Wrapping the clothes back in the paper, he set the package under his cot, then slipped off his boots. Stretching out on the thin mattress, he rested his hands behind his head, staring up at the ceiling. Wyatt knew he had to make a decision about Nora. Either claim her so other men understood she belonged to him, or back away, allowing her to find a man more suitable. Someone better than him.
The thought of the latter had his gut twisting in a way he hadn’t felt since his sister died. A feeling he swore to protect himself from ever experiencing again.
Nora represented the type of woman he’d always fantasized about, knowing reality would never bring someone like her into his life. Regardless what he believed, she had crossed his path in a remote frontier town he’d never heard of until finding Cash all those months ago. That didn’t change the fact no matter how he felt about her, Nora deserved someone better than him.
Educated and refined, with a kind heart and easy grace few women on the frontier possessed, Nora merited a man her equal. She didn’t need a man haunted by a past he couldn’t change and a future he couldn’t define. Living in the bunkhouse, drinking whiskey, and playing cards had become a life he understood, one that suited him.
Swallowing the bile stuck in his throat, Wyatt closed his eyes, doing all he could to separate what he considered best for Nora from his own selfish desires. When he thought of it in those terms, there could be just one choice. She deserved more than he’d ever be able to offer.
JW adjusted his field glasses in the darkening night, trying to get a good look at the bunkhouse. Lowering them, he looked at the man beside him, one of his most trusted comrades. Younger by a few years, he’d been riding with Price’s Raiders since the war ended.
“You certain the man you saw walking into the bunkhouse is the same one who killed Ned?”
Rubbing his chin, the man looked up at JW, nodding. “He’s the same one, Captain. The man who took Ned. I’d recognize him anywhere ‘cause of his horse. Mahogany bay with white points. Don’t see many of them around, at least not as handsome as his stallion.”
Clasping the man on the back, JW let out a breath. “Good work. You take one of the other boys and head back down there. I want you two to keep watch on him, follow him when he rides out. We won’t be far behind.”
Scratching the stubble on his cheek, the younger man’s gaze locked on the ranch below. “He might not ride out for a couple days with tomorrow being Sunday.”
“I don’t care if he stays holed up down there for a week. When he leaves, you follow. We aren’t riding home until he’s dead, and we aren’t doing it with all those people around.”
JW looked behind him at the men still recovering from gunshot wounds inflicted by Wyatt. The attack on the house shouldn’t have ended the way it did, with a couple of his men dead and another two wounded. They’d been lucky to remove the bodies before the sheriff and his deputy arrived. The mistake had been storming onto the ranch without being certain of Wyatt Jackson’s location. JW had wasted time and men by being premature in giving his order. This time, he wouldn’t make the same mistake.
“I understand, Captain. I’ll select one of the men, pack some supplies, and head back down. Don’t you worry. We won’t let him get away from us this time.”
JW stared after him. They’d made camp in a cave, tending to the wounds of the two men while keeping watch on the ranch below. It hadn’t taken long to figure out they’d missed their target the night of the raid. The man they wanted rode in with guns firing, cutting down his men with an ease JW had seldom seen in all his years fighting for the South. Jackson seemed to sense his targets, rather than taking time to aim. It explained the man’s ability to hit so many of JW’s men during the darkness of night without a single one of their shots striking him.
“But he isn’t invincible,” JW muttered to himself as he turned toward the cave. It wouldn’t be long before he’d prove it, giving Hattie and Ned the justice they deserved.
Chapter Thirteen
Splendor
Nora settled her hands on Gabe’s shoulders, allowing him to help her down from the buggy. Touching her hand to her hair, she tucked a few stray strands back in place, looking at those arriving, as Gabe escorted Lena and Jack into church.
She spotted the Pelletiers right away. Rachel held baby James while Dax gripped Patrick’s hand. Luke cradled Cooper in his arms, Ginny walking alongside them with Isabella Boucher close behind. Waving to them, Nora let out a deep sigh, disappointment flooding through her when she didn’t see Wyatt.
