Charlene Sands (11 page)

When she peered up, it was to find Cole once again staring at her. “Fine.” Anger lit his eyes midnight-blue, but it was fleeting, because the light faded quickly. “I understand.”

Kate wondered if Cole truly understood. Did he know how hard it was to refuse such an offer? It would be so easy for her to be with them, to enjoy Meggie’s antics and have Cole’s attention. But to what end? Kate had to protect herself from further pain. Cole wanted her friendship still, yet Kate wasn’t sure how long they would be able to hold on. There was too much between them and too much that could tear them apart.

Cole spoke into Meggie’s ear, whispering something, then the child turned to her. “Bye-bye, Miss Kate. Thank you…for…watching…me.”

Kate brushed a soft kiss on Meggie’s forehead. “Bye-bye, Meggie. And you’re very welcome.”

Kate walked away slowly, heading for home. How she hated leaving Meggie after the time they’d spent together today, but she knew it was for the best. No sense getting the child’s hopes up, because there surely wasn’t a place for Kate in Meggie’s life. She’d only taken a few steps when she heard Cole call out, “I’m gonna love those cookies, Kate.”

Kate squeezed her eyes shut and kept on walking.

C
ole sat at his desk, perplexed. He’d been sheriff of this town for nearly four years now, and this was the very first time he was at odds with the townsfolk. Not that he didn’t agree with them about Kate going against the town ordinance and building up her establishment, but he didn’t need every doggone member of the town council swarming around him to make certain he did his job.

He knew his responsibilities. He knew what he had to do.

And Kate.

He’d like to paddle her bottom until it turned as colorful as the rosy-pink dress she had worn the other day. That might just teach her a lesson about defying the law.

Hell, it’d been two weeks since they’d spoken. Two weeks since she’d helped him with Meggie and baked those damn delicious cookies. And in that time, word had it that she’d hired a barkeep. Big Josh, the Silver
Saddle’s one-time employee, had seen her advertisement and ridden into town looking for work, and Kate had seen fit to hire him on the spot. He was rooming in the back of the saloon now. The saloon that was nearly finished.

Cole had stood outside his office just one week ago today and watched as the ornate mahogany back bar had been delivered to the saloon. The richly carved structure had most of the townsfolk stepping out of their shops to take a look.

Cole had watched Kate from a distance, her face flushed with excitement as she’d gone about issuing orders, gesturing to the freight operators where she wanted the bar to go. Shortly after, more items had arrived and been deposited inside the saloon. From what Cole could see, the Silver Saddle, with its etched glass windows and fancy iron door would rival some of the finest saloons Cole had ever seen. The transformation from burnt pillars to fresh whitewashed walls had been miraculous. Cole hated to admit that the saloon, as it stood, was the finest establishment on the street.

And he also hated to admit that very soon, his long-standing friendship with Kate, fragile as it was, would come to an end.

Cole groaned aloud when Edward Wesley entered his office. “Afternoon, Cole.”

“Edward,” Cole said, standing to shake his hand.

“We haven’t seen much of you lately, son.”

Cole scratched his head. He didn’t know which was
worse, speaking to Edward about his daughter, or speaking to him regarding Kate. “No, sir. I’ve been real busy. Johnny took some time off last week. He’s due back today and things should ease up a bit.”

“Good. Well, we’ll have to have you over again for dinner soon. But I’ll let Patricia do the inviting.” The man’s smile faded and a fierce look stole over his round face. “Now, about that blasted woman and her saloon. Her mother only got the message when the saloon went up in smoke. I think Miss Malone might have even more gumption than her mother, if that’s possible.” The man’s eyebrows twitched. “Real pretty women, those two…both mother and daughter. Kinda wild, if you know what I mean. That Louisa sure knew how to serve a man…a drink.” Wesley chuckled at his own jest.

Cole flung his hat onto his desk, his insides rumbling. He braced his hands onto his desktop and leaned in. “Get to the point.”

“The point is this,” Edward said firmly, not backing down. He was a powerful man in town and was happy to remind people of it every chance he got. “We have to make an example of that woman for the whole town to see. What good are laws if they’re abused? The town ordinance clearly states—”

“I’m aware of what the ordinance states, Edward. And I know the law. Until that saloon opens for business, Kate Malone is within her rights.”

The man narrowed his eyes. “Patricia said you had
a soft spot for the woman. Is that what this is about? She keeping your nights from getting lonely?”

Cole balled his hands into fists, resisting the urge to hit the older man smack on his smug face. He clenched his teeth and spoke quietly. “I’m sure I’m not that lucky.”

Edward’s eyebrows rose. “Now, Cole, no sense getting riled.”

“Trust me to do my job, Edward.”

