The Halsey Brothers Series

by Paty Jager

  His heart squeezed at the ease with which this child bestowed her feelings. He didn’t know what to do. Surely giving her a kiss back would be frowned on by the mother. He glanced sideways. Aileen appeared just as perplexed with the situation as he.

  “Thank you, Shayla.” He set her back on the ground and hurried to his horse. Placing the contract in the saddlebag, he mounted.

  He rode out of the valley stunned by the intimacy he felt with the widow and the happiness the child swelled in his heart. The innocent kiss of the child, the loneliness and desire in the woman’s eyes that set his body on fire, and the censure in the boy all pulled at different emotions. Emotions that would only get him in trouble.

  Chapter 7

  “What do you mean you have to order a bathtub?” Ethan slapped his hand down on the counter in the mercantile and stared daggers at the merchant cowering behind the long, wood structure.

  “I don’t have any bathtubs only wash tubs. I could sell—”

  “I need a bathtub. By tomorrow morning.” Ethan ran a hand over his face. It was already getting near dark. He could get to Baker City tonight, but by the time he waited for the mercantile to open, loaded his purchase and headed back, he wouldn’t get to the Miller’s until mid afternoon and would have lost a whole day of work.

  “Who was the last person to buy a tub from you?” If he couldn’t get a new one, he’d purchase the next best thing and replace the one he bought.

  “It was months ago. Don’t have much call for the fancy sitting tubs.”

  “Who was it?” He wished they had one at the cabin. Then he could haul it over to Aileen and not stand in the middle of the damn mercantile feeling like his world had spun out of control over a damn bathtub.

  “Widow James over at Myrle’s.”

  Ethan groaned. Could it get any worse? Myrle wasn’t a problem, she’d understand. But how the hell was he to explain to the besotted Widow James why he needed her bathtub?

  He stomped out of the mercantile and stared at Myrle’s house. The chill in the late afternoon air did little to dispel the ripples of apprehension tickling his neck hairs. He had men coming tomorrow to start work on the foundation. If Aileen didn’t get a bathtub, they couldn’t work.

  Growling, he set his teeth and headed to Myrle’s. The door swung easily in his hand as the Widow James opened it for him and tittered. He didn’t want to lead her on, but he needed her bathtub.

  “Afternoon, Mrs. James.” He doffed his hat and smiled even as he ground his teeth.

  “Mr. Halsey.” Her eyelashes fluttered, and she placed a bony, wrinkled hand to her loose-skinned throat like a coy young woman.

  “Myrle here?” He knew he couldn’t avoid the woman when she was the one he had to speak to, but he hoped maybe Myrle would be his go-between. Ask the woman for the tub and all. That way he could avoid saying anything that would give the woman thoughts of a marriage proposal.

  “She went to the doc’s.”

  “Anything wrong with her?” He didn’t like the idea of Myrle being sick.

  The widow giggled. “No, she just likes to visit with the doc. She should be back in a while.” Mrs. James slid her hand around his arm, drawing him to a table. “I could sit with you while you wait.” Again the graying eyelashes fluttered.

  The sight made his skin crawl with wariness. “I could use a cup of coffee.” With something stronger added. He sat in a chair with his back to the wall. He didn’t want this woman sneaking up on him.

  She returned with two cups and a coffee pot. She filled the cups, set a colorful pad down, and placed the pot on top.

  “What did you need to see Myrle about? Maybe I can help.” She lifted the cup and took a dainty sip never taking her gaze off him.

  Ethan squirmed and took a gulp of the coffee. He set the cup down and eyed her. She gave off all the signals of a woman out looking for a man. Damn. He rubbed his hands on his thighs and didn’t miss the wayward glance she sent to his crotch.

  “Mrs. James…” he swallowed, “I have a favor to ask.” Her eyes lit up like he’d handed her bag of gold. Or a wedding ring.

  “I’d do anything for you Mr. Halsey.” Her breathy statement tipped him back in the chair.

  He cleared his throat, not sure if he really wanted to be beholden to this woman. “Ma’am, I was wondering if you could give me your bathtub. I’d replace it with a new one.”

