Katherine was startled to realize several sets of dancing had passed while she daydreamed. The musicians laid down their instruments as the young people dived into the baskets of food. Deciding this was the best time to slip away unnoticed, Katherine searched for her wrap.
Sadie intercepted her. “Katherine, isn’t this fun? David’s thrilled that Rebecca planned the party.”
Katherine wondered if Sadie knew the extent of her stepson’s longing for the girl. Sadie’s words confirmed she did.
“He’s been so lovesick.”
Not wanting to agree and admit she’d eavesdropped on his conversations with David, Katherine smiled diplomatically.
“Would you consider singing, Katherine?”
Her smile turned into an expression of shock. Sing? For these young people, whitewashed in innocence, devoid of artifice?
“Yes, would you?”
Katherine whirled as she heard David’s voice beside her.
“We’d all like that,” Rebecca added, her arm looped with David’s.
Short of being rude, Katherine didn’t know how to refuse. Taking a deep breath, she hoped they wouldn’t tell their parents of the entertainment at the Brownings.
Launching into “Annie Laurie,” Katherine felt the suspended tension in the room as her haunting voice completed the song. A small silence ensued before they burst into spontaneous applause, clamoring for another song. Choosing another lovely air, “Silver Threads Among the Gold,” she once again stunned her audience.
They greeted the second song with as much enthusiasm as the first, coaxing her into several more before she demurred, insisting they resume dancing.
Drinking the punch Sadie had thoughtfully provided, Katherine smiled at her friend’s obvious admiration.
“Katherine, I had no idea. Your voice is” she paused—“indescribable.”
“And on that note, I must leave.”
Sadie tried to protest, but Katherine knew that many surprise parties lasted all night, with guests dancing until sunrise. While singing for them had been fun, she didn’t want to be foremost in their memories when morning came. David Browning was a likable young man, and she didn’t want him or Sadie to bear his father’s wrath if he were to hear of her performance in his house.
As she reached the front door, she felt a hesitant tap on her arm. Turning, she looked into David’s pinkened face. “Thank you, Miss O’Shea.”
“You’re welcome, David. Have fun with your party.”
“I will and…” He seemed to gather his courage. “Please come to the Fourth of July picnic. It would mean a lot to my…to Sadie.”
“But—”
“Don’t mind what my pa’s said. He’s got a lot of hurt in him, and sometimes he takes it out on others.” David shrugged his still narrow shoulders. “But we’d like you to be there.”
Katherine looked from his earnest young face into that of his young sweetheart. Had she ever been so young, so trusting? Afraid that the lump in her throat would give way to tears, she nodded and made her escape. Evidence of what she’d missed out on was painful. Thinking of the man she now hankered for, her pain increased.
Chapter 18
The aroma of huge slabs of slowly roasting beef filled the air. The men from the last cattle trail to hit town before the Fourth of July holiday had donated some of their finest steers to the independence celebration. Cowboys, remembering families they’d once celebrated with, had toned down their exuberant behavior, crowding the small church that morning to hear the services.
But now the parade would begin. Perched on the back porch, Katherine watched the straggling line of children as they prepared to march in tune to the makeshift band consisting of a few fiddles and harmonicas and one incredibly loud brass horn. Men had decorated their horses’ bridles with small flags, and everyone had tried to dress in red, white, and blue. David Browning proudly carried a rather worn-looking flag.
When the patriotic songs burst forth, Katherine nearly clapped aloud in delight. The holiday had brought the farmers, ranchers, townspeople, and even the dreaded rowdy trail hands together in a fervor of national pride.
“Really something, isn’t it?”
Katherine whirled around, surprised to hear Jake’s voice in her ear.
“Aren’t you supposed to be out there?” she asked, dazed, staring at the twinkle in his incredibly blue eyes.
“I did my part this morning,” he answered, dropping to share the stoop with her.
“But the games, the races—”
“Are all planned by the ladies. I just have to find a partner for the sack race.”
