by Lyn Horner
“Theo, how’d you like to earn a little extra today?” the storekeeper asked.
“Sure would, Mister Gable.” The dark-haired youth nodded eagerly. “What do you want me to do?”
“You recall Tye Devlin, the tall Irishman who used to work up at the Silver Angel?”
“Uh-huh, I seen him with you the other day. ’Member? When he came back.”
“That’s right. I forgot you were here when he showed up. Well sir, he’s out nosing around for a fresh claim, but I need to see him right away. He planned to try up past Cherokee Gulch first. How about you and a couple of your friends go round him up for me. I’ll pay each of you four bits, tell the others.”
“Yes sir! I know just the ones,” Theo said excitedly. Standing his broom in a corner, he started for the door.
“Hold on, I’m not done,” Wiley called, bringing him to a halt. “When you boys find Devlin, I want you to tell him it’s important for him to get back here quick. Kind of an emergency, say. And Theo, you’re not to mention Miss Crawford here, got that?”
“Yes sir,” the youth said, shooting Lil an inquisitive glance.
Wiley nodded. “All right, get going.”
“Be sure you boys tell your mothers where you’re off to,” Etta Gable added as Theo dashed out the door.
“We will,” he yelled back, taking off like a shot up the street.
“That ought to bring Tye back here,” Wiley said confidently.
“Mmm, if he doesn’t have heart failure along the way, thinking somebody died,” Etta commented dryly.
Her husband chuckled. “It won’t hurt him to get a little scared, and it’s the only way he’ll come in quick.” Smiling at Etta and Lil, he suggested, “Why don’t you two ladies go upstairs and visit a while. You need to get off your feet, sweetheart, and I can mind things down here. Josh will help me, won’t you, son.”
“Oh boy! Can I work the regi . . . regir –”
Wiley chuckled. “The cash register?”
“Yeah! Can I, Papa? Please?”
“All right, come on over here and I’ll give you a boost.”
With a squeal of delight, the little boy scampered around behind the counter with his father while Lil followed Etta Gable upstairs to the family’s living quarters.
A combination parlor and kitchen faced the rear of the building. The stairs came up on the parlor side of the room. Noting two doors along the far wall, Lil guessed they led to bedrooms overlooking the street. There was also a door set in the back wall. She assumed that one opened onto outside stairs, a precaution in case of fire no doubt.
The parlor sported a braid rug worked in shades of rose and brown. Two armchairs, covered with tanned hide, faced each other from opposite ends of the rug. Between them and set back, stood a rose-brocaded sofa with dark walnut legs that curved upward gracefully into ornate arms. The arched back was topped by a fretwork band of carved leaves and curlicues.
Lil stared in awe at the fancy sofa, drawing an amused chuckle from her hostess.
“It was a gift from my parents back in Pennsylvania. They wanted me to have one piece of civilization, they said.” Etta’s wry smile became one of pride as she gestured at the chairs. “Wiley built the chairs and the rest of our furniture with his own two hands.”
“You don’t say. He did a mighty fine job,” Lil said, admiring the man’s careful workmanship.
“Yes, he enjoys building things. He hopes to do it for a living someday. Go ahead and sit down. I’ll get us some coffee. Or do you prefer tea?”
“No, ma’am, coffee’s my drink.” Afraid to touch the sofa, Lil took a seat on one of the chairs. It was comfortable, but she sat stiffly erect, too tense to relax.
“Call me Etta,” the other woman reminded her as she waddled over to the kitchen area, where a cast iron stove squatted in the back corner. Between the stove and the back door stood a dry sink, and a china closet was positioned against the far side wall. A gingham covered dining table, surrounded by four ladder-back chairs, occupied the center of the kitchen. All of the furniture pieces were beautifully finished. Wiley Gable really was a talented craftsman.
His wife brought out a pair of cups and saucers from the china closet and crossed to the stove, where an enameled coffee pot sat warming.
“You need some help?” Lil belatedly thought to ask.
“No, no, I’m fine, just a bit ungainly. Would you like milk and sugar?”
“No ma’am, uh, I mean Etta. I take it straight.” A moment later, Lil accepted a steaming cup, balanced on a delicate china saucer. “Thanks.”
