The Cowboy’s Bride Collection: 9 Historical Romances Form on Old West Ranches
Page 24
He shook his head and smiled. “Four-legged, but definitely not a horse.” He drew open the door and stepped back so she could move forward.
A soft whine greeted her, and Addie gave a low gasp. “Oh my! Puppies. May I touch one? Will the mother bite?”
Grant moved in beside Addie and dropped to one knee in the straw. “Classy is a great mother and protective, but she won’t hurt you since I’m with you.” He waved toward the puppies. “They’re almost two months old and close to being weaned. We let them out when the weather is more moderate, but not in this cold. These are Hunter’s pups. They’re the only ones we’ll ever own.” He plucked a dark brown bit of wiggling fur from the straw. “This one has the same black points on his ears and tail as his daddy. The other two look more like their mother. This one will stay with me the rest of his life.”
Addie stroked the squirming baby. “How about the other two? What will you do with them?”
“I was thinking you might want one—to take with you to your new home. You could take your pick if you’d like.”
She could only stare at this man whose moods seemed to swing from one direction to the next. Kindness to aloofness to generosity. She couldn’t begin to know what to think or make of Grant Hollister. Reaching out, she allowed Classy to sniff her hand, then sank down to sit on the straw and gently gathered a pup to her chest. “Is it a boy or a girl?”
“A girl. And she’s the one with the quietest personality. An excellent choice if you decide to keep her.”
Addie raised damp eyes to Grant’s. “Do you mean it? Truly? I can take her with me when I go?”
“Yes. She’s yours, but it will be up to you to give her a name.”
She knew exactly what she wanted to call this little one. “Huntress. After her father. If you don’t mind, that is. I can pick something else if you’d rather.”
“Mind? It’s perfect. Thank you.” Grant placed his pup down, keeping his eyes on Addie’s face. He moved closer to her side, and for a brief moment as he leaned forward, she thought he might kiss her. Addie’s heart thundered so loudly she was certain he’d hear it.
It was all Grant could do not to gather Addie in his arms. She tightened her hold on the pup and it gave a yelp.
Classy uttered a low growl in her throat and shifted toward her baby.
Addie jerked back quickly and placed Huntress on the straw by her mother then scooted away, breaking the mood between Grant and her. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt her. I don’t think I should keep her.”
Grant reached out to touch Addie then pulled back. He didn’t care to drive her further away. “You didn’t hurt her. She’s fine. Is that why you feel you shouldn’t have her? She’s perfect for you.”
She slowly shook her head. “That worried me for a moment, but that’s not the main reason. I have no idea if Mr. Tolliver would allow me to own a dog, much less a puppy. I’ll be helping in his store, and someone would need to care for the dog during the day while I’m gone. I can’t imagine him allowing me to have her at his place of business.” She winced. “From a few things he’s said in his letters, he’s quite particular about how things are kept. Huntress might not fare well if she chewed on something and damaged it. I’m afraid I’ll have to leave her with you. I do hope you find a good home for her.”
Grant’s heart contracted. He didn’t want Addie to go, but there was no possible way he could tell her that. All of a sudden a thought hit him, and he straightened. “I’ll keep her for you. It’s always possible you’ll decide not to marry Mr. Tolliver after you meet him. Then Huntress can be yours.”
She turned her face away, but not before Grant saw moisture brimming over her bottom lids. “That’s not possible. I won’t ask Mr. Tolliver to release me from my promise. I’m afraid when I leave here, I won’t see Huntress—or you—again.”
Chapter 11
Addie woke to a clear sunny day. She couldn’t believe she’d been on Grant’s ranch for over two weeks. The memory of Mr. Tolliver’s letters had grown dim, and she’d found herself imagining more than once what it would be like to stay here forever. Even if Grant wasn’t interested in her as more than a friend, she’d willingly work with Connie or do outside chores if she could find a way to avoid a marriage that no longer held any appeal.
