by Gigi Moore
She wondered what Wyatt would think of her idea. She already knew how he felt about her working at the shop, but then that was before Dakota had come into their lives. He might be a little more obliging to the idea now knowing that Dakota would be in town, too, and could keep an eye on her. Or was she totally misconstruing Wyatt’s trust of Dakota?
Remembering how Wyatt had been at the beginning of Dakota’s stay and thinking about how he was now, she didn’t believe she misconstrued anything. She could plainly see a difference in the atmosphere around both men. A bond existed that she didn’t think her husband had ever shared with another man, not even Brand or Rusty. Wyatt trusted Dakota and that was a feat in itself as far as Lily was concerned. Her husband didn’t trust lightly. As generous as he was, he didn’t love lightly either. Wyatt put his heart and soul into everything he did and when he committed to something he did it for keeps, like their marriage. He wasn’t a quitter, and since he had allowed Dakota into their bed, into their marriage, Lily assumed, like her, that Wyatt was in whatever they wanted to call this thing between them all, for the long haul.
“So, you are no longer angry with me?”
Lily dragged herself back to the present and looked up into Dakota’s striking blue eyes. The sight never ceased to amaze her. “I was never angry with you, just a little hurt was all.”
“I am sorry for that.”
“All’s forgiven.” She smiled, and her heart fluttered when Dakota returned it and drew her just a tad closer. She didn’t think she would ever become inured to his smile or take for granted the way he made her feel. Every moment with him was fresh and exciting, the same way every moment was fresh and exciting with Wyatt.
She marveled at all the new things she’d been learning about her husband during the last several days, things she had not gotten a chance to learn about him during their entire marriage. Lily knew that she had Dakota to thank for the revelations. She knew that Wyatt would probably be a different man, a bitter and surly man still mired in grief and guilt instead of an optimistic man open to change and their unusual circumstances had Dakota not come into their lives.
She knew that she had Dakota to thank for the resurgence of her and Wyatt’s marriage. He brought out the best in them. She could only hope that they brought out the best in him.
It was for all these reasons that Lily was hesitant to bring up her and Dakota’s history, but like his leaving, there was no good time or way to broach the subject.
“Dakota, there’s something I need to tell you…”
He looked at her expectantly and raised an eyebrow at her silence.
Lily’s heart sped at his expression, wanting to hold on to this moment before things changed any more between them. Maybe bringing up to him what she knew about him wasn’t such a good idea, especially with him soon leaving, but she didn’t want to have any secrets between them.
What about the biggest secret of all that you’re keeping from Wyatt?
Lily shook her head as if to clear it. She could only deal with one moment of truth at one time. She vowed, however, that she would tell Wyatt about Dakota and his own son, in time. He deserved at least that much from her and she would not be able to live with herself otherwise.
This dance seemed to be forcing everything to a head for Lily. The two men that she loved and the man who had almost destroyed her life were all in the same place at the same time. Lily wanted to do everything she could to keep Wyatt as far away from the man who had hurt her as possible and being at this party made that difficult.
Time, she just needed a little more time, but it seemed like time was something none of them had an abundance of. Dakota would soon be leaving. Lily wanted to start working…“I remember that night,” she blurted.
“That night.”
It wasn’t a question and Lily saw Dakota’s expression instantly change from caution to acceptance all in the blink of an eye.
She watched his Adam’s apple bob as he swallowed hard before he finally spoke.
“When did you start to remember?”
She shrugged as if her entire life wasn’t hanging in the balance of her answer and his response when the exact opposite was true. “The night Wyatt came home drunk.”
Dakota nodded.
“Were you ever going to say anything?”
He pinned her with an intense look, his hand tightening on her waist. “I would have given anything for you to have never remembered that night.”
“But why?”
“Lily, when I found you, you were…you almost…died.” His voice broke on the last word, and for the first time since her memory about Dakota had come back, Lily realized that she wasn’t the only one who had been injured or violated by what had happened to her that night.
How could she have been so selfish?
She squeezed his arm and felt his biceps flex beneath her fingers as he tightened his hold on her. “But I didn’t die and that’s because of you. You saved me.”
“I just happened to be in the right place at the right time.”
“I’m glad that you were.”
He gave her one of his searing, steady looks. “So am I.” A beat of silence passed between them before Dakota spoke again. “I am sorry I did not say anything to you.”
“Is that why you’re so eager to leave? Are you afraid Wyatt might find out?”
“Make no mistake about it, Lily. I am not eager to leave. I will never be eager to leave you…or Wyatt. It is just something that I have to do.”
She nodded because she understood, even if she still didn’t know what his reasons were. She respected what she sensed were his duty and responsibility. To whom and what he felt dutiful and responsible, Lily didn’t know, but she understood.
Dakota abruptly stopped dancing and cupped her cheek. “There is something that I need to tell you. It’s about yours and Wyatt’s son…”
Lily’s eyes widened as her eyes landed on Wyatt traversing the floor as he made his way toward them. “Can you tell me later? When we’re alone?”
Dakota turned to follow her gaze and silently nodded.
“Thank you.” Lily squeezed his arm again right before Wyatt arrived.
