Although he wouldn’t breathe a word to Tommy, the appearance of the boy meant it could all begin again. The time had come for him to marry and settle down. A sleepy frontier town such as Splendor seemed the perfect place. A marriage would produce the appearance of propriety, while his wealth would afford him the means to travel, take a mistress when he wanted, yet still have a strong hand in the growth of the town. Power and respect were what he craved, and marriage to a woman who already had roots in Splendor would help him achieve those goals. If needed, he’d use the boy as leverage.
“I believe it’s time I made a trip to town and take a look at the boy myself, perhaps renew my friendship with Miss Campanel.”
Tommy hesitated, not liking the almost feral look on Willie’s face. “As I recall, the last time you tried to renew your friendship with the woman, the deputy intervened on her behalf. From her response, I don’t believe Miss Campanel has any intention of renewing anything.”
“Trust me. She can be persuaded with the right kind of encouragement.” Which was what Willie planned to provide.
“It would be wonderful to have you, your friend, and Jackson stay here. We have lots of room, and Mary would love someone to play with. Jackson can go with her to school, if that’s what you want.” Ginny Pelletier had returned from a day at Dax and Rachel’s house to find Lena and Jackson waiting on the front porch.
As Jackson and Mary ran into the barn to check on a new calf, Lena explained how Isabella and Jackson arrived in Splendor, and their need for a place to stay.
“I know it will come as a shock to most that Jackson is my son, but it’s time he lived with me and not Isabella.”
“Of course he should be with you. No matter how wonderful Isabella has been, no one can take the place of a child’s mother.” Ginny’s brows drew together as she pondered what she wanted to say. “You don’t need to tell me or anyone why Jackson hasn’t been with you. I’m sure you have good reasons for making that decision. Remember, Lena, you have friends in Splendor. If you need anything or just want to talk, Rachel and I are here for you.”
Lena had never lived in a town like Splendor. She had never been in a place where people accepted each other without judgement, where they reached out to help their neighbors without expectations of something in return. Swiping at tears pooling in her eyes, she took a relieved breath.
“Thank you, Ginny. You don’t know how much your friendship means to me.”
Big Pine
“Are you comfortable, Caro?” Gabe swung up on Blackheart, his gaze moving over her to make certain nothing looked amiss.
“Yes, quite comfortable.”
“If the weather holds steady, we should make it to Splendor by tonight.”
“And if it doesn’t?” She looked up into a sky sprinkled with menacing clouds, a huge thunderhead forming in the east.
“We’ll find a place to bed down. Other than weather and Indians, we should have an easy trip.”
“Indians,” she gasped. “Is that truly a possibility?”
“I told you before, anything can happen out here.” During the last few months, they’d had a few incidences with one local tribe, but no one had been killed. Before that, a group of renegades had haunted the trail between Big Pine and Splendor, making travel more treacherous. Gabe heard they’d moved north.
Placing a hand to her stomach, she nodded. “Well, I’m not changing my mind. Let’s go.”
Two hours into the ride, the clouds broke loose, pummeling them with rain. He’d been watching for it, steering them close to the shelter of a stand of cedars. They weren’t the best cover, but it was better than being caught in the open.
“It seems to be passing quickly.”
“There’s still the mass of black clouds moving in from the east.” Caro slipped on the duster Gabe had tied behind her saddle. Heavy and warm, it kept the chill away, even if the rain did soak through.
“After this one moves on, we’ll go as far as we can, then find shelter for the night. There’s a place several miles ahead with a large rock formation and trees. If we have to, we’ll bed down there.”
“While we’re waiting, tell me more about Splendor and why you stayed.” She pulled the duster tight as she leaned against the trunk of a tree.
“I hadn’t planned to stay. After Noah and I arrived the first time, he stayed and started his business while I moved on. I received word they needed help, so I rode back, again not intending to stay. They’d lost their sheriff months before. All efforts to find a replacement had failed, so I took the job on a temporary basis.”
