by Linda Broday
At least Tait had something to go on. “What else?”
Joe wrinkled his forehead in thought. “Real big ears.”
“Bigger than mine?”
“Shoot, yeah. They stuck way out. And he was taller than a mountain.”
“No one is that tall, Joe. How much taller was he than I am?”
Joe glanced around. “He was as tall as the blacksmith.”
“Skeet Malloy?”
“Yeah. He was big.”
That put the man about six foot six. “What did any of the others look like?”
The boy licked his lips. “There was this one with missing front teeth and bowlegs.”
Sounded like most of the men in the Panhandle.
Becky crawled into Tait’s lap and patted his chest. “Mama.”
His heart melted. He was such an easy mark for a little girl’s smile. Tait stood. “Let’s eat lunch and I’ll play catch with you. Let me get Jesse.”
Tait found Jesse sitting on the floor in a corner. Tait sat next to him and put an arm around the boy. “I wish I could put everything back the way it was, but I can’t.”
“Why did those riders do it? Why kill our ma and pa? Why?”
“I don’t know, but you can bet I’ll find out.” Tait handed Jesse a handkerchief.
That afternoon Tait headed over to Jack’s office and told him what the boys had said. “I’ve got to go talk to Hondo and see what he knows. Will you ride with me?”
Seeing his old buddy would do Tait good. Neither time nor being on the opposite sides of the law had dimmed their friendship. Tait had often ridden by Flat Rock under cover of darkness to visit with Hondo, and being who he was, their old friend might have crucial information on Kern Berringer’s whereabouts. If Tait could just find his hideout. But the area was vast, and his enemy could be anywhere.
“Yeah, I’ll go with you. Want to leave tomorrow?”
“Sounds good.” Tait itched to ride out, but first he had to find someone to keep the kids.
He was taking them into the café for supper when Shaughnessy raced from the telegraph office. “Have a message for you, Mr. Trinity.”
Tait opened the folded slip of paper and held it at arm’s length. Thank goodness. Melanie Dunbar said she’d arrive tomorrow on the evening stage.
Finally. Except that meant he’d have to delay his trip to Flat Rock.
* * *
The following evening, he had the children lined up in front of the stage lines office. He gave each a stern eye and last-minute instructions. “Be polite, no tricks, and act like you have more than a lick of sense.”
His glance then swept to the crowd gathering behind them. “Go home. I don’t need gawkers.”
Unperturbed, Tally smiled, not budging. “No offense, but we want to make sure she’s suitable for the children.”
Fine. He pulled a handkerchief from a pocket and wiped a streak of dirt from Becky’s face just as the stagecoach raced through the gap in the canyon. This was it. God help him.
“Don’t forget to smile, Uncle Tait.” Jesse’s sage advice came with a wink.
Joe added his two cents. “And don’t say anything rude even if she’s ugly. We need her.”
Becky slipped her small hand inside Tait’s and glanced up. “Mama?”
“No, honey, not your mama. Miss Melanie will be your aunt.” Assuming she stayed. Dear Lord, don’t let her change her mind.
Anguish bubbled in Becky’s large eyes. “Mama.”
Tait picked her up and wiped the silent tears rolling down the girl’s cheeks. “I know, and I’m real sorry, honey. If I could bring your mama back, I’d do it in a heartbeat.” And as soon as Melanie settled in, he’d hunt down the low-down scum who’d killed his sister.
The stage halted, enveloping them in a swirl of dust, and the driver pulled the hand brake. This was it. Tait lowered Becky to stand between her brothers, straightened his blue vest, and adjusted the gold watch chain. He’d brushed his boots, dusted his black Stetson, and shaved. This was the best he could do.
Why did it feel as though he was going to his hanging? What if he didn’t like her? Or she him? So much hinged on this moment.
His chest tightening, he opened the stagecoach door. A woman in a becoming blue bonnet took his hand and stepped down. Long auburn hair tumbled over her shoulders, the loose curls begging for a touch.
