Making their way across the street, Caleb noticed new construction at the far end of town. “What’s going in there?”
“I hear it’s going to be a boardinghouse. The one we have has only three rooms for rent. This one will have eight. Thomas Beall at the general store is building it for his son, Percy, and his wife, Missy. He lost a leg in the war. Couldn’t find work anywhere besides the general store.”
Caleb could hear the bitterness in Nate’s voice, but for now, he let it go. “Does he still work for Thomas?”
Nate nodded. “From what Marcus says, Percy and Missy will live in the boardinghouse. She’ll cook and clean. Percy will help at the front desk and in the dining room, but will also work in the general store.” He glanced at Caleb. “You do what you got to.”
Again, he didn’t comment, deciding it best to let them both settle with a glass of whiskey before asking questions.
Stepping into the Lucky Lady, the largest saloon in town, they found a table in a corner. Thanking the barmaid for the whiskeys, Caleb sat back, taking a slow sip before setting his glass down.
“How long have you worked for Marcus?”
“Since I got to town in early November.” Nate rolled the glass between his fingers.
“Where’d you go after leaving Circle M?”
“San Francisco for a short time. Doc Tilden mentioned someone there who could help me.”
Caleb didn’t need to ask what he was talking about. “And did he?”
Leaning forward, he set his glass down, resting an arm on the table. “He said the same as Doc Tilden. The opium is out of my body.”
Caleb cocked his head. “But?”
Shaking his head gently, Nate kept his gaze focused on the whiskey. “I still want it. As much as before. I wake up each morning and go to bed at night craving it. The doctor in San Francisco worked with me for several days, giving me ideas of what might help. The best suggestion was to find a place absent of opium. A town too small or remote to have it.”
“That’s how you ended up in Settlers Valley?”
Nate nodded. “I went through Yubaville, but there was no work.” He mentioned the very small settlement just north of Conviction. “A bartender mentioned Settlers Valley.” He shrugged, picking up the glass and draining it.
“How long have you known we were in the area?”
Lifting a hand, he signaled the saloon waitress for another round. “I saw Blaine, Quinn, and Heather ride into town one night. They came straight in here. I watched the entire scene from outside. It didn’t take long to understand you’d finally gotten Heather to see things your way.” A slight grin lifted the corners of his mouth.
“It wasn’t easy. She’s a stubborn lass.”
“That she is.” Nate lifted the refilled glass of whiskey, taking a sip. “A few days later, I saw other MacLarens ride in for the wedding.”
“Were you at the church?” Caleb asked, sipping the whiskey.
Nate felt a rush of guilt. “Out of sight. I wasn’t ready for anyone to see me.” Leaning back, he looked at Caleb. “It was a fine wedding. Heather was beautiful.”
Caleb nodded. “As was Geneen.”
Ignoring the lump in his throat, Nate took another sip of his drink. “Yes, she was.”
Caleb rubbed his chin as he studied his friend. “Do you love her?”
“Since the moment I saw her.”
Stretching out his legs, Caleb tossed back the rest of his drink, crossing his arms. “You’ve some decisions to make.”
Nate turned to face him, a brow lifting. “Such as?”
“How long you’re willing to ignore your feelings for her. She’s a beautiful, smart lass, and you’re the man she wants.”
Nate’s jaw clenched, but he didn’t respond.
“Some ranch hand is going to see what you let get away and claim her. Is that what you want?”
His nostrils flared. Again, he remained silent.
Caleb decided to change the subject. “Do you plan to stay in Settlers Valley, working for Marcus?”
Letting out a breath, Nate crossed his arms. “I haven’t decided.”
“Do you like the work?”
“It gives me a place to sleep, food in my stomach, and enough for an occasional whiskey.”
“That’s not what I asked. You’re a good lawman, Nate, living in a town with an incompetent sheriff.”
Chuckling, Nate nodded. “He’s not looking for a deputy. Not that I’ve heard.”
Caleb’s gaze narrowed on him. “If he was, would you be interested?”
