Liberty Belle (13 page)

Libby cleared her throat. “If you please, I want to hear the rest of Mr. Samuels’ story.”

He grinned and crossed his arms, content to watch her.

Dusty let out a yell.

The stage pitched and flung Libby into Wade. A loud snap sounded and the coach lurched to one side. In minutes, the stage came to a stop leaning sharply to the left.

The sweet fragrance of her hair held Wade captive. She pushed on him, but the angle of the stage made it difficult for her to rise. He noticed Flora and the boy landed against her.

Wade put his arm around her to see if he could help move Flora off Libby.

“Everyone all right? We broke a wheel.” Dusty struggled to open the door.

Harley yelled. “Samuels, get off me. You’re heavier than a mule.”

“My leg is twisted.” Libby sniffled against his ear.

His heart ached. He couldn’t bear the idea she might be injured.

“I got you, Miss Flora.” Samuels’ gentle voice broke through the noise of confusion.

Wade grimaced when Libby shoved down on his sore leg.

“Did I hurt you?” She stared at him, concern wrinkling her brow.

He shook his head no, hoping the pain hadn’t brought tears to his eyes. Drinking in her closeness, he helped ease her off his injured leg.

Dusty poked his head inside the window. “Sorry folks. Road washed out, and I couldn’t rein the horses around the big rut. Afraid the wheel is broke. Everyone needs to get out.”

He finally managed to yank open the door. “Miss Libby, let me help you.”

Wade waited until Flora and Mark were out before he climbed out of the stage. Libby, sitting on a large boulder off to the side of the road, held her hands around her foot. He limped to her. “Let me check your ankle for you.”

She gingerly held it out to him.

Her small foot, so light and dainty, rested in his hand. He turned it and felt the bones. Her soft skin lit fires inside him so that he gently set it down. “Nothing broken. Just twisted.”

“Thank you for your kindness.”

He stared into her eyes and lost himself, his senses, and his desire to be free.

Chapter 14

Libby sat on the boulder and concentrated on the puffy white cloud high above the spot where Wade labored in the mud over the broken wheel. Once again, her gaze slipped, and she feasted on the sight of his shirtless, broad shoulders and rippling muscles. Cheeks warming, she hummed quietly and fanned rapidly, glancing around to make sure no one noticed.

Sparks still shot through her heart. They’d started in earnest when Wade gently held her injured ankle. His touch so tender and caring, and when she peered into his compassion-filled eyes, her feelings and emotions whirled in crazy joy. Even now, two hours later, her mind tumbled with thoughts of the man. Thomas had never made her feel like that.

A pleasant breeze waved the leaves of the oak she sat under. At least the stage had the good fortune to break down near a creek with trees, something she’d rarely seen since they left Leavenworth.

Flora had taken Mark on an excursion along the little stream. Surprisingly, entertaining children came naturally to her aunt. Pity the woman had never married and had several of her own.

A whack followed by several groans turned her attention back to the men. They’d finally managed to free the broken wheel from the coach. Wade trudged through the mire to the back of the stage and helped Dusty pull out a spare wheel.

She tried to avert her gaze but failed.

He looked her way.

Her breath caught. She whipped her eyes to the right, hoping he hadn’t noticed her … rudeness. Staring at a trail of ants, she wondered how she was going to be able to behave properly the rest of the journey.

A loud noise and the sound of men’s approval drew her attention. The new wheel slid onto the axle and held the stage upright. Wade stretched, retrieved his shirt, and slipped it over his head. She couldn’t keep from staring and was sure her cheeks blushed red. Those sparks were proving to be uncontrollable.

Wade walked toward her, but Dusty stopped him. She couldn’t make out the words. To her dismay, Wade followed the driver to the other side of the coach.

Disappointment rained on the excited feelings inside her. She rose and tested her foot, hobbling to a tree nearer the creek. Stinging pain tore at her injury. She would not be able to walk alone.

“May I help you?”

She whirled around.

Harley Mason
.

Daggers replaced her sparks. Libby glared at him and sent some of those blades his way. “I’ll do just fine without you. Please leave me alone.”

