Hours and a few sips of whiskey later the house had grown quiet. Logan crept up the stairs and peeked in on Lilly as he did every night before retiring to his lonely bed. His little girl slept like an angel, her doll that had once been Katie’s, safely under the covers with her.
Without giving it a second thought, he found himself standing in Rose’s door, watching her sleep. The moonlight glistened off her dark, golden hair. A breeze coming through the window played with a few stray strands. She was as beautiful asleep as she was awake.
There was so much trust in her relaxed features, he questioned why he didn’t send her back. She’d obviously lied in her answer to his advertisement. Abigail Rose Johnson Granger was not a matronly woman looking for a bit of adventure in the west. She was here now, and he wouldn’t, couldn’t, send her away. How was he going to break it to her he was a barkeep at the Lady Gay, one of Dodge’s many saloons?
Lies, lies, and more lies.
“Daddy.” Lilly tugged at his pant leg, her ragged old cloth doll snug in her arms. “Does Miss Rose have other clothes to wear?”
“No honey, she doesn’t.” Logan scooped her up in his arms, then quietly shut Rose’s door. He brushed Lilly’s mussed hair from her face and gazed into her sleepy eyes. “You should be in bed. It’s late sweetheart, and you need to get some sleep. The sun will be up before you know it.”
“But Daddy,” Lilly protested, sliding out of Logan’s arms and into her small bed. “Her dress is so dusty. You always tell me that cleanliness is next to Godliness after I get my britches dusty, dirt on my hands, and mud on my face when I been wrestlin’ with Bobby James. Isn’t it the same for Miss Rose?”
Logan gazed down at his daughter with tenderness and tucked the coverlet around her small body. “Yes Lilly, it is true. I tell you that all day, every day it seems. Rose, your momma, traveled a long way to get here so she could look after you. She wasn’t able to bring any of her other dresses with her, that’s why she doesn’t have a clean one.”
Lilly yawned, rolling onto her side. “Then Miss Rose needs to git clean to be next to God, Daddy.”
Pride swelled Logan’s heart. He’d not taken into consideration his new wife might not take a hankering to putting a soiled dress on after a bath. It took a soon to be six-year-old to remind him of the needs of a woman.
He’d crept into Rose’s room, taking her faded blue calico dress down to the washtub for a good scrubbing. Now, sitting beside her, he was mighty pleased with the results. Rose looked totally refreshed when she’d come down this morning. The ease of those first moments gone as they drove into town. She kept her hands folded on her lap, her face etched in thought.
“Logan.” Rose’s voice rose above the wagon’s creaking. “You haven’t told me what type of work you do, or anything about you and Lilly. I know I’ve only been here less than a day, but I think it’s important for me to know so I can begin to understand Lilly.”
“Whoa.” Logan swallowed hard, pulling the only two horses he owned to a halt.
Tying them off, he turned to Rose, taking her hands in his own. The small gold band on her ring finger smooth against his skin, not unlike the feel of her hand in his. Soft, dainty, and cold. Cold hands, warm heart, he reminded himself.
“There’s not much to tell really. You already know about Lilly, she’s the reason I sent for a wife. I needed someone to look after her and make sure she grows up into a lovely, educated woman.” Logan recited the needs listed in his search for a bride. He knew they weren’t what Rose wanted; it was all he was willing to tell her for now.
“Yes, but while that is true, what of her momma?” Rose looked into Logan’s eyes and his heart slammed against his chest. Her questions were multiplying. He needed to tell her enough until they got into town where she may be distracted for a few hours. He’d deal with any other questions tonight, as they sat by the fire after dinner.
“Katie died from scarlet fever before our fifth year as man and wife. Lilly was only four years old then, she’ll be six on the fourteenth of next month.” Logan was surprised by the sadness, the emptiness, that still flowed in his heart and soul. He’d thought after two years the memory of Katie’s loss would have subsided. Rose asking only made the still waters begin to trickle again.
“I’m sorry for your pain, Logan. I can tell how much you miss her.” Rose put a hand over his, squeezing it lightly. There was compassion in her words, not pity. “I can tell you are an educated man. How is it you and your daughter live in a town with the reputation Dodge City has? Are there any schools here for children her age to attend? The streets are reportedly lined with wranglers and gunfighters. Not to mention the saloon girls and their—talents.”
