The anxious Texan whispered, “Does she know about…”
“No, I didn’t tell her.” Everything about us or about our son, his mind finished to assuage his guilt over the half-lie.
“That’s best for everyone.”
He smiled in agreement. “I’ll fetch her. She’s eager to meet you and Matt.”
He released the hold on his first love’s elbows and went to retrieve his “wife.” As he helped Beth dismount, their gazes fused and searched for a moment. He gave her a smile of encouragement and reassurance he was all right and in control. The redhead smiled in return and gazed at him with such trust in him and concern for his feelings. You’re a special woman, Beth. You’d be perfect to replace—Whoa, hombre, don’t get loco while you’re caught in a blinding duststorm!
“Ready?” he asked, and she nodded. He guided her to the other woman. “Jessie, I want you to meet my new bride, Beth Breed. Love, this is Jessica Lane Cordell, the lady who saved my hide more than once. As I told you, if it wasn’t for her and Matt, you and I would never have met.”
As they shook hands, Beth said, “It’s an honor and pleasure to meet you, Jessica. I want to thank you for all you did for my husband. He told me how the stay here at the ranch changed his life.” As she spoke, Beth slipped her arm around Navarro’s waist, gazed up at him, and smiled. “But frankly I can’t imagine him ever being anything except the wonderful man I know and love today.”
As he slipped into his role, the sable-haired man chuckled and teased, “That’s because you’re the one who lassoed and tamed me.”
Beth laughed. “I don’t recall you putting up a struggle.”
“That’s because I was tired of roaming and wanted to settle down.”
“And I just happened to be the first woman you bumped into after you made that astonishing decision?”
He cuddled her closer. “Nope, you’re just the one who convinced me. Ask Jessie; she’ll tell you I was a born and bred drifter.”
As the newlyweds looked into each other’s eyes, Jessica said, “No man is ready to settle down until the right woman comes along. It seems to me as if you two are perfectly matched.”
“Yes, we are,” Navarro murmured. “I’m a lucky man.”
“From the way it looks, I agree. You’ll have to tell me how you two met and got married and about the ranches you’ll be checking out near San Antonio the fifth of next month. That’s only a six-day ride from here, so surely you can stay a few days and visit. We have plenty of catching up to do.”
“We’d like that, Jessie, if it won’t be any extra work for you and Matt.”
Jessica smiled. “Of course not. Matt and I would love to have you two stay for a while. You’ve traveled a long way, so I’m sure you and Beth can use a rest, good food, and a soft bed. I know the boys will be delighted to see you again. They’re on the range today. They just finished branding, so they’re herding the stock to the south pasture for grazing and watering. Half of them will be back later tonight; the other half will be standing guard. Who knows, we might even persuade you to help scare off any rustlers who come along or repair a few fences for old time’s sake?”
“Maybe even work on a windmill? Sounds like fun to me.”
Beth watched them share laughter and memories. She listened as Jessica told him a man named Big John was working in the smithy and a Biscuit Hank, who had gotten married, was cooking in the chuckhouse with his wife.
“It’ll be good to see the boys again and do some serious jawing. How’s Miguel and Carlos? And Jimmy Joe? And Tom? And your grandmother?”
“I’ll tell you about everyone later, but they’re all fine, except Gran; we lost her two years ago.”
“That’s a shame; she was one fine lady.”
“She never forgot you and would have enjoyed seeing you again. Were you still working with the Army when you met Beth?”
Navarro realized she was trying to change a still.painful subject. “No, I gave that up years ago after peace rode into the territory. I’ve been trying different things to see what caught my interest for permanent work.”
“It appears ranching won out over your other choices.”
The sound of a wagon approaching halted the conversation and all three looked toward the barn where it pulled up and stopped.
“Here’s Matt and the children now. He’ll be glad to see you and to meet this lovely bride of yours.” Three children waved and yelled at their mother, who responded in the same manner.
Navarro watched Jessica brighten as her family came into sight, a family that could have been his. “It’ll be good to see him again. You chose a fine man to marry, Jessie.”