“Careful, it’s hot,” Etta said, lowering her bulk into the other armchair with a sigh.
Aware of the woman’s discreet scrutiny as they sipped their coffee, Lil avoided her gaze. She had no idea what to say.
“You’re very brave to come all this way after Tye,” Etta commented. “Do you love him?”
Startled by her directness, Lil set her cup on the saucer with a clink. “Yes, I do,” she replied, looking straight into those watchful amber eyes. Her answer drew a smile of approval.
“Well, if it’s any comfort, I’m quite certain Tye regrets parting with you. He, ah, mentioned there was a gunfight.”
Lil nodded. Avoiding the subject, she said, “You and your husband know him pretty well, I take it.”
“Wiley worked in the same mine with Tye and his partner, Tom Pearce, for a while.” Etta made a face, clearly not liking the memory of that period in her husband’s life. “They got to be friends, and after we bought the store we often had Tye and Tom up to dinner. Then, after the cave-in . . . . Did Tye tell you about that?”
“He told me.”
“I’m glad. He needed to talk about it, but he couldn’t back then. You see, he stayed with us afterward, until he was strong enough to travel.” Gazing down at her coffee, Etta shook her head. “He had terrible nightmares.”
“H-he didn’t tell me about it ’til just lately,” Lil confided, feeling at ease with the woman, perhaps because she seemed to genuinely care about Tye. “But I know he blames himself for his partner being killed.”
“I know. Poor man,” Etta murmured. Then she cleared her throat and asked abruptly, “How did you happen to meet him?”
Lil grinned, remembering that day a year ago. “I was trying to drag a mired calf out of a mud hole on my folks’ ranch when he rode up behind me. I didn’t know he was there ’til I heard him laugh, and that nearly made me jump out of my skin. Then, when I turned and saw him I couldn’t believe my own eyes. He was riding the worst looking hoss I ever saw, and he had on this ugly checked suit and . . . .”
* * *
Darkness shrouded the town as Tye strode toward Wiley’s place. Sundown came early in this high, narrow valley, enclosed as it was by the surrounding peaks.
Tye had sent Theo and the other boys back ahead of him while he packed up his camp, ordering them to tell Wiley he was on his way. The lads hadn’t known what the big emergency was, or so they said. From the furtive looks they’d exchanged, he wasn’t sure he believed them about any of this. If it was all some kind of prank, he’d box the scamps’ ears. Meanwhile, he had to find out if something had happened to Wiley or his family. He hoped it wasn’t Etta and the baby. She’d already lost one wee one that he knew of. It would be a shame if it happened again, especially when she was so far along.
Another possibility had occurred to Tye the instant Theo and his friends delivered their message. Could it be Lil was in need of him so soon? Had David sent word? Just as instantly, he’d realized that was impossible. Uncertain whether he’d stay around Silver Plume or move on, he hadn’t yet sent word to Jessie and David. They couldn’t very well get in touch with him when they didn’t know where he was, something he’d best correct as soon as possible.
Now that he thought about it, David might still be on his way back home. It had only been a week or so since he’d left Wichita, Tye realized, although it seemed like forever since he’d said good-bye to
Lil.
Thoughts of her occupied him from the moment he awoke each morning until he fell asleep at night, and then she walked his dreams. The loss of her had left a gaping wound in his heart. Sometimes he wished Frank Howard had shot him dead that day in Wichita; surely death was preferable to life without Lil.
Worst of all, he knew how badly he’d hurt her. How was she? Was she still furious, did she hate him for leaving her? Perhaps it would be best if she did. Aye, better she should hate him and find someone else, someone worthy of her love. Yet the thought of her in another man’s arms, sharing his bed, bearing his children . . . . No! He mustn’t think of it, or he’d drive himself mad.
He stowed his bulky pack under Wiley’s back stairs, mounted the steps and knocked. He’d heard muffled voices within, but now there came silence, followed by a man’s heavy tread.
The door opened partway, and Wiley stared out at him. His lips quivered, as if he was struggling not to laugh – or cry.
“Wiley, man, what’s wrong? Is it Etta and the babe?”
