Happy birthday! I can just imagine what a beautiful young lady you’ve become. If you look anything like your mother, rivers will still in your presence, and the sun will stop its track across the sky. I’ve loved you dearly through the years, and now have a story I’d like to share.
I remember twenty-two years ago today as if it were yesterday. You came earlier than expected, surprising us both. Your mother awoke me with a hand to my arm. Fumbling my way into my clothes, I hurried to send for the midwife. The labor was long and difficult, and I was scared. For a while it looked as if you’d not come at all.
Belle had to stop reading and search for her handkerchief in her pocket. She wiped her eyes and blew her nose. Glancing over, she saw Blake watching her. He gave a small smile, then looked away. Strengthened, she read on.
I paced the front room with Mavis in my arms, rocking and singing to her when she cried for her mama. Finally, the midwife came out with you in her arms. I took you, and she took Mavis, and we went in to see your mother. The room was so quiet after what had just transpired. You looked up at me with your large blue eyes in that perfect sweet face, wondering who your father was.
We thought all was well. The midwife left. After a few hours, we learned you wouldn’t eat. No matter how hard Celeste worked, you refused her breast. You weren’t a large baby to begin with, so in my mind, you wouldn’t last long. Your cries sliced through me like a knife. We tried everything. By the second day, you were growing alarmingly weak. Rejected the sugar water we offered.
Time was running out. Against your mother’s wishes, I bundled you up, mounted my horse, and rode off into the wilderness looking for the Indians. Not all the Indians were friendly. I had to be careful. Finally finding a small band, I approached slowly. They heard the crying infant. I offered the only thing of real value I had: my hunting rifle. They took you, Belle. The gamble was risky. That band of Cheyenne could have disappeared with you into the night since I had to go home to care for Celeste and Mavis. You stayed until I was sure you were eating as you should. Two days later, when I brought you back to Celeste, your cheeks were full and rosy. You had the sweetest smile I’d ever seen. And you’d learned to nurse. Don’t know if your mother forgave me for that. She never said, but we were both thankful to have you home.
Now you know why I’ll never forget your birth.
My special girl.
May this birthday be as special as you are . . .
All my love,
Father
A painful joy sprouted inside Belle. What a tale! And what a wonderful gift to hear the telling from her father’s own hand. He’d saved her life. He was so brave and smart.
How will I ever get over losing him?
As she looked up and met Blake’s eyes again, she knew how. She’d stay here, in Eden, working her father’s land next to the man he’d loved as much as he did his daughters.
CHAPTER FORTY-TWO
Unable to stay away a moment longer, Blake rode slowly toward Belle, her face dipped toward the paper trembling in her hands as Gunner stood quietly on the knoll. Her demeanor as she’d read John’s letter had moved him deeply.
How difficult to lose a father she’d just found.
She glanced up.
“Finished?”
A smile blossomed on her lips as she nodded. “I wish the letter was ten pages long. I could read forever.”
“He was weak. Wanted to leave a letter for each daughter before . . .”
She sniffed loudly and then dried more tears with a handkerchief that looked soaked through. He pulled out his own and handed it over. God in heaven, she’s lovely. She had no idea the vision she made in her saddle, the world at her feet and the sun’s light muted by the clouds more golden than gold.
“Why would Mother leave? I know what Father’s letter said . . .”
“Don’t know. Possible her anxiety grew larger with each child she feared she’d lose. That’s all I can figure. Until she had no other choice.”
She shuffled one page behind the other. Her smile was back. She glanced over to him. “Did you know I was nursed by an Indian woman for two days right after I was born? I might have died if not for Father’s fast thinking.”
He shook his head, enjoying the closeness he felt. “I had no idea. John never shared that fact. Perhaps he was saving that admission for you alone.”
She sighed deeply and looked off at the mountains, a light shining from within.
“Aren’t you going to ask what I have for you? It is your birthday, you know.”
Her gaze jerked back. “A present?”
