Justin's Bride

by Susan Mallery

  “Both.” Before she could continue, she felt a light touch on her arm. She turned and saw Cameron Forbes staring down at her. He wore a thick, lined winter jacket and his hat pushed back so she could see his face.

  “Are you all right, Miss Bartlett?” he asked.

  His voice was so low it should have sent shivers racing down her spine. With his dark-haired good looks and tall, well-muscled frame, he was any maiden’s dream. When his perfect smile was combined with the faint sadness in his eyes, he should have been as irresistible to her as a brightly colored ribbon was to her new kitten. He’d been in Landing almost five years. They’d spoken after church services, had even danced together twice last year at the Fourth of July celebration. He should have made her heart race. But he didn’t.

  “I’m fine, Mr. Forbes.”

  “Why wouldn’t she be?” Colleen asked. “I am her sister.”

  Cameron ignored the interruption. Cool gray eyes met her own. “You’re sure?”

  “Yes.”

  Colleen sniffed. “Well, I never heard such nonsense.”

  “I’ll be right here in the store if you need me.” He touched his hat brim. “Ladies.”

  Cameron returned to his study of the gardening equipment.

  “Who does that man think he is?” Colleen asked, turning her head so that her voice was sure to carry to the handsome farmer.

  “A good customer,” Megan said, watching Cameron pick up one hoe, then disregard it in favor of another. “With his experimental crops and new ideas, he’s always ordering special from back East. And he’s a friend.”

  Colleen raised her eyebrows. “You watch who you’re friends with, Megan. You’re a single woman and Landing is a very small town.”

  She looked at her sister, wondering when they’d stopped being friends. “I know.”

  Colleen began tugging on her gloves. Her mouth got that pinched look, as if she’d tasted something sour. “Despite your low and very misplaced opinion about me, I do have that bastard child’s best interests at heart. There are places for a girl like her.”

  “What does that mean?”

  “An orphanage. The church will pay for her train ticket.”

  It was probably better for the child, Megan thought. If the little girl stayed here, Colleen would make her life miserable. She watched as her sister adjusted her brown hat, and checked the angle of the dyed feather. At one time, they had been so much alike. When had all that changed? When had Colleen become meanspirited? Was it after her marriage to Gene or before?

  Megan tried to remember. It suddenly seemed important to know. There was a time when she’d confided everything to her sister. Once they’d almost looked like twins. Although younger by almost two years, Colleen now looked much older. Her hair had darkened to a mousy brown and there were lines around her eyes. Discontent pulled at her sister’s face making it—

  The front door opened. Megan took a step back so she could see around Colleen. Before she could focus on the customer who had just entered the store, her breath caught in her throat. She didn’t have to look. She knew.

  She must have made some sound, for Colleen turned slowly.

  “Ah, Sheriff Kincaid.” Colleen said the words as if they left a bad taste in her mouth. “I believe you spoke with that dreadful woman yesterday and her bastard brat. I’ve given the situation some thought.”

  Justin stared at her. Morning light shone through the freshly washed windows, surrounding him with a golden glow. Megan knew she was being fanciful, but at that moment he looked as invincible as a warrior. He stood tall and strong, his feet spread slightly, his hands hanging loosely at his sides. His dark beaver-felt hat hid his eyes, but she knew they would be burning with an angry fire. She clutched the box of buttons close to her chest and smiled. Colleen had met her match.

  “I don’t want to listen to anything you have to say, madam,” he said curtly.

  “You will listen,” Colleen told him, walking toward him. “The church is prepared to—”

  There was a slight movement behind Justin. A small girl stepped out from behind the tall man. She was thin, with big eyes and beautiful dark hair. Her coat and dress were worn, her shoes in tatters. Even from halfway across the store, Megan could see the bruise on the little girl’s face.

  Her heart went out to the child. She looked about six or seven, with the most solemn expression, as if she’d never had a reason to smile. Megan had only been a few years older when she’d lost her own mother. She remembered how alone she’d felt, and she’d still had her sister and father. This girl had no one.

