by Gold, Ciara
The last thing she wanted was time alone with Bethany’s daughter. The thought struck fear in her heart. She knew more about shooting a gun than she did about raising a child. Through no fault of Charley’s, the water-under-her-bridge seemed to be flooding at the moment. She couldn’t stem the rush of emotional insecurities pushing their way to the surface of her normally calm demeanor.
Every bad word, every cruel deed, every jealous seed ever caused by Bethany flashed through Kaitlin’s mind. She had struggled to put the past behind her, to compose herself into a confident young woman with strong convictions, and an even stronger ambition to see those opinions brought to light. But an image of Bethany stood before her in innocent supplication, reminding her of a past not so easily forgotten.
Charley moved. Glass crunched beneath her feet. The sound brought Kaitlin out of her reverie and back to the matter at hand. Whatever difficulties she’d had with Bethany should not taint the relationship she would soon forge with Charley.
“No, Charley. Don’t walk there. You’ll end up dragging glass everywhere. Why don’t you go back to the parlor and wait while I sweep the floor?”
“I’m hungry.”
“I’m sure you are, but I’ve got to clean up the glass before I can fix us some refreshments. Be a good girl, now.”
Charley started to leave, but turned back to give Kaitlin a look of innocent resignation. “You don’t know the first thing about children, do you? You’d rather I leave and not come back, wouldn’t you?”
“Oh, Charley. I do want you. The broken window upset me, and the words came out all wrong.”
“It’s all right, Aunt Kate. My mom told me all about you. She said you would hate me on sight just because I was her daughter. I didn’t wanna come, but Uncle Bryce made me.”
Kaitlin could think of no reply to Charley’s shocking words. She kept reminding herself Charley wasn’t Bethany, but their similarities in coloring made it difficult. Charley left before Kaitlin could contradict her. Even if she tried to tell Charley how she really felt, the child wouldn’t believe her. She would just have to show Charley through her actions how much she wanted this chance to change the past.
Retrieving a broom from the kitchen, she tackled the littered floor. Absorbed in the chore, she was startled by the front door banging open. She whirled around, broom raised high. A tall, lanky figure swept off his hat and dusted snowflakes from his trench coat. Bryce Stanton had returned.
“You’d better have a good excuse for breaking my window and running off like that.” She raised the broom higher.
“Holster your six-shooter, lady.”
She gave him a puzzled frown.
“The broom.” He nodded at her weapon.
She lowered the broom, but kept it in hand. He hadn’t done anything yet to earn her trust. “I’d like an explanation now.”
He shrugged out of his coat, keeping a suspicious eye on the broom. His caution pleased her. She wanted him to know just what kind of woman he dealt with. As president of the newly formed Mountain Ridge Chapter of the Colorado Suffrage Association, Kaitlin could not afford a weak front before this man. She had to set an example for all womankind. And—she had no desire to repeat the same mistakes she’d once made with James Latham.
Before hanging up the coat, Bryce dug around in the pocket. Slowly, he pulled out a rock. Digging deeper, he withdrew a scrap of paper.
“Here’s your explanation.” He handed her the rock.
“A rock?”
“Yep. It sailed through your window with this attached.” He unfolded the wadded up paper and held it for her perusal. She reached for it but caught his hand instead. The sudden contact made her uncomfortable. As Bethany had reminded her time and again, she was a homely version of Adam’s rib. She snatched at the paper with more force than she’d intended. Her odd looks hadn’t bothered James. Except, she’d discovered too late he’d only been attracted to her land.
The paper crinkled. You’ve ignored previous warnings. Maybe this one will carry more weight. Leave Denver or else.
She lowered her hand, the note still gripped between tense fingers. There had been many such warnings this past year, but none had ever resulted in violence.
“Well?” Bryce clearly expected a response.
She crumpled the note, crammed it in her skirt pocket, and began sweeping at the shards of glass. “A prank. It was just a senseless prank.”
“Well, if that was a senseless prank, then we can all expect to see a herd of doggies sprout wings.” His voice held a note of irritation.
