"When's the baby due, Trish?" Gil asked suddenly. "I'd like to know, so we can plan."
Trish looked at him strangely. Plan?
"Late winter…January or February."
"That's perfect. We can have our games all the way up until then. Then I want you to rest and take care of yourself the last month or so. Sooner, if there is a problem."
"Gil, I've accepted I'm pregnant. I've even thought of looking forward to the future. I mean, the father will never know about it, so I will not have any trouble from him. But I've got to start thinking about how to support it. I have two to think of now. It worries me a little. I'm beginning to see what a responsibility it is to support someone other than yourself and what a burden I am to you."
Gil came closer his arms holding hers. "You are no burden. I took you on because I thought it beneficial to us both. It has been. You don't think ten percent will be enough?"
"I don't know. I guess as long as I am with you, yes. But later, I need something I can do. Some kind of work."
"Don't fret about it right now. We are going to take good care of the baby."
She looked at him in wonder. "I thought when you found out I was pregnant, you'd be ready to forget our deal. I thought you'd want to get rid of me."
He frowned and stood just in front of her, taking her hands in his. "You look more beautiful every day. Being pregnant agrees with you, especially since you are over the nausea. But there is one thing I've not asked you. How do you feel about the baby? I mean, the fact that it is Chester's?"
She moved away from him. Being too close to Gil sometimes made her head swim. She kept her hands busy while she talked. "I've come to terms with it. I can't change it. I can't stop it. I wouldn't want to. I no longer think of it as Chester's at all. I've always wanted children, so that's not a problem. I can't say I want his child, but then again I can't say I don't either. It's my baby, as you pointed out. I think in time, I will love it with all my heart and soul. But I worry on how to support it. Right now, that's all I'm worried about."
"Well quit worrying. We'll work something out. You don't think I'm just going to leave you when you need me most, do you? Don't fret about it. We'll work something out," he began, but the stage driver was calling them to get moving.
Gil took her arm and they headed back for the stage.
Gil wanted to say so much more, but this was not the time nor place. Once they were in San Antonio, they could straighten out their problems.
They didn't have time to finish that conversation, and it was an important one.
Chapter Twenty-Six
"The next stop would be Austin. Next evening, we'll arrive in San Antonio," the stage driver informed them.
Austin was a grand place, supporting over eleven thousand people and a new capital building. Women dressed in finery, and men dressed mostly like gentleman. Trish practically hung her head out the window to stare at the beautiful dresses of silk and velvets, with a back bustle and the men wore frock coats and vests with dark pantaloons and bowler hats. Impressive and colorful, Trish stared at them in amusement. The fashions seemed to be changing every day. Some of the ladies had French hats. Women adorned beautiful capes and feathered hats, and men were just as stylish. Trish was familiar with most of the fashions as she and Jo Ella used to order catalogs from back east. But to see these fashions on real people was a thrill.
Trish and Gil stayed in one of the better hotels, and they watched the marshal march the boy off to the jail, from the huge window in their room.
"It's sad. He's so young." Trish muttered almost under her breath.
"Yeah, but he seems to be taking it better than most I've seen in his position." Gil encouraged.
Sister Ann went to the local church to pray and check in on a friend.
"Be back here by nine in the morning, if you want to continue on to San Antonio," the driver had instructed them before they left.
Trish had to admit she was glad for the rest. The beds were big and spacious, and Gil had managed to get a room with two beds.
"Let's go down and see about some supper," Gil suggested after they had rested for an hour.
"I'm famished." She had a time getting up off the bed for some reason.
Gil reached to pull her up. He looked into her eyes and smiled. "You are tired, aren't you." He took her hand.
"More than I thought, yes."
"I think pregnant women are beautiful."
Trish tried to laugh. "Wish we could trade places for a while. You might see it a bit differently."
He pulled her closer. "Trish…"
"We better hurry and get down there." She focused her attention elsewhere.
The dining area was full of people and it took a while to get a table, but it was worth it as they served the finest menus of exotic foods along with home-cooked meals. Foods that few places offered. Like Lobster, crab, and even alligator.
Gil ordered a steak, and Trish ordered chicken with pan-dowdy for desert.
"This trip has been a little harder on you, hasn't it?" he asked as they finished their meal.
"A little, probably because of the heat." She wiped her mouth and leaned back in her chair.
"Well, it won't be long now. You can rest up for a week, then we'll see what kind of games are offered." Gil smiled.
"Do you ever have a problem finding a game? I mean, I've never seen you rejected from any game you came near."
"There is always a game to be had somewhere. It is one habit men seem to refuse to give up. Every man dreams of making a big stack. Usually they lose, but sometimes there is a big winner. Sometimes, those dreams are realized. That's what makes others come back," Gil explained.
"Have you never tired of it?" Finding her seat uncomfortable, she squirmed a bit.
"No, I never have. But I could understand if you were." He stared at her, as if truly to read her.
