Whispers on the Wind (A Prairie Hearts Novel Book 5) (19 page)

CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

H
unter? Here! No,
dear God
, this couldn’t be happening. Tabitha wanted to find a mousehole and slowly creep away. Trying not to be too conspicuous, she glanced around the room until she finally saw him in the far reaches of the kitchen.

Tall.

Wild.

Deadly.

He leaned against the drainboard, his arms crossed over his chest and her uncle Frank at his shoulder. When she met his gaze, his wide shoulders pulled back imperceptibly, and a teasing smirk marked his face. Surely, he’d been roped into this and had no way of escaping either.

Her already warm face blazed with shame. All she could think about was the kiss, and then the slap, followed by his confusing smile as he’d walked out her door.

“Come on, Wade, get the lead out,” Albert called to him again. A few of the others laughed, but she caught Aunt Roberta’s startled face as she stared into the kitchen. It was obvious she hadn’t known that Hunter had been invited.

Feeling overdressed by a mile, Tabitha smoothed her skirt with one hand, while putting on the best smile she could muster. Mother always said, when you found yourself in an embarrassing situation, just throw back your shoulders and smile—and the rest would take care of itself.

No one seemed to notice her discomfort except the tall man making his way to her through the sea of bodies.

“Happy birthday, Cinderella,” he said, the timbre of his voice bringing a warm flush. His gaze reached deeply into hers. Her breath caught. “That’s some ball gown you have there. Surprised?”

Good.
His sarcastic teasing made it easier to shelve her guilt over slapping him. Perhaps he deserved the palm of her hand on his cheek after all.

“Surprised? Yes. Very.” She blinked as she gazed around. “I can’t believe all these people came out for me. It’s wonderful. It’s glorious. I’m overwhelmed, to say the very least. Look—”

His brow rose. “Still a chatty chipmunk I see. Don’t overplay your hand.”

Mrs. Hollyhock appeared at their side, a huge grin splitting her wrinkled face. “Well, now, sweetie, happy birthday. We have a nice potluck of dishes ta choose from. All your friends pitched in. Looks as if everyone spent their whole day cookin’ away.” She looked around until she found Chase Logan. “Chase,” she called over the crowd. “You mind slicing the meat? I’m sure everyone’s mighty hungry. Takes lots of energy ta plan a surprise party—and keep it secret.”

Everyone laughed and nodded.

“I wanted to come by today so badly,” Susanna said, squeezing in front of Hunter. “But I didn’t want to give anything away. I’d hate myself if I were the one to let something slip.”

That’s why no one came in. They were afraid of ruining the surprise.

“Me too,” Brenna added. “I found myself on my way to your shop before I knew what I was doing, and had to turn around. I was all the way on the bridge. Did you see me? I thought you might have stepped out the door.”

Tabitha shook her head and laughed, totally ignoring Hunter standing behind Susanna. “No, I didn’t.”
But I could have for all the forlorn gazing I did.
How silly she’d been feeling sorry for herself. The plethora of friends crammed into the Red Rooster Inn was heartening.

“Come on, Tabby, you gotta go first. Chase is about done cutting the meat.” Mrs. Hollyhock took ahold of her arm and pulled her away.

In the kitchen, Mrs. Hollyhock stuck a plate into her hands and walked her to the far end. “Ya start here and just make yer way down the line. Don’t be shy. No eatin’ like a bird.”

Tabitha went down the row of delectable creations taking a little of each, all the while wishing she hadn’t eaten so many cookies. She wondered if Hunter still followed behind. She didn’t dare look. First, she forked a slice of the roast beef, and then took one scoop of mashed potatoes. There was a green-bean dish, some creamed corn, pumpkin squash, and a basket filled with biscuits.

Something that looked suspiciously like blackened frog legs was last. Since there weren’t nearly enough for everyone, she felt compelled to leave the delicacy for the others.

With her knife, she took a scoop of butter. And another of jam, recognizing Brenna’s jars. She eyed the three cakes that sat apart from the supper food in the middle of Violet’s table. Those would be for later. Everything looked so good.

When she was finished filling her plate, Violet personally walked her into the front room where the benches lined the walls. She’d been here many times over during her year since moving to Logan Meadows and never tired of looking at the beautiful quilts that decorated the log walls. All made by Mrs. Hollyhock.

“Now, sit ri’chere,” Violet said, setting her in the most significant chair next to the fireplace. “I’ll be right back.”

For the moment, Tabitha was alone. She looked down at her supper. Quite different from the cream-cheese dill-flavored finger sandwiches. Mother and Father would be surprised at her popularity. That brought a bubble of sadness. Why did she always feel she had to defend herself? Like she had something to prove.

When she glanced up from her plate, she sucked in a surprised breath. Violet led Hunter her way. He hadn’t been shy. Food heaped his plate. Although he smiled, she could tell he was not pleased.

Without any objections, he sat next to her. Violet patted his shoulder, and scurried away.

“Hunter,” she whispered. “I’m sorry. I don’t know what’s gotten into everyone.” Heat prickled her cheeks and she hoped he wouldn’t notice.

