A Bargain Bride (Brides of Liberty, Texas)

by Rebecca de Medeiros

  Melody seemed real at ease with Hunter, talking to him like she hadn’t ever talked to her own husband. Hell even now as he watched, his little wife threw her head back and laughed at something the ranch hand had said. Something hot and painful coursed through his veins. He wouldn’t call it jealousy, but a man did have a right to get a little perturbed at other men paying his woman attention. Shirtless men at that!

  The fact that his wife hadn’t laughed like that with him, ate at Gabriel. No matter how much space he’d given her all week she still refused to allow him to make love to her. It was driving him nuts. Gabriel knew he had to think of something fast, or God help him he was going to explode out of frustration. He had tried about every trick in the book so far, to make her let down her guard. The riding lesson he had given her two nights ago had gone over big, until she fell. That night, he thought he could use the guise of rubbing her aching muscles with liniment, but to no avail. It hadn’t put her in the mood; it had put her to sleep, which then left him back at square one only this time aching even more so from being able to stroke her buttery soft skin.

  He watched closely as Melody hung the freshly washed laundry out to dry on the line. Hunter was currently holding the brown woven basket up for her, in a completely innocent manner. But he still saw red. Stalking over to remind the hand just who he worked for, Gabe prepared to do battle. Once upon the pair, he couldn’t speak. Golden waves of sunlight were cast upon Melody’s hair; her cheeks were flushed with happiness. The light blue gingham dress she wore, clinging to her form. An ache settled in his groin just from the sight of her. It stumped him, how every day she just seemed to get prettier and prettier. Damned if he wasn’t losing his mind!

  “Hunter I need you to ride into town with me for supplies.” Gabriel ordered with a snap. “Go put on a shirt.” His tone caused Melody’s eyes to widen and for her to take a step back. He wanted to swear, in frustration. He should have just kept on watching from a distance, since his wife didn’t seem too pleased with his company of late.

  At Hunter’s nod, Gabriel turned his attention to his wife. Softening his tone he asked.

  “Melody; do you want to go along with us? We could have an early supper at the hotel?”

  “What about dinner for the family?” She asked unsure.

  “Pops can rustle up something for them to eat.” He wasn’t going to let up until she agreed.

  He knew that if Melody just spent some time with him away from the ranch, they could find a way to work things out. Hopefully then, she would consider letting him back into her bed for something more than just sleeping.

  “I’d love to go.” She decided. “Can you give me a few minutes?”

  “We’ll leave whenever you’re ready honey.”

  When she ran off, Gabriel turned once again to Hunter. “You’re welcome to have supper with us; the hotel dining room has pretty good food. Not as good as my Melody’s but still decent.” He added his emphasis on the word my, so that the new hand would take the hint.

  “I think I’ll pass on the supper, if you don’t mind.” Hunter replied to the backhanded offer.

  “Hunter, you really are welcome.” He felt a little guilty about taking his frustrations out on the man. It wasn’t Hunter’s fault, that Gabriel was having trouble getting his wife to agree that she’d had enough time to think about things. For her to decide that she was ready to commence, with their marital relations.

  “Thank you again, but even though you’d like me to join, I can guarantee the other diners wouldn’t appreciate your having included me.”

  Hunter didn’t have to explain to Gabriel about the prejudice against his race. He knew that in both the white and the Indian world, a mix breed would be an outcast. Someone like Hunter was caught in between two worlds; both would neither accept nor claim him. It was a hell of a hard life Gabe thought to himself.

  “It’s different here Hunter. Liberty is filled with people who judge a man by his worth.”

  “It’s the same everywhere, Mr. O’Malley. Trust me it is human nature to hate; I’ve seen it firsthand.”

  “Call me Gabriel.” With that Gabe dropped the subject.