She thought about it before answering. "Since my memory came back, I've done a lot of thinking about what and how I believe. I must tell you, a long time ago, I thought gambling was just a way for a cowboy to lose his money. A way for a man to challenge another in gunfights. A frivolous kind of occupation. I had no respect for it. But now, I've changed my mind, especially since I've watched you play. You know what you are doing. You approach it like a job, a job you enjoy. You know how to lose, and you certainly know how to win. But I do worry that someday your luck might run out. I've also learned from the past that you can't always win. If that day ever comes, Gil, what will you do?" Her gaze sought out his.
He stared into her eyes. "It could happen to anyone, even me. But until it does, I'll continue."
"What would you do if you didn't gamble?" she asked.
"I'm not sure. I know how to farm, but I would need land to do that, so that might be a problem if I lost all of my money. I suppose I should think about investing in it. Land is something that will always be valuable. And one should plan for the day…. when they lose. They should have something to fall back on."
"Have you ever thought of putting away money for that day, in case it comes?"
"I have. I've recently made plans with a bank in Ft. Worth, where I've put away some money for just such an occasion. Gambling is exciting. It's a challenge, and it's hard work, if done correctly. I love it. But I'm aware of losing, and I'm aware that probably everyone has their time for it."
A man came up to their table. "Gil, Gil Davis, as I live and breathe. What are you doing here?"
The man was well dressed and had the air of another gambler. Trish watched them closely. Just from Gil's slight grimace, she could tell he wasn't that fond of the man, but she put on a smile for him nonetheless.
"Oh, Bill Martin, this is my wife… Trish."
"Your wife. You rascal. You've settled down then?" Bill asked, eyeing Trish with more than just a glance. "Charmed…"
"I'm still at the tables, if that's what you mean."
"And you put up with this scoundrel?" Bill laughed.
"Actually,
I join him. I don't gamble, just watch." She smiled charmingly.
"She's your good luck charm?" Bill laughed. "You married your good luck charm. Now that's one for the books."
"I assure you, Trish is more than a good luck charm, Bill. She's a woman of quality. And she's about to make me a father."
Trish refrained from dropping her jaw.
Bill took her hand, where he placed a kiss. "Congratulations, Mrs. Davis. You old son of a gun, I never thought I'd see the day when you would settle down with a lady."
"Won't you join us? We've finished eating, but we could have a drink, if you like."
Trish's stomach churned. This man kept looking at her as though he might eat her up. After the experience with Eb, she had no taste for mild flirtations.
"If you gentlemen don't mind, I want to get some rest, as we'll be moving on tomorrow."
"Oh, you are leaving tomorrow?"
"Afraid so, friend."
"Well then, I'll have a drink with you to catch up. It was nice meeting you, Mrs. Davis." The man eyed her once more.
Trish frowned. "Nice meeting you too. I'll see you later, dear…" She emphasized the dear.
Gil smiled sexily at her. "All right, honey. Get some rest." As she walked away, she heard him say. "She's very tired. We've been traveling by coach."
She couldn't help but go slowly, so she could hear a bit of their conversation. She was sure this was not a close friend of Gil's from the way he was acting and what he said.
"I just can't believe it, You old son of a gun, you're going to be a father?" The man patted Gil on the back.
"Yes, I am…" Gil said, staring after Trish. "And I must admit, I'm very happy about it."
"She's sure a looker." Bill's gaze followed Trish up the stairs.
"She more than that," Gil replied.
~*~
Trish was almost asleep when Gil came up to the room, but she heard the knob turn and sat up. "I must have fallen asleep."
"I didn't mean to startle you," Gil said in a husky tone.
"I'm fine. You didn't stay long with your friend."
"No, I didn't. He is merely a gambling friend, not a personal kind of friend. I sensed you didn't like him much."
Trish propped herself on the bed with pillows. "He stared at me. For some reason, that bothers me now… Maybe I'm too sensitive."
"Trish, you're a beautiful woman. Any man would stare. Don't you realize that?"
"Like Eb did. It bothered me. And there are many beautiful women in this world, Gil. Besides, I never considered myself in that category."
"Trish." Gil sat beside her on her bed. "I'm sure he meant no harm, but let me tell you, you are quite beautiful."
"I'm just sensitive about being looked at right now." A shiver ran over her skin, making her prickle.
"That's understandable, but I would never let anyone hurt you again." He wrapped his arm around her protectively. "I know I've said that before, and someone did, but I don't plan on letting you go up the stairs alone any more. If you are tired, then I will retire for the night myself. The only reason I didn't tonight was that I wanted to make sure he didn't linger. I like Bill, in most cases but I'd rather not have him about. I aim to protect you from anything threatening. I don't want you to be afraid."
"You can't be with me all the time, Gil. You can't take care of me every minute. I know that. I'll get over this feeling, but right now, it's just too soon." She shivered.
He pulled her into his arms. "I'm sorry, sweetheart." Gil kissed her hair. His hands splayed through it, and he let out a sigh that touched her.
She leaned into him, needing his arms around her, needing the reassurance he gave so easily.
At first, it was a series of slow, warm kisses that merely feathered her mouth, her chin, her cheeks, testing to see if she gave her permission. He hovered over her lips, the question unasked. "I want to kiss you, Trish," he whispered. "I've wanted to for a long time, but if you don’t want it, then just say the word. I'll never force it on you."
