Dax wrapped the gun belt around his waist, buckled it, and slid his Remington into the holster. He adjusted the black vest he’d slipped on over his white shirt, and glanced at the black coat he hadn’t worn in months. It lay on the bed, waiting for him to slide it on. Dax wasn’t sure why he’d even brought it with him from Austin. The decision had been made at the last moment, before they’d left town with Pat’s body.
He’d been out with the herd for the last two weeks, learning the ranch boundaries and locating missing cattle. All the while, his mind worked through the dilemma he’d created. Luke still hadn’t budged. If anything, he’d become more adamant about his refusal to buy Dax out. They both knew he wouldn’t sell to a stranger and, the truth was, he didn’t know if he could walk out on Luke.
His brother’s plan was simple. Resign from the Rangers and work the ranch for a year, figuring a year would give them time to see if they wanted to stay or sell. They both knew their captain would take them back anytime. He’d told them as much when they left.
As he left the herd and rode back to the ranch, he realized the thought of one more meal at the house, no matter how good the cooking, didn’t appeal. Supper at Suzanne’s, followed by cards and a few drinks at the Rose sounded real good. Luke had decided to head into town earlier with the rest of the boys. Dax had declined, saying he might join them later.
The sun hadn’t set as Dax rode out on Hannibal. He took his time, watching the sun drop behind the western peaks of the Territory Range. The clouds began to turn light pink, then yellow, before transforming into a vibrant orange as he rounded the last turn toward Splendor. The beauty of the evening sky turned his thoughts to Rachel, and the familiar tightening of his chest began. It occurred each time her image formed in his head, and no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t stop his reaction to her memory.
Every day, he woke up wondering if he’d made a mistake by walking away and leaving the one woman he’d ever known who could stir his blood with a quick glance. And for what? To pursue an unknown future in Texas. He’d believed time away from Rachel would be all he needed to wipe her from his life. He’d been wrong. If anything, his feelings for her had grown stronger, more intense, and he found it rare when his thoughts didn’t turn to her. He’d never forget the look on her face when she’d learned he’d decided to leave. That’s when he knew. Rachel had fallen in love with him, as he had her. What a mess.
Dax heard the music from the saloon as he passed the schoolhouse. To his left, he could see Noah still working in the livery. As the sun settled behind the mountains, he rode up to the boardinghouse, threw Hannibal’s reins over the hitching post, and glanced down the street. A couple doors down, a lantern still burned in the clinic and he thought of Rachel. Would she be there, or in the house fixing supper? Had she thought of him at all the last few weeks?
He continued to stare as the clinic door opened and the woman who’d captured his heart walked outside to shake a blanket. She didn’t notice him as she shook the material several times before throwing it over her arm and turning to go back inside. That’s when she saw him and stopped.
Dax found himself taking a couple of steps toward her. He raised a hand in acknowledgement. She responded with a grim smile and slight nod before looking at the ground and walking inside. He started to go after her, then halted. Nothing had changed. He still believed he’d leave Splendor at some point in the near future. He needed to work things out with Luke which, given his brother’s less than friendly attitude toward Dax’s determination to leave, could take a while.
Rachel’s life remained here, or perhaps in Boston. Seeing her again would only start the process over and that’s not what he wanted, did he? Doubts continued to plague him. What was so important about Texas? Could there be a chance to find contentment on the ranch? He shook his head and walked toward the restaurant door, taking one more glance down the street before disappearing inside.
“Good evening, Dax. Table for two?” Suzanne asked.
“It’s just me tonight.”
“One special coming right out for you.” She started to turn, then changed her mind. “You want anything else? You know, I keep a stash of whiskey in the back—for emergencies, of course.”
With a slight smile, Dax answered, “Do I have the look of a man needing a drink?”
“Let’s just say I’ve seen you look better.” She patted his shoulder and left for the kitchen, returning within minutes with a large helping of roast beef and potatoes. “I’ll bring you some coffee.”
