Silver Belles and Stetsons

by Caroline Clemmons

  She sipped at the coffee, it was rich and creamy, just the way she liked it, but she was too tired and depressed to really enjoy it.

  Zac drank his coffee and ate a sandwich. “You make the best coffee in Forked Creek,” he said, pointedly keeping his gaze averted from Holly.

  “You’re exhausted, my dear. I can see. Drink your coffee and I’ll take you to your room so you can have a lie down. It was too soon after the birth for her to undertake such a long trip, Zac.” Her tone was mildly disapproving.

  “I thought she’d be all right. How was I to know? Anyway, everything was made worse by what happened in the canyon.” He went on to explain.

  Flo looked horrified. “My dear, I am so sorry. I’m glad Gus was there for you.” Her expression softened, her eyes gleamed, when she mentioned his name. “Now there is a real gentleman, if ever there was one.”

  Had the two of them been lovers, Holly wondered. It certainly seemed like it.

  “Come along. Leave the baby, Zac can watch her.”

  Holly followed Flo down the hallway, once again polished boards, but a floral carpet runner ran down the middle of it. The room was pretty. Holly glanced around appreciably.

  “I keep this for my lady guests,” Flo explained. “I’ll light the fire for you. Hop into bed, you can unpack later. I’ve a cane laundry basket we can use as a crib for the baby.”

  “Thank you. I’m so grateful that you’re willing to take us in.”

  Flo turned down the blue and white patchwork quilt to display white, lace trimmed sheets. She leaned down and opened Holly’s trunk to retrieve a nightgown. Groaning, she grabbed her back as she straightened up. “I’ve got a bad back. Arthritis so the doc says.”

  “I could have got it. I don’t expect you to wait on me. A roof over my head and food was all I expected.”

  “You deserve much more, and I’ll see that you get it. Need help changing?”

  “No, thank you.”

  The moment Holly was alone, she changed into her nightgown, before slipping gratefully between the sheets.

  ***

  Zac glanced up and saw Flo marching toward him. “I’m annoyed with you, Zac Goodman.”

  “Why? What have I done?”

  “You took that gal from her childbirth bed and dragged her all the way here.”

  “It was my bed as it happens.”

  “Don’t be hair splittin’. Don’t let what that evil woman did, ruin your life. It’s been over ten years, you’re still a young man. Don’t end up like Rafe, sad and bitter because of something a woman did to him years before.”

  “I might go and get a shave and a haircut.”

  Don’t change the topic. What are you going to do about that gal?”

  “What gal?” He grinned. He liked the way she scolded him as if he was still ten years old.

  “Well, I’m not talking about that baby you’re holding, or those soiled doves you consort with at the Golden Nugget.”

  “You’re talking about Holly. She’s better off without me.”

  “Says who?”

  “Me. I’m no good you know that.” His conciliatory mood was quickly evaporating. He had always had mercurial mood swings, but since he met Holly they were spiraling out of control. He was honest enough to admit it, but only to himself.

  “You’d make a good father and husband.”

  “Sonofabitch,” he muttered.

  “That gal is fond of you, I could see it in her eyes.”

  He gazed down at the baby, and her eyes blinked sleepily at him.

  “She’s recently widowed.”

  “It wasn’t a love match, you as good as said so.”

  He hadn’t told Flo Holly’s full story, he didn’t have the right, but Flo was astute enough to realize it was no love match.

  “You should marry her and give that baby a daddy.”

  “I’m not getting hitched, I’ve told you that a hundred times before.” He stood. “Do you have somewhere the baby can sleep?”

  “Yes, we can use my cane washing basket.”

  “There’s something else.” Zac gnawed his lower lip. He didn’t want to alarm Flo, but she had to be on her guard. “Gus told me Kitty McDonald broke out of jail.”

  “She wouldn’t dare show her face here.”

  “Why not? Half the townsfolk think she was hard done by.”

  “Only because they want old man Winthrop to keep his money here.”

  “Anyway, be careful. I told the sheriff to look out for the three of you, but you know how lazy he is. Besides, he doesn’t want to offend the Winthrops. He’s always crawling up their backsides.”

