“These tracks are fresh. We can’t be more than a few miles behind them.” Cash swung into his saddle, looking toward the trail below which led into a forest a couple miles across and a few miles long. He knew it ended near the main road between Splendor and Big Pine. Once the outlaws got there, they could ride in almost any direction.
“Why are they keeping her? If they didn’t take her for ransom, then why?” Noah asked, scrubbing a hand down his face.
“Insurance. They believe we’ll be less apt to shoot as long as they have her. The problem is that once they reach a certain point, they’re as likely to leave Abby as to take her along.” Cash reached into a saddlebag, pulling out a pair of field glasses, searching the trail ahead.
“Then we have to catch them before that happens.” Noah urged Tempest forward, passing Cash and riding downhill at a brisk pace, unmindful of the loose rocks and dirt.
“Fool’s going to get himself killed before he finds her,” Cash muttered.
“Not if I can help it.” Gabe gave Blackheart his head, letting him go at his own speed down the grade, not letting the distance between him and Noah get too great.
They rounded a bend in the trail to see a straight path ahead. Lem still rode with Archie, paying no attention to Abby, for which she felt a great deal of relief. All she had to do was raise the gun and point it straight ahead.
She lifted the weapon, letting the ropes fall away from her wrists. You can do this, she told herself. Taking a deep breath, she pointed the gun at Archie.
“It’s time to stop, gentlemen.” Sarcasm, unusual for Abby, dripped from her voice. Her hands shook and she prayed neither men noticed the slight movement of the barrel.
Archie and Lem swung their horses around, disbelief crossing their faces before dissolving into anger.
“You didn’t check her for a gun?” Lem ground out, a hand moving toward his holster.
“Don’t, Mr. Pruett, or I’ll shoot.”
“You won’t shoot anyone, girlie. You don’t have the guts.” Archie began to move away from Lem.
Abby kept the gun trained on him, ignoring his comment while keeping Lem in her sights. She knew they could continue to divide her attention until she had to shoot one of them. If it came to that, she knew Archie would be her target.
“I believe you misjudge me, Mr. Swaggert. It would give me great relief to put you in the ground, although I’d prefer to see you hang.”
Abby could see the beads of sweat form on Archie’s forehead, feeling the same on her own. She shifted her gaze to Lem, then back to Archie in time to see him nod at his partner. An instant later, Lem let out a rebel yell and rode forward, pulling his gun from its holster.
She didn’t take time to think, pulling the trigger at Archie, then swinging the gun toward Lem.
“Did you hear that?” Noah stopped, a panicked expression on his face as he looked at Gabe. Noah said nothing more, urging Tempest toward the sound of gunfire, the others right behind as one more shot rang out.
Rounding a curve, Noah spotted Abby, sitting rigid atop Joker, the gun he’d given her held straight ahead, her arms not moving. On either side of her lay two men, neither moving. He pulled out his gun, slowing his pace until he stopped behind her.
“Abby?” He kept his voice low and calm, seeing her shoulders and arms begin to shake. When she didn’t respond, he moved Tempest a few paces forward, trying not to spook her. He’d seen this in battle when soldiers made their first kill. They were as apt to turn the gun on their fellow soldiers as anyone else until they accepted what they’d done.
“Abby, honey, give me the gun.”
Her face turned toward him, a blank stare greeting him, the gun following her movement.
“Give me the gun, Abby. You did real good, but it’s over. They can’t hurt you anymore.” He held out his hand.
“Noah?” she choked out as the gun slid from her grasp.
He grabbed it, then reached for her, hauling her onto his lap. “It’s over, sweetheart. I’ve got you.”
She didn’t resist, snuggling into the protection of his chest and wrapping her arms around his neck as sobs burst from her throat. He held her tight, stroking her back and whispering into her ear. He could feel her body tremble and closed his eyes, wishing he could do more to help ease her pain. She lifted her face to his, tears staining her face.
“Are they…?”
He glanced at Gabe and Cash kneeling beside the men. Each nodded.