Dax busied himself thinking of Drake until Suzanne set down his plate. He stared at the food. He’d been ravenous by the time he’d reached town, his mouth watering for Suzanne’s cooking, including a large slice of pie. When had he lost his appetite? He cut a piece of the meat, placed it in his mouth, and chewed, not expecting the bland taste and dry texture. He used a generous amount of coffee to swallow it down, and cut another slice. It tasted the same. Knowing her menu consisted of one main dish each night, he glanced around, surprised at the pleased faces of others.
His head turned at the slight squeak of the entry door and his eyes lit upon Rachel, followed a moment later by Gabe Evans. His already dry mouth tried to swallow the lump he felt at the sight of her with their new sheriff. She wore a different dress from the one he’d seen her in not thirty minutes before. A smile lit her face when she glanced up at something Gabe said.
“Two? Or will Noah be coming along?” Suzanne asked.
“Just the two of us tonight.” Gabe placed a hand on the small of Rachel’s back as they followed Suzanne to a table not far from Dax.
“Good evening, Dax.” Gabe stuck out his hand as Dax stood. “Why don’t you pull up a chair and join us?”
Dax shot a quick glance at Rachel before shaking Gabe’s hand and returning to his seat. “Thanks, but I’m almost through.”
“Here’s your pie. I’ll take that if you’re finished.” Suzanne picked up the half-eaten roast and refilled his cup. “It wasn’t to your liking tonight?” She nodded toward the plate.
“Guess I wasn’t as hungry as I thought. I’ll settle up now.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out some coins. “Thanks, Suzanne.”
He stayed to eat a few bites of pie, glanced once more toward Gabe and Rachel, then left. He hesitated a moment by the front door before stepping outside. He almost turned back, wanting to at least speak with Rachel a moment, hear her voice and, well…be in her company, if only for a few minutes. He stopped himself when he realized she’d moved on. Gabe came from the North, had served in the Union Army and, from what he’d heard, had a similar background to Rachel’s. It made sense the two would be attracted to each other. He hadn’t expected her to move on so soon. The thought warred with his common sense. Had he meant so little to her?
Dax settled his hat on his head and started across the street. A shiver ran up his spine, almost like a warning, causing him to stop and look up one end of the street, then the other. He saw no one. The loud music and lights of the Rose drew him inside and he forgot the odd sense of foreboding which had passed through him moments before.
“Over here, Dax.”
He turned his head toward Luke, who sat a couple of tables away and pointed to an empty chair.
“You in?” Ellis asked as Dax took a seat.
“I’m in.” Once again, a strange warning flashed through him. His narrowed eyes searched the saloon for any odd behavior or suspicious action. A man leaning against the bar glanced at Dax, then shifted his gaze elsewhere. As before, he saw nothing that would trigger the hairs on his neck to bristle.
Within minutes, he held cards in one hand and a whiskey in the other. His eyes continued to scan the saloon. He noticed the man at the bar continue to study the room, his eyes landing on Dax a few times before glancing away. The tense feeling began to subside as the alcohol warmed his blood and his body relaxed. One game after another passed, with him holding the winning cards on a rare occasion. Luck wasn’t his partner toni
ght. He looked up as the man who’d been standing at the bar shoved through the swinging doors and left.
“Gabe stopped by earlier. Asked if you were in town.” Luke watched the faces of the others at the table and pushed some chips forward. “I told him you were at the boardinghouse.”
“I saw him.” Dax threw his cards down and leaned his chair back on two legs.
Luke shot him a look, but kept quiet, already knowing the sheriff planned to take Rachel to the boardinghouse restaurant. He didn’t believe there was more to Gabe’s invitation to supper than friendship. Anyone who saw the way she looked at Dax could see he held all of her interest, if only he’d claim the prize right in front of him.
