West Winds of Wyoming (41 page)

They had few furnishings yet, but Nell insisted on hanging her quilt on the large living room wall as the focal point for everyone to enjoy. Next month, as a surprise, he planned to rig up some kind of bathing room.

Nell’s voice drew him out of his musings. She came down the trail leading a line of eight horses. She also wore her slicker and had her hat pulled down low. Dog trotted ahead, wagging his tail. The livestock walked along nicely, having had a handful of miles to work out their rambunctiousness. They looked good. Five were from the mustang herd, but three were the colts he’d collected with Nell and Seth when he’d first come to the ranch. He recognized Sitting Bull, Cochise, and Geronimo. A burst of gratefulness for how things had turned out filled his soul. Yes, indeed. They were going to have their work cut out for them.

Seth came behind Nell, leading another eight head. Riding at his side was a woman who must be Ivy. She was smiling from ear to ear as Seth’s mouth moved quickly. Nell’s main concern had been leaving her brother alone at the ranch. Now with Seth’s not-so-new sweetheart and the supply of wine giving him the means to hire help, that worry had grown wings and taken flight. Mr. Hutton had promised to help Seth market the cases of wine in the cellar to some of the better restaurants in Wyoming, Montana, and even San Francisco.

Eager for a kiss, Charlie galloped forward, splashing through puddles created from last night’s storm. Nell’s string of geldings skittered around and pulled at the lead when he got close.

“Hey, cowboy,” she called. “You should know better than to spook my horses.” Some geldings had stopped completely. Others snorted and kicked out.

Sliding to a stop at her side, he gathered her into his arms. “I do know better,” he said against her cheek. “But I’m hankering for a kiss. You’ve cast some sort of love spell over me. Last night was our first night apart and I didn’t like it one bit.”

It was true, he thought, kissing her. He couldn’t get enough. She laughed, kissed him back, and sounded happier then he’d ever heard her. “I love you so much, Nell,” he said, as if she didn’t already know that. “I missed you.”

They drew apart and he waved to Seth, who was a good thirty feet away. He swung Georgia around to ride along with Nell. “I’ve been thinking.”

“Uh-oh. What now? You and that hammer of yours have had a mighty good workout of late. I can’t imagine what could be next.”

With his outside leg, he pushed Georgia closer to Coyote, drawing a sideward glance from the gelding. Charlie reached out and placed his hand on Nell’s thigh. “Not about building. About Georgia.”

Nell looked over to his horse, a small, contented smile playing around her lips. “You want to breed her to Drag Anchor. I agree. They’d make a really pretty baby.”

“You’re right about that, but no. My idea has to do with what you told me about her from your ability to know what the horses are feeling. It’s been eating away at me.”

She cut her gaze to him. “Eating away at you? Why?”

He rubbed her thigh and their knees banged together as they rode down the road. “Nothing bad. More to the lines that I don’t want Georgia to miss that girl who raised her anymore. We have enough horses now. If she’s longing for her, I want to send her back.”

Nell’s brow arched up. “With all due respect, husband, I think she’d make a better-than-fine broodmare. Her conformation is perfect, she’s kind and—”

Surprised, he just looked at her.

Laughing, she covered his hand with her gloved one. The twinkle in her eye told him he’d been had.

“I’m just kidding you, Charlie, I think that’s an awfully sweet thing to do.”

Charlie shifted in the saddle. “I don’t know about sweet, but right, maybe. I’d just feel better.” He reached down and pulled affectionately on Georgia’s mane as they walked along. “Oh, I checked the mail after dropping Maddie at school. We didn’t have any letters, but someone had stuck this in our mail slot. Maude was pretty surprised when she found it. Said it must be that secret do-gooder. Said she hadn’t seen anything yesterday when she was putting the mail away.”

He pulled his slicker back just far enough that she could see something white in his pocket. “I don’t want to take it out and get it dirty, but it’s a dishcloth stitched with two red hearts.” When Nell broke out into a smile, he said, “I thought you’d like it.”

“How sweet. I wonder who the softie is? I sure would like to know.” She rode through the opening of the first large corral and Charlie swung the gate closed.

From Coyote’s back, Nell began releasing the horses one by one. Eager to be free, each horse trotted off through the puddles, sniffing their way around their new enclosure. When Seth arrived Charlie reopened the gate for him and his bright-eyed string.

Finished, Nell approached the gate and waited for Charlie to let her out. “I’m excited for Maddie to see the horses.” She pulled her wrapper more securely around her to keep the rain off. “Well, you know what I mean. That’s the only thing she’s been able to talk about since we bought the place. Won’t be long before it’s time to ride into Logan Meadows and pick her up.”

Charlie greeted Seth’s girl when she stopped next to him. “You must be Ivy. I’m Charlie. I’m pleased to make your acquaintance.”

Her face pinked up and Charlie liked her instantly. She had long brown hair tied back at the nape of her neck and wore one of Seth’s old, bent cowboy hats. She was slender and, by the length of her legs visible when the wind blew back her slicker, must be almost as tall as Seth. From the way Nell talked, he wouldn’t be surprised if another wedding was already in the makings.

“I’m pleased to meet you,” she said to him, but she winked at Nell.

Charlie felt a tad self-conscious. He wondered what they’d talked about last night. “And I like your new place. Especially your guard cat.” She pointed to Maddie’s kitten asleep on the front porch on a cushioned chair. The kitten didn’t seem to notice the blustery weather.

Charlie nodded. “Every ranch needs a cat.”

When Seth finished with his horses, Charlie let him out the gate and fastened the latch. “It’s quite wet out here. Can I offer anyone a cup of coffee? Won’t take but a minute to brew.”

