by Linda Broday
“How bad is he?” Clay found relief when the dog raised his head and whined at him.
Jack glanced up. “He has a broken leg and probably some busted-up ribs, but he’s not bleeding.”
“That’s a miracle.” Tally moved closer to pet the dog’s thick fur. “He was only trying to save me.”
“Save all of us. He didn’t want that scum in our town.” Clay blinked hard.
“Got a minute, Clay?” Jack asked.
“Sure.”
They moved apart from the others. Jack spoke low. “I took Tarver’s body out about a mile. He’ll feed the animals tonight. Didn’t want you to have to deal with that. You have your hands full with Tally and the kids.”
“Thanks. Tarver got his just deserts.” Clay scanned the area. “Have you seen Violet?”
Jack pointed toward two figures coming toward them. “Mrs. Worth has her.”
Clay hurried Tally to them and lifted the child in his arms. “Hey, baby girl.”
Violet wiped her tears. “I was scared, Daddy.”
Tally took her hand and kissed it. “You were a brave, brave little girl.”
“I thought the bad man killed you, Mama. I was so scared and…and I couldn’t find Bullet.”
“Bullet’s hurt, but he’ll get better and be up guiding you places in no time.” Clay noticed Jenny and Ely standing alone, apart from the others, holding hands just like when he’d first seen them in the basement of Creedmore.
He set Violet on her feet and went to put his arms around them. Jenny was crying, too. “There now, sweet girl. Don’t cry.”
“Did that awful man kill Miss Rebel?” Ely’s voice was hard. “She was gonna be our mama.”
Clay’s eyes met Tally’s. He didn’t know what to say, how to give them back the faith Tarver’s newest assault had left damaged.
Tally sat down in one of the chairs that someone had brought over from the saloon and pulled Jenny into her lap. The girl stuck her thumb in her mouth. “No, that man Tarver did not kill Miss Rebel but she’s kinda sick. Mark my words, she’ll get better in a few days. You’re going to be a family.”
Clay prayed she hadn’t given them false hope, but they desperately needed something to cling to. Everything else had been stripped from them.
Ely frowned and kicked the dirt with the toe of his worn shoe. “Folks always say that when someone is about to die. Or maybe she don’t want us anymore.”
“Honey, we wouldn’t lie to you. Miss Rebel will get better and does want you more than anything or anyone,” Tally said softly, brushing a lock of hair away from the boy’s hard eyes.
Clay sat down next to Tally with Violet on his lap and pulled Ely to him. “Given what you’ve been through, you don’t have much reason to trust anyone. I wouldn’t either. I know Miss Rebel getting shot is a big disappointment and makes you afraid, but no matter what happens, we’re never going to send you away. You belong to us now. We’re all family here.”
“I guess so.”
“No, there’s no guessing, son. We speak in facts. You’re going to go home with Mrs. Colby and me until Miss Rebel gets well, and tomorrow, I’m taking you fishing.” Even if he had to do it in the windmill tank. Somehow or another, he’d give Ely a reason to smile.
“Okay.” The boy took Jenny’s hand and pulled her from Tally’s lap. “We need to wash up now.”
Clay watched the brother and sister slowly head for the tank. “Let’s feed them, Tally, and put them to bed. They appear to have had all they can take for one day.”
Violet yawned. “Me, too, Daddy. I’m tired. But my belly’s hungry.”
In no time, they had the children fed, then he and Tally took their hands and led them to the new house.
Clay set Violet down on the porch. “Wait here and let me light the lamps. I have a surprise.”
Barely inside the door, Tally waited with the children. She let out a soft gasp as he touched a match to the wicks. “Clay, this is amazing. Everything is so pretty it takes my breath. When did you get all this furniture?”
