“Can’t you guess?” If Dustin hadn’t already been walking on air from her passionate greeting, the excitement on her face would have put him there now.
“Lillian Russell Room?”
He nodded. “Our table awaits.”
Sidney picked up her glass of wine and took a tiny sip. She wasn’t accustomed to drinking, but Dustin had already ordered a fine bottle in celebration, and she’d not dash his good intentions.
The waitress had already taken their orders, so they sat in quiet conversation in a corner table in the cozy dining room. The soft light, made by a candle in the center of every table, almost brought the alluring paintings to life.
“Should I be jealous?” she asked softly, gazing up at a dark-haired beauty in a bed of burgundy silks that had momentarily caught his attention. The young woman in the artist’s rendition held a small cluster of green grapes in her left hand, and her right hand was placed behind her head. Her smile was sweet, not seductive.
“Never, my love. You’ve captured my heart and soul.”
His gaze was so intense, she had to lower her lashes. How had this happened? Her world changed in a heartbeat. She’d been thrust into this enchanted fairy tale where a handsome prince was captured by her love. The circumstance didn’t seem possible. She feared she’d soon awaken to find herself back in her New Mexico bedroom, rising to gather cattle. Was that what would happen when the time arrived for Noah to go home?
He reached over and stroked her cheek. “You look unhappy.”
“Not unhappy, just . . .”
“Worried? Don’t be. Tonight is supposed to be a celebration. I’ve cleared the way for things on my end. I’ll help you do the same with your family.”
The waitress arrived, pushing a small tea cart. She uncovered their dishes of basil-roasted chicken, mashed potatoes drizzled in mushroom sauce, and creamed peas.
Sidney hadn’t dreamed of eating something so decadent and delicious in this small rugged town.
A moment later, the waitress came back and refilled their water.
Dustin smiled at Sidney, and her breath hitched. She’d marry this man. She didn’t know when, but she hoped the ceremony would be soon. She wouldn’t miss Santa Fe, or her father, but she would miss her brothers and Carmen.
They gazed into each other’s eyes as the food disappeared from their plates. Other diners were beyond her realm of consciousness. Her man was the most intoxicating human being on this earth.
He finished first, setting his knife and fork across his plate. “I can’t remember when I’ve enjoyed a meal as much as I have this one,” he said, stretching back. He reached for the bottle of wine and leaned to pour into her glass.
She smiled and shook her head.
He nodded, filling his own halfway.
“I agree. Chef Bernard has truly lived up to his reputation. Now I don’t have to just imagine the foods that make those aromas drifting into my room. I’ve experienced them.”
“Are you full? Did you get enough?” he asked when she placed her utensils across her plate.
“I couldn’t eat another bite. Everything was absolutely wonderful. Thank you, my love.” Embarrassed when the endearment slipped passed her lips as naturally as if she’d been saying them every day for ten years, Sidney jerked away her gaze.
“No, don’t look away.”
His voice was a soft plea, and she complied.
“I’ve been pining away for you in my heart, even before we met. Almost in despair that I’d never find you. Now that I have, I’m parched for your love.”
“Dustin.” That was all she could say. Living with her surly father and her brothers who were men of few words, she never dreamed she’d hear such endearments from a man—let alone one who was as rough, hardened, and competent as Dustin McCutcheon.
He leaned toward her, his forearms on the table. “Yes? It’s all true. And there’s more, but I struggle to find the words to bring them to life. They’re more a feelin’ in my heart. It’s so full, it’s almost painful.”
She looked into his eyes. “I know what you mean.”
The waitress cleared her throat, and they both gazed up.
“Would either of you care for dessert? We have dry apple pie or persimmon crumb cake.”
Dustin gestured toward her. “Sidney? It’s up to you.”
“I couldn’t, although they both sound delicious. Will you please give Chef Bernard our compliments? Everything was beyond my expectations.” She would tell him herself sometime tomorrow when she saw him as well.
