“I’m fine, May.” Caleb wanted to draw her into his arms, use the warmth of her touch to comfort him. Now wasn’t the time. “We’ve got a lot of work to do.”
He glanced behind him, watching the way everyone scurried about, removing debris and raking the ground to get rid of the smaller fragments.
“Gabe says you’ll be ready to start building the floor and walls tomorrow. Maybe install the roof a few days later.” May clasped her hands together, biting her lower lip. “I should let you get back to work.” Sliding her hands into the pockets of her coat, she turned to leave.
“May?”
Stopping, she looked over her shoulder at him. “Yes?”
“I don’t know when I’ll be able to see you.”
Shifting to face him, she shrugged. “I understand. Everyone’s working long hours. Probably won’t be getting much sleep until the church is finished.” She thought of his son. “Do you have someone to stay with Isaac?”
He nodded. “Isabella.”
Of course, she thought, but wouldn’t voice it. Isabella was a wonderful woman, someone Caleb could depend on to take care of Isaac.
“That’s good. Well, I should be going.”
He opened his mouth to stop her, then shut it. Caleb didn’t miss the look of disappointment which crossed her face when he mentioned Isabella. He needed to get a few minutes alone with her, ask May what about Isabella bothered her so much.
Didn’t she understand he needed someone he could depend on, a woman who’d taken care of children before, to watch over Isaac?
Then he remembered her conversation with Doc McCord. May had volunteered to watch over Clare Billings when she wasn’t working. Offered to arrive at the clinic early each morning and stay until mid-afternoon when she had to leave for work.
He’d never really thought about what May did during the long hours of each day before going to the Eagle’s Nest. Her closest friend, Sylvia, worked at the general store during the day. Since Isaac arrived, Gabe had Caleb working days. He used to make rounds at night, but no longer.
Recalling the way she and Isaac played together, her patient, easy manner, he smiled. No matter her amount of experience, May loved children, had a way with them. He’d watched her join the younger ones in their games after church. She’d even volunteered to start a children’s class during the service, the same as many churches in the east offered.
“Hey, Caleb. You going to stand around the rest of the day?”
He looked up to see Mack watching him, a broad grin on his face. Deciding he needed to give the idea of May taking care of Isaac more thought, he walked toward his friend.
“Saw you talking to May. Is everything all right with you two?”
It was a good question. One he wasn’t certain he could answer right now. Instead, he nodded. “Seems all right.”
“Good. Gabe wants us to head to the jail and relieve Hex and Zeke. It’ll give you a chance to check on Isaac.” Mack got Gabe’s attention, letting him know they’d be heading to the jail. “You may want to clean up while you’re there.”
Holding out his arms to look down at himself, he realized his shirt was covered in dirt and grime.
“Your face is worse.” Mack jumped away when Caleb made to shove him. “Take your time. When you get back, I’ll clean up and go talk to Sylvia a few minutes. Darn woman didn’t come outside all day to say hello.”
Caleb chuckled, his face sobering when he spotted May outside the boardinghouse. He had to blink a couple times before he recognized the man beside her.
“When did Dom Lucero get back in town?” Caleb liked Sylvia’s brother. He’d been accepted into the Texas Rangers right before traveling to Splendor in search of his sister. When her relationship with Mack hit a rough spot, Dom had almost talked her into going back to Texas with him.
“This morning. He’s staying at the St. James. After our wedding, he rode as far as Denver before deciding to turn back. I haven’t had a chance to talk to him, but I’m pretty sure it has to do with a lady he met here.”
“That so?” Caleb’s body tensed, hands fisting at his sides when he saw the bright smile on May’s face, then heard her laugh.
“Don’t believe it’s May, though.” Mack’s voice didn’t sound as certain as Caleb would’ve liked. “Then again, she is a real pretty woman.”
If Mack wasn’t his closest friend, Caleb would’ve been tempted to land a blow to his jaw. When May reached out, placing a hand on Dom’s arm, he was ready to stalk toward them, let the man know the way of it.
