Lori Connelly

by The Outlaw of Cedar Ridge

  “No.”

  Ben stilled. After a couple seconds he lifted his mouth a hair’s breath. His hot breath fanned the damp fabric, stirred an ache deep inside her. It almost made her throw caution to the wind. Almost.

  “No?”

  “I … I … ” She tried to slow her breathing, form a coherent thought. “I’m not … I can’t.”

  Evie felt his heavy sigh all the way to her bones. Guilt added another thread in her tangled emotions. His hand released her skirt, moved to her mid back. Her grip eased. Ben shifted up and slightly apart. For some time that is how they remained.

  Her breath slowed to normal. Coyotes howled close by. The lonely sound felt like a reflection of her heart.

  “Sorry.”

  “It’s okay,” Ben dropped a kiss on her nose.

  His palm came up, caressed her jaw. Still torn between doubt and passion, she moved one hand down, over his chest then along his side. When her fingers brushed the bindings on his ribs, he sucked in a sharp breath.

  “Sorry,” Evie pulled away and this time her husband didn’t try to stop her. Flat on her back, she stayed beside him.

  Ben reached out and clasped her hand. “It’s okay.”

  Clouds crossed the night sky, covered the bright moon. Her mood as dark as the inky black that surrounded them, Evie didn’t respond. She felt the weight of his gaze but refused to look at her husband. After a couple minutes, Ben squeezed her hand then released it. He pulled the covers up over them. His arm snaked out over her waist.

  Anxious, Evie turned her head and stared at him. In the darkness, his expression was indiscernible. The knot in her stomach tightened.

  “Stop worrying pretty lady and get some sleep. It’s all right.” He kissed her hair. “Sweet dreams.”

  His voice rough, weary rang with sincerity. Her tension eased. A measure of peace wrapped around her like a blanket, comforted her. Within minutes, emotionally drained, she slept.

  Sunshine found its way into the shadowed area under the wagon and woke her the next day. On her side, Evie stared out into the world. A pair of squirrels played among the roots of the giant pine. A robin perched on a bough above. Oaks dotted the hill beyond the tree. She yawned, stretched then turned over and discovered her husband gone.

  His voice traveled to her on the light spring breeze as she tossed back the blankets. Evie couldn’t make out his words but the cadence of his voice was soft, soothing. Curious, she eased out from under the wagon and found him a few feet away, brushing Sugar.

  “Good morning.”

  Ben turned and dropped a kiss on her lips, “Morning.”

  “I … uh,” For a second, Evie’s mind blanked. “I’m going to the creek and get some water.

  “Wait,” He gave the mare a pat. “I’ll come with you.”

  “It’s just over there,” her arm swept to the left.

  “Where I can’t see through the thick brush and trees.”

  A chill shot through her, “You think I’d be in danger?”

  “I don’t think so but we’re in unfamiliar territory and should be cautious.” Ben strode back to the wagon, reached up under the seat and pulled out the rifle.

  “Oh,” Slightly more at ease, Evie walked past him to the tailgate. She grabbed the canteens, soap and a cloth. “Okay.”

  Side by side, they walked through tall grass to the shallow flowing strip of water. Ben helped her get water then leaned against a tree. With his hat low on his brow to shade his eyes, he watched Evie wash her hands and face.

  “How are your ribs feeling?” She stood up, finished.

  “They’re there.”

  His dry response made her laugh. “Still hurt?”

  “Only when I breathe.”

  Evie moved to his side, “I’m sorry, I thought you were doing better.”

  “I was.”

  It came to her in a flash. Her eyes closed for a brief second as she beat herself up for not noticing before. “You hurt yourself again getting the wagon free.”

  “Maybe,” He shrugged and headed for their camp. “I believe these are blackberry bushes we’re walking past.”

  “It’s too early for berries.”

  “I know.”

  His wistful tone made her smile as they parted ways near the wagon. Her husband loved berries. While Ben made coffee, Evie searched her kitchen things until she located a particular tin. She mixed pancake batter then added what she’d found to it when he wasn’t looking. Some minutes later, anticipation high, she handed him his plate. He noticed the blue dots right away.

