Charlene Sands (17 page)

Edward Wesley approached her, his thick belly nearly busting open the buttons on his fancy tailored shirt. “I came to talk, Miss Malone.”

Kate put distance between them by walking behind the bar. Not only distance, but also a wide mahogany counter separated them now. And it wasn’t fear but a deep sense of loathing that made Kate want to stand clear. “I don’t see as we have anything much to say to each other.”

“Oh, I do, my dear.” He leaned in, bracing his arms up on the bar.

“Say it then and be done with it.”

“I know what you’re trying to do and it won’t work. You think that spending a little money on the school will ingratiate you to the town? Well, I have a whole lot more money than you, a bankful at my disposal and I can see that no one steps one foot into this bar again.”

Kate stood her ground, undaunted by his threats.
“You didn’t scare my mama and you don’t scare me.”

“I don’t?” He grinned as though she was an innocent, small child. “I should. I could run you out of town or… I could offer you something better.”

Kate wouldn’t ask. She didn’t like the way the banker leered at her.

“Your mama wasn’t smart enough to take me up on my offer, but you, Kate, you’re a whole lot smarter than she was. And even a mite prettier.”

She leaned in close, setting her fists firmly on the bar. “Don’t talk about my mother.” She surprised herself at the threat she put in her tone.

“Fine, then let’s talk about you.” He grabbed hold of her wrist. “I can run you out of town, dear, or we can…come to an agreement.”

Kate struggled to release her arm from his grasp. Wesley kept his grip firm.

“My daughter has her sights set on Cole Bradshaw. The sheriff seems to be a bit…confused right now.”

“That has nothing to do with me,” she said, yanking hard to finally pull away from his grasp.

He only smiled at her small win. “Oh, I think it does. I’m a man, my dear. I know what he sees in you. I see it too. Now, the sheriff doesn’t really want you, but I do. I’ll buy you out of the saloon and get you a pretty little house far outside of town. All I ask is that you greet me cordially when I make my nightly visits.”

Kate gasped and hauled her hand back, landing a full smack on Wesley’s round cheek.

Fury flashed in the banker’s eyes. He rubbed his jaw. “Your mama refused me and look what happened to her.”

Kate knew anger just as powerful as his and she fairly trembled with it. “Are you saying you burned us down?”

“No, I didn’t burn you down. I’m a businessman, Miss Malone. I wait for opportunities. And when your mama needed a loan, she didn’t get it, now did she?”

“You snake! You tried to blackmail her.”

“She should have taken me up on my offer.”

Kate understood fully what her mama had never shared with her before. She now knew that Wesley was behind Louisa’s financial troubles. She felt great pride knowing Louisa had held her integrity intact. As much as her mother loved the Silver Saddle, she wouldn’t compromise her ideals. And neither would Kate. Ever.

“Get out!”

“You’ll change your mind. You’ll see. This town will never accept you or your saloon.” The iron door slammed closed when Wesley walked out and Kate slumped over, needing the solid wood bar to hold her up.

Cole leaned up against the wall of the general store, calling himself a damn fool, but that didn’t stop him from watching Edward Wesley enter the Silver Saddle
after the town council meeting and it didn’t stop him from waiting until the man left with fury written all over his face, minutes later.

Cole pushed away from the wall and headed for the saloon. Without a breath of hesitation, he pushed open the door to meet with a misty-eyed Kate.

“I should learn to keep that door locked until opening time.” Kate frowned and turned away from him.

“That’s a fine greeting, Kate.”

She didn’t respond. He didn’t like the look he’d seen in her eyes just then or the way her shoulders slumped with seeming defeat. It wasn’t like Kate. Something or
someone
had upset her.

“Kate?”

Cole studied her from the back and noted her trembling. He glanced at the door and wondered if Wesley had much to do with her mood. She walked over to the bar and put her head down. “I wish you’d just go, Cole.”

Cole sidled up next to her. “I will, soon as you tell me what’s wrong.”

She shook her head. “Nothing’s wrong, nothing at all.”