Logan stifled the urge to laugh out loud. Her description of Montana Sue’s line of work made it sound like a soiled profession. In some ways, Rose was right. But not all the girls at the Lady Gay were soiled doves. A few, like Montana, were only trying to survive.
“Yes, I do have an education from one of the finest law schools in the country. I was a lawyer in Chicago for a few years, but after Katie died—I wanted a fresh start far from that life.” Logan picked up the reins, urging the horses forward. He really needed to tell Rose everything. Well, almost everything in his own way and time. First would be about the Lady Gay, before someone else came forth with the information and had Rose thinking he was a gambling man, or worse, a drunk.
“We’ll miss Etta May’s Johnny Cakes, fried potatoes, and the best cured bacon in town if we don’t get a movin’.”
There was no reason for her to know about his undercover work with the Pinkerton Agency at this point. No sense in giving his young wife cause to worry so soon. He still had to discover what was happening to the Kennedy cattle on the drives from Texas to the livestock trains
“I hope I can change your mind one of these mornings about Etta May’s being the best place for breakfast,” Rose said as Logan pulled up at Wilson’s Livery. Rose about jumped from the buckboard as he lifted her down.
Etta May’s was only a few buildings from the livery, yet with the weaving and dodging they had to do before stepping up on the wooden walkway it took several minutes to arrive. The sooner they got over to the restaurant the better. Rose needed a good hardy breakfast if she was going to visit the proper establishments for the items her new home required. She always did her best thinking while doing the household marketing, and she had a number of things to ponder.
Had Rose made the right choice in taking Abby’s place here? Yes, she was far from the reaches of that letch Griswold, but at what cost? She’d barely had time to say goodbye to her family, and by now she was sure her mother had already sobbed a river of tears. Rose prayed one day she’d be able to live up to her written promise to her mother and write a letter detailing her new life.
And what of Abby? The thoughts of what lies she’d told on Rose’s behalf was worrisome. Between the two of them, they’d worked it out that Rose would go do the marketing the day she had to leave and not return. There’d be no note left behind, nothing to indicate where she might have gone or why. Abby would box all her clothes, sending them to her family and keeping a few items Rose had designated to be sent once it was safe.
How long would it take for her to be safe? Had she put this man and his young daughter in harm’s way by coming here?
“I will certainly give you that opportunity as many mornings as you wish.” Logan chuckled, taking a firm grasp of her elbow and guiding her through the horses, buggies, and townsfolk roaming town.
“Huh, oh yes, competing with Etta May’s for breakfast. I do plan on winning, you know.” Rose pushed her fearful thoughts back to their hiding places. Glancing down the street again, she saw Lilly running as fast as her pant-covered legs would carry her along the wooden planked walk. It was a reminder that Rose had bigger things that needed tending to. One of which was showering this little girl with as much love as she could.
“Daddy!” Lilly ran up to Logan, throwing her
arms around his hips.
“You and I will have a talk about leaving for town so early.” Logan scolded lightly, then smoothed his large hand tenderly over the girl’s hair. “Now, shouldn’t you say good morning to Rose as well?”
Lilly looked up at Rose her smile wavering. “Good morning, Miss Rose.”
Rose knelt down to Lilly’s level. “Good morning, Lilly. I’m sorry that I missed you this morning.”
“Oh that’s all right,” Lilly pulled at an ear, pushing her short hair back. “Miss Montana was awaitin’ for me.”
Rose’s heart pinched a bit. It was obvious the girl had some feelings for Montana Sue, and Rose understood that. The woman has been looking after her for Logan for God knew how long, and now that Rose was here—well it would take some time for everyone to adjust.
“She was? Where is she now, Lilly? I’d like to meet this lady you are so fond of.” Rose smiled, glancing up and down the walk half expecting to see the woman in question racing to keep up. “She must be a very special lady.”
“Oh, she’s got things to do. Told me to head on up to Etta May’s as my daddy would be there soon enough, and she was right!” Lilly slipped her hand into Logan’s pulling him into the restaurant. “Come on, Daddy, I’m hungry.”
