by Renee Ryan
“It is.”
He jutted his elbow toward her, and she settled her hand in the crook of his arm. As he started down the aisle, she fell into step beside him. “If he hurts you, Katherine, I’ll kill him.”
Now that did it. Katherine had had more than enough of Marc casting his “brother” in the role of outlaw.
“And what if I hurt him?” She didn’t bother hiding the righteous anger in her tone.
Obviously shocked, Marc stopped walking. He turned his head to study her with a look suspiciously close to respect. “Then you answer to me.”
“Good. Because it goes both ways. It’s just like you said, Marc, Trey needs me. And I need him.”
“Then make him happy.”
“I will.”
With his heart choking in his throat, Trey watched Katherine and Marc walking arm in arm down the aisle. As though hearing his silent call, Katherine lifted her eyes to his. Captured by her beauty, he felt an unfamiliar sense of peace fill him.
They would make a good life together.
He liked how she studied him in return, her gaze skimming along his face, down his nose, along the contour of his jaw, each sweep a soft caress.
This woman would soon be his wife.
Trey braced his shoulders for the guilt to assault him. But none came. His throat convulsed with a heavy swallow, his head no longer full of reminders of the woman he had lost but of the woman he’d found.
With one final blink, he shifted his mind to Katherine and let Laurette fade into the past. He knew that a part of his dead wife would always live in his heart, but Katherine was his today, his tomorrow—his future.
And he couldn’t be more pleased.
Gliding toward him, she looked fragile, beautiful, the blue dress matching her eyes. She’d pulled her hair into a fancy hairstyle, sprinkling flowers identical to the ones in Molly’s hair throughout her own. Compelled to compare the two, he looked down at the kid. She grinned up at him, her smile so much like the one her sister had just flashed—minus a front tooth or two—his heart clutched in his chest. In the past few months, this child had become more daughter than friend.
It felt right.
Returning his gaze back to Katherine, his throat convulsed through a heavy swallow. She looked like spring. New love. Forever. His breath tensed in his lungs, held firm. He knew his bitter soul didn’t deserve this woman, but now that he’d received her caring, her generous spirit and her unbending devotion, he couldn’t give her up.
He wondered what Marc had said to her before they’d started down the aisle. He was probably trying to talk her out of the marriage. Trey couldn’t much blame his friend. Katherine had that way about her, made a man want to protect her.
Well, Trey might not be filled with youthful optimism. His heart might hold more bitterness than most. But he would do his best to keep her safe and honor her and never harm her. He would do everything in his power to make life for Katherine—and Molly—secure.
Marc drew to a stop and gave Trey a warning glare. Just to be ornery, Trey grinned at him, then planted a kiss on Katherine’s mouth.
“You look beautiful,” he told her, his voice quivering with emotions he couldn’t name.
“Thank you.”
“Are you ready to do this?”
She nodded, her eyes filling with tears.
He cupped her cheek. She leaned into his touch and gave him a watery smile filled with…love.
The truth sent blinding shards of pain and excitement through him. Katherine Taylor loved him.
His heart cracked opened, and with one final wave to the past, he allowed her inside. This woman was his future. He took a step forward, roped his arms around her and kissed her lips again. “I’ll give you the best of me.”
The minister began the ceremony. “We are here to join Ethan Wendell Scott III and Katherine Monica Taylor together in holy matrimony. Katherine has chosen the first Scripture to be read from Ecclesiastes.
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work. If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up…”
In that moment, with his eyes burning, Trey silently vowed to become the man he saw shining in Katherine’s gaze.
Chapter Eighteen
“You did good today, Mr. Trey.”
Trey smiled at the little girl sauntering toward him, the flowers in her hair bouncing with each step she took. Watching her approach, he felt his heart burst with the need to protect, to love. “Thank you, kitten. I couldn’t have done it without you.”
