Charlene Sands (18 page)

Kate stood and straightened out her cream gown laced with tiny seed pearls along the collar and
sleeves. It was one of the finest she owned. Today, especially, she wanted to look her best. She made her way along the pew, and once she’d reached the end of the aisle, without conscious thought, she looked straight into Cole’s questioning eyes. She took a breath then, watching his eyes soften on her, giving her strength, bolstering her resolve. Cole, her friend, seemed to know she needed him. He gave her the slightest nod and even though he didn’t know what she was about, his encouragement had her heading up to the pulpit.

Reverend Pritchard took her hand and guided her to the front. She faced the congregation and found many friendly faces. “I wanted to thank Reverend Pritchard for allowing me this time to speak. There are a few things I’d like to say. As you might have heard, several of our citizens of Crystal Creek have contributed a portion of their business profits in order to help others in need. The school, for one, will be first on the list to have repairs done, and Miss Ash-more has informed me that all supplies needed for this school session will be provided. I’m pleased to say that the children will have the readers and workbooks they need and will have decent seating and tables to work on.

“Since many of you have come forth to join in with your generous contributions, I believe that we should start up the Crystal Creek Community Fund. Mrs. Whittaker has graciously agreed to hold the monies in her safe, to be distributed as needed to the citizens of this town. The Community Fund is meant
to temporarily help folks or institutions that are struggling, and the contributing members will make decisions regarding how the money shall be dispersed. We should probably take it to a vote to place someone in charge. We could do that later on—”

“I vote for you, Miss Kate. It was your idea. You were the first to come forth for the school. You should be in charge,” Mr. Teasdale interrupted.

“I second that,” another man said.

Hands went up then, and it appeared that the vote had been cast. Overwhelmed, Kate accepted. “Well, I suppose, if you all think I can do an adequate job, it would be an honor to head up the Fund. I have ample room at the saloon for the meetings.”

After a momentary pause to gather her thoughts, Kate continued. “Also, from now on, the Silver Saddle will close on Sundays. It’s a day for worship, a day meant for family and friends.” Kate smiled, looking out at the women nodding their heads. The men, though, revealed no such sentiment. “I want to thank all of you again for taking hold of my idea. It’s something I hadn’t planned but I’m grateful for. I do believe the Community Fund will do a world of good.”

Afterward Kate stood just beyond the church steps with Nora and the Cable brothers. She’d had several families come up to thank her and commend her idea of the Community Fund. The Wesleys hadn’t, of course. Mr. Wesley had taken his daughter’s arm when it appeared she’d like to come over to say something and they’d pressed forward into the crowd. It turned Kate’s stomach just seeing the man. She felt
immediate remorse for Patricia. The young woman probably didn’t have a notion as to her father’s true nature.

“You look disappointed that Patricia didn’t come over to speak with us,” Nora said to Jethro.

Jethro found Patricia easily in the crowd, his eyes seeming to focus on the sway of her backside. “I just wanted to knock some sense into her head. Fool woman thinks she’s ready to race her horse. Actually wants to enter into the horse races tomorrow at the celebration.”

“So your lessons aren’t helping?” Abe prodded with a sly grin.

“She’s a stubborn one. It’s hard to teach her anything. She thinks she knows it all,” Jethro replied.

“You’re not going to let her enter, are you, Jethro?” Nora seemed genuinely concerned.

“It’s not up to him, sweetheart,” Abe reminded.

Jethro shook his head. “She’s not ready to race a horse, that’s for sure. She can barely mount her mare. I have to stand there and make sure she doesn’t fall off. Half the time, she does.”

“And you catch her?” Abe asked with a lifted brow.

“Of course. Can’t let the woman fall.” Jethro seemed truly perplexed. “She’s not a fast learner.”

Nora smiled, looking toward Kate. “I wouldn’t think Patricia is all that clumsy and I do believe she’s quite bright.”

Kate chuckled. “Yep. I’d say Patricia Wesley pretty much knows what she’s doing.”

Jethro frowned. “What?”

Kate took hold of Jethro’s arm. “Nothing, Jethro.” Kate supposed he’d find out soon enough. Men sometimes weren’t all that intelligent when it came to figuring out about women. “Let’s have supper. You’re all invited over to my house. It’s my turn to cook.”