“Yes, Miss Calhoun, I’ll be happy to.”
“How about a walk around the town?” Dustin asked. “I need to stretch my legs and let all this food settle. Maybe a stroll down to the hot springs is in order.”
She nodded, taken again by what a handsome devil Dustin was. She recalled her first impression in San Antonio that had captured her interest, and she’d toe-tapped out a little nervous beat in time with her heart. Then they’d spoken face-to-face in the hotel after the courthouse meeting, and his audacity had her gritting her teeth.
“What’s so funny?” he asked as he pulled out her chair. “You’re smiling.”
“I’m just thinking about when we met. How self-assured you were, and how angry you made me.”
He placed his hand on the small of her back and they proceeded toward the door into the hotel lobby.
Enjoying his closeness, she pulled her shawl around her shoulders.
“I’m still self-assured,” he said. “If I see what I want, I go after it.”
She glanced up into a satisfied smile. “Yes. I think I know that now all too well.”
Tonight felt like a fairy tale, but she had to remember she still had her family’s reaction to contend with. Her father was stubborn, but so was Dustin.
She thought back on the grasshopper. She didn’t want anything to happen to Dustin because of her. Was she putting him in danger?
Chapter Forty-Nine
Buster Drier, the lamplighter, was just making his rounds when Dustin and Sidney stepped out of the hotel. Tucking Sidney’s hand into the bend in his arm, Dustin smiled at the paper-thin bachelor as he lowered his torch. Reaching over his head, the man closed the glass door, hooked the latch, and started for the last street lamp in front of the stage office.
The dry evening air reminded Dustin how much they needed a good rain to tamp down all the dust. Soon, he thought, the weather would change, and winter would be upon them. He stopped and pointed to the moon. The glowing orb appeared to sit on the tip of the small church steeple, a block and a half away.
“It’s beautiful,” she gushed. Her firm hold on his arm felt like gold.
“Let’s take the long way around to the hot springs. First, we’ll go down Church Street and see how Knutson’s new mercantile is coming along. Have you had a chance to venture over that way?”
“Just the one time to the barn last week. I’d love to get a better feel for Rio Wells . . .”
“Since you’ll be living here soon?” Maybe he should stop pushing so hard, but he couldn’t help himself. He needed to hear her firm commitment as much as possible. “Should we talk about when we’re taking the big leap?”
She pulled his arm playfully. “You make marrying me sound like a prison sentence. Maybe you’re getting cold feet.”
“Nothing of the sort!”
As they approached the corner, he saw Doc Bixby relaxing on the iron bench as he smoked a pipe. Lily’s white cat was curled in his lap.
“Evenin’,” the old doctor said, the smile in his voice evident to Dustin. “Out for a stroll?”
Dustin nodded. “That’s exactly right.”
“It’s a pretty night.” He gestured toward the church. “I’m just watching the moon rise.”
As they continued down the street, Dustin wondered if Sidney would object if he stole another kiss once they were alone. They turned on Church Street and headed toward the new mercantile. A half a block past the mercantile was
the Knutson home, and the barn John was remodeling for his new business venture—their new business venture.
A large buggy pulled out from the Knutson house and headed in their direction. As the conveyance got closer, Dustin recognized Mr. Knutson driving and his wife at his side. The passel of girls, as well as the nanny, were lined up on the two bench seats behind.
As they pulled alongside, he felt Sidney stiffen. He touched the brim of his hat, and Mr. Knutson smiled. The wife was a dour-faced woman who looked as if a smile was as foreign to her as it was to a prisoner at the hanging tree. As luck would have it, Rainey, the youngest—and as precocious as they came—was seated on their side of the buggy.
“Mr. McCutcheon,” she called out in a childish voice as the buggy went by slowly at a walk. “It’s almost dark out here.”
Knowing she was baiting Sidney, Dustin chuckled and smiled. What he wouldn’t give to tweak her cheek!
“Good evening, Mr. and Mrs. Knutson,” he called, ignoring the pesky child’s taunt. “Beautiful night for a drive.”
