The Mail Order Bride's Secret

by Linda Broday

  Tait brushed a hand over his eyes. He was tired of running around the same cactus bed.

  “It’s best to apply for a pardon after you return the money,” Sam told Tait. “Tell the governor about taking in your niece and nephews and all your contributions to this town. Also, the fact that you’re married and settled with a house under way and have stopped robbing trains.” He paused and gave Tait a piercing stare. “You have stopped, haven’t you, Trinity?”

  “Yes, on my honor.” Melanie and the kids had taken the need for revenge from him.

  “And you haven’t broken any more laws?” Sam pressed.

  “No.” Tait had wanted to kill Earl Berringer but in his own opinion had shown remarkable restraint. “Look, I appreciate what you’re doing, but this is getting too complicated.” Tait sighed. “It’s best if I just turn myself in along with the money. That way it’ll protect Melanie.”

  “No!” Shock froze the lines of Melanie’s face. “There’s got to be another way.”

  “I’ll take my chances.” He wouldn’t let her go to jail. “For you.”

  Tears filled her eyes. “You can’t trust McIlroy. He’ll take you and still not give my sister back. Besides, once he has the money, you’re as good as dead. Tait, all of this is crazy.”

  “I’d listen, Trinity. McIlroy doesn’t plan to release her sister.” Houston got to his feet.

  “I have a question for you, Stoker.” Tait swung his attention to the seasoned cattleman. “Would you let your wife walk into that mess alone?”

  Stoker let out a snort. “Hell no! I wouldn’t let her get close to them.”

  “There’s your answer.”

  Sam rubbed the back of his neck. “I suppose the question is—what are you willing to risk? You strike me as an all-or-nothing kind of man.”

  Tait mulled that over. Despite what Melanie had done, he still cared for her. “I’m willing to risk everything to save her sister.”

  Melanie gasped, and the room grew quiet for several heartbeats.

  In the stillness, Stoker went to a side table and held up a bottle. “Would anyone care to join me?”

  Tait was tempted to down the entire bottle, but he had to stay sober for the kids. Nevertheless, both he and Melanie each took a small glass with the men whose name seemed synonymous with the lives they’d led.

  Noah had been silent until now. The kid rose. “I want to do something to help. I could take a note to that judge if you want me to.”

  Stoker draped an arm across the kid’s shoulders. “We’ll use you somehow.”

  “Thanks, Papa Stoker.” Noah yawned. “I’m going to bed.”

  “Good night, son.”

  Tait watched the exchange, wishing for the power to change his wretched childhood.

  Melanie stood. “We should probably go, Tait.”

  He reached for his hat. “Not much more can be decided tonight, and the children are jumpy anyway. Sam, let us know the minute you find out anything about Ava.”

  “You got it.”

  They said good night, and Tait and Melanie returned to their suite one floor up. Everything was quiet, and the children were asleep. Melanie started toward the bedroom, but stopped when Tait didn’t follow.

  “I’ll sleep out here,” he said, grabbing a blanket.

  Sad lines deepened her face. “For what it’s worth, I keep wishing I could turn back time. But then if I did, I’d never have met you. And I don’t think I could live with that.”

  The tears bubbling in her eyes were almost his undoing. She’d had a good reason for keeping her secret. Hell, he’d have done the same thing to save someone he loved.

  Tait dropped the blanket onto the sofa. “Give me some time. I have a lot to think about.”

  “Can you ever forgive me?”

  He crossed the space and kissed her forehead. “I already have.” But trusting again? She’d have to earn it.

  “Thank you. I’ll never keep another secret from you.” She squeezed his hand, then turned and went into the bedroom.

  Tait laid down on the sofa, but the thoughts whirling in his head made sleep impossible. What would having his freedom feel like? To not worry about arrest, a trial, hanging. He could barely remember a time when he didn’t have to start at every movement.

  He tried to pull up Lucy’s face, but as hard as he concentrated, he couldn’t. Melanie, her blue-green eyes shining bright, was the lady he saw in his heart.