  The child bit her lower lip and pointed. “That’s the church lady. The one who said my mama was a postute.”

  Justin place his large hand on the girl’s shoulder. “I know, honey. Don’t worry. I won’t let her hurt you.” He looked at Colleen. “You’ve already done enough. I’ll take care of the girl.”

  “You?” Colleen shuddered as if she’d just seen a mouse. “That’s hardly appropriate.”

  “It’s a damn sight more appropriate than anything you’ve got planned. I wouldn’t trust you to take care of a stalk of corn, let alone a child.”

  Colleen puffed up, her chin thrusting forward defiantly, her hands clutching together in agitation. “Don’t you dare swear in front of me.”

  “Colleen, you’re making this more than it has to be,” Megan said, stepping closer to her sister. “If Justin doesn’t want your assistance, then don’t give it to him.”

  “I don’t need you to fight my battles.” Colleen glared at the child. “I will do my Christian duty, despite your interference, Justin Kincaid. As I was saying, the church is willing to buy her a train ticket East, so she can go to an orphanage. We simply don’t have the facilities in Landing to take care of a child like her.”

  The little girl had been following the conversation, turning her head from one adult to another. At Colleen’s pronouncement, she froze in place. Her face went pale and her big eyes filled with tears. “Don’t let her send me to an orphanage.”

  “I won’t,” he said, never taking his gaze from Colleen.

  “I suppose you plan to keep her yourself?”

  “If I have to.”

  Colleen laughed. The harsh, brittle sound echoed in the store like a sharp explosion of shattered glass. “In your hotel room? What will you do with her while you visit your—”

  “Don’t say it,” he growled. “I won’t be responsible for my actions if you do.”

  “Justin?” The girl tugged on his pant leg. “Promise me I don’t have to go to the orphanage.” Her voice shook so much, she barely got the word out.

  He crouched down beside her. “I promise, Bonnie.”

  A single tear rolled down the child’s cheek. He brushed it away with his thumb. Megan set her box of buttons on the glass counter and moved over to the girl.

  The child looked up at her. The fear in the little girl’s eyes hit her square in the midsection. She forced herself to smile. “If Justin says he’s going to keep you safe, then you can believe him.”

  The girl sniffed. “I don’t wanna go. Mrs. Jarvis said they beat children there.” Another tear fell.

  Justin smoothed his fingers over her cheek. The tender gesture should have been awkward and out of character, Megan thought, but he had always been good at doing the unexpected.

  “A pretty story,” Colleen said. “Very touching, I’m sure. However, the town doesn’t have any room to keep her.”

  Justin stood up. “I said she’s staying with me. I want to help Bonnie find her family.”

  “You really think she has any? If her father cared about her, he would have married her mother. But then, that’s probably why the two of you get along,” Colleen continued. “You’re a bastard, too, aren’t you, Justin? Like meets like.”

  “Colleen, leave Justin and the girl alone. You should be pleased not to have to pay for the train ticket. Let that be enough.”

  “Don’t you tell me what to do,” Colleen sai
d coldly. She started toward the door. When she reached it, she paused and looked back. “You’d better take care, Megan. You’re just an old maid and your good reputation is all you have. If people find out you’re associating with this man and that brat, they’ll take their business elsewhere rather than deal with someone of loose moral character.”

  “I have the only store in this town. Where would they go?”

  “This isn’t the only town, though, is it?”

  Megan stared at her sister. At her expensive clothes and fancy coiffure. She didn’t know this woman at all.

  “Oh, and Justin, don’t bother trying to find someone else to take in the child. I’ll make sure none of the decent women in town will have anything to do with her. If you get tired of playing nursemaid, my offer of a ticket to the orphanage still stands. If not, there’s always the saloon. Perhaps you can find her relatives among the whores. After all, that’s where you found her mother.” Colleen laughed.

  “Get out!” Megan said loudly.

  Colleen sobered. “Don’t push me, Megan. I can destroy you.” With that, the door slammed shut behind her.

