Cowboys and Highlanders (98 page)

A familiar voice called, “Marion!” She stopped what she was doing and rushed into the parlor throwing her arms around TJ’s neck. He held her tightly around the waist. “Why didn’t Sandy tell me?”

“She didn’t tell anyone,” she said, brushing sudden moisture from her cheek. “You know how Sandy could be, never wanting to burden those around her. Everyone knew she was sick, but I don’t think anyone realized her time to pass would come so quick. I wish she’d let me know her illness was grave, maybe I could have made life a little easier for her. We talked about her passing, but she always made it sound like we had all the time in the world.”

“You’re saying she suffered?”

“Very much. She was stubborn until the end. The doctor has been treating her for some time. It was why she couldn’t stay long at the wedding. She didn’t want you to know.” She looked down at her feet. “I thought she was sick. I didn’t realize she was dying.”

“She was a good woman. She was always there for me.”

Marion raised her eyes to his. “Because she loved you.” She linked their arms. “I’m so glad you came. Train will be back in a few days, but I got scared. He’s eager to get back to the ranch. I can’t leave these girls out in the cold.”

“Then you’ll be joining him?”

Marion took a deep breath. “I didn’t write it in the letter because I want to be there when Allison hears.” She held out her hand. “He put the ring on my finger.” She couldn’t help the smirk on her lips. “You know what, TJ? I’m not going to have any problems being with one man.”

TJ chuckled. “I told him he ought to take you to bed right away. He wouldn’t have had to work so hard convincing you he was the right one.”

“Ain’t that the truth! Coffee or whiskey?” she asked once they entered the office.

She informed him of the events that had transpired. “I know Sandy’s brother is watching me. At first, I thought he was only interested in the brothel, now I’m not so sure. I’m actually beginning to think it’ll be safer for the girls once I leave.”

“Sandy had a head for business. I can’t understand why she overlooked the deed to the property.”

Marion sat at Sandy’s desk and TJ began sifting through the papers on the sofa Marion deemed related to the brothel. “TJ, the more I think about it, the more I suspect she knew exactly what she was doing. All the money Train paid her is in the account along with a whole lot more. I think about how much time all of us have spent on our backs making her rich and I can’t help feeling hurt. She was my friend. But first she was a business woman.”

“My advice is to change the bank account into your name first thing in the morning.”

“The money isn’t going to be in there long enough to matter.”

TJ raised his eyes from perusing a paper.

“First, Train gets back all his money. I’m not going to feel indebted to anyone, especially my husband. And I’m going to give the girls a few dollars to start a new life somewhere if that’s what they want.” She ran her hand over the smooth surface of the desktop. “I want you to keep the rest.” She put up her hand to squelch his protests. “Please, I know you don’t need any money from me, but it’s safe to assume Train won’t take it from me either. It’s my contribution to the future.”

“Allison’s right,” he said, sipping his coffee. “You’re a good woman.”

She warmed at the sentiment because she was starting to feel like one too.

* *
*
* *

Weather conditions were more cooperative on the return journey to Copper City. Running with a dozen horses filled Train with pride. Not only did he get premium quality, but the relief of not having to make the trip to California was a weight lifted from his shoulders.

He bid his travel companion goodbye after he housed the horses at the livery and walked with a bounce in his step to the brothel. His heart raced in anticipation of seeing Marion after two weeks. Lost in the gaiety of his thoughts, he entered the brothel expecting to see gentlemen sitting in the parlor, and lovely ladies laughing. He stopped short by the absence of men, women, and furniture. A sinking feeling hit him in the gut.

“Hello,” he called.

No answer.

Dashing up the stairs, he burst into Marion’s room. Empty. “Marion!” he hollered, running back down the stairs, his mind moving in a thousand directions.

Train glanced in the kitchen, the office, and Sandy’s bedroom before acknowledging the apparent conclusion that she wasn’t there. The place was in shambles. Furniture was missing. Sandy’s office was barren. An ugly red sofa still sat in the room, but the desks and armoires were gone. “What the hell is going on?” he asked himself since no one was there to hear him.

Upon closer inspection, he found Marion’s touch in Sandy’s bedroom. Her hairbrush sat on the dresser, and her favorite bodice and skirt hung over the back of a rocking chair. He took off his hat and kicked off his boots. Riding hard had taken its toll on his body. Now that he didn’t have the adrenaline of Marion’s sweet kisses keeping him going, fatigue overwhelmed.

Train lay back on the bed and propped himself up against the headboard. Before he could light a cigarette, he took an intoxicating whiff of her pillow. Just for a minute, he closed his eyes. He drifted off to sleep in spite of his desire to wait for his bride.

