The Mail Order Bride's Secret

by Linda Broday

“Trinity, huh? I’ve heard of you. You sure put a squeeze on the railroad, and I’m glad. The bastards deserve to sweat.” Stoker’s gaze shifted to the twins. “Are these young’uns yours, Trinity?”

  “My sister’s, sir. I took them in after she was killed. What do you say, boys?”

  “Nice to know you, Mr. Legend,” the boys said in unison.

  Jesse added, “You sure got a lot of cows.”

  Stoker laughed. “I’m giving these to the town, so I guess they’re yours now.”

  “Oh boy!” Jesse rubbed his hands together.

  It didn’t take a genius to know the boy was already picturing himself on top of one. Tait gave him a stern glance and shook his head, to which Jesse shrugged his shoulders.

  Three more riders approached and stopped—brothers Sam, Houston, and Luke Legend.

  Introductions were made all around, and Luke addressed Tait. “I trust Miss Dunbar arrived and the wedding went off without a hitch.”

  “She did, and we’re living in happy wedded bliss.” Tait took Luke’s measure. He’d never met the man who’d arranged the private bride service, but he instantly liked him. Luke had darker skin, unlike his brothers, which suggested Spanish blood. Tait had heard it said that Luke Legend, half-white, had once been an outlaw himself, and that was easy to believe. Luke hadn’t quite broken himself of searching the nearby shadows.

  Maybe men like them never did. The habit had become as much a part of them as breathing.

  Tait was going to have to make big changes fast or he’d die an outlaw. Unlike Luke’s story, there was no good end for him that he could see.

  Twenty

  Tait studied the four Legend men and had no trouble seeing how they continued to cling to the huge Lone Star spread that covered six counties. Half a million acres, some said. It took a whole lot of guts, muscle, and brains to manage such a ranch.

  “Come on inside. You’re just in time for supper,” Tait invited. “We’ll put you up in the hotel.”

  “That’s mighty generous,” Stoker replied with a grin, sticking a cigar in his mouth and lighting it.

  Clay folded his arms across his chest. “More than fair in return for all these cattle.”

  “Where are we going to put them?” Tait asked.

  “I think that boxed canyon would be hardest to rustle from,” Clay answered. “We can post two men at night, which might deter Kern Berringer if he’s close.”

  “Oh, he’s close all right.” Tait scanned the brush. “He won’t leave his son.”

  The saddle leather creaked when Stoker shifted his weight. “Who’s Kern Berringer?”

  Tait gave the rancher the short version while Clay appointed some of the men to take the herd to the canyon. Once they were off, Clay swung back to their guests. “How about we cook outdoors at the community fire again, like we used to do before we got too fat and civilized?”

  Jack snorted. “Speak for yourself.”

  Tait shot Sam Legend—and the silver star pinned to his chest—a wary glance. He hoped he wouldn’t have problems with the lawman, although Jack said Sam wasn’t your normal sheriff. Sam had helped Jack gain his amnesty last year, after all. Still, he’d be committed to his job. He had a duty to uphold the law, so Tait had better keep a low profile.

  At least Kern Berringer wouldn’t force a showdown with such famous company in the town.

  The Legends and their two drovers rode through the entrance straight to the Diamond Bessie, eyeing the saloon as they passed. Tait aimed the twins inside the hotel lobby and met Melanie and Becky on the boardwalk.

  Tally shrieked when she saw the Legends and flew to greet their guests. Laughing, Luke scooped her up and swung her around. Clay told Tait that Tally had once saved Luke’s life when he was on the run and then had helped his wife Josie through a difficult childbirth. They seemed to still be fast friends.

  Melanie slid her arm around Tait, her fetching dimples deepening with a smile. “What’s going on? Who are these men?”

  “Stoker Legend and his sons. The dark-haired one is Luke, owner of the bride service.” Tait drew her close, breathing in her scent.

  “Oh my! I didn’t know he was so handsome.”

  “Thinking of trading me in?”

  “Not on your life. You’re mine, Mr. Trinity.”

