Bundled, and wearing the new scarf he’d given her, she shyly nodded.
Taking her into his arms, Dalton pressed his cold lips to hers, marveling at their softness. In an instant, he was gone, falling, tumbling, rejoicing in his true love and wife-to-be, or so he hoped. Drunk with love, he drew her closer still, wondering how he’d ever lived even one second without her in his arms. In response to his thoughts, her arms entwined his neck, pulling him farther into the embrace.
“Oh, Dalton…,” she whispered, her breath coming fast.
After several long, passionate seconds, he pulled back and gazed into her eyes. “The feel of your lips, silky and soft, are so dear to me, even in frost.”
Her eyelashes fluttered encouragingly, and then she giggled. White puffs of her breath kissed his face.
“Like a rich wine, your beauty goes straight to my heart, your love needed more than a rich piece of art,” he whispered, knowing his rhyme left much to be desired, but the feelings Adaline, the wintery backdrop, and the fullness of his heart created were too much to keep inside a moment longer. He leaned forward and kissed her again, soft and sweet. He felt her smile upon his lips. “No poet am I, as you now know, just a common man, trying his love to show.”
Her gaze darkened, and their kisses intensified, quieted, and then lingered, as if the feeling between them had a life of its own, unwilling now to be put aside ever again.
With her gloved hands she rubbed his coat-covered chest.
Surprised with her boldness, he pulled her closer.
“Your lips are warm, Dalton,” she began slowly. “Melted chocolate on a spoon. If you’re not careful, I feel I might swoon.” She nuzzled his neck.
As important as this moment was to them both, he had to chuckle. Their poetry was terrible. “Your sweet lips warmed mine. Made them that way. Come closer still,” he wiggled his eyebrows again, “don’t run away.”
The quiet winter day closed in around their playful desire. Was proposing to a woman after less than a handful of kisses unwise? If so, he didn’t care. He couldn’t go a day longer without knowing how she felt about him. About them. And their future.
“Are you cold? Shall we drive on?”
Her eyes smiled. “Not just yet.”
Without asking this time, he kissed her again and was rewarded with a soft mew of desire from her throat. He didn’t have to guess; she enjoyed his kisses as much as he did hers. But he couldn’t ignore the shivers racking her body. He needed to take care of business and get to the Broken Horn. He shouldn’t keep her out longer than necessary.
Pulling back to her sound of disappointment, he pressed his lips to her forehead and let them linger as his breathing slowed. With as much aplomb as he could muster, he pulled another small box out of his pocket.
Her eyes went wide.
“I love you, Adaline. I don’t want to live my life another day without you.” He removed the lid to a small gold band with a tiny red stone. “Would you do me the honor of marrying me and becoming my wife?”
She pushed back so she could look into his face.
The beautiful smile she wore gave him hope. Her eyes searched his for so long he began to wonder.
“Oh, Dalton, yes! I love you so much. I’ll make you the happiest man on earth, I promise. I’ve loved you for so long, hoping and praying. And now…” She flew into his arms, urgently kissing his face, his eyes, his nose, his forehead—finally, his lips. “I’m so happy I think I might cry. Dalton, my Dalton, my only true love.”
She sat back, her gloved hands, pressed together, rested on her chest as if in prayer. Excitement beamed from her eyes. “But, why now? What prompted your change of heart? You’ve been holding me at arm’s length for so long. I had all but given up hope because Susanna is your true love…”
Embarrassed now, because the reason sounded silly even to his ears, he hated to say. But he’d not have any falsehoods between them … not now, not ever. “I didn’t think Jake would approve, being he was so set against Wil because of the age difference between him and your sister. But I finally made up my mind I’d not lose you because of anyone. When we talked, he set me straight.”
“Last night?”
He nodded.
“And Susanna?”
“Susanna, well… She is my past. By the time I’d found her again here in Logan Meadows, she was in love with Albert. Besides, I don’t think she held anything more than affection for me. I’d known her when I was young and we lived in Breckenridge. I thought fate had brought us together again when we were reunited, but now I believe fate took me to Newport so I could meet you, and then be with you here in Logan Meadows, when the time was right.”