  A boyish grin spread across his face, “Evie how?”

  “We dried blueberries last year and had a few left.”

  “You’re amazing.” Ben put his plate down on the tailgate, pulled her into his arms and gave her a quick hug. “Thank you.”

  Her husband strode off, fetched a fresh cup of coffee for her then turned his full attention to the task of cleaning his plate. Evie sipped the hot bitter brew, took care to keep her expression composed. The last of the honey had been drizzled on their breakfast but it was a small matter. The important thing was the smile on Ben’s face.

  Her husband went to hitch up Sugar, whistling, after they finished eating. His good mood infectious, Evie smiled as she cleaned up and readied herself for the day. She made sandwiches for their lunch while Ben packed up their bed then put out the fire. A short time later, they rolled out of the clearing.

  Evie glanced up when they bumped onto the road. Dull grey clouds edged areas of blue. The threat of rain made her swallow a sigh. She left her bonnet on her lap, tilted her face to the sky, determined to enjoy the sun while it lasted. Ben reached down, gave her thigh a squeeze. She turned, smiled at him.

  For a moment, it felt like they were the only people in the world. Hoof beats shattered the illusion. Evie grimaced. All the traffic the bad weather must have discouraged the day before appeared out of seemingly thin air. From that moment on, other travelers were constantly within sight. She almost wished it would storm again.

  They rounded a bend and the road started to follow a wide, deep blue river. She noted tilled fields and farm animals with increasing frequency as midday neared. Rain never materialized though the day remained overcast. The road, deeply rutted from heavy use, made the ride uncomfortable. Early afternoon, they arrived at a busy ferry with a sprawling city across the way.

  The ride over the river was uneventful but crowded. Evie was relieved when they drove off into Ontario. Ben started to say something but a loud whistle drowned out his words. Excited to see a train, she looked in the direction of the sound and slumped. There were too many buildings in her way.

  Ben smiled and snapped the reigns. Sugar picked up speed, kicked up a cloud of dust. Skillfully he navigated around other vehicles. He found the station and pulled in the crowded lot by it as the train, a black metal beast, shuddered to a stop.

  Buckboards and buggies littered the area around them. More than two dozen people crowded the platform and others gathered on the ground nearby. High-pitched squeals of excited children rang in Evie’s ears. The chaos that surrounded them absorbed her attention for a few minutes.

  “Seen enough?”

  “Oh Ben thank you,” She resisted the urge to clap her hands like a child. “Could we stay for a few minutes?”

  “We can stay as long as you’d like.”

  Evie impulsively kissed his cheek then without pause pulled out their lunch. “Thank you.”

  “First time you’ve seen one?” Ben leaned over. His lips brushed her ear as he spoke.

  “No,” Fascinated by the train, she hardly paid attention to her food as she ate. “You took me on a trip for our first anniversary.”

  “Did you like that?”

  Her smile came slow then spread wide. “I loved it.”

  “So our life wasn’t all terrible?” He mused aloud.

  “Did I give you that impression?” Expression somber, Evie faced him. “No, it wasn’t all dreadful. We had g
ood times.”

  “I’m glad.”

  “Me too.”

  Gazes locked, silence ruled a moment, “Ready to move on?”

  “Out of town?”

  “Well we need supplies first but I was wondering if you’d like to spend the night in town?” Ben put them in motion.

  “I’d love a break from the wagon’s rock hard seat.”

  “Oh does my wife have a sore b-”

  “Mr. Rolfe.”

  “Yes my dear.” He glanced at her. His eyes twinkled, his tone entirely too innocent as they drove down main street.

  Warmth snaked through Evie even as her cheeks heated. His teasing made her feel they were becoming a couple again. Ben stopped and asked directions to the stable. Confident her husband set a fast pace.

  “You know, if you’re hurting I could rub yo-”

  Evie swatted his arm, “Stop.”

  “What?” The knowing smile he flashed at her sent shivers along her nerves. “I just want to help.”

  Her lips parted to deliver her retort when Ben pulled up in front of their destination. She clamped her mouth shut. They arranged for Sugar’s shelter. For a little extra, Mr. Jacobs, the stable master, allowed them to park the wagon next to the building. He promised their things would be secure under his watchful eye. The helpful man also gave them directions to a store in easy walking distance.