Cole blew out a breath. His head told him to leave it be and do as Kate had asked. But Cole never much listened with his head when it came to Kate. He turned around and braced his elbows against the bar then shot her a sideways glance. “Remember when mean old Ruby Larue chased you off her property
’cause you were the saloon’s gal’s daughter? She said she didn’t want your kind touching foot on her land.”

Downcast, Kate nodded. “I remember. I only wanted to pick a peach from her tree.”

“You wouldn’t tell me then either that you were troubled. You kept on saying, ‘Nothing’s wrong, Cole.’ But I didn’t believe you, on account of your body trembled and your face took on this sad, angry, hurt look. That’s about the same look you’ve got on your face now.”

Kate didn’t say a word.

“I finally got the truth out of you.”

“I didn’t want to say…it was so humiliating.”

“I fixed her good though, didn’t I?”

A smile began to surface on Kate’s face. “You snuck onto her property one night and picked all of her peaches. She went to her grave believing it was me who stole all of her fruit.”

“Jeb and I got sick eating all them peaches. Had to get rid of the evidence.” Cole grinned at the recollection.

“And you left a bushel on my doorstep. We ate peach pie for weeks after that.”

They stood in silence for a moment, each deep into the memory. When Kate didn’t offer an explanation, Cole pushed further. “I saw Edward Wesley leave here in a huff.”

Kate’s body stiffened. “He’s an unbearable man.”

“I know you don’t like him, Kate. What’d he do?”

Kate snapped her head up and met his eyes with determination. “Cole, let it alone.”

Cole was now certain Wesley had something to do with hurting Kate. He rubbed tension from the back of his neck. “Did he threaten you in any way?”

Kate shook her head. “Not really.”

“Then it’s something else?”

“I’m not going to say, Cole. Please, forget it.”

“There was a time when we shared everything, Kate.”

Kate moved to the door and opened it. “Those times are over, Cole. We’re different now.” It was his invitation to leave and he took it, realizing that he and Kate had lost something rare and precious somewhere along the road to adulthood. She didn’t need him looking after her anymore. She was a fine, capable woman who could deal on her own with whatever life put in her path.

Cole strode to the door and looked her deep in the eyes. “If you need me I’m right here, Kate.”

Kate nodded and closed the door behind him. She couldn’t confide in him. She had too much pride to tell Cole about the indecent proposal Wesley had offered her. He’d humiliated her, just as Ruby Larue had, but that hadn’t been the worst of it. Kate’s hatred ran deep for a man who’d blackmail a woman then run her out of town unfairly because she’d rejected him. Yet Louisa Malone had stood up to the man, just as Kate had.

She shuddered, unable to imagine having that
man’s hands on her. Even the Silver Saddle wasn’t worth that degradation. Kate muted her cries for her mother’s unjust treatment. And she bit back her fury at a man who wielded his power over women simply because he had the opportunity.

Kate sat down again, running a hand through her hair and thinking back on Cole’s parting words.
If you need me I’m right here, Kate.

She needed him, but not to fight her battles. She needed his respect, his acceptance, his love. All of the things he couldn’t give her.

K
ate ushered Nora inside her house and offered her a seat in the parlor, pleased to have her good friend’s company today. “I’m so glad you decided to pay me a visit, Nora.”

Nora’s sweet smile was a balm to Kate’s stormy and unsettled feelings lately. “It’s good to see you, too.”

“Would you like a glass of tea or coffee? I just pulled a fresh batch of biscuits out of the oven.”

Nora clutched her stomach. “Oh, not right now, Kate, but thank you. Abe and Jethro are stuffing me full of food from the moment I rise in the morning until nearly bedtime. One would think I’m growing a baby heifer in my belly, instead of a tiny little child.”

“I can sympathize with the men, Nora. Every time I see you, I want to make sure you’ll not go hungry.”

“Well, with those two hovering constantly, trust that I’m never hungry. They see to it.”

“I’ll try to remember that.”

