by Rue Allyn
“I’d say it is!”
“Now how do you figure that?”
“I just told you that I care about you. What else do you want? Flowers? Hard candy?” Boone kicked the doorframe. “I knew it was stupid coming over here like this. I told ma that — ”
“What?” Melinda paled. “Gary Boone, did your mother set you up to coming over here?”
“Well, it was her idea, but — ”
“Then you go back and tell her it didn’t work! I don’t know what pleasure you get in tormenting me, Gary Boone, but I don’t care for it. Not one bit!”
“I told you, Mindy … ” But the door slammed in his face.
Mindy jumped again when a loud bang sounded on the other side of the wall. She waited a few moments and then opened the door and looked out. Boone was gone, but there was a huge fist imprint in the wall.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Boone secured one man to help with his mission and tried to think of a second. His thoughts kept coming back to Lucas. Admittedly, part of the reason would be to keep him away from Mindy for a few days.
He found Lucas in a saloon on Main Street, flirting with one of the barmaids. His temper soared. Before he knew what he was up to, he had Lucas in a headlock in the middle of the dirty street.
Lucas gave him an elbow to the ribs, and with a great, “Uumph!” Boone lost his hold. The two men circled each other but Lucas jumped first. He grabbed Boone by the waist and threw him to the ground. Boone reacted by throwing a roundhouse punch to Lucas’s jaw. The blow knocked Lucas aside and he lay there panting and holding the side of his face. He started to rise.
This time, Boone jumped, throwing Lucas back to the ground; he gave Lucas several sharp blows to the face before the two were broken apart by a sheriff who had come running when the commotion started.
“What in Sam Hill is going on here?” he demanded. “Don’t you two have anything better to do than scare the women and children of this town? I ought to lock you both up for ignorance!”
Lucas pointed a dirty finger at Boone as he rubbed his jaw. Blood trickled from his nose and mouth. “He started it.”
“I don’t care who started it. It’s finished now! Go on!” The sheriff was a no-nonsense older man. He had graying hair with a cowlick at the temple. His cheeks were flushed as he chastised the men.
Lucas eyed Boone with hostility, but Boone shook the dirt off his pants and turned to leave. He gave Lucas a last look. “Treat her right, Lucas, or I swear I’ll come after you.”
“All right, all right. We’ve said all we need to say. Now, go on!” The sheriff gestured with his hands.
Boone had taken three steps in the opposite direction when he was tackled from behind. Lucas threw him to the ground and began pummeling his kidney.
The sheriff stepped in again. “That’s it! You’re both headed off to jail. I can see you ain’t got this out of your system yet. We’ll just give you two little ladies time to think about it.” A deputy arrived, grabbing Lucas, as the sheriff helped Boone to his feet. He was favoring his right side.
The steel doors clanged shut and the boys looked at each other from adjacent cells.
“Are you happy now?” Lucas asked.
“Naw, I ain’t happy,” Boone said. “Not when I see you cozying up to some other girl while you’ve been courting Mindy! She deserves better than that!”
“It’s none of your business what she deserves! That’s between her and me!”
“I’ll say it’s my business! You’re not the only one who cares for her!”
Lucas’s mouth dropped open. Then he paused and a smile started, lifting the corner of his lips. “Well, ain’t that just too bad, friend. Because we know who it is she’s spending her time with, don’t we?”
Boone lunged at Lucas through the bars but the blond man backed away, still smiling.
“You better watch your back, Lucas. I’m waiting to see how you treat her.”
Lucas lay back on the cot in his cell and tipped his hat down over his face. “Well, watching it ain’t the same as living it.” He chortled. “I think I’ll just get me some shut eye while you stew on the matter.”
Boone started to punch the wall, but instead sat down on his own cot and gently tested the side of his stomach. It felt like Lucas had ruptured something!
• • •
Mindy heard about the fight at the mercantile later that morning. She marched down to the jailhouse with eyes that sparked.
The two boys woke when they heard a familiar voice: “I tell you I want to see them, and I want to see them now!”
