Stifling a groan, she did as he asked, slipping her arms around his waist, feeling instant heat through his thick coat. “Satisfied?”
Chuckling, he clucked, moving Smoke forward. “Yes, ma’am.”
Beau felt as if he were straddling heaven and hell. After meeting Dutch and hearing his reason for being in Splendor, Beau needed space. He didn’t know why, but his first thought had been of Caro. He needed to see her. She’d always been able to sort through the spider webs in his brain, helping him figure out the good ideas from bad. Her calming presence settled the ghosts lodged in his brain. Ghosts that haunted him since he’d heard Genevieve scream.
“Where are we going?”
“To a spot along the river. The sun shines all day and you can see for miles.” Beau felt her arms tighten around him. Something he never imagined experiencing again.
As good as having her close felt, he refused to delude himself. A future together would never happen. Caro wanted what he couldn’t provide. Her leaving for San Francisco had made it clear she needed a rich social life, access to fine clothes and food, friendships with influential people. He knew how she felt. He’d once believed in all those himself.
The war had changed what mattered to him. Seeing comrades fall, hearing their screams, replacing them with men who faced the same fate, he realized how little material possessions counted. Lives were permanently changed, families destroyed, and neither wealth nor social status could reverse the carnage. Friendships forged in hard times, a good job, warm clothes, and hot food now defined him, and he made no excuses for any of it. Caro buying a house and making repairs meant nothing. She had the means to leave at any time, and he had no doubt she would.
Beau left the trail, making a few turns, ending up in a clearing. “Here we are.” He slipped off Smoke, then helped Caro down. Untying the leather thongs around the blanket, he handed it to her, then lifted the food out of the saddlebag.
“Is this all right?” Caro shook the blanket out near the edge of the river.
“It’s perfect.” He let her settle on the blanket first, then took a place at the other end. Unwrapping the food, he spread it out between them.
Caro’s mouth watered. “Chicken, biscuits, fruit, and spice bread. I can’t believe Suzanne did this.” She picked up a chicken leg, taking a bite. “Mmm…it tastes so good.”
His chest squeezed at the pleasure on her face. Beau wouldn’t tell her he’d requested it, wanting an excuse to ride out. “She was happy to do it.”
Caro chewed, then picked up a biscuit, glancing up at him. “Aren’t you going to eat?”
He pulled his gaze away, looking down at the plate of chicken and selecting a plump breast. They ate in silence for several minutes, listening to the water a few feet away.
“I met a Pinkerton agent today. Dutch McFarlin.”
The biscuit in her hand stopped midway to her mouth, her brows raised. “Is he a friend of Luke’s?”
“He is, but that’s not why he came to Splendor.”
Setting her food down, she laced her hands together in her lap. “Why is he here?”
Beau tossed a chicken bone into the brush, picking up another piece, turning it over in his hand. “He was sent to confirm I live in Splendor.”
“For what purpose?”
“McFarlin says he doesn’t know.”
She leaned forward, her eyes flashing. “He doesn’t know? That’s preposterous. Allan Pinkerton does nothing without a reason.”
Beau’s eyes narrowed. “How do you know what Pinkerton would do?”
Caro shifted, repositioning her dress, clearing her voice. “I’ve met him more than once. He and my late husband were friends.”
His mouth twisted into a wry smile. “Sometimes I forget about all your social contacts.”
She couldn’t miss the sarcasm in his voice. “Frankly, it doesn’t matter what you think of my social connections. There are times they become quite useful.”
“This isn’t one of those times, Caro.” He glared at her a moment before taking another bite of chicken. Chewing, he swallowed, never taking his gaze from hers. “I’ll find out the reason an agent was sent to find me. You’re not to get involved.”
She raised a brow. “Ordering me around, Mr. Davis?”
He threw the bone toward the same place as the other one. “I’m saying this is my business and you aren’t to do anything unless I ask.”
Sighing, Caro relaxed her shoulders. “I don’t like it, Beau. He’s here for a reason beyond finding you. Why would someone want to know where you live?”
