Upset by her thoughts, Adeline went from the bedroom through the kitchen to explore the rest of the house. Past the kitchen, there were two other rooms. One was a completely furnished bedroom. She wondered why Jackson offered to sleep on the floor and not in the second bedroom. Across from the bedroom was a smaller empty room. It would someday make a perfect nursery. She wandered into the small space and turned in a circle, studying its size. Did Jackson plan to have children?
Not wanting to dwell on a future she'd have no part of, Adeline returned through the kitchen, stopping abruptly at a scratching sound at the door. She opened it and the dog from the porch entered. He went to the corner, circled three times, and lay down, his eyes on her again.
Not sure what to do, she made a pot of coffee and sat at the table. She contemplated how to gather the information she needed in order to get away from Jackson. Maybe she could befriend the people who lived in the nearest house and find out more from them. One way or another she had to find a way to leave this place. The longer she remained the harder it would be for all involved.
Heavy sets of footsteps caused the dog to stand up and move in front of the door. He sat on his haunches, but did not bark or growl. Adeline watched the animal and wondered if she should be alarmed. The door opened and Jackson and his other dog stepped through, and Adeline couldn't help meeting his gaze for a moment before dragging her eyes away. His attractiveness discomfited her.
Behind Jackson another man entered. There was no question the blond, blue-eyed man, just a bit shorter and leaner than Jackson, was his brother, Heath. Adeline's eyes went to the tin star pinned to his left breast pocket as he removed his hat and leaned over to pet the dog.
"Hey, Butch," The man ruffled the fur on the dog's head. Jackson stood aside, keeping his gaze on Adeline.
"This is my brother, Heath," he told her and motioned to his brother.
With a roguish cock of an eyebrow and curl of his lips, the younger man moved toward her. "Hello, Adeline. I'm sorry you decided to marry the ugly brother."
Adeline couldn't help but smile, although his comment made Jackson scowl. She rose and went toward the stove to take the coffee pot from the fire. "Would you like some coffee?"
Jackson took her by the arm and guided her back to the chair, and tingling heated arrows traveled from where he touched her to every other part of her body. Sure her face was bright red, she sat and peered into her coffee cup while he spoke.
"We can pour our own coffee. You don't need to be bothered."
While the men poured, they began to discuss the missing cattle problem. Heath withdrew some rolled-up papers from a nook of a built-in cabinet and spread them on the table. They used their cups to hold down the curling edges.
Jackson pointed at the map with two fingers and pulled his brows together while his gaze scanned over the paper. "This is where the herd's been grazing for the last few days. Carl, Lucas, and I take turns making rounds with our dogs every night. The only time someone could have gotten in and taken them was two days ago. Lucas was sick, so Carl and I covered as much as we could, but there were times when the herd went unguarded for up to four hours."
Heath pointed to the opposite side of the page and regarded her. "Look here Adeline, this is where Pruitt land ends. Lucas Folks owns a strip to the west here." Jackson nodded and waited for her to peer at the paper then circled an area past the strip.
"The Wilsons own this area."
The brothers exchanged looks. It was clear from the drawn brows they didn't care for whoever the Wilsons were. They began debating the distance from where the cattle grazed to different areas, at times stopping to explain geography and other land details to her.
Dumbfounded, Adeline could only sit and watch them. Her father would have never allowed her to sit in the same room with men while they discussed business, let alone inform her of what they spoke of.
"Sit in the front room and keep an ear out. I'll holler when we need our drinks freshened," her father would instruct prior to his ranch hands or others arriving to discuss business matters.
When Heath punched Jackson's shoulder about something he said, Adeline was brought back to the present.
Although both brothers were handsome men, her eyes lingered on Jackson. Of the two, his hair was a shade darker and his jaw a bit more pronounced. He was also taller and his shoulders wider. Both had startling blue eyes, and while Heath's had a twinkle of mischief, Jackson's were deeper and more solemn. The deep pools of blue pulled her in.