Her dress, the same shade of blue as the bonnet, showed some wear around the hem and cuffs of her sleeves. Somewhere in the deep recesses of his mind came the thought that wearing frayed clothing seemed rather odd for a dressmaker. But maybe she’d fallen on hard times.
She raised her eyes to meet his, and his breath caught, startled by the mesmerizing color. They weren’t quite blue and not quite green. Kind of turquoise—like an ancient stone revered by the Navajo.
Fierce determination, and maybe hope, shone in her gaze.
Tait’s mouth dried. “Miss Melanie?”
Dimples formed in the lady’s cheeks when she smiled. “I take it you’re Mr. Trinity?”
The world became silent and still. Tait stared and tried to swallow but found it impossible. Melanie Dunbar possessed the kind of charm that warmed like summer rays and made him feel all man. A mere second had passed, and he already knew he’d bitten off more than he could chew.
Four
Melanie took in the small town, awash in the dying, plum-colored light, and at first glance found it welcoming. Then she turned her attention to the man, this outlaw she’d corresponded with for the past month. Had manipulating Luke Legend been worth it? On the outside, Tait Trinity appeared every bit the lethal outlaw she’d once glimpsed aboard the train he was robbing. He’d had a bandana covering his face then, of course, but she’d never forget those eyes—hard and gray, like chips of ice.
What kind of a husband would he be? Only time would tell.
She took in his tall, lean figure, the long hair that touched his shoulders, and lingered a second longer than necessary on those gray eyes that now reminded her of quicksilver in the fading light.
He was a squinter, as evidenced by the crinkles around the corners of his eyes, and at the moment his eyes lacked the hardness she saw too often in men living on the lawless frontier. Yet, like quicksilver, she thought they might change very abruptly under certain situations.
Tait Trinity could buy her ticket to freedom. She took in the heavy gun he wore in the holster strapped around his lean hips.
Yes, she certainly had her work cut out. Suddenly her confidence slipped a notch. It had been one thing to talk about what she had to do. It was quite another coming face-to-face with the man whose life she meant to destroy. He wasn’t some dumb hayseed—he was a killer.
Her pulse raced and her palms sweated under Tait’s piercing gaze that seemed to notice every detail about her.
She nervously made a slight adjustment of her skirt to hide the mend, bemoaning the loss of her silk dresses. That was just one of many humiliating comedowns lately. One of the boys jostled Tait’s elbow, and, shaking herself, she focused on the children. He hadn’t mentioned having children to raise. This would complicate things.
She knew nothing about the care of children, and they were noisy and cried at the drop of a hat. Frankly, kids scared her, and she’d avoided any contact with youngsters as a grown woman.
Before she could open her mouth, Tait put a hand on each of the boys’ shoulders, drew them forward, then lifted the small girl into his arms. “Miss Dunbar, meet my niece and nephews. The boys are Joe and Jesse, and this little one is Becky.”
Only his kin. Melanie relaxed. They must live in Hope’s Crossing with their parents.
She smiled. “Hello. It’s really nice to meet you.”
Tait captured her gaze and held it longer than was needed before he lifted the corner of his mouth in a sudden, crook
ed grin that almost vanished before she saw it. “I’m the children’s guardian. Their parents were killed, leaving them with no one. I should’ve let you know before you came all this way, but frankly I’ve been a tad busy adjusting to this arrangement myself. I do apologize.”
“I see. We need to talk, Mr. Trinity.”
Tait scowled and glanced around, motioning to two women. He spoke in a low voice to them, after which the women collected the children and moved off toward a row of houses.
He picked up Melanie’s heavy bags as though they weighed nothing. “Come with me to the hotel, Miss Dunbar.”
She nodded and fell into step with him. They didn’t stop until they reached a comfortable office in the Diamond Bessie Hotel.
