Collapsing with a sigh onto her bed, Faith crossed her arms over her chest and stared at the ceiling. She closed her eyes and relived the kaleidoscope of feelings Luke had created inside her. She remembered the hardness of his chest and how wonderful it felt pillowing her cheek. The wonder of it set her blood spiraling through her body. With a sob, she reached for Dawn, who was sleeping by her side, and held the baby tight until she squirmed for release.
Faith relaxed her hold. “Things will be fine,” she said, looking into her child’s face. “Somehow this will all work itself out, and then…”
A knock sounded on her door.
“Yes?”
“Mrs. Brown?” Esperanza called. “The mistress says dinner will be at six o’clock tonight.”
“Thank you.”
“Would you like the tub brought up?”
“That would be lovely.”
The maid’s footsteps retreated down the long hall.
Maybe the hot water would help her wash away memories that kept haunting her. Memories of angry black eyes, reaching for the bottom of her soul.
Faith waited for the last possible moment to descend the stairs. She’d heard voices for some time now, talking and laughing, but she just couldn’t summon up the courage to face Luke.
Luke! Part Indian? Now that he’d pointed it out, she was surprised that she hadn’t noticed it herself. He’d always seemed different from the rest of his family, and yet she’d been unable to put her finger on just what that difference was. In her opinion, he was definitely the most handsome of the three boys. And the wildest. Faith wondered what had happened to Mrs. McCutcheon for Luke to be born in between her other children, sired by a different man.
She checked on Dawn one more time, making sure her baby was still fast asleep, then forced herself to the stairway. She’d tried to spruce up one of her simple dresses, but it wasn’t much use. She felt drab. The only thing that lifted her spirits was the flower Esperanza had placed in the room. She’d fastened it in the back of her hair, which was now styled like Charity’s, half up and half down.
From the upper landing, Faith surveyed the main room. Everyone was there. Rachel sat on the sofa with Matt by her side. He proudly held their family’s new arrival. Colton, Billy and Adam walked around the long dinner table, sneaking bits of meat from the platter. Esperanza was having a time shooing them away.
Faith spotted Luke lounging next to the stone fireplace. He was staring straight at her, and she suddenly felt like a sparrow coming face-to-face with a hungry cat. His gaze scorched her from head to toe. Form-fitting buckskin breeches hugged his muscular thighs like a second skin, disappearing into delicately beaded, knee-high moccasins. Fringe swayed slightly as he crossed one foot over the other. Never taking his eyes from her face, he slowly lifted his glass tumbler to his lips and drank.
Faith straightened her shoulders and stiffened her spine. With determination, she lifted her chin, plastered a pleasant expression on her face and descended the stairs. He was even more stunningly handsome in his native clothes. She tried to keep her eyes from his face, his body, his all-too-sure-of-himself expression. Surely someone must notice how strangely the two of them were acting.
“Look, everyone, Faith’s here,” Charity called out, skipping over and gathering Faith in an enthusiastic embrace.
Luke raised his glass. “A toast to the guest of honor,” he said, light sarcasm lacing his voice.
Faith glanced at the others, who clapped and cheered, people who had become so very dear to her. Confusion held her immobile.
“What is this?” she finally managed to say.
“It’s a party for you. In honor of you, and to thank you,” Flood explained. “We wanted to wait until Rachel and the baby could join us before throwing it. We’re very grateful and indebted to you for what you did for her. For all of us.”
A hush descended over the group as Matt stood and approached, carrying his tiny little baby girl. “Would you like to hold Faith Elizabeth McCutcheon?”
The baby, who was sleeping in her father’s arms, woke when he handed her over. She fussed a little and then started rooting around at Faith’s breast, looking for something to eat. Everyone laughed.
Everyone except Luke. As she glanced his way, pain, regret, and something akin to anger stormed across his face. He got up and strode to the small table with the decanter and refilled his glass.
“What do you think of her, Faith?” Amy asked, looking down at the baby. “Isn’t she sweet?”
“Yes, she is.” Faith barely got the words past the lump in her throat. “Adorable. But you really shouldn’t have named her after me.”
