Gabe closed his eyes, praying what she said wasn’t true. “Are you saying my father was married to my mother and yours at the same time?”
Licking her lips, she nodded, focusing on her hands in her lap. “At first, my mother didn’t know about his other wife, or his children. Neither ever explained what happened, but our neighbor was more than happy to tell me all the details.” Lifting her head, she let her gaze meet his. “I’m not sure you want to hear.”
Gabe didn’t, but that wasn’t how he was built. No matter who she turned out to be, he needed to hear the story, decide for himself if it was a lie or the truth.
“Tell me, and don’t leave anything out.”
An hour later, they still sat in the restaurant, Gabe’s head spinning from what Nora told him. If she were to be believed, his father had an affair with her mother not long after his birth, continuing through Nora’s birth and those of Gabe’s three younger brothers. Walter Evans had married Anna Marie, even though it was illegal. He loved her enough to do what she needed, uncaring if it created dire consequences later.
Their relationship ended with the death of her mother when Nora was fourteen. Almost immediately, Walter enrolled her in a girl’s school in Pennsylvania, where she later became a teacher. A few years ago, he provided her an apartment in New York, where she lived a quiet life until confronting their father about his other family. His solution was to send her west to his oldest son, Gabe, her half-brother.
“He made certain I had access to funds, so I won’t be asking you for money if that’s what worries you.”
When her words registered, Gabe’s head snapped up. “Money isn’t what bothers me. It’s the fact my father had two wives, two families for years, and no one knew.”
“My mother knew.” She shook her head. “I won’t pretend to understand it. He promised my mother he would get a divorce. Of course, he never did. He did provide for us, though, for which I’ll always be grateful.” Glancing up at him, he could see her fighting off the moisture in her eyes.
Gabe could appreciate the brave front Nora tried to present, not wanting her defeated tone to bother him. In his late twenties, he’d been allowed every privilege possible, allowed access to social circles most dreamed of. In the end, he walked away from it all. Nora had been born to the same man, yet her life had been lived in the shadows. Still, the rage he felt toward their father won out over the compassion he knew he should be feeling for the woman sitting next to him.
Standing, Gabe moved behind her chair. “You need to get settled. I’ll speak to the concierge about a room in the hotel.”
Shock flashed across her face. “Oh, no. Father may have been generous, but I can’t waste funds on such an extravagance.”
“Don’t worry about the cost. My wife and I are two of the owners.” He signaled Nora to follow him to the front desk, halting when Bernie Griggs came through the front door, waving a piece of paper.
“Afternoon, Sheriff.” Bernie held out the telegram. “Sorry this took so long. Between the stage and mail delivery, I didn’t have a chance to get this over to you.” He tipped his hat to Nora. “I have to head back, but I’ll be there ‘til dark if you want to send a reply.”
Gabe took a step away, expecting the message to be from Sheriff Sterling in Big Pine. He’d been waiting for any additional information the sheriff had on the Dawson gang. Opening it, he scanned the message, his face tightening. He didn’t bother reading it a second time.
“I hope it isn’t bad news.”
He looked at her, knowing she wasn’t at fault for the sins of their father. “It’s from Father.”
She placed a hand on her stomach, doing her best to ignore the building ball of uncertainty. “What did he say?”
Folding the paper, he stuffed it into a pocket, taking her shoulders, forcing a smile. “Welcome to the family, Nora.”
Beau bent over the rifle on the desk, taking his time cleaning it. His revolver would follow, then he’d sit back and wait for Gabe to return. Caleb had stopped by after Mack relieved him, then left for a late dinner. If Gabe still hadn’t returned when he was finished, Caleb would take his place in the jail so Beau could relieve Cash. Normally, it would bother him, letting his friend take a double shift. Knowing Cash surveyed the street from inside his wife’s shop, Beau didn’t feel quite so bad.