“Come on. We’d best relieve Hex and Zeke so you can see Isaac.” When it took Caleb a moment to get moving, Mack slapped him on the back. “You can have a talk with Dom later. And if you want my opinion—”
“I don’t.”
Mack held up both hands, not worrying about the smile tugging at his lips.
“I can take care of any misunderstandings with May.”
Opening the jail door, Mack lifted a brow. “Then I suggest you get to it.”
Chapter Nine
“It is such a pleasure to meet you, Baron Klaussner.” Words gushing out, Pauline made a slight curtsy.
“The pleasure is mine, madam.” Ernst turned toward Dilly, extending his hand. “It’s been a while.”
Dilly grasped the offered hand. “Too long.” He looked at his wife. “Ernst left Germany and moved to New York years ago. He’s friends with Sheriff Evan’s father, Walter.” Dilly turned back to Ernst. “I’d heard you’d traveled west, but wasn’t quite sure I believed it.”
“At Walter’s recommendation. Did you know he is here in Splendor, Dilly? He came to visit his son and decided to stay for a time. I’ve invited him and his family to join us for supper tonight.”
“That’s splendid, Ernst.” Dilly’s booming voice filled the parlor of the St. James. “I’ve not seen him in several years.”
“Ah, there you are.” Ernst moved around Dilly to greet Walter, Gabe and Lena Evans, and their son, Jackson.
After quick introductions, the group entered the Eagle’s Nest. When all had been seated at a round table in a quiet alcove, Ernst ordered wine all around. After offering a toast, he looked at Dilly.
“What brings you to Splendor?”
“My daughter, May, moved here a year ago. I thought it was time to pay her a visit.”
Lena’s mouth curved into a grin. “May is one of our best employees.” She ignored the sour expression on Pauline’s face. “In fact, she has put forth an idea for adding pastries to our menu. I tasted her samples, and they are quite incredible.”
Gabe reached over, settling a hand over his wife’s. “I don’t recall being invited to try her pastries.”
“Nor I.” Walter Evans lifted a brow before taking a sip of wine. “Perhaps we should ask May for a second tasting.”
“I like pastries. May I try them?” At nine, Jackson occasionally showed the enthusiasm of a younger child.
Walter’s lips twitched as he leaned toward Jackson. “Not if it means less for me, young man.”
“But, Grandfather, I’m certain there will be enough. Isn’t that right, Mother?”
Hiding her grin, Lena nodded. “Quite so, Jackson. I will speak with May tomorrow and ask for another tray of samples.”
“May has always had a talent for cooking. She especially loves to bake. Takes after her dear mother in that respect.” Dilly’s comment was followed by an irritated hiss from the woman next to him. Pauline didn’t like him speaking of his late wife. Most decidedly didn’t appreciate him talking about her with such deep affection.
“I’ve heard your late wife often burnt pies and put too much flour in cakes.” Pauline’s mocking words echoed across the quiet table. She straightened her back, lifting her chin, satisfied with the barb until she noticed the disapproval on the faces of those around her. Shifting uncomfortably, her voice rang with disdain. “Well, it’s what I’ve heard.”
Embarrassed by her unfeeling words, Dilly sent her a scathin
g look. Leaning close, he lowered his voice in a critical tone. “I’m warning you. Do not humiliate me further.”
Seeing her eyes widen in shock, he leaned away, a surge of satisfaction washing through him.
“I, too, would appreciate tasting May’s pastries. Unfortunately, my wife has no interest and won’t be attending.” Dilly ignored her gasp, not sparing Pauline a glance.
Deflecting the obvious tension between Dilly and Pauline, Lena smiled. “Then it’s settled. I’ll go speak to May right now.” She waited until the men stood and Gabe pulled out her chair. “I won’t be gone long.”
Waiting until she disappeared into the kitchen, Gabe picked up his glass of wine, looking at Dilly. “I understand you breed and train racehorses.”
Eyes bright with pride, he nodded. “I’ve been breeding the best thoroughbreds in the eastern states for over twenty years. Many became champions, and even more are prized sires.”
“Have you had a chance to visit the Pelletier ranch?” Gabe asked.
