Chapter Thirteen
Luke paused in his work of cleaning his horse’s hooves as a lone rider approached. Gabe Evans had visited twice in the last four days. He hadn’t expected to return today, and Luke’s stomach tightened at the prospect he may be relaying news about Bull. He dropped Prince’s hoof and straightened.
“Gabe. Didn’t expect to see you here today.”
“It’s Bull.” The sheriff slid off Blackheart and walked the few feet to stand in front of Luke. “He’s awake, yelling for someone to get him back to the ranch.” A smile split Gabe’s face. “That boy is a handful when he gets agitated.”
Luke couldn’t contain the breath he’d been holding and let it escape in a whoosh. “I guess we’d better help the doc and Rachel out. Get our cowboy off their hands.” He returned Gabe’s grin and motioned for him to follow. “Let’s tell Dax.”
Luke opened the door to the study where Dax stood, staring down at some papers on the desk.
“Great news. Bull’s doing well and he’s ready to come home.” Luke walked around the desk and looked over his shoulder. “What do you have there?”
Dax glanced up and nodded at Gabe, but didn’t reply to Luke. He folded the papers and shoved them in a pocket. “That is good news. Why don’t you take a couple of the boys and a wagon to pick him up? I’m sure the doc is more than ready to get him out of there.”
Luke’s narrowed gaze focused on his brother. “I thought you’d want to go. You know, see Rachel. You haven’t been to town in several days.”
“No. You’ll have to go without me. I’ve some things I need to finish up here.”
Luke didn’t budge. Dax’s mood had deteriorated every day since the last time he’d visited Bull. The brusque behavior and almost dismissive attitude weren’t unusual, except Luke suspected it had more to do with Rachel than anything else this time. He turned to Gabe.
“I’ll be right out. I need to speak with Dax about something.”
Gabe turned and walked back outside.
“Do you want to tell me what’s going on? And don’t say nothing because I’ll know it’s a lie.” Luke crossed his arms over his chest and planted his feet shoulder width apart.
Dax slumped into a chair and leaned back, glancing out the window toward the barn where Gabe stood talking to Ellis and Rude. He shifted his gaze to Luke.
“I plan to head back to Texas as soon as the ranch business is handled. The plans I made are there, not here.”
Luke had been prepared for something, but not the announcement his brother would be leaving. “And when were you going to tell me?”
Dax saw the anger begin to form on his brother’s face, and he regretted his procrastination in letting Luke know his plans.
“Today.” He pulled the papers out of his pocket and threw them on the desk. “These sell my rights in the ranch to you for one dollar. You pay a dollar, we both sign, the ranch is yours. Simple and clean.”
Luke didn’t speak. He walked to the cupboard and pulled out a bottle of whiskey. He downed one glass, then poured another before facing Dax.
“That’s crap and you know it. First, you want to turn everything in Savannah over to me and ride out alone. That didn’t happen. Now you want to do the same with the ranch.” He finished his whiskey, stomped to the desk, and slammed the glass down, creating a scar in the wood from the impact. “The same applies here. It’s not going to happen. I’m not buying you out, not even for a measly dollar. Whatever is under your skin, you damn well better work it out because I’m not giving you what you want.”
Luke cursed under his breath, pushed his hat on his head, and stormed from the house.
Dax watched him leave. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d seen Luke this angry. He scooped up Luke’s glass, filled it to the brim, and downed the whiskey in one gulp, taking a measured breath as the liquid burned its way down his throat. He began to pour another, then stopped and slumped into a chair, resting his head on the back and staring at the ceiling.
Hell, why didn’t anyone understand his life lay in Texas? Not Montana, not Savannah, and not anywhere he’d be responsible for people’s lives—and deaths. Watching Bull hover between life and death convinced Dax his desire to walk away from being responsible for others was the right decision. He wanted a simple life, where his decisions and orders to others were few. For now, his work as a Ranger suited him fine.
Maybe he’d buy a home outside of Austin. A small place with one ranch hand and nothing more. Someone who knew the job, asked few questions, and required little guidance. A man he didn’t have to lead.
“Hell,” he murmured under his breath. He stood to look outside as Luke and a couple of men left with Gabe and the wagon. His natural instincts urged him to lead the charge, set the direction, and march toward his goal without hesitating. But now, at this point, he felt bone tired with the weight of too many commands and tough decisions, over too many years, pressing down on him. He needed time, a respite from being at the front, from being the man everyone looked to for direction and guidance.