“How long is temporary?”
He let out a short chuckle. “Longer than I’d first thought. Now that I’m partnering in the hotel, I plan to stay.”
“Even if you don’t marry?” Caro remembered how women had flocked to Gabe in their youth. He’d always seemed oblivious to their attentions until he’d met her. Even then, they never truly courted, so in her mind, his interest had never been too serious. To her knowledge, no other woman, besides Lena, had gotten to him in such a deep way.
“Honestly, I don’t know.”
Within minutes, the rain ceased and they were back on the trail, riding at a faster pace than when they’d started. Caro’s question about whether he’d stay in Splendor if Lena refused his proposal plagued him. He wanted her, but it didn’t change the fact he knew she held secrets. Ones she felt would impact his feelings enough for him to change his mind. Whatever they were, he doubted they would be as significant as she believed. The fact she didn’t trust him enough to be honest bothered him a great deal. He couldn’t abide falsehoods and secrets.
The longer they rode, the stronger his belief to get Caro settled, then continue to the Pelletier ranch and finish the last part of his time away. Lena needed to decide whether she trusted him or not. If she didn’t, he knew they’d never have a future.
~~~~~
Chapter Seventeen
“What will you tell him when he returns?” Isabella asked as she and Lena sat on the front porch of Luke and Ginny’s home, sipping tea, watching Mary and Jackson play. Hank and Bernice had taken the wagon into town earlier, and Ginny had left to help with Patrick, leaving them to settle in.
“The truth, which is what I should have done before he left. He deserves to know about Jackson and why you’ve been raising him.”
“Keeping him safe, you mean.” Isabella set down her cup and took Lena’s hand. “I wish you’d told me before about Willie being in Splendor. I never would’ve brought Jackson here if I knew he might still be in danger. Arnott dying came as such a shock, I suppose I wasn’t thinking too clearly when I made the decision.” She sat back, resting her hands in her lap. “The doctor told me to prepare myself. I always knew he had a poor heart, and at twenty-five years older than me, we both thought he’d likely pass before I did. Too bad knowing didn’t make his death any easier.”
Lena’s heart twisted at the pain on Isabella’s face. “You made the right choice. It’s time Jackson lived with me.”
“And Willie?”
“He’d be foolish to try anything here. Unlike in the other towns we’ve lived, Nick and I have made friends here, people who will help us if he tries his shenanigans. Then there’s Gabe.”
“I do suppose marrying the sheriff does have its advantages.”
“If he still wants me once I tell him about Jackson and Willie.” She stood, moving to the railing on the porch to get a better view of the two riders approaching. Fear pooled in the pit of her stomach as she raced down the steps toward Jackson and Mary. “Go inside, both of you. Now.” Both children noted her stern voice and moved at once, running to do as she asked.
“What is it, Lena?” Isabella closed the door firmly behind the children, telling them to stay inside, then moved next to Lena at the edge of the porch.
“It’s Willie and his partner, Thomas Pennington.” Her voice shook as she worked to keep her panic under control.
Isabella’s hand flew to he
r throat. “How did he find us?”
“It doesn’t matter. He’s here now. It’s time I dealt with him and put an end to his intimidation and threats.” Crossing her arms, Lena planted her feet and straightened her spine. She would not let Willie bully her anymore. Keeping silent as the two men reined up their horses, she glanced behind her to see two small faces staring out the window.
“Good morning, ladies.” Willie tipped his hat, intending to dismount.
“Don’t even consider staying, Willie. You and your friend aren’t welcome here.”
“That’s not too hospitable of you given how close we used to be.” Willie’s sneer caused her to take a step back in disgust.
“Your memory seems to be quite different than mine.” A chill ripped through her at the way his gaze raked over her, making her feel dirty and vulnerable. Lifting her chin, she fought her growing unease.
