Gentrys of Montana: Gentrys of Montana

by Hildie McQueen

  “A woman will drive a man to do things he never considered before,” Emerson said, seeming to read his thoughts. “I have asked and looked into other possibilities, but nothing has developed that would bring Linc’s innocence into question. Molly says Linc burst into the room just before she passed out. Taylor was dead in the hallway. Linc said he didn’t shoot him, but none of the girls who burst out of their room in the commotion heard or saw anyone else.”

  “I’m going to find him…” Grant told his brother, coming to stand almost nose-to-nose with him. “…and when I do I’ll help him prove his innocence.”

  “Grant…” Emerson began, but stopped when Grant shoved his shoulder back.

  “Nothing, Emerson, don’t say anything. I know you have a job to do, but why haven’t you tried to find him? All this time I’ve been laid up, that’s all I could think about.”

  “I did.” The darkening of Emerson’s expression made Grant wait for him to continue. “I looked for him Grant. Went back to the general area you described to Pa, where the attack took place. There were no signs left of the fight. My deputy and I buried what was left of the bodies and searched the surrounding area, but didn’t find anything.”

  “What about the town just past…”

  This time Emerson lost his temper and grabbed Grant’s shirt hurling him forward. “Stop being a horse’s ass. Do you honestly think you need to school me on how to go about finding our brother? I checked everywhere, Grant. That’s why I think he’s alive and doesn’t want to be found.” Emerson went to the hook by the entryway, took his hat and jammed it on his head. “I’ll be back to help you in a couple days. Don’t overdo it.”

  Grant’s shoulders rounded as the last of the sunrays disappeared into the horizon. Emerson didn’t find Linc. If anyone could track a person it was his older brother.

  Linc did not want to be found.

  His brother was an outlaw on the run.

  Chapter Six

  “It’s a shame you refuse to go to Rutgers Ridge with us,” Miss Mary said, giving Julia a pleading look. “My quilts will be on display and Mrs. Higgenbottom is going to pick the winner this very afternoon,” she said referring to the mayor’s wife.

  They drank tea and Julia bit into her cookie, waiting for Miss Lucille to say her piece. They always tried to coerce her in tandem.

  “I know you’re scared, sweetie, but you can’t hide your entire life. The dreadful man has probably moved on, given up on finding you. Maybe even found another woman to live with and mistreat ’cause he thinks you’re dead.”

  Julia exhaled. “I can’t take a chance. If Jasper ever finds me, I’ll not live long after. He’s not going to be happy to learn I’ve evaded him all this time.”

  “Oh my!” Miss Mary exclaimed and clapped her hands startling the other women. “Why hadn’t I thought of this before? A disguise. We can devise a way to hide who you are.”

  “I don’t think…” Julia began, but Miss Lucille clapped as well.

  “Oh yes. It is a fabulous idea, sister. How about if we dress you in one of our older frocks and put flour on your hair to make you look older?”

  “It just may work.” Julia giggled at the thought. “If I could borrow your spectacles, Miss Mary.”

  “Of course, dear,” Miss Mary exclaimed, already heading out of the room. “Lucille, get the blue dress from your wardrobe. We’ll also need some sort of walking stick.”

  Julia’s eyes widened. “How old am I to be?”

  “Obviously older than us,” Miss Lucille replied with a shake of her head. “Mary has to overdo everything.”

  The day turned out famously. Julia’s face hurt from smiling so much. It was great to watch the ladies who formed the quilting guild and other younger people in the town intermingle. From where she sat under the awning in front of the seamstress’ shop, she was able to observe all the activities. Every once in a while when a man crossed in front of her, her heart seized. Part of it hoping it was Grant and the other half in fear Jasper would be in Rutgers Ridge looking for her. Even if her disguise fooled strangers, he’d not be fooled by it. She was sure of it.