She looked over her shoulder, giggled. Trey sent his gaze in the same direction, caught sight of his wife in deep conversation with Laney. Emotion squeezed his chest. Would he ever tire of looking at Katherine? She was so beautiful, and not merely on the outside, where everyone could see. Sometimes it hurt, deep in his soul, to look at her.
She’d suffered so much torment in her young life. How he wanted to do right by her now, as he hadn’t been able to do for Laurette.
“I can’t believe you did it,” Molly said, still looking at her sister, obviously unaware of his turbulent thoughts. “You really married Katherine.”
“I did. She’s officially my wife now. And as far as I’m concerned, that makes you my daughter.”
Wife. Daughter. It felt good to know they were both pledged to him forever now.
With a swish and fancy, little-girl swaying, Molly turned back around. A look of deep concentration marred her brow. “Did you know, Mr. Trey, Katherine hasn’t yelled at you all day? I think that’s the only time ever.”
He tried to keep his features blank, his mood as serious as the little girl’s. “I know.”
“That’s really good.”
Unable to hold back any longer, he let go of his grin and chuckled. How easy life was in the eyes of a five-year-old. For the rest of the day, he vowed to let Molly’s world prevail over his.
“Want to know a secret?” He leaned over, lowered his voice to a whisper. “Although it’s sometimes fun to fight with your sister, I really like it when she doesn’t yell at me.”
Molly gave him one solemn nod. “Me, too.”
Raising her arms to him, she waited. Understanding her silent command, he lifted her into his embrace, settled her on his hip, then offered his cheek. She planted a big, wet kiss on the same spot as always. “I love you, Mr. Trey.”
His response was immediate. “I love you, too, kitten.”
Suddenly shy, she cocked her head at him. “So do I get to call you daddy now?”
She might as well have gripped his heart and squeezed. “Absolutely.”
Flattening a palm against his cheek, she nodded again. “Daddy.”
Trey’s heart stopped beating completely, then kicked wildly back to life. “Promise me something, Molly.”
“Sure, okay,” she said, her expression serious, her eyes never leaving his face. “Anything, Daddy.”
He was sure his heart was going to explode from the affection he felt for this child, his daughter. He had to blink to stop the burning in his eyes. “Be good tonight while your sister and I are at the hotel.”
She hitched her chin at him, mutiny blazing in her eyes. “I’m always good.”
He lowered her to the ground, dropped a kiss on her head. “Right. I forgot.”
Shaking her head at him, she planted her left fist on her hip and swung her bandaged hand back and forth. “Daddy. Daddy. Daddy.”
“I know. I forgot. How about you go run over there and tell your sister goodbye. We’re leaving soon.”
She angled her head, considered him for a moment. “Be nice to Katherine tonight.”
He hitched his chin at her in a similar show of stubbornness. “I’m always nice.”
Obviously unconvinced, she stared at him a while longer, then stamped her foot. “Promise,” she demanded.
He looked past Molly, fixed his gaze on his wife. As though hearing his silent appeal, Katherine looked up and
molded her lips into a ready smile. “All right, kitten, I promise I’ll be nice to your sister tonight.”
That was one vow he knew he’d have no trouble keeping.
Katherine allowed Trey to lead her away from the church, the guests following them to the carriage hired to take them to the Palace Hotel. The plush interior of the coach was finer than any Katherine had known. Another detail Marc had insisted he settle for them. She had no idea where he had found such an elaborate conveyance. But, as she slid across the seat and allowed the sheer luxury to wash over her, she decided not to ask questions.
Today was a day for joy.
She splayed her fingers along the red velvet cushions, which stood in stark relief against the dark mahogany of the inlaid ceiling. Sitting in so regal a carriage, Katherine felt like a queen—with a very attentive king by her side.
Trey’s gaze hadn’t left her face since she’d joined him at the altar, making her feel cherished, special. The ceremony had been short, lovely, sweeping her away into a world of hope and possibility. Not wanting her senses to return and ruin the moment, she shut her eyes and pressed her head against the plush cushions behind her.