Kate sat in the quiet of her parlor, working on a quilt for Nora’s baby. She rarely found the time needed for such things, but she wanted terribly to surprise Nora with the gift before the baby arrived. The Cables had left an hour ago after sharing the Sunday meal and Kate felt energetic enough to work clear into the night if need be. She didn’t have to rise early in the morning. Tomorrow, the saloon would be closed in honor of Founder’s Day and those festivities didn’t start until noon.

A soft knocking at her door didn’t surprise her. Jethro had left his hat here after supper and she assumed he’d come to claim it. Kate had to admit, as she lifted the tan suede hat from a peg by the door that it looked kind of nice having a man’s belongings around. It sort of made Kate feel as though
she
belonged. Silly thoughts, she mused, and opened the door wide. “I bet you came for this, Jethro,” she said happily.

Cole stood frozen on the porch, his gaze fastened to the Stetson she held.

Shocked, Kate’s heart raced. “Oh, Cole. I wasn’t expecting you.”

He held his own hat in his hands. Fingering the brim, he said, “That’s obvious, Kate.”

“What are you doing here?” she asked, then a thought struck. “Is Meggie sick again?”

Cole shook his head. “Nope. Meggie’s just fine. I came to ask you something. May I come in?”

Kate stepped away from the door and allowed him entrance. He took a few steps into the parlor. Kate noticed him staring at the sofa. No, not the sofa, she decided. Cole was gaping at the baby’s quilt she’d left on the sofa. “Cole?”

His head snapped up. With intense perusal, he searched her eyes then his gaze drifted lower to her abdomen. Kate had never seen that stark expression on his face. Suddenly it dawned on her what he might be thinking and she blushed clear down to her toes. “It’s a gift for Nora’s baby.”

Cole nodded and turned away, but not before Kate observed his expression change. She’d expected relief, but didn’t believe that’s what she’d witnessed at all. Had she imagined disappointment in those clear blue eyes?

Cole cleared his throat. “It’s a fine thing you’re doing, Kate. The Community Fund is a good idea.”

“Well, there are many to thank for that. I only tried helping Miss Ashmore and the school, then more and more people offered to make donations.”

“I heard Mrs. Gainsley was ready to move off her land before you gave her some hope.”

“Oh, Cole, she has six children. They are the sweetest things. Her boy Troy is the oldest at eleven.
And you should see him around the house. He tries to make up for everything and be so grown-up. Mr. Becker says he might be able hire him part time when the store is busy.”

“That’s real good, Kate.”

Cole’s smile affected her insides. He looked so handsome today, still in his Sunday clothes—a clean white shirt under a stitched leather vest and tan trousers. She liked that he always wore his gun and his badge. He was Cole Bradshaw, Sheriff of Crystal Creek, without a doubt. He’d attained his dream. And now, so had Kate. Yet, neither one was truly happy, she surmised. “Is that what you wanted to talk to me about?”

“Uh, no. Not that exactly.”

Kate waited.

Cole cleared his throat again. “I, uh, came to ask you to the Founder’s Day celebration. I’d like you to join me and Meggie tomorrow.”

A dozen emotions rushed forth and she nearly gasped aloud. Kate recalled the one Founder’s Day she’d prayed for Cole’s invitation, only to be disappointed upon learning he’d asked Patricia Wesley. But tonight, here he stood with hat in hand, asking her all proper-like to go. She’d like nothing more. She wanted to spend her days with him…and her nights. “I’ve already accepted an invitation to go with the Cables.”

Cole flinched as though he’d been struck. He stared down at the hat she still held in her hand. “You’re going with Jethro, then?”

There was accusation in his tone, though Kate thought he struggled not to let it show. How could he ask that, Kate wondered. Didn’t he know that what she’d given to him, she’d not ever give to another man? “I’m going with
all
the Cables. They’ve become like family to me, Jethro included.”

Cole nodded and took a deep breath. “Fine. Well, I hope you have a good time tomorrow.”

“There’s no reason we can’t…uh, well, I’d like to spend some time with Meggie.”

Cole grinned, a charming lift of his mouth that brightened his entire face. “She’d like that too.”

“Wonderful. Then I suppose I’ll see you both tomorrow.”

Kate walked to the door and opened it. “Good night, Cole.”

Cole hesitated a moment, his gaze lingering on her. Kate felt an immediate rush of heat under his perusal. He nodded then strode to the door. “Night, Kate. See you tomorrow.”

