“Of course,” she eked out, straightening away from him. Several silent moments elapsed as they headed along the trail toward town, enough time that she began second-guessing herself. “I hope you don’t think less of me for being so forward,” she said.
“Ah, lass, I couldn’t possibly think any less of you.”
“Uhm …” She blinked a few times. “What?”
“Wait. Wait. That’s not what I meant.” His face reddened. “I mean nothing you could do would cause me to think less … argh. I hold you in the greatest esteem, and I …” His Adam’s apple bobbed and he cleared his throat. “Shite. I’ve made a muck of it and stepped right into the pile besides.” He huffed out a breath.
He was so flustered, and so obviously trying to dig himself out of that hole that she burst out laughing.
He gifted her with one of his sexy grins. “Ah, lass, you must know what you mean to me. Neither of us could hide our feelings while we wrote that letter, could we? I recall trying to talk to you about what was in my heart, and—”
“Yes, but that was then, and this is—”
“So much more grand and undeniably real? With all the complications standing between us, these feelings we share are disconcerting, aye?” His searching gaze held hers. “For right now let’s simply enjoy the day and each other’s company.”
She nodded mutely, and they continued on in silence. Enjoy the day, and don’t think about the future. Could she do that?
Her eyes widened as Garretsville came into view. The main road through town thronged with people, women with shopping baskets on their arms—some with small children in tow—strolled along the wooden walkways connecting the storefronts. Men on horseback or in wagons similar to Daniel’s moved along at a snail’s pace down the dirt road through town, or were parked next to places of business. Shops and businesses lined both sides of the street. Beyond the main road she saw a scattering of residential cabins, many with gardens beginning to sprout green. She caught glimpses of split-rail fences beyond, where horses and cows grazed, and chickens roamed freely about, pecking at the dirt for food.
The sounds of hammering and sawing filled the air as even more structures were being built. At this point in time, Garretsville was still growing. The cabin where she stayed with her co-volunteers didn’t yet exist and wouldn’t until this part of the Garnet Mountains became a park. A painted sign nailed to fence posts, reading Welcome to Garretsville, now stood where that cabin would be in the future. “Wow.”
“It’s quite different than what you remember.”
“Definitely.” She leaned against him for a moment, wishing she’d thought to bring her phone with her, so she could take a few pictures. “The bank first?”
“Aye, the bank first.”
The trail they were on led to the main street, and Daniel turned the wagon left toward the bank. Beside the bank, the assayer’s office drew her attention. Knowing what she did about what was to come, she wondered if Joe Biggs was indeed responsible for the deaths caused by the three thieves.
People exchanged friendly greetings with Daniel, glancing curiously at her. She smiled in return. The bank was the only structure in town made of native stone rather than logs or planks. Hard to believe, but she’d taken tourist groups through that very building just a day ago, nearly one hundred seventy years in the future.
Daniel engaged the brake and wrapped the reins around the handle. He hopped down, hurrying to her side to lift her to the ground. “Shall we, Miss MacCarthy?” he said, offering his arm.
She tucked her hand in the crook of his elbow, and noticed he stood a little taller when she did. “Yes, thank you, Mr. Cavanaugh.”
Daniel held open the door, and she preceded him into the bank. It was exactly the same as she remembered, only the planks of the floor still gave off the tangy scent of pine. Everything here was brand new. Iron bars rose from the tellers’ counter to the ceiling, separating the two clerks from the customers.
A couple stood at one of the small window-like openings, being taken care of by a young man of medium height. He wore his brown hair slicked back, and he had a neatly trimmed mustache. Both tellers and the couple glanced their way for a second before returning to their own transaction.
“Good morning, Mr. Cavanaugh,” a tall, thin man greeted Daniel from his spot behind the counter.
“And to you, Mr. Johnston.” Daniel placed his free hand over hers as they approached the counter. “This is Miss Meredith MacCarthy, one of my partner’s many cousins from New York. She and her brother are visiting us for the next few weeks.”
