Brides Along the Chisholm Trail Boxset

by Maxine Douglas

  “Mr. Kennedy, I trust your…oh!” Catching the toe of a boot on the hem of her skirt, arms flaying outward, Suzanne tumbled straight into the arms of Cyrus Kennedy, losing her heart the moment she gazed into his eyes and fell into a pair of dimples that would make her mother blush.

  Cyrus caught the stumbling woman in his arms, holding her a bit too tight…and too close. Her subtle perfume filled his senses with visions of a meadow after a spring rain…sweet and sparkling. “Are you all right, Miss—”

  “Butler,” she said, her eyes filled with laughter and a bit of mischief. “Thank you for catching me. You saved me from a huge embarrassment.”

  “Lucky I was here then, Miss Butler.” Put her down, you fool! Damn, Miss Suzanne Butler looks…well, it doesn’t matter how she looks or smells or feels. She’s an employee—correction! Potential housekeeper and Johnny’s teacher.

  “Ah, Mr. Kennedy. I’m quite right now; you can put me down.”

  “Yes, of course, Miss Butler.” Cyrus planted her feet on the floor with as much gentleness as roping a calf for branding. He wasn’t accustomed to having a woman in his arms anymore, and as warm as Suzanne Butler felt nestled against his chest—well, he didn’t want to make a habit of it. Judging by the look of surprise in Miss Butler’s eyes and the flash of pink across her cheeks, he was reasonably sure she hadn’t expected him to set her down with a forced ease. “Are you sure you are all right? You look a little flushed. I didn’t mean to—”

  “Mr. Kennedy, I’m quite fine. I assure you, it’ll take more than a small tumble to unnerve me. Or being set down unceremoniously like a sack of grain.” Miss Butler turned out of his arms, straightened her jacket, and left a chilled space where warmth had flooded him only a moment ago. Joyous warmth that filled him with a need for the past and the feel of a woman. Damn, maybe Beau is right. It’s been far too long.

  “You did say dinner was at six, did you not?” Miss Butler smiled like a rattler about to devour dinner.

  “Ah, yes,” Cyrus sputtered, following Miss Butler into the dining room. “My older brother, Beauregard, will be joining us. If he can tear himself away from the drink and the arms of a woman before dinner has been served and eaten, that is.”

  “I am sure the ladies at the Long Branch will take good care of your brother, Mr. Kennedy.” Miss Butler turned on a heel then headed for a table for four near a corner of the room, her skirts swishing over the floor with each determined step.

  This woman is going to be a pistol, I can feel it. What the hell was I thinking, taking on someone without first meeting them? I should have requested a photograph. Miss Suzanne Butler is far too handsome to be a tutor to Johnny. Or keep my house, for that matter. But my word isn’t worth salt if I don’t keep it—no matter how attractive she is.

  Cyrus quickened his pace, reaching the table a second before Miss Butler. Pulling out a chair, he waited as she slid into the seat slow and easy like a lady before he settled into the space across the table from her. Sitting with his back against the wall, he could see her expression clearly. Watch the changing lines of her face and the emotions in her eyes as he spoke to her about the ranch—and Johnny. He needed to see passion for the appointment, to see her desire to teach his boy more than how to rope and ride and brand cattle.

  “Pot roast is on the menu tonight, and I highly recommend it.” Unfolding her napkin, she looked up, a smile hesitating to reveal itself on a pair of soft lips.

  Soft enough to drive a man insane, should said man decided to taste them. But he wasn’t that man, not now, not ever.

  “So, I was told. I took the liberty of ordering three plates as well as a pot of coffee. Miss Butler, I don’t see any reason to prolong our discussion until after dinner. There are certain things I require of a tutor, and I’d like to start with that, if you don’t mind.”

  As the waitress poured their coffee, Cyrus sat back, contemplating his next move. Should he complement Johnny’s manners or lack thereof? Or should he make his son out to be a disrespectful young man? Dare he inform her of the size of his ranch house? Or that his men were always in and out of it like the wind? No, better to leave some things untold.

  “I would expect an education that involves more than horses or riding the range?” The smile that lurked at the corners of her rosy lips spread across her face, reaching the twinkle of her eyes.

