Thinking back, he recalled the sadness in her eyes, the way her face fell at the news he’d quit the Texas Rangers to become a bounty hunter. He now believed Sadie knew about the pregnancy when he’d made the announcement. After he left, she had no idea how to find him, where to send a message.
Caleb scrubbed a hand down his face, continuing to stroke his son’s hair. He could see Sadie in Isaac’s expressions, his sometimes wary gaze. Caleb prayed the boy would have her kind, loving temperament, the qualities his fiancée, Regina, had admired so much.
Holding his hands in front of him, Caleb stared at the backs, then the palms, studying them. As a Union officer during the Civil War, these hands had killed men. He’d drawn Regina into his arms with the same hands, and although they’d never made love, he’d imagined it a hundred times before her death. These hands had stroked Sadie, taken pleasure from her touch, giving back so little.
These hands had held matching Colt revolvers, shooting two of the men responsible for Regina’s death. Men who’d begged for their lives. Men he’d ignored as he pulled the triggers over and over.
Lowering his hands, Caleb’s gaze shifted to the rough-hewn pine dresser across the room. In the bottom drawer, wrapped in an old blanket, were the two revolvers. He’d planned to use them on the third man. Instead, he’d ridden to Splendor and postponed the hunt, never truly forgetting the man who killed Regina.
Now he had Isaac to consider, and a woman he wanted to get to know better. Caleb let out a weary breath, thinking of lunch earlier in the day.
Even if his words to May weren’t cross, the sentiment, his walking out without a backward glance, was inexcusable. She deserved so much better.
But he was a selfish man, and he wanted May.
The evening she’d come to the house, played with Isaac while preparing supper, had opened his eyes to all he could lose. He’d seen genuine affection as the two sat on the floor, using the building blocks to create different shapes. Not once had she lost patience or tired of the games Isaac insisted on playing.
He’d planned to walk her back to the boardinghouse, but when the time came, Isaac had fallen asleep to a story May read. She didn’t utter one word of complaint at returning to Suzanne’s alone.
Closing the bedroom door, Caleb pulled out his pocket watch. May would be leaving work for the boardinghouse in a few minutes. Making a quick decision, he slipped into his coat. Dashing outside to the house next to his, he pounded on the door. Caleb kept his gaze on his own house, impatience growing before Mack finally opened the door.
“Sorry, but is there a chance you or Sylvia could watch Isaac for a bit?”
Crossing his arms, Mack glared at him. That was when Caleb noticed his friend’s shirt hanging open and his bare feet. He’d obviously interrupted something.
“Good evening, Caleb.” Sylvia stepped in front of her husband, doing her best to smooth her rumpled clothing. “Did you say you need us to watch Isaac?”
“If you have time. I hate to intrude, but May is off work in a few minutes and I’d thought to escort her back to the boardinghouse.”
“Of course. We’d be happy to stay with him. Right, Mack?”
He let out a frustrated breath. “If that’s what you want, sweetheart.”
She clasped her hands together. “Wonderful. Let me get my coat and we’ll be right over.”
Mack looked at Sylvia. “I need to pull on my boots, then I’ll be right there.” When she disappeared inside, he leaned toward Caleb. “Your timing is horrible. You owe me.”
Wincing, he nodded. “I wouldn’t have come over if it wasn’t important.”
Mack’s features softened. “I know.”
“All right. I’m ready.” Sylvia walked beside him the short distance, striding straight to the bedroom and peering inside. “He’s still asleep.” She waved her hand. “Go on. You don’t want to miss her.”
“Thanks, Syl.”
Caleb raced outside, running between buildings toward the St. James. Stopping out front, he took off his hat, running fingers through his hair.
He noticed an older couple and a younger man he didn’t recognize at a table by the window, sipping coffee and talking. Other than the three, the restaurant appeared to be empty.
Caleb wondered if he should go inside, was ready to take the steps when he saw May. She stopped at the table, speaking to the couple before turning to the other man. After a few minutes, she smiled before turning to leave.