“Absolutely, Mr. McCutcheon,” Mr. Knutson replied. “We’re enjoying our new home immensely.” He dipped his chin as he flipped the long reins.
As they pulled away, Sidney whispered, “I can tell by all the long faces. I wonder where they’re going?”
“I really don’t care as long as they take that little one far away.” He shook his head. “She gives me the chills.”
Sidney’s relaxed laughter brought a swell of pride to his chest. Things had happened quickly. They still knew so very little about each other, but he anticipated the learning.
They stopped in front of the mercantile, and looked through the window into the dark. The shelves were half full, and other merchandise sat around in no apparent order.
“Still a lot of work to do,” he said.
Sidney had become quiet, and he wondered why. Was she thinking of the uphill battle they had to climb?
Backtracking their steps, they turned onto Spring Street and headed for the hot springs, the twinkle of the street lamps creating a very fetching scene. He’d never beheld his hometown through eyes filled with love. He rather liked the view.
Now and then, a rider trotted by, or they’d catch a shout from someone celebrating a little too much at the Black Silk Garter. Life felt awfully good.
“Dustin, Miss Calhoun?” Cradle Hupton approached with his usual cup of coffee present. Dustin didn’t miss his look of disappointment at Sidney’s tight hold of his arm. “Good to see ya both,” he said.
“And you, Cradle. What’s new at the livery?”
The man shrugged, and then let out an ironic chuckle. “Not much happens there, Dustin. You know that.” His longing gaze traveled over to Sidney. “Patsy, my pony, somehow worked open the latch on my feed room and made a mess. I’m keepin’ an eye on her to be sure she don’t get colic.” He shrugged and looked around. “Your gelding has settled in fine, Miss Calhoun.”
“Thank you. You’ve been so helpful since our first meeting. I appreciate that greatly.”
Jealousy stabbed Dustin.
“My pleasure.” Cradle started forward. “I won’t keep you two any longer. Good evenin’.”
The three started off in opposite directions. They wouldn’t have time to stroll all the way to the hot springs, and be in before dark. As much as he hated to start back for the hotel, he knew they should.
Soon, he thought. Soon, we won’t have to go our separate ways—ever.
“Sidney Mayell Calhoun!” an angry voice rang out. “I’m ashamed!”
Sidney whirled before he could stop her.
In the dusky light, two horsemen approached, one hunched over with his left arm hanging at his side.
Chapter Fifty
“Pa.” The faint word was said on a gush of fear.
Dustin recognized the man riding next to her father as Jock Calhoun Jr. from the run-ins he’d had with Sidney’s brother at the stockyards over the years.
Sidney tried to pull away but he held her hand tight in the crook of his elbow, unwilling to let her pretend things that weren’t. Better to get the shock over as soon as possible.
The fact he was taking his girl out for supper in his hometown where he had nothing to fear meant Dustin hadn’t worn his gun. Seeing the two armed men approach, Dustin felt as naked as a newborn babe.
“McCutcheon.” The word was something dirty in the younger Calhoun’s mouth. His father’s narrow-eyed glare had Sidney trembling.
“Gentlemen,” Dustin said, angry at the way they’d already dismissed Sidney. She’d been through hell, and they couldn’t care less. These two men would be his in-laws. The fact he missed his .45 Colt while addressing them hit a humorous pinched-tight nerve, and he actually smiled.
“Something funny?” Jock Jr. asked. His face hadn’t lost its scowl.
The streets were quiet, most everyone having gone inside for the night. Stanton Drake, the telegraph operator, heading in the direction of the saloon, watched from the other side of the street.
“Thought that was you, Sidney,” Jock Calhoun said. “But when I recognized McCutcheon, I imagined I was seeing things.”
“Pa, why didn’t you let me know you were coming?” she asked, her free hand reaching out toward him. “How are you? Does your side hurt?”
