Listlessly opening the box Martha had brought with the flowers, Angel gasped with genuine pleasure. Nestled inside was a delightful hat of organdy and lace. “He bought me a new one,” she murmured in wonder as she lifted it out. It was exactly the sort of hat she would choose for herself. She smiled into the mirror as she put it on and tied the ribbons beneath her chin. A small tasteful spray of flowers provided just the right touch. If Ox had picked this out all by himself, he had amazing taste.
Angel’s smile faded with the thought. Sadly, she removed the hat and carefully placed it back in the box. After this last fiasco, it was obvious she couldn’t trust herself around him. Not that she’d ever have to worry about it again. He’d be so angry when he found out about the deception they’d played on him, he’d never speak to her again. She just wanted it over with. This waiting was driving her insane. What in blue blazes was keeping Alexis anyway?
Ox stared out the window as he waited for Martha to return. He was still in love with both Angel and Alexis. Time and distance hadn’t brought the intelligent council he’d hoped for. It had brought disaster instead.
When Alexis left the cabin three nights ago, he’d been angry and hurt. But as the disappointment and confusion began to fade, he’d found himself in a horrible quandary. Though she was a widow, the fact remained; he’d stolen her innocence. To a lady like Alexis Brady Smythe, that meant only one thing...marriage. Could he marry Alexis knowing Angel was bound to be a close part of their lives? How incredibly awkward he would feel becoming Angel’s brother-in-law.
“She sends her regrets, but she’s still not up to seeing you,” Martha said from the doorway.
Ox frowned. “Did you give her my message?”
“Yes, and your gifts.
“Did you try to convince her?”
“It’s not my place to convince her of anything,” Martha said primly. “I’m just—”
“A servant, I know,” Ox broke in impatiently. “But she listens to you, Martha.”
“In a pig’s eye! That girl is her father all over again. I swear, I don’t know how my sweet Julia produced such a stubborn daughter.”
“Seems to me she produced two of them,” Ox said, grinning in spite of himself. “If anything, Angel is worse than Alexis.”
“That’s a fact,” Martha agreed, handing him his hat. “At any rate, she refused to see you.”
Ox gave a deep sigh. “Tell her I’ll be back tomorrow.”
“I don’t know what good that will do, but I’ll tell her.”
“Thanks, and keep working on her. I have faith in your abilities.” He ignored her snort as he put on his hat and walked to the door. “See you tomorrow, Martha.”
Ox strode down the path to the barn to get his horse. Damned if Alexis hadn’t done it again! He had lost count of the times she’d refused to see him in the last few days. Today, he thought he’d finally made some progress when Martha headed up the stairs with a militant look in her eye. Irritation was fast replacing his guilt. One short burst of lust they had both enjoyed wasn’t worth all this.
“Mr. Treenery!” Betsy came running from the barn, a small whirlwind of braids and petticoats.
Ox stooped down to catch her before she crashed into his legs and knocked him down. “Here now,” he said, lifting her in his arms. “What’s the rush?”
“I comed to say hello.” She put her arms around his neck and gave him a noisy kiss on the cheek.
Ox smiled. Obviously, not all the Brady women were afraid of him. “Hello to you, too. What are you doing down here this time of day, escaping a nap?”
“Uh-uh. I help Jared and Shannon. We getted a pony.”
“I see.”
“You help too?”
“Well I—”
“Mr. Treenery, just the person we need.” Jared was all smiles as he emerged from the barn with Shannon at his heels. “Do you have time to help us with the pony cart?”
Ox eyed them apprehensively. “What sort of help?”
“Father got us a brand-new harness,” Shannon explained. “Only we can’t figure out how to put it on.”
“We don’t exactly know how to drive, either,” Jared admitted. “Alexis told Father she’d teach us, but she says she’s sick.”
“And you don’t believe her?”
They exchanged a look. “She has been real grumpy,” Jared said.
Shannon nodded. “And she seems awfully sad.”