Hissed whispers from the back had him sitting up, straining to hear what the two men said. After the effects of the alcohol wore off, they’d been quiet, becoming ideal prisoners. Even so, Beau hoped the circuit judge would arrive soon. The city leaders had discussed the need for having their own judge. The territory had grown, requiring them to wait long periods before the judge made an appearance.
Leaning the rifle against a wall, he slid the revolver from its holster, setting it on the desk. The work relaxed him, even if it didn’t clear his mind of Caro. Her admission of wanting more than friendship still sat like a burning ember in his gut. Loving her wasn’t the issue. He couldn’t imagine ever loving a woman the way he did Caro. Trusting his heart to her again caused a cold chill to wash through him.
He’d been so certain she’d change her mind about traveling to San Francisco and accept his offer of marriage. Caro’s refusal had cut through him, as if he’d been impaled with a sword. Her return had strengthened his resolve to never be at the mercy of his heart again.
Beau finished cleaning his gun as the door swung open, a tired Gabe stepping inside. “The prisoners give you any trouble?”
“Nope.” Standing, he vacated Gabe’s chair, taking one across the desk. “Did you get it all worked out with the woman?”
Gabe let out a deep sigh. “That woman is my sister.”
Rubbing a finger across his brow, Beau shook his head. “She told you the truth?”
“It’s a long story, but yes. It was confirmed by a telegram from my father.”
“Must’ve been quite a shock.” Beau didn’t know what else to say.
Dropping into his chair, Gabe scrubbed a hand down his face. “You’ve no idea. Someday, we’ll share a bottle of whiskey and I’ll tell you all about it.” He glanced at the door as it opened.
“Sorry, Sheriff. Another telegram came for you.” Bernie scurried across the floor, holding out the paper.
Gabe read it, scribbled a few words on the back, then handed it back. “Here’s the reply, Bernie. Thanks for bringing it over.”
“No problem, Sheriff. I’ll get this right off.”
“I’m headed out to relieve Cash. Anything I should tell him?” Beau asked Gabe the instant Bernie closed the door.
“The message was from Sheriff Sterling. No sign of the Dawsons. The guard and driver on the latest stage between Splendor and Big Pine saw no sign of outlaws. Sterling thinks they left the territory.”
Beau’s brows drew together. “Not that I’m not grateful, but it’s surprising. I don’t know that I believe it.”
Gabe thought about the odds, wondering what would cause them to ignore a town such as Splendor. It was no secret the bank held a good deal of money due to the success of several ranches, including Redemption’s Edge. “Could be they wanted to avoid the harsh winter. Might have lost some men. Or they may have found better opportunities in Colorado, Wyoming, or even Utah.”
“Sterling could be wrong. They may be holed up somewhere, waiting until the time is right.”
Gabe sat back, crossing his arms. “That’s why I’m going to have you and the others stay in place a few more days. We can’t afford to be caught unaware.”
Beau pushed up, slipping on his jacket and hat. “I’m headed out.”
Beau felt the chill rush through him the instant he stepped outside. The temperature dropped as the sun began its descent behind the western hills. Soft rain fell, turning to flakes of snow before reaching the ground. The ground began to freeze, turning mushy ruts into deep, treacherous channels of hardened mud.
Pulling up the collar of his coat, he walked down the boardwalk toward the bank, his step
s faltering when he saw Caro coming toward him. She looked strong and confident handling the lines of the wagon. He stepped to the edge of the walkway, holding up a hand, surprised when she saw it and brought the wagon to a stop.
Still holding the lines, she rested her hands on her lap, a bland expression on her face when she looked at him. “Did you want something?”
Beau walked toward her, not liking the strain on her face she tried to hide. “I didn’t have a chance to thank you for taking the time to go to the river with me.”
Caro shrugged, making no further effort to respond. Swiping a hand across her forehead, she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. Tightening her grip on the lines, she turned away from him.
“Caro, wait.” He could see her struggle, knowing she had no desire to be around him.
Letting out a breath, she glanced at him. “What?”
