Colin's Quest (27 page)

“Blaine told me you were out here.”

He turned at Sarah’s voice, opening his arms. She walked right into them, showing none of the hesitancy he expected after putting her in such danger. Fevers were serious, often resulting in death. His arms trembled around her as he thought of what might have happened. Tightening his hold, resting his chin on the top of her head, he closed his eyes, not wanting to imagine losing her.

“I’m so sorry, Sarah.”

Pulling back to look up at him, she touched a finger to his lips. “You’ve already apologized. It’s over. I’m fine. There’s no need for you to fret about it any longer.”

“I could have—”

“No, Colin. I don’t want to hear of what might have happened or how you still think it was your fault. I made the decision to go into the lagoon, and I’d make the same decision again.” She dropped her hand, nestling her face into his chest. “Do you remember what Geneen told you the night I took the fever?”

His brows furrowed as he tried to remember what was said. “Nae. I can’t say as I do.”

“Then I’m glad she thought to tell me,” Sarah laughed. “Geneen told you I’ve been prone to fevers ever since I was a young girl. They come fast, spike high, then disappear. Some people get stomach pains or earaches. I get fevers. This one was no different than the others I’ve had.”

He narrowed his eyes, trying to recall the conversation, but couldn’t remember Geneen ever mentioning Sarah’s tendency toward high fevers. “She’s certain we talked of it?”

“Oh, aye.” She dropped her arms and stepped back. “You were worried. I doubt you remember much of anything, except trying to help your ma. Now, no more of this worry. I don’t want misplaced guilt to mar our wedding on Saturday.” Holding out her hand to catch his, she turned toward the house.

“About the wedding…”

She shot him an evil glare, her lips thinning into a slim line. “Colin MacLaren, unless you are telling me you no longer want me, we
will
marry Saturday.” Dropping his hand, she stormed toward the house.

Ach, what a fool I’ve become
, he thought as he heard the door slam behind her. His mother had warned him. Even Blaine had seen what he didn’t. Pinching the bridge of his nose, he accepted Sarah was no longer the compliant, accepting girl he’d first met. A strong, determined, and loyal woman had taken her place, and she loved him. Climbing the stairs to the front door, he whispered a prayer that he could be the kind of husband she deserved.

Crocker, Nevada

“Deal me in.” The tall, hulk of a man with thinning dark hair streaked with gray pulled out a chair, glaring at those around the table.

“Sure thing, Lon. We’d given up on you.”

Lonnie Coffman scowled, picking up the cards in his large, beefy hands. He played one hand, then sat back, not feeling the urge to continue.

 “You hear any more about where the girls might have gone?” Deft tossed down his cards, leaning back in his chair. Lon trusted no one more than Deft, his friend since their time as orphans on the streets of St. Louis.

“Let’s move over to the bar,” Lon said, not wanting anyone else to hear their conversation. He’d learned the girls were gone as soon as they rode back to town after one of their raids. It had been over two months with no sign of them. Everyone knew the man Lon had left to guard them would never have let them leave. In his early sixties, he’d ridden with them until his gun hand gave out to the pain of gout. His job had been to guard the girls at their place in the mountains, keeping watch on them as they cooked the meals and cleaned. He was the man Lon left in charge when the men rode out. Lon held no great love for any of the three, but they were kin and belonged to him.

“Nothing. Some say they were spotted heading north weeks ago.”

“Coral is resourceful and probably had it planned for months, waiting for the right time. Don’t know why you’re so set on finding them. They were nothing but trouble.” Deft took a sip of his drink, rolling the glass between his fingers. “If you’re that set on getting them back, I say we ride to either Pine Top or Mindell. Unless they were lucky enough to find passage with a group of travelers, there are only three towns they could go—Mindell, Conviction, and Pine Top.” Deft leaned forward, resting his arms on the bar. “We can’t show our faces in Conviction. Weather’s going to be getting rough north of here in a few weeks, and the trail to Pine Top will be treacherous when the snow starts. It’s your decision, Lon, but you should make it soon or accept they’re gone for good.”

“They ain’t gone for good,” Lon growled, keeping his voice low. “Coral will never leave the other two, and who’d take in three girls? They’re hiding. Maybe not too far from here. Besides, you know I can’t let them wander around knowing what they know.”

“Suppose so. It’s too bad their mama taught them right from wrong. If you’d found them sooner, schooled them in the real way of life, we might not be in this fix.” Signaling the barmaid, Deft watched as she filled their glasses, then walked away.

“We both know I was looking for their ma, not them. If they hadn’t seen and heard so much, I’d let them go and not waste any sleep over it.” Tossing back his drink, he considered Deft’s words. “It’s too late to track them now. We’ll wait for spring. But we
will
find them, and when we do, I won’t waste time keeping them around for sentimental reasons.” Glancing around once more, he leaned closer to Deft. “I’ve another job I want to do while we’ve got the chance. If we can drive a herd to Sacramento, I’ve got a contact who will pay a good price for however many head we bring him.”

“What are you getting at?” Deft asked.

“We already heard about the rancher near Conviction who’s getting married, and all his men are invited.”

“I remember one of the men having drinks with a drifter who’d ridden through Conviction and overheard some people talking about it. He said no one would be guarding the herds during the ceremony and celebration. Don’t know how reliable the information is, though.”

“That’s right.” Lon glanced around, lowering his voice. “No one will be looking for us, and few would think our gang interested in moving from robbing banks to rustling. We get in and out, move the cattle south to my contact, sell them, then ride back to Crocker. The money will be easy and quick.”

