Dixie Moon

by Shirleen Davies

  Getting Caro settled in his house and arranging to bunk down at Cash and Beau’s didn’t take long. Beau had done as the doctor asked, stopping by each day for a clean bandage. He’d pinned on his badge and resumed his duties that morning, becoming too irritable to stay in the house any longer. Afterwards, Gabe sought out Noah, explaining about David Iverson’s death and Caro’s decision to start a new life.

  While Caro rested, Gabe would find Lena, ask her to join them at supper, and tell her he’d be leaving the following morning to finish his trip. Entering the Dixie, he saw her at the bar, her back to him, appearing to be lost in thought. He covered the distance between them in a few steps, settling his hands on her hips. Startled, she looked up, seeing his reflection in the mirror behind the bar.

  “Gabe…” she breathed out, turning in his arms, her hands lacing behind his neck.

  He looked her up and down, his grim expression fixing on her face, as if he didn’t know what to say. Making no move to kiss her, he continued to stare, his jaw tightening.

  ”I saw you had returned,” she said as a way to break the silence.

  “I brought someone back with me.” He let his arms drop and moved to stand beside her.

  “Who is she?”

  Gabe realized Lena had seen him with Caro. He could only imagine what she thought.

  “Caroline Iverson. I’ve known her since we were young. Our homes were a block apart.”

  So she came from wealth, Lena thought, although she’d already suspected it.

  “She’ll be staying at my place until she decides what to do next.” He signaled Paul for a whiskey, not noticing the acute distress on Lena’s face. “She had traveled to Big Pine, spotting me while at supper in the same restaurant. We haven’t seen each other in years.” He sipped the whiskey, still oblivious to what his words were doing to Lena. “We’re having supper at Suzanne’s with Noah, Abby, and Bull. I’d like you to join us, meet her. Nick, too, if he can spare the time.”

  Lena could barely draw a breath, her chest heavy, her mind fogged in confusion. If this was his way of breaking it off between them, she didn’t want to hear another word. And she’d be damned if she’d spend a night making small talk with his new woman across the supper table.

  “I don’t think so, Gabe.” She swallowed the lump in her throat, trying to control the edge to her voice. “Sounds as if you already have a full table. I’ll stay here while Nick joins you. I’m sure you and he have much to talk about with the progress of the hotel. He mentioned you picked some very good men with strong skills.” She rambled on, unable to control the flow of words, her mind wrestling with the reality he’d found someone else. If he hadn’t, his welcome would have been sweeter. Instead, it felt as if a wide chasm separated them, extinguishing the love she thought they had when he left.

  “You can’t take half an hour to eat supper and meet her? Caro is anxious to get to know you.”

  She could feel her eyes fill, forcing her to turn away before a tear broke loose to run down her cheek. “Another time, Gabe.”

  His jaw worked as he stared at her, confused at her response. Gabe wondered if she’d already made up her mind to refuse his proposal. Deciding not to ask, he gripped his glass tight.

