by Gold, Ciara
Katy’s mouth gaped, and she glanced at Bryce. “So your suspicions might be true. I might be sitting on a wealthy find.”
“This doesn’t change anything.” Bryce needed her to know that, even though he suspected as much, he hadn’t married her for any promised silver.
“What do you mean?”
“It means you’re all the treasure I’ll ever need or want.”
“You thought I’d worry that you were after the same thing as James, that you only wanted me for my land?”
Bryce shrugged. He hoped that wasn’t the case, but she’d never told him her feelings. She’d shown him in small ways that her regard for him was special, but she’d never intoned the words.
Dan coughed then nodded toward the lingering crowd.
“I got too much to do here, keeping this group under control. I just wanted to tell you what I knew. By the way, you don’t have to worry any more over cahoots trying to kill you. When we searched James’ place, we discovered correspondence that alluded to a liaison whom we believe to be his accomplice.”
“Was it Emma Hood?”
Dan shook his head. “Though to be honest, that thought crossed my mind. No. It was...”
Just then a searing pain skittered across Bryce’s arm and another gunshot exploded near his ear. He dropped the signs he still held, and they clattered at their feet. Kaitlin screamed. Ignoring the pain to his arm, he swung his body in front of Kaitlin and pushed her toward a covered porch where he hoped to find shelter.
Dan drew his weapon and dove behind a wagon. Another shot splintered the wooden post and Bryce swore beneath his breath. “I’m getting’ mighty tired of these attempts on your life.”
Katy examined his sleeve. “The bullet only grazed your arm. You’re barely bleeding. Thank God it’s not more serious.”
He peered down the street, amazed to see how quickly the crowd had dissipated at the sound of more gunfire. His gaze caught movement and sunlight sparkled off metal. Had he found the shooter? He withdrew his Colt 45 and aimed.
Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Dan slide behind the gunman’s hiding place a safe distance away. “Come out with your hands up. I’ve got my gun pointed your way.”
After a moment’s silence, a woman emerged from the shadows, her gun aimed toward Bryce and Katy.
“Marcy Klein?” He whispered.
Marcy wore a decidedly anxious mask, her features skewed to reflect her madness. “You both killed my James.” She pulled back the hammer and fired.
Kaitlin screamed and ducked into the entryway of a store. Glass exploded into a million pieces when the bullet struck a nearby window. Another shot rang out, and Marcy collapsed onto the ground.
Kaitlin averted her head at the grizzly sight while Bryce rushed to the body. Dan came forward and gazed down at Marcy’s still form. He holstered his gun and knelt to check for a pulse. “She’s dead.”
Kaitlin staggered toward them, her fist clutched to her mouth. “I can’t believe Marcy tried to kill us.”
“Makes sense to me,” Dan said, rolling her over onto her back. Blood stained the front of her bodice. “She was Latham’s lover.”
Katy fixed her gaze on the milling crowd. “Marcy? But he called her Little Em.”
Bryce pondered for a moment before expelling a huge sigh. “I think he called her that because she wrote articles for the paper under the pseudonym of L. M. Klein.”
“And she signed those notes I found with a little ‘m’.” Katy added.
“With Miss Klein dead and Farley in custody, I think we can label this case closed.”
“Thanks Dan. I owe you one.” Bryce extended his hand.
“All in the line of duty. You don’t owe me a thing. I was grateful for all your help in investigating this thing. You two be careful, and I’ll see you tomorrow.” Dan accepted the handshake and Bryce grimaced at the sudden pain. “Kaitlin, you best take your man home and tend to his scratch.”
“I will and thank you again.”
Once Dan left to see about dealing with Marcy’s body, Bryce gathered Katy close. “Are you all right?”
“I should be asking you that. You’re the one sporting a wound from her attempts. But yes, I’m fine. Shocked. Dazed. Maybe even a little nauseated, but also relieved to have this behind me.”
His hand stroked her back. “It’s hard watchin’ a person die. Just take a deep breath and relax.”
