“You’re right, and I’m sure the boys will understand and agree.”
“Nathan also thinks it would be best for him to stay around here. No need to let Caldwell rile him. And he doesn’t want Rana bothered.”
“How is Miss Rana? I haven’t seen her around. You must be keeping her locked up. Mace and the boys are real anxious to meet her,” Cody remarked playfully as he stuffed the letter into his pocket.
“Cody tells me Nate’s granddaughter is a real beauty, Trav. I bet you enjoy having her all to yourself. ‘Course I would imagine Miss Clarissa Caldwell is not too happy about Miss Rana’s return. She has heard the bad news, hasn’t she?” Mace inquired with a grin. His sunny blond hair gleamed in the morning sunshine and his azure eyes glowed with undisguised curiosity. Being six feet three, Mace was at an eye level with Travis, and he studied his friend’s reaction intently.
Not wanting to inspire romantic gossip about him and Rana during his absence, Travis shrugged and sighed. “Cody took a shine to her right off; too bad he already has a sweetheart. He’s right, though; Rana Michaels is a real charmer, Mace, so you’d best be alert around Nate’s granddaughter or you’ll be following Cody’s flowery path.”
Cody laughed and wailed, “What’s so bad about love and marriage? Especially with a radiant creature who’ll inherit all this?”
“Aren’t you forgetting I’m Nate’s adopted son?” Travis teased casually, inspiring their laughter. “Besides, I’ve been working on Caldwell’s only heir for years, and a man don’t switch horses in midstream during a storm. I’ll admit Rana is the prettiest vixen I’ve seen; she looks like that picture of her mother over Nate’s mantel, and I’ve admired that beauty for years. But we all know that the most beautiful women are usually selfish and vain, and nothing but big trouble for a man.”
Cody shook his head and protested amiably, “Not Miss Rana. I’ve never met a gentler or nicer lady. She’s real smart and kind. I liked her right off, and I want her and Mary Beth to become friends.”
Travis did not want to seem mean or suspicious, so he grinned and added, “You’re right, Cody, but she’s a mite young and willful for me. She’s making Nate happy, so that’s all that matters right now. You haven’t been playing big brother to her, so you don’t know how ornery she can be. She’s bullheaded and cocky, and she doesn’t like to be bossed. You two keep an eye on her, ‘cause she’s a wild and restless filly. I guess you can’t blame her too much, considering how she was raised. She thinks she can do anything a man can do, or better, so make sure she doesn’t interfere with our problems or get into trouble. She’s a real handful, and you two are probably the only ones who can handle her for Nate. She should be staying close to the house, ‘cause Nate’s got the schoolteacher coming over nearly every day to help her adjust to our white ways. She’ll straighten out soon, but be alert for any mischief or danger. After what happened to Marissa, Nate would be crushed if anything happened to his granddaughter.”
“Don’t worry, Trav, we’ll look after Nate and Miss Rana for you,” Mace replied seriously. “We’ll also keep a sharp eye on the herds and fences. We’ve taken too many losses. You sure you don’t want me to ride with you to look for those varmints? I feel responsible for losing that cattle money. I know what it means to you and Nate.”
Travis empathized with his friend. “It couldn’t be helped, Mace, and we don’t hold you responsible. I will need your help with the payroll. We only have enough money to hand out about a third of their June pay, and I don’t know what will happen this month. If you can get them to hold out for the rest of their money until the first of the month, I’ll give each one ten dollars extra. Any man who has a problem with waiting, like Darby with all those kids, pay him what you can and leave off his and Todd’s rent. We’re all in for some rough times, Mace, so if any of the boys need to move on, tell ‘em we understand and we’ll get their money to them as soon as we can. If we don’t recover that cattle money or get another loan, this place will be finished; then you boys will find yourselves working for Caldwell or moving on.”
“No, sir! We know Caldwell is behind this trouble, so how can you stand courting his daughter?” Mace inquired boldly. “From what I see and hear, she’s too much like her pa. She doesn’t deserve you, Trav. You need a good woman, like Cody’s sweetheart.”
