Texas Lonesome

by Caroline Fyffe

  Dustin eyed the bed, pondering how much more comfortable laying her down would be, but worried she might think him forward. Closing the door was scandalous enough. Instead, he rocked her back and forth, and let her exorcise her grief so the past couldn’t hinder their relationship once he set things into motion.

  “That’s only three days, honey. Three days, and you’ll be Mrs. Dustin McCutcheon.” He whistled. “I like the sound of that.”

  “I can’t do it, Dustin,” she cried against the front of his shirt. “I can’t face your father, or your mother. Or Chaim, Madeline, and Becky. The ugly truth is all too hideous.”

  “What your pa did has nothing to do with you. I won’t have you talking that way. Didn’t you hear what your future father-in-law said? He’d kept the information to himself to protect you. If that’s not love, I don’t know what is.”

  She looked up into his face, her eyes a watery mess. “What about Noah? I can’t bear any more bad news.”

  “Well, good. Because I don’t have any. Noah didn’t do a thing. He actually went out to stop trouble before it struck.”

  She wiped her eyes on his sleeve, making him smile. Having a wife of his own was going to be pretty darn nice. He was looking forward to it.

  Somewhat mollified, Sidney pushed out of his embrace and stood facing him, her expression no-nonsense. “What do you mean?”

  She looked so beautiful, he’d rather kiss her than talk, but he knew until this was put to bed, there’d be no sugar for him.

  “Does the name Harry Brennon ring any bells?”

  “Noah’s school friend?”

  Dustin nodded.

  “The one who started the trouble in San Antonio?”

  “The one and the same. Seems that troublemaker followed Noah to Rio Wells. Thought he’d extract his own revenge on the hateful McCutcheons. Couple of days ago, Brennon sent a note to Noah when he was working with John, telling him to meet him in town last night in the Black Silk Garter. He had an idea. Fearful Brennon would do some horrible deed before he could stop him, Noah sneaked out of the bunkhouse and took a horse. Rode into Rio Wells alone. He found Harry Brennon in the saloon, all right, as drunk as a skunk and passed out on the floor.”

  Dustin pulled her closer, enjoying the feel of her against him. “Brick, our ranch hand, was in the back of the barn when Noah went for a horse. Knowing I gave explicit orders that Calhoun wasn’t allowed out alone, Brick followed. He hoped to catch Noah breaking the law. Instead, he followed him into the saloon, where he found Noah reviving his friend with black coffee. All this happened before the fire. Brick and Noah actually buried the hatchet, got to sharing stories and drinking whiskey to commemorate the moment. They slept through the fire completely.”

  He broke into a wide grin. “How’s that for good news?”

  “The barn, Dustin! Who set the fire?”

  He enjoyed how she was hanging on his every word, and how he had her complete attention. Did she have any idea what tonight meant? The truth had cleared the way for their love. She was hurt now, but he’d make sure she got past that, and soon.

  “Dustin!”

  “Little Rainey Knutson. Whatever made that hoyden sneak out of the house with a lantern at the crack of dawn has her parents mystified. She went into John’s barn, and a good-sized spider dropped onto her head from the loft. Terrified, she threw down the kerosene lantern, causing the place to burst into flames. She’s damn lucky to be alive. Let that be a lesson to her.”

  “You found this all out in the few minutes we’ve been apart?”

  “Few minutes? Almost an hour has passed, honey. That’s fifty minutes too long. When I know my girl’s hurting, I don’t mess around.”

  She gazed up into his face. “I’ll remember that next time I’m feeling neglected.” She smiled, and a bolt of lightning scorched him all the way down to his boots.

  “I’m waitin’.”

  After bestowing a shy smile, she went up on tiptoe and pressed her lips to his.

  Chapter Fifty-Three

  Saturday Evening

  “Well, Mother, I guess you got what you were wishing for,” Dustin said, his arm possessively placed around the back of his gorgeous wife, keeping her clamped next to his side. They stood together in the Lillian Russell Room, where every table was occupied with wedding guests, drinking wine and eating cake.

