Timeless Passion: 10 Historical Romances To Savor

by Rue Allyn

  Once again, Mindy collapsed into the older woman’s arms.

  “Is this about Gary? Has he done something to cause this anguish? If he has, I promise you I will have his head on a platter.”

  “No,” Mindy ground out. “He has done nothing.”

  Mrs. Boone sighed. “Perhaps that is the problem. Men can be idiots at times, dear. My son can be one of the biggest.” The older lady spoke with more force than was necessary. “Could it be possible that you have strong feelings for my son?”

  Mindy nodded.

  “I was afraid of that. And now he’s gone.”

  Mindy looked up. “Gone? Where has he gone? He only just returned!”

  “Things are starting to make sense now. I knew something must have happened, because he had not planned to take another assignment so quickly. But he came in last night and announced that he must be in Dodge City by the end of the week. He left this morning with the sun, riding like the devil himself was after him.” She took in Mindy’s swollen, exhausted eyes. “Come. Let’s put you to bed. When you wake up, we can talk more.”

  Standing on weak legs, Mindy clung to the older woman as they walked through the house. She allowed Boone’s mother to tuck her into bed with a promise to check on her in just a bit. After she left, as Mindy lay there alone in an unfamiliar room, she became aware of a scent. Horse, and man, and leather. She realized she was lying in Boone’s bed. She cradled the pillow to her face and cried herself to sleep.

  • • •

  She awoke in a strange room. It was dark outside, and it took a moment for Mindy to realize exactly where she was. She would have cried all over again, but she was dry. Dry and cold and empty. There was a hole where her heart had been, and she could feel herself slowly folding into it. But somehow, during her sleep, she had made a decision. She could not marry Lucas. He deserved more, someone who cared for him and longed for his touch.

  Mississippi was calling. It was time to go home.

  Mindy arose from the bed, and stood for a moment wondering what to do. She could hear Mrs. Boone humming to herself in the kitchen and Melinda started that way before realizing that she could not face Boone’s mother again. Instead, Mindy slipped back into the bedroom and removed a shirt that was hanging on a wall peg. Holding it to her nose, she inhaled deeply. Then without a sound, she let herself out the front door and climbed onto her waiting horse. The ride back to town and to Lucas was one of the longest of her life.

  Melinda was on a stage within two days, and headed east.

  Chapter Thirty-Nine

  Boone was frustrated and disgusted — frustrated that he had figured Mindy all wrong, and disgusted that he had fallen in love with someone who cared for another.

  As he retraced his path toward Dodge City, he had lots of time to think. Too much time. Tumbling through his mind was every scene he’d experienced with the feisty Mindy McCorkle of Mississippi. And every scene he had hoped to experience. Stupid man, he’d actually thought things might work out between them, which proved he was plumb weak north of his ears.

  Only one man stood in the way: Lucas Wilhite. Boone spit off the side of his horse. The thought of Lucas and Mindy together made him curse. It would take a long time to get her out of his mind. And his heart.

  He decided to look forward. He was headed into a great job opportunity. Wyatt Earp was leaving Dodge City for Chicago, and his departure left an opening for a new deputy sheriff. After their experience together, Bat Masterson had recommended Boone for the job. It would be a departure from his life of travel and random assignments, but he found the idea of settling in one place very entertaining. He also liked the idea of sheriffing for a change. It would be good experience and could lead to other opportunities down the road.

  As he rode along, he remembered the last trip, and Micah, singing his lonesome songs of love. They had more meaning to him now than they had then. He tried to recall one of the songs he’d heard so many times. Soon his voice was carrying across the open plain:

  You are my sunshine, my only sunshine,

  You make me happy when skies are gray.

  You’ll never know dear, how much I love you.

  Please don’t take my sunshine away.

  You told me once dear, you’d always love me,

  And no one else would come between,

  But now you left me to love another,

  You have shattered all my dreams.