Kate closed the door after him and smiled so hard she was certain she beamed. It had been a long time coming, perhaps years too late, but Kate’s heart still warmed to the notion.

Cole Bradshaw had finally invited her to the Founder’s Day celebration.

A
s always, the Founder’s Day celebration was held in a large clearing just outside of town where green grass was in abundance and tall sugar pines provided shade from the day’s sun. Kate and Nora set a patchwork quilt that Kate had brought from home under one of those pines and lowered themselves down to watch the festivities.

Abe and Jethro were right behind them, carrying baskets of food and a pitcher of lemonade. “Here you go, ladies,” Abe said, handing Nora a basket. Jethro, in turn, delivered a basket to Kate along with the lemonade. “If you two will excuse us, Jethro and I have a log-splitting contest to win.” Abe kissed Nora’s cheek with affection and the two men took off.

“C’mon, Nora, we have to see this.” Kate bounded up from their spot and bent to lend Nora a hand. Her growing stomach was the size of a small ripe melon now and, though she still moved gracefully, Kate knew it took some effort. Nora graciously accepted
her hand and together they headed to the other end of the clearing where the contest was ready to begin.

The two-man teams were settled by a cropping of trees and whoever chopped their massive log up first would be declared the winner. While the entrants were being organized and handed their axes, Kate scanned the grounds for Cole and Meggie. Although she didn’t locate them, she did manage to ensnare the attention of Patricia Wesley. She stood with a group of young ladies, many of whom turned to wave at Kate. Patricia didn’t wave; instead, she lifted her skirts and headed her way.

Kate braced herself for the encounter. None of her conversations with Patricia were ever pleasant. “Here comes Patricia,” Kate said softly, but Mrs. Whittaker, who stood nearby and was explaining her latest bonnet creation had taken Nora’s attention.

Patricia approached with a smile. “Hello, Mary Kat—” she began, then started again. “Hello, Kate.”

Kate raised a brow. “Good afternoon, Patricia.”

“It’s a pleasant day for such an outing, wouldn’t you agree?” Patricia was in an especially gay mood. She’d never been this cordial before.

“Yes, the weather is cooperating.”

“I wanted to come over after church yesterday to commend you, but Father whisked me away quite swiftly, I’m afraid. I’d wanted to say that it took a great deal of courage to stand up in front of all those people and make your announcement. I, for one, thought that you handled yourself quite well. You can
count on my support with the Community Fund. Jethro tells me that you were the first to help out with the school. Something should have been done months ago. If I had known the state of disrepair in our school, but well, you took action and that’s quite impressive.”

Dumbfounded at Patricia’s sincere tone, Kate smiled. “Thank you. I did what needed to be done.”

“Yes, well…some of us women should take heed.”

“Whatever do you mean?”

Patricia smiled ruefully. “The entire town was against you, Kate, but you didn’t let that stop you from doing what was in your heart.”

“I’m stubborn,” Kate said with self-mockery.

“You’re determined. There is a difference. And smart enough to be successful. I have a dream of my own…to open a shop, a specialty store just to suit women’s needs, with the latest fashions from Europe and the East, but Father…”

Kate frowned at the mention of Edward Wesley. “He’s opposed.”

“In the worst way. He wants to see me married. Says it’s a woman’s only place. I don’t see that it’s all that wrong for a woman to want to achieve something in life, too. Jethro doesn’t think…”

“What doesn’t he think, Patricia?”

“Well, he doesn’t think it’s wrong. He believes that women have rights.”

Kate understood all too well Patricia’s dilemma.
Kate had grown up fighting that very same battle. “You should do it, Patricia. If that’s what you want, it’s—”

Kate was interrupted by the announcement that the contest was ready to begin. All conversation came to a halt and heads turned toward the five teams ready with axes in hand.

Abe shed his shirt, but it wasn’t until Jethro did the same, tossing it aside, that Patricia gasped. “Oh,” she said on a breath, trying hard to conceal a gaze fixed solely on Jethro’s bare chest.

“It’s a warm day,” Kate offered, noting that Jethro Cable was a fine male specimen. It was clearly evident Patricia agreed.

With her gaze still fastened on Jethro, Patricia fanned herself. “And getting warmer all the time.”

Kate chuckled as the men began chopping timber.