  Hunter wasn’t much of a talker and he wouldn’t push it. For a brief moment when Hunter had been talking to him, Gabe had noticed a pain flash in the younger man’s eyes. He knew that look well. He’d seen it on the faces of many who’ve lost a loved one. Though he was curious, he wouldn’t ask the man to confirm his guess. Some pain was just too private to share, and he understood that all too well

  **********

  Hunter never saw the woman coming out of the general store until it was too late. The crash came quickly as packages flew to the ground with force, along with the red haired lady that had held them. “Sorry” He mumbled.

  Reaching down to help her up, he was surprised when she took his hand for support. Most white women would’ve fainted if he’d have reached for them. Some would have even called for the sheriff, fearing the savage they’d see before them. Hunter was used to being watched as if he were a snake ready strike at any minute.

  “Quite alright, I wasn’t looking where I was going. Clearly it was my fault.”

  The woman attired in a brown lace ruffled dress waved away his apology; her hair crackling fire in the early sunset. She was a small woman, probably not much taller than Mrs. O’Malley and easily knocked over apparently. Hunter immediately began helping her gather her parcels, conscious of the crowd now gathering.

  When most folks would be home having their supper, this town was coming alive with its evening entertainments. Ladies on the arms of their husbands some even cradled infants as they strolled by on their evening constitutionals. Hunter wasn’t sure that drawing attention to his self was such a good idea.

  “You are the new hand Gabriel hired, aren’t you?” The pretty woman smiled at Hunter, as if he had every right to be conversing with her.

  “Yes ma’am” He answered quietly.

  “Grand! My name’s Serena Sinclair. I’ve been meaning to come out to the ranch and have a nice visit with the O’Malley’s.” Serena declared.

  “Well, if you’re alright. I’ll just go now.” Hunter mumbled as he tried to turn to leave.

  “Oh no! Please don’t go. I wanted to ask you a favor.” She cried out as she grabbed his sleeve to prevent him from leaving.

  Hunter though, was determined to get away from the growing crowd. You never could tell what was going to happen when a bunch of whites gathered round a half breed. He wasn’t going to take the chance and find out, he had his own agenda.

  This town held the man he’d vowed with a blood oath to kill. Hunter had feverishly tracked him here to this small settlement, and he was determined to find him. He was prepared. Liberty also was by pure chance home, to the one man Hunter was not yet able to face. Fate had set him on this path of retribution. The two men were unaware of his pursuit, for now. That was how he wanted it to remain. For there would be a reckoning when the time was good and ready.

  **********

  Alec, parting through the crowd came to a halt at the sight before him. Serena armed to the teeth with packages, was actually yanking on the sleeve of some strange man!

  “Sir, I didn’t catch your name.” Serena said to the rugged looking man.

  “Hunter.” A gruff voice replied.

  Serena usually didn’t accost strange men on the boardwalk, but she was getting fed up with asking for someone to take her out there. Sometimes she purely tired of being a female. Men had a lot more freedom and in her opinion that just wasn’t fair.

  “Serena what is going on here?” Alec asked joining the conversation, effectively driving most of the crowd off with his presence. He couldn’t help but size up the man who was at present, trying to dislodge himself from Serena.

  Almost as tall as Alec himself, the man couldn’t be but a few years younger than he was. There was something about the hombre, which made Alec’s hackles rise. He looked familiar somehow, though he couldn
’t place it. As an ex- ranger, he learned to trust his instincts.

  “Mayor Wentworth, you stay out of this!” Serena nearly shouted. How like the brute to come into her conversation, and mess up her plans. If she could just kick him a good one and not wind up in the city jailhouse, she would.

  Bypassing Serena, Alec stuck out his hand in greeting. “Alec Wentworth, I’m the Mayor of Liberty.” He firmly introduced himself.

  Hunter eyed the well-dressed man suspiciously. The town’s Mayor looked like he packed a weapon and knew how to use it well. Before he thought the better of it, Hunter shook hands with a man he’d never in his life, imagined he would have.

  “Hunter White-Wolf.” He said, wondering if the Mayor would press for more details.

  “Well now that you’ve made acquaintances, would you gladly leave so we can finish our discussion?” Serena snapped her irritation with Alec’s hovering at an all-time high.