Sitting up straight, he glared at him. “Dammit, Caleb. Didn’t you hear what I said earlier?”
Staying calm, he nodded. “Every word.”
“Then you know I’m not fit to be a lawman, and definitely not fit for Geneen.” Nate glanced around, seeing others watching him, and sunk back in the chair.
“What exactly did the San Francisco doctor tell you about dealing with the craving?”
“Work. Keep myself busy.” He hesitated a moment. “Don’t be alone,” he breathed out.
Standing, Caleb stared down at him. “That’s what I thought. Let’s get out of here.”
“Where are we going?” Nate’s brows furrowed.
“We’re picking up your belongings and I’m taking you to the ranch.”
Chapter Five
It hadn’t been a pleasant ride to Highlander Ranch.
Nate had adamantly refused to move his things to the ranch, insisting it was one of the worst ideas Caleb had ever uttered. He’d need to travel into town and back each day to continue work at the livery. This inconvenience accounted for little when compared to how Geneen would react.
Nate’s warning had no effect on Caleb, who’d told him she’d learn to adjust. Nate continued to argue the point until his gaze met Caleb’s cold stare and set features, seeing his friend’s hands clenching and unclenching at his sides. For an instant, Nate wondered if Caleb would try to fight him. He didn’t worry about getting hurt. His concern centered on what he might do to his friend. Even with one arm, Nate’s fighting skills were well known by the MacLarens.
Caleb ignored all of Nate’s cautions. The knowledge he’d be sharing a room in Archie’s small house on the property made his concerns easier to accept, but didn’t dispel them.
After a quarter-hour of arguing outside the livery, Nate gave up and stormed away, throwing his few belongings into saddlebags. He’d agreed to try Caleb’s plan for one month, no longer, obtaining his friend’s agreement Nate would be the one to make the decision as to whether he stayed at the ranch or moved back to town.
Trepidation at being so close to Geneen burned in his gut. Sweet-tempered and kind, he’d never seen her as angry and disappointed as she’d been when learning he lived in Settlers Valley. The warm, inviting smile he’d come to expect had been replaced with a deep anguish he hadn’t anticipated. Nate knew he’d made a grave mistake not confiding in her before departing Circle M and leaving his job as Brodie’s deputy. If he could do it over again, Nate would change many things.
After a brief explanation to Marcus, assuring his boss he’d still be at work each day, they rode off, saying little on their way to the ranch. The closer they got, the more Nate’s gut churned. He knew the confrontation with Geneen wouldn’t be pleasant. But he hadn’t expected Heather’s wrath at Caleb’s invitation.
Stopping outside the barn, they dismounted, walking the horses inside to remove the tack. They’d not been home five minutes when Heather joined them, arms crossed as her gaze moved between the two, settling on Caleb.
“Are you daft, bringing Nate here with Geneen still in such a state?”
“Calm down, sweetheart. You’ll understand once we’ve had a chance to talk. There are many things you don’t know, but I’ll explain all to you once Nate is settled. He’ll be staying with Archie and riding to the livery each morning—not working the ranch with us.”
She sucked in a deep breath before looking at Nate. “I�
�ll be apologizing to you, Nate. It’s just…I’m worried about Geneen. The lass has not been herself since seeing you in town.”
He looked at Caleb. “As I said before, this is a mistake. I’ll go back to town.” Turning, he grabbed Nomad’s reins, meaning to leave.
Walking to him, Heather placed a hand on his arm, stopping his movements. “Nae, you’ll not be going. I trust Caleb when he says there are reasons you’re here. Have you had supper?”
“No, but I don’t expect to eat with you.”
Her expression softened, a smile crossing her face. “We waited supper for Caleb. Now it will be including you. The lass may not be happy about it, but she needs to know what’s been decided. There’ll be no better time than tonight.”
Letting out a ragged breath, Nate nodded. “If you’re certain she’ll be all right.”
“I am. She’s a gracious lass. There’ll be no trouble.”