“Oh?” The banker smiled warmly her way. “It’s lovely to make your acquaintance, ma’am. I hope you enjoy your stay.”
“Thank you, Mr. Johnston.” She returned his smile.
His curious gaze swung back to Daniel. “What can we do for you today, sir?”
“While Miss MacCarthy is here, she wishes to keep a few personal items in the Hannigan & Cavanaugh strongbox for safekeeping.” He patted her hand. “I’m in town for supplies today, so I’ll also be withdrawing some cash.”
“Of course. Wait here a moment while I inform Mr. Becker you wish access to your box. He’ll take you back to the vault.” He slid a form and a fountain pen through the window. “In the meantime, fill out a withdrawal slip, and I’ll take care of the cash when I return.”
“Thank you.”
Once the clerk left, Daniel began filling out the form. “Becker owns the bank,” he said. “He runs a tight ship and has made this building as secure as possible. He’s a decent sort.”
A half hour later, with her fortune and the pink diamond safely tucked away in the vault, Meredith folded the written receipt for what belonged to her and stuffed it into her bag. She walked beside Daniel to the wagon as he pulled out his shopping list.
“The butcher, baker, mercantile, feed store, and then we’ll head to Widow Hague’s for fresh eggs and butter,” he said. “Once we’ve secured everything in the wagon, we’ll have lunch at Klein’s Diner.” He glanced around, as if making sure no one was within earshot. “We suspect Mrs. Hague’s husband was one of the victims of the three you came to warn us about,” he said, his voice low. “We always buy our eggs and butter from her. She has two growing sons to support. I believe her eldest is nearly eighteen now, and he’s apprenticing with a gunsmith.”
She nodded as she looked down the street. “There’s Keoghan’s Saloon,” she murmured, mentally comparing what the street looked like now to what she remembered. Next to Keoghan’s stood a two-story building with a small balcony overlooking the road through town. Despite the lingering morning chill, two scantily-dressed women sat on the balcony, their arms—and ample breasts—propped along the top of the railing as they watched the goings on below. “One of the bawdy houses?” she asked, nodding her head toward the women.
“One of three,” Daniel confirmed. He grabbed a number of burlap sacks and a basket from the back of the wagon and once again offered her his arm. “Shall we?”
Smiling, she took his arm, grateful to have his guidance because her quivering historian’s heart wanted nothing more than to drink in all the sights without worrying about where she stepped.
A few hours later, and bearing a buttermilk pie placed in a tin from the diner, Meredith strolled beside Daniel, smiling happily. “It’s hard to believe I met Judy’s great-great grandmother and her great-grandmother in person. I had to bite my tongue to keep from telling them that I know their descendant.”
“I can imagine,” Daniel said, smiling her way. “On to Sheriff Ramsey’s office,” he said, taking the pie tin from her. They’d reached the wagon, which was now loaded with supplies, including the clothing and boots she’d bought for Oliver, so he’d blend in better. A heavy canvas tarp had been tied down to cover everything. Daniel slid the tin under a gap, and then he helped her climb onto the buckboard.
“The jailhouse is down the street a few blocks,” he said as he started the mules moving. “Another half-
block from there, we can take a trail that intersects with our way home.”
“I’m feeling nervous about this,” she admitted. “I’m not good at lying. I wish Oliver was here. I’d let him do the talking. He certainly didn’t have any trouble lying to you and Charles about being my half-brother.” Warmth unfurled inside her at Daniel’s low chuckle.
“True, and he’s also the one who came up with the tale about overhearing the men at the trading post.” He glanced her way. “You don’t have to say a thing if you don’t wish to, love. All we’re doing is alerting the sheriff that we’ve important information regarding the gang that has been plaguing miners in the area.”
“Right.” She sighed, studying the main street as the mules plodded along. Daniel brought the wagon to a halt in front of a solid log structure with a sign above the door. “Garretsville Jail,” she read aloud. “Well, here goes,” she muttered. “This is what I’m here for after all.”
“And here I thought you came for my devilish charm and irresistible kisses,” Daniel teased.