“Oh, well,” she stammered, wishing he hadn’t caught her so unaware and overwhelmed her by sitting so close. “If you’re pressed, I’m sure Morgan would oblige.”
“No offense to Morgan, but I’d really rather share that potato sack with you. After sparring with him, I’ll guarantee you’re lots softer.”
Blushing unexpectedly, Katherine picked at her skirt. “It’s very nice of all of you to invite me to the picnic.” Head down, she didn’t notice the surprise on Jake’s face. “But you know I don’t fit in here.”
“It’s just lunch, a few games, some singing, and then the fireworks. Come on.” Tugging on her hand, Jake pulled her along behind him so that they could get a good view of the parade. What it lacked in polish was more than made up for by enthusiasm. Marching down the length of Main Street, the participants passed the dry goods and mercantile, ending up at the smithy’s that bordered the cantinas leading out of town.
When the games began, Bessie Johnson and her family approached. “Right nice to see you here, Miss O’Shea,” Bessie said loudly for the benefit of a few people who stood close, staring at Katherine with disdain.
After speaking to Bessie and her grateful family, Katherine walked with Jake, passing several of the young people who’d heard her sing at the Brownings. Seeing their parents close by, she was greeted quietly but enthusiastically, and Jake shook his head in puzzlement as he stared at her.
“What aren’t you telling me?” he finally asked.
“You’d never believe me,” she answered truthfully.
While Jake didn’t take her hand in front of his congregation, Katherine felt his concern like a physical caress as he spoke. “Let’s find the sack race.”
“Don’t you think—”
He turned to her in exasperation. “For once, do you think you could let me decide if I’m man enough to take the consequences?”
She thought of challenging him, saw the fire in his eyes, and decided against it. Instead she smiled a fully provocative smile designed to let him know she thought he was man enough.
“Good,” he muttered thickly.
Satisfaction oozed through her, knowing the reason he’d suddenly lost his tongue.
They received more than a few looks and sideways glances as they got their sack and lined up with the others for the race. On one side stood David Browning and Rebecca Peterson. David sent Jake an encouraging grin.
Katherine grappled with propriety as she wriggled one leg into the sack, but fortunately the other women were preoccupied with the same problem. When she looked up, slightly flushed, Jake’s eyes were fastened on the leg she’d stuffed into the sack. Despite the fact that her leg was covered with layers of dress, petticoats, and pantalets, sharing the small space of material with him felt quite intimate.
Seeing the other men getting ready, Jake joined her in the burlap bag, his muscular leg scraping hers. Shocked, Katherine met his gaze, feeling its heat, sensing his thoughts. When the gun fired to start the race, both of them nearly bolted from the potato sack. Instead Katherine turned her flushed face forward.
“Ready?” she asked, not bold enough to glance at him.
“More than ready,” he returned.
Not daring to dwell on his words, she started ahead, trying to keep her leg in unison with his. Although people shouted encouragement to their favorites, Katherine forgot her normal se
lf-consciousness, forgot the crowd even existed. Instead she savored Jake’s closeness, thrilled to the touch of his body so close to her own.
Each step forward was delicious torture. The length of Jake’s leg filled the sack so that when every muscle rippled, it seared through the layers of her clothing, igniting a fire she’d not known existed.
Disregarding outside distractions, the good folk, and anything else within a fifty-mile radius, Katherine shouldn’t have been surprised when they fell out of step. But as they lay in a tangled heap, she wished for nothing more than to continue ignoring those same outside forces.
Jake raised up on one elbow, still not moving as he seemed to search her face. She wished she had the answers he sought, that her past was a normal one. But she was Kitty O’Shea, not a respectable girl the minister could court. She tried to ease away from him when twin bands of steel clamped her arms in place. Seeing the intent on his face, she spoke desperately.
“Not here, Jake!”
Hearing her strangled voice, Jake came back to his senses, realizing they were putting on quite a show for his congregation.
