Mail Order Bride - Westward Changes: A Clean Cowboy Romance Novel (Montana Mail Order Brides Book 14)

by Linda Bridey

  Then something hit her in the head and dropped onto the cards. It was a penny. She picked it up and threw it back without looking at the person who’d thrown it. Another coin hit her and she threw that one back as well. Three, four, five more coins were thrown and each time, she threw them back.

  “Why is it you give my money back to me, but you stole from me?”

  Minx closed her eyes as she recognized Joe’s drawl.

  “How is it that a girl I think of as family decided to steal from me?”

  Tears pricked the backs of her eyes.

  “Why would someone who I would have gladly helped if I’d only been asked, sneak into my home at night when she was welcome anytime?”

  A sob became stuck in her chest, causing a sharp ache there.

  “Why would my family member cause the rest of her family so much worry and heartache by making us think a criminal had been in their home?”

  Minx leaned forward and groaned, unable to hold in her misery.

  “Why would someone I love betray me this way?”

  “I am sorry,” Minx whispered.

  Joe heard movement to his right and looked up to see Jack. “Get out of here, Jack. This is our conversation, not yours.”

  Jack had never seen such an intense expression on Joe’s face.

  “Jack, leave them,” Mitch said.

  Jack’s mouth thinned and he glared at Joe, but did as Mitch told him.

  Joe turned back to Minx. “I’m sorry, but I didn’t hear you, Minx.”

  “I am sorry,” she repeated in a slightly louder voice.

  “Sorry? You’re sorry? What is it you’re sorry for?” Joe asked.

  Minx’s tears began to fall and she shook her head.

  “You don’t know what you’re sorry for?”

  She nodded.

  “So you do know?”

  She nodded.

  “Then tell me.”

  “All of it. Everything.”

  “Such as?”

  Minx sobbed.

  Jack heard and tried to go back to the cells, but Mitch held up a halting hand to him.

  Joe yelled, “Such as what, Minx?”

  “Stealing! Sneaking! Betraying!” she screamed.

  Jack began pacing, outraged at Joe’s treatment of his cousin and furious at Mitch for allowing it.

  “Are you family to me?” Joe asked loudly.

  “I…I…”

  “Are you or are you not family to me? Think about everything I have ever said to you, Minx. Think about the way I’ve always treated you. Are you thinking about it?”

  “Y-yes.”

  “So are you my family or not? Haven’t I treated you like you were?”

  Jack heard Joe’s voice change. A note of sadness had entered his words. He stopped pacing.

  “Answer me truthfully, Minx, not how you think I want you to. Are you part of my family or not?” he asked in softened voice.

  Minx remembered all the times Joe had teased her, insisted on giving her money, played games with her, eaten with her family; all things she’d done with many of her Lakota or white uncles. She nodded. “Yes. We are family. I am sorry! So sorry! I was so scared and I did not know what to do—” She couldn’t continue, completely breaking down.

  In her despair, she didn’t hear the cell door open, or hear someone step close, or notice them sitting down by her. Joe gathered Minx against him and rocked her, stroking her hair and comforting her even as tears streamed down his own face. Then he took her face in his hands and made her look at him.

  “If anyone, and I mean anyone, ever hurts you again like that bastard did, you tell me and I’ll put a bullet in them myself and no one will ever find them again. You hear me?” Joe said. “It’s no less than I’d do for my wife or my daughter, Minx.”

  Minx said, “Why? Why would you do that?”

  “Because, Reckless may be my very brave brave, but you are my very brave bravette. What you did was very wrong, but you did it for the right reasons; to protect your family and in the end, who can completely fault you for that? You just forgot that you had a lot of family around you who would have helped you. You couldn’t go to your pa because I know he woulda gone after the army. The same of any of your other uncles, but me? Naw, I’d have just made him disappear. Don’t you ever forget that. If you ever feel like you can’t tell someone something, you come to me and I’ll help you no matter what it is. Understand me?”

  Minx nodded. “I’m your bravette?” she asked, trying out the word.

