Leather and Lace

by DiAnn Mills

  “I’ll take care of Bonnie.” Casey wiped some of the blood from her hands onto the grass, then stood and ventured toward Bonnie. The stains on her dress would have to stay until she got back to the parsonage.

  Bonnie’s lips quivered, and she glanced beyond Casey’s face. “Will he live?”

  “I believe so,” Casey said. “Although he’s lost a lot of blood. Take a few deep breaths until you feel better.” God, help me. I’d like to slap her, and I know that’s not the way You want me to be.

  “I’m sorry. I simply couldn’t move.” Bonnie wrung her hands. “How ever did you take care of him?”

  “Comes natural, I think. Are you able to walk back?”

  Bonnie nodded and avoided Casey’s scrutiny. “Usually I faint, but this time I didn’t look at what was going on.” She broke into sobs. “Oh Shawne, if left to me, poor Rafael would have died. Mama will be so angry and disappointed. I am so weak—and the rest of the family will be frightfully upset with me.”

  At the sight of Bonnie’s tears, Casey’s heart softened. She had no right to judge the younger woman’s reaction to the injury. What if Bonnie knew the life she’d led with a gang of outlaws? “Some folks handle things differently than others.”

  Bonnie lifted her dainty chin. “I’ll tell Mama about what happened. Not that she’ll be surprised.”

  The two walked back to the house in silence. Obviously the sight of blood still shook Bonnie, for she quietly wept. How odd for a girl who grew up on a ranch to become so upset over a little blood.

  At the house, Bonnie told the story to her mother word for word, leaving out nothing. Casey listened with no desire to add any of her own reflections. Later, after Jocelyn had tended to the wounds and Grant had rode after the doctor, Jocelyn pulled Casey aside.

  “Thanks for what you did out there.”

  “I’m glad I could help.”

  “I believe Rafael will be all right. Frankly, my daughter worries me. Do you know what I’d have done?”

  Casey eyed the woman squarely.

  “I’d have made her help whether she wanted to or not. That boy could have died.”

  She nodded, knowing well what Jocelyn meant. Managing a ranch the size of the Double H and rearing Bonnie and Grant took a strong woman. Casey wanted to be just like her. For a moment she wondered if Morgan wanted that kind of woman too.

  *****

  On Monday morning, Morgan rode into town to see Ben Kahler. He hadn’t heard about Rafael’s injury until late Sunday afternoon. Pride nearly caused him to explode with what Casey had done. The praises from his family and Jesse fortified his belief in her ability to live a life free from those who wanted her dead. He regretted not telling her himself, but by the time he returned from the cabin, she’d elected to ride into town with Grant and Rafael to meet the doctor, who had been out on another case. That’s my Casey, tending to those who are hurt.

  Now, as he made his way down the streets to Ben Kahler’s office, he deliberated how to handle seeing his old friend. Amends needed to be made with Ben, but Morgan also needed to find out about the Jenkins gang. Using friendship to help Casey ground at his resolve to live for the Lord.

  He tied Twister to the hitching post and glanced around at the town. If Jenkins discovered Casey was here, he’d tear the place apart. Innocent people would lie dead in the streets, people he knew and cared for. Whether Casey agreed with him or not, Morgan intended to start working on her case. He no more believed she was guilty of all the crimes credited to her name than he doubted God’s hand in bringing the two of them back together.

  Stepping into Ben’s office, he found his friend at a clean desk, reading a newspaper.

  “Is this town so quiet that you have to find things to keep busy?” Morgan said. “Your desk is clean except for that stack of wanted posters.”

  Ben dropped the paper, and a wide grin spread across his face. He stood and grabbed Morgan’s hand. “Why didn’t you tell me yesterday you were heading into town? We could have gone fishing.”

  “I’m right. Kahlerville is much too tame for you. Of course, the folks here owe that to you.”

  “I think a few other folks had a hand in it, too. Sit down. How long are you home?”

  “Permanently. I left the old Morgan behind.”

  “So seeing you in church yesterday wasn’t to please your mother?”