  “That’s a relief.” He let his hand slide to her firm bottom. “I think the plan is to eat outside tonight by the community fire. You’ll get a chance to help cook.”

  “How fun.” She gazed up at him, her blue-green eyes shimmering in the light spilling from the hotel.

  Tait felt like he’d unearthed a diamond, and because he couldn’t say what was truly on his mind, he blurted the first thing he thought of. “They brought a herd of cattle for the town.”

  “That’s wonderful! They’ll help feed us this winter and provide another source of income. The Legends must have big hearts.”

  Houston Legend strolled past, heading into the hotel. “We’ll meet you men at the saloon.”

  The women huddled together, planning supper, then hurried off to collect supplies. Tait got the boys, and they went to use the outdoor bathing apparatus. Peace unlike any he’d known descended around him.

  He was alive. He had friends and a family. And he had a wife who grounded him. On the surface, life was as near perfect as it could get. If he could only get rid of the five-thousand-dollar price on his head and Kern Berringer at his heels.

  * * *

  Later, after they’d eaten and were sitting around the fire, the night air brought the scent of sage and wildflowers. Becky was asleep in Melanie’s lap, and Joe and Jesse were playing games with the other children, whooping and hollering like they’d known each other all their lives.

  While Melanie talked with the women, she studied the faces of the Legend men and found them interesting. But her gaze lingered on Sam, the youngest of the brothers. A former Texas Ranger, he was now the sheriff of Lost Point. She longed to speak to him about Judge McIlroy and her situation, but she didn’t dare. She couldn’t let anyone know.

  A boy a little older than the twins sat with the Legend men. He looked at Stoker with a good bit of hero worship in his eyes.

  Melanie nudged Tally. “Is that boy over there with the Legends a grandson?”

  “That’s Noah Jordan. Stoker took him in to raise after his parents were killed. He’s like another son. A sweet, sweet boy. I believe he’s twelve, but Stoker is teaching him how to run the ranch. He loves that kid.”

  “Noah’s a year older than Joe and Jesse, but he seems so much more mature. Lord, I’d hate to think of them running a ranch!”

  “I wish the Legends had brought their wives. You’d love them. They’re all women of iron.”

  “I have no doubt.” Tait stood up at that moment and stole Melanie’s attention. Thinking about bedtime brought a slew of tingles rushing over her.

  The Legend men seemed larger than life, but they couldn’t compare to Tait. She admired his lean figure and slightly too-long sun-streaked hair.

  He turned, and his eyes met hers. He excused himself from the men and sauntered across the space. He leaned down and put his mouth next to her ear. “How about we call it a night and go to our room? I have a hankering to get you naked, Mrs. Trinity.”

  Heat rose to her face. He’d chosen time with her over their visitors. He wanted her more than whatever news the visitors had brought.

  “I’d like that. You have the best ideas.” Her heart raced as he took Becky, then Melanie’s hand.

  Seeming to pay no mind to the teasing hoots and calls, Tait put an arm around her, collected the twins, and moved them toward the hotel.

  * * *

  Over the next five days, the men worked on the new house every second they could spare. With Stoker and his sons helping, the work went more quickly, and they got the walls and c
lapboard on as well as the roof and set glass in the windows. All that remained was the inside work. Tait was happy with the burst of progress.

  Often once they finished for the day, Tait would spend time talking to Luke. They had a lot in common. But sometimes Sam, Houston, and Stoker joined them.

  It was on one such day that they all sat cooling off when Stoker asked about Earl Berringer. Tait told them about Kern, his job with the railroad—and Lucy.

  Sam’s eyes narrowed. “The bastard needs to be strung up. He’s little better than an animal, and the law can only do so much. Out here, men have to find their own justice.”

  “I’d do that if I knew where to find him. He’s like a ghost.” Tait sighed and leaned back against a tree. “I don’t understand how the law can favor rotten men like him and hang the ones trying to live right.”

  Houston stuck a stem of hay in his mouth. “One day the balance will shift and things will change.”

