Ever Faithful

by Karen Barnett

  “Do you think we should go welcome them too?” Teddy offered his elbow.

  Elsie patted his arm rather than taking it, not sure she could manage to put words together if they paraded around like a couple. “A fine idea.” She stepped forward without waiting for him. “Hello, Mr. Webber. It’s so good to see you again.”

  He glanced up, eyes wide. “Oh hello, Miss…”

  “Brookes.” She reminded him. Or had she ever bothered to introduce herself? “Elsie Brookes.”

  His mouth opened and closed. “Another one?”

  Elsie paused. “I’m sorry?”

  Mr. Webber shook his head. “No, I’m the one who should be sorry. It’s just that our driver today was Brookes, and the ranger who supervises us—”

  “Is my father.” Even as she tried to keep her focus on Mr. Webber, she could sense Teddy coming up behind her.

  The CCC man nodded. “Oh, I see.”

  “Your driver must have been my cousin, Graham. He arrived recently.”

  “Quite a family affair, this Yellowstone.”

  “Not really.” She managed a smile. “I guess you’ve just been fortunate so far. And please, let me introduce you to another of our staff—Ranger Teddy Vaughn.” She turned to the man behind her. “Teddy, this is Nate Webber from Brooklyn, New York.”

  Mr. Webber stuck out his hand. “Ranger Vaughn, I think we met at the fire.”

  Teddy shook his hand, snapping a quick nod. “I was just telling my date here what fine work you all did.”

  Elsie took another sip of punch. His date. This would take some getting used to.

  Nate glanced toward her but turned his attention back to the ranger. “I appreciate that, sir.”

  “And I told Elsie’s father as much.” Teddy slid an arm around Elsie.

  Elsie picked at her white gloves to distract herself from Teddy’s hand on her waist. “I hope you and your friends have a good time tonight. We want you to feel at home with our little group.”

  “So I see.” The man nodded. “I’ve heard a little about the staff. The savages, is it? It sounds like fun work.”

  “We’re blessed to work in this beautiful place, and I’ve made some very dear friends here. Perhaps I can introduce you to some of them this evening.”

  Teddy squeezed her waist. “There might be time for that later, but if you’ll excuse us, Webber, I’d like to spirit Elsie away to the dance floor.” Without waiting for a reply, he tugged her toward the open hall.

  She hesitated. “There are only a few couples out there. I don’t want everyone watching us.”

  He stopped in the center of the floor and took her into his arms. “It’s not often I get to dance with the prettiest girl in the room.”

  Her heart jumped, even as heat rushed to her cheeks. No one had ever said such things about her. A man like Teddy Vaughn could draw the eye of any woman in a fifty-mile radius. Why on earth had he latched on to her?

  Elsie struggled to keep pace with Teddy’s feet. One wrong step and she’d collide with his broad chest. The silky sleeves of her dress slid as they moved. She pressed her wrist hard against his shoulder, hoping to capture the smooth fabric before it exposed her forearm. She should have worn elbow-length gloves like Mary.

  He grinned in response, taking the opportunity to move a step closer. “See, I knew you would love it.”

  Within moments, several other couples joined them—mostly fellow savages, though Mary had wasted no time enticing her CCC man out to the floor. Was she trying to make Hal jealous?

  Teddy leaned his head close. “I appreciate you inviting me tonight, Elsie. It’s tough being the new man on staff. I could use some friends.”

  “I’m happy to be your friend. I think you’ll fit in fine once you get used to everyone.”

  He lifted his eyes and glanced about the room, quickly filling with dancing couples. “I’m surprised to see so many young women working in the park.”

  She tried to relax, but keeping her arm pinned to his shoulder made it a challenge. The scars on her arms were less gruesome than those just under her collar, but she didn’t intend to show off any of them. “Most of us work for the hotels and restaurants.”

  He grinned. “So you ladies take care of the tourists while we men take care of the park. Is that it?”

  “There are men working for the concessionaires too. The wranglers, busboys, gear jammers, pack rats, and so on. It takes a lot of people to make a summer run smoothly around here.”