  “You’ll know where I am if you change your mind.” His hard words preceded the glass tipping up as he emptied it, the whiskey burning a path down his throat.

  ~~~~~

  Chapter Nineteen

  “I’m sorry your lady won’t be joining us. I so wanted to meet her.” Caro lowered herself into the chair Gabe held out for her at the table closest to the front entry.

  “She may still come by for a few minutes. If not, I’ll introduce you to her tomorrow.” He’d just sat down when Noah, Abby, and Bull walked in.

  Abby glanced around. “Where’s Lena?”

  “She’ll be along in a little bit,” Nick said as he walked up behind Bull. “An urgent matter with one of the girls must be dealt with.” He nodded at everyone, his gaze settling on the woman next to Gabe.

  “Nick, this is Caroline Iverson, an old friend of Noah’s and mine. Caro, Nick Barnett. He and Lena own the Dixie saloon.” Gabe glanced at the door, hoping to see Lena walk in.

  “It’s a pleasure, Miss Iverson.” Nick took her hand, placing a kiss on her knuckles.

  “It’s Mrs. Iverson, Mr. Barnett, and it’s good to meet you.”

  “Please call me Nick. Mr. Barnett makes me feel old.” He smiled, showing his southern charm. “Did your husband not join you?” He took a seat across from her, leaving an empty chair between Gabe and him.

  Caro shot a quick look at Gabe. “My husband passed away a few years ago. It took me a while to make the decision to move on, seek a new life.”

  “I’m truly sorry. If it’s any consolation, Splendor is a wonderful town for new beginnings.” Nick’s gaze settled on Suzanne moving toward them. His chest tightened, as it did each time he saw her. The more time he spent around her, the more intrigued he became. He needed to find a way to break through her defenses, but not now. With the new partnership formed to expand the boardinghouse, he had plenty of time.

  "That’s what Gabriel has been saying. He encouraged me to change my plans of traveling to San Francisco.” She glanced at Noah. “Of course, once I learned Noah lived here, I didn’t want to miss the chance to see him after such a long time.”

  “Your arrival is perfect, Caro. As soon as Lena arrives, Abby and I have some news to share.” Noah took Abby’s hand and rested it on his thigh.

  “It looks as if she’s here.” Nick watched as Lena came through the door, removing her coat and draping it over her arm. Cursing under his breath, he sent her a scathing look. They’d had a fierce argument about her ignoring Gabe’s invitation. In the end, she’d agreed to at least make an appearance. Seeing her now, he wished he hadn’t pushed so hard.

  “I hope I’m not too late.” Lena stopped behind Gabe’s chair, ignoring the venomous look on Nick’s face.

  No one spoke as they took in the dress she’d chosen. Discarding her usual clothing with full-length sleeves and conservative neckline, she wore a bright green dress of silk, cut low in the front, with capped sleeves and black lace, a black shawl draped over her back and arms. The dress hugged every curve, leaving little to the imagination. The deep red lipstick and rouge replaced the minimal makeup she’d always preferred.

  “Um…that’s quite a pretty color on you, Lena.” Abby’s gaze shifted between Lena, Nick, and Gabe, knowing Gabe hadn’t turned to see her attire.

  “Why, thank you. It’s a dress I’ve been wanting to wear for some time.”

  Gabe’s eyes narrowed as he shifted in his seat, and for the first time, saw what everyone else already had.

  “What the hell?” He shot from his chair, taking her by the arm. The muscles in his jaw tightened and his eyes flared as he took in her outfit. He’d never seen her dress as one of the girls in the saloon, and he sure as hell didn’t like others to see her like this. “Do you want to tell me what you think you’re doing dressed like that?” His low, controlled, deep drawl should have been a warning of the inner turmoil about to explode.

  Her eyes widened as if in surprise. “You don’t like my dress, Gabe? I borrowed it from Deborah. She mentioned it is a customer favorite.” Smoothing the skirt with her hands, she looked up, resting her gaze on Caroline. “Are you going to introduce me to your new lady, Gabe, or should I do it myself?”

  Tightening his grip on her arm, he turned her toward the stairs. “Go ahead without us. Lena and I need to talk,” he called over his shoulder as he guided her out and up the stairs to her room. “Key.” He held out his hand.

  Lena crossed her arms, refusing to do as he asked.

  “Fine.” One strong kick and the door broke loose, flying open and slamming against the wall. “Inside.” When she didn’t budge, he applied just enough pressure to get her moving, then kicked the door closed behind them. Dropping his hand, he crossed his arms, his eyes blazing
as he assessed her clothing. “What’s going on, Lena?” His voice hardened in a way she’d never heard.