  Sidney wore a lemon-yellow gown borrowed from someone that fit her figure in a most enticing way. Her hair was piled seductively on top of her head, just begging for him to extract a few pins so the weighty mass could fall down around her shoulders. Dustin’s thoughts kept straying upstairs to the room they’d share tonight.

  “Sidney and I will be living at the ranch for the time being until we decide what we want to do. I hope you’re happy.”

  “Your father and I are delighted beyond measure,” his mother replied. The huge smile that had begun with the first note of the piano when Sidney came down the aisle to meet him was still in place. No tears for this mother. She was thrilled her oldest would finally begin propagating. “The more in the house, the merrier, I like to say. And now I have three daughters. What could be better?”

  She smiled at Sidney, who was conspicuously quiet. Dinner had ended over an hour ago, and the quartet now played. They’d danced and talked with friends until time to make the toasts, which Chaim had accomplished with great aplomb.

  Dustin glanced at his brother, who’d received word from Emmeline yesterday. He still hadn’t had a chance to have a good heart-to-heart with Chaim, but he’d learned Emmeline wasn’t returning to Rio Wells.

  When the music started up again, Winston came over and extended a hand to his new daughter-in-law. “May I have this dance, Sidney?”

  She blushed and stepped toward him. “Of course.”

  For a few minutes, Dustin watched them, marveling how fate had come full circle. He glanced over to the table where her kin sat. They’d been subdued since the truth had been exposed, pretty much staying in their hotel room most of the time.

  Dustin was glad they had stuck around. With everything that had happened, their presence meant a lot to Sidney, even if many things needed to be worked through. She even asked her father to walk her down the aisle. Other than that, not much contact had happened between them.

  Noah sat with Martha and Louise Brown, and Candy as well. The four looked to be having a time to remember.

  “Will you please excuse me, Mother?”

  “Of course, Dustin.” She rubbed his arm, the tells of her sentimentality blossoming on her face. Wobbly lips, crunched forehead, watery eyes. “I’m so proud and happy for you. Sidney is the perfect match for you, and will keep you in line. I couldn’t love her any more than I already do.”

  Dustin kissed her cheek and headed for Chaim, who relaxed against the back wall, watching the dancers. They stood together a few moments in silence and just enjoyed the view of Sidney waltzing in their father’s arms.

  “So, how ya doing?” Dustin asked. Even though Chaim tried to hide his pain, the reality was the devastation was written all over him, for all to see.

  “Congratulations, brother,” he replied. “She’s a beautiful bride. You’re a lucky man.”

  “That I am, but that’s not what I asked. You received word from Emmeline yesterday. What’re your plans?”

  He rubbed a hand across his face and let go a long sigh. “Plans?”

  “I know you, Chaim, so stop with the riddles. I’m feeling your pain, and I see a faraway look in your eyes.”

  He nodded. “You do. I’m leaving for a spell. Tonight, as a matter of fact. When this shindig is over.”

  Dustin sucked in a breath. He hadn’t thought Chaim would do something so drastic. “You can’t leave. We need you at the ranch.”

  “You have plenty of help with the new hand.” He shook his head. “I won’t be missed. Not really.”

  “Noah won’t be here forever.”

  Chaim turned and looked Dustin square in the eye. �
��I’m not talking about him.” He motioned across the expanse of tables to Sidney and their father on the dance floor.

  The laugh that came from his mouth eased a little of the pain left in Dustin’s heart. Chaim might have lost Emmeline, but not his sense of humor.

  “And it’s not like I’m going for good,” Chaim added. “I’ll be back sooner or later. Maybe I’ll head up to Montana. See Y Knot for myself.”

  All the way to Montana? Dustin bit out a curse. “Don’t do this, Chaim!”

  “I lost her, Dustin,” he whispered. “Tell me you’d just sit around here doing business as usual if Sidney had gone back to Santa Fe. Somehow, I don’t see that happening.”

  Chaim had a point. A good one. But so soon? Tonight? Dustin wasn’t ready to lose his little brother. Protectiveness welled up inside him.

  “What was her reasoning?”

  “Does it matter?”

  Not really.