  “Nope. Me and the Lord are back on speaking terms, or rather I started listening.”

  “Good. I’m glad, real glad.”

  “Well, Sheriff Kahler, I have a question for you.”

  Ben raised a brow. “Fishing? Hunting? You name it.”

  Morgan laughed. “Are your intentions honorable when it comes to my sister?”

  His face reddened. “How’d you know?”

  “I’m a lawyer, remember? I’m supposed to look for signs of guilt. And by the way you two were eyeing each other yesterday, I doubt if either of you could recall the sermon.”

  “Guilty. And, yes, I have honorable intentions. I want to come calling on Bonnie.”

  “You didn’t need my permission. We’ve always been like brothers. Couldn’t think of a better man to come courtin’.”

  “Thanks. I might just ride over your way tonight. Want to head over to the boardinghouse for some coffee, catch up on old times?”

  “Sure, but first I want to know if you’ve heard anything about Jenkins and his bunch. I may be finished chasing after him, but he still needs to face a judge.”

  Ben nodded. “I read everything I can get my hands on about that gang. The last I heard he was spending most of his time looking for his woman.”

  “I heard she left him. Can’t blame her.”

  “She has a price on her head, too. I’d like to get both of them.”

  “I’d rather find him.”

  Ben shrugged. “And I’d like to be the one to catch the whole gang. You know, I found myself studying every redheaded woman in this town. I even took a second look at Miss Flanagan, the woman who’s taking care of the reverend’s wife. Makes me ashamed of myself.”

  “You’re just wanting to be the lawman who ends the Jenkins gang. You probably want a dime novel written about you.” Morgan forced a laugh while his insides churned.

  Ben leaned across his desk. “It has crossed my mind.”

  Chapter 16

  Morgan left Ben’s office and made his way down the dusty street to the telegraph office. Doc needed to know what was going on. His meeting with Ben had reinforced what Morgan feared: Casey wasn’t safe. Kahlerville had not been a good choice.

  Or had it? His mind jumped from one alternative to the other. Ben had a reputation for being a tough lawman. He’d soon put aside any thoughts of Casey’s looks because it would be stupid for her to settle here. Also, Morgan and Casey were keeping company. No one would ever expect him to have connections with her. Or would Ben figure it out? Casey and Ben were clever as foxes, but who’d outsmart the other?

  He sent Doc a telegram stating he had their problem under control. Who am I fooling?

  Before he realized what he was doing, Morgan had walked to the parsonage. Maybe she’d have time to talk. The reverend sat on the front porch with his Bible and some paper, no doubt working on his next sermon.

  “Is Miss Shawne free to speak to me for a few minutes?”

  The reverend chuckled. “Did she agree for you to come courtin’?”

  “No. I hoped to persuade her a bit.”

  “She’s inside, Morgan. Go on in. Last I saw of her, she was working on a peach cobbler.”

  He found her in the kitchen. “I smell peaches. Are you baking something for me?”

  She startled and smiled. “You might be risking your life.”

  “Wouldn’t be the first time.”

  She glanced away, then wiped her hands. “How’s Rafael?”

  “Doing fine, thanks to you. The doctor patched him up, but he’ll be down for a while.”

  “Are you here to see me?”


  “I am. Got a matter to discuss with you.” He looked about. “Is it safe to talk?”

  “I believe so.” Suddenly she paled. “There’s trouble. I can see it in your face.”

  “Maybe. I’ve just come from the sheriff’s office.”

  She stiffened. “And what did he say?”

  “He’s determined to catch the Jenkins gang.”

  “That could be good as long as he doesn’t recognize me. Or has he?”

  “Not yet, and I don’t know if he will. He’d never suspect you as long as the town knows we’re friends.”

  “That makes sense. I suppose they all know you were after Jenkins.” She sighed. “I think I need to leave town. By the time Sheriff Kahler realized I was gone, I’d be miles away.”

  “Still running.”

  “Suppose so.”

  “Then let me help you clear your name. Forget about me courting. I’d like it, but saving you is more important.”

