West Winds of Wyoming
Page 29
Charlie greeted Seth’s girl when she stopped next to him. “You must be Ivy. I’m Charlie. I’m pleased to make your acquaintance.”
Her face pinked up and Charlie liked her instantly. She had long brown hair tied back at the nape of her neck and wore one of Seth’s old, bent cowboy hats. She was slender and, by the length of her legs visible when the wind blew back her slicker, must be almost as tall as Seth. From the way Nell talked, he wouldn’t be surprised if another wedding was already in the makings.
“I’m pleased to meet you,” she said to him, but she winked at Nell.
Charlie felt a tad self-conscious. He wondered what they’d talked about last night. “And I like your new place. Especially your guard cat.” She pointed to Maddie’s kitten asleep on the front porch on a cushioned chair. The kitten didn’t seem to notice the blustery weather.
Charlie nodded. “Every ranch needs a cat.”
When Seth finished with his horses, Charlie let him out the gate and fastened the latch. “It’s quite wet out here. Can I offer anyone a cup of coffee? Won’t take but a minute to brew.”
Seth pulled his hat down on his forehead. “No, thanks, Charlie. I’m taking Ivy into town for a meal at the Silky Hen. She’s yet to eat there.”
“Charlie hasn’t been there yet, either,” Nell said. “Why don’t we all go together.”
The wind tugged at their slickers as Charlie said, “That’s a darn fine idea. And we’ll just be finishing up when school lets out. I wouldn’t be surprised if the place is packed, this weather having run everyone inside.”
Nell smiled, her face blossoming into a beautiful sight. “Let’s go. I’m sure there’s a table for us.” She turned and squeezed Coyote into a lope, and the others followed.
Charlie had been right—again—Nell thought as they pressed into the doorway of the Silky Hen, scanning the room for an open table. The floor was messy from customers tracking in mud. Hats and slickers cluttered the rack by the door and a clamor of voices mingled with the clink of utensils against porcelain plates. The air was warm and heavy with the aroma of coffee, and a sweet scent from syrup served over flapjacks mingled with the savory smell of bacon. Seemed breakfast in the afternoon was a popular notion.
Roberta Brown, Hannah’s mother, approached them, carrying menus. “Nell, Seth, it’s so good to see you,” she said. “It’s been quite some time.” She turned and gave Charlie a good once-over. “And you must be Mr. Rose, the man who risked his life to stop the bank from being robbed. I’d like to say thank you. You may have saved my brother’s life. I’m indebted to you.”
Nell almost laughed at Charlie’s expression. “Mr. Lloyd is Mrs. Brown’s brother,” she whispered.
“You’re welcome, ma’am,” Charlie said. “Any man would’ve done the same.”
Roberta shook her head. “Well, I’m not so sure about that.”
“This is Miss Ivy Lake.” Seth gestured to his girl.
“I’m pleased to meet you, as well, dear.” Roberta smiled kindly at Ivy, who nodded. “Please follow me. I have a nice table over here by the kitchen door, out of the draft. Come in and get warm. I hear Beth Fairington at the mercantile has come down with the measles. We don’t want you to catch a chill and be susceptible.” She led them through the room and placed their menus in the center of a round table large enough for the four of them. “Since there’s not room on the coat rack, just give me your slickers and I’ll put them in the back room until you’re ready to leave.”
Just as Roberta hustled away with their coats, Susanna came through the kitchen door. “Well, hello. I’ll be right with you all,” she offered as she passed by their table. “Would you all like coffee?” she asked over her shoulder.
“Yes,” Nell called.
Charlie pulled Nell’s chair out, the gesture making her smile. It was a little embarrassing, but it made her feel cherished and loved. As she sat, he scooted her chair closer to the table.
Seth picked up the menus and passed them around. “What does everyone feel like eating?”
“Anything hot,” Ivy said, rubbing her hands together. “I’m hungry and a little cold after that long ride from the Cotton Ranch.”
Seth smiled and covered her hands with his own. When he started to cough, he withdrew his kerchief and covered his mouth. “Before you say anything, Nell—I’m much better. But just to shut you up, I plan to see Doc Thorn next week.”
“Thank heavens for that,” Ivy said, gazing into Seth’s eyes. “I’ve been pestering him for months.”
Suzanna appeared and poured coffee all around. “Do you know what you’d like?”
Charlie looked to Nell, who said, “I’ll have the fried chicken, please.”
Ivy nodded. “Same for me.”
Seth pointed to the menu. “I’ll have beef stew.”
Charlie chuckled. “Same. What’s that say for the differences between men and women, I wonder?”
“I’ll put your order in and be right back with some bread and butter.” Susanna stuck her pencil behind her ear and hurried away.
Forty-five minutes later, Susanna cleared away their dirty plates. Nell didn’t think she’d had a finer meal in the last year.
“Did you ladies leave any room for dessert?” Seth asked, looking more robust to Nell than he had since before his last trip to the army. Seemed everything was going their way.
“Tristan Axelrose,” a deep voice called out.
Nell’s cup clattered to the saucer, spilling coffee across the royal-blue tablecloth.
CHAPTER FIFTY
A man stood in the lobby between the restaurant and the El Dorado Hotel. He was older and dressed like a cowboy. His large silver spurs looked as deadly as his cold, gray eyes. A deep pain pierced Nell’s heart.
“Charlie,” she whispered, feeling completely naked without her Colt 45. She’d left it in her saddlebag under this new false security called happiness. How could I be so stupid? Thank God Charlie was wearing his.
The man took a step toward them.
A hush fell over the room, so still Nell heard her blood swishing in her ears. When Charlie started to stand, Nell grasped him by his arm and struggled to keep him in his chair. When he glanced at her, a lifetime of living passed from his heart to hers.