  “Quite right, Miss Butler. Johnny is a bright boy—too crafty for his own good at times. He will test you, of that I am sure. I need to know that you are capable of managing my son as well as the household. There will be times when I must be out on the range for days while we round up the cattle in the spring and beginning branding the calves.” Cyrus stirred cream and sugar into the cup before taking a drink of the steaming liquid. “You will be responsible for helping with any chores in my absence, as best you can that is. I don’t expect a woman to go about throwing hay bales or the such.”

  “I’m sure he will, Mr. Kennedy. Most children like to push their boundaries. I shall do my best to keep a ‘balance’ between book learning and keeping up with the duties in the house.” Miss Butler looked at him with confidence, and for that, he admired her tenacity. “As for chores, I was raised on a ranch, Mr. Kennedy. I’m sure I can manage.”

  “Yes, well, I hope you will be able to accomplish just that. Have you thought of what you’ll do to achieve that balance?” he asked, feeling a bit uncomfortable the way she watched him watching her. Seems we have the same purpose: find out everything we can. Which will end up being only what either of us wants the other to know. She’s leaving me no choice in the matter.

  “I have given the lessons some consideration, but I won’t finalize any of the lesson plans until after I meet your son. I would like to understand his level of knowledge so that I don’t bore him with unnecessary tasks.” Miss Butler sipped from her cup, thick lashes fanning her bright eyes.

  “Yes, as well as the running of the ranch when the time comes, but we can discuss that later. It appears that our dinner is about to be served, right on time.” Cyrus smiled, looking past her shoulder. “Along with my brother.”

  Suzanne fought the urge to glance over her shoulder and face the man she felt bearing down on her. She could feel the intensity of his gaze sweep down her back. Instead, she focused on the bucket of emotions traveling over Cyrus Kennedy’s face.

  Surprise. Pleasure. Sadness. All rolled into one. He cared for his brother no matter how much he may disapprove of his taking up with drink at the Lady Gay. Something else lurked there as well. From her point of view, the light of life was absent except when he spoke of his son. Only then did she see the spark of a man who needed more than he’d admit to. The question was, what was it and could she be the one to fill that vacancy in a small way?

  Cyrus Kennedy is keeping secrets as well it would seem.

  A thin smile crossed his tired face. “Beau.” Cyrus stood, motioning for his brother to take the seat next to him but not too close to Suzanne.

  The gesture indicated he was setting boundaries regarding Suzanne even to his own brother. Suzanne wasn’t sure how she liked being branded as his when they’d only just met. If she didn’t need the position, Suzanne would have given him a piece of her mind regarding the difference between the ownership of cattle and women. Then she’d march back up to her room, unpack the trunks with all her belongings, and wait for whatever came next.

  Suzanne wrinkled her nose. The smell of whiskey, cigars, and stale perfume lingering as Beau Kennedy took his seat. The least he could have done was wash off the scents she knew all too well. To please his brother, if nothing else. Coming to dinner smelling like a romp between the sheets was not a good impression to leave, even with a potential ranch employee.

  “Beau, this is Miss Suzanne Butler, Johnny’s new teacher, if we can come to an agreement on the terms,” Cyrus said, watching as his older brother pulled his hat from his head and dropped it upon a knee. “Miss Butler, Beauregard Kennedy. The eldest of the Kennedy brothers an
d sometimes the—”

  “Miss Butler.” Beau Kennedy nodded at her, the twinkle of one whiskey too many in his eye. “I heard some tales of a Montana Sue who worked at the Lady Gay today. Do you know of her? I’m told she was quite a handsome woman.”

  “Mr. Kennedy, I can only say that Montana Sue is no longer in Dodge City.” Suzanne smiled, matching his gaze straight on. She squeezed the napkin on her lap tightly with her fingers. Who had been talking to him about her? And why? She’d done nothing to hurt any of the girls. Well, there was that one time several months ago, but that was in the past. That heartbreak had mended by now.

  “Ah, yes, well, the bartender did say she no longer worked there. Something about being a runaway bride or some such thing forced her to leave town rather quickly.” Beau gave her a side glance over his coffee cup then returned his attention to Cyrus. “The boys are eager to get back on the trail for the ranch. Do you still insist on taking the train back to Texas?”