“The town council wants assurances.”

Cole lifted his .45 from its holster, turning the shiny handle in his hand. He shot Edward Wesley a grim look. “Tell them they’ve got my assurance. And tell them I’ll not listen to another one of their complaints on the matter. I’ve got everything under control.”

At that moment, Cole wished he hadn’t sought Edward Wesley’s help in getting elected. Cole was his own man. As much as being sheriff suited him, he’d rather not have the position if it meant cowering to the likes of Wesley. He’d not ever do it again. He’d earned the town’s respect. For the most part the town trusted him, placing their lives and safety in his hands. He’d have no trouble getting reelected without Wesley’s help.

“I’ll tell them, Cole.”

Cole nodded and walked Wesley to the door. “See that you do.” Cole slammed the door shut and cursed up a blue streak, because he knew that any day now, he’d have to destroy a friendship he’d thought would last a lifetime.

Kate’s heart filled with joy as she entered the Silver Saddle. The saloon had turned out even better than she’d imagined. She walked slowly around, turning, gazing, filling her eyes up with every little detail, from the slightly used Conway piano she’d purchased to the sweeping velvet curtains above the stage that Nora designed. How grand, how stately, how positively perfect the saloon appeared. And how very proud Kate’s mama would have been.

Kate leaned against the polished mahogany bar, studying her face in the gilded mirror over the back bar. “This is it,” she said, smiling at her image. “Tomorrow, we open for business.”

“Miss Kate, where do you want this sign to go?”

Josh McCabe, otherwise known around town as Big Josh for his brawny stature, came out of the back room, holding up a sign that read, No Gunfighting In This Establishment. It was one of many decorated signs Kate and her mama had ordered months ago. And thankfully for Kate, her mother’s one-time employee had seen that advertisement and applied for the position of barkeep. His size alone had kept most of the patrons in line and no one could mix a better drink.

“Oh, Josh. Good morning. Let’s see?” She rubbed her chin, giving the walls a good looking-over. “I’d say it should go on this side, opposite the bar. She gestured toward the wall directly over the round tables.
“I expect a reminder wouldn’t hurt when there’s a game of poker or pike monte going on.”

Josh nodded. “You got a head for business, just like your mama, Miss Kate. No doubt, the Silver Saddle will be as successful this time around.”

With a rueful sigh, Kate shook her head. “You do know that we may run into trouble, Josh. The town council’s opposed and…you might be out of a job before we even get started.”

“I’ll take my chances, Miss Kate. You went ahead and explained that to me already. I got a roof over my head right now, and I ain’t a bit worried.”

Kate’s spirits lifted some. “Thanks, Josh.”

Josh nodded. “I’ll get the supplies I need to hang this sign and have it done quick.”

“Oh, and Josh, while you’re back there, would you bring out the Grand Opening signs. They’re going outside first thing in the morning.”

Kate pushed the food around on her plate, her excitement mingling with trepidation over the opening of the saloon. Dear Nora had noticed her mood and invited her to dinner.

“Jethro, would you pass Kate the peas and carrots?” Nora said brightly.

“Thanks, Jethro,” Kate said, coming out of her haze to give him a smile. “This is a wonderful meal, Nora.”

“Kate, you haven’t taken two bites yet,” Nora pointed out with a chuckle.

Kate looked down at her plate. Braised beef, potatoes, biscuits and gravy and now vegetables filled up her dish, but she hadn’t made much of an effort to eat. She couldn’t be rude to her friends, especially Nora, who’d gone to all this trouble, just to make certain that she had a decent meal before tomorrow.

Kate dipped her fork into the creamed potatoes and took a bite. “It’s delicious, Nora.”

Abe poured Kate some lemonade. “Now, you just relax and have a good time tonight.”

Kate groaned. “Why do I feel as if it’s my last supper?”

“You’re just fussing about tomorrow, Kate. Don’t worry about a thing. Abe and I plan to be your first customers,” Jethro said assuredly.

“Really?” Kate darted a look to both men.

They nodded.

“Of course they’ll be there,” Nora said.

“And I know a few others, too, have expressed interest,” Kate said, feeling better now. She dug into her food.

“I can’t wait to see these curtains Nora’s been bragging over,” Abe teased.

“I haven’t been bragging, Abe.” Nora’s face colored.

“She has a right to brag. A professional seamstress couldn’t have done better. They turned out beautiful,” Kate offered honestly.

“My Nora is a talented woman,” Abe said, glancing
at her growing belly. “Can’t wait to see what else she’s created beautifully.”

“Abe Cable!” Nora blushed full out this time.

Kate and Jethro both laughed, along with Abe.

