Texas Lonesome

by Caroline Fyffe

  That day may be sooner than you think.

  “I hope they won’t want to do that,” Winston replied, grinning at his wife. “If everyone stayed right here on the Rim Rock and filled this house with grandbabies, I’d be a happy man. We can build on, add more square feet. I can see the picture now, boys chasing each other as they run through this room, whooping and hollering, and little Madelines and Beckies twirling like ballerinas as they vie for our attention.”

  He heaved a deep sigh. “In Montana, Flood and Claire are already up to their eyeballs in grandbabies. I’d like a few dozen of our own.”

  Winnie rubbed Winston’s arm. “Amen to that, husband.” She slid her gaze over to Dustin and smiled. “All in good time.”

  Can they read my thoughts? That smile on Pa’s face will dissolve fast enough when he hears his grandchildren will be carrying Calhoun blood.

  “Is something wrong, Dustin?” his mother asked. “You look a little flushed. How do you feel?”

  Like I’m going to puke. “I’m fine, Mother.”

  Maria appeared in the doorway to the dining room. “Dinner is almost ready, señora.”

  “Thank you, Maria. I’m sure Chaim and the girls will be here straight away.”

  With a curt nod, Maria hurried away.

  Dustin went to the sideboard, poured himself another stiff whiskey, and took half the glass in one gulp. The liquor scorched a trail straight to his gut, where the strong liquid pooled and began a slow burn.

  Where were Chaim and his sisters? He wished they’d hurry and get into the room. The longer he put off the announcement, the harder breaking the “happy” news would be.

  When a knock sounded on the front door, Dustin was only too happy to distract himself with whoever was there. He’d take care of business and send them on their way.

  Grasping the knob, he pulled open the door. “Theodore!”

  “Don’t look so perturbed, Dustin. Didn’t Becky let the family know she’d invited me for supper?”

  She most certainly had. Yesterday at lunch. Dustin had totally forgotten.

  I told Sidney I’d speak with the family tonight. If she hears I didn’t, she’ll think I’ve lost my nerve. And that I won’t do.

  Dustin stepped back, making room for the young man who held a small gift in his hands. Most likely in place of flowers, which were pretty scarce in a Texas November.

  “I’m not perturbed, Theo. What gave you that idea?”

  “The scowl on your face.”

  Dustin grinned, clamping the wiry youth on the shoulder, liking him very much. Young love. How easy courtship would be for Theo and Becky. Smooth sailing all the way.

  The two walked into the living room, where Becky and Madeline had just arrived. Chaim ambled into the room and gave a nod.

  His younger sister hurried forward, her face blushing into a soft pink glow. “Theodore, you’ve arrived.”

  He held out the small box tied with a soft lavender ribbon. “For you.”

  Becky looked around the watching faces until she found her mother.

  Winnie nodded and smiled. “Why, Theodore, how thoughtful,” his mother said happily.

  Dustin’s heart sank. He wanted this situation for Sidney. This heartfelt goodness that everyone in the room was experiencing as they watched the young couple. Was he setting up Sidney for more hurt than his love could offset? He didn’t want to think of the possibility, and yet he knew it might be true.

  His father inched in his direction. “Does a heart good to see such innocence in full bloom,” he whispered close to Dustin’s shoulder.

  A stone plunged to the bottom of his stomach.

  “They’re perfect for each other.”

  With trembling hands, Becky opened the gift as everyone watched. She withdrew a snowy-white handkerchief, delicately embroidered with her initials, RAM for Rebecca Anne McCutcheon. Of course, if things went as his sister hoped, she’d need another one soon with RAB, for Rebecca Anne Browning.

  Theodore’s face reddened as she oohed and aahed over the dainty gift, lifting the fabric to her face to feel its softness with her cheek.

  When Dustin looked up to find his mother watching him closely, he lifted a shoulder and smiled.

  “Supper,” Maria called, her face serious. One didn’t mess with her at dinnertime.

  Fifteen minutes later when the meal was well under way, Dustin supposed now was as good a time as any. Then he considered waiting until the plates were cleared and Maria brought in the dessert.