* *
*
* *

Marion’s laughter echoed off the bare walls when she and Cassie returned from dinner. “Can you believe this place?” The brothel officially closed. Several of the girls had taken the money Marion offered and left without remorse for the time they’d spent together.

“Marion, can I be honest with you?”

“Girl, we’ve shared men, what in the world could make you ask such a question?”

Cassie unclasped the front of her dress, letting her breasts free from the confines of her corset. “You don’t seem upset. I know you’re married now, but it’s beyond that. We’ve been a family for a long time. It’s as if our mother died and now we’re all fending for ourselves. I don’t think we’ll ever see each other again.” She sounded on the verge of tears.

Marion sat down and rested her hands in her lap. “It wouldn’t have been the same without Sandy. And you’re right; I don’t want to be here anymore.” A sensation of lightness, like floating on clouds wrapped around her heart.

“He must be amazing. You’ve never been shy about letting us know what kind of man you need.”

Marion raised and lowered her eyebrows in a playful manner. “You won’t hear me complaining anymore. I swear, if he were in our line of work, he’d be the wealthiest man in the Montana Territory, because we’d be paying him.” Marion laughed, and then stretched her arms above her head.

The past two weeks had been a whirlwind of activities. Although it had been draining, she could leave Copper City without worrying. Ezra Jensen still preached near the brothel. His sermons didn’t garner much support considering the Dusty Rose closed her doors. Marion breathed a sigh of relief every time one of the girls boarded the stage or took employment in another whorehouse.

TJ had taken the furniture she’d wanted back to the ranch. What didn’t fit into the house, he said would be stored in one of the outbuildings. Now all she had to do was wait for the return of her husband who was already a few days overdue.

“Are you worried about him?” Cassie asked.

“Is a wife supposed to be, because I’m really not?” She shrugged. “If he’s not back in a couple of days, I’ll send for TJ again.” Stretching she said, “I’m going to bed. See you in the morning.”

Cassie gave a little wave.

Marion climbed the stairs to Sandy’s room. She opened the door and startled to see a man on her bed. She covered her heart with her hand, and smiled at her sleeping husband. She closed and locked the door. Trying to control her breathing, she slipped from her dress and crossed the room to the bed. She pulled the pins from her hair and quickly combed it out with her fingers.

As softly as she could, she lowered herself onto the bed and lengthened out beside him. Running her fingers across his chest, she kissed his neck below the ear. “Welcome back,” she whispered when his hand reached around and cupped her bare buttocks.

Train’s eyes opened to slits. Crushing his mouth to hers, he rolled until he was partially on top of her. “Sorry I’m late,” he said, stroking his hand down the side of her body.

“I can think of a way for you to make it up to me.” She rubbed the front of his jeans.

“I won’t last. I need you too badly.”

“I don’t care. Take me now and make love to me later.”

Train lowered his jeans enough to free himself and entered her willing body.

“I missed you,” she said, wrapping her legs around him, the rough texture of denim rubbing her inner thigh.

He filled her, completed her. Warmth surged through her as he leveraged on out stretched arms and pumped into her. Hot, hard and strong. She gripped his biceps and held tightly as she crested toward release.

Train drove deeper, faster. Marion cried out as her body convulsed. A guttural groan erupted from Train. He tensed, muscles in his neck straining and his face reddening. He flexed for a moment and then stilled.

Then he rolled to the bed beside her. “Damn woman, I missed you.”

“Good.” Marion scooted off the bed. “Because I missed you too.” She put on a chemise and pantalets.

“What happened, Marion? The place is deserted, not to mention a wreck.”

“It’s over, Train. All of its gone, including most of the girls. Cassie is still around. Mary plans to take the stage to Salt Lake City the day after tomorrow. She wants to settle far from here and see if she can make a new life for herself.”

She told him about Sandy’s brother and the loss of the building. “I thought about getting another building, and then I decided this was for the best. I don’t need ties to town.” She plopped down on the bed and crossed her legs one over the other. “Tell me about the mares,” she said, genuinely interested. Whatever Train involved himself with, she wanted to share. She’d seen his eyes light when he spoke of horses. That same light was there tonight.

“The horses are beautiful. Twelve mares and the most magnificent stallion I’ve ever seen.” He ran his fingers through his hair. “I went out on a limb with TJ, but when he sees the stock, he’s going to understand why I moved ahead without consulting him.” He leaned forward and quickly kissed her lips. “I’m hungry.”

