“I hope you like it.” Her eyes lit up when she looked at him.
“If you made it, I know I’ll like it.” He waited until she took a seat, then selected one next to her. Taking a sip of coffee, he smiled. “You made it the way I like it.”
A slight blush colored her face. “A half teaspoon of sugar.”
Bull asked a few questions in between bites of cake. He’d never finished dessert so fast, but his need to be alone with her overruled any restraint. Setting down the plate and finishing his coffee, he stood, holding out his hand.
“Would you go for a walk with me?”
“I’d love to. Let me take these dishes—”
“I’ll get those, Lydia. You and Bull go ahead.” Abby picked up the dishes and disappeared into the kitchen, humming as she waited for them to leave.
As they stepped outside, the wind rustled through the trees, blowing strands of hair across Lydia’s face. Placing a hand on the small of her back, Bull guided her down the stairs toward the barn and adjoining pasture. Neither Noah nor Abby had intended to run cattle or have more than a few horses on their land. They had a couple cows, a few pigs, and a dozen chickens—enough for their own use. Noah had also prepared a section of land near the house for a garden. Their friends teased him about trading in his spurs for a plow.
“How do you like working for Abby?”
Pulling the shawl tighter, she shrugged. “Abby and Noah are wonderful, and Gabriel is such a sweet baby. I wouldn’t be surprised if he and baby Patrick become good friends. Still…”
“Still?” Bull prompted when she didn’t continue, noting the wistful tone of her voice.
“I do miss the ranch and all the activity.”
“And baby Patrick?”
“Of course. He’s walking. Soon, he’ll be talking and getting into more mischief than Rachel can imagine.” She looked up at him. “I feel like a spinster aunt, living through my friends’ families.”
Bull laughed at the comparison. “Trust me, Lydia. You are nothing close to a spinster aunt. You have a gift with children. Our friends recognize it, and believe me, are grateful for your help.”
“I’m almost twenty-one, Bull.”
His eyes narrowed. “And?”
“Twenty-one,” she emphasized. “Most of my friends back home would be married with their own family by now.” She didn’t want to say more, making him think she was pushing for marriage. Stepping up to the fence, she placed her feet on the bottom rung, resting her arms on the top. “I haven’t said anything to Abby or Rachel, but I’m thinking of returning home.”
“What?” Bull couldn’t contain his shock or the harsh tone in his voice. He wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her off the fence and setting her in front of him. “You can’t leave, Lydia. I won’t let you.”
Shrugging out of his grasp, she stepped back. “This isn’t your decision, Bull. It’s mine.”
Taking off his hat, he shredded his fingers through his short hair, face twisting in disbelief. He turned his back to her, taking a few steps away, then stopping to stare up at the sky. A moment later, he felt her arms wrap around him from behind. Placing his hands on hers, he let out a shaky breath.
“I love you, Lydia. I don’t know what I’ll do if you leave.” Pain ripped through him at the thought of losing the woman he’d loved since finding her sick and frail in a damp cave where the orphans had been hiding.
Dropping her arms, she moved to stand in front of him, placing her hands on his chest, her eyes searching his. “You love me?”
“Of course I love you.” He choked out the declaration, wanting nothing more than to wrap her in his arms, not knowing if he had the right. Clearing his throat, searching for control, he focused his gaze on hers. “I want to marry you, Lydia. Have children. Build a life here in Splendor.”
Her gaze dropped from his, her heart throbbing almost painfully. She’d wanted to hear him say the words, confess his feelings for so long that the reality of hearing it rendered her speechless. After all this time without an indication of his love, she’d been forced to think of a future without Bull. Although it had been difficult to even consider such a life.
Settling his hands on her shoulders, he searched her face, the pain in his eyes more than she could bear.
“If you don’t love me, just say so. It isn’t what I want to hear, but I’ll understand. I know I’m not the man of your dreams. I don’t have land, or much money, or—”
She stopped him with a hand over his mouth. “Stop. You are the man of my dreams, Bull. Until tonight, I believed you didn’t feel the same and only wanted to be my friend.” She let her hands settle on his chest, lowering her gaze to the ground as her eyes grew damp.