She did as he said and rested easy in his arms. After a short while, she pulled away and cupped Bryce’s face, forcing him to look into her eyes.
“I know I’ve been a pain to work with, and you’ve been most patient with me.”
“You trust me then?” He placed his hands on her waist and drew her closer.
“With my life.” She kissed him, pouring all her emotions into showing him her trust.
He pulled away. “I’m glad. I may be many things, but I’ve never been much of a gold digger. I could care less whether we excavate for silver or not. Cowboyin’ is in my blood. It’s who I am.”
“I never thought different.”
“Good.” He gave her a brief peck and hugged her. “Then let’s go to the house and mine for a different type of gold.”
She laughed. “I love you, Bryce Stanton. You’re my silver lining. We don’t need the gold to make our lives rich. We just need each other.”
He threw his hat into the air, unmindful of the dull pain in his arm, and let out a whoop. She loved him. She’d finally said the words. Now, he considered himself the richest man alive.
Epilogue
Bryce crawled out of the stage first and assisted Kaitlin from the cramped interior. She inhaled deeply once she planted herself on solid ground. If she never saw the rolling inside of a stage again, it would be too soon. For a brisk day, it had been stifling hot inside. She fanned her face, enjoying the cool April breeze that touched her skin.
He escorted her to a bench under a covered walkway. “Sit here and wait for me. I’ll just head for the livery and rent us a rig. I didn’t expect us to arrive a day early, so I know for sure my family didn’t either. I’ll have them set our bags next to you while I see about that wagon.”
She eyed the hardwood bench with trepidation. “I think I’ll stand.”
He chuckled. “I’ll be right back.” With that, he darted off, leaving her alone in a strange town. Not that she was worried. On the contrary, Bryce would protect her at all costs. He would return just as he’d claimed, then they’d make their way to his ancestral home.
Butterflies danced in her stomach at the thought. Though excited to meet his family at long last, she also feared their reception. Would they embrace her, or would they think her odd for her radical views? She squared her shoulders. It wasn’t like her to worry over someone’s opinion of her and yet...
She peered around the semi-deserted street, taking in the sights. Brownwood wasn’t anything like Denver. This city was more rustic, less congested than her hometown. Only one main street and a few offshoot streets defined the layout for the town. Storefronts consisted of either wood or stone décor. She glanced over her shoulder and realized she stood in front of the local milliner’s shop. Smiling, she peered through the window to peruse the many hats on display.
A woman inside giggled, and Kaitlin shifted her gaze toward the sound and froze.
Bryce had his arms wrapped around her in a very possessive hug. An old friend? His sister, Julia, perhaps? Her eyes narrowed to slits. Old friends didn’t kiss like they were devouring each other. What on earth?
Kaitlin swung open the door and marched inside. Before she could rationalize her behavior, she swung her reticule in a sweeping arch that caught Bryce along his cheekbone.
He broke contact with the woman and staggered from the assault. “What the hell!”
The woman squealed then looped her arm through his and touched the red mark on his cheek. “Are you all right?”
“Well if he’s all right, then I didn’t hit him hard enough.”
She raised the reticule again to strike, but her wrist was caught in a vise grip.
“Dang, you know exactly how to endear folks to you, Katy.” Bryce whirled her around to face him.
“Bryce?” She blinked then turned her gaze on the other man. “Twins?”
Bryce nodded, grinning at the fine joke. His brother didn’t seem to find it all that humorous, though, if his fierce frown was any indication.
Kaitlin blanched. “I’m so sorry. Bryce failed to tell me he had a twin.”
The other woman laughed. “Oh my, Bryce, you are just too horrible with your jokes. You haven’t pulled one on JD like that in forever.”
JD rubbed his jaw. “Oh yeah, that was mighty funny. I’m gonna laugh all the way home.”
“I’m Rachel, JD’s wife. I guess that makes us sisters-in-law. You are Bryce’s new wife, right?” The hope in her voice was unmistakable.
Kaitlin nodded, warming immediately to the gregarious woman. “Kaitlin, but Bryce calls me Katy.”
