“That blamed woman, as you put it, was Logan Malone’s stepdaughter.” Nevada watched Jake and didn’t miss the jerk of surprise as his words hit their mark. “Didn’t know one of your men shot your own kin, did you?”
Jake spat again and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. “Don’t matter now. She wasn’t bad hurt. It’s you that has a score to settle. Logan was the closest kin I had left, and you shot him. Now I’m gonna kill you.”
“I’m not going to draw, Jake. You plan to shoot a man in cold blood?” Nevada took a step forward and watched for a reaction, but the gunman didn’t appear to notice his advance. Another short step and another. A flash of light caught him in the eyes, and he shifted his gaze without moving his head. If he wasn’t mistaken, the glint had come from the sun reflecting off the barrel of a rifle.
“It won’t be murder. You’ll draw. They all do.” Jake shrugged. “Guess if you don’t, it’s your funeral.” He emitted a coarse laugh. “And that’s one I’ll be more’n happy to attend.”
Nevada walked another two paces toward his opponent, closing the gap to half the width of the street.
The man seemed to suddenly awaken to the movement. “Hey there, stay put.” His fingers curved into a claw-like position and hovered above his gun. “I’m gonna give you the chance to draw first.”
“I told you, I’m not fighting you.” Nevada took another three long strides as Jake’s eyes bugged. “At least, not in the way you’re wanting.” As the final words left his mouth, Nevada leaped forward and dove for Jake’s legs just as the man’s gun cleared the holster.
Christy couldn’t stand it. The man she loved was walking toward a gunman determined to kill him, and Nevada had sworn he’d not draw his gun. Why was he getting so close to Jake? Didn’t he realize at this distance there was little to no chance Jake would miss? Her palms broke out in a sweat, and her mouth went dry. She didn’t want Nevada to kill another man, but more than anything she wanted him to live. “Please, God, take care of him,” she whispered.
Her stomach tensed as Nevada lunged for Jake as the gun came free. A shot rang out and Christy closed her eyes, dreading what she’d see. Would Nevada be lying in the street with blood streaming from his body? She couldn’t stand not knowing what was happening so she peered back out the window.
Another louder report rent the air. Tom Parks stood under the overhang of the Palace Lodging House across the street, his rifle aimed upwards towards the roofline of the doctor’s office. Nevada and Jake were tangled on the ground, fists flying and dust churning. Relief nearly knocked her knees from under her, and she sagged against the wall. The next moment she raced for the door and jerked it open.
Christy took three steps their direction and halted. A man lay sprawled on the street where he’d apparently tumbled from the roof, a rifle not far from his outstretched arm and blood oozing from his side.
The two combatants rolled in the street, exchanging blows so swiftly Christy could barely tell one from the other. It appeared Nevada had the upper hand as he landed a hard punch to the outlaw’s belly, sending the man rolling backwards. A movement off to the side turned Christy’s attention away from the battle.
Parks strode across the street and her brother, Joshua, emerged from the shadows of the building next door, his gun drawn and aimed at the two men continuing to struggle.
Tom walked over, plucked the rifle from the ground next to the man facedown in the dirt, and turned him over. The Wells Fargo agent grunted. “This is one of the men who held up the stage you were on, ma’am. Probably the one who shot you, as he seems a mite trigger happy to me.”
“Is he…?”
“Yep. Dead as they come. Good thing he missed when Nevada jumped Jake. One less hombre the courts will have to convict.” He turned his attention to Joshua. “Son, why don’t you saunter on over to that fracas and keep your gun trained on Jake.”
Joshua pulled his gaze away from Nevada and Jake, staring at the agent. “How’d you know I didn’t come out here to shoot Nevada?”
Tom reached up and fingered his mustache. “You had plenty of chance and didn’t do it, so I figured you must be here, same as me…to make sure this remains a fair fight.”
Joshua seemed to grow two inches before Christy’s eyes, and a wide grin transformed his face. “Yes, sir. That’s exactly what I planned.”
