Brides Along the Chisholm Trail Boxset

by Maxine Douglas

  “Mr. Kennedy, Cyrus, I gave you my word and agreed to your terms of my employment before we left Dodge City. I don’t plan on going back on my word, even without a signed contract,” Suzanne began choosing her next words carefully. If she were to maintain her position, she had to make sure Cyrus understood and valued her opinions—no matter what they were. “However, I’ll not mix words with you or anyone else on the ranch. I will not agree to being looked upon as a pack animal for you, your wife, your brothers, or the ranch hands to unload everything on my back and expect the same results. Unlike a mule, I can, and will, walk away the moment—”

  “But I di—wife?”

  “If you are still in agreement to the original arrangement that my duties are to tutor your son and manage the main house, then yes, I believe we can start again,” Suzanne interjected watching the flurry of emotions float across his face.

  “My wife has been gone for several years now. I’m a widower, Suzanne,” Cyrus said his voice soft and filled with remorse.

  It was a face that still held that rare boyish charm yet was marred by unhappiness. She imagined at one time there was a constant and broad smile that lit up his face in the past. His brown eyes, now dark with the grief he still carried with him, replacing the joy that must have been there at one time. She’d caught a glimpse of the joy whenever he spoke of his son, Johnny.

  What has happened in this man’s life to keep him in the darkness of sorrow for so long? I know now that he’s a widower, but hasn’t enough time gone by for him to heal? Maybe one never gets over losing a loved one. Lord knows it took me a while to get over the fact that Father basically sold me to Mr. Murray.

  “Cyrus, are you all right?” Suzanne reached out, touching the sleeve of his coat lightly. “I didn’t mean to be so insensitive.”

  “Mmm, yes. I’m sorry, I was—distracted.” Cyrus forced a smile that never reached his eyes; something she was beginning to grow used to in such a short matter of time. “I am truly sorry for my remarks earlier. Sometimes I forget myself. I thought I had made it clear I was without a wife.

  “Regardless, I agree with you, Miss Butler. I do hope that you will find forgiveness for my indiscretion and allow me to call you Suzanne again,” Cyrus said, a tiny twinkle back in his eyes. “Although I would much rather prefer Suzie—to save time, nothing more.”

  Mother always called me Suzie. It seems a bit too personal for a stranger to use. It must be hard to all of a sudden think of having a woman in the house again. Especially one who isn’t your wife.

  “For now, let’s keep it to Miss Butler when you are angry and Suzanne for all other matters.” Suzanne suggested the compromise. She wasn’t ready to become that familiar, if ever, with one Cyrus Kennedy. She wasn’t a gold digger, no matter what others thought. “I will try my best to make the transition to my presence a smooth one for all of us.”

  Although she did have to admit, he was handsome and appealing to the eye. And if truth be told, at times she could still feel his arms around her as they had been at the bottom of the staircase.

  “We shall both work towards that goal,” Cyrus said with certainty.

  Suzanne nodded in agreement as they both poked and prodded the food on their plates. She’d all but lost her appetite and would be thankful once they were in Burrton and then on the train bound for Texas.

  How was she to survive the long trip with a man she increasingly found attractive? At one time they may have been equals, but no more.

  No, Cyrus was her employer and nothing more—no matter how much she wanted to chase the sadness from his soul. The sooner they got out of the confines of the dining car, the easier it would be to keep her distance.

  As if reading her thoughts, the train whistle blared their arrival to Burrton.

  Cyrus looked at the window, the passing landscape lost in his vision. All he could focus on was Suzanne’s reflection staring back at him. The longer he watched her changing expressions, the faster his heart hammered in his chest.

  She’d been genuinely surprised once she’d realized he wasn’t married. He’d even seen a trace of moisture in her eyes before she’d blinked it away.

  She’s a nice woman, Cyrus. I fully approve of her. And admit it, you find her attractive and desirable. Maggie’s voice echoed through his mind, confirming what he already knew.

  Suzanne’s quiet beauty was incredible to him. Auburn hair that flickered with ginger when the light caught it just right. Green eyes that glimmered like emeralds when she was trying her best to be hard. Lips that never seemed to lose their pink softness beckoned to him.