Trey climbed inside, his weight slightly tilting the carriage toward him. He issued the order to the driver, then shut the door behind him.
As he settled in next to her, his voice drifted over her like a soft whisper. “Look at me.”
She opened her eyes, and her heart hammered against her ribs at what she saw in his gaze. Trey Scott had the look of love in his eyes.
As he leaned closer, his lips curved into a beautiful smile. “No regrets?” he asked, with something oddly hesitant in his manner.
“Not yet.” She’d thought to tease him, but her words came out stilted, earnest.
He sighed. “Not a very hopeful answer, but an honest one, I suppose.”
He stroked her cheek, her jaw, and a low rumble sounded in his chest. “I’ll be gentle with you tonight, my love. We’ll go at your pace, and I’ll do only what you want me to do.”
Sudden fear clogged her throat. “What if…what if I can’t go through with it?”
“Then we spend the night talking. Get to know each other better.”
Her heart turned troubled, unsure. She knew enough about men from her mother’s business to know what he offered was unusual. Heroic, even. “That would be enough for you?”
Trey leaned forward and kissed her lightly on the nose. “I can be a very patient man, Mrs. Scott. Resourceful, too. Even if it takes a lifetime, I plan to give you every reason to trust me to take care of you in our marriage bed.”
“A lifetime?”
“Yes.”
“Well, then.” Her eyes glittered back at him, and his heart hitched in his chest. “Let’s hope it doesn’t take that long.”
Trey laughed, the sound chasing away the remaining tension between them. “Beautiful Katherine, I’ll do everything in my power to be a good husband to you.”
She covered his mouth with her fingers. “I know, Trey. I believe you.”
“Good.” He took her hand and pressed her palm against his heart. “Good.”
He closed his eyes a moment and just breathed in her clean, fresh scent. His stomach felt a little funny all of a sudden, and then the sensation spread up to his chest. Once he could breathe again, he decided he liked the feeling.
Liked it very much.
Chapter Nineteen
The next morning Trey woke first. Settled comfortably in an overstuffed chair, he drank a second cup of coffee while his bride continued sleeping in the other room. At the sound of her soft, feminine snoring, a wave of contentment rippled through him.
He couldn’t help but think God had blessed him with this new marriage. And for the first time in four years, the thought of the Lord’s hand in any part of his life didn’t bring anger and bitterness.
Only awe. And a large dose of gratitude.
The evening had been filled with firsts for them both. And as their wedding night had progressed, Trey had been able to show Katherine just how patient he could be with her. Together, they’d overcome the obstacle of her fear of physical intimacy.
With a large dose of satisfaction, Trey kicked his feet onto the ottoman and wondered if they’d made a baby when they’d consummated their marriage.
But as soon as the thought came, painful memories of what had happened to Laurette and their unborn child broke through his pleasure. Heart-pounding fear gripped him, nearly paralyzing his ability to breathe. He’d failed Laurette. Violence had won that round.
Could he keep his new family safe? Or would he fail them as well?
No, he would not. This time he would do what was necessary to protect what was his.
Until he found Ike, there were going to have to be rules, nonnegotiable rules. When he had to leave town, Katherine, Molly and any children that came along would stay with Marc and Laney at Charity House. Once the school year began, he’d appoint a deputy to watch the premises.
A muscle shifted in his jaw as gripping anxiety clogged his throat and stole his breath. The drive to finish the business of the past was suddenly obscene, like a sharp, fiery stake stabbing into his heart.
He heard Katherine stir. Shaking away his ugly thoughts, he set his cup on the table next to him and went to the doorway that led into the bedroom. Leaning against the jamb, he studied his wife as her eyes blinked slowly open.
With her gaze unfocused, sleepy, she looked youthful, beautiful. His momentary concern for the future faded, and Katherine Taylor Scott filled his world. “Good morning, Mrs. Scott.”