“I saw her cry,” Betsy added solemnly.
“Is that so?” Surrounded by the three children, it suddenly occurred to Ox he’d stumbled onto a veritable treasure trove of information. They probably knew things about Alexis and Angel the twins weren’t aware of themselves. “You know, I really don’t have to be at the stage office for another hour yet. Why don’t we take a look at this pony cart of yours?”
Alexis had arrived at last. Her note had been delivered to the house a short time ago. A sense of overwhelming relief warred with a deep feeling of sadness as Angel rode to the cabin. The thought of giving up the closeness with Ox, of not sharing the planning and worry of The Silver Springs Express with him, was almost more than she could bear. On the other hand, she could hardly wait to get out from under the strain of carrying on the masquerade.
As always, the anticipation of being with her sister again overshadowed all other considerations. Everything else was forgotten as she stepped through the door and into Alexis’s welcoming hug.
“You sure took your time getting here,” Angel said, hugging her back.
“I just got your message today. I don’t get into town to check the message box very often.”
Angel frowned. “I thought you were staying with a friend.”
Alexis blushed. “I told you I was staying with a friend; I didn’t say they lived in town. But that isn’t important. What’s happened? Your message said it was urgent. Has your plan failed?”
“No. In fact, it’s moving along even better than we’d hoped. Our accomplices are wreaking havoc with The Flying T, and Ox thinks he’s figured out a way to get the mail contract. Even now, James Treenery and Father are trying to figure out how to ruin each other and get full possession of The Flying T.”
“Then what’s the problem?”
Angel took an agitated turn around the room. “We have to switch back, Alexis.”
“Switch back! Why?”
“I can’t do it anymore.”
“You’ve been doing it for four months. You must have it about perfect by now. I’d be willing to bet money Martha would have trouble telling us apart.”
“Then you’d lose. Martha says even Vanessa suspects I’m not you. It’s only a matter of time until Father figures it out. He came close a couple of months ago.”
“But you didn’t panic then.” Alexis watched her sister closely. “I wonder why you are now.”
“I’m not panicking!”
“Oh, no? Then why are you pacing? You only do that when you’re extremely upset.”
Angel stopped immediately. “I’m just not getting enough exercise. I’m used to a lot more activity than I get here.”
“Angel, this is me you’re talking to,” Alexis said softly. “You don’t have to make excuses, just tell me what’s going on.”
Angel rubbed her forehead. “I want out, Alexis. I can’t go on like this.”
“Like what? You still haven’t told me what’s wrong.” She looked thoughtful. “Does it have anything to do with the rumpled bed and half-empty bottle of cognac I found when I got here?”
Angel stared at her sister for a moment. Then she sank down onto the settee. “Neither of us planned it,” she said with a small catch in her voice. “It just happened.”
“Good!”
Angel looked up in surprise. “Good? Are you crazy? Don’t you realize what this means?”
“Yes, as a matter of fact, I do.” Alexis smiled as she sat down next to her. “It means, my dear sister, you’ve finally let some man get under your skin. I couldn’t be more pleased. I hope
he did a thorough job of it.”
“Of what?”
“Making love to you.”
Angel blushed. “Thorough enough. I’m no longer a virgin.”
“And it’s about time, too,” Alexis said, giving Angel another hug. “Are you in love with him?”
“I...yes,” Angel whispered.
“Then I don’t see the problem.”
“Don’t you? Ox isn’t in love with me.”
“Are you sure?” Alexis glanced around the room. “It looks like a pretty elaborate seduction to me.”
“It wasn’t a seduction,” Angel said irritably. “We were celebrating our success. He gave me a friendly little kiss and it kind of…exploded.”
“That’s even better. It means he finds you irresistible.” Alexis smiled brightly. “I think he is in love with you.”
“No,” Angel whispered. “He’s in love with you.”
There was a moment of stunned silence, then Alexis burst into laughter. “You goose. He doesn’t even know me.”