“Nonsense. It’s because of you that she’s here right now,” Rachel said. Her eyes were filled with tears of gratitude. “I’ll never, ever, be able to thank you enough. We’re going to call her Beth for short.”
To Faith’s relief, Billy and Adam started arguing, and most everyone’s attention turned to them. Colton made his way through the group to stand at Faith’s side.
“How are you, Colton?” she asked. “This is the first I’ve seen of you all day.”
“Fine, Ma,” Colton said, standing on tiptoe so he could see Beth. “I stayed out at the corrals with Smokey and Roady. They was teachin’ us boys ta throw a rope. I almost had the hang of it, too.”
He was thriving here, her little boy with the giant chip on his shoulder. All the attention from the men was good for him, making him happier than she’d ever known him to be. Colton’s smile had returned a few days ago, and now that it was back, he wasn’t selfish with sharing it. How would he hold up when they made the trip back to their old home, and how would he feel about the change? Everything the future held for them was just so uncertain.
“What’s wrong, Ma?”
Faith knelt down and hugged him with her free arm. “Nothing’s wrong. I’m just happy you’re enjoying our visit so much.”
“I am. I like it here a lot. I don’t even mind Luke so much no more.”
“You don’t?”
“Nope. He’s usually right with whatever he tells me, and Francis said he learned everything he knows from Luke. I guess he ain’t so bad.”
Faith nodded and stood.
Flood appeared. “Here, let me take Beth from you. You have enough baby-holding every day, what with Dawn,” he said, smiling.
Faith carefully placed the infant in his large arms. Here was the man she’d believed was Luke’s father. Now, as she looked a little closer, she was amazed she’d ever assumed that, because they looked nothing alike. Feeling uneasy, she glanced over her shoulder to find Luke watching. His expression was clear: he knew that she’d been comparing them.
“That Luke, he’s a handsome lad. Don’t you think so, Faith?”
Her heart felt as if it just might pop. Did Flood know about the two of them? Had Luke said something to him? “Why, yes I do,” she admitted. What else could she say?
“He’ll make a fine catch one day for some lucky young lady. Why, it’s a nuisance to take him to town, what with the women and all. Makes no difference if they’re married or not. He’s an attention-getter, all right.”
Flood was sweet. But Luke would be furious if he knew what his father was up to.
“Is that so?” she said, laughing a little, smiling at Flood brightly and then glancing purposely over her shoulder. She made eye contact with the subject of their conversation, who frowned.
“Yes, it’s been that way since he was just a boy,” Flood continued, warming to the subject.
“Tell me, Mr. McCutcheon, what was he like as a child? I wonder at his moods sometimes.”
This clearly threw Mr. McCutcheon. A tiny line of worry creased his brow, and Faith almost regretted asking.
“He does have times when he’s in deep thought, but that’s all that they are. Why, he outgrew his temper and fighting days years ago.” Seemingly a bit embarrassed, Flood cleared his throat and went on. “That is, except for this last fracas with Mr. Brown
. Got a worthy heart, he does.”
Luke appeared. “What are you two so deep in conversation about?”
Faith looked innocently to Flood. The older man actually beamed. “You.”
Luke’s eyes narrowed. “That so? And just what exactly were you saying?”
“Your father was telling me—”
“Dinner is served.” Mrs. McCutcheon clapped her hands as she called them all to eat. Everyone moved eagerly to the dining table, which was laden with all manner of dishes.
Luke pulled out Faith’s chair for her, and she couldn’t help but notice the fluid grace of his actions. He was like some kind of wild animal, dangerous and hard, especially in this dark mood. Her hand itched to reach out and test the softness of his lovely buckskin pants, which clung to his body indecently, and the contrast between his white shirt and the darkness of his skin. She looked away, ashamed at the way her thoughts kept running wild.
Grace was said and the food passed around. Luke was quiet, but if anyone noticed they didn’t mention it. The most talkative were the boys, who entertained everyone with their stories of their day learning to rope and trying to ride some of the motherless calves kept close to the barn.
