top.

"You want me to stop dead, leave town and nine months later come to you with a best seller in time for a mid-November launch to catch the Christmas market? You say a novel that drips with sex and the hero has the edge over the heroine which is contrary to what I do?"

"Yes."

"You are aware that my brief times of experiencing torrid sex were way back at college?"

"Yes."

Paris tapped on her knee with a palm six times. "Okay but I'll do it on my terms."

"Er Paris, you know better than that. Our elite authors are still required to sell the story outline before we commit."

"Yes but you are asking me to take a risk so I'm asking you to take a risk."

Ruby frowned. "You could be toppled from your perch if this experiment implodes on us and I could lose my job."

"So? Be tough Ruby."

Ruby sighed and said, "Sorry but I can't take the risk."

"How much do you have in your budget for that useless exercise of attempting to promote new authors by sending them on promotional tours?"

Checking the spreadsheet on her computer Ruby said $135,000.

"Then give me $50,000 of that to live on for nine months while I produce a manuscript radically different from anything you've seen from me in the years you've been grooming me." 

"Sizzling romance?"

"Very definitely," Paris smiled. 

"What will be the theme?"

Paris said nothing about the novel would be revealed until the first chapters were submitted. Staring steadily she asked, "Are you still having a relationship with the executive editor?"

Unable to hide her blush Ruby nodded.

"Then call her now. Fill her in briefly and say the only risk to the company is my living allowance of $50,000 and that would come unnoticed from PR funding. Ask for authorization to take an unprecedented risk that you can assure her will be a winner."

"You expect it to be a winner?"

"Yes."

"Well you are not normally that definite about your project. Please leave the room while I make the call."

The door opened and Paris was called back in.

"As I speak $25,000 is being transferred into your personal account. Sorry but Thelma cannot be squeeze to approve another cent more. Perhaps that hard line could be reviewed when the first chapters are submitted."

Paris sighed and thanked Ruby. "Your timing is exquisite darling, I feel ready to be unleashed. A couple of months after I settle in I'll send you a report and brief story line. I'll begin sending finished draft chapters in the first couple of weeks of July and I'll occasional hire a professional photographer to gather some publicity shots."

Ruby said, "At least tell me where you will go to begin your research."

"I don't know yet."

"Oh Jesus."

* * *

A week later in late January Paris had reached the entrance to her cousin's horse ranch in Montana in her pre-owned Japanese long wheelbase diesel vehicle, the model the vehicle dealer recommended to penetrate isolated sub-alpine country in winter. 

The notice at the entrance stated 'Harrop Ranch House 2 miles'. She thought it must be a big spread. Somehow she got there, twice having to gingerly back off and attempt a slightly different angle of attack and using the four long metal planks to negotiate extra deep drifts. Those two miles took her three and a half hours and she arrived exhausted.

Three guys in jeans, fleece-lined coats and Stetsons watched her vehicle grind towards them.

She alighted and the guy with blond curls running under his hat to his collar mistook her for a man because she was so bundled up and hadn't bothered with lipstick that day. 

"How the fuck did you get through buddy? We've been marooned for three days and another big dump is on the way."

One of the guys said, "Good god, it's a dame."

Fatigued roared through Paris's body to her head. "I..." she began and fell face down into the snow, unconscious.

Paris awoke in a chair beside a roaring fire with some clown attempting to pour some sweet crap into her mouth. She guessed it was cocoa. She sucked some down and her throat and then her belly felt warm. She sipped slowly until she was finished.

"Good girl," said the guy patronizingly as if she'd achieved a feat of the century, but she let that pass. "Who are you?"

"You'll know. You'll have ratted through my things."

"We have touched nothing of yours except to run your vehicle into the barn and switch off the motor."

Paris focused and realized she was talking to the blond guy she'd seen just prior to collapsing. Without his outdoor clothes he looked almost cute. "Paris McCoy."

"What kind of name is that?"

"Probably more stylish than Bill Harrop."

"Bill was my father. He died almost six months ago. He froze to death after falling off his horse and breaking his leg. The overnight gale-driven snow got him."

"I'm sorry. I..."

"Wait on, the name McCoy? We have distant relations in New York. Is that a New York accent?"

"I prefer it called an educated accent. You are my third cousin and your father was my mother's second cousin."

The blond looked shaken. "Are you here to try to extract inheritance?"

"No you fool. I write novels and I'm here to research my next novel."

"In that case why didn't you write asking for an invitation?"

The 32-year old English Lit graduate yawned, stretched and removed her jacket, conscious he was eyeing what was moving under her thick sweater. 

"I didn't want to risk a rejection. I did indicate I was educated."

"So you did but was dumb enough to try to come here when the roads are classified as impassable. What happened at the road block at the highway out of town?"

"The guy manning it was asleep in his vehicle so I just skirted it and kept on driving."

"They'll have a search party out looking for you."

Paris yawned again. "I though you said the roads were impassable?"

"Jesus you can be so aggravating."

"People usually call me sweet and mild. Why don't you ask Johnston over there to phone the Sheriff's Office and confirmed I've arrived. 

"He's not Johnston, he's Alan and it's the Highway Patrol office. 

"Alan ask Alice to phone local Highway Patrol and tell them what Paris had just said. Tell Alice to say she's a New Yorker so thought the roadblock was for local dummies. She's driving a big 4X4 that sounds like a bulldozer in low gear. She's a researcher for some big outfit in New York so he better think twice about ticketing her. She's the type that will fight him all the way to the Supreme Court."

"Yes Hal."

Paris smiled prettily. "Oh, you do have a name. Hal Harrop. Very cute."

"Look if you're trying to..."

"Hal, I'm at my charming self. Any chance of a whisky?"

"What, whisky?"

"Yes no water. I'm still shivering a bit."

"Just who are you lady?"

"I told you, I..." Paris stopped when she caught the grin.

The last thing Paris remembered was finishing her third whisky on a very empty stomach. 

She awoke, ravenous and in a very wide four-poster bed. It was dark, very dark, and outside the wind was howling. She thought she would go and find the kitchen... perhaps they dubbed it the chuck wagon? She had no idea of anything western apart from once attending a touring rodeo show when staying with her uncle in Chicago. She felt around on the bedside cabinet and hit the lamp switch.

Hal the conservative fool. He'd not attempted to undress her and have a free feel or whatever ghastly things males do to a comatose woman in their care.

Suddenly he was beside the bed, dressed appalling in only thermal long underwear. Ohmigod what a bulge.

He spoke, almost in gibberish. "Are you okay? You're in my bed. I'm on the sofa. Are you hungry? The bathroom is beyond the end of the bed."

Wow, information delivered with word economy. "Thanks Ha. Don't get cold. I like your Mickey Mouse suit. I'm starving. I'll come looking for you."

Hal had turned and was balanced on one foot hauling on his jeans when she walloped his butt as she walked by. The control freak said nothing, just grunted a tad. Obviously there was no Mrs Harrop junior or senior around. Everything pointed to the house being run in bachelor mode and he certainly had lost any finer touch of dealing with a female if he had ever possessed it. Well, before she began attempting to change anything she'd better secure her position. She found him in the kitchen.

The slimeball! Instead of cooking her something he'd obviously pulled a dark-skinned and a little plump lady, probably the cook, out of bed and she heating up the hot plate to cook steak and tomatoes and she had potato cakes already in a pan.

The black-eyed woman looked at Paris acutely and then grinned. "It's true. You are beautiful with a lovely figure."

"Who told you that?"

"The boss," she grinned through two missing teeth and pointing to Hal. "He's been raving about you."

"I'm sorry I wasn't at the table at the proper time for a meal er..."

"Her name's Jumping Crow."

"Er Jumping Crow." 

Too late. As she said the unlikely name Paris realized she'd been suckered and smiled weakly as the cook and the boss carried on as if they'd just heard the punch line of Montana's best joke of the century competition.

"I have a Crow name but you call me Annie. Everyone calls me Annie. The boss's father called me Annie because it was easier to say than my name. I like Annie best."

"Hi Annie, please call me Paris. May I help?"

"This is MY kitchen," Annie said defensively but without losing her smile. 

Annie made steak sandwiches. Two for Paris as it was her 2:00 am dinner and a snack for the boss. She then disappeared.

"Hal?"

"Yes," Hal answered cautiously.

"Will you recruit me as a trainee ranch hand?"

He grunted, "We don't hire over winter."

"I wish to be made an exception."

"Oh yeah?"

Paris told him everything... who she was, what she did and why she was there.

"I've decided to write a hot western and need to do the research, talk to people and work on a ranch to learn everything I can and to capture the feeling and color."

"There are only two colors. White during winter and the brown of drought," he said, wearily. 

"They are major images but I'll find you color and minor and major battles for life within nature you may have never really noticed before."

"Are you figuring on casting me as the hero?"

"Possibly, depending how well you live up to the image of a slightly flawed hero."

Hal's bottom jaw shaped out a grin while his dark green eyes held Paris's fluttering gaze as steady as galactic rock. "And you the heroine?"

"Perhaps."

Then if it's a hot romance we'll have to..." 

He stopped.

"Fuck?"

"That wasn't quite the word I was searching for but yes."

"In the book yes, several times; in the flesh it will depend on you. I have no objection. I am seeking real life experience. I need you to understand that. I've only been on farms twice in my life and that was field day study visits during my early years at school."

Hal wiped his mouth with a paper towel. "Wouldn't it have been easier to set this great novel in a hairdresser's or upbeat bar, using places and activities you are more familiar with?"

"It would have been infinitely easier. But without the grind of securing the setting, shaping characters and plot from go to whoa, would my writing have similar passion to what I expect to extract from myself in this virgin adventure? I think not. I was riding down the elevator after managing to swing this assignment when I had a vision that the theme must be a modern western. My lips opened and involuntarily I said, "Montana."

Paris caught Hal's slightly uncomfortable look and was astonished. "My God, you believe I got the call don't you?"

"It's difficult to reject," he said evasively. "We best go to bed."

"Oooh, is this an invitation?"

"Look lady..."

"Paris."

"Look Paris, if you... oh come on, it is the best bed in the house by far. I'm not going to touch you though, and you keep on your side; is that a deal?" 

He received an almost imperceptible nod.

"Was that a nod?"

"Yes," she said meekly. 

Hal followed Paris, switching out the lights.

"Change while I clean my teeth," he grumped.

"My nightwear is in my vehicle. I'll sleep in my underwear"

After he emerged from the bathroom she went in.

She came out and with one hand on her hip, which she pushed out and the other hand reaching high up the door jam to emphasize her bust, she called, "Hal?"

He poked his head from partway under the blankets to look at her.

She heard him mutter, "Jesus."

"What is the penalty when I'm in bed if I renege on my deal with you?"

"Death!" he snapped. "Put out of light."

She felt him still shaking in laughter when she got into bed.

A little later, at least it seemed only a little later to Paris, she felt Hal stir and he left the bed. She assumed they hadn't touched during the night. After he left the bathroom she washed her face, dressed and greeted Hal and Annie in the kitchen.

"My bags have not been brought in yet." she smiled, not wanting to push too hard.

"No, and they'll be staying where they are," Hal said gravely. "The snowfall was much lighter than expected last night and the temperature is up a bit. I think we can get you safely on your way by 3:00 this afternoon. I've decided I don't wish to take part in your project, so your time here if finished."

"No you can't do this."

"Oh yes I can."

"B-but, I got to call to chose Montana."

Annie entered the exchange very quietly. "What call?"

"I was riding down an elevator in New York when I had a vision..."

"No!" Hal shouted, but was ignored.

"... about my new book and that it was to be a western. I've never written a western before. Then my lips opened and they said "Montana. I'll swear Annie that I did not say the word."

Annie asked did she hear voices; Paris shook her head.

"She has to stay boss."

"You keep out of this Annie; she goes."

Annie was shaking. "When you were sixteen years old your dying mother made you promise that when I put my foot down you would obey me."

"Yes, but jumping crows Annie I was a kid. That wasn't yesterday. It wasn't meant to continue once I turned, um, twenty-one."

"A promise is a promise; I was there and your mother did not state when that promise was to end. I'm putting my foot down. Paris stays. She has been visited."

"No, no. This is not going to happen. We have lunch at 2:00 and I'll follow Paris out to the highway. It ought to be graded by then." Looking steely eyed, Hal said, "That is my final word."

Annie moved alongside Paris. "Is it now?"

Hal swore, grabbed four pieces of buttered bread and a handful of bacon in a paper towel and left the house blowing steam.

"Thank you Annie. Will he change his mind?"

"No unless it's changed for him. Harrop men are stubborn."

"Then how can we make him change his mind?"

Annie threw up her hands and said she didn't know.

Paris heard the noise of two tractors and they came out of the barn. Hal and the ranch hand Alan on one tractor-trailer unit and the other two ranch hands on the other unit.

"They're off to feed out hay. There's more of that to do than normal this year. Most years it scarcely snows on this valley floor. This year has snowed heavier than usual but I've seen it worse a few times."

Paris put on her boots, jacket and button-down hat and went to her vehicle in the nearest barn and returned with her laptop. She worked through till she heard the tractors returning at 1:45. She'd drafted character outlines of the hero and heroine and made some notes about driving through the snow yesterday and what she saw or rather didn't see because of the heaped snow and the fog and then made some headings under which she'd later develop notes on plot.

Paris returned the coffee cups to the kitchen and saw lunch was set in the dinning room.

Hal came in, said a cheerful hi and disappeared to the bathroom, returning with his blond curls looking quite tidy. "Ah, lunch in the dinning room, a special occasion. What is it? 

He was greeted with silence. Looking at Annie he flushed, and said, "Oh yes, a departing visitor."

It was a little feast. Annie had thawed a salmon from the freezer.

Annie stood by the table. 

Hal said, "Oh, Paris, do you mind if Annie sits with us?"

"No, of course not, I assumed she would," Paris said, jumping up and pulling out Annie's chair for her at the far end of the table.

"Boss, is it okay if I say a short prayer?"

"Yes Annie, go right ahead."

"Annie spoke a few words that Paris guessed was her native tongue, presumably Crow.

"That sounded poetic," Hal smiled. You don't usually offer a prayer. What was that one for?"

"A farewell," Annie said impassively and remained so when Hal turned and said to Paris wasn't that lovely of Annie. She nodded but looking at Annie felt uneasy. She wasn't at all sure that farewell was for her."

They had a light rosé wine with the salmon. Paris noticed Annie had half a glass while Hal, appearing to be a little nervous, finished the bottle apart from her one glass.

After lunch Hal backed out Paris's Toyota. 

She kissed Annie goodbye and loaded her laptop and the few things she'd taken into the house. It really was warmer so she unbuttoned her jacket and threw her hat on to the passenger seat.

She looked to the double doorway of the house and Annie was coming through it with a black shawl over her head and lugging three bags.

Hal came bounding over. "Where on earth are you going Annie?"

"I am leaving. When you have escorted Paris to the highway I want you to return me to my people."

"But why? This is your home now. You are needed here. The boys need you and respect you and I need you and respect you. As I said, this is your home."

"I cannot stay here with you about to dishonor your mother."

"Oh Christ. Paris, say something. Tell her it doesn't matter."

"I'm saying nothing Hal. This is High Noon. Annie is calling you Hal."

"That's crap, this is all crap. This is not supposed to happen. My mother said she thought you would stay with me always Annie."

Annie looked solemn. "Yes, I did hear her say that. I loved your mother Hal, she raised me as a young orphan and although I never said it to her I knew she was my spiritual mother. I cannot bear to think of her being shamed by you breaking the bond she made between you an me Hal. Either you back down and do what I have ruled over Paris or I go."

"Guys please. I'm not worth it," Paris bleated helplessly.

Hal cried, "Oh Christ Annie, I'm sorry. 

Towering over Annie he hugged her with one arm, dabbing at his eyes with his gloved hand and saying, "I knew you had the final word Annie but as you know I can be such a stubborn cuss at times. I didn't wish to over-rule you."

Annie broke free. 

"Right, coffee in the kitchen in ten minutes. Take my things to my bedroom Hal. I'll help Paris with her things. I'm putting her in with you because she needs to learn everything she can while she's here. She slept with you last night, didn't she?"

"Yes," Hal said sheepishly. "But we agreed not to touch and didn't."

"Well, that's accepted as correct behavior on the night of first dates. There's no hurry to break the deadlock as she thinks she'll be here till the first month of fall."

"Fall?" Hal queried.


Montana Rhapsody Pt. 01



Paris looked surprised. "I didn't mention to anyone I want to remain here till early September."

"Oh I can't recall that you did," Annie said airily.

Paris shrugged and looked at Hal. He shrugged, unable to help solve that little poser.

"You have me for better or for worse," Paris called.

He grinned and said he could do worse, disappearing with Annie's bags.

"You two will marry in August," Annie said, crawling through the rear doors of the Toyota.

"What!" shrieked Paris, jumping into the back and almost bowling Annie over in her eagerness to face her.

"I don't recall saying anything," Annie said.

"You did, you did. I swear you did, but I only just heard you."

Annie shrugged. 

Frustrated, Paris grabbed two bags and turned, catching Annie with a smile on her face that disappeared totally in a millisecond. 

"GRRRRRRRR!" growled Paris, stomping away. She thought she could hear Annie laughing.

The three ranch hands had loaded hay to be taken out next morning and went over to one of the calving barns for some fun.

Hal arrived with Paris and handed her a lariat off a hook on the wall. "Here, this is your first experience as a wrangler. So note carefully what happens to record later for your book. In particular memorize your feelings."

Paris smelt a con so was almost on her toes, ready for it.

"Okay boys, let him out. Take as many shots as necessary to try to rope him, as you're only a freshman Paris. Then place the halter on him."

Ah, a lively calf that's probably strong enough to pull her over, thought Miss Rodeo. As soon as it ran after being caught she'd brace herself and dig in her heels and lean back. She'd have the last laugh. 

Paris walked closer, swinging the lariat and was surprised how well she could do it. The rope around the noose area seemed stiffer than the section she was holding. The solid gate of the pen opened and out lumbered an Angus bull with a massive neck, coal-black eyes and it was dribbling.

"Eeeeek, save me," she yelled, dropping the rope and running into the arms of the laughing boss. She could hear the ranch hands laughing, almost falling off their perches. 

"You fucking no-brainer country boys," she fumed, sending Hal off into another spasm of laughter.

"Show the New York cocktail bar queen how it's done Larry. The oldest hand, he looked about sixty, came into the arena carrying the halter, walked along side the completely passive bull and leaned over his neck to put on the halter.

Acknowledging the cheering Larry stepped forward and took a bow. For Paris her humiliation was complete except just as Larry straightened up the bull waddled forward and walked all over the squawking ranch hand. The other two ranch hands rushed forward to pick him up and dust him down while Paris fell about laughing.

"Oh my back," groaned the victim.

"He could be hurt, the bull weights twenty-two hundred pounds. Fortunately the ground is soft."

"Not a major boss," Larry said bravely. "One hoof just deflected some ribs rather too much for comfort."

"Tom fetch the liniment from the first aid box," Hal ordered.

"You guys carry Larry and place him on his belly on those feed sacks," Paris said. "Removed his jacket, shirt and anything else under his shirt but do it gently."

She rubbed in the strong-smelling lotion until Larry began crying, "Oh yes, ooh y-e-s, ooh y-e-s"

Red-faced Paris headed back to the first aid box with the liniment, going closer to the rear of the bull than necessary to show she wasn't scared. Just as she reached it the bull raised its tail. 

"Crap on me and I'll shove this open tube up your ass and squeeze it empty," she yelled.

Incredibly the tail lowered like a wet rag.

The hooting and hollering she heard behind her made Paris grin in triumph, albeit small triumph.

A minute later Tom appeared leading a brown and white horse he called a Paint. "Her name is Bambi. We keep her around for when small kids come here."

"Oh yeah."

"Miss it's the truth."

"Oh yeah."

"It is the truth Paris. Bambi really is a bambi," Hal said. "We've had enough laughs for all week. If Tom is lying I'll stick that tube where he wouldn't want it."

"Promise?"

"Absolutely."

The guys sat on the railing while Paris went over and introduced herself to Bambi. She swung into the saddle with ease and came off it again to lower the stirrups. She rode a circuit at a walk and then kicked the horse into a trot but there was no response. The heels thudded into the horse; she went straight from walk into canter. On the third circuit Paris leaned right back on the horse's rump until she was not far short of being horizontal. Her hat fell off. 

On the next circuit, still as a canter, she leaned over to recover her hat to applause. On her fifth and final lap she grabbed the saddle-horn, leapt off on to the dirt floor and bounced back effortlessly to regain her seat. This time the applause was hearty.

"You are professionally trained," Alan said.

"Yes but that was years ago. I began riding lessons when I was three. I still ride twice a week on Manhattan Island."

"What, around the Statue of Liberty."

"I don't think so Larry," she laughed. "It's shark-filled water out there."

Paris asked Hal how many horses were there on the ranch.

"Forty-eight at the last count."

"Can you do me a sound, long-striding black mare about 15.4 hands who can jump?"

"We have three that fit that specification more or less but I'm not sure about jumping ability nor standing that high."

"I'm not into roping and cutting; I require all-day riding. The height I stated suggests some Arab in the blood lines."

"Marissa boss." 

"Thank you Alan," Hal frowned. "For that you go out tomorrow when you have some free time and bring back Marissa for Tom to unwind when he has free time."

Unsmiling, Hal turned to Paris and said, "Marissa was dad's four-year-old."

He appeared quite taken aback when Paris said quietly, "Then in that case I'll be honored if I am permitted to have her for the duration of my stay. I'd prefer she being kept in the small pasture with Paint. "I'll encourage Annie to come out riding with me."

"Annie hasn't ridden for years."

Paris smiled and said the Paint would be a good mount to start with. "It's like a bike, you never forget how to ride although some of your muscles have rather short-term memory. When she's become seasoned we ride out with Alan and allow Annie her choice. She'll probably go for something with endurance and the fire of a mustang, methinks."

"Prairie Queen." 

"Thank you Alan," Hal said icily.

* * *

Hal thawed as he and Paris walked back to the house, not quite touching. "You were impressive in the barn."

