A Good Man for Katie

by Marie Patrick

  He told Ty about the tunnel and the opening of the cave on the road above Dead Man’s Drop. “I saw part of the crate the rifles were in, and I saw the burned remains of the wagon. I know Kinsbrough has the rifles. She admitted to hiding them. And I know who told Kinsbrough and Townsend exactly when those rifles would be moved from Camp Verde to Fort Whipple.”

  Ty pushed his plate away and leaned forward, his elbows resting on the table. “So what are you going to do about it?”

  Chase eyed his old friend, took a breath and blurted, “I’m going to buy those rifles back and then throw Townsend in his own jail for theft.”

  “Excuse me?” Ty shook his head and glanced around the nearly empty restaurant, every muscle in his body stiff. “Once more with clarity.”

  Chase repeated himself and slowly let him in on the plan. When he finished, he asked, “You in? I could use your help.”

  “Just tell me when and where. I’d like to see that bastard behind bars.” Ty grinned and held out his hand. Chase shook it.

  The bell above the door jingled, followed by the sound of feminine voices. Chase glanced at the door, instantly alert. Katie.

  His heart stopped, then resumed with a painful thump. She looked lovely in the cape he’d bought her in Prescott. It brought out the roses in her cheeks.

  “Who is that beautiful creature?” Ty whispered and poked him in the arm.

  “Her name is Kathryne O’Rourke. Katie,” he said, his gaze focused on her.

  “No, not the one you’re lookin’ at like your heart’s gonna fall out of your chest. The other one.”

  Chase glanced at him and laughed. “Now who’s lookin’ at someone like their heart is gonna stop beating?” He laughed harder and it felt so good. He hadn’t laughed in a long time, not since he learned Evan had been murdered. “The lady you’re staring at is Laurel Stewart. And I will agree she is lovely.”

  “And the boy?”

  “Her son, Walter.”

  “Aw, hell,” Ty sighed. “Does that mean there’s a husband in the picture?”

  “Actually, no. She lost him a few months ago.”

  “Introduce us.”

  “You come to town every couple months, and you’ve never met the postmistress?”

  Ty shrugged. “I usually don’t stay very long. Just check in with Townsend, have dinner at the Wagon Wheel, and get on my way.” His gaze remained on Laurel as a smile crinkled the corners of his eyes. “Maybe I should stick around for a while this time.”

  “Maybe you should.”

  They rose, donned coats, and grabbed hats, then strode to the cash register where Kathryne and Laurel stood with Edna, their faces animated, their conversation full of good humor as Edna placed a mincemeat pie on the counter.

  “Evenin’, ladies. Walter.” Chase removed several crisp bills from his pocket and handed them to Edna. “This is for the both of us.” He nodded toward Ty, but his gaze drifted to Kathryne.

  “Chase.” His name slipped from her lips and her eyes took on an undeniable sheen. For a moment, he couldn’t breathe. The way she looked at him—with longing—made the memory of them making love come to the fore. He wanted to take her in his arms and kiss her delectable lips. He blinked and realized he just stood there, like an idiot. “Katie, I’d like to introduce you to an old friend, Ty Kearney. Ty, Miss Kathryne O’Rourke and Mrs. Laurel Stewart.” He rested his hand on Walter’s shoulder. “And this young man is Walter Stewart.” Hands were shaken as the introductions were completed.

  While Ty drew Laurel into conversation, Chase pulled Kathryne aside, but even that was a mistake. The warmth of her skin seeped through the heavy fabric of her cape and he couldn’t help remembering how soft her bare flesh felt beneath his hand, or how the heat of her kiss could drive him to madness. Her lips parted, tempting him beyond reason, and he wanted nothing more than to be tangled in the sheets of her brass bed.

  Her pupils dilated as her breath whispered between her lips. The muscles of her throat moved as she swallowed before she spoke. “You’re still limping.”

  “Still hurts.” He sucked in his breath. Not only did his leg still hurt, but his heart hurt as well. More beautiful than words could describe, he simply stared at Kathryne and the most mundane question popped from his mouth. “How are you?”

