Lori Connelly

by The Outlaw of Cedar Ridge

“I did,” Her voice flat, almost lifeless disturbed him.

  A spasm of pain seized him, commanded attention. Sweat bathed his face. It took little time before it became tolerable but each second that ticked by worsened his mood. Everything felt out of his control.

  Patience fled. Ben challenged the woman, scepticism clear in his testy tone, “How is that possible?”

  “Standing before a minister and affirming vows before God and witnesses has that effect,” Evie snapped her voice frost.

  Her words hung in the air. Anger flashed in her eyes then they went flat. Ben didn’t know how to respond. Her certainty troubled him but what the doctor had suggested just couldn’t be right. It couldn’t be. Irritated, uncomfortable he shifted.

  “What are you doing?”

  “I want up.”

  Her lips pursed in disapproval but Evie helped him without protest. Tremors shot through his body, stole his breath as he moved into a seated position. Lastly, she had Ben lean forward and stuffed a folded blanket behind him for support. He sagged back against the padding.

  “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome,” Stilted words reflected the awkwardness between them. Evie paused, studied him a moment. “Hungry?”

  “A little.”

  In minutes, she brought him some thin soup and water. He devoured the food then handed her back the empty bowl. Though now every breath spread splintering pain, he took a few sips from his cup, one hand pressed against his aching ribs. What little energy he had left started to fade. Even so, he was determined to address her claim.

  “Do you have proof?”

  Chapter Four

  “Yes,” Evie glared at Ben, her tone decidedly cool as she got out of the chair. She knelt down, reached underneath the bed and pulled out a small wooden box. From inside she took a photograph, handed it to him, “Your wedding present to me.”

  Ben stared at the black and white picture, worn from many handlings. The upper right corner had a long, narrow white line and along the bottom there were spots from water but the image was clear. “We made a handsome couple.”

  “Satisfied?”

  “Confused,” A note of impatience spiced his words as he continued to study the smiling people captured on paper. No memory of that day, place or her stirred, “We’re married.”

  “Yes.”

  “You’re my wife.”

  Her hand came up. Fingers squeezed the bridge of her nose as she sucked in a deep breath. “Yes.”

  “Sorry I don’t mean to upset you.”

  “It’s okay.”

  “I doubt that,” his tone full of wry amusement.

  Her fleeting smile as she stood acknowledged that truth.

  Unsure how he felt or what to do, Ben shifted his gaze from her to look around the room. “This cabin isn’t familiar to me.”

  “Ben,” Evie paused. Tension radiated from her. “What’s the last thing you remember?”

  His thoughts sluggish, it took Ben a few minutes before he answered. “Heading to town with Henry. Is that where we met, in Joplin?”

  “No,” Her heart sank. Her brother met Ben when they worked in a Missouri mine, a year before their wedding. “That happened when Henry brought you home.”

  He seized on that bit of information. “We’d talked about that.” A wrinkle formed between his brows. “We were sick of working underground, wanted to quit, head west. Then … he got news about his family in … Indiana and, I can’t remember why but we were going to go there first.” He tilted his head to one side. “You know Henry?”

  “He’s my brother.”

  His eyebrows drew together. “You’re Cookie?”

  “That’s what he called me,” Her lips curved, a ghost smile.

  “Called? Did something happen to Henry?”

  Evie shrugged a casual motion to cloak emotion. “I don’t know, haven’t seen him in years.”

  “Went looking for gold?”

  “Yeah, he left the day of our wedding.”

  “That upset you?”

  “I wasn’t thrilled,” She delivered the understatement in a dry tone. With their grandfather in poor health, she’d wanted Henry to stay at least for a while.

  “So instead of going with him as I’d planned, I stayed in Indiana with you?”

  Until Grandpa died. Evie winced, her head started to throb and she decided keep it short. “For a time then we moved west.”

  “We’re in California?”

  Evie shook her head. “Salmon, Idaho.”

  “That’s not bad. You know, I always wanted to live out west and have adventures like those in dime novels.”

  “I know.”