  She wrapped her arms around her waist as if a powerful chill had blown through the room. “I thought you would like it,” she lied, knowing Gabe would hate the dress and what it implied.

  “I don’t. Take it off.” His tone was cool, disapproving.

  “No.”

  His face reddened and before she could react, he grabbed her shoulders and turned her around, popping the buttons as he tore the back open. “I said to take it off.” He turned, opening the doors of her wardrobe, pulling a dress from the hanger. “This is one of my favorites,” he growled, tossing it at her. A shimmering shade of lavender with a scooped neck and long sleeves, he’d always thought she looked like a queen when she wore it. He knew once on, it would fall to the floor, covering up legs he wanted no man but himself to see.

  When she didn’t move, he took a step closer, hands on his hips. “Do you want me to dress you?”

  She knew his threat was real. So far, his anger had only extended to ripping her dress. She knew he’d never strike her, but the thought of defying him further held no appeal.

  “Fine. I’ll be down in a few minutes.” She turned, pushing on the fabric of the dress and letting it drift to the ground. Casting a look over her shoulder, she frowned. “You don’t need to stay.”

  “True, but I’m going to anyway.” He leaned against the nearby wall, arms crossed, watching her every movement. Once she’d slid into the lavender dress, he stepped forward, pushing her hands aside as he fastened the tiny buttons in the front. “Why, Lena?” His voice had softened, but his eyes still held a trace of anger…and something else. Betrayal, perhaps?

  “I wanted to make an impression on your new lady.” Her voice shook as his fingers skimmed her sensitive skin while he finished closing her dress.

  “That’s the second time you’ve called her my new lady and I want to know why.”

  Biting her lower lip, she backed up, her legs hitting the edge of the bed. She could feel her face heat at his intense stare and wished she could disappear.

  “Your manner when you spoke of her earlier. You talked as if you’d found someone special, important.” She took a shaky breath, not letting her eyes meet his. “You didn’t kiss me or do anything to make me believe you still cared. I thought…”

  Gabe took in the misery on her face and felt a pang of guilt. What she said was true. He had avoided mentioning how much he’d missed her, hadn’t drawn her in for a kiss, hadn’t done anything to contradict her suspicions. He’d seen her reaction at the saloon when he spoke of Caro and knew how she’d misinterpreted his feelings about her. Yet he never once tried to explain they were just friends.

  Spearing a hand through his hair, he let his arm drop to his side, taking a cautious step closer. “I’m sorry if I gave you the wrong impression about Caro. She’s an old friend, nothing more. If I ever did have feelings for her, they’re long gone. You’re the only woman I want, Lena. Just you.” He sat down on the bed, reaching for her hand. “I love you and want to marry you, but I know you aren’t ready to make that decision. I’ll be as patient as I can, but you need to understand this isn’t easy for me.”

  She sat down next to him, looking at their joined hands. “I’m sorry if I embarrassed you. It wasn’t my intent.”

  “Don’t lie. You’re not good at it.” His mouth lifted a little at the corners.

  “You’re right. It was my intent to show you how much you’d hurt me.”

  He brought her hand to his lips, kissing the inside of her wrist, feeling her shiver. “Do you think they’d miss us if we stayed up here a little longer?”

  “Yes,” she laughed, pulling her hand away. “We’ll go down and I’ll apologize to everyone. Then can we start again, all right?”

  He wrapped his arms around her, lowering his mouth to hers for a deep, searing kiss before pulling back. “Yes, we can start again.”

  Escorting her down the stairs, they’d just entered the dining room when the front doors flew open, a young boy and woman he’d never seen entering.

  “Mother! Guess what Aunt Isabella bought for me!”

  The world seemed to tilt as Gabe stared at the boy, whose bright smile flashed at Lena. He hadn’t heard wrong. The boy had called her mother and she hadn’t denied it. Moving his gaze to Lena, all he could feel was a keen sense of betrayal that she hadn’t shared the fact she had a child.

  The instant his eyes met hers, Lena knew she’d made a terrible mistake in hiding Jackson from him.

  “Mother, did you hear me?” Jack stood in front of her, looking up, a hint of confusion on his face. She knelt in front of him.

  “Yes, I did hear you, sweetheart. What did Aunt Isabella buy you?”

  From behind his back, he pulled out a child’s cowboy hat. “Isn’t it wonderful?”

  Sending him a smile she didn’t feel, she reached out and touched the brim. “Yes, Jack, it is…” Lena sensed movement behind her, then heard the quiet closing of the door as Gabe walked out.