  “I’m looking forward to this summer. And I hope I can see you when I’m in the Canyon area.”

  This was going so fast, Elsie couldn’t keep up—with the steps or the sentiment. “Teddy, I think Mary gave you the wrong impression about me. I’m not looking for a summer romance.”

  He snugged his arm around her waist. “Neither am I.”

  She jerked her eyes up to meet his. “You’re not?” A flush crept up her neckline.

  A smile crept across his face. “No ma’am. I’m looking for a far more permanent situation. Not right off, mind you. But I don’t believe in wasting precious time.” He leaned his face close so his lips nearly brushed her ear. “I’m ready to settle down. And when I do, it would be good if the woman I choose understands what she’s getting into.”

  Elsie’s stomach performed a little flip. “Getting into?”

  “The life of a park ranger isn’t easy. It’s not the picket-fence sort of existence a lot of girls are looking for. But you already know that; you were raised to it.” His brows lifted. “So I think we might be a good match.”

  The song ended, and Elsie stepped free from his embrace, pulling the cuffs back over her wrists before Teddy could see. He might think they were suited, but one glance at the twisted, mottled skin on her arms, and he’d change his mind.

  * * *

  Nate eased his way around the crowded room, keeping Mutt and Red in view at all times. Red had already danced three times with the outspoken blonde. Nate had no desire to cross the dance floor with anyone, so it would be best to stay along the outer edges of the room. Avoid the skirts; stick to the outskirts. People watching was more his tune. He claimed a cup of coffee from the refreshments table and cradled it with both hands, chest level, as a barrier to any woman who might approach.

  Mutt skulked in the shadows on the far side of the hall, his eyes fixed on Red and his partner.

  Nate calculated the number of steps it would take to intercept the man if he decided to cause trouble. He’s smart enough not to make a scene, right?

  Elsie Brookes leaned against the far wall, the pale blue of her dress matching her eyes—not that he was noticing. The ranger had made it clear she was here on his arm. Then again, he was nowhere to be seen at the moment, and her lips had lost that upward curve they’d displayed earlier.

  Why was he looking at her lips? Nate forced his attention away, gulping the hot coffee instead. The liquid scalded his throat, the pain an effective diversion. This was going to be a long night.

  The college girl’s face had remained etched in his mind since the moment he’d come upon her at Norris Geyser Basin. She wasn’t a traditional knockout like Red’s dance partner, but when Elsie had started in about Yellowstone’s geysers, her eyes came alive. It reminded him of dawn creeping over the rooftops back home and spilling into the world at his feet. Nate hadn’t been able to stop thinking about her ever since. Especially during the long night working on the firebreak.

  Ranger Brookes’s daughter. Figures. The man probably wouldn’t look kindly on Nate mooning over her. If Nate had harbored any delusions about romance, he could put them out of his head now. He wanted to be on the forestry crew, and that decision was in Elsie’s father’s capable hands. He swigged a second gulp of the steaming brew.

  “Why do you make that face? Is there something wrong with the coffee?”

/>   Nate choked, his throat refusing to cooperate as Elsie Brookes appeared at his elbow. He managed to swallow without spitting on the lady. “Oh no. It’s great. Just hotter than I expected.”

  She waved toward the table. “Make sure you and your friends eat some of these sandwiches. We made too many, I’m sure.” Her smile was as wide and friendly as the Wyoming sky.

  That smile could turn a man to butter. “It’s nice of you, miss. You folks have been so kind.”

  “We’re glad you’re here. We have a few new faces joining our ranks as well. It seemed appropriate to start the summer off with a get-together.” Her eyes flicked toward Red and Mary as Mary’s boisterous laugh carried across the room. “Some of us seem to be enjoying it more than others, it appears.”

  Graham Brookes appeared at Nate’s other shoulder, wiping engine grease from his fingers with a soiled handkerchief. “Hiya, Nate. I see you met my cousin.”

  Miss Brookes’s lips pursed. “Do you like to dance, Mr. Webber?”