“Dax?”
He jerked at Bernice’s voice and turned to see her holding out a cup of coffee to him.
“Hank would like to speak with you, if you have time.”
Dax took the cup and walked toward the kitchen, sitting next to the ranch manager. Hank had started working full days the week before and already seemed like a different man. Being cooped up too long could work on a man in a bad way.
“I hear Bull’s doing better, ready to come home.” Hank glanced at Bernice and caught her slight nod.
“That’s right. No doubt you saw Luke, Ellis, and Rude ride out with the wagon. Now we’ll be the ones to put up with his nasty temper until he heals.” Dax sipped his coffee and waited for Hank to say what was on his mind.
Bernice pulled out a chair and sat next to her husband, putting a hand over his. Warning bells rang in Dax’s head, yet he continued to stay silent.
“You know, we’ve been here a long time. First with Pat, now you and Luke. It’s been good, Dax, real good, but Bernice and I, well…we think it’s time we moved on.”
Dax set his cup down and leaned his arms on the table, staring into Hank’s eyes and seeing the man’s struggle. He knew they’d lost their only child to cholera years before. They had no other family, no grandchildren to visit, and he wondered at the real motivation to leave.
“Is it the pay?”
“No, the pay is good. The house you provide is fine. You and Luke are more than fair. No complaints about anything. We’re not getting any younger, and this last bout with a bullet wound took a lot out of me.”
Bernice squeezed Hank’s hand. “You and Luke are fine people and that makes the decision hard. Truth is, we’re ready for some peace. Find a place where Hank can fish, and I can catch up on my sewing.”
“I can’t fault you for wanting to slow down, enjoy yourselves. How old are you, Hank? Forty, forty-five?”
Hank snorted. “I’ve got a couple years before I reach fifty.”
“Fifty, huh? That means you’ll most likely be around another twenty years or so, right?”
“Maybe…” Hank’s voice held a cautious tone.
“And you’re going to fish every day for the next twenty years? Sitting on the bank alone, praying for a bite and reminiscing about all the things you did before?”
“Well, I’m sure there’ll be other chores. You know, stuff Bernice needs done.”
The hesitancy Dax heard in Hank’s voice and the way Bernice squirmed in her seat made him wonder if this might be more about Bernice than Hank. She sat up nights, sent unending prayers, and worked tirelessly to keep Hank comfortable after the shooting. Her concern and care had touched everyone.
“You know, there might be other choices.” Dax let the sentence hang. He could see Hank’s throat working, as if he wanted to say something, but held back. “You could do work around here which wouldn’t require riding out with the herd, managing the men.”
Hank
shot a quick look to Bernice and leaned forward. “Like what?”
“It’s no secret Luke and I have talked about expanding the ranch. We’ve already added to the herd from what we bought off the Murtons. We can see the place doubling in a year, then doubling each year afterwards. Luke’s good with business, planning our next steps, but hates keeping the books. I’m better with hiring the men, getting them to do the right work when needed.”
He stopped to listen to himself. Isn’t that exactly why he’d made the decision to leave? He shook his head and continued, “We need someone to handle the supplies, do the books, and keep us on track with the money. That should still leave you plenty of time to fish.” He looked at Bernice. “The boys can take care of their noon meal, but they need breakfast and supper. That will free you up to do your sewing.”
“I can’t do that.” Bernice threw him a disbelieving look, challenging him to argue. “Those boys need three hot meals a day, unless they’re out on the trail. I can’t just give ‘em two.”
Dax fought a smile at her offended tone. “I’m saying we can make some changes around here that I believe might work for you. Besides, we all know you aren’t going to find any better fishing than what’s right here on the ranch.”
“I can’t take the same pay for doing the books and keeping the supplies current.” Hank’s disgruntled voice came through real clear.
“What would you say is fair?”
“We stay in the back house. I get half the pay and Bernice gets two-thirds pay. She gets weekends off and does those boy’s laundry once a week. That’s a good offer.”
Dax reached a hand across the table. “Done.”
Hank clasped his hand and sealed their bargain.
“I guess I’d better get back to my work. You’ve made a good decision.” Dax walked out, glad to have the matter settled. Now he needed to finalize a few more issues with Luke, then he’d be off to Texas.
Doc Worthington helped Bull into a clean shirt Rachel had found in a drawer. It barely fit the bulky cowboy, but it looked a whole lot better than the shirt he’d been wearing when he arrived.