“Friend? Of course I’m your friend. I’m also in love with you.” Tipping her chin up, he used his thumb to wipe away the tears streaming down her cheeks. “I know I’ve surprised you.”
Her ragged laugh accompanied an unsteady smile. In that moment, she knew there’d never be another man for her. Bull was everything she wanted and needed.
“You have surprised me, but in a good way. I love you, too, Bull. If you’re asking if I’ll marry you, the answer is yes.” She laughed at the sight of his jaw dropping, his eyes widening to the size of saucers.
Recovering in seconds, he picked her up and swung her around, letting out a loud yell. It was then he saw Noah riding up, reining Tempest to a stop.
“You two all right?” Noah tipped his hat back, then rested his arms on the horn of his saddle.
“Yes,” Lydia laughed, swiping at the dampness on her face.
“You’re the first to know. Lydia’s agreed to marry me.”
“Well, I’ll be. That’s wonderful news.” He dismounted, giving Bull a slap on the back, then hugging Lydia. “Congratulations. I wondered when he’d come to his senses.”
“What’s going on?” Abby came running outside, concern etched on her face.
Noah settled an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. “Bull finally asked Lydia to marry him.”
“And?” Abby raised a brow, looking at Lydia.
“I said yes.” She raised up on her toes to place a kiss on Bull’s cheek.
A smile lit Abby’s face. “It’s about time, Bull Mason.” She drew Lydia into a hug, kissing her cheek.
“Come inside and we’ll toast to your engagement.” Noah took Abby’s hand, turning toward the house.
“We’ll be right in.” Bull waited until they’d disappeared inside, then pulled Lydia into his arms. “Are you certain? It’s forever, Lydia.”
“I’m completely certain, Bull.” Wrapping her arms around his neck, she stared into his eyes, a shiver running through her as he lowered his lips to hers.
Minutes later, they were still locked together, their breathing erratic when the sound of a door opening and Noah’s shout pulled them apart.
“There’ll be plenty of time for that later, Bull. Now’s the time to celebrate.”
Bull smiled at Lydia before his expression sobered.
“I don’t have a ring for you yet.”
“I don’t need one. Your wedding ring is all I want.” She reached up and kissed him once more before clasping her hand in his, pulling him up the steps and into the house.
~~~~~
Chapter Fifteen
“Where’s Gabe?” Lena pushed through the door of the sheriff’s office, her breath coming in gasps.
“He rode out to one of the southern ranches an hour ago. What is it? Are you all right?” Cash grabbed a chair. “Sit and tell me what happened.” He walked over to the stove and poured her a cup of coffee. “Here.” Handing her the cup, he leaned against the desk.
She wanted her husband, not coffee, but she wouldn’t refuse Cash’s gesture. Taking a sip, she sat back, thinking through what she’d seen at the mine.
“I just got back from the Devil Dancer. I wanted to check on the Chinese men I sent there a few days ago. This morning, the manager found all four beaten
and tossed into one of the wagons. My God, Cash. They were bruised and bloody, hardly able to move. The problem is they don’t speak English. Even if they could, they don’t seem interested in helping us learn who hurt them. I need Gabe to help make them understand we need to know who did this.”
Reaching out, Cash rested a hand on her shoulder. “Gabe may not be back for hours. I’ll get John and ride out to the mine.”
“All right. Let’s go.” She stood, setting the cup down.
“Not you. Just John and me.”
“I’m responsible for what happens there. Of course I’m going.” She placed fisted hands on her hips, glaring at him.
“Lord… Are you this obstinate with Gabe?”
“Of course. I’ll get my horse and let Nick know what’s happening.”
Cash followed her outside, dashing toward the lumber mill. “Silas! Where’s John?”
“In the back. Why?” Silas trailed after Cash as he moved past him. “What’s going on?”