  Chaim sat stone-faced and quiet.

  A couple of times, he’d found Chaim looking at him, but his brother hadn’t brought up that he’d caught Dustin and Sidney together in a compromising position that afternoon. Dustin owed him for that.

  “Chaim, any news? I can’t imagine why Emmeline hasn’t telegraphed. At least to let us know how her father is,” Madeline complained. “He must be suffering horribly to keep her so busy.”

  “A letter is on the way,” Becky replied, her tone very ladylike. “Stop making such an issue, Madeline.” She glanced at Theo sitting at her side. She and Madeline usually had opposing opinions, which could get loud at times.

  His mother straightened, cutting a look at her older daughter. “Becky is right. Please stop tormenting your brother with questions about Emmeline. She is busy. That’s all. She’ll return when she returns. You must have something of your own to occupy your thoughts. Leave him be.”

  “Mother! The wedding is just around the corner. Things remain that need doing.” Madeline glanced from one face to the other. “A party of this size does not happen overnight.” She sent a pointed look to Becky. “Take note, dear sister. I’m only looking out for Chaim. He doesn’t want anything last-minute and makeshift.”

  Chaim pushed back abruptly and braced his hands on the chair arms. “If you’ll excuse—”

  Dustin caught his arm. “Hold up, Chaim. I have something to tell the family. I’d like you to hear as well.”

  The look his brother shot back implied he knew exactly what Dustin was about to say.

  Now that he’d started, nothing could keep him from speaking the news. Quickly.

  His heart thwacked painfully against his ribs, and the suspicion he saw creeping into his father’s eyes almost made him lose his nerve. But not quite. He’d battle for Sidney every inch of the way.

  “Sidney Calhoun and I are courting. We plan to be married soon.”

  His father’s palms crashed to the maple wood table, rattling all the dishware. His sisters’ eyes grew round, and his mother went as white as a ghost.

  “What did you just say?” his father asked, his face hardened into a grim mask. “I don’t think I heard you correctly.”

  What people said about spitting it out fast was true. That hardest part was done.

  “I said,” he repeated in a firm voice. “Sidney and I are in love. Nothing you do or say will sway us.”

  “Over my dead body! Mesmerized right from the start. I warned you to stay away . . .” His pa’s words slowed, and he turned away.

  Theodore looked back and forth between Dustin and Winston, his confusion apparent.

  “Dustin,” his mother began, “How did this—”

  His father stood, took a step away, and then stopped. “He’s been spending every free moment with her,” he said over his shoulder. “What did we expect?”

  Chapter Forty-Seven

  Sidney stood quietly at Lily’s side, offering her friend and employer moral support.

  “I can’t tell you how sorry I am about your gown, Mrs. Tuttle,” Lily said, her face an ashy gray-white. The remains of Mrs. Tuttle’s blue velvet dress lay atop the cutting counter, impossible to repair.

  Sidney hoped her friend wasn’t coming down with an illness. She’d seemed a bit down the last three days, trying to reestablish her business since the Billy Burger incident, but she’d faltered somewhat each morning. Sidney no longer needed her job, but enjoyed spending time with Lily and liked the atmospher
e of the shop.

  Mrs. Tuttle dabbed the hankie to the corner of her eye with a trembling hand. “I don’t know what I’ll do.”

  The despair in the middle-aged woman’s voice tugged at Sidney’s heart.

  “My husband expects me to make a showing in San Antonio. The event is very important to him and his investors. No time remains to order a new one.”

  Seeing Lily’s face cloud over, Sidney knew she had to do something to help.

  “All is not lost, Lily, Mrs. Tuttle,” Sidney said as she moved a few steps to her left and swept her arm in front of Ingrid. “Look at this beautiful maroon velvet sample gown. The gold cording is lovely. The dress is stunning, to say the least. With a few alterations, I’m sure Lily could have it fitting you like a glove.” She peeked toward Mrs. Tuttle to see what effect her words were having.

  Both women stood in stunned silence. Their expressions said that neither had thought of the possibility.