"Oh I was? I hope I didn't put a little toe out of place."

"You were somewhat over-familiar with the men."

"Oh dear although I'm not the boss's wife you regard me as so in that respect."

"Well, er, no that's not what I meant."

She smiled and took his arm and her arm wasn't cast aside. "What did you mean?"

"I mean there has to be an order to things, the boss must be seen to be the boss."

She cocked her head, forcing him to look at her. "So you think I was under-minding your authority?"

"Well, not with the men; you seem to be earning your own level of respect from them. They er..."

"They er what?"

"Almost have you up on a pedestal, only you won't allow that and they have got the message."

"Oh dear, how naughty of me."

They kicked through the snow in silence briefly until she said, "So how bad am I in my relationship with Annie."

He wriggled his body and coughed and finally said, "No it's okay. You are moving to treat her like a girl friend and that could be good for Annie. This horse stuff, you see yourself out riding with her most days?"

"Yes and why not?"

"That's treating her like family."

Paris counted to ten and then said calmly, "Hal, how did your mother treat Annie?"

He attempted to pull away but she held him with surprising strength. 

Steam from the cold late afternoon air plumed from his nostrils and then his shoulders slumped: "Oh God, like family, the closest of family."

"Thank you for being honest with me," Paris said, pulling away from Hal.

"Paris, my friend. You are welcome to take Annie out riding if that's what she wants."

"Oh Hal," Paris said, moving in very close and putting her arm around him. "You can be so accommodating."

Hal sounding a little confused said, "Who me?"

They entered the house noisily and Annie greeted them smiling. "The range war is over." 

Paris and Hal looked at each other, wondering what she was on about. Their eyes locked momentarily longer that necessary. It appeared something had been ignited by Annie's pragmatic and accurate comment.

"Bath," Paris called in confusion and raced away.

"I'll join you," he shouted and she squealed; the sound wasn't a 'No'. But he stayed back reading the newspapers that Tom had been out to fetch in from the mailbox. There were five delayed deliveries plus this morning's one.

When Hal, spruced up, entered the kitchen-breakfast room Paris sat him on the window seat and drew back the heavy drapes so interior lighting shone out on to the ten-plus inches of snow.

"It's cold," he complained.

"It's not, the temperature has scarcely dropped since 4:00," she observed acutely.

"So many distractions this afternoon I'm a little out of kilter," he added, scratching his head.

Paris pulled a chair around to face the sofa and returned practically dragging Annie who complained that she was in the middle of cooking dinner. 

"It's cooking itself at this stage and it's too early to make the gravy."

Annie looked nervously at Hal because this was his quiet corner pre-meal. He rolled a hand uppermost and raised an eyebrow as if to say a new regime has taken over.

Annie relaxed. 

Paris returned with a glass of fruit juice for Annie, already knowing it was her preference over alcohol, and a glass of wine for herself. She sprawled on the sofa, resting back against Hal after giving him no option but to raise his inner arm and when she was settled to place it over her shoulder. He grabbed his beer.

"Well, how cozy. Time for a tête-à-tête. What was the most exciting thing you did today Annie?"

Annie smiled at Paris and said exciting things didn't happen to a person who spent the day doing the housework, cooking and taking an afternoon nap.

"Did you dream?"

Annie's eyes misted. "I saw my mother and father standing, my mother holding my baby sister, watching my two older brothers sitting me on a pony. It was the first time I had been lifted on to a horse; I looked so happy."

That comment curled Annie's toes. She was a romantic and that was why she wrote romance novels. Then Hal really set her alight.

"In her younger days Annie was untouchable in this region of the state in bare-back horse races for women at fairs and at her peak was called to be one of the celebrities at special events in Billings and Great Falls."

"Hal, Paris is not interested in hearing about me," Annie said, adding "The gravy" and moved to leave for the stove.

"Tell Annie about my need as a greenhorn for a riding companion," Paris said softly.

Relaxed and feeling rather conscious of each other, Hal and Paris watched Annie dabbing her eyes while she stood over the gravy pan.

Paris said, "I know ranching is a hard life and made even harder in this unforgiving part of the country Hal. I know ranchers and their people have to be tough and act tough, as that is part of survival and for most there's not a lot of spare money at hand. But I hope you have just learned that what you have just told Annie so kindly and expressively has made her into one happy woman. She's still too young to vegetate in a kitchen."

"Lesson learned." Hal said, lowering his hand and attempting in vain to grab some flesh around her tummy. "Good gracious woman, you need supplementary feeding."

"I don't think so," she said, pulling the hand on to her left breast.

"Silly, how have I gotten it so wrong?"

She felt his breath come close to her ear, but the kiss didn't arrive. 

As they finished dinner Annie said, "The snow has finished until the next dump, maybe in eight days' time."

Paris, with four wines consumed, giggled and thought that comment was scarcely profound.

As Annie took away plates she said, "New moon appears tonight, a good omen for you two."

"How would she know?" Paris whispered. "Is there a moon chart around here?"

"Lunar activity charts appear in the newspaper but Annie does need to read that stuff. If you knew what Annie knows it could scare you. We'll be hit by another snowstorm in eight days. I'd bet on it."

Paris went to bed first and slipped between the sheets hopefully. She was nude. When Hal thumped into bed and rolled on to his back she asked, "Do I get a goodnight kiss?"

"A kiss?" he said uneasily.

"You kiss your horse don't you?"

"No and for your information I have seven horses."

"You'll have a favorite?"

"Yes."

"So you don't ever kiss her?"

"He's a him," Hal said stiffly.

"Oh, sorry."

That response apparently appealed. He leant over and kissed her something marginally better than a peck but he ruined it sounding horrified, "Christ, you're nude."

"You want to try it sometime. You'll sleep better," she said crossly and when he turned away she turned her back on him.

CHAPTER 2

At breakfast Hal agreed the thaw had set in and Paris could go shopping but he better come with her.

"I want to buy underwear."

"Er the think the boys will need supervising. You go with her Annie."

"Stop being so protective Hal, Paris is one independent woman."

Paris asked Hal for the address of his accountant because she wanted to call in and sign on as a ranch hand.

"But I haven't decided whether to hire you."

"What you sleep with me but can't decided whether I'm suitable to hire?"

Hal grabbed his hat and rushed to the door, calling to Annie to give Paris Merle Cook's address.

"That boy has never met anyone quite like you," Annie grinned.

"Boy? Just how old is he?"

"Thirty-one, born June the first."

"I'm almost a year older."

"I thought you were."

Driving her 'truck' out to the highway, Paris experienced no problems. On the last mile there were sections where snow had thawed completely and the slush had drained away.

When she reached the end of the secondary highway where the roadblock had been, she saw a Highway Patrol Trooper parked using his radar on approaching traffic on the main highway. She pulled up behind, aware he was looking at her vehicle.

"Good morning ma'am," he said, as she walked up to him. "I don't recognize your vehicle. Are you lost?"

"No, I'm staying on the Harrop Ranch."

"Ah," he said, turning serious.

"Look a couple of days ago I found my way blocked on this road. I'm from New York so didn't understand the significance thinking the closure was for sedans. Hal, do you know Hal?"

"Yes, everyone around here knows Hal the recluse. As an adult he only came out to play football and made himself into a local hero."

"Well Hal said I was a naughty girl and Annie called your depot to advise I had gotten through okay."

"Annie she's a legend around here. She was a fine rider, one of the best. She also took a company of mining prospectors to court when they violated her people's land with the authorities turning a blind eye. She presented the case, assisted by an attorney and won. Outside the court the weasel that was the mining company's president came up and berated her and when he really lost it and called her a f------ bitch she dropped him, out cold. It was caught on TV cameras. He later wanted Annie charged with assault but this time the authorities a blind eye when it was really merited."

"Wow, great story. I wish to apologize for my behavior and can I offer to make a donation to a Highway Patrol charity?"

The trooper pushed aside his book of traffic violation tickets and pulled up a receipt book.

"Certainly ma'am."

"I'm repentant so one hundred dollars."

"Thank you ma'am."

Paris sang all the way into town, thinking she must visit the library for copies of all relevant articles of that case for her book. Names and the type of case would be changed but the woman would still be proudly of Crow descent.

She pulled into the gas station to top up with diesel and noticed a woman peering at her. The woman waved to two other women customers who also looked at her. One came forward. "Excuse me, but are you the novelist Paris McCoy who latest book is 'A Pregnant Pause'? I think I recognize you by your photo on the dust jacket."

"Yes."

The three women introduced themselves. 

"Oh Merle Cook? I was on my way to see you to sign on as a ranch hand at Burrow's Ranch."

The three women looked agog.

"What?" said the woman called Maddie. "The word is that the longest any woman visiting Hal has stayed on Burrow's Ranch in the past dozen years is forty-eight hours. She was dumped at the gate where a cab called by Hal was waiting for her."

"Well, I'll be there for nine months," Paris began confidently. "What's wrong?"

She colored and said, "No I'm not in retreat as a pregnant unmarried woman. I only met him two days ago. He's my third cousin. I'm researching for a new novel, a western."

"A western," Maddie Jones gasped. "Please excuse me." She stood aside with her cell phone.

Elsie Hunger said, "Miss McCoy. I'm president of the Woman's Auxiliary, would you be kind enough to attend our next monthly luncheon at noon on Friday week?"

"Yes, gladly. The chance to interface with local women is welcomed."

"Er, to address the meeting," Elsie said.

"Well yes, although I may struggle to say anything interesting."

"You hail from New York, which is interest enough," Elsie beamed. "Anything you can tell us about Hal Harrop will be a splendid bonus."

Maddie returned, putting her phone away. "My husband Ritchie is publisher of "The Examiner'. A photographer and reporter are on their way to interview you Miss McCoy. Please say yes."

"Oh dear, this will blow my cover. Not even my publisher knows details of this secret assignment."

"Secret assignment?" Maddie echoed, making a mental note.

"Yes, but I've established so quickly and off to such a flying start that I guess the covers can come off."

"Flying start... covers can come off," Maddie repeated. "Journalists will descend upon us like confetti."

"Not a chance," Paris laughed. "What is the print run of your newspaper, 5000?"

"Just over 1700," Maddie said defensively. "Our main income comes from commercial printing."

"Hayseed Publishing prints more than half the bull sale catalogues printed in all of Montana," Merle said proudly. "I'm the company's only outside director and prepare its annual report."

The women cleared their vehicles from the forecourt and waited for the Press to arrive.

The reporter was a shy girl of perhaps seventeen while the photographer was a wiry woman of about fifty.

"I love your books Miss McCoy. We're told you're staying on the Burrow's Ranch. How is Annie?"

Paris told the photographer, "Annie is well. She really appears to be a remarkable woman."

The older women nodded seriously while the young woman looked bewildered.

"Hannah, would you mind if I asked the questions while you note the questions and answers?"

The cub reporter looked at Maddie relieved and said, "Not at all, Mrs Jones." 

Maddie, obviously a former reporter, interviewed with ease and Paris told her everything except anything about her tenuous relationship with Hal and sleeping in his bed.

"How do you find Hal Harrop?"

"Tall, lean and tough. The kind of guy I imagine it takes to ensure this country and its weather don't nail you terminally."




Montana Rhapsody Pt. 01



"Hal, his men and his cook. Everyone around here calls them recluses. What do you say about that?"

"To be honest, there's a touch of misfits about them individually but collectively they really jell. My impression is if I had my back to the wall I'd welcome anyone of them to my side. I have no fear of any of the men. They all appear to be open and straight and I understood all have lady friends in this locality. The one I'm apprehensive about although very friendly with is the cook/housekeeper. The one everyone calls Annie. Hal mentioned if I knew what Annie knows it would scare me and I now believe there's something profound in that which I hope to come to understand."

"Finally Miss McCoy..."

"Look, please no more Miss McCoy. I'm about to sign-up as a ranch hand so everyone I'm either Paris or Dummy because I'm such a greenhorn. Take your pick."

"Well Paris will Hal become the hero and you the heroine in your new book?"

"I guess we and our stories will be the basis to what I finally produce, but really don't read too much into it as it will be a sizzling romance and I'm not sure that Hal understands anything about romance or what the word sizzling means."

"What do you mean by that?"

"I should not have to explain myself to intelligent women."

"Oh yeah. Well Paris, enjoy your stay and success with your writing. Do you have a final word? 

"Just this; I came closer to killing myself in making it up to the elevated ranch in the wake of a snow storm several days ago on the 13th. I'm already falling in love with this part of our country and look forward to the next big event on our ranch calendar. Calving on, er perhaps I mean from March the first. Oh, I've also been invited to speak to the Women's Auxiliary Friday week. I hope everyone comes along and make it into a real fund-raiser. By the way, what's with the name?"

Maddie conferred with Elsie.

"It perpetuates a grouping of women who banded together to assist with the war effort."

"Which war?" Paris asked.

"No one really knows," Maddie said.

Sue had been taking shots of Paris during the interview and when it was completed took a group photograph.

* * *

Next day just before lunchtime the guys were back working around the barns and corrals. Alan hoped off his four-wheeler and come rushing into the homestead with the mail and newspaper.

"Boss take a look at this," he yelled, tossing 'The Examiner' in front of Hal and glancing at Paris with a smirk.

"We unmask top novelist's secret assignment to Montana -- details page 3," read Hal. "Oh look, here's a photo of our Paris, called here the famous romance writer Paris McCoy, with three of our town's leading ladies."

Annie went racing to look over his shoulder. "You look very pretty Paris."

Paris sat still, embarrassed, hoping Hal wouldn't say it.

"I thought you said your visit to town yesterday was ho-hum?"

"Sort of," Paris said, turning redder, looking down at her lap.

"Sort of? Well let's turn to page 3 and see what kind of things happen when sort of nothing is apparently happening."

"Oh look, all these small photos of Paris with cute expressions," Annie cried excitedly. "Read me the story Hal, you know I need glasses."

Hal read the interview with great delight, glancing occasionally at Paris now bent over with her hands hiding her face.

As Hal finished Alan chortled: "You won't be able to walk into the supermarket Paris without being mobbed, even in the pharmacy and the general store. You'll famous because people will have read this story. They will all want to be in your book."

"It's a lovely story Paris," Annie said. "Thank you for the lovely things you said about us all. I wasn't aware you were in awe of me. My understanding was it was the other way around."

"Excuse me," Paris cried, and fled the room.

"Oh, you guys have embarrassed her," Alan said, rolling in laughter.

Telephone calls continued. Annie told Hal they had been coming all morning but she didn't understand what they were on about so told them wrong number. She had the impression Paris was in some sort of trouble.

Hal said he'd stay in and deal with them and do some bookwork. He told the callers Paris was out on a three-day ride with the rancher checking out fence lines and no, there was no cell phone contact out there and no they didn't have CB radio.

Late afternoon came the call he was hoping for, a call from his late mother's favorite magazine, 'The Ladies' Home Journal'. An hour later a deal was struck. Hal would host their reporter and photographer for two days in return for the magazine donating $2000 to Paris's favorite charity. Initially the caller had declined to consider making the payment, so Hal cut the call. He took a call from the 'Great Falls Tribune' and arranged for their photo-journalist to call on Thursday morning. An ABC affiliate TV station called so he arranged for their crew to also come also that morning.

An hour later the editorial manager for the 'Home Journal' called and asked would Hal as Miss McCoy's manager accept $5000 being paid into Miss McCoy's favorite charity in return for the journal being granted exclusive magazine rights.

"Yes that's agreed. Pay the check into the Montana Charity for Citizens in Financial Distress."

"Splendid, I'll do that as soon as you sign the contract."

"What contract?"

"An agreement between you and our company granting us exclusive magazine rights to Miss McCoy's story in coming to your ranch. It will prohibit her from talking to anyone from any other magazine."

"Listen lady, my word is my contract. If that's not good enough for you..."

"You word is fine, Mr Harrop. As soon as we publish the feature spread the check will be paid to your nominated charity."

"Do I have you word on that Mrs Long?"

"You certainly do."

"Well, we have a deal. Goodbye Mrs Long."

Meanwhile, Paris's bedside phone brought her out of an uneasy nap. "Hi, it's a woman for you. She knows you personally apparently," Hal said. "By the way I'm not annoyed at being used. I have you are handling your advance publicity very skillfully. Everyone is already wanting you."

"Everyone wanting me. What do you mean?"

"I'm switching the call through."

"Hello," Paris said sleepily.

"Gawd what time is it out there?"

Paris realized the call was her commissioning editor Ruby Street. "Two o'clock I think."

"You now sleep in the day time?"

"Well, today I do. How did you locate me and why?"

"As your publishing benefactor I thought I would be told first where you had located and why. But no, I have to hear it on radio news: 'Popular romance novelist Paris McCoy of New York is signing on as a ranch hand in a remote part of Wyoming to learn the ropes before writing her first western romance. Local female citizenry are agog someone so famous should arrive in their midst and already cowgirl Paris has received her first speaking engagement. A local newspaper this morning unmasked the celebrated writer who slipped into their community during a snowstorm.' Is all that true?"

"Yes, expect I wasn't aware I carried the tag 'celebrated'.

"Right, and the mean-ass writer didn't insert our name as your publisher into the story."

"Or if he/she did it was subbed out."

"Right, good point. Now young lady you are not to break your neck or get taken by outlaws. I want to receive an email report from you every second Monday beginning on Monday week."

"Yes Master; if nothing is happening I'll make it up."

"Try to nail this aloof rancher darling. It will make great publicity for us."

"Well I am suppose to wed him in August."

"What! That would be marvelous timing for us."

"It's just an Indian saying that came to me on the wind."

Ruby giggled and asked Paris was on drugs. Told certainly not she ended her call apparently pleased the secret project of the author she was hoping to have launched to take her publisher's number one spot was no longer a secret.

Paris went out and found Hal. She sat on his knee and put an arm around his neck.

"Er, I'm working on the farm accounts."

"Well consider this a rest period. Are you truly not mad at me and my loose mouth?"

"No I've gotten used to you. It's a matter of having to adapt quickly if we are to survive your rampant ways."

She kissed him, patted him on the shoulders and said he was such a nice guy.

Looking uncomfortable, Hal picked up a list as a diversion and began briefing her.

"These are the names of most of the media people who have called, wanting to interview you. I took it upon myself to say no to them all except the 'Great Falls Tribune' and a NBC affiliate who will have reps here on Thursday morning and then the 'Ladies' Home Journal and I have guaranteed the Journal you will not speak to anyone representing any other magazine in return to their team staying here for two days and the company donating $5000 to your favorite Montana charity." 

"Oh darling, that is wonderful, $5000!" She hugged and kissed him and without thinking Hal was kissing her back.

"Should I lock the door?" Paris whispered.

"Er tonight."

She smiled and began playing with his hair; Hal looked trapped, like a frightened rabbit. She left the room to fetch coffee and he dashed for the door, yelling out he'd be back before dark.

Paris smiled and went to the bedroom to resume her nap.

When Hal arrived back at 5:30, Paris met him at the door, kissed him and led him to the bedroom, locking the door.

"It's not night time," he swallowed.

"It doesn't matter. You shave while I run the bath. The heating is up so undress me and then I'll undress you. I want to see what you've got."

"You'll undress me?" he croaked.

"That's what I said. Oh Hal, you poor darling. You're shy. You either do it in the dark or with most of your clothes on don't you?"

He nodded.

She switched off some of the lights. "Is that better?"

He nodded.

Paris led him to the shaving cabinet and she ran the bath and left him in peace.

Hal came out drying his face, wearing just his jeans and socks.

"You have a lovely torso."

Hal looked longingly at the door.

"Come, free my titties."

He walked to her obediently and undid and removed her shirt and reached around and unclasped her bra without a fumble.

"You're done this before."

"Yeah, many times but they were just casual womenfolk, not someone who'd be sticking around for some months."

Paris frowned. "Then you don't want to do it with me?"

"No I mean yes I do, yes I do."

"Well, let's get on with it Hal. Please put your back into it and at least look cheerful."

That seemed to motivate him. "May I touch?"

"Please do. Lick them if you wish."

Hal busied himself, putting his back into it until he almost had Paris climbing through the roof.

"I'll need to check the level of the bathwater Hal."

"Stuff the bathwater," he said. He pushed her on to the bed and yanked off her jeans.

"And the panties Hal."

"They look a bit fragile."

"Never mind if you tear them."

"Okay."

She lifted and he managed well.

"You have no hair."

"Ooooh. I wonder how that happened Hal? Selective breeding and my mom also chose a good sire?"

He grinned and said she was pulling his leg.

She ignored answering, instead unbuckling and pulling down his jeans before turning him and pushing him on to the bed to finish the job. Paris pulled off the briefs and said, "Oh my selective breeding and your mom chose a good sire."

They reached the bathroom in time. 

He helped her into the bath and smacked her ass as she turned to sit down. Paris turned pink, and sat down rather heavily, panting a little. She didn't say a word. As he climbed in she drew her legs to one side and as he settled, leaning back with his arms along both sides, she lifted her feet on to him, capturing his erection.

"No one has ever done that to me before," he said, eyeing her half-submerged breasts keenly, "and not even bathed with me."

Paris tossed the soap to him, fantasying perhaps she'd take him on an extended sexual journey over the next few months during which he would enjoy new experiences but then remembered he'd mentioned 'many women'. She still had this golden thought of burying herself with him deep into a field of waving ripe wheat and oh, and trying to do it nude cantering bareback on a horse. Wasn't that wicked? But if those two concepts worked in practice they would find their way into her western romance, a very modern western romance.

They scarcely dried themselves when they left the bath. Hal carried her to the bed where he buried his face between her long thighs. 

Paris had this vision of them sitting in front of the fire, late at night, half intoxicated and he asking if she'd like to do something stupid and of course she said yes. They undressed and ran out into the snow. He was supposed to be the toughest so he lay on his back while she bounded up and down, up and down, up and down and she melted.

"My God," he said, coming up for air and wiping his face while she dreamily melted.

The poor boy, she was next to useless for the moment, energy-depleted it seemed. She rocked away with her legs over his shoulders while he worked tirelessly. 

