Love Inspired Historical February 2016 Box Set

by Karen Kirst

  Her hand pressed against her heart, she frowned. “He’s keeping secrets, Jess. I can hardly believe it of him.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I first noticed something was off about a month ago. He started spending an inordinate amount of time with his cousin, Lucas. They’d talk for hours, and when I asked what they’d discussed, he refused to say.” She frowned, twisting her wedding band about her finger. “Since we’ve been here, he’s been glued to Caleb’s side. I’m worried, Jess. We’ve never hidden our problems from each other.”

  Jessica didn’t have sage advice to dispense. Her one serious relationship had been based on lies. “What are you going to do?”

  “I’ve given him plenty of time to confess.” Jerking her chin up a notch, she said, “I’m tired of waiting. I’m going to confront him during the trip home. That way, he can’t duck into the barn to fix a tool or come up with an excuse to avoid me. There’ll be no escape.”

  Jessica hugged her tight. “I’ll be praying. Just remember, he loves you. Whatever he’s keeping from you, he has good intentions.”

  Juliana pressed her lips together. “I’m sure he believes he’s doing the right thing, but secrets have a way of destroying a relationship.”

  “You don’t have to tell me that,” she said drily.

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t think.”

  “It’s fine.” Her focus gravitated to Grant. “I’ve made a promise to myself. My next relationship will be based on openness and trust and mutual respect.”

  Juliana followed her line of sight. “I like him, Jess.”

  “Oh, no, you misunderstand. I wasn’t talking about him. I—”

  She touched her wrist. “You’re forgetting I’m your older sister. I can see how much you like him. He feels the same, judging from the way he looks at you.”

  “I’d be crazy to pursue a relationship with him, Jules.”

  Her assessment turned sly. “That’s what I told myself about falling for an outlaw.”

  “But Evan wasn’t an outlaw.”

  “I didn’t know that until after I fell in love with him.”

  Sensing Grant’s perusal, she shifted her gaze and, sure enough, he was staring right at her. Blushing as if he’d overheard the entire exchange, she lifted a finger to let him know she’d be a minute more.

  “I love you, sis.” She gave her hand a squeeze. “Write to me as soon as you get home. I want to know what Evan has to say for himself.”

  “I will.”

  Weaving through the throng of people, she made her way to Grant’s side. “I’m ready.”

  His hat shaded his eyes. The lower half of his face was in direct sunlight, his sculpted mouth bracketed by irritated lines. With a terse nod, he took her elbow and assisted her onto the high seat. She set her straw hat on the space beside her and straightened her skirts. Grant climbed up, not sparing her another glance as he put the team in motion. Behind them, the conveyance’s bed was tightly packed.

  “Where’s Will?”

  “Riding with Caleb.” He waved a gloved hand in the direction of her cousin’s wagon not far from theirs. “Would you like to switch places?”

  “And leave you with all the treasure?”

  His head whipped round. “Treasure?”

  “The chestnuts.”

  His Adam’s apple bobbed. Lips forming a flat line, he returned his attention to navigating the team through the crowd to the winding, uneven route down the mountain.

  “They do bring a good price, especially with the impending holidays.”

  He grunted, his profile marble-like as he concentrated. Jessica didn’t speak again until they’d left the campsite far behind and the trail wasn’t quite so hazardous.

  “What’s bothering you, Grant?”

  His forearms flexed. “Just eager to get back, is all.”

  He wouldn’t even look at her, which sparked her temper. What was his problem? “You’re not a very good liar, you know.”

  His