“You need some help, Bull?” Luke offered and started to reach for the front buttons.
Bull slapped his hands away. “I got it. I’m not helpless.”
Ellis and Rude masked their amusement, each glad to see him grumbling and carrying on as before.
Rachel stood back, watching Luke and wondering if she should ask after Dax. She hadn’t seen him since the night he’d told her she held no place in his future. Each time she remembered his words, the pain in her chest flared, then settled near her heart. She knew it would lessen over time—all wounds did. What hurt most was her belief she’d meant something to him, yet he’d shown no signs of it when he’d told her of his plans to leave. She believed if Dax held any feelings for her, he would’ve asked her to join him. He didn’t and, of course, she probably would have refused. Her uncle needed her here, in the clinic that had become his life. Regardless, it would’ve been nice to hear the words. At least she’d know he felt something for her and hadn’t just been passing the time during his stay in Splendor. She slumped against a nearby wall, feeling the pain tighten across her chest once again.
“It seems I’m always thanking you. For me, for Hank, and now for Bull. I don’t know what the town would do without you.” Luke stood close by, his eyes studying her face. He knew it wasn’t his place, but the pain he saw in her eyes wiped away the caution. “He told you he’s leaving, didn’t he?”
“Yes,” she breathed out. “As soon as he settles the details with you.”
“Ah, the details. I wouldn’t count on us working out anything soon. We have many details to discuss.”
Luke could see the pain pass over her face and anger surged through him. He loved his brother, would risk his life for him, but he knew Dax was making a huge mistake. Luke had choices, too, and he’d decided the world would freeze over before he bought Dax out and allowed him to dump everything, including Rachel Davenport.
“You ready, boss?” Ellis asked. They had begun to help Bull up, Rude under one arm and Ellis under another.
“I’m not helpless.” Bull swore under his breath as his legs almost gave out under him.
“Now you just concentrate on moving one foot in front of the other, boy. Rude and I will do our part so you don’t topple over.” Ellis’s breath already came in labored gasps as he took on more of Bull’s substantial weight. “You get the door, boss.”
It took a little while before Bull lay in the wagon, a blanket pulled up to his chest. Luke climbed up and glanced behind him. “You okay back there?”
“I’m fine. Let’s get out of here.”
“Thanks, Doc. You and Rachel worked a miracle.” Luke slapped the reins.
Rachel stood on the wood walkway and watched the wagon disappear around the bend. She thought of Luke’s words and wondered if there might be more to Dax’s leaving than either man had said.
Luke didn’t sound pleased with his brother’s decision, which didn’t surprise her. From what she’d seen, they were close. Too close for Dax to leave Luke behind. Perhaps the man she’d fallen in love with might be stuck in Splendor a little while longer.
“Where are you headed?” Dax took in Luke’s shiny boots and slicked back hair. The look reminded him of the nights before the war when his brother used to attend one social event after another.
“To supper and the Rose.” Luke spared Dax a cursory look. “You’re welcome to join me.”
“You eating alone?”
“No.”
Dax’s gaze leveled on Luke. “That so? And who’s joining you?”
“Miss Davenport.” Luke didn’t turn his head or give any indication he believed the announcement of his supper partner would cause a stir. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Dax stand and walk toward him in slow, measured steps. He turned a fraction to see Dax’s fierce stare bore into him.
“You asked Rachel and she agreed?” His voice vibrated with anger directed at Luke, at Rachel, and himself.
“She did.”
Dax strode away, arms slack at his sides, trying to understand why it affected him so. He’d made his decision, been upfront about his intentions, and walked away from Rachel. Although they’d never made any kind of commitment, never spoken of love, Dax felt the pain as much as he’d feel a bullet to his chest.
“Join us. You don’t need to stay here alone.” Luke walked up beside him. “It isn’t as if I’m courting her. It’s supper, nothing more. Afterwards, we’ll walk her home, then go to the Rose, have a few drinks, and play cards.”
The offer tempted Dax. He’d thought of little else except Rachel for the last few days. He tried to convince himself he’d made the right decision and his interest in her would pass once he left Splendor. It wouldn’t take long for Rachel to realize his decision was for the best and move on. With her intelligence, beauty, and kind heart, some good-looking cowboy would scoop her up in no time. His body bristled at the thought. He swallowed a lump in his throat and tried to convince himself what he felt for her couldn’t have been love. He wanted and desired her more than any women he’d ever met. Love took time, grew over the years—didn’t it? It had been a few short months. If it wasn’t love, why couldn’t he rid her from his thoughts and purge her image from his mind?