Paris started at him and he stared right back, now sweat was appearing on his forehead. So she squeezed her muscles; his face turned red and he began to pant. She squeezed some more and he bellowed like one of his bulls, a gratifying sound to her as it told her she'd rewarded him as she had been mewing like a kitten. 

Paris drifted off to sleep, knowing a beautiful smile was on her face despite having the horrible last-minute thought had he remembered to wear a condom. She was on the pill but that didn't cover everything since there'd been all those other women.

* * *

After breakfast next morning Paris reported for duties. At dinner they had agreed she'd work for 'all found but no pay' for a fortnight when a weekly pay rate would be discussed. She assumed she would be assigned something like mucking out the barn where a few unwell cows were housed.

"Go to town and assist Annie with the monthly shopping. You take the wheel because she's erratic, a danger to herself. Okay Annie?"

"Yes boss."

The vehicle was a Dodge Ram 2500 quad cab 4X4 power wagon. Paris thought the vehicle was more refined than hers but wondered if it could go where the dealer said where hers could traverse. But did it matter?

Annie appeared to be excited and they chatted well. A highway patrol trooper came up fast behind them and on the next straight passed them, it's pursuit/emergency warning lights flashed briefly and the driver waved.

"You know him?" Annie asked, mystified. 

"Sort of."

"What kind of answer is that?"

"It was the trooper asleep in his car who I bypassed on the day I arrived. I've since made my peace with him by acknowledging my stupidity."

"Julian Olsen is a lovely man. Before he married Eve she was one of Hal's string of fillies."

"Wow a string."

"Yes. Know what you're getting my pretty lady."

"What do you mean?"

"You know what I mean."

Near the supermarket Annie directed Annie where to park, backing into the less populated side of the building. "We are bulk customers so will come out of that side door."

As they neared the entrance Annie warned Paris not to feel overwhelmed. 

Paris smiled and she'd been to very much larger supermarkets in Queens and farther out on Long Island. 

They each took a trolley and where halfway down the fruit and vegetable aisle when Annie muttered, "Here is comes." 

Paris looked and saw nothing untoward. A woman smiled at her, Paris smiled back and the women's eyes bulged: "Ohmigod," she shouted, "It's Paris McCoy with Annie Nomee!"

Within half a minute Paris and Annie were the center of a trolley jam and uproar eventuated. Supermarket management tried to steer the women away in various directions without avail. Finally it was announced over the inter-com that unless the women in the fruit and veggie aisle dispersed with sixty seconds the supermarket would be closed. Reluctantly the women withdrew.

"Thankfully we're parked out on the side. We shouldn't be mobbed when we leave," Annie grinned. "Did you hear anything anyone said?"

"Not a word," Paris grinned. "Progress was slow and women waited in ambush to secure autographs or to have a quick word, mainly to ask if they could be in the next book.

Just out of town Paris stopped and asked Annie to drive. "Put your new glasses on."

"Oh," said Annie who drove beautifully. "These glasses are a great help." She stopped right alongside the mailbox at the entrance to the ranch and said, "Oh, we have mail." 

Annie added. "A record amount. Oh look, there's a sack of it tucked in under the box."

"Open some of my mail Annie," Paris said once all the mail was sorted, mostly addressed to Miss Paris McCoy. The first two Annie opened were invitations to dinner.

"None of us ever get invited out. Hal doesn't because he's neither engaged, married or considered an eligible bachelor."

"Well, that's changed," Paris grinned. "All the invitations I've read include Hal." 

"Mine too," Annie said happily. "You couldn't have spent a better $8.50 on me. These magnifying spectacles are amazing. It's much easier than reading with glasses."

"I thought Indians had amazing vision?"

"That's a mixture of crap and truth. Our people's vision varies. But mine is bad for my age and always has been. I failed to come right after illness as a child."

"Mumps?"

"I wouldn't know. I was just sick and poorly." 

Paris made a mental note to take Annie to see a consultant even if it meant going to Billings.

During lunch Paris took a call from Elsie of the Women's Auxiliary. She returned to the table rather white-faced. "I can't believe this. The luncheon is being shifted from the hotel dinning room to the Events Center. The Women's Auxiliary is getting more tickets printed. Elsie says they perhaps will be hosting one thousand people."

"Rubbish," Hal snorted. "The population of the town is not much over 700."

"Elsie say they now have five people taking phone orders. People up to one hundred miles away are buying tickets on their credit cards. Whole busloads of women are coming including quite a few men who feel if I can talk as well as I look then it's worth them coming. I'm ready to panic."

"You survived the stampede at the supermarket, you'll survive this," Hal laughed.

"Elsie has invited you, Annie and the boys as her special guests. All she asks is you give small donations to the nominated charity."

"Well, I'll be damned. The boys have never been invited to anything and I'm lucky to scrape up one invite a year. What's happening here? Oh, I know!"

"I'm sorry to risk embarrassing you Hal," Paris said meekly. "I'll buy the boys new jeans, white shirts and cowboy ties."

"To hell you will but thanks for the generous offer, There's money in the ranch slush account. Phone for a mail order catalogue and let the boys choose Annie but they must not go overboard. You are smart to know old jackets and old boots are acceptable winter wear in this region Paris."

"I was smart enough to ask Annie."

Hal grinned. 

"I've picked four invitations I think I'd like to accept if you are interested."

"That's lovely, a couple a week was about what I thought. More invitations will arrive of course. But let's set two a week."

"Right Annie, you're my social secretary, fix it," Hal said expansively.

"No Paris will want to send hand-written letters of thanks to everyone including to the invitations she is accepting and giving dates which are suitable to you and her."

"Whatever you say. Fix it Paris."

"Yes boss."

"Gee wiz, Annie do you remember when it was just you and me around here and everything was so peaceful and predictable?"




Montana Rhapsody Pt. 01



"Yes and I remember it had gotten rather boring after your father's death."

"Yeah I think so too. Thank heaven for Paris's disruptive arrival."

"You are so rude," Paris snorted.

"It's just the little boy coming out of him," Annie smiled. "My little boy."

* * *

The arrival of the newspaper duo and a film crew working on contract to the TV channel passed without incident. For the TV interview Paris was filmed walking along with Fat-So the huge Angus Bull on his halter and the female interviewer looking decidedly nervous. The interview was almost entirely devoted to talking about why would a successful writer like Paris want to risk everything by trying the dead-end western market. She'd replied she believed that's where the real romance still existed in America and as that Fat-So dribbled and sounded off with a bit of a bellow.

The bald-headed newspaper reporter was browned off at being kept waiting for the TV interview to finish so slammed into Paris, alleging she'd arrived as a greenhorn and would depart in eight months still a greenhorn although she'd have cleaner lungs and would have attended a couple of rodeos. 

She hit back, red-cheeked and narrowed-eye. "This is not about me. Can't you see, you media people have it all wrong. This is about Montana and it's even more about romance and what it might become, given the chance."

On she burbled, the nasty reporter shoveling in the occasion goad until, her nervous energy drained, she snarled, "That's it. Fuck off."

"Thank you Paris, a great interview. You really get going when wound up. Some people just get sullen. Can I smell coffee?"

Hal knocked and entered and looking at Paris asked, "Are you okay?"

"A little drained. I've been played like a marionette."

He replied "Huh?" but she didn't elaborate.

Max the reporter was offered coffee while Paris went outside with Sissy the photographer who'd already taken indoor shots. As they scuffed through the now very thin layer of snow Sissy apologized that Paris had been put through the grill.

"It's his stupid technique but usually he extracts amazing quotes as if the person being interviewed drops his or her guard; Max has won heaps of awards for journalism."

"Is he okay to travel with? I guess you two stay overnight on some assignments."

"Actually he's very good for a male as a conversationalist but regrettably he's staunchly gay." 

The look on the poor woman's face was enough to return Paris's good humor.

Paris had thought of posing with Marissa in her stall but the black mare wasn't there. They went into the corral behind the barn where they found Tom Edwards about to mount the saddled ball of energy.

"She's in the process of being reprogrammed to be ridden," Paris explained in greenhorn terms but it was an accurate description. "I'm not allowed to ride her yet."

"She's a big horse."

"I like my men and my horses tall," Paris said casually and waited while Sissy wrote down something.

"Well, just sit in the saddle. Posing head-to-head with a horse is too cheesy for me."

Tom said that would be okay because Melissa had calmed down and was almost ready for Paris.

Sissy took the photograph, posed perfectly, when the flashlight upset Melissa. She reared and almost unseated her rider but all was well and the horse did not react to the flashlight firing the second time.

"That's a wrap," said the photographer smugly.

At breakfast on Saturday two days later a small aircraft flew low over the ranch house and a small package trailing an orange ribbon dropped from it.

"It's the 'Great Falls Tribune', Hal said. "That gay reporter told me because we were outside vehicle delivery circulation area he'd get the inter-city air delivery pilot to drop us off a copy and I drew him a map showing landmarks with our X-shaped water reservoir half a mile to the east of here being the key."

"Great photo," Hal grinned, returning with the newspaper with the plastic wrapper removed. "Pity about the caption."

Annie grabbed her new glasses and she and Paris gathered round as Hal spread the newspaper on the table.

The photograph showed the magnificent totally black mare rearing with daylight between the saddle and Paris's ass. She had a terrified look on her face and one hand was stabilizing her Stetson.

"Terrific photo," Annie said. "Oh goodness, the caption reads, 'Famous romance writer Paris McCoy in Montana from winter through to summer's end, can ride so retained her seat. The charismatic beauty had earlier told the photographer, I like my horses and my men big.' Oh my, fancy telling the people of Montana that!"

"Big I've been misquoted," Paris cried. "I said tall."

"Everyone embarrassed by their published quotations always allege they said something different," Hal chortled.

While Annie finished preparing breakfast and all through it Hal read the two-page spread of Max's interview. Annie and Paris listened in silence and remained silent after the reading ended. It was written in laid-back style sprinkled with direct quotes from Paris and included Paris's background and what she thought of her success. A sidebar article was a review of her latest book. Max ended the story: 

"Do you miss New York Miss McCoy?"

"Yes, terribly."

"Where in the world would you like to live?"

"Right now I'm thinking Montana."

"Golly the people of Montana will love you for saying that Miss McCoy."

Hal said 'The Examiner' regularly reprints Max Miller's syndicated Saturday feature stories and will reprint this one. I've read many of them and can say with confidence this is the best article of his I've read. He's drawn that something extra out of you Paris. Your words about your arrival here in the wake of a snowstorm draw pictures that even the people in places like Miami can experience what you experienced, practically seeing it. Similarly are the images of you presented as you described sitting after midnight at the computer in the loft of your parent's home, often grinding away until you'd fall asleep and how you'd walk through the streets of New York in evening watching young lovers and later watching them in restaurants while you'd eat alone trying to imagine their stories to give you inspiration. That was told so graphically, so emotionally. No wonder you are so popular with your readers."

Unable to conceal her delight Paris said, "Thank you Hal."

"What do you think of the interview as a whole?" Annie asked Paris.

"I loved it and would suspect Max has enhanced me and my writing in the public's mind. What do I do this morning boss?"

"Go with Annie and be at the airport by 10:10 to meet our duo representing mom's Journal."

"Oh gawd, another ordeal."

"Yes, they will conduct the interview this afternoon and then spend tomorrow skiing. I have arranged for near neighbors eighteen miles away the O'Connor's to host our visitors at their ski club for the day. The editorial manager said it would be two months before the article appears."

CHAPTER 3

The day of the big luncheon arrived. Almost 1600 people had paid to attend. Elsie Hunger, president of the Women's Auxiliary, had come out to the ranch with her vice-president to check on what dress would Paris wear to the function and was satisfied when shown it. She also approved of the topic, 'Personally Perceived Differences Between Manhattan and Montana'. Elsie had said the speech would be recorded for later screening on local television.

As the luncheon was being cleared away Elsie called for a 10-minute comfort break. Paris, wearing the blue dress the president had approved went through a door on the side of the stage followed by Hal carrying a suitcase. As Elsie called the assembly to order, looking anxiously at the stage side door Paris appeared, now with her hair out of the French roll and swinging freely; she was wearing a very stylish long black leather coat.

After the applause died following Elsie's introduction that included the title of the address, Paris climbed on to her chair and stepped on to the table. The audience fell silent.

"Thank you for coming in such numbers to hear little me prattle on. I was told you guys would have big expectation and so I will try to make it interesting for you. Apparently some of you have come from up to 100 miles. Anyone beat that?

Several voices called out.

"I heard someone say in excess of 250 miles. Where are you from Sir and what brought you here?"

"I'm Casper Young and my wife and I have flown in from our ranch in North Dakota. Julia is addicted to your books Miss McCoy."

"Well, what a contrast. In New York one usually doesn't attend a meeting if it's more than a five-minute cab ride away. A big hand for Mr and Mrs Young please."

"Our Women's Auxiliary hostess Mrs Elsie Hunger approved of the blue dress I was wearing earlier. Obviously she thought others would approve as well. But where were my legs? Aren't women's legs appreciated in Montana?"

"Yes", 'Of course' and 'Bring them on' some people called out.

"I thought I would offend if as a greenhorn I appeared in cowgirl shirt and jeans as tight as my skin and I'd deserve to be branded as a fraud. Although I can ride a horse, that's all. So I thought how do I perceive the modern young woman of Montana? It had to be a guess as I haven't been anywhere yet apart from this town as we've been rather snowed in. So I rather fancied appearing like this," Paris said, unbuttoning her coat and tossing it to Hal. She placed a hand on her hip and waved to her cheering audience with a huge smile, although there were one or two sour faces amongst the throng.

She looked sensational in a little black dress and black ankle boots.

Climbing down, reasonably elegantly, Paris took her place at the lectern. 

"An author has to learn to observe characters to learn about constructing characters. You only begin to realize how little you know of anyone when you base them around a character you are creating and then try to imagine the peripheral things about a person. For example if they are right-handed do they open a left-handed opening door with their right of left hand? What hand do they use to scratch their nose left, right or both? In the case of saddle weary Montana men or city slickers in offices or driving all day, which hand do they use to scratch?

The hall erupted.

"Hal Harrop, stand up please."

Hal stood to warm applause.

"Hall is my boss. He's lean, taciturn and tough. He speaks when he has something to say. Men I know in New York tend to be over-weight, under-sober, a tad spineless and they speak all the time and it's mostly crap."

Applause and laughter died and Paris said true or not that was the basis for her impression of Montana cowboys and New York bar dwellers.

"Annie Nomee stand please. Yes it's Annie of bareback riding fame and the gal who flattened a business tycoon outside the court house in this very town and caught on TV camera it screened nationally."

Annie acknowledged very warm applause.

"Hal and three cowhands, Annie and I currently reside on Harrop Ranch. Incidentally, I had to ask why wasn't it like other ranches and called the Double Upside Down A's or the Lazy B and Bar and Lazy D and was told that the family had never branded its cattle in five generations, using a copper wire containing a galvanized wire through the right ear of their cattle until they imported plastic ear-tags to pioneer the now quite common trend in Montana. So they used the name Harrop because just calling it The Ranch seemed a little pretentious and open to cause huge confusion right up to Government level."

Paris said the four men were teaching her things and she was observing what they did on the ranch and how they did it. 

"But Annie here is my real gem. Annie is proudly Crow and although I'm American she is the first American Indian I'm aware I have met and it is providing to be a rewarding experience, for both of us I suspect. The men are teaching my the physical as well as a couple of new swear words while from Annie I am learning things spiritual, an area in which I am a complete greenhorn. I'm learning about ingrained Montana beliefs and values and when the final thaw comes I'll be eagerly learning from her about this region's floral and fauna. Oh there's something else. I know the forecast is for the return of snow tonight. Light falls are predicted. Well eight days ago Annie predicted the next dump would be in eight days. Guess which prediction I believe folk?"

"Annie," shouted several people and that began a buzz.

"Larry Mercer, please stand up and face the audience?" He was in the front row of reserved seats.

"I indicated earlier cowboys are not over-talkative. Well, Larry is one exception. His mouth rarely closes and watching the interaction between Larry and the other guys I reckon he puts some life into their day, acting like the host of talkback radio. I know this because when he goes off alone to do a task and returns the guys tend to bunch around him and no longer appear a little like zombies. How do I really know this? I've been riding with the boys in recent days and I see and hear everything. Larry would make the perfect Manhattan cabbie."

"Now here's a contrast of significance. On my second day on the ranch I saw a docile bull walk forward unexpectedly and walk over Larry, all 220lbs of it. Larry was carried on to some grain sacks. I rubbed liniment onto the huge red mark on the side of his back. He played the fool and a few minutes later hobbled off to do some light chores. In New York if a 220lb guy addicted to fast foods 24/7 walked over a skinny guy like Larry the victim would be rushed away by ambulance, put on life support system and his relatives and the priest, minister or Rabbi called. He'd recover of course, with nothing much found wrong with him and his insurance company would pay the $40,000 bill. Contrast that with our cowboy although I will say Larry the free-loader didn't even offer to pay for the liniment used!"

The audience loved that.

"Tom Dwight please stand."

"Tom plays a guitar and I sometime hear it at lunchtime and sometimes at night if the breeze is blowing from the direction of the bunkhouse towards the ranch house. Now in New York I've heard some of the world's greatest exponents of the guitar and really enjoyed it and also had my ear-drums almost turned inside out by over-amplified guitarists in basement night clubs, being saved from permanent injury by the counter stimulation of alcohol I would suggest. But nothing I have heard compares with the almost celestial experience I had the other night." 

"It was a clear night, freezing cold and I stood in snow looking for the new moon that Annie said had first appeared the previous night which was cloudy. The faint sound of Clint's guitar drift towards me; I found it damn cold but spellbinding as it was the sweetest of tunes. It made me rejoice that I'd come to Montana. Tom has just finished re-educating the horse I've been given. It was Hal's late father's horse and Marissa will be handed over to me tomorrow. She hadn't been ridden for sometime. Thanks for saving me from a multiple bruised body and a couple of missing teeth Tom."

"Alan Rainbow, please stand."

"Alan is the quietest of my three fellow ranch hands, also the biggest and strongest. The other guys concede that and when Hal's not around they do what Alan says. I'll be relying on Alan the midwife as my teacher because I am to be paired with him during March, calving month. Being a New Yorker I thought calves just popped out, mommy offered a teat and all was well. Alan has been filling me in. Snow will still be probable because we are up fairly high. We may have to fight the occasional mountain lion for a calf, the calf may be stillborn, we may end up with a frantic cow and no calf or a calf and no cow and we may do everything and still lose the critters. Add to that I'm told the main barn takes on the appearance of a casualty clearing station in a war zone when the cow and calf victims of difficult births and post-births go even further wrong or are about to go wrong are brought in. I'm thinking about asking the boss if I can take March off to visit mom and dad in their cozy apartment in New York with their favorite delicatessen immediately below them. Mom's hairdresser comes to her apartment in cold weather." 

For the next hour Paris spoke in detail of her life on Manhattan as a writer, sprinkled with some shrewd observations and humorous anecdotes. She spoke of the agonies of receiving back from publishers her rejected manuscripts. 

"On the first occasion I was so gutted. I thought I had written a masterpiece. I went to bed for forty-eight hours and sulked. On the second day mom brought a friend to talk to me: she was a writer. She looked at my manuscript briefly and dropped it into the trashcan with distaste and said, 'You know my dear you have worked too hard on this. Technically it is perfect but frankly it's a pain in the ass to read. Forget about honing a style, proper English and perfecting every phrase. Just make sure you love your protagonists, have something of a plot and as you write rabbit on as if you were talking to friends. Your publisher will think its crap but that's what they want because it's what the bulk of readers prefer. You see dear, not many readers know anyone who speaks English faultlessly including American English'. Well guys I tell you, who do you believe?"

Paris brought the house down when she said she spent five weeks writing crap and sent it off, highly embarrassed. To her astonishment she received back the manuscript with a request that she revise it, injecting more space into it and leave some of the issues unresolved until towards the end and then she should resubmit it. 

"I did that and sent it off and waited. A letter arrived from the publisher, too small to be holding my manuscript. The bitch, I thought. Well I was under stress. I wanted the manuscript back to send to another publisher. The letter of course contained an acceptance and outlined the processes to come. I was so upset I slammed and locked my bedroom door and spent the next two hours crying and planning how I'd arrange something dreadful to happen to that stupid editor who'd put me through the grinder."

Paris said while she was waiting for the publisher to mess around with her manuscript she began writing another romance. It was set in a publishing house and the commissioning editor was a real tyrant, hated and feared by her underlings. Two failed authors planned to murder her but the publisher's son foiled the attempt and began modifying the behavior of the tyrant by a process he called courting.

"Well my first book hit the shelves without fanfare, without anything actually. In my bookshop when I requested to view a copy the assistant found five cartons of it in their storeroom, unopened. The publisher did send a few out for reviews and apparently one newspaper reviewer was in a hurry leaving for a fishing weekend away with the boys he asked his wife to review it and email it to the book editor. I really don't know what happened but I assume the book editor came back to work after an unsuccessful liaison with his mistress and in a really foul mood grabbed a review without reading it and made it the lead for Saturday's book page. Guess who was the lucky author?"

"Bookshops in the circulation area of that newspaper ordered more supplies of my book and other book reviewers went to their reject bins and pulled out their complimentary copy and reviewed it. Then astonishing some clown nominated me for some best new fiction author award. Many New Yorkers are permanently on hallucinating drugs and have no idea what they are doing."

"As you can imagine, at the time I too had no idea this was going on. I was churning out a few thousand words in daily grind, concentrating on not unintentionally changing the name of my heroine part-way through and keeping some coherency to my outflow. My editor called me and invited me for lunch. I thought it was to give me some writing tips. But no she invited me to submit another manuscript. I was over the moon and heard her ask in a worried voice when could she expect it. I said tomorrow, that I completed the final revise two nights ago and I had the first draft of another title two-thirds completed. She slumped into her chair and called for a double whisky for her and for me a glass of French champagne. I really had no idea that getting novels published could be so complicated and so mysterious for the novice author."