  Happy to be on her feet, Evie enjoyed the short stroll to the grocer. They replenished their supplies in no time. Her husband flashed a grin at her as he added honey to the pile of basic foodstuff. A boy helped them carry the heavy load back to where Mr. Jacobs agreed to store their boxes, inside the stable.

  “You okay?” Green eyes darkened with concern fixed on her as soon as the boy hurried away, his tip in hand.

  “I’m fine.”

  “You’re quiet.”

  Evie rubbed a hand over her eyes, “Just tired.”

  “Yeah, me too,” Ben put an arm around her shoulders and squeezed. “Let’s go find someplace to put our feet up.”

  She leaned against him, “Sounds good.”

  “Hey did you hear what Jacobs told me?”

  “He fed Sugar a measure of oats?”

  “No, well yes but that wasn’t what I meant. The river we crossed was the Snake.” His expression worn, face a tad pale but his eyes shone with excitement. “You know what that means?”

  “We’re in Oregon.”

  “Yes indeed,” Ben grinned. “And we’re only a half day from the Bar 7 Ranch.”

  His fingers stroked circles on her upper arm. Awareness tingled along nerves. Their gazes locked. Weariness forgotten, her lips parted ever so slightly. Everything, everyone but the man beside her faded from existence for Evie. Eyes half closed, her heart pounded, anticipated his kiss.

  “Daddy, did you see the train?” A young girl shouted as she ran by them. “I wanna ride on it. Please. Please.”

  Startled Evie jerked back and hit the brick wall behind her. Pain radiated through her skull. She rubbed the sore spot with one hand while she rested the other on Ben’s shoulder for support.

  “Are you all right?”

  “It smarts but I’ll be okay.”

  The girl, red-faced, returned, whispered ‘Sorry ma’am,’ then tore off down the street after her family.

  “Something else I can help you with?” The stable master emerged from the building.

  “Would it be possible to get a ride to a decent hotel?”

  “Certainly,” The older man nodded. “My son would be happy to take you anywhere in the city.”

  “Thank you.”

  Mr. Jacobs disappeared into the stables then came back with a strapping young man. Ben belatedly remembered to check their weapons with the stable master while Caleb hitched up a buggy and fetched her bag out of the wagon. Minutes later, they drove them through the busy streets of Ontario. The city’s constant noise made her poor head throb. Evie was relieved when they reached the hotel.

  As soon as Caleb pulled up in front of the building, she got out of the buggy and hurried inside. Ben followed, carried her bag. When she hesitated in the small lobby, her husband moved past her. He crossed the room to the checkin desk.

  “My wife and I would like a room.”

  The clerk looked down his nose at them. Travel weary, rumpled and dirty Evie knew they didn’t present an impressive picture. “Our rooms are expensive. Perhaps you’d like to try another place, more suitable.”

  Ben drew himself up ramrod straight. He fixed a glacier hard stare on the arrogant man before him. Evie swore the air around them dropped several degrees. After a moment of tense silence, her husband allowed his gaze to travel the length of the clerk.

  “Perhaps you didn’t hear me. We’d like a room.”

  The man paled at the cold fire in Ben’s voice. He looked down at the open register book. Faced with her husband’s stony expression, the clerk swallowed hard then turned around to pluck a key from the board behind him. Without a word, he turned the register around and as Ben signed them in, gestured to someone behind them. Evie started as a hand reached for her bag and jerked it away.

  “Ma’am,” A boy, with an uncertain expression to match his tone, stood beside her. “Can I help you with your bag?”

  Heat flashed across her cheeks, “Of course.”

  The bellboy stretched out his hand but kept a wary eye on Evie as she handed over her bag. The youngster, with a polite smile, gestured for them to follow. Ben climbed the staircase slow and steady, a tight grip on the handrail. His exhaustion was obvious by the time they reached their room. He sank onto a comfortable chair.

  “Anything else?” The boy set her bag down by the wardrobe.

  “Yes,” Ben pulled a coin from his pocket and tossed it to him. “I’ll give you another if you can get some food sent up and a bath for my wife.”