“Good morning, Nora. You look lovely today.” Rachel leaned over to kiss her cheek. “Would you mind holding James for a moment while I straighten my hat?”
“Not at all.” Nora held out her arms, allowing Rachel to slip the baby into them. “He is such a beautiful baby. And so good.”
Dax chuckled. “James is the opposite of Patrick when he was a baby.”
“I’ve heard he was a handful.” Nora rocked the baby, her gaze moving over his sleeping form.
Dax nodded. “Patrick continues to be more than a handful. Fortunately, both Ginny and Lydia were around to help when he was little.”
Patrick chose that instant to tug on Dax’s hand. “Papa. Go.”
Shaking his head, Dax swung his son into his arms. “Hasn’t changed a bit as he’s gotten older. I’ll take him inside, Rachel.”
The two women followed behind, Nora cradling James close to her chest, reluctant to hand him back just yet. Finding their seats, she turned toward Rachel, holding out her arms.
“You can hold him as long as you’d like, Nora.”
A broad smile brightened her face. “Then I’ll keep him a bit longer.” Following Rachel, she sat down, her focus so locked on James, she didn’t notice the person taking the open space next to her.
“Morning, Nora.”
Her heart rate tripled at the sound of the deep voice, his breath washing across her cheek as he looked over her shoulder at James. Feeling her face heat, she took a breath, praying her voice remained calm, even if her insides were shaking.
Nora glanced up at him. “Good morning, Wyatt.”
She didn’t have time to say more before the minister walked out, everyone rising for the opening hymn. Wyatt opened the hymnal, holding it out so Nora could follow along. Even though she knew the song by heart, she found his gesture sweet, welcoming his closeness.
After two more hymns, the minister gestured for them to take their seats.
“I’ll take James now.” Rachel’s brow lifted in a knowing manner, a signal to Nora she’d noticed Wyatt beside her.
Clasping her hands in her lap, she tried to concentrate on the sermon, having a hard time with Wyatt’s thigh and shoulder pressed against her. Nora felt almost light-headed at the contact, a sensation she’d only experienced around this one man. She sensed the moisture on her forehead, felt her body warm at the continued contact. Uncomfortable with her body’s reaction, Nora shifted to put a small amount of space between them, only to have Wyatt move closer. Glancing up at him, she saw the slight upward tilt of his lips. She didn’t doubt he understood how his closeness affected her.
When the minister asked them to stand for the final hymn, she let out an unsteady breath, feeling a mixture of relief and disappointment. When the song ended, her gaze wandered up to see Wyatt smiling at her, his arm and hand brushing hers. This time, however, she saw something else in his eyes. A hesitancy or wariness she hadn’t noticed before.
As they stepped into the aisle, he offered Nora his arm, escorting her outside. Walking toward the buggy where Gabe, Lena, and Jack waited, she felt his hand rest on hers. Looking up, she hoped her voice didn’t shake as she considered her question.
“Gabe told me he invited you for Sunday supper. Will you be able to join us?”
Stopping several yards from the buggy, Wyatt’s features stilled. He’d made a decision the night before to let her go, allow Nora to meet someone who could give her everything she deserved. Standi
ng next to her now, his determination faltered. The hope he saw in her eyes, her expectant expression, cut through him, making him wish a future with her might be possible. In his heart, he knew she deserved more. Wyatt needed to tell her. He just wouldn’t do it now.
“If you’re sure the offer is still open.”
“Of course it is.” Her bright smile triggered a sense of extreme regret at what had to be done.
“What time should I arrive?” He continued walking slowly toward the wagon.
“We usually eat at two.”
Disengaging his arm from hers, he nodded. “I’ll see you then, Nora. Afterward, would you have time for a walk?”
She heard the tense tone in his voice, wondering what caused it. “I’d love a walk after supper.”
Touching a finger to the brim of his hat, he tipped his head. “I look forward to it.”