He followed her gaze to the simple green-and-white floral sofa and the settee that matched. He’d gotten a great deal on the round table on which the lamp sat. The rich wood shone in the light and reflected the colors in the room. Tally moved to the needlepoint side chair and ran her hand across the back before a large landscape of the plains hanging on the wall caught her eye. He didn’t blame her for staring. It was quite a departure from the dugout.
“When did you get all this?” she repeated, her expressive eyes full of tears.
“I ordered it shortly after we married. It arrived earlier today. In fact, I was in here working when I heard the gun blast that felled Rebel.” He moved to her and brushed back her wild, flaming curls. Aware of little ears listening, he couldn’t say exactly what he wanted. “Do you know how much I’m looking forward to us being together in our own completed house?”
“I’m all dirty, my hair needs combing, and my dress is torn.”
“Doesn’t matter. That’s not what I’m looking at.” Clay glanced down, remembering they needed to put the children to bed. He guessed any other discussion would keep.
About an hour later, with the kids tucked in and two stories told, Clay stood in the doorway with Tally. He put his arm around her waist. “What do you see?”
“Home.” She turned, and he noticed the tremble of her chin as she tried to hold back tears. “This is home, and earlier today I didn’t think I’d live to see it.” She laid her hand on the side of his face, her eyes searching his. “I love you, Clay.”
“The feeling is mutual.” He kissed her palm. “Want to see our bedroom?”
“Wild horses couldn’t keep me from it.”
He opened the door to their sanctuary and let her take it all in—from the patchwork quilt on the bed to the soft lamps and the hasty curtains Susan and Belle had hung, the flowers, and the rugs on the floor. She covered her mouth in surprise, her pretty eyes glowing.
She cleared her throat but the words came out raspy. “I don’t have words enough to say what this means or how much I love it. How did you do manage all this?”
“I had help and swore everyone to secrecy.”
“No, I mean where did you get the money for the furniture and special touches? I thought we were broke.”
“We are.” He laced his fingers through hers. “I sold some things. Leather goods that were quick to make.”
She glanced up, and he fell into her blue eyes. “When? You haven’t had time to make anything.”
“You forget how long Josie was sick. All those days and nights you were at her side? I kept busy every spare minute when I wasn’t working on the buildings. Jack and Ridge took them to Tascosa and sold them.” He moved in front of her and took her face between his hands. “I love you so much, and I want to give you everything that makes your life easier.”
Lowering his head, he pressed his lips to hers in a long, searing kiss. She melted into him, putting her arms around his waist, her breasts molding to his chest.
He broke the kiss, sweeping her into his arms. He carried her to the bed, setting her on the edge of the feather mattress. “I have one more surprise.”
Tally glanced around the room. “No, Clay. This is enough. It’s more than enough—I don’t need anything else.”
“I beg to differ. Besides, I love giving my beautiful wife gifts.” He grinned. “Don’t steal my pleasure.”
“All right, I won’t. Where are you hiding this mysterious surprise?”
He reached underneath the bed and brought out a box wrapped in brown paper. A perfect red rose lay on top.
“Oh, Clay.” She held the flower to her nose and breathed in the scent.
“The man who delivered all these furnishings brought the rose from his garden. That plus the fact that I almost lost you today made th
is the perfect time.” He sat next to her and jostled her arm. “Aren’t you going to open it?”
“Did you know the last time I received a gift wrapped in pretty paper?” Her lip trembled. “It was right before my father died. He gave me a beautiful amethyst necklace. I’m sure Lucinda’s sold it by now.”
“It doesn’t matter. Nothing matters except your happiness and safety.”
“You’re right of course. I think I’m fine and then another memory pops into my head.”
“Getting rid of ghosts takes time.” He was an authority on the subject.
Tally unwrapped the box and removed the lid. She froze. Clay waited for her to say something. Did she not like them? Were they all wrong?
She raised her eyes, which were bubbling over with tears. “Oh, Clay. You know exactly what I need.”
Without wasting a moment, she lifted out the boots he’d crafted with his own hands and ran her fingers down inside to touch the layer of soft lamb’s wool.
