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Every Little Thing About You (Yellow Rose Trilogy 1)

Page 14

by Lori Wick


  228

  my final offer."

  Dakota smiled. He liked a lady who would not let

  anyone push ner around. Not getting her alone would

  make it harder to find out her feelings for Slater, but maybe

  he'd learn something after all.

  "Your mother won't mind?" Bold as he'd been, he felt

  a need to check.

  "No." Liberty shook her head. "I've brought stray pups

  home before; Mam will understand."

  Dakota fought hard not to smile, but it wasn't working.

  He had seen how fun she was on Sunday but not had it

  directed at him. He'd just found a comeback when a

  woman's stringent voice cut through the air.

  "I tell you I want something done!"

  Both Liberty and Dakota turned as Griffin came

  through the door, closely followed by Maddie Flowers.

  "I swear those Potters were up all night! Now, are you

  the law in this town or not?"

  "Have a seat, Mrs. Flowers," Griffin returned calmly as

  he took the desk chair and pulled out his report folder. He

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  began to write, his head bent, while the lady in front of the

  desk went puce with outrage.

  "My dog's hair is falling out! If they shot those guns

  once, they shot them a hundred times, and I want to know

  what you're going to do!"

  Griffin took a few notes and then looked up.

  130 lori wick

  "I'll come out and check on things/ probably later today

  or this week for sure."

  "Why not now?"

  "Because if they roughhoused until that late, they'll all

  be dead asleep for most of the day."

  "Well, you wake 'em up! That's your job."

  Griffin let her rail for a time but eventually turned a

  deaf ear.

  "How'd it go?" he asked Liberty.

  "Fine. I never left the office. Duffy stopped by with the

  mail. I left it there for you."

  "All right. Thanks, Lib. What are you up to, Dakota?"

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  "I just talked my way into lunch at your mother's," he

  answered, but went on to say what he was thinking. "Has

  Slate ever mentioned what I do?"

  "Yes, he has," Griffin remembered even as he said it.

  Dakota nodded. "If I can be of help while I'm in town,

  please say the word."

  "Thank you."

  Maddie's voice had quieted, but she was still sitting

  there seething and muttering to herself. Knowing that

  Griffin would best know how to deal with her, Liberty

  moved to the door, Dakota on her heels.

  "Tell me, Libby," Dakota asked almost as soon as they

  were outside, "how did you become the deputy?"

  "My father taught me to shoot, and I've filled in as

  Griffin's deputy ever since he's had the office. I think most

  of Griff's deputies have come into the job with stars in iheir

  eyes. They think it's going to be exciting and action-packed,

  but Shotgun's a very peaceful town. Deputies hear

  of something bigger or better and move on."

  "But not you."

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  "No, not me. I grew up here, and I love it. My father

  was the sheriff for years. He died in the line of duty."

  "And what compelled him to teach you to fast-draw?"

  Liberty shrugged. "He worked with Griff, and I was

  interested. He let me try." Liberty shrugged again, and

  Every Little Thing About You 131

  Dakota, even though he'd never seen her draw, sensed that

  there was more to it than that. He might have tried to find

  out, but the house was in sight Much as he wanted to

  know more about Liberty's work with a gun, Dakota actually

  hoped that her heart would be revealed at lunch.

  fy *3r -5"

  "My brother is getting married," Laura told Dakota,

  her eyes shining with the news. They had just sat down to

  eat

  "He is?" Dakota asked; the Ranger had not heard this.

  Laura nodded. "He loves Tess."

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  Dakota smiled. He had certainly seen Shotgun's sheriff

  with a lovely blonde on Saturday but not made any suppositions.

  "I get to watch," Laura went on. "Mam and Papa said.

  I just have to stay quiet."

  Dakota smiled again and looked up to see Kate

  watching her daughter, her eyes alight with love.

  "Well," Dakota put in, "let me offer my congratulations

  on your getting a new sister-in-law."

  Laura's eyes widened, and she told her mother.

  "Another sister! And she's going to help Libby when she

  helps Griffin with the law."

  "No, dear," Kate said gently and explained Tess' title to

  Laura. The little girl did a lot of nodding but waited only

  until Kate turned away before whispering to Dakota, "Did

  Tess break the law?"

  Dakota could not stop laugjiing. He had never encountered

  a child quite like her. She was so full of wonder and

  news. He was still trying to compose himself when Liberty

  tried to explain. More nodding followed, but no one was

  very certain if Laura understood.

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  "Dakota," Kate began kindly, thinking they all needed

  a change, "did Slater say you are older than he is?"

  "Yes, ma'am, by just a year."

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  "And I can't remember if you have other siblings.""

  "I'm the middle of three brothers. Cash runs the family

  ranch in Kinkade."

  "Well, if you don't think you can make it home for

  Thanksgiving, the church always has a dinner. We attend,

  and we'd be happy to have you join us."