Sidney’s voice held a breathless quality he’d not heard before. He didn’t like to think she was frightened of anything. Her concern for her father was evident.
“Maybe I wanted to see what my only daughter was up to. Now I know.”
“She told you what she was doing here in Rio Wells,” Dustin stated flatly before Sidney could answer. “I was right there when she sent the telegram. She’s watching out for Noah. Keeping him in line.”
Sidney’s brother chuckled mirthlessly. “Is that what you call this?” He gestured to her hand held firmly under Dustin’s. “I might say different.”
Again, Sidney tried to pull her arm away, but Dustin wouldn’t let her. He just stared back into the Calhouns’ heated faces.
Damn. He didn’t want to get into a fight, but Jock Jr. really set his teeth on edge. All the years of fistfights came rushing back. For Sidney’s sake, he needed to work this out with words. Just like Winston had tried for years—but failed.
Stanton Drake still watched from across the street, probably having picked up on the tone.
“Where’s Noah?” Sidney’s pa asked, stretching up in his saddle the best he could as he looked down the street.
“At the Rim Rock,” Dustin replied. “Where he’s been ordered to stay by a judge. We don’t have any say over that.” He forced a smile—for Sidney. “You must be hungry. Why don’t you stable your horses at the livery, and I’ll buy you supper in the hotel restaurant.” He squeezed Sidney’s hand. “If you hurry, we’ll make it before the dining room closes.”
Jock Jr. laughed. “We’d rather go hungry than eat with vermin like you. We’re loyal to our own.” He pinned Sidney with a stare. “At least, some of us are.”
“You have no call to speak to Dustin like that!” Sidney retorted, and Dustin felt the change in her body when anger replaced her fear. “I won’t have you calling names and being ugly. The McCutcheons have been kind and charitable—all of them.”
“Arguing won’t get us anywhere,” Dustin said. “Just so you know, Sidney and I are getting married on Saturday.” Taking the bull by the horns felt great. “You’ve shown up at an opportune time . . .” May as well drive the fact home. “. . . to give your daughter away.”
Sidney gasped and cut her gaze to his face.
Both men sat straighter, angrily looking between themselves.
“That ain’t going to—”
“It is!” Dustin said abruptly, cutting him off. He glanced down at Sidney, hoping he wouldn’t see censure in her eyes for assuming Saturday would be fine with her. “Sidney, you and I are collecting your things at the hotel so I can take you out to the ranch. Tonight.”
He hop
ed she wouldn’t refuse. He trusted these two as much as he did the Comancheros who had abducted his cousin Charity months ago. He didn’t want to wake up and find Sidney gone.
She gently squeezed the crook of his arm. “I’ll be fine here in Rio Wells, Dustin. Especially now that my father has arrived. I need to see them both settled and talk this out.”
“I’m not leaving you.”
“Please, go home. The situation will be easier that way. Don’t worry; I’m not going anywhere without you. You think they could take me against my will?”
Her tone was stiff. He didn’t dare push too hard and have everything backfire. Sure they could, sweetheart, if they really wanted to.
“I’ll see you tomorrow night for supper,” she said. “Just like we planned. And if you still want me then, I’ll bring my belongings along as well.”
He looked at the men. “You two staying at the hotel?”
“Where else?”
Chapter Fifty-One
The time was almost five o’clock in the morning when Dustin finally dragged himself back to the ranch. After he’d seen Sidney to her room and stayed around while her father and brother checked in, he’d collected his horse from Cradle. But he remained across the street, out of sight in the alley, making sure his in-laws-to-be didn’t try something underhanded.
Once back home, he bedded down his animal himself, still too keyed up to sleep. He avoided the early-morning activity in the bunkhouse and entered the house quietly. A lamp burned in his father’s office. Before he had a chance to move in that direction, he spotted his father coming out to meet him.
“Thought I heard you coming in.”
Dustin only nodded. He could see the conjecture in his father’s eyes. Thought he’d been with Sidney all night, and that bothered him.
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