“He knows Alexis is a respectable widow of gentle breeding and high moral standards. The Angel he knows is the Madame of a notorious brothel.”
“That shouldn’t make any difference.”
“Oh, no?” Angel gave her a bleak look. “Ox and I have been friends for two years. During that time, he never once made any kind of romantic move.”
“Maybe he never had the opportunity.”
“He stayed at my place at least twice a month. We ate together, drank together, talked for hours, we even share a godchild. He’s told me time and again he considers me a good friend.”
“If he’d never kissed you before, he might not have realized how deep his feelings were for you. He was probably just as carried away as you.”
“But he had, twice. He kissed me good-bye when we left South Pass City and again when I had to appear here as myself.”
“And?”
“The first time, he was appalled. The second, he made me an indecent proposal. It wasn’t until he thought I was you that he was stirred by passion.”
“Isn’t it a moot point now anyway?” Alexis asked. “He must have figured out our little ruse as soon as he discovered your virginity.”
“No. He thought Duncan couldn’t...”
Alexis sighed. “Which isn’t that far from the truth,” she admitted. “But if Ox believed you, I don’t see what the problem is.”
“I don’t want to be you anymore.”
“Angel, you have to stop running away from every man who shows an interest.”
“I’m not.”
“Oh yes you are. Every time a man starts to get close, you take off like a scared rabbit.” Alexis put her hand on Angel’s arm. “They aren’t all like Father, you know.”
“Most of the men I’ve met are, and the rest are worse. They need to be the ones in control.”
“Is that how you saw my marriage?” Alexis asked. “You think Duncan controlled me?”
Angel gave an exasperated sigh. “No, but you liked being married, and I wouldn’t. I prefer my independence.”
“Maybe your independence is what Ox likes about you. It sounds to me like he—”
“Damn it, Alexis, we have to trade back,” Angel said with a catch in her voice. “This just hurts too much.”
“Oh, dear.” Alexis bit her lip and looked down at her hands. “That may be a bit difficult.”
“I know you’d rather not, Alexis, but I can’t continue this way. I’ve accomplished your original goal. You won’t be forced into marriage, and by the time this is all finished, you’ll be completely out from under father’s control.”
“It’s impossible, Angel.”
“What do you mean impossible? All you have to do is go home.”
“It’s a little more complicated than that.” Alexis lifted her gaze to her sister’s. “Angel, I’m pregnant.”
Chapter 24
“You’re what?!”
Alexis winced. “You heard me. I’m going to have a baby.”
“A baby! What in God’s name were you thinking?”
Alexis flushed. “I didn’t do it on purpose, Angel, but I’m not going to apologize for it either.”
“Who’s the father, Brandon?”
“Of course it’s Brandon. Who else would it be?”
Angel started pacing again. “How would I know? I suppose that’s where you’ve been these last few months.”
“Yes, and I’m not going to apologize for that either.”
“You knew this back when you asked for my help, didn’t you?” Angel said suspiciously.
“No. I suspected before I left, but I wasn’t sure.” Alexis sighed. “Please don’t be angry, Angel. I want this baby more than I’ve ever wanted anything in my life. Be happy for me.”
“Is Brandon going to marry you?”
“I...I don’t know.”
“What do you mean you don’t know? Surely you’ve discussed it with him?”
“N-no, I haven’t. I was waiting for the right time.”
“The right time! Good Lord, Alexis. If you don’t hurry up, he’ll be able to tell by looking at you. How do you think he’ll feel then?”
“Hurt, I suppose.” Alexis bit her lip. “I guess you’re hurt I didn’t tell you either.”
“Hurt? That doesn’t even begin to describe it…” The stricken look on Alexis’s face halted Angel mid tirade. There was even a hint of tears in her eyes. Angel sighed then took both of her sister’s hands. “I’m sorry Alexis, I have no business taking my frustrations out on you. Can you forgive me?”
“You don’t even have to ask. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you.”