  The gentle breeze lulled her to tip her face up to look at the clear sky. It was a perfect day. The weather cooperated to make the quilters’ small festival a success. Misses Lucille and Mary were doing quick business at their small stand where they’d almost sold out of their baby quilts. She waved when Miss Mary smiled toward her. It still shocked her how lucky she was to know the two women. Not only had they saved her life, but also they’d taken her in and treated her like family. It was the sisters’ idea to tell everyone she was their niece.

  They were far better than her family, if she were to be honest. The only relative she’d ever known was her mother. A cold, distant woman, Julia’s mother would never say who her father was. She’d practically shoved Julia out the door as soon as she met Jasper, pushing her to encourage his courting and to accept the hasty proposal. Julia never loved Jasper, but figured any man who proposed to her would make a good husband. He’d not shown any outward signs of his true nature, if anything he acted the quiet sort. All an act, she’d learned soon after moving in with him. Especially after he refused to marry her, saying it wasn’t necessary, claiming a marriage license to be a useless piece of paper.

  A shadow fell over her and Julia’s heart quickened. Her gaze trailed from the dusty boots up the long legs, to a broad chest where she stopped at the star pinned on his left breast.

  “I’m surprised anyone fell for the disguise,” his deep voice made her heart pound. “I’d say you’d stand out less if you walked naked down the center of the street.” Her eyes shot up to his face. Emerson Gentry didn’t smile, but instead narrowed his intense dark brown eyes at her. “Who are you hiding from, Miss Julia?”

  She straightened and lifted her chin. “It’s none of your concern, Marshal. One would think you have much more important things to do than to insult a woman with such talk.”

  His hand lifted to the brim of his hat. “I apologize for my crude language. I’d like an answer to my question or if you’d prefer, you can come with me to the jailhouse and answer me there.”

  “You wouldn’t,” Julia replied, her wide eyes scanning the area to ensure no one overheard. When he merely lifted a brow, she knew he’d meant it. “I am not hiding, not really.”

  “Not really?” The hateful man crouched down to his haunches and studied her face. With a misleading fetching face, it was obvious he was not a man to take lightly. He resembled Grant, with the same thick hair and full lips, although she doubted this man ever smiled enough to show any sign of a dimple. “Then why don’t you ever leave the Sullivan sisters’ house? Why has no one seen you except them and my brother Grant? Why the need for a disguise?”

  At the mention of Grant’s name, she wondered if they’d spoken about her. How much did Emerson Gentry know? “Grant? How is he?”

  The wide shoulders lifted and lowered. “Doing more than he should. But it’ll keep him from running off and doing something foolish.”

  She wanted to ask more, but didn’t want the marshal, who was very astute, to get any ideas. “I came here to start a new life, Marshal Emerson. I’ve never broken any laws.”

  After what seemed like endless silence, he finally rose to his feet. “If you are in any danger, it’s best to tell me. I can’t help you if I don’t know any details.”

  “There isn’t much you can do without proof either.” She met his gaze for a beat and looked away when he furrowed his brows.

  “Enjoy your day, Miss Julia.” He walked away and she let out a breath of relief.

  Laughter rang out and two children rushed past her chasing a small dog. She watched them, begrudging their carefree play. She didn’t remember a time of carefree living. Surely she’d been happy as a child. Strange she remembered so little of it, mostly because she was an only child with only her imagination for a playmate.

  Julia stood and leaned on her cane for show, then made her
way to the cart. Miss Lucille met her there. “What’s wrong child? You seem upset.”

  “Not at all,” Julia replied with a wave of her hand. “I’ll help you pack up.” She threw the cane into the back and straightened. “Thank you for convincing me to come today. I’ve enjoyed it immensely.”

  Concern-filled eyes met hers. “You’re welcome. Maybe soon you’ll be able to move about at will, without fear holding you back.”

  “Perhaps.”

  * * * *

  “Julia?” Mary Sullivan searched for her in the darkened barn. “Are you in here?”

  Julia straightened from where she’d been stowing the rake. “I’m here. I’m about to go to the creek and wash up.” She looked down at her soiled apron and sighed. “I’m going to have to make a new apron, this one barely keeps my clothes clean anymore.” She kicked out a foot to show her dirt-streaked skirts. “I’m a mess.”