Trish stared into his eyes, her mouth poised for the kiss. Her heartbeat quickened. Her breast rose and fell quickly. "Then don't stop now."
She felt his rapid heartbeat. She felt herself melting into his arms. Suddenly he was kissing her on the mouth and she was lost in that kiss. Taken by pleasant surprise, she opened her mouth to him and let him explore.
Her rule of kissing on the mouth just dissolved into thin air. This was what she needed and wanted and nothing would prevent the moment they shared.
Even though he had kissed her before, his asking her permission made this time special.
He groaned and feather-touched her lips that ached for his. Her lips melted into his, as though they were meant to assuage all the hurts and broken dreams. When he pulled away slightly, she reached to kiss him, with the same feathery kisses he had given, but he swept her mouth with a kiss that began to build a fire within her. She moaned raggedly between breaths.
Her body responded, and when his arms wrapped around her, his hand came up to hold her breast, his thumb sweeping slowly over the tip of her breast until she moaned with pleasure.
"Trish, I won't ever let anyone hurt you again. You or the baby."
"Oh, Gil…I'm so in love with you."
She smothered him with another kiss that went on and on and made her swoon. The taste of him drove her wild. The way he touched her lips with his, first tentatively then with such command. A wave of ecstasy swept through her at his touch. She fantasized him touching her everywhere. For the first time in her life, she wanted a man, and it was a new and strange feeling. The pleasure his kiss evoked invited her imagination. What would it be like to be truly his? How would her body react to his? Would she find that lasting pleasure that others spoke of, that she dreamed of? Swept into his world each kiss sent her closer to the edge of reality and fairytales.
His thumb caressed her breast with quick and even strokes, sending a shockwave of feelings through her, feelings that were strange, and wonderful at the same time. She felt on fire for more completion. She wanted him. For the first time in her life, she wanted a man, Gil.
But he finally pulled away and got up off the bed. He paced the room, like a wild man. He ran his hands through his hair, and then he stared at her.
"I didn't mean that to go so far, but you are a lovely woman, Trish, and you have to know I'm attracted to you."
Attracted? Was that all? Her heart nearly broke with his words. She didn't want a physical response. She wanted a declaration of love. His words woke her up to reality.
"I guess I'm attracted to you too, or I wouldn't have let you kiss me like that," she whispered through the darkness.
He stared at her from a distance. "We haven't been together very long. And yet it seems so. I feel naked when you aren't around," he admitted, his voice soft. "As though part of me isn't there. It's a new feeling, Trish. It's hard to get used to, hard to define, or describe. I thought because this was a business partnership I wouldn't get emotionally involved, but I am…"
She understood what he was saying. "We've been living like we are married. It's bound to happen. Don't feel so bad about it." She tried to hide her true emotions from him. Tried not to cry.
"The question is how do you feel about me?"
"I feel much too dependent upon you, for one thing. I used to be a very independent person. Now I'm not. I've changed. And I feel the same as you… not complete exactly without you around. Right now, we need each other. Let's let that sink in a while."
"I want you with me, Trish. I want you and the baby with me for as long as you want to be with me."
She gasped. Her heart lurched, and her mouth went suddenly dry. He said every right thing except that he loved her. That was what she wanted to hear most.
But it didn't come.
"Let's wait until the baby comes. You might change your mind." She almost cried. "You are a single man, living a married man's life."
"Trish…"
A gun went o
ff in the street, distracting them.
"We better get some sleep," she said as he stared out the window.
"You're right. One more day and we'll be there," he said, not looking at her.
She sighed and lay down in the bed once more, but she was far from needing sleep now. He had awakened something new and exciting in her, and she groped to understand it.
She relived the kiss for hours, holding it dear to her heart until her eyes finally closed and she went to sleep. She'd never had sexual gratification, but she came close tonight, with merely a few kisses. What would it be like to lose herself in Gil? She wanted to know desperately.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
The next morning after breakfast, everyone boarded the coach again. Sister Ann looked rested and relaxed, and even the marshal showed signs of less tension. Juan didn't say much, but everyone figured he was nervous about his ordeal in San Antonio. He looked tired and worried. His silence felt strange. He was quiet. Only his eyes mirrored the turmoil inside him.
Gil helped Trish into the coach, and they settled next to Juan.
"So, are you coming to my hanging too, Senora?" Juan asked Trish.
Trish swallowed . "If you'd like me to, I will."
"Really?" His surprise was genuine. "I would like it very much. And you too, sir."
"Of course. It will be your day, Juan, and you can invite anyone you chose, you know," Trish said.
"Then everyone here is invited." He glanced at Sister Ann. "After all, it is the day I will go to be with the Lord. It deserves a celebration, does it not?"
"Of course it does." Sister Ann smiled at him.
"You better do some hard repenting, kid, if you think you are gonna be with the Lord." The marshal didn't even look at him. The smug look of righteousness surrounded him.
After adjusting his collar, Juan squinted. "It will please you to know that away from you, I did repent. I have every confidence I will go to heaven, Senor. My God forgives."
Winning the Lady (Book 4 of the Red River Valley Brides) Page 17