“Good idea. You could make something for me, too.”

“Could?”

She scurried off the bed when he reached for her. “Well yes, if we had anything here at the brothel, you could fix it for us. I don’t cook. Best we acknowledge our strengths and weaknesses right from the beginning, wouldn’t you say?”

They went to the kitchen. The cupboards were bare. “Where is everything?”

TJ had taken the dishes and pots with him when he returned to the ranch. He’d also taken the fine bone China and silver flatware Marion found in Sandy’s bedroom trunk. Marion distributed most of Sandy’s possessions amongst the girls. What was left had no monetary value and held little sentimental appeal. “Sandy’s brother can have the rest when he takes the building at the end of the month. I hope I never see him again.”

Train found a can of beans. “Looks like we’ll need to find something to keep our minds off food until breakfast. Any suggestions?”

Marion took him by the hand and guided him back to the bedroom.

* *
*
* *

Cassie sat in the parlor, staring into space when Train came down the stairs at first light. More than alone, she looked lonely. Clearly, the transition was hard on her. “Good morning,” he said, startling her.

Her mouth only hinted at a smile. “I see you made it home.”

“Not home,” he said, putting Marion’s carpetbag near the door. “We’ll be leaving for home after breakfast.” He slid his hands into his front pockets. “Come to breakfast with us. It’ll give you and Marion a chance to say goodbye.” She nodded. “Cassie, if you ever need anything, you know where we’ll be.”

“I’m happy for Marion,” she said, standing. “How long before you’re leaving?”

“Thirty minutes.” He was being optimistic. Marion poked around upstairs deciding at the last minute that she didn’t want to leave Sandy’s home in chaos. “If Marion can manage it.” He laughed.

Cassie nodded and started up the stairs. “I’ll see if she needs any help.”

Chapter Eleven

Train decided to ride the dark, reddish-brown chestnut that had easily become his favorite. He saddled Clive for Marion because he responded to Train’s voice commands. As long as Marion didn’t give conflicting orders with her body, she’d be fine.

The road to the ranch was well-worn and Train had no doubt in his ability to control the horses. “It’ll be chilly through the pass.” He stood beside Clive while Marion adjusted in the saddle. He tucked a flannel coat behind her. “If you need a rest say the word.” He draped a canteen over the saddle horn.

“Where’s my gun?” she asked in seriousness. “I want Sandy’s rifle hanging here.” She held the saddle horn.

“I’ve got it,” he said while checking the cinch around Clive’s belly. He gave the horse a pat on the shoulder while keeping one hand on Marion’s thigh. “You’re my priority. I can’t drive the horses if I have to worry about you. Be observant. If you feel scared, tell me. You try to be brave all the time. Don’t.”

“Are you always going to be overprotective?”

“It’s one of my strengths,” he teased. “You’re my weakness.” He squeezed her leg.

Marion rode along the left side of the horses and Train flanked the right. Speaking in gentle tones, Train controlled the caravan at a practical pace. If he had a seasoned rider with him, he could’ve pushed harder.

By mid-afternoon, Marion clearly became tired of the ride. Her eyes squinted against the early autumn sun. Swift breezes cut through the canyon feeling like pricks against their sunburned skin. “Train!” she screamed over the horses.

He immediately rounded his horse behind the herd and rode beside her. “Ready for lunch? I thought I heard your stomach growl.”

“If you’re in the mood to fill requests, I’d like a bit of shade.”

Train removed his hat and placed it on Marion’s head.

They left the horses next to the bank of the river. He retrieved their lunch from his saddlebag. Grease covered the outside of the paper bag full of chicken he’d picked up at the diner where they’d had breakfast.

“What am I supposed to do at the ranch?” she asked with her mouth full of chicken. “I mean, as long as I can remember, I’ve worked. Now that I’m officially retired, what am I supposed to do with my day?” She licked her fingers one by one drawing Train’s eyes to her lips.

“Help me build our ranch, visit with Allison and the children.” Marion rolled her eyes and groaned. “What do you want to do?”

“I won’t bother Allison. The girl lives like a slave. Cleaning, cooking, taking care of the children, it was all horrible.”

Train leaned back supporting his weight with his elbows. “She doesn’t seem to mind. In fact, she acts as if she enjoys taking care of TJ, the children, and the house.”

She leaned against his chest and kissed his lips. “I have every intention of taking care of you.” She leaned up and raised her eyebrows. “It’s the cooking and cleaning I hate.”

“Then I guess we’ll live like pigs.” He toppled her to the ground.

