Martine, Missy - Star Wishes (Siren Publishing Ménage Amour)

by Missy Martine

  Abe crouched down and pulled off his hat. So this is Sarah Kees. Ike was right, she’s quite a beauty. She’d definitely be someone to come home to at night after a long day of working their fields. He’d never intended to remain sheriff. He’d only been given the job because he’d managed to foil a bank robbery a few years back. The town had been so grateful they’d bestowed the badge on him before he knew what was happening. He didn’t regret it. It had given him a solid income while he waited on Ike to come back, and it had let him save up so he could buy the farm when Mallory wanted to go east. It was time he encouraged the townspeople to start looking for a replacement. He watched as Sarah splashed water across her shoulders. “It’s time for me to meet little Miss Sarah,” he whispered. Taking a deep breath, he picked up his hat, got up, and started down the hill.

  * * * *

  Sarah finished her song with a flourish and laughed. She heard the buffalo girl song many times coming from the saloon in St. Louis when she ran errands for Miss Rivers. It had such a catchy tune, and it always made her smile.

  “Now that’s definitely not the kind of song I’d be expecting to hear a beautiful young woman sing. Where on earth did you hear it?”

  Sarah screeched, and jerked to her feet, dunking herself in the process. She came up out of the water sputtering, and pushed the wet strands of her hair out of her eyes. When she spied Abe standing near her clothes, she sunk back down until the water lapped at her chin.

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to frighten you.” He pulled his hat off his head. “Allow me to introduce myself. I’m Sheriff Abraham West.”

  Sarah froze. How am I gonna get out of this?

  He chuckled, and brushed his hat against his leg sending up a cloud of dust. “This is where you’re supposed to tell me who you are.”

  “I’m…um…”

  “Wait, let me guess.” He peered at her intently. “You look enough like Samuel to be his twin sister.”

  Sarah felt the tension seep out of her shoulders. He’d given her a way out of the mess her life had become. “As a matter of fact, yes, I’m Samuel’s sister. My name is Sarah.”

  Abe’s eyes fairly twinkled. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Sarah. It is miss, isn’t it?”

  Sarah smiled. “Yes, it’s miss.”

  “When did you get here? I haven’t seen you before.”

  She thought for a moment. “I got in late last night. I’ve been visiting family back East and decided it was time for me to come home.” Abe took a couple of steps closer. “Wait, you can’t come down here. You have to go away.”

  Abe glanced at her clothes lying on the grass and walked over to them. He frowned. “These look like Samuel’s clothes. Where are your things?”

  She blinked back tears. Why can’t things be easy? “I, um, I had some trouble getting here. We were robbed coming out, and I lost my bag. Samuel said I could use some of his things until we could get to town.”

  “Where is Samuel?”

  Sarah shifted back and forth on her feet, trying to keep warm in the chilly water. “He’s off running some personal errands. He rode out for Jefferson City and won’t be back for day or two.” That should give me enough time to get my story straight with the children. She folded her arms across her chest and glared at the sheriff. “Would you please go away now? I’m getting cold and I’d like to get dressed.”

  He grinned. “I’ll go away on one condition.”

  She looked at him warily. “What condition?”

  His smile widened. “That you agree to have dinner with me tonight.”

  Sarah shook her head and opened her mouth to say no.

  “You might as well say yes. Otherwise, I’ll just turn up on your doorstep at dinnertime and eat with the family.”

  She almost snorted. That wasn’t a threat. It was more of a declaration. The brothers regularly showed up for meals. The only one they’d missed so far was breakfast. She wasn’t prepared to have him around the children with her dressed as a girl. They would need time to act naturally with the changes. Eating out with him would be a better choice. She took a deep breath. “Very well, I’ll dine with you, but remember, my answer is under duress.” The grin she couldn’t hold in softened her words.

  Abe tipped his hat. “Duly noted, Miss Sarah.” He turned and headed up the hill. Halfway up he turned around. “Try to get to town this afternoon because I’d sure love to see you in some female frills.” Without another word he disappeared over the crest. A moment later she heard the neighing of a horse and then the sounds of hoofs galloping across the land.

