“Hey, little brother. Out fighting crime?” He leaned against the doorway and grinned at Ben, the town sheriff.
“Why, you have something you need to confess?” Ben walked toward him, his hand on the butt of his gun.
“No, but this is the third time this morning you’ve been in here, and it’s not even ten o’clock. I thought maybe you knew something I didn’t know, you being the sheriff and all.”
“Well, maybe. Can we talk for a minute? I didn’t want to disturb you earlier because you looked pretty busy. I kept coming by in hopes of catching you taking a rest. You never take a rest.”
“There’s always work to do. Come on in.” Win closed the door behind Ben, then sat down in a chair opposite him. The two brothers put their feet on the desk, crossed at the ankle.
“Feels like we should be smoking cigars,” Ben said. “Big bankers taking it easy.”
Win laughed. “Since I’m the only banker, that wouldn’t work. Something on your mind?”
“Yes, there is.” Ben sniffed, then shook his head. “Do you know our wives are in Denver, again?”
“What? No, I didn’t know that. Vanessa didn’t mention anything about going to Denver today. She asked about work, and I told her that since it was the beginning of the month I had a lot of work to do, as always, and wouldn’t be home until later. She did say she was going to spend some time with Harmony, but she said nothing about going to Denver.”
“Well, Vanessa and Harmony left on the morning stage. Harmony didn’t say anything to me about it either before they left. She told me she was spending the day at your house, with Vanessa. I just happened to look out the window at the office and see her in the stage as it passed by.”
“How do you know Vanessa was with her, then?” An uneasy feeling spread through Win’s stomach. Why would his wife go to Denver and not tell him. Was something wrong? Did she have to see a doctor there? Their baby days were over, he knew that. They’d been married almost sixteen years and had four children, and the youngest was almost six. Both he and Vanessa were careful now, knowing they loved the children they had, but four was their limit.
What if his wife was sick and she hadn’t said anything. Or what if one of the children was sick, and she hadn’t told him. She wouldn’t keep something like that from him, would she? They’d always shared everything, had never kept a secret from each other unless it involved a birthday or Christmas gift. But it was April, and his birthday wasn’t until the fall, and Christmas was much further away than that.
“Chase Tipkins told me.”
“Told you what?” Win shook his head. “I’m sorry, I was lost in thought. Chase told you what?”
“That he helped Vanessa and Harmony get on the stage.” Ben sounded exasperated, and Win knew he was frustrated his brother hadn’t been listening to him.
“Did he talk to them? Did they tell him why they were going?”
Ben shook his head. “I asked Josh if they said why they were going when they bought their tickets, but he said he hadn’t sold them a ticket. And Sarah was still at home with the little ones, so I couldn’t ask her.”
Win’s frown deepened. He and his four brothers were all very close, and Josh and his wife Sarah ran the general store, which included selling tickets for the stage, and renting out part of the store as an entrance and exit point for stage riders.
“Well, if Josh didn’t sell them the tickets then Sarah did. And if she wasn’t there this morning, then she sold them to the ladies yesterday.”
“And, if she sold them yesterday, then they knew they were going to Denver and didn’t say anything to us,” Ben said. “Something’s wrong.”
Win reached for the telephone on his desk, picked it up and hit the hook several times.
“What are you doing?”
“I’m calling the store,” he replied. “We’ll get Josh to ask Sarah what’s going on.”
When he’d been put through, and Josh had picked up on the other end, Win cleared his throat.
“Morning, little brother.”
“Morning, Win. I’m still not used to this machine, and the noise it makes scares half the customers. What’s going on?”
“Will you ask Sarah about selling stage tickets to Vanessa and Harmony?”
“Sure, I can. But we’re pretty busy right now. Let me ask her when business slows down and I’ll get back to you.”
“Sounds good, thanks.” Win put the telephone down. He related the information to Ben, who nodded.
“I’ve half a mind to ride to Denver myself and see if I can find them. If something’s wrong, if they’re seeing a doctor or something, I want to know.”