  “You know it isn’t proper for a young lady, to carry on with a single gentleman!” Alec snapped back. He had a duty to keep her from harm, even if she didn’t want his protection.

  “Carry on!” She yelled, furious at Alec for correcting her in front of Hunter.

  “Oh please, you know what I meant.” He sighed.

  “I’m speaking to you now; does that mean I’m carrying on with you?” She spat.

  “Uh ma’am” Hunter tried to interrupt the two.

  “You are like family to me.” Alec continued, ignoring the other man completely. “Everyone in town knows that! No one would dare gossip about us.”

  “You have no right to correct me Alec.” She advanced, coming toe to toe with him. Serena wasn’t going to back down, it was time he realized she was a grown woman. “You are not my brother!” She stabbed a pointed finger into his broad chest.

  Alec swore silently. There were times he wished he were, so he could paddle her bottom a good one. This was one of those trying times.

  “My apologies Miss Sinclair. Good day to you both.” Turning on his heel to leave, Alec silently promised to keep an eye on the stranger. There was something not right about him, he could feel it. All of Alec’s senses went on red alert.

  “That man!” Serena huffed.

  “The favor ma’am?” Hunter reminded her.

  “Oh! Sorry.” She said sheepishly. “I was just going to ask if you could escort me out to the Lucky M.”

  “Tonight?” Hunter asked confused.

  “Not tonight, no. Whenever possible though.” Serena said, crossing her fingers behind her back for luck.

  “Uh… Sure lady. I’ve got to go.” He called as he made a hasty retreat. Thanking the heavens he’d brought his own horse to town, Hunter went in search of his temporary boss. He had to get out of here fast. There were parts of his plan he needed to reassess. Seeing Alec Wentworth had made him realize that.

  **********

  Once in town and the supplies were loaded, Melody and Gabriel had headed off to the hotel for supper. Even though she had insisted Hunter join them, he had declined stating he had a few matters to take care of. Quick as lightning he’d hopped up on his horse, and headed out towards the ranch. So Melody found herself in the predicament of dining alone with her husband.

  “Today’s special is fried chicken, creamed potatoes and snap peas. We also have yesterday’s beef pie if you’d prefer instead.” Marylou the hotel’s dining room waitress rattled off.

  Marylou was a young widow with a four year old son. It never failed to amaze Gabriel just how strong the woman was, continuing on as best she could, after her husband had been killed in a cattle stampede. When they were younger Gabriel had actually been sweet on her. Shy Marylou only had eyes for her Thomas, and he only eyes for his Marylou.

  “I’ll have the chicken please.” Melody answered.

  “The same for me thanks. Marylou how is little Thomas?” He asked halting the waitress’ departure.

  “He’s doing well. He’s learning his letters already.” Marylou answered with a smile. There was nothing she was more proud of as her little son.

  “Already? Well, he must be one smart little boy you got there.” Gabe said to the beaming woman. Marylou left to place their order, two tall glasses of sweet lemonade and cut an extra big slice of pie for Gabriel, on the house of course.

  They lapsed into silence each of them thinking about their awkward situation. Sleeping side by side all night long, trying to not to touch the other in the slightest was getting pretty tough. Every time Gabriel had attempted to stroke the fires in her, she’d roll away presenting him with her back. Explaining to him she hadn’t had enough “time” yet. Whatever the hell that meant, he thought bitterly.

  “She seems nice.” Melody said indicating their waitress, trying to break the silence.

  “Yeah, Marylou is. Her husband used to work on the ranch; they had a small plot of land south of ours. Thomas was a real hard worker.” Gabe answered.

  “You say was.” She probed.

  “He died four years ago, stampede.”

  Gabriel didn’t go into further explanation, he still felt helpless over Thomas’s death. The man had died saving Gabriel’s life, putting himself between Gabriel and an oncoming herd of startled cattle. He’d lost a good friend that day. Thomas had never gotten to see his unborn son’s tiny face.