Montana Rhapsody Pt. 01



Paris finished up reiterating her first impressions of her patch in Montana and how she already was eager to see the first robin of spring and hear the first song of a blackbird and see her first wildflower. "The mountains around where I am living seem so spiritual, quite unlike the skyscrapers of New York although they are impressive in their own way."

"Well, that's it, except for this call, Would Highway Patrol Trooper Julian Olsen please stand."

"Thank you. When I arrived in this territory I was rather naughty and committed a minor offence by proceeding to drive several miles down a road closed due to heavy snow. I realize now it could have had serious consequences if anything had gone wrong. I was in a vehicle made to traverse such conditions and I ventured up to Harrop Ranch in even more hazardous conditions with some skill but mostly good fortune getting me through. When I saw Trooper Olsen a couple of days later I stopped and apologized. He knew I was the culprit who'd gone through because my host had a message put through to him. Apparently Trooper Olsen saw I was contrite and let me off with a warning." 

I then asked if there was a charity I could lodge a conscious payment to and Trooper Olsen pulled out a receipt book and that's when I learned about the Highway Patrol-sponsored Montana Hope Project. Most of you will know it's a charity to grant a few wishes to terminally ill children. Well Trooper Olsen, I have some good news for you. I have negotiated with the executive of the Women's Auxiliary for 10% of the proceeds from this function that the Women's Auxiliary will give to charities to be handed to you as a check payable to the Montana Hope Project. Thank you everybody and remember Annie's storm warning."

After the applause died President Elsie Hunger thanked Paris for her very colorful, lively and informative address and she was sure Paris would make the most of her stay to imbue her with the spirit of Montana that would seep through the pages of her next novel.

"Now, some of you may have questions. I...Excuse me, apparently I have an urgent phone call." She took the cell phone from the Events Center official.

"Well now," Elsie said. "Please don't panic and please allow those people who arrived here in light aircraft to exit first. I have been advised that a full storm warning for this area was issued fifteen minutes ago. Two separate fronts will converge overnight in this area bringing quite heavy snow that will sweep in from the southwest by wind reaching storm level around 4:00 in the morning. Thank you everyone for attending but I'm closing this function now as so many of you will need to get back to check on your stock and that includes our guest speaker and her crew."

A few people were already hurrying away and everyone stood and clapped Elsie and her guest speaker.

Elsie handed the speaker a gift. "Don't open it now dear, get back to the ranch. It's a special cosmetic pack for high countrywomen for skin care for all seasons and all weathers. It's a year's supply specially formulated for Montana."

"Thank you," Paris said, kissing her. "Hal and I will see you next Saturday night."

* * *

The crew piled into Paris's SUV with Hal at the wheel.

"You didn't say the snow would come at 4:00 in the morning," Alan teased.

"No one asked," Annie smiled. "Anyway it will begin snowing where we are on the higher slopes around midnight and will be down by us a little later."

"Four o'clock?" 

"I said a little later. I'm not a clock Alan."

Everyone laughed and Hal said the even earlier suggestion planted into people at the meeting would have begun a useful conditioning. "People prefer to know when bad weather is coming. Why did you mention it Paris?"

"Because I felt compelled to and it suited my purpose."

"That could have been an irresponsible comment to make to ranchers and farmers.

"Perhaps, but I believed what I was saying."

"Annie's not often wrong boss."

"Agreed Alan.

Hal said he wanted to say something while everyone was listening. "Paris, you have a lovely face and a great body."

Suddenly it was all very quite behind the front seats.

"I've had second thoughts about your engagement as a cowhand."

"Oh no," Paris said.

"Hear me out. You will be confined to light duties and everyone will be asked to keep you away from dangerous work and from the bulls when we turn them out to the cows and the heifers. I'm really serious about this. You have a career..."

"That's fine boss."

"What?"

"I agree. Being a not-particularly strong nor athletic person as well as a greenhorn, I could be putting the guys in danger by sub-performing."

"I hadn't thought of that," Hal said, pulling the big lumbering vehicle out of the emptying car lot at last. "That's a good point."

Alan chipped in, "But it's a risk I'm prepared to take."

"I'll still be working with you guys, driving vehicles, riding fence lines, laughing at you when you're talking to your horses."

"I don't talk to my horses."

Paris turned to Larry. "You wouldn't fib about that would you Larry?"

"Well, not all the time."

Everyone laughed.

"I'll cut your pay to $300 a month."

"No, I think..."

"What about $350? That includes your food and accommodations, your horse and saddle and all other necessities."

"Are our rates negotiable boss?" Alan enquired.

"No and you know it Alan. Paris has a special position in my home."

"Ooooh," chorused the boys. 

Annie laughed and Hal thumped the wheel and his face turned very dark.

"Pay me $30 a month. It's about what I'm worth. I have plenty of money. You need to have me on the payroll to have me covered for accident insurance."

"If that's what you want."

"Yes it is so boys if I go off shopping you'll know I've been paid such a crap rate that I'm virtually entitled to be away whenever I wish. But if I'm needed just sing out at the Monday morning planning meeting and slot me in the times and places I'll be of some use to you. Mostly when I will be away it will be to research for my novel."

"Fair enough," Alan said. "We want to see you get your hands dirty but to come to no harm Paris and you'll have places to visit, people to interview. We understand right boys."

"Right."

"Agreed."

"Thanks boys. As soon as this weather calms down my first trip out will be to Bozeman to buy a saddle that's suitable for a woman with smaller thighs and smaller ass."

There was silence until Annie said, "Hal the saddle in the loft you oil every couple of months."

Hal scratched the back of his neck. "Paris, mom's saddle is up in the loft above the stables. Want to try it?"

"Only if you want me to."

"I want you to try it."

Annie said it would be a perfect platform for her and laughingly said to Hal that it was not as if she'd want to take it back to New York with her because she wasn't going back."

"What?" Hal said, almost driving off the road.

Paris looked aghast. "Annie, don't say things like that. I'm not going to forsake New York."

"Of course you won't," Annie said vaguely. "Just forget that I said it."

Alan chipped in and told Annie to behave herself. 

"Paris believes everything you say, poor girl so pull your horns in. Paris, how did you get your name?"

"Pardon me oh, my name. My father wanted to name me Ivy and mom hated the name, saying her great-grandmother was called Ivy and that's the generation where the name belonged. There the matter died until my birth was being registered. Mom told me she said to dad he better not write down Ivy as they had agreed on Sally but being a stubborn man he wrote Ivy. "She screamed the roof down so he called for another form and he wrote down Paris and she accepted that, saying what a sweet name. I used to hate it but when I realized I was not bumping into girls named Paris I began accepting it; there are a few Ivies around of course as I've since found."

"I like it," Alan said. "Paris on Marissa has a great ring to it."

"Yeah," said Tom. "Sally on Marissa just doesn't have the same exotic ring to it."

"Exotic?" Alan said. "Since when did you learn that word?"

"Just now, from Larry," Tom said smugly. "Larry had a proper education through senior high school."

Paris picked up her ears. "Is that true Larry?"

"Yeah but I fell out with one of my teachers when I was seventeen and he beat me up proper late one afternoon so I took off, never to return. We lived in Kansas so I said goodbye to my parents and hit the road, ending up here in Montana. "I hit Hal's dad up for a couple of bucks at a cattle sale. He was there with his dad and told his dad to bring me home because I was starving. I've been here ever since. That was forty-five years ago."

The vehicle continued on, everyone quiet, thinking about a young kid called Larry who'd been in a hopeless position and then purely by chance found himself a new home.

Paris turned around to him, misty eyed.

"Come on Paris, don't fret," he grinned, thought the gap of two missing teeth. "So far these have been the best years of my life."

Paris was left wondering what happened to old cowboys or cowboys of any age who sustained serious permanent injury or simply lost mobility. Their pay was not great and on-job conditions were poor. She decided that required researching.

As they turned into Harrop Ranch Hal said the boys should change, grab a drink and a bite to eat and load six round bales on to each of the two flatbed trailers. 

"Alan and Tom, you take that hay down to this side of Southern Butte and dump the bales amongst the trees as close as you can get to the rock face. Make sure you dump them on flat stretches so they don't roll away. 

Larry you drive down in the tractor with the rear spike and space the bales out. Alan you go back for four more bales. That should do the cows for two days, perhaps a bit more. Tom you go out and bring back four feeders at a time so that's three trips and then go back and position two feeders in shelter for the bulls in the trees beyond their pasture and then take out two bales for them. Load them into the feeders with your front bucket but take care, lift no higher than just above the feeder. We don't want you crushing yourself. Just take your time. The young bulls down in the river valley will be okay without help from us, I hope."

Paris listened carefully to all of that. It was fodder for her book. She grinned at the use of the word fodder.

* * *

At the house Annie said she'd help out although it would mean very late dinner. "Let the boys eat over here tonight Hal. You saddle the horses for Paris and me and meanwhile she can help me get a big roast dinner into the oven."

Forty minutes later they were riding out after Hal who was racing out ahead with his bridle and saddle and blanket on the tray of the four-wheeler as his mount was with the horses a fair distance out. Annie opened the top gate to the South Butte pasture of 2000 acres on the access road and fastened it across the road to divert the cattle into the pasture. They met cattle already coming down the road and their friskiness pleased Annie. 

"The barometer is dropping and they know it. They want to go somewhere, anywhere rather than stay put."

Paris had never seen so many cattle. "There's a couple of thousand of them," she said excitedly.

"Probably three hundred," Annie yelled against the increasing wind.

Later Hal came cantered out from the rear of the bunched up cattle waiting for their turn to pass through the gate.

"Well, look at my two cowgirls," he grinned. "Did you remember the gate Annie?"

She nodded and he blew her a kiss. 

"You girls go on to the second pasture up and send those 300 on to follow this lot. When I've finished here I'll go farther out and fetch the heifers. I'll then go out for the yearlings so you guys go back home when you're finished. I'll bring the yearlings right in and put them in the pasture behind the mothering barn and open the back gates giving them access to the forests. The boys will put hay out for them on the way in. Fortunately there's a feeding rack along the north side of that barn.

Alan returned ahead of Annie and Paris after delivering the hay to the bulls. Larry arrived just as the girls were approaching the barn and said he would stable their horses. 

It was almost 8:00 and dinner was ready, so Annie turned it down and went off to shower. 

She said to Paris, "Have a shower and if you're out first and the boys have arrived get them to check on the wood stack outside the backdoor. It should be okay and to bring in the lamps for me from the bottom cupboards in the laundry."

"Lamps?"

"It will be our biggest snowstorm of the year and will continue until just on dark tomorrow. The electricity supply may not be disrupted but I see it happening. You may like to light a fire in the boiler in the laundry. That boiler heats hot water and it's a godsend if the power goes off."

Paris showered quickly and asked Tom to check the woodpile. Without being asked Alan went with him and returned with a armful of split logs and stacked them on the far end of the hearth.

"What next boss?"

Paris said, "Grab Tom and you beers and pour juice for Annie and white wine for me. I'm out to light the secondary boiler."

"I'll do that."

"No, it's fine."

"You are enjoying this, aren't you?" Alan asked shrewdly.

"It's been a long time since I've felt I'm doing something useful," she said. "I absolutely loved playing cowgirl. Wow, is Marissa good. One old girl lowered her head defiantly; before I could decide to bellow or make a run for it she bowled up to the cow and it capitulated."

"Well have to give you a stock whip and train you on how to use it; you'll have little trouble then unless the animal is seeing red. Incidentally, if one ever charges you and you're on the ground don't run from it as it has four legs to your two. Feel fear by all means but try to judge its pace and when it's two or three lengths away leap just clear of it and run off at an angle behind it; usually they are satisfied with one charge, but don't count on it. At close quarters your only chance is to dive sideways and lie still. Although they have no horns they butt hard and a good condition cow weighs perhaps 1300 lbs so she could do some damage to you but perhaps not as much as she would catching you on your feet."

"Perhaps?"

"Er, stay on your horse or on the other side of the fence or corral. If you're charged in the barn try to get something between it and you, even a calf."

Paris sighed and said she no longer felt like dinner.

Alan smiled and told her to light her fire and then after one wine she'd be fine. "A horse can kill you with just one kick."

"I know, but I am aware of that and take precautions."

"Do the same with cattle, even calves pack a bit of a kick."

They heard the four-wheeler and soon after the tractor. Paris, on her second wine, poured two whiskies for the men. The temperature had dropped considerably since she came in.

The wind was beginning to gust, sometimes howling around the house, when she and Hal decided to head for bed. The men had long gone to their bunkhouse and Annie went to her bed not long after they left. It was 11:45. 

"Quick," Hal said, grabbing Paris's hand, "let's have a quick dash outside into the first of the snow."

"Annie said midnight."

"Annie also said she wasn't a clock."

They dash outside but there was no snow. Something hit Paris on the cheek.

"A snowflake!"

"Probably; it's not raining and the temperature is about right for snow. One's hit me, there's another. Come on, inside. Did you turn the electric blanket on?"

"Sorry, no."

"I wonder how we'll warm up?"

* * *

Yes, I wonder, Paris thought vaguely as she realized she was now looking for more than sex from Hal and hospitality to allow her to perform foundation research for her new book. She had not anticipated the sex but had no complaint about being in the receiving line, far from it.

Paris was aware she wrote as she felt and thought and knew if she ingrained something of Montana ranch life into her she'd write the novel to achieve the standard in writing and content required for a best seller. That is, provided women readers would accept a romance set on a ranch rather than in the fashion boardwalks of Europe, a cruise ship in the Caribbean or based at world's most exclusive boating marina. 

Yes the awareness of this change in what she sought from Hal rather shook her. She now wanted his companionship and that had made her think where would that take her. She wanted to possess him and be possessed. Well, one does have rather a lot of time to think about things when riding a horse. The cattle had been so eager to move they'd required very little persuasion to be headed along the right direction, although she was sensible enough to know it wouldn't always be like that. In recent days Annie had been riding the Paint a couple of times a day and already they were pals so Annie had looked after her greenhorn companion, telling her what to do and how to do it. Paris had loved the experience but wasn't sure she'd love doing it day it, day out or riding herd on a long cattle trail.

Whether they had seen Hal approaching she'd made sure she was riding relaxed with a straight back and had waved nonchalantly at him and twice had attempted to read the look on his face as his teeth flashed into a grin. She hoped the expression indicated he was pleased or perhaps even proud of her. 

The first time she'd ridden on by with warmth firing her belly and had the crazy thought would Hal even seduce her on a mound of hay. Then thinking about standing in front of the mirror next morning turned and looking in dismay as the angry red dots covering her back, lily white ass and thighs from being spiked by ends of dried grass sent her into a giggling fit. Fortunately Annie was too far away to hear her above the wind, as explaining the reason for her mirth would have been a mite embarrassing.

Hal had come in looking a bit tired but pleased, obviously knowing his 640 cows, the heifers, bulls and yearlings were as safe as he could leave them. 

He'd kissed her and told her, "You did good out there." His grammar required attention but no way was she about to break the magic of the moment: when he gazed at him she read in his steady eyes, 'I'm very proud of you baby'. So what if he were simply thinking 'I need a drink." She was a romantic.

Paris watched Hal put out the light and heard the rustle of his t-shirt and briefs coming off and he slipped in bed and draped an arm over her hip and across her belly. She pulled his hand up over her squashed left breast. Good boy; he interpreted that as a green light and swung the hand up over the completely floating right breast and soon had her sensory system tingling as fingers began circling the inflating nipple. She pulled her left leg away to give her right hand access and she smiled: she could feel she was ready. Paris slipped from his grasp.

"You okay?" he asked.

Without answering she burrowed under the blankets and slid down to her target.

"Want a condom rolled on?" he croaked.

"Not unless you do I've decided you're such a nice guy you wouldn't give me a nastie. I no longer require condoms."

He croaked again, "Does this mean we're going steady?"

"Yes, so while I'm around if you pop some other woman please without fail wear a condom."

He laughed. "Then if you find a used condom in my pocket you'll know I've been playing around."

"Yes, makes you think, doesn't it?"

"I best ask you to apply the same rule. If you play around you insist he wears rubber."

"What, who on earth would I find to play around with in all of Montana?"

"You have no idea really, do you? You are making quite a name for yourself in these parts. But males of your female friends for a start but Larry in particular."




Montana Rhapsody Pt. 02



CHAPTER 4

The weeks went by. Paris had built a wide circle of friends, seeded by her Women's Auxiliary-sponsored address of course and also through the regular dinner invitations arising from locals becoming aware of her celebrity status. Now Hal was in a stable female relationship near neighbors were anxious to re-establish with him and Hal and Paris were on the invitation lists to dinner or parties. 

But February 27 turned Paris's life into a virtual black hole. That was when cows gave birth to the first five calves. 

Assisting with calving soon had her exhausted and bitter at the apparent ease in which new-born calves or just calved cows died. She was in the calving barn day and night, often falling asleep in the bunk in the side-room so exhausted she had no idea where she was.

"You have to pull her back," Annie said, worried. "I've tried and tried but she argues that she committed herself to work right through calving month without unnecessary let-up and that's what she's doing. Hal, I'm telling you, I want her back in this house and not working for three days."

"Ha! You try telling her," Hal said wearily, "and please get off my back over this."

Annie went out to the barn. She found Paris sprawled over a heifer, crying into its side.

"Oh Paris, oh Paris my poor darling," Annie cooed. Annie looked up and waved away Tom who was waiting with a chain to drag the carcass hooked to the tractor out of the barn

"You don't understand," Paris wailed. "Of all of them, this was the one that wasn't supposed to die. Larry bought her in two days ago and a few hours later they had to pull out the calf with the help of the tractor. The calf lasted less that two hours; I wouldn't let them kill it although I knew it had both front legs badly dislocated. The calf was just two large for the heifer. 

"I stayed with the heifer all night last night and this morning she appeared to have stabilized and by mid-morning looked very much better. But when I checked back on her ten minutes ago I found she'd gone. Oh, if you could only understand Annie, she was definitely getting better; then she went and died on me."

"I know, I know sweet one; I've been through it too. Come lie down in the side room. Rest for a while and then I'm taking you back to the house. You are so pale and are losing weight. This is not right." 

"I'll have a rest and I'll come over for a shower and change of clothes but don't attempt to stop me coming back here Annie, I'm warning you. My work is here."

Paris slept for two hours and left for the house. As she departed she looked forlornly at the spot where the heifer had died but the place was occupied by two cows feeding their calves. Both weakened mothers eating from feed boxes and recovering now they were being boosted with protein and were in the warmth. After a shower and climbing into clean clothes Paris scoffed a hot chocolate drink and some food. When Paris fell asleep in the lounge chair Alice covered her but just over two hours later when she checked on Paris she found the chair empty.

By March 24 calving was down to under ten a day. At midday Hal came in and picked Paris up and carried her unresisting to the house. 

"No more work for you before the start of April. Sleep for two days and then start your first draft chapter," he said kindly. "There have only been four births this morning and only one brought in to you but that little fellow will be fine. We boys can manage now without Nurse McCoy."

"Okay boss."

Hal came a little late to the lunch table, earning a glare from Annie, but he was smiling.

"Some excellent news Nurse McCoy. According by my accurate records I must advise we lost four heifers to dystocia and eleven cows, that's the name for calving difficulty. We've lost thirteen cows to date and gave birthing assistance to fifty-five mainly involving calves exhibiting problems. Now for the good news. Our calving mortality rate at this stage according to my figures is 3.28% better than the past three years and yet this it was the worst winter we've had for seven year. So that is an excellent result. Calving should finish by Tuesday. You ladies are invited to accompany the boys and me to our usual bar on Friday at 4:00 and we are booked to have dinner at the Bald Eagle at 6:00."

"The boys too?"

"Um, Paris. I don't think you understand. The dinning room is the best in town."

Annie said fearlessly, "Look at her eyes and the set of her month Hal."

"Thanks for the thought Paris. I will ask the boys do they wish to be booked in."

"Thank you boss. Tell them that no one goes to town without passing my inspection."

"Certainly Paris. Is there any other Royal Command?"

"Hal if I thought you are making fun of me..."

"Heaven forbid, Paris."

"No that is all and once again your cooperation is appreciated."

Hal phoned the bunkhouse and returned saying all three had opted to join the ranch party for dinner at the Bald Eagle Hotel.

Paris went to bed after lunch and stayed there until breakfast on the second morning. 

During that second night a sleepy Hal found himself being rubbed up for sex and was awake quickly as twenty-one nights had passed since they'd last had sex. He knew because he was used to keeping statistics although this particular recording was a first for him. As they got underway he became soft talking, telling Paris he was rarin' to ride one of the most attractive fillies in the entire west. She fluttered her eyelashes against his cheek in the dark and resolved to ensure he could scarcely walk to the bathroom after she'd finished with him.

It had been a busy month because the hayfields had been closed and Hal had been out on dry days preparing the first of many acres of ground for the planting of barley oats and sugar beet on the lower land running along the highway frontage. When he tired he'd call Alan on CB radio to be relieved and Alan would do his six to ten hours before calling Hal to rotate with him. They'd work relief system around the clock whenever possible. Whenever conditions were unsuitable for ground conditioning and sowing they'd revert to routine ranch work.

Grinding the hours on a tractor on agriculture work requires skill and concentration but once Hal was in the grove after setting up correctly he had time to think, and often thought about Paris and not just about her body. He'd decided she really wasn't the ideal wife for a rancher in tough country like this. She was more interested in working on the ranch rather than cooking and housework and producing offspring. Or so it seemed. He conceded once again that could change. The problem was she had no ranching tradition; the perfect woman for him lay out there somewhere. A pretty perhaps a little buxom lady who knew everything from go to whoa about ranching, talked ranching talk to ranchers and rancher-wife talk to other rancher wives and would drop everything she was doing and jump into the pick-up and drive one hundred miles to pick up a part for a bailer or a sweep or a water pump.

But he didn't want this theoretical perfect rancher's wife from traditional ranching stock. He wanted Paris. Wanting her was no different to bringing in a new stallion or a new line of bulls to attempt to improve the bloodlines of the ranch-bred horses and cattle. Hell, where had Marissa come from with her Arab blood? The stallion his father purchased in 1992 been used over seven mares before he tumbled into a canyon but it established his influence and that had come out strongly on Marissa. Another influence of his father was in having several mares artificially inseminated with semen from a proven mustang sire, and the best example of that progeny was Prairie Queen.

