by Lisa Harris
She bit her lower lip and strutted away from the dress. Nor did it matter that Corbin would be at the party tonight. All his presence would manage to do was dredge up old memories she’d prefer to forget. He’d once whispered his undying love for her beneath the flowering passion vine in the garden. A month later, he’d left her heart to dry up like the purple blooms at the end of summer. No. That part of her life was over. Obviously God had other plans in store for her when He took their mama and left her with three younger siblings in her care, leaving no time for dreams of marriage and a family.
Not that she blamed God. At least not most of the time.
Hurrying into her bedroom, she shoved aside any remains of self-pity and pulled the practical dress up from the bed. She held it up against her chest and let the skirt fall stiffly to her feet. The green velvet hat Emily had made for her lay cockeyed on her dressing table. The color would be enough to add a touch of festivity to the dull dress for tonight’s party.
But instead of pulling on the dress, she paused to study her reflection in the beveled mirror. Rosy cheeks, with a sprinkling of freckles, looked back at her. She glanced at the wardrobe out of the corner of her eye. Her choice of what to wear was limited, a fact she’d never seriously stopped to consider before. It had made life simple. Five practical dresses for working in the store, and two with simple ribbon trim for church meetings and special occasions. She’d never needed more.
Her eyes squeezed shut. She could picture the green silk dress with ecru oriental lace at the bottom of each sleeve. What was she hoping for? The unlikely possibility that Corbin would apologize for walking out on her when she had needed him most?
She swallowed hard. The whole idea was ridiculous. But still…she tossed the dress onto the bed. Her neck pulsed. Maybe Emily was right. Maybe she did deserve more than working at the store from dawn until dusk, serving customers who didn’t think twice about taking their business to a bigger city or buying from a mailorder catalog. She scurried toward the storefront, her head held high. Her decision had nothing to do with the return of a former suitor.
Catherine Morgan was about to become the talk of the town.
Corbin crinkled the folded paper inside his pocket. He stood in the corner of Grady and Emily O’Conner’s parlor, studying the profile of the man whose features resembled the sketch on the wanted poster he held. Harrison Tucker. It had to be him. A despicable con man who was nothing more than a bank robber and murderer, whose stories of the life in the Alaskan gold fields had been noted from New York to Kentucky to be taller than Ohio’s tallgrass prairies.
A surge of hatred ripped through his chest. As much as he longed to drag the man to the hanging post himself, he knew he couldn’t let emotions take over the dynamics of his job. He first had to prove this, indeed, was the man wanted in half a dozen states.
Tucker’s smooth voice held his audience’s attention with stories of Joe Juneau’s dramatic luck in finding gold in Alaska’s treacherous terrain. Even his slight limp seemed to simply add to the persona the man had created. Corbin rolled the paper into a tight wad and licked his lips. The more he listened to Harrison Tucker the more convinced he was that his suspicions were correct. Catherine’s future brother-in-law might be charming to the ladies, but Corbin was certain there was nothing behind his honey-coated words.
Harrison, dressed in an immaculately tailored shirt and jacket, paused for emphasis, adding gestures as he animated his voice then leaned toward his audience.
Emily O’Conner walked toward Corbin, distracting him with a plate full of rich-smelling food in one hand and a glass of lemonade in the other. With motherhood around the corner, her face glowed. “I won’t have it said that one of my honored guests went home hungry.”
Corbin took the offered plate and smiled. “You won’t hear me complaining. Thank you, Mrs. O’Conner.”
“I’m the one who should be thanking you again, Mr. Hunter, for your daring rescue yesterday. I now have a greater respect for the ostrich—and for you, of course.”
“I was simply grateful I was there, Mrs. O’Conner.”
Corbin’s mouth watered as he bit into a slice of savory pie. Harrison’s voice continued to rise and fall in dramatic measure. One of the women raised her finger to her lips in revulsion at the mention of a brutal fight over five dollars in gold that had left one man dead and another maimed for life.
