High Stakes Bride, Men of Stone Mountain Book 2

by Clemmons, Caroline

  “I think it is romantic. I mean the part about you changing your hair color to look more appealing for Zach.” Hope chuckled. “Not the part where your plan failed and your hair turned green.”

  Alice sighed. Zach gave the story about her wanting to impress him, and she couldn’t deny it without causing a ruckus. Lies get a body all tangled up until there’s no way out. She felt the web closing around her like a bug caught by a giant spider.

  “You need not have worried, Alice. You are a beautiful woman any man would be happy to have as his wife, especially since you are so kind. Maggie and Lizzie have told me how considerate you are to them.”

  “Being nice to them is easy.”

  “This is true. I loved having them at our home. They helped Micah and me when someone I trusted would have poisoned me.”

  “They told me your story, Hope. You’re smart to have figured it out and landed Micah to help protect you.” She heard buggy wheels. Butterflies big as hummingbirds danced in her stomach.

  Hope laid a hand on Alice’s arm. “I also was alone much of the time, so I know how you must feel. Do not worry, Alice. Only nice women are invited today. You will be fine. Remember I am here and I am your friend. When you and Zach are married, we will be sisters. How I have longed for a sister always.”

  “so have I, and for a friend my age.” Alice had never had a friend before, and Hope’s reassurance made her warm and happy inside. If only she could stay, she’d have so much of what she’d hankered for. But could she stay with her stepbrothers such a threat?

  Fate sure did play tricks on her, giving her four aces and then changing the rules of the game.

  She peered around the room. Not a speck of dust showed anywhere. The windows gleamed, letting bright sunshine into the room. Why did she feel like a hostess, welcoming guests to her home? Because she wished it were true, even though she knew she only played a part. She should think of herself as an actress on stage saying words written by someone else.

  ***

  Zach sat on a barn bench honing his knife while a pile of other tools lay beside him waiting for their turn to be sharpened. He looked at Micah, sitting on a bale of hay a few feet away. “Baby sure is growing.”

  “Changes every day. I swear, Zach, I never knew a man could be so crazy about a baby who can’t even talk yet.” Micah shook his head in wonder. “Makes me sad that Mama and Papa aren’t here to see their first grandchild.”

  “They’d sure be proud of Andrew, and real pleased you found Hope too. In fact, they’d be proud of all us boys.”

  Seth piped in, “My Pa might have a baby if’n he and Miss Price get married. Then I’d be like a big brother, wouldn’t I, Pa?”

  Zach hoped that would happen. “You would, but you’re already a cousin to Andrew. How’s it feel having a little cousin?”

  “You mean it? He’s my kin?”

  Micah smiled. “And I’m your uncle and my wife is your Aunt Hope.”

  “I have three aunts? I’m getting more relatives than I ever knew a boy could have.” He looked toward the house and frowned. “Mrs. Hammond’s not my kin, is she?”

  Zach laughed. “No, she and her husband work here. They’re just our friends.”

  “She pretends she doesn’t like me and Harry, but she slips me cookies sometimes. I think she bakes ‘em just for me. I’ll bet she’d give me one now.”

  “You can go into the kitchen or slip up to your room quietly on the back stairs, but don’t go in where the women are.”

  “No, me and Harry don’t like being around a bunch of women, do we, Harry?”

  Zach would swear the dog shook his head no. He watched as the boy and dog ran full speed toward the house. “Seth never walks anywhere except inside the house.”

  The brothers fell silent as Zach started honing his tools. He started with a hoe.

  Micah stretched out on the hay bales with his hands behind his head. “Nice kid. You aim to keep him?”

  “Thought I’d talk to Judge Henderson about adoption. Seth doesn’t have any kin he knows about, so there shouldn’t be a problem. I’d feel better if he was mine legally.”

  After a companionable silence, Zach set the tool aside and touched the scar marring the side of his face. “A couple of those Kirbys are at it again. Don’t know where the other two are, but Joel has vowed to catch every last one of them.”

  “Our big brother has his hands full.” “I know, but he’ll catch them.”