Seth pulled his hat down on his forehead. “No, thanks, Charlie. I’m taking Ivy into town for a meal at the Silky Hen. She’s yet to eat there.”

“Charlie hasn’t been there yet, either,” Nell said. “Why don’t we all go together.”

The wind tugged at their slickers as Charlie said, “That’s a darn fine idea. And we’ll just be finishing up when school lets out. I wouldn’t be surprised if the place is packed, this weather having run everyone inside.”

Nell smiled, her face blossoming into a beautiful sight. “Let’s go. I’m sure there’s a table for us.” She turned and squeezed Coyote into a lope, and the others followed.

Charlie had been right—again—Nell thought as they pressed into the doorway of the Silky Hen, scanning the room for an open table. The floor was messy from customers tracking in mud. Hats and slickers cluttered the rack by the door and a clamor of voices mingled with the clink of utensils against porcelain plates. The air was warm and heavy with the aroma of coffee, and a sweet scent from syrup served over flapjacks mingled with the savory smell of bacon. Seemed breakfast in the afternoon was a popular notion.

Roberta Brown, Hannah’s mother, approached them, carrying menus. “Nell, Seth, it’s so good to see you,” she said. “It’s been quite some time.” She turned and gave Charlie a good once-over. “And you must be Mr. Rose, the man who risked his life to stop the bank from being robbed. I’d like to say thank you. You may have saved my brother’s life. I’m indebted to you.”

Nell almost laughed at Charlie’s expression. “Mr. Lloyd is Mrs. Brown’s brother,” she whispered.

“You’re welcome, ma’am,” Charlie said. “Any man would’ve done the same.”

Roberta shook her head. “Well, I’m not so sure about that.”

“This is Miss Ivy Lake.” Seth gestured to his girl.

“I’m pleased to meet you, as well, dear.” Roberta smiled kindly at Ivy, who nodded. “Please follow me. I have a nice table over here by the kitchen door, out of the draft. Come in and get warm. I hear Beth Fairington at the mercantile has come down with the measles. We don’t want you to catch a chill and be susceptible.” She led them through the room and placed their menus in the center of a round table large enough for the four of them. “Since there’s not room on the coat rack, just give me your slickers and I’ll put them in the back room until you’re ready to leave.”

Just as Roberta hustled away with their coats, Susanna came through the kitchen door. “Well, hello. I’ll be right with you all,” she offered as she passed by their table. “Would you all like coffee?” she asked over her shoulder.

“Yes,” Nell called.

Charlie pulled Nell’s chair out, the gesture making her smile. It was a little embarrassing, but it made her feel cherished and loved. As she sat, he scooted her chair closer to the table.

Seth picked up the menus and passed them around. “What does everyone feel like eating?”

“Anything hot,” Ivy said, rubbing her hands together. “I’m hungry and a little cold after that long ride from the Cotton Ranch.”

Seth smiled and covered her hands with his own. When he started to cough, he withdrew his kerchief and covered his mouth. “Before you say anything, Nell—I’m much better. But just to shut you up, I plan to see Doc Thorn next week.”

“Thank heavens for that,” Ivy said, gazing into Seth’s eyes. “I’ve been pestering him for months.”

Suzanna appeared and poured coffee all around. “Do you know what you’d like?”

Charlie looked to Nell, who said, “I’ll have the fried chicken, please.”

Ivy nodded. “Same for me.”

Seth pointed to the menu. “I’ll have beef stew.”

Charlie chuckled. “Same. What’s that say for the differences between men and women, I wonder?”

“I’ll put your order in and be right back with some bread and butter.” Susanna stuck her pencil behind her ear and hurried away.

Forty-five minutes later, Susanna cleared away their dirty plates. Nell didn’t think she’d had a finer meal in the last year.

“Did you ladies leave any room for dessert?” Seth asked, looking more robust to Nell than he had since before his last trip to the army. Seemed everything was going their way.

“Tristan Axelrose,” a deep voice called out.

Nell’s cup clattered to the saucer, spilling coffee across the royal-blue tablecloth.

CHAPTER FIFTY

A
man stood in the lobby between the restaurant and the El Dorado Hotel. He was older and dressed like a cowboy. His large silver spurs looked as deadly as his cold, gray eyes. A deep pain pierced Nell’s heart.

“Charlie,” she whispered, feeling completely naked without her Colt 45. She’d left it in her saddlebag under this new false security called happiness.
How could I be so stupid?
Thank God Charlie was wearing his.

The man took a step toward them.

A hush fell over the room, so still Nell heard her blood swishing in her ears. When Charlie started to stand, Nell grasped him by his arm and struggled to keep him in his chair. When he glanced at her, a lifetime of living passed from his heart to hers.

“No! I won’t let you go,” she cried under her breath, still clinging to his arm. “He won’t shoot you in here, it would be murder in cold blood.” She glanced around the tables, hoping to see Albert or Thom or someone who could help them. She knew Seth would, but something in this man’s eyes said he could take the two of them as easy as pulling trout from the stream.

“Galante.” Charlie shook Nell off and stood. “I wondered if you’d ever show up. What took you so long?” Somewhere a baby started crying and his mama worked to quiet him. “Let’s take this outside. It’s nobody’s business but mine.”

The man nodded.

“Charlie!”

“Seth, you keep Nell in here.”

“You sure you don’t want some backup?” Seth asked quickly, worry lining his face. “I’m more than willing.”

The corner of Charlie’s lips pulled up. “No. I’d feel better knowing I have you to watch over her—and Maddie.”

Without a backward glance Charlie walked out onto the boardwalk and into the rain.