“I’d say we lost,” he managed in a fairly calm, reasonably loud voice. “My fault. I couldn’t keep in step.”
Easing his leg from the potato sack, Jake rose and offered her a hand. Accepting, Katherine tried to look composed, although she felt the heat coloring her cheeks.
Glancing around, attempting to appear casual, Katherine’s mouth nearly fell open when she saw that at least a half dozen other couples had fallen and were in nearly the same position they’d been in. Catching Jake’s eye, she registered his regret.
She brushed off her skirt, hoping the wild grass hadn’t stained the pale blue material. Glancing back up, she encountered Able Browning’s censorious gaze. Not seeing Sadie at his side, Katherine wondered how long he’d been watching. Jake picked up the sack.
“Let’s go see the games.” They headed toward the entertainment being held in the street. Several cowboys enjoyed the apple bob and ring toss, a far cry from their usual drinking and gambling. Many of the unattached women eyed the trailhands from beneath their holiday bonnets much to the consternation of the young men in town.
“Apple bob?” Jake asked.
Laughing, Katherine shook her head. “But you go ahead.”
“Don’t think I will, do you?”
Still laughing, Katherine watched as he dunked his head, catching a large apple and looking as proud as though he’d retrieved a bar of gold.
Morgan’s voice washed over them both. “Jake, got a great idea. How ’bout setting up the ring? We can have a few exhibition rounds. None of these cowhands can whip you.”
The joy drained from Jake’s face as though Morgan had sucker-punched him. Without explanation, Jake pushed out of the crowd and stalked away. Katherine stared at Morgan in helpless dismay for a moment before following Jake.
His long legs covered the ground easily, putting distance between them quickly.
“Wait!” she called, but he didn’t answer, not slowing as he neared the edge of town.
Nearly breathless, Katherine picked up her skirts and ran after him, reaching him as he strode on toward the outlying farms.
“Jake, please wait!”
He stopped and stared at her as though seeing her for the first time. “What is it?” he asked, curbing his impatience with a very short rein.
“You’re asking me what? You looked like you saw a ghost and then stormed away—”
“Maybe I did see one, Katherine.”
“You’re not making any sense.”
“You’re Irish, Katherine O’Shea. Don’t you believe in leprechauns and little people and wood fairies?”
“I don’t think so,” she stated without hesitation. “If I did, I’d have demanded my pot of gold years ago. Now will you stop this nonsense and tell me what’s going on?”
“I’ll be back in time for the fireworks,” he answered instead.
“But—”
His hands reached out to grip her shoulders. “Leave it, Katherine.” His eyes probed hers before releasing her. “Just leave it.”
The perpetual west Kansas wind tore at her clothes as she watched him walk away. The same wind tugged at his hair, flinging the shaggy locks backward, outlining his craggy profile. If she had secrets, then she wasn’t alone. It seemed the minister had an equal share.
Chapter 19
The fireworks lit the sky with a dazzling display of color. The bill the town council printed proclaimed they had spent nineteen dollars on skyrockets guaranteed to light the entire sky. It was a princely sum, and expectations ran high. Children ran free, shrieking as they chased one another. Their parents gratefully let them roam, keeping only toddlers and babies close by. It had been a glorious holiday for the tiny community. Swelled to larger proportions by the invading cowhands, the town had accommodated them all. The barbecue, games, and parade had alternately filled and entertained all appetites. And now for dessert—a night sky filled with fireworks.
The same petition that advertised the fireworks had also announced a platform dance following the brilliant display. Katherine wondered if she would be alone for both. Despite Jake’s obvious distaste, Morgan had set up a ring and fought until he’d weaved his way back to the saloon for the night.
But Jake had been absent all afternoon. As dusk descended and the first sparklers were lit, he still hadn’t returned. Katherine had considered hitching up her buggy and looking for him, but she doubted he was injured or in need of help. At least, not any help she could provide.