He stopped and looked around, not seeing John until Silas pointed to him.
“John, the deputy needs to talk to you.”
Cash saw a look of fear cross John’s face before he walked around several stacks of wood to join them.
“There’s been some trouble at the Devil Dancer. I need you to come with me to translate so I can find out what’s going on.”
John’s gaze shifted to Silas before returning to Cash. “Yes, I can translate.”
“Do you have a horse?”
“No horse.” John shook his head.
“Do you know how to ride?” Cash tilted his head, already thinking about where he could get a wagon.
“Take my wagon,” Silas offered. “It’s already loaded with a shipment for the mine. I can send Monty along to help unload.”
“Great. Let’s get going.” Cash hurried to the livery, saddled Hunter, then rode out onto the street to see Lena waiting for him. “John and Monty will be coming on the wagon. They have a load to deliver to the mine.” The words had just left his mouth when Monty, John sitting next to him, drove the wagon out of the lumber mill side yard and came to a stop.
“We’re ready, Deputy.”
Monty slapped the reins as Cash and Lena took the lead.
“I told Nick what’s going on. He’s going to find Beau and let him know.”
“Thanks, Lena. Don’t worry. We’ll find out what happened and arrest those responsible.” Cash felt his gut tighten. He had a bad feeling, believing the beatings would involve some or all of the miners who’d caused the disturbance at the lumber mill. The last thing the mine, or Lena, needed was a revolt over the hiring of Chinese workers.
The trip took almost two hours, the wagon lumbering along at a frustrating pace. At one point, Cash almost pulled John up behind him on Hunter so they could ride ahead, but he didn’t want to leave Monty to finish the journey alone.
They rode into the mining camp in early afternoon. A group of miners milled around near the office…some grumbling, others listening. No one seemed happy. Dismounting, Lena and Cash walked up to the group.
“Where is Reuben?” Lena stood, hands on hips, waiting for a response. “Well?” She glared at the man who’d been the leader of the miners who caused the problems at the lumber mill.
“Answer the lady.” Cash moved to within a foot of the man, his eyes cold, features hard.
Anger flashed in the man’s eyes before he turned, jerking his thumb toward a tent a hundred feet away. “He’s with those Chinamen he hired.”
“Come with me, John.” Cash signaled for him to follow, Lena keeping pace alongside.
“I don’t like any of this,” she whispered as they approached the tent Reuben used as a makeshift clinic.
Pulling back the flap, Cash looked inside, seeing the four men sitting near each other, Reuben doing his best to patch up their injuries. Their eyes widened when they saw John follow Cash into the tent, followed by Lena.
“Reuben, I’d appreciate it if you and Lena would wait outside.”
“No, I need—”
Cash fixed a hard stare on Lena when she began to protest. “You’ll wait outside, Lena. I’m here to get answers. They will talk more freely if neither of you are present.”
“He’s right, Mrs. Evans. If they decide to talk, we’ll find out what happened soon enough.” Reuben held the flap open for Lena to precede him out, not missing the scowl she aimed at Cash.
“All right, but I want you to tell me everything you learn.”
Cash nodded, watching her storm outside, then turned his attention to John.
“I need to know who did this and if they can identify them.”
John spoke in rapid Chinese, pointing to Cash a couple times. One of the men responded, the others shrinking into themselves, shaking their heads. After a few minutes, John nodded, then looked at Cash.
“Zhao says they can’t tell us. It was dark and the men wore hoods.”
The information didn’t surprise Cash. Cowards generally struck in the middle of the night and hid their identity. “Did something happen since they’ve been here? Threats or arguments?”
John spoke to Zhao again, listening to his response. “I am sorry, Deputy Cash. Zhao will say no more. They do not want to cause trouble.”
“These men would rather be beaten again, or killed, than tell you what is going on?”
John lowered his gaze to the ground, shaking his head. “They need to work.”