“I can’t understand the hatred you have for me when we share something important to both of us.” He leaned forward, his penetrating stare leaving no doubt of his meaning.
“We share nothing. Don’t for a minute believe we do.” Lena glanced past the barn to the bunkhouse to see Luke’s foreman, Dirk Masters, walking toward them, shotgun in hand.
“Miss Campanel.” He nodded before stepping in front of Willie’s horse. “Can I help you gentlemen?”
Willie straightened in the saddle, his hand moving to the butt of his gun.
“I wouldn’t do that, mister.” Dirk raised the shotgun enough to signal his intentions. “These men bothering you, Miss Campanel?”
“As a matter of fact, Mr. Masters, I’ve asked them to leave.”
Willie brought his hand back up to rest on the saddle horn, then turned toward Tommy. “Appears it’s time we leave.” Shifting, he fixed his gaze on Lena. “This isn’t over. I want what’s mine and I’ll do what’s necessary to get it.”
“There’s nothing for you here, Willie. Not now, not ever. Go back to your mines, make your money, and leave us alone.”
“I’ll do as you ask, but don’t think this is over.”
Dirk didn’t lower the shotgun until the men were a good distance away. Turning toward the women, he walked up the steps, noticing Lena’s body beginning to shake.
“You all right, Miss Campanel?” He leaned the gun against the post.
“Yes, I’ll be fine. Thank you for coming when you did.” She continued to watch as Willie and Tommy disappeared around a bend.
“Good thing I was still around. It didn’t take much for me to see you didn’t want him here. Who are they?”
“Willie Carlyle and Thomas Pennington, owners of the Devil Dancer mine.” Lena clasped her hands on the porch rail, letting the last waves of panic pass through her body.
“What does he want with you?” Dirk removed his hat, holding the brim with both hands.
“We have a history…and it’s not a good one.”
“Forget about her, Willie. She and the boy will cause you nothing but trouble. Who are they to you, anyway?”
Willie sat at a table in the Rose, using whiskey to stall his swelling anger. “You already know my intentions with the woman. The boy? He’s my son.”
“What the hell are you talking about? You’ve never said a word about a son.”
“There’s been no reason to talk about him until now.” Pouring another glass, he rested his arms on the table. “If these mines keep going, we’ll be the wealthiest citizens in this town, able to do whatever we want.”
“What does that have to do with the woman and boy?” Tommy didn’t know if the drink or his anger produced such unreasonable thoughts.
“After the Pelletier women and Suzanne Briar, Lena is the most powerful woman in the town. Marrying her would put me right at the top with the men who stand to run it.”
Tommy sipped his drink, not understanding his logic or the sick gleam in Willie’s eyes. “How do you figure marrying a saloon girl helps you? Seems to me the town would look down on any man who married a woman of her background.”
“That’s where you’re wrong. From what I’ve learned, the town sees her as a successful woman, even if not all of them approve of her business. And Nick’s made it clear her job isn’t the same as the other girls. With the arrival of the boy, I can do the right thing.”
“And what’s that?”
“Marry her. She knows I’ll spread word he’s my son. Lena won’t want the stigma of being an unwed mother. She’ll marry me to protect the boy and her reputation.”
“Make her an honest woman in the eyes of the town,” Tommy mumbled, staring across the room at Dolly. He’d enjoyed her company a couple weeks before, even though she had to be persuaded to do what he asked. Unfortunately, he hadn’t been able to see her again. He needed to rectify that, and soon.
“Do you see a problem with that?” Willie’s voice rose
Tommy looked at him. “Yes. I don’t understand how it helps you.”
“I’ve decided to make Splendor my home. It would be unseemly to have my ex-lover and bastard son roaming about, causing talk.”
“You’ll blackmail her?”
“Blackmail is a strong word. I believe with the proper persuasion, she’ll make the right decision. I’ve decided to stay in town a few more days. She has to return from the Pelletier’s at some point. When she does, I’m certain Lena will make time to speak with me.”