  Micah exhaled and sat up. He met Zach’s gaze. “I’m thinkin’ the time has come to speak my mind. Something besides the Kirby gang is weighing heavy on your mind. I’m guessing it had to do with Alice. You know her story doesn’t make sense. Neither does yours.”

  Zach was tired of everybody questioning his story. Alice had been right about lies, but he was too far in now to face up to the truth. Besides, he didn’t know the truth, not all of it. He picked up a shovel to sharpen next. “Listen, Micah, I know how it sounds, but you have to trust me on this.”

  Micah searched his brother’s face then shook his head. “I’m not questioning your intentions or accusing her of wrong doing. Zach, the story you’ve told has holes you could drive a hay wagon through. Joel and I just wish you trusted us enough to level with us.”

  Zach ducked his head and pretended to concentrate on sharpening the shovel’s edge. “Be patient. It’s not my story to tell.”

  “I was in Georgia in the War, and know how that speech sounds. I’ll wager that woman has never set foot there. She talks like she grew up around here.”

  “I’m not sure where she grew up, but I know she’s a good person. If I can talk her into it, I want her to stay.”

  Micah’s eyes widened. “Course she’ll stay. Isn’t that why you sent for her?”

  Zach set the file and spade aside. “Hell, I might as well tell you all of it. But you have to promise you won’t laugh or poke fun at me when I do.”

  “Listen, I heard about the bright yellow underwear, and I haven’t said a word.” He grinned. “Yet.”

  Holding up his hands in surrender, Micah sobered. “Now don’t get riled. You were there for me when I needed your help. If not for you and Joel helping and Hope’s testimony, I be six feet under now. Hope might be too. Level with me and I pledge to help any way I can.”

  Zach related into the entire story, at least as much as he knew. “I heard the men cursing Alice and talking about what the man who wants her would do to her.” He spat in the dirt. “Their own stepsister, who’d spent years caring for their sick father while doing all the cooking and cleaning for them.”

  “Sounds like they’re not worth the bullet it’d take to shoot them.”

  “You have that right, but I swear I’ll drill a hole in each of them if they try to hurt Alice. While she’s been here she hasn’t been further from the house than the garden and orchard. Even that’s too exposed as far as I’m concerned, even with her keeping a rifle handy. I’ve no way of knowing where they are, but I know what they’re capable of...I could see it in their eyes.”

  Zach suppressed a shudder as an icy chill raced down his spine. “You know the look a man has when there’s no soul inside? These two had crossed over past reason. Peering into their eyes was like staring down a black abyss. Scares me to think Alice lived in the same house with them for twenty years or more.” He scrubbed his hand across his mouth. “At least now she carries a rifle when she’s outdoors.”

  “Let me send some men over to help keep guard. Burt and Slim keep asking about her, but I can get some tough hombres to give you a hand.”

  Zach took only a second to think about his brother’s offer. “If it won’t leave you short-handed, that’s not a bad idea. Don’t want to scare her, though. Burt and Slim would be best. She’s met them. They don’t look intimidating, but they’re sharp and can use a gun.”

  “That they can. I’ll send them over soon as we go home.” Micah studied Zach thoughtfully. “You need to tell Joel all this, Zach. He’s the sheriff
and has a better chance of finding the stepbrothers before they find Alice.”

  “I know,” Zach said with a nod. “I would have told him, I guess, but he’s so one way about right and wrong. Not that I think Alice has done anything wrong, but our big brother can be stiff-necked and you know it.”

  “But he’ll help you. He knows something is off and he’s hurt you haven’t confided in him. Him being the oldest made him more protective of us, and he’d do anything for us.”

  “You’re right. Guess I’ll go into town tomorrow and fill him in. I just hope Alice understands when I do tell him.”

  He looked toward the house and exhaled heavily, knowing he had to do whatever he could to keep Alice safe, even if it meant losing her forever. “You’ll stay the night, though, won’t you? Longer if you can.”

  “Wife’s worried about her Aunt Sofia who’s not feeling well. Hope wants to go back tomorrow and check on her. We’ll stay longer next time.”