  Miss Mary shook her head and let out a breath. “You work too hard. We are hiring Old Joe to come back and help a couple days a week.”

  “I have to repay you for your kindness.”

  “Enough of that, you’re family now. If anything, Lucille and I feel indebted to you for all you do around here.” Miss Mary motioned to the interior of the barn. “Everything is always so tidy and kept in its place. The horses and the cows well looked after. You do more than your fair share, dear.”

  Julia smiled. “I’m making up for my lack in the kitchen.”

  “Let’s keep you from there until you learn how to cook properly,” Miss Mary said with an exaggerated shudder. “Never knew a chicken could be so tough and tasteless.”

  At the memory of the sisters attempting to make her feel better by suffering through her attempt at fried chicken, she let out a burst of laughter. “I do need lessons. I’m going to bathe at the creek.”

  “Be careful out there, keep an eye out for any critters. I’m going to town to pick up Lucille. We should be back by suppertime.”

  With a drying cloth, soap and a clean shift, Julia trekked to the creek. It wasn’t very deep, but it beat dragging water inside for a bath and with the balminess of the last few days, she expected the water to be warm enough.

  The water was indeed refreshing. Julia dipped backward to rinse the soap her hair and allowed the moment to linger as she floated on her back. The creek was on the Sullivans’ property, other than an occasional wayward deer or moose, it was rare for anyone to come into the area, and so she felt safe enough to bath nude.

  A crunch of what sounded like footsteps made her flip over and scan the tree line. She dipped into the water with only her head above water and swam closer to the sunny rock where she’d left her clothes. Just as she reached for the drying cloth, a voice stopped her.

  “I hope you don’t plan to cover up on my account.” Grant’s husky voice fell over her and she let out a sigh of relief that it wasn’t Jasper or a stranger. However, being completely nude in front of Grant during the daylight was cause for mortification.

  He materialized from between two saplings, his wide shoulders filling the gap amid the trees. Dressed with a light green shirt, which complimented his coffee colored eyes and brought out the healthy tan of his skin, he was breathtaking. Automatically her eyes focused on his stomach area, not able to forget the extremity of his injuries. His stomach was flat, showcased along with his narrow hips by the tucked in shirt. When her gaze dropped a few inches, she blinked at the blatant unbecoming action on her part. When she looked up to meet his gaze, his lips curved in a knowing smile.

  “Turn your back, Grant,” she scolded, motioning with one hand while covering her breasts with the other. “I can’t very well get dressed with you standing there staring.”

  Instead of obeying, he walked closer. “I don’t want you to get dressed, Julia. Not for a little while.”

  Chapter Seven

  Grant couldn’t believe his luck. He needed Julia’s attention long enough to convince her of his interest in marriage. She’d avoided a discussion about a future when he’d brought it up before, but now she was trapped. And he wouldn’t let her out of the water until she agreed to at least allow him time to get to know her.

  When her eyes skimmed over him immediately his blood boiled with desire. He’d resist. For the time being. “I need to talk to you and want you to listen.” He almost laughed at her widened eyes and pouty lips forming a perfect ‘O’. “I want to court you, Julia Cutler. Get to know you better. Want to take you out for rides and such. And I plan to marry you, Julia, eventually.”

  Instead of a reply Julia huffed and looked away from him to the rock where she’d laid out her clothes. Her stubborn chin jutted out as she devised a way to get to the clothes without talking to him. “I can’t. Now please go on home and let me get out of this water.”

  “Nope.” He crossed his arms over his chest and stared down at her. “Tell me why?”

  “I don’t have to tell you why. It just is. I have reasons.” She bit her lip and met his gaze, her pale blue eyes pleading.

  Grant almost gave in, but if anyone could match her in a headstrong competition is was he. “I won’t accept that. I’m asking you to allow me to court you. If we find we’re not suited, then I’ll understand. But the way I see it, you not giving me a reason, well then maybe you’re just scared of me.”