She kept the broom in motion, fearing he would read the lie in her eyes. She needed many things, but she didn’t need the intrusion of this stranger into her business.
Without warning, his hand shot out and grabbed the broom. Her head snapped up, incredulous he would dare such a high-handed maneuver.
“What gives you the right to manhandle me like that, Mr. Stanton?”
“I reckon it’s that guilty look you’ve got plastered on your face.” His gaze held accusation. Gone was the polite cowboy who’d knocked on her door. Before her stood a hard man, a man determined to unravel the mystery. “That note? That wasn’t your first, was it? You’ve had other threats, haven’t you?”
“Now, see here...”
He let go of the broom. Urgent strides carried him past her and toward the parlor. She rushed after him. He located the stack of unopened mail. Realizing what he intended, she dropped the broom and grabbed his arm. Muscles rippled beneath her ineffective hold.
“Uncle Bryce!” Charley exclaimed. Her youthful enthusiasm seemed to distract him from his purpose but only for a moment.
“Charley. You look well rested.” His mood seemed to lighten. “Did you and your aunt have a nice visit?”
“No. She’s rude.” Charley threw her arms about his waist. “I don’t wanna stay here, Bryce. Please, don’t make me.”
“Maybe, she’ll let both of us stay. Would that suit you better, Charley?” He put his hand on her back.
“Maybe.” Charley didn’t look pleased.
Kaitlin puffed out her chest, startled he would even suggest such a thing. “Well, it doesn’t suit me, Mr. Stanton. First of all, I don’t have the room, and secondly, it would be highly improper.”
In answer, he held up one of her unopened pieces of mail and raised a brow. He ripped open the envelope and looked at the contents: Leave Denver or else. He dropped the note to open another. Leave Denver or else. Tearing into several more, he found the same threatening note with very little variation.
Kaitlin stood mute, her arms folded across her chest. He broke open each piece of hate mail. She’d left these letters unopened on purpose, knowing what she would find. The policeman she’d summoned after receiving the first note had offered very little help. He had patronized her, patting her hand and telling her that these things were to be expected.
Expected? Just because she voiced her strong opinion concerning alcohol and women’s rights didn’t mean she wanted to be the target for some cruel bully.
~*~
When a pile of the offensive notes littered the floor, Bryce turned to her. Why would anyone threaten a woman in this manner? He studied her chagrined features. Kaitlin was an odd character. He’d expected her to be a beautiful replica of Bethany with some of the same features and pretty attributes. When she’d re-entered the room, clean and dressed in a simple but prim frock of pale green, Bryce’s imagined vision turned out to be quite plain. No, that wasn’t an apt description at all. Homely might better describe the woman before him. Homely, but with striking features.
Frizzy brown curls framed an oval face. A large nose sat between two almond-shaped eyes more violet than blue. Her lips were fuller than average, and when she smiled, a slight gap sat between her two front teeth.
Yet, as she stood before him, proud and undaunted by the hate that crashed through her window, he felt a connection. He’d been raised to cherish women, and this woman clearly needed help.
His eyes swept over Charley. They both needed him. Charley was the reason he was here in the first place. Kaitlin wouldn’t be happy with his plan, but then, he was just stubborn enough to insist.
“Ma’am. ’Pears to me you need protection.”
She ignored his suggestion as she rattled on about the unopened mail. “I figured if I didn’t open them, I wouldn’t know what they said, and it wouldn’t affect me. I never thought someone would break my window to make a point.”
“Do you know who’s behind this?”
“No. Lots of people would like to see us leave. I’m not very popular with some of our citizens. My group of suffragists has made quite a few enemies in our quest to shut down saloons and gain women the vote.”
Shut down saloons? No wonder those yahoos doused her with molasses. Only a very brave soul or a very stupid one would dare threaten man’s haven from quarrelsome wives and underpaid jobs.
“Well, that settles it.” He folded his arms across his chest.
“Settles what?”
“I’m stayin’ here.” His mouth quirked in a half smile. “I’ll bed down on the floor if’n I have to, but I’m not leavin’ Charley unprotected, and it’s clear to me you need help.”