  "Thank you, Mrs. Peterson, I think Slater talked about

  doing that, so I'll probably tag along."

  "What will your family do?" Liberty asked.

  "My parents, who moved back to St. Louis about five

  years ago, will dine with friends, but my brother will do as

  you're doing, meet with families from the church he

  attends. My grandmother, who lives in Hilldale but visits

  the ranch each winter, will probably do the same thing."

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  Dakota said all this very politely and had no qualms

  about sharing, but he did have a motive. He wanted to

  know more about this family--more specifically, Liberty.

  He spent the next hour hoping some tidbit would be

  revealed, but it was not to happen. Much as he enjoyed the

  meal and company, he left the house feeling as though he

  hadn't accomplished a thing.

  5-o*"

  Liberty suddenly made the connection from the comment

  in the sheriff's office. Dakota was the brother who

  was a Texas Ranger. Liberty had already changed into her

  dress, but she felt a need to check on Griffin. Heading from

  the house with a brief word to her mother, she moved

  swiftly back downtown.

  "What's up?" Griffin asked when she came in panting

  just a little.

  "I just realized I heard you say you might go to the Potters'.

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  I wondered if you needed me."

  ''Thanks, Lib, but Dakota's going with me. He was just

  in to check about it and went back to get his horse. I figure

  Every Little Thing About You 133

  now is as good a time
to go as any. They might be a little

  more docile if they're still feeling the effects."

  Liberty nodded, working successfully to hide the confusion

  and hurt inside of her. Never before in her life could

  she remember Griffin not needing her. It was one of the

  most awful sensations she'd ever experienced.

  "Well," she said to hide the hurt, "let me know how

  you fare, and be careful."

  "I'll do that," Griffin said sincerely, but he wasn't

  looking directly at her. He might have seen her confusion

  if he had been.

  Liberty took that moment to make her exit, hoping

  against all hope that Dakota would not be coming down

  the street. She slipped away, going a strange, indirect route

  in an effort not to see him. She slowed her pace when she

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  thought it was safe and tried to pray and think dearly. She

  knew she could talk to her mother, but what would she say

  exactly? Griff didn't need me, and I've never been so crushed and

  rejected. Even to her own ears, she sounded like a five-year-old.

  It was, however, exactly how she felt

  "Hey, Lib," a male voice suddenly said.

  Liberty looked up to see Price Hathaway next to a half-built

  home, a hammer in one hand, a board in the other.

  "Well, Price, when did you get back into town?"

  Price gave his boyish smile. "When in actual time, or

  how I feel?"

  Liberty laughed as she moved toward him. It had been

  a long time since they'd talked; the two of them had been

  in school together, and she had always cared for this gentle

  giant. And right now she welcomed the chance to get

  Griffin and Dakota off her mind.

  'en,

  9

  "You still TOTIN' a gun?" Price teased Liberty as soon

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  as she was near.

  "Yes, I am, so you'd better not have brought any bad

  habits back from Austin. They could land you in trouble."

  "If you'd stay at the jailhouse and talk to me, I wouldn't

  mind," he returned, flirting with her a little.

  "What would Miss Amy say?"

  A sad light filled Price's eyes. "She wasn't too happy

  when I left."

  "Does she know you're back?"

  "I haven't talked to her, so I don't know."

  Liberty nodded but didn't press him. She glanced

  around and heard pounding but couldn't see who it was.

  "Did you meet Slater Rawlings?"

  "Sure," Price said easily enough.

  "Did your father keep him on or is he out looking for

  work?"

  "He's around the corner, trying to please Pa."

  As if Slater had heard the calling of his name, he suddenly

  appeared from around the other side of the building.

  He paused when he saw Liberty, but only because he was

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  a sweaty mess. He thought as he always did that she

  looked wonderful.

  "Hi, Slater," Liberty greeted him, giving no thought to

  the signs of hard work on his shirt or face.

  "Hi, Libby. What are you up to?"

  "I'm headed home," she said, trying not to think of her

  conversation with Griffin.

  135

  136 lori wick

  "Price!" Hank suddenly bellowed from around the

  corner, and that man withdrew from Slater and Liberty.

  "I'll talk to you later, Price," Liberty called to him.

  "All right, Lib. Take care."

  Liberty watched him move away and then noticed

  Slater's eyes on her. She smiled in genuine pleasure.

  I'm glad you didn't lose your job, Slater."

  Slater's brows rose a little. "It's been an interesting

  239

  day."

  Liberty nodded, not needing much more of an explanation.

  Hank Hathaway's reputation preceded him. Price's

  desire to leave had been no mystery.

  "Price and I were in school together," Liberty put in.

  "I've always liked him."

  "There isn't much not to like."

  "That's true. I've always hoped he would marry a certain

  woman here in town, but I don't know."

  "Miss Amy?"

  Liberty looked hopeful. "Did he talk of her?"