Rachel grasped both her hands and squeezed. “Don’t know how you put up with Bryce. He’s a handful, always fooling around.”
Bryce laughed. “Oh, she has her own special way of handlin’ me.” He winked.
JD smirked. “Let me guess. A wallop upside your hard head?”
Bryce’s grin faded, and he punched JD lightly in the shoulder. “Very funny.”
“Enough, you two roughnecks. Kaitlin is probably exhausted from the trip. Bryce, see to taking her home, and we’ll follow along shortly.”
Before they left, JD drew Kaitlin into his arms and gave her a warm hug. “Welcome to the family, Katy. Any woman that can wallop a punch like that has what it takes to settle this here hombre.” He slugged Bryce on the shoulder. “We’ll see you two at the ranch.”
Kaitlin was relieved by Rachel’s suggestion. Bryce steered her through the door. “I’ve already got our bags loaded, Mrs. Stanton.”
She nodded and allowed Bryce to assist her into the buckboard. Once settled, he unset the brake and motioned the horse into action. The wagon lurched before settling into a rickety ride. Waiting until they were well on their way to take Bryce to task for keeping his twin a secret, Kaitlin amused herself by studying the varied landscape.
Different than her land, this part of Texas displayed a wealth of gently rolling hills and vast grassland dotted with large oak trees. Cattle roamed the countryside, reminding her of the Silver Saddle. A sharp pang of homesickness hit her, stunning her with its intensity. They’d only been gone a week and already she missed home. More importantly, she missed Sarge. She grabbed the side when the wheel hit a rut and grimaced when she came down hard on her seat.
“Sorry about that,” Bryce said, looking chagrined.
She frowned but said nothing.
“You mad at me?”
Her brows lifted. “Mad? What gave you that idea?”
“Look, I never thought to tell you about JD because it just never really entered my mind. He’s my brother.” He shrugged. “I tend to just think of him as my brother and not my walkin’ double.”
“I think it’s a pretty important detail. After all, we’ve been married for five months, and I’d think that would be something valid to share with your wife.”
He ducked his head and stared straight ahead. “Well, since we’re discussin’ secrets, maybe you’d like to share somethin’ with me?”
Her skin warmed. When had he found out? She’d hoped to gift him with her surprise for their six-month anniversary. If he knew already, she’d have to think of another present to give him. “What secret would that be?” She stalled, thinking maybe he only guessed at her knowledge.
“You’ve been keeping something from me for the past month. A husband just knows these things. Care to share?”
“Why is it that when I accuse you and get all riled up, you always find a way to turn things around and put the blame on me?”
“Are we fixin’ to have one of our misunderstandings?” He waggled his eyebrows. “A little make-up session would be most welcome. We didn’t get to play much on the train.”
“You’re incorrigible.”
“But you love me anyway.”
She sighed. “I’m doomed. I’ll love you always, even when you keep things like having a twin from me.”
He laughed. “Now tell me your secret.”
Folding her hands in her lap, she gave him a sideways glance. “I’m about to make you the richest man alive.”
“You’ve already done that.”
“Oh.” She pursed her lips. “Well, then, I’m about to double your worth.”
His eyes widened. “You’re expectin’?”
She gripped the seat, and her face warmed. The thought of being pregnant had never entered her mind. She’d been too busy with ranch matters to pay much attention to her body. Staring at her abdomen, she placed a protective hand across her middle, wondering if she dared hope. “I don’t know.”
“What do you mean, you don’t know?” Bryce pulled on the reins, halting the horses. He pushed the brim of his Stetson back. “Expectin’ isn’t the secret you’re keepin’ from me?”
She tilted her head. “Well, I suppose it could be. I just never really thought about it. But it would explain a lot of things, like the loss of appetite and the fact I haven’t had my monthlies since the end of January.”
She giggled. “A baby.”
Bryce hugged her to him. “Dang, you shore know how to keep a fella intrigued.”
“Intrigued keeps you coming back for more, right?”