“Yes, they’re dead. We don’t have to worry about them anymore.”
Chapter Twenty-Seven
A week had passed since the shootings. Noah visited several times to check on her, talk about what happened, but never broaching the subject she most wanted to confront.
Twice, he acted as if had had something important to say. Each time, he took her in his arms, kissing her until they were breathless and achy with need. On both occasions, an interruption had Noah pushing her away. Then he’d tip his hat and ride back to town, leaving her confused and wanting.
“I’m heading into town, Miss Tolbert. Anything you need?” Dirk stood in the study doorway, holding out a scrap of paper. “This is what I have on the supply list. Let me know if something is missing.”
She read it over, then handed it back. “Not unless Fanny has anything to add.”
“I already checked with her. If there’s nothing else, I’ll be off.”
She made a snap decision. “If you’ll wait, I’ll go with you.”
Dirk stood aside, letting her walk past him to grab the cowboy hat she’d taken to wearing since the shooting. Today, she wore a dress, although trousers had become her outfit of choice, saying they made more sense when riding.
“Do you want me to saddle Joker?”
“No, I’ll ride in the wagon with you.” She picked up her reticule. “I’m ready.”
They rode in silence most of the way. Since the shootings, she’d had more time to consider what she wanted and now felt firm in her decision. Today, she planned to have the discussion with Mr. Clausen she’d put off after her father’s death. Depending on his answers, she’d be meeting with others, finalizing her plans and securing her future—at least the parts she could control.
The shootings had done more than put two killers in the ground. After her initial reaction to ending the lives of Swaggert and Pruett, she experienced other, more puzzling feelings. A strange sense of strength and freedom greeted her each day. What she’d done had given her an unexpected confidence in her ability to protect herself and make the tough choices required to run a ranching empire. She smiled at the thought.
If time allowed after talking with Mr. Clausen, she hoped to stop by the livery, say hello to Noah and visit Hasty. She’d become quite fond of Joker, although, if she had another chance and Noah agreed, she’d purchase Hasty. She had plans for both horses.
“Where to first, Miss Tolbert?”
Abby glanced at the livery as they passed by, seeing Noah working inside, her heart rate tripling at the sight.
“The bank, Dirk.”
“You’re sure about this, Abigail? It’s a big step, although I believe your father just might approve.” Horace Clausen read her instructions once more, surprised at the detail she provided.
“I’ve had a lot of time to consider my future and I’m comfortable with the decision. Will you be able to help me work out the details?”
“Of course. Have you spoken to anyone else about this?”
“No. I decided to discuss it with you first. Oh, and I haven’t mentioned my plans to Ernest Payson, either. This may sound odd, but I didn’t want him to try to talk me out of any of it.”
Clausen chuckled. “He’s a good man, and your father trusted him with all his legal work. I’d still recommend him for the documents you’ll need to complete your plans.”
“It’s a shame we don’t have lawyers in Splendor. Perhaps that will change someday.” She started to rise, then sat back down. “Oh, and the other?”
She nodded. “Thank you, Mr. Clausen.”
Abby spoke to Mrs. Phelps before walking out into the bright sunlight. It had rained the night before, settling the dirt and clearing the air of the normal dust that usually circled the streets.
Summoning her courage, she walked toward the livery. As she stepped off the boardwalk, she noticed a woman she didn’t recognize walk into the smithy carrying something in her hands. Abby’s heart stopped at the implication and she slowed her pace, knowing it was wrong, but hoping to catch something of what was said inside.
“Miss Murton, you didn’t have to do this.” The sound of Noah’s warm, masculine voice wrapped around Abby.
“After all you’ve done for me, Mr. Brandt, being such a good friend and all, I wanted to do something for you. My mother taught me to bake. I hope you like wild berry pie.”
“It’s my favorite.”
“I wondered if you might be comfortable calling me Sarah.”
Abby peeked into the smithy, watching Noah’s eyes as he looked at the woman. “All right, if you call me Noah. Perhaps you have time to share the pie with me.”