  Regardless of the cold shoulder she constantly tried to give him, he knew and understood why now—somewhere in her soul—Suzanne Butler had a good heart. And that’s what Johnny needed. A woman not so easily swayed who would give his son everything Cyrus couldn’t. The love of a mother, if Johnny was receptive to her. Even if she wasn’t the boy’s real mother, Cyrus felt Suzanne would give his boy her heart in the end. Johnny needed her as much as she needed him. The boy was smart and would figure it out.

  Hell, who was he kidding? Suzanne Butler was exactly who he needed. The problem here was Cyrus had given his word that she was his employee—there was no mention of also being his lover. Neither could afford to give their heart to the other. It wasn’t practical in their situation. Their arrangement was a business one, not one consisting of pleasure.

  That could change though, couldn’t it? It happened all the time on the ranch on a daily basis, why not with their arrangement? Not that Cyrus would push it toward change, but just in case. Nothing is ever set in stone. Or was it?

  What if—oh, the hell with it! I’m not about to let things get out-of-hand.

  “Burrton. Passengers for Fort Worth, please disembark after the train comes to a complete stop. For those moving on to Chicago, we will be in Burrton for a short time as we transfer luggage and passengers,” the conductor announced, standing at the front of the dining car before turning and continuing on with his message into the next car.

  Cyrus glanced over at Suzanne. Her brow furrowed in thought, she looked a little pale to him. Her gaze darted back and forth at the window as the train slowed into town. Something was on her mind, but what? Could the rumor be true? Was she on the lookout for Murray?

  No! I would have known if that scum of the Earth was in the area. Something else is troubling her.

  “Is everything all right?” Cyrus asked, leaning toward her. “Are you ill?”

  “No, I’m fine.” Suzanne smiled, the searching never leaving her eyes. “I’m anxious to get settled is all, Cyrus.”

  “If you say so, but it appears you are looking for something—or someone,” Cyrus said, his tone a bit accusing and he knew it.

  Suzanne’s eyes opened wide in surprise. “Why would you say that?”

  The train screeched to a halt. Before Cyrus could investigate further, she stood and wobbled slightly as the train rocked to a stop. “It appears we have arrived. How long do we have before the train to Texas?”

  “Not long. By the time this one has unloaded your trunks, I suspect the train to Fort Worth will be near.” Cyrus stood next to her. He forced himself not to put a hand on her lower back, claiming her as his own.

  The train jostled, and Suzanne teetered into his arms, again. Their eyes met, and colorful sparks flashed between them. His body tingled next to hers.

  “Seems to be a habit of yours, falling into a man’s arms,” Cyrus teased, inhaling her lavender scent.

  “And you are here to catch me of late,” Suzanne said, her cheeks turning a light shade of pink. “I am capable of keeping myself on my feet, regardless of what you may think.”

  “I was raised to be a gentleman,” Cyrus insisted, his body on fire. “My father would tan my hide if I allowed a lady to fall to the ground.”

  “Thank you, but totally unnecessary and inappropriate for me to be lingering in your arms, don’t you agree?” Suzanne stepped out of the embrace, smoothed her
skirt then turned away, head held high and hips swaying under her skirt.

  The simple gesture ignited memories of what it was like to be near a woman. The way they always seemed to be preening. When she’d slowly run her hand down her skirt, Cyrus wanted to pull her into his arms. Whisper in her ear how beautiful she looked. And now no wrinkled skirt was going to change that fact. He wanted to taste her lips, just once, in front of everyone, not giving a damn what they thought. Yet he wouldn’t hesitate to punch any man in the face who dared to speak poorly of Suzanne.

  How the hell was he going to stay honorable during the trip to Fort Worth? Why in the hell had he let Beau talk him into spending some of the cattle money on a first-class car? What was done was done, and he pitied the man who made an indecent remark concerning those accommodations.

  I’ll protect that woman with my life if it ever comes to that, Cyrus thought, following the woman who’d woken him from a long deep slumber.