  “Um, yes. Sure. Would you like to—”

  “Great idea.” She nabbed his elbow and stepped toward the floor without a backward glance toward her cousin.

  Like a puppy on a string, Nate followed her to the dance floor as the music slowed. He’d never expected someone like Elsie Brookes would actually want to dance with him. What had come over her?

  She stepped into his arms and smiled up at him, their height difference suddenly noticeable. “I hope I didn’t put you on the spot there. It’s really not like me to be so forward.”

  Her fingers fit perfectly in his hand, the touch of her skin sending an unexpected jolt up his arm. Then again, nothing about this evening was going as expected. He resisted the urge to count the steps out loud. “I don’t mind. I’m honored.”

  Miss Brookes tipped her head, glancing back to where Graham stood talking to a pretty brunette. “I’m still getting accustomed to having my cousin here.”

  “Oh?”

  “It’s a long story.” Her brow wrinkled.

  “So where’s your date?”

  “Teddy? He’s not my…” She paused, lowering her gaze. “Well, I guess he is. He stepped out to get something for the kitchen crew.”

  Was that a blush? Nate turned once more to glance at Mary and Red. The pair had moved closer together, Red’s hands clasped around the blonde’s waist. At least someone was seeing some romance tonight.

  On the far side of the room, Mutt adjusted his ill-fitting jacket and moved forward. The burly fellow walked toward the dancing couple with a glint in his dark eyes.

  Nate stepped the wrong direction, landing squarely on the girl’s toe. “Sorry. Looks like I’m better with a shovel than the two-step.”

  Miss Brookes squeezed his hand. “I’m not the best dancer, myself.”

  “You’re wonderful. I’m just trying to keep an eye on my friend there.”

  Her soft laugh tickled his ear. “I’m watching Mary too. I hate to think of her toying with his affections.”

  Nate steered her a few steps closer to Mary and Red. “Things are about to heat up. Do you see that fella heading our way?”

  She turned to look just as Mutt tapped Red’s shoulder. “Oh no. Will there be trouble?”

  Red thrust Mary behind him, a blazing look in his eyes. The sharp voices carried across the room.

  Nate bent closer to Miss Brookes. “Red and Mutt have been like two dogs circling each other since we arrived in the park. She’s just an excuse for them to test each other’s mettle.”

  She sighed. “I hate to say it, but Mary might be thrilled to have two men fight over her.”

  “A fight is what I’m hoping to avoid.” He let go of his dance partner and moved toward them.

  Miss Brookes grabbed his hand. “There’s something else you should know.” She pointed toward the far wall. “See that short fella to the right? Smart-looking suit. Glasses.”

  A grim-faced man stood beside the kitchen door, arms crossed.

  She leaned close and spoke under her breath. “Mary’s boyfriend.”

  Great. Nate kept a grip on Elsie’s hand as he headed toward Red. “Red, Mutt, let’s take this outside.”

  Mutt’s lip curled. “This doesn’t involve you, Webber. I want to teach this runt a lesson. It’s time the little lady danced with a real man.”

  Red curled his fists. “I’d like to see you try, pig face.”

  Nate stepped in just as Red surged. The smaller man collided with Nate’s shoulder, twisting as Nate grabbed onto his arm. “We’re guests here. Do I need to remind you of that?”

  Miss Brookes latched onto her friend’s elbow and hauled her back a safe distance.

  Mutt snorted, caught hold of Nate’s sleeve, and swung him to the side. “Don’t worry. I’ll remind him.”

  The force sent Nate stumbling across the slick tile until he lost his balance and landed on the floor.

  Red hoisted his fists in front of his face like the bare-knuckle boxers back home. “Let’s see you try it. I’m all-around champion in my neighborhood. You ain’t never fought until you’ve crossed paths with an Irish scrapper.”

  “I’m going to mop the floor with your ginger head.”

  Nate staggered to his feet as the crowd pressed in. “Mutt, Red! Take it outside. Now!”

  Red didn’t wait for Nate to get in the way this time but lunged toward Mutt with a guttural growl. “You’ve been asking for this, you slob.” He got two good jabs in at Mutt’s belly before the larger man sent him flying with a left hook.