“I know they need to work, John, but I can’t help them if they don’t tell me what they know.” Cash’s voice dripped with frustration. Scrubbing a hand down his face, he tried to think of something, anything that might encourage them to help. “If we let the miners get away with this, it could make it harder for other Chinese to work for the mines.”
“Yes,” John muttered.
“Tell them what I said,” Cash growled, muttering a curse when John hesitated. “These could be the same men who threatened you at the lumber mill. It will keep happening if we don’t stop it. Now, tell them.”
John shrugged, his face somber as he turned back to Zhao. This time, his voice was stronger, holding a trace of rebuke. When Zhao shook his head, John’s voice grew louder until he stood, glaring down at the others. The four turned their backs on John, talking in whispers. Finally, Zhao looked back at John and spoke.
Nodding, John turned to Cash. “There is one man who threatens them. They don’t know what he is saying, but he shoves them, pushes them aside, and takes their tools when Boss is not looking.”
Cash considered this a moment before walking to the entrance to the tent, sneaking a quick look outside. Closing the opening, he thought a moment, then looked at John.
“Can Zhao point out the man who has threatened them if he looks through this opening?” He indicated the flap of the tent. “No one should be able to see him.”
John spoke to Zhao, who glanced at the others. No one moved for a moment, then one of the men nodded. Zhao’s grim face turned back to John. They exchanged a few words before Zhao stood, joining Cash.
“John, come over here. I want Zhao to look at the men. If he sees him, he needs to tell you which man.” Cash stepped to the side, then drew the flap open a couple inches.
Zhao bent low, squinting as he looked outside into the afternoon sun. After a moment, his eyes adjusted and Cash could see him scanning the group of men milling about. Then his gaze lit on someone or something, causing him to jerk away. He spoke to John in a quiet, yet excited voice, his eyes widening and narrowing as he continued talking.
John straightened, meeting Cash’s gaze. “The tall, slender man with dirty black hat and red suspenders. He is the man.”
Cash motioned for the two to move away from the tent opening. Taking their place, he pulled back the flap and stepped outside, stretching his arms over his head as he casually scanned the crowd. Twenty feet away stood the man Zhao described. The same man who’d led the disturbance at the lumber mill. The same man whose confron
tational attitude sparked others to action. The same man who’d reluctantly pointed them toward the medical tent today. The knowledge didn’t surprise him.
Lena came up beside him, her hand resting on his arm. Reuben was nowhere in sight. “Did the men identify who beat them?”
Cash turned her away from the crowd, toward the tent, then lowered his voice. “Zhao spoke for the group. They didn’t see who beat them. The men came in the middle of the night and wore hoods. Zhao was able to point out one man who has harassed them since they started.”
“Who?”
“First, Lena, you need to understand the men are fearful for their jobs and of further retaliation. Plus, we have no proof this man was involved in the beatings last night. All we know is he’s been hassling them since they arrived.”
“Then we have to get him to talk.” She started to turn away, stopping when Cash grabbed her wrist.
“Not yet. He’ll deny it, and my guess is enough of the other miners will back him up. The result will increase their anger and put the Chinese workers in more danger.”
Lena pulled her arm free, letting out a breath. “What do you suggest?”
“You need to hire a few men you can trust to guard all the miners, keep watch on what’s going on, especially at night. Right now, you have Reuben. Do you trust him?” Cash noticed the mine manager approaching from the office, stopping to speak with some of the men, glancing toward Lena and him.
Her eyes widened. “Of course.”
“Anyone else?”
“There are two men who guard the shipments to town. Gabe sometimes accompanies them. We take small loads and make the trip twice a week, mixing up the days. The schedule doesn’t attract as much attention as large loads once a week. I’ve never seen a need to hire more guards.”
“Seems there’s a need now. Unless you want to fire the Chinese men.”
“No. If I let them go, I’d be making them victims twice.” She fell quiet as Reuben stopped beside them.
“Any progress?” Reuben shot a quick look at the tent, a scowl crossing his face.
Lena answered. “They can’t identify who beat them, but did point out one man who’s been harassing them since they started.”
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