  “I don’t know, Morgan. The more I think on it, the more I wonder if my choices are to either ride out of here or turn myself in.”

  He stepped closer and took her hand. “Please stay. We can make things right with the law.”

  She sighed and shook her hand free. “It’s not you that’s fixin’ to swing.”

  *****

  Sarah and the reverend introduced Casey to countless people over the days that followed. Occasionally ladies from the church stopped by to bring gifts of food or flowers and visit with Sarah. Unfamiliar faces soon became friends, and Casey learned to relax and make sure she had something to serve them. Slowly the woman she wanted to become emerged from the shell of doubt and despair. But the lingering shadows of Sheriff Kahler and Jenkins clung to every thought. She desperately wanted to leave Kahlerville, but each time she prayed, God impressed upon her to stay. She didn’t know why. One thing she knew for certain: She must find the strength to tell the reverend and Sarah the truth.

  “I see the Subtle Matchmakers Society has arrived,” Reverend Rainer said to her one afternoon when several ladies visited with Sarah.

  Casey felt her cheeks grow warm. “They didn’t bring anyone for me to meet today.” She glanced about for fear one of the well-meaning ladies might overhear.

  He chuckled, and his gray eyes twinkled. “Now was it two or three young men who escorted them last week? I believe they were out-of-town guests of one of our church members.”

  She grinned and stared at the stairway. “Just two, and they were very polite.”

  “Ah, one of them looked like he’d been run over by a herd of stampeding buffalo.”

  “Reverend!”

  John Rainer roared. “Well, he was a bit homely.”

  Cautiously, she peered up the stairs to the balcony. “Hush, his aunt will hear.”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  They both laughed.

  He leaned in closer. “I don’t believe Morgan has a thing to worry about.”

  He didn’t. They hadn’t talked since the day he told her about Sheriff Kahler’s ambitions, and that was over two weeks ago. But the thought lingered. Every time she saw him, her heart did a little flip.

  *****

  Morgan stood outside the parsonage. His boots were shined. His clothes were clean, and his insides rumbled like a thunderstorm. He’d rather face a courtroom of wolves. Taking a deep breath, he knocked on the door. Nearly three weeks had passed since he’d asked Casey about courting. She’d had long enough to think about it. Seeing her in church and when she came to visit the ranch drove him to the edge of taking a plunge over a cliff. Today he had to find out.

  The reverend greeted him with a firm handshake. “Won’t you come in?”

  “I can wait out here. Is Casey free to talk?”

  “You two.” The reverend chuckled. “She’s with Sarah. Let me check with her. Sure you don’t want to wait inside?”

  “No. This’ll be fine.”

  Once the reverend disappeared, Morgan paced the front porch. He scared off a black cat and nearly knocked over a plant. His insides hadn’t been this shook up since he tried his first case. Casey O’Hare had no right to stir up his mind like this.

  I’m being selfish here. Sarah may need her. But Sarah doesn’t know the danger her Shawne is in.

  The door opened. Casey’s smile made him tongue-tied—Morgan Andrews, the lawyer who had all the confidence. She wore a light blue dress that matched her eyes. Her hair was swept up loosely in the back except for a few curls that framed her face. God could not have created a more beautiful woman. She stepped onto the porch and shut the door behind her.

  “The reverend said you wanted to talk to me. Sarah’s sleeping, so I have a few minutes.”

  “How is she?”

  “About the same. Some days are good, and others are hard.” She kept her distance. Perhaps she’d already made up her mind.

  He wet his lips. “Have you made a decision about us?”

  “I have.” She paused. “I believe if you want to call on me, after all the things I’ve done and with the understanding that the law or Jenkins could ride up to the parsonage today, I’m willing.”

  Morgan felt himself smiling from the inside out. “Could we start with a picnic after church?”

  “That would be fine.”

  “And I’d like to discuss the other item we spoke about.”

  “All right.” Her slender shoulders lifted and fell. “I’ll have the food ready after church.”

  “I was going to ask Bonnie.”

  “No need. Consider the picnic a payment for our other discussion.”