  “Soon as Alice is safe, I’ll bring her to Radford Crossing and then to your place. Bet she’ll like visiting with Hope.” If he could convince her to stay. And if the men stalking her were caught before they harmed her.

  Micah grinned. “I think you have it bad for her.”

  His brother knew him too well. Zach ducked his head again to hide the blush he felt heating his face. Stupid thing, a grown man blushing. “You think what you want.”

  For too long, his family and his ranch had been his only concerns. That changed when Alice and Seth came into his life. Not that he had purposely avoided caring for anyone else, he’d even tried to care for Holly. He thanked God she’d jilted him before the wedding.

  Until Alice, he hadn’t met anyone who filled the empty ache inside him. Now he had a son who had already worked his way into his heart. If Alice would share her life with him, his world would be complete.

  Could he convince her to stay? Where were her blasted stepbrothers now?

  Chapter Twenty Five

  Ten women had joined the quilting bee besides Maggie, Lizzie, Hope, and Alice. The men had to bring in chairs from other rooms to seat everyone. Laughter and chatter surrounded Alice. She memorized each woman’s face and hoped she had the right name to go with every person. From young Melissa Bradley to Melissa’s grandmother, the seamstresses each seemed friendly and happy to be there.

  Alice worked on her quilt block, careful to make her stitches perfect. How badly she wanted the other women to admire her sewing. If she had to leave, at least they’d have one good memory of her.

  “Thank goodness you’re sitting next to me, Hope.” Alice gazed around the room. “I’m surprised this many women came.”

  “We love to get together when we can. They made the sweetest quilt for Andrew. I can hardly wait to show it to you.”

  Alice wondered if she’d be able to visit Hope and see Andrew’s quilt. How wonderful it would be to have a friend and sister her age to exchange visits with and chatter like Mama had said she and her friends had. And Hope and Micah were staying the night. Would she and Zach visit overnight with Hope and Micah? She looked forward to seeing the hacienda where this wealthy couple lived.

  She forced herself to remember she was here only temporarily. “Do you think some of the women here today will spend the night like you and Micah?”

  “Oh, no, they’ll go home late this afternoon. That’s why we start so early. Our fingers will be tired by four o’clock. We’ll meet again in two weeks.”

  Would she still be here then? “We have a nice lunch ready to serve. Mrs. Hammonds and the aunts whipped up treats yesterday.”

  “And you helped, I’ll bet.” Hope smiled at her.

  “Yes, I can hardly do otherwise. I’m feeling much stronger, but they still treat me as if I’ll break.”

  “Believe me, I understand. That’s how they treated me. Well, they still do.” Hope looked up from her sewing. “I want to get them a nice house in Radford Crossing so they will be close to their nephews. The three brothers are the only family either has left.”

  Alice pricked her finger. “Ouch.” She sucked the spot to prevent blood staining her fabric. Heavens, Micah and Hope must have a lot of money if she could buy the aunts a home. “That’s a lovely idea. Have you mentioned it to them?”

  “Not yet. I wanted to get your and Zach’s opinion first.”

  Alice’s first ever friend her age, and she had to deceive her. “I imagine Zach would love them nearby, that is, unless he intends them to live here with him.”

  Hope tilted her head in thought. “Hmm, I had not thought of that. Still, do you not think Maggie and Lizzie would prefer a place of their own?”

  Alice peered around the room and at the window’s river view. “Can’t think of anywhere nicer than here, but you may be right.”

  Hope smiled at her again. “You will be happy here, my friend. I can see that you already love this ranch and home. But I was thinking of the aunts as they grow older.”

  Alice saw the reason of Hope’s plan. “Reckon you could find a house with no stairs so they never had to climb? Maggie and Lizzie would probably like being in town so they can shop and visit easily with others, but still be near their nephews. You should talk to them if you spot a nice place.”

  “What a kind person you are. You and Zach make a fine couple and I am pleased with your plans for marriage. Micah and I owe a lot to Zach and Joel. They’re both fine men.”

  “I-I don’t know Joel well, but Zach is the best man I ever met.” Quickly, Alice changed to a less painful subject. “Do you come to Zach’s often?”