  “I hope so.” Tait then told them about his sister and her husband. “Kern Berringer tortured her before ending her life.”

  The men were quiet, and then Sam said, “You can’t do this by yourself, Trinity. I’ll wire the U.S. Marshal who oversees this territory. Also, the governor needs to know.”

  Tait had doubts that it would do any good. “Berringer’s too slippery. He squirms out of everything.”

  “Not this time!” Stoker boomed. “I have a lot of connections with some powerful people. I’ll bend a few ears.”

  “Thank you, sir.”

  Luke looked Tait square in the eye. “Trinity, how do you see your situation ending?”

  “I’ve asked myself that same question over and over in the dead of night. I can’t see a good way out of this.”

  Stoker rested a hand on Tait’s knee. “You have to find one. Not only for your sake but for those kids and that pretty wife of yours. Do you still have the money you took?”

  Tait nodded. “A good portion of it. If you have any ideas, I’m listening.”

  “You could make a deal. Return the money in exchange for dropping the charges, for instance. Depends on how badly they want it. You could arrange delivery through a third party so you wouldn’t get in their sights. I need a few days to mull this over.” Stoker sat back, and Tait could almost see the wheels turning in his mind.

  For the first time in a long while, Tait had hope of ending this in a peaceful way.

  No more hiding. Hard to imagine what it would be like not to worry.

  Melanie came down from the hotel with Becky beside her. As soon as the child saw Stoker, she started hollering and made a mad dash for the Legend patriarch. “Gan’pa! Gan’pa!”

  Stoker held out his arms and swung her up. “Hey, little lady, how’s the world treating you?”

  “Gan’pa ride horsey?”

  “Not right now. I’m resting.”

  “Becky, stop bothering Mr. Legend,” Tait scolded. Then he asked, “What is she talking about?”

  Luke laughed. “Pa took her along on his morning ride today, and I think he’s started something.”

  Melanie laughed and took a seat with them. “It all begins so innocently. She can charm the horns off the devil himself. But who taught her to say grandpa?”

  Stoker kissed the little girl’s cheek. “I did. I miss my grandchildren.” She snuggled into the fold of his vest. “If anyone hurts this child, they’ll answer to me.”

  Tait knew the man didn’t say that lightly.

  A familiar perfume drifted around Tait’s head as Melanie scooted closer. He moved her hair aside and whispered, “Take a walk with me, pretty lady?”

  “Are you sure you’re not too tired after working all day?”

  “I’m never too tired for you.” He pulled her to her feet. He had just the place in mind.

  * * *

  Stoker and his sons stayed for the dance that Saturday, and the night turned out to be crisp and clear. Melanie felt beautiful in the pretty new dress Tait had bought her. The deep turquoise brought out her eyes and made her auburn hair glisten under the lights.

  She took Tait’s arm and strolled toward the musicians who were warming up, loving the swish of her satin dress against his trousers.

  “I am a very lucky man,” Tait murmured.

  Melanie glanced up and saw desire in his gaze. “Why’s that?”

  “I think you know.” His voice roughened. “I’m going to have to keep my gun handy. I can be a jealous man.”

  “Tait, you can’t go around shooting everyone who asks me to dance.”

  “Who says?”

  “I do. Now be nice and don’t even think about fighting. These men are your friends. And we have honored guests who brought us a herd of cattle.”

  Tait released an oath under his breath. “I know.”

  They watched the musicians tuning their instruments. Tally had told her that at the first, they’d only had Dallas Hawk, who played the fiddle. Now, besides Dallas’s fiddle, they had a guitar, a harmonica, and an accordion. One man had brought a pole sticking through an upside-down washtub with a long rubber band attached. The strange instrument gave a deep bass sound.

  Folks were slowly gathering for the dance, excitement rippling through the crowd.

  “Do you think Becky will be too much for Mrs. Franklin to manage?” Melanie asked. They’d been lucky to find the elderly woman who’d just arrived by stage to visit her sister. Mrs. Franklin had a room on the second floor of the hotel and had taken a liking to Becky right off.