  ****

  Her heart near to breaking, Kathryne resisted the urge to fall into his arms. She’d worried about him since he’d left the cottage. She wanted to ask him where he’d been, if he thought of her as often as she thought of him. And she really should apologize. She’d been cruel when he left the cottage. Now wasn’t the time to tell him, though. Right now, she couldn’t think at all. The softness of his gray eyes mesmerized her, and his devil-may-care grin made her suck in her breath.

  Instead, she answered his question. “I am well. My parents arrived from Washington a few days ago.” She gestured to the pie on the counter. “We’re on our way to Emy’s for dinner.”

  I miss you! The words were right on the tip of her tongue, and yet, she couldn’t say them.

  “Well, then, have a lovely evening.” He put his hat on his head, then touched the brim with his fingers. “Ty, I’ll see you around. Goodnight, Mrs. Stewart. Walter. Katie.”

  Tears sprang to Kathryne’s eyes as soon as he walked through the door. He stopped for a moment to scratch Sarge behind the ear, then strode up the street. All the words she wanted to say died in her throat. Indeed, she wanted nothing more than to run after him, and yet her feet remained planted on the floor, her heart thundering in her chest and breaking at the same time.

  “Would you ladies like an escort to wherever it is you’re going? It would be my honor.” Ty’s voice brought her back to the here and now.

  “Thank you. That would be lovely.” Laurel giggled as she tucked her hand into the crook of his elbow and allowed him to lead her outside.

  Once on the raised wooden sidewalk, they chatted while Kathryne, lost in her own thoughts, hardly listened. How could she when her heart was breaking? She turned her head, craning her neck to see if she could catch a glimpse of Chase.

  “Would you like to join us? I’m certain Emy won’t mind.”

  The invitation caught Kathryne by surprise, and she glanced at her friend. Well, I’ll be! Laurel Stewart, who’d once told her she wasn’t interested in anyone other than James, actually flirted with the man.

  He tipped his hat, but his eyes lingered on her much longer than necessary. “Perhaps another time, but thank you for the invitation.”

  “He seems like a nice man,” Laurel sighed after Ty left them at the corner near Emeline’s house. Walter and the dog ran ahead, the boy’s giggles loud in the quiet of the evening. “Handsome, too. Perhaps, he’ll stay in town long enough to go to the Christmas Dance.”

  “What?” Kathryne shook herself free of the thoughts running through her mind.

  “Marshal Kearney. I said he seemed very nice.”

  “Yes, he did.”

  “What’s wrong, Kate?” Laurel stopped at the gate leading up to Emeline’s home and grabbed her hand, concern and worry written clearly on her face. “A few moments ago, you were laughing.” Her voice lowered. “Was it seeing Mr. Hunter? Is that what has upset you?”

  Kathryne shook her head. “I’m not upset. Why should I be?”

  A brow rose over Laurel’s eye. “It isn’t nice to lie to your friends.” Her eyes glowed in the last rays of sunlight dipping behind the mountain. “He’s in love with you.”

  “What?”

  “He’s in love with you,” she repeated, her voice full of conviction.

  Heat rose to Kathryne’s cheeks. “You must be mistaken.”

  “I don’t believe I am. I know love when I see it, and I saw it in the way he looked at you. What’s more, I saw the way you were looking at him. You’re in love with him, too.”

  Oh, dear Lord! Does everyone know? Am I that transparent? “Don’t be ridiculous. He’s an outlaw.”

  “You don’t be
lieve that for a moment,” Laurel said, her smile widening. “Wasn’t it you who recounted all his good deeds? Wasn’t it you who said you’d continue to be friendly toward him if you met on the street?” She laughed. “I should have realized then you’d gone soft for the man.”

  “No, I haven’t,” Kathryne protested and opened the gate.

  “Admit it, Kate.” Laurel followed behind her. “You are.”

  “I will admit no such thing, Laurel Stewart! And don’t you say a word about this to anyone!” She almost ran up the walkway leading to the back of the house and Emeline’s kitchen door, her face burning with embarrassment as Laurel’s laughter followed.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Kathryne studied her reflection in the mirror, adjusted the ornate comb holding her hair back from her face then pulled the brush through the shining tresses one more time. Satisfied, she rose from the dressing table and twirled, the bottom of her red velvet gown swirling like a bell around her legs. Sarge lay sprawled on his blanket in front of the fire, his muzzle resting on his paws. “How do I look?”

