Christmas at Dove Creek

by Scarlett Dunn

  Thorpe didn’t like the sound of Stone going after them alone either, particularly with the rest of the gang on their trail. “We’ve made excellent time, so we have a few days to spare. It would be best to stay together in case the gang shows up.”

  * * *

  It was a few hours later when Lily finally awoke. Thorpe was sitting beside her near the fire with Blue lying next to her. After Thorpe gave her water, he explained what happened. Lily’s first concern was Isabelle and her baby, but Thorpe assured her everyone was okay, and Isabelle’s baby was still kicking. Lily was visibly distraught, and she wrapped her arms around Blue and held him to her for comfort. When she collected her emotions, she turned to Thorpe. “Are we going after them?”

  “Stone and I will go after them once we get you to the way station.”

  Lily gave him a mutinous glare. “They took Blaze. They could have killed Blue. I want to go.”

  Thorpe understood how she felt; he would be out for blood if they’d taken Smoke. “Lily, I will bring Blaze back to you. You know it’s more important for you to stay with Isabelle. She can’t stay at that way station alone.” Thorpe knew he said the one thing that would sway her.

  She didn’t want to leave Isabelle at a time like this. Still, she was angry, and she couldn’t remember ever feeling the way she felt right now. She had never expected Dora to betray them. And to take her horse was an insult. Dora had to know she would come after her for taking Blaze. If Thorpe didn’t bring her horse back, she would go after him whether Thorpe liked it or not. “Then let’s get moving. The sooner we are at the way station, the faster you and Stone can leave.”

  * * *

  Thorpe surprised Lily when he jumped up on the seat of the wagon and took the reins from her. “You’re still looking a little groggy.”

  She didn’t disagree with him. It was probably a good idea for him to handle the team because she was so angry, she didn’t think she could keep her mind on what she was doing. “I checked my wagon and Dora took my money.”

  “Everything?”

  She nodded. “All of the money from the sale of the farm. We’ll be in a fine fix when we get to the fort.”

  Thorpe heard the concern in her voice. “I’ll find them and get it back.”

  “The money is one thing, but Blaze is another. If you don’t find him, I’ll go after her.”

  He placed his hand over hers and squeezed. “I’ll find them, and you have my word I will do what I can to bring Blaze home.” She’d found Shadow for him, and he intended to keep his word to her.

  “The three of us will keep moving since the station master will expect payment if we stay. You and Stone can catch up with us.”

  “I’ll handle the expense of the way station. And the three of you will stay put.” He may have sounded heavy-handed, but he wanted to make it clear she wasn’t going one mile without him there.

  Chapter Fifteen

  The station master, Slim Mason, and his wife greeted them warmly when they pulled in the station later that day. Stone and Thorpe explained the situation to Mason, and Thorpe gave him money in advance for the three who would be staying until he returned. Thorpe liked Mason and he felt he was leaving them in capable hands.

  “Thorpe, you and Stone need to have dinner before you leave,” Lily said.

  “We can’t take the time. We’re going to need all the luck we can get to find their trail in this snow.” It had snowed the entire way to the way station, and Thorpe knew they probably wouldn’t see any traces of their trail. They’d have to depend on other signs to find the pair. It helped that Stone knew the general direction they were headed. Thorpe would do everything in his power to keep his promise to Lily and bring Blaze back to her.

  “You can take Daisy to carry the supplies since Stone is going to ride Shadow. She will do well in the snow and if she is near Blaze she will let you know.”

  “Thanks. I’ll take care of her.” He’d thought to take one of the other mules, but it might prove handy to have Daisy, considering her special connection to Blaze. He’d seen for himself how upset the mule was when Blaze was missing.

  “You might want to take Blue, too.”

  “No, I want him to stay here. You never know who might ride in here. I’d rest easier knowing he is with you.”

  * * *

  Thorpe and Stone walked to the stable where Jed was already packing Daisy with provisions. “How much do you want to take, Mr. Thorpe?”

  “Enough for a week, but don’t tell Lily. I don’t want her worrying that we will be gone that long.”