  Red slammed into the refreshment table, upending the punch bowl. Pink liquid cascaded across the table, orange slices spinning along in its wake.

  “I told you, the lady wants a real man, not some little pip-squeak,” Mutt said.

  Nate needed to get these brawling bulls out of there before they got the whole crew shipped home. He grabbed Mutt, using the momentum to shove him against the wall. “You’ve made your point. Now let’s leave.”

  Mutt shook him off and took several steps toward the two girls. “I still need to dance with the lady. She’d be disappointed if she only got to dance with little strawberry top.”

  Mary’s eyes widened as she ducked behind the ranger’s daughter. “You’re not touching me.”

  Mutt frowned, his brow furrowing into a series of ridges. “Come on, doll. You can’t be serious about that kid.” He puffed up his chest, jerking his chin upward.

  He couldn’t be so dense as to think she’d actually be attracted to such a display, could he? Nate spread his hands in front of him, palms out. “Look, Mutt. You’ve scared the lady. Let’s call it a night.”

  Ranger Vaughn finally showed up, taking up a position at Nate’s side. “You’d better listen to him, fella. Or we’ll take you out of here the hard way.”

  Red had managed to reclaim his feet by this time, his hand pressed to the side of his head. “I’m not done with him. He can’t make a move on my girl and get away—”

  The dark-haired man Elsie had pointed out to Nate earlier chose that moment to plow into Red from behind, pitching him onto his face. “She’s not your girl. Not either of you.”

  The ranger grabbed the third man by the collar.

  “Hal!” Mary burst into tears. “Don’t make things worse.” She rushed from the room.

  The ranger and several other men escorted Mutt and the other brawler outside while Nate helped Red to his feet.

  Red cupped a hand over his nose, blood trickling from between his fingers. “What happened? I didn’t even see that guy coming.”

  Nate pressed his CCC bandanna into Red’s hand. “The fellow who clobbered you from behind was Mary’s boyfriend.”

  His eyes widened above the bloody handkerchief. “What? No.”

  Nate clapped him on the shoulder. “You know how to pick ’
em, friend.”

  Miss Brookes reappeared with a towel filled with ice in her hand but a firestorm in her expression. “I think you boys had better go. The chief ranger will be here soon.”

  “I’m really sorry, Miss Brookes. These guys”—he dug his fingers into Red’s shoulder—“will make it up to you, somehow.” He gestured toward the smashed table, where some of the women were already in the process of mopping up the mess. “Compensation. Or something.”

  She shook her head. “I should have realized…with Mary…” she dropped her gaze. “This was our fault.” She reached out and touched his wrist. “Thank you for helping to break it up.”

  The touch sent a surge of warmth through him. “Can I help you clean up?”

  “I think you’d best get your friend out of here before there’s more trouble.”

  Graham jangled his keys nearby. “I’ll give you boys a ride back to camp. That big fella already started walking, after throwing a punch at the ranger. He’s lucky he’s not in the jailhouse. As far as I’m concerned, he can hoof it all the way. Might cool him down.”

  “After the mess we just caused,” Nate nudged Red toward the door, “I’m surprised you’re taking pity on us.”

  The gear jammer shot Red a glance. “Just don’t bleed on the upholstery.”

  Elsie swept shards of broken plates into the waiting dustpan, already imagining the hotel manager’s lecture. He’d trusted them with the hall. She never should have let Mary talk her into inviting the CCC men. But then again, Mary was the heart of the problem—all her flirting with strangers and leading Hal on a merry chase. After the fight, she’d raced upstairs with Rose on her heels, leaving Elsie and the others to clean up the mess. Teddy was still outside talking to some of the other partygoers. Had Mutt really punched him?

  “Elsie?” Her father strode into the hall, his brow furrowed. He wore plain clothes, his shift long since past. “What happened? I heard there was an altercation.”

  She emptied the pan into the wastebasket, the glass causing an oddly musical sound as it settled to the bottom. “Mary Prosser happened.”