  *****

  On Sunday morning, Casey woke before five to fry chicken, boil corn, roast potatoes, and bake a blackberry cobbler. She cooked plenty so the reverend and Sarah didn’t have to concern themselves with dinner. All during church, her mind wandered. She dreamed about spending the afternoon with Morgan. She’d mentally shake herself and give the reverend her attention. She’d heard him give the sermon yesterday for Sarah’s review, but that wasn’t an excuse to ignore him today.

  When the service dismissed, Casey whirled around to find Morgan at her side. She laughed. He seemed as excited as a little boy finding a litter of puppies. Once they said their proper good-byes, he escorted her to the parsonage.

  “I forgot to tell you one very important thing about picnics,” he said as he loaded the back of the wagon with the picnic basket.

  “What’s that?” She started to add that she’d never been on a picnic before, but decided against it.

  “You have to let me kiss you.”

  “Morgan!” She glanced in every direction. “What if someone heard you?”

  “I’m only being honest.” He chuckled and helped her onto the wagon seat. “I might have to apologize.”

  So he wanted to tease? “No point in apologizing for something that won’t happen.” Her heart raced, but she willed it to calm. With a kiss, you’d steal a bit more of my heart.

  “If you want to eat, it’ll cost you a kiss.”

  “But I cooked the food.” They laughed together, which began talk of familiar matters from the weather to the latest rumors on the outlaw trail. Neither of them mentioned Jenkins or the sheriff. No point in ripping open old wounds. They headed out of town over a winding road that led over rolling hills.

  “Did you like Arizona?” Nervousness had set in, causing her to search her frenzied mind for something to say.

  “Naw, too dry and desolate for me and a lot of hard riding. But the desert does have a beauty all its own. The sunset reminds me of the color of your hair.”

  Casey blushed crimson and couldn’t think of a single reply.

  He laughed. “I don’t recall any wanted posters mentioning the many shades of red in your face.” He paused. “Do you miss any of the old life?”

  Her skin chilled with irritation. “No, I don’t miss any of it except racing my horse across a flat stretch of land. Why?”

  “No reason.” His eyes fixed on the road—unreadabl
e.

  Silence rode between them.

  “I’m starved.” He avoided her gaze. “I know a good spot down to the right. It’s near a creek, lots of overhanging trees covered with moss.”

  He suddenly sounded cold. What had happened since leaving the parsonage?

  “I’m hungry, too.”

  Morgan jumped to the ground and reached to help her from the wagon. The moment his hands grasped her firmly by the waist, a shiver raced from her head to her toes. Their gazes locked as he fairly swept her up into the air and down onto the soft earth. She remained motionless and dizzy beneath the cool shade, not wanting to break the spell or allow her feelings to rule the moment. He lifted a wisp of a curl from the side of her face and wound it around his finger while he searched her features. She questioned his thoughts, for his brow wrinkled in a curious manner.

  With an inward sigh, she wondered if her eyes told what she could not say. His thumb traced the outline of her mouth, then lifted her chin. A slight curve played upon his lips as he descended upon hers, gently tasting, as if she were a fine porcelain doll ready to shatter into irreparable pieces. The touch, the unspoken feelings, everything she ever dared to believe in his kiss soared far beyond her deepest dreams. As his kiss deepened, her first real kiss, the reality of being alone with Morgan cautioned her, and she pulled herself away from him.

  “I told you I might need to apologize.” He released her, yet his attention stayed focused on her.

  “There’s no need.” She glanced away.

  “I don’t understand why God put you in my life.” He took her clammy hands into his and inhaled deeply. “We are the two most unlikely people in the world to be together.”

  “I think this has more to do with your past than what you’re telling me.” Was now the right time to ask about his deceased wife?

  “Someday I might be able to talk about it.”

  “Until then?”

  “We’ll see what God brings.” Morgan touched her cheek. “I care about you, Casey. Don’t you know that by now? I’ve ridden miles looking for you. I’ve dreamed of you for weeks on end. And now . . . now you’re here in arm’s reach, and I don’t know what to do.”