  “I’m sorry to hear that.” Melody expressed thinking of the pain she’d felt upon losing her own parents. Life wasn’t as easy as she’d once thought it would be.

  “Well! Gabriel O’Malley, as I live and breathe...” A Shrill feminine voice called out from a few tables away. Turning his head in the direction, Gabe saw the owner of that grating voice bearing down on his table. Stifling a groan, he pasted on a smile. The woman wearing a bright purple dress and a green feathered hat, round as she was tall, came to stand beside the couple. Notorious gossip that she was, Gabriel knew he was cornered.

  “Ms. Gertrude.” He greeted with a forced enthusiasm. She was a town oddity, always dressed in clashing colors. Gertrude Stephens lived with twelve cats in a brick home on the edge of town. She was probably sixty by now though no one in town could really pin point her age. Gertrude was a harmless busybody, but she could try the patience of a saint, with her constant poking into everyone’s business.

  “Why Gabriel, here I was out of town and you go and marry without me in attendance!” She scolded him soundly. Her hat waved animatedly in Gabriel’s direction.

  “I’m sorry ma’am but we had to marry rather quickly.” Melody tried to explain; afraid they had somehow offended the older woman. Hearing her husband sigh quite loudly, Melody glanced in Gabriel’s direction. She had no idea what she’d implied until the old lady asked sharply.

  “You carrying girl? I would’ve thought better than that of you Gabriel!” Ms. Stephens snapped.

  “No! Melody isn’t carrying, but with round up and the bridal bidding we thought best to get it over with.” Her husband explained in an exasperated tone.

  “Good then. Now, introduce me to your bride.” The old woman commanded.

  “Melody, this is Ms. Gertrude Stephens.” Gabriel made the introductions rather reluctantly.

  After the women exchanged pleasantries, all hopes of a quiet meal with his wife vanished. Ms. Stephens loudly called for her dinner, along with another chair, to be moved to their table. It seems she was settled in, to hear all the juicy details of their courtship. If that wasn’t bad enough, he heard his wife ask Ms. Stephens if she would please come to dinner at the ranch one night soon. Dear lord a man couldn’t take all this torture in one week, it just wasn’t fair!

  “Marylou, could you bring me some whiskey?” He asked the passing waitress.

  Upon hearing Ms. Stephens start talking about her cats and what all of their ridiculous names meant, he called out loudly. “Make that the bottle!”

  “There is often the look of an angel, on the

  devil himself.”

  An Irish proverb

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN
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br />   “Are you certain, that you want me to do this?” Melody asked in disbelief.

  “Sure I am.” Seated shirtless at the kitchen table, with a towel draped around his shoulders, Gabriel confirmed his wife’s fear.

  “But Gabe…I’ve never cut a man’s hair before… let alone shaved one.”

  “Let’s just start with the haircut. After, you can shave me.” He said evenly.

  Good thing one of them was calm, she thought with a shake of her head. “Alright...” She said nervously, biting her lower lip.

  “How hard could it be? You cut patterns for your dresses right?” He asked her.

  “Yes… but.”

  “Well, hair can’t be so hard to cut.” Gabe pointed out, interrupting her before she could talk herself out of doing it.

  He tried to convince the unsure woman, clutching the pinking shears to relax. She was so tense, that she looked like she could snap in two. This was his last ditch effort, to get his wife comfortable with him, comfortable enough to seduce. Gabriel was running out of options. Going to bed aching from wanting his wife only to wake up, hard as a fence post was wearing thin.

  Inspiration had hit him, earlier this morning. Hell, a haircut and a shave would practically force her to touch his body intimately. He was almost grinning with anticipation. This time Gabriel was sure his strategy would work. It had to. He had no plans to live his life, as a monk.

  “Where should I start?” She asked him.

  “In the front, I should think.” Gabe had no idea about cutting hair he usually went to the town barber. Though, he didn’t want her to know that. His wife was skittish enough as it was.

  “My hair needs to be washed first.” He instructed her, improvising. “Do you mind doing it for me sweetheart? My shoulder is acting up again.”