“There are reasons.”
She sat a moment, touching a finger to her lips. “I suppose so.” Glancing up, she bit her lower lip. “A relative? You still have family back east. Maybe they’re trying to find you.”
“They know I’m here. It isn’t that.”
One brow rose. “Perhaps a past lover? A woman who can’t get you out of her heart?”
Beau snorted. “Trust me, sweetheart. No such person exists.”
Caro felt her heart flutter, but didn’t respond. She knew of one such woman. “All right. What about someone who has a score to settle? Someone out for revenge?”
Beau’s features stilled. He thought of the war and the men he’d killed, all part of his duty to the Confederacy. The one death that bothered him, would always haunt him, was the killing of one of his own men.
Lieutenant Perry Eldridge had been a good officer, loyal to the cause, and a man Beau could count on—until the day he executed a fellow soldier, planning to execute others based on his own suspicions. A hearing cleared Beau, his superiors agreeing with his decision to shoot Eldridge when he refused to lower his weapon. They said he’d done everything right. After their own hearing, the men Eldridge threatened were cleared of charges of desertion. The decisions did little to heal the personal agony of killing a fellow officer. Beau had never heard a word from the lieutenant’s family.
“No. There is no one.”
She shook her head. “Are you sure, Beau? You and Cash were bounty hunters after the war. It’s hard to believe there aren’t people who hold a grudge.”
“I suppose so, but going to Pinkerton isn’t what they’d do. If someone set out to kill me, they’d ride out themselves, take care of it, and leave. It’s a fact both Cash and I live with every day.”
They quieted, each lost in their own thoughts. After a while, Caro dabbed the napkin at the corners of her mouth, then wiped her hands. Watching as Beau did the same, she clasped her hands in her lap.
“Why did you really come out here, Beau? We both know it wasn’t to deliver food or discuss Dutch McFarlin.” She’d told herself not to ask, to let their time together be whatever he wanted. Being so close, wishing for what she might never have again, she couldn’t contain her curiosity any longer.
His gaze locked on hers. “I’m not your enemy, Caro.”
Her stomach clenched. “I never said you were.”
“What I said before you left was true. I loved you. Even though that time has passed, if you’ll let me, I still want to be your friend.”
Friend. The word weighed on her heart. She wanted to respond, tell him being his friend was fine, but it would be a lie. She wanted so much more.
He continued, unaware of the pain his words caused. “I’m sorry for what I said the other night. None of it was true. You had a dream. As much as I wanted it to, it didn’t include me.”
She ignored the lump in her throat, the burning pain in her stomach, hoping he didn’t see the dampness in her eyes.
“Beau, I…” She could barely get the words out. Beau’s thoughts and what she felt couldn’t be more different.
“Caro, it’s all right if you can’t accept my apology. If it were reversed, I’m not sure I’d accept yours.”
Standing, she turned from him, taking several steps away. She had to stop the tears, not let him see how his words stung. She needed time to accept the finality of his decision, accept she’d never h
ave more than what he offered today.
Sensing him come up behind her, Caro tensed when she felt his hands on her shoulders. She had to tell him the truth, let him know the depth of her feelings. She stepped away from his touch, spinning around to face him. Lifting her chin, she willed her voice to stay calm.
“If friendship is all you have to give, then I’ll take it and learn to live with it.” Stepping around him, she bent to pick up the blanket.
His jaw dropped, mind reeling at her words. Reaching out, he gripped her arm, turning her to him. “What the hell does that mean?”
She glared at him. “It means I still love you. I came back to Splendor to tell you I made a mistake.” Yanking her arm from his grip, she let her gaze fall to the ground.
Beau stared at her, disbelief and anger coloring his features. Grasping her chin, he forced her to look at him. “I gave my heart to you once, Caro, and you turned it down. I’m not going to offer it again just to have you toss it back in my face.” He dropped his hold, taking a step away, his hands clenched at his sides. This wasn’t going at all as he had planned.
