Dolly showed no surprise at the woman who opened the door. Bull had been forthright in who she’d be replacing, so unlike Lena, her smile was bright and genuine.
“I’m Dolly. Gabe asked if I could come watch after him for a few days. You must be Miss Campanel. I’ve heard so much about you…I feel as if I know you.”
Lena’s irritation grew as her eyes wandered over Dolly. If he’d wanted that kind of attention, she would have been glad to send Deborah or one of the other women over. No matter how much she’d grown to care for Gabe over the past months, she knew men had needs. To her regret, she wouldn’t be the one providing them.
She looked over her shoulder into the bedroom, finding Gabe hidden from view by the door standing ajar. Although acute regret gripped her, she had no choice but to let Dolly inside.
“Um, why don’t you come in? He’s had breakfast, so there won’t be much to do until dinner, unless…”
“Don’t you worry about that. I’ll have no problem helping him to the privy or anything else he needs. I understand you’ve been here a good week and need to get back to your own work.” She touched Lena’s arm. “I’ll take good care of him.”
Lena had no doubt about that.
“I’ll just get my coat and reticule, then be on my way. If you need anything, I’ll be—”
“Oh, I know where to find you. I’m told you’re one of the owners of the Dixie.”
Starting for the door, Lena stopped to face Dolly. “Yes, I am.”
“Well, I admire you. If business doesn’t pick up at the Rose, perhaps I’ll come knocking on your door.”
Although she wanted to, Lena found it difficult to dislike her. Truth was, she’d have no problem finding her a place at the Dixie if she wanted it.
“Nice to meet you, Dolly.”
“Miss Campanel.” Dolly nodded as Lena disappeared outside. She closed the door, draped her coat over a chair, and walked into the bedroom, believing she just might have found a new friend in town.
At the sound of pounding on the door, Dolly set down her dime novel. After saying no more than a dozen words to her the entire morning, Gabe had fallen asleep after dinner. Three days had passed since she started tending him and she felt comfortable doing what he needed. She just hoped he’d visit her at the Rose after he got back on his feet.
“What can I do for you?’ she asked the man standing outside, holding a package toward her. She could see his face turn a light shade of red as he looked her over and pulled off his hat.
“Ma’am. I have a package for the sheriff. Is he in?”
“He is, but he’s sleeping. I’ll be happy to give it to him.” She held her hand out.
Bernie Griggs looked past her, unable to see into the bedroom. “If it’s all the same, I’d like to hand it to him myself.” He speculated at the contents, knowing their importance to Gabe. “No offense, ma’am.”
“None taken, Mr.…”
“Griggs. Bernie Griggs. I run the Western Union office and handle the mail for Splendor.”
“I’m Dolly. I came in on the stage a few days ago.”
“You must be the new girl at the Rose. Al mentioned you.” He walked past her as she stepped aside, waving him in.
She pushed the bedroom door open enough for Bernie to see Gabe asleep.
“I’ll just place it on the table, if you don’t mind.”
Nodding, she watched as he set it down, took a quick look at Gabe, then walked to the door.
“He knows where I’ll be if he needs to send a reply. Nice to meet you, Miss Dolly.”
She’d no more than closed the door when sounds from the other room told her Gabe was trying to get out of bed. “Hold on. Let me help you.” Dolly slipped an arm behind him as he pushed himself up.
Standing, he took a couple steps, then shrugged off her arm. “I can make it, Dolly.”
He hadn’t changed from the trousers and lightweight shirt Lena had helped him into days earlier. A brief pang of regret coursed through him as he remembered the look on her face when he’d told her someone else would be helping. He didn’t think he’d hurt her, but now he knew different. The kiss they’d shared changed everything. He felt it himself, seeing the wounded expression which crossed her face.
She’d wanted to stay more than he thought, but it didn’t matter. He needed to find a way to stop his growing attraction to her, as well as his body’s response. The kiss had been a mistake. She now had no doubt about how her presence affected him. Staying would only complicate their tenuous friendship, forcing him to acknowledge his feelings. He had no desire to accept that realization.