  * * *

  Melanie lay awake. She couldn’t sleep without Tait’s breathing next to her. He’d forgiven her and had let go of his anger. But how long would it be before he slept in their bed once more?

  Would he ever want to feel her beside him again or make love until dawn? Maybe he’d turn to another woman for comfort. One who hadn’t hurt him. The thought brought a low cry of pain. She clapped a hand over her mouth to stifle the sound.

  She’d messed things up good. But as long as he let her stay, she had hope for things to go back as they once were. Yet she knew nothing would ever be the same. Things could eventually be good again, but everything had to change. She and Tait weren’t the same people.

  Melanie’s thoughts turned to her sister. If Ava were dead, wouldn’t she feel it? They’d always had a close, almost eerie, connection. But Melanie didn’t sense the cold emptiness that accompanied death.

  No, Ava had to be alive. If only there was some way to let her twin know she would soon be on her way.

  Melanie closed her eyes and envisioned her sister’s face. Using all her energy, she projected two words into the dark. I’m coming. And then all she could do was pray that the message got through.

  She’d take the money to McIlroy and let the cards fall where they may. At least the Legends would be her ace in the hole if she needed them. Her hardest task would be keeping Tait far away from Canadian. They couldn’t have him. Not now. Not ever. She’d take his place if she had to.

  “I’ll never stop loving that man as long as I draw breath.” Her soft whisper bolstered her low spirits and eased the heartache that seemed to crowd out every one of her hopes and dreams.

  Twenty-four

  The first rays of dawn spread false cheer as they got the children up and went outside to see off the Legend men and their drovers. Stoker and his sons strode from the Diamond Bessie, their spurs jingling. Melanie was again struck by their large figures and the easy way they moved inside their own skins. Tait shared that self-confidence with them, and it had been one of the things that had captivated her about him.

  Becky clamored to get down from her arms. The minute Melanie set her down, she ran to Stoker, who scooped her up. “Hey, pretty girl.”

  The child kissed his cheek and put her arms around his neck.

  “Good morning,” Melanie greeted the men.

  “My gan’pa.” Becky grinned and snuggled against the rancher’s large chest.

  “You are getting way too spoiled, little girl,” Melanie scolded before addressing Stoker. “Do you have more information about Ava?”

  “Sam heard back late last night. She’s still in jail in Canadian but very ill.” Stoker reached to steady Melanie when her legs buckled.

  Melanie sucked in a breath. “What’s wrong with her?”

  “Something she contracted in there. Not sure what.”

  Fear clenched every muscle inside her. They had to hurry and get Ava out. “I can’t bear the thought of her sick and locked up in that cell. But as long as she still lives, I’ll cling to hope.”

  “Details are sketchy.” Sam slapped his gloves against his trousers. “The sheriff is mighty stingy with information.”

  Melanie had disliked the sheriff of Canadian on sight. His shifty eyes, the way he’d looked at her had made her feel like a common whore. “Are they letting a doctor treat Ava?”

  “That’s anyone’s guess.”<
br />
  Tait came from the direction of the corral and stopped next to her. “Now what? Where do we go from here?”

  Houston Legend shifted a toothpick to the other side of his mouth and leaned against a post. “We’ll contact an old friend, U.S. Marshal Tyrell Renick, just over in Indian Territory. He may be able to help on his end. At least McIlroy and the sheriff won’t do anything obvious with Renick watching.”

  “Change is coming to this part of Texas.” Stoker grinned when Becky patted his cheek. “The governor has set up the 35th judicial district in Mobeetie, and they’re going to clean up this lawlessness.”

  Tait met Melanie’s gaze, and she could almost feel the heavy weight sitting on his shoulders. If he had no choice but run, she’d be by his side—if he wanted her there, that is.

  Luke’s hat shaded his eyes and hid his expression, but Melanie suspected he’d done that on purpose. The half-Spanish former outlaw enjoyed taking people’s measure in private. She liked and admired him more than just about anyone. She’d never have met Tait without his help. Was Luke angry at what she’d tried to do? She hoped not.