Caro could see the misery on his face, the damage caused by her leaving. She couldn’t blame him. The worst decision she’d ever made had become her biggest nightmare.
Glancing around, she focused on a tree behind him, unable to meet his stare. “I’m sorry for all the pain I caused, Beau. I know you won’t believe me, will never trust me again, and that alone devastates me.” She took a step forward, her hands outstretched. “I loved you then, and I love you now. They’re only words, but they’re all I have. If you can find it in your heart—”
“I can’t, Caro,” he ground out before letting his voice soften. He glanced up at her, his eyes full of sorrow. “I’m sorry, but I just can’t.” Stepping around her, he picked up what was left of their food, glancing over his shoulder. “Friendship is the best I can offer. I hope you’ll consider it.”
The ride back to Splendor seemed to take longer than the trip from town to Caro’s. His heart heavy, mind a mess, he tried to sort out what she’d said, the confession she’d made. The look in her eyes and plea in her voice slashed through him, making him want to believe her words. If he were another man, a better man, perhaps he could.
She’d ridden behind him on the trip back to her place, insisting on holding the saddle’s cantle, not wrapping her arms around his waist. At first, he’d argued, telling her it wasn’t as safe. Then he relented, not wanting to worsen their already damaged friendship. Once they reached her house, she’d slid off Smoke without a word, calling out to Merritt and Gus as she walked toward the house, not looking back. Beau sat a few moments, finally accepting her cool departure before turning his horse toward Splendor.
Doing his best to focus on the trail ahead, he remembered the telegram he needed to send to his parents. Reaching into his coat, Beau patted his pocket, feeling the piece of paper where he’d scrawled his message.
Guilt washed over him. He’d been remiss at contacting his parents over the last few months. Short telegrams weren’t enough to satisfy his family. At some point, he’d need to go back, make sure they and his sister were cared for, which he couldn’t determine through letters sent from hundreds of miles away.
Entering the outskirts of Splendor, his gaze sought out Cash. Beau needed to replace him in front of the bank, taking his own eight-hour shift. After Gabe, then Mack had questioned the two men sitting in jail, they were certain neither were part of the Dawson gang. They’d all hoped otherwise, wanting to find some connection to the outlaws moving their way.
Riding to the other end of town, he dismounted at Noah’s livery, intending to take Smoke to the stables in back. The sound of the stage coming through town and coming to a stop drew his attention. Watching as the driver climbed on top, tossing baggage to the guard on the ground, he caught sight of a woman stepping to the ground. Wearing a yellow dress, matching hat, and parasol, her bright eyes scanned the street, halting when she saw him.
She walked straight toward him, tendrils of deep red hair falling loose below her hat, touching her shoulders.
“May I help you, ma’am?”
“I hope so. I’m looking for someone. Gabriel Evans. Do you know him?”
“I do. Gabe is the sheriff. I’m Beau Davis, one of his deputies.” Beau glanced over her shoulder toward the jail. “If he knew you were coming, I’m surprised he wasn’t here to greet the stage.”
“Oh, he’s not expecting me. Would you have a moment to take me to him?” She flashed him a devastating smile. If he hadn’t still been in love with Caro, he might have found himself interested in the beautiful woman.
“I’ll be glad to. Let me put my horse away.” Turning, he spotted Noah walking toward him.
“Who is she?” Noah reached out his hand, taking Smoke’s reins from Beau.
“Don’t know. She came on the stage and is looking for Gabe. Have you ever seen her?”
Noah and Gabe grew up together. He knew everyone in Gabe’s family, had been to more suppers at their home than his own. Glancing around Beau, he shook his head.
“I’ve never seen her before. Why don’t you take her to Gabe and I’ll put Smoke away.”
“Thanks, Noah. This ought to be interesting.” He walked back up to her. “He’s probably in the jail.” Taking her elbow, he guided her across the street, then up on the boardwalk, passing the Western Union building and Wild Rose Saloon before stopping outside the jail. “Here we are.” Pushing the door open, he stepped aside, allowing her to enter first, then followed, closing the door.