  She waited for a moment, and then hurried over to her clothes, the grass sliding over her bare ankles. The smell of the wet earth mingled with the sweet smell of wildflowers. She dried quickly, and then pulled on her clothes. The sheriff had given her an out that would be beneficial for her whole family. With a lighter heart, she hurried toward her little sod house.

  When she got close to the house, she spied Rachel pacing back and forth in front of the barn. “What’s wrong, Rachel?”

  Rachel pulled her into the barn. “We’ve got company.”

  Sarah felt the hairs on the back of her neck stand up. “Who is it?”

  “It’s a little boy named Jake.” Rachel bit her lip, and glanced toward the house. “He looked hungry, Sarah, so I fixed lunch early.” She nodded toward the house. “He’s inside eating with the boys.” Her nose wrinkled up. “He needs a bath worse than anybody I’ve ever been around.” She lowered her voice. “Sarah, I don’t think he has a home.”

  “What makes you think that?”

  “Daniel has seen him when he cleans up the jail for Abe. He says the sheriff lets Jake run errands for him and that he thinks he’s living in the livery, sleeping in the hay.” She grabbed Sarah’s arm. “Sarah, winter’s coming. The poor boy will freeze with no fire to keep him warm.”

  Sarah felt an uncomfortable chill and studied Rachel. “You’re wanting him to come and live with us, aren’t you?”

  Rachel bit her lip harder, and nodded.

  Sarah dropped her towel and dirty clothes, and then finger combed her wet hair. “If we take him in, he’ll have to be let in on our secret.” She sighed, and rubbed her fingers against her forehead. “I can’t continue to live like a man even in the privacy of my own home.” She turned around, trying to think of a solution. Then, she turned back and grinned. Or can I?” She told Rachel about her encounter with Abe. “Do you think we can pull it off?”

  “You mean you’re going to pretend to be Samuel and his sister?

  Sarah shook her head. “Not exactly. I thought maybe we’d send Samuel east to take care of our ailing folks, leaving just me, his sister, in charge of the family here.”

  Rachel thought for a minute and then smiled. “It just might work.” She hesitated a moment. “Does that mean I can offer Jake a home?”

  “I think we should wait and see what happens. I want to ask Abe a little bit about him before I bring him in to live in our house. We can feed him all you want, but I don’t want him sleeping here unless the sheriff says it’s safe.”

  “That sounds fair, and he’s got to be willing to take a bath. He can probably wear some of Zeke’s clothes. They’re about the same size.”

  “That’s fine.” She smiled. “Now, I have to go get ready for my dinner with the sheriff.”

  * * * *

  Sarah pushed back the sheet covering the door and walked into the main room of the house. All conversation ceased when they got a good look at what she was wearing. Her dress was made from a light-colored calico with little blue flowers.

  “You look beautiful, Sarah.” Rachel moved closer and ran her hand along the smooth skirt. “I didn’t realize you’d gotten around to making this.”

  “I worked on it at night, after everyone fell asleep.” She looked over and laughed at the boys openmouthed stares.

  Rachel fingered the sleeve and frowned. “This is fine for now, but we really need to get some heavier material t
o make some warmer things for winter.”

  “Maybe some piece goods for one dress. If I really want to be warm, I’ll wear Samuel’s clothes. We do need to pick out some winter coats for everyone. The last time I was in the Mercantile, Eliah had just put out a selection of winter gear. We should stock up while we can. Let’s head in tomorrow and pick out what we’ll need.”

  “Can we pick up some snow shovels while we’re there?” asked Daniel. “Maybe some extra feed for the stock. Sheriff West says we’ll have some pretty nasty snowstorms here, storms that could keep us stranded out here.”

  Sarah nodded. “Okay, make a list so we can get everything in one trip.”

  Daniel ran his gaze up and down Sarah. “What’s going on?”

  Sarah sighed. “Everyone sit down, please.” When they were all sitting around the fireplace, she cleared her throat. “Things are going to change around here, for the better I hope.” She spent several minutes outlining her plan to start being herself.

  Daniel got to his feet. “Won’t you still be pretending, pretending to be Samuel’s sister?”