Taking a calming breath, he stood at the bottom of the steps, considering what he intended to say. Caleb had been in such a hurry to get here, he hadn’t spared a minute to compose his apology. Hearing the door open, he took the steps up to meet her.
“Hello, May.”
She startled, her wide eyes meeting his. “Caleb. I didn’t expect to see you.” Slipping into her gloves, she peered around him. “Where’s Isaac?”
“Sylvia and Mack are with him.”
Her brows lifted. “Mack, too?”
He chuckled on a shrug. “Sylvia agreed to stay with Isaac, and Mack said he’d join her.” Settling his hat on his head, Caleb stepped next to her, running a finger down her cheek. “I want to say I’m sorry about the way I left you today.”
Stilling at his touch, she studied his face, her own a mask. Feet aching and tired beyond reason, she didn’t know if she could deal with Caleb tonight.
“Your request to talk surprised me, May.” Pursing his lips, he rubbed the back of his neck. “My past is something I’ve shared with only one other person.” He offered his arm. “May I escort you back to the boardinghouse?”
Slipping her arm through his, May smiled, not answering. She noticed Caleb look in the restaurant window.
“Who are the people you were speaking with?” Hearing her groan, his lips twitched. “Are they that bad?”
A humorless snort left her lips. “No, not really. My father arrived on the stagecoach with his new wife and her son.”
He stopped, looking behind them at the hotel, then back at May. “The man I saw is your father?”
“I’m afraid so.”
He chuckled at the resignation in her voice. “You’ll have to explain what you mean.” They continued down the boardwalk, Caleb waiting for her response.
“It’s a rather long story, and truthfully, I’m too tired to tell it tonight.”
The humor Caleb felt a moment before slid away at the complete exhaustion in her voice. “Isabella is taking Isaac to the Pelletier ranch tomorrow and will be spending the night and most of the following day. I’d be honored if you’d allow me to accompany you to supper.”
She shook her head. “I can’t tomorrow. I’m working in the kitchen again.”
“Then I’ll take you to lunch.”
May lifted a brow at the invitation. “Do you intend to stay through the entire meal?”
He had the grace to look chagrined at the question. “I’ll ask Suzanne to pack food. We’ll ride out of town and find a private place where we can eat and talk.” Slowing their pace, he led her between two buildings. Turning her toward him, he lifted her chin with a finger. “Will that be all right?”
Moistening her lips, she stared into his deep blue eyes. “Yes.”
The corners of his mouth slid upward. “Good.”
Lowering his head, Caleb brushed a soft kiss across her lips. When she made no move to step away, his arms closed around her, tilting his head to deepen the kiss.
Standing on her toes, May circled his neck with her arms, releasing a quiet moan as intense warmth pooled in her stomach. Her limited experience with the few suitors before Caleb didn’t compare to the intensity of his persuasive assault on her mouth. Her reaction couldn’t have been more different.
The feel of his lips against hers sent spirals of heat through her entire body. She felt on the verge of melting into him when he raised his mouth from hers. Staring into her passion-filled eyes, he placed one last kiss on the tip of her nose.
Clearing his throat, C
aleb let his arms fall away. “I should get you to the boardinghouse.” A warm grin tilted the corners of his mouth at the look of satisfaction on her face.
Licking her lips, she lifted her gaze to his, offering a tentative smile.
Taking May’s hand, he slid her arm through his, returning to the boardwalk. At the front door, he turned toward her. “Would you like to ride or take a wagon tomorrow?”
A wistful expression crossed her face. “I’d love to ride, but I don’t have a horse.”
“I’ll rent one from Noah.”
Her eyes widened. “You’d do that for me?”
Caleb wanted to tell her he’d do much more than rent a horse for her, but it was too soon. They needed to take their courtship slow, make certain May could accept his past and embrace the role of being a mother to Isaac.
“He has a good-natured mare.”
She quirked a brow. “Does he have an energetic gelding?”
He studied her as a devastating grin curved his mouth. “I’m certain he does.” Glancing around, seeing no one watching, he brushed a quick kiss across her lips. “Tomorrow at noon, May.”