An hour later, after having lunch with the Cables, Kate found herself on the start line sharing a stiff burlap sack with one of the school children, a little girl named Henrietta. Other adults were paired with children and, as Kate looked down the line, she saw Cole in the same situation with a small boy just ten feet away. Thin rope wrapped the burlap around their adjacent legs, leaving the outer leg free. The “three-legged” race would determine the fastest, with the winner breaking the ribbon across the finish line about fifty yards away.

“Are you fast, Henrietta?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“I thought so,” Kate said truthfully. She saw the same spark of grit and resolve in this child’s eyes that Kate had had while growing up.

“I like to win, Miss Malone.”

Kate grinned. “No more than I do,” she said.

“C’mon, Kate!” Abe and Jethro shouted at various times from the sidelines. Sure, the men had their first-place award for winning the tree-splitting contest and now they expected nothing less from her.

Mr. Becker headed this event. He took his position at the finish line and all eyes were on him.

“Henrietta, just do your best. Win or lose, as long as you always do your best, you can hold your head up,” Kate reassured.

“Yes, ma’am.”

Then with a playful wink, Kate added, “But unless you’re hurt, don’t stop for anything, okay?”

The ten-year-old smiled wide. “Okay.”

Kate gave her a reassuring hug. “Looks like it’s time.”

Mr. Becker waved his arms up and shouted, “Get ready, get set. Go!”

Kate took off, lifting the child with her. Henrietta didn’t flinch, keeping up without fail.

Kate looked over and found that two contestants had already dropped out, tripping over themselves and landing in a heap. She heard their laughter from behind and pushed ahead.

“Hang on, Henrietta. We’re in first!” Kate forged
forward, but from the corner of her eye she noted another pair coming up from behind. Cole and his teammate!

Kate kept her composure and her balance. That was essential and she strode with big steps, tugging Henrietta along with her strides. Laughter and shouts of encouragement filled the air. Others fell, but Cole kept coming. They were side-by-side, neck and neck with her.

“Come on, Henrietta,” Kate said, moving along at an incredibly fast pace. Good thing Henrietta was made of solid tenacity because another child would have fallen by now. Bless her soul, Henrietta was just as determined to win as Kate.

Cole shouted, “We’ve got you, Kate.”

“No, you haven’t!”

Familiar competitiveness returned as though it had never left them. Kate didn’t want Cole to win. Cole had to show Kate up. That was the way with them—two souls butting heads, comparing skills, always trying to best the other.

Kate noted the fierce resolve on Cole’s face, the sheer strength of him moving just as fast she was. He’d beat her for sure, if not for his young partner. Cole was attuned to his capabilities and wouldn’t push him further than he knew the boy could go.

They hit the ribbon at exactly the same moment, Mr. Becker declaring both teams in a tie.

“We did it, Henrietta! We won!”

The girl giggled and grinned and Kate’s heart filled with joy.

“Congratulations, Kate,” Cole said, coming over to them with the boy.

“You too, Cole. We both won this time. Couldn’t have done it without Henrietta.” She turned to the girl. “Have you met the sheriff yet?”

“No, ma’am.”

Kate braced her arm on the girl’s shoulder. “Sheriff Bradshaw, this is Henrietta Wilkins.”

“Pleased to meet you. And this is Keith, Mrs. Gregory’s grandson. He sure kept up with me. I’ve got to give him credit.”

Kate looked down at the blond boy. “Hello, Keith. I know your grandmother. She must be proud of you.”

“Yes, ma’am. Grandma says she’s always proud of me.”

“I bet she is.” Kate smiled and began untying their legs, but her skirts got in the way. “Oh, pooh!”

“Here, let me.” Cole bent down, pushing her skirt aside, and untied the rope that held the burlap sack. The soft brush of his hand on her bare leg created a pleasant tingling, but with the task done, Cole removed his hand all too quickly. “There you go.”

He untied his own sack and they sent Keith and Henrietta to pick up their first-place ribbons.

“Where’s Meggie?” Kate asked, scanning the grounds.

“I’m right here,” Meggie said, coming up from
behind Kate with a giggle. Mrs. Gregory was only steps behind. “I sawed you win, Daddy. You and Miss Kate!”

“That’s right, Megpie. We tied. That means we finished at the very same time.” Cole lifted Meggie up and planted a big kiss on her chubby cheek.

“Keith is thrilled. It’s his first ribbon ever,” Mrs. Gregory said, smiling her greeting to Kate.

When Cole put Meggie down, she took Kate’s hand. “I wanna play with Miss Kate now.”