  He shook his head. “Guess not. But I’ll go with you. Sidney and I both will,” he quickly amended when he realized how silly that sounded.

  “Your destiny is here, making Ma and Pa happy with all the little ones you’ll have. They’ve been waiting mighty long for grandbabies. You can’t be following me over hill and dale.”

  No swaying his brother, but Dustin totally understood. “Have you told ’em yet?”

  “No. Didn’t want to spoil their time.”

  A heavy stone landed in the pit of Dustin’s stomach. He didn’t want Chaim to go. Without warning, he pulled his brother into an embrace.

  “You be careful.” He almost choked on his words as a burning heat stung the back of his eyes. “Don’t get yourself hurt, or worse.”

  When he noted John and Lily on their way over to where he and Chaim stood, he pulled away and wiped his eyes. He was going to miss Chaim; he certainly would.

  Chapter Fifty-Four

  Three and a Half Weeks Later

  Bundled in sheepskin coats, Sidney rode with Dustin into Rio Wells, both sets of saddlebags near bursting with gifts for their friends.

  Christmas Eve was only ten days away. John and Lily were hosting a small gathering at the shop, just for a few close friends, to celebrate the coming holiday. The crisp air that turned Dustin’s nose red had yet to fall below freezing. Even with a cranberry-colored beak, he was still the handsomest man she’d ever seen.

  Sidney glanced down at Jackson trotting at their heels. “He looks tired,” she said, unable to stop a rush of affection for the friend she’d had for many years. “Guess he’s getting old.”

  Dustin looked her way, down at the animal, and then back up at her. He was relaxed back in the saddle, and for the last few days had let his beard grow in. She liked the look immensely.

  “You worried about him?” He lifted a shoulder. “Looks fine to me.”

  “No, not worried. Just feeling emotional, I guess.”

  He smiled and shook his head. “Can’t figure you out.”

  Rio Wells looked beautiful. Wreaths hung on doors and windows, and candles flickering in windowsills added to the ambience of the kerosene lights. As they passed by the livery, she saw Cradle in his upstairs window, combing his hair. He waved and smiled, getting ready for the same party they were headed to.

  After reining up in front of the dress shop, she spotted Dustin, already dismounted, at the side of her horse. She arched a brow.

  “Be nice. I like helping you down.”

  She hid her smile and put out her hand. Once on the ground, she barely had room between him and her gelding.

  “See what I mean?” He leaned in and captured her lips. When he pulled away, he chuckled. “Gives me the advantage. Sometimes, a man’s got to do what a man’s got to do.”

  The door to the shop opened. “Stop your kissing and get in here, you two lovebirds,” John called. “The air’s quite nippy out there.”

  From inside, she could hear Dr. Bixby’s voice as well as Tucker’s as they talked about something. A giggle she didn’t recognize melded with their laughter.

  “Be right in,” she called, working the knots holding her saddlebags.

  Finished with his, Dustin aptly did her other side and hoisted both burdens over his shoulder.

  Lily met them at the door. “You haven’t been to town for two weeks,” she scolded. “I’ve been impatiently waiting to see you.”

  John took their coats, and the women hugged.

  Lily looked her over. “You appear wonderfully happy. I can’t imagine why.”

  Sidney’s cheeks warmed. The fact that everyone in the world knew what activities she and Dustin had been up to was a bit disconcerting.

  She pushed away her embarrassment. “How’re you faring in the shop without me? I feel terrible about leaving you shorthanded.”

  “Nonsense,” Lily replied. “Business is a bit slower now, but with John’s excitement over the new business, he thinks we may send for Giselle by this summer. Until then, he agrees I should look for another helper.” Lily’s face lit up. “Did you hear the good news? Mr. Knutson is paying for the bottles, barrels, and such that were destroyed in the fire. John’s venture is moving right along. Now, no more worries. This is a party.” She put her arm through Sidney’s and pulled her toward the kitchen alcove.

  “Merry Christmas!” old Doc Bixby hollered, a cup of punch in his hand. His bright red shirt was for once buttoned properly and tucked neatly into his dungarees.

  Tucker stood hand in hand with a young woman Sidney didn’t know. Her pixie face was wreathed in a warm smile.