If only she could get to know Jackson Pruitt better, explain to him what had transpired. Maybe, just maybe, he'd be kind and forgive her misstep. Of one thing she was more than sure. She'd never seen a more handsome man. A deep sigh escaped her lips and the men gave her identical quizzical looks.
Again her face burned at the attention. Not sure if she should speak, Adeline studied the map. "Can your dogs track? Would they be able to follow a scent to where the cows were taken?" She slapped her hand over her mouth. "Oh my goodness, I'm so sorry."
"What are you apologizing for?" Jackson's lips curved, and he gave Heath a triumphant nod. "Now that is a good idea. Maybe we can take the dogs over past Lucas' land and give them the herd command. It'll be interesting to see what they do."
"Well, I'll be." Lips pursed, Heath nodded in approval. Adeline's face felt fevered at their additional attention. "Beauty and brains, too. Damn it, brother, I should have pulled the Miller twin trick and got her for myself."
"Heath," Jackson admonished his younger brother, slapping him on the side of the head. "Apologize."
The younger man's eyes widened, but he obeyed. "I'm sorry for speaking so crassly, Adeline."
"Some kind of lawman you are," Jackson mumbled. He winked at Adeline. Her eyes widened at his gesture and she bit back a smile. As foreign as it was, she appreciated the way the brothers got along.
Heath stood. "Well, I better call it a night. First thing in the morning we can go see about trying the dog trick." Heath picked up his hat before heading down the hall toward the second bedroom. "Good night, sleep well." He gave Jackson a wide grin, and Jackson cleared his throat, finding a sudden deep interest in the cup in his hand.
Adeline watched Heath's retreating form. "Does he live here?"
"At times, yes," Jackson replied, "but for the most part, he stays in a small place behind the jailhouse. Being the sheriff, his presence in town is important." He studied her, and Adeline couldn't help but lock gazes with him. "You must be dead on your feet. Go ahead and lay down, and I'll be in shortly. I'll give you time to get ready for bed."
At the mention of being tired, she felt her limbs go heavy. Yes, she was exhausted. She went to the bedroom to prepare for bed.
His presence on the other side of the door loomed over her while Adeline changed into her nightgown, yanking the garment over her head, the entire time stealing glances at the doorway.
Although she didn't think she would be able to, Adeline fell asleep on the soft pallet almost as soon as she lay on it. The warmth of the fireplace and sound of the crackling fire lulled her to a deep sleep, and she began to dream.
In her dream, Jackson scooped her up into his arms and carried her, holding her against his strong chest. He cradled her against him for a long moment before putting her down onto a soft bed. She wanted to reach out and ask him to hold her longer. She longed for him to want her to remain with him forever.
Even in her sleep, she knew it was an impossible dream, never to come true.
Chapter Seven
It was a crisp morning, the dew on the grass had yet to dry. The brothers headed past Lucas' land and began to cross into Wilson's place. The dogs trotting alongside barked at some doves that scrambled to the air from a nearby bush.
Jackson yawned and rubbed his hand across his brow.
"Well, it's obvious you didn't have a good night's sleep," Heath drawled, his attention on Jackson as they rode side by side at dawn.
"Why would you say that?" Jackson snap
ped, clenching his jaw to keep from telling his brother to mind his own business. It didn't matter that what he'd said was true. The boy didn't need to know what transpired or didn't between him and his wife.
Heath threw his head back and laughed. "Jackson, you're too much of a gentleman to say different, but I know bedding down in the same room as the beautiful Adeline meant you didn't get a lick of sleep."
Jackson shook his head, "She's hard to figure out. The woman lay down on a pallet by the fire, leaving the bed to me. What kind of man would I be to lie in a bed while my wife sleeps on the floor?"
"Was the pallet comfortable?" Heath asked with an earnest expression on his face meant to annoy him.
Jackson was saved from replying by the rapid approach of a rider. He whistled for the dogs to come when he recognized Beauchamp Wilson, the patriarch of the Wilson family.