A knock on the door interrupted Billy, who had them all laughing. Flood stood and went to see who it was.
“Come in, come in,” his voice rang out. He came back with a young man Faith had never seen. Mrs. McCutcheon smiled brightly and gestured for him to sit.
“I’m sorry to interrupt,” the man said.
“Nonsense, Brandon. There’s plenty here. I’d be hurt if you didn’t join us.”
Faith noticed the look that passed between the newcomer and Luke, after the fellow’s first shock at seeing Luke’s black eye.
“Thank you, I don’t mind if I do,” he said with a smile. “It’s been too long since I’ve had Esperanza’s cooking.”
The maid quickly set an extra place while the broad-shouldered fellow hung his coat and hat by the door. When he took a seat across the table from Faith, she couldn’t help but smile a welcome.
Flood made the introductions. “Faith, this is Brandon Crawford. He’s the sheriff of Y Knot. Brandon, this is Faith Brown, who’s staying here at the ranch for a spell. And that tough-lookin’ hombre down at the end of the table is Colton, her son.”
“I’m pleased to make your acquaintance, ma’am,” Brandon said politely. He nodded to Colton.
Faith wondered what the handsome lawman and Luke were up to. “The pleasure is mine.”
She watched Brandon’s eyes skim down the row of faces and stop on Charity. He nodded slightly.
Charity’s cheeks turned rosy.
Matt took a heaping scoop of potatoes and passed the dish along. “So, Brandon, what brings you out our way this evening?”
“I have a little news concerning your dead bull calf.” He took a drink from his water glass. “But it can wait until after dinner. Nothin’ urgent.”
Faith wanted him to go on. She felt it would indeed concern her. Or was she just being foolish? The men seemed to accept the lawman’s appeal to wait for later, dishing up food and eating heartily.
“Congratulations on your new young’un, Matt,” Brandon said. “Doc says you got yourself a little girl this time.”
“I sure did. She’s over there sleeping by the fire. You’ll have to take a look when you’re done eating.”
Luke broke apart a biscuit and popped half in his mouth. He glanced at Charity, who ate slowly, the picture of refinement. What a time for Brandon to show up. How would Charity receive Brandon after what he’d told her a few days ago about the sheriff being involved with the schoolteacher’s niece?
She looked at him now, a silent challenge in her eyes. Luke slowly shook his head. A smile he knew all too well appeared on her face. Trouble was brewing.
Chapter Forty
“What’s the news in town, Sheriff?”
Charity glanced at Brandon with the most innocent, beguiling look, and Luke cringed. Brandon seemed taken aback that she’d addressed him. He wiped his mouth on his napkin, and swallowed.
“Not much new in town, Charity. It’s been mighty quiet this past month.”
“I’m surprised to hear you say that.” She let her statement dangle, leaving not only the sheriff wondering what she meant by it, but also everyone else at the table.
Everyone except Luke.
“Well, the new dry goods place did finally open up for business. They had themselves a little shindig commemorating the occasion.”
“Ah, good,” Flood commented. “Someone needs to give Lichtenstein’s Provisions a little friendly competition. Helps keep prices down.”
The family all nodded in agreement.
Charity said, “Oh, I wish I could have gone. It’s been so long since I’ve had a party to attend.” The statement, and the way it was gushed with gooey sweetness, drew many surprised looks. “I suppose everyone in town was there?”
Brandon looked to Luke in silent question.
Luke shrugged.
“I reckon.”
“And Miss Langford. She was there and brought her niece?”
Brandon swallowed his food. Again he politely wiped his mouth. Thinking for a moment, he nodded. “Yes, they were both there.”
“I’ll bet the young woman was the belle of the ball,” Charity continued, as if unable to stop herself. Most at the table had now guessed that she was in some sort of jealous snit, but poor Brandon hadn’t a clue. “With her beautiful flaxen hair”—Luke’s eyes went wide at the fanciful description he’d not given her—“and charming smile. Did she flash her baby blues your way, Sheriff?”