  “Come meet our girl, Maisy!” Bixby added, unable to hide his affection. “Actually, she’s Tucker’s girl, but she’s like the daughter I never had.” He winked at her. “We’ll keep her.”

  The cinnamon-scented room filled with guests while Sidney sipped eggnog, nibbled on Christmas cookies, and watched the festivities going on around her. Her heart, near to bursting with love, shuddered as she watched Dustin, John, Cradle, and Noah in some kind of manly discussion. Madeline and Becky had stayed home, just getting over a sour stomach.

  Noah still had a few more months before he’d earned enough to pay off his debt. She wondered what he would do when time came for him to go back to Santa Fe.

  “Have you heard from Chaim?” Lily asked softly, appearing at her side. “I’m still so shocked at his sudden departure. Every morning and night, I pray that God will hold him close.”

  “I know what you mean. Everyone’s worried. But we did have a telegram from him yesterday. He arrived safely in Galveston, and he and Brick are seeing the sights.”

  “Galveston! Why there?”

  “Dustin couldn’t figure that out either. Guess he wants to taste the boom of a large city. Who knows where he’ll go next? We were all very relieved when Brick Paulson threw in with him. Dustin says he’s a real good man. Good with a gun and straight in the head. Winston and Winnie were thrilled. Gave him their blessing to go along and promised he’d have a job, with a promotion, the moment they returned.”

  “That’s all good news. And your sisters-in-law? How’re they feeling? Better?”

  “I believe so. Becky had the worst of it. I think they’re both on the mend.”

  Lily winced and discreetly rubbed her stomach. “I pray I’m not coming down with anything. I don’t want to miss Christmas. Every time I think I am, the feeling goes away. Strange.”

  Before Sidney could respond, the door opened again. Lily had said they weren’t expecting anyone else. The shop was filled to its capacity already. In strode the Knutson girls, dressed to the hilt. When Lily saw them, she raised a hand to her mouth, her eyes wide.

  At the strained moment, Misti—Sidney thought, she was never quite sure yet which girl was which—took a tentative step forward, followed by her four sisters. The nanny brought up the rear and lingered in the doorway.

  Misti extended a tray of goodies to Lily. “Thank you for the kind invitation, Mrs. McCutcheon. Rainey was over the moon to bring us the news yesterday. I
hope we’re not too late.”

  As if just now realizing the mistake by the surprise on everyone’s faces and the deadly quiet room, the young woman lowered her brows and her smile ebbed away. She cut a not-so-nice-glance to her little sister, who stood twisting back and forth with a mischievous grin on her face.

  Lily quickly stepped forward, her signature smile drawing the attention of everyone in the room. Without missing a beat, she graciously took the dish of goodies from Misti Knutson’s hands.

  “We’re so pleased you could make it, Miss Knutson.” Lily’s welcoming glance extended to the other four sisters, and then the nanny. “Please come in and warm up.”

  Dustin ambled over to Sidney’s side. His fingers found hers and he gave a squeeze, drawing her attention up to his smiling gaze. She marveled again at the turn of events in her life, her magnificent husband, and her wonderful friends.

  “Things around here sure have picked up since I went to San Antonio,” he said. His gaze dropped to her lips and became a bit wicked. “I’m thinking I just might send Judge Halford a little note. Thank him on his sound decision-making. Think he’d like that, darlin’?”

  His molasses-warm voice next to her ear made her shiver with want. She could barely eke the words past her lips. He knew very well the power he had over her. She was putty in his hands.

  “He’d think you’d lost your mind.”

  Dustin laughed. “You’re right. He would think that. And because he will, I’m writing that correspondence tomorrow morning first thing. Right after we—”

  Sidney slapped her hand over his mouth, halting his words. The room was very crowded. Surely, someone would overhear the daring talk he so loved to use to color her cheeks.

  He covered her hand with his, pulled her close, and kissed her palm.

  “Dustin.” She tensed, wishing to pull away, but he wouldn’t let her.

  “Yes, Mrs. McCutcheon?” He searched her eyes. “Do you have something to say? Are you complaining about my affections?”