  His expression tightened, he appeared troubled by the notion that she knew him well, “I need to lie down.”

  “All right.”

  Concerned by the weakness in his voice, Evie bent over him, helped him change position. She had Ben comfortably settled in a matter of minutes. As she moved away, he captured her wrist in a strong grip that caught her off guard. She stared at him, shocked. Her heart beat at a furious pace.

  “How long?”

  “Since you were hurt?”

  “Have we been married.”

  “Oh,” Her tone soft, a trace puzzled, “five years.”

  “Kids?”

  She suddenly forgot to breathe but then in a firm but gentle move, Evie pulled free. She plucked the picture from where it had fallen on his blanket, looked at their image for a few seconds then back up at him, “No.”

  Evie knelt back down by the open box on the floor. With care, she covered the photograph in linen and replaced it. A folded section of yellowed newspaper rested to one side. She shifted so that her body blocked what little view Ben had and reached for it.

  “Evie?”

  “You should get some sleep,” Her tone flat, dismissive as she unwrapped the paper, ran fingers over soft yarn.

  Her chest ached and tears stung her eyes. Head bent, she blinked them back. Evie studied what she held a long moment then drew in an uneven breath. She refolded the paper, tucked it away. Her hands shook as she closed the box then pushed it back in its place.

  “Evie?”

  Again, his soft tone made her name a question, one that she ignored. Evie got to her feet and walked over to the fireplace, her mind on the past. She poured some coffee then spooned honey into the steaming liquid. Fatigue crept over her, numbed her thoughts. Wordless she returned to her chair, sat in silence, sipped the hot sweetness until it at last registered that Ben had spoken.

  “Yes?”

  “Is there something you’re not telling me?”

  Evie took a long drink, “Many things.”

  “Such as?”

  “It seems,” Weary, she sighed, long, loud, “that I have years to explain.”

  “Evie I-”

  “It’s been a long day. I’d rather talk tomorrow.” Her gaze focused on her lap, shoulders stiff, Evie braced for an argument that never came. Instead, after an extended silent pause, she heard the deeps breaths of sleep

  Dusk had called forth shadows by the time a quick glance confirmed her husband indeed slept. Relief seeped through her as she stood up. Evie placed her mug on the dresser and tucked another faded patchwork quilt over him. She banked the fire and then scooted the table in front of the door for a measure of security. With one gentle breath, she blew out the lamp’s flame then sat back in the rocker, shivered under a thin blanket.

  Time crawled by. Worry gnawed at her thoughts and kept her awake. One hand toyed with the folds of her skirt. After her vision adjusted to the darkness, Evie studied the stranger who was her husband.

  Memories of their courtship danced through her mind. Ben had pursued her with a single-minded intensity. A romantic, he’d used every opportunity to kiss her hands, brought her a flower he’d picked daily and wrote her poetry, bad poetry. A smile teased at her lips. The attention had intoxicated her, touched her heart. Her eyes closed. She’d fallen hard and fast.

 
In the quiet night disturbed only by his strained breathing, the sad state of her life crowded out the pleasant feelings from those memories. The dreams she had then had since been crushed. Evie wept quietly until exhaustion claimed her and she yielded to the oblivion of sleep.

  Morning arrived fast. To Evie it felt as though she’d just closed her eyes when sunlight streamed through the open curtains and warmed her face. Not fully awake, the sensation of being watched awakened annoyance. She grimaced, turned her head to find the source. Her gaze met Ben’s steady regard. The weight of his consideration made her squirm, self-conscious.

  Flustered, she tossed her quilt off onto the bed and got up. Her husband beckoned her to come closer before Evie could put distance between them. Concerned, she leaned down. His fingertips lightly brushed tangled strands of hair off her cheek.

  “I’ve been waiting for you to wake up.”

  One simple touch triggered a cascade of emotion. His gaze held hers captive. Liquid fire raced heat through her veins and her breath became swift, shallow, audible. Seconds ticked by in sweet anticipation.

  “You’re one pretty lady.”