  “Yeah. I just made that up because I don’t know if there’s a word for a female brave, but if there’s not there should be. Now, I know what you’re gonna do tonight and I know you’ll do a good job at nabbing this guy, but after that, you’re going to pay restitution to me,” Joe said as he wiped away her tears.

  Jack listened closely after he heard Joe say this.

  “How?” Minx asked.

  “You’re gonna come live with my family for at least six months. You’ll work with us, eat with us, everything you do with your family,” Joe said.

  Minx shook her head, “But—“

  “Isn’t that how the Lakota do it? If you steal from someone, their family has the option of bringing you into their family to make restitution?” Joe asked.

  “Yes, but—“

  “Then that’s what’s gonna happen. Unless you wanna stay locked up in here. Jack’s a good cook and all, but I think you’ll like my Addie’s food better. Plus, it’ll be more interesting to live with a rather serious English butler, and more fun workin’ with horses all day. What do you think?”

  She laughed. “Yes. I will pay restitution.”

  “Good. That settles that then. You do what needs to be done tonight, but you come home with me tomorrow, all right?” Joe asked as he stood up.

  “Yes,” she said. “Thank you… Uncle Joe.”

  He grinned and said, “I like the sound of that. I’ll see you tomorrow my very brave bravette.”

  As Joe walked through the office, he clapped Jack on the back and left.

  Jack and Mitch just looked at each other.

  “Bravette?” Jack asked.

  Chapter Sixteen

  The breeze was strong as Eddie and Deena rode out to see the Lakota twins. Eddie watched it blow the heavy waves of Deena’s hair around and admired the way the sunlight brought out lighter blonde highlights in it. He felt as though he’d had a sudden epiphany about her and how beautiful she was. Eddie let his gaze slide down over her slim curves and long legs. Yes, she was very desirable, but there was more to her than that.

  Eddie couldn’t really say what had prompted him to start thinking about settling down. He wasn’t lonely exactly, but other than the people he worked with, Eddie didn’t have anyone special in his life. Suddenly having children had also become important to him, too. It was time to marry and have a family.

  Turning his eyes back to the road, Eddie thought about his plan to ask Tom’s permission to court Deena. He was nervous about it because it was something he’d never done before. Though he’d been with his share of women, Eddie had never had any desire for a committed relationship and therefore had never been out with a woman who was looking for one.

  Deena was different. Yes, they had physical chemistry, but Eddie also enjoyed her spirit and sweetness. He admired her horsemanship skills and liked her laugh. She had such a pretty smile and he liked that she knew what she wanted. Eddie could envision settling down with her, but he didn’t want to rush into it. Joe had been right about that. They needed to get to know each other better.

  Deena looked over at Eddie and wondered at the thoughtful expression on his face. She was nervous about encountering other Lakota other than Reckless, but Eddie had promised to stay with her, which made her feel better. She planned to not talk very much, to just make an appearance and then leave.

  “We’ll be there in a couple of minutes. It’s just around this bend. It’s where Jack and Sparrow’s house used to be. It’s suc
h a shame that their place was destroyed. Damn army,” Eddie said.

  “Army?” Deena said.

  “Yeah. Joe has his suspicions that the army deliberately set that plains fire to flush our tribe out. They knew the tribe was around somewhere, but Joe refused to tell them where and pulled all kinds of strings to keep them away. He won’t tell anyone exactly how he’s kept the army away. I’m sure Lacey knows, but she’s the only one. He must have had some damn big markers to call in,” he answered.

  They rounded the bend and a tipi came into view. Deena stopped her horse and her heart thudded inside her chest. Eddie stopped and saw the look of terror on her face. He rode closer.

  “Sweetheart, I swear nothing bad is gonna happen. You’re safe,” Eddie said. “I promise.”

  Deena tried to smile, but couldn’t. She just nodded instead. She started her horse out again and they rode up to the small camp. She heard a lot of Lakota being spoken and had to blink hard to keep the tears out of her eyes. Eddie and Deena dismounted and he took her hand, leading her closer to the tipi.