“Let me help you down the steps, then you can be on your own.”
The back door led from his bedroom to the privy, not more than twenty feet away. He’d been handling that small trek alone the last two days, another reason it had come time for Lena to relinquish her vigil to Dolly. From the way he felt, he wouldn’t even need Dolly after today.
She waited until he finished, then helped stabilize him as he took the steps back up into his bedroom and maneuvered the short distance to the bed.
“Do you mind getting Doc Worthington over here? I’d like him to check on my wound, see if he’ll cut me loose.”
“Anxious to get back to work, Sheriff?” Dolly grinned, believing any doctor would probably tell him to give himself more time. From what she’d heard, Gabe had been fortunate. The bullet had torn a lot of flesh, but hadn’t penetrated any major organs. Still, he’d lost a considerable amount of blood, and there might still be a chance for infection.
“More than you know.” The look on his face told her how much he needed to get out of the confines of the small house and back on the street.
“I’ll head over there now.”
As soon as the door closed, Gabe slipped into a clean shirt. Dolly had given him a shave that morning, trimming his hair the day before. If Doc gave his blessing, he’d be back at the jail by late afternoon. Cash or Beau had stopped by every day, telling him of the happenings around town, letting him know they had it all under control. He didn’t doubt that. He just wanted out.
The package Bernie brought by contained a copy of his uncle’s will, as well as answers to the questions he’d asked the attorney. According to the lawyer, Gabe had more choices than his father realized—or wanted him to know. Gabe didn’t fault him. He knew his family wanted him home. The longer he stayed in Splendor, the less chance it would happen.
“Dolly tells me you’re ready to get back on the job,” Doc said as he walked through the door and into the bedroom.
“That’s right. Today, if you give your consent.” He needed to send a response to the attorney, then meet with Horace Clausen at the bank.
“Let’s see what we can do.”
For the next fifteen minutes, Doc pressed and probed, asked questions, and checked Gabe over until it seemed he hadn’t missed a square inch.
“Well?” Gabe asked, watching Doc put away his supplies.
“No matter what I say, you’re going to do what you want, right?”
“Pretty much.” Gabe smiled, glad he didn’t have to lie about his intentions.
“The wound is healing well. You take it easy, wait a few days before riding, and you should be all right.”
“Thanks. I’ll be over to square things up later today.”
“No hurry. Come over when you have time.”
“Guess you won’t need me any longer.” Dolly picked up her wrap and reticule before walking up to where he still sat on the bed. She leaned over, placing a kiss on his cheek. “You come and see me when you’re up to it.” At the door, she turned, narrowing her eyes at him. “I wasn’t going to say anything about this, but changed my mind. You talk in your sleep.”
He looked up, his eyes widening. “Should I worry about what you heard?”
“Nope, but you should be aware of one word you mumbled over and over.”
“And that was?”
“Lena.”
~~~~~
Chapter Six
Gabe muttered curses all the way to the telegraph office, wondering if he’d called Lena’s name while she sat by the bed, watching him. He told himself if she had, she would’ve assumed he was calling for her help and nothing more.
“You doing all right, Sheriff?” Bernie looked up from dumping the latest mail delivery onto the counter.
“A good deal better than a week ago. Any other mail for me?”
“Nothing besides the package I left a few days ago.”
“That’s what I’m here about. I need to send a response.”
“Figured you would.” Bernie picked up paper, handing it to Gabe. “Let me know when you’re ready.”
It didn’t take long for him to scribble the message. He now knew he’d have to make a quick trip to New York, finalize a few details regarding the estate, meet with the hotel managers, and visit his parents. His three brothers lived within a few miles of the home they all grew up in. As the oldest, Gabe had felt a sense of duty to continue the business—until the war had changed his thinking. Now, the thought of settling back in a big city held no appeal.
He slid the paper and a few coins across the counter. “Here you are.”
“I’ll get it right out.”
