“There’s a real chill in the air tonight,” she said, and visibly shivered. He stopped and began to remove his coat to put around her shoulders. “Oh no, I’m not that cold,” she said.
He’d rather freeze himself than see a lady cold. “Only if you’re certain. I’m used to the cold.”
“I’m certain,” she said firmly, and they continued walking.
She glanced up toward the mountains where fog was already forming around the peaks. “It looks so beautiful,” she said as she gazed toward the very top.
“It is beautiful. We could go there one day. Just the two of us.”
She glanced across at him, appearing a little coy. “Perhaps.”
“Sunday after church?” If he made a specific time she was less likely to back out. “Do you ride?”
She studied him. “Yeah, sure. I ride.” Her sarcasm was more than a little clear. It made him chuckle.
“Then I’ll hire a buggy. We could have a picnic lunch straight after church if that suits you. It could be the last opportunity we have to go for quite a while. It will be snowing soon; as early as Monday or Tuesday going by previous years.”
Her eyes danced in the moonlight and he was mesmerized. He couldn’t see the color of her eyes in the darkness, but pictured her blue eyes with their mischievous glint.
“I’ll bring a blanket,” he said suddenly trying to pull his attention away from her face. “In case it’s cold. We can use it to picnic on too.”
She nodded her agreement, although he wasn’t certain she was one hundred percent on board. “I’ll provide the picnic food,” she suddenly said.
“I was going to…”
“You supply the buggy, I supply the food. Fair is fair.”
So that was it. They had a date for Sunday. Their second date. He nodded his agreement, and warmth flooded him.
Chapter Eight
Sunday couldn’t come around quick enough for Hunter.
He arrived at the boarding house early enough to have breakfast with the other boarders. Nancy had insisted. If he was coming to collect Bethany, she’d told him the previous evening, then he needed to eat with them. He never said no to Nancy’s cooking. Or Bethany’s for that matter.
The aroma of pancakes and coffee drifted from the kitchen the moment he’d stepped through the front door. It set his mouth to drooling. Nancy directed him to the dining room where some of the other boarders were already seated.
“You’re almost part of the family,” Jonas Hedges told him when Nancy handed him a mug of coffee. The pair sat in front of the fire as they waited for the food to be served.
“I’m not sure I’d go that far,” Hunter told the much older man. “Bethany and I are friends.”
Jonas studied him. “If that’s all you are, then you need to tell the young lady that. She seems rather besotted.”
Hunter nearly choked on his coffee. That was the last thing he expected to hear. He and Bethany had become closer over the past weeks, there was no doubt about it, but besotted was not how he would have described their relationship.
Although if he was honest, he was becoming particularly fond of the town baker.
“She could do worse than you,” Mildred Hanover piped up and told him. “Although truth be told, I wouldn’t marry the marshal.”
“Mildred,” Jonas interrupted. “You did marry the marshal. Harry Hanover was one of the best we’ve had.” He eyed Hunter. “Not counting you, Marshal.”
“Exactly my point,” Mildred said, waving her hands toward Jonas. “And look what happened to him. Shot dead by outlaws.”
Hunter cringed. That was the last thing he needed Bethany to hear. But then again, he wasn’t looking to marry her, was he? Since Bethany came along he hadn’t felt the emptiness he’d felt before she arrived. He didn’t feel as agitated either. He wasn’t certain that was her doing, but he had to wonder.
“Good morning, Hunter.”
Bethany’s sweet voice broke through the gabble that went on around him. As he glanced up, the first thing he saw was her cheerful face. She wore a soft mauve gown today, and the color suited her. She’d swept her hair up and pinned it neatly at the back of her head. He far preferred it down, but she rarely did that, especially when she was working.
His heart thudded the closer she got to him. He stood awkwardly and almost stumbled on top of her. “Sorry.” She was a vision to behold, and he was totally lost for words.
“Breakfast is served,” she finally said, and ushered him toward the dining table. “You sit here, next to Mr Hedges.”