The sheriff mumbled something under his breath, but soon preceded Mindy down the hall to the room where the boys were now standing.
“I just want you to know that Boone here started the whole thing, Mindy,” Lucas said quickly.
“I don’t give a fig which one of you started it! How dare you both shame me in front of the people of this town! Fighting like dogs over a bone! How’d you think this would make me feel?” She stared at each one in turn. She had her hands pressed firmly to her hips and looked magnificent. “I hope the sheriff leaves you locked up for a week!”
Mindy turned to Boone. “And what do you think your mother will say when she hears of this? I imagine she’s going to be right proud of her son, then, huh?” Lucas laughed and she turned on him.
“And I thought better of you Lucas Wilhite! Don’t you dare laugh!”
Lucas sobered immediately. “But Mindy … ”
“Don’t you ‘but Mindy’ me! I’ve had it. I don’t want to be seen with either of you! Think about that!” Mindy whirled and stomped out of the room, skirts flying.
The sheriff lingered in the holding room a bit longer. “Hoo-whee, boys! She is something else. Good thing neither of you decided to tangle with her in the street today!” He laughed the whole way back into the office.
Chapter Thirty
When Boone and Lucas were released from jail, they went their separate ways: Boone to prepare for his trip, Lucas for a bath and shave and then to visit Mindy to try to make things right.
Boone quickly found another man to complete the threesome that would be going after the Byler brothers. Both men traveling with him were older and more than qualified. One, Jake Myers, could track a ghost across a wide open plain. The other, Micah Powers, was trail-hard and one you’d be glad to have in your corner in any fight.
The boys were loading up outside the general store, when suddenly Boone cursed, throwing his pack onto the horses’ back. There was no way he could leave without trying to say a word to Mindy. But why did he care? What was it about her that had him so enraptured? She wasn’t the prettiest thing he’d ever seen. She sure wasn’t the daintiest. And she cried at the drop of a hat. But he’d never known another woman that would pull a gun on a man! Or travel alone across the country. Or chew him to high heaven. Except, maybe his mother. Dog gone it! He hated seeing that similarity!
These feelings were foreign to him and he didn’t like them. His ma might call it love. Boone spat in the dirt. Love! Regardless, he soon found himself marching angrily to the hotel. He pounded on Mindy’s door.
• • •
“Good heavens!” Mindy said. “What is it?” When she opened the door to find Boone standing there, in his two-day-old clothes, with two-day stubble, and a swollen, black eye, she told herself he looked like a filthy beast. Her heart didn’t agree. “What on earth could you want?” she demanded.
“I reckon I came to say goodbye. I’m headed out to find the Bylers and won’t be back for a while. I just wanted to … ” Boone twisted his hat. “ … tell you, I guess.”
Mindy stiffened and crossed her arms over her chest. “And I’m supposed to care?”
“Naw. I reckon not.” Boone paused. “But I thought — heck! I don’t know what I thought.” He stared at her face. “I guess I’m sorry for acting the way I did. I’m sorry you got mad about the fight.”
“You mean, you’re sorry for the figh
t,” Mindy corrected.
“No, I’m not sorry for the fight. I’m just sorry you got all up in the air about it. I guess I’d do it again, given the chance.”
“What kind of apology is that? You never cease to amaze me, Gary Boone. You expect me to forgive you when you’re not even sorry?”
“I’m not trying to apologize!” Boone shuffled from foot to foot. “I’m just sorry you got mad, is all!”
“Humph!” Mindy said, tightening her arms. She couldn’t help but consider the dangerous mission he was about to undertake. After a lengthy pause, during which the two stared at each other, Mindy asked, “How long will it take to get to Dodge City?”
“Dodge City?”
“Yes. While we were walking those days, Byler mentioned the city a couple of times. Made me think he was from around there. He kept saying that there were tall beers waiting on him in Dodge City. Didn’t you hear him? It was before we found the water.”
“No! I don’t make a point of listening to shiftless, whining, worthless men.”