Interest piqued, Dilly shook his head. “Why, no. Do they raise thoroughbreds?”
Gabe shook his head. “The finest cattle horses this side of the Mississippi. They started with a few foundation sires they brought out from back east, crossing them with wild mustangs and a few domesticated horses raised by the Shoshone of southern Idaho.” He chuckled. “Those were hard to obtain. Luke Pelletier spent a great amount of time and did a good deal of negotiating to acquire those horses.”
“Fascinating,” Dilly breathed out. “I would be quite appreciative if you’d provide an introduction to the Pelletiers.”
“Have you seen the men working to rebuild the church?” Walter asked.
“Of course.”
“Most of them are from the Pelletier ranch. I spoke to Luke yesterday. I’d be happy to introduce you tomorrow, Dilly.”
“That would be splendid, Walter. Afterward, perhaps I can arrange to visit his ranch.”
At the sound of footsteps, they turned to see Lena approach. After Gabe helped her into the chair, she leaned forward, resting her wrists against the edge of the table.
“May will have the samples ready tomorrow afternoon. Now, is everyone ready to eat?”
Ignoring the annoyed glances and spiteful comments from Gary, May assembled the items she needed to create her pastries for tomorrow. Lena had been clear. If the samples passed the tasting, they would be added to the menu and May would be the one preparing them.
Her body prickled with excitement. She’d started to believe Lena had forgotten her request to add pastries to the menu. When she’d entered the kitchen, making her request, May had been stunned. Now that her mind had cleared, she sorted through the possibilities of what she’d make.
“You still have work to do.” Gary didn’t look up as he ground out the words. Never easy to work with, he’d become unbearable since Lena gave the approval to add the items. May didn’t doubt the tasting would go well.
“I’m almost finished.” Her bright tone brought a scowl from Gary, but she was much too excited to care. She had a few items to clean and put away, then she could concentrate on what to fix for tomorrow.
May thought of Caleb, wondering if it would be too improper to stop by his house before going back to Suzanne’s. She couldn’t wait until tomorrow to tell him the news.
Finishing the last of her work, May hurriedly removed the apron and slipped on her coat. “I’ll be in early tomorrow.” She hurried from the kitchen through the side door, leaving no time for Gary to respond.
Stepping onto the boardwalk, May hesitated, biting her lower lip as she wrestled with the decision. The boardinghouse was less than two hundred feet away, Caleb’s house a little farther. As she debated, May noticed a light snowfall began blanketing the ground. If it kept up, the town would be covered by morning.
Making a hasty decision, she raised the collar of her coat and hurried across the street. She slipped between two buildings, not stopping until she stood outside his front door. Brushing snow from her coat and bonnet, she noticed the lights on inside, but heard no sounds coming through the door. Sucking in a breath to calm her trembling, she lifted her hand and knocked. Not getting an answer, she raised her hand to try again, jumping back when the door drew open.
Caleb stood inside. He still wore his pants, but his shirt and boots were gone. She felt her mouth go dry at the sight.
Opening the door wide, he stepped outside and grabbed May’s arm, pulling her inside. Shoving the door closed, his arms slipped around her before his mouth covered hers hungrily. Caleb meant to make it quick, but when her arms wrapped around his neck, he allowed the kiss to deepen. At the sound of her soft moan, he lifted his head and scooped May into his arms. Lowering himself onto the sofa, he settled her on his lap, reclaiming her mouth.
His lips gently caressed hers as his strong arms banded around her. Feeling her fingers dig into his arms, Caleb groaned, aching need coursing through him. He let out a low growl when she squirmed against his lap, causing his body to harden. Knowing they had to stop, he raised his head, resting his forehead against hers.
Placing one last kiss on her temple, he drew away, looking into her glazed eyes. “I’ve been wanting to do that all day, sweetheart.”
Trying to calm her pounding heart, she drew in a shaky breath. “You have?”
His lips lifted into a warm smile. “Sure have. It’s been on my mind since I woke up this morning.” Kissing her again, he settled her next to him, resting an arm around her shoulders. “Tell me what made you decide to visit me tonight?”