Cody realized their talk was moving in a private direction, so he bid Travis farewell and dismissed himself. Travis and Mace walked a short distance for privacy. The foreman inhaled deeply, then slowly released the spent air. “Listen to me, Mace. I’m not going to search for those bandits; I’m sure you and the boys didn’t overlook any clues, and I’m not riding to St. Louis to seek a new loan. I have another plan in mind, but it’s dangerous and it might not work. Even if it does, it’ll take me a month to check it over. I told the boys that false story because I can’t risk anyone dropping clues about my whereabouts and business. Time’s short, so I’ll fill you in after I get back.” When Travis revealed who and what Wes Monroe and Jackson Hayes were, Mace realized why Travis had to keep his impending journey a secret.
“You mean they’re the ones who tried to kill you years ago?”
“That’s right, but it doesn’t seem as if they remember me or, if they do, they can’t place me. When I return, I’m going to settle up with them. I’m telling you these things because I know you’re one of the few men who would die before loosening his tongue and betraying a friend. Cody told you what happened over at the McFarland place, so you know Wes and Jackson have ways of making men talk. Watch out for those two gunslingers, Mace. I’ve got scars to prove bastards don’t come any worse than them. As for Clarissa, that letter is only a trick to entice her to keep Caldwell off Nate’s back while I’m gone. I’d bet she’s as deep in this mud as her father is.” He unflinchingly revealed the letter’s contents to his best friend. “And as for Rana Michaels, between you and me, I plan to marry that little minx when I return.”
Mace laughed heartily. “So I wasn’t wrong about that sparkle in your eye. Is she willing to go along with your plans for her?”
Travis smiled and nodded. “It’s strange, Mace, but the minute we met, it was like we had been waiting for each other all our lives and nothing could have stopped us from meeting. I can’t explain how deeply that woman touches me. If any two people belong together and are perfect for each other, it’s Rana Michaels and Travis Kincade. Lordy, I never thought I would be saying or thinking such things and surely not feeling them, but it’s mighty nice,” he admitted cheerfully. A worried look crossed Travis’s face then, and he speculated, “You know the Caldwells think they might get this ranch through Clarissa and me marrying, so I don’t want them viewing Rana as a snag in their plans. I detest that Caldwell bitch, but I’ll do whatever’s necessary to guard Rana and Nate from her and her father. Rana has enough problems as it is. Leaving the Indian camp to return home was hard on her, so do what you can to protect her and to help her adjust.”
“I sure am glad you see through that wicked harlot. What happens if the Caldwells don’t fall for your letter and deception? Miss Rana could be in real danger.”
Travis mulled over that possibility. “If they get one look at her, they’ll know I would never pick Clarissa over Rana. Unless Rana’s really mean to me or she prefers another…” Travis’s eyes brightened. “That’s it: if she prefers another man, like the handsome and charming Mace Hunter,” he suggested with a sly grin.
“You’re joshing, aren’t you?” Mace inquired.
“No, I’m not, old friend. If she can go along with my pretense with Clarissa, I can go along with her pretense with you.” Travis related how they were planning to deal with Clarissa. “Until Rana and I can openly express our feelings, you pretend to be her sweetheart to keep her safe. Will you do this for us, Mace?”
“You know I’ll do whatever you ask, Trav, but isn’t this a mite dangerous? If she’s as perfect and beautiful as you and Cody let on, I might become captivated by her. If you’r
e gone too long, we might forget we’re playing a game. What if we fall in love?” he teased.
Travis retorted, “Keep reminding yourself she’s mine and don’t play the game unless it’s absolutely necessary. Time’s awasting. I have to tell her and Nate good-bye and get on the trail. Take care of them and the ranch for me. If something happens and I don’t…”
Mace interrupted, “Don’t even think it, friend. I’ll be here, so don’t worry about anything, or anyone. Take care of yourself, Trav. I don’t want to lose the best friend I’ve ever had.”