“But...”
“With me here, I can watch the place, see if any strangers start lurking around.”
She set her fists on her hips. “You can take Charley with you to a hotel in town and visit anytime you like if you’re so concerned about her being here.”
“I brought her to Denver, so she could spend time with you. She can’t very well do that holed up in a hotel most of the day.”
“Mr. Stanton, really...”
He gave her his most charismatic smile then winked. “Can’t argue with a stubborn cowboy, Miss Kanatzer. Find me a blanket and pillow. Best resign yourself to the fact I’m stayin’.”
Three
Kaitlin held her mouth ajar. Unfortunately, the incredulous look she gave Mr. Stanton didn’t seem to ruffle his determination. Of all the high-handed maneuvers, his took the cake. She picked up the broom while she pondered her next words.
“Mr. Stanton, I appreciate your concern, but we need to clarify a few things here.”
“I’m all ears.”
Her gaze darted to his ears, and she wanted to argue that point. His ears were perfectly shaped and complemented his square jaw.
Kaitlin turned to Charley. “Charley, there’s a jar of cookies in the kitchen you’re welcome to. You’ll find glasses in the cupboard, and there’s fresh-squeezed lemonade in a pitcher on the counter.”
“If that’s my cue to leave, so the two of you can talk about me, I’d rather stay,” Charley said. The mature remark caught Kaitlin by surprise.
“Earlier, you said you were hungry.”
She clutched her lower abdomen and grimaced. “That’s before my stomach started hurting again.”
“Charley, go to the kitchen and give us some time to talk.” Bryce gave Charley a pointed glare.
Charley stalked off to the kitchen as directed.
“Really, Mr. Stanton.” Kaitlin leaned her weight on the broom. “Today has been too much. You can’t just dump a child on a person without forewarning.”
Mr. Stanton picked up the one letter he hadn’t torn open yet, the one he’d written some months back. “Beggin’ pardon, ma’am, but I believe this is your forewarnin’.”
She snagged the letter from his hand. “Even so, you don’t know anything about me. While I want the best for Charley, I’m just not equipped to take on a child.”
He gave her a lazy smile, and his gaze roamed her figure. “’Pears like you’re well equipped to me.”
She pointed the broom at him. “That remark was uncalled for.”
He made her uncomfortably aware of her shortcomings. She thought she’d gotten past her lack of self-confidence, but Charley’s sudden appearance and this man’s keen regard had brought her feelings of inadequacy to the forefront once more.
“You’ve got more bristles than that broom you’re clutchin’.” He took the broom from her hands and set it aside. “Maybe you’re right, Miss Kanatzer. I’m not so sure Charley needs a stodgy aunt. Charley doesn’t want a keeper, she just needs female guidance.”
“What do you mean by stodgy aunt?” She leaned toward him and furrowed her brow. She wanted to stomp her foot in anger but refrained from the childish gesture.
He expelled warm breath and stepped back. “I think maybe you and me got on the wrong horse. I brought Charley here because you’re her only family, at least, the only family I know of. Charley’s a young lady in desperate need of somethin’ I can’t give her. I assumed you’d welcome her into your home.”
“What is your relationship to Charley?”
“Can we sit? It’s been a long day.”
Kaitlin inclined her head and followed him to the settee. She took a seat opposite him.
“Well?” She couldn’t keep the impatience from her voice.
“Bethany and I were friends.”
“I’m sure.” Her brow arched in disdain. Bethany’s chosen profession had broken her father’s heart. “Bethany liked male friends. Is Charley your daughter?”
“Hell no.”
Her eyes widened at his use of profanity, but she refrained from correcting him. Instead, she asked, “Do you know who her father is?”
“No, and I doubt we ever will, but I know for a fact it wasn’t me.”
“So, how...”
“Bryce! Uncle Bryce.” Charley came into the room, clutching her stomach, tears streaming down her face. “My stomach really hurts, now.”
He jumped up from the settee. Rushing to Charley’s side, he knelt down. Kaitlin came up behind them and peered down at the girl. Charley held her hands just below her abdomen.