“Good man. I might have to see about gettin’ you a job with Wells Fargo. Now get on over there.” He motioned with his rifle to the two men still exchanging punches.
Nevada grabbed the front of Jake’s shirt and jerked him to his feet. He drew back his arm and let loose with a hard right, knocking the outlaw to the ground. Jake clawed to his hands and knees, then stood, swaying on his feet. Blood trickled from a cut lip, and his right eye had swollen almost closed. He bellowed and lunged, his blows going wild.
Nevada stepped back, allowing the crazed outlaw to stagger past him.
Jake swerved and turned around, seeming to remember the gun still in his holster. He planted his feet square, his chest heaving, and swept his hand down.
With one quick movement, Nevada stood toe to toe with the man. He delivered a lightning fast jab to Jake’s cheekbone and followed it with a second to his chin. The big man staggered backwards, then fell hard in the dirt, rolling over onto his belly.
Panting, Nevada stood over the prostrate man as sweat streaked the dust coating his grim face. “Stay down unless you want me to plant you in the dirt again.”
Jake groaned and did as he was told. Nevada cast him one more glance, then half turned as Joshua crossed the street. “Glad you’re on my side, Joshua.”
The young man grinned, then the blood drained from his skin. “Look out!” He lifted his gun and pointed it at the man still lying on the ground.
Christy stared in horror as Jake raised a gun in his clenched fist and aimed at Nevada. Her heart sank as his finger tightened on the trigger. Joshua stood like a carved statue, his eyes riveted on Logan’s cousin. Nevada whipped his pistol from his holster just as a shot rang out from across the street.
The bullet struck Jake in the shoulder, and the gun dropped from his hand. He shrieked, then lay silent in the dust. Tom Parks dropped the muzzle of his rifle and walked forward.
Nevada shot him a glance. “Thanks, Parks. I owe you.”
Tom kept his eyes on the prone figure. “Maybe I’ll have occasion to collect someday. But for now we’d best gather up these guns before anyone else tries to take another shot at you, King.” He bent over and plucked the pistol from the unconscious man’s hand, then rolled him over and removed the second one from his belt.
Christy let out a sob of relief and rushed across the road, meeting Nevada as he holstered his gun.
He opened his arms and caught her to him, then drew her away from the grisly scene and onto the boardwalk. “I’m all right, honey, but I’m too dirty to hug.”
She tightened her grip around his waist. “I don’t care. You’re alive, and that’s all that matters.”
He pulled her close and laid his cheek against her hair. “And I aim to stay that way till I’m old and gray, God willing.”
Raising wet eyes to meet his, she smiled. “You still have a question you promised to ask me. I’m not letting you out of my sight until that matter is taken care of.”
Nevada touched a strand of her hair, then stroked her cheek. “Darlin’, you don’t have to ever let me out of your sight again, if you don’t want to.” He bent his head and kissed her gently. “I’m right here, and I’m not going anywhere.”
Christy tightened her arms around Nevada’s neck, giving herself completely to the kiss as it lingered and slowly deepened. Nothing mattered right now—not the people staring from the nearby buildings or the dirt coating Nevada’s clothing. He was alive, and he loved her.
After several long seconds Nevada raised his head but kept his fingers laced across the middle of Christy’s back. “I love you, Christy, and I want to make you happy. You’re e
verything I’ve ever wanted in a woman, and more. Would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”
Christy drew in a deep breath and let it out in a gentle sigh. “I thought you’d never ask, Cowboy. There’s nothing I’d like better than to become Mrs. Nevada King.”
“I’m afraid that’s going to be Mrs. James King. Nevada is a thing of the past and doesn’t plan on returning.”
She stood on tiptoe and gazed into his eyes. “No sir. I fell in love with Nevada and have no intention of marrying anyone else. You can call our first son James if you want to, but you’ll always be my Nevada.”
His face blazed with joy, and he hugged her closer. “You win. I’ll be whatever you want me to be, Christy Grey, and for as long as you’ll have me.”