  6

  Suzanne made her way into the train depot office; looking around for a moment, she then walked over to the train station master. Pulling an envelope from her pocketbook, she glanced over the address scrolled across it. Did she dare to send it? By the time it arrived, Suzanne would be safe in Texas.

  “May I help you, miss?”

  “I’d like to mail a letter, please.” Her hand trembled slightly as she handed the envelope over to the clerk.

  “That’ll be four cents, miss,” he said, palm open and waiting.

  Suzanne dug into her pocketbook, retrieving the required amount from within. “Thank you,” she said then turned, bumping into Cyrus’s chest. “For goodness sake, Cyrus! Stop sneaking up on me like that.”

  “You could have sent a telegram.” He stood planted, not moving an inch. “It would arrive sooner.”

  She looked up into his eyes, speculating how much to tell him. It’s only a simple letter letting Mother know I’ve escaped. I couldn’t chance anyone else seeing where I can be found. But he doesn’t need to know that—at least not until I’ve settled on the ranch. Then, well, maybe then.

  “Yes, but Mother prefers the written word. She enjoys seeing the way words flow across the paper,” Suzanne replied, slipping away from him and the energy he invoked in her.

  Feeling him on her heels, she turned and pinched her lips. “Cyrus, are you in the habit of following a woman around all the time? Because if you are, then be prepared…” she warned her eyes looking over to the door marked Ladies Rest Room.

  “Oh, well—not that far, Suzanne.” Cyrus actually blushed, and she couldn’t help but smile. “Well, um, your trunks are on the shipping platform, and the train is due in a few minutes. I wanted to—”

  “Make sure I didn’t miss it?” she asked smiling, both annoyed and pleased at his concern. She’d better get used to it and quick, as she had a feeling it wasn’t going to stop anytime soon. She had to admit though, she liked it—a little. Who was she kidding? She liked it more than a female employee of a handsome rancher who was also a widower should.

  “Well, yes, as a matter of fact.” Placing a nickel on the counter, Cyrus reached over for a bag of peppermint sticks. “We’ll take these as well, thank you.”

  The clerk looked them both over through squinted eyes then glanced at each of their hands. Suzanne held back a giggle as Cyrus scowled at the nosy clerk. It was a look that promised pain if the man dared to say or ask anything.

  “You really need to stop buying things for me, Cyrus. It’s no wonder the poor man thinks there’s more to our traveling together with you hovering so close,” Suzanne said, thinking the exchange between the two men comical. “I’m sure many others will be spying as to whether or not we are, um, ‘together’. How do you propose to handle others on the train for the duration of our trip?”

  “Humph! People need to mind their own business,” Cyrus said, a bit too loudly. Pulling a peppermint stick from the bag, he slid it into his mouth then offered one to her as they walked out the door.

  “No, thank you.” Suzanne waved off the offer, taking a seat upon one of the depot benches. “How long before the train arrives?” She was looking forward to being able to sit back and get some rest. She needed a nap. Traveling with Cyrus was exhausting with all his chatter and him worrying about what people were thinking or where she was. She’d given that bothersome worry up long ago when she’d become “Montana Sue.”

  Montana Sue had materialized almost overnight. Absently touching her hair, Suzanne remembered having found a woman who, for a bit of coin, would change Suzanne’s dark red hair to a rich brown. The woman didn’t ask any questions when she offered to show Suzanne how to blend in and become part of the “soiled” community. Suzanne played the part well—all except the soiled part. She was as far removed from that as a newborn baby could be.

  Well, unless she counted the horrible way she’d treated Rose Granger when she’d married Logan. That incident had forced Suzanne to grow up, and she soon realized what everyone else knew. Logan Granger wasn’t the man for her.

  But was Cyrus Kennedy?

  Everything about Cyrus turned her inside out. From his quiet confidence to the way his dimples deepened when he smiled at her to the way he was sucking on that peppermint stick like—

  “Suzanne?”

  A hot shiver scorched her skin where Cyrus’s hand covered hers. Suzanne blinked her eyes.

  “Huh? Oh, I’m sorry. I was lost in thought.”