With her gaze on Matt, Jessica smiled and concurred, “Yes, I did.”
Navarro was a little edgy about speaking to the man who’d taken his place years ago, who brought such a glow to Jessica’s face, who might be involved in a terrible crime without her knowledge. Beth had said a desperate man might do anything to protect his possessions, but would Mathew Cordell, he worried, risk bloodshed, prison, death, and his family’s loss just for financial survival? Surely not, he reasoned; Matt was strong, proud, and brave enough to start over if necessary.
“Why don’t you join him, Navarro?” Jessica suggested as the children raced toward them after their father helped them from the seat and wagonbed. “You two might want to share some man-talk before supper. The children and I will keep Beth entertained while you chat for a while.”
Navarro wondered if Matt had asked to meet in private with him after his arrival. “That’s a good idea, Jessie.” He looked at Beth and said he’d return soon, then headed toward Mathew Cordell, whose unreadable gaze was locked on him. He made certain, when the exuberant children passed him, he didn’t miss a step or stare at the oldest boy, his son…
Chapter Twelve
As the two boys and little girl raced toward her, Jessica yelled, “Matt, I’ll feed the children and get them ready for bed so we can have a quiet meal with our company! I’ll call you before I put them down!”
Beth watched as Navarro reached the double barn and joined Matt, who nodded at his wife. She saw a big black man leave the smithy shed to take care of the team and wagon for his boss. It was obvious Navarro knew him by the way they shook hands, smiled, and chatted for a few moments. She looked at Jessica and said, “I’ll be there in a minute. I want to get something out of my saddlebag.”
“The kitchen is to the left, at the back. I’ll introduce you to my little ones after you come inside.” Jessica herded the active bunch into the house as the two youngest kept glancing back at the female stranger.
While fetching the gifts she’d purchased in El Paso, Beth stole glances at the men who walked to a corral to speak in private. The distance was too far to overhear their words but surely Navarro would tell her everything later.
The Special Agent began his difficult deception. “The last time we talked, Matt, I promised I wouldn’t return and intrude on your lives; but since your ranch almost lay in our path to San Antonio, I was hoping you wouldn’t mind us stopping by. I wanted you and Jessie to meet the woman I love and married. You can put to rest any lingering doubts; I know Beth is my destiny, just as Jessie is yours.” Navarro noticed a gleam of relief in Matt’s brown eyes. “I hope my message out of nowhere didn’t worry you two. If you’d said not to come, I wouldn’t have. I give you my word of honor, old friend. I won’t return unless you need my help in any way.”
Navarro went on. “You know what I was like before I came here the first time, so I made mistakes, plenty of them, bad ones. I never meant to tear up Jessie’s life, and I’m glad she had you to love her. I know she loves you, Matt, and I think she always did. We just caught each other at bad times in our lives. Beth taught me everything that happens to us is for a purpose; we can let bad defeat us or we can use it for the good.” He watched the rancher nod agreement.
Mathew Cordell studied his past rival. Unless he was a sorry judge of character, Navarro looked s
incere. “I’m happy to hear such news and I’m eager to meet this woman you chose.”
“She’s really special, Matt. I never thought I’d find a woman like her, and I’m damn lucky I did.”
Matt noticed a convincing tenderness in the man’s expression and tone. The ex-desperado even had a sparkle in his hazel eyes each time he mentioned his new wife. “How did you meet her? When? Where?”
Navarro leaned against the corral and propped an arm on the top slat. He gazed across the landscape as he softened his voice. “I’ve known Beth for several years. Her husband and I became good friends while I was working for the railroad in St. Louis.” He feigned a sad look for a moment. “Stephen was killed in a bank holdup a year ago. He’s the first close friend I’ve lost, and it was hard for me and Beth. At least his murderer was brought to justice, swung from a rope a few weeks later.”
“So you married his widow out of loyalty to…Stephen?” Matt asked, hoping he was wrong.