“You’re sure?”
He nodded. “I promise. No one has my heart except Adaline Costner, soon to be Adaline Babcock. Your eyes are like the—”
With a giggle, Adaline pressed her fingers to his lips. “I believe you, I believe you. But what a roundabout way fate brought us together. I’m sorry you had to suffer. Being shanghaied, imprisoned, and drugged. You almost died.” She softly stroked his cheek.
Her eyes glimmered like diamonds. “And I’d do everything all over again for your love.” He lifted the ring out of the box.
Removing her glove, she let Dalton slip the delicate ring on her finger. She gazed at the tiny ruby for several long seconds and then looked up into his face. “But how? I know you’re short on funds, Dalton. I don’t need a ring to prove your love. This must have cost a fortune. The money will be better—”
Never taking his gaze from hers, he lifted her hand and kissed her fingers. “Shush, now. A symbol of my never-ending love is the best use of all. This morning, I learned Hannah is expecting. Thom will be needed in the café. I’ve been offered his position. A permanent deputy here in Logan Meadows.”
Her eyes grew round. “Dalton! That’s wonderful! I know how much you had hoped.”
“So, as soon as Albert left, I went straight to the haberdashery and knocked, refusing to leave until Mrs. Harrell opened up. I bought your scarf,” he said, fingering the gift, “and also the ring. She gave them to me on credit.” Face radiant with joy, Adaline admired the ring, one hand cupped in the other, creating a picture he’d never forget. He was so lost in Adaline, the sound of a gun being cocked took several seconds to drill through his love-fogged brain. With a feeling of doom, he slowly turned.
Adaline gasped and grabbed his arm.
Wil Lemon, more disheveled than he’d been the previous night, stood several feet in front of Slow Poke, the man’s booted feet planted wide in the middle of the road.
A ray of sun came out and made the barrel of the gun, pointed directly at Dalton’s chest, glimmer with evil intent. What a fool! Dalton’s Colt was stored safely under the buggy seat where the weapon wouldn’t help him a whit. A man didn’t wear his sidearm to go courting on Christmas Day. If he didn’t think fast, the look in Wil’s eyes said nothing short of seeing him and Adaline dead would do.
“Well, well, well—what do we have here?” Wil’s mouth pulled down in an ugly sneer. “Two little lovebirds, sittin’ in a tree…”
Hot fury ricocheted through Dalton. He wouldn’t let Wil kill Adaline! “You’re a fool, Lemon!” he bit out, mentally calculating the distance between them. Maybe he could push Adaline onto the floorboard before the man pulled the trigger. “I gave you a chance to drag your mangy hide out of town, and you didn’t listen.”
“I’m a fool?” He barked out a laugh. “Your first mistake was letting me go! The thought of teaching you your last mistake was just too tempting.” He moved the gun toward Adaline. “And her, too. If I can’t punish Courtney, her sister is the next best thing.”
“Don’t do this, Wil, please,” Adaline begged, her heart racing in her throat. The thought of losing Dalton had her breath coming fast. Wil looked like he hadn’t slept in days. His open coat showed a filthy shirt, and his pants were marred with caked-on dirt. “Courtney neve
r meant to hurt you. She always stood up for you. We forced her to leave Newport. Kidnapped her away. And now all she wants is to begin a new life here. You can’t blame her for that. Just go home and leave us alone. I’m sure the ranch you work for wonders about your absence.”
Wil scowled. “You don’t know nothin’. They fired me. I got nowhere else to go.”
“Plenty of other towns have jobs besides Logan Meadows,” Dalton said, scooting toward the edge of the seat. “Take your pick and start a new life.”
Moving slower than a slug, he edged one leg out of the buggy. Adaline feared he was about to do something heroic and get killed in the process.
Once on the ground, Dalton slowly unbuttoned and opened his coat. “I’m unarmed, Lemon. You haven’t committed any real crimes yet. If you kill us in cold blood, you’ll have every lawman in the territory on your tail until you’re caught and hanged. Is that the kind of life you want?”
“Shut up and stay where you are! I’m gunna enjoy killin’ you, Babcock. Adaline, too; more than I thought I would.”