“Maybe she can take you over to the shooting match, darlin’. That’s about to start,” Cole said, glancing at Kate.

“I’d love to,” Kate said immediately.

Meggie bobbed her head up and down. “My daddy’s gonna win.”

Kate smiled. “I’m sure he will. Your daddy used to practice and practice when he wasn’t much bigger than you, Meggie. And now, well, nobody can beat him.”

“Well, I don’t know about that, Kate,” Cole said modestly.

“Well, let’s all head over there,” Mrs. Gregory interjected. “Keith and the others can’t wait for the contest to start.”

They all began walking over to the area designated for the shooting match. Cole put Meggie atop his shoulders and Kate was right beside him. “You’re gonna win, Cole. No doubt about it,” she declared quietly, so only he could hear.

Cole’s face broke out into a big, wide grin. “If you say so, woman. Wouldn’t want to disagree with you about a thing today.”

The sun dipped in the late afternoon and shadows danced across the clearing. The air was cooler now and the festivities continued as the fiddler’s vivacious tunes had the crowd bringing their hands together in time to the music. Kate stood with Nora, clapping, watching Jethro and Patricia on the dance area…arguing.

“That’s not the proper way to hold a lady,” Patricia instructed.

“It’s the way I do.”

“Well, you might, and I do mean
might
know a thing or two about horses, but you certainly don’t know how to hold a woman during a dance.”

“I haven’t had any other complaints,” Jethro countered.

“You’ve only danced with Mrs. Whittaker and your sister-in-law, Nora. I doubt either one would want to correct you.”

Jethro’s face lit with amusement. “You noticed who I danced with?”

Patricia’s face flushed rosy red. “And I suppose you didn’t note with whom I’ve danced?”

“No, no I didn’t.” He scratched his head. “Who did you dance with?”

“Nester Gunderson and Casey Kelper.” She folded
her arms around her middle and didn’t attempt to take another step.

“That wasn’t Casey, it was his brother, Justin,” Jethro argued.

“Oh? And you say you didn’t notice,” Patricia said boldly. It appeared she had the upper hand now. Jethro stumbled with an excuse, but finally took Patricia in his arms and swung her around the dance area.

Nora and Kate chuckled. “And I thought you and Cole were stubborn,” Nora declared, shaking her head.

“Those two can surely put anyone to shame.”

When the music stopped, Jethro led Patricia back to her father and then headed their way, his face a mass of frustration.

“How was your dance with Patricia?” Nora asked.

Jethro grimaced, a distinct downturn of his full lips. He rubbed the back of his neck. “That woman… I’m either gonna strangle her…or marry her. Haven’t decided which.”

“Jethro!” Nora exclaimed. “Did you hear what you just said?”

“What?” He appeared truly startled.

“You want to marry Patricia,” she stated.

“Well, I, uh…” Once he realized what he had admitted, a giant-size grin broke onto his face. “Damn, did I say that?”

“You did,” Kate and Nora both replied.

“And it looks like that Gunderson fella is about
ready to ask Patricia for another dance,” Kate added. “Are you going to let that happen?”

Jethro took a deep breath. “Ah, she’ll only try correcting me again if I go over there.”

Nora took his arm and gave him sage advice. “Don’t go then, Jethro. You don’t need a smart, pretty woman giving you all that attention.”

“No, I wouldn’t think you would,” Kate stated. “Let some other man listen to her.”

Jethro pursed his lips and narrowed his eyes, darting a glance first at Nora then at Kate. “I think I’m being shanghaied here.”

The women eyed each other and grinned.

“All right, I’m going. But I might just come back with a noose around my neck for murder, or, or—”

“A ring on your finger?” Nora asked.

Jethro strode toward where Patricia stood, shaking his head all the way.

Later, Cole held Kate in his arms as the fiddler played a lazy, tranquil tune that required the barest of foot movements.

“I told you, you’d win,” Kate said, gazing up into his blue eyes. When she looked at him like that, as though he could conquer the world, Cole’s gut reaction was to never let her go. She’d stolen his heart somewhere between being best of friends and on opposite sides of the law. Jumbled feelings swirled around inside his head, leaving him confused mentally, but the rest of him sure knew what it wanted.

“Didn’t want to make you out a liar, Kate.” Cole applied slight pressure on her waist, bringing her closer. He breathed into her hair, so soft and curly, all those coppery waves floating down her shoulders.