“To be honest, I realized after his death I’d been in love with Beth since I met her. But I swear to you, Matt, I never made any moves toward her while Stephen was alive; I wouldn’t have betrayed a friend no matter how much I wanted her. After he was killed I gave her time to grieve before I told her my feelings. I was lucky, because she’d come to feel the same way about me. A few weeks ago, we got married in Tucson. I won’t ever do anything to lose her.”
“I understand; it’s like that with Jessie and the children; I’d do anything for them. What made you choose San Antonio to settle down?”
“A friend told me about one ranch for sale and Beth learned about two others while she was working in the land office in Tucson. Harrison, her boss, keeps up with available property from Texas to California and Dakota to the Mexican border to help friends find homes in other places when they move. We decided ranching would be a good life for us, a nice way to raise a family. I made arrangements to check ‘em over the first week of May. If we don’t like any of ‘em, we’ll look elsewhere, maybe Colorado. Harrison also offered his help in locating the right one. Prices in San Antonio aren’t too high, and I’ve saved plenty working all kinds of jobs. Beth’s done the same, so we should be able to afford a small spread. Later, if we want, we can grow if land’s available. If we do settle there and you and Jessie get over that way and want to visit, you’re welcome anytime. But if you’d rather this be our last contact, I’ll understand.”
“Does Beth know about you and Jessie, and Lane?”
Navarro realized Matt didn’t respond to his last two statements. He wondered if he was being stalled outside to give Jessie time to put their son to bed before he could meet the boy. You planning to feed us, study Beth, and send us on our way while Lane’s asleep? “I figured it was best if that secret stays between the three of us. Women are sensitive about such things and I don’t want to hurt Beth, or do or say anything to spoil our fresh start.”
“So she doesn’t know about your son?”
“No, and I hope to keep it that way. But he’s your son, Matt: Lane was born as your child and he’ll always be your child unless you say different. I’m sure you’ve done a fine job raising him. One day, he’ll be a good man like you; that’s what I want for him.” Unless you’re guilty.
Matt smiled. “That’s kind of you to say, Navarro. You’re being smart and unselfish again. I swear, Lane couldn’t be any more my son if I’d sired him. We’re very close. I love that boy and I’m proud he bears my name.”
“Believing that is what made my decision for me and holds me to it.”
“Lane will never be slighted by me. One day, he and Lance will share this ranch, as real brothers.”
If you don’t lose it to these troubles you’re in. I’ll do my best to protect this place for Lane and Jessie. “Thanks, Matt, for being a good father, and a good friend to me. You and Jessie are special. I’ll never forget the times we’ve shared and all you two did for me. I’d be a sorry case today if you two and the boys hadn’t helped me.”
Matt smiled and nodded in gratitude. “I wanted to come because I didn’t want you two living in dread that one day I’d return to cause you trouble and pain. Giving you peace of mind is the only way I can repay my debt to you. After we leave, you can trust me to never look over my shoulder or come after anything that belongs to you.”
“We believe you; that’s why we let you come. I have to admit, I was shocked and worried when I first got your message. But I realized, if you only wanted to see Jessie and Lane, you could’ve ridden up without asking or spied on us to catch ‘em alone. I’m glad you finally found someone to take Jessie’s place. You deserve to have a good woman at your side.”
“The last time we saw each other, we were talking about your wife and future. It seems strange to be doing the same thing about mine today.”
Matt chuckled and relaxed, nodding his head. “Yep, sure is.”
“You told me about loving and almost marrying another woman when you were young. I guess that helps you understand what happened to me.”
“The second time is best, sharing real love like we’ve both found.”
“I’m delighted you came so we could meet you and see Navarro again,” Jessica said, as the men talked, the children ate, and the bathwater heated. “We’ve been so busy this spring I’ve had little, if any, time for socializing.” She laughed and focused an amiable blue gaze on her guest. “It’ll be fun to have a woman my age around to chat with. How old are you?”
“Twenty-eight,” Beth replied as she wondered if the youngsters always ate in the dining room or if Jessica wanted privacy to chat with her.