“And behave like heathens.” She wrapped her arms around his neck. “It’s a good thing Cake likes to feed me.”

Train eased up. “I don’t want you hanging around Cake. Stay close to our place or visit with Allison. I don’t want you wandering around the property alone. Ready?” He stood and brushed off the seat of his jeans. “We should get going. I want to be home before dark.”

As the day progressed, Marion watched Train’s body work in harmony with his horse. His jaw would clench when he looked in her direction and she couldn’t help but wonder what he was thinking. After giving up every aspect of her life, he couldn’t possibly doubt her fidelity. Banning her from everywhere except her own home was very authoritarian. Marriage hadn’t caused her to lose her autonomy. She dug her heels into Clive sending him into a run until she was riding along side Train.

“Putting a ring on my finger doesn’t change who I am,” she said defiantly. “I do as I please, Train. Don’t think because you’re a great lover I’ll give up being an independent woman.” She took his hat off and tossed it to him. “I can still take care of myself.” She hoped her words stung the way she intended. Suddenly, she envisioned life sitting by herself in the one room cabin built for her, without the company of other girls or the attention of men. She had no desire to bed another, but that didn’t entail having no social life.

They rode in silence until they crested the last rise overlooking the Bester ranch. TJ stood outside on the front porch waving as they rode toward the homestead. He came down the steps and walked briskly to the stables getting there at the same time Train was helping Marion down from Clive.

“Welcome home.” He pulled Marion into a heartfelt embrace. They shared a special connection in losing Sandy. “Allison is waiting for you at the house. Michael’s cutting molars making all of our lives miserable.”

Marion headed up the path. TJ turned toward Train. “Honeymoon over already?”

Train pulled the saddle off Clive. “I hope you don’t mind me spending your money,” he said. “The mares are beautiful, but look at this.” He walked to the stallion. “I could have brought home a dozen more just like him.”

“It looks like you did,” he said, indicating the grouping next to the stables. He ran his hand down a muscular leg. “He’s a fine looking horse.” Giving Train a friendly slap on the shoulder, he said, “Happy or not, Allison is going to want to celebrate with the newlyweds.”

“I don’t think Marion is ready to be nice yet.” Train slipped his hands into his pockets. “I overstepped my rights as a husband. And for the record, Marion doesn’t like being told what to do.”

TJ laughed. “You’ll learn the art of gentle persuasion about the time you realize women have all the power. Come on.” They walked to the stables. “We’ve got a few more stalls to clean out.”

Train followed him. He stopped when he recognized the familiar furnishings. “What the hell is this?” He ran his hand over the black lacquer desk that used to sit in the middle of Sandy’s office. “Did you inherit this shit from Sandy?”

TJ smiled as he looked over his shoulder at Train. “No, you did.” He pulled the door open to the first stall. “Marion asked me to bring it home.”

“And you did? Did you even try to discourage her?” Train shook his head in disbelief. “I’m going to live in a brothel.” He turned to TJ. “Where’s the red stuff? Tell me she didn’t convince you to bring home heart shaped sofa?”

“This is it. Charlie helped me move a bed out to your place. You’ll sleep in your own home tonight.”

“I’d rather hoped I wouldn’t be doing much sleeping. Looks like I ran out of luck.” TJ’s laughter followed him into the nearby pasture where the horses waited.

* *
*
* *

Marion knocked twice, waited, and knocked again. She could hear Allison running toward the door. They laughed and embraced. Allison nearly dropped Michael who was riding on her hip.

“I have been dying of curiosity. Tell me,” she demanded with a smile.

“I told you I was determined to ride a Train.” She held out her hand for Allison’s approval. “If he would’ve welcomed me aboard the first time I met him…” She closed her eyes and shook her head. “I would never have gotten off.”

“You can’t believe how happy I am you’re here. I get lonely for the fun we had before I came to the ranch. I love being married, but TJ works until dark most nights. Sometimes it feels like the only time I do get him to myself is when we’re in bed. Believe me, you’ll understand once the newness wears off with Train.”

A warmth flowed through her. “I can guarantee I’ll never let that happen.”

Allison put steaks in a pan and diced potatoes to fry. “Growing up in Boston, I never questioned where the food I ate came from. Cake is amazing. I enjoyed his mentoring until he demonstrated how to cut off a chicken’s head. We quickly came to an agreement that he does all the butchering.”

Marion laid her head on the table. “Don’t make me sick.” She raised her eyes and looked at Allison. “I know how to boil water. If it isn’t a fruit or vegetable, I’m not sure how to cook it. I hope Cake doesn’t mind if I take home dinner to Train every night. Otherwise we’ll starve.”