He knelt and slipped them on her feet. “How do they feel?”
“Heavenly.” She stood, beaming. “It’s like I’m walking on a cloud.”
“They fit okay?”
“They’re perfect in every way. Nothing hurts. You couldn’t have given me anything I needed more.”
“I got the idea when you told me about your sore feet.” Warmth spread through him that she had no pain in the shoes. If he had his way, she’d never have any more. But he knew trouble and sorrow were a part of life. He just prayed the happiness came in greater measure.
Tally threw her arms around him, her fingers tangling in his hair. “You’re amazing, and I don’t know what I did to deserve someone like you. Thank you for rescuing me today.”
“No, lady. You got that wrong. You saved yourself. I was just there to help out.”
“I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw you dropping by rope from that bluff like a spider. If Tarver had glanced up, he’d have killed you.”
“Only he didn’t.” He worked at the buttons of her dress and pulled it over her head. One piece of clothing at time found a place on top of the dress in a puddle on the floor until she was naked and barefoot.
He seated her in a chair and collected the bowl of water he’d left sitting on the dresser. Fighting her for the washcloth, he tenderly began washing every bit of dirt and blood from her.
“I can do this, Clay.” She reached again for the wet cloth, and he jerked it away.
“Nope. Stop trying to take this from me. Let me wash away every bit of Tarver and make you feel clean again. This is bringing me such pleasure.”
“But I’m not an invalid.”
“I know. This isn’t about that.” He finished up. “Now go get in bed, darlin’.” He tucked her between the sheets. “Don’t go away.”
“As if I could. You’ve probably got the place rigged with steel traps.” Her gaze followed him as he undressed and turned down the wick in the lamp. When he finally slid in next to her, she murmured, “It’s about time, cowboy. Thank you for my bath.”
“It was too late and too dark to go to the outdoor bathing room, so that had to do.” Clay gathered her against him. “Tonight, I’m just going to hold you and say thanks for surviving yet another close call. Besides, I don’t think you’re up for more.”
“How did you know?”
“Tiredness in your face gave you away.” He rested his chin on top of her head. “Do you really like the boots?”
“I’ve never had a better gift. I’ll shoot anyone who tries to take them.” She snuggled into the curve of his body. “I hope Rebel makes it through the night. You should’ve seen her with that hoe. Tarver almost went to his knees. If I’d gotten my feet to work, I would’ve run, except I wouldn’t have left her there with him.”
“All I know is that I’m glad we’ve seen the last of Slade Tarver.”
“Me too. I just feel so sorry for Rebel though. All she wants is another chance and she may have used them all up.”
“Something tells me she’s going to be all right. We have the best doctor this side of the Mississippi looking after her.”
“Yes, we do.” Tally glanced up at him. “Clay, I’m sorry we had cross words before we rode out for Creedmore. You were right.”
He was? With her looking at him, the big smile on her face playing havoc with his brain, he couldn’t remember what they’d even fought about. “About what, darlin’?”
“I see now that a marriage is give and take, not about who can be boss. I do trust you—with everything.” She let out a sigh.
Ahhh. Yes, he remembered now. He lifted her hand to his lips. “My darling wife, I’m happy that you don’t see a marriage as an either/or proposition. We’ll always be a team, discussing problems, finding solutions together. You’re awfully wise and I never want you to keep silent. Say what’s on your mind. I may not agree, but I’ll always listen.” He tightened his arm around her. “I deeply respect you. There are times when you should be the boss.”
“Not sure I want that pressure again. I’m glad we sorted that out.” She wiggled closer and kissed him.
He breathed in Tally’s scent. A man didn’t know how long he had left on this earth, but Clay could spend an eternity with his warrior angel and it wouldn’t be near long enough.
He kissed the woman who held the keys to his heart and a mist filled his eyes. She was his needle on the compass that would always lead him home, no matter how dark or how stormy the way.