A smile played at the tips of her mouth. “Good morning, Mr. Scott.”
“Sleep well?”
She stretched, yawned. “Lovely.”
Trey’s heart dipped in his chest. “Hungry?”
“Ravenous.”
Laughing, he shoved away from the door. “Me, too.”
In the same moment he leaned down to kiss her lips, a pounding came at the door.
“Marshal, you in there?”
Logan. For a lawman, the deputy had rotten timing.
Katherine blew her hair out of her face and sighed. “Looks like breakfast will have to wait.”
“If we don’t answer,” he whispered, “he’ll go away.”
Three more raps. “Marshal. It’s important.”
Katherine sat up, wrapped the covers around her and then slid him an annoyed look, as though she was as disappointed as he was by the interruption. Unfortunately, the underlying dread in her expression was impossible to miss.
They both knew Logan would interrupt them for only one reason.
“Answer the door,” she said at last.
He wished he knew what to say to alleviate her worry, but his mind wrestled with two thoughts—it was time to serve up justice, and it was too soon to leave his wife.
Logan’s plea turned urgent. “Marshal.”
“I’m coming,” Trey shouted back. “Give me a moment.”
He waited until Katherine snuggled deeper under the covers before moving back into the sitting room. He gave her one last look over his shoulder, then padded barefoot through the room.
Yanking the door open, he growled at the other man. “This better be good.”
Logan tried to enter the room, but Trey barred entrance with his body. “Well?”
Shrugging, Logan stepped back. “A telegraph came in from the marshal in Nebraska territory. He caught Ike Hayes.”
He caught Ike Hayes.
The need for justice knotted in Trey’s gut, and all he could do was stare at Logan as the news slowly sank in.
This was it, then. After all these years of searching, retribution was within his grasp. Laurette would receive justice at last. She would not have died in vain.
“Marshal Roberts wants us to meet him in Cheyenne,” Logan continued, “so he can turn over the prisoner to you personally.”
“I’ll be ready to leave in an hour,” Trey said. “Meet me at the stabl
es.”
Trey shut the door behind Logan’s nod of agreement. No time for thought. Only action. With deliberate movements, he gathered his belongings. Against his best efforts to remain calm, his head filled with memories, and his heart exploded with anger and frustration.
Ike Hayes had preyed on the innocent and killed for sport for too long. Trey would not miss this opportunity to bring the man who’d killed his wife to trial.
If for no other reason, he owed it to Laurette.
So consumed with ending the violence, he’d nearly forgotten about Katherine until his glance fell on the bed. She sat there, unmoving, her knees wrapped in the covers and pulled to her chest. She didn’t say anything, just quietly watched him.
Her eyes were big and round and worried, and in that moment, she looked only a few years older than Molly.
“I have to go,” he said.
She nodded, her eyes never leaving his face. He understood the fear settling over her. Just as he recognized the strength it took her to hold the emotion at bay.
“I have to do this,” he said, his tone more desperate than firm. “He’s the man who killed my wife.”
She jerked at his declaration, sighed and then dropped her gaze to her knees. “Of course.”
“Try to understand, Katherine. Justice must be served.”
He wanted to repeat the words over and over, until he made her accept how important this was to him. To them and their future together.
She lifted her gaze and simply stared at him. After a long, dead silence her eyes filled with a deep sadness, but she continued to hold his gaze, with an unwavering conviction that belied her emotions.
“You have to do what you think is best, Trey.”
“I have to finish this.” Even to his own ears, his voice sounded hesitant, uneasy. “Then I—we—can move on with our lives.”
She simply nodded. “Of course.”
Katherine’s patient acceptance shattered him. Where was the fight in her? The yelling? The accusations? A battle he could handle? This calm understanding—it nearly broke him.
“I—”
“No. Don’t say anything else.” She rushed to him, reached for his hand and clutched it to her heart. “God-speed, my love. May you have the peace of Christ and the conviction of the Holy Spirit in your heart as you go.”