by Elle E Kay
“Can it wait, Mr. Pinkerton?” Adeline asked.
“I don’t think it should.”
She pulled her gaze from Nathaniel’s and met William Pinkerton’s. “What is it?”
“Your father had hoped you would return home.”
“My father is dead.”
“No, he isn’t. He was shot twice, but wasn’t killed. Once in the shoulder and once in the hip. Infection made his recovery difficult. After several months, he was finally well enough to go home, but he was distraught to learn we had recruited you for this mission and demanded we fetch you and bring you back to Kansas City.”
“My father is alive?”
“Yes.”
Nate could see her pain and confusion when she turned to face him. “I didn’t know, Adeline. I would’ve told you.”
“I want to see my father.”
“Of course. We’ll leave immediately.”
“But what about the Wells-Fargo Stage Coach? I still don’t know when it’s arriving and we need to prevent the holdup.”
“We will. The stagecoach they are most likely planning to rob won’t arrive for another week. We can deal with it when we get back from Kansas City.”
She nodded. “All right.”
“I’m sorry, Adeline. I swear to you I didn’t know your father was alive. I would’ve planned for both of our fathers to be at the wedding if I’d have known.”
“Your father will be angry. Won’t he?” Adeline asked.
“No. He’ll be glad we got married. He made it clear he didn’t want me to take liberties with you.”
“Is that why we married? So, you could take liberties freely?” she whispered.
Nate smiled, but didn’t answer her question. “Pa was protective of you and was afraid I’d hurt you. I hope I haven’t. I never meant to cause you pain.”
“It’s better this way. My father would never have agreed to this wedding. Now he has no choice. We’re already married. He’ll have to make the best of it.”
“Are you sure? We could annul the marriage.”
“I made promises before Almighty God. I intend to keep them. Do you?”
“Yes.”
“Then prepare to meet my earthly father.”
“Good luck.” Will slapped him on the back. “You have no idea what you’ve gotten yourself into.”
“Are you still glad you married me?” Adeline simpered primly while batting her eyelashes.
He put his arm around her waist and led her back to the room. When they were finally alone he answered her. “I’m more than glad I married you. I plan to spend the rest of my life proving it to you, and I’m going to start immediately.”
Chapter 5
Early the following morning, Adeline watched her husband sleep. He’d been gentle. Taking his time with her, he’d traced each scar. He’d told her again how much it hurt him that she’d suffered, but that she was the most beautiful woman he’d ever laid eyes on. She’d believed he meant every word. How had she been so blessed to be captured by a man who wanted her, despite her flaws? God had given her an amazing gift. She had married for love. Nathaniel might not love her, but even if he never loved her, she’d be happy to spend her days by his side.
Nathaniel’s eyes opened and he pulled her close.
They arrived at the ranch shortly before noon. Rosa stood over a wash bucket with a chicken in her arms.
“Is Pa around?” Nathaniel asked.
“Mr. Hayes rode-off to town to look for you.”
“He knew I was going to hunt for Owen Glenn,” Nathaniel said.
“He didn’t go looking for you, Nate. He was searching for Miss Addy.”
“I didn’t tell him I was leaving.” Adeline looked away from the accusation in the other woman’s eyes.
“Stay here with Rosa while I ride back into town and find Pa.” He pinned her with his stare. “I can trust you to stay put?”
“Of course.”
“I’d like to give him the news before he hears it from anyone else.”
“What news?” Rosa asked. “Did something happen?”
Adeline beamed. “We got married.”
“To each other?”
“Yes, to each other.”
“This is wonderful news! We will celebrate. Let me call the ranch manager.”
“Rosa, as delightful as that sounds, it will have to wait. We learned Adeline’s father survived the attack, so we must go and see him as soon as I find Pa.”
“Senora! I’m thrilled for you.” Rosa left the chicken in the bucket and hugged Adeline. The chicken squawked.
“Thank you.” Adeline patted Rosa’s shoulder.
“Get going, Nate.” Rosa said.
Nathaniel bent down and kissed Adeline gently before riding off.
“What’s wrong with that chicken? She doesn’t look well.”
“A raccoon nearly took it’s wing off last night. Mr. Hayes heard the noise and rescued the hen, but she’s hurting. We’re going to have to clean the wound well and hope for the best.”
“Aw. Poor little thing.”
Rosa pulled the hen from the water and wrapped her in a towel. “She’s got a nest of eggs about to hatch, so I’m hoping we can get her fixed up.”
“What can I do to help?”
∞∞∞
Nate found his father in the saloon with the sheriff. Nate tipped his hat. “Sheriff. Pa.”
“I’m guessing I didn’t make it back in time to give you the news myself, Pa?”
“Did you forget to tell me something about your precious, Ada?” Jack interrupted.
“Pinkerton filled you in?”
“He did. I’ve yet to mention any of it to your father. I’ll leave you to it. I need to head back to the jail. I’ve got Bradshaw in there again and I don’t want them busting up the jail once more.”