“You go ahead. Enjoy yourself and try to make it home sober.” Dax clasped Luke on the shoulder and turned away.
“You look stunning.” He shouldn’t have been surprised. Rachel darn near took his breath away. She wore a blue evening dress and styled her hair to rival any east coast beauty.
“Why, thank you, Luke. Come in for a minute. I’m serving up my uncle’s supper.” She turned toward the kitchen, while Luke made himself comfortable in the front room.
“Hello, Luke. How’s Bull doing?” Charles walked from the back and shook his guest’s hand.
“He’s a beast.”
Charles laughed and took a seat.
“I mean it. He’s a real bear. Gripes all the time, won’t let anyone help him, and insists he can do everything himself. Hank caught him in the barn yesterday and you should’ve heard the yelling.”
“Who won?”
“Hank.” Luke smiled as the vision of Bull sulking back to the bunkhouse and slamming the door flashed across his mind.
“Are you ready?” Rachel asked as she set her uncle’s supper on the table.
“I sure am.” Luke’s eyes roamed over Rachel and he silently cursed his brother for being such a fool. It would serve Dax right if someone came along and snatched her up before he came to his senses.
They made their way down the street, the sun still glowing over the tips of the nearby mountains. Rachel waved at a few people finishing up their day. She saw light coming from the livery and knew Noah Brandt hadn’t stopped working.
“That man never rests.”
“Who?”
“Noah Brandt. He starts his day before anyone else is up and works late, way beyond most of us. There’s something about him…” Her voice trailed off as she thought of the man everyone saw as a mystery.
“Are you interested in him?”
“Me? No, not in the way you mean. He’s so private, yet one of the nicest men you’ll ever meet—if he’ll open up and talk with you.”
Luke let the information settle in. He knew Gabe and Noah were close, yet he’d met Noah just a couple times. Once when they’d visited King Tolbert. He’d been silent as he took in every word during the meeting, his sharp eyes missing nothing. Luke agreed with Rachel. There was a lot more to Noah than he wanted people to see.
“Here we are.” He opened the door to Suzanne’s restaurant and followed Rachel inside.
“Good evening. Follow me.” Suzanne led them to a table by the window. “Where’s your brother?”
“Sulking at home. I invited him to come along.”
“What a shame, a good-looking man like him alone.” She shot a quick glance at Rachel, who averted her eyes.
They got settled, ordered the night’s special, and looked out the window toward the glow of the fire in the livery.
“You said you invited Dax to come. He refused?” Rachel had tried not to ask, but her good sense surrendered to the pull of her curiosity.
“He didn’t refuse as much as decline.” Luke told himself he didn’t want to get in the middle of whatever had happened between the two of them, yet the sadness in her voice wrestled with his restraint. “I’m not sure what’s going on with him. There’s something weighing on him, dragging him down, but he won’t talk about it.”
“He told me his life is in Texas, not here. Sounds pretty simple to me.”
Luke thought about it a moment, believing the cause to be more complex. He chose not to share his concerns with Rachel right now. “You may be right. It could be a simple desire to live somewhere else.”
Two hours later, he walked her home, recognizing how much he’d missed going out with a lady. It had been quite a while since he’d cleaned himself up and spent an evening discussing whatever came to mind with a beautiful woman, not worrying about the next battle or what outlaw may be coming up behind him.
“Thanks so much for this evening, Luke. I had a wonderful time.”
“The pleasure’s mine, Rachel.” He made a slight bow, then cast her a vague smile before turning to leave. “Don’t give up on him. He hasn’t left yet.”
Rachel stayed by the door and watched him leave, his last words playing over and over in her mind. No, Dax hadn’t left. He still had to work out the details with Luke or find another buyer for his half of the ranch. That didn’t mean he wouldn’t leave. Rachel had thought about Dax day and night, lying awake in bed while trying to find a way to rid him from her mind. She’d come to accept that no amount of hope would get him to stay. He’d fixed his sights on Texas, a vast state with unlimited opportunities. This small town in Montana couldn’t be more different than the big southern state on the border of Mexico.
No, Dax Pelletier would never be a true part of Splendor, never claim the town as his own, never be happy with someone like her. He’d arrive and leave as most did—seeking a dream hundreds of miles away where she held no place.
~~~~~
Redemption's Edge Page 16