  They were all packed and ready to leave when Lily walked into the stable and handed Thorpe a bundle. “Here’s something for tonight. Mrs. Mason thought you and Stone might enjoy some home-cooked food.” Lily had looked forward to sitting at a table enjoying a fine meal with Thorpe and the others. She hadn’t sat at a table since she’d left Texas, and she didn’t want to forget what it felt like to dress like a lady. She’d found parlor manners served little purpose out on the Plains, but she didn’t want Thorpe to think she didn’t know how to be feminine.

  “It smells delicious.” Thorpe stored the bundle in his saddlebag. “Thank Mrs. Mason for us. We’ll stop in a few hours and enjoy her fine meal.”

  Lily gazed into his eyes. She had mixed emotions about him leaving, and was at a loss how to express her feelings. “I’d like to go with you,” she said.

  Thorpe gave her a stern look. “I know, but we’ve covered that. I’ll have your word that you won’t try to follow us.”

  “You have my word. I wouldn’t want to leave Isabelle and Jed alone.” She hesitated, then added, “Do be careful and come back in one piece without any arrows.”

  Smiling, Thorpe said, “Yes, ma’am.”

  “I plan on celebrating Christmas in Wyoming with you and Miss Isabelle, so you can be sure we’ll be back,” Stone said. Stone had powerful feelings for Isabelle, and he’d come to that realization when she told him her baby liked the sound of his voice. Her words made him feel like he was the proud father.

  Isabelle was standing in the doorway of the stable and had overheard Stone’s statement. “You’d best live up to that promise.”

  Stone grabbed Shadow’s reins and led him out of the stable. “You take care, and take care of that babe. Rest up. We still have a ways to go when we get back.”

  Isabelle didn’t want him to leave, and her strong emotions confused her. She told herself she loved Ethan; he was the man who had fathered her child. But having spent day after day with Stone, she couldn’t deny she’d developed tender feelings for him. “Please hurry back.”

  Stone reached down and took her hand in his. “Don’t you fret, honey. We’ll be back as soon as possible.”

  Thorpe turned to Jed and shook his hand. “Thanks for your help, and I’m counting on you to keep Lily and Isabelle out of mischief.”

  Jed laughed. “That’ll be a tall order, Mr. Thorpe, but you have my word they’ll be on their best behavior.”

  Thorpe glanced at Lily and added, “Don’t let her go wandering off on her own.”

  “Yessir.”

  “I gave you my word,” Lily reminded him.

  “I know, but I figure Jed is the one to make sure you remember your promise.” He leaned down and told Blue to keep an eye on Lily, too. He knew if anyone could keep her close, it would be Blue. “Stay with her, boy.” Before he jumped on Smoke, he tugged at the braid over Lily’s shoulder and winked at her.

  Lily and Isabelle watched until the men were out of sight. When they turned toward the house, Lily placed her arm around Isabelle’s waist as they walked. “You’re quite fond of Stone, aren’t you?”

  “He’s a very nice man.”

  “Yes, and handsome,” Lily said.

  Isabelle felt her face turning pink. “He is handsome. So is Thorpe.”

  “Hmm.” Lily noticed Thorpe didn’t promise to spend Christmas with them. He was anxious to get to Dove Creek, and she knew he would be leaving soon a
fter they arrived at the fort.

  “I wonder why Thorpe isn’t married,” Isabelle asked.

  Lily didn’t want to reveal that Thorpe told her his fiancée left him at the altar. “I’m sure he’d have no trouble finding a wife.”

  “I guess he hasn’t found the right woman,” Isabelle said. “Do you ever think about marrying, Lily?”

  Lily was evasive in her response. “All I’ve wanted was to find my grandfather.”

  Isabelle hugged her. “You’ll find him.” Lily was the kindest person Isabelle had ever met. She always saw to everyone’s needs above her own. Isabelle was confident God would see to it that a person as wonderful as Lily would have her prayers answered. “Lily, I’m sorry about Dora. I never expected her to do something like that.”

  “I have to admit I didn’t expect her to deceive us and take up with a man like Harlow. I thought she really wanted to change her life.” Not only was Lily surprised by Dora’s betrayal, she was disappointed. “I think Jed was right when he said she was bitter over the past. She couldn’t let go of the bad things that happened to her.”