“No! No, they’re fine, thank God. It’s your . . . . See for yourself, old son.” Wiley smiled like a cat who’d just cornered a fat mouse as he opened the door wider and stepped aside.
Tye frowned at him and walked in. Then he stopped cold. Across the room, Lil stood gazing at him, pale and wide-eyed.
“Tye!” she gasped, breasts rising and falling rapidly.
He felt as if someone had clouted him with a hammer. “Lily? God’s teeth! What are ye doing here?”
* * *
“I had to come,” Lil whispered, noting the shadows that ringed his eyes, as if he hadn’t been sleeping well. He was also badly in need of a shave, and his shirt and pants were stained with dirt. Even so, he’d never looked so good to her. But his scowl . . . . Oh God, what if he truly didn’t want her?
He uttered a strangled oath and took a step toward her. “Had to come? D’ye mean . . . ?” He glanced at her belly, getting his question across.
Cheeks growing warm, Lil shot a glance at Etta. The woman gave her a sympathetic smile, then glanced at Wiley.
“Let’s get Josh ready for bed, Wiley,” she said, and over Josh’s protest, she shooed the two of them into one of the bedrooms.
As soon as the door closed behind them, Tye asked, “Are ye carrying my babe, Lily?”
She clasped her hands tightly and shook her head. “That’s not why . . . I mean, no, I’m not.” Watching him close his eyes in relief, and feeling a twinge of hurt at his reaction, she blurted, “Oh, Tye, I couldn’t let you just walk away.”
He opened his eyes, and they were clouded with emotion. He swallowed hard, clearly fighting for control. “Well, ye may as well turn around and go back to Texas, because I don’t want ye here,” he said through his teeth.
It wasn’t anger Lil heard in his voice, it was pain. And as he spoke, his gaze roamed over her as if he couldn’t help himself.
“Liar! I read the note you left for David. Even before that I figured out why you thought you had to leave. You want me, Tye, just as much as I want you.” Gathering her courage, she advanced on him. She stopped inches away from him, close enough to pick up the odor of campfire smoke on his clothes and the familiar man scent of him. He radiated warmth like the Texas sun, drawing her to him.
“Deny it if you can,” she challenged, eyes locked with his. She reached out to touch the hollow of his throat above the open collar of his shirt, and he jerked as if snakebit.
“Don’t!” he cried, seizing her shoulders.
Before he could push her away, she leaned into him and rubbed against him, reminding him of how it was between them.
“Oh God!” he choked. A look of naked desire swept over his face, and with a groan of despair, he clasped her to him, mouth welding fiercely with hers.
Lil gave herself to his plundering kiss and rejoiced as his hand cupped her bottom, pressing her against the hard evidence of his need. Her own body pulsated with bone-deep hunger, and she found herself wishing desperately for a few moments of real privacy.
At last, he broke off the kiss. Flushed and breathing hard, he forced a space between them. “How did ye manage to get here?” he questioned hoarsely, hands kneading her shoulders.
She gave an uneven laugh. “I came by train and stage, same as you.”
“Aye, but how did ye know where I’d be?”
“I didn’t until last night,” she said, brushing a black lock of hair from his forehead. When he frowned impatiently, she shrugged. “I asked in every town along the way, all right? Finally, I ran into an acquaintance of yours down in Georgetown.”
He snorted in disgust. “Damned persistent of ye, I must say.”
“That’s right. And now you’re coming home with me.”
Releasing her, he stepped back. “No, Lily. You’ll go home, to be sure, but I’m not going with ye. I won’t risk your life and everyone else’s.”
“Tye, will you listen to reason? You don’t even know for sure that Judd Howard will come after you, but if he does, you can’t face him alone. With Pa and David and their men backing you up, Judd would likely pull in his horns. Have you thought of that?”
“No, and I don’t believe it anymore than you do. A man out for vengeance doesn’t count the cost. I’m not going back with ye. That’s final.”
She took in his blue glare and the mulish set of his jaw, and shrugged. “Fine, then I’ll stay here with you.”
“Damned if ye will! You’ll leave on the next stage out.”
Crossing her arms, she cocked her head. “Is that right? And just how will you make me go?”
He narrowed his eyes and bent toward her until his nose nearly touched hers. “You’ll go, woman, tied up and gagged if necessary,” he grated.