  She sighed heavily. “Yes, but at least that would be better than being a boy.”

  Jonathan came and tugged on her skirt. “Does that mean we can call you Sarah again?”

  Sarah laughed and picked him up in a bear hug. “Absolutely, little man. You can call me Sarah anytime I have a dress on.”

  Rachel shook her head and got to her feet. “Okay, guys, let’s get evening chores done because supper is almost ready.” The boys hurriedly scattered out the door. She looked at Sarah. “We can…”

  “Sarah, come quick.”

  Sarah picked up her skirt and ran at the sound of Zeke’s terror-filled voice. When she spotted him near the barn, he pointed toward the garden. She turned to see what had frightened him and saw what looked like a huge, gray wolf standing in the distance. “Rachel, bring me my gun.” Expecting Rachel to bring the rifle, she was dismayed when the young girl hurried toward her with the Horse pistol. “That’ll never hit him at this distance.” She shrugged, and took the gun from Rachel’s hand. “No matter, maybe we can scare him off.” She put both hands on the gun and raised it to aim at the wolf. He still sat at the edge of their garden, just watching them.

  She felt just a tinge of guilt since the animal was just sitting there, and probably hungry. Still, she had children to protect and they had to come first. She took careful aim, cocked the gun, and then pulled the trigger. It was the first time she’d fired the weapon, and she wasn’t expecting to find herself propelled backward, her arm aching, and landing on her backside in the dirt.

  * * * *

  Abe shook the reins gently, urging the weathered gelding into a faster trot. He’d left Midnight in his stall, happily going through a bucket of oats. He’d never used the spirited horse for pulling the buggy, and he wanted to take Sarah to dinner in style.

  He rounded the corner and blinked. It looked like the whole family was standing in front of the barn. His gaze centered on Sarah and he smiled. She looked so beautiful, so feminine and dainty. The dress she was wearing accented her curves perfectly, and her long, brown hair was secured in a braid down her back.

  As he watched, Rachel came tearing out of the house, clutching something close to her chest. His mouth dropped open when she handed a gun to Sarah. To his surprise, she lifted the gun and aimed it out toward the field. He looked, and spotted a large, gray wolf near the tree line. “Doesn’t the dang, fool woman know she can’t hit him from that distance?”

  He’d started to shout a warning when she pulled the trigger. He flinched when the recoil threw her a good three feet back onto her rear, her skirts flying up to reveal her petticoats and shapely legs. He shook his head and chuckled, then slapped the reins against Oscar’s flesh.”

  Abe bounded out of the buggy before it came to a full stop. He hurried over to where the children were grouped around Sarah’s prone figure and gently pulled them away. Squatting down, he took her hand. “Are you hurt, Miss Sarah?”

  She groaned. “Only my pride.” She pulled her arm to her chest, and squirmed a little on the ground. “Among a few unmentionable places.”

  Abe smothered a laugh and deftly pulled her to her feet. “Was that the first time you fired the pistol, Miss Sarah?”

  She sighed. “Do you think you could just call me Sarah?”

  “Of course. Is this the first time you’ve fired the gun, Sarah?” He gave her a big smile.

  She narrowed her eyes. “Yes, it’s the first time I’ve had the misfortune to fire that spawn of Satan.” She glared at him. “What gave it away?” she asked dryly.

  He couldn’t hold in his laughter, but quickly changed it to a cough when she shot him a look that would kill a lesser man. He cleared his throat and decided to take his life in his hands. “You do realize that you had no hope of hitting that wolf with that pistol at that distance.”

  She set her jaw and placed a steely gaze on him. “Yes, I’m well aware I was too far away.”

  Abe harrumphed. “Then what in the sam hill did you shoot the gal-durn thing for?”

  She clenched her fist and stomped her foot. “To scare him away from the farm.”

  His anger cooled when he realized her goal was to protect her family from the wolf. I wonder if they really are her family. They sure don’t look anything alike. He needed to give her a quick lesson so she wouldn’t hurt herself in the future. He held his hand out for the gun and chuckled when she handed it over with a huff. “Your stance was all wrong. Let me show you how you should have done it.”