  “Was that Gabe?” Isabella put a hand on Lena’s shoulder as she began to stand.

  “Yes.”

  “Go after him. I’ll stay here with Jack.”

  Without hesitation, Lena dashed outside, spotting his long strides as he walked up the steps to the Wild Rose. Running after him, she called his name. Stopping, he didn’t turn around.

  “Gabe, let me explain.” She placed a hand on his arm, which he shook off.

  “Not now, Lena.” He took another step.

  “Wait. Please.” Her voice was strained as she pleaded for him to listen.

  Turning, he schooled his face, not letting it show any of the turmoil he felt inside. The betrayal at her keeping such a secret almost brought him to his knees. He’d bared himself to her, opened up more to her than anyone, except Noah, and she’d repaid him with nothing but lies. He was done with her games.

  “I’m going inside for a drink. You won’t be welcome at my table.” His eyes bored into hers another moment before he turned to leave her standing alone.

  “I’ll go speak with him.” Noah sat down next to Lena, seeing the broken expression on her face. “He may listen to me.”

  She’d walked back to the boardinghouse in a daze, taking a seat in the parlor, still unable to accept what his actions implied. “I’ve hurt him, Noah. He might never understand.”

  “Maybe not, but he should hear the explanation.”

  “I planned to tell him as soon as he returned. His arrival with Caroline took me by surprise.” She gripped her hands in her lap, unable to control the tears streaming down her face. Looking around, she cast her gaze at Noah. “Where are Isabella and Jack?”

  “She and Abby took him to your room. Nick told me you can find him at the Dixie. Why don’t you go on upstairs? I believe I’ll go have a drink at the Rose.” Noah stood, reaching out his hand to help her up. “Would you let Abby know where I am?”

  Her red-rimmed eyes looked up at him. “Yes, of course.” She took the stairs at a slow gait, defeat evident in each step.

  As Noah crossed the street and entered the Rose, he thought of what he’d say, how he’d get Gabe to listen. From experience, he knew Gabe might need a few days to calm down, wrestle with his own demons until he was able to listen to reason. Noah could plant the seed, though.

  “The table’s full,” Gabe mumbled as Noah pulled out a chair, ignoring the attitude.

  “Looks depressingly empty to me.” He noted the already open bottle of whiskey and turned toward Al. “Another glass.” Noah might not be able to stop Gabe’s destructive actions, but at least he could slow it down.

  They sat in silence for a long time, Gabe staring nowhere in particular, Noah keeping watch on his friend. He’d never seen Gabe so conflicted by a woman before. Any other time or any other person, Gabe would go out of his way to listen to the story, hear the explanation, commenting if asked. Pain from betrayal is a powerful emotion,
one no man wanted to face.

  “Is he all right, Noah?” Dolly stood beside him, her gaze fixed on Gabe.

  “I can’t say he is.”

  “Anything I can do?”

  “I think he just needs time.”

  “And more whiskey.” Gabe raised his glass, jostling it to emphasize the dry interior.

  Noah picked up the bottle and filled Gabe’s glass.

  Tossing it back in one swallow, his gaze locked on Dolly. “How about you and I go upstairs? It’s been a long time.” He started to stand, Noah’s firm hand on his shoulder pushing him back down.

  “I don’t believe you want to do that, no matter how tempting.” Noah winked, nodding at Dolly, who took the hint and left to check on another table.

  “How the hell do you know what I want?”

  “Well, now, I may not know exactly what you want, but I do know what you don’t want, and that’s to ruin any chance you still have with Lena.” Noah stood, turning the chair around and straddling it, his arms resting on the back. “Don’t you think you should at least hear her explanation? She might have a damn good reason why she didn’t tell you about Jack.”

  Gabe’s gaze snapped to Noah. “You already knew about the boy?”

  “I found out when Isabella and Jack got off the stage while you were in Big Pine. No one knew until that day. To tell you the truth, I don’t believe Lena knew they were coming.”

  “It doesn’t matter if she knew it or not. She had plenty of time to tell me about her son. She chose to keep him a secret.” He poured and downed another whiskey, his vision beginning to cloud. “I’m leaving tomorrow morning and don’t plan to be back for a while.”

  “Where are you headed?”

  “To see Dax and Luke, then I’ll be staying in Luke’s old place. Come for me only if it’s an emergency.” He pinned Noah with a cold stare. “And I mean life or death. Besides the Pelletiers, you, Cash, and Beau are the only people who know where I’ll be. Don’t tell anyone else. You understand?” Gabe pushed up, his wobbly legs making it hard to stand without help.