  After she left the room, Zac stared down at the baby. “You’re a pretty little gal, and so is your mother, but you’re better off without the likes of me. Your ma could easily find herself another husband.” Blood rushed to his head, his gut clenched at the thought of some man putting his hands on her milky white skin. Playing with those creamy breasts. His manhood hardened. It had been purgatory having her sleep in the same room as him. He had fantasized about what he would like to do to her once she recovered from the birth. He crossed his legs to cover his turmoil in case Flo came back and noticed the signs of his arousal.

  Spending time at the Golden Nugget hadn’t been in his plans, but maybe it would divert his thoughts. Ease the ache in his groin.

  Flo returned carrying the clothes basket. She had arranged a blanket inside it to make a comfortable nest for the baby to sleep in. He wrapped the blanket around Merry and put her into the basket.

  “Snug as a bug in a rug,” Flo said.

  “Thanks. Do you want me to carry her into the bedroom?”

  “Yes, my back has been playing up all week.”

  “I thought it might have been. I’ll take her into Holly, then I’ll go down to the barber. I’ve got a few other things to take care of. I’ve got a job lined up for Tuesday, and I’ll be gone about a week.”

  He picked up the basket and carried it to the back bedroom. After depositing it on the floor, he stood staring down at Holly. Her hair splayed out across the pillow. Her face looked as smooth as white marble. There was slight bruising under her eyes. It had been too soon for her to make the journey into town, but how was he to know. The episode at the canyon only worsened things. He wasn’t normally a cruel person, he just wanted her out of his cabin and his life. Some place where he couldn’t be tempted to take advantage of her.

  He swung out of the room before he gave into the urge to kiss those sweet lips. He wasn’t so obtuse as to not realize she harbored feelings for him.

  Marriage couldn’t work between them. He was restless, always searching for action. He enjoyed living on the edge, pitting his skill with his gun against all comers. She’d probably end up being left a widow for the second time. He couldn’t do it to her.

  Flo passed him in the hallway.

  “I’m off to the barber’s now.”

  “You’ll be back in time for supper?”

  “Yes.”

  “Why don’t you take Holly to that new diner? They do an excellent steak. She could do with some fun. I don’t think she’s had much joy in her life.”

  “I’ll think about it.” He left the house, closing the door quietly behind him. Striding down the main street, he gave the impression of looking neither to the right or left, but he was always aware of his surroundings, of danger lurking around every corner. It was his perception for trouble that kept him alive.

  Chapter Eight

  “Howdy, Ray,” Zac greeted the barber. “Do you have time to give me a shave and a haircut?”

  “Sure. I can do you straight away. I heard you found yerself a real purdy woman. Got yerself a keeper.” Ray gave a loud belly laugh as he soaped his shaving brush and lathered Zac’s face.

  “Sonofabitch. I haven’t. She’s recently widowed, so I was merely helping her out.”

  “Did you gun down her husband?”

  “No, I did not.” Zac felt tempted to jump out of the ch
air and leave with his face covered in lather. Gritting his teeth, he stayed where he was, and Flo wondered why he hated Forked Creek. He’d put up with this kind of rubbish for years. He minded his own business, why couldn’t everyone else do the same?

  “I wonder if she’s looking for a new husband? If you ain’t interested, maybe I could ask her out.”

  Zac was tempted to snatch the razor out of Ray’s hands and cut the barber’s throat right here and now. The thought of him looking at, let alone touching Holly with those pudgy hands, infuriated him.

  Holly was getting under his skin. Would a couple of hours over at the Golden Nugget help? He wondered why the thought was suddenly repugnant. Except for Kitty, the only women he’d had sex with were soiled doves from any saloon that took his fancy.

  As soon as Ray had finished, Zac paid him and left. He strode over to the bank to make sure the gold company had transferred his wages. Wouldn’t put it past the greedy varmints to cheat me.

  He had never attended school, but Rafe had taught him to read and write, to do his sums better than most men, but it was useful sometimes for people to think he was an illiterate saddle tramp.