Nora tugged something out of her handbag. “Kate, I’m actually here on a bit of business, representing the Cable Brothers Livery. Abe thought I’d enjoy speaking with you on this matter.”

Puzzled, Kate tilted her head. “What business is that, Nora?”

“Well, we’ve all heard about your generous contribution to the school the other day. Kate, how kind of you,” Nora said sincerely, “helping out when you’ve barely made any money at all. My goodness, the entire town’s clamoring about what you’ve done.”

“I didn’t do all that much, Nora. The school needs a great deal. I hoped that with my help, at least, the children would get the readers they need.”

“And they shall. You see, we want to join in, too. The livery is doing good business and Abe and Jethro felt it’s time to give something back to the town. No better way than to donate to the school. After all,” she offered with a pat to her stomach, “our little baby will attend that school one day.” Nora handed Kate an envelope.

Kate peered inside. “There’s quite a bit of money in here.”

“It’s the amount Abe came up with. Abe said it’s a portion of the month’s profits. He hopes to match that amount each month.”

“But, with the baby coming and all, won’t you need this?”

Nora smiled. “I have everything I could possibly
want in life, Kate. Take the money and use it to do more good. And I have other news that will please you. Mrs. Whittaker from the millinery will also be contributing. You know, she had thoughts of selling her shop, though I think the woman wouldn’t know what to do with herself if she did sell. She does love those hats. She told me she’d be honored to donate some of her profits for the good of the town. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her this excited about anything in a long time. It’s giving her a reason to keep her shop open. I wouldn’t be surprised if more people came forth.”

Kate sat thunderstruck, awed by the generous gesture. “This is…” Tears stung her eyes. Kate hadn’t expected her small gesture to develop into anything so wonderful.

“Unexpected?”

“Well, that too,” Kate said with a smile. “But I never thought that my simple act would escalate into this. There are others we can help with this money, too. Mr. Dresden broke his leg and can’t farm his land. He’s already in debt to the bank. And the widow Gainsley has six children to feed.”

Nora grinned. “Kate, see what you’ve started? Only good can come from this.”

Later that week, Kate had two more visitors and was pleasantly surprised when they offered a small amount from their profits, as well. Not only would the saloon, livery and millinery be contributing, but the blacksmith and the barber, too. The school would
have all the repairs it needed now and many families who struggled, due to called-in loans from the bank, would have a second chance to survive.

Friday evening Kate left for the Silver Saddle with high spirits. Her feet barely touching the ground, Kate seemed to float on air as she made her way to her saloon. She felt light and happy, filled with a deep sense of accomplishment. For the first time since coming back to Crystal Creek, true and genuine hope filled her heart.

Earlier in the day, Kate had paid a visit to the Dresden family and offered them financial aid to tide them over until Mr. Dresden recovered from his injury. Pride kept him from accepting initially, but with a little coaxing on Kate’s part, he’d finally agreed. Both Kate and Mrs. Dresden pointed out that, once he got on his feet again, he could pay some monies back in the form of donations to others in need. Kate didn’t want repayment, but she did understand a man’s pride.

When Kate reached the Silver Saddle, a surprise awaited her. The saloon was filled with cowboys as usual, and a handful of drifters who’d move on either today or tomorrow to where they were headed, but what struck a chord deep in her heart was that the locals, businessmen and shop owners had come in, too.

Kate strolled over to the bar and lifted a brow to Josh.

“Could’ve knocked me over with a bluebird
feather,” he said with a shrug. “One by one, they came in, asking for a drink, claiming they’re helping a neighbor.”

“Helping a neighbor?” Baffled, Kate pierced him with a look.

“‘Have a drink, help a neighbor,’ one of ’em said by way of explanation.”

Kate furrowed her brows, then finally, after some thought, she caught on. “Oh my! I see now. How wonderful!” Delighted, Kate glanced across the saloon to smile and nod to her new patrons, many of whom had once protested the saloon’s reconstruction.

“Kate, it’s a real good thing you’re doing, helping folks out.”