Gabe sat at his desk, a pen in his hand. Looking up, he noticed the woman and stood, moving toward her.
“She got off the stage, Gabe. Said she was looking for you.”
Gabe let his gaze wander over her without a hint of recognition. “I’m Sheriff Evans. May I help you?”
She swallowed, showing a bit of uncertainty for the first time. Taking a shaky breath, she nodded. “My name is Nora Evans. I’m your sister.”
Chapter Twelve
Gabe stared at the young woman, working to control his shock. He had three brothers, all with similar features and dark hair. They didn’t have a sister. Crossing his arms, he leaned against his desk.
“I don’t know what you expect to accomplish, but I don’t have a sister.”
Nora bit her lower lip, placing a hand on her stomach. Glancing at Beau, who stood a few feet away, she swung her gaze back to Gabe. “Didn’t Father send you a telegram?”
Gabe snorted. “Whose father? Yours or mine?”
She blinked a couple times, noticing the hard set of his face. “They’re the same person.”
“They certainly are not.” He pushed away from the desk, taking a step toward her. Gabe towered over Nora. He stood over six feet tall, the same as his brothers and their father. Their mother was also tall, certainly not as short as the woman before him.
Nora lifted her chin, refusing to cower under his glare. “They are. I’m sorry if he didn’t send a message, but I assure you, I am his daughter.”
“Uh, Gabe? Would you like me to leave?” Beau listened to the exchange, growing more uncomfortable with each comment.
“No,” Gabe barked back, then took a deep breath. “Miss Evans and I are going to the St. James. I’d appreciate it if you’d stay here.”
“I need to let Cash know.” Beau should be relieving him. Instead, he’d been witness to a conversation he wished he hadn’t heard.
“I’ll tell him.” Grabbing his coat and hat, he looked at Nora, nodding toward the door. “Let’s go.”
She took a step away, crossing her arms. “I’m not going anywhere with you.”
Taking hold of her elbow, he turned her toward the door. “Oh yes, you are, and you’ll do it without making a scene.”
Beau blew out a relieved breath, glad he didn’t have to be anywhere near Gabe right now.
Gabe walked past his stunned wife, Lena, and his business partner, Nick, seeking a pr
ivate table in the hotel restaurant. Spotting one, he headed toward it, setting his hat on a chair.
“Sit.” He pulled out a chair for Nora. Once she sat down, he took a seat next to her, his gaze on Lena and Nick. Seeing the questioning look on their faces, he shook his head slightly.
Nora fiddled with the buttons of her coat, not looking at Gabe. She’d recognized him right away, having seen an old photograph her father had in his wallet. He had one picture of her when she was much younger, her mother at her side. He’d never given them a photograph of himself. Right now, she wished he had.
“Good afternoon, Sheriff Evans. What may I get you?” A young man stood at the table, an anxious look on his face. As one of three owners of the hotel, Gabe had become used to their workers being a little nervous when he appeared.
Gabe looked at Nora. “Have you eaten?”
She shook her head.
“Bring each of us whatever the cook recommends. And coffee.”
“Yes, sir.”
Waiting until the server left, he leaned forward, placing his arms on the table. “Now, tell me who you really are.”
She clasped her hands in her lap, keeping her back straight and chin high as she met his gaze. “My name is Nora Reeser Evans.”
His hard gaze didn’t waver. “How old are you?”
“Twenty-six, a couple years younger than you.”
Gabe’s eyes widened before he steeled his features. “How do you know my age?”
“Father told me. I also know of my other brothers, although I’ve never met them. Mother and Father never allowed me to get too close.”
Gabe’s anger rose as she told one lie after another. “My mother is Florence Evans. Who is yours?”
Nora pushed aside the ache lodged deep in her heart and cleared her throat. “Her name was Anna Marie Reeser Evans. Our father, Walter Evans, married her right after I was born.”
Gabe’s nostrils flared as his hand slammed down on the table. “That’s a lie. My father has one wife. My mother, Florence Evans.” He sat back, waiting until the server set down their meals.
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