  “Mr. Kennedy.” Suzanne looked at Cyrus so that his overbearing brother knew exactly who she was talking to. “If you wish to ride with your men, I am perfectly capable of taking a train on my own. I don’t want to be the cause of you not returning with your men. I know how important it is for the boss to be with his ranch hands.”

  “Be that as it may, I’m not about to let you travel on your own. I wouldn’t mind a leisurely trip home after weeks on the dusty trail. It will give us time to talk and go over a few things regarding the Double K.” Cyrus poured more coffee into his cup then looked from her to his brother. “In addition, you are my responsibility now.”

  Suzanne sat back, her blood pressure bubbling through her veins. She didn’t need a man to feel responsible for her. Right now, she only needed Cyrus Kennedy to take her far away from Dodge City and out of the reach of her father and Mr. Murray. “Mr. Kennedy—”

  “Please call me Cyrus; it will be so much easier.”

  “Mr. Kennedy, I am no one’s responsibility but my own. I am not some feeble female who has no idea of how to take care of herself.” Suzanne straightened her spine, lifting her chin a fraction of an inch and pointed it toward him. “I am quite a good shot, should the need arise.”

  “I like her, Cyrus. She’s got spunk, and if you don’t come to terms with her employment before I leave in the morning, I will. She’s exactly what we need around the homestead.” Beau chuckled, downing yet another cup of coffee then stood. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve arranged to take my dinner in my room. The boys and I plan on heading out at first light.

  “Miss Butler, I’ll see you at the Double K.” Tipping his head at Suzanne, he slapped Cyrus on the shoulder then turned and walked out of the dining room as the waitress delivered two plates of pot roast, potatoes, and steaming, sweet-smelling carrots.

  “Please excuse Beau, Miss Butler. What he lacks in manners he makes up for in passion.” Cyrus scowled as his brother retreated back through the dining room.

  “Yes, I can imagine that he does, given the perfume lingering around him. He does like the ladies then, I take it?” Suzanne picked up her knife and fork, slicing into the piece of roast on her plate. And by the mixture of scents, the girls took a liking to him just as much. Hearts will be breaking in the morning.

  “He misjudged a woman during the war, and she ran off with not only his heart but his pride. I’m afraid he only keeps company with those who can’t offer anything permanent. But what my brother is or isn’t has no bearing on your employment, Miss Butler.” Cyrus sliced into a chunk of meat, dipped it into a bit of broth then slid it into his mouth neat as a pin.

  “Speaking of which, what are your terms, Mr. Kennedy?” She slowly placed a forkful of sweet meat into her mouth, resisting the temptation of losing herself in the mouthwatering goodness.

  “May I?” Mr. Kennedy put his knife and fork down, reached over, and wiped a spot of gravy from the corner of her mouth. “First of all, I insist that you stop calling me Mr. Kennedy. There are four Kennedys on the Double K, and it will be much easier if you got used to using our first names. So, please call me Cyrus.”

  “All right, Mr. Kennedy. Is that all?” Suzanne couldn’t get her quaking nerves to slow down. Every inch of her sparked with heat from the simple, yet intimate, gesture.

  “Not by a long shot. Do you agree to teach my son how to do sums, read, and speak properly? Johnny is growing into a fine horseman and will one day run the Double K, but I need to know that he is able to look after the finances and understand any contracts that may come his way once my brothers and I are no longer able to run the ranch,” Cyrus insisted, spooning through the potatoes and gravy.

  “Do you have the proper books and learning materials in your home in order for me to do that? It will be hard to keep the young man from wanting to ride out with the rest of the ranch hands, if that’s what he has been accustomed to doing.” Suzanne sat back in her chair. How was she supposed to eat when all he wanted was to know things she didn’t know herself? She’d given no thought at all to what she was going to teach his boy. She’d only been thinking of getting away from Dodge before her father arrived to haul her back to Montana.

  “There are several books in my library, and what we don’t have, what you feel is needed, I will make sure we get.” Cyrus looked into her face for a moment then washed away his dinner with a gulp of coffee. “Whatever you need, all you have to do is ask for it.”

  “That is agreeable and very generous. What of my accommodations? Will I have my own room in the main house or a place of my own?” Suzanne asked, hoping she wasn’t relegated to the bunkhouse.