  The dog raised his head, brows twitching before he sighed and lowered his head.

  “I suppose that means I won’t frighten small children.” Excitement bubbled through her veins and yet, her stomach clenched. Would Chase come? Would she have the opportunity to dance with him just to be in his arms for a moment? The thought made her heart pound a little harder. She hadn’t seen him since she ran into him at the Wagon Wheel, but sometimes, she thought she could feel him watching her.

  She inhaled and exhaled slowly in an attempt to soothe her rattled nerves. The Christmas Dance, traditionally held a week before Christmas, wasn’t scheduled to begin for another hour, but being on the committee, she was expected earlier to help with last minute arrangements. Kathryne grabbed her cape from the hook beside the door and adjusted the collar so the fur tickled her neck. “All right, boy, what do you want to do? Do you want to stay here and doze in front of the fire? Or do you want to come into town with me?”

  Sarge rose from his spot and shook, his ears flopping against his head before he trotted past her to the kitchen door. His nose nudged the doorknob. Kathryne opened the door and the dog ran out in front of her.

  The evening couldn’t have been more perfect if she’d special ordered it. A full moon rose up above the mountain, casting its light on the winter wonderland, and a million stars twinkled in the inky black sky. Kathryne made a wish on the brightest one as she started walking toward town, Sarge romping through the snow ahead of her.

  As she approached the town hall, she noticed Francine’s brother, DeWitt. Visiting for the holiday, he graciously accepted their invitation to perform, the leather case containing his violin rested on the sidewalk beside him. His breath plumed from his mouth as he stomped his feet and rubbed his hands together to keep warm.

  “Mr. Foxx, why are you standing out here?”

  “I was waiting for Fran. As usual, she’s late.”

  Kathryne opened the door. “Please come in from the cold.” She held it so he could enter then turned to Sarge, who started to follow the man inside. “You stay here, Sarge.”

  The dog gave his little growl-groan before he sank to his haunches beside one of the benches on the sidewalk. Kathryne scratched him behind the ear. “You be a good boy.”

  Assured he would stay, she let herself into the building. Emeline and Laurel and some of the other women from the Ladies’ Society were already inside, lighting the candles and making last minute adjustments to the colorful banners hung on the wall. Edna, Jake, and their son, Arlis, were there as well, as the Wagon Wheel had been hired to provide refreshments. A long table, set up in the corner and covered with a hand painted tablecloth, bore the fruits of their labor. Cakes, pies and platters of cookies adorned the table, separated by bowls of punch and the little glasses that matched the bowls.

  Kathryne looked around as she unbuttoned her cape and hung it on a hook by the door. Her breath stuck in her throat. In the daylight, the decorated room had a festive charm. Now, with the candles aglow and shimmering against the walls, the venue seemed to have been touched by magic. A smile crossed her lips when she noticed Walter stealing a cookie from one of the platters on the table. He took his bounty and hid behind the evergreen tree, which the children had strewn with strings of popped corn, pinecones and colorful ribbons earlier in the day.

  “It’s almost eight,” Emeline said as she glanced at the door a short time later. The residents of Crystal Springs were already lined up outside in the cold. “Are we ready?”

  “I believe we are.” Francine adjusted one more banner then stood back and admired her work as Abigail and Laurel set up the last chairs against the wall.

  “Kate, you may open the doors.”

  Kathryne strode across the room and did as requested.

  The first one through the door, Ty Kearney tipped his hat and held out his ticket. “Good evening, Miss O’Rourke.”

  “So glad you could come, Marshal.” She took his pass and dropped it into the basket hung over her arm. “Enjoy your evening.”

  “Oh, I plan to, ma’am.”

  She couldn’t help the smile that crossed her lips as the marshal made a beeline for Laurel, nor could she ignore the twinge of jealousy that swept through her. Since meeting a few days ago, Laurel and Ty had been constant companions and her friend had never looked happier. She tamped down her envy and greeted Viola and Joe Rawlins.