Lil reared back, tempted to sock him. “You stubborn Irishman! Just try it and . . . .” She stopped to calm herself. A shouting match would get her nowhere.
“You’re bigger than me, so you might be able to do it. But let me tell you, Tye Devlin, you won’t get rid of me that easily.” She poked him in the chest with each word. “Because the first chance I get, I’ll turn right around and come back.”
“Aye?” He batted her hand aside to stop her poking at him. “Well, ye won’t find me here because I’ll be long gone by the time ye make it back.”
She sighed and nodded. “Then I’ll follow you, and I’ll keep on following you until you quit running. I’m going to stick to you like a bronc rider that can’t be throwed. Accept that now and save us both a heap of trouble.”
Gritting his teeth, he gripped her shoulders again and gave her a shake. “Begorra! If you were able to track me down, then so will Howard. Can’t ye see that? I don’t want ye near me when he and his men show up.”
“That’s just too bad! Because I’ll be here, standing right next to you with my gun blazing if it comes to that.”
Snarling, he released her and pivoted away. “Fool woman! Ye could be killed.”
Sensing she’d almost won, Lil moved close and slipped her arms around his waist, pressing herself to his back. “Tye, I’d rather die with you than live without you.”
Catching her hands, he squeezed them. “Christ! I should have stayed away from ye right from the start,” he muttered hoarsely. “If I had, you’d be safe at home right now.”
“If you had, I’d still be only half alive. You made me whole. You gave me the chance to be what I was meant to be, a woman.” As she spoke, he turned to hold her, and she gazed up at him. “I belong to you. Don’t send me away.”
A defeated groan rose from his chest. “Oh, Lily, what am I to do with ye?”
She smiled. “First off, you might kiss me again.”
He gave a shaky laugh. “Aye, perhaps I can manage that.”
He managed well enough to leave her breathless and aching for more. Afterward his hands framed her face, thumbs caressing her cheeks, while he studied her. As on previous occasions, she felt as if he were looking into her head, reading h
er thoughts.
“You’re thinking ye have me cornered,” he said, jolting her with his perceptiveness.
“I am?”
“Aye. You’re certain you’ve left me no choice but to take ye back to Texas. Because I know you’ll be safer there than here alone with me.”
Lil gasped. “Are you some kind of mind reader?”
He smiled crookedly. “Not exactly. Let’s just say I can see the truth in your eyes, ye conniving minx. Now admit it, ’tis what ye planned all along.”
“Fine, I admit it.” She refused to flinch or feel an ounce of guilt. “Did it work? Have I left you no choice?”
“’Twould seem so, but I’ll go on one condition only.”
She eyed him suspiciously. “What condition?”
He grinned. “On the condition that ye first become my wife.”
Lil caught her breath and gaped at him, wondering if she’d heard him right.
“Well? Will ye marry me?” Tye asked, bluebonnet eyes aglow.
Her own eyes filled with tears. “Yes,” she whispered.
CHAPTER TWENTY
The street was just coming to life as Lil gazed out her second floor window. She stretched, trying to limber up her stiff back, and wished Etta had let her spread a pallet in the parlor last night instead, of making her take Josh’s bedroom.
Etta had insisted Josh wouldn’t mind sleeping with her and Wiley for a few nights, but Lil didn’t like putting anybody out. She also figured a pallet might be more comfortable than Josh’s short sleigh bed – another example of Wiley’s handiwork. Not that she wasn’t mighty grateful to the Gables for taking her in.
Of course, if she’d had her way she would have spent last night in Tye’s arms, she conceded with a grin. She’d suggested as much when he led her out onto the back landing for a heated good-night kiss, but he’d sternly shaken his head.
“Nay, love, I’ll not have Wiley and Etta thinking ill of ye. And much as I need ye now, this very minute, the next time I make love to ye, I want it to be as your husband.”
Hard to argue with that, Lil mused, pulling on her trusty blue gown. She buttoned the bodice and brushed out her hair, letting it hang loose, hoping Tye would like it. He’d planned to camp outside of town and come by this morning to get her, so they could make their wedding arrangements. Eager for him to arrive, she figured she’d best keep busy until he did.