“Last I remember,” Jethro said, grinning, “it takes two to make…uh, things beautiful.”

Abe cleared his throat and directed a sharp gaze at his brother, but his eyes fairly twinkled. “I think a change of subject is in order. How’re the riding lessons going with Patricia Wesley?”

Jethro’s face contorted unbecomingly. “Ah, Abe, why’d you have to go and spoil things. Just when I was having a good laugh.”

“That well?” Abe said dryly.

Jethro scratched his head. “That woman…uh, pardon me for saying…she’s too snooty for her own good. Always talking about my manners not being worth a damn…uh, darn. Sorry, ladies.”

Nora glanced at Kate with a smile.

Jethro continued. “She’s forever talking about the sheriff. Seems she thinks she’s gonna end up with him. Least that’s the point she’s always pressing. But I say it ain’t so. That woman wouldn’t recognize a man’s interest if it hauled up and hit her. She’s too busy jabbering all the time about what’s proper, what’s right, what she learned at that fancy school in Boston.”

Abe eyed his brother intently. “I only asked about the lessons. Didn’t expect to get such an earful.”

Kate giggled at the sour expression Jethro presented
to his brother. The banter between the two helped ease some of her tension whenever Cole’s name came up. It had been weeks since she’d seen him, and that suited her fine. He was always in her thoughts, but at least, she didn’t have to put those thoughts together with seeing the actual living, breathing man.

After the meal, Nora served apple cobbler with coffee then they sat outside on the porch to enjoy the night air. Kate felt better, more relaxed as the Cables, all of them, managed to put her at ease. She treasured their friendship. At least Kate knew she had allies in them when the entire town, it seemed, was going against her. Cole included.

“Well, I’d better go home. It’s getting late,” she said, after helping Nora with the cleanup. She thanked all of her friends, giving each one a hug.

Jethro seemed to hold on to her embrace a bit longer than the others and Kate cringed inwardly. She didn’t want to injure his feelings. According to Nora, Jethro held some hopes about courting her. Kate truly liked Jethro as a friend, but it ended there. Fool that she was, she knew there was no room in her heart for anyone but Cole.

“I’ll walk you home, Miss Kate. Unless you’d rather ride in the buggy?” Jethro offered.

“Oh Jethro, a walk is just what I need. Thank you.”

The evening breeze blew Kate’s curls into her face as they walked the short distance to town. She shoved
aside the unruly strands, enjoying the quiet calm. Tomorrow night if all went well, she’d be in business and her life from then on would be entirely different.

“Miss Kate?”

“Mmm?”

“Do you think you’d like…uh, would you enjoy going on a picnic with me after church on Sunday?”

Kate slowed her steps and chose her words carefully. Jethro was a dear man who would make some deserving woman very happy. She only wished it could be her. “You know I’ll be busy when the saloon opens, Jethro. I don’t expect to have much free time. And, well, in all honesty—”

“You got feelings for someone else,” he interrupted with a knowing nod.

“Well, I, uh—”

“It’s okay. Nora hinted that you did, but I had to know for myself.” His shrug came with a big smile. “Can’t blame a man for trying.”

“Oh, Jethro. I want us to be friends.” Kate stared into his eyes so he could see the depth of her sincerity. She truly cared for him and couldn’t bear hurting him.

Jethro claimed her hand then, squeezing with gentle pressure. “I’ll always be your friend, Miss Kate. You don’t have to worry.”

They strolled down the street, hand in hand, an overwhelming sense of relief swamping her.

Johnny Martinez let loose a long, low whistle when he entered the sheriff’s office. “The Grand Opening
sign at the saloon has got the whole town buzzing, boss. It went up just a few minutes ago and I couldn’t get a mouthful of coffee down my throat at the diner before I was hit with a load of questions.”

On a weary sigh, Cole raked a hand through his hair. He’d noticed the sign as he walked to work. Acid churned around in his gut and he cursed. He’d weighed his options in his head this week when he noticed the saloon nearly completed. He cursed again. What options? He was out of time…and so was Kate. He got up from his desk, put on his vest and holstered his gun. “Okay,” he said, pushing the air from his lungs, “I’ll go talk to Kate.”

“Do you think it’ll do any good?”

Cole strode to the door. Before shutting it, he answered grimly, “Not one damn bit.”

Cole ignored the stares of the shop owners and walked briskly toward the Silver Saddle. Once there, he gazed at the signs decking the sidewalk, pursed his lips and walked through the iron doors of the saloon.

Cole was struck by the elegance of the saloon. He’d not ventured inside since the night he’d taught Kate a “lesson” about protecting herself. A lesson he’d take to his grave, he was sure, since he’d never forget the heady excitement of her kiss, the lush feel of her skin.