  She took more tickets, the pile in her basket growing as quickly groups of two or more filled the room until the entire town was present. Or, at least, with those who wanted to come. Kathryne noticed no one from Willow Creek arrived, although she knew Mrs. Kinsbrough and her ranch hands were aware of the dance. One could hardly walk through town without seeing a poster announcing the event. Perhaps they preferred more spirited libations than the bowls of punch on the table, and chose to listen to the tinny piano at Riley’s instead.

  In truth, they and their penchant for causing trouble were not missed, but someone else was. Chase had not come, at least not yet, and disappointment weighed heavily in her heart. Too much had been left unsaid, too many opportunities for her to tell him exactly how she felt had come and gone. She missed him and their stolen moments at her cottage, missed the warmth of his touch, the gentleness of his kiss.

  Her mother stepped through the door and placed a kiss on her cheek. “You look beautiful.”

  “I’m so glad you could be here.” Kathryne returned the kiss then glanced at the general and nodded. “Father.”

  “Kathryne.” Galen also kissed her cheek, surprising her, but she shouldn’t have been surprised. The more time she spent with him, the more he seemed to have changed. They argued less frequently. Indeed, they hardly argued at all now and he rarely mentioned her returning to Washington. Perhaps, he finally saw her as capable of making her own decisions. Or perhaps he realized she wasn’t going to change her mind. Whatever the reason for his attitude, she was enjoying her time with him.

  “I’ll take your coats,” she said as the general helped his wife with her winter garments. “Oh, Mama, you look so beautiful,” Kathryne gasped as her mother’s gown was revealed. The cut emphasized her still stunning figure and the color, a deep, rich midnight blue, brought out the roses in her cheeks. She looked young and vibrant. Indeed, even the smile lines around her eyes seemed to have diminished.

  She waited while Galen unbuttoned his coat and sucked in her breath. Resplendent in his military uniform, the ribbons pinned to his barrel chest a testament to all his accomplishments, the stars pinned to his collar polished to a bright luster, he looked every inch the general he was. She hung their things next to hers on a hook.

  “Enjoy the dancing,” she said as her parents left her to join Emeline and Terrence near the refreshment table.

  A few moments later, Francine took the stage and clapped her hands. The chatter in the room died. “Welcome to the fourth annual Christmas Dance. Let’s have a roun
d of applause for Edna and Jake, who provided our refreshments and for Mr. DeWitt Foxx, recently returned from his tour of Europe and some of the grandest ballrooms in San Francisco and New York.”

  The room exploded in cheers and claps as Mr. Foxx struck the first chord on his violin. Kathryne closed the door and strode across the room, the heavy basket swinging from her arm. Couples glided to the dance floor. A thrill trickled through her watching her parents in each other’s arms as they swayed to the music. Laurel and Ty were on the dance floor, too. They danced as if they were the only two in the room. Emeline and Terrence were there as well. Such tenderness radiated from their gazes, Kathryne’s heart sank a little more.

  Oh, to have what they have! A sigh escaped her. Wishing for it didn’t make it come true.

  “Would you care to dance?” Deputy Long stood before her, a sheepish grin on his reddened face. He held out his hand as the music changed tempo, going from slow and sweet to lively and upbeat.

  “Yes, thank you.” She placed her hand in his and allowed him to lead her to the dance floor. From that moment on, she didn’t lack for partners and she danced with everyone who asked. A few ranch hands twirled her around in a spirited reel. She’d even danced with Joe, who managed to go through the intricate steps without once stomping on her foot. Viola, his mother, lovely in her Sunday-go-to-meeting dress of light blue festooned with tiny yellow flowers, watched from across the room, her smile warm, her eyes glowing. And yet, none of them could break through the melancholy that settled over her. None of them were Chase.

  The music changed tempo again and several couples left the dance floor to avail themselves of the refreshments on the table.

  “I have yet to dance with my daughter.” The general bowed before her and extended his hand. “Would you do me the honor?”

  Kathryne grinned at her father. “I would love to.”