  Slater shook his head no. "Some of the neighbors

  around here are a might busy. One came by and asked him

  questions for far longer than I would have allowed."

  "He's so kindhearted. I don't suppose he wanted to

  wound Mrs. Hurst"

  Slater smiled at the way she knew exactly who it was.

  They talked for a few minutes more, but Slater knew he

  had to get back to work. Liberty went on her way, and

  Slater returned to help Hank and Price. The temptation to

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  simply follow Liberty and talk to her for the remainder of

  the day was powerful indeed, but he resisted. Instead, he

  prayed for her almost the entire afternoon.

  5^-3'"

  S'

  "And how long have they been giving the town

  trouble?" Dakota asked as they rode away from the Potters'

  house.

  Every Little Thing About You 137

  "For as long as anyone can remember. Maddie Flowers

  didn't mind for a long time, and they're far enough out that

  not much was said by anyone else, but Maddie's getting

  older and more intolerant of the noise."

  "And you say she has her own still."

  "Yes. If rumor can be trusted, Rush and Possum Potter

  built it for her. Maybe that's why she stayed quiet for so

  long."

  "What will you do next?" Dakota asked as they arrived

  241

  in Shotgun's downtown area,

  "I'll lie low. Critter is as mean as a rattlesnake, and Ned

  can be. If I rush things, someone will die. I want to avoid

  that, but my eventual goal is to shut them down. If I succeed

  at that, they'll probably move on. I wouldn't wish that

  on any other town, but I've got to think of how fast our city

  is growing."

  Dakota was impressed. He'd been impressed for a long

  time, but his respect was steadily growing. His first

  meeting of the town sheriff had not given him much to

  hope for, but behind that smooth, young face was an intelligent,

  clear-thinking sheriff--one who cared about the

  people as much as he did his job.

  They parted company after they reached the jailhouse,

  Dakota heading to Griffin's house and Griffin into his

  office. Dakota had not thought of Slater and Liberty since

  earlier that day, but now they came to mind; more specifically,

  Liberty did. He wished that she had gone to the Potters'

  with them so he could see her in action.

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  -3/* "Sr

  "Thanks for putting the kids down, Lib," her mother

  said that evening. "I swear, some days I don't think I'll

  even get up the stairs to put myself to bed."

  Liberty came over and kissed her mother's cheek.

  "What was that for?"

  138 lori wick

  "That was from Laura. She said you needed another

  one."

  Kate chuckled and began to loosen the pins in her hair.

  If they had unexpected company, she'd have to put it back

  up in a hurry, but right now it felt too good to
massage her

  scalp.

  "Why don't you head up?" Duffy asked as he watched

  her.

  "Because I'm not sleepy, just weary. And when I go to

  bed too early, I wake so early that I have to just lie quiet or

  wake Zach." Zach was the light sleeper in the family. He

  243

  was very good about staying in bed, but his mother knew

  how much he needed his rest in this first year of school.

  "Duffy?" Liberty had sat down, but she was not

  relaxed. Duffy looked over to see her perched on the eclge

  of the davenport

  "Yes?"

  "I need to ask you about something. Are you too

  tired?"

  "Not at all," the doctor said sincerely. "Whaf s up?"

  Liberty took a moment to start, and Kate looked to

  Duffy for answers. His raised brows told her he was in the

  dark, so they both waited.

  "Do you remember talking to Tess and me as soon as

  you got to the barn raising on Saturday?"

  Now knowing exactly what was on her mind, Duffy

  nodded.

  "Duffy, do you really agree with Tess that I don't see

  when men are interested in me?"

  Duffy did not immediately answer. He weighed his

  words and then started. "I don't want you to misunderstand

  244

  me, Lib, and you might because the single women in

  our church so dreadfully outnumber the single men. I do

  agree with Tess that you don't seem aware of the looks that

  come your way, but most of the time I'm glad you don't see

  the attention of those men, since they're probably not the

  ones for you. Does that make sense?"

  Every Little Thing About You 139

  "Yes, but I still don't see it," she told him, frustration

  punctuating every word. "I think you and Tess are doing

  more hopeful thinking than witnessing any great male

  interest in Liberty Drake."

  "That's easy to understand," Kate suddenly inserted.

  Both Duffy and Liberty stared at her.

  "How do you figure?" Duffy asked.

  "Well, she's a deputy. She has to keep her eyes open.

  She hasn't had time to relax like a lot of her friends have."

  Kate suddenly looked sad. "I wish she had."

  Liberty sat back. For the first time in her life she asked

  herself if she might be too involved in her work. She suddenly

  245

  found her eyes on her mother and had to ask her a

  question.

  "Do you wish I wasn't helping Griff, Mam?"

  Kate smiled. "Now that's a hard one, Lib. Do I want

  both my children in danger or do I want one of them in

  extreme danger because he has no one to back him up?"

  Liberty nodded. That made very clear sense, but there

 

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