Epilogue
Christy nearly danced with excitement as the stage rolled into town. How different from the day she’d arrived. She still suffered pangs of loss that her mother hadn’t lived to share her happiness, but she continually thanked the Lord Ma had made peace with God and her children before she passed on to heaven. She couldn’t believe three weeks had gone by since Jake was arrested.
Nevada wrapped his arm around her and laughed. “A mite anxious, are we?”
She nudged him in the side with her elbow. “There’s no ‘we’ about it. You don’t look a bit anxious. Besides, it’s not every day my best friends come to Tombstone.”
His twinkling gaze rested on her. “It’s not every day you get married, either. I hope that’s not too far down your list of things you’re happy about.”
Christy grinned and gave him a peck on the cheek. “Wouldn’t you like to know?”
The driver halted his team with a flourish in front of the Grand Hotel. “Welcome to Tombstone, folks. Wait till I climb down and get the door open, and watch your step. Park your guns with the new marshal, Virgil Earp. He don’t allow no shootin’ in his town.”
Nevada winced and gave a half shrug. “Hopefully things will tone down in Tombstone. I heard that Townsley couldn’t get hired as the manager at the rebuilt Oriental and left town for new diggings.”
Christy hugged him and grinned. “Joshua told me the news.” She shaded her eyes and watched the stage approaching up the street. “I think Sara’s sleeping better now that he’s gone.”
“I’m glad.”
The driver gripped the door and swung it open. Christy shrieked. Alexia, her husband, Justin Phillips, their son, Toby, and little daughter, Grace, stepped from the stage. Alex opened her arms and Christy launched herself at her friend, enveloping her in a fierce hug. Laughter and tears mingled with snippets of words as the two clung to one another. A finger tapped Christy on the shoulder, and she loosened her hold on Alex just enough to look around.
Nevada stood close by, wearing a broad grin. “You going to introduce us?”
Justin chuckled and Toby left his father’s side to tug on Christy’s skirt. “Aunt Christy, I want my hug too.”
Christy scooped the young boy into her embrace and swung him around in a circle. Bystanders laughed and moved out of her way as a man handed down bags from the top of the coach. “You’ve grown up since I saw you last. I think you’ve gained ten pounds at least!” She set him on the ground and tickled him, loving the giggles filling the air.
Christy stepped toward Nevada and held out her hand. “Everyone, this is my soon-to-be husband, Nevada King.”
He cleared his throat. “Well, it’s actually James King, but I’ve gotten kind of used to my other handle.”
Justin slapped his back. “Works for me, and pleased to meet you. Let’s get the ladies and children somewhere more comfortable, and then we can talk.” He leaned down and hoisted one of the bags. “How far to where we’ll be staying?”
“Two blocks. We’ll hire a couple of men to tote your stuff over.” He turned to look over the crowd and brightened. “John. Where you been, old-timer?”
John Draper stood with folded arms and narrowed eyes. “Old-timer, huh? I only got ten years on you, fella, and can work circles around you any day of the week.”
Nevada threw back his head and laughed. “Finally got you stirred up, huh? Work keeping you busy these days?”
“Yeah, since my best help went and got himself engaged and don’t have time for me anymore.” He shot a sly look at Christy. “Now who’re all these folks? Friends of yours?”
“Yes.” Christy tucked her hand through Alex’s arm and made the introductions. “John, why don’t you come to the house with us? Nellie’s serving dinner after everyone has a chance to clean up.”
He motioned to the bags littering the boardwalk. “Need help totin’ these?”
Nevada nodded. “I was going to hire someone.”
“Nah. The three of us can make it without a problem.”
“Make that four.” Joshua sauntered up with Sara on his arm. “I’ve got an announcement to make, and I can’t wait any longer.” His chest puffed out. “I’m pleased to tell you Sara has agreed to be my wife.”
A cheer went up from the small crowd, and even Justin and Alex beamed at the young couple, their happiness contagious. Shouts of congratulations rent the air, and both received numerous hugs and slaps on the back. The men loaded their arms with luggage, and the happy group made the short trek to the boardinghouse.
Alex fell in beside Christy. “Nevada is charming, and you look utterly lovely. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you so happy.”