“That too,” she quipped, unable to keep from smiling. “Does Garretsville have a mayor and a courthouse?”
“A mayor and a town council, aye, but no courthouse yet. They meet in the schoolhouse.”
Once again Daniel helped her down from the buckboard and offered her his arm. Then he led her into the jailhouse. Fascinated, she studied her surroundings. The interior smelled strongly of burned coffee, pine, and lingering traces of vomit. Many a belligerent drunk must have spent the night in one of the small, windowless cells in the rear of the building.
A ruggedly handsome man with brown hair and eyes sat behind the desk. He appeared to be in his mid to late thirties, and he wore a badge on his leather vest. A stack of wanted posters sat before him, along with an open ledger and a cup of coffee. “Howdy, Dan,” he said, his sharp gaze darting to her. “This here a dangerous criminal you’re bringing to justice?” He flashed her a friendly grin.
She rolled her eyes, and couldn’t help but smile.
“Sorry to disappoint, but this is one of Hannigan’s many cousins from out East.” Daniel placed his hand possessively over hers. “Miss Meredith MacCarthy, this is William Ramsey, our sheriff.”
“Pleased to meet you, ma’am.” The sheriff rose from his chair and approached. He shook hands with Daniel, and offered her the chair that sat in front of his desk. “What can I do for you two this fine afternoon. As you can see, things are kind of slow today. My deputy is out on patrol, but so far he hasn’t been able to scare up any troublemakers.” He flashed them a rueful look. “I’d offer you both a cup of coffee, but I’m fairly certain it’s gone solid by now,” he said as he glanced at the pot sitting atop the pot-bellied stove.
“We shan’t stay. This isn’t a social visit. While Miss MacCarthy and her brother were waiting for us to fetch them from Hellgate, they overheard three men discussing something of interest to you and to all of us here in Garretsville. We were hoping you’d come out our way so we can discuss the matter.”
The sheriff perched on the edge of his desk. “Can’t we discuss it now?”
Daniel shook his head. “Meredith’s brother was closest to the three outlaws, and he overheard the most. It would be best if he did the telling.”
“Outlaws you say?” Ramsey’s demeanor shifted, and his brow rose, the glint of curiosity in his eyes clear to see. “Will tomorrow afternoon at 4:00 work?”
Daniel glanced at her. “Will that suit, Meredith?”
“Yes.” She glancing up at him. “Aren’t you going to invite Sheriff Ramsey to stay for supper then? Seems like the least we can do to compensate him for his time.”
“That’s mighty kind of you, Miss MacCarthy, but the missus and my children expect me home at 6:30 sharp every evening for supper, and I don’t like to disappoint them.”
“Of course.” She smiled. “We’ll see you tomorrow then.”
That part of their plan completed, they set out for Daniel’s camp. All Meredith could think about was the kiss they’d shared earlier. She didn’t want to waste a minute of their time together, but with Oliver and Charles under the same roof, how could she arrange more time alone with Daniel?
“A penny for your thoughts, Meredith,” Daniel said.
She turned to study him. Should she go for bold, or keep her lustful thoughts to herself. “Are you sure you really want to know?”
He chuckled, and drew her close to his side with one arm. “Aye, I’m certain.”
“If you must know, I was plotting ways we might find more time to spend alone together.” She swallowed against the sudden, unexpected lump rising to her throat. “I just …” Her voice quavered. “This is so … difficult.”
He dropped the reins and lifted her to his lap. His mouth found hers in a desperate kiss, and his hands roamed up and down her back and waist, over her hips and back again as if he meant to memorize the feel of her against him. Groaning, she wrapped her arms around him, breathing him in, absorbing the heat he radiated.
Knowing the way home, the mules plodded along as she explored as much of Daniel as she could reach, and he did the same. Her heart pounded, and every sensitive intimate part of her throbbed with insistence. She broke the kiss. “What are we going to do? How will we resolve this?”
What she really meant was: Who is going to give in and make the sacrifice necessary for a future together? Even as she thought it, she realized how such a choice was bound to lead to resentment when they experienced disagreements or disappointments.