  • • •

  Boone moved into a local rooming house run by a widow woman named DelSorbo. He provided her with twelve dollars a week, and in return he enjoyed a furnished room and three squares a day.

  He settled into his new job right away and found he liked the pace and heartbeat of Dodge City. The only real problems the deputies faced were from the area that lay to the south of the railroad tracks, where the seedier taverns, troublesome gambling houses, and brothels lay. It was not unusual to have several reports a week about shootings and fights, since guns were only allowed in that part of town.

  He and Bat got along famously. As time passed, he found he could go for hours without thinking of Mindy.

  Then in September, a beat-up letter arrived that turned his world upside down once again.

  • • •

  July 23, 1880

  Boone,

  I’ve decided to move on. Things are not the same for me since Melinda left for Mississippi. It’s been a hard decision, writing you this letter, but it’s one I’m hoping will ease my conscience somewhat.

  I lied to you on the morning of the celebration. Mindy had not said she would be my wife at that time. I had high hopes she would say yes if I could only knock you out of the running. To tell the truth, I would have said mite near anything to have Mindy for my own. And I guess I did. I filled her head with a lot of lies about you.

  But for all my efforts, it wasn’t meant to be between her and me. It seems she has feelings for another cowboy. She turned me down flat on the issue of marriage.

  Since she’s gone, Tipton holds no interest for me. I don’t care to live on the farm anymore, because of the images I had of her there with me. I find the rooms are silent and cold, and a man can go crazy living there by himself.

  I started to sell the property, but got to thinking, since your family lives here, perhaps you’d like to have it. I feel it’s the least I can do for the damage I’ve done to your good name.

  I’m enclosing the title. Do with it what you will.

  Sincerely,

  Lucas Wilhite

  • • •

  For days afterward, Boone pondered his options. He liked his job in Dodge City, but Tipton called to him. He stewed on the matter through the rest of September and into October. As the cold winds started to blow, his thoughts turned more and more toward his hometown. By the end of October, he had turned in his resignation and was headed for home and family.

  • • •

  Mrs. Boone was in the kitchen kneading bread when she heard the front door open. She cried aloud at the sight of her son. He looked gaunt and underfed, like he hadn’t been taking care of himself, and her motherly instincts kicked in right away. She dragged him into the kitchen, plopping down biscuits and sausage left from breakfast.

  “How long are you here for?” she asked, studying his troubled face.

  “I reckon I’m here permanent, Ma. Lucas sent me the deed to the Larby place. I’m a homeowner now.”

  Mrs. Boone clucked. “Well, if you ask me, it’s the least he could do! Slandering your name like he’s done. People here think you murdered a woman in cold blood, though I’ve told them they know you better than that.” She went back to her bread dough, slinging it onto the counter with a bang. After a long moment, she said, “Well, the house’ll need work. I’ll talk to Becky, and we’ll start the process of making it more presentable.” She glanced up at him. “I hope you don’t plan to live there by yourself.”

  “Huh?” Boone gazed up at his mother. “What else would I do?”

  “You�
�re a fool, Gary Boone. I never thought I’d see the day I’d think you were downright foolish and addle-headed.” She slung the bread dough a last time onto the wood-block surface and then stormed out of the room.

  Boone shrugged and went back to his meal. Later he started thinking about what his mother had said. Perhaps she was right. The house did need to be made more inviting. He set to work immediately.

  • • •

  Mindy McCorkle had found peace with her life. When she returned home, she was shocked and surprised to find Richard Peters waiting for her. They began keeping company, slowly at first, then more seriously. He was a good man and she felt she could be content with him. After knowing him all her life, she felt sure there were no surprises up his sleeve.

  She tried to push the memories of her trip across country out of her mind. She relegated them to a compartment of her mind marked “off limits.” Sometimes in the quiet of the night, she still cried, but told herself she was foolish and addle-headed.

  Her mother encouraged the relationship with Richard. She was overjoyed that Mindy had a suitor and might settle down and give her more grandchildren.