“You certainly don’t owe me an explanation, but can I ask why you didn’t say something?”
“Probably because she wanted to avoid a tantrum,” said a new voice from the doorway.
Angel turned in surprise to confront a tall, lean stranger. She had an impression of whipcord strength and snapping blue eyes as he advanced on her.
“Alexis always said you had a fiery temper, but I found it hard to believe. Now I see she was dead right. It’s obvious you’re identical in looks only. Otherwise, you’d have a little compassion for your sister. She certainly would for you.”
Alexis gasped. “Brandon!”
Brandon? Angel could hardly believe her eyes. This is Alexis’s mysterious lover? When they were younger, her sister usually chose handsome ne’er-do-wells. This man was an entirely different breed. Though he was not unattractive, the weathered skin of his face and his callused hands marked him as a man who was more than passingly familiar with hard work. Angel was impressed in spite of herself.
Alexis pulled her hands free. “Brandon, what are you doing here?” she asked in a guilty little voice.
“I came to town on some unexpected business and thought I saw you. Figured you had come to see your sister, and I’d escort you home when you were finished. “ He frowned. “Why did you leave this morning without telling me?’
“I couldn’t find you, and I needed to see Angel.”
“Even if I couldn’t come myself, I’d have sent my one of my men with you. It was dangerous for you to come alone. I’d never forgive myself if anything happened to you.”
Alexis scoffed. “Don’t be silly. What could happen?”
“He’s right,” Angel said, thinking of her own narrow escape from Dangerous Dick’s gang. “The roads aren’t safe these days.”
“Will you promise to tell me where you’re going from now on?” Brandon asked earnestly.
“Of course I will, Brandon. If I’d known how you felt, I’d have told you this morning.” Alexis bit her lip. “H-how long were you outside?”
“Long enough.”
“I was afraid of that.”
“By the time I arrived, Angel was already here,” he said. “I suppose I should have made myself known earlier, but the conversation seemed rather...personal. I didn’t want to embarrass anyone,” he said, ignoring Angel�
�s blush. “I wound up discovering I’m going to be a father. It was something of a shock.”
“I’m sorry,” Alexis whispered. “I was afraid.”
“Of what? Damn it, Alexis, you know I love you. I’ve been asking you to marry me for the last five months, for God’s sake.”
“You don’t know my father, Brandon.”
“Only because you refuse to introduce me to him. I’m beginning to wonder if your real reason has more to do with being ashamed of me than fear of your father.”
“Oh, Brandon, how could you think such a thing?” Alexis cried.
“What am I supposed to think? Angel is the only adult member of your family I’ve met, and that was only by accident.”
“Maybe it’s her family she’s ashamed of,” Angel said with a wry twist of her mouth. “After meeting the Bradys, any sane man would turn tail and head for the tall timber. Though if you’ve met the children and still want to marry her—”
Alexis stomped her foot. “Stop it, both of you! I’m not ashamed of anybody. Neither of you takes Father seriously. He decided he wants me to marry James Treenery, and once he makes up his mind to something, it’s impossible to change it.”
Angel raised her eyebrows. “The news you’re having another man’s baby will surely give him a moment’s pause.”
“I doubt it. Knowing Father, he’d come up with some way around it. That’s why I never wanted him to know about you, Brandon. I’m afraid of what he’d do if he found out.”
“Your father doesn’t frighten me. He’s nothing more than a petty dictator.”
“But you don’t understand,” she said tearfully. “He could easily destroy you.”
Brandon scowled. “He might try. Damn it, Alexis, how many times do I have to tell you? I can handle your father! It’s high time you learned to trust me on this.”
“You don’t realize the power he wields in the business world.”
“I’m not without influential friends myself. If it comes to a fight, he might find he’s bitten off more than he can chew.”
“Oh, Brandon, you’d be risking everything you’ve worked so hard for. What if you wound up having to choose between your ranch and me?”
“Then I guess I wouldn’t have a ranch any more.”
Silver Springs Page 21