She’d heard enough. No other woman was going to come between her and Noah. She took a breath and swept through the doors, a broad smile on her face.
“Hello, Noah. Dirk brought me into town. How are you?” Abby’s voice sounded strong and certain as she stepped toward him, glancing at the pie he held with both hands.
He took a noticeable step away from Sarah. “Uh…hello, Abby. I’m fine. Have you met Sarah Murton, the new school teacher? She’s Gil’s cousin.”
“No, I haven’t had the pleasure.” She smiled at Sarah. “I’m Abigail Tolbert. It’s wonderful to meet you. I’ve known Gil and his family for years.”
Sarah glanced between the two. She’d heard rumors about them, but suspected it to be small town gossip as she’d never seen them together. However, the way they looked at each other changed her thoughts.
“I’ve heard so much about you, Miss Tolbert. It’s a pleasure. Mr. Brandt made certain the house the town is letting me use received much needed repairs. Without him, I’d still be at the boardinghouse with my books and other belongings stored in trunks.” She smiled at Noah.
“Oh, so the reason for the pie?”
“Yes. I couldn’t think of a better way to thank him.”
“It looks wonderful.”
“You’ll have to tell me what you think of it.” She nodded at Noah. “Well, I must be going. Thank you again. What you did meant a lot to me.”
“It was no trouble. Let me know if you need anything else.” He winced as the words came out, knowing how they must sound to Abby.
He’d spent the last week visiting her as often has he could, trying to figure out the best way to explain his change of mind. Gabe suggested telling her the truth. That he’d been a fool and wanted her back. Noah had tried more than once, but they’d been interrupted each time. He needed to get her alone, away from the ranch and his livery. Someplace they could talk in private.
Abby watched Sarah leave, then turned toward Noah, her eyes sparking. “Let me know if you need anything else,” she mimicked, her hands on her hips.
“Now, Abby. You’re making too much of this. It’s a pie, nothing more.” He set it down, taking a step toward her.
She inhaled deeply, letting the air out in a slow stream. “Is she what you want, Noah? Is that what all this has been about the last week? You’ve met someone else and haven’t been able to tell me?” Her heart broke at the thought.
“Of course not. She’s a nice lady, nothing more.” The only woman he wanted stood in front of him. He reached a hand toward her. “Abby—”
“Never mind. I shouldn’t have asked. It’s none of my business.” She spun away, dashing outside before he could stop her.
“Damn it, Abby. Wait.” He followed her to the door, watching as she ran across the street and disappeared into the boardinghouse. He muttered a string of curses, knowing he had to fix this with her soon before he lost her for good.
“Here. I’ve always found a piece of pie fixes almost anything.” Suzanne set the plate in front of Abby, along with a glass of milk. “Now, tell me what’s got you so upset.”
She would’ve laughed if her heart didn’t feel smashed to pieces. A pie had been what started this a few minutes before. “I think Noah’s met someone else.”
Suzanne crossed her arms and leaned forward. “And why do you think that?”
She explained the pie, meeting Sarah Murton, and Noah’s invitation to help Sarah with whatever she needed.
“What else?”
“What do you mean, what else? I think he may be sweet on her.” She took a sip of milk, pushing away the pie.
Suzanne’s burst of laughter stunned Abby. “The only woman that man is sweet on is you. He helped Sarah because that’s the kind of man he is. Did she mention he rounded up about fifteen other men to help with the work? I think she baked the pie for the exact reason she mentioned. To say thank you.”
Abby could feel her face heat. “So you believe I’m wrong?”
“Yes, Abby, I do. Noah’s having trouble accepting your wealth, but he’ll work through it. When he figures out his pride isn’t worth losing you over, he’ll be out at the ranch, apologizing. You need to be patient.”
“You believe he loves me?”
“Of course I do.”
Abby took another sip of milk, thinking over Suzanne’s words. Patience had never been her best characteristic. When she figured out what she wanted, she went after it. She saw no reason to change now. She pushed from the table.