“Well,” Mindy said, giving him a pointed look. “I guess that’s part of my problem. I do.”
Boone’s face hardened. “All I got to say is that we’re leaving. I don’t know when I’ll be back. If you leave town before I … ” His hat went round and round in his hands. “I guess it was nice knowing you, is all!”
“Humph!” Mindy said again. “I’m not sure ‘nice’ is the word. But it was interesting, I’ll give you that!” Then she pictured Boone riding out of town and into trouble, and she leaned forward, grasping the doorframe. “You know those Bylers will be ready to fight anyone who tries to take that money. You’ll be careful, won’t you?”
Boone raised an eyebrow. “Does that mean you care a little?”
Straightening, Mindy recrossed her arms. “No more than I’d care about anybody else headed off into danger.”
Boone studied her eyes for a moment and then softened his voice. “To tell the truth, Min, I’ll be more worried about leaving you here alone, than going after those fellows.”
Mindy’s resolve melted a bit. What was it about this man that made her heart skip? Well, except that he was fine to look at, and was the sort of man that could handle most any emergency or situation. And there was the way he often looked at her with those black eyes that made her knees grow a little soft.
And of course, there was his kiss. “I appreciate your concern. But I’ll be fine. Thanks, though, for caring.”
“That’s just it, Min. I do care. I care a lot. More than I want to, to tell the truth. You got me so tore up, I couldn’t hit the ground with my hat in three throws.”
Mindy laughed. “Oh, I doubt that. I’ve seen you with that hat.”
“Yeah,” Boone said, meeting her smile. “I guess you’re right.”
“When are you heading out?”
“We’re saddled up and ready.”
“Oh!” Mindy looked toward the window and then back. “Now?”
“Yeah. I’ve been sitting too long as it is, waiting to hear from the stage company. The trail’s long cold by now. I appreciate the tip about Dodge City.”
“That’s all right. So, you’re leaving right now?”
“That’s what I said. Why? Do you need me to stick around?”
“No, of course not! I just didn’t think you’d be leaving … so soon.”
“Yeah. If I miss you, I wish you luck back in Mississippi. It was nice knowing you, Mindy. Real nice.”
“Yes, Boone. It’s been … It’s … ” Before Mindy knew what she was doing, she threw herself onto Boone’s chest, surprising them both. His arms instinctively came around her and his head bent to lie against her hair. She enjoyed a quiet moment and the pleasant sensation of being within the circle of his arms. “Take care of yourself,” she said. Her voice caught.
“Hey.” Boone set her away from him, looking into her green eyes, which were glassy and bright. “I’m going to be fine.”
Mindy reached out and touched the wound at his temple. “Yeah. You can’t be hurt, huh?”
“All I can say is that I promise I’ll be back. If you’re still here, you’ll see me again.”
Mindy collapsed against him. She wondered what her mother would think of her, being so familiar with a man, but decided she didn’t care. There was something about Boone that made her do stupid things. And there was something odd about herself, so that she didn’t give a hoot.
“Boone?” Mindy said, looking up into his eyes. “Would you kiss me again before you go?”
Boone looked shocked, but smiled and said, “I sure will. I’d be proud to.” Taking her face gently in both palms, he looked dead into her eyes. She took a step forward, until their lips were almost touching and their breaths met. “You make me crazy, Melinda McCorkle. But I’m finding that I seem to like crazy.” He closed the distance between them.
Boone’s lips were gentle as he brushed against hers in a sweet brief kiss. Mindy sighed as he pulled away. But he took another step closer. One strong hand went around her waist, while the other slid to the back of her neck, underneath her unruly mass of curls. He kissed her again. This time the kiss was deeper, more passionate, and Mindy leaned into it. In a moment they each turned greedy, seeking the comfort they might find in the other. It was a kiss that said what words could not. When he raised his head, Boone still held her near, breathing hard. “You make me crazy enough to eat the devil with horns on, Min.”
Mindy smiled. “You make me crazy, too.” She pulled away. “But I’m not sure it’s a good kind of crazy. I can’t think straight when I’m with you.”