  “I am no such thing.” Julia lifted and, realizing her breasts were exposed, cried out and dipped back into the water. “Grant Gentry, let me get to my clothes or I’ll scream for help.”

  “And who do you think will come? If anything it would be my brother and he’d no doubt not turn his back but walk right into the water and drag you out,” Grant exaggerated and chuckled when she blinked, obviously unable to come up with a reply. “So what’s your answer, Julia?”

  “Fine, I accept. But only the courtship part.” Her voice shook.

  “I want to marry you.”

  “No.”

  He gave in when her bottom lip trembled and went to the rock and lifted the drying cloth then came to the edge of the water and held it spread out. “Come on, darlin’, let me dry you.”

  “Close your eyes.”

  “Damn it woman, I’ve seen you…”

  “I won’t come out unless you close your eyes.” The stubborn woman insisted.

  Grant let out a long breath and closed his eyes. The cloth was pulled from his hands and he opened one eye and caught sight of her creamy thigh as she wrapped the cloth around her and headed for the rock.

  “Turn around.”

  With his back turned, he kept watch while she dressed. Finally she touched his shoulder. “You can turn around now.” When he did, she stood with her damp hair in ringlets down past her shoulders and a questioning look. She lowered her brows and pressed her lips together. “Why do you want to court me, Grant? If it’s because I was intimate with you it’s not necessary. I don’t expect anything from you.”

  He took her hand and she didn’t resist. If anything it was almost as if she were scared of him or the emotion he brought out of her. Whoever hurt her in the past must have really done something horrible by the dread in her expression. “Julia, I can’t stop thinking about you and want someone to share my life with. That’s all.”

  After a few minutes her shoulders fell and she nodded. “You may be a nice man. But I don’t know if once we’re together you’ll change. Not much experience to tell me otherwise. I can’t take a chance. Not again. I’m sorry, Grant.”

  It wasn’t until that moment he realized how much he’d hoped for her to be his. Her words crushed him and it took a tremendous amount of will power not to show it.

  “I’m sorry, Grant.” She reached up and cupped his jaw, her gaze pleading for understanding. In the next instant she was in his arms, her mouth under his. The pull between them too strong to resist. Grant gave in and closed his eyes, enjoying the feel of her wet curls under his palms as he slid his hand down her back.

  His Julia.

  It was late afternoon and
the sun fell past the trees. Its descent brought elongated shadows over them, giving the setting next to the creek a magical feel. Grant spread out the drying cloth atop the soft grass and guided Julia down to the ground and she allowed him to.

  He looked into her eyes seeking answers. It was clear she cared for him. Was attracted to him.

  With each press of lips, each tease and suckle, he branded her. Grant trailed his tongue from the side of her jaw to press his lips onto her quickening pulse at the base of her throat.

  “Oh, Grant.” Julia grabbed his shoulders in a silent plea not to stop.

  Why did this woman want him so much yet at the same time turn him down? It didn’t make sense, but at the moment, he’d take what she gave and was thankful. With every kiss and touch he’d convey his feelings and allow his body to speak for him.

  She tugged at his shirt with an urgent not so subtle order to remove his clothing. Within seconds he was totally bare and she’d removed her recently donned dress as well, leaving only her shift on.

  Grant fell over her and through the light fabric took her tightened nipple into his mouth. He sucked at the morsel, encouraged by her moans and fingers raking into his hair. Not to ignore one, he moved to her other breast and did the same, biting it softly before suckling it.

  “Grant!” Julia lifted her hips and pressed her center against his hardness. “I want you so much.”

  He slid both hands down her sides until holding her hips in place he thrust his own forward sliding over her, teasing and creating a delicious friction for both of them. She writhed and gripped his buttocks.

  He took her mouth again, relishing the fresh taste of her. Their tongues battled for supremacy, neither winning. When Julia began to draw harder on his, Grant allowed her to take all she wanted.

  Lost as she was, she still managed to take his penis in her hand and guide him to her entrance. Grant plunged in. Julia let out a whimper and took his tongue harder, suckling in time with his moves. Finally she released him to cry out as he drove faster into her in a continuous motion.