  The spell broke as sudden as it spun. Evie straightened and turned away in one motion. She breathed in deep then let it out slow. The connection between them felt as strong as ever but then chemistry had never been the problem. Her back to him, a single tear ran down her cheek unheeded.

  “Did I do something wrong?” His voice husky, threaded with a suggestion of desire.

  Lips stiff, Evie managed to keep her tone even while she walked across the room, “No.”

  “Why’d you move away?”

  The gently voiced question scraped on raw nerves and Evie didn’t answer for a few minutes. She worked to put the room to rights, addressed what she’d neglected the night before.

  “What’s wrong?”

  Her teeth bit on her inner cheek. She held back hot words Ben wouldn’t understand, couldn’t respond to in any satisfactory way since he didn’t remember. Evie sat down and laced on boots, kept her gaze fixed on her fingers, “Nothing.”

  “Hey, please, talk to me.”

  The bed ropes creaked. At the sound of a soft grunt of pain, Evie glanced up. Ben had rolled onto his side. Propped up on one arm, he focused on her. The expression on his battered face made it clear her husband wanted an answer.

  She finished her task then met his gaze. Her hands curled into fists, fingernails bit into skin as she contemplated a calm response when pent up resentment clamored for release.

  “You … startled me.”

  “How so?”

  “It’s been a long time since you’ve touched me.”

  “Why?”

  “We,” Evie shook her head. The thought of explaining their relationship overwhelmed. She simplified, “haven’t been getting along.”

  “Why?”

  His repeated one word question relayed demand. “It’s complicated.”

  “I’m not going anywhere, take your time.”

  “I’d rather not,” Her voice, low, hollow.

  The rigid set of his shoulders and a muscle that twitched along his jaw reflected exasperation. “I need to understand what’s going on between us.”

  “I know,” Evie blew out a breath, flattened her hands to rub sweaty palms on her skirt then stood. “I’ll explain.” Her tone wobbled, “just not now.”

  Control slipping, Evie strode across the room. She moved the table, hurried outside and shut the door behind her. An almost desperate need to be alone drove her.

  Running away again?

  Her steps faltered. His voice so clear Evie glanced back at the cabin. Solid wood remained between her and Ben. While he’d made that accusation often before, today it was merely an echo in her mind. Shame bled through her. She bit her lip then pressed on.

  Every breath became a tiny cloud of frost. Dew dampened the hem of her skirt as she walked to the barn. Inside, hidden from her husband’s sight, waves of emotion washed over her as she leaned against a rough wall. Uncertain if she felt sad, angry, relieved or resentful, Evie sensed the tangled mess within threatened to tear her apart.

  Her breath came in hiccups. Both hands came up, covered her face, but Evie didn’t cry, just shuddered. Minutes went by before she regained control. She pulled in a deep breath, held it a moment then released it. Her spine straightened, hands lowered, she at last tackled chores.

  To care for a few chickens and a horse didn’t take long but it was more than enough time to worry over the hard conversation Ben would likely insist on having. Feet all but dragging, Evie started toward the cabin a short time later, a small basket of eggs on her arm.

  A pair of butterflies, gold and brown, danced on the breeze in front of her. Beauty held her gaze a few minutes then flew away when she reach the cabin. The sound of hoof beats gave her an excuse not to open the door. Evie put the basket down then turned to watch a short, large man ride up on a bay horse.

  Her eyes narrowed. If this stranger meant harm, Ben could do little but bleed. Sparrows called from along the creek as she lifted her chin, squared her shoulders and moved directly into the man’s path.

  He pulled up in front of her, “Mrs. Rolfe.”

  “Yes.”

  “I’m William Sims.”

  “Mr. Sims.”

  “Do you know who I am?”

  An arrogant man who doesn’t dismount so he can try to intimidate me. Short on sleep and temper, Evie wasn’t in the mood for games. “You’ve given me your name.”

  “I’m the bank manager.”

  “Oh,” she tried to keep irritation out of her voice. “And to what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?”

  “Didn’t your husband mention me?”

  “I’m afraid not.”

  His mouth tightened. Mr. Sims studied her a moment then with a loud put upon wheeze, dismounted, “I bought out the loan on this place.”