“Then don’t think at all. Come ’ere.” Boone pulled her to him and kissed her again, gently. When he sat her back, he heaved a deep breath. “Well! That’ll give me plenty to think about while I’m gone.”
“Yeah. You’re leaving.”
“Sorry, Min. I … ”
There was a sound of boot steps approaching. Boone gave Mindy another quick peck and let her go. Not before Lucas had seen it, though. “Step aside, Boone!”
• • •
Boone turned to face Lucas. He was conflicted. He knew in his heart that Lucas was a good man, and he couldn’t help but feel that Mindy might be better off if she chose the other fellow. But he’d be horse-whipped before he walked away and let it happen. “I’m leaving, Lucas. I came to say goodbye to Mindy.”
“Looked like you were doing more than saying it,” the blond man said.
“I stole a kiss, is all. Don’t let it worry you.”
Lucas glanced at Mindy. Her face was flushed and she wouldn’t meet his eyes.
“Mindy, I came to ask you to have lunch with me. I wanted a chance to apologize for yesterday.”
“No, I don’t think so, Lucas. I’m sorry. I’m not very hungry,” Mindy answered.
“Perhaps supper, then?”
“Maybe. I don’t know, Lucas. I’m very confused at the moment.”
Boone settled his hat on his head. Confused! Hot dog! He could leave with a good conscience. He felt that if she were still here when he got back, he’d have a fine chance at courting her. If not, he’d chase her all the way down to Mississippi. It wasn’t that far away.
“Well, I’m off,” he said. He nodded at Mindy. “You take care of yourself while I’m gone.”
“I’ll take care of her.” Lucas answered for her.
Boone stared hard at Lucas. “That’s what I’m afraid of.”
• • •
On the trail later, Boone played the scene over in his head. The other two fellows riding with him kept trying to make conversation, but he wouldn’t have any of it. His mind was miles away. For the first time in his life, he was thinking about marriage.
Chapter Thirty-One
June 23, 1880
Dear Elizabeth,
How I miss you! I must apologize. I never truly appreciated your friendship until my journey. Having to do without our visits for an extended period reminds me what a good frien
d you’ve been.
Oh, the things I need to share! This has been the most fascinating, horrifying, infuriating, extraordinary, wonderful trip. I have had such extreme highs and lows that I wonder I do not get seasick!
Please do not tell mother, but on the last portion of our stage ride here, we were left stranded by a broken wheel. Together with six other persons, all men, we set about walking toward our destination. It was abominably hot and tiresome — I can’t fully express the situation in mere words.
Along the way, we were set upon by thieves — who killed three of our men! — and we discovered that one of the men traveling with us was part of the terrible gang. He had been sent along as a scout I suppose. I was lucky to escape with my life. It was only owing to the bravery of the last two men that I am alive to write you this letter. I know you will worry, but I am fine. Above all, keep this information to yourself.
Allow me to tell you about the men. One is a tall, fair-headed, older man named Lucas Wilhite. He was a captain in the War Between the States, and is very brave and charming. We have been keeping company since our arrival in town. I can imagine how you read that with surprise! After all these years of waiting for someone to notice me! (I didn’t realize I had to simply leave my hometown to make it so.) Lucas is purchasing my uncle’s farm, and I expect him to ask me to marry him and settle there. I am considering it. He is a fine, stable man and I believe he would make a good husband and father.
The other man is also tall — taller than Lucas — and he has dark hair that is rarely combed. His name is Gary Boone, and he has the most amazing black eyes. We fight like brother and sister at times, and he can be most frustrating, but there is something about him that calls to me. He has recently professed his concern for my welfare, and possibly, that he has feelings toward me as well. Can you imagine? Two men who have found me interesting? My head aches with the thought.
Elizabeth, I will tell you a secret, but only upon our childhood honor of keeping certain things close to heart — I have allowed Gary to kiss me! More than once, I’m afraid. How was it, you ask? Heavenly! Though I suppose all kisses are heavenly as far as I know, but since these were my first, they seemed … special.