  “Jed is a wise man,” Isabelle said. “I started to question if Dora truly wanted to change. She didn’t act like a woman who wanted to find a husband, or maybe she thought Thorpe was a possible husband for her. The way she blatantly flirted with him you would’ve thought he invited such behavior.”

  “I thought Thorpe was as interested in her,” Lily admitted.

  Isabelle couldn’t believe what she was hearing. “Oh, Lily! Thorpe has no interest in Dora.”

  “That’s what he told me. But Dora is a lovely woman and experienced, and I thought it would be difficult for him to turn her away.”

  “I think she was jealous of you.”

  Lily furrowed her brow in confusion. “Of me? Why on earth would she be jealous of me?”

  “She thought Thorpe was attracted to you. When Harlow expressed his interest in her, she was vulnerable to his honeyed words. She thought Thorpe rejected her because of you and it made her angry. I think she was afraid she wouldn’t find a husband in Wyoming, and she knew when her beauty faded she would no longer be in demand in the saloon business.” Isabelle stopped walking and turned to face Lily. “That’s not all. She told me Harlow gave her his gold ring.”

  Lily was stunned. “Why didn’t you tell me she was getting that close to Harlow?”

  “You know Dora. I thought she was just flirting like usual. Plus, she didn’t like Stone telling her what to do, so she was bound and determined to do the opposite. The last few days I didn’t even see her paying attention to Harlow. I never expected her to help him escape.” Isabelle’s eyes filled with tears. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about the ring.”

  “Don’t cry. It’s done and we can’t change anything.”

  “It may not make sense to you, Lily, but I know how it feels when someone seems to want you when you know you are nothing but a burden to everyone else.”

  Lily knew Isabelle was speaking about her father. “You have a bright future before you, Isabelle. Don’t let words of the past keep you prisoner. Your father will come around one day and realize what a mistake he has made by banishing you and your child.”

  Isabelle gave her a brittle smile. “I wish you were right, but you don’t know my father. He’s very judgmental, and I doubt he will ever admit he is wrong about his decisions.”

  “If that’s the case, then you will go on and build a happy life with your new husband.”

  * * *

  Thorpe and Stone rode for several hours before they stopped for the night. After they got the fire going, Thorpe pulled the bundle Lily had given him from his saddlebag and placed the contents in a pan to warm.

  “This dinner is sure going to be welcome tonight,” Stone said as he placed the coffee over the fire.

  “Looks like we’re having beef and corn bread. A fine meal.” Thorpe pulled out the plates and cups while they waited. Working around the fire made him think of Lily and how much he liked watching her move around the campfire.

  “It’s not the same without the women around.” Stone had a feeling he knew what Thorpe was thinking.

  “No, it’s been a real pleasure having them around. A man absent a woman’s presence forgets his manners.”

  “You seem right fond of Lily,” Stone said.

  “I’d say you’re taken with Isabelle,” Thorpe countered.

  Stone wasn’t hesitant to tell him the truth. “You’d be right. She’s a fine woman, but she has a man waiting for her. Lily doesn’t have a man.”

  “I told you when we first met that I’m not looking for a wife, and I haven’t changed my mind.” Thorpe dished the food onto the plates as Stone poured the coffee.

  “I reckon that don’t keep you from enjoying her company.”

  “Lily’s a friend, just like you.” Thorpe looked at him and grinned. “She’s just one heck of a lot prettier and probably a better shot.”

  Stone chuckled. “Amen to that.”

  “Have you thought about what you’ll do if Isabelle’s soldier doesn’t want her?”

  Stone gave him a serious look. “I can’t imagine a man wouldn’t want her.”

  “Well, there is that. But I have to admit I’ve wondered why he didn’t marry her before he left.”

  Stone had thought the same thing. If he’d compromised a woman like Isabelle, he would have taken her to see the preacher before he rode out of town. “Yeah, I’ve thought the same thing. I would have married her before I left.”