“I think you’ve monopolized our woman enough.” Wyatt sidled behind her and curved his arms around her waist as he nuzzled her neck. “I’d like to cut in for bit.”
Dakota separated from her, bowing slightly as he handed her off to Wyatt.
Lily grinned and shivered at the roughness of Wyatt’s unshaven cheek against her throat.
As much as she dreaded hearing what Dakota had to say, she was just as relieved by Wyatt’s appearance. She was sure she didn’t want to handle any more complications in their lives and eagerly welcomed her husband’s touch. She sought escape and refuge within the confines of his arms as well as the comfort and stimulation she knew he could provide.
Lately Wyatt had been so accommodating and spontaneous in his affection. She’d never doubted Wyatt’s love for her, but sometimes, even before her time with the Kiowas, she’d doubted his desire. Since Dakota’s arrival, it was as if their relations had been injected with a dose of adrenaline, and Lily wondered if Wyatt’s renewed arousal weren’t due to a little healthy competition. Whatever the reasons, she readily welcomed what he and Dakota had to offer.
Lily turned in her husband’s arms, tilted back her head, and stood on tiptoes to reach his mouth with hers. His lips were full and soft as they gave way beneath hers and she dipped her tongue past them, encouraged by Wyatt’s surprised intake of breath and liking his sweet-tart taste. “You’ve been in the punch, hmm?”
“Just a little sip to wet my whistle.”
“Tastes nice.” She licked her lips and detected the distinct but not overpowering taste of rum as well as the fruity-sour flavor of strawberry and lemon. Lily moved in close to hug Wyatt and caught a glimpse of Dakota as he reached the outer edges of the dance floor where several other single cowboys and townsfolk lined up against the wall tapping their fee
t to the beat of the music as they scanned the crowd.
She caught his glance and Lily’s heart shuddered at the rueful, solemn expression in his eyes that belied his smile. She hated that he couldn’t freely indulge in displays of affection with her the way Wyatt could. She hated that a simple touch like the hug she and Wyatt shared and took for granted right then was denied Dakota.
Even as she thought this, she caught the disapproving looks her neighbors gave her and Dakota. She knew the looks were as much because she and Wyatt had the audacity to be friendly with an Indian in public as because the townspeople suspected anything about the relationship that same Indian shared with two of their own. Lily didn’t know which reasoning was worse.
“Penny for your thoughts.”
Lily brought her attention back to Wyatt and saw the intent look on his face. “I told Dakota that I would speak to Sabrina about his moving into her boarding house.”
“Well, you two were busy.”
She saw his grin and released the deep breath she’d just taken.
“What, did you reckon I’d be upset?”
“I wasn’t sure what to think.” But now would be as good a time as any to drop the other shoe. “I’m also going to ask her and Maia about working at the shop, see if they still want me.” She tilted her chin up, preparing for his objections, and didn’t realize she was holding her breath again until Wyatt responded.
“If that’s what you want.”
She stared at him. He didn’t seem happy or sad, just resigned. “It is.”
Wyatt shrugged. “I suppose it’s a good thing Dakota will be staying in town then.”
“I thought so, too.”
Wyatt smiled and pulled her close. “Always thinking two steps ahead of everyone else.” He spun her around to the beat of the music and Lily giggled at his antics, feeling truly lighthearted for the first time that evening.
Lily tried not to think about Dakota’s last words and what they could possibly mean.
What was it he wanted to tell her about her baby boy that she didn’t already know?
Chapter 17
Dakota didn’t know whether or not to be thankful to Wyatt for interrupting him and Lily or not. Had Wyatt arrived a moment later, Dakota would have revealed his secret, told Lily their son was alive and well and that would have resulted in a probable display of accusations and tears that could have brought more attention to them than any of them ever wanted.
He did not know what had come over him, why he had thought now, at a party, would be the appropriate time to tell Lily. Once she had revealed what she knew about him he had felt compelled to reciprocate. Would it not have been better, however, to just get everything out in the open where it could not haunt or hurt either of them anymore?
Dakota had seen how difficult it had been for Lily to make her confession. He had seen how she had had to build up her courage to tell him what she knew about him.
He did not envy the moment when he would have to all over again build up that same sort of nerve, waiting for just the right time to tell Lily about her son and dreading her reaction.
All of a sudden something struck Dakota about Lily’s behavior at Wyatt’s imminent arrival. She had been stricken with panic. She had not wanted Wyatt to know what they were talking about. She had asked for him to wait until they were alone, which led Dakota to believe he was not the only one keeping secrets. He did not know why it had not occurred to him before now that Lily had not told Wyatt about the existence of his son. Maybe, like Dakota, she thought to protect Wyatt. What good would it do telling her husband about their son when she thought the boy was dead? What good could come of Wyatt knowing that he’d had a child, but would never get to know or meet him because that child was already gone?
Except their son isn’t dead or gone.
“I don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure.”
Dakota turned to his left and was confronted by a tall, broad-shouldered man. He was not fooled by the congenial smile on his face or the tone of his voice. Standing just behind the man was one of Wyatt’s friends that Dakota had met earlier, Brand, who bore a striking resemblance to the brawny older man now proffering his hand to Dakota.