  On the spur of the moment, he went to see the town’s lawyer, and got him to write up, then witness, his last will and testament. He left everything he owned to Holly, except for fifty pounds in cash to Flo. Once the paperwork was drawn up to his satisfaction, he left, and made his way to the mercantile.

  He hovered outside for a moment or two before entering. He would buy the baby a doll for Christmas, something for Holly also. A rag doll with button eyes and a big red grin captured his attention, so he picked it up. On a stand nearby was a straw bonnet trimmed with ribbons almost the same shade of blue as Holly’s eyes.

  Undecided, he dithered for a moment. Before he changed his mind, he marched up to the counter to make his purchases. Old man Simpson’s bushy eyebrows shot up until they almost joined together, but he was smart enough not to pass comment. Feeling mighty foolish carrying a hat box and the doll wrapped in brown paper, Zac strode into the street.

  Flo met him at the door carrying the whimpering baby. “Been shopping?”

  “Yeah. I bought a bonnet for Holly and a rag doll for Merry. Don’t look at me like that.” He didn’t like the smug expression on her face. “Holly told me she’d never had a Christmas present, so I thought I’d buy her one, even if it is two weeks late.”

  “Did I say anything?”

  “No, but you thought it. Holly awake yet?”

  “She was asleep before, that’s why I took this little cherub away. She was starting to fuss, and I didn’t want to wake her mother. That gal’s exhausted.”

  “Well, don’t blame me.” His hackles rose. “I did the best I could. And before you say anything. I am not getting hitched.”

  Women! Even decent ones like Flo had the power to send a man loco. He made his way to the bedroom and peeked through the open door. Holly’s blonde curls spread out over the pillow. Her life had been even tougher than his. Her sweet lips were slightly pursed. He would give up a couple of years pay to be able to taste them.

  Her eyes flickered open, those huge doe-like blue eyes. He felt like drowning in them.

  “Zac.”

  “Yeah, it’s me.” He’d kill any man who stood by her bedside.

  “Where’s Merry?” Her gaze raked the room and he saw panic darken her eyes.

  “Flo has her.”

  “If anything happened to my baby I’d die. She’s all I’ve got.”

  “Nothing is going to happen to her. I bought you a bonnet, for a Christmas present.” He sat on the bed and handed her the box. “Tell me if you like it. And there’s a rag doll for Merry.”

  “You shouldn’t spend your money on us, you’ve already done enough.”

  “I saw it in the mercantile, and I could picture you wearing it.”

  She shot up in bed, and the breath whistled between his teeth, the top of her nightgown was unbuttoned giving him an eyeful of creamy breast.

  He watched the look of awe on her face, the joy lighting up her eyes as she reverently took the bonnet out of the box, and fingered the ribbons with trembling fingers.

  “It’s beautiful. Thank you.” Her lips parted, and his mouth instinctively homed in on them. She tasted even better than he remembered. Shock ricocheted down his body when he deepened the kiss and she responded. He couldn’t help himself. He used his tongue to probe deeper, she tasted so good. Sweet innocence and hot woman combined, was a heady mix.

  His hand cupped her breast and a shaft of burning need shot to his groin. A warm wetness on his hand had him drawing back. She was leaking milk.

  He leapt off the bed. “Sorry, I shouldn’t have done that.” He thrust his fingers through his hair.

  “I…I liked it.”

  Her soft admission pleased him, but it shouldn’t have. He didn’t want to raise her hopes that they had a future together because they didn’t.

  “You’re a beautiful woman, Holly.” He reached out and touched her cheek with his finger. “But we have no future together. I’ve told you how I am with women. With Kitty McDonald on the loose, I could easily end up with a bullet in my back. I don’t want to risk putting you and Merry in danger, either.” He turned and walked away.

  ***

  The baby woke up crying to be fed. Holly didn’t mind because her breasts were sore, heavy with milk. Where was Zac? Probably consorting with the ladies at the Golden Nugget. She hated these faceless women with a passion that shocked her. She wasn’t a vicious person, but would scratch out their eyes if their paths ever crossed.

  Once Merry had finished feeding, Holly changed her, put her back in the basket, climbed back into bed and slept.