  “I see,” Evie felt the blood drain from her face. Her mind blanked for a second then she blurted out, “Did you have proof?”

  “Proof? Are you calling me a liar?”

  “No, I’m asking to see legal paperwork, Mr. Sims.”

  His jaw clenched. “I didn’t bring any.”

  “Well when you do we can discuss-”

  “I didn’t ride all the way out here to chat,” He stepped forward, got in her face, one hand raised, forefinger pointed at her. “I want you and your husband off my property today.”

  Her heart raced, she abandoned her argument in panic. “But Ben’s hurt. We need-”

  “Not my problem.”

  “A few weeks … a wee-”

  “No,” Dark brown eyes reflected no emotion, empty, cold.

  “Please.”

  Silence ruled for a moment while they stood, stared at each other then his gaze wandered down the length of her body and time seemed to slow. He reached out and fingered a strand of hair that had come loose from her braid. Her mouth dry, she trembled, barely breathed.

  “Perhaps we could work out an arrangement.”

  Her knees threatened to buckle, “We could pay some rent.”

  “That isn’t what I have in mind.”

  Fear crawled down her spine.

  She inched back.

  He followed her.

  The urge to turn and run was strong but Evie was too scared to take her eyes off him.

  “That’s all I have to offer.”

  His hand brushed her arm, “You’ve a great deal to offer.”

  The calm tone made such a bizarre contrast to the menace she read in his gaze, Evie froze, stared. He smiled. Her eyes widened. Before she could move he lunged, seized her. Fingers dug into her shoulders. She jerked free with a panicked cry.

  Frantic, Evie stumbled backwards until she hit the cabin wall. He pursued, trapped her against it, with a hand pressed against the logs on either side of her head. Terror slid like ice in her veins.

  Click. Click.

  The distinctive sound of a shell being jac
ked in froze the banker. Evie looked in the direction of the sound. Ben stood propped against the doorframe, naked as the day he was born, the rifle in a firm grip aimed at William Sims.

  “Get the hell away from my wife.”

  Mr. Sims backed up, hands in the air, “I meant no harm.”

  “Ride off.”

  “We need to disc-”

  “Between his eyes or legs, Sweetheart?”

  The banker paled. He hustled to his horse, mounted and rode away at a swift pace.

  Evie darted to Ben’s side, caught him as he started to sag.

  “I might need your help getting back to bed.”

  “What were you thinking?” With one hand, Evie grabbed the rifle, set it inside against the wall while she placed herself under his right arm for support. “You’ve probably torn your stitches.”

  “You’re worth it.”

  “Oh so now you remember me?”

  “No.”

  The stark word felt oddly like rejection. It stung. Her gaze dropped to the toes of her boots. Self-pity weaved through her emotions. Jaw tight, Evie stepped forward. This wasn’t the time to feel sorry for herself. She needed to get Ben inside.

  Together they staggered into the cabin and across the room to the bed. Evie did her best to help him ease down onto the mattress but couldn’t fully support his weight. He fell in the process. She hovered close, worried, until Ben reached up and cupped her cheek.

  “I’m sorry I upset you.”

  “I’m fine,” Her voice faint Evie moved out of reach.

  Her gaze moved to his shoulder as she pulled the quilt up to his waist. The activity left white linen stained red. She fetched a rag, water and clean cloths then returned to him.

  “You don’t sound fine.”

  “I am fine,” Evie removed the bloodied bandage then started to wash the area.

  “All right,” Through gritted teeth, Ben pushed out terse words. “So what happened out there?”

  Evie rubbed a hand over her eyes. “It’s-”

  “Complicated?”

  “No, not really, just,” Evie paused, took a breath. “Let me finish this first.” Her nerves sang with shock. She had a difficult time gathering her thoughts. “The stitches held.”

  “Good.”

  Emotions at once sunny and ugly twisted in her. Evie was thankful he’d saved her and yet angry with him too. The banker wouldn’t have been in a position to accost her if not for what Ben had done. She kept her explanation simple.