Dax had this notion that Texas held his future. Luke felt otherwise. He’d grown to like Splendor, the ranch, and the people. He couldn’t imagine a more beautiful place in the entire country, and they held a treasured piece of it. Luke wasn’t about to give his share up, and he sure as hell wasn’t going to take Dax’s. It left Dax in an odd position. Of course, he could ride out, like he’d tried to do in Savannah. If he’d planned on abandoning the ranch, Luke believed he’d already be gone. No, his brother still struggled with something and, whatever it was, it kept him in Splendor—at least for now.
Chapter Fifteen
“Thank you, Gabe. I had a wonderful time.” Rachel offered a sincere smile. Gabe had been a perfect host, attentive and interesting, and getting out of the house had been a welcome break to her daily routine.
They’d finished their pie and the last of the coffee. Rachel rotated the cup in her hands and glanced out the window to the main street. The saloon stood straight across from them. She wondered if Dax had gone there for drinks, cards…or something more. The thought he’d seek companionship with another woman hurt.
“No need for thanks. I appreciated eating a meal without staring at Noah’s ugly face. And it’s far better than my own poor excuse for cooking.” In truth, Gabe had enjoyed a chance to sit down with a pretty lady, something he hadn’t done in a long time.
“Does Mr. Brandt know you speak of him so?”
He chuckled. “Believe me, he says worse about me.”
“Everyone is so glad you took the sheriff’s job. It’s hard to describe the sense of unknown that’s plagued the town since the previous sheriff’s murder, plus the violence around Splendor and attacks against the Pelletiers. It means a lot to everyone to have you here.”
Gabe shifted in his seat, uncomfortable with the confidence Rachel and the rest of the town placed in him. He’d yet to prove himself. “I’ll stay for a while, until the trouble is gone or a new sheriff is found. I’m not quite ready to settle in one place. I guess I’m still searching.”
“Like Dax.”
“Excuse me?”
“Dax says the same, except he knows where he wants to settle.”
“Texas.”
Her eyes lifted to his and, for a brief moment, Gabe saw pain pass over them before she masked it.
“You, better than most women, know about war, the responsibilities someone like Dax carried, and the kinds of decisions he had to make. I don’t know him well, but it could be he needs time away from command, away from being responsible for anyone except himself.”
“Is that what you need?”
“Perhaps. I was an officer, but didn’t carry the same load Dax did. As an officer, you feel the weight of your decisions and how they affect the men in your command.”
“You may be right, except some men are born to lead. It’s in their blood. I suspect you and Dax are much alike.”
One corner of his mouth crooked upward. “All I know is I’m not ready to settle down.”
“And would it matter if you met the right woman?”
His brows drew together. “I don’t know. The problem is a man’s got to be comfortable with himself, believe his life is in order, before he can commit to someone else. There’s a tremendous responsibility associated with settling down with a woman and taking on the role of husband and provider.”
“And are you comfortable with yourself?”
“Most days. Others…” His voice trailed off as if he’d pondered the same question himself.
“All right, you two. I’m bushed and ready to close up.” Suzanne stood over them.
Neither had noticed they were the last ones in the restaurant. “Apologies, Mrs. Briar,” Gabe said as he stood and pulled back Rachel’s chair. “I lost track of time.”
“No problem, Sheriff. It’s good to see you in here.”
Rachel tried to hide the fact she glanced at the saloon as they walked back to her house.
“Do you want me to go over to the Rose, see what he’s up to?”
She shot Gabe a murderous look, uncomfortable her feelings were so easily read. “No! It makes no difference to me what he does. It’s his decision.” Her words did nothing to still the regret she felt at Dax’s choice to leave her behind when he left Splendor.
Rachel turned when they’d reached her door. “Well, thank you for the meal and conversation.”
“We’ll have supper again before I leave. You can count on it.” Gabe tipped his hat as he turned away.
She slipped inside, closing the door behind her.
“Did you and the sheriff have a good time?”
Her uncle’s voice startled her. “I didn’t realize you were still up. You do know I’m a grown woman and you don’t have to wait up for me.”