“It’s so good of you to meet us for breakfast, May.” Pauline touched the corner of her mouth with a napkin, then set it back in her lap. She’d been studying the restaurant in the boardinghouse and its patrons with a critical eye from the instant they’d walked in. “The food here is quite good for such an obscure town.”
May shot a look at her father, who seemed oblivious to his wife’s condescending words. Pauline had made similar comments since arriving. Her son, Oliver, or Ollie, as he preferred, sat next to her in amused silence, not offering his own opinion. Instead, his gaze roamed over May, as if sizing her up. For what, she didn’t know, or care.
“Suzanne and her help are excellent cooks.” Shifting in her chair, she scooped up a forkful of eggs. Taking her time, she listened to Pauline prattle on about the hardship of their trip, the lack of culture, and dearth of eating establishments in Splendor. Bored, May turned her attention to her father.
“You haven’t told me why you made such a long trip, Father. With your work, I’m surprised you could take the time.”
He looked slightly uncomfortable, then covered it with a burst of laughter. “Can’t a father visit his only daughter? Besides, I wanted you to meet Pauline and Ollie.”
“And Lord knows when you plan to return, May.” Pauline looked at her husband. “Isn’t that right, dear?”
He reached over, patting her hand. “Of course, sweetheart. Ollie was particularly interested in seeing the west. He’s a bit of a student of the frontier. Aren’t you, Ollie?”
The younger man leaned back in his chair, his gaze still locked on May. “I do find it fascinating.”
“He reads everything he can find on cowboys, ranchers, Texas Rangers, Indians.” Pauline looked at her son. “Ollie’s quite the student.”
May stifled a groan. She wanted to ask how long they planned to stay, holding her question when the front door opened. A rush of excitement claimed her when Caleb and Mack walked inside. Without thinking, she waved, motioning them to their table.
Caleb’s eyes lit when he spotted her. Saying something to Mack, the two deputies skirted around tables to reach them. To May’s surprise, Caleb leaned down, kissing her cheek, eliciting a gasp from Pauline.
“Good morning, May.” He looked at the others, remembering the little she’d said about them.
She bit her lip to hide her smile. “Good morning, Caleb, Mack.” May looked at the others.
“Who do we have here, my girl?” Her father stood.
Eyes narrowing, Caleb held out a hand. “Deputy Caleb Covington. This is Deputy Mack Mackey. And you are?”
“Dillard Bacon.” His voice boomed through the restaurant, garnering the interest of those at the other tables. He grasped Caleb’s hand, then Mack’s. “My friends call me Dilly. May is my daughter.”
Caleb glanced at May an instant. “It’s a pleasure, Mr. Bacon.”
“Dilly, please.” He introduced Pauline and Oliver.
“It appears you know my stepdaughter quite well, Deputy.” Pauline’s disapproving gaze slid up and down Caleb.
Not liking the insinuation, he moved next to May, resting a hand on her shoulder. “May and I are seeing each other, Mrs. Bacon. We’ve been friends for a while now.” He saw the slightest amount of disgust on her face and tension in Oliver’s shoulders.
Pauline snickered. “It’s quite improper to show affection in public, Deputy. I’m certain your mother must’ve trained you on proper behavior. And I can’t believe May allows your attention in such a personal way. I’d thought better of you, May. Then again, your mother has been dead a long time.”
If Caleb hadn’t tightened his grip on her shoulder, May might’ve done something to Pauline, forcing him to put her in jail.
Dillard didn’t seem to notice his wife’s hurtful words. He looked between Caleb and May. “And your intentions, Deputy?”
May startled at the question, embarrassed at the interrogation and direction the conversation had taken in the middle of the restaurant. “If you’ll excuse us, I need to speak with Caleb a moment.” Slipping her arm through his, she tried to steer him away. Instead, he held firm, sending a slight glare at each of the three, his voice thick with disdain.
“Welcome to Splendor. I hope you enjoy your stay.”
Before they walked more than two steps, Dillard stopped them. “We shall have supper soon, Deputy.”