Dakota accepted the offered hand, and his was instantly engulfed in an unyielding, bearlike grip. He gritted his teeth, but did not grimace as he returned the tight hold with equal measure. “I am Dakota Cooper.”
“Avery Westyn.”
I know exactly who you are. “It is nice to make your acquaintance.”
“My son tells me you’re staying over at the Baldwins’ place, that they’ve been taking good care of you after an injury.”
He did not for a minute believe that his son’s word was Avery’s only source of information. The elder Westyn was the sort of influential, power-hungry man who made it his business to know about the actions of others who might affect him and the events of their lives. “Yes, they have.”
“He also said you were thinking of leaving.”
Dakota stared into Avery’s dark-brown eyes, trying to gauge the man’s intent. He had dealt with his kind before, so had his mother and father, and he could understand how a person could be intimidated or even overwhelmed by his physical presence. Not to mention the man’s status preceded him. “I was considering finding a place in town, yes.”
“Here in Elk Creek.”
“That is correct.”
Avery rubbed his chin as if trying to find a solution for Dakota’s situation. “I don’t need to tell you that might be a problem, considering.”
Dakota felt the man’s sharp gaze on him and suddenly felt like he needed a bath. “Lily was certain that I would be welcomed at Sabrina Walker’s boarding house.”
“Hmph, well now, I guess she would welcome you there. That little spitfire is known for taking in most any stray.”
Dakota was well aware of Sabrina’s reputation and fisted his hands at his sides listening to Avery’s insinuation. From everything Dakota had heard and seen, Lily liked and respected Sabrina, but then Lily had a certain amount of affection for him, too, despite his certainty that most of the town found him about as disreputable as the painted ladies and saloon girls that were all suspiciously absent for these festivities.
Just when Dakota thought he had reached the end of the rope on his self-control, Avery chuckled. The sound was so cheerful and robust it took him completely off guard, even more when Avery pounded him on the back as if Dakota shared in his joke.
“Sabrina’s a good ol’ gal and she’s taken in more than a few of the cowboys around here a time or two. Can’t say nothin’ bad about her.”
“That was my impression,” Dakota said, his tone noncommittal. He would not let Avery or anyone else at this party bait him into a discussion about the morals of the townspeople. He knew everyone at the party was already looking at him, Lily, and Wyatt as if under a magnifying glass. He did not want to cause them to look bad in front of their friends or give the people of Elk Creek any more ammunition to use against the couple he loved.
Yes, he did love them both, not just Lily, he realized. Over the last couple of weeks he had come to love Wyatt, too—as a friend, as a brother, as someone he would trust with his life.
Now more than ever he knew he must leave them. He did not want to hurt either of them, and staying at their place any longer would leave them vulnerable to abuse and attack even if they might deny it to themselves. Once he moved into Sabrina’s boarding house, he would figure out how to tell Lily and Wyatt about their son and let them decide if they still wished to keep Dakota in their lives—to have, to hold, to love as he loved them both and their little boy. Once their eyes were completely open, he would see if they considered him vital enough for them to want to face down the naysayers of Elk Creek.
Dakota looked out at the dance floor where he had left Wyatt and Lily and watched as Rusty approached them. He thought it was to cut in and dance with her as Wyatt had done earlier, but then he saw Rusty lean close to the husband and w
ife and saw their opposing reactions to whatever it was he had said. Wyatt looked happy, smiling down at Lily and steering her toward the makeshift stage in the far corner of the room where the band played. Lily looked dismayed, eyes widening as she shook her head and resisted the gentle push.
The spectacle went on like this for several seconds before Lily finally relented and allowed Rusty to drag her over to the stage.
Rusty leaped the three steps in a single bound, cupping his hands in front of his mouth the way Brand had earlier before raising his voice to address the partygoers. “Ladies and gentlemen, the lovely Lily Baldwin has agreed to grace us with her beautiful voice this evening.” Rusty hopped down from the stage and turned it over to Lily and the band, leading the applause that rose up throughout the confines of the town’s crowded and brightly decorated church.
Beside Dakota, Brand and Avery enthusiastically clapped, Brand even putting his fingers in his mouth to produce an earsplitting whistle.
“That’s our Lilybelle!”
Not your Lilybelle. She belongs to Wyatt…and me.
Dakota had never felt as possessive as he felt right then. The primitive urge to run up to the stage, grab Lily, and take her home to her and Wyatt’s homestead surprised him with its suddenness and intensity. No woman had ever made him feel that way. Granted, there had not been many since the females in his tribe shunned him for the most part, and he had been on the road so much since leaving his people he had not had the time or opportunity to nurture anything beyond a physical relationship with any woman. Not to mention his “mission” to make sure that Lily was safe and her home environment stable.
He watched Lily now as color flooded her cheeks, and he was not sure if it was embarrassment or excitement that caused her blush. He knew that despite the lack of paint on her face that some of the other women at the party sported, or the relative simplicity of her red-and-purple, lace-trimmed dress, she was still the most beautiful, radiant woman at the party to him.