The moment he sat down, Nancy refilled his coffee mug. “What can I do to help?” He felt like an intruder. All these lovely people surrounding him lived here. He was just the interloper getting a free meal now and then. But he’d come to look upon them as family, just as Mr Hedges had suggested. Having Bethany in his life had changed so much for him, he didn’t even know where to begin.
“Marshal, would you like to say the blessing this morning?” It was Elizabeth West who spoke, better known as Lizzie by everyone in town. She and her husband were the original owners of the mercantile. He’d died a few years ago, and Lizzie had decided to sell up and retire. She enjoyed the company, she’d told him on more than one occasion, and she certainly seemed happy living here.
Nancy’s Boarding House was more than somewhere to live, it was a little community all of its own.
As he glanced about, Hunter realized everyone was waiting on him, and he bowed his head as they all linked hands. “Lord, thank you for the bounty before us. Bless this food and these people. Amen.”
Echoes of Amen could be heard around the table. Warmth flooded him, and something shifted inside Hunter. For the first time in his life, he truly felt as though he belonged.
~*~
As they left the church, Bethany felt light headed with anticipation. Today, along with Hunter, she would venture into the hills. She could only imagine the view from up there. Assuming they traveled to the top, that was.
She’d put together a picnic, and included some sweet items as well. She’d made a Christmas cake especially for today, packing four slices and leaving the remainder at Nancy’s for the boarders there.
She’d picked tomatoes fresh from Nancy’s garden, and made their sandwiches. One for her and two for Hunter. She’d already discovered he was a big eater, which wasn’t surprising as he was a large man. You would think his size was enough to drive the criminals away.
The picnic basket was sitting underneath the blanket Hunter had brought along. Both sat on the back of the buggy waiting for the pair to return.
Bethany pulled her coat around herself and tucked her scarf down the front before securing the fastenings. Hunter had already told her snow was close, and he was right. It was icy cold outside, and although it was probably a good idea to postpone their trip, she knew it would possibly be the last opportunity for some months.
Hunter stood at the door chatting to Pastor Henry Kelly before finally slipping away to join her out the front. If it wasn’t for her coat and scarf, not to mention her gloves, Bethany was certain she would have froze standing out there in the elements.
“Sorry,” Hunter said, almost running toward her. “We were having a quick chat about the Christmas hampers.”
“Hampers?”
“The ladies auxiliary put together hampers for our less fortunate, and do a special one at Christmas,” he explained. “Those living further out of town often barely survive. The hampers make their lives easier.”
That got Bethany thinking. “I’ll talk to Oscar. Perhaps we can help in some way. I’d like to help, even if I do it alone. ”
“That would be great.” He helped her up onto the buggy and they were soon on their way. “It’s getting chilly,” he said soon after they’d entered the dense bushland, then pulled the blanket up around their legs. He slid a little closer to ensure they were both warm, her leg now resting against his, and Bethany didn’t complain.
She was more
comfortable than she should have been, and she thought perhaps she should move away. But frankly, she didn’t want to do that. Hunter glanced across at her and as though he could read her thoughts, grinned. “Are you alright there?” he asked, then stared ahead again.
“I’m fine. Do you know where you’re going?”
He frowned. “Of course I do. I ride up this way all the time. See that track,” he asked, pointing to a barely visible trail that went off to their right. “If you follow that for about two miles, there’s a rundown shack. Old Nellie Bridges lives there. I check on her every other week, more often when I can, to make sure she’s still alive and kicking. She’s eighty if she’s a day and won’t move into town.”
To hear Hunter talk like this warmed her heart. How many other townspeople worried about Mrs Bridges? If she had to guess, Bethany thought not many. She would make it a point to bake something special for the dear lady in time for his next visit. Perhaps he’d even let her go along.
It wasn’t long and Hunter pulled into a small clearing. She could hear a small stream in the distance. She reveled in the fragrance of the pine needles, many of which had fallen to the ground. He climbed down from the buggy and tied the horse to one of the bushes, then reached out for Bethany.