The twenty-seven-year-old foreman said, “Give me about fifteen minutes, then come to the house. I want to introduce you to Rana myself. Will you saddle Apache for me and load my gear? And I need another strong mount. I plan to switch horses while riding to prevent too many rest stops along the way. I need to get going and get back as quickly as I can.”
Travis strode quickly into the house and proceeded to explain his discussion with Mace to an uncharacteristically quiet Rana and Nathan. When he had finished, Rana nodded her head and told him, “It is a clever plan. I am grateful that your friend wishes to protect me.”
The three went over their plans and stories one last time, then Nathan left the room to await Travis’s departure on the front porch, knowing his adopted son and his granddaughter would appreciate some time alone.
Rana slipped into Travis’s arms and snuggled against his hard body. “Be careful and return to me,” she entreated in a strained voice. She had this terrible feeling that awful things were about to happen, but she did not want to worry or distract him with her fears and doubts.
Travis tightened his embrace and kissed her forehead, for he had those same feelings. Yet he knew his trip was vital. “I will, my love, and you be careful here. I promise, we’ll be married real soon.”
They kissed and hugged, then gazed longingly into each other’s eyes, exchanging messages that held too much emotion for words to express. Finally, Travis murmured, “I have to go, love. We’re running out of time. If I’m not back in twenty-nine days…” He sighed heavily and hugged her tightly. “Stay here and I’ll bring Mace to meet you,” he said.
Rana eyed the tall, handsome man who entered the room with Travis. He stood just an inch shorter than Travis and was two years older. His hair was the color of sunshine dancing on sand and his eyes were the shade of a blue pasqueflower. The creases around his mouth and eyes expressed his easygoing, happy nature and Rana found herself liking his compelling smile and genial manner. She sensed that before her stood a man of honor and prowess, much like Travis. The close friendship the two men shared was obvious in their demeanors, and she warmed to Mace Hunter immediately. He seemed a good man, and a dependable friend. They exchanged smiles and greetings.
After going over Travis’s suggestion that they play sweethearts during his absence, all three left the room to join Nathan. Travis and the older man embraced affectionately, then Travis clutched forearms with Mace. Lastly and most tormentingly, Travis looked deep into Rana’s eyes, then whispered, “I love you, micante,”as he hugged her quickly.
Rana stood on the porch and watched Travis ride away, bravely holding back the tears that threatened to spill forth. She smiled and waved to Nathan and Mace as they headed off toward the stable. She knew Mace Hunter would return after her lessons to take her riding and begin their sham. She also knew that Rachel Raines would be returning to work the next day, and she looked forward to meeting Rachel and her husband. Study and keep busy, that was what she needed to do!
Harrison and Clarissa Caldwell were enjoying themselves immensely at the lengthy July Fourth celebration in town, but each kept a sharp eye for a certain, though different, person. The games, races, betting, eating, dancing, and drinking continued during the hot day without either person making an appearance.
Around two o’clock, Cody approached Clarissa with the letter from Travis, and she eagerly stole away to the livery stable to read it. She was astonished by the message and peeved over his sudden departure. She stuffed the letter into her draw-string purse to read again later, but before she could leave the secluded stable, Wes Monroe swaggered inside and attempted to have some fun then and there.
“Don’t be a fool, Wes,” she angrily scolded him. “We can’t be seen together. This could look suspicious after you handle that job for me. Get rid of Jackson tonight, and I’ll come to the cabin around ten,” she offered, trying to prevent his anger or his refusal to help her.
“You’re smart, woman. It would look strange for a gunslinger and a lady to be playing in the straw together. Don’t be late tonight, and be ready to give me this man’s name and why you want him killed.”
When the celebration ended with enough time for the ranchers to get home before dark, Harrison was still tense and decided to stay in town and spend a few hours at the Silver Shadow Saloon. He had anticipated meeting Marissa’s double all day and had worked himself into a mental state of constant arousal, one that needed appeasing before he went home tonight. He shouldn’t have been surprised by Crandall’s failure to show up today, he told himself; after all, the man would soon lose everything. No doubt Nathan was plenty worried about now. Even if Nathan and Travis suspected he was responsible for the robbery, they couldn’t prove a thing, and the ranch would be his within a month. Perhaps they could work out something reasonable, if Rana were another Marissa…
The day had passed busily for Rana. Despite its being a holiday, Mrs. Clara Dobbs had arrived that morning to deliver several items and to fit others. After the midday meal, Aaron Moore had arrived for her lessons, for the shy teacher cared little for rowdy celebrations and was eager to work with his delightful pupil.