  That statement confirmed what Thorpe had been thinking. He wasn’t sure when he recognized that Stone was smitten with Isabelle, but when he saw him say good-bye today, it was obvious he was crazy about her. “So does that mean you would marry her if her soldier doesn’t?”

  “I’d need to settle down because I’d never want to leave her.”

  Thorpe figured he had his answer. “Do you see yourself roaming all over the country chasing outlaws when you’re older?”

  “No, and I’m of an age where I need to make some decisions soon.”

  Thorpe respected Stone and felt like they were becoming good friends. “You told me you’d done some ranching. There’s some land next to my ranch for sale and I could help you make a go of it.”

  Thorpe’s offer was more than generous and too tempting not to be given serious consideration. “I don’t have a lot of money.”

  “You don’t need much. The property is owned by the bank and I know Mr. Bowles will work with you.”

  “I may just take you up on your offer. When I get everything settled with Harlow and his gang, I’ll ride your way.”

  “I hope you do.” Thorpe was sincere; it’d be a pleasure to have a man as trustworthy as Stone as a neighbor.

  “I know if I was in your position I’d find me a beautiful woman to marry and have myself some children. Your ranch sounds like the perfect place for a family.” Stone couldn’t understand why Thorpe wasn’t trying to corral Lily. She’d make him a fine wife.

  Thorpe explained what had happened with Evelyn at the church. “She’s ruined my appetite for marriage.”

  After Thorpe’s explanation, Stone had a better understanding of why he wanted to steer clear of women, at least for a while. “I can see why that experience might make you more cautious, but you can’t judge all women by her.”

  Thorpe grunted. “You do remember we are out here in the snow chasing Dora. Anyway, my ranch keeps me busy and I don’t really have time for a family.”

  “I understand you want no part of marriage right now, but you’ll come around. One day you will meet a woman who you just can’t let go.”

  Thorpe laughed. “You haven’t had the same experience with a woman.”

  “True enough. But you have to admit it’s a real pleasure to look at Isabelle and Lily. And you can’t tell me you don’t enjoy the way those ladies expect a prayer to be said before they eat their meals. Just being around them makes me want to be a better man. Sp
ending time in that wagon next to Isabelle made me recognize I’ve been alone too long.”

  Thorpe agreed that he enjoyed being around the women on the trail; they made the most mundane task pleasant because you knew you were working for someone besides yourself. Like Stone, he appreciated the way the women made him want to brush off his dormant manners and clean up his language. He’d never seen Lily take a bite of food until she’d prayed. The many times he’d dined at the Tremayne ranch, he’d never seen them give thanks before eating. Evelyn probably never prayed. There she was again. He figured Evelyn’s betrayal was too recent for him to envision trusting another woman no matter how much he liked her. “Do you think you will recognize the area where you met up with Harlow?”

  With Thorpe’s question, Stone figured the discussion about women and marriage was at an end. “Yeah, we should be in the general area late tomorrow. It’s a real shame Dora betrayed her friends. I’d say she owed Lily more than she could ever repay.”

  “You’re right about that. Dora doesn’t understand friendship.” Dora was another reason Thorpe couldn’t forget about Evelyn. It was easy to be deceived by a pretty face, but thanks to Evelyn, Thorpe had misgivings from the moment he met Dora.

  “I’m surprised Harlow didn’t kill us while we were out.”

  “The shots would have alerted the gang.”

  “Yeah. But I bet he gave it some thought.” His expression was serious when he asked, “Do you think Dora would have stopped him?”

  Thorpe had pondered that very question. “I honestly don’t know the answer to that question. But I know one thing; I sure wouldn’t give her another opportunity to double-cross us.”

  “I just hope we don’t run into the whole gang at one time.”

  * * *

  They broke camp before dawn and had ridden through the deepening snow for hours, stopping occasionally to give the horses a rest. Each time, Stone would pull out his field glasses and scan the territory, but they hadn’t seen any signs of riders. After six hours, they stopped and unloaded the horses, allowing them to rest for a couple of hours while they had something to eat. Under different circumstances, they might have appreciated the beauty of the pure white snow covering the terrain, but right now all they could think about was how it was slowing them down.