He lifted one shoulder. “Sort of. Look in the first stall when you get back.”
Again her face lit up. “Strider?”
He nodded. “I brought him in from pasture a few days ago. Been riding him. Gave him a stern talking-to as well. Go slow, get to know him, and you should be fine.”
“Blake! I’m so . . . I can’t . . . when did . . .”
Her happiness was easy to see. In her excitement, she was sputtering like a chipmunk.
“If I weren’t on this horse, I’d give you a hug and kiss . . . I . . .” Her words trailed off, and she glanced away, her cheeks as rosy as any spring flower.
Without saying a word, he stepped off Banjo and dropped his reins, wondering if she’d dare to take the next step. It wasn’t just the danger of the last few days. They’d worked together side by side. Like partners. Like more. It was the life he’d envisioned for himself and Ann, and he wasn’t honoring her memory by refusing to live his destiny now that he had another chance at something good. He’d lain awake all night, thinking about life. He hadn’t come up with many answers except one. He didn’t want to lose Belle. Not now that he’d just found her.
Belle swung her eyes to his. Their gazes locked. She hesitated only a moment, then dismounted, took the two steps to reach him, and slipped softly into his embrace, wrapping him in her arms as well. Her cheek rested on his chest, both their faces turned toward the far-reaching mountains. They stood in silence for an uninterrupted minute, experiencing how their bodies felt together. No rush, no embarrassment.
He was determined not to think this through—he’d done all that last night. For once in his life, he’d follow his feelings. He pulled her closer.
“Belle,” he whispered low. “Look at me.”
When she looked up, he cradled her face with his palms, admiring her beauty. He traced his thumbs over her cheeks, marveling at the wonder of her. He didn’t want to rush, but to enjoy every moment.
Finally, he lowered his lips to hers. She didn’t pull away, only leaned in closer. A cool breeze brushed past, mixing with the warm sunshine. He hadn’t realized until the moment their lips touched how much he’d desired her, thought of her, wanted her on a level unmatched by anything else.
What am I doing? Where can this go?
He had no answers, just the feel of Belle, the softness of her lips, the thunder of his runaway heart. And yet . . .
He was the first to pull away. As the impulse of the moment lessened, guilt filled him.
She’s John’s daughter!
“Blake?” She searched his face as he looked at the mountains.
She’s practically engaged.
There were a thousand reasons why this was a bad idea. He’d gone and ruined her birthday. When she’d had happy stars in her eyes from her father’s letter, he had to go and throw her into his confused fire.
What kind of a man am I?
“Blake, I’m sorry. I don’t know what came over me.”
She’s apologizing to me?
He felt like a cad. Forcing a smile before looking into her face, he stepped away and chuckled, trying to bluff his way through his feelings. “I do. John was never one to back down on a dare. You Brinkmans are all the same.” He shook his head and smiled. “I know that didn’t mean a thing, so you best just forget all about it. I already have.”
Her face clouded over, and she stepped away as well.
He reposition
ed his hat and then forced another smile, needing to change the subject. “Did I mention what happened right before I came out here? Riley and Bush are back. Came begging for forgiveness. Said they let Praig confuse ’em in the beginning with all his fancy words. They claim they’ve got no problem working for any of you.”
The frown on her face said she understood there would be no more kisses or talk about what happened. That almost hurt the most.
“Said they had no idea Praig was planning to fight Moses, get his revenge for always bucking him when Praig was riling up the bunkhouse against me. When Praig returned to their camp with a bloodied lip and cuts on his face, they packed up and rode out. They don’t know where he is.”
“Did you take them back?”
Her tone was no longer wistful, but angry. He couldn’t blame her in the least.
“Told ’em I needed to talk with you first. See what you thought before I made any decisions. Moses hasn’t any beef with taking ’em back on.”
She cocked a brow. “Before we made any decisions.”
“Yes. Exactly that,” he replied, trying to make his tone light. The sadness in her eyes was difficult to bear.