  “Renick can put pressure on McIlroy and Markham.” Luke’s Spanish accent was smooth and mellow. “I think he can also be a big help to you, Miss Melanie.”

  “What happens to Judge McIlroy? Will he get off scot-free?” Tait demanded. “I can name a dozen crimes he committed that we know about, and I’m not even a lawyer.”

  Sam put his hat on and adjusted it. “I wired the governor and apprised him of the situation. He’ll likely strip McIlroy of his judgeship and send a temporary replacement in a few days, but I won’t know until I get the governor’s reply.”

  Stoker squeezed Tait’s shoulder. “As far as your pardon, you’ll have to throw yourself on the governor’s mercy and be prepared to explain in detail why you feel you deserve clemency.”

  Pain filled Tait’s eyes, and Melanie could see both how scared he was and how carefully he tried not to let it show. To fail meant he’d have to remain in hiding the rest of his life, and it was the long odds that had him by the short hairs.

  “I’ll help, Tait.” Melanie threaded her fingers through his. “Together we can do this.”

  Tait gave her hand a slight squeeze, which heartened her, then released his hold. “What happens with Kern Berringer?”

  The lines of Stoker’s face relaxed. “He’ll be arrested if he shows his face near Mobeetie or Canadian. Renick will throw him in jail before he knows what’s happening.”

  “But with so few lawmen to cover that area, they can’t spend weeks and months searching for him.” Luke’s voice was low. “Trinity, it might be best to go after him yourself. Get your justice as men like us have had to do our whole lives.”

  Luke was right, and tears welled in Melanie’s eyes. Outlaws like them wanted to do right, many really tried, but when things went sour and the law was far away, they had no choice but to fix the problems themselves.

  She stood beside Tait, not touching but close enough so he would know she supported him.

  “Understood.” His face set in hard lines. “I have the will, and I have a good gun.”

  “One more thing.” Stoker lowered his voice. “I don’t know if you can use this or not, but Ira McIlroy almost beat a working girl to death last year over in Indian Territory. He thought he’d covered it up.” Stoker grinned. “Thankfully, people didn’t turn a blind eye. Some of them are talking. You might mention that and see what happens.”

  “That’s very interesting.” Melanie filed the information away just in case.

  “We hate to say goodbye, but we’ve got to ride.” Stoker shook Tait’s hand then hers.

  “I’m forever in your debt.” She stood on tiptoe and kissed Stoker’s cheek. “I hope you live a long time. Texas needs you.”

  Houston grinned. “Hey, don’t swell the old man’s head any more than it is or we won’t be able to live with him.” He drew Melanie into a hug and passed her on to Sam and Luke.

  Noah arrived with the horses. “I have them saddled, Papa Stoker.”

  “You know, I’m going to have to keep you around. I can’t remember how I managed before you came, son.” Stoker affectionately ruffled the boy’s hair.

  It seemed like the whole town had come to see them off. Jack and Clay thanked them for the cattle. Tally had tears in her eyes, and Melanie put her arm around her.

  Tait reached for Becky, but she clung to Stoker’s shirt. “Gan’pa! Gan’pa!” The rancher gave her a kiss. “You be a good girl and mind your aunt and uncle.” His voice broke as he pulled free of her hands and handed her to Tait. He stuck his foot in the stirrup and swung over.

  Melanie sniffled and waved until the riders disappeared through the opening. Becky was bawling her eyes out, and Melanie didn’t blame her.

  Why couldn’t Stoker Legend have been her father? Her life would’ve been so different with someone who had cared.

  * * *

  The early-morning rays shone bright and cheery through the windows of the Blue Goose, and Melanie embraced the new beginning as a good sign. Becky had settled down and sipped on her milk. Tait actually made an effort to talk over breakfast.

  He didn’t look as haggard as he had the day before, so she thought he must’ve slept some. Sweet Becky seemed to sense her uncle’s need for extra love the way she kept patting and kissing on him. The girl chattered up a storm, making up words for some she didn’t know how to say. And the boys asked Tait’s advice about school and various other subjects.