She’d come to realize over the past week or so that Grant might be right. Sam Tolliver wanted free help for his store as much or more than a wife. He’d never declared his feelings for her, or even stated he hoped they could grow to love one another. The best she could hope for was something better than an employee/employer relationship, perhaps friendship. Addie sighed as she finished dressing.
How foolish. She was certainly past the age for daydreams, fairy-tale endings, or even love at first sight. It would be best if she left for Mt. Dora soon. Another snowstorm had arrived after the first and kept them from leaving as the snow piled deeper. But yesterday Grant had said they might be able to leave today or tomorrow. If she stayed here much longer, she was afraid she’d throw herself at his feet and beg him to keep her on as an employee, if not to love and marry her.
She padded down the stairs in her stocking-covered feet. Connie clanked pans on the cookstove in the kitchen. Addie had helped ready breakfast each morning, but today she wanted to slip outside for a few moments. She needed a little quiet time before starting her day.
Drawing on her coat and slipping into her shoes, Addie thought about the last time she and Grant had been together. Yesterday afternoon he’d taken a couple of hours away from work and played with the pups, showing Addie how to teach Huntress to sit. She still wasn’t sure why he was so determined she lay claim to the dog. There was absolutely no possibility she could keep her, and it was going to hurt all the more when she had to leave.
And that was only a small part of the pain she’d experience when she left the ranch. When had she come to love this kind, gentle man? She hadn’t planned to—had even fought against it, but somehow it happened all the same.
She stepped out on the porch, relishing the warmth of the sun on her face. This was only the third day she hadn’t needed gloves or a hat, and a gentle warm breeze blew from the west.
“Good morning.” Grant’s voice, husky with feeling she couldn’t quite recognize, sounded behind her.
She pivoted and smiled. “I didn’t realize you were out here. I thought you’d be in the barn working.”
“I got up early and finished.” He looked deep into her eyes then took a long breath. “I think it’s time we got you to Mt. Dora. The sunshine the past few days has melted most of the snow, and traveling will be easy now.” He took a step toward her, something like longing shining in his eyes. “Unless you want to stay here instead.”
Addie could only stare as her mind danced around the possibility. Could she? Dare she? Her shoulders slumped as she realized she’d been given the chance she longed for but couldn’t take. Not now, or ever. “I can’t. I made a promise.” She whispered the words and started to turn away lest she change her mind and betray all she believed in.
Grant reached out and wrapped his strong fingers around her wrist with a gentle hold. “I understand, but I have to know. Would you stay if you could?”
She hesitated then gave a short nod. “Yes. Yes, I would. Without thinking twice.”
He slowly pulled her forward into an embrace, and she felt his lips against her hair, then he stepped back. “Forgive me. I won’t do that again. I know you belong to another man, and that only makes it harder on both of us.” He cleared his throat. “I’ve already eaten breakfast. I’m going to saddle the horses and pack a lunch in case it takes longer than I expect to reach town. Let me know when you’re ready, and we’ll head out.”
Addie nodded as a tight band wrapped itself around her heart, threatening to cut off all her air. Grant hadn’t said he loved her—it wouldn’t be appropriate, not any more so than the hug. But she knew deep in her heart that he cared, and she didn’t regret that hug one bit. She stared
at him for a full minute, not speaking, then swiveled and walked to the house without looking back.
Grant finished saddling the horse Addie would ride as he continued to thrash himself for his actions. No matter how badly he’d wanted to hold Addie, it hadn’t been fair to put her in that position. But she’d said she would stay if she were free—did that mean she cared for him, too, or simply that she knew she didn’t want to marry Sam Tolliver?
Whatever the case, if he could convince her to stay, maybe he’d have a chance of winning her over time. He slipped the bit into his gelding’s mouth then grasped both sets of reins and headed for the house. Connie had promised to pack a lunch with extra food for his return trip in case he needed it, but he couldn’t imagine ever having an appetite again.
This was going to be the longest, and the shortest, trip to town he’d ever made. He knew it would drag as his imagination went wild thinking of Addie in another man’s arms, but it would fly by as every minute they traveled brought him closer to never seeing her again. And he’d make sure of that if she stayed in town. He couldn’t tolerate the thought of seeing her as Mrs. Sam Tolliver. Any trip he needed for supplies would be to Clayton, not Mt. Dora.