She moved to Gunner’s head to give the gelding a rub down his face. They were over the awkwardness of the kiss as much as they could be at this point, and for that, Blake was thankful. He tried another small chuckle, but she didn’t look his way.
“What do you think about Bush and Riley?” he asked.
“I don’t know. Do you think they have anything to do with what’s been happening?”
He scuffed a boot. “I can’t imagine either of them responsible. They’ve been harmless in the past. I think they just got caught up in Praig’s nastiness and followed his lead. At least at the ranch we can keep an eye on ’em. They’re under suspicion, just like everyone else.”
At her expression of vulnerability, he wanted to kick himself. What have I done? One moment of weakness may have cost him her friendship.
She gave a deep sigh. “I have no objection. Having them back will make finishing the roundup easier.”
“Yes.”
“And I’ll be able to spend more time in town with Katie and the rest of my sisters.” She went to Gunner’s side and mounted up with no help.
Blake rubbed a hand across his face and followed suit, knowing a marker had been passed between them. He’d miss her questions and presence by his side, but this was best. A little distance was exactly what they needed.
CHAPTER FORTY-THREE
That evening, after the small birthday celebration in Belle and Mavis’s hotel room, Belle had a difficult time keeping her thoughts on track. Blake’s kiss had changed her life—or at least mixed her up completely. If nothing else, it had shown her how little she felt for Lesley. She hadn’t known a kiss could move the ground under her feet. Or whisk her to the highest mountain peak. The two worlds the men represented couldn’t be more diverse. Her emotions had been running high yesterday after she’d read her father’s letter, but still. There was much to consider.
“Belle, pay attention!” Emma scolded, holding the bowl filled with scrap papers that were inscribed with their father’s five businesses. “This is important! You look as if you’re five thousand miles away.”
“Sorry. I am paying attention. After drawing straws, it seems Lavinia will choose first, followed by Katie, Mavis, you, and then I’ll get what’s left over. Lavinia, are you ready?”
Lavinia, in her pretty blue dress and with her dark-brown hair brushed to a high sheen, stepped forward as if in a Broadway play, eagerness moving across her face. Everyone was excited this moment had finally arrived. Since the reading of the will, one calamity after the other and then the roundup had made them delay. Henry had relayed that the townspeople were anxious to get to know their new bosses. They were beginning to fret, so the girls knew they should not put off choosing any longer.
All Belle had been able to do since she’d arrived in town two hours ago was think about Blake back on the ranch. Why did he kiss me? It didn’t make any sense at all. But she had to admit the kiss had sent an eruption of delicious sensations flashing through her body. His warm lips, strong arms, and the feel of his chest were seared into her mind. The caress, which must have only lasted seconds, felt like a lifetime. She’d been able to think of nothing else since. They’d ridden back to the ranch in silence, and she’d been there when he’d given Riley and Bush the good news. The men were younger than she’d expected—younger probably than Katie.
Lavinia stuck her hand in the bowl and made a show of fingering all the scraps of paper before choosing. One more piece of the puzzle of their lives was about to fall into place. She withdrew her hand and carefully opened the fold. “I’m the proud new owner of the hotel café! I’ll be working alongside Karen!” She clutched the scrap to her chest as if her fortune had just been revealed.
Belle was thankful the eatery hadn’t gone to her.
Everyone smiled and cheered. The happy sentiments felt good after what they’d learned yesterday about being the targets of someone’s scheme. Emma moved to Katie, whose face glowed with excitement. Katie enthusiastically put her hand in the bowl.
Opening the paper, she sucked in a breath. “I’ve got the mill and lumberyard. I know nothing about milling boards.” Her gaze touched each of her sisters’.
“You’ll learn,” Mavis said. “Whoever runs the place now will help. Just think, you’ll have your finger on the pulse of Eden as it grows. That’s exciting.”
She put her gloved hand in the bowl next and chortled after she pulled out a paper and read her lot. “The livery! I’m partner with Maverick Daves. Oh my!” Her face flamed red, making Belle, and everyone else, take note.