  She recognized several of her fellow employees and they smiled at her. Even Randall had come to see the twins. The sight of him holding a Lakota infant while dressed in his butler’s uniform was so funny that she momentarily forgot her fear. The butler was very good with the baby, bouncing it slightly as it cried a little.

  Brook looked on with amusement. She was tired and somewhat sore, but she was happy that so many people were sharing in her and Reckless’ joyful event. Other than feeding the babies, she’d had to do little else since meals were prepared by the other women and they also took turns changing the little ones. This job was also shared by some of the men who were experienced at the task.

  She laughed as Randall argued with Jake about having to give up Blue Bear. The new mother was proud that their twins were so popular and were already so well loved. Eaglet was being held by Lacey, who cooed to the baby and showed him to Emily. The little girl gently stroked the baby’s thick, black hair, remarking on its softness. Brook felt a momentary pang of regret that her parents hadn’t been there for the births, but Abby had sent a letter off to them right away and she hoped that her parents would come to Montana for the winter so they could see their grandchildren.

  Eddie tugged on Deena’s hand and led her over to Lacey, who smiled at them.

  “Isn’t he adorable? His name is Eaglet. Isn’t that cute? I imagine they’ll change that when he’s older, but for now, it’s so sweet,” she said. “Here, hold him.”

  Deena almost refused, but knew that it would be very rude to do so. She took the baby and cradled him carefully in the crook of her arm. His tiny fists waved around and he made sucking noises with his pink little mouth. Deena smiled at him as he opened his dark eyes and closed them again.

  Eddie watched her with the baby and something stirred within him. He easily saw her holding their own baby and he had to remind himself that they weren’t nearly there yet. But he could certainly imagine it happening. He grinned as the baby yawned and stretched.

  Reckless came to stand beside them.

  “Reckless, you and Brook make nice looking babies,” Eddie said. “Congratulations.”

  The new father beamed. “Thank you. We are very proud, even though we were not expecting twins.”

  Deena didn’t look up at him as she said, “You were given double blessings.”

  “Yes,” Reckless agreed as his father, He Who Runs joined them.

  Deena glanced at him, but immediately averted her eyes. She could feel his scrutiny, but tried to ignore it, hoping he would go away. He didn’t. She looked up at him and he held her gaze and signed something. Her eyes widened as she recognized the universal sign language that all Indians knew so that they could communicate between different tribes.

  He’d said, “Hau, sister,” and was waiting for a response.

  He knows! This is why I didn’t want to come! She knew that she was going to offend him if she didn’t answer or tried to pretend that she didn’t understand. She slowly gave the baby to Eddie and signed back, “Han, brother.”

  He smiled a little at her and suddenly didn’t look quite as fierce. “From which tribe are you?” he asked, continuing the conversation in sign.

  Deena pursed her lips as she signed, “My grandmother was Pawnee. How did you know?”

  His smile broadened. “It is there in your face for anyone paying attention to see. Pawnee?”

  Deena lifted her chin, suddenly proud of her heritage. “Yes.”

  “While you may have the blood of our hated enemy within you, we have no personal quarrel with you and most likely did not know your grandmother. Here, you are among friends. Be at ease, sister,” He Who Runs signed.

  Deena felt a little weak, so strong was her relief. “Thank you, brother.”

  Reckless watched all of this and smiled. “A Pawnee descendant holding a Lakota baby; not something you see every day.”

  Eddie said, “I didn’t know you knew Indian sign language or that you’re Pawnee.”

  “My grandmother, who was Pawnee, taught me when I was little and we signed every day so that I would remember it. I haven’t used it in a long time, though,” Deena replied. “I get my eye color from her.”

  He Who Runs said, “You sign very well. It seems that you have remembered clearly.”

  Deena smiled. “Yes. It’s second nature to me, I guess.”

  Little Eaglet let out a lusty cry and squirmed in Eddie’s arms, making them laugh.

  Eddie said, “I think he’s hungry.”

  “I will take him to Brook,” Reckless said.

  “Ok. Goodbye for now, Eaglet. I’ll be back to see you,” Eddie said and then handed the baby to Reckless.