Throwing up her hands, Geneen stormed across the kitchen, slamming a lid onto the warming stew. “Absolutely not. I’ll not spend one minute sitting across the table from that man. Not ever.”
“Caleb wouldn’t be inviting him without good reason. You won’t even be needing to speak to him. You’ll just be needing to sit through supper, lass. Then you can leave.”
Hearing the men enter the house, Geneen groaned. “I’ll stay at the supper table one night, but that’s all. And don’t try to draw me into the conversation.”
Heather looked at her, stifling a smile. “I’m not sure what you’re meaning?”
Geneen didn’t have a chance to answer before Caleb walked into the kitchen, putting an arm around Heather’s shoulders before kissing her.
She pulled away, looking up at him. “And where’s Nate?”
“In the parlor.” He glanced at Geneen. “He wasn’t sure it was safe to come in here with me.”
Geneen shook her head, turning back to the stove. Removing the lid, she stirred the stew a few times. “It’s ready.” When she started to lift it, Caleb moved her aside, picking up the pot. “Fine. I’ll bring the biscuits.”
Caleb lifted a brow as he moved past Heather and into the dining room.
“The three of us will be talking as we always do, lass.” Heather took down a basket, placing a towel inside before handing it to Geneen, who filled it with hot biscuits. “Nate can join in or not.”
“I don’t want to hear his excuses. Not tonight. Maybe not ever.”
“Then we’ll not be listening to any of it tonight. When we’re done, Caleb will be helping me with the dishes. You go upstairs and forget the lad’s even around.”
Hugging her, Geneen gave Heather a grateful smile. “Thank you.”
Lifting her chin, she held the basket with both hands and followed Heather into the dining room, ignoring Nate as she placed it on the table.
“Hello, Geneen.” Nate’s voice trembled enough to let her know he felt as uncomfortable as her. The knowledge gave her little satisfaction.
She glanced up. Nodding once, she moved to her place at the table. When he attempted to pull out the chair for her, she brushed him off and seated herself. Frowning, Nate walked to the other side, taking a place next to Caleb, who sat at the head of the table.
Without a word, Heather motioned for everyone to pass their plates. Once filled, they buttered their biscuits and dug in, no one saying a word for several minutes. Long enough for the room to fill with tension. After a while, Caleb set down his fork, looking at Geneen.
“Nate will be staying at the ranch, in the extra bedroom in Archie’s house.”
“That’s what I hear.” She didn’t look at either Caleb or Nate.
“He’ll be riding into town each morning to work at the livery, then returning in the evening. You’ll need to plan on the four of us for breakfast and supper.”
Nate shook his head, his gaze still locked on Geneen. “You don’t have to do that, Caleb. I’ll eat in town.”
“Nae, lad. You’ll be eating with us.”
Geneen froze at Heather’s words. They just agreed she’d sit with him at supper for just one night. Now she’d invited him to be present every night.
“You’re still too thin, lad. You’ll not be putting on weight eating whatever’s been available in town.”
“I usually ate beans.”
“A lad needs more than beans to gain some weight. Am I right on that, Geneen?”
Feeling her throat tighten, she nodded, never looking up from the stew on her plate.
Caleb spoke up, doing his best to relieve the tension. “I’ve asked Nate to join us tomorrow.”
“Ach. I’d forgotten we’re hunting for deer.” Heather set down her fork, looking at Nate. “It’ll be good having one more shooter. We’ve plenty of beef and chicken, but it would be good to have venison for the winter.”
Nate shook his head, his appetite not as strong as he thought. “I may not be of much help. It’s been a long time since I hunted.” He looked at Geneen, wondering if she remembered the hunt they went on with Quinn and his wife, Emma.
“We hunted with Quinn and Emma last winter.” The words were out of Geneen’s mouth before she could stop them.
“I didn’t think you’d remember.”
Pushing away her plate, Geneen stood, shoving her chair back in place. “Of course I remember. I remember everything, Nate.” She looked at Heather and Caleb. “Excuse me.” Walking from the room, all efforts at hiding her unease forgotten, she hurried up the stairs.