Thirty-nine
Tally hurried to Dr. Mary’s tent at first light to find the doctor scrubbing blood off her hands. “How is Rebel?”
“She lapsed into unconsciousness shortly after you left last evening. The poor thing had a rough night, hovering between this world and the next. A time or two worried me and I don’t worry easy. I have a feeling she forced herself to stay awake until she spoke with you.” The woman dried her hands.
Tally shook herself from her thoughts. “You don’t look like you had a wink of sleep. What can I do?”
“I don’t know of anything at the moment. This is a waiting game for now—waiting to see how hard Rebel fights. Waiting for the good Lord to touch her. Waiting for something else to try that I haven’t thought of. Just like with Luke’s Josie, we have to leave Rebel to God’s will.”
“Let me sit with her for a while.” Tally laid her hand on the doctor’s arm. “Get some coffee. Take a walk. You’ve been so busy with the new ladies you haven’t had a moment to yourself.”
“I think I might just do that if you’re sure you don’t mind.”
“I insist.” Tally gave her a gentle push toward the tent flap. “I’ll call if there’s any change.”
“I’ll bring you back a nice cup of tea.”
“Thanks, Dr. Mary.” Tally sat down next to the cot and took Rebel’s hand. She started talking, telling Rebel about Ely and Jenny and how hard they’d taken the news. “You’d better live. You’d better not disappoint those kids.”
She listened to the low murmur of voices outside the tent. The day was starting.
“Rebel, I need you. That’s right. I need you, and you know why? You showed me what it means to keep pushing forward.” Tally smoothed Rebel’s hair back from her face. “Thank you for saving me, but next time, don’t fight someone who’s holding a gun.”
Clay stepped through the tent opening. “The children are still asleep. I brought coffee. Dr. Mary said you’re spelling her.”
Their hands touched as she took the cup, and she marveled at how strong their connection was. She’d never thought loving someone could be such a powerful force. Her parents had had that kind of marriage, but her father hadn’t loved Lucinda. Tally wasn’t exactly sure why he’d fallen under Lucinda’s spell. Maybe he’d been lonely and thought the woman would be what he needed.
Sometimes people made mistakes they reg
retted. Not her.
Tally knew her marriage to Clay was the forever kind that was ruled by love and respect.
Clay pulled a chair next to her and took Rebel’s limp hand. “How is she?”
“Not good.”
“It’s early, you know. A wound like hers…it’ll take time. I just saw Travis taking Ely to wash. He sure seems to care for those kids.” He draped his arm across the back of Tally’s chair. She smiled into her cup. It seemed no matter what they were doing, he needed to touch her.
“I’m wearing the new boots and they’re every bit as comfortable as they were last night,” she murmured. “I never had a pair this good in my life, not even when Father was alive.”
“I want my wife to have only the finest.”
She’d learned early on there was a lot of difference between want and get. Sometimes you had to settle for what you could manage. And the fact was, they had very little money. Even if she met with success in taking Lucinda to court, who knew what remained of her father’s estate? There could be nothing.
“How soon do you think before we’ll hear from Phineas Hargrove?”
“Sweetheart, he just left yesterday morning. I’m sure it’ll be at least a month. They have to find a judge to hear the case and schedule a time in his court. Then they have to locate all the witnesses.”
“How do you think our luck will be at finding Jude Dominick?”
“Frankly, I think he’ll disappear. I hope not, but that tends to be his way.” Clay scowled. “I may have to hunt him down, and if I do, he won’t look so pretty in court. I don’t want you worrying about that. Lucinda is going to get justice. I’ll see to it personally.”
Tally released a troubled sigh. “I just wish it were all over and done with.”
Clay leaned to brush a kiss behind her ear. “It will be soon.”
“What if she wins? I don’t think I can take that.”
“Sweetheart, she won’t so put that fear out of your head.”
“Have you ever had to stand trial?”