When Sheriff Garrison made his way out of the saloon, Nate took the seat he’d vacated. “Have you heard the news, Pa?”
“Which news?”
“Adeline and I were married yesterday.”
“No. I hadn’t heard.” A huge grin spread across his father’s face. “I’m happy for you, son.”
“You’re not upset we didn’t tell you first?”
“Not at all. I was afraid you’d let her get away.”
“I nearly did. I’ll give you more details later, but I need to head over to the sheriff’s office. We’ve got business to discuss and I didn’t want to hassle him about it over lunch. I thought Adeline and I would spend the night at the ranch before I take her home to see her father.”
“I heard Andrew McCarty was alive. Adeline must be elated.”
“She is, but she’s also nervous to tell him about the wedding.”
“I’ll bet. That girl was being groomed to marry one of the elite. I hear they even sent her to finishing school. She was expected to marry a president’s son or a rich banker. Someone of that ilk. Yet, she married my boy.”
“I’m not exactly a pauper either.”
“No, you’re most certainly not. You married well, son.”
“I think she’ll be good for me. How did you learn so much about her and her father?”
“Spoke to some friends when I was trying to help you prove Adeline’s innocence. Once I realized she was Andrew McCarty’s daughter, I knew everything I needed to know.”
“Do you know him?”
“We’ve met a few times, but I doubt he’d remember me. He bought some land from us to run railroad tracks through. It was part of the parcel I gave you.”
“Is he a man of decent character?”
“Seems to be. He’s a godly man.”
“I realize I married impulsively, but I was afraid she’d leave the minute she felt safe enough to go back to Kansas City.”
“I don’t think she was going anywhere unless you gave her a reason to run off.”
“What kind of reason would that be?”
“If you had made her feel unwanted.”
“I thi
nk I may have done so. Thankfully, she knows now how much I want her.”
“She’s going to need more than that.”
“What do you mean?”
“She’ll need to know you love her. Women need assurance. Have you told her, son?”
Nate shook his head.
“Do you love her?”
Nate didn’t respond. “I’d better head over to see the sheriff. I’ll return shortly.”
His father nodded. Nate headed out of the saloon and across to the sheriff’s office.
“Jack, can we talk a moment?” Nate ducked inside the building. “Oh, Harry. I didn’t know you were in town. What brings you to Cimarron?”
“You do.”
“I do?”
“I was hoping we could talk.”
“Sure. Talk.”
The three men sat around Sheriff Garrison’s desk.
Harry put his feet on Jack’s desk and leaned back. “I’m looking for a deputy. My work is getting to be too much for one man.”
Nate leaned forward. “There are a few competent men I could suggest.”
“What about you?” Harry asked.
“I don’t know. I’m not sure I could stand the stability.”
“You’re a married man now. Think about it,” Jack interjected.
“I will. I’ll give it some thought.”
“Now about that wife of yours.” Harry sat up straighter.
Nate stood. “What about her?” he snapped.
“Why didn’t you tell me you had her in custody? I specifically asked you about her.”
“She would’ve been hung. I was protecting her until I could prove her innocence.”
“Why did you lie to Jack and tell him you two had already married?”
“To protect her. She came to the saloon alone.”
“She wouldn’t have been the first woman or last woman to do so.”
“And you know how people talk about such women.”
“I do. Well, I don’t know about Jack, but I would’ve taken your word if you’d told me she was innocent. We’re friends,” Harry said.
“Same here. I wouldn’t have doubted you,” Jack said. “Besides, I knew who she was the moment she walked into the saloon. Do you think I could sit here and look at her wanted poster all day, every day and not recognize her when I saw her?”
“Why didn’t you say something?”
“You were set in your ruse, and I could tell you cared for her,” Jack answered.
Nate sank back into the chair. “I should’ve told you both.”
Jack stood. “I shouldn’t have had to hear the details from Will Pinkerton.”
“You’re right. You shouldn’t have. I apologize.”
“Apology accepted.” Jack grinned and shook Nate’s hand.
Nate looked at Harry and raised an eyebrow.
“You’re forgiven. But don’t mislead me again. Especially once you work for me.”
“What makes you so sure I’m coming to work for you?”
“Someone will replace me when I can’t do this job anymore. I’ve prayed about it. I believe you’re that man.”
“So, if I don’t take the job, I’m thwarting God’s will?”
“I didn’t say that. Get home to your lovely wife. Give serious consideration to the job offer.”
“I’ll think about it. Adeline’s at the ranch, but we’re heading back to my place once we return from informing her father. If he doesn’t shoot me first.”
“Andrew McCarty is too refined to shoot you. He’ll hire someone to do it for him.”
“That makes me feel much better.”
∞∞∞
Adeline slowly approached Mr. Hayes as he worked with a colt in the paddock. “Sir, can we talk for a minute?”
He approached the fence. “Come on in.” After unlatching the gate, he held it open for her.
She began tentatively. “I was hoping to talk about the wedding.”
“What about it?”
“I want to apologize for not insisting you be there. It happened so fast.”
He ran his hand along the neck of the horse. “I’m not upset about it, Addy.”