He wrapped the horses’ reins around the hitching rail and dragged himself into the house. Connie came down the hall with her arm around Addie and a glum-faced Thomas following behind. His old friend and housekeeper shot him a look that shouted for him to do something, but Grant only shook his head. Addie had made her decision.
“Are you ready to go, Addie?” He reached for the carpetbag that contained her few pieces of clothing and belongings she’d brought from the wrecked wagon, thankful it would fit behind his saddle.
Too bad it was still too muddy for the wagon, but the last thing he wanted was to get bogged down on the way. Or did he? It might prolong Addie’s stay if they couldn’t make it to town. But they’d simply trudge back to the ranch, rest a day, and start out on horseback again, with a lot of walking and trouble for Addie.
Maybe they’d be able to retrieve some of her other possessions, if they hadn’t already been found. The road the wagon had taken was fairly well traveled, so he had no doubt Clem had been found and buried. Did anyone in Clayton even know the name of the passenger he’d taken that day, and what had Sam Tolliver been thinking all this time when his bride-to-be hadn’t arrived?
Chapter 12
Addie hated the silence that had surrounded her and Grant on most of the three-hour ride to Mt. Dora. It had been hard enough saying good-bye to Huntress, Connie, and Thomas without this ongoing agony with Grant. He pointed ahead, indicating the buildings in the distance where her new life would begin.
Grant shifted in his saddle. “Do you remember the name of Mr. Tolliver’s store?”
Addie bit her lip and cast her mind back through the letters. “I think it was Tolliver’s General Store.” She surveyed the lone street with a scattering of houses on the edges—bleak, weather-beaten, and showing little movement. Her shoulders sagged and her spirits plummeted. Even though it was winter, the ranch house and surroundings emitted so much more cheer than this dreary little town. What had she expected? The town draped in bunting and a band playing in celebration of her arrival? Sam Tolliver standing on the boardwalk wringing his hands and then rushing to meet her? How foolish.
“It can’t be too hard to find. I do most of my trade in Clayton, but it doesn’t appear Mt. Dora has grown much since I was here last, at least a year ago.” Grant pulled up in front of a café at the end of the street then swung down from his horse. He looped the reins over a hitching rail and stepped to Addie’s side as she started to dismount.
“I can get down; you don’t have to help me.” She held her reins, grasped the saddle horn, and swung her leg over, but her full skirt caught on the cantle. She gave a little gasp and tried to tug it free with one hand.
Grant chuckled and reached for her. “You’ll land in a puddle of mud if you try that. Quit being stubborn and let me help.” His strong hands fastened around her waist as he lifted her down, then cradled her in his arms and strode toward the boardwalk.
“But my horse!” Addie’s heart was in her throat as he held her close to his chest, and she could barely breathe. Never in all her days had she been carried in a man’s arms, but it wasn’t an unpleasant sensation at all. In fact, she could get quite used to this. Her face burned at the thought, and she wriggled in his grasp. “Please put me down before someone sees us. You’re past the mud now, and I’m perfectly capable of walking. Besides, I’m sure I’m quite heavy.”
He set her on the solid wooden surface and steadied her with his hands still lightly grasping her waist. “I didn’t feel a thing.” Grant gazed into her eyes then slowly winked. “And it doesn’t appear there’s anyone around to see us. Don’t worry about your horse. I’ll tie up Sugar, then we’ll go inside the café and ask where Tolliver’s store might be located.” He extended his arm and smiled.
Addie slipped her hand into the crook of his elbow and followed him into the warm, fragrant room boasting gingham curtains at the windows, matching tablecloths on each table, and a bustling, matronly woman at the counter across the room.
She greeted them with a cheerful smile. “What can I get for you folks? It’s a mite early for lunch, but I have soup on in the back and hot coffee, or I can scare up something else. Fresh bread just came out of the oven.”