  In October, the Fall Festival approached. Mindy’s mother tried to get her to participate in the planning of the annual event, but the thoughts of it brought back too many memories. She planned to attend and that was good enough.

  She walked through the day in a haze, thinking back over the last celebration she had attended. Too many things were similar. At the greased pig event, Mindy suddenly burst out crying. She was mortified, but couldn’t help herself. Richard was caught off guard and didn’t know what to do.

  “Mindy, what on earth is the matter?” he asked.

  “It’s just so sad,” she said, looking on as everyone else laughed and pointed. “The poor little pig!”

  Richard looked from Mindy to the pig, and shook his head. “I never saw you cry at a greased pig contest before.”

  “Well, I just never thought of it from the pig’s side!” She turned and began to walk away. “I can’t watch anymore.”

  Richard hurried to catch up. “That’s fine, Mindy. What do you want to do now?”

  What she really wanted to do was go to her room and lie down, but she didn’t say that. “I guess we can walk down and take a look at the pies for the pie contest.”

  They spent the rest of the afternoon meandering through the events. Mindy’s handkerchief came out several times. She dabbed at her eyes and then blew her nose in a most unladylike fashion.

  Late in the evening, as the sun went down, the crowd moved toward the bandstand and a temporary dance floor that had been set up. Mindy watched the square dancing and sighed. Richard was at a loss as to what he could do to cheer her flagging spirits. Mindy noticed, and thought he was a dear for trying. She determined to buck up and try to enjoy the rest of the evening.

  The band began a waltz and Richard asked Mindy to dance. Though it was the last thing she wanted to do, she said yes, and even offered up a smile.

  As she counted the beats in her head, Mindy thought back to her last waltz and found it hard to keep the smile on her face. She told herself if only she could get through the rest of the night, tomorrow would be a better day.

  As she danced, she had an odd feeling of déjà vu. She felt eyes upon her, and she searched the crowd for anyone who might be watching. As she whirled, her thoughts wandered back to the last time. Suddenly, her heart took flight. It was Boone! Somehow she knew it. Her heart lit up with her smile, her eyes sparkled. He’s here somewhere, she told herself. She knew too well the distinct trembling sensation she got when those black eyes were upon her.

  She searched the crowds surrounding the dance floor. Round and round she and Richard went, but she was no longer dancing with Richard, she was miles away.

  “I’m so glad to see you’ve cheered up,” her companion said.

  Mindy nodded.

  “You’re feeling better?”

  Mindy nodded. “Mm hmm. Much better.” She didn’t meet Richard’s gaze, her neck twisted this way and that as she hungrily devoured the faces, searching for just one.

  Then in the shadows, she saw him. Boone — Boone! — leaning against a tree with his arms crossed, watching her with a stony expression she couldn’t read, his dark eyes following every move, his eyes roving between Mindy and her partner.

  Mindy swallowed. It was just like before, the dreamy, heady sensation that he did care! Then, in a nightmare moment she had lived through before, Boone turned and walked away.

  Mindy’s steps faltered. Her heart skipped, and her smile fled. She and Richard stopped in the middle of the dance floor, her hand resting lightly on his left shoulder. She looked up into his face.

  “I … I … lost the count,” she said.

  “That’s all right, Mindy. Let’s pick it up again right … here.” As the hand behind her back smoothly applied pressure, Mindy looked down, not moving, subtly shaking her head.

  “I can’t, Richard,” Mindy said.

  “Can’t what, Mindy? Dance? Why, you’re a wonderful dancer.”

  “No. I can’t do this. You and me. I’m sorry.”

  Richard’s face fell, his shoulders slumped. “What is it? Did I do something?”

  “No,” Mindy said. “There’s someone else. And if I don’t hurry, he’s going to get away!” She reached up and gave Richard a kiss on the cheek. “You’re a good man. You deserve more. And thank you.” Then, with the beginnings of a glittering smile, she was gone.

  • • •

  Boone strode to his horse, untethered it, and started to climb on.

  “Boone! Wait! Stop!”