He stepped nearer, close enough for her to smell the overpowering tonic he used to slick his hair. He grinned that coyote smirk. “Remember, I always get what I want. If you care for your
brother
, you’d be wise to reconsider. But then we do have a couple more days together.”

His cold eyes gleamed in a way that made her feel dirty. She eased around the tree, keeping the oak between them. “We are not together, Mr. Mason. There are not enough days in eternity for me to want to get to know you. Please, leave me.”

He tipped his fancy hat and gave her a wry grin. “As you wish.” He turned his back to her and walked to the creek, bent down, and washed his hands and face.

What she wouldn’t give for two good feet and the nerve to shove him into the water. He needed to bathe but his heart needed cleaning the most. The man angered her with his haughty attitude.

Boyish laughs and Flora’s giggles drifted on the breeze from the other direction. Libby turned in time to see the two of them clambering toward her.

Flora’s countenance shone with a joy Libby had never seen on her.  “Oh, Libby. We found a beautiful little pond. Perfect for taking a bath. Let’s see if we can’t take advantage of such a find?”

Libby felt every particle of dust on her skin. “That does sound delightful. And our fellow passengers could certainly use a cleaning. I’ll ask Wade and Dusty.” Remembering Harley, she darted a gaze his way.

The man didn’t give evidence that he’d heard, but she’d not trust that wolf. Wade could protect them. He would see that the gambler stayed far away.

Grinning, Mark limped to her “I caught a frog. Want to see?”

She grimaced. “I am not sure.” Libby stared at the boy and his cupped hands. She forced a smile and reminded herself that she was going to be teaching children and likely see her share of slimy wildlife. “Okay. But you hold him and don’t let him jump on me.”

Mark gently opened his hand. Nestled in his palm, a big green frog croaked and jumped right at her.

Mark laughed.

Libby stumbled backward, tripped on a root, and fell. The frog landed on her skirt and hopped toward her face.

She screamed.

She heard strong steps to her right and smelled Harley’s hair oil to her left.

Wade grasped her arm and pulled her up. “What happened?” Concern wrinkled his brow.

She pointed. “That—that giant, green creature jumped on me.”

Harley guffawed and clapped Mark on the back. The boy laughed, although he did appear to try not to. And Flora plastered a hand to her mouth to muffle her distinctive giggles.

“It’s just a frog, Libby.” Wade retrieved the green hopper and gave the creepy animal back to Mark.

Dusty and Samuels finally made their way to the ruckus. Hearing the story, they too burst out laughing. All at her expense. Libby wanted to be mad, but the thought of the scene soon had her chuckling, too. After all, the monster was just a frog.

Flora rose, cleared her throat, and brushed the dirt from her clothes. “I would have jumped, too. But your expression—” Another spasm of laughter shook her. After a few chortles, she went to Dusty, and Libby heard her ask about the pond.

The driver rubbed his chin, looked at the others, and nodded. “I think we could all use a little cleaning. We’re a little ahead of schedule, so if we don’t take too much time, it’ll be all right.”

Arrangements were made and within minutes, Libby let Flora help her to the pond. The men promised to keep an eye on each other, and Mark promised to keep track of his frog.

###

Wade rubbed the smooth wood frame of the coach window. Could it only have been yesterday when he held her? When she’d come from the pond, drops of water falling from her hair, and she gave him a smile that still warmed his heart? He’d helped her to the stage. When he had his arms around her, he’d wanted time to stop.

Now it was the last night on the road and tomorrow they’d enter Denver City. All the unknowns tied his stomach in a knot. Libby spoke confidently about her teaching job. Flora talked about sewing. And he had no idea what he would do.

Mark rambled on about the claim, and how he’d made him a full partner. Whenever the kid spoke, his words came out more question than statement. The boy seemed to sense the uncertainty.

What to do with him? He wasn’t sure how many farms and ranches there could be in the new country. He’d try and find one that would be a good home for the boy.

Take care of my son.

The words of the dying man he’d vowed to kill, haunted Wade. At times when he glanced at Mark, he saw Taylor and the old hate that had plagued Wade returned. He tried to rid his mind of the rage that lurked deep in his soul and even reminded himself that Mark wasn’t at fault. The sins of the father weren’t the boy’s.