He smiled, rubbing tired eyes at the thought of Paris being compared with the importation of new blood. Hal thought she might berate him over that or even take a swing at him. She was the only adult woman he'd ever been associated with who'd smack him one if she thought he needed it. That was part of the attraction of her. He'd not been successful in finding a woman who appealed to him and what happened? In comes Paris to find him and to fuck him. She wouldn't have done that with him had she not liked him. 

The radio crackled. "You've run over ten hours, I'm coming out."

"Thanks Alan. Much appreciated."

"I'm fit for at least eight hours boss, so no too much booze and a good sleep. The forecast for tomorrow is not good."

"What does Annie say?" 

"What would Annie know...oh, yeah? You can find out for yourself boss. Over and out."

Annie greeted him with a beer. "Have a long bath. It's ready for you. You'll be able to find something entertaining to do with Paris tonight as rain will be approaching us within six to eight hours."

"Which is it?"

"I'm not a weather professional. I'm just Annie and certain things just come into my head."

"Okay, I understand I think. Tell Paris to come to the bathroom when she comes out."

Annie sniffed. "Do you think that woman is dumb? She knows you're in the house."

"How does she? Are you beginning to teach her things?"

"No you fool, she heard the four-wheeler come back up the hill like I did."

"Oh, yeah." Hal was tired and knew that; however he was annoyed at making himself sound such a fool. Fortunately Annie, who being ten years older was more like a big sister than hired help because of her long history in the family, knew him well and would made allowances.

* * *

Although the boys now virtually accepted Paris as 'one of the boys' there was a nervousness on Friday afternoon when they trooped in for inspection. They felt rather humiliated although Paris had sent the boss and Annie from the room. She felt to check they'd shaved and lifted up an arm and sniffed and checked their string ties and that each person's socks and shoes matched.

"Okay, three of you passed."

They all grinned knowing they were being teased about numbers.

"The ranch is paying for your meals and liquor with the meal but here's twenty bucks for each of you for looking after me."

"Thank you Paris," they chorused.

"Go fetch my SUV Alan but let the boss drive."

"You look incredible in black and short a shirt hem Paris and you smell like green hay on a hot day."

"Thank you Alan," she replied, assuming all of that was a compliment.

Just before they left she whispered to Annie, "What does green hay smell like on a hot day?"

"Like one of nature's best perfumes," she said. "I'll demonstrate to you in late June. By the way, congratulations, the boys are looking really good. They all should score tonight."

"Pardon me?"

"Although the dining room and bars are classy the back rooms of the hotel have a down market reputation and the ranchers take however up to the tope floor. Rooms can be hired by the hour."

"Will you get lucky tonight?"

"Mind you own business you cheeky cow," Annie blushed.

They went out laughing and Paris told Alan to sit in the front. "I need to sit with Annie to keep her to heel."

"Everyone laughed but having no idea what she was on about, apart from Annie.

Although it was only 4:00 the bars were crowded. "We are not the only ones who have just finished calving," Annie said. "Some who have a second run of calving next month will be here tonight as well. It's one full-on night although quite different to July the 4th and Thanksgiving."

Annie disappeared but Paris scarcely noticed as woman who knew her drew her into their group and a glass of wine was handed to her; someone else would commandeer her from a neighboring group. At one stage she felt a tap on her shoulder; it was Annie.

"Paris, I would like to introduce you to my occasional companion Rory White who sometimes calls himself Little Round Black Hat. He's married and so am I but we like to be together at times. We were born in the same year and spent all our early lives together.

"You're married?"

"Oh yes, didn't anyone mention that," Annie said vaguely. "I'm sorry. I married a very handsome man and as soon as I became pregnant he left me, but stayed on the reservation with another family. His parents agreed I should return to the ranch where I had my baby but six months later I was summoned back to the tribe and asked to hand over what was theirs."

"Oh you poor darling."

"It was okay. I preferred living on the ranch. I was seventeen then. I go to see my son twice a year and he's a very happy and lovely boy who lives with my husband and his preferred woman who is unable to bear children."

"Oh Annie."

"It's okay. I carried on thinking that Hal is my substitute son. He knows that but please don't tell him you know that."

"Er, what do you do Mr White?"

"Rory please; well I don't wear a round black hat and smoke pipes and throw ceremonial lances on the reservation. I'm an accountant and am junior partner to Merle Cook. I believe you know her."

"Yes, very well. We socialize quite often with Merle. Is she here tonight?"

"Yes, she is the after dinner speaker and will be talking about gaining more tax relief by filing more detailed and accurate information and ensuring clear paper trails."

"Goodness, will people ingesting alcohol be in the mood to hear a highfalutin subject like that being discussed?"

"No, but you don't know Cheeky Red Petticoat. She's a semi-professional after dinner speaker with legendary humor. She'll have this mob rolling out of their chairs."

"Are you sure we're talking about the same person?"

"There's Cheeky Red Petticoat over there. That's my pet name for her."

Paris turned to where Rory was pointing and Merle waved a hello to her.

"It's lovely meeting you Paris," he said. "Alice and I are popping upstairs for half an hour. I'll say hello again later. I'm here to appeal to everyone to come along and support this town's welcome to spring festival." on behalf of the organizer."

"Is the organizer adverse to coming into hotels?"

"No he's in agony with gout. Too much red meat and red wine."

"Don't listen to Rory, he's such a tease," Alice said, as they began moving away. "He's the event organizer and I certainly haven't heard any mention of red petticoat before."

Paris found Hal talking to their neighbors whom she now knew. The men were talking about working jointly on haymaking over summer while the women appeared to be discussing American's foreign policy in the Middle East. Paris joined the men to learn something about haymaking. 

She knew winter-feeding was the largest single item of expenditure in a ranch's operating costs. But it was a struggle to comprehend the discussion. The men were talking about timings for second and third cuts on irrigated pastures, whatever that meant but she understood the differences between dry land and irrigated land for hay-growing and guessed the variation of round bales weighing from 1000-1600 lbs each would be largely due to moisture content although perhaps compaction and whether the grasses were similar on all ranches would make a difference. She knew Hal seeded an alfalfa-grass mix and had explained to her that the hayfields were larger than what appeared necessary as pastures were used for hay on a three to four-year rotation.

"Being a city girl this will be double-Dutch to you," David Withers, a neighbor on their southwest boundary said kindly.

"I'm learning," Paris said. "I know that a cow weighing 1200 pounds eats about twenty-four pounds of hay a day and where we are we need four months' supply of hay for the winter with allowances made in calculations if the spring growth is exceptional or the hayfields were hit badly by longer than usual drought."

"Wow," David said in admiration. "You are not just a pretty face are you? Most of the wives here wouldn't have a clue about what you seem to know but then again I do know you are dedicated to learning all you can. Look, you drive over with Annie sometime and I'll take you through our set-up. You've been over twice for dinner but the talk was nothing to do with ranching. We all have variations to our methods."

"That's kind of you but why bring Annie? She's not particularly interested in what happens outside the home except to know enough to be able to converse with some knowledge."

"Quite, but Lisa will be more comfortable if Annie accompanies us in touring the barns and workshops and riding out to look at stock and farm improvements," David grinned. "You are very pretty."

At that interesting point he was called back into the general conversation that had extended into discussing specifics.

"I heard what Davie said to you," Lisa laughed, coming up to Paris. "He made me out to be an ogress. You come over without Annie and I'll have John saddle up my horse for you. He's always taking guys on a tour of the ranch so this would be a novelty for him. As for me thinking he could be tempted by you, oh dear: dream on over-weight and ageing David Withers." 

They laughed and Paris casually allowing their nearest hand to touch. She wanted Lisa to know she liked her. Lisa was Merle Cooke's older sister and their brother Jason Macdonald managed their parents' farm machinery business.

"Look, we're becoming friends and I really like having a younger woman with refreshing new ideas and an urban outlook as a neighbor. The twins are coming home next Friday for a long weekend. Why don't you come over early on Saturday and have a look around and have late lunch with the twins and me. They appear very interested in you. I've chatted about you to them on the phone."

"That would be lovely. I had hoped to meet the girls."

A gong sounded and the bar began emptying. As soon as the group around Hal fell away Paris took his arm and asked, "Where are the boys?"

"This is the Cattlemen's Bar. They'll be in the rowdy Cowboys' Bar."

"Oh, segregation?"

"Don't be a twitchy New Yorker feminist or reformer. It's a voluntary segregation. In this bar we talk business with a little boasting. I believe the conversation in the Cowboy Bar is about horses, cattle, women and attempting to keep the lies believable. Come on, let's go to our mixed-company dinner thanks to you, although in recent years some other ranchers have been bringing in their better-behaved cowhands. Many have been accompanied by their ramrods for years."

"Why did your ramrod disappear a couple of days after my arrival?"

"I suspected him a stealing twenty head of cattle. He would only admit to stealing two so he was fired and he and his wife and child were gone inside two hours. I've decided not to replace him. Instead I'll bring in outside seasonal labor and do the supervision myself."

"Oh dear, that poor woman with her youngster. Do you really believe he got away with twenty head?"

"Possibly but twenty-two were missing when we put everything through for drenching but there are always a few that get through a fence and wander off or fall into canyons, drown or die of sickness in a corner of a pasture. We'll never know for sure without a confession."

"Why didn't you have him arrested and allow the police to extract a confession?"

"Lack of proof and lack of interest by the police. Allegations of rustling are a dime a dozen. Some ranchers also sell a few off privately and then cook the books by claiming rustling."

"So he lost his job over a few hundred dollars."

"Make that a few thousand dollars and the answer is yes. He's probably working for some unsuspecting rancher in Wyoming or Colorado now."

"How awful."

"Yes and it makes sense in hanging them when they're caught red-handed doesn't it."

"How awful. You're joking, aren't you?"

"If you say so."

Appalled, Paris asked what sort of reply was that.

"I could say the only reply you're getting but for your comfort I'll add I accept that individual retribution to take care of crooks is no longer lawful as everyone knows they had no idea of the wrong they were doing and need to given a second chance, a third chance, a fourth chance and then a smack on the hand."




Montana Rhapsody Pt. 02



"God, your cynical about this. Some baddies reform you know?"

"Oh right, but which ones, and for how long and who cares a toss about their victims?"

"You do have a point. It would appear the balance has tipped too much the other way. However, going back to the old days, how many suspected rustlers were hanged by lynch parties who got the wrong man?"

"Probably a few. Some could have been purchasers waiting to pay for the ill-gotten gains."

"Could we call an end to this and go to dinner in peace?"

Hal smiled and kissed Paris full on the lips and then said, "Absolutely."

"Come on you two," Merle laughed. Either join us for dinner or book into an upstairs room for an hour or two."

* * *

Talkative Alan sat beside driver Paris on the journey home; everyone else was asleep in the back.

"A truly great night," he said. "Never heard so many lies in my entire life tonight."

Paris said cowboys wouldn't lie, would they.

"Beer rather loosens the tongue and make one forget the cowboys' code."

Paris scoffed: "Talk of that code is bullshit, isn't it."

"Shhh you'll ruin our hallowed reputation of being angels on horseback."

Paris asked if Alan had ever met Merle Cooke before.

"Cowboys don't know accountants and lawyers but I know her by name and have heard she puts it around because she is often seen with various men."

"They're probably clients."

"That's what professional girls call their guys who pay them."

"I think Merle would be taking her higher paying clients to lunch as a business courtesy?"

Alan scratched under his armpit and asked what was the difference. It was just a level of service.

"Whatever you say Alan."

"She was so funny when speaking," Alan laughed. "I almost fell asleep in my chair when we were told what she'd be talking about. But as soon as she began speaking she had us rolling around in laughter. I loved the story about the guy who came in saying he'd need to take out a million dollar loan to pay his taxes that had rocketed through the roof. Then she discovered in his trial tax assessment on computer for the first time he'd forgotten to enter amounts with a dot between dollars and cents so was...what was it?"

"The architect of his own folly."

"Yeah. He goofed up big-time."

Paris said her favorite was the widow who was attempting to extract every cent from her husband's estate. He'd always filed his own tax returns so the widow came in with boxes and boxes of tax returns and asked Merle to go through them all, thirty-seven years of complete records. The widow was warned it would take hours and hours of work to check through everything and that would run into big money but the client signed an authority for the work to be done.

"Merle made me scream with laughter when she handed the widow a claim of overpaid taxes of $228.07 and an audit and claim filing bill for $3890. The woman apparently didn't raise an eyebrow at the size of the bill. She said, 'I knew I'd catch the smart-Alec out who always thought he was infallible in accuracy in book-keeping'."

"I didn't see anything funny in that," Alan said. "The poor woman finished on the wrong side of the ledger over that folly."

"That's true," Paris said deciding not to try to explain the deeper point to the story. She smiled thinking Alan had come away with a new word. Everyone could expect the word 'folly' to be included in comment over the next few days. Soon after her arrival she'd noticed Alan had picked up on several of her words and phrases and began using them, his favorite word being 'dumb cluck'.

* * *

Touring David Withers' ranch was an eye-opener and Lisa's bay was a lively one because she hadn't been ridden for quite sometime. Paris responded to the battle of wills, and won. It appeared Cola didn't have the heart to really try to throw her off.

"You can ride," David said admiringly.

"And you have great horses," Paris said, having noticed the obviously top breeding of his chestnut and its magnificent gait.

Paris knew it was little use making comparisons between the standard of equipment, size of the respective ranches and the number of hands engaged to change the setting she'd already decided for her book. One could keep on changing and anyway in a Romance, setting became just that, a setting, once the writer had the reader underway.

The 19-year-olds twins came racing over to greet Paris excitedly. They were lovely girls and before long Paris was quite taken by Bella who was more like her mom than Marcie. Bella was studying English literature and over lunch had said in class they had discussed Paris's arrival in Montana and the purpose of her stay.

"There seemed to be interest in studying an example of your work, but nothing came of it."

"Then I'll ask my publisher to send two boxes of my latest book to you at Carroll College with my compliments. If the tutor is not interested just give them out to your classmates. I also have a copy of my first draft of that book and then the final draft, both with editing marks and that may well interest your tutor. I'll ask my mom to hunt them out and send them to you."

"Oh how wonderful," breathed Bella. "This is unbelievable."

"Have you written anything about fashion?"

"No, sorry Marcie. I guess you get the usual catalogues sent here but I have subscriptions to a French and an Italian catalogue and have one copy of the Italian one and two of the French ones over at Harrop ranch which you are welcome to have."

Marcie became instantly animated and rushed over and kissed Paris. "That's wonderful -- our horses need a long ride. May Bella and I ride over and see you tomorrow?"

"Yes, come for lunch. Oh bring a backpack or a saddle bag as the books are heavy."

Lisa said, "I didn't know you were interested in fashion, Marcie."

"You never asked mom."

"Oh dear, well my interest in it is low. I knew having you two meet Paris would be productive. She's so lively, isn't she? All the men around here like her and perhaps not for the reasons you may think. As your father says, she'd a woman who knows how to talk to men."

* * *

Paris had her characters sorted out and reclining in the dining room, being on the sunny side of the house and it being a cloudless day, reviewed her progress to day, running everything through her mind.

- - - -

The bachelor rancher, Billy Jamieson was wealthy, having inherited his father's ranch with 1300 cow-calf pairs and the ranch had been in the family for six generations. It had two rivers flowing through it and some of Montana's best valley land slicing between mountain ranges. William Jamieson the Third was lean, handsome and tough and smiled in a way that could leave women breathless but he was also arrogant and treated women arrogantly including his mother Amelia and female staff. He treated his ranch hands cruelly and few stayed long until an eruption occurred following the arrival of a distant relative from Scotland, Skye Kelly McNaught.

Billy's mom resisted strongly at Skye being allowed to stay, 'another mouth to feed' but Skye with icy eyes with the richness of the best blue sky that a Montana summer can turn up, a female warrior's heart and unbelievable strength, knocked Billy straight out of his boots. He was captivated for the first time in his life by a female other than a horse.

Skye had arrived on the doorstep at midnight in the middle of a snowstorm, pulling Billy from his bed just after midnight with her thunderous knocking. She announced to the half-asleep rancher that she was his second cousin from inland of Aberdeen and had papers to prove it. She kissed him fully on the mouth, turned and handed him her backpack of essentials. 

Billy looked at her annoyed but she stared him down so he asked how had she got there during an impassable snowstorm. She replied her SUV was up to its windows in a snowdrift ten miles away. So she'd gone quietly into a neighbor's ranch and saddled up the biggest horse she could find and rode it here.

Skye jerked her thumb to her right and said the horse was okay but exhausted. She told Billy he'd better get him stabled after rubbing him down and give him a good feed of mixed grain pellets and alfalfa hay. 

Billy looked outside and to his horror found himself looking at Stan Galloway's eleven-year-old $220,000 foundation breeding stallion. He returned to his bedroom half an hour later to find Skye asleep in his bed. 

Shivering with cold because he'd dressed inadequately to go over to the barn he lifted the heavy bedding covers and discovered he was looking at Skye's bare ass. Tentatively he crawled in beside her praying she wouldn't wake and demand sex from him. He slipped into sleep relieved his prayer had been answered.

Skye soon had systems at the homestead turned upside side and Billie's mom was her staunch sidekick. On the second day of her visit Skye and Amelia had Billy bailed up demanding that he stopped thumping and kicking his ranch hands including the ramrod. 

Billy refused. 

Skye said she'd lay charges of assault against him and take the cases in court as private prosecutions. 

Billy just laughed and said no court in the entire west would convict him. 

Skye then verbally hit Billy where it hurt, saying she'd tell the men he'd slept with her the previous night but because of his penis constantly malfunctioned is was a useless organ for any woman. 

Billy turned whiter than the snow outside and capitulated.

- - - -

Well, that was basically the start to the story, stripped of essentials of course. With four draft chapters done and corrected before the end of April Paris sent them off to New York and continued writing, socializing and wooing and being wooed and sporadically working on the ranch but most of that time she and Annie just rode the fence lines, making repairs. By then Annie was proudly riding Prairie Queen. The two women had become very close and Paris was very aware that Annie now played the role of adopted older sister to her as well as to Hal.

* * *

Two days later when Paris was holding horses while Tom inspected their feet and attended to any problems, Annie came rushing over with the phone.

"It's New York, the woman is frantic to speak to you."

"Hello mom?"

"It's Ruby you idiot. Urgent, urgent. Please send me more chapters."

"Go to hell."

"Pardon me?"

"Stop the bullshit. You heard, we have a perfectly good line."

"Paris, I'm ordering you to send me more chapters."

"Listen Ruby, you have received four chapters by the end of April instead of the schedule of July."

"I know, I know. But this is going to be a sizzling book. We've had a meeting, we are going for a July launch and billing it as this summer's hottest romance."

"Well, you go ahead but my schedule remains unchanged. I return to New York by the end of September with the final few chapters."

"Sorry Paris, but you are over-ruled. You have our $50,000 er $25,000. We want our book earlier than planned because of er technical reasons."

"Go to hell Ruby."

"Paris what is this? You have always been so malleable... I mean co-operative."

The suddenly in-demand writer blew steam. "No listen to me Ruby do you want me to come to New York and kick you ass and have me return your twenty-five grand and find another publisher or will you go to your boss and say we're keeping to original schedule. Oh, and I suggest you read our contract."

Ruby began crying. "Paris, what's happened to you? You sound so tough, so awesome. I'll lose my job over this. Top management won't tolerate being opposed by middle management."

Ruby was told to calm down. 

"Guess why Montana doesn't have sales tax darling? It's because we do things differently here. I'm not Darling of the Day and never will be but I'm making influential friends and if I say to these people New York is attempting to ride roughshod over me in the publication of my Montana romance, guess what the reaction will be? Not a lynching, but if I call for donations to fight your company's decision to break its contract with me and refuse to allow any other publisher to legally accept my manuscript then I promise you I'll have the funds to take action all the way to the Supreme Court."

Ruby was crying again. "I'll tell my bosses but it will be my final act here."

"Bullshit Ruby. Tell them I have a new condition: Ruby Street must supervise the handling of my book through all the processes from editing to the launching in Billings, Montana. I'll email I'll confirm everything and why I'm so upset by their impossible demand. Keep cool, confident and sounding as if you are in control Ruby."

Two days later Ruby called Paris. 

"I was under extreme pressure but I refused to buckle. The executive committee failed to get a majority decision because of voting abstentions so the president called in the chairman who was angry that some people in the company were trying to renege on a contract. He also couldn't understand why somebody was pushing for a switch to a summer release and I've learned he ruled that if the book was expected to be hot, the earlier decision to catch the Christmas market was spot on."

"Oh, I'm very pleased for you Ruby. You ended up handling everything so well."

Ruby burst into tears. "I've just come back from the executive editor's office. I've been given a fat pay increase on the decision of the editorial executive committee for being the most successful editor fostering of emerging writers in the past two years. I don't deserve it."

"Of course you do, Ruby, and congratulations. Look, why don't you come over and be my guest for the first weekend in May. It's a weekend of celebrations with a big shindig on Saturday night because from Monday onwards the ranches begin taking stock to summer pastures up in the mountains. Bring a girlfriend if you wish. No one around here seems to take much notice of people who behave a little differently. You two hold hands or arms while in public and probably none of the randy guys will make a play for either of you and in all probability the females won't stone you in the street. I'll email the invitation and advise what inward flights would suit us to pick you up."

"That sounds lovely, Paris. I think I would come but on my own."

"Nonsense. Give your girlfriend a big thrill. You'll both love it here."

"You know she's my boss."

"So what? All they'll be interested in out here is if you can cook and if you can ride a horse and if you speak English. And that's it."

"You make it sound desirable."

"Good one Ruby. I'll meet you two at the airport."

Ruby and Paris exchanged emails and it was agreed because the visitors wished to drive through some of the state Paris would meet them over at Billings. The twins asked if they could go with her and Paris agreed. Hal said he was too busy to be going sightseeing but insisted Paris drive his newer seven-seat SUV.