As he walked away, Wyatt couldn’t think of anything in his life he dreaded more than the conversation they’d have after supper. He tried to convince himself she couldn’t have any real feelings for him after such a short amount of time. A couple times sitting together at church and one evening out together couldn’t possibly have given her false hope about where their friendship might lead. Even as the thoughts crossed his mind, Wyatt knew they were a lie. He’d seen it in her eyes, heard it in her voice. She felt the same way about him as he did about her.
Untying Rogue, he reined the horse toward the main street, guiding him past the businesses, stopping in front of Allie’s shop. He’d seen the Coulters in church, not taking time to speak with them. Wyatt didn’t know why he’d come here now, except he had nowhere else to go before supper and needed time to consider what he planned to tell Nora.
Looking down the street, his gaze landed on the Dixie. Maybe he’d find the words for what had to be said and discover the courage to say them after a couple whiskeys.
“Wyatt.”
He turned back to see Cash standing on the boardwalk.
“What are you doing out here? Come on in, unless you have to get back to the ranch.”
Rethinking the whiskey, he dismounted, tossing the reins over a rail. “I’m supposed to be heading out to Gabe’s in a bit for supper. I don’t want to hold up yours.”
“We won’t be eating for a spell. Come on in and have a whiskey. It’s time we caught up on all that’s been going on at the Pelletier’s.”
Wyatt could do that. Talk about Sam and Travis, the fire, missing horses, and who might have done it. Anything to keep his mind off Nora.
Cash closed and locked the front door of the shop before walking to the back and up the stairs to their apartment. “We saw you sitting next to Nora in church.”
Wyatt didn’t comment as they entered the apartment, taking off his hat.
Cash walked up behind Allie, who stood at the stove. Settling his hands on her shoulders, he kissed her neck. “I found this fella out front.”
Turning, she gasped, setting the spoon down. “Wyatt? Why aren’t you at Gabe’s?”
He chuckled as he walked up to her, leaning down to kiss her cheek. “Thought I’d have a whiskey first.”
“Ah. Courage before facing the Evans family.”
Wyatt swallowed, his smile disappearing. “Maybe.”
Allie studied his expression, placing a hand on his arm. “It’s only supper, Wyatt. Nothing to be concerned about.”
“Here you are.” Cash held out a glass with just the right amount of whiskey.
Taking it, Wyatt stared into the amber liquid, then held the glass up toward Allie. “To your continued success with Miss Ruby.” Downing the whiskey, he set his glass on the table.
Choking out a laugh, she shook her head. “Working with her has been a challenge.”
Cash placed an arm around her shoulders. “It’ll be worth it, sweetheart.”
“Yes, it will.” She looked at Wyatt. “I couldn’t do it without Nora. She’s been a godsend.”
Wyatt’s lips thinned as he thought about what he knew about her. “I didn’t know she sewed.”
“She knows enough from living at the girl’s school back east to do the basics. Sew on buttons, finish hems. And Nora’s a quick learner. I couldn’t have taken Ruby’s order without her. You’re a lucky man to catch her attention.” Allie moved back to the kitchen, unaware of the grimace on Wyatt’s face.
Cash studied his friend, then picked up the empty glass, refilled it, and handed it to him. “Here. Let’s sit down and talk.” He took a seat on the sofa while Wyatt sat down on a nearby chair.
They spoke of enlarging the bunkhouse, building more corrals, Sam’s recovery, and Travis’s progress with his injured leg before Cash set down his glass and crossed his arms.
“Tell me why you really stopped by.”
Wyatt’s eyes flashed, his hand tightening on the arm of the chair. “What do you mean?”
“Allie may not have noticed, but you aren’t yourself. I’ve known you a long time and have never seen you this tense. Even when I gave you the worst assignments, you stayed calm. Is it the raiders?”
Wyatt glanced out the window, knowing he had little time before leaving for Gabe’s. “When I find out who they are, I’ll deal with them.”
“That’s not your job any longer. It’s mine.”
Wyatt glared at him. “You’re no longer my captain.”
“No, I’m not. And you’re no longer a soldier, which means if you learn anything about the men who raided the ranch, you come to me. Don’t try to deal with them by yourself.” Leaning forward, Cash’s gaze narrowed on his. “But that’s not what’s eating at you, is it?”