“We can borrow this room.” Tait removed his hat, laid it on a table, and closed the door. Streaks of blond shot through his caramel hair. No one had told her how handsome he was.
Painfully aware of his scrutiny, she swung to glance at the room, admiring the blue velvet sofa, chairs, and pretty wallpaper. “It’s nice.”
“I didn’t mean to mislead you, and I’m sorry if you feel that way.” He paced in front of a large desk that had a painting of a snow-covered pasture behind it. “Have a seat.”
Melanie removed her bonnet, but instead of sitting, she wandered to the window and pushed the thin curtain aside. “I wish I had known before I made the trip. I didn’t sign up to be a nursemaid.” “Wife” was about all she could handle. “This changes things.”
Tait dropped into the chair behind the desk and let out a heavy breath. “What’s the problem? Don’t you like kids?”
“It’s not that. I like them fine. Only I’ve never been around children and know nothing about their care.” She let the curtain fall back into place and got comfortable on the sofa. She stared directly at him and gave him a warm smile as though they were discussing the weather. “I will not be a nanny, a maid, a cook, or a laundress, although I’ll do my fair share.”
Confusion crossed his face. “So, what are you saying exactly?”
“I came to be your wife, not to have you pawn your niece and nephews off on me and go your merry way. I’ve heard stories of widowers who advertised for brides with nothing more in mind than to dump a bunch of kids on them and take off for good.” She removed her gloves. “If you intend that, then our business is concluded, and I’ll leave on the next stage.”
But could she truly accept the consequences of leaving? She could little afford to make demands. Only he didn’t know that.
“Hold on a minute, missy. That was not my intention. I don’t plan on dumping those kids.” He paused, and the guilt in his expression told her that had been exactly why he’d sent for her. He straightened from his slouch. “Okay, I have to be honest. Maybe that might’ve been the reason I telegraphed you a week ago, but the situation has gotten better.”
“Elaborate, please.”
“I really need your help. I’m out of my element. What if the two of us work together as a team? We’d bear the load fifty-fifty.”
Melanie narrowed her gaze at him. “You won’t ride out at the first opportunity and stay gone for months at a time, leaving me stuck here with children I don’t know?”
“I give my word.” He rose and perched on the corner of the walnut desk, rolling his neck. There was something he still wasn’t saying. She waited.
Tait cracked his knuckles. “What I have to tell you next may be the deal breaker.”
“What’s that?”
“The day I telegraphed asking you to come, the very day the kids arrived, I had a run-in with a dangerous man and killed him. He’s buried in the cemetery outside the entrance to the town. Ed Berringer has a father, brothers, and uncles all meaner than the devil and twice as ready to settle the score. I don’t know how this will play out.” He gave her a smile that vanished before it finished forming. “I misplaced my crystal ball.”
“I see.” So even more trouble lurked. She’d already known how dangerous this would be from the first.
“Another thing you should know, Miss Dunbar. This high price on my head draws attention. Lawmen—or countless others—could ride in any day and haul me out of here, assuming they don’t kill me outright. Are you a risk-taker?”
“From the day I was born.” He had no idea exactly how true her answer was.
“Then I guess the choice is yours. Will you marry me or get back on the stage?”
Melanie liked his direct honesty. From his letters she’d learned that he was a man used to betting on long odds instead of the sure thing. They had much in common there.
“I’ll marry you.” She plunked all her cards on the table. “How about tomorrow?”
She might as well get started. The sooner she finished what she had come to do, the sooner her sister would be free.
Tait seemed taken aback by her rush but quickly recovered. “Sounds good. Do you mind living here at the hotel for now? My place is too small. And besides, it’s a soddy. I didn’t need anything much when it was just me.” He stood. “I’ll try to be a good husband, but I’m warning you, I’m not an easy man to like.”
“As long as you don’t abandon me, I’ll stay by your side.” She inhaled the first real breath she’d taken since arriving. “One more thing. Don’t expect me to speak of love because I won’t.” She’d had quite enough of empty words and false promises. A man’s actions were the things that defined him.