  Joe propped his elbow on the table and put a hand under his chin. “We turned loose all those animals that we’d captured, but Bandit won’t leave. He hangs around the café, and Mr. Truman is real mad, says we have to get rid of him or else.”

  “We’ve tried everything,” Jesse added. “What can we do, Uncle Tait?”

  “I have to take a ride out to the cattle in a bit. I’ll take him with me and release him far from here. We’ll see if that does the trick. But I think you tamed him a little too good. He seems to think this is his new home.” Tait wiped the milk from Becky’s mouth.

  “I guess so,” Joe replied. “I wish a real circus would come along and take him.”

  “Poor Bandit,” Melanie murmured. “He gave a great performance, and now you want to get rid of him.”

  “He’s making everyone mad, and we need him to leave.” Jesse huffed.

  Mr. Denver, the schoolmaster, entered the café. “Good morning, Mr. and Mrs. Trinity.”

  Joe and Jesse ducked low in their chairs.

  “Morning,” Tait answered before reaching over and pulling the twins up by their collars. “What do you say, boys?”

  “Good morning, Mr. Denver,” they replied in unison.

  Tait took a sip of coffee. “I’m sending Joe and Jesse over after breakfast to help you get the school ready for Monday. They’re excited, aren’t you, boys?”

  One thing Tait loved to do—tease. He was quite good at doing that, and Melanie almost felt sorry for the twins.

  Becky grinned and clapped. “School.”

  “Afraid not, honey.” Melanie handed her a biscuit and looked up. “Mr. Denver, the only one excited about school is too young to go.”

  Denver laughed. “Isn’t that always the way? I look forward to teaching Joe and Jesse. The trick is finding the one thing a child is passionate about.”

  Tait snorted. “Good luck there.”

  The teacher moved on, and Melanie’s attention returned to her husband. How was she going to convince him that she had to take the money to Judge McIlroy alone? Each time she brought it up, all he’d say was that it wasn’t an option.

  Still, her way was best for all of them.

  * * *

  Once they’d finished eating, they left the boys at the church that doubled as a school and took Becky over to Nora’s. Tait rode
out with Bandit and came back alone an hour later. Melanie was walking through their new home when he strode in. “Tait, I love the roominess.”

  “Glad you approve.”

  The house seemed to close welcoming arms around her. Please don’t let it be too late for me to live here.

  Tait disappeared for a minute and returned with a hammer and a board. “Would you like to put your stamp on our house?”

  “Absolutely.” Happiness filled her that he’d said ours—and that he’d obviously seen her need to be a part of the building process.

  “I thought you might.” He handed her the hammer and nails, holding the board beneath the window. “When you’re lying there in bed, you can see your handiwork.”

  “I’ll remember this day. Both these nails and the precious gift of a second chance.”

  He studied her. “We all need one now and again. You did the only thing you could to try to help your sister. Can we get back what we had?” He blew out a deep breath. “I don’t know. I guess time will tell.”

  “I’m sorry, Tait. But you probably want more than words. Give me time and I’ll show you that I’m still the same woman you came to care about.”

  He gave her a curt nod and positioned the board. “Pound away. Just watch out for my fingers. And yours.”

  A nervous laugh rose as Melanie took a nail, held it in place, and struck it until it was embedded. Over and over she hammered until the board was secured. The more strikes of the hammer, the lighter she felt. Hitting things seemed to have a calming effect on her aching heart.

  Her gaze followed Tait’s lean form as he moved through the house in that loose, meandering gait that filled her dreams. His dark-blond hair brushed his shoulders, and stubble clung to his jaw, but he made her knees as weak as jelly when he turned those silvery-gray eyes on her.

  At least he hadn’t made her leave, even though she still saw hurt in his eyes. She wished she knew how to fix things.

  Especially the ache in her heart. Hopefully time would heal them both.

  * * *

  Tait spent the day with the men at the new house. He figured another week until they finished. A few of them were out tending the cattle, and Tait had warned them to watch for Berringer. Now that the Legends had left, Kern would be bolder. He was one who liked the odds in his favor.