Grant glanced at Addie at the same time her stomach rumbled. “We packed a cold lunch, but hot bread, soup, and coffee sounds like a feast to me. Shall we?”
Addie nodded. “I’m a bit chilled, and anything hot sounds wonderful, thank you.” She directed her attention to the woman. “I wonder if you might tell us where Mr. Tolliver’s store is located.”
“Certainly.” She stepped forward, carrying a coffeepot and two mugs. “By the way, I’m Mrs. Crompton. Sam’s out of town right now. Supposed to return tomorrow.” She waved a hand up the street. “His store is at the far end of the street. A couple of blocks, but you only have to cross one muddy street.” She glanced at Addie’s shoes. “Appears you’re wearing sensible shoes, so they shouldn’t get hurt too bad.” She swiveled then called over her shoulder. “Hang your coats and hats by the door and have a seat. Soup and bread coming right up.”
Addie stared at Grant as she sank into a chair at the small table. “Now what? He’s gone and won’t return until tomorrow, and I have no place to stay.”
Grant wanted to reach across the round table and clasp Addie’s hands resting on top, but he restrained his impulse. What if the café owner saw him and started gossip? It wouldn’t be long before Addie was Tolliver’s wife—more than likely they’d wed tomorrow, shortly after he returned, so she’d have a home to move into.
His gut clenched at the thought. He’d have to get out of this town before that happened. He’d like to ride home right now, but he couldn’t leave Addie stranded with nowhere to stay. He didn’t even know if she had any money to keep her until Tolliver showed up. “We’ll figure something out. Maybe after we eat we should walk to the store and see who he left in charge. They’ll know what’s going on, and might even have a solution. Surely Tolliver left word that he was expecting his bride.” Grant almost choked over the final word but pressed on. “Since there’s no rush, take your time to eat and get warm.”
Addie took a sip of her coffee then thanked Mrs. Crompton as she set their food on the table. Once the woman was out of earshot, Addie leaned forward and whispered, “I wish I could go back to the ranch and work for you instead of staying here.” As soon as the words were out, she slipped her hand over her mouth and gave a small gasp. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that. Truly. I’m glad I’ll have a husband and a future.”
Grant had wanted to jump from his chair and leap for joy until she crashed his hopes. She only wanted to work for him, and she was glad she’d have a husband? He forced a smile. “I wish you could come home with me as well. Something will work out, you’ll see. I’ll
stay in town until Mr. Tolliver arrives so you won’t be alone.”
For the next few minutes they ate in silence, until Addie pushed her bowl away. “I’ve lost my appetite. I guess I’m just a little nervous about meeting Mr. Tolliver, but I’m sure it will be fine. We can go whenever you’re ready.”
They paid Mrs. Crompton then walked the two blocks to the general store, skirting the mud as best they could. Grant pushed open the front door and a bell hanging on the inside jingled. It appeared to be open, but no one waited behind the counter. “Anyone here?”
The sound of footsteps came from a doorway behind the counter and a woman at least ten years older than Addie parted the curtain and stepped into the room. “How can I help you folks?” She wasn’t pretty, but was neat, clean, and had a sweet smile.
Grant removed his hat and clutched it in both hands. “We’re looking for Mr. Tolliver, and we were told he might return tomorrow.”
She nodded. “He was supposed to, but I got word from the telegraph office that he’s returning this afternoon instead. Do you have business with him?”
Addie nodded. “I’m Addie Patrick, and he’s been expecting me. I’m afraid I’m a few weeks late, due to the snowstorm. I’m his betrothed.”
The woman stared at Addie as all the color drained from her face, then she collapsed on the floor.
Chapter 13
Addie and Grant rushed to the woman’s side, and Addie patted her cheek. She turned to Grant. “Should I see if there’s a place in the back where we can take her? I can’t imagine what’s wrong.” She stared at the woman who had collapsed as soon as she’d heard that Addie was Mr. Tolliver’s betrothed. Was that what caused it, or was she already ill?
Grant nodded. “I think so. We’ll make her as comfortable as we can, then I’ll see if I can find a doctor.”