It was still dark when Paris drove into their nearest big town of Bozeman with Bella and Marcie where they had breakfast before driving to Billings just over 120 miles east to meet Ruby and her boss-girlfriend Thelma DeLuca. The early start was to give Paris and the twins time look at the shops in Billings. She bought herself a racy blue outfit to wear to the dance on the evening of the spring festival and she also outfitted the girls to their choice of dress.

"Oh god, mom will have a fit seeing me in this," Marcie said, looking down to her quite daringly exposed tops of her boobs.

"Just tell her it's fashion," said Bella. "She'll be a sucker for that."

Bella's choice was even cut lower, at both ends.

Paris and Marcie looked at Bella preening herself in front of the mirrors.

"God doesn't she look beautiful," Paris breathed, not being rude to the other twin.

"Yes, we both look similar and have similar shapes but Bella has poise and an inane sense of style."

Paris took Marcie's hand and squeezed it. "That was truly a lovely thing to hear from you. I'm most impressed with you Marcie."

Paris's hand was squeezed before being dropped.

Paris was aware that she'd favored the more flamboyant Bella but that view had readjusted due to Marcie's sweet character. She decided to try to avoid thinking and certainly showing favoritism. She though she would add rancher twins to her novel and expose their differences.

At the airport the three were dressed similar in jeans, checked shirts, high-topped boots and fleeced-lined jackets that were open in the heated terminal.

"There they are," Paris said just as Ruby spotted them and screamed "P-a-r-i-s!" allowing an elderly woman to say to Ruby, "You are disoriented dear. Paris is in Texas."

Well that was true.

"Ohmigod, look at you," Ruby said, eyeing Paris. "You are my epitome of a rancher."

"Yeah, one who mucks out the stables," Paris laughed and saw the twins look at her obviously impressed by her modesty or correctness.

"Ohmigod, I knew you'd have lovely daughters Paris," Ruby said, looking at the twins.

They looked nervous until Paris said, "Don't mind Ruby. She's on cocaine or perhaps she has humor and is a bit excited."

The introductions were made. 

It was the first time Paris had met Thelma DeLuca and the forty-eight-year old masculine-looking woman with great lips and cascading auburn hair kissed Paris and said warmly, "Thank you for making this happen. God we'll have to update that promo photo we use of you. You look much better than that."

"Paris has become more beautiful since she'd been out here," Ruby said.

"Paris is beautiful," the twins said in unison.

Paris froze for a second, aghast that Thelma might ask were Paris and the twins in a relationship but the moment sped by, with Thelma telling the twins that was a nice thing to say.

"Bella and Marcie are daughters of our nearest neighbor and there's not many younger females around us for them so I'm center of attraction and I love it because it makes me feel young."

"Oh just next door, how convenient Thelma said. She looked surprised when Bella said she supposed a six-mile horse-ride and having to open ten gates and being the shortest route was considered next door she suppose technically Miss DeLuca's comment was correct.

"Oh Bella, how lacking in vision that was of me. I was not thinking about being in the country, Big Sky Country in fact. Would you girls please call me Thelma."

The twins directed Paris on a quick tour of Billings. 

The two visitors wanted to look at stores but looking at the vehicle's clock Paris said, "We should go now. Alice said it would begin snowing again around 4:00 and it will be after dark before we get home. It will be at least three hours before we get to Bozeman under these conditions and then we'll have almost another hour and a half to get to the ranch."

"Gawd, I really have no idea of distances by road," Thelma said and Ruby said lack of road travel experience meant she found it the same.

The twins looked at them curiously so Ruby said, "When we wish to go out of Manhattan more than a hundred miles away we go by air."

"So you folk relay weather information between you, like this Alice woman, rather that listen to radio weather reporting?"

Paris didn't know how to reply to Thelma but Bella said, "Why would you do that when you have Alice? She's an Indian cook and housekeeper at the ranch where you're staying. She is more accurate that professional forecasters but of course none of us really believe she can be that. But we also know rarely is she wrong."

"Paris?"

"Get used to the idea Thelma. She is clairvoyant but don't waste your time talking to Alice about it. She'll deny everything and I think I know why. She is protecting herself against being asked where treasured rings are lost, when will cattle sale prices peak and who will be the next state governor."

"Good heavens."




Montana Rhapsody Pt. 02



* * *

The twin's parents David and Lisa had been invited to dinner and that meant Paris didn't have to divert to take the twins home.

The visitors eyed Hal Harrop who'd was in jeans that glued to him and a double-yoke check suit under a vest and a fleece-lined denim jacket.

"Oh god," Paris heard Ruby whisper to herself. Someone was trailing Hal and the attention of the visitors diverted to Alice. Paris knew earlier in their careers both women had been newspaper journalists and they were wondering about what made Alice tick.

"This is Hal," Paris said confidently and the twins giggling rushed forward to kiss him and said in unison, "Hi Hal."

"Er sorry about that. I'm Hal Harrop ma'am," he said to Thelma who, with a little sigh, said, "Oh a real life rancher" and kissed him. At that Ruby also kissed him. Both did so without appearing fazed.

Swallowing hard Hal said, "This is Alice. She's family, big family. One could say my surrogate mother but I say more like my big sister."

Alice looked ready to fall over in astonishment. But she recovered and half curtsied to the women.

"Alice are you of Northern Cheyenne or Crow people?"

Alice said carefully, "Why did you pick those people and not say Blackfeet, or Kootenai or Assiniboine?"

"We are near the south-east I should think. Those peoples are more to the north."

"Thelma, you are well informed. Yes, I am Crow."

"Thank you for sharing that information. I studied Indian tribal spreads as a secondary interest when at university. You may be interest to know my grandparents were English, Scottish, American and French so I consider myself as mixed blood and acknowledge my English and French grandparents were recent immigrants whereas the one of Scottish origin was of much longer origin in America and claimed pure Scottish ancestry."

David and Lisa arrived and ended that conversation, listened to by the others in the group intently.

Lisa was thrilled to confirm that Thelma was author of the historical romance set in New York in the 1880s, 'The Struggles of Dr Rachel Finch'.

"God no one has commented to be about that novel in years," Thelma laughed. "It was published in l978."

"My mother has it and I read it about two years ago when staying with her. I loved it."

"Thank you."

The twins came into the room in their new dresses, proudly shepherded by Paris who eyed the girls' parents defiantly.

David looked rather taken aback while Lisa put her hand to her mouth and said, "Ohmigod" and appeared ready to go berserk until Thelma said, "Why is it about the twins catching up with the times, dressed in the latest New York fashion."

"Huh?" Lisa blurted.

"Oh yes," Ruby said. "Your darlings are just at that age where you wish to up-dress and moms wish to keep them down-dressed as dressed as young teens. Nice touch Paris. The girls will love you for being bold and Lisa will be relieved she didn't have the inner-conflict of having to make the crossover decision."

"I-I... you look lovely girls," Lisa said. "David."

"Um oh yes. Our daughters are becoming swans."

The twins rushed to their parents and kissed them and Bella point back to Paris. "Wait until you see Paris on Saturday night. She'll be the princess of the ball."

"David, I need to go to Billings tomorrow," Lisa said. "I need a new dress."

"Bozeman is heaps closer."

"David!"

"Yes of course dear. Billings it is."

Alice smiled at the visitors. "Ladies please follow me and I'll settle you in. It's time for pre-dinner drinks."

* * *

Hal was undressing and said, "God with Bella having have her boobs hanging out I thought Lisa was about to spit the dummy and Marcie was even showing deep cleavage."

"Well the dresses looked stylish on them and they did look so lovely and so happy."

Hal scratched his balls. "I reckon Thelma saved the day mentioning latest New York fashion. Lisa was standing beside me and at that comment her palpitations just died away."

"Good and I'm getting palpitations looking at that bulge. It's warm in here so you must remove that long underwear that makes me itchy."

"Am I in line for bed play?"

"When aren't you normally faced with that darling?"

"Once a month when..."

"Could you please skip that? Actually at that time you could think about turning me other way up."

"You mean...?" Hal stopped in shock.

"Millions of other couple regard anal sex as normal darling but I have no wish to corrupt you."

"Corrupt me? No way. I've often thought about it."

"Well what a coincidence. I have lube in my drawer."

"Er there are other people in the house."

Paris smiled encouragingly. "But they are not in here watching, are they darling."

"Er may I think about it?"

"Of course darling. In the meantime just get that erection over here and into my mouth."

After they'd finished a great sixty-nine and had both been to the bathroom, Hal spotted the spray tube of lube on Paris's pillow. She moved into position for a Doggy and as he inserted, rather liking this way himself, looked at the entry to her anus and almost came. He thought about his cows and calves stampeding over the edge of a canyon and that helped to recover from the threat of early ejaculation.

Hal built into a lovely rhythm and Paris was making the kind of noises he liked to hear but he hoped the guests didn't hear them. She became quiet and he heard the sound of her lube spray and then watched in near disbelief as Paris's hand came around over her smooth, olive-skin ass and a finger, dripping lube, entered her anal passage in front of his eyes. It disappeared fully in and she groaned and suddenly Hal was pumping into her pussy, time and time again.

"God that was a huge deposit," she said, as they lay on their backs. "Think about anal when you're out riding tomorrow. The girls both ride at a riding school in New York so I'll take them out with Alice tomorrow and into the box canyon, which is a pretty awesome place. Alice says the morning will be okay but we ought to have everyone home before 2:00."

"So she told me."

"Will you think about anal?"

The reply made Paris smile.

"How can I think of anything else?"

On the ride next day Paris was in raptures, seeing her first spring wildflowers.

"What else did you expect with temperatures rising?" Alice said. "But there will be more snow for several weeks yet."

"How many."

With the two visitors listening Alice said, "What do you take me for? A weather forecaster?"

The other three woman exchanged smiles.

* * *

The festival on Saturday included horse races down the main street of the town. Larry won the senior division for cowboys aged fifty years and over.

In the lariat contest semi-finals Hal was booed when he hit his target, one of the contestants in the Beauty Queen contest over the eye with his rope knot and the guys cheered and the women booed when he kissed the girl and said into the microphone he was put off by her big boobs. The contestant slapped him and perhaps that influenced the judges because that contestant went on to be runner-up in her contest. Hal of course was eliminated from the semi-final.

Paris was confident she could win the women's greenhorn show of agility. It was a time trial, a gallop down Main Street pausing midway to pick up a women's 'bonnet', turn around the chuck wagon, dismount halfway down the street and gallop to the finish.

With three riders being unseated going around the chuck wagon Alice instructed Paris about how to lean on a sliding horse and shift her weight going around that obstacle. Earlier she'd said they should both ride Bambi to be lower to the ground.

Paris received a big cheer when her ride was announced. She was becoming very well known, although only going into town once a week and accompanied by Alice but then she'd been on local TV and in their newspaper. 

Paris rode practically faultlessly and did her dismount trick that really saved her big-time on the clock.

A huge roar greeted Alice when her ride was announced in the senior women's event and a gasp occurred when she lined up at the star on Bambi, riding bareback. Miraculously she was the fastest round the chuck wagon but with no saddle-horn to pull herself back up on the dismount had to slow into a skid before managing to throw herself back on to Bambi who galloped to the finish. 

On the day Alice's time was beaten only by two cowboys and Paris's time was the seventh fastest of every category. She won her division by a record eleven seconds. There were mutterings about Paris not being a greenhorn but she'd also entered the calf-roping contest, where she finished last and in the six-shot shooting contest when no one was sure where her first shot went the safety-marshal stopped her firing the next five shots at the target until everyone was brought in behind her. None of her other shots could be registered at hitting anything, so she came last out of the thirty-five female entrants.

When the prizes were being awarded, Bella winning the Beauty Queen Contest and being asked to hand out the prizes, asked Paris what was it about her dismal shooting. "I don't know really. Perhaps I need glasses. The big bangs also scare me."

The crowd loved and loved it even more when she kissed Bella and said, "You know Bella you won fair and square. The judged took into account Roxie's closed eye but you would have won it on personality alone. But Roxie you made a worthy runner-up and I'm sorry my boss messed your face up. Pay her fifty bucks in compensation Hal."

Hal stood looking uncertain.

"Fifty bucks Hal, fifty bucks Hal," the crowd began to chant.

Hal pulled out a thin roll of notes, peeling off five, and handed the fifty bucks to Roxie.

The twenty-one-year old waggled her eyelashes and cooed, "Oh thank you my handsome cowboy and pressed heavily against him and kissed him full on the mouth, Hal losing his Stetson.

The crowd cheered, just loving it.

That evening after dinner Hal was completely bowled over when Alice came out and announced proudly, "Miss Paris McCoy, Queen of the Ball." He stood gaping beside Ruby and Thelma, also dressed for the dance. The two visitors smiled, not having expected anything else from their rising star.

Paris was packed into a short strapless turquoise dress with a sweetheart neckline, tulle skirt and empire waistline, fully lined with boning. Her stockings were very light blue, her hair was in a French roll and she wore rhinestone filigree dangle earrings and her shoes were plain blue with three-inch heels, suitable for dancing.

She looked at Hal.

"You look wondrously beautiful darling."

"Ohmigod," Alice said, pressing a hand to her bosom. 

Ruby and Thelma made appropriately supportive comments and everyone but Alice left, noisily.

On Monday 'The Examiner' carried a photo of Paris at the dance and the caption declared, 'Unofficial Queen of the Spring Festival Dance Saturday night Paris McCoy, a New Yorker who came to our community several months ago in a snowstorm to find out what it's like living on a ranch and being a cowgirl. Well there isn't much Paris (32) can't do on the ranch according to her boss Hal Harrop. She mucks in with the boys on messy jobs, sweats with them riding horses hard, goes out with hay during snowstorms and bachelor Hal at the dance Saturday appeared to be looking at his greenhorn cowgirl with stars in his eyes. Are we to hear more about that? Meanwhile, the community welcomes you as a worthy citizen Paris. New York's loss is our gain.'

Everyone gathered round as Hal read the caption smiled and unnoticed Thelma went off and in her bedroom called a contact on The Daily News in New York and suggested to Caroline she contact 'The Examiner' for a copy of the photograph and caption and interview Paris by phone.

Paris was surprised two hours later when a reporter in New York called wishing to interview here. It was general at first and then got down to specifics. Hal was in his office working on statistics.

"Hal, I have a reporter on the phone. She wants to know if you love me?"

"Yeah."

The reporter said she heard him call yes. "Didn't you know if he did or not?"

"No we hadn't discussed it but he sleeps with me and says lovely things so I've assumed he did."

"And do you love him?"

"Of course I do. He's be far the loveliest man I've romanced since I began looking for a husband when I turned eighteen."

"You're thirty-two now, that's rather a long time to meet the right man?"

"Well I wanted to have a good look around and be sure, didn't I."

"So want can you tell me about engagement possibilities."

"I haven't thought about it but Alice says Hal and I will marry in August but she's only said it the once and then denied it. She's clairvoyant."

"Who's Alice?"

Oh crap, Paris thought, the interview was getting out of hand. "Oh just a woman we know. It's no big deal. We don't have to believe her."

"Well I certainly wouldn't."

"Look do you mind if we end now. I... um have to go out and help castrate bull yearlings."

"Ohmigod, you poor thing."

"You can't just ride a horse around pretending if you wish to be a real cowgirl."

"Ohmigod, what a punch line."

"Pardon me?"

"Look Paris, this is a question just for security. Do you know anyone called Thelma?"

"Only one, Thelma DeLuca, executive editor with my publishers, Barron and Drew. She's been staying a few days here but returns to New York tomorrow. Do you wish to speak to her?"

"No thanks. I have my confirmation. Lovely talking to you Paris. I can't wait to get my hands on your book. Oh any chance of quickly getting a photo of you on a horse?" 

"No I'm out to help castrating," Paris lied. "Oh the Great Falls Tribune has a great shot of me on a horse almost crapping myself."

As Paris cut the call she wished she hadn't said half of what she'd said and not mentioned that horse-riding photo. Oh well.

Next day Paris and Alice took the two visitors to Billings to return to New York. The two editors said they'd had such a lovely time during the four full days of their stay and wished Paris well with her novel.

Thelma said casually to Alice, "Will the novel sell well?"

"Yes hugely well but there will be chaos because more people want the book than what you had printed."

"Are you sure about that Alice?"

"Sure about what Ruby?"

"What you just said about the publishing of Paris's new novel."

"I don't know anything about publishing. Why would I say anything? Oh you asked me a question didn't you Ruby?"

"Yes."

"Rely on what you heard girls," Paris said cheerfully. "I honestly believe when she makes a prediction it is wiped from her mind."

Later in the day, boarding the second leg airplane for the direct flight into JFK Ruby took a copy of that morning's 'The New York Daily News'.

Ruby glanced at the 'pointers' to stories inside and said, "Ohmigod." She pointed to a head and shoulders photograph of Paris.

"Ohmigod," Thelma said, reading the 'teaser', 'Castrating young bulls today, writing her upcoming possible best seller tonight. Just who is this woman?'

"Quick, turn to the story. Ohmigod."

"Ohmigod," they chorused, seeing the two photographs, one of the Princess of the Ball and the other on a rearing horse with the caption saying, 'This was my first day on the ranch and I almost crapped myself'.

"Ohmigod, look at the heading," Ruby said.

Thelma read it, 'Romance Novelist Finds Love on the Ranch'.

"Ohmigod, how did they get this story?"

Attempting not to look guilty, Thelma managed, "It makes you wonder sometimes, doesn't it. I don't think we should tell Paris about this. It may bloat her head."

"But she'll know she was interviewed."

"Yes but had no idea if the story would be used. It is rather self-promoting. If the Daily News sends her a copy it may get lost in the mail. We should just leave it."

Next morning a light aircraft flew over the ranch house and a newspaper trailing a long marker ribbon was dropped.

Larry handed Hal the newspaper unopened. 

"Why is the Great Falls Tribune dropping us a paper? We are not in its circulation area."

"Don't know Larry. Let's take a look eh?"

They read in silence until Larry offered, "Pretty good stuff don't you think?"

"Pretty good stuff! She virtually has me engaged to her. Where is the little bitch? I'll wring her neck."

"Out with Alan and Tom bringing bulls out of the ravines ready for the drove up to summer pasture."

"Well I screw her neck when she gets back."

"More likely screw her boss."

"Larry!"

Larry was hastily on his way out when stopped by Alice in the doorway. She was white-faced.

"Bad news boys. Alan just radioed in. He saw it happen. Marissa threw Paris stepping into a hole. She got to her feet on the edge of the canyon and appeared okay but the ground beneath her gave way. She'd ended up near the edge. She's either dead or unconscious on a ledge about seventy feet down. Alan thinks a small tree broke her fall and then saved her going right on down on to rocks. He's called a chopper and it's on his way here to pick you up Hal."

"Oh god, my darling."

"She's going to be okay Hal. I can see her in a dressing gown walking from the hospital."

"What did you say? Tell me the truth."

"Say what Hal? Have I just given you a reading?"

"Yes."

"Well my mind will be blank about that Hal. You'll have to trust me. If I'm wrong does it matter?"

Hal raced from the room to the radio. He called Alan to find exactly where they were. Okay, at the end of pasture thirteen on the ranch house side of the canyon."

"Correct. As you come in you'll see us standing, looking down the exact spot. I think I've seen her move. It may be better if she stays unconscious so she doesn't get up, dazed, and walk off the edge."

"Oh Christ. Keep by your radio."

Hal was given a headset and as the chopper lifted off was told the pilot's name was Jeff.

"Hi Jeff. I'm the rancher Hal."

"Give me my course Hal by visual direction."

"Follow that dirt road in front of you and at those trees up ahead on the right bear left and follow the fence line west."

"Hal this is Royce, rescue leader. Please confirm. The woman went over and her fall was broken by a tree and she landed on a ridge about seventy feet down."

"Correct Royce. The latest report was my foreman believed he saw Paris move."

"Thanks Hal. You get us there and we'll do the rest. We'll have to go down with a stretcher in case she has severe head injuries or broken her back."

Hal wince. "Jeff this is Hal. Turn left here. That's it. Keep this course until we spot them. There they are almost a hundred yards out. My men will be looking down. They've taken the horses away so you can do anything."

"I see them Hal. Over and out."

The helicopter hovered and a rescue guy in harness was lowered by winch. He had a stretcher tied to his belt by a short line. Hal watched as the guy reached the ledge and bent over Paris. He signaled.

"Victim is alive," Royce said, and then, "She's talking."

The message crackled into their headphones. "Paris is coherent. No sign of blood or broken bones. She believes she took a huge hit on the tree branches and is just badly bruised. I'm using the stretcher just in case."

The guy placed the stretcher beside Paris and eased it under her as far as he could and then pulled her upper body on to it and then her feet.

"Okay that's done and she's strapped in. Only reaction was a few groans. I do think she's okay. The stretcher is secure and I'm climbing into position above her. Lift when I wave."

Royce said, "Confirming to lift when you wave."

The guy waved and Royce operated the winch.

"Ambulance entering the paddock followed by the press and another SUV," called the pilot.

The person in the SUV was a doctor. As the stretcher was lowered out in the field she was ready to check Paris. The medics from the ambulance were ready to assist. The chopper landed and the photographer from 'The Examiner' got some shots of the doctor attending Paris and then got Alan to point where Paris had been lifted.




Montana Rhapsody Pt. 02



Hal reassured Paris, "Everything is fine, and you are safe now."

"Hi Hal. Sorry about this mess. Another foot over from the edge and I would have been okay. My toes just sunk down before I knew what was happening."

"Paris?"

"Yes Dr French."

"Please confirm you took no impact on you head."

"Absolutely and my woolly cap only came off in soft branches in the very last second before I hit the ground on my ass."

"Well I can't see anything requiring an x-ray. There are no bleeding and no apparent fractures. You were wearing thick clothing and on that shelf landed on thick snow. All I can say is you were very, very lucky and appear to be escaping with just severe bruising. You have the choice of being taken to hospital or being taken home."

"Home please." 