  “She’ll be fine, sweetheart. Stop worrying.” Tait’s hand on her lower back filled her with warm tingles as he guided her over to Stoker Legend. “I’m glad you and the boys could stay for this, sir.”

  “Wouldn’t have missed it.” Stoker glanced around. “Where did you put Earl Berringer?”

  “We moved him behind the mercantile for the night.”

  “Good place for him.” Stoker kissed Melanie’s cheek. “Save a dance for me, young lady. I’ll be the envy of all these young bucks. That dress is stunning.”

  “Thank you. It’s a gift from Tait.”

  Stoker winked. “He has good taste—in both clothes and gorgeous women.”

  “You do know I’m standing right here.” Tait tightened his hold on her.

  “Of course I know. Why else would I flirt with Melanie?”

  Houston joined them and kissed Melanie’s cheek as his father had done. “Pa, Trinity’s frowning, and I have a feeling you’re to blame.”

  “I’m only complimenting a pretty lady,” Stoker shot back.

  Sam wandered over. “Causing trouble, Pa? I swear, we can’t take you anywhere.”

  “Watch it, son.”

  Melanie laughed. “It’s such a joy having you all here with us.”

  “Would you like some punch?” Tait asked her. “I’m not much of a referee between a father and his sons.”

  “I’d like that.”

  Soon she was sipping punch and glancing up at the moon. It was a perfect night, and she couldn’t imagine being anywhere else. Tait’s attentiveness made her heart swell. No one had ever shown her such caring and devotion. Where most men would’ve joined their buddies to talk and drink the night away, Tait stayed with her. Tears blurred her vision.

  Mayor Ridge Steele stepped up and got everyone’s attention. “Tonight is a celebration of all our hard work to make this town everything it is. We’re not perfect, but we’re pleased with our progress. I’m happy to welcome our guests—Stoker Legend and his three—no, make it four—sons. Noah Jordan is as much a son as the rest. We’re glad to have them and their ranch hands here with us. Let’s give them a round of applause.”

  When the clapping died down, the band started playing a beautiful waltz.

  Tait took Melanie’s cup, set it down, and swept her onto the makeshift dance floor the
twins had helped build. He drew her tight against him and placed his mouth at her ear. “Tonight we celebrate our marriage. I have something planned for later.”

  Her pulse raced, and she said low, “You’re good at keeping secrets.”

  Good heavens, why did she say something like that? No one was keeping any except her.

  “Only a few.”

  She glanced up into his face and found heated desire in his silver-gray eyes. “Are you glad you found me, Tait?”

  “What do you think?” He pressed a kiss to her lips, and Melanie melted against him.

  When she could talk, she warned. “I may still disappoint you. Will you still feel the same way? Will you try to understand my side?”

  “What are you saying?”

  Melanie wet her suddenly dry lips. “Don’t make me better than what I am. It’s only asking to be let down. Never put me on a pedestal.”

  Tait shook his head. “Not what I’m doing. We all have faults. I just want to celebrate finding you.” He paused for a moment. When he spoke, his voice was hoarse. “You have the most luscious body, darlin’, and I can’t wait to get you to bed.”

  Tingles cartwheeled through her. Maybe one more night wouldn’t make any difference. She had to make love to him one more time before she told him the truth.

  “Play nice, my darling husband. We have all night.”

  Just then the music ended, and Luke Legend was at her elbow. He was dashing, wearing black trousers with silver conchas up each leg and a short black jacket. “I believe it’s my turn, bonita.”

  “Oh good. This gives me a chance to talk to you.”

  A few minutes later, on the dance floor, Luke was the one to ask her a question first. “Are you happy with your choice of a husband, Miss Melanie?”

  Her gaze found Tait dancing with one of the other young women. He was the most handsome man there. “Tait is everything I always yearned for. Tell me about your wife.”

  “Josie is headstrong, funny, and stubborn as a mule, and I love her with my heart and soul.”

  “Sounds like a perfect match.” Melanie let Luke sweep her around the rough floor. “I’m curious about something.”