Brandon almost spit his water all over the table.
“Charity! Mind your manners,” Mrs. McCutcheon scolded. “Mr. Crawford is our guest tonight, and you’ll treat him accordingly.”
“Well?” Charity pressed, as if she hadn’t heard her mother.
Irritation flashed in Brandon’s eyes. “Yes, as a matter of fact, she did. And I must add, they are a sight to behold.”
Resembling the trial lawyer the family had once seen in Bozeman, Charity seemed to be satisfied with his answer and let the subject drop.
The women settled in the parlor with little Beth, leaving the men to venture outside for a smoke. Flood lit his cigar and puffed a few times, creating a cloud around his face. “So, Crawford, what have you learned about the calf?”
Brandon took the cigar that Flood held out, rolled it between his fingers. He smiled. “I think you’ll be pleased to know I have two men in custody.”
“What!” the three McCutcheons said in unison. “Who?”
“Do the names Earl Morton and Will Dickson ring a bell?”
“Earl? That no-good bum,” Luke growled.
Flood shook his head. “I’d expect something like this from Will Dickson, but Earl? You sure? We were pretty certain we knew who did it.”
“Tilly overheard them laughing about it in the saloon. By the way, Luke, Tilly said she’d have my hide if I didn’t remember to tell you hello.” He chuckled a moment, then continued. “When she heard Earl murmuring the McCutcheon name to some of his cronies, she got suspicious. That’s when she came and got me. I stood in the liquor room and listened through the wall. Heard it with my own ears.”
“I suppose he was taking his revenge for being fired off the drive,” Matt said.
Brandon’s face turned serious, so Luke asked, “What else?”
“That’s it.”
“I know you better than that,” Luke said. “There’s something you’re not telling us.”
Brandon hesitated a moment. “By the time I arrested him, he’d had a snout full. He said no half-breed was going to fire him and get away with it.”
Luke shrugged, unaffected. He was through feeling different. From now on he’d wear his heritage proudly, for all to see, whether they liked it or not. That’s why he was wearing his buckskins tonight. And because he wanted Faith to know full and well who he
was. Eagle Gray had dropped them off at the bunkhouse years ago, encouraging him to embrace his heritage, but he’d never before felt compelled to wear them.
“Well, I guess a half-breed did fire him and get away with it. But then that poor animal had to suffer. That’s a crime I won’t forgive. What was Will Dickson’s part in this?”
Brandon shook his head. “Since when does Dickson need a reason? Seems he was just out for some sport.”
Mark spoke up. “When will the judge be through town?”
“Possibly next week.”
“Good. Let us know when they have their hearing. We’ll be there,” Luke promised.
Matt dropped his cigarette and ground it out with his boot. “I’m for joinin’ the women. How about you?”
Nodding, the men went inside.
They hadn’t missed much. Luke was always amazed at how long women could stare at a baby. First the females of his family had stared at Billy, then Adam. Now they acted just as excited about Beth.
“Here, Sheriff, you hold her,” Charity suggested as she handed the child to Brandon.
Luke chuckled as his friend took the baby, a look of terror on his face.
“Charity, take her back. She looks like she’s goin’ to cry.” Brandon glanced about for someone to relieve him.
“Don’t be silly. She’s as content as can be.” Then Charity flounced away, leaving Brandon with the four-day-old squirming in his arms.
“Take her, Luke,” the sheriff said, trying to hand the baby over.
“No, sir. I’ve done more than my share of baby-holding these past three weeks. You need a chance to catch up.”
The lawman made a face. “I guess you don’t want to hear what I know concerning…” He let his statement go unfinished but looked at Faith, who was chatting with Rachel and Amy. Dawn lay contentedly in her mother’s lap, her head resting on Faith’s knees.
“What did you find out?”
“Take this little tyke first and I’ll tell you.”
Luke’s insides hummed with anticipation over what information his friend might have for him. He took Beth from Brandon’s arms and gave her to Rachel. He led Brandon to a secluded part of the dining room, where they wouldn’t be overheard by anyone and prompted, “So?”
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