  He looked up and was surprised to see Mindy running toward him with her skirts held high. She was showing much more ankle than was proper. He smiled.

  “Where are you going? How long have you been here?” Mindy’s words tumbled out. Now that she was before him, her insecurities raised their troublesome heads. How could he be here for her?

  “I’ve been here all day. I’ve been watching you with that new man of yours. Looks like you’re doing well. I just wanted to make sure you made it safely home. The road can be a dangerous place.”

  “Oh. You came to see about my safety?”

  Boone nodded. “I worried about you being stranded somewhere by the side of the road.” Then he smiled. “Though, of course, if you had that confounded bag with you, I suppose you would have been all right.”

  Mindy looked down and blushed.

  “Are you happy, Mindy? That’s all I need to know. Are you happy here … with … him?”

  Mindy looked up into Boone’s black eyes. She knew her only true chance for happiness lay inside the circle of his arms. “No, Boone. I’m not happy. I haven’t been happy since the day you walked away.”

  Boone’s eyebrows rose. “Me?”

  “Yes, you. You torment me beyond imagination when you’re with me … but you torment me so much more when you’re gone.”

  Boone lips creased into a broad smile. “Well, that’s right funny. There’s a little green-eyed girl that torments my thoughts as well.”

  He stepped closer. The moonlight washed over them, bathing the scene in soft light. He reached up a calloused hand and touched her face. “I love you, Mindy McCorkle.”

  “Oh!” Mindy threw her arms around him, not caring at all about propriety.

  Then Boone kissed her and all became right with the world.

  • • •

  The wedding occurred a week later and took place immediately following the Sunday morning church services. Mindy wore a light pink blouse with a round neckline and a brown skirt. She carried a bouquet of yellow and pink dahlia and white baby’s breath. Her niece, Sophie, skipped along before her, dropping yellow flower petals into the aisle.

  Boone looked like a new man in a black cutaway suit, with a white shirt. He was freshly shaved and cologned and his smile could have lit a hundred homes in the dead of night.

  Mindy’s mother cr
ied. Not only to see her last daughter wed and happy, but because Mindy was leaving. Joyous tears mixed with sad ones.

  The couple traveled back to Tipton, reminiscing over the last trip. Mindy glowed with happiness, and Boone’s chest stuck out in an unnatural manner. They discussed children and church and discipline and plans for the future. They fought a lot, but smiled even more.

  When they arrived in Tipton, Becky and Mrs. Boone hosted a grand homecoming and wedding party for them. They were showered with good wishes and given a grand Pounding. After the party, they had enough food staples to last a year! They had been given pounds of flour, meal, eggs, coffee, and much more.

  They spent the first two nights with Mrs. Boone, who promised that the Larby place had been cleaned and organized.

  On the morning they rose to head to their new home, Mrs. Boone cooked a big breakfast and said, “Now you’ll have to feed him well in the mornings, Mindy. He’s gruff as a bear if he doesn’t have his breakfast.”

  Mindy smiled and looked shyly at Boone. “Yes, ma’am. Thank you. That could explain a lot.”

  Boone laughed and took her hand. “I can’t wait to get you home,” he said.

  “Home.” Mindy spoke the word thoughtfully. “Home. I’m ready whenever you are!”

  They had to borrow Becky’s wagon to carry all their gifts. The trip to their new home passed in a blur of conversation.

  “You know, I’ve been there for a while without you,” Boone said, nudging Mindy with his broad shoulder. “Though I always hoped you would join me some day. I’m warning you, there are some changes since the last time you saw the place.”

  “Oh, Boone. No! It was perfect the way it was!”

  “Well, maybe it will be more perfect. We’ll have to wait and see.” Boone grinned.

  “What are you up to?” Mindy asked.

  “Wait and see … ”

  They passed the turnoff to the property, where a large boulder lay at the foot of the drive, and Boone turned the wagon along the rutted dirt road.

  “Why, everything looks the exact same, Boone! You had me worried for nothing.”