Daniel drew in a long, shaky breath. “I’ve no idea. You know what my family went through, and how I left them. I told you about the vow I made to my mother, the vow I couldn’t keep, preventing me from moving on.” He gazed deeply into her eyes.
“What kind of man would I be to break my word when I’m finally on the cusp of making good on my promise?” He grunted. “I wouldn’t be worthy of your trust or your affection if I abandoned my mother and siblings now. Would I?”
Her heart splintered. “And how would I be worthy of your trust and affection if I didn’t honor your need to fulfill that promise? Yet … I have a family too, and they’ll grieve if I remain here with you. How will I bear missing them for the rest of my life? My mom and dad would be devastated. My twin sister’s first child will be born in December. If I stay, I’ll never meet my niece or nephew. I’ll never see my sisters again.” A tear ran down her cheek. “What are we going to do, Daniel?”
He held her tight for several seconds, saying nothing. Meredith closed her eyes and tried to imagine a scenario where time and space weren’t obstacles standing between them.
“I don’t know, my love. We can’t say for certain that our plans to thwart the murderers will succeed. Until that fateful day is behind us, can we not spend this precious time getting to know each other better? If I’m still breathing after the nineteenth of June, then we’ll discuss our options.” He drew back and stared into her eyes. “What do you say?” he asked, his expression intense.
“All right,” she agreed, though she knew the closer they became, the more devastating their mutual decision might be for one or both of them.
When they arrived back at the cabin, Meredith hopped off on her own, and began untying the tarp. She took the pie tin, and Daniel grabbed the sack of Flour. Charles opened the door just as they reached the porch.
“I was about head back to work,” Charles said, eyeing the two of them. “How was your visit into town, Meredith?”
“Garretsville today is a lot different than the ghost town I remember. When I arrived as a volunteer, I counted fourteen buildings in total, and a majority of them were barely standing.” Meredith told him. She lifted the tin. “We brought pie from the diner. Will you have a piece with us before you go back to work?”
“Don’t mind if I do.” Charles grinned, opening the door wider to let them enter. “Good news, Oliver. We have pie.”
Oliver glanced over his shoulder from his place at the sink.
“Cool. Thanks.”
Daniel crossed the room and pulled a large wooden box from under the counter. He set the flour sack inside and put the lid back on before sliding the box back on the shelf. “Let’s get the wagon unloaded and supplies put away first.”
A flurry of activity began as the men brought in the supplies and put them away. Meredith started a fresh pot of coffee, and the four of them settled around the table. Charles cut and served the buttermilk pie, something Meredith had never had before.
She set the coffee pot on a folded piece of thick wool at the center of the table, along with mugs and sugar. “We stopped by the sheriff’s office,” she said. “He’s going to come by tomorrow afternoon at 4:00. Oliver, you and I need to practice what we’re going to say.”
“We can do that,” he said around a mouthful. “Whatever this is, it’s delicious. Some kind of custard?”
“Buttermilk pie.” Daniel glanced at Charles. “We also stopped by the bank. I wasn’t comfortable with having Meredith’s money here in the cabin. There are too many drifters wandering the mountains who might come in and help themselves to whatever they want should they find no one at home. We put her fortune in our strongbox. I hope that meets with your approval, Charles.”
He nodded as he chewed. “Of course.”
Meredith snuck a peek at Oliver, trying to gauge his reaction. He seemed far more interested in stuffing his face with a second piece of pie than he did in learning that her money was no longer on the premises. Maybe Daniel had misjudged him. She slid her hand into her pocket and pressed her finger tips against the leather bag holding the remaining diamond.
For the most part, Oliver was just a kid, treating life as if he lived inside an adventure movie. She doubted he’d do anything stupid to botch Charles and Daniel’s rescue, and she was even more than certain he wouldn’t do anything to jeopardize their only way back to the future.
Summoned in Time: A magical, ghostly, time travel romance... (The MacCarthy Sisters Book 3) Page 17
