“I think that's what we should do,” the girl said at last.
“But you don't know anyone there,” he reminded her. “You've just left your home and traveled here. Are you sure you want to leave your aunt and go with me to some unknown place?”
“Jesse,” she answered in a soft, serious voice, “Beth is a sweet, kind woman, but I've only known her a short time. I suspect she might be in the midst of a serious courtship. I would hate for my needs to interfere with her love, and she might just decide to stay around here if I do. I don't much like this town, Jesse. Apart from Beth, there's no one here I care about. I'd rather go where at least you have friends. Maybe they'll be nice to me… if they don't feel too much loyalty to the girl you loved who passed away.” She kissed him on the lips. “What was her name?”
“Lily,” he replied, his heart aching at the mere mention.
Addie nodded sadly. “I'm sorry for your suffering. But I'm not sorry to have you in my life.”
“You deserve better than this,” he growled, suddenly feeling fierce.
“Better than the man I love? The father of my baby? You must be dreaming, Jesse.” She kissed him again.
“So you would be willing to try my town? It's flat there, nothing like the mountains,” he warned her.
She shrugged. “I've lived in mountains all my life. Why not try something different?”
“I'm game if you are,” he said. “When?”
“Soon,” she replied. “Soon as possible… well, after Aunt Beth gets back. I think I should tell her goodbye.”
“I agree.” Then he noticed Addie still looked strained. “What's wrong, sweeting?”
“I'm just exhausted,” she replied. “It's tiring growing a baby, and then the mess with Bear…”
“Come on,” he said, lifting her again and carrying her to her bedroom. His nose wrinkled at the stench of vomit coming from the chamber pot, but he didn't say a word. He merely tucked Addie into her bed and slipped in beside her, cuddling her in his arms until at last she relaxed and dozed.
While his intended slept away her fatigue and nervousness, Jesse steeled himself and took the chamber pot outside. Pregnancy isn't fun. Poor Addie. The effect her condition had had on her emotions… and on her stomach… filled him with sadness. But no regrets. You're going to be a father. And you picked a girl who will be a wonderful mother. Now that his unpleasant burden had been dumped in the woods, he felt better overall. She should get along just fine in Garden City. Kristina will be nice to her. And Allison. They're such open- hearted ladies, they won't be bothered by her lack of feminine wiles. They're birds of a feather, those three.
He slipped back into the house and joined Addie on the bed, taking her in his arms again so he could enjoy the warm softness of her lush little body. No regrets at all. There are such worse futures than being married to a passionate, intelligent and alluring woman.
Chapter 14
Once again Jesse left before dawn, slipping from the bed with a kiss and a lot of lingering caresses. “I have things I have to do, darlin',” he insisted, and though Addie knew that was true, that he was arranging for their future together, she still clung to him and begged him not to go.
“Hush now, little girl.” He kissed her forehead. “Hush. I'll be back tonight.”
“What if Bear comes back?” she shuddered.
“Keep the door locked,” Jesse replied. “I still need to have a talk with that man. Scaring my girl like that.” He shook his head.
“Don't, please, Jesse,” Addie begged. “Please just leave him be, and get me out of here quickly. I think the man in unhinged. I don't want to consider what he'll do if you confront him.” Shudders ran through her. She sounded panicky.
And no wonder. She's got protective overwrought new mother instincts.
“Okay, Addie. I'll leave it be.” Unless I happen to run into him. It's not like I won't warn him away from my girl. “Keep the door locked and work on something that makes you feel relaxed and happy. Didn't I see a baby blanket in the front room?”
That brought a ghost of a smile to her lips. “Yes, that's right.”
“Good. Make up a warm blanket to wrap our baby in, Addie. It's not the coldest place, Garden City, but it's always windy there. Our little one will need a blanket, and the ones mothers make are always special.” He didn't mention that his own little blanket, the one his mother had made, had finally fallen apart when he was eight. That's how long he'd dragged it around.
She nodded.
“And cook something tasty for yourself to eat. Have a good day, darling. I'll come back tonight and hold you. I promise.”
This time her smile seemed more genuine.
Jesse spent the day sending telegrams back and forth. First, he sent one to Wesley, letting his friend know he was interested in the job. The message came back almost instantly.