The whisper of the evening wind caressed her skin, and Katherine wished Jake’s fingers were touching hers. As though in answer to her wish, Jake stood over her, hesitating only briefly before dropping to sit beside her. He picked up her hand.
“I’m sorry, Katherine.”
She wanted to ask about the demons chasing him. Instead she pressed a gentle, comforting hand to his cheek. “I’m just glad you’re here now.”
Some of the strain left his face, but she could see by the furrowed creases of worry that he hadn’t resolved his concerns. As darkness settled over the gathering crowd, Katherine took his hand in hers, offering warmth and comfort.
When each rocket exploded, the sky lit up for miles. Even the stars seemed to dip to watch the display. As the gunpowder released, trails of smoke filled the clear air. Young boys ran to collect the smoking containers and douse them in water. Fear of fire hadn’t canceled the celebration, but no one was taking any chances.
Katherine felt Jake’s arms circle her gently, holding her against his chest. Her eyes closed in the darkness, and she wondered if the fireworks that exploded were really in the sky. His embrace was as she’d imagined. He neither groped nor pawed. Instead his immense strength seemed centered in his gentle touch, holding but not confining.
When the last rocket exploded and then floated to the ground, applause burst out around them. Still Jake didn’t release his hold. Instead his head dipped close to her neck, his lips near her ear. “I hear there’s a dance next, Miss Katherine.”
She shivered from the thrill of his breath so close to her skin, his lips so near her neck. Clearing her head, reason returned. “But I can’t. I mean, we can’t—”
“What happened to your spine? I was sure I saw some gumption in you not more than a few days ago.”
“But your reputation as a minister will be ruined. What will people think?” Katherine wanted nothing more than to run with him and dance the night away. Practicality kept rearing its ugly head, however.
“Leave that to me. Will you do the honor of accompanying me to the dance, Miss Katherine?”
Realizing the folly, knowing she would feel the sting of regret, still she nodded her head against him and whispered, “I will.”
He rose to his feet and then pulled her up, letting her body sway against his for a moment. The darkness and the oak trees hid them as he lowered his mouth to hers. The thrill of his touch rippled
through her unsuspecting body.
When they finally pulled apart, her hand trembled as she placed it in his and followed him to the livery where the dance was being held. Even though she’d seen the smithy a thousand times, it suddenly seemed threatening. All the people who could hurt Jake had collected inside. She knew they would never accept seeing her on his arm.
“Jake, I don’t think—”
He held a finger to her lips to silence her protests. “Let me do this Katherine. If I can’t, I’m in the wrong place anyway.”
The smell of freshly brewed cider and pungent molasses cookies greeted them. Bales of hay were shoved to the sides of the building, creating a dance floor packed with farmers and cowhands. Banners in patriotic colors hung from the rafters to ripple in the evening breeze. Elaborate bows in those same colors decorated each oil lamp and the raw wooden beams. A huge flag draped against the far wall, proclaiming pioneer pride.
At first no one noticed their entry. Everyone was so caught up in their own celebrating. But one by one, people began to notice, to point, whisper, and stare. Men who hadn’t even removed their long-stem pipes to dance now took them from their mouths as they gaped. Katherine’s hand trembled in Jake’s much larger one. Seeing a familiar face, she smiled tentatively as Bessie Johnson and her family marched up to them.
“Reverend, Miss Katherine. Right nice to see you here,” Bessie announced loudly, once again showing her support. Her husband echoed her sentiments, and Jake shook the man’s hand. In moments Sadie joined them, exclaiming over Katherine’s dress as though she’d only just now seen it for the first time. It was apparent to Katherine that Sadie was as uncomfortable as she was and just as desperate to find something to say in the strained atmosphere.
“Really, Katherine, that dress is just beautiful,” Sadie repeated.
“Thank you again, Sadie.” Katherine saw Able’s scowl from across the room and leaned forward, lowering her voice. “Able doesn’t look too happy. I appreciate your support, but I don’t want to ruin things between the two of you.”
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