She shivered as his hands made contact with her waist, despite the thick woolen coat and gloves between them. The mere thought of his touch set her skin alight. She stared down into his face and she was filled with warmth. Never before had anyone made her feel this way.
He slowly lifted her down from the buggy and gently placed her on the ground, his eyes never leaving her face. “Bethany,” he whispered, pulling her close against him. “I don’t know how I ever survived without you.”
Her hands went up against his chest, ready to push him away. Hunter leaned down and brushed his lips against hers then deepened the kiss, and all thought of deflecting him were gone. She melded into him, and her heart fluttered at the close contact they had.
Then suddenly he pulled away. “Sorry,” he said gruffly. “I have to learn to control myself better than this. Being around you makes it difficult.” He went around to the back of the buggy and pulled the picnic basket down while Bethany spread the blanket on the ground.
“It’s a lovely spot,” she said, ignoring his words. To acknowledge them was to concede the fact he’d kissed her and they’d both got carried away in the moment. She stepped closer to where the sound of water seemed to be coming from.
“Careful,” he shouted. “It’s slippery… there.”
Before the words were out of his mouth, she landed on the ground. Hunter reached for her, pulling Bethany away from the slippery bank. “Well darn,” she growled. “My coat is all muddy now.”
He pulled her farther away from the edge, and checked the coat out, spinning her around, his hands on her waist. “It’s not too bad,” he told her. “A little bit of mud won’t hurt you.” His eyes glistened with the laughter that was bubbling up, and it changed her demeanor.
“I guess it is funny, provided you’re not the one covered in mud.” She grinned and his face softened.
“I don’t know about you,” he said after a moment or two, “But I’m getting hungry.”
She began emptying the picnic food onto the blanket and his eyes widened. “Well, I won’t say no to any of that,” he said. “Especially the Christmas cake. When did you have time to make it?”
She grinned. “A couple of days ago, in between the puddings. I left the rest for Nancy and the boarders.”
“I’m not complaining,” he said.
Hunter reached for a sandwich at the same time she did, and their hands brushed. Bethany loved the thrill his touch gave her, but didn’t know if she affected him in the same way. Should she mention it? Bethany decided it probably wasn’t a good idea. She had no intention of embarrassing herself if he felt no such thing.
After they’d eaten, she poured them both a mug of water from the bottle she’d brought along. Then they went for a short stroll after packing up their picnic. “It’s so peaceful here,” she said quietly. “I could spend forever up here.”
“You couldn’t do that,” he said. “Where would I get my supper from then?” He grinned at her, and her heart did a quick flip. Even when he was being silly, he made her feel good. He reached over and took her hand in his, then turned to face her. His hands cupped her face, and she stared into his eyes. She licked her lips and tilted her head back to allow him access to kiss her.
And that’s exactly what he did.
~*~
The past week had been a busy one. Apart from making endless puddings, Bethany was determined to put together something special for Mrs Bridges. Hunter had declared he was visiting the dear soul after church, and she begged him to let her tag along. He finally agreed.
She made an orange cake and two chicken pot pies. She sliced up a Christmas cake, and wrapped several slices. She made a small Christmas pudding as well. She visited the mercantile and brought some scented soaps, a warm scarf, a pair of warm gloves, a lap blanket, and a small bag of apples. It wasn’t a lot, but enough to make the dear lady know someone was thinking of her.
They collected the buggy from the livery after church, then went back to the boarding house where Jonas Hedges helped Hunter put together a small box of tools and some pieces of wood. He explained it would be for any repairs that might be needed. Nancy had invited Hunter to eat with them before they left for their big adventure.
Roast lamb was not something he had often, Hunter told her, but he certainly enjoyed it. Bethany had made two apple pies for dessert, of which he had two helpings. To his credit, he’d refused a second slice, but Nancy had insisted. And as he’d told her before, with a grin no less, you don’t say no to Nancy.