“Thank you, Suzanne. I know just what I need to do.”
The next two days passed in a whirlwind of activity. After leaving Suzanne’s, she sent a telegram to Ernest Payson, then had Dirk drive her to the Pelletier ranch. The discussion with Dax and Luke didn’t take long. That night, she finished the last of the paperwork and put it in a drawer, ready for her meeting the following morning.
Dax, Luke, Rachel, and Ginny arrived early, along with baby Patrick, who’d grown considerably since Abby had seen him right after his birth. She handed the men the ledgers, showed them her files, and took the women on a tour. Although they’d been to the ranch before, neither had ventured upstairs. Hers and the Pelletier house compared in size, with the same number of rooms.
After a while, they joined Dax and Luke in the study, discussed details, and agreed on terms. Less than two hours after their arrival, the Pelletiers rode away as the new owners of the Tolbert ranch.
Before they left, Luke mentioned seeing Noah the night before when he took Ginny to supper in town. He told them he planned to go to his cabin Friday night, staying until Sunday, making some long overdue repairs.
It took some strong persuasion, and encouragement from Ginny and Rachel, but Luke finally broke down, giving Abby directions to Noah’s cabin. She now had everything she needed.
Noah grabbed another board, nailed it into place, then set the hammer aside. He glanced around. The cabin had never looked better, although it had a ways to go before he invited Abby to see it. It needed curtains, a few more pieces of furniture, and a couple more pans in the kitchen, but overall, he felt pleased with his progress. He knew she’d never want to live here, not with her large home at the ranch. At least he wouldn’t be embarrassed to bring her up for a day or two when they wanted complete privacy.
He stood, raised his hands above his head and stretched. Pouring a cup of coffee, he walked outside, thinking of Abby and how much she’d love the glorious sunrises. The cabin sat on a spot the locals called Sunrise Ridge, and the name fit.
He leaned against the rail and sipped from the steaming cup. It wouldn’t be long before he’d be able to bring her here, sit with her in the mornings and watch the brilliant yellows, oranges, and pinks light the sky. Then he’d make love to her, keeping her in his bed for hours. He sw
allowed a lump of fear in his throat, hoping his dreams became reality.
Noah put his tools away, cleaned up, and stoked the fire in the kitchen stove. Suzanne had packed stew, biscuits, and preserves for supper. He placed the stew on top of the stove, then took a seat in the rocking chair he’d hauled up for Abby and sat back, closing his eyes.
Even with Luke’s directions, it took Abby longer than anticipated to ride up the trail. The beauty of the hills on this side of town took her breath away, stopping her several times to take in the magnificent view.
She rode into a clearing, watching the sun descend toward the peaks of the western hills. Luke said the clearing meant she had another quarter mile to travel. She nudged Joker forward, her hands beginning to feel moist on the reins, her heart rate increasing the closer she got. Joker took her around one more bend and there it sat—Noah’s cabin.
Abby reined to a stop and slid to the ground. She took off the coat she’d worn to protect her dress, then smoothed her hands over her hips and down her skirt. Taking measured steps, she made her way to the cabin. A few feet from the porch steps, a light went on inside, then another. She clutched her hands together. She was almost there.
Noah lit the kerosene lamps, then dished up a bowl of stew and took a seat at the table. Taking a bite, he sat back, chewing as he thought of Abby. He wished she were with him now, sharing this meal. Taking another bite, he rested his arms on the table. He’d become accustomed to being alone at his cabin. For the first time since he’d built it, he felt lonely.
Finishing the stew, he pushed away from the table at the same time a knock sounded on the door. He stared at it a moment, believing he’d imagined the sound. Shaking his head, he grabbed the bowl and heard the knocking sound again. He set the bowl down and walked to the door, grabbing the gun he’d placed on a table. In one quick move, he grabbed the knob and opened the door, pointing the gun straight ahead…and froze.
Sunrise Ridge (Redemption Mountain Historical Western Romance Book 3) Page 25