“You’re not?”
“My son made a quick decision and followed through.”
She cocked her head awaiting further explanation.
“Nate didn’t want to dishonor you.” He led the colt over to where she stood. “You can say ‘hi’ to him if you’d like.”
“How would he have dishonored me?” She took her turn greeting the baby horse and it nuzzled her. “He’s so friendly.”
“Now I know you’re not talking about my Nate.”
“I meant the colt.” She smiled.
“I know.” He grinned and leaned back on the fence rail. “Nate is a man. How long do you think he could’ve kept his distance? You’ve been driving him crazy since he first laid eyes on you.”
She felt her face turn red.
“And believe me that blush didn’t help matters. I saw how he looked at you, and I discussed it with him. Told him if his intentions were anything less than honorable he should keep his distance.”
“Oh.” She stood and wiped dirt off her hands. “He obeyed his father and rode away.”
“And you followed. Considering the circumstances, he knew he wouldn’t be able to keep himself away from you, so, he married you.”
“There were other options. He offered to send me home.”
“I know he did. He mentioned it. Told me he was afraid you’d go and was relieved you didn’t.”
“I was on the verge of leaving.”
“Why didn’t you?”
She stared at the ground. “He has my heart, what would I do in Kansas City without it?”
“I’m glad you didn’t go. I could see you’d captured his heart, as well.”
“I don’t know about that.”
“Don’t you?” He smiled. “Nate’s never taken to a woman like he did to you. I think he’s been subconsciously hoping to find a wife for years, but he wouldn’t have married for anything less than love.”
“He didn’t want a detective.”
“Maybe he needed one. God’s plan is always better than our own plans and He knew Nate needed a woman who could challenge him. Someone with substance rather than simply an attractive housekeeper. Possibly a woman with unmatched courage and tenacity.”
“Do you think I can be that woman?”
“You are that woman. You stayed in a frightful situation for selfless reasons. You are the best woman Nate could ever dream of marrying.”
“My reasons for staying weren’t selfless,” she said. “I wanted revenge.”
“Understandable. I’ll let you take that part up with God.”
“I have. Nathaniel doesn’t want me to work.”
“I know. Give it time. He has to get used to having a strong woman around. I have a feeling you’ll be a huge part of his new job.”
“New job?”
“I’ll leave it to him to explain more.”
“You can be sure I’ll ask him. I’m still sorry you weren’t at our wedding.”
“I’ll be at the celebration.” He took her hands in his. “I would’ve liked to have seen my eldest son get married, but I’m glad he married you. You’re a welcome addition to our family.”
∞∞∞
Adeline felt torn between staring at her husband and staring at the magnificent vistas visible from the train window. The jittery feeling in her stomach wouldn’t let her rest.
Nathaniel draped his arm around her shoulder and she snuggled close. “What are you thinking about?”
“How I want to get this visit over and get you home.”
“Where will we go when we come back from seeing my father?”
“You’re full of questions this morning.”
“It occurred to me how little I know about you. Will we stay at the ranch with your father?”
“No. We’ll go back to our place.”
�
�Where is your place?”
“Our place. It’s about half-way between Pa’s ranch and Santa Fe. The land is mostly wild. Delightfully unspoiled. I think you’ll like it.”
“How much land?”
“Enough.”
“How much is enough?”
“A little over a thousand acres.”
“Why do you need so much land?”
“I don’t. Pa gave me the land. He expected me to be a rancher like him.”
“Are you nervous about meeting my father?”
Nathaniel grinned, but said nothing.
“What are you looking so pleased about?”
“I would be nervous about meeting your father if we weren’t already married, but alas, he can’t stop the wedding now, can he?”
“No. He cannot.”
“Do you wish he could?”
“No. I am nervous though.”
“About seeing your father?”
“My father is the least of my worries. I’m concerned for the future.”
“Why? You know I’ll take care of you.”
“I know, but I’ll be in a strange place where I don’t know anybody. And on so many acres, I’ll be alone. You’ll be off at work much of the time.”
“I’ll make sure you meet people.”
“Let’s change the subject. Tell me about your childhood.”
“There’s not much to tell. My father raised me on the ranch after the Lord took my mother home to heaven.”
She continued the barrage of questions, but gave up after the fifth perfunctory answer. He obviously didn’t want to discuss his past.
When they arrived in Kansas City, Nathaniel seemed to know everyone. He led her to a livery where they got a horse. Then they stopped by to see the sheriff. She wasn’t sure why she was surprised he knew people in her hometown. He was a bounty hunter, so it made sense for him to know people in many places.
Her heartbeat quickened and the knots in her stomach grew tighter as they rode the path leading home. Correction. The path leading to her father’s house. She would have to stop thinking of it as home. Her home was in the New Mexico Territory now. A sigh escaped.
Nathaniel whispered in her ear. “Is something upsetting you, love?”
“No. I’m fine.”
“Then I suppose I shall now meet my father-in-law.” He brought the horse to a stop, dismounted, and helped her down.