His next stop would be the jail to let Cash and Beau know he’d be back on the job the following day. Afterwards, he’d visit Noah to tell him he didn’t need to bring his supper any longer. Instead, he’d treat him and Abby to supper at the boardinghouse tonight. He knew he should do the same for Lena and Nick, but he didn’t know if she’d accept, even if Nick did.
Nick had come by most days, giving Lena a break. Gabe had shared a little of the news from New York with him, as well as more of his background growing up. Nick had talked of his plans for two other businesses in Splendor, hinting he’d like Gabe to be a part of one or both. At the time, Gabe still didn’t know how his uncle’s estate would all work out, or if he’d have choices. The news from the attorney indicated he would. Now he and Nick would be able to talk in earnest.
Gabe had just left the livery when a covered wagon, followed by a buckboard, made its way up the main street toward him. He waited as they pulled to a stop in front of the livery.
“Noah! Looks like you may have some customers.”
Noah walked outside, wiping his hands down his apron as the drivers of both wagons jumped down and approached him and Gabe.
“Afternoon, Sheriff. I’m Lewis Gibson and this is my son, Franklin.” They shook hands with Gabe and Noah, then motioned them to the back of the covered wagon. Lifting the back flap, he nodded toward a piece of machinery. “This is my printing press. I plan to open a newspaper.”
“We’ve heard rumors someone planned to start one. Are you here to speak with Horace Clausen, the banker?” Gabe asked.
“Yes, but we need some work on the wagons first. Would you have time to look at them?” His gaze landed on Noah.
“Show me what’s wrong and I’ll get started.” It didn’t take Noah long to see the problems. “Why don’t you move them both behind the livery? Where are you planning to stay tonight?”
“At the hotel, if there is one.” Lewis put his hands on his hips and looked around, spotting the boardinghouse across the street.
“If Suzanne has room, the boardinghouse is your best bet. You’ll like her cooking, too,” Gabe said, beginning to feel his stomach protest at the lack of food.
“I believe that’s where we’ll go first, Franklin. We can meet with Mr. Clausen in the morning.”
Franklin nodded, then climbed onto the buckboard and pulled it to the spot Noah indicated, doing the same with the covered wagon.
“The bank is right up the street,” Gabe indicated to Lewis. “Welcome to Splendor.”
Lewis walked up the boardwalk as Gabe continued to Suzanne’s. It wouldn’t be long before Noah and Abby joined him. He’d have a cup of coffee and wait for them, hoping for a chance to see Nick before he left for the Dixie. If all went right, there would be some changes in Splendor, and he’d be playing a big part in them.
Lena sat on her bed, rereading the letter from Isabella Boucher. They’d been best friends since they were children, growing up in the saloons where their mothers worked. Just as with Lena, Nick had taken care of Bella after her mother had died in a freak carriage accident.
They’d both escaped a life of prostitution. Bella met, and against all odds, married a wealthy and much older businessman from Philadelphia. Even though she had been thrilled for her friend, it had broken Lena’s heart when the carriage drove away. Her own escape had come through Nick’s offer to bring her into the business on one condition—she would never sell her body for money.
At the knock on her door, she placed the letter in her lap. “Yes?”
“It’s Nick. Are you ready to go to supper?” he called through the door.
“You go ahead. I’ll be down in a few minutes.” Picking up the letter, she read the last two paragraphs again.
Isabella had been ill, but all seemed to be going well now. Little Jackson talked up a storm and couldn’t wait for a chance to travel west to see Lena. Her stomach clenched at the thought. It had been too long since she’d seen him, and from Bella’s comments, he’d grown at least a foot.
Folding the letter, she opened her bureau drawer and added it to the stack already tied with a bright red ribbon. Taking a deep breath, she checked herself in the mirror and grabbed her coat.