  Her head jerked, and she stared at him. “Why ever do you want my tub?”

  “It’s a long story ma’am. But I need a bathtub by tomorrow morning. The mercantile doesn’t have any. I’ll have Mr. Holcomb order you one, and I’ll pay for it.”

  Her glance darted to his lips and then back up to his eyes. He groaned inside. What kind of a deal would he have to make to get that damn tub?

  “So you need this tub—pretty bad?” She leaned closer. The lines on her face and the sag in her skin did little to stave off the fear quivering in his gut.

  “Yes, ma’am it will save me a lot of money to get your tub.”

  Her thinning eyebrow shot up, and she tipped her head. “How could my bathtub save you money?”

  “I told you it was a long story.”

  “If you want my tub, I think you need to tell me this long story.” She leaned closer, her hand reaching out to his.

  Where the hell was Myrle? This woman was making like a whore, brushing up against him and practically purring.

  “If you don’t tell me, no tub.” She eased her chair closer to his.

  He took a large swallow of coffee and stared into the cup as he began his tale of building a stamp mill and how he got the rights to build it on Cracker Creek.

  “You want my tub for that husband killer!” The Widow James shot to her feet. “You think I’ll give you my tub so you can make another woman happy? Especially that woman!” She shook her head. “And to think, I thought you were a respectable man.” She huffed out of the room as Myrle came through the front door.

  “Now you show up!” He ran a hand over his face in frustration.

  “What did you do to Edith?” Myrle crossed the room, staring at the slammed door.

  “I asked if I could take her bathtub and replace it with a new one.” Women, every one he’d come in contact with lately did nothing but aggravate. And they all wondered why he didn’t want to marry.

  “That doesn’t sound like Edith. Especially the way she feels about you.” Myrle sat down. “But why do you need her bathtub? You can order one from Mr. Holcomb at the mercantile.”

  “I need one tomorrow morning.” He really didn’t want to repeat everything he told the Widow James.

  Myrle cocked her head. “Why would you need one by tomorrow morning? You have company coming?”

  “No. It seems the site where we’re building the stamp mill is in plain view of where the Miller’s usually bathe.” The woman’s eyes lit up and she smiled. “And Aileen said we couldn’t start building until she had a tub since there isn’t any other spot along Cracker Creek suitable for bathing. At least by her dictates.” He scowled. She’d swindled him out of one more thing. “I have a crew headed up there tomorrow morning to start on the foundation. She said unless she has a bathtub, they can’t start.” He stared at the woman in the chair across from him.

  “That woman has me over a barrel by not selling me the land, but letting us build. At first, I figured she was just being greedy, but then she mentioned something that showed me she had a good reason for not wanting to part with the land. But now, I think she planned this just to get everything she can out of me and aggravate my life.”

  Myrle laughed. Her whole body shook and tears streamed down her face. When the belly laughs subsided, she wiped at tears in her eyes. “Good for Aileen. She may have been used once, but that woman is not going to be used again.”

  “You think it’s funny she’s causing me trouble?” Ethan stared at the woman. He didn’t need trouble. That mill would be running by winter or he’d die making it happen.

 
“We’ve got more than one tub in this house.” Myrle patted his arm. “You can take the one out of the downstairs closet.”

  Ethan shook his head. “Why the hell couldn’t you have been here when I arrived? The Widow James nearly crawled in my lap. I’m going to have nightmares here on out.”

  “That’s spiteful.” Myrle smacked him upside the head. “I never thought you’d grow up to be so mean spirited.”

  He rubbed his head and glared at Myrle. “I never thought I’d be seduced by a woman nearly old enough to be my mother.”

  Myrle’s laugh boomed through the empty room. “Finish your coffee, and we’ll get that tub.”

  ****

  “What’s the bathtub for? You all of a sudden don’t like cleaning up in the wash tub?”

  Ethan glared at Hank. All the way from town he fretted about what to tell his brothers about the tub in the back of his wagon. “I’m doing a favor for Myrle.” His skin heated at the lie.