  “The train should be here any time now. I’ve noticed an influx of the number of workers flitting about over the past few minutes.” Cyrus nodded toward the loading platform where her trunks waited. “I was afraid you would get caught up in shopping and not notice the time. That’s why I came looking for you.”

  “Shopping?” Suzanne laughed then took a peppermint from his bag. “I was only sending a letter and visiting the—well, you know. A lady needs to do a bit of freshening up from time to time, or have you forgotten that as well?”

  A whistle followed by the rumble and hissing of the train coming into town drew her attention, and she forgot about her teasing.

  This is it, she thought. A new life in a different state. Will it ever stop, my moving about? My running away?

  “This way, Suzanne.” Cyrus took her by the elbow, guiding her down the steps and over to a passenger car he thought could be theirs. “It’s going to be close to dark before we see Fort Worth, so we’ll take dinner on the train.”

  Cyrus glanced around a bit, unsure of himself. It had been a long time since he’d boarded a train. His life was different than it was ten years ago. “Wait here while I check which car we are to board.”

  Suzanne nodded, and he gave her arm a light squeeze before heading over to one of the conductors. For the first time since Maggie’s passing, he began to feel totally helpless for a number of reasons. The train and having no control over it. The prospect that Murray may be heading for his ranch, if in fact, he was coming after Suzanne.

  And then there was Suzanne herself, and the way she made him feel. He wanted to hold her in his arms with the purpose of making her his. Again, something he found difficult to control, seeing as how they weren’t married, much less betrothed to each other.

  “Excuse me, sir. Can you tell me which car is mine?” Cyrus pulled the tickets from the inside of his coat then handed them over to the uniformed man.

  “Yes, sir, you’ll be just two cars back that way.” The conductor pointed back in the direction of Suzanne. “She’s mighty fine, I might add.”

  “Yes, she is at that,” Cyrus agreed, watching Suzanne exchange pleasantries with a few passersby.

  “That there car is one of the Santa Fe’s newest. I wouldn’t mind riding in her just once.” The conductor smiled then handed Cyrus back his tickets.

  “Thank you.” Cyrus felt heat creep up his neck then tipped his hat and strolled back to where Suzanne waited four cars away. Focusing on her and not the milling crowd, he slowed his pace a bit.

  She was i
ndeed a fine woman. Any man would be proud to have her by his side—and in his bed. At about five foot five, she stood a good six inches shorter than him. Her deep red hair gleamed in the sun like a ball of fire. Every few seconds the breeze would catch a strand and ginger would streak through its embers.

  Her body curved in all the right places and was made to be in his arms. Suzanne was far from the prissy lady type, though. She came from good ranch stock. The kind of woman he needed—and wanted—in his life after all.

  Damnation! Wanting and needing are not what you need even if she’s a beautiful woman who strikes your fancy. And much too beautiful to be stuck out on the Double K in the middle of nowhere. She knows the ways of ranching! Even so, she’s been away from that life for a while now, and, well. What if she finds she doesn’t want it? What if she up and leaves one day while I’m out on the range? Then I’ll just have to marry her! Would she still want to leave then? Cyrus halted, mulling over his last thoughts. Where in the world had that come from? No way would she marry him, nor him her—at least not yet.

  And with the nearest town a day’s ride away and an uncomfortable ride in the buckboard at that, well, he didn’t think she’d be running off none too soon. He reckoned she’d grow used to the ranch before long. And it wouldn’t be like there weren’t other women on the ranch; there were the ranch hands’ wives to discuss womanly things with. It worked for Maggie. Why wouldn’t it work for Suzanne?

  Because she’s not my Maggie!

  “We’re down here.” Cyrus stood next to her and felt her flinch when his hand landed on her lower back. “Sorry, I—”

  “I know, Cyrus,” Suzanne replied softly, her green eyes twinkling.

  “Well, here we are,” he said, helping her up the steps and then opened the door to the Pullman passenger car. It was indeed more than he would travel in. From the rich burgundy velvet-covered seats to the window curtains to the lanterns that would give light when it grew dark, it was far more than necessary by his standards. There was nothing practical about it in his book.