The sound of male voices and female laughter greeted her as she entered the dining room. She spotted Abby first, glad she’d be able to share supper with another woman. Nodding at Noah, her gaze traveled to the man next to him. Deep in conversation with Nick, Gabe hadn’t yet noticed her. An undefinable emotion passed through her as she watched him, touching a finger to her lips, remembering their kiss. For perhaps the hundredth time over the last few days, she felt a stab of disappointment.
At the sound of someone approaching, Gabe tore his gaze away from Nick to see Lena on the other side of the table, her eyes locked on his.
“It appears you are feeling much better. Seems Dolly’s presence agrees with you.” She sent him a meaningful look as Nick stood to pull out her chair.
“Dolly?” Abby’s eyes furrowed in confusion.
“I doubt you’ve met her. She arrived in Splendor just a week ago.” Lena smoothed her skirt, willing herself not to take any further notice of Gabe, his quick recovery, or the reason for it.
“I’ll have to seek her out and introduce myself. Where is she staying?”
“At the Rose where she works.” Lena’s comment wasn’t meant to shock, yet she saw the surprise in Abby’s widened eyes.
“Oh…” Abby bit her lip, her brows scrunching together. “Well, I suppose I should wait to introduce myself until she comes into the bank then.” She cast a puzzled glance at Gabe, the meaning of Lena’s original comment becoming clear.
Noah saw Abby’s cheeks flare with color. He hid his amusement by focusing on Suzanne approaching with heaping plates of food.
“Sorry to take so long. As you can see, we have a nice crowd tonight.” She set the plates down. “I’ll bring yours right out, Lena.”
“No hurry, Suzanne. There’s time before I have to be at the Dixie.” She turned to Abby, ignoring Nick and Gabe as they continued their conversation, drawing Noah into their discussion. “Have you seen baby Patrick recently?” Dax and Rachel had brought him to Abby and Noah’s wedding reception, but Lena hadn’t spent much time around him. By the time she joined the women, he’d fallen asleep in his mother’s arms, snuggling into the soft blanket.
“Rachel brought him into town late last week. I believe you must’ve been tending to Gabe.” Abby sent him another pointed look, still irritated he’d replaced Lena with a new girl from the Rose. Even though she worked at the Dixie, everyone knew Lena wasn’t one of the soiled doves. “He’s growing fast. It won’t be long before he’ll be walking all over the place.”
Len
a thought of Isabella’s letter and the mention of Jackson. He’d be six now. From Bella’s previous letters, she knew he was smart and active, keeping her friend busy and challenged by his unending questions.
“I expect they’ll be at church on Sunday if you want to see him.” Abby knew neither Lena nor Nick attended, except for the occasional reception or town party. “Or we could ride out on Saturday morning for a visit.”
“Saturday would be wonderful. Do you have a buggy?”
“No, but I can saddle Hasty and Joker for us.” Abby’s eyes lit up at the thought of a ride. Noah hadn’t had much time to spend with her in weeks, so she’d taken the occasional ride to her old ranch to see how Luke and Ginny Pelletier were doing.
“It sounds wonderful. I haven’t ridden in such a long time. The last time wasn’t such a good experience—”
“That’s because you reined up and didn’t give your horse his head to jump the fence,” Nick chuckled, turning to the others. “She had a new mount. He could’ve made it if she hadn’t panicked.”
“I did no such thing,” Lena protested. “It felt as if he started to stumble, so I reined back—”
“And flew right over the top of him. Scared the daylights out of me, but all she suffered were a few scrapes and bruises.” Nick took a bite of his meal, shaking his head at the memory.
“And ruined my new red dress, crumpled my hat, and tore my riding gloves. It was a disaster.” She grinned at Nick, remembering how worried he’d been.
“Where are you planning to ride?” Gabe asked, studying Lena, no humor in his voice. Through his whole conversation with Nick, he’d fought the urge to stare at her. He hadn’t seen her since Dolly arrived, hoping the change would help him get Lena out of his mind. It didn’t work.
“To visit Dax and Rachel on Saturday. Lena wants to see Patrick.” Abby missed Gabe’s questioning look. He never figured her for a woman with an interest in children.
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