“It’s not just me. Many others have joined in. I had the idea when I saw the school in such sorry condition, but I couldn’t have done so much alone.”

“Still, you’ve started up something and looks to me that the town’s all but forgiven you for daring to rebuild the Silver Saddle.” Josh winked, the gesture so rare on the brawny man, it endeared him to her even more.

Kate sighed and thought that forgiveness was a good thing, but a dose of faith and determination was decidedly even better.

Meggie stood atop her mattress and lifted her arms up as Cole lowered her nightclothes down, readying her for bed. “There you go, Megpie. All set now. Jump on down and get under the covers.”

Meggie bounced a few times on her bed, giggling gaily then plopped down as she was told and snuggled under her blanket. Cole leaned over, tucking her up to her chin. “Daddy, are we gonna have pie and cookies and play all sorts a games at the cel-bration?”

“Sure thing, sweetheart. And Daddy’s gonna lift you up high in the sky so you can see above everybody’s heads at the horse races.”

“You’re gonna win, right, Daddy?”

“Nah, I don’t wanna ride in the horse race. I’m gonna win the shooting match. Your daddy’s pretty doggone fast on the draw.”

Meggie grinned. “Is Miss Kate gonna be there?”

Cole hid his frown. It was a question he’d been wondering himself. Kate was hardly speaking to him lately, so he didn’t really know what her plans were. Most all the townsfolk usually showed up for the festivities. Shops closed and business pretty much came to a dead halt on Founder’s Day. “I suppose she’ll be there, Megpie.”

“Goodie!”

Cole cast his daughter a thoughtful look. “You like Miss Kate, don’t you?”

Meggie nodded eagerly. “Uh-huh. She has fun games and we make cake. And she teached me things.”

“Yeah, she has fun games.” Cole never minded spending time with her in his youth. Kate always entertained. She was one to make a day interesting just by being Kate.

“Do you like her, Daddy?”

“Miss Kate?”

Meggie bobbed her head.

“I like her.” Cole’s feelings for Kate were muddled, confused and more than a little perplexing, but one thing he knew for sure, he definitely liked her. Far too much. She was the only woman he thought about, the only one who claimed his mind both night and day. “Now, it’s time for sleep.” Cole lowered the lantern light and bent to kiss her good-night.

Meggie wrapped both arms about his neck and hugged tight. “Night, Daddy.”

“Night, Megpie.” Cole stood, overwhelming love filling his heart as he gazed down at his child. But the peace didn’t last long. It never did. A nagging thought haunted him more and more lately. Meggie needed a mother. He’d promised Jeb. Hell, he hadn’t found the last of the marauders who had taken both parents from his child, but the very least he could do was see to the child’s upbringing. Mrs. Gregory wasn’t going to be around too much longer.

Just then, as though she’d read his thoughts, Mrs. Gregory appeared in the doorway. She whispered, “The little darling asleep?”

Cole nodded and walked out the door, a sense of melancholy sweeping though him. “She is.”

“Shall I be going then?”

Emptiness engulfed him and a wild forbidden loneliness that Cole usually fought down surfaced. He needed a drink. Truth be told, he needed to see Kate.
It had been days since he had set eyes on her. Something within him compelled, pulling at him with ferocity. He couldn’t much explain it, but he
had
to see her. “Uh, would you mind staying half an hour more? I have…some business to tend to. I won’t be long.”

Mrs. Gregory smiled a knowing smile. “Wouldn’t have anything to do with that lovely girl down at the saloon now, would it, Sheriff?”

Cole relented, grinning. She might be old, but Mrs. Gregory had a keen, insightful mind. “Might be.”

She shuffled him quickly toward the door. “Go on. Take your time. I don’t have a man to go home to. I can stay for as long as you need.”

Grateful, Cole planted a chaste kiss on her plump, rosy cheek. “Thanks, Mrs. Gregory.”

“Ah, go on now,” she said, shooing him out the door. “I’ll be right here when you get back.”

Cole chuckled and headed straight for the saloon.