Logan laughed, the grin on his face as wide as the prairie. “Well, then let’s get some cakes and Etta May’s fancy sauce for them.”
Rose followed as father and daughter, hands held, arms swinging, stepped into Etta May’s. There was a tremendous amount of love marching in front of her. How in God’s name would she fit in?
Rose immediately felt welcomed the moment she stepped through the doors. The little eatery was plainer than the Dodge House and much homier. The smell of brown sugar and bacon frying, rich coffee brewing, and the banging of pots and pans from the kitchen would make even a hardened criminal feel he was in his mamma’s home. Maybe that’s why it felt like she’d walked into the kitchen back home.
Abby, I’m so sorry. Rose’s guilt threatened her sensibilities once more. No! Abby sent me here for more than to save me from Griswold.
“Look, Daddy, our favorite table right by the windows is empty.” Lilly ran over to the table hopping into one of the two chairs. Pushing a lock of hair out of her face, Lilly peered out the window watching Dodge come fully awake.
She’s forgotten there are three of us. Rose picked at her bottom lip with her teeth. What if she doesn’t want Rose there? Will Logan send her away and look for a woman more suitable? Rose looked up at her husband, his eyes expressing little concern. Maybe she was only imagining things. When he turned to her, a small smile at the corners of his mouth, her heart pounded. Warmth radiated through her body. Logan hadn’t forgotten about her.
Logan knelt beside Lilly, her little hand in his massive one. “We need a table for three now. How about if we take that one near the piano? You can still look out the window and watch everyone like always.”
Rose placed a hand on Logan’s shoulder, every muscle in her quivering. If what she was about to suggest didn’t work, then she’d have lost this one little attempt for Lilly to feel at ease with her in their lives. “How about if I see if I can pull up a chair instead. If this is Lilly’s favorite table, then it should continue to be.”
Logan stood, a toothy smile spreading across his face. “That’s a great idea. Let me get a chair, there are so few people here I’m sure Miss Etta won’t mind one bit. And I’ll give them our order as well. Shall I order three of everything?”
Rose nodded, but her heart filled with dismay. Lilly sat staring at her with her mouth pinched together, her brow furrowed. Something big was on this little girl’s mind. Rose had a feeling it had something to do with her.
“Miss Rose?” Lilly’s little blue eyes squinted at her.
“Yes, Lilly.”
“Why did you come here to marry my daddy? Do you love ‘em?” Lilly asked in the matter-of-fact way all children ask questions.
Unsure of how to answer, Rose sighed. “It’s a long story that I think only your daddy can answer, Lilly. I think your daddy is a wonderful man, and he cares for you very much. We’ve only just met, and sometimes love is something that grows like a flower in the spring.”
“I heard Miss Montana tell Bessie that you stole him.” Lilly gazed out the window, her expression going from accusatory too soft and angelic. “Miss Montana loves my daddy, she told me so this morning.”
Rose’s breath hitched in her throat. There was a woman in town who actually loved Logan. Why didn’t he marry her, rather than send away for a bride? It made no sense, none at all.
Taking a deep breath, Rose sat back in her chair. “I really don’t know Lilly. Have you asked your daddy why…”
“Asked me why what?” Logan set the chair between them. His face edged with concern, he placed two full coffee cups and a glass of milk on the table.
Lilly’s eyes widened with fear, her gaze darting between her father and Rose.
“Whether or not Lilly will be able to help me make gingerbread tonight.” Rose lied. She wasn’t about to put a wedge between a little girl and her father for her own foolish pride.
Logan’s smile was bright. “I think that might be arranged if you two ladies can find everything you need at the mercantile.”
Lilly dug into her Johnny cakes smothered in butter and rich syrup, bacon sandwiched between them. Logan drank his coffee, cutting his daughter’s food for her when she couldn’t. The chatter between father and daughter was light and cheery, nothing of any significance.
As they sat finishing their first breakfast as a family, Rose wondered about Logan and Lilly’s relationship. Just how much time had this six-year-old girl been spending with a woman named Montana Sue? What kind of a name was that for a respectable nanny? Did Miss Montana Sue do more than watch after Lilly, is that why she was in love with Logan? Whoever Montana Sue was, she plainly had Lilly on her side, and Rose wasn’t exactly sure how she felt knowing another woman had desires for her husband.