“Why are you sorry? You didn’t do anything, did you?” he whispered back, his lips shrouded by his raised hand. “As a matter of fact, you didn’t even know about the party.”

“Did you?”

“Hell no. Do you think I would have intruded? Violet got me out here with a promise of a nice home-cooked meal.” He looked down at his plate. “I guess she didn’t fib.”

Tabitha felt a smile coming on. Her dress was so wide the skirt splashed out and actually went so far as to touch Hunter’s leg. She wondered if he noticed. If she weren’t so mortified, she’d enjoy sitting next to him. She couldn’t help but recall when she’d been helping him with the difficult word.
That was a setup
, she reminded herself. He’d been baiting her. But why? Why had he done that?

She looked up and saw Aunt Roberta watching. That made her remember when she’d all but ripped her hand from his arm. Had he come into her shop to pay her back for that? It was possible.

“Well, I’m sorry you got roped into coming. And don’t tell me I don’t have to be sorry. I am. Seems it’s been one thing after the other when it comes to you and me.”

The front door opened, and Beth Fairington stepped inside, removing her bonnet with slow hands as she glanced around the room at the commotion. Her gaze caught Tabitha’s. She gave a halfhearted smile. “Happy birthday,” she said. Her gaze strayed over to Hunter and then returned to Tabitha.

Poor Beth. Tabitha felt sorry for her even though she knew the woman worked hard to keep up her prickly reputation.

“Thank you,” Tabitha replied. “Food’s just been served. Why don’t you go get a plate?”

Beth’s gaze darted into the kitchen where the line had shrunk, and others were making their way into the front room to find a spot to sit and eat. She peeled off her coat and, not finding a space on the hooks by the door, made a face. “I’ll have to go put this in my room first, I guess.”

“Yes, do that. Then please come back and join us.”

“I thought you said that was the town gossip?” Hunter said quietly. “For me to keep my eye on her.”

“I did, but I shouldn’t have. I think people will act the way we expect them to. When she walked by my window today, I actually smiled at her but she ignored me. She must be very lonely. Even though she’s lived here much longer than I have, I think I could count the people she’s friendly with on one hand. That sort of makes me feel bad.”

And she felt bad about her conflicting feelings for Hunter. Was there any point in keeping his friendship? With their ideas so different? She wasn’t going to change, and by their clashes, it didn’t sound like he would either. But what would she do if he did? If he’d heard her reasoning, and didn’t bring more women into Logan Meadows? Her heart leaped at the possibility.

CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

F
rom her spot on the hard bench, Roberta all but fumed. Why had Violet put Mr. Wade up in front with Tabitha? What was he doing here, anyway? Now all of Logan Meadows would think they were courting. Taking a bite of mashed potatoes that tasted like sawdust in her worried state, she chewed and swallowed, her mind a million miles away. If only there were some other more respectable men here in Logan Meadows. Someone who didn’t make his living pouring whiskey and gambling, or have a reputation with a gun. A different suitor with whom Roberta could distract Tabitha’s attention. Seemed all of a sudden, the girl had a mind to get married, and with her foolish behavior she might end up like Roberta’s friend Janet—poor, penniless, or worse.

Violet shuffled up, a plate in her hands. “Is this spot taken?” she asked, sitting down next to her before Roberta could respond. The innkeeper wiggled a few times, making herself comfortable.

Perhaps Violet was so old, she didn’t realize what harm she was doing to Tabitha’s reputation. As much as she hated to do it, Roberta understood she’d have to enlighten Violet, or else her matchmaking actions might continue.

“Violet,” she whispered, the room semiquiet with all the guests enjoying their meals. Hannah sat to Roberta’s right, and Thom next to her, so she needed to keep her voice down. The Logans were across the room with the Huttons next to them. Maude, Nell, Julia, Frank, as well as others stood holding their plates. The children had found comfortable spots around on the floor, and any place there was an opening.

“Yes, Roberta?”

The old woman didn’t look up, just kept preparing her plate before she dug in.

“Why on earth are you encouraging this relationship between my niece and Mr. Wade? They’re totally unsuited. Nothing good can come of it. Tabitha will end up with a broken heart. He hasn’t a thing to his name except half a saloon. He’s been known to use those guns he always wears. You heard what Kendall said after he got word from Soda Springs. Mr. Wade will take advantage of her, and she’ll be jilted. Once the gunslinger is through, no respectable man will look her way. Tabitha is too naive to know how these things go. I ask you to please stop meddling.”

“Oh, fiddle-faddle,” Violet whispered back. “First, that man is no more a killer than I am. You can bet yer sweet tootie on that.” She broke open her biscuit and lathered on a healthy dollop of butter. “Second, you don’t know a thing about the heart. If you did, you’d be able ta see those two are meant for each other—jist like potatoes and gravy, butter and bread, griddlecakes and maple syrup.” She took a bite, chewed with great movement of her jowls, and swallowed.

“They are
not
meant for each other! She’s so far above him, it’s not funny. She’s beautiful, refined, educated, and owns her own business.”