  “We don’t have a tub sir, but I could haul up some hot water.”

  “That would be just fine.” Evie assured him.

  A broad grin covered the bellboy’s face. “Yes ma’am.”

  Once the door closed, she crossed to Ben’s side. “Are you sure we can afford this?”

  “Likely not, but its one night and I want to spoil my wife a little.” He brought her hand to his mouth, kissed it. “Allow me this indulgence and I promise to be frugal forevermore.”

  “Forever?” She arched one eyebrow, her tone skeptical.

  “Maybe not forever,” His crooked smile charmed her. “But for a good long while.”

  Likely, there were cheaper places. She looked around the bright, clean room. In fact, they could save the entire cost by camping but something inside of her rebelled. It’d been a long, hard year with one crisis after another. One small extravagance sounded good.

  “Okay but just for tonight.”

  “Just tonight.”

  Evie squeezed his hand then pulled free, walked over to her bag. She dug out clean clothes then turned to ask Ben if he wanted to change as well. Worry stole her thoughts. His eyes closed and face tilted toward the ceiling, the physical toll the past few days had dealt her husband was clear.

  “Ben,” She moved back to his side. “Are you okay?”

  “I’m fine just tuckered out.”

  His sleepy tone did little to reassure her. “We should get you into bed.”

  “Well darling I thought you’d never ask.” Ben opened his eyes, exposed the laughter that danced in their depths.

  “Ben.”

  “Evie.”

  Though she shook her head, Evie couldn’t help but smile as she stepped away. She went to the far side of the spacious room and turned down the covers on the bed. Distinct thuds sounded on the pine floor. She looked over to find Ben leaned against the wall, watching her. The warmth in his eyes held her fast as he straightened then approached.

  “You’re lovely.”

  “I’m a mess.”

  “A lovely mess,” He smiled down at her, touched her cheek.

  Her fa
ce hot Evie stepped back from the bed and motioned him toward it. “Come on you’re dead on your feet.”

  Ben didn’t hesitate. He sat down on the bed then, with a moan of utter relief, relaxed into its softness. His eyes shut and his breathing fell into the slow steady pattern of sleep in seconds. Evie smoothed the covers over her husband then stood, watched over him until a knock sounded at the door.

  Before the noise disturbed Ben, she hurried to answer the summons. The bellboy and a maid stood in the hall. With quick quiet efficiency, they delivered two steaming buckets of water, linens and a covered tray. The scent of freshly baked sourdough bread intoxicated her. The hotel staff exited with one of their precious few coins in gratitude.

  After locking the door, Evie went to the long, low dresser and lifted the cloth off the food. Her mouth watered. Two cups of coffee, sugar, cream, sun yellow butter and pot of strawberry jam surrounded a basket of still warm, thick sliced bread.

  Her hands reached for a cup even as the thought crossed her mind. With a wishful longing for the honey she preferred, Evie stirred in a couple spoonfuls of sugar and a liberal splash of cream. She inhaled the aroma as the familiar sound of Ben’s snoring started to fill the room.

  Evie turned, gazed at her husband as she savored the rich brew. Her stomach growled. Temptation whispered. She looked back at the tray. Just one. She succumbed to hunger, spread layers of sweet butter and jam over a bread slice and consumed it in a few bites.

  Her hunger blunted, she turned her attention to the hot water. She stripped off her grimy travel stained clothes and indulged in a long sponge bath. When finished, she dipped her brush in the water then ran it through her loosened hair until the worst of the dirt and tangles brushed out. After she donned her wrinkled but clean dress then pinned her hair up in a loose knot on the top of her head Evie felt human again.

  “Beautiful.”

  At the sound of Ben’s husky voice, she spun around. Evie smiled at the sight of her husband standing by the bed, his hair adorably rumpled from his nap. “I think your vision is blurred but thank you kind sir.”

  “On the contrary I see you clearly.” His gaze held hers captive as he crossed the room to join her. Ben trailed fingers down the side of her face. “You’re beautiful.” He dropped a kiss on her mouth, stole all her coherent thoughts. “I see the bellboy returned.”