4
“That was the best breakfast in town. Thank you, Logan, for bringing me here. And thank you, Lilly, for having breakfast with me during your busy morning.” With the woman who says she loves your daddy, Rose wanted to add aloud rather than in her thoughts. What do you expect? The woman’s been here for both of them, while you’re a runaway from justice. At least the woman tells the truth, whereas you’re frightened to face it.
Did Logan know there was an available woman right here in Dodge City who had feelings for him? Someone who probably knew Lilly as a mother should, and not a complete stranger with no experience except her own siblings. He must know, otherwise he wouldn’t have sent for me if the feelings were mutual. Remember he chose you! No, he chose Abigail. I’m an impostor with nowhere to run. He kept you, said you suited him just fine.
Rose grasped Logan’s hand, holding it a moment longer than necessary. Her hand tingled when he squeezed and smiled down at her.
“It was my pleasure to have both my ladies at my side.” Logan began humming a tune sounding very much like Yellow Rose of Texas, as the three of them strolled down the walk and over to Collar’s general store.
Across the street in front of the barbershop, a man sat back in a chair, a booted foot propped leisurely against the hitching rail. His white beard appeared unkempt and in need of a trim at the very least.
A big bay horse passing in front of the man drew Rose’s gaze upward. The man sitting in the saddle glanced her way, his black jacket tucked behind the silver studded holster strapped to his hip. His gaze was icy even as he tipped his hat then rode on. In that brief moment, Rose wasn’t sure whether or not to be afraid.
“That’s Bat Masterson,” Logan said in a low voice as he leaned in closer to Rose. “He must be in town to see his brothers. Ed rode out this morning, but Jim is down at the Lady Gay. I’m guessing he’s headed that way.”
Rose watched the well-dressed man as he rode down Front Street, his head swiveling fro
m side-to-side. She noticed the few patrons on the walks gave notice to his presence for a moment, then went back to their morning business. Even the horses hitched along the street seemed to have moved, making room for him and the big bay to pass.
Rose dismissed the man and continued to window shop, noticing the merchandise displayed were less about women’s necessities and more about what one would find in the kitchen or barn. There wasn’t a lady’s hat on display in any of the windows let alone a dress or two. Only harnesses, bags of flour, ammunition, medicines of all kinds—hardly anything to suit a woman’s fancy.
“Logan, good to see you!” A young, clean-shaven man with dark unruly hair bellowed out as they walked through the doors of Collar’s. Rose guessed the store clerk to be in his early twenties, not much younger than her twenty-two years. “This must be the misses. I heard you went and got yourself married.” The store clerk tugged at his striped vest then drew a long stick of peppermint from a glass jar, offering it to Lilly, which she snatched as soon as Logan gave her the nod to accept the sweet gift.
“Toby, this is my new bride, Abigail Granger.” Logan introduced her, and the hint of pride in his words drew her attention from the rows of canned goods and bolts of cloth. “Abigail, this here is Toby Harvey.”
“Ma’am, welcome to Dodge City.” Toby tipped his head, the smile broad and friendly, matched his laughing eyes. Rose liked him instantly.
“Please, call me Rose, it’s my middle name you see,” Rose added when Mr. Harvey looked at her with confusion.
“Toby, please extend Rose all the credit she needs. I’m afraid the kitchen pantry is a bit sparse and in need of several dry goods.” Logan chuckled, moving Lilly away from the peppermint jar. “I’ll settle up with you in a few days. One is more than enough, Lilly.”
Toby nodded, pulling out a book to write down Rose’s purchases as she pulled a few containers of molasses from a shelf. “Logan, didn’t you say cornmeal was needed for Johnny cakes? I’d like to start my persuasion of keeping both you and Lilly home for breakfast each morning.” Rose smiled, confident she had the proper cooking skills to indeed keep not only Lilly’s belly filled but also her husband’s. There’d be no need for them to venture into town to eat as long as they have provisions—and her cooking was edible enough as to not send them gagging and running out the door.
Brides Along the Chisholm Trail Boxset Page 4