"Very well. I'll go to the ranch house and examine you properly when you are fully undressed. I probably suggest a warm bath and then dress warmly and then to bed. I'll stay for coffee and to give you an injection to make sure you sleep through the night and be in no pain. I have oral medication for you to take in the morning and something to reduce the impact of bruising. That's all I can do Paris."

"That's plenty Doc. And thanks for coming out."

"Well I was out and heard there was an emergency at Harrop Ranch so came on over. I've been the Harrop family's doctor ever since I arrived in the district."

"You sure have Renee," Hal said, "and thank you so much for your initiative."

Hal thanked the helicopter rescue team and the chopper left.

Doc French said, "I've read two of your books Paris and know why Hal is supporting you while you experience a bit of ranching life. I also saw you riding yesterday. Bravo. You are fitting in so well. Boys take Miss McCoy to the house and deliver her to the bathroom. Alice and I will take over from there. I'll give you this wee shot to keep you calm on the ride home dear."

As the ambulance left Renee said to Hal, "I want her watched through the night. Perhaps you and Alice can take four-hour shifts."

"Okay but why?"

"We don't know about internal injuries and internal bleeding and won't know unless symptoms emerge. I'll brief you over coffee. Rex from 'The Examiner' is waiting to talk to you. Don't be too long."

When Hal arrived Doc French had gone and Paris was in bed asleep, Alice taking the first watch She asked, "Did you have to shoot Marissa?"

"No and Tom says it definitely is just a slight sprain and has her in a stall with her foot wrapped up well. We are in agreement not to call in a vet. Time heals sprains, not vets."

"We must tell Paris when she awakes. She will be worried. Did the media ask was it a publicity stunt?"

"The same thought had crossed my mind but he was just a photographer and asked basic questions, writing slowly. He'd spoken to Alan, an eyewitness who showed the photographer where the new slip was. Tom confirmed that so there could be no question it wasn't an attention-seeking novelist wanting to keep in the limelight."

In the morning the boys had gathered wanting to see Paris if she were awake.

Alice said, "Not yet. Sit down and I'll feed you guys."

Hal walked in and heard that. "Come out into the dining area. It's more comfortable there and you won't be under Alice's feet. It will be a half hour wait."

"Breakfast will be five minutes boss. I knew they would be coming."

They were eating breakfast when Hal, at the head of the table, saw a movement at the passage door. Paris walked through smiling, shuffling a little like an old woman. Of course she was badly bruised. At that moment he knew he was seeing the 'vision' or whatever Alice called it and had seen expect it was the ranch house door and not the door of the hospital. He turned and saw Alice looking, at yet not speaking, and by the look on her face he thought she was thinking exactly what he'd been thinking. With no memory of it she would be thinking that was the image she'd told Hal about.

"Boys, your buddy is arriving," he said.

The boys jumped up and gathered around Paris, each taking a turn to carefully kiss Paris on the cheek.

"Sorry boys, I'm such a bad horsewoman."

"No" they cried. The other two looked at Tom.

"We were moving at a slow gait," he said. "You probably were propelled forward with Marissa coming to an abrupt stop at something like twenty to thirty miles an hour. None of us, not even the boss, would have stayed on unless we had both boots caught in the stirrups and that wouldn't be likely. You'll be pleased to know Marissa is looking fine this morning, enjoying being on pellets and top quality hay.

"Oh thank you boys and everyone else for what you have done for me. Alice when you are through breakfast I'd like another bath. Doc French said that was the way to go."

"I'm coming darling. I ran it twenty minutes ago. It should be just at the right temperature for you now."

Hal sighed and didn't attempt to wonder how Alice would know Paris would be coming out at this time and wanting a bath.

* * *

The bulls were taken up to leased summer pasture next day. Alice always went on the daylong cattle drive and with a packhorse carrying the food. Paris insisted she go, saying she'd be okay and would probably catch up on finishing the next lot of chapters to send off, using her laptop in bed.

"I don't really think..."

"Go Alice. It's one of your big days of the year and you get to camp out that night. Being up in the mountains means a lot spiritually to you."

"Who told you that?" Alice demanded.

Paris grinned. "Hal mightn't know a lot but he probably knows more than what you think and probably thinks more about you than you'll ever know."

Alice sighed. "You wouldn't think men would be capable of being complicated would you?"

They laughed and before Alice went off to pack everything she said Hal would keep the yearlings back tomorrow when they took the bulls, cows, calves and steers up the mountain.

"Hal will take the yearlings up when you are ready to ride again. You have been looking forward to the experience. Although snow's still about aplenty the spring flowers are pushing through. It's a wonderful sight."

Paris marveled at Alice's visionary powers. But when Hal came in to say goodbye he said, "I told Alice to tell you I'd hold the yearlings back until you were fit to ride for most of the day. Just the three of us will go. I want Alice to tell you how to allow your mind to think when you are up in the grandeur of the high country."

After waving off Hal, Alice and the boys now joined by three other cow hands from neighboring properties as it was the custom to pitch in and help neighbors with spring and fall cattle drives and haymaking, Paris returned to bed and wrote a chapter about taking 600 head of cattle including bulls and calves, to mountain pastures. She hadn't been on a cattle drive but when she had been on the drive of the yearlings she could correct mistakes she had written in this account.

- - - -

Skye dressed in a soft blue shirt like the others, a vest, fleece-lined jacket down to her hips, jeans, high-topped boots and a black Stetson waved goodbye to the housekeeper/cook Maude, the only person left at the ranch house. 

Rancher Billy Jamieson's mom Amelia had set off an hour ago driving a 4WD tractor and trailer carrying supplies and tents to set up the first base camp. Next morning Amelia with Skye's help would pack up and set up again high up the mountain where the cattle would be freed to graze on wild grasses now coming away in the spring warmth, sharing pasture with elk and deer.

Skye was looking forward to seeing mountain birds and wildlife but especially wild flowers. Billy had told her Montana was world-renowned for its wildflowers and most Americans conceded the state was almost alone as one of the country's surviving massive wilderness area.

She was hoping to see blue and yellow violets, dandelion, wild strawberries and trillium and, that other flower she'd been told looked grand. Ah yes, Indian Paint bush.

Billy was now more at ease with her and that made Skye feel horny. She had plans for Billy on this journey into the wilderness.

He'd given her the crappy job, riding alone well behind the herd to pick up any strays. That left her alone with her thoughts, enjoying the rising grandeur until she came across a cow and calf and that suddenly converted her into a real-life cowgirl.

The duo was grazing as Skye rode up to them and shouted, "Come on mommy and sonny, at least I think you have nuts."

Skye's face fell as they bolted, in different directions.

"Come back you misbehaving critters!"

Her horse Jess virtually took over, leaping after the cow.

Skye fell off.

"Fuck!" she shrieked, having been riding since she was three and thought herself a horsewoman. But Jess had taken off like a lightening bolt, catching her by surprise. She'd been fiddling with her gloves.

Skye stood, dusted off and retrieved her Stetson and only then saw she'd landed neatly between two rocks. White-faced she wondered what to do next and to her immense relief she saw Jess only a few paces away. Jess had stopped and was looking back at Skye. Quizzically?

Skye laughed and limped over to Jess until deciding she'd be bruised because the ground was iron-hard but it wasn't necessary to limp.

"Thanks to whoever trained you Jess. And thank Christ no one saw this. That would have been my ultimate humiliation."

She had been unaware Billy had been sitting on top of a rocky outcrop watching and laughing his head off. Apparently satisfied she would cope he disappeared to catch up with the tail of the herd.

With relief Skye saw mother and calf had reunited. Deciding Jess would know best she clucked her tongue and shunted her weight forward lightly. "Go get 'me Jess, you know best. I'll keep my mouth shut."

Up ahead Billy decided to give Skye something more challenging. He cut out a bull and two older calves and sent them back down towards Skye. Actually once she had them turned the five would be easier to drive than two and the older calves should be aware their next feed was moving up the mountain.

Later chewing a piece of steak wrapped and bread and holding a tin mug of coffee, Billie leaned against the trailer looking down mountain a little anxiously. He was about to put down his food and ride to find Skye when the heads of three cows came into view and then into full view over the rise and followed by four more cows and the bull and five calves.

The guys had joined him to eye Skye but their mouths fell open as well.

"Which of your guys is adding to the strays," Billy began ominously.

"Now Billy," warned his mom.

All the guys said it wasn't them.

"It's amazing she'd picked up that many," Danny drawled, hoping to divert Billy to avoid being booted in the butt.

"Fucking amazing," Billy said. "She must think she'd a cowgirl now. Come on don't look at her. It will only swell her head."

Skye couldn't believe it. As she drove by the men they all looked at her in silence. She knew without a doubt they were mentally stripping her. Men when they looked sullen did that sort of thing. At least Amelia standing at the door of the small cabin on the trailer was waving and smiling at her.

God men! She'd expected applause and Billy saying to everyone she'd done a great job.

Billy called out, "How many did you leave behind?"

Tears forming Skye rode on ignoring him to attach her little band of stragglers to the main herd.

Wiping her eyes she returned to the modern version of the chuck wagon.

Billy stepped forward and stood to catch her, so she dropped into his arms. He then kissed her in front of everyone. Oh god!

"Didn't she do good boys, didn't she do amazingly well?"

"Yeah," shouted the boys, well men really.

Hugely embarrassed Skye buried her face into the opening of Billy's jacket, found some bare skin and licked it.

"Christ Skye steady on," Billy whispered unsteadily.

"Skye, I've scrambled some eggs for you knowing you eat meat sparingly."

"Thanks Amelia," Skye said, breaking away from the cook's son.

She almost swaggered to the trailer before forking in some egg and holding a thick slice of bread.

Still eating she turned to the boys and demanded, "Who finished off the training of Jess after she was broken in?"

Elderly Black Joe stepped forward.

"I did Miss Skye. I'm sorry it failed to meet with your requirements."

Skye wiped her mouth and stepped over and kissed the part Indian on the cheek.

"You did really good, I mean really well Black Joe."

Several of the guys claimed they'd helped to train Jess.

"Get fucked," Skye said contemptuously, using her broadest Scottish accent.

The guys fell about laughing. Skye looked up to catch the disgust on the face of Mrs Jamison but she was smiling and winked at Skye. 

Later when Skye was helping Amelia to pack up Amelia said, "Today your acceptance on Highlands Craggy Ranch has been acknowledged Skye. I for one have been absolutely astonished at the way you have acclimatized and pitched in. Billy today tested you to rate your performance and you as tail-end-Skye sailed over the bar to amaze even him with his high standards. Well done and welcome to our family."

"Welcome to the family... w-what do you mean?"

"Oh Skye. Billy can't keep his eyes off you. If you don't know what that means I'll tell you. It means you're the woman for him if you decide to be that woman. Need I say more?"

"No, I rather knew that at least I thought I knew that but then thought the spring was making me overly romantic."

Skye hugged Amelia and turned and saw the boys had gone.

"Oh Christ I'll be booted in the ass for slacking on the job."

Amelia cackled in laugher. 

Skye saddled up and was off in a gallop. In another hour of steeper climbing they would reach the place where temporary helper Johnny would be waiting with their relief mounts. She patted the neck of Jess affectionately and thought of asking Billy this evening to take her to a field of flowers if he could find one where she wanted him to have sex with here even if the ground would be damp and rock hard and they'd have to fumble to do it through thick clothing. Well if he were long enough it was on, wasn't it?

She giggled and followed the trail of fresh dung. Minutes later she came across Tony.

"The boss put me behind until you caught up to take over."

"He'll want to boot my ass."

"I don't think boot is the correct word to use," Tony chuckled and moved off at a faster gait.

When they were changing horses Amelia drove by. She would drive through the herd to arrive at a flatter pasture where she'd begin cooking dinner on her gas oven. The boys would have to set up their own tents. The arrangement was Amelia and Skye would sleep on the two bunks in the little cabin on the trailer.

Two escaping steers can trotting down towards Skye, breaking her from her half dream of pulling out Billy's erection to check that there would be sufficient length to sink well into her after he got through two sets of clothing.

With supreme confidence Skye clicked her tongue twice and jolted her weight forward, signaling to Jess she was free to go to work. The two delinquent steers took one look at the charging horse and skidded into a turn and went off at a run up the mountain after the main herd.

- - - -

On the way out to collect the mail, a soft pillow behind her back and sitting on another to cushion her bruised parts, Paris took calls from two friends who'd just opened their mail and found the story about her in the 'Women's Home Journal'. Both said it was well written, as to be expected, and marvelous publicity for her.

Paris wasn't too sure whether articles about here would help her book sales. This latest novel was still months away from publication. She frowned thinking it would have been better having articles published closer to the time her book was being marketed but she sighed, knowing the media couldn't be controlled like that. Her only hope was a number of readers would remember her name when they saw the book being promoted.

Then Ruby called.

Paris decided to say nothing about her brush with death. Ruby would only panic.

"Marvelous news darling. Your article in the 'Women's Home Journal' came out yesterday and at our team meeting this morning everyone was raving about it. Lisa told me the big boss is more than pleased."

Paris said she was on her way to the gate to get the mail and expected a posted copy would be there because a couple of friends had called saying it had arrived.

"But how could you get it already?"

"Darling we are only way across America, not on the other side of the world."

Ruby thanked her for the recent hospitality and said the short vacation had brought Thelma and her even closer together. "Thelma says we are now truly in love and don't I know it."

Paris wasn't a prude but she did wonder about the acceptability of being given credit for bringing two female lovers closer together.

Paris was looking for her article in the 'Journal', stopped alongside the letterbox when she jumped and almost crapped herself. Someone had tapped on her window.

She looked up fearfully and broke into a smile and wound down the window.

"Good morning Trooper Olsen."

"Hi lovely lady. I saw you parked with your head down so stopped to find if you were okay." said Julian. "I read about your narrow escape."

"Yes I suppose the account is in this newspaper. I was looking for an article about me in the 'Ladies' Home Journal'.

"Ah, look I'll grab coffee and my sandwiches from my vehicle and join you and you can read it to me."

"Oh do you really want to hear that? Sometimes those journalists get carried away and wax on, ninety-percent bullshit."

"Not a 'Journal' writer, surely?"

"Ah no, I suppose not. Then please join me."

Julian got in beside her and poured some coffee into a paper cup for Paris and handed her a chicken sandwich. When he had his coffee mug filled Paris began reading and apologize for chewing at the same time."

She finished. "Well, what do you think Julian?

"It's a great story, full of color and she captured your personality."

"I'm amazed she had somehow crammed so much in because she was only with me a couple of hours and then neighbors arrived to take her and her photographer overnight to their ski club for a full day's skiing and then the twins took them to the airport."

"Well obviously the neighbors and the twins filled in many gaps. By god that Bella makes you mouth water doesn't she?"

"Yes she is attractive if that's what you mean. I recall you are married?"

"Yes but that doesn't stop wishful thinking. I look at you in the same way."

"Oh god Julian, you're embarrassing me."

"You are a lovely lady Paris and I have no wish to embarrass you. But I can look can't I?"

"Yes of course you can and you may kiss me before you leave. It's just my token of appreciation at you sharing your morning tea and being a friendly cop serving our community well."

They later kissed sweetly and Julian repeated, "You're a lovely lady Paris."

Paris turned and drove up the access track wondering what she would have done had Trooper Olsen had unzipped. Thinking about her answer she became rather flustered and snorted, "God you are such a slut." She managed a smile thinking really lovely men were difficult to find so perhaps a woman came across one she was tempted to reward him. She felt a little better thinking that.

The magazine article had been very favorable and mention of the titles of her first and her most recent books during the course of the interview had not been deleted so that meant if any reader was interested in learning more about Paris and her work then they'd know where to go to pick up one of her books. Yeah to the local library!




Montana Rhapsody Pt. 02



After lunch Paris visited her horse Marissa who welcomed the company. Tom had said she should rest that slightly injured foot for ten days so Paris resisted taking Marissa out and walking her lightly. She was aware that if further damage occurred by doing that it could be the end for Marissa. She returned to writing and next day went into town and send the eleven completed chapters to Ruby by courier.

As she left the barn, aglow that Marissa had nosed against her, lightly snorting as if displaying affinity, Paris walked out and saw the broken cloud in the blue sky and the distant snow-covered mountains. She felt at peace and the feeling of spring, more likely the stir of spring around her and she thought of the way the boys appeared to care for her, despite being such a diverse group and with little to show for their toiling she thought she was really rapt with this life.

"I'm amid a rhapsody," she shouted. "It's my Montana Rhapsody. Everything fits so beautifully in place and people out here appear to care for me. If I had my way I'd not return to live in New York City."

Well, despite what she thought she'd be returning to New York in a few months wouldn't she? No more rhapsody, no more Marissa. No more Alice and, oh god, no more Hal."

She burst into tears and wasn't at all surprised by that.

Later Paris went into the kitchen and saw the big pot of soup on slow heat and loaves of bread on trays ready for warming. Oh god, why hadn't Alice asked her if she felt well enough to cook something. They would have spent hours in the saddle over two days and wouldn't be home till nightfall, even after that. They would be tired and hungry.

Paris went into the cooler and took two big roll of beef and put them into the oven to roast. She found onions and potatoes and prepared them for roasting. She peeled apples, made pastry and made three big apple pies. She worked out the timing for everything to be ready at nightfall and then put in extra beers. She set the table for everyone, thinking it was a special occasion so Hal probably planned to have the boys eat with them. 

She fired the boiler to heat the house, remembering to check that the tap allowing heated water flow to the middle barn was turned off. She hunted around to find things and decorated the table. After that Paris went out and put hay into the feeders in the pasture behind the barns, having seen the boys do that whenever anyone was out on an all-day ride.

Toward sunset Paris ran a bath for Alice, thinking Hal might join Alice but with her about he'd be too embarrassed. She giggled thinking she'd bet those two would have done it before she'd come to live in the house. After placing in the vegetables to roast and later the pies Paris dressed warmly for outside and didn't have long to wait. She saw Alice come in alone and take her horse into the central barn. She put on a CD of western prairie music and went over to the barn where Alice was unsaddling.

"Hi, how did it go?"

"Oh hi darling," Alice said wearily and the kissed. "It went fine really. A cow broke a leg and had to be shot and a playful calf went over down a sheer drop but it's how it goes. A severe snowstorm can cause far more casualties."

"Here allow me to finish up here. I'll brush Sampson and then put him out. Hay is ready for them."

"Oooh, aren't you a darling girl. The boys are around twenty minutes behind me. Make sure you brush Prairie Queen well for me darling. I started off early to get back and get dinner ready."

"Oh you very responsible person. Why don't you have a bath first? I've run one for you."

"Oh well, just a quick one. My bones are aching and my muscles are sore. It's a long time since I've put a full day in the saddle. It's good having you around here Paris."

"Well don't be too ready with the compliments. I've messed around in your kitchen a bit."

Alice yawned. "I promise not to thump you too hard when I see the mess."

Paris grinned when she heard the scream. She was too far from the house to hear Alice but she imagine the words were something like, "I can't believe this!"

When Hal and the boys arrived they found Paris had set out a towel, brush and currycomb for each of them and had rolled out the two hoses.

"Boys you're eating roast dinner with us tonight."

Larry said, "Alice said she'd have enough soup and bread ready to take over to the bunkhouse."

"Well I got bored being by myself after soup there's a roast and then apple pie."

"You're taking a risk going into Alice's kitchen," Hal said, kissing her. "Great to see you up with energy and walking."

Paris grabbed him and kissed him," whispering, "I have so missed you."

Hal pushed her away, not too roughly, and looked at the boys. Although all had their heads down their sniggering told him what he wanted to know. He turned to talk to Paris but she'd gone.

Paris took in a hot chocolate drink for Alice.

She knocked and Alice said to come in, she had nothing to hide apart from surplus flat.

"Oh darling you wonderful young woman. You knocked my sox off."

"Thank you. I'll leave you to finish off. You won't want the boys seeing me in your kitchen."

"Thank you, that's most thoughtful."

Paris was walking away to pour herself a wine when she turned and said, "Annie when will Hal marry."

"August."

Paris left smiling triumphantly and giggled when she heard Alice said, "What was that Paris?"

Preparing for bed that night Paris watched Hal in his long thermal underwear scratch and yawn as he walked towards her. He kissed her.

"I panicked thinking I'd lost you when told you had plunged into that ravine."

"These things happen. It can be dangerous out here," Paris smiled.

"I never want to lose you."

Paris emitted a tiny gasp.

Hal dropped on to both knees and looking up at her said, "Darling Paris, will you marry me?"

She shook and her eyelids fluttered before she managed, "Yes of course."

"Really?" Hal said, sounding almost surprised, climbing to his feet.

"Oh yes Hal. I love you and I love this environment. Combined I have my rhapsody."

"Oh," he said, scratching his head. Is a um rhapsody okay?"

"Very okay. Now you are exhausted so go to sleep. We can have our first fuck as an engaged couple in the morning."

"Okay but I haven't bought the ring yet."

"That's okay. We won't say anything until you've purchased the ring and we have some people around for a cookout so the boys can attend and then you make the announcement."

"Okay but Alice will know."

"Of course she'll know but she'll keep her mouth shut knowing it's not her business."

"How can you be so sure?"

"Because I've had a vision," Paris joked, only to hear Hal say then that was all right. He went to sleep in Paris's arms.

TO BE CONCLUDED



Montana Rhapsody Pt. 03



"Yes, even Hal."

That night Paris made a heart-wrenching decision. She decided to end her novel with heroine Skye dying giving birth to her second child, a female, who died with her. The grieving Billy would be left their year-old Wyatt. Well in that respect Skye had delivered what he wanted. 

Paris sat, wringing her hands. It was taking a big risk and could kill her book sales and anger her editors because the tradition with romances was to leave hero and heroine in a happy ever-after cocoon. God how could she be so cruel and then it came to her why: that terrible time when that beautiful heifer died on her post-calving. She resolved to defy all pressure by editor to change her story's ending. Some people said she was tough so what did she have to fear when it was her novel?

Slightly more cheerful, Skye began writing about Billy and Skye going on their first vacation together. It was only a week but Skye returned to the ranch unaware she was pregnant while Billy was left thinking had sex ever been so good?