“If you ever need my help—”
“I won’t. If you’re finished, I need to get the wagon back to Noah.” She waited a second, then slapped the lines, moving away from him.
Beau’s hands slipped into his pockets, regret enveloping him, making it hard to breathe. Her reaction surprised him. This time, he’d been the one to turn her away. So why did he feel as if he’d tossed aside all that was important in his life?
The answer shouldn’t have been a mystery. No matter how much he wanted to deny it, the only woman he wanted was Caro. There’d never be another, and he’d spurned her. Not once, but twice since her return to Splendor. He wondered if he’d made a mistake not giving her a second chance. If he could just believe she returned because of him, still loved him, and planned to stay. But he couldn’t be certain and didn’t want to consider his reaction if he were wrong a second time.
“About time you came to relieve me.”
Beau looked up to see Cash standing outside Allie’s shop. “Got a little delayed.”
“Gabe came by and told me. Who was the woman with him?”
A grim smile turned up the corners of Beau’s mouth. “His sister.”
“Sister? I didn’t know Gabe had a sister.”
“Neither did he.”
Chapter Thirteen
Caro slipped into the tub, letting the warm water soothe her aching muscles. They’d made considerable progress, Merritt and Gus finishing the front porch. Tomorrow, they’d start inside. She felt a sense of accomplishment at her part in it. The difficulty had nothing to do with the work itself. The problem had been focusing after Beau left, shattering her hopes of reconciling their differences.
She’d done her best to push the disappointment aside. His request they be friends weighed heavily. It had been reasonable, all he could give her, yet was so much less than she wanted. Ignoring his offer had been petty and immature, haunting her all the way back to town. She could at least offer him something.
After leaving the wagon with Noah, she’d stopped by the Western Union office, sending a telegram to Allan Pinkerton. It pushed their friendship, and he could refuse, but she wanted to know who had hired the agency to locate Beau. She doubted Allan knew the true reason his client wanted to find him. A shrewd and cunning man, Pinkerton would refuse work inconsistent with his beliefs and values.
“Mrs. Iverson. I have your supper.”
Sighing, she stood, letting the water drip off her as she stepped onto the carpet and grabbed a towel. “Just a moment.”
“Take your time,” the cheery female voice responded.
Drying, she tossed the towel aside, slipped into a wrapper, then opened the door. “Please, come in.” Her stomach growled as the rich aroma of cooked meat assaulted her.
The young woman set the tray down, then turned to leave. “Please, let me know if you need anything else.”
“Thank you.” Caro nodded, closing the door. After returning to the hotel, she was too tired to clean up, dress for supper, then sit alone at a table in the restaurant, eating in silence.
Placing the tray on the bed, she sat cross-legged, removing the cover. Picking up her fork, Caro took a bite, chewing slowly, pushing away the hurt from today. As she forked another piece of meat, a knock stopped her. Moving off the bed, she opened the door a crack, expecting to see the same young woman.
“Did you forget…” The words died on her lips. Beau stood in the hall, his fingers worrying the brim of his hat. The shock was so great, she found herself unable to move or talk.
“I wondered if you might have a few minutes to talk.”
She stared at him, surprised and unsure of what to do. Men did not come to the room of a single woman, even if she were a widow. They’d meet in the lobby or restaurant, never alone. It simply wasn’t done, yet here he was. She pulled the door wide, motioning him inside, bracing herself for whatever he might have to say.
Standing in the hall, Beau knew it was a mistake to come here, would understand if she refused to see him. It didn’t stop him from knocking, hoping for a different response. He hadn’t expected her to open the door clothed only in a thin wrapper that clung to every curve, her blonde hair cascading around her shoulders, her lips parted in disbelief. Stifling a groan had been almost impossible.
Reasonable thought eluded Beau when she motioned him inside. When the door clicked shut, he set his hat on a table, turning toward her.
Caro kept her hands clasped in front of her, tilting her head to the side. “Would you like to sit down?” She indicated a chair across the room.