If only Mark didn’t have that limp. Poor kid, kept saying how the Lord said he’d walk straight again. Wade’s mood fouled. He hadn’t seen the Lord do anything but mess up his own life. Family killed. Revenge gone wrong. Forced to care for Mark. His horse stolen. And now ….

Libby.

He glanced at her. She’d fallen asleep against the window. Her head rested on her arm. He’d like to think she could be the one good thing in his life. But they were worlds apart. By the appearance of her clothes and manner, she was a lady. A southern belle according to Harley and her sultry accent.

Wade had nothing to offer her. No job, no money, no home. He winced. A life with Libby held no more promise than a dream. Like a rainbow that teased with a treasure, the closer you got the fainter the colors until finally the prize no longer existed.

Once he got to Denver City, he’d see to Mark’s care, find a job to earn enough to buy a horse, and ride on.

###

Libby clutched her reticule. The last night on the trail had gone by so fast. And now she was less than an hour from Denver. Panic over the unknown battled with the excitement of a new life. She stared out the coach window. The thrill of mountains topped with snow won the war in favor of excitement.

Dusty had said they’d arrive late in the afternoon. The sun playing with the high mountains to the west signaled that the town must be near.

No one had talked much the last several hours. Perhaps they were preoccupied with thoughts of what awaited them. Since leaving home, Libby was amazed at how far she had come, but the closer to the destination, the smaller she felt.

She studied Wade. He had his hat pulled down over his eyes. He’d been particularly quiet since morning. Was he asleep? Or avoiding her?

Thinking of him quickened her pulse and fired off those sparks, but a gnawing fear doused them and ate at her hopes. Had he only ridden in the coach because his horse had been stolen? Did she mean anything to him? Just the other day, when he held her and looked at her, she’d felt his care for her. But now? The closer they came to Denver City, the more distant he became. He hadn’t even sat with her at breakfast.

Mark slumped against her.

She cradled his head and let him stretch across her lap. What would become of him? An orphan in the care of a man who didn’t seem to know what he wanted. Libby stroked his light blond hair.

Father, take care of this sweet child who has seen so much heartache, and yet, his spirit is so bright.

Harley cleared his throat. “Miss Libby, we’re nearing the city. I want you to reconsider my offer. I assure you, I would never let any harm befall you.” He stared at her intently.

“I gave you my answer. I’ll not change it.”

“Maybe when you’re hungry and cold enough, you’ll come around.” He sat back and stretched out his legs, forcing Samuels to move.

Wade flicked his hat above his eyes. “Stay away from him.”

“I intend to.” She frowned. He’d spoken as if he didn’t plan to stay. As if she were on her own.

She thought of her home, the yellow room, and her mother’s schemes. She’d left so she could be independent. She’d not love a man only because she needed him. That may have been her mother’s motive, but that wasn’t good enough for her. She didn’t need Wade. He could leave and his absence wouldn’t bother her one bit. Well, maybe a little. There were those sparks.

Wade pointed at the boy. “He feels safe with you and Flora. I’m going to have to work to buy a horse. Could he stay with you?”

Would he return for Mark? For her? She studied the man. His eyes said he never wanted to leave. That he wanted her. But the set of his straight lips and edgy posture spoke of a man ready to run. Perhaps he longed for independence, too.

“I’ll consider taking the boy, but for the moment, Flora and I have no idea where we’ll be staying. I assume there are hotels, boardinghouses.” Libby fought the panic that threatened to tear her stomach apart. Why hadn’t she waited and made proper arrangements? Just like Mother always accused, Libby’s impulsiveness led to trouble.

Wade nodded toward the big man sitting next to Flora. “I think Samuels has been here before. Ask him. He’ll know where you should go.”

She bit her lip. No doubt, after what she had seen in Leavenworth, Denver City would be even rowdier. “Perhaps you would be so good as to escort us to find a place. Then you would know where Mark will be staying.”

He shrugged. “Sounds like a plan.”

The butterflies in her stomach turned to wasps. His voice, so noncommittal, as if he didn’t care about her or Mark. She focused her attention out the window to hide the tears. Why did he have to ride into her life if he was only to drift away?