Tension and fear twisted Adaline’s heart. She could feel something horrible was about to happen. Would Dalton rush a man with a gun pointed at his chest to protect her? He might be fast, but he couldn’t beat a bullet. Her nerves twined tighter and tighter.
Movement at the edge of the trees made her turn her head. Seeing a bloodied Mr. Ling, she sucked in a breath.
Wil turned.
Using the split-second distraction, Adaline dropped to her knees, grasped the handle of Dalton’s heavy gun, and surged to her feet. The substantial weapon was difficult to hold straight even with two hands. The barrel wobbled as she pointed it at Wil’s chest. “Drop your gun!” she shouted. She didn’t dare take her eyes off Wil to look at Dalton, but she could hear his heavy breathing on the other side of the buggy. “You heard me! Drop it or I’ll shoot!”
Wil began to laugh. “When pigs fly!” His gun was now pointed at her.
“Don’t test me!”
“Adaline…”
That was Dalton, the unconcealed fear in his voice blatant. Her arm muscles screamed with pain as red-hot fire flashed through her body. Sweat broke out on her forehead. She wouldn’t be able to hold this gun much longer. And when she lowered it, this madman would kill her and then Dalton. Probably poor Mr. Ling as well.
Mustering every ounce of strength, she held the gun level. “I’m counting to two, Wil Lemon, and then I’m blasting you to kingdom come! Mark my words! One—”
Dalton surged forward and Wil swung his gun at her beloved.
Following Wil’s movement with the barrel of her gun, she closed her eyes and squeezed the trigger. The force of the blast knocked her backward over the seat and she landed with a thud on the ground, every ounce of air expelled from her lungs.
Frightened, the horse bolted forward. Within seconds the conveyance was out of sight.
Struggling for breath, it felt like an eternity before Dalton was at her side.
“Adaline!”
Her mouth opened and closed several times before she was finally able to speak. “I’m okay.” She searched him the best she could from her position in the mud.
“I’m fine, darlin’, thanks to your fancy shooting. Your shot actually blasted the gun from Wil’s hands before he could pull his trigger.” He winked as he lifted her into his arms and then steadied her on her feet. “And then Slow Poke ran him over with the buggy. Snapped his neck. He’s dead.”
Mr. Ling appeared beside them. A large bruise was on his temple, as well as dried blood.
“He hide in my supply shed, rob us with gun. Scare family, scare Lan. He hit me on the head, believe me dead.” He pointed to Wil’s pocket.
Dalton pulled out a small bag of money, the stolen earnings from the laundry house and handed it to Mr. Ling.
“He think I not follow.”
All three gazed at the crumped, bloody form of Wil Lemon.
“He think wrong.”
Dalton nodded. “We’re much obliged you showed up when you did, Mr. Ling. He was about to kill us. You gave Adaline the much-needed diversion to retrieve my gun.” He smiled down into Adaline’s face and then kissed her. “After seeing her in action though, I’m wondering if Albert gave the deputy position to the right person.”
Chapter Sixty-Three
About Five Months Later
Lugging a stack of blankets, as well as a hamper filled with picnic food, Adaline threaded through the sea of brightly colored quilts and blankets dotting the grass of the festival grounds, making her way toward the band stage. Already teeming with people, the area was decorated nicely for the May Day celebration. A dance floor had been built. The maypole, a favorite of the children, stood tall with an array of colorful fabric streamers still twisted around the shaft. A town-sponsored lemonade stand was doing a splendid pre-party business with a line wrapping around the back of the booth and stretching out toward town, as thirsty townsfolk waited to wet their whistles. The feeling in the air had never been better.
Finding a spot to accommodate all three of her blankets, as well as more room for others who wanted to join their party, Adaline fluffed her large coverlets as sunshine warmed her shoulders. She pulled each corner until they were perfectly flat and made sure the edges were flawlessly aligned. The day couldn’t be more perfect. Glancing up, she watched a flock of sparrows playing in the clouds.