Win nodded, knowing his younger brother was worried about his wife. Four years ago she’d had a very hard time birthing their son, Caleb. In their twelve years of marriage he was their only child. It was so difficult, she had to give up her writing that she loved so much. She was strong and healthy now, but Win could tell the thought of another hard pregnancy was running through Ben’s mind.
“I’m sure it’s fine.”
“Why wouldn’t they tell us?”
“I have no idea, Ben. Vanessa is her own woman, you know that. She’s never kept secrets from me, true, unless she’s got something up her sleeve she wants to be a surprise. But it’s not the right time for things like that.”
Ben turned his gaze to the window, a frown etched on his face.
“Don’t worry, Ben, I’m sure everything’s fine.”
“Yeah? Then why didn’t she tell me she was going? Why didn’t Vanessa tell you she was going?”
“I don’t know. But I say we meet the stage this afternoon and find out.”
“Good plan,” Ben replied. “I’ll go by the store before then to see what Sarah tells Josh.”
* * *
Josh MacAllister counted out change, then placed it in Mrs. McKenna’s hands. “I’m sure that fabric is going to make a beautiful dress. You’ll have to make sure you come in and show it to us when it’s done.”
“I’ll do that, Joshua. Thank you for your help.”
“You’re welcome, Mrs. McKenna. You take care now.”
“I’ll do that. Thank you! And you say hello to that pretty wife of yours.” She turned and left and Josh surveyed the store. It was empty now, which was a miracle. Today had been hectic, with customers everywhere. It was a good thing, of course, because it meant business was good, which always translated to more money, and that was always good.
He looked around for Sarah but didn’t see her. She must be in the back, either counting things or getting ready to restock something that was low. He walked to the curtain that separated the front from the back of the store, stopping just inside to admire his wife as she reached for a can of peaches from the top shelf.
“You should let me do that,” he said softly, coming up behind her. He grabbed the can, handed it to her and wrapped his arms around her stomach and kissed her neck. “We should shut down for an hour or so, have ourselves a rest in the back here.”
“Joshua MacAllister, behave.” She slapped at him playfully. “I know perfectly well what you mean by rest, and the answer is no.”
“Why? We’ve made love in the store before. Plus, we’re married, have been for thirteen years now. It’s not like we’re doing something wrong. It’ll be fun.”
“And what if a customer comes and hears us? That would be embarrassing.”
“We’ll be quiet, very quiet.” He kissed her neck again, loving the softness of her, the feel of her lush body that had given him three beautiful children. “I love you.”
She turned around in his arms and offered her lips, which he gladly took, kissing her deeply, his tongue pushing into her mouth and licking gently.
“I love you, too, Joshua, so very much. But the answer’s still no.”
“Hmm.” He cupped her breast, running his thumb over her erect nipple. “Well, I just have to change your mind then, don’t I?”
He applied sweet pressure t
o her orb, caressing her gently as she moaned in his arms.
“Well, maybe a short break,” she said, her voice soft with desire. “The idea is so naughty, though. Making love in the middle of the morning, in the store.”
“I’ll go and close the door,” he whispered against her neck. “Be ready for me when I get back, sweet Sarah.”
“Gladly.” She kissed him before he turned to walk to the front of the store. At the curtain he turned to watch her unbuttoning the bodice of her dress. He loved the new style that had buttons in the front. So sexy.
He pushed through the curtain and came to a stop. “Ben.” He said the word loud enough for Sarah to hear him, and hopefully stop her undressing, since Ben stood just inches away from the curtain. He’d obviously been about to open it to see if he could find his brother.
“You don’t have to yell,” Ben said. “I’m right here.”
“Yeah, sorry.”
“I called out but you didn’t answer.”
“Sorry.” Josh pushed Ben toward the front of the store. “Sarah and I were doing some counting.”
“Yeah, right.” Ben gave him a knowing smile and Josh laughed.