  CHAPTER SIX

  Megan stared at the closed door and wondered when she would stop shaking. It wasn’t anger as much as shock that made her tremble. Justin Kincaid had been back exactly three days and already her life had been completely disrupted.

  She glanced around the store. Neither of the customers were paying any attention to her, but she doubted that they could have missed the argument. It could have been worse, she told herself. At least neither Cameron nor old Zeke were likely to spread rumors. Imagine what would have happened if Mrs. Dobson had been here to listen. By noon, the entire town would know Megan’s business.

  “Are you all right?”

  She looked up at Justin. He’d moved next to her. His hand rested on her arm much as Cameron Forbes’s had done moments before. The question was the same, as well. Only her reaction was different. Justin’s words soothed her and his touch warmed her clear down to her toes, giving her much-needed strength.

  “I’m fine,” she said, then wondered if he’d heard the quaver in her voice.

  “I’d like you to meet a friend of mine.” He smiled down at the girl. “Megan Bartlett, this is Bonnie Smith.”

  Bonnie looked up at her. “You’re as pretty as my mama.”

  Justin’s fingers tightened on her arm. She knew he thought the comparison might make her angry. She shrugged him away impatiently, then crouched. “Hello, Bonnie.” Megan reached forward and gently touched the child’s unmarked cheek. “I didn’t know your mama, but I thank you for the compliment. You’re so pretty yourself, she must have been very beautiful.”

  “She’s dead. Mrs. Jarvis says she went to hell.”

  Megan glanced up at Justin, then turned back to the girl. “Who is Mrs. Jarvis?”

  “She’s the lady who takes care of me. She doesn’t like my mama.”

  Megan touched the very edge of the bruise on Bonnie’s cheek. “Is she the one who hit you?”

  Bonnie nodded. “It doesn’t hurt anymore. I told Mama once what she did. She yelled at Mrs. Jarvis, but it didn’t matter. When Mama left, Mrs. Jarvis hit me again.” Her small dark eyebrows drew together. “Am I going to get a whippin’ now?”

  Megan’s eyes burned from threatening tears. Still, she forced herself to smile. “No. Justin and I don’t believe in hitting little girls.” She pointed to the far counter. “Do you see that big jar there?”

  “Uh-huh.”

  “There’s some candy inside. If you’re real careful, you can use the step stool and get yourself a piece. Would you like that?”

  Bonnie nodded vigorously. “I had candy before, and it was good.”

  “All right. Be careful on the stool.”

  The little girl ran off, her dark hair swaying with her movements. Megan had never seen Laurie Smith, but the young woman must have been stunning. No wonder Justin had preferred her bed to the chaste kisses Megan had offered.

  “You surprise me,” Justin said, holding out his hand to assist her to her feet. “I didn’t think you would ever stand up to your sister.”

  She shrugged off the compliment as she tried to ignore the feel of his strong fingers against hers. When he didn’t release her instantly, she found herself wanting to stand there forever.

  She stared at the swept wooden floor of the store, then at the front door and finally at the buttons of Justin’s white shirt. His fingers tugged her closer. She took a single step, but didn’t look any higher than the third button from his collar. She could see the rise and fall of his broad chest, and the open collar of his shirt. She could inhale the clean scent of him and almost feel his heat. She should be furious about Bonnie, about Laurie Smith and the time he’d spent with the woman. She should be terrified about what Colleen had threatened. She should throw Justin out of her store. But she found the only throwing she wanted to do was herself—into his arms.

  “Colleen was wrong,” she said at last. “Bonnie isn’t responsible for who her parents are or what circumstances she finds herself in.”

  “Colleen is a—”

  “Don’t.” Megan raised her eyebrows. “I know she can be difficult, but I’ll thank you to remember she’s still my sister.”

  “You’re nothing alike, thank God.”

  She risked glancing at him and was rewarded by his most devastating smile. The one that made her forget things like her name and where she was. The flash of white teeth against his tanned face, the deeper lines beside his eyes, the flicker of appreciation as his gaze swept over her. This was the Justin she remembered. The young man she’d never been able to forget.