Deft nodded, his mouth twisting into a wry grin.

Lon looked at his men, still playing cards at a nearby table, and walked over, taking a seat. “Listen up. Tomorrow, we ride to a ranch near Conviction. We’re moving into rustling for a spell.”

“If anyone tries to stop us?” one of the men asked.

“Same as always. Kill them.”

Circle M Ranch

“What can
I
do, Mrs. MacLaren?” Pearl clasped her hands in front of her, a hopeful look on her face. Everyone else had a job, even Chrissy and Alana.

“Well, now, let me think.” Kyla wiped her hands on a towel and set it aside, her mouth curving into a smile. “How about you help me slice the meats and put them on platters?”

“Oh, yes.” Nodding her head, Pearl hurried to a cupboard, grabbed a platter, and set it on a nearby table as Kyla placed a roasting pan next to it.

“Have you ever used a carving knife before? One to cut large pieces of meat?” Kyla laid a knife on the table next to the pan.

“Many times. Me, Coral, and Opal cooked all the time for the men at the hideout—” Pearl clamped a hand over her mouth, her eyes going wide as she took a step away from Kyla.

Her face blank, Kyla glanced at Pearl as if she hadn’t heard the slip. “Sounds to me as if you have lots of experience, lassie.”

“Um…yes, ma’am.”

They worked in silence until Quinn’s mother, Audrey, walked in with her oldest daughter, Heather, and her middle son, Bram, all carrying breads, pies, and plates of cookies.

“Put them on the table,” Kyla instructed, clearing a large space.

Audrey looked at her sister-in-law, seeing she hadn’t dressed for the wedding. “The men have the tables and benches in place, a platform for the band, and the trellis you asked them to build for the ceremony. Now, you need to let the girls and me finish so you can get ready. The reverend will be here within the hour.”

Kyla glanced around, swiping a sleeve across her brow. “There’s still so much to do.”

“Not as much as you think.” Placing an arm around her shoulders, Audrey guided her to the stairs. “Now, upstairs with you. Do you need my help?”

“Nae, I can manage. You might look in on Sarah, though. She’s in the downstairs bedroom with Geneen, Coral, and Opal. I haven’t heard a sound from them in a long time.”

Knocking on the door, Audrey pushed it open, her jaw dropping open at the beautiful sight before her.

“Oh, my. Aren’t you a vision, Sarah.”

Glancing over her shoulder, Sarah’s face lit up. “Do you think he’ll like it?”

“Ach, lassie, Colin may well be struck speechless when he sees you.” Audrey stepped closer, careful not to get too close to Geneen and Coral, who were sitting cross-legged on the floor, finishing the hem. Opal stepped around them, applying the last of the ruffles.

Compared to what they’d find in a large city, the fabric choices in Conviction were limited. Viewing the selections at the general store, Sarah had become mesmerized by a beautiful blue satin patterned with cream-colored flowers.

Kyla designed a beautiful dress, using her wedding gown as a guide. The same color of tulle comprised the veil, finished with a wide ruffle of the blue satin fabric and tiny pearls.

“How much time do we have before the reverend arrives?” Geneen asked as she stood, making certain the hem fell evenly.

“Not long. Kyla is getting ready.”

“And Colin?” Sarah moved to the edge of the bed, letting Geneen spread out the dress so she could sit.

“The men are at my house. I suspect they’re well on their way to helping Colin build his courage,” Audrey laughed.

“You mean with whiskey? Surely he wouldn’t get drunk before our wedding.” Sarah’s voice betrayed her anxiety at walking down the aisle toward a man dizzy on liquor.

“Don’t worry,” Audrey said. “I’ve never seen Colin drunk. Besides, he has a good head on his shoulders. I’m certain the lad will restrain himself.”

“Ma, the reverend is here. He’s waiting in the study with a cup of coffee. I’ll let Aunt Kyla know.” Heather’s gaze lingered on Sarah for a brief moment, her expression unreadable, before she turned.

“Heather, aren’t you going to say anything about how beautiful Sarah looks?” Audrey crossed her arms, raising one brow.

“Um…sure, Ma.” She took one step closer, looking Sarah up and down. “Real nice. I like the color.” She cast a quick look at her mother, then hurried out.

“I’ve never known a woman who reacts the way Heather does.” Geneen put the supplies in the mending basket.

“To what?” Sarah asked her sister, cocking her head to one side.

“Well, anything having to do with clothes, hair, chores, boys…”

“Ach. Heather has no use for boys or much of what she considers frivolities that interest most women. Sometimes, I think she wishes she’d been born a man. I’d better check on Kyla and make sure the reverend is comfortable. Coral and Opal, come with me. I could use your help downstairs.” Taking one last look at Sarah, Audrey closed the door behind them.

Geneen pulled a chair close to the bed and sat down, shooting a look at the door. “Don’t say a word to anyone, but I believe Heather is sweet on Caleb.”

Sarah’s eyes widened. “Why would you say that? I’ve seen nothing to show she has an interest in
any
man.” At one time, she’d thought Geneen might have feelings for Caleb. Her sister had laughed, saying he was like a brother to her.

“The way Heather looks at him when she doesn’t know anyone is watching.” Touching Sarah’s arm, Geneen stood. “I’m going to see how long before you’re to come outside. I hope it’s soon.”

“No more than me.”