“Well, you can’t blame me. Just taking advantage of a lull in the action here at the store.”
“Speaking of Sarah, did you ask her about Vanessa and Harmony?”
“No. Oh geeze, Ben, I’m sorry, I forgot all about it.” He looked toward the curtain with uncertainty, wondering if Sarah had heard him and stopped undressing. He turned back to his brother. “Let me go and get her.”
“No need,” Sarah replied, coming through the curtain, a blush on her face. “Ben, how are you today?”
“I’m fine. Sorry to bother you.” He leaned over and kissed his sister-in-law’s cheek. “But I wanted to ask you about the tickets you sold to Vanessa and Harmony for the stage.”
Josh noticed the fleeting look of surprise that passed over his wife’s face before she said. “What tickets?”
“Vanessa and Harmony were on the stage this morning, going to Denver. I just wanted to know when you sold them the tickets, when they knew they were going, because they didn’t say anything to either Win or myself.”
Josh knew Sarah well enough to know she was thinking of a good lie. He inclined his head toward her. “Sarah?”
“Yes?”
“Answer him.”
She swallowed hard, then laughed. “I don’t remember selling them tickets.”
“So they hopped the stage without a ticket?” Ben frowned. “They stole their ride?”
“No, of course not. I mean, maybe they weren’t on the stage. I didn’t see them.”
“You weren’t here this morning, and I was too busy to pay much attention,” Josh said, crossing his arms over his chest and frowning at his wife. “What do you know about this trip?”
“Nothing, darling.” She tried, and failed, to give him an innocent smile. He knew that smile. It meant something was up. She often gave it to him when she’d done something she knew would anger him, and cause a spanking.
“Sarah Michelle MacAllister tell me, right now.”
“Tell you what, Joshua?”
“Tell me where they’re at, tell me what you know. Ben is worried about his wife, and if you know something, then you should tell him. Right now.”
Sarah swallowed hard and Joshua continued to stare at her.
“Is she going to a doctor? Is she sick?” Ben’s worried voice almost broke Joshua’s heart. “Is something wrong with Caleb that she’s not telling me about? Is she having another baby?”
“No,” Sarah shook her head. “ It’s nothing like that, Ben. I promise you everything is fine that way. They’re shopping. That’s all.”
“Shopping?” Ben leaned closer. “Are you serious?”
“Yes.”
“When did you sell them the tickets?” Josh kept his voice level, even though he wanted to scream. “Be honest with us, Sarah, because you’re already going to get a spanking for making me drag this out of you. Don’t make it worse.”
“A week ago,” Sarah said softly. “And that’s all I’m going to say.”
“A week ago?” Ben shook his head and Josh could tell he was very angry. “What are they shopping for? Clothes? They could do that here. And why wouldn’t she tell me she’s going shopping with Vanessa? That wouldn’t bother me. Something’s up, and I want you to tell me what you know.”
“I’m not saying anymore, I told you.”
Josh drew himself up to his full six plus feet, then sighed. “Ben, would you give me a little time alone with my wife? I’m going to close up shop for about thirty minutes. If you come back, I should have an answer for you.”
Ben nodded, and then Josh followed him to the door. He looked outside, making sure no one was about to come inside. Then he shut the door and locked it, with a sign saying he and Sarah would be open again in thirty minutes. They often did this during the afternoon, when they would take lunch breaks and go home to visit their children.
Then he turned to his wife and frowned.
“Sad, isn’t it? Just a few minutes ago you were ready to make love to me. Now you’re going to spank me.”
“If you’d just tell Ben what’s going on, I wouldn’t have to do it.” He put his hands on his hips. “Tell me now, Sarah, and I won’t spank you.”
She mimicked his stance, her eyes flashing anger. “No.”
“Sarah.”
“Do wives have to tell their husbands everything?”
“Yes. Marriage is about sharing. You don’t keep things from each other, especially when it worries the husband, or wife, as the case may be.” He gestured toward the door. “Ben is worried sick, in case you couldn’t tell.”