  “What kind of favor?” Clay grabbed the metal side and started to pull on the tub.

  “Leave it there. I have to deliver it in the morning.” Ethan jumped down from the wagon and started to unhitch the horses.

  “I thought we were starting on the stamp mill in the morning.” Clay shoved the tub back into the wagon. The wood bottom scraped on the wagon bed.

  “And where’s the supplies to get started?” Hank moved to the other side of the horses, grasping the headstall on the far horse.

  “A couple of the men I hired from town are bringing the supplies in the morning.” He led his horse to the barn and started taking the harness off, hoping Clay and Hank would let the conversation drop.

  “So how are you going to deliver a tub and be at the mill to start the work?” Clay took the leather straps from Ethan and carried them into the small building they used to store tools and tack.

  “It’s on the way.” Ethan led his horse to the corral, putting distance between himself and his over-curious brother. He let the horse loose and stood at the fence, watching the animal meander over to the feed trough. “Grab some oats while you’re in there,” he hollered over his shoulder.

  Hank put the other horse in the corral and leaned on the fence next to him. “You taking that tub to the widow?” His accusing tone riled.

  “I might be. But I figure that’s my business and not yours.” Ethan swung away from the fence and stomped to the cabin. All he wanted was for this day to be over with and the crew to start work on the stamp mill. He didn’t need his meddling brothers telling him what he already knew. He’d sunk lower than he’d ever thought he’d go to get what he wanted. And he wanted that stamp mill up and running. He cringed. He also wanted to make the Widow Miller happy.

  ****

  Aileen couldn’t remember the last time she woke this happy. She sang as she prepared the morning meal of porridge.

  “Come alang, come alang, wi’ your boatie and your song. Tae my hey! Bonnie maidens, my twa bonnie maids! The nicht, it is dark, and the redcoat is gaun. And you’re dearly welcome tae Skye again.”

  Shayla clapped her hands and tried to sing. Colin entered the cabin with a scowl on his face.

  “Why are you two so happy?” The glare he shot his sister as he snatched the tin plate of porridge from his mother’s hands whisked away her happiness.

  “Ah’m feelin’ like things may be turnin’ for the better for us, that’s all.” Aileen motioned for them to go outside. She carried her plate and Shayla’s to the cool, fresh air. Colin took his usual spot, while Shayla knelt by the upturned log. Aileen set the hot plate on the log and took her seat.

  “With the stamp mill and all the Halsey’s are givin’ to help us get our gold to the mill, ah feel like we won’t kill ourselves to get what we need to return to yer land.” She took a bite of the hot oats and watched her son. He’d nearly cleaned his plate of the porridge. He was a growing boy, one who would soon eat twice as much as she and Shayla.

  “You sure you aren’t happy Mr. Halsey is coming back?” The accusation in his changing voice stung like a slap.

  “Ah’ll admit, ah enjoy workin’ that man and gettin’ our family more than he’d set out to give. But dinnae ye go thinkin’ ye know in my head. Ah may be a woman, but yer da told me more than once, ah’ve the mind of a businessman.” She shook her finger at her son. “Ah’m only takin’ from this man what we deserve.”

  “We’ll see.” Colin stood, gave her a long, unflinching appraisal, and headed to the creek to wash his plate.

  Aileen shook her head. Why did her happiness make him uneasy? Yes, she enjoyed being in Mr. Halsey’s company, but she would never subject her family to a man again. She shivered thinking of her last husband. She would never again be a man’s property.

  The sound of horses and the rumble of wagon wheels shook her from the wretched memories.

  “Happy Man!” Shayla jumped up and ran to the wagon as fast as her chubby legs would take her.

  Aileen couldn’t help but smile at her daughter’s enthusiasm. If only Colin were that accepting of the man who could make their dream of returning to Ireland happen sooner.

  Ethan stopped the horses and wagon in front of the house. “Where do you want your bathtub?” For the first time since meeting the sharp-witted woman, her eyes sparkled, and her rose-colored lips curved in an enticing smile. The change started his heart thumping in his chest, his body heating.