“Or eat with us.”

Allison took plates from the cupboard, which reminded Marion of the beautiful dishes she took from the brothel. “Did TJ talk about Sandy?” Marion asked.

Allison shook her head. “He’s afraid I won’t understand. He didn’t say it outright, but because he had a relationship with her, I know he’s hurting. I loved Sandy, too.”

“I’m glad I left. I wouldn’t want to be there without her.”

“Hi.” TJ came into the kitchen with Train two steps behind. “The horses are happily housed.” He came up behind Allison. “Smells good, I’m hungry.”

Train met Marion’s gaze from across the room. With the slightest tilt to his head, he motioned her into the hallway. Allison and TJ were too busy looking into the pans on the stove to notice her leave.

He stuffed his hands into his pockets. “Are you still mad?”

“No.” Her voice held a hint of amusement. “But I expect us to kiss and make up anyway.” She put her hands on his chest. “Let’s eat because if you expect me to cook, you’re not going to get a good meal for a while.”

Train and Marion laughed with Allison and TJ until late into the night. “You should stay here tonight,” Allison said when Train yawned and stretched his arms over his head.

“We can’t,” he said quickly, which caused Marion to giggle. She was feeling the effects of a few too many glasses of wine.

“I might wake the kids.” She put her finger over her lips. Train wrapped an arm around her waist to support her while they walked to the door.

“Don’t worry,” he said to Allison’s concerned expression. “She’ll sober up once I put her on Clive.”

“You can’t let her ride a horse in her condition,” Allison said. “Take her upstairs.” She looked to TJ for support. He avoided her glance, dropping his gaze to his boots. “Tell him it’s too dangerous. She’ll fall off.”

“Be careful, it’s dangerous,” he said, closing the door behind them.

TJ turned to Allison. “Don’t look at me like that.” He grabbed her around the waist. “I like it when you get a little corned.” He kissed the tip of her nose, the bone of her cheek, finally pressing his lips to hers. “I enjoy the taste of whiskey in your mouth.” He handed her his drink.

“I can’t,” she said.

He laughed. “Why not? I remembered a few times when you tried matched me drink for drink.”

“Since I figured out the reason I’ve been sick is because I’m going to have a baby.” A flicker of apprehension fluttered in her chest. She hadn’t thought about how she’d tell him. It just slipped out. “It makes me sick.”

TJ had two children from his deceased wife. He was a wonderful father, but they’d never spoken about whether he wanted a larger family.

TJ halted the glass halfway to his lips. The color drained from his face.

The silence lengthened between them making her even more uncomfortable. “Oh no.” She covered her mouth as a lump rose into her throat. “I thought you’d be happy.” She turned away and fled toward the stairs.

It took a moment for TJ to respond. He caught her halfway up the stairs. Scooping her into his arms, he carried her into their bedroom and deposited her on the bed. “I’m surprised. Not unhappy,” he said, cupping her cheek in his hand.

“Then don’t scare me like that.” She slugged him in the chest. “I’m glad I’m going to have a baby. I want a house full of children.”

“Youngins are great, but not so many that you don’t have time for me.” He helped her out of her clothing.

“As I’m sure you already know,” she said, holding his face. “I wouldn’t want to go without this either.”

“How long before the baby comes?”

She shrugged. “Can’t be exactly sure. Maybe five or six months.” She hadn’t had a monthly menses in a while but because her belly was still flat, she figured that another reason must be the cause. But she’d felt the flutter—felt her baby move. Now she was sure. She was going to have a baby.

* *
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* *

Marion laughed with the wind whipping against her face as Train rode Clive bareback along the hillside. “You have to hold on, sweetheart,” he said when she released her grip on the mane and let her hands roam up Train’s thighs. He brought the horse to a slow canter. “Hold on, we’re almost home.”

Marion twisted around until she could unbutton the front of his shirt. Letting her tongue slide leisurely across his chest, she placed her mouth over his nipple.

Train jerked the reins hard bringing Clive to a halt. He jumped from the horse taking Marion with him. Laying her on the ground, he lifted her dress. In a quick jerking motion, he undid the buttons of his jeans. She could only suck in her breath as he spread her thighs and penetrated her deeply.

“Train,” she cried.

He pounded hard and fast. Marion arched off the ground. Muscles quivered, her inner walls tightened like a glove to Train’s thrusts.

“Oh god,” she careened into orgasm. Train quickly followed.

They lay gasping for breath in the cool evening air. “One of these times, I’m going to make slow love to you.”