  “It’s not blue,” Sidney continued, “but I think the maroon . . . no, the hue is closer to a deep claret, would be spectacular with your rich, dark hair.”

  A small smile played around Lily’s lips as Sidney asked, “What do you think, Lily? Can you alter this gown in time to meet Mrs. Tuttle’s deadline?”

  Lily clapped her hands together, a smile bursting onto her face. “I most certainly can! That is, if you want me to, Mrs. Tuttle. Sidney is absolutely correct. This gown looks as if it were designed just for you.”

  As the two jabbered away in happiness over the solution that had been right under their noses, Sidney backed away. She went to the window and gazed out at the town, asking herself if she’d be happy living here in Rio Wells.

  Dustin hadn’t come into town, but he had sent a message. He’d broken the news to his family. He’d written they were happy about the match, but she knew better. Ranching was taking up his time, but he loved her, couldn’t wait to see her, and he’d be sending a buggy on Wednesday, which was tomorrow, so she could have supper at the ranch. To really meet the family.

  A buggy? Has he forgotten I have my horse stabled here in town? Of course not. But he’d prefer her to show up in a dress rather than her riding clothes. Be a proper lady.

  She glanced over her shoulder at Lily, a true proper lady. Then she glanced up at the four-leaf clover over the door.

  What had she gotten herself into? Yes, she loved Dustin. That would never change. Those few passionate moments in his arms had made her think she could overcome any impediment, no matter how great. Had she been a silly fool to think so?

  Noah walked through the door and halted as he looked around. Certainly seeing her wrapped in Dustin’s arms had him fretting for the last few days. He was worried, and she could understand that.

  Their gazes locked. He hadn’t softened in the least. When he lifted his chin her way, she went to his side.

  “Any word from home?” he asked. He showed no sign that he was happy to see her.

  “Hello, Noah,” she said just above a whisper. “You’re working in town today?”

  He nodded.

  “I’m sorry for the trouble I’ve—”

  “I’m the one who caused you to get mixed up with McCutcheon. I’ll take the blame from Pa. Just wondered if he’d returned your telegram yet.”

  “I haven’t heard a word.”

  “Are you sending another?”

  “Now that I have the funds, I could. But why should I? He didn’t send any money when I needed it. I know that sounds childish, but I don’t know what to think.” She tried to hold his gaze, but he kept looking away. “I’m hurt.”

  “You should know by now that’s just Pa. He doesn’t have an ounce of care in him for anyone. Not even you. He’s never loved any of us, just that age-old grudge he likes to nurse night and day.”

  “Don’t say that.”

  Noah had been through the worst. Living away his first year, and never knowing his real ma. Sidney had tried to nurture him, love him, but now she could see his pain went much deeper than even she’d thought. He was different from her other brothers, and that alone sometimes brought out their father’s scorn.

  “Why not? It’s true. The sooner you learn, the better you’ll be.” He touched the soft dressing room curtain, a trace of whimsy flitting through his eyes. “I just stopped in to see how you were. What’s happening with you and McCutcheon? Things at the ranch seem awfully strained.”

  “We’re planning to be married.” She held her breath, praying he at least would have a good reaction to the news.

  He whistled and wagged his head back and forth, his gaze anchored on the ceiling.

  John McCutcheon stuck his head in the door and smiled. “You coming, Noah? I’m about ready to head back out to the barn with these barrels.”

  “Yep, I’ll be right there.”

  Hearing the door close, she said, “Thank you for behaving. I keep expecting to wake up to the news you’ve burned down something or . . .” At his wounded expression, she clamped her mouth closed. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean that.”

  “I’ve grown up a lot, Sidney. Even if no one in my family sees the change.”

  She grasped his arm. “I see it, Noah! I do. That was a stupid remark that I didn’t mean.”

  He nodded and turned. “I need to get to work.” He shot her one last look. “You take care of yourself.”

  Chapter Forty-Eight

  Heady scents of roasted chicken and garlic swirled around Dustin as he made his way up the steep stairway of the Union Hotel, heading for Sidney’s room. She’d be home from Lily’s by now and plenty hungry, he suspected—or hoped.