“We’ll need to bed down here tonight. There isn’t any chance we’ll outrun the storm following us.” Gabe slid from his horse, then helped Caro from hers. It had been a long day in the saddle, with three extra stops due to weather. He knew she must be sore and tired.
“What can I do?” Slipping out of her duster, she shook it out, then hung it on a branch to dry out.
“Help me gather wood. I’ll start a fire while you lay out the bedrolls.”
The wind kicked up a little as Gabe lit the leaves and sticks. One at a time, he laid larger branches on top. Within a short time, he had a passable fire to keep them from getting too chilled. At least the rain held up until he’d erected a wedge tent where they could sit and eat their meal. Caro pulled a short coat from her saddlebag, pulled it on, then slipped the duster over it. She’d yet to utter one word of complaint about their journey.
“This isn’t so bad.” Caro took a bite of the hard biscuit, then held it up in the air to inspect it. “Too bad we have no jam.” After taking a sip of water, she bit into the dried beef Gabe had given her. “Where do we sleep?”
Gabe looked at the walls of the tent he’d used during the war. “This is the only shelter I brought. We can share it or I can sleep outside.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. Of course we’ll share the tent.” Her eyes twinkled as she took another sip of water. “I doubt your fiancée would prefer you come back ill.”
Gabe snorted at the reference to Lena already accepting his proposal. “The marriage part is still unsettled between us, but I’ll definitely accept the offer to share the tent.”
Within an hour, the wind roared, pelting the tent with rain and hail. Gabe could hear Caro pulling her clothing and blankets tight. Glancing over, he could see her body shake as the chill penetrated the layers. Throwing off his blanket and lifting hers, he moved to her, pulling Caro’s back against his chest, then covering them again with the blankets.
Lowering his head, he spoke into her ear. “I hope I can trust you not to compromise me.”
“I wouldn’t even consider it, Gabriel,” she replied, her voice shuddering from the cold.
Chuckling, he relaxed. Within minutes, they both drifted off to sleep.
“Do I have to go to school with Mary, Mother?” Looking miserable, Jackson picked at his breakfast of eggs and bacon.
“It would be good for you to meet more children since you’ll be staying in Splendor with me.” She understood his concern. Nick had been the one to escort her to school in New Orleans because she’d been too frightened to go alone—although for different reasons than Jackson.
“Mary knows all the children and will make certain you meet the others.”
He took an exaggerated breath, letting it out at a slow rate. “All right. But I want them to call me Jack and not Jackson.”
Lena glanced at Isabella and Ginny, who both hid their amused expressions.
“And why is that, sweetheart?”
“The boys at my last school teased me, saying I was named after a Confederate general.” He lowered his eyes to his almost full plate.
“I see.” Lena could understand how children raised in a Union city would make that conclusion, although it wasn’t true. “You were named after a good friend of Uncle Nick’s and mine, not General Jackson. However, I can see the confusion. If that’s what you want, we will all start calling you Jack.”
His eyes lit up. “Yes! That would be wonderful, Mother.” He attacked the rest of his breakfast with a new eagerness.
“Mary, do you understand what Jackson…Jack is asking of you?” Ginny asked, glancing at her sister.
“Yes. He doesn’t like Jackson. I don’t, either. From now on, I’ll call him Jack, and I’ll tell everybody else his name is Jack.” Finishing her hotcake, she slid from the table.
“Mary?” Ginny questioned, raising her eyebrows.
“Oh, sorry.” She jumped back on her chair. “May I be excused now, please?”
“Me, too?” Jack added.
“Yes, you are both excused. We’ll leave for school in a few minutes,” Ginny answered, then stood.
“I’ll take them today, Ginny. I’d like to speak with Miss Murton about our circumstances.” Neither Ginny nor Isabella had to question her concern. Children could be quite harsh to others whose mother had never married. “May I borrow a wagon?”
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