Mrs. O’Conner nodded toward the narrator. “Harrison’s quite the storyteller.”
“Not too violent for the ladies?”
Mrs. O’Conner’s full lips widened into a grin. “Ah. You don’t give us enough credit, Mr. Hunter. Dime novels were a forbidden entity growing up, so Harrison Tucker’s stories of Juneau and the quest for gold keep the women sitting on the edges of their settee. We love every minute of it.” Her blue eyes sparkled. “As you can imagine, it didn’t take long for him to weave his way into the hearts of not only the town folks, but in particular, the heart of my twin sister, Audrey.”
He worked to keep his emotions in check. “I have to admit that even I was enjoying the tale while waiting for—”
“Catherine?”
“Catherine? N–no.” Corbin floundered with his words, surprised at the woman’s forwardness. Seeing Catherine again was inevitable, but he certainly hadn’t been waiting for her. “Though I assume she’s coming?”
“Of course.” Mrs. O’Conner glanced toward the door. “I expect her to arrive any minute.”
“With her husband, I assume.” He took a sip of the ice-cold drink. “I didn’t really get a chance to talk with her yesterday, and it’s been so long since I’ve seen her.”
“Husband?” Mrs. O’Conner shook her head. “I assumed you knew. Catherine never married.”
Corbin gulped down the news along with the lemonade, hoping Mrs. O’Conner didn’t catch his startled reaction. He had once loved Catherine. How could such a striking woman fail to capture the heart of another suitor after all these years?
Because you walked out on her and broke her heart.
The unwelcome notion shook him to his very foundation, because Catherine had been as much to blame for the termination of their engagement as he had been. And he certainly wasn’t responsible for any unhappiness she had accumulated over the years. He struggled to grasp hold of his errant thoughts. No. Such thinking was arrogant and egotistical. After all this time, he had no doubts that Catherine Morgan had completely forgotten him and their intentions to marry.
He glanced at Mrs. O’Conner, who appeared to want a response from him. “I’m sorry. I’m just…surprised. I assumed she’d be married with a passel of children lined up behind her.”
“After our mother died, she took care of us. I suppose I’ve always felt a bit guilty over the fact that she’s poured all her energy into the three of us, but Catherine was always stubborn. Maybe all that will change soon, though. With Audrey’s nuptials close at hand, Lily will soon follow. Then maybe Catherine will feel free to pursue her own dreams.”
The massive front wooden door swung open, stopping their conversation. A handsome young couple walked through the front door, followed by Catherine. Corbin felt his breath catch. The hair on the back of his neck stood up. Yesterday the changes he’d noted in her had been evident. He expected her to have aged, but the years that had separated them had been further emphasized by her homely dress and the way she’d pulled her hair into a severe bun. Somewhere over the years, she’d lost the smooth curls that had framed her face, as well as the carefree smile she’d once reserved for him.
Tonight, though, Catherine Morgan seemed transformed back to the girl he remembered. Not only was her dress fashionable, a softness had returned to her face beneath a fringe of bangs. Her gaze met his, and his heart trembled. Her long lashes fluttered shut for an instant, and he couldn’t read her expression. Regret? Affection? No, certainly none of those things, but he hated the fact that he could no longer tell.
He took a step back toward the ceiling-high stone fi
replace that lay dormant because of the warm summer air and tried to stop the guilt—and resentment—from resurfacing as she glided toward him. Maybe he shouldn’t have left Revenge when Catherine had needed him most, but what other choice had there been?
Corbin took in a raspy breath and forced himself to remember why he’d returned to Revenge. He would find out the truth about Harrison Tucker even if it meant hurting the woman he once loved. There was simply too much at stake.
Catherine caught Corbin Hunter’s gaze and raised her chin. The past few years had erased the boyish features and added not only broader shoulders, but also an air of confidence. She glanced down at the silky olive green fabric and decided Emily had a valid point. There was something about wearing a new dress and new hat that amplified her level of confidence.