  He took her arm and guided her around the house. Glancing around, he spotted a small pile of kindling and some larger pieces of wood by the house. “Daniel, would you take the largest piece of wood from that pile and put it out in the clearing by the privy?”

  “Sure.” Daniel ran to do as Abe asked.

  “Okay, kids, all of you stand behind me and Sarah.” He waited until they were a safe distance away and then handed Sarah her gun. He moved behind her and slid his arms around her small waist, his hand over hers on the large pistol. He could feel her body tremble when he moved close enough to press against her back. Taking in a deep breath, he savored the light scent of roses. “You sure smell good,” he whispered.

  Sarah swallowed hard. “Thank you.”

  He raised her arms with the gun clasped firmly in her hands. “Now, line up your sight along the top of the gun, here.” He pointed to a small ridge near the top of the barrel. “This gun has a mean kick so I strongly recommend you aim a little low for your target.” He watched as she lowered her arms a little and steadied the gun. “Do you have it in your sights?

  “Yes.”

  “Go ahead and cock it.”

  She had to struggle to get the gun cocked. “The pistol is really heavy. I can’t hold it much longer.”

  Abe breathed her scent in deep. “Go ahead, fire when you feel ready.”

  Sarah took a deep breath and steadied her aim. Abe leaned down to see her face and blanched when she closed her eyes and pulled the trigger. Both of his arms closed around her when the recoil sent her hard into his embrace. He savored the feel of her in his arms until the sound of laughter penetrated his thoughts.

  Daniel dropped to the ground, laughing so hard there were tears in his eyes. “It’s a dang good thing nobody was inside.”

  Abe frowned at the boy, and watched the rest of the children line up behind him, each of them doubling over in laughter.

  “Well, stuff and bother. Now look what you made me do.”

  Abe turned to the woman he still held in his arms and spotted what everyone was looking at. There was a nice sized hole in the door of the privy that wasn’t there a few minutes before. He briefly chuckled, then groaned. “Oomph.” She’d elbowed him in the stomach, and pulled out of his arms. “Woman, what do you mean? What I made you do.” He rubbed a hand over his stomach. “Are you daft? You aimed the dang thing yourself.”

  Sarah stomped aro
und the house, the children giving her a wide berth. After she rounded the corner, Abe turned to Daniel. “She’s touchier than a mare ready to foal, ain’t she?”

  Daniel rolled his eyes. “You have no idea.”

  Abe chuckled again and went in search of his dinner companion. He found her in the house, wiping suspicious moisture from her cheeks. He walked up and pulled her into his arms. When she tried to pull away, he tightened his grip. “Now, don’t get your corset in a twist. Everything’s going to be okay. Ike told me that Samuel has a Sharps rifle. Is that right?”

  Sarah sniffed indelicately and nodded her head.

  “Then, no worries, love. You’re going to be fine. I’ll give you a few pointers and you can use the Sharps for just about everything. It’s easier to shoot and doesn’t have near as much kick.” He rubbed his hands up and down her back. “Just give it some time, Miss Sarah. We’ll turn you into a Western woman yet.”

  She laughed and pulled away. “Why are you being so nice to me? You barely know me.”

  Abe moved closer and lowered his voice to a raspy growl. “I feel like I’ve known you forever, Sarah.” He bent forward slowly until he could brush his lips lightly against hers. Sarah sucked in her breath, and then pressed back just a bit, enough to satisfy Abe that she felt something for him as well.

  He pulled back and smiled. “What do you say we go to town and get some dinner? Then I thought we might take a nice drive.”

  She smiled back. “That sounds nice.”

  “Is it safe to leave the youngins here alone?”

  “They’ll be fine. Daniel and Rachel are both very responsible.”

  “Okay, then let’s get moving.”

  Sarah followed him outside and started to climb into his buggy. She let out an undignified squeak when he placed his large hands at her waist and lifted her up into the seat. He grinned, hurried around, and hopped up beside her. She looked over at the children. “Rachel, keep everyone close until I get back. Keep the gun handy in case of trouble.”