  The front door opened. Two women came in. Megan instantly stepped back from him and walked toward the candy aisle. Bonnie had taken her treat and was now exploring the store. Megan stepped behind the counter and began rearranging glass bottles.

  “I remember when Colleen was young,” Megan said. “She was wild, always getting into trouble. Papa used to despair of ever getting her to understand about manners and acting like a lady.”

  “Something got through to her. She’s turned into a—” Megan threw him a sharp glance at him. He took off his hat. “I won’t say it, just for you.”

  “Thank you.” Megan glanced at the girl gazing at a display of rings. “How did you end up with her?”

  “After your gentle sister threw Bonnie off church property, Mrs. Jarvis brought her to me. She told me in no uncertain terms that if she wasn’t going to continue to get paid, she wasn’t going to take care of Bonnie.”

  His hands lay on the counter. As he spoke, he curled his fingers toward his palms until he’d made tight fists. She could feel the anger radiating from him. Without thinking, she reached forward and covered his hands with hers.

  “I’m sorry, Justin.”

  He looked at her. Those stunning dark eyes, eyes that she’d dreamed about for the last seven years, seemed to see past her exterior self and down into her soul. She was afraid then, afraid of the old feelings, afraid of what he might make her feel. She couldn’t be what he needed her to be. The failing had always been hers. She knew that in her most secret self. Frightened and ashamed, she withdrew her hands and turned away.

  “Bonnie is very thin,” she said, to change the subject.

  “I don’t think she was fed much. She’s got bruises on her legs to match that one on her face. Her clothes are filthy. I had one of the maids at the hotel give her a bath and then do what she could with the child’s clothes, but Bonnie doesn’t even have a decent pair of shoes, let alone a spare anything else.”

  “I can fix that,” she said and started toward the other side of the store. The two women shoppers smiled a greeting. They glanced from her to Justin, but Megan simply nodded as she walked past them to the shelf of ready-made garments.

  “There should be several things here,” she said, pulling down a pile from a high shelf. “She’ll need a couple of dresses, a coat, underthi
ngs, a nightgown. What else?”

  She sorted through the clothes, finding two items, putting the rest back. The smallest nightgowns were up on the top shelf. They didn’t sell many of those. Most women simply made over already worn larger gowns for their children. She grabbed a step stool and brought it back to where she needed it, then climbed up. The pile was still almost out of reach. She stretched high.

  “You could take her in, Megan. You have that big house all to yourself.”

  Justin’s words shocked her. Take in Bonnie? Herself?

  She got a hold of the nightgowns and drew them down. Still staring at the full shelves, she turned the idea over in her mind. Colleen’s threats presented the first obstacle. She wasn’t worried exactly, but her sister could be a problem. There was also the question of work. Bonnie would have to stay in the store all day since the town didn’t have a school. Megan wasn’t sure a little girl would enjoy that much. Of course, the general store had to be better for her than Mrs. Jarvis’s house. Megan stepped off the stool and moved to the counter.

  “Never mind.” Justin’s voice was low and angry.

  Startled, she looked at him. “What do you mean?”

  He grimaced. “I should have remembered that nothing is more important to you than your reputation. Colleen’s threats really bothered you, didn’t they? Don’t worry, Bonnie and I don’t need you.”

  “Justin, no. You’re not being fair.” She saw the two women across the store glance toward her. She spoke more softly. “I was thinking about all that’s involved with taking in a child.”

  “You didn’t have to think about taking in the kitten.”

  “They’re hardly the same thing.”

  He placed his forearms on the counter and leaned toward her. “You know what I mean. No one cares about a damn cat, so that’s safe. But when it gets a little dangerous, you back off. You’re so frightened of not doing exactly what everyone expects. Fine, then. If that’s all that matters to you, keep your reputation.”

  She set down the nightgowns and glared at him. “Don’t be ridiculous. Are you planning to take her back to the hotel with you? She’s just a little girl. She needs more than that.”