  She hurried to the back of the wagon and ran her hand over the metal contraption. The awe and delight in her eyes, made him wish he’d been able to give her a new tub instead of a used one.

  “Beside the cabin will be fine.”

  He jumped down from the seat, jolting his body in hopes the enlarged member in his britches would shrink.

  Aileen looked his way as he moved his jarred knees to make sure they still worked. “Ye don’t have to hurry and hurt yerself.”

  He moved by her keeping air between them. “I’ve got men waiting for me at the mill site.”

  “Oh.” The breathy sound pulled his gaze to her. The crestfallen look and slight slump of her shoulders tugged at his conscience.

  “They know what to do. Where exactly do you want this?” He grasped the wooden handle on the end of the tub and pulled it out of the wagon. He held the tub like a large cooking pot, waiting for her direction.

  “This way.” He watched her trouser-clad hips sway back and forth as she walked to the side of the cabin. Shaking his head, he yanked his gaze from her backside the moment she turned to see if he followed.

  He placed the tub on the ground and looked at the openness of the area. “You aren’t planning to use it here are you?”

  She frowned. “Nae! No’ with the men ye have runnin’ on my land.”

  “I can put it in the lean-to.”

  “There’s nae room. Ah’ll think on where the best place will be.”

  Shayla crawled in the tub and stomped, making thumping noises on the wooden bottom while clinging to the metal side.

  “Lassie, ye’ll break it afore we can use it.”

  Ethan grasped the child under the arms, lifting her out. Her arms and legs wrapped around him like string on a top. Her soft hair tickled his chin. The scent of raspberry and soap filled his nostrils.

  “Thank you,” she said, before small, pursed lips buzzed his cheek.

  Stunned, he stood like a boulder as she clambered down and headed off in the direction of her brother.

  “She’s never had a man around. Ah’m afraid she’s a bit cheeky.” The lyrical words pulled him back to the present.

  “What about her father?” He studied the woman. She stared straight in his eyes.

  “The man was dead afore she arrived. Ah’m thankful every day she’ll never know the meanness of her father.” Her eyes lost their sparkle, becoming dull and distant.

  He wanted to reach out and show her not all men inflicted pain. She wouldn’t believe his sincerity. Not yet.

  “I want to bring two of my brothers over this aft
ernoon to meet you.”

  “Two? Ye have more?”

  “Yes. I have four all together. Gil and his wife live in Galena, and Zeke and Maeve travel with their work.”

  “And why do ye think ah should meet them?” She put her hands on her hips and watched him.

  “I want you to feel comfortable going to them if I’m not around.” He took a step toward her. She stood her ground, but her eyes widened. Scanning her angel-kissed face, his gaze moved down her long, slender neck to the opening of the man’s shirt she wore.

  She swallowed. “And where might ye be?”

  “Off buying more equipment. Hiring men.” He returned his gaze to her face. Did disappointment flicker in her eyes?

  “How many men will be traipsing across my land?” Her voice wavered.

  “I’ve given orders no one is to come past the curve in the creek. If they do, I want you to tell me who, and I’ll send them away.” He didn’t want her to fear for herself or her children.

  “Why?”

  “Why what?” He liked that she barely had to tip her head to look up at him. When a woman had to step back to look him in the eye it felt like he talked to a child. This woman didn’t remind him of a child. Her full breasts and round hips were those of a woman. Her intelligent, sad eyes told him of her sorrows. This woman had lived a hard life.

  “Why would ye send a man away just because he passed the curve?”

  “You are doing me a favor by allowing us to build the stamp mill. To show you my gratitude, I will make sure no one bothers you or the children.”

  Her lips slowly curved into the devastating smile she flashed earlier. “Ye are an interestin’ man, Mr. Halsey.”

  “Ethan.”

  She tipped her head to the side. “Ethan.”

  “Mr. Halsey, you better get back to your men.” Words laced with anger, Colin stepped between them, his expression as unyielding as stone.

  Having handled his brothers in many situations, Ethan placed a hand on the boy’s shoulder. The young man flinched and swung his arm up, slapping the hand off and backing into his mother.