By the time they left, they’d both eaten more than their fair share. Nancy put together a plate of the roast dinner and dessert for Mrs Bridges, and then they were off. “What’s she like,” Bethany wanted to know.
“You’ll see,” Hunter told her, glancing sideways. “She’ll appreciate that basket of goodies, that’s for sure.” His eyes back on the road ahead, Hunter slipped a hand into Bethany’s. It felt good to have him hold her hand. It helped confirm she mattered to him. She reflected it had been a long time since someone had cared for her. But never like this. Her parents had cared for her, but with Hunter it was a different sort of caring.
At least she hoped it was. His actions seemed to prove that. “We’re almost there,” he said out of the blue, and Bethany braced for the sudden stop. “That’s it up ahead.”
Bethany stared at the rundown cottage and wondered how long it had been since someone had cared enough to carry out repairs on the place. “Looks like it needs a lot of work.” She stared at Hunter. It seemed he did what he could, but he also had a job to do. He couldn’t spend all his time here.
“The place needs to be demolished. I’ve tried time and again to get her to move into town.” He climbed down from the buggy then helped Bethany down. She glanced at him momentarily then turned away. If she stared at him long enough, she knew what would happen – she’d want to kiss him. They weren’t there for that. The dear sweet lady needed their help.
Suddenly the front door flew open. “Git off my land!” Her arms flew all about and she looked angry. Surely this couldn’t be the dear lady Hunter had spoken about? “Go on, git.” She was suddenly out of the house, heading straight toward Hunter.
She was thin and fragile looking, and quite short – not even five foot in her estimation. At one time she would have been beautiful Bethany was certain, but now she was wrinkled due to her age, and her hair went every which way. She looked like she needed a good meal. Lots of good meals in fact.
In spite of all that, Bethany was terrified of what might happen next.
When she glanced across at him, Hunter was grinning. “Nice to see you too, Mrs Bridges.”
She continued toward him and suddenly put her arms around him and hugged him tight. “Go
od to see you, boy,” she said, emotion in her voice. “I thought you weren’t comin’ back. I could have been dead for all you knew.” When she pulled back, she had a smile on her face, but the smile suddenly disappeared when she spotted Bethany. “Who’s this you done brought with you without my permission?”
Bethany drew in a breath and stepped back. Perhaps she should have stayed home like Hunter had said. “Mrs Bridges, this is Bethany. She’s a…friend.”
“Dang it, boy. How many times I gotta tell you to call me Nellie? Or Aunt Nellie if you must?”
She stared at Bethany, then stepped toward her. She suddenly leapt forward and hugged her tight. “Friend? Ha!” She continued hugging Bethany then whispered in her ear. “Don’t take no nonsense from this one. He can be hard to git along with.” After her initial apprehension, Bethany was grinning. She already like the woman.
“Let’s git inside out of the cold,” she said. “Bring some of that firewood, will ya, boy?” She winked at Bethany. “Might as well make use of him, now he’s here.” She went straight to the stove and refilled the kettle from a pail of water she had near the sink. “No runnin’ water here, gal,” she said. “I git me water from the stream.”
Bethany gasped. The stream was so far from here. Mrs Bridges tapped on the window as though she’d read Bethany’s mind. “There ‘tis. Ain’t far, and the water is good an’ clean. Not like down in the town.”
Hunter arrived with an armful of wood and began to light the fire. “Why didn’t you light this earlier? It’s freezing in here.”
The old lady glanced at Bethany and grinned. “Why would I do that when I knew you’d be here to carry the wood and light the fire.”
“How did you know…?” He looked confused.
“Dang it, boy. You’re predictable. Every second Sunday you come ‘ere, without fail.” She filled three mugs with coffee, then waited for the kettle to boil. She turned to Bethany. “Dang fool doesn’t even know what he does.” It took all her effort for Bethany to not break down laughing.
Rescuing the Lawman Page 6