Great news. Contact Sheriff Dylan Brody. No other candidates. Tense here.
Even for a telegram, that sounded terse. It's a good thing, too. I'm really getting low on funds. Spending months brooding over my girl and only working when something came up nearby wasn't good for my savings. He sent another telegram, this time to the sheriff.
Hear you need new deputy. Former G.C. native with 5 yrs exp. Interested?
Rather than hover in the office waiting for a reply, Jesse wandered off down the street, peering into shop windows to keep himself busy. Though bored with the mercantile, he stepped in anyway, as it was the busiest place in town. Examining the cluttered jumble of toiletries, farm implements and foodstuffs, Jesse also eavesdropped on several conversations. Listening in had always been a vital part of his job. He overheard a couple whispering over some soft white fabric and deduced they were expecting. The man's subtle touch on his wife's belly confirmed it, as did her glowing smile.
Two men were having a heated discussion on the subject of wheat seeds, and unless Jesse missed his guess, it would degenerate into name calling in the near future.
And then he heard a rumbling voice that sounded like a wild animal. “I still can't believe it.”
“I know what you mean,” another voice seconded. This one sounded oily and weasely, Jesse noted. “That bitch is way too high in the instep. You should take her down a peg.”
“Mr. West?” a female voice called and Jesse turned to see the assistant from the telegraph office waving a slip of paper at him. He retrieved the notice and read, Very interested. Pls. see me at your first chance.
Jesse grinned. I like it when things come together.
Addie woke up alone again, but this didn't surprise her. Jesse had arrangements to make. And he said he'd be back. Spending the night together sounds good. Her body tingled in hopes of another round of sweet loving. Jesse had a skill that set her on fire. She was more than ready to try again. Rolling to her side, she savored the anticipation of her lover's arms around her. Even better will be when he's my husband and can lie beside me every night. I can't wait. On the other hand, Jesse was so clearly still caught up in his late fiancée. That innocent, unconsummated first love would never truly leave him. While he might respect, care for and desire his wife, she had to admit he'd probably never love her. Not like Lily. Of course, he didn't seem upset about the baby, or having to marry me. Maybe he was looking for the excuse.
Another thought also occurred to her. Jesse hadn't taken her concerns about Bear very seriously. He seemed to think she was exaggerating the danger. Typical man. Of course Bear doesn't seem that threatening to you. You don't have anything he wants. You also aren't sheltering something innocent and helpless. Oh, Jesse. I wish you had listened to me. Well no matter. They would be leaving soon. She only had to stay on guard a few more days.
That night, Jesse slipped up to the house under full cover of darkness. He'd spent a productive day and was ready to curl up with Addie for the night. He had a request he wanted to make of her, before he made love to her again.
He found her better than he'd left her, sitting up in a rocking chair,
dressed in a soft, white nightgown, knitting that pretty green and white blanket. The scent of stew and bread warmed the cabin.
“Hello, love.” He kissed her temple.
She tilted toward him. “Hi, Jesse.”
“Did you have a good rest of the day?” he asked.
She nodded. “Did you get ahold of the sheriff?”
“Sure did,” he replied. “He's interested.”
“Of course he is.” She grinned. “I had no doubt about that. Why wouldn't he? With you on the job, those train robbers will be rounded up in no time.”
Jesse couldn't help but smile at her words of encouragement. He kissed her again, on the lips this time. “Is there any food for me here? I'm starving.”
“Help yourself.”
Jesse squeezed Addie around the shoulders and followed the scent into the kitchen area. A quick rifling of the cupboards produced a bowl into which he ladled rich chicken and vegetable stew. The aroma of marjoram and onions floated up to his nose. He inhaled deeply and smiled. The bread sitting on a cutting board enticed him with its equally savory scent. He spread a thick pat of butter over the surface and carried it to the table. Sinking into a hard, high-backed chair, he took a large bite and savored tender potato and peas. “Mmmm. Addie, this is delicious.”
“Thank you.” He felt no surprise at her smirk.
“I can't wait to enjoy your cooking every day.”
Addie beamed.