  It was a wonderful thing to see the happy and proud expression on Reckless’ face as he held the little one.

  He looked at Deena and Eddie and said, “Thank you for coming to see them. We appreciate it very much.”

  Deena smiled at him. “They’re beautiful, Reckless.”

  “Thank you.”

  She watched him walk away and said, “He’s such a nice young man. You must be very proud of your son.”

  He Who Runs nodded. “Yes. We are. Thank you for sharing in our joy.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  She and Eddie ended up staying almost an hour and by the time they left Deena had developed a sense of belonging. Everyone, Lakota or white, was very friendly and the celebratory atmosphere was appropriate for the occasion. Deena was surprised to be flirted with by some of the Lakota braves and laughed at their funny comments.

  Raven was especially persistent, doing it mainly to irritate Eddie, who glowered at the brave. Deena enjoyed the attention and was also amused by Eddie’s possessive attitude. She commented on it as they rode back to the horse ranch.

  “There were certainly a lot of handsome braves there,” Deena said.

  Eddie frowned. “Yeah, well, they better not come sniffing around or they’ll have me to deal with.”

  Deena giggled. “Why, Mr. Baxter, are you jealous?”

  “Darn right I am. I saw you first,” Eddie said.

  “No, I saw you first.”

  He laughed. “I stand corrected. I’m glad you did.”

  Deena just smiled at him and began urging her horse into a faster gait.

  “Are you tryin’ to race me?” Eddie asked.

  Deena’s answer was to say, “Ha!” to her horse.

  Eddie laughed and took off after her.

  *****

  He Who Runs saw Joe signal to him and excused himself from the group to which he was talking.

  He strode over to Joe and smiled. “Hello, brother.”

  Joe smiled back. “Hau, brother. So, Grandpa, you’ve gotta be very proud of your new little braves.”

  “Yes. Have you seen them yet?”

  Joe shook his head. “Not yet, but I will. I need to talk to you about Minx.”

  He Who Runs’ face took on displeased expre
ssion before he masked it. “I am very sorry about what she has done, Joe.”

  “I know what she did was wrong, but she was just scared. It looks like everything has been accounted for as far as the people at home are concerned. I don’t know about the other people’s stuff, though. I want her to pay restitution to me,” Joe said.

  He Who Runs nodded. “Yes, it is only right.”

  “Ok. I want her to come join my family for six months. She’ll truly become part of our family and I’m sure she’ll become a very productive member,” Joe said.

  He Who Runs couldn’t hide his shock. “You would welcome her into your home?”

  “Yes. She was doing what she thought was right. She just wanted to protect her family and thought that was the best way to do it. Don’t be too hard on her, He Who Runs. I was hard enough on her for both of us,” Joe said.

  The warrior’s brows drew down. “How was stealing going to help our tribe?”

  “Well, you know, she was being blackmailed by that soldier—”

  “Soldier? What soldier?”

  Now Joe was confused. “The soldier—you don’t know?”

  “Know what?”

  Joe rolled his eyes. “Ok. Tell me what you know and we’ll go from there.”

  “Minx stole valuables from you and others and she is in jail. That is what I know,” He Who Runs said.

  Joe’s gaze found Reckless and as he stared at the younger man, he felt irritated with him; not something he was used to feeling towards Reckless. Now that he’d mentioned the solider, Joe wasn’t going to be able to get out of telling He Who Runs the rest of it.

  “Uh, well, there’s more. I’m sure that with Reckless just becoming a new father, he forgot to tell you and Eagle Woman,” he said. “But before I tell you, I’m begging you to not do anything rash, ok? I’m begging you.”

  He Who Runs frowned again. “I will try to not let emotion cloud my judgment.”

  “Good,” Joe said and proceeded to tell everything to He Who Runs.

  The longer Joe talked, the more anger He Who Runs felt inside. His first instinct was to find the monster and slay him. He also wanted to wage war on the army and destroy them all. Closing his eyes, he thought about how his daughter had been violated and the urge to shed blood almost consumed him. He Who Runs had to work hard to find his voice of reason and to control the rage that flowed through him.