“And you’ll also be working with Cash Dalton, the sheriff’s fourteen-year-old son,” Emma said with a saucy laugh. “He may be practically a boy, but he’s incredibly handsome.” She nudged a flustered, scarlet-faced Mavis with her elbow. “Don’t you think, sister? I became tongue-tied when I met him in the café a few days ago. Maverick isn’t bad himself. Perhaps he’ll ask for your hand. I wouldn’t be surprised in the least.”
Belle averted her gaze when Mavis subconsciously clasped one hand over the other, covering her missing finger. She knew Emma hadn’t meant to hurt with her comment, but Mavis was overly sensitive about her plight. Belle snorted to herself. She finally realized more of the blame for that accident resided with Velma, instead of her. With their father’s money, rightfully given to them when it should have been, she and Mavis wouldn’t have been outside cleaning up refuse like a couple of garbage men. Perhaps . . .
“It’s my turn!” Emma called, quick to draw a scrap of paper.
Belle didn’t care what business she ended up owning. All she really wanted to do was be out at the ranch riding herd. Amazing how much the duty had grown on her in the little time they’d been in Eden. Is that the real reason? Or am I missing Blake with my whole heart and soul?
“What did you get, Emma?” she asked, trying to silence her annoying inner voice.
Emma beamed. “The Toggery! It’s exactly what I wanted. I’m going to tear that place apart, enlarge the building, and import all sorts of pretty clothes for women made of the finest wool. You watch and see if I don’t. You won’t recognize the place when I get through with it.”
“That will take some doing,” Lavinia replied with an exasperated sigh. “Their inventory is shocking. Or should I say lack of inventory . . .”
Belle made a face. “That leaves me with the run-down leather shop on the Old Spanish Trail that backs up to Dr. Dodge’s medical office. How exciting. Anyone except Lavinia want to swap? Please? Please?”
They all shook their heads.
“I didn’t think so.”
“Sorry, Belle.” Emma was fairly glowing. “Looks like you’re stuck with what you have. Everyone seems to like their challenge at hand.”
“I’ve never even been out to the mill,” Katie said. “Or seen it.
Where is it?”
With the excitement over, Mavis lowered herself into a chair. “On the other side of the river. Clint told me there’s a bridge just past the icehouse, across from the cantina. You won’t be able to go down there by yourself, Katie. None of us will. At least not yet.”
All color had drained from Katie’s face. “No, I wouldn’t want to. Did Henry say if the mill has an office in town?”
“He didn’t. But that’s an idea you might want to implement if they don’t.”
A knock sounded on the door. Belle’s heart leaped, thinking Blake may have followed her into town like he had yesterday. Lavinia opened the door to reveal Henry.
“Good evening,” he said. “How’s the choosing coming along? Did I miss the fun?”
“Come in,” Lavinia gushed. “I’m the new owner of the café downstairs. Would you like something delightful to eat? It’s on me.”
Everyone laughed, feeling Lavinia’s lightheartedness. In Belle’s mind, she and Emma had gotten the types of businesses that would be pleasing to a woman. She was glad.
“As a matter of fact,” he said, coming in and closing the door behind him, “I’ve just finished a tasty bowl of stew from downstairs, thank you very much.” He glanced around. “But I have other news. It’s not as fun as what you’ve been discussing.”
Belle moved closer. “Oh?” The news could be any number of things. She steeled her nerves.
He stood straight, legs slightly apart, looking every bit a protector. “I’ve had a reply to my telegrams regarding your guardians.”
A hush fell over the room.
“The last known sighting of Vernon and Velma Crowdaire was at the shipyard. They were seen at the ticket office, but no one there has a recollection of where they went. I’m under the belief they paid off whoever sold them their passage. There were several ships leaving that day. One to France and two to South America.”
The excitement Belle had been experiencing at the thought of those two getting their comeuppance vanished. They’ll escape. Walk free after all they’d done to hurt my family.
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