  He’d come to surprise her. The days they’d been apart had been the longest of his life, and he was longing for a few more kisses. They had been on his mind since riding away and leaving her in Rio Wells.

  He knocked on her door, a million thoughts running through his head.

  “Yes?”

  “It’s Dustin.”

  The door flew open, and in a rustle of petticoats, she vaulted into his arms.

  “Hey, what’s this?” he asked, startled at her immediate reaction.

  “I’m just happy to see you,” she said, holding him tight, her soft cheek pressed close to his. “Nothing has seemed real since you left here on Saturday. I can’t believe we spoke of marriage, and you actually braved telling your family. Your father.”

  He stepped back so he could see into her face. “Just like you’ll be brave enough when the time comes.”

  He studied the tight expression that had him a bit worried. This commitment was not set in stone. Cold feet could change her mind at any time.

  “Right?” His heart thumped in his chest. “Sidney?”

  “Of course. You know I will.”

  He knew nothing of the sort. He knew what she wanted. He knew what she thought she would do once she was face-to-face with Jock Calhoun—but he couldn’t be sure.

  “Good.” Nothing could be done about the situation with her father now, so he planned to enjoy this evening. She wore a new blouse with Madeline’s skirt. “That’s exactly what I wanted to hear. Now, gather up your shawl, because I’m taking you out to supper.”

  “I thought that was tomorrow night, out at the ranch?” Her eyes narrowed a fraction. “Your father doesn’t want to see me.”

  “Not true in the least.” Pa didn’t say those words exactly. He’ll soften to the idea by tomorrow. He’s stern, but he’s not heartless. “I just couldn’t wait another night.”

  Turning, he glanced around to be sure the hall was still vacant and then kissed her soundly, taking his time to show her just how much he’d missed her. After more than a few moments that would brand the kiss proper, he pulled back just far enough to see into her eyes.

  “Are you complaining, Calhoun?”

  A smile so beautiful blossomed onto her face that the sight almost stole his breath.

  “Not in the least, McCutcheon,” she whispered against his lips. “I’m not ready. It wasn’
t all that long ago that I returned from the shop. I’m a mess.”

  His bride-to-be was the most stunning creature he’d ever set eyes on. “I didn’t know you were such a fibber. You look absolutely beautiful. I hope you haven’t already eaten. Are you hungry?”

  “Actually, I’m starved.”

  He knew that feeling all too well. Her gaze stilled on his face, and he had to stop himself from backing her into the room and closing the door.

  “Good.” He corralled his thoughts back to where they belonged. “While we’re at supper, we’re discussing you moving to the ranch, where I can see you all the time, and I know you’re safe.”

  Shaking her head, she placed a hand on his chest. “They aren’t ready to see me every minute of every day—not quite yet, Dustin. We need to warm into this.”

  He hadn’t thought this would be easy. If she could trust that his family liked her and wasn’t against her, she’d soften her feelings about his father. He’d win her over, and she’d realize Winston wasn’t the type to bushwhack anyone, let alone a friend, no matter how much money was involved.

  With his hands on her shoulders, he turned her and encouraged her forward. “There’s a pit in my belly that won’t let me think squarely. Get your things, and I’ll persuade you how wrong you are over a hot plate of food.”

  She hurried into the room that was perfectly picked up. The indentation on the bed’s counterpane was the only indication she’d been relaxing.

  “How’s Billy Burger?” he asked. “I’ve been so busy I haven’t had a chance to catch up on that issue at all. He healing?”

  She’d gone to her dresser and was smoothing her hair with a comb and now pinching her cheeks, as he’d seen his sisters do on occasion. Such an intimate scene. A week ago, he never would have thought how much his life would change.

  With her reticule and shawl, she turned toward him. “John says some time yet will pass before he walks without a limp. He’s grouchy, and has moved back to his own place.” She glanced into his eyes. “As bad as I feel about shooting him, I’d do it again if he touched Lily, or anyone else.” She passed into the hall, and Dustin pulled the door closed. “Where’re we going?”