Excitement coursed through her veins. In four months, and just six days after her eighteenth birthday, she’d become Mrs. Dalton Babcock. Her in-laws would be here, as well as Dalton’s younger sister, Eloisa, an uncle, and two cousins. Her small family of three was soon to explode, and she couldn’t be happier.
Kneeling, she opened the lid to her covered picnic basket and removed a stack of napkins. She withdrew the still-warm fried chicken she’d made early this morning, a large bowl of potato salad from Marlene, and a lovely apple pie baked by Violet. Courtney and Daisy were bringing the rest.
“Hello, Adaline,” Maude Miller called from a few blankets over. The mercantile owner relaxed on her quilt, a large bonnet shading her face. “Is the Gazette out? Do you have a copy? I’d like to see how my advertisement looks.”
“Not yet, Maude, but I hope to have them soon. Dalton is bringing them shortly. I had to come early and get this spot so we didn’t end up too far away from the dance floor, or else I’d have brought them myself. I’m very excited!”
“As you should be, young lady. This is an exhilarating day for Logan Meadows and the Logan Meadows Gazette. You save me a copy, you hear? As you know, I’ve already paid for a subscription.”
“I’ll be sure to, Maude. And thank you!”
Maude wagged a finger. “And don’t forget to bring a stack to put out on my counter. I’ve cleared a spot right in front. Everyone in Logan Meadows is eager. I’m sure you’ll need to print more right away.”
Butterflies tumbled inside. Adaline hadn’t worked but a couple of weeks in the haberdashery when she knew being a clerk was not her future. She’d always been a good reader, and English was her best and favorite subject. She’d never considered starting a newspaper until, one day in late January, she overheard Mr. Lloyd speaking over his supper in the café about a secondhand printing press he’d heard about that was selling for a good price.
The idea germinated. Sprouted like a tiny acorn and soon burst into a giant oak. If she were brave enough to follow her heart, willing to work harder than she’d ever done before, she’d walk in her father’s footsteps. James Costner, a typesetter for most of his life, had never advanced to the reporter position he’d dreamt of. If her vision materialized, she’d be publisher, reporter, editor, sales, and office clerk. At first, Dalton had been uncertain, but she’d convinced him the idea had merit. Such a career would afford her flexibility many occupations would not. She could easily work from home when they were blessed with children. Until then, she would grow the business into something meaningful. And
she had begun already, with a few advertisements from several of the businesses on Main Street.
She’d hammered out the details with Mr. Lloyd, and he helped her purchase the printing press with a line of credit. That was around the same time Jake accepted the reward Mr. Ford had left for him in the bank, but only if Adaline and Courtney agreed to a three-way split. Courtney had thrown her share in with Adaline and would take a much-larger role in the operation of the weekly once her final term of school was finished next month. The Logan Meadows Gazette was set up in an empty back office in the bank. Each day Adaline went to work, she enjoyed the bank’s lovely décor. The situation was perfect.
“Adaline!”
Turning, she saw Hannah as she made her way with a large hamper on her arm. Even with her ever-growing belly, she was still as graceful as she’d ever been.
Markus hurried along beside her.
Adaline ran to meet them. “Let me take your basket, Hannah. You shouldn’t overexert yourself.”
Hannah swiveled out of her reach. “I’m fine. Thom’s mollycoddling is driving me crazy. Says I’m not allowed in the Silky Hen for any reason. That’s utter nonsense.” She glanced down at Markus and smiled. “Markus is taking fine care of me, too.” The warmth of the day and her excursion had turned Hannah’s cheeks rosy and moist. “Oh!” She laughed and ran a hand over her protruding belly. “That was a strong one.”
“Must be a boy, Ma,” Markus said. “Want’s ta come out and play.”
“Girls can be strong, too.” Adaline winked at Hannah. Her friend had confided she’d love a little girl this time around.
“You hoo!”
Susanna and Albert approached, their arms filled with an array of baskets, quilts, and bonnets. When they reached Adaline’s blankets, Albert assisted Hannah to the ground and then turned to Susanna.
“I’m not that far along yet, dear husband,” she said with a smile, carefully lowering herself to the ground. “I can still manage on my own.”
Adaline sank to her knees beside her friends.
Winter Winds of Wyoming Page 30