Jesse enjoyed a few more bites of his meal before he asked his question. “Are you set on getting married here, Addie?”
She shrugged. “I'd like Beth to be at the wedding, if she can.”
“Of course,” he replied.
“Then it doesn't matter where. I see you have an interest in doing it over in your hometown. Is that right?”
He nodded. “Well guessed. It's… one of my closest friends, Kristina Heitschmidt. She's a musician. If she could do the music… and maybe her father, James, he can perform weddings. He was sort of like a father to me…though with a new pastor, he might not be interested…”
“It's fine, Jesse,” Addie told him, cutting off his gush with a smile. “It's fine.”
He grinned at his own exuberance. This was going to be an amazing night.
Chapter 15
Addie puttered around the cabin, wondering what she should do. Two days until Aunt Beth was due home; therefore, at least a day too soon to pack. If I do it now, I'll be digging everything out before I can even get underway. Jesse had bought her a carpet bag, which was waiting on top of the trunk at the foot of her bed. He'd bought train tickets yesterday. Somehow, unlike her previous adventure to bring her here, she was looking forward not only to the journey but to the relocation itself. There's no reason why you should feel such hope. Garden City is probably like every other small town. Full of gossips and busybodies. And yet, this time Jesse would be with her. To stay. My husband! She laid both hands on her belly and twirled around the room, her mind on a new skirt and a handful of roses. Maybe some cake and coffee. And then… Her smile turned naughty.
So intent was Addie on her happy thoughts, she didn't hear the soft sound of the door slowly swinging open. Not until the hinges hit their sticky spot and screeched.
She whirled, her hand fluttering near her throat. A massive creature of darkness blocked out the daylight filtering in the door.
“Miss Addie,” Bear began, taking a step her direction.
Addie scanned the room, looking for the rifle. Panic-stricken, she couldn't remember where she'd put it last. She moved cautiously away from the man.
“Bear Mills, you have a lot of nerve,” she said, schooling her voice to disapproving iciness. “Get the hell out of this house.”
“Language, Addie,” the man tutted. “That's another thing you're going to have to work on. Can't have a wife with a dirty mouth.”
“You can't have me for a wife at all!” she retorted, taking another step backwards. Now clear of the couch, she had to find a way past Bear to the door. Being trapped in the cabin with him can't possibly end well.
“Now, Addie,” he said, taking another heavy step in her direction, “that's enough of your games. You've toyed with my affections long enough. I was willing to let you play coy, but no more. Here, today, we're settling this.”
His words seemed slow and stupid, but the shrewdness in his black eyes told her everything she needed to know. This was not an imbecile, but a trickster, one who played at stupidity in order to get away with mayhem. And I'm in the deepest water of my life. Addie drew in the fraying edges of her composure. Panicking would only lead her to make unwise decisions. She inhaled and exhaled deliberately, drawing air steadily into her lungs. Focusing on her heartbeat, she willed the wild pounding into steady beats. You are one with the earth. Your heart beats with the rhythm of the seasons. She didn't remember the rest of the chant her mother had taught her. It fractured. Why can't I focus? Why could I remain calm with a knife at my throat and not now. The answer came in a flash. She hadn't been pregnant then. Her calm had been upset by her unsteady moods and occasional nausea. Her body had begun to change, which meant her center had shifted and she couldn't find it.
“It's been settled for ages, Mr. Mills,” she drawled, retreating toward the kitchen area. He continued to advance, slowly, but inexorably in her direction. “The reason I keep rejecting your advances is simple. I don't like you. I'm not interested in you and I'm not playing games. I want you out of my life for good, now!”
He slowly shook his head from side to side. “That isn't going to happen, Addie. You belong to me. I've always known it. I can feel it. I know, deep down, you can too.”
“You're wrong,” she replied, not giving an inch. “Dead wrong.” Her back hit the kitchen counter. Shit. Trapped. She reached behind herself with one hand, scrabbling for anything she could use to help her.
“You just won't stop your playing, will you, silly girl?” He sounded amused, yet exasperated, like someone watching a child dig in the mud. “Maybe 'cuz you're so young, you don't realize how much you need me. How much you would benefit from my teaching.”