The bulky rancher reined his horse to a stop a short distance away, his shrewd gaze taking them in before flickering to the dogs. He ignored Heath and pinned Jackson with a pointed stare.
"You're on my land, Jackson. Now personally I don't have a problem with you or your brother here, but the both of you have bad history with my boys, and I don't want any trouble right now. We've got a lot of work to do before the winter sets in."
"Now, Mr. Wilson," Heath replied, not allowing Jackson a chance. "My deputy and I are patrolling the area. We're hunting for fugitives, so you see this has nothing to do with past matters."
"Is that so?" Wilson did not seem convinced. "What's with the dogs?"
"Trackers," Jackson informed him, keeping his eyes on the man's hands. "They're following a scent."
Wilson sneered and pointed to the closest dog. "Those are herding dogs, not bloodhounds. Now why are you really here? Who are you tracking?" He placed his hand on the butt of his gun.
"Move your hand, Mr. Wilson." Heath's voice remained calm, but the undertone did not allow for questioning. The rancher heard the command and moved to take the reins of the horse instead. It was times like this Jackson could see why Heath was an effective lawman.
"Who are you tracking?" Wilson asked again.
"The usual," Jackson replied, "armed and dangerous, loose, probably heading to your homestead while we sit here and visit like women over a fence."
Angry color crept over Wilson's face, but he clenched his jaw and remained quiet.
"We'll be on our way, Mr. Wilson. Should be off your land shortly." Heath told the rancher, and then gave Jackson a silent signal, shifting his eyes to the dogs.
Jackson whistled for the dogs, giving them the herding command. They might be too far away for the dogs to catch the scent, but it was obvious they wouldn't get closer to the Wilson homestead unless the dogs led them there. Barks resounded and the dogs shot straight towards Wilson's ranch.
Wilson whipped his horse around. "What the hell? Why are they headed to my home?"
Heath began trailing after the dogs. "Guess we'll find out."
The men finally caught up with the dogs outside a corral full of cattle. Wilson didn't try to stop them as they dismounted and walked to the fence. Several ranch hands around the barn and corral stopped what they were doing and stared at Heath, their eyes lighting on his badge.
The dogs ran in circles around the fencing, barking at the cows. The beasts nervously walked from one side to the other, unsettled by the noise.
Jackson whistled for the dogs to return to him when he saw Wilson's eldest son, Thomas, exiting the barn.
A husky Thomas Wilson glared at the Pruitt brothers and then locked gazes with his father. He spit on the ground and headed straight toward Jackson.
"Get off my land, Pruitt," The man's hot breath brushed across his face. "I'll shoot those damn dogs if you don't get back on that horse of yours and move out now."
"These brands seem fresh," Heath called over his shoulder from the corral. "How many new cows did you purchase, Mr. Wilson?"
"It ain't none of your concern," Thomas growled, moving toward Heath and brushing against Jackson. "I said to get off my land. You're trespassing."
Jackson turned from the angry man and focused on the fresh brand on one cow's rump. "You got a new mark, Thomas?"
"If you have something to say, just say it." Beauchamp Wilson moved his horse closer to Heath and glared down menacingly. "What exactly are you accusing us of?"
Heath lifted the front of his hat with the barrel of his six-shooter, letting everyone know his gun was out. "It seems to me you got about twenty new head of cattle here. The number coincides with the number my brother is missing. I would have to say, it's a big coincidence, Wilson."
Thomas grabbed Jackson by the shoulder and shoved him backward. Jackson crossed his arms to keep from striking out at the man.
"These here cattle were bought legally. I got the bill of sale to show for it." Thomas snarled and stormed towards the barn.
"Well then," Jackson called after him. "What about the brown spotted one there with my brand on it? Or the black one over here? Your brand was a bit off and most of the Pruitt 'P' is still visible."
Thomas stopped, but didn't turn. He spoke with his back to them. "You think because you hide behind your brother's badge you can come and accuse my family of thieving?"