He dipped his head and claimed her lips in a heated kiss. She melted into his embrace, enjoying the impromptu show of affection. If nothing else, Bryce knew just how to touch her to stimulate her desires. She moaned and tore her lips from his. “Your father will be waiting.”
“He’s waited awhile now. He can wait a mite longer.”
“JD and Rachel might come upon us.”
He laughed. “They just might at that.” His expression turned serious, and he touched her cheek. “If not the baby, what other secret do you hold?”
“Kiss me again, and I might be tempted to tell you.”
Without further urging, he accepted her invitation. She savored the taste of him. A gentle breeze teased the wisps of hair peaking from underneath her bonnet. Her cowboy sure knew how to kiss. This time he broke the contact first. “Tell me or I’ll have to keep you captive in this very spot all day.”
“And you’re just stubborn enough to do it, too.”
“You know me well.”
She smiled and pulled the reticule into her lap. Fishing around, she pulled out a rock. “Remember this?”
“Galen, right?”
“Galena.” With a nod, she continued. “I finally found time to search our property. It took time, but I found galena on the east section, and I had it assayed.”
He clutched her shoulders. “It contained silver?”
“We’re looking at a pretty rich strike. You, my dear, are a wealthy man.”
He tossed his hat in the air and laughed then immediately sobered. “This changes nothin’ between us, Kaitlin, so don’t even get ideas.”
A fierce frown gathered between her brows. “What are you talking about?”
“Rich or poor, I’ll love you no matter what. I didn’t marry you because I thought the land might contain silver. I married you because you’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”
A strong wave of emotion rocked her core, and tears gathered behind her eyes. “I love you, too. You make me richer than all the silver or gold in the world.”
“Then let’s get movin’ so we can reach the Double S before dark.” He laughed and snapped the reins. The horse jerked forward, putting the buckboard into motion again. “I’ve a sudden hankerin’ to share my wealth with my family. I want them to know just how lucky I am.”
Other Books By Ciara Gold
Sci-Fi Futuristic Romance
Celestial Dragon
&n
bsp; A Nobel Sacrifice (an Epic award winning book)
Dragon King
Historical Western Romance
Sarah’s Brass Token
Julia’s Golden Eagle
Eliza's Copper Penny
Once Jilted
Texas Forged
Historical Fantasy Romance
The Keeper Of Moon Haven
Viking Era Time Travel
On The Silver Edge Of Time
On Timeless Wings Of Gold
For more information on Ciara Gold visit www.ciaragold.com
Dedication
I’d like to thank my four-corners crit partners from the Northwest Houston RWA chapter for helping iron out the beginning. Thanks go to Linda, John, Suzan, Judy, and Toni for their second set of eyes. And another big thank you to all the members of this terrific chapter for their love and support.
Please enjoy the first chapter of Texas Forged, a historical western romance set during the hurricane of 1875 in Indianola, Texas.
Prologue
October 24, 1874
Aubrey Caine stared at the faded photograph peeking through from under a canned pickle advertisement. She ripped the announcement from the general store wall, unmindful of the three other bulletins that fluttered to the hardwood floor. Staring at the smiling face that mocked her from the flat surface, she rifled around in her small purse for change. “You won’t need this flyer any longer; it’s well over a year old. That said, I suppose you won’t mind if I take the notice with me, will you?”
“Guess not, since you practically have it folded and tucked away already.” The store clerk, an odd looking man with heavy jowls and a pointed head, pulled two more old photos from the wall. “Can I interest you in a snake oil ad? Or perhaps an old wanted poster?”
“I’m only in the market for this one.” Aubrey placed a coin on the counter of the Beaver Meadow’ store and exited before the clerk refuted her claim to the piece of paper.
Outside, she gulped in a calming breath, but excitement flared unchecked as she thought of facing her missing husband. How long had it been since he left? How long since he’d stolen her son, Thad? How long since she’d received his curt letter informing her of her son’s death? She shook her head and lifted her chin. The scoundrel hadn’t even allowed her to bury the boy. She’d spent nine long years and countless resources hunting the man, and a chance discovery in his hometown could very well lead to results.