“I’m thirty-four. Matt’s forty-five. I’ve known him most of my life; he practically helped raise me.” She smiled as if to herself. “You’ll stay a few days for us to get acquainted and enjoy a little diversion, won’t you?”
“Are you sure we won’t be an imposition at such a busy time? Navarro said springtime is hectic with roundup, branding, repairs, and gardening. Goodness, I have so much to learn about being a rancher’s wife. We could camp nearby and head out in the morning.”
“Certainly not. Close friends are always welcome, and I can fill your head with things you should know about your new life. It’s been years since Navarro left, so we have a lot of catching up to do. Please don’t feel ignored or left out when we start talking about old times. Jump right in and join us.”
Beth took a rapid liking to the polite and vivacious female. Jessica seemed content in her roles of wife, mother, and rancher: love and pride glowed in those blue eyes when she spoke of her husband, children, and home. “I’m grateful Navarro worked with kind people like you and your hands.” She lowered her tone. “I’m sure you know he had a hard life before your father hired him. He also told me you and Matt wrote the letters that were instrumental in his pardon. Thank you, Jessica; that was a generous thing to do.”
“Navarro risked his life for us and this place more than once,” Jessica responded as she checked the bath water’s temperature. “He’s one of the best men I’ve ever known. He didn’t deserve to be in prison, certainly not in that awful place where they sent him. I’m happy we were able to help get him released. I’ll be back in a minute; I have to get the children’s tubs ready.”
Lane finished eating and put his dishes in the sink. At age nine, he was old enough to do his own quick scrubbing in a water closet built on the rear porch; afterward, he hurried upstairs wrapped in a wide drying cloth to don his sleepwear.
After the younger two children completed their meals, Jessica bathed them one at a time and took them upstairs to get into their nightshirts, during which time, Beth cleared and washed their dishes and utensils, then placed those the older woman had set out for the adults around the table. As she worked, she looked inside the adjoining living room through a large archway. The heavy furniture was artistically carved from medium-shaded wood in a design that matched the Spanish style of architecture. Light-colored walls met a clean floor of interlocked pieces of
stained oak. There were an enormous fireplace, a couch, several chairs, tables with elegant lamps, magnificent paintings, expensive vases filled with wildflowers, a gilded mirror, massive desk, area rugs, and other items of various sizes. Several steps led to the second floor. The kitchen and dining rooms had similar decor. All the rooms were large, airy, and well designed for comfort, beauty, and easy entertaining. She was impressed by the tidy and lovely dwelling, which spoke well of Mrs. Cordell’s housekeeping skills, pride in her home, and their past wealth.
Beth recalled the stucco exterior was the creamy hue of yucca blossoms; it was all trimmed in dark red, including the roof with its canales for drainage. Two arched windows were in the front left dining room and two were in the right front living area. On the second floor where bedrooms were located, smaller versions were in the same places, in addition to one above the front door. A matching threefoot-high stucco wall encircled the house; inside the yarda were planted colorful flowers and verdant bushes. It, too, was kept neat and picturesque.
When Jessica returned, she smiled and thanked Beth for the tasks she had done during her absence, and said she’d call the men inside.
Jessica walked to the front gate. “Come on you two! The children need to get to bed; Lane and Alice have chores and school early tomorrow.”
While their mother was gone, Beth chatted with the children. From the youngsters’ behaviors and personalities, she reasoned that the Cordells were good and loving parents. Alice—who’d be seven next month she said—had golden red curls, large brown eyes, and a darling smile that stole one’s heart. A strong resemblance revealed there was no doubt she was Jessica’s daughter. The youngest boy, age four and a half, was a rambunctious child who surely required plenty of energy and wits to tend; Lance, with his brown hair and eyes, favored Matt. The oldest son, Lane, was quiet and distant, perhaps a little shy, and favored neither parent from what Beth could see, as he never faced her fully. His hair was trimmed short and, in better lighting, a smidgen of deep auburn in his almost black hair could be detected.
Chase The Wind Page 25