"You've got two of my herd." Jackson barely got the words out before Thomas rushed at him and tackled him to the ground. He was able to block several blows before delivering one across the man's jaw. Thomas got lucky and managed to hit him a couple of times as they tussled, rolling across the dirt, the dogs barking and nipping at Thomas' legs.
A gunshot sounded and they froze. At the hesitation, Jackson pulled back a final punch and shoved away. Heath held his gun down, but did not holster it.
Wilson dismounted, stalked to the corral gate, and yanked it open. The large man went inside and motioned for one of the hands to help him. Together they separated the two cows in question from the rest and drove them through the gate. Jackson whistled to the dogs and started herding the pair of cows back home.
"It's obvious the beasts wandered off onto our land and mistakenly took up with our herd. When the branding happened, the hired hands did as they were told and branded all the cattle without our brand on them. No harm meant." The tic on the side of his face gave away the anger Beauchamp suppressed. "Go fetch the bill of sale," he ordered one of the hired hands who'd been standing nearby gawking. "Hurry, I need to get this mess over with, so these gentlemen can continue in their 'fugitive tracking'." He sneered out the last words, making it evident he didn't believe their story.
"Dammit, you know all the cattle were mine," Jackson told Heath, who caught up with him a few minutes later. "The bastard knew he'd been caught."
"I think Thomas did it." Heath's brows were drawn. "Wilson Senior might be a son of a bitch, but he's an honest man."
"Or he's covering for his son."
"They produced a bill of sale for the cattle." Heath shook his head. "When I commented how the numbers matched your stolen cattle, Wilson narrowed his eyes at Thomas, but didn't say anything. I think he knows. Unfortunately, we can't prove it. So what are you going to do now? You're going to be quite a few head short, unless you give up your breeders."
"I may have to give them up, or deliver what we've got and hope for the best." Jackson took a breath and continued, "We can't afford a loss on this deal especially since Lucas invested all the money he's saved."
"You don't need the money," Heath told Jackson. "You can make up for whatever he loses if Logan backs out."
"Lucas won't take charity -- you know how stubborn he is. Besides, I'm not touching the money."
They rode in silence for a few miles. "Well if worse comes to worst, I'll buy all the damn cattle from you and Lucas. I don't want to touch our father's money either, but what the hell, might as well do something good with it. He left the money to us and it's not like he's going show up anytime soon. Bastard's probably long dead anyhow."
"The money was left to pay us off and soothe his
conscience, but it doesn't make up for him abandoning us after Momma died. We were still kids." Jackson said. "But you're probably right, we can't let Peggy Ann go hungry because of pride. I don't know what to do right now." He blew out a breath and looked away.
They met up with Lucas and returned the two cows to the herd. After explaining to the flustered man they'd go ahead as planned with the cattle drive to Oklahoma in two weeks, Jackson took over watch so the man could go home and rest. Knowing Lucas, he'd probably go home and fret instead. Jackson felt bad for the man.
Once in Oklahoma, hopefully they'd be able to sell the herd to another rancher, but there was no way he'd return knowing Lucas and his wife would be without funds until the following year. He could always loan him money, because the proud man would balk at Heath's idea to bail them out.
Jackson dismounted and leaned on a fencepost, scanning the horizon beyond the herd and thinking of home. What is Adeline doing?
His brother had been right. He'd barely slept last night. He'd picked up the sleeping Adeline and held her close, her softness too perfect against him, before tucking her into the blankets on the bed. As he lay on the pallet, a surge of protectiveness compelled him to watch her sleep until he'd finally fallen asleep as well.
She was a rare beauty, and if he read her right, she found him attractive as well. Those deep green eyes of hers tracked his movements when she thought he didn't notice. God had definitely blessed him with this woman for a wife, and he would show his gratitude by treating her well and providing for her.
It wasn't every day a man was gifted with a precious woman like his Adeline.
His heart swelled in his chest and he shook his head. "I'll be damned, I'm standing here daydreaming like a lovesick boy."
Where The Four Winds Collide Page 5