Charles set down the book he’d been reading. “Who said I waited up for you? I couldn’t sleep, that’s all.” He stood and walked down the hall to his room. “Goodnight, Rachel.”
She shook her head at his poor attempt to hide his concern. Rachel prepared tea, then took a seat in the parlor, balancing the cup on her lap. She closed her eyes, remembering the sound of Dax’s voice, the touch of his lips to hers, and the feelings which invaded her whenever he stood near. The air vibrated around them, as if they shared a private language no one else understood.
If she tried hard enough, she could feel his arms tighten around her, a hand drifting to her head, holding her in place for his intoxicating kisses. Her face burned as she remembered the thrill of being held so close and the urge she felt to surrender to his powerful touch. She’d never wanted the sensations to end, but the decision had always been out of her control. Her eyes drifted open as she inhaled a deep breath, attempting to calm the hammering in her chest.
She leaned back in the chair, willing herself to make sense of his decision and allow herself to move on. Her eyes closed as she remembered how he’d looked tonight.
He’d taken scant notice of her when she’d walked into Suzanne’s with Gabe. The look on his face showed no trace of regret, as if any feelings they held for each other had evaporated, leaving them little more than mere acquaintances. She took a sip of tea and tried to put it all into perspective.
She’d known Dax less than three months, although her fascination had begun from the first time they’d met. Something inside told her he’d felt the same tug toward her. The attraction grew whenever they were together, and before she knew what had happened, she’d fallen in love with the man. She’d even allowed her imagination to take over, believing she’d become important to him and fantasizing he’d be a permanent part of her life. How wrong she’d been.
Her path seemed clear. Forget Dax Pelletier and focus on the reason she’d come to Montana in the first place—the clinic and her uncle’s medical practice.
They’d talked of traveling to visit folks at remote ranches, the ones who made the trip to Splendor only when forced to by a lack of supplies. Most handled illness and injury alone, and many died without proper care. The fact the Westons brought their daughter, Janie, to the clinic had been a positive sign. Now she and her uncle needed to reach out to the other families.
He’d also treated the occasional Blackfoot Indian who’d visit the white man’s doctor when all else failed. The visits were rare and not encouraged by the tribe. However, ea
ch time, Charles had been able to expand their trust in his cures and his sincere desire to help them. On more than one occasion, he’d expressed an interest in visiting their village, and had extended an invitation for Rachel to join him. She had to admit the thought interested and scared her.
Most people in town discouraged the doctor from reaching out to the Blackfoot, believing it would lead to nothing good. Living in Boston, she’d grown up on stories of the savage tribes who inhabited the frontier, reading of attacks and torture against white settlers. She now understood much of what had been written may not have been accurate. As she’d come to accept, there were two sides to the actions behind the Civil War. She believed there must be two sides to the stories told of Indians, as well.
She thought more of the plans she and her uncle had spoken about, and her mood lifted. She recognized she had a full life in Splendor, without the need for a romantic entanglement. Supper out once in a while, a ride in the country on occasion, but a relationship? Not now.
Rachel changed into her nightdress, snuffed out the light, and climbed under the covers. Tomorrow, she’d start fresh—with Dax forgotten.
“I got the location of their ranch and something more,” Clark said as he swung off his horse, poured some coffee, and lowered himself in front of the fire where everyone sat. “I saw both the Pelletiers in the saloon. They were playing cards with some of their men.” He took a sip of some of the awful coffee his brother Jed had made and grimaced. “Damn, Jed. You’ve got to learn how to make this stuff.” He shifted his gaze to Duff. “Those two don’t look so tough to me.”
Duff ignored the comment. From their actions, the Rangers had already proven Clark wrong. “How far is their ranch from town?”
“A few miles northwest,” Clark answered.
“How many men?”
“I didn’t ask. Figured it wouldn’t matter since we’ve already decided to go after them.”
Redemption's Edge: Book 1, Redemption Mountain Historical Western Romance Page 19