May winced, turning back. “It’ll have to be on Monday, Father. That’s my night off. I don’t know if you’ll be staying that long.”
Caleb glanced down at May. “We could meet them after church on Sunday, sweetheart.” He had no intention of sharing May on her one night off. “Will that be agreeable, Mr. Bacon?”
“Dilly, please. Yes, that will be fine. Fact is, I can’t recall the last time I was in a church. I believe we’ll join you there.”
May ignored the repulsion on Pauline’s face. She wondered if his comment meant her father and Pauline married in front of a judge instead of a minister. The thought saddened her. Her mother loved going to church on Sundays, the friendships, potlucks, and socials. It didn’t surprise May her stepmother had no interest in those activities.
Caleb placed his hand over May’s. “We’ll look forward to it, Dilly.” Walking to the table where Mack sat, he looked at her. “Do you need to postpone our lunch?”
Her gaze shot to his. “Absolutely not.” She glanced over her shoulder, seeing her father watching. “I’m looking forward to riding with you. I just wanted to get you away from Pauline. It wouldn’t bother her at all to cause a scene. I’m sorry, Caleb. She had no right to question you.”
Gripping her chin between his fingers, he forced May to look at him. “She doesn’t bother me. What does is the way she treats you.”
“I don’t know why I let that woman get to me. It’s just…” Her voice trailed off
Caleb’s voice softened. “What, sweetheart?”
She shook her head. “She’s just so different from my mother. I don’t understand why my father married her. When I left New Jersey, there were several wonderful women vying for his attention. Most of them were widows who’d been friends with my mother. Any of them would’ve been better than Pauline.” May sucked in a breath. “Well, it’s done. I’m just glad I’ll never have to live in the same house as her and Father.”
Caleb hoped the same. He didn’t know where their courtship would lead, but whatever happened, he didn’t want May to be subjected to the woman’s venomous behavior ever again.
Chapter Six
May pulled back the curtain of her bedroom window, gazing at the livery across the street. She’d decided to wait in her room for Caleb to appear rather than out in the open where her father, or worse, Pauline, might spot her. After breakfast, she had no desire for a repeat of the uncomfortable conversation.
Knowing the selfish nature of her thoughts,
she still wished her father had made the journey alone. Or not come at all.
She could have gone her entire life without meeting his new wife and her son. May understood why she didn’t care for Pauline, a woman who would be hard to like. Oliver, though, was a mystery. He said little, but his constant scrutiny made her uncomfortable.
Moving her gaze to the jail, she saw Caleb step outside, taking a quick look up at her window. Spotting her, he smiled, tipped his hat, and strode to the livery. Her stomach churned in anticipation of spending time alone with him.
Deciding not to wait for him to come for her, May adjusted her bonnet, grabbed her reticule, gloves, and coat, then hurried down the stairs.
Retrieving the lunch Caleb ordered from Suzanne, she opened the front door, taking a quick look outside to make certain her father, Pauline, and Oliver were nowhere in sight. Satisfied, she rushed across the street, waving at Noah Brandt and smiling at Caleb as she approached. She handed the lunch to Caleb before turning toward Noah.
The blacksmith and livery owner held the reins of a fine looking horse. “Good day, Miss Bacon.”
“Good day, Mr. Brandt.” She let her gaze wander over the animal, a grin slipping across her face.
Noah nodded at Caleb. “I heard you need a horse for the day. This is Rooster. He should be lively enough for you.” A twinkle appeared in his eyes.
May felt her face heat knowing Caleb had told Noah of her desire for an energetic mount, not a docile one. “He looks perfect.”
Stepping next to her, Caleb placed his hands on her waist. “Ready?”
Nodding, she gathered her skirt, feeling another rush of excitement when he settled her into the saddle. Taking the reins from Noah, she stroked the gelding’s neck, hearing a soft whinny.
“I believe we’re going to get along just fine,” she murmured, caressing him again.
Mounting Twister, Caleb held out a hand. “Thanks, Noah. We won’t be gone long as I need to get back to the jail. All right if I settle up when we return?”
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