“Me either.” A look of relief crossed his face. “I don’t believe in such. I hope you can respect me when I earn it, and that’ll be all I can ask for.”
“Then we understand each other perfectly.” No messy emotions to get in the way. That was better than she’d dared hope for.
Tait sauntered toward her, slow and easy like a wild animal stalking his prey, and when he stood a foot away, Melanie found the scent of his shaving soap pleasing. His height was imposing, and he appeared more than capable of protecting her from the dark storms about to engulf her.
But cross him? The magnitude of what she had planned suddenly hit her. She wouldn’t get through this unscathed. An unexpected chunk of ice slid down Melanie’s spine.
* * *
They took supper with the children in the Blue Goose Café. Tait had never heard the three of them rattle on so much. Maybe their excitement stemmed from missing their mother but seeing Melanie as the next best thing. Melanie herself seemed a bit overwhelmed but handled it all with a smile and kind words. She even lifted Becky onto her lap.
Tait relaxed. She was gracious and kind to the children, and that was enough for him.
Jesse leaned over. “Did you kiss her? Girls like that.”
“Where did you get that idea?” Tait asked.
The boy shrugged. “No place. My daddy was always kissing Mama.”
“Well, don’t expect everyone to be like them.” He glanced at Melanie and found himself studying her enticing mouth that tilted up at the corners with a defined cupid’s-bow top lip. Very kissable. Her mouth’s shape gave the impression she was holding back laughter. Thank goodness she didn’t have the thin, puckered lips that he’d seen on spinsters that always suggested they’d eaten a persimmon. Maybe he would kiss Melanie tonight at her door. A peck.
Just to see what she tasted like, of course.
Tait pulled his mind away from her mouth, got everyone’s attention, and announced the wedding plans for tomorrow. He pinned the twins with a sharp gaze. “And there’ll be no tricks played on us. Got that?”
“Snake,” Becky said, frowning.
“Especially not any snakes.” Tait told Melanie about the reptile he’d discovered in his boot.
Melanie shivered. “Oh dear. I wouldn’t like that at all.”
“I don’t think we’ll have a problem. Will we, boys?”
“Nope.” Except Joe’s grin wasn’t that reassuring.
He puzzled over one of the things she’d said earlier: as long as he didn’t abandon her, she’d stay by his side. What trouble had Melanie Dunbar faced in the past? Her eyes had seemed haunted. By what—or whom?
Now sitting across from her, he found no evidence of worry or distress. She certainly gave the appearance of being content, and she drew his gaze like water to the moon’s force. But not just him. Everyone around couldn’t seem to stop looking. She was a sight. Her auburn hair flamed in the light of the oil lamps hanging on the wall. Her blue dress, open at the neck, revealed a swath of golden skin, and her long, nimble fingers moved gracefully.
The woman who’d be his wife intrigued him.
She smiled at something Jesse said, and her dimples flashed once before they went into hiding again. Tait found himself leaning forward, hoping to catch those charming dimples again.
Melanie Dunbar would do just fine.
Both the meal and the company were excellent. The evening was over all too soon, and they strolled back to the hotel together, their heels resounding on the wooden boardwalk. Tait was more contented than he’d felt in a long time. He had help with the kids, Melanie shared his mindset regarding love, and he was still alive. That amounted to a very good day.
Scout and Bullet, the town’s two dogs, ambled up, which halted the group’s progress while the children introduced them to Melanie and petted the animals. It gave him a moment to quietly observe her, and he liked what he saw. Although his suspicious mind couldn’t quite shake a feeling of something being off.
She’d seemed a bit too hasty to accept him. She’d gone from laying down the law to suggesting an almost immediate ceremony in no time at all. His skills of persuasion weren’t that good.
Finally back at the hotel, he held the door for the group and turned to Melanie. “Will you wait for me? We need to iron out some details. I’ll take the children up and come back.”