  ***

  “Good morning.” Holly woke with a start at Flo’s cheery greeting. She carried a tray containing a plate of bacon and eggs and a pile of flap-jacks. A steaming cup of coffee emitted a wonderful aroma.

  “Thank you, I could have come down to the kitchen.”

  “You need spoiling, my dear.”

  Holly sat up, supporting her back against the pillows as Flo deposited the tray across her knees. “Where’s Zac?”

  “Gone.”

  “Oh!” She tried to keep the disappointment out of her voice.

  “And yes, he did spend the night here, but left at daybreak. I found a note propped on the kitchen table. He’s off on a job, and might be away for a couple of weeks.

  Holly couldn’t hide her relief. “I thought he might have gone over to the Golden Nugget.”

  “Well, he didn’t. Look, my dear, Zac is a good man even though he thinks he’s not. He’s restless, wants to be on the move, but he always returns to the cabin. He could make a living out of the ranch if he chose to.”

  “I love him.”

  “I guessed as much. Be patient with him. He’s fond of you and the baby, he as good as said so, but he’s frightened to commit. I look upon Zac as the son I never had. Eat up now, there’s a good girl.”

  Flo left. It seemed she had a story to tell, and Holly wondered whether she would ever hear it.

  Later, bathed and dressed, Holly made her way to the kitchen. The tantalizing smell of cakes cooking infused her nostrils.

  “I do some cooking for the new diner,” Flo explained, answering Holly’s unspoken query.

  “How many guests do you have staying here at the moment, I haven’t seen anyone else?”

  “I don’t bother much with boarders these day. Sit down and I’ll pour you a coffee.” She bustled around. “I’ll join you. Zac always sleeps here when he’s in town, and there are a couple of other ranchers who stay when they come in. Occasionally I might have a young bank employee, but it’s too much for me. I’ve got a bad back, and I don’t need the money. My late husband was wealthy and left me well provided for.” She brushed a strand of grey hair from her face. “I do it mainly for the company.”

  “So, you’ve known Zac and Rafe for a long time?” Holly sipped
her coffee, hoping Flo could tell her more about Zac’s life. It might help her understand him better.

  “Yes. I knew Rafe before he found Zac. We had a relationship, I’m not ashamed to admit it, even though some of the pious biddies in town didn’t approve. I was widowed young so I still had needs.” She smiled. “Does that shock you?”

  “No, I have needs too, but my husband never met them.”

  “But Zac could?”

  “Yes.”

  Flo patted her hand. “Don’t give up on him. He doesn’t realize how much you mean to him yet. His being away for a couple of weeks might just wake him up to the fact that he needs you.

  “I hope so.”

  “Zac is a lot like Rafe, their passions run deep, yet they’re afraid to show it. In Zac’s case he thinks he’s unworthy, as for Rafe, well he had a wife in England.”

  Holly let out a shocked gasp.

  “She was in the insane asylum. Tried to kill him. Some Lord’s daughter she was, mad from years of inbreeding I suppose.

  “How awful. Did Zac know?”

  “I don’t think so. Rafe told me so I would understand why he could never marry me. I had to accept it, there was nothing that could be done about it. We both had needs, so it was a suitable arrangement. After my husband died, there were only two men I ever slept with.”

  Was the other man Gus? She wanted to ask, but didn’t have the right. “Zac said he was an inventor.” She told Flo about the swinging steel plate over the fire, and the water pipe in the kitchen.

  “Rafe was a brilliant man. Went to Oxford University. He wasted his talents really.” Flo picked up Holly’s hand and held it. “You see, my dear, that’s what happens when we become obsessed with things in our past. It has the power to ruin our lives, if we don’t let it go.” She hesitated, as if deciding whether to go on or not. “Did you know Zac spent time in prison?”

  “Yes, he told me a woman accused him of rape.”

  “Kitty McDonald was her name. She was evil. Still has relatives living in Forked Creek who don’t believe what she did. They hate Zac for it. Blame him even though he was exonerated. Can you believe these people thought Zac should stay in prison, and let another innocent man be convicted of the same crime, just to keep her out of prison. There’s insanity in the family, I’m sure of it. Normal people don’t act like that.”