Her smile widened. “It’s good to see you again, Mr. Hunter.”
“It’s good to see you again as well, Miss Morgan.” He licked his lips and balanced a plate of food in one hand, lemonade in the other. “You look…lovely tonight.”
Emily studied her new outfit. “Catherine, your dress is stunning. You know I had my eye on it.”
“It is beautiful, isn’t it? I simply couldn’t resist it.” Catherine’s laugher filled the room as she turned back to Corbin. “Did Emily introduce you to some of the guests? I’m assuming you haven’t met Mr. Tucker yet.”
“Not yet.” Corbin shook his head. “He seems to be quite the storyteller.”
Catherine glanced at the small crowd. Audrey stood beside her fiancé, her eyes wide with interest as he told a tale she’d more than likely heard a dozen times already.
Corbin cleared his throat. “If you will excuse me. I believe I’ll go speak to your husband, Mrs. O’Conner.”
“Please. I’m sure he’d enjoy talking with you.”
Catherine opened her mouth, but nothing came out. Surely he wouldn’t just leave her after barely more than a passing conversation. After all, they had once been engaged. She deserved more than the brush-off he was giving her.
He smiled at her. “Until we meet again, ladies.”
Catherine stared in disbelief. Of all the nerve…Corbin Hunter gave her a parting nod then walked away.
Chapter Four
Corbin felt Catherine’s piercing gaze bore into the back of his head as he strode across the room to where Mr. O’Conner stood. Once he’d dreamed about the day Catherine would become his wife, but seven years had apparently been enough time to snuff out any lingering desires he’d once held toward her. He might have even once memorized the subtle smile that reached her eyes, the shade of her honey-colored hair, and even the familiar tilt of her determined chin. They were all traits that had—at one time—affected him more than he cared to admit. But no more. Especially in light of their last conversation…and the events of the day he left Revenge.
Still unable to stop himself, he turned slightly and caught the confusion registered in her eyes. He shouldn’t have been so abrupt. But while the last thing he wanted to do was offend her, Catherine wasn’t a part of his plan in returning to Revenge. And if his presence was going to be a problem, his only option was to avoid her.
As one of the few bachelors in his last hometown, he was used to the single women vying for his attention while the older ladies worked on their matchmaking skills. He, on the other hand, had ignored their schemes and buried himself in his work. Of course, no one had yet to capture his attention the way Catherine once had. Which was fine as far as he was concerned. He was certainly better off without the likes of Catherine Morgan in his life.
He pushed away the lingering scent of her perfume, and the memories it brought with it, and approached O’Conner. Even if he had once loved Catherine—as much as a young man with no true experience in the world could love a woman—there was no need to prolong the awkwardness between them. Once he finished his job, he planned to leave this town for good.
Corbin shook his host’s outstretched hand.
The corners of O’Conner’s lips formed a half-smile. “Don’t let her fool you, Mr. Hunter.”
“Excuse me.” Corbin couldn’t help but take another quick look at Catherine.
Mr. O’Conner nodded in the direction of his wife and sister-in-law, but Corbin quickly turned back to the older man, pretending he didn’t notice the inconspicuous stares behind the fluttering of dark lashes. “I don’t remember the last time I saw Emily’s sister so gussied up. New dress, new hat…”
“New hat?” Corbin shook his head. “I don’t understand.”
O’Conner leaned against the carved mantelpiece. “Normally, Catherine spends most of her time behind the counter of her store, dealing with customers and bookkeeping. Can’t say that I’ve ever noticed her taking time for such feminine wiles. Unlike my wife, all Catherine seems to need is a handful of practical dresses for her work and Sunday meetings.” His smile broadened. “At least until tonight.”
“Tonight?” Corbin lowered his voice to just above a whisper. “Are you implying she did all this for…for me?”