Heather stared at her empty place, a wry smile on her face. “The lass lasted longer than I thought she would.”
“Maybe I should go talk to her.” Nate slid his chair back and stood.
“Nae. Let her be for tonight. You need to give her some time.”
“Do you think she’ll ever forgive me?”
Heather glanced at the stairs, then back at Nate. “I don’t know, lad. When she never heard from you, she decided to come with us.”
“Why?”
“Her way of putting you behind her and starting over. When she’s ready, she’ll be talking to you.” Heather stood, picking up plates before walking into the kitchen.
Caleb watched a series of emotions play across Nate’s face, regret being the final one. It was an emotion he knew well. He’d felt the same when he believed Heather would never be within his grasp.
“It’s a start, Nate.”
He shook his head. “Not a very good one.”
“It will get better each day. As Heather said, give her time.” Standing, Caleb clasped him on the shoulder. “We’re glad you’re here. It’s where you belong.”
Lying in bed, Nate stared at the ceiling, not at all sure Caleb was right. He’d given Geneen enough pain and didn’t relish the thought of giving her more. The not quite concealed anguish on her face told him everything. He’d hurt her deeply, more than he’d ever thought possible.
In Geneen, Nate had discovered a gentle soul, a woman who never uttered a bad word about anyone. She loved the outdoors, working the herd, hunting, and fishing. The same as Heather, Emma, and Coral, she could do all of it as well as most men.
Hunting with her the year before had been a sobering experience for him. The women he knew back east wouldn’t have found any of it the least bit appealing. The fact he held a dangerous job as a deputy in a growing frontier town never bothered her. Neither had the loss of his arm. His reliance on opium hadn’t made her turn away from him, disgusted with his need. She’d stayed by his side, doing her best to help him rid the drug from his body.
Geneen was the perfect woman for him. Except he’d left her behind, too afraid she’d see the real man and turn on him, just as his fiancée had. He still hadn’t decided if a life with Geneen could happen. But he couldn’t abide her hating him, not understanding his reasons for leaving. They might not sound logical or mean anything to her. All he knew was he had to try.
Heather and Caleb were right. Nate needed to give her time, let her get used to seeing him at the ranch, be
ing back in her life. At some point, he felt certain she’d let him explain. Only then could they decide if she would forgive him, and if he could offer her a future.
Geneen sat on the window seat, staring at the foreman’s house below. No doubt Archie was slumbering in his dark room. The second bedroom light still flickered. She wondered if Nate had found sleep illusive as well.
She’d stayed at the supper table as long as possible, doing her best to keep her gaze from wandering toward Nate’s intense eyes. Leaving hadn’t been her plan. Heather and Caleb expected her to be there and be courteous to Nate, even if she didn’t join the conversation. Somehow, she knew they’d understand why she’d left and forgive her.
Taking the brush from her lap, Geneen took long, full strokes down her hair, letting it fall in waves over her shoulders and back. Nate had seen it down once—when he’d removed the pins from her hair as they lay beside the river on one of their rides.
They’d kissed for what seemed hours, bodies heating to an unbearable level. He’d stroked her back, pulling her close until their bodies aligned. She didn’t know what she wanted. All Geneen knew was her body craved more.
Nate whispered to her as his lips traced a path down her neck, then back up. All the while, his hand moved over her, the dress she wore a slim barrier to the need pulsing through her.
When he pulled back, staring down into her eyes, she whimpered, not ready for him to stop.
Geneen continued brushing her hair, letting the memory wash over her.
Nate had continued to watch her, stroking his fingers down her cheeks, pressing more soft kisses to her mouth. She remembered protesting, asking if she’d done something wrong. He’d only shaken his head, telling her he’d never wanted a woman as much as he wanted her. Then comforting her by saying it wasn’t the time. He’d told her no matter what her body and heart said, she wasn’t ready. Nate hadn’t stopped there. He assured her when they made love, she’d be ready, and there’d be no turning back.
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