Scrubbing a hand down his face, Wyatt glanced at the kitchen, seeing Allie still working at the stove. “I’m no good for Nora. I plan to tell her so today.”
Cash blew out a slow breath, his gaze moving to his wife before returning to Wyatt. “You sure about this?”
Running a hand through his hair, he shook his head. “I’m not sure of anything, except it’s what’s best for Nora.”
“According to Allie, Nora thinks you’re what’s best for her.”
His chest tightened at Cash’s words. “She doesn’t know me.”
“You haven’t given her the chance.”
Wyatt snorted. “Do you blame me? She’s everything that’s beautiful and pure. I’m, well…you know what I am, and it’s certainly not pure.”
“You’re one of the finest men I’ve ever known, Wyatt.”
His face hardened. “Because I accepted orders no sane man would take? That hardly makes me a good man, Cash.”
“It makes you an honorable one.”
Standing, Wyatt paced to the window, looking out on the street below. Few traveled the main street on Sunday afternoons. The saloons, St. James Hotel, and boardinghouse were open, but not much else. His attention moved to a couple men across the street, leaning against the side of the hotel, staring in his direction.
“Do you know those two men?” He glanced at Cash, then back out the window.
Joining him, Cash looked out, his gaze locking on the men across the street. “Never seen them. But I don’t like the fact they’re staring up this way. I’d best go down and have a talk with them.”
“I’ll go with you.”
Cash grabbed his hat, then spoke with Allie before following Wyatt down the stairs. As they reached the bottom, he gripped his friend’s arm.
“Think about what you told me, Wyatt. She’s a fine woman. One you don’t want to toss aside before you’re absolutely certain.”
Wyatt’s jaw clenched, knowing Cash meant well. Nora being a fine woman signified the reason he had to dash her hopes before they went further.
Instead of replying, he pulled his arm free. “We’d better get out there before those men leave.”
Cash shook his head, but said nothing more before opening the door and stepping into the afternoon sun. He saw no sign of them across the street or anywhere on the boardwalk.
“Probably nothing, Wya
tt, but I’ll keep an eye out for them.”
“I’m sure you’re right. Guess I’m a little suspicious of men I don’t recognize.”
Cash shrugged. “You aren’t alone. We’re all a little more vigilant after the raid.”
Picking up the reins, Wyatt swung into the saddle, unease settling over him at what would come next.
“Think about what I said, Wyatt. No need to say anything to Nora unless you’re sure.”
Wyatt continued to let Cash’s words roll around in his head as he walked up the steps to Gabe’s front door. Before he could knock, the door swung open, Jack running past him and down the steps.
“Come back here, you little imp.” Lena drew up short when she saw Wyatt standing outside, his gaze still on Jack as he ran around the house. “Sorry. He does have much better manners than what you saw.”
Taking off his hat, he nodded toward the path Jack had taken.
“You probably didn’t notice, but he had a couple sugar cookies in his hand when he ran out.”
Wyatt raised a brow. “Sugar cookies?”
Lena chuckled. “It’s a recipe Nora learned to make when she lived in Pennsylvania. A young Amish woman gave it to her.” Stepping aside, she swept her arm toward the parlor. “Please, come in. I’ll let Gabe and Nora know you’re here.”
Fingering the brim of his hat, Wyatt nodded, walking into the parlor, moving to the window. Staring outside, he thought of Jack running out, holding cookies Nora baked for him. He’d never thought of her cooking, the same as he’d never considered her knowing how to sew. Although required by women living in the frontier, those gently bred in the east were less likely to have learned such domestic skills.
He knew about Nora being illegitimate, the product of an affair between her already married father and her mother. Wyatt also knew her father sent her west to live with Gabe when it became inconvenient to have his illicit daughter living in the same city as his legitimate family. Of her four step-brothers, only Gabe knew of her existence and of their father’s financial support. Beyond those meager bits of information, Wyatt knew nothing of how she grew up, other than being educated at an exclusive girl’s school in Pennsylvania.
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