O’Conner chuckled. “The way I figure it, an old beau shows up in town that Catherine never quite got over. Now, I’m not sure if the idea was hers alone or if her three meddlesome sisters had something to do with it, but somewhere during the past twenty-four hours, she decided to make quite a transformation. If you were to ask me, she’s actually quite lovely.”
Corbin felt the heat rise along the back of his neck despite the cool breeze from the open window. Lovely, charming, intelligent…But this was Catherine. Lovely or not, he’d already learned his lesson.
O’Conner nudged him with his elbow. “Don’t worry. My wife didn’t give any details of your past relationship with Catherine, but—”
“Good.” Corbin cringed at his own abruptness, but he couldn’t help it. Small towns meant inflated rumors, something he intended to squelch before they even started. His past with Catherine was not a subject he wanted resurrected. For both their sakes. “It was a long time ago. People change.”
“You’re right, and I didn’t mean to offend you.”
“No. I’m the one who’s sorry. It’s just that…”
Corbin bit his tongue. Despite his own words of caution, it was all he could do to stop his curiosity from asking the barrage of questions that plagued him regarding Catherine. Why hadn’t she married? Because she’d never really gotten over him? Or had she forgotten the day he left Revenge, leaving a piece of his heart behind?
Of course she’d put him behind her. O’Conner might be right in the fact that Catherine spent most of her time running her store, but there was nothing wrong with a woman who was also a capable business owner. From what he could see, she’d done quite well. And most importantly, she had forgotten him and any thoughts of their relationship years ago. Which of course she should have. There were women who didn’t need a husband and family for fulfillment. Catherine was obviously one of them.
Corbin cleared his throat and turned back to O’Conner. “The truth is, my reasons to return to Revenge had nothing to do with Miss Morgan.”
“I suppose I assumed she was at least part of the reason for your return.”
Corbin frowned. “Yesterday you mentioned the gang that’s robbing banks through the surrounding counties. I specifically asked the governor to be involved in the attempt to capture the men and take them into custody.”
“Sounds rather personal.”
“It is.” Corbin’s jaw tensed. “And my new job as sheriff of this town gives me the perfect opportunity to track down what the authorities are now calling the Masked Gang.”
The rustling of ladies’ skirts swished behind them as Mrs. O’Conner and Catherine moved to listen to yet another one of Harrison Tucker’s stories. Her laugh rang out across the room, a bit more boisterous than he remembered. Of course, he really didn’t know her anymore.
He focused his attention back on his host. “Mr. O’Conner, I’ve been gone so long, there are quite a few new faces for me. I was won
dering if you could tell me about your guests.”
“Certainly. Where would you like to start?”
His gaze swept past Catherine to the dark-haired man who held her attention. “How about Harrison Tucker.”
Corbin Hunter was no different than her father, the man who walked out on her mother. And just like her father, Corbin had made it perfectly clear that he no longer harbored any feelings toward her. Nor remorse over walking out on her. Which was fine with her.
Catherine took another small bite of Milena’s cheesecake, a treat she normally savored. Tonight it was as hard to swallow as another one of Harrison’s stories. Despite the fact that she was quite certain Audrey’s charming fiancé was spinning yet another tall tale of adventure in the Alaskan gold mines, she’d managed to smile and laugh with the other women at the appropriate pauses as if his story was the most amusing thing she’d heard of since steerable roller skates. She’d much rather be sitting in the backroom of her store finishing up the monthly accounts. At least figures didn’t lie. Nor did they walk out on her in the middle of a conversation.
She glanced down and frowned at her new dress, with its ecru oriental lace that had depleted a good portion of her savings. Her sisters had been completely out of line to encourage her to believe she could actually turn the head of a possible suitor because she happened to be fashionably attired. Watching Corbin…Mr. Hunter…interact with Emily’s husband and the other guests tonight might make her wonder—if only for a brief moment—what would have happened if things had turned out differently. If he’d never left Revenge. But too much time had passed for second chances. She’d accepted that fact years ago.