Christy’s heart lifted at the genuine praise. “I guess it’s because I’m in love, and I’ve finally found peace.” She shot a glance at her friend. “You always tried to tell me what it would be like if I got my heart right with God, but I never realized….” She stopped and choked over the last word. “I also made peace with Mama before she passed, and Joshua has quit gambling and drinking.”
Alex tucked her hand through Christy’s arm. “I’m so happy for you. And Sara is a very pretty girl. Does her family live here?”
Christy wondered how much to reveal, then remembered who she was talking to. Alex had been the first person in Last Chance to accept her when she came to town and her background as a dancehall girl became known. They spent the next few minutes walking slowly behind the men and getting caught up, with Christy filling Alex in on Sara’s past and the changes they’d seen in the young woman.
“I think Sara has accepted the Lord. She hasn’t come right out and said so yet, but I can tell she’s different, and it’s not just due to my brother.” She grinned at Joshua’s back. “As much as she’s smitten with him, I believe it goes deeper than that.”
Alex hugged Christy’s hand against her side. “I’m glad. It sounds like she’s overdue for joy in her life. How about you? Are you ready to become Mrs. King?”
“More ready than you can imagine.”
Alex giggled. “I’m not too old to remember my own wedding day. I know exactly how you’re feeling.”
Their two heads slanted towards each other and touched in silent agreement. Once again Christy sent up a prayer of gratitude for another gift God had given her. This woman had become her closest friend. Christy hugged the secret to her heart that she longed to share with Alex, but it wouldn’t be fair to Nevada. She’d wait until they could talk to Alex and Justin together to deliver the news of their decision to establish a ranch in the Auburn area. No, it wasn’t Last Chance, but it was only a day’s ride away and so much closer to friends and family than Tombstone. Her one prayer was that Sara and Joshua would choose to follow, and somehow she knew in her heart they would.
Twenty-four hours could make such a difference in a man’s life. Yesterday at this time they’d all stood on Allen Street waiting for the stage to arrive, and today he stood at the front of the new chapel at the corner of Safford Street waiting for his bride to appear. Pastor Peabody Endicott stood to one side with his friend John close by on Nevada’s right. A small group of beaming people sat in the front pews of the auditorium as light streamed through the new stained-glass windows on each side of
the recently finished Episcopal Church.
Years ago he’d thought it would be Marie coming to meet him, but now he couldn’t envision what she’d looked like. All he could see in his mind was Christy’s shining eyes, and all he wanted was to feel her presence by his side. He’d been an immature young man who’d fancied he’d lost the love of his life, but now he’d found the treasure he’d been searching for. He felt complete, whole, and at peace. Not only in Christy’s love, but in his newfound life with his Savior. So much had changed these past months since he’d fled from Albuquerque, and he gave thanks to God daily for the gifts he’d been given.
The organ that had been carted by wagon over the trail played off to the side. Christy had suggested a simple ceremony in Nellie’s parlor, but he’d insisted on the church. His strongest desire was they start their lives together united in their faith, as well as their love.
The side door at the edge of the platform opened, and Sara walked out. Christy had asked Alex to stand up with her, but she’d urged Christy to give the honor to Sara. The young woman had been through so much, and Alex believed it would bolster her confidence.
Sara’s beaming countenance lit up the area at the front of the church. Nevada didn’t miss Joshua’s jaw dropping to his chest. He stifled a chuckle as the pretty girl dressed in a pale shade of blue walked over and stood at John Draper’s side.
All internal mirth died as the door opened again and Christy stepped over the threshold. Her long auburn hair was piled on the top of her head in a cascade of tresses, and loose curls teased the back of her slender neck. He had no idea what kind of fabric she’d found for her gown, but the ivory color set off her skin, making his hands break out in a cold sweat. The sleeves flared just below her elbows revealing delicate wrists and slender arms, and the fitted waist and lace-covered bodice turned his muscles to jelly. If he’d thought her lovely before, he’d been wrong. She was nothing short of amazing.
Love Finds You in Tombstone, Arizona Page 24