“And comes from yer family—that’s what’s really up yer craw, Roberta. Go on and admit it. You don’t want him because he ain’t good enough. Jist like you didn’t want Thom because he was Irish. You should be ashamed of yourself.”

Roberta hoped her face wasn’t as red as it felt. “I
forbid
you to encourage them any more than you already have. He’s an old man, for goodness’ sake!”

Hannah glanced over at their animated whispers, her brow crinkled. “Mother, is something wrong?”

She patted Hannah’s knee. “No, dear. Just enjoying the evening.” She stabbed a slice of beef with her fork, smiling into her daughter’s face. Hannah would be fit to be tied if she discovered Roberta was still concerned about Tabitha’s love life. “The food is marvelous. Everyone did such a good job.” She put the forkful inside her mouth and chewed.

Hannah smiled and turned away. When Roberta turned back to Violet, the woman met her with a squinty-eyed stare. She’d been waiting.

“Mr. Wade is
yer
age, Roberta, iffin I’m recallin’ correctly. And she’s just about ten years younger. I’d say their union would be perfect. Unless you’re saying someone yer age can’t love no longer.” Her brows arched, creating a forehead filled with wrinkles.

Roberta took a deep breath and counted to ten. She shouldn’t have started this conversation at the party. To make her point, Violet might go and do something stupid. “Of course forty isn’t too old to fall in love.”
When put like that it does feel a little different.
“I’m just saying they come from two completely different backgrounds. They aren’t suited.”

Glancing forward, the picture of the two smiling into each other’s eyes had Violet clucking. “Yeah, I see yer right,” Violet whispered back, then had the gall to cackle like a hen after a handful of scratch. “Not suited a-tall.”

“Everyone, Tabitha is going to open her gifts now,” Hannah called. “Come in and watch.” Dinner was finished and the dishes had been cleared away.

At that point, Hunter stood, and ambled for the kitchen. He couldn’t sit next to the guest of honor a moment longer. As much as he smiled and nodded at the conversation sent his way, his nerves were stretched to the limit. Pretending he wasn’t attracted to Tabitha wasn’t easy. All the men kept nodding, and sending him raised eyebrows. He felt like a fool, and worse. Why couldn’t people just mind their own darned business?

Grasping the pump handle, he worked it a few times over a sink filled with stacks of dishes and glassware. He filled a glass and downed the whole thing at once.

“I’ll take one of those.”

He turned to find Albert and Thom behind him. Without a reply, he repeated the process twice and handed each man a glass.

“Getting a little too hot in there for ya?” Thom asked.

What was that supposed to mean?
“Just need to wash down my supper. I hope that’s not a crime.” They were being nice. He didn’t need to make enemies.

“I’m agreeing with ya, Wade,” Albert said. “I’ve never taken to being in the spotlight either. She’s a lovely girl.”

Don’t dig your hole deeper tonight. Ignore them, and move on to something else.
Problem was, he couldn’t think of anything else to say. Neither man seemed to notice his discomfort.

“By the way,” Albert went on, addressing him. “Sheriff in New Meringue sent me a telegram to say there’s a bounty hunter hanging around the territory.”

“Is bounty hunting against the law?” He still felt put out by Albert’s teasing.

“No. But a lot of the men I’ve met think they’re above the law. Just want to keep an eye out. Have you seen anyone suspicious in the bar? Or fishing for information? I like to keep abreast of newcomers and what they want.”

Hunter let go of his anxious breath. Here was a conversation he could sink his teeth into. “As a matter of fact, I have. Nothing outright, just a feeling I had. In my travels, I’ve met all kinds, and this fella had a bad feel about him. Came into the saloon with that Hoskins fellow from New Meringue.”

“When was that?” Albert asked, his smile gone.

“Couple days after I arrived. They talked quietly and had some coffee. I didn’t like the way he was looking around, though. I made a point of taking a good look, in case I ran into him again.”

Albert exchanged a glance with Thom.

Hunter shrugged. “In my former business, forgetting someone’s face could get a man killed. I remember everyone I meet. The practice has always served me well.”

Albert clapped him on his shoulder. “Well done, Wade. Let us know if he comes back in the saloon, or you see him somewhere else. Some bounty hunters are nothing more than killers. I don’t like to think of one hanging around the area. And yet, if he’s here, he must be looking for someone. I don’t like not knowing.”

A burst of laughter came from the front room. Tabitha was still surrounded by women.

“I think she’s looking for you, Hunter,” Thom said, jabbing him friendly-like in the ribs with his elbow. “Maybe you should get out there, help her celebrate her
twenty-ninth
birthday.”

When the deputy stressed her age, Hunter couldn’t remain silent a moment longer. If his mouth caused her a problem, so be it. “I don’t know what the two of you are going on about, as well as the rest of Logan Meadows. Miss Canterbury and I are just friends. Nothing more.”
Miss Hoity-Toity
made sure I knew where I stood with her. And the slap still stings.

Thom pulled back. “No? You sure about that?”

“I just said it, didn’t I? All I’m concerned about is bringing more business into the Bright Nugget. I have some ideas in the works.”

Both men looked interested.

“But you’ll just have to wait with the rest of the town to find out what they are.”