  “I’ve made arrangements for you to stay in the main house if you don’t mind. It will be much more convenient for you, in terms of Johnny’s lessons and with the household chores.” Cyrus folded his napkin and placed it across his empty plate. “I’m sure you will find the room comfortable.”

  “By household chores, you mean cooking and cleaning for how many men?” Suzanne swallowed, knowing full well if any of his men ate her cooking, Cyrus Kennedy would be hiring new ranch hands and sending her on the first train back to Dodge.

  “Just Johnny and myself.” Cyrus smiled, the corners of his eyes crinkling with laughter. “Both Beau and Cordell have their own place on the ranch, and the ranch hands stay in the bunkhouse and take their meals there as well.”

  “Well, then, Mr. Kennedy, I believe we do have an arrangement,” Suzanne said with too much relief echoing in her words.

  “Cyrus, Miss Butler.” He rose and came around behind her. “I will have the papers ready for you to sign in the morning after I purchase our train tickets. I am hoping to leave on the first train out.”

  “Per your last letter, I am ready to leave when you are…Cyrus.” Suzanne stood, turning to face a man she knew if she wasn’t careful she’d lose herself to…body and soul.

  3

  “Are you sure you don’t want to take the train back to the ranch?” Cyrus glanced over at Beau, noting his typically untidy brother looked unusually put together the morning after a tryst. “It’ll be much more comfortable than the back of that horse of yours.”

  “Naw, I’ll take my meals and fight any battles with the crew on the trail. And you’ve grown soft, Cy. There was a time when I couldn’t get you off a horse, any horse for that matter,” Beau teased, pouring himself a cup of the steaming black coffee. “Did you get things settled with Miss Butler then?”

  “All but her wages. Suzanne, ah, Miss Butler, never brought it up and I didn’t think it mattered since her board and room is provided.” Cyrus sat back, trying to hide the threatening smile. He’d liked Suzanne Butler the moment she fell into his arms. It felt like she belonged there, and for a brief moment, he’d remembered what it felt like to hold a woman, conjuring up all kinds of physical reactions.

  “Suzanne?” Beau smiled the twinkle in his eyes dancing with speculation.

  “Between you and me, I don’t know how long I can continue to call her Miss Butler. It’s t
oo formal for my tastes and for life on the ranch.” Cyrus looked out the window, watching the streets of Dodge City come to life as its citizens scurried off in every direction. Looking away, he took a swig of coffee, knowing the more time he spent in town, the more he itched to get back to the ranch. If not for Johnny, he wouldn’t have thought to bring a woman to Texas. But his son needed a female influence, even if that influence was a beautiful one with hair the color of the Texas sun setting on a hot summer night.

  “And how does Miss Butler feel about the familiarity?” Beau raised his eyebrows then his gaze skirted away from Cyrus. Something, or someone, had drawn his attention, and Cyrus would bet the ranch it was a woman. Probably one of the girls he’d sweet-talked the night before coming to say goodbye. Now, if one of them would grab Beau’s attention for more than a fleeting moment, Cyrus wouldn’t need to worry about his brother growing old all alone in his cabin on their land. But who was he to speculate his brother’s love life, or lack thereof?

  “I didn’t ask her,” Cyrus confessed. “Figured once we’re on the train, things would be less formal between us. That we’ll have time to get to know each other; that I’d broach the subject then. Although it shouldn’t be a problem—I hope.”

  “Well, why wait then? Here’s your chance. Good luck.” Beau smiled, raising the cup to his mouth, his eyes darting toward the hotel lobby.

  Cyrus turned around, sizzling heat drifting through him. The extremely properly dressed Miss Butler from dinner had been replaced with a woman in a black split skirt and cream cotton blouse that fit her with perfection. Her copper hair hung freely down her back. Suzanne Butler looked comfortable and at ease as she laughed with the desk clerk then turned on her heel and strolled toward them. Damn. The woman looked anything but a schoolteacher, the way her hips swayed and her red lips beckoned to be tasted.

  Where the hell is the woman from last night? The Suzanne Butler approaching was far from the Miss Butler he’d met last evening at dinner. This Miss Butler was a mixture of sultry and charming without trying.