At five, when she was waving farewell to Moore, Cody and some of the hands returned from their chores. At twenty-six, Cody was fortunate to hold such a position of authority. The smiling man cordially and politely introduced Rana to Darby and Bart Davis. Both men had dark brown hair and brown eyes, Rana observed, and neither had looks that would tend to catch the average woman’s eye. Cody explained that Darby was forty-six, with a wife named Lettie and many children, and they lived in one of the rented houses a few miles away. Bart was forty, single, and lived in the bunkhouse. Clearly the two brothers were very close, Rana mused, in looks, feelings, and personalities. Though neither had had much to say, both had been friendly and polite.
Cody asked Rana if she wanted to go riding or spend time practicing her shooting. Just as she told him she was waiting for Mace, the affable blond arrived with Todd Raines, who gaped at her as if seeing a ghost. For a time he stared at her transfixed, but Cody and Mace were too busy bantering to notice Todd’s reaction.
Rana smiled at him and watched how his eyes glowed as they roamed her form from head to toe. She broke her spell over him by saying, “I am Rana Michaels, Marissa’s daughter, Nathan’s granddaughter. It is good to meet you, Mister Raines. Travis and Grandfather speak good words about you.”
Todd murmured, “I can’t believe it; you look just like your mother did years ago. They told me about you, but I wasn’t prepared for this shock. I hope you’ll forgive me for staring at you, Miss Rana.”
Rana was delighted to meet this particular man and hoped they could become friends quickly so she could ask him about her mother. Todd was thirty-eight, the same age Marissa would have been had she lived. He had light brown hair, which some might have considered dark blond, and it shone in the approaching sunset with reddish gold highlights. His striking eyes were an unusual shade, appearing to be a mixture of silver and dark blue. His features were pleasing, and Rana speculated that his good looks had increased with age. How different Marissa’s life and her own would have been if this man had won her mother’s heart. She had been told his wife, Rachel, was barren and that the couple wanted a child badly. As it had been with Mace and Cody, there was something about Todd Raines that caused her to like him instantly.
Mace and Cody noticed the quick rapport and the ease with which Rana and To
dd conversed. Todd explained that he had to pick up some barbed wire and head back to the men waiting for him, so he did not have long to talk. He smiled then and told Rana he would look forward to seeing her again, and she did the same. As he moved off, Todd glanced back at her several times and she watched him until he was out of sight. Their strange behavior caused Cody and Mace to exchange quizzical looks, for they had been too young to know about the fiery romance between Marissa Crandall and Todd Raines twenty years before. They only knew that after her hasty marriage and departure, Marissa had come to visit her father every two years, beginning in 1850, when Rana had been one. When she made her last, tragic visit in 1856, Cody had been fifteen, Mace, at eighteen, had only been with the ranch one year, and Todd had been married to Rachel for four years.
Still puzzled, Mace invited Rana to ride with him and, a short time later, when they had halted near a large pond to rest for a moment, Rana began asking countless questions about Todd Raines. Such excessive interest alarmed Mace. He casually stated, “I did tell you that Todd’s happily married to a very sweet woman.”
Rana glanced at him curiously, thinking to herself, Why would he…? Suddenly Rana grinned, then laughed aloud. “I do not ask about him for myself, Mace Hunter. I asked because he was very close to my mother. I wish to become friends with him so he will tell me much about her. I was a small child when she was slain and I know little about her. Grandfather told me they almost married long ago. I think how different all would be if they had been joined. To learn about one she loved tells me much about her, and I wish to know all things. I must not ask such questions before his wife, for it would make her sad to hear him speak of another love. Do you understand?”
Sweet Savage Heart Page 41