* * *

The film crew of five comprising a director-manager, two cameramen, sound-technician and general hand arrived at the ranch after considerable negotiations.

Hal had growled, "Who's going to pay for their food and other supplies on the drive?"

Paris had sighed and said she would but Hal growled no-way. 

As it turned out the producer in New York said the company would pay for everything including breakages and any damages caused by the crew spooking cattle.

Hal insisted they must be able to ride horses but the general hand could drive an all-terrain vehicle behind the chuck wagon.

Paris relayed that, the producer agreed and agreed to have the crew arrive a day early so they could familiarize themselves with riding western style. It was becoming such a pain that Paris wondered whether it would be worth all this trouble. But within hours of the crew arriving she and Hal were impressed. They were two women and three guys who'd been on outdoor assignments in at least a dozen countries and the first thing the chief cameraman said to Hal was, "Our biggest concern is not to spook the cattle Hal. We need you to be our adviser."

Hal was most impressed, unaware that when driving the crew from the airport Paris had briefed the chief cameraman about Hal's concerns and had fed the guy those words to repeat to Hal.

The settling-in day went fine and although there was room in the house for them the film crew opted to sleep out in their two and three-person tents to acclimatize. They and the boys had dinner buffet-style in the house and for the next four hours the visitors described some of their 'great outdoor adventures' in different parts of the world. It made Hal and the boys feel they were just the village people and although Paris lived in New York and had traveled overseas that had been only as a tourist so she was rather awed at the tales being told. 

Next day they began work, filming Paris looking at the dawn coming over mountains and then going to the barn to saddle Marissa who was fully recovered. She was assisted by Larry who was horse wrangler for this drive, in charge of the three horses for each rider.

They rode for six hours over a span of seven and a half hours, stopped for lunch and two other breaks and reached the meadow where the steers were. The director had Paris helping Annie with dinner and Paris was filmed asking Annie about her background and the feelings she had being up in the mountains of Montana.

They were filmed eating dinner and around the campfire when to Paris's astonishment Larry turned into quite an entertainer by reciting cowboy poetry. In turn Paris astonished everyone by the clarity of her voice when Tom, who'd been strumming 'Red River Valley', suddenly sat up and played properly when Paris began singing the song. She was urged to sing three more songs and then Hal was film saying, "Right folk, time to get some shut-eye. I want everyone out of bed at 5:30 in the morning checking their gear and horses and attending to personal care. Breakfast is at 7:00."

"What is this personal care thing boss?" drawled Larry. "You usually say have a crap. Are you going soft just because we have Paris with us?"

"Get your ass into your tent Larry," Hal roared.

The director laughed cut. She loved it.

Hal spoke to the camera next morning about how the 60,000-acre ranch included this pastureland up the mountain to where it petered out but he was still responsible to conservation authorities not to overgraze it and to do his best to conserve the natural habitat.

"The grasses my cattle graze up here are wild grasses and at the end of our five-mile drive today that includes some quite steep patches we'll come to a bowl that will appear to be a sea of yellow and white flowers. I never tire of the site. Our steers will eat the grass and make a real mess of the flowers but when we move the steers on to the next location in seven to ten days' time, depending on weather, that pasture will reestablish and another new crop of flowers will have reappeared. The old-time cattleman knew about conservation before we thought of having officials running it and politicians making rules. The old-timer's regarded these summer pastures on mountains as one of God's gift to cattlemen."

The director called cut and, sniffing and wiping her eyes she said, "That was so beautiful Hal, quite stunning. I know that came from the heart."

The woman with the second camera was filming the cowboys who were shuffling their feet or standing awkwardly. She filmed Paris wiping her eyes.

At mid-morning break, with three of the five miles covered, the cowboys spent half their time yelling 'hee-yah' when circling strays and getting them returning to the herd of around 190. The film crew filmed Hal and Paris standing on an outcrop with a magnificent backdrop of snow-covered mountains and low down in the distance could be seen sage bush covered rounded-hills and flats. The director was on-camera conducting the interview. She began with the question, "Why did you come to Montana Paris" and that was explained. Then when she asked, "How did you and Hal come together?"

"It began when he stopped resenting me being on his ranch."

"What stirred you Hal?"

"Well Paris is a lovely looking lady and has, um, a great body and a hugely warm personality. She was doing okay and pitching into the work with the boys and stopped falling off her horse so I guess I began forgiving her for being there."

"There were other things as well. People were befriending her, the boys and Annie admired her hugely and that helped. In May, calving month, she impressed me beyond belief. I didn't think she'd last more than a couple of days on that work in the barn. But she lasted all through. The most telling moment came when a heifer that had lost her calf died after Paris had stayed with her all night. We found Paris sobbing into the heifer's side, stroking it and saying the heifer was not meant to die. Paris was so exhausted she really had no idea of time or where she was. I guess I had to say my heart just melted when I saw her tear-stained face. We put Paris on to the bunk in the barn and she slept and later I carried her over to the house for Alice to get some food into her. She did have some broth and fell asleep and Alice put a blanked over her. A couple of hours later during a routine check Alice had found she'd gone and found her back in the calving barn dealing with a birthing problem."

"I told the boys er my cow hands, Alice and Paris that despite this being the worst winter we've had in years thanks to the boys and especially thanks to Nurse Paris McCoy we had one of the lowest calving mortality rates for some years."

The director asked, "Have you got over losing that heifer Paris?"

"Yes Miriam. Like many people in this world I've learnt that despite adversity life goes on but I still recall that heifer. For a cow she could almost be called pretty and my feeling was she'd make a great mom. The calf was just too big for her."

"Moving on, apart from Hal of course, what are the biggest impressions you have of Montana?"

"Well Miriam for someone who lives on the fifth floor on an apartment on Manhattan the sheer grandeur of the county makes a huge statement. But what has impressed me most amid this isolation is the interaction among people I know. For example, our nearest neighbor is six miles away in a direct line and the next closest is a little over twice that distance. Hal has three permanent employees, called cowhands but I call them cowboys because I prefer that description. In New York I'd never fraternize with guys like that which perhaps is my loss. I like and respect them all and they assisted greatly to take me from greenhorn to cowgirl status." 

"Now here's a little story against myself. One day my horse threw me and I fell over a bluff, fortunately to be halted by a tree 70-feet down. Miraculously I was only badly bruised on the back and butt. Alan called in a chopper to haul me out. Hal's doctor was in the area and heard the emergency call and drove out to see if she could assist. The boys had sensibly moved the horses right away to avoid being spooked by the chopper arriving. I was given medication and taken to my bed and ordered to rest for two days and Hal and Alice took turns to watch over me that night. I was told later neighbors and people who'd befriended me in town were on the phone to see how I was. Hal and the boys looked soppy when I appeared at the doorway unexpectedly to say thanks. I knew then my little escapade had shaken everyone up, that I was part of the team and the wider community was accepting my."

"What I'm saying is out here in isolation and in difficult terrain we all stand by one another. It's the code and has to be that way for survival. I greatly admire everyone for the support I received that day and you know what? I heard not one adverse comment or anyone mutter, "The lady from New York can't ride a horse. It's very difficult to keep riding a horse when it stumbles when its leg goes into a hole."

Miriam called Alan over.

"Can you honestly say Paris can be called a cowgirl?"

"I sure can. She can ride almost as well as Larry and me but not Tom because he's a horse wrangler and former rodeo rider. I'd say the boss rides marginally better as well."

"What happened when Paris was thrown?"

"We were looking for stray cows and calves before driving the herd up the mountain. Her horse stumbled and Paris was hurled over its head. Then she was deal unlucky. She was dusting herself off when a four to six feet width of bank collapsed and she went down. I thought it was the end of her because some 150 feet down were rocks. But trees grow out of the bank and lo, she'd landed on one and bounced off branches on to a ledge and lay still, out to it in shock. We thought she could be dead but waiting for the helicopter I thought I saw movement. Oh boy was I pleased about that but then thought oh god, what if she attempts to get to her feet and tumbles off the narrow ledge? She told us later her back felt so sore she was sure she'd broken it. Lucky girl, eh?"

"Indeed. Ranch work is a dangerous job."

"I'll tell you this Miriam, bus drivers sit on their ass all day but sometimes bus drivers get killed. Think about it."

"Indeed. Well thanks guys. Cut."

The mountain-side became steeper and progress slowed as the cowhands move the steers in gigantic zigzags to even out the rate of climb. The new problem was to stop steers attempting to turn back but at last they reached the first of three huge adjoining bowls growing grass and painted with wild flowers.

"Ohmigod," shouted Miriam. "Get those cameras going and film the cattle spreading out.

Hal and Paris stopped to watch, stirrup to stirrup.

"Is this what you wanted to see?"

"Oh yes Hal. It is straight out of a picture book. It's so amazing."

"Yeah but so much for the hand of God. If you were caught out in the open up here during a winter blizzard it could easily kill you.

Later when returning to stay the night in their original camp Paris said, "We didn't have sex in the flowers."

Hal gave a promising smile. "We'll do that tomorrow. I'll take you to a field that by now should be a picture of yellow buttercup and early blue violets. It's one of our hay pastures being rested in rotation."

* * *

At the beginning of August Hal organized a big farewell party for Paris who was leaving for New York to concentrate on dealing with the changes editors required to her manuscript. She'd decided to work longer hours and finish writing earlier than planned to be clear of the project before the wedding. Hal thought that was a great idea and they settled on the wedding being in the last week in August. That would allow a leisurely honeymoon in California and be back in time to start bringing the cattle down to home pastures sometime from mid-September.

Paris was off alcohol because she was eight weeks pregnant.

She was delighted to be surrounded by so many of her friends and had only heard the previous afternoon that the documentary, 'Paris McCoy's Montana Cattle Drive' would be screened on network TV in six week's time when she and Hal would have just returned from their honeymoon. She decided to say nothing. Perhaps they could have another party that Sunday evening.

There was a tearful farewell for the ladies at the airport in Billings late next morning for the flight to New York with a short layover at Minneapolis. Lisa was accompanying Paris for the month as a vacation and to make corrections in the returned proofs that Paris marked as approved. When they turned for the last wave at their guys David and Hal looked so woeful that the women burst into tears again.

"God, some of my friend's husbands are relaxed about seeing their wives go off but not those two," sniffed Lisa, when they had gone through airport security. "Now what's this big problem I heard you mention to Merle Cook?"

"She asked me what was the name of my book and I said it hadn't come to me, that I'd left my pathetic working title on the manuscript which is 'Babe in Montana'.

"Ohmigod, are you sure you're an author? That sounds like a slow-learner's title for her school essay."

"I know. But as soon as I become homesick for Montana it will come to me."

"Homesick for Montana would be a goofy name for a paperback."

"I know. The night Hal and I first had sex I thought of 'Fucking in Montana' but thought one or two people might not like that."

Lisa laughed. "Only one or two? My that's been optimistic."

Paris still had more than half of her advance from her publisher intact so she'd rented a vacation apartment for a month rather than stay with Lisa in Paris's parents' apartment that would be a little cramped for a fourth person, having only one bathroom. She also wanted the freedom to spread out her proofs and not have to tidy up on command.

Lisa had been to New York a few times so wasn't bug-eyed. The next day they visited Lisa's parents and late afternoon went to the dressmaker Lisa's mother had chosen where Paris was measured for her wedding dress. Paris had already decided it had to be white lace with a high front neckline and a plunging back and the length four inches above her knees. The first thing the professional dressmaker, a woman in her sixties said when they entered the fitting room and she looked at the bride to be was, "I have no problem with you wishing to wear your dress short with legs looking like that."

"They're almost as good as mine," Lisa said.

Mrs Logan and Lisa's mother looked at Lisa's legs, said nothing but both shook their heads.

"Mom!"

"Ah almost Lisa dear."

At that Lisa's hollow smile filled out.

The next day the two young women went to the publishing house of Barron and Drew where Ruby Street took them to Thelma DeLuca's office for coffee. The four had greeted like old friends and they arranged to go to dinner that night. Thelma appeared to be uneasy and Paris wondered if that was because she'd brought Lisa in although having made the point Lisa was acting as her keyboarding assistant. The reason for the discomfort became apparent when they returned to Ruby's office.

"Again I repeat Paris we in this company who are in the know are almost falling out of our trees in excitement over your manuscript. It has bestseller written all over it. But..."

"No Ruby and that's non-negotiable."

"Please allow me to finish. We are unanimous. The heroine cannot die and die during childbirth for god sake."

"Oh Paris, you can't do that," Lisa said, turning pale.

"It's non-negotiable. What's the next thing you wish to discuss Ruby?"

"Well there is nothing more to discuss until you agree to comply."

"No and unless you stop being pig-headed about this I demand I be released from contract and my manuscript be returned to me together with all hard copies of it and an assurance all electronic copies be destroyed."

"Me being pig-headed? You bitch, you can't allege that."

Paris flared. Now listen to me you New York moaning bitch who's in danger of losing literary perspective..."

"Girls, girls please. You're in danger of allowing this to spiral out of hand," Lisa cried attempting to keep her voice calm.

Ruby sniffed and leaned back on her red leather chair, swinging it slightly. She calmed and said. "You make a good point as moderator Lisa. So what do you suggest?"

"Arrange for Paris to explain herself to the publication board or whatever you call it."

Ruby looked thoughtful and said mildly, "Paris?"

"I except you to enhance my novel Ruby, not to act like a maniacal cunt and attempt to destroy it just because your pals want that horrendous change."

Lisa's face was now red. "Paris, apologize to Ruby this instance."

"Why?"

"It's okay Lisa we expect our writers to have passion and Paris and I do foul-mouth one another a bit."

"But what she just said was totally unacceptable. Apologize Paris."

"Sorry I called you maniacal Ruby."

The two protagonists grinned slightly but Lisa snarled, "Paris!"

"I totally withdraw my maniacal phrase and apologize Ruby. I knew disagreement over my ending would be raised as a big issue and my tongue just ran away with me."

"Apology accepted. I will try to set up a meeting with Thelma and our company's two principals and advise you. Good morning ladies."

"So dinner's off."

"No Paris, we are friends aren't we?"

"Oh I suppose so."

"Paris if you shoot your mouth off at any meeting I arrange you'll be asked to leave the building. You must come with her Lisa to pull her chain."

"Of course Ruby but when you speak like that..."

"Leave it Lisa. Ruby is okay."

Out on the sidewalk Paris took the older woman's arm. "You played your part admirably darling."

"Part, I wasn't playing any part. In fact I was becoming quite angry with you."

"I needed someone to pull my chain Lisa. You did good."

"That's not grammatical. Ohmigod, you used me."

"Relax darling. I knew if I told you, you'd over-act. You had a calming influence on me."

"Calming influence when you used that disgusting word on your friend?"

Paris sighed and said they required a switch in mind set. "Let's go shopping. I'd like to buy you a new dress for tonight."

"Oooh Paris. God you are exciting to be with."

"Yeah, I guess that's what had brought a glint into Hal's eye."

They walked along rocking in laughter and then Lisa pulled in tight against her friend.

"Careful dear, I might get the idea you want sex."

"Oh god," Lisa said but couldn't break the cowgirl's grip.

She gave up and relaxed. "You can be so disgusting."

"I'm an author darling."

Ruby called an hour later where to meet for dinner that night and in the afternoon called again to say the meeting was set for 9:30 next morning.




Montana Rhapsody Pt. 03



Dinner was most entertaining and Lisa had been delighted to see both of the other women take a long look at her new and very fashionable dress. Paris had also worked enhancing Lisa's attempt at applying make-up. Lisa lacked a little in attention to detail and being a little too reserved with color.

* * *

"Batchelor Barron has been fucking Mrs Sylvie Drew since their high school graduation," Ruby confided as they rode the creaky elevator to the fifth floor of the office-warehouse.

Lisa said, "Should you be telling us that?"

"Yes," said the other two women.

"A month with you two and I'll return home a different woman," Lisa wailed and was told she should be delighted about that.

"God Paris you are more beautiful than represented by your photo on the hard cover edition dust jacket of 'A Pregnant Pause'," Mrs Drew said when Thelma made the introductions. 

"Attend to that anomaly please Thelma," said Mr Barron.

Mrs Drew said, "Tell me Paris, is it true you're no counterfeit cowgirl but are the genuine article?"

While Paris stared at Mrs Drew with her mouth open, Lisa said, "I ride a horse very well Mrs Drew but I keep clear of cows. The truth is I'm a little scared of them and it took my husband almost through our first year of marriage before he learned that. Please don't think of Paris as a pseudo cowgirl. She rides like the devil, can rope and bring down steers, moves hay about like a veteran, can castrate young cattle and do most anything but her fiancée Hal refuses to allow her to cut cattle, saying it's too dangerous and he doesn't want her to risk a bad fall and disfigure herself."

Mrs Drew, seated and about to pour coffee with the old-fashion silver coffee pot, looked at Paris and asked, "What is it dear?"

Paris knew that her heroine Skye had secretly hated being around cattle because on her parent's farm in Scotland she'd grown up as a shepherd helping to attend to her father's 800 sheep. But she'd gritted and rode with the cow herd with Billy and his men and tried to impress him so he'd not find her wanting.

Paris replied, "You have just named my novel."

"Are you sure dear? I don't have a literary bone in my body. I handle business and finance while Brett handle contracts and publishing."

"You used the term counterfeit cowgirl. That would be a brilliant title for my novel."

"Well said young lady," said Brett. "I thought Babe in Montana was crap."

"It was just a working title because I couldn't think of the title I wanted. Mrs Drew please!"

"Of course dear. I would be honored."

"If you know the working title have you read my manuscript?"

"Yes dear, both of us have," Mrs Drew said handing Lisa her coffee. "Everyone is so aghast at your ending that when Thelma requested this meeting and explained why you were seeking it, Brett and I thought we would have to read the entire manuscript to be able to see everything in context."

"And?"

"State your case Paris and my that's a lovely name. Please call me Sylvie and you too Lisa."

Thelma and Ruby exchanged astonished looks.

"Well," began Paris. "I grant killing off my heroine is rather unusual and in romance writing really unacceptable but in fiction generally it's not without precedent."

Others in the room sat in fascinated silence as Paris, armed with her academic knowledge that had been refreshed with some research on the Internet, cited literature where the heroine dies, including in some ancient classics.

"So you see I'm acting not without precedent."

"Well dear I'm afraid those are just words to me. You have failed to move me."

Struggling not to panic, realizing by that comment Sylvie had either made up her mind against allowing Skye to die or at the very least remaining neutral until hearing from her, Paris knew she had to clutch at something and 'something' came to her.

"Sylvie can you tell me the names of your two favorite operas?"

"Yes of course but I'm only middle of the road. They are La Boheme and Madame Butterfly."

"Ah, Madame Butterfly." 

Paris paused in glee with that choice. She'd thought she could have been in with a chance.

"Ohmigod, I know what's coming: what happens to Cho Cho San?"

"Yes Sylvie."

"Brett it's your decision. All I can say is Paris appears to know what she's about."

"The ending as submitted stays," said Brett. "You are a clever woman. You have thought sequel, haven't you."

"Yes Mr Barron. Although sequels are rarely as popular as the first in the series my sequel will still be my second-best seller. Readers, well female readers, will be left wondering how would the baby fare in that tough ranch environment and with such as tough-ass father as Billy."

Mr Barron nodded and said, "Exactly. Thelma diary the appropriate date after publication of this new book for the announcement that back at the ranch glamorous author Paris McCoy has commenced writing the sequel. For publication purposes you must retain your maiden name dear to avoid confusing readers and creating a nightmare for your publisher and people in marketing departments and even librarians."

"Yes sir."

"Thelma you had told me Paris wants the book launch in Billings, Montana. My decision is reversed, let's launch in Montana."

"Oh thank you Mr Barron. That is lovely of you."

"Call me Brett dear."

Lisa smiled sweetly. "Thelma and Ruby will doubtless wish to stay again with Paris and her husband for the launch of 'Counterfeit Cowgirl' so Sylvie and Brett, why don't you two come out at the same time and stay with me and my husband and we'll introduce you to ranch life, Montana style. All of us will meet up each day. You can never be sure about the weather in Montana but we usually have wonderful weather in the fall but the nights are chilly. We would be honored to be your hosts."

"And I'd be honored to have you at the book launch. I'm planning to organize a street parade."

"I think we should go Brett."

* * *

Paris and Hal's wedding, attended by 131 guests, was held in a Manhattan hotel. Hal had arrived three days beforehand to be reunited with his darling who was anxious that they comply with the marriage license requirements of New York State and already had secured the money order, as prescribed, for the license fee.

A registered marriage officiant conducted the service. Paris's mother had tried three churches of her choice and wedding reception venues but all were booked out. She half-heartedly agreed to have the wedding in a hotel and when Paris disclosed she was pregnant her mom declared no way would Paris be married in a church and that suited Paris just fine.

When the reception began at sunset and the lights of the city become clearly apparent those of the guests from Montana were hugely impressed.

Paris's best friend and designate chief bridesmaid had broken her thigh skiing so Ruby was overwhelmed to be promoted to fill the gap and consented. Lisa was matron of honor and her twin daughters were bridesmaids. Hal's long-term buddy Carl came from Australia to be best man and David Withers was one of the groomsmen.

It was one of those weddings to remember. The just-married couple looked lovely together, the surroundings were lavish, the speeches were short and the food and alcohol were top class.

When the speeches ended Hal sighed and Paris clutched him and said, "What's wrong darling?"

"I wish we'd had the wedding up on the mountain in spring amid the wild flowers."

"Oh darling, how romantic. I think you are in need of excitement. Let's slip out and I'll wrap some pussy around it."

They looked up surprised by the howls of laughter.

"Oh Christ," Hal said, spotting the red light in front of them. "Our microphone is still on."

* * *

Seven months after the wedding, mother of baby Ryan received further confirmation that 'Counterfeit Cowgirl' continued to be widely hailed as a best seller in both North America and Europe. Paris had already being advised it had become Barron and Drew Publishing Pty's biggest selling book in its history by far for any genre of its publications.

THE END