“Go to hell,” Addie hissed. There's nothing here. Please, God. Let me find something. Don't let this end this way! Jesse, where are you?
No one burst in the door to help her, and Bear now stood so close, she could smell the whisky on his breath. The stench made her gag. I can't vomit now! Please, no! But it was too late. Overcome with panic, her stomach rebelled, expelling its contents on the giant's boots. He frowned at the mess and for the first time, his expression matched his eyes.
“What's wrong with you, bitch?” he howled.
“Please, Bear. You're scaring me. Stop,” Addie begged, hoping for mercy. She straightened, her hand against her belly, the other going back to the counter, still hoping against hope to find something of use.
Pleasure flared in the beetle black eyes. This is what he's been after all along. He wants me scared. He likes the fear. Her hand closed around something cool and smooth… and sharp. Feeling her way along the biting surface, she was able to clutch a kitchen knife in her hand, seconds before Bear sank one meaty, stinking paw into her hair. She was unable to prevent a terrified squeak from escaping. “You ruined my boots!” he roared in her face. “You're going to pay for that. Now, Addie. Your schooling begins now! I'll teach you to show respect for your husband.”
“You are NOT my husband,” she screamed.
“I will be.” The threat in his face made him look less like a slow and clumsy animal and more like an inhuman monster.
Now you drop your act, you bastard. I saw right through you from the first. Bully. Gritting her back teeth, Addie answered him without reflection. “I love someone else. I'm already betrothed.”
“Engagements end every day. This one will too. You will break things off with this man and agree to marry me. And if you refuse, I'll come back again and again until you're increasing. Then they'll force you to. And I won't be pleased about that. You don't
want me displeased.”
“I'm already increasing, you fool,” Addie shrieked.
He froze, clearly not comprehending her words, and then the most frightening expression she'd ever seen tightened down his craggy, hairy face. “Slut,” he snarled. “You were meant for me. I'll cut that bastard whelp out of you.”
Faster than it seemed possible for a man of his size to move, he yanked a pocket knife from his belt and aimed it in the direction of Addie's belly. But Addie was faster. In a single fluid movement, she turned to the side, catching the blade on her hip, a glancing blow that opened her clothing and cut her skin. As she dodged, she slashed, slicing deep into Bear's extended forearm. Blood flew from both wounds.
Bear roared loud as his namesake, clutching his wounded limb. She stumbled back away from him towards the door, giving herself room to maneuver.
“Bitch!”
“Bitches have teeth,” Addie shot back. “And they're relentless in defending their pups. Stay back, Bear, or I'll hang your pelt from my wall.”
His eyes narrowed, and she read his intention there. Now, in the moment of truth, she was finally able to center herself, drawing all her scattered wits inward in preparation of a final, desperate attempt to save herself and her unborn child.
Bear tensed his muscles, ready to charge. Addie planted her feet, readying herself for his attack.
Jesse regarded the tiny room in which he'd been living. Well, up until recently. He grinned. The clean but fading room with its single lumpy bed couldn't compare to spending the night with Addie. It doesn't matter whether we lie on clean sheets and feather pillows or a thin blanket on the bare ground. What a girl I've found. The strangest sensation washed over Jesse. Affection, enjoyment, friendship, passion. All the pleasure, from the innocent to the frankly sexual, wrapped up in the tiny package that was Adeline McCoy, was all his to enjoy, care for, and nurture for the rest of his life. The feelings this produced swelled up in him and gushed through his whole being, swirling until he became quite dizzy. What does it mean? His grief over Lily's loss still ached like a bad tooth, undiminished by the passage of time. And yet that pain did not dim his affection for his bride-to-be. Jesse shook his head, trying to clear his unruly thoughts. He didn't know what to make of it all. He only knew he was happy to be on the brink of marrying Addie and felt not one iota of anger for her unexpected pregnancy. That's because you wanted to be with her anyway, and now you have to. Took the pressure off yourself - now you don't have to make the decision. He'd been a bit of a coward where Addie was concerned, he admitted to himself. But all that was in the past. And now his feisty, red-headed lady was about to become his wife. There are worse fates.
High Plains Heartbreak (Love On The High Plains Book 3) Page 13