“I told him there was nothing to worry about. You heard me.”
“Sarah, I’m going to ask you one more time. Tell me what’s going on. Right now.”
The room grew silent, and then Sarah cleared her throat. “I’m sorry, Joshua, but no. I made a promise to my sisters-in-law, and I intend to keep it. It wouldn’t be fair of me to break it.”
“You’d rather have me angry at you than break your promise.”
“Would you rather I break my promise?”
“Think about Ben, and how worried he is.”
“And I assured him everything was fine.”
“Sarah, this is your last chance. Tell me what’s going on.”
For a moment, he thought she would. She looked at him sadly, and then licked her lips. He knew she was about to open her mouth and tell him exactly what he wanted to hear. Instead, she shook her head.
“I’m sorry, Josh. You know I love you, and normally I would obey you in everything. But this isn’t about me, this is about someone else, and I can’t betray them.”
Josh wavered about what to do next. He should spank Sarah for not being truthful with him, for not telling an obviously upset Ben what he needed to know to ease his mind. On the other hand, he was very proud of her for standing up for her convictions, for making a promise and then keeping it, even if it meant she would be put over his knee.
“Sarah, what am I supposed to do here?”
“Spank me if you feel you need to, but it won’t change my mind. I’m not telling Ben anything but what I’ve already told him, which is that things are fine. The ladies will be home on the afternoon stage.”
Josh considered things for a moment, then nodded. “I’m going to go and talk to Ben and Win. You stay here and run things, and I’ll be back.”
“Okay. I love you.”
“I love you, too, sweetheart. I’m upset with you right now, but I do love you. Very much.”
He unlocked the front door, and then winked at her before leaving. Ben sat in a rocker on the porch, staring out at the people milling by. Mac’s Crossing had grown by leaps and bounds in the last years, but it still had a small town feel to it, and Josh was happy about that. When it started to feel like Denver, he would be upset. He loved the big city, but only
to visit.
“Let’s go and talk to Win.” Josh patted his brother on the shoulder. “Then maybe we can see what’s what.”
“She won’t tell you anything, huh?”
“Nope. I can appreciate her loyalty, though. She assures me nothing’s wrong.”
Ben stood and ran his hands down his thighs. “I hope she’s right.”
“She usually is,” Josh replied as he fell into step with his brother, and headed to the bank.
* * *
Sarah waited until they were down the street, then she pulled the door closed, put up the ‘be right back’ sign and hurried across the street to the newspaper office. Inside, her sister-in-law Ruby was sorting through some papers. She smiled at Sarah as she came in, the smile falling as she saw her Sarah’s face.
“What’s wrong?”
“We have problems,” Sarah said. “Ben knows Vanessa and Harmony went to Denver today.”
“What? How? That’s why they bought the tickets when Josh wasn’t in the store. We had it all planned out, that they would go, do what needed to be done, and then be back before their husbands even knew they were gone.”
“Yeah, well somehow they found out. I didn’t ask how, but I’m about to be spanked for not telling him what they’re doing. My husband is angry with me.”
Ruby looked back toward the offices, and Sarah knew she was thinking of her own husband, Corbin, who was Josh’s identical twin.
“We knew this might happen, that they’d find out something and we might be spanked,” Ruby said. “We just have to stick with the plan. Don’t waffle on us.”
“I didn’t,” Sarah said, stomping her foot. “I told them nothing. But we need to warn Dawn, too, that they’re on to us. She has Vanessa’s and Harmony’s kids out at the ranch for the day. We need to let her know in case Ben rides out there and starts asking questions. I don’t want her to be blindsided like I was.”
“You’re right,” Ruby said. “And they don’t have a telephone.”
“I have to watch the store. Josh and Ben have gone to talk to Win, so we might have a little bit of time. But not enough time for me to ride out there and back before Josh gets back from the bank.”
Heart and Home: The MacAllister Brothers Page 36