Swallowing to relieve the tightness in her throat, May blinked, trying to clear her head and remember why she had come to see him. Then her eyes widened.
“Oh, I have such wonderful news.”
Caleb chuckled at the excitement in her voice. “Are you going to tell me what it is?”
Straightening, she turned toward him. “Lena asked me to bake more pastry samples for a tasting tomorrow. Gabe, Baron Klaussner, and my father will be there. If they like what I make, Lena will add them to the menu and I’ll be in charge of baking them. Isn’t it wonderful!” Her body buzzed with eager enthusiasm.
Chest tightening at the joy on her face, he cupped her face, brushing his mouth over hers. “It is wonderful news,” he breathed against her lips before lifting his head. “Does it mean I’ll get more samples, too?”
If possible, her face brightened even further. “You can have them anytime you want, Caleb.” Scooting to the edge of the sofa, she stood. “I should be going. I have to be at the restaurant early tomorrow to make the pastries. If you want an early sample, come by the side door before noon.” Smiling, she leaned down and kissed him.
Before he had a chance to stand, she’d rushed to the door and disappeared outside.
Charles sat in a chair next to Clare’s bed, his hand protectively covering hers. It had been two days since the fire and she hadn’t regained consciousness long enough to recognize him. Horrible, uncontrollable coughs wracked her entire body several times a day, then she’d fall asleep.
With Clay’s help, he’d been able to get a few tablespoons of broth into her before she rolled to the side and coughed. At least she’d been able to keep most of the liquid down. This couldn’t go on much longer, however. She’d continue to lose weight, lose strength, making it harder for her to recover, and Charles needed her to live.
Tomorrow would be the second day of rebuilding the church. Clay had kept him apprised of the men’s progress while assuring Charles the clinic was fine without him for now.
Rosemary Masters, Dirk’s wife, would continue to ride in from Redemption’s Edge each day to help Clay. She’d been training for months with Rachel Pelletier, Charles’s niece. Ever since Dax and Rachel had their second son, James, she’d been unable to provide regular nursing services at the clinic. Rosemary had been a blessing, especially with Charles tending to Clare.
Charles turned toward the window of the second bedroom in his home behin
d the clinic. Until now, he hadn’t noticed the snow falling against the ink black darkness of the night. Pulling out his pocket watch, he checked the time. Almost ten o’clock.
He shifted back to the bed at the sound of Clare’s ragged coughs. Lifting her head from the pile of pillows behind her, Charles gently rubbed her back.
“That’s it, sweetheart. Expel the smoke from your lungs.”
He and Clay had read everything in their journals about inhaling smoke during a fire. There’d been precious little to help with Clare’s injury. Besides treatment recommendations for burns, they’d learned nothing.
Waiting through the coughing fit, he settled her back on the pillows before reaching for the glass of water. He lifted her head and touched it to her lips, encouraging her to drink.
“Come now, Clare. Try to drink a little.”
His hand stilled when her eyes slowly opened. Holding his breath, he waited as she searched his face. Blinking a few times, her lips parted, her eyes locking on his.
“I’ve been looking for you.” The words came out on a raspy whisper before she began coughing again. When the episode ended, she met his gaze once more. “It is you, isn’t it, Charles?”
Brushing hair from her face, he let his fingers trail down her cheek and along her jaw. “Yes, Clare. It’s me.”
Tears welled in her eyes, then spilled down her face. Charles brushed them away with his thumb.
“Don’t cry, sweetheart.” He felt moisture in his own, willing it away. Seeing the question in her eyes, he covered her hand with his. “You almost died in a fire. One of the deputies found you on the ground outside the church. Do you remember anything?”
She glanced away, staring out the window. “It’s snowing.”
A slight grin appeared on his face. “Yes. We get a good deal of snow in Montana. Much more than in Boston.” He waited until she turned back to face him. “Do you recall the fire?”
Closing her eyes, Clare nodded. “I received a message to meet a friend in the church.”
Brows furrowing, he gave her hand a light squeeze. “What friend?”
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