Kate sat down by Shady on a high-back chair on the small stage, her mood bright. She peered out to the crowd of patrons, many of whom she recognized as regular customers now, and smiled. The Silver Saddle prospered despite the odds she’d been up against; the unjust town ordinance, a powerful vindictive banker and many naysayers who had doomed her saloon from the very start. Still and all, her business flourished. Her mama would be proud. And Kate had good feelings about using a portion of her profits to help people in need.

Only yesterday, she’d met with Crystal Creek’s most recent widow, Mrs. Gainsley. The woman had cried great tears of relief and gratitude when Kate handed her enough money to see her family through another season. But Kate couldn’t take all the credit. She had others to thank for pitching in and helping. She noted many of them sitting in her saloon right now.

Kate began to sing as a quiet hush fell over the room. Men carefully turned their chairs toward the stage, others at the bar stopped talking to swivel their heads her way.

Lyrics poured out of her with great ease, the song a happy ballad about a wandering cowboy finding his true love. Through a haze of smoke and muted sounds Kate noticed the iron door opening. Cole walked in, his attention focused solely on her. Big Josh poured him a whiskey and he sat down at a back table.

Kate continued to sing, her heart thumping erratically at the sight of him. At times, Cole simply startled her with the intensity of his liquid-blue eyes and sure demeanor. He held her captivated, their eyes meeting, touching as though she was singing to him. Only to him.

Kate’s breath caught and she missed a verse, but nobody seemed to notice, so she continued on with the song. She tore her gaze away from Cole to scan across the room, to break the hold he had on her, to gather her courage. But each time she darted a glance
his way, his gaze beckoned, caressing her softly and making her tingle in private areas of her body.

Cole wielded his power in a most subtle way, with a mere movement of his hands, a mere shift of his body. He had her heart, she’d given him her innocence, but that hadn’t been enough. She should conjure up well-deserved anger toward him, but tonight, with the way he looked at her, the way his body called out for her, all Kate could do was melt into his gaze and allow the feelings to flow naturally.

Applause broke out when Kate finished the song. The crowd demanded another. Cole sat quietly, watching her intently. Kate felt him close, though five tables and two dozen men separated them. She began singing another tune, one similar with a soft, low melody that spoke of hope for a wayward drifter.

Three more songs followed, and by the time Kate finished singing, she was a mass of wanton desire. Cole hadn’t taken his eyes off her and she…she couldn’t rightly think straight from the sheer and potent passion his deliberate scrutiny evoked.

He stood then, gazed into her eyes once more then tipped his hat. Kate watched him turn and, with smooth, efficient steps, he exited the saloon, leaving Kate feeling so very alone in a crowd full of men. The only man she wanted was gone from sight and emptiness created a hollow ache in the pit of her stomach.

“Cole,” she breathed quietly.

But he was gone and he wasn’t coming back.

Kate sat in church on Sunday morning with Nora by her side. Her insides quivered with a queasy feeling. She shouldn’t be this nervous, yet her heart pumped over itself, pounding up near her ears.

She’d asked Reverend Pritchard for a special favor and nervously awaited his sermon to be over. With a turn of her head, Kate noted Cole and Meggie sitting on the other side of the aisle. Interestingly, Cole hadn’t walked in with the Wesleys. They sat up in front by themselves today.

Meggie caught her attention, rushed to the end of the pew and waved. The child’s cherub face broke into the sweetest of smiles. Kate lifted her hand and waved back. Meggie lingered a bit, then walked back to her father and crawled up onto his lap.

Kate didn’t make eye contact with Cole. She didn’t need him adding to her queasy stomach. She had enough to deal with right now.

“And now, ladies and gentlemen of the congregation, I’ve had an unusual request by one of our members.” The reverend smiled and looked her way. “Miss Malone would like to address you one and all. Come up here, please. You have everyone’s attention.”

Kate noted that she did. All heads had turned to gape at her with curious stares. Nora whispered, “Go on, Kate. You’re doing a good thing. You just go on up there and make your announcement.”