Beau swallowed the doubt, shaking his head. “No. I’d better stand.”
He’d been near the bank, keeping watch, when Gabe walked up. For reasons he didn’t share, Gabe volunteered to take Beau’s place for a couple hours. At first, he’d hesitated, knowing Gabe had other issues to deal with, then relented when his boss revealed he needed time to clear his head.
Beau had been left with little to do, except perhaps see the one person he couldn’t push from his mind. He’d seen Caro return to the hotel after leaving the wagon with Noah, the now familiar ache growing in his chest as she vanished inside.
Walking into Suzanne’s, he’d eaten little of the food she placed before him, unable to reconcile the quarrel he and Caro had earlier. If Beau could roll back time, he’d respond differently to her question about his true reason for wanting to see her. He’d hoped to explain how much he still cared about her and cherished her friendship. He’d been honest when he said friendship was the best he could offer…for now. It didn’t mean he couldn’t offer more at some point. He just needed time. No matter what had happened, he still loved her, wanted to marry her.
Pushing the emotion aside, Beau had to be certain she planned to stay in Splendor, build a life here because she wanted to, not because she thought it would mend the rift between them. Caro had to desire a life in the growing frontier town as much as he did. Beau didn’t want to be the only reason she returned. If missing him was why she’d come back, he feared even his love wouldn’t be strong enough to make her stay. Then he’d go through losing her all over again.
He’d come here to explain. Standing before her, his gaze taking in her familiar curves, seeing the hope on her face, he found it hard to form a coherent sentence.
Without thought, he stepped closer and reached out, running a hand down her arm, letting it stop at her wrist, drawing her to him.
“Beau?” The question was no more than a whisper, perhaps a plea, although she made no attempt to resist.
Inches apart, his other hand stroked her cheek, her wary eyes widening, her lips parting. Lowering his head, praying she wouldn’t push him away, he brushed his mouth across hers, feeling an immediate jolt. It had always been this way with Caro. He let the passion flare, losing himself in what he felt for this woman.
Pulling back on a ragged breath, he waited until she opened her eyes. “There’s so much I want to say, but not this way, not here. I shouldn’t have come.”
She placed a finger across his lips. “Shhh. We’ll have more than enough time to talk.” Wrapping her arms around his neck
, she drew him down, their lips touching before he took control, settling his mouth over hers in a heated assault.
All the reasons they shouldn’t be doing this fled as Beau aligned his body with hers, pulling her close. He’d missed this, missed her. His hands roamed intimately over the familiar curves, his body throbbing. Moving her backward, he slowly eased her down onto the bed, lying beside her as he slipped the wrap off her shoulders and down her arms. Caressing her, his lips trailing down her neck, he kissed the hollow at the base of her throat, smiling as she arched into him.
“Beau…” She breathed out as his kisses became more urgent.
Raising his head, Beau gazed into her eyes, his breath hitching at the desire he saw. “Do you want me to stop?” He prayed she didn’t, knowing he would if she asked.
Shaking her head, she moved her hands between them, releasing the buttons of his shirt. “Don’t you dare,” she breathed out as she opened his shirt, spreading it wide. “I won’t survive if you stop.”
Although her answer was what he’d hoped to hear, a measure of guilt rested in his gut. A nagging voice sounded in his ear, telling him to stop.
Shaking off the niggling of doubt, focusing on his desire for Caro, a soft smile curved his lips as he captured her mouth again. Groaning as her small hands explored his chest, then moved lower, all he could think about was the woman in his arms and how much he loved her.
“Can you stay?” Her soft breath tickled the hairs on his chest as he stroked her back.
A thread of regret washed over him. “Not tonight. Gabe offered to take my place on watch for a few hours. It was an impulse coming up here to talk with you.”
Her fingers stilled on his chest, remembering his words about needing to talk. She’d ignored him. Doubt now took hold, making her wonder if she’d made a mistake in not hearing what he wanted to say before they’d made love.
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