  “Maybe two or three times a month. Tonight we are staying here because traveling with the baby is tiring. But tomorrow I must go see about my Aunt Sofia.”

  Hope’s dark eyes lighted with sparkles. “I just had a great idea. When you are married, we should have a family dinner each month with Joel and the aunts. Will that not be fun? We can take turns meeting here and at our hacienda.”

  Fun? The idea of a family dinner sounded wonderful. “That is a good notion.” But would she be around to share the occasions?

  A baby’s cry sent Hope scurrying to check on Andrew. Relieved the discussion of her remaining came to a halt, Alice sat deep in thought. More than anything, she wanted to stay with Zach, to become his wife and be part of this wonderful family.

  This wonderful family she had deceived.

  Would they turn their backs on her and hate her? What about Zach’s brother, the sheriff? As a man of the law, would Joel help her? He had the power and authority to capture Rusty and Frank. But when he did and the boys talked, would Zach still want her around?

  The day passed quickly. About three, the women gathered their blocks together and positioned them to be joined.

  Alice clasped her hands to her chest. “It’s going to be so beautiful. The loveliest quilt I’ve ever seen.” Even nicer than Mama had made.

  Lizzie gave Alice a quick hug. “I’m so pleased you like it, dear. Don’t you think it will look lovely on your and Zach’s bed?”

  “Our...you mean it’s for...?” Her throat closed and she couldn’t speak. Tears filled her eyes. These women had worked all day on this beautiful creation for her and Zach.

  “Now, now, Alice.” Maggie patted her back. “We wanted to give you and Zach something special for your engagement, so we chose this wedding ring pattern.”

  Old Mrs. Agatha Bradley said, “We make one for every wedding and new baby.” Her laugh sounded like a cackle. “Won’t be long ‘til we’ll be making a baby quilt for you ‘uns.”

  “Come, grandmother.” Melissa helped Mrs. Bradley rise. “Time for us to go home if we’re to make it before dark.” She waved at Alice. “So nice to meet you, Alice. We’ll see you again in two weeks to work on the quilt.”

  Their departure signaled the other women and soon only Hope was left with Alice and the aunts.

  Still stunned, Alice couldn’t remember a word she’d said to those leaving. She gulped back her misery until the la
st woman left. Dropping onto a chair, she held hands to her face to hide tears spilling down her cheeks. Oh, how she wanted to stay and be a part of Zach’s life with these people.

  “Why, Alice, dear. Whatever’s wrong?” Lizzie patted her shoulder gently.

  “N-Nothing’s wrong. It’s just that people are so kind. I’ve never been around so many nice people.” She pulled a handkerchief from her cuff and wiped away her tears.

  Maggie tut-tutted. “Of course, they’re pleasant or we wouldn’t have invited them. You didn’t see Holly and her mother here, did you?”

  Alice forced a smile. “But I didn’t know the quilt was for...for Zach and me.”

  Hope sat nearby, bouncing Andrew on her knee. “Who did you think we were sewing for?”

  Alice sniffed. “Reckon I didn’t think, other than just women coming together to visit. Figured the sewing was something to do with their hands while they talked.”

  Lizzie laughed. “Oh, my, dear, I guess that’s right too. We do love to visit, don’t we? And chatter away while we sew.”

  “We’re six blocks short to make a man-sized quilt. And we’ll be working on those until the women return in two weeks.” Maggie gathered all the blocks together. “Then we’ll all be stitching on it. We should be able to finish it up nicely in two or three more sessions.”

  Lizzie hugged Alice’s shoulders. “We’ll need the quilt frame now. Zach built one for us, but it’s stored in the attic. Sister and I had Rabbit pick up some clean cotton wool for the batting and we have some nice cream muslin for the back.” She nudged Alice and laughed. “Maybe we should use bright yellow.”

  “Oh, no.” Alice shook her head and forced a smile. “I’m pretty sure Zach hates yellow.”

  Hope handed Andrew to her. “Would you hold him while I get his food ready? I don’t want him on this floor until I’m sure there are no pins or needles dropped on it.”