“Tell me how it hurts, Charley.” His gentleness surprised Kaitlin.
“I don’t know. It just hurts. Bad.”
His large hand cradled her forehead, searching for fever. “You got a doctor close I can take her to?”
“I’m not sure she needs...”
“Make it stop, Uncle Bryce,” Charley cried, bending double.
He whipped around to glare at Kaitlin. “She’s hurtin’. She needs a doctor!”
Kaitlin knelt down beside the two of them. Placing her hand on Charley’s shoulder, she asked, “Do you feel sick, like you’re going to throw up?”
Her pigtails bobbed from side to side as she shook her head no. If this was just an act to gain sympathy from Mr. Stanton, she was doing a supreme job. Kaitlin searched Charley’s pinched features for signs of deceit, but all she found was a sincere display of pain.
Understanding dawned. She wondered if she should ask Mr. Stanton to give her some time alone with Charley. On the other hand, knowing his penchant for stubborn behavior, she doubted he would take the hint. If he were going to be the primary guardian for this young girl, he would need the education she was about to give them both.
Ignoring Mr. Stanton, Kaitlin continued, “Charley, is it a sharp pain or a dull pain?”
“Both. Make it go away.” Her face flushed with anguish.
Mr. Stanton stood up and walked over to the hall tree to fetch Charley’s coat. “We’re wastin’ time. She’s gotta go see a doctor. She started complainin’ some on the way here, but I figured it was just nerves.”
Kaitlin’s eyes met his. Tamping down her embarrassment, she replied, “I think this is one of those times you were worrying over. Charley doesn’t need a doctor for what ails her. I suspect she’s just started her monthlies. If you’ll excuse us, I’ll see Charley taken care of.”
Color flooded his cheeks, and he cleared his throat. “She’s too young, ain’t she? My sister didn’t get her first visit ’til she was fifteen. She caused quite a ruckus when it happened.” He gave a rueful smile. “None of the men knew how to handle the situation.”
She smiled at his unguarded display of embarrassment and his candid revelation. “While elev
en is a mite young, it’s not unheard of. If I remember correctly, her mother was an early bloomer. If you’ll trust me to take Charley upstairs for a minute, I can confirm my suspicions.”
To his credit, he made no derogatory comment, but accepted her diagnosis at face value. He hung the coat again while Kaitlin ushered Charley up the stairs to a bedroom. En route, Kaitlin accepted the truth of Mr. Stanton’s argument. Charley was her niece, her responsibility now that Bethany was gone, and Charley needed her.
~ * ~
“How is she?” Bryce asked when Kaitlin came down the stairs.
“She’s resting. The first time for a girl is always traumatic.” Kaitlin met his eyes straight on, and he admired her diplomacy in handling a delicate situation.
Bryce nodded. His sister’s first time had caught them all unawares. Traumatic was an understatement. She’d carried on like she was dying. They had lost their mother when Julia was just five, so he and his brothers helped his father raise her. Growing up in the male-dominated arena had been difficult for Julia, and he didn’t want that for Charley.
“Thank you.” Not many of the women he knew would speak of such a personal matter with a complete stranger.
“Kaitlin?” Maggie called out. Her timing couldn’t have been better. He bowed his head, indicating Kaitlin should answer. She called back in kind, directing Maggie to meet them in the parlor.
With her gaze averted, he let his eyes travel the length of her. What Kaitlin Kanatzer lacked in beauty, she made up for in feminine curves. Full chested with a tiny waist, Kaitlin had a very impressive figure. Bryce would give his best pair of boots to be able to see through the layers of material that hid a luscious body.
“I found a policeman, but I don’t know what you expect him to do about...” Maggie began but trailed off when her eyes settled on Bryce.
“As you can see, Mr. Stanton wasn’t the culprit.” Kaitlin stood to meet the policeman, and Bryce followed suit.
“Mind tellin’ me what happened here? Miss McGuire told me some, but I can see she didn’t have all her facts squared away.” A stockily built, middle-aged man followed Maggie into the room. The badge and uniform indicated his status as a member of the Denver Police Force.