“No! I won’t let you go,” she cried under her breath, still clinging to his arm. “He won’t shoot you in here, it would be murder in cold blood.” She glanced around the tables, hoping to see Albert or Thom or someone who could help them. She knew Seth would, but something in this man’s eyes said he could take the two of them as easy as pulling trout from the stream.
“Galante.” Charlie shook Nell off and stood. “I wondered if you’d ever show up. What took you so long?” Somewhere a baby started crying and his mama worked to quiet him. “Let’s take this outside. It’s nobody’s business but mine.”
The man nodded.
“Charlie!”
“Seth, you keep Nell in here.”
“You sure you don’t want some backup?” Seth asked quickly, worry lining his face. “I’m more than willing.”
The corner of Charlie’s lips pulled up. “No. I’d feel better knowing I have you to watch over her—and Maddie.”
Without a backward glance Charlie walked out onto the boardwalk and into the rain.
When Nell bolted from her chair, Seth rose and gripped her around the middle, hoisting her back, avoiding her wildly kicking feet. “Let me go!” she screeched. “I need to help Charlie! That man is a killer!”
“Charlie wants you to stay here. Have faith in him. Don’t count him out just yet.”
Nell tried to jerk away but Seth’s grip was too strong.
Sick with fear she clenched her eyes closed and did the only thing she was able. God? God! Are you there? Help Charlie. He’s the best man I know. I love him. Just—She didn’t know what else to pray. Too much time had passed. She expected to hear gunshots any second.
Instead, the door opened and Charlie stepped in. Seth rela
xed his arms and Nell bolted through the room and launched herself into his arms. A miracle? There’d been no gunshots. When she felt Seth and Ivy behind her, she loosened her grip on her husband and stepped away.
Charlie just stood there.
“So? What happened?”
“Galante’s gone.” He let go a long sigh, then a smile broke out on his face. “I didn’t see that coming at all. Seems Dan Galante is alive but will be in a wheelchair for the rest of his life. Galante acknowledged his son had taken the wrong path a few years back but at the time of the shooting he couldn’t admit that ugly fact to himself. Seems because of the time the boy had to think while recuperating, he’s turned his life around. His pa thanked me for not killing him. Said a lesser man would’ve. I don’t know if I believe that. Anyway, he swears if I hadn’t put him in the chair, he’d be dead by now.” Charlie looked from face to face. “And that’s all.”
Joy surged inside Nell. “He’s gone for good?”
Charlie nodded, then cupped Nell’s cheek with his warm palm and gazed into her eyes. “Yes, darlin’, it’s over. Finally over. He came all this way to right his wrong. Didn’t want me looking over my shoulder every day of my life.”
Charlie gave her a quick kiss and brushed her hair out of her face with a gentle touch. “Now I say we pay our bill and get moving. School’s out and I don’t want to keep Maddie waiting a single moment. It’s time to take our daughter home.”
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Special thanks goes to Maria Gomez and the whole Montlake crew for believing in Logan Meadows and the men and women who reside there.
To Caitlin Alexander for making this story shine! I’m amazed at your insight, knowledge, and skill. You make it all seem so easy.
To two renowned horse-trainer friends, Al Dunning and Mike Kevil, for your professional advice on how to round up a herd of mustangs in the mountains. Your suggestions and stories kept me smiling all day.
To Lauren Wingate, animal communicator, for sharing with me your understanding and knowledge of our four-legged friends. If only all of us could do what you do!
To my two critique partners, Leslie Lynch and Sandy Loyd, for going the extra mile.
To my family, Michael, Matthew, Adam, and Misti, for being my rocks. I love you all so much!
To my sisters, Sherry, Shelly, Jenny, Mary, and Lauren, for your help and encouragement. My life is rich because of you.
To my lovely readers, who make what I do possible. I appreciate each and every one of you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
And mostly to our awesome God for His many blessings and for giving me the opportunity to do what I love each and every day.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Photo © 2007 The Family Gallery
USA Today bestselling author Caroline Fyffe was born in Waco, Texas, the first of many towns she would call home during her father’s career with the US Air Force. A horse aficionado from an early age, she earned a bachelor of arts in communications from California State University, Chico, before launching what would become a twenty-year career as an equine photographer. She began writing fiction to pass the time during long days in the show arena, channeling her love of horses and the Old West into a series of Western historicals. Her debut novel, Where the Wind Blows, won the Romance Writers of America’s prestigious Golden Heart award as well as the Wisconsin RWA’s Write Touch Readers’ Award. She and her husband have two grown sons and live in the Pacific Northwest. To learn about upcoming novels, visit her website at www.carolinefyffe.com.
Table of Contents
Title Page
Copyright Page
Dedication Page
CONTENTS
PROLOGUE
CHAPTER ONE
CHAPTER TWO
CHAPTER THREE
CHAPTER FOUR
CHAPTER FIVE
CHAPTER SIX
CHAPTER SEVEN
CHAPTER EIGHT
CHAPTER NINE
CHAPTER TEN
CHAPTER ELEVEN
CHAPTER TWELVE
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
CHAPTER NINETEEN
CHAPTER TWENTY
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
CHAPTER THIRTY
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR
CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE
CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX
CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN
CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT
CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE
CHAPTER FORTY
CHAPTER FORTY-ONE
CHAPTER FORTY-TWO
CHAPTER FORTY-THREE
CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR
CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE
CHAPTER FORTY-SIX
CHAPTER FORTY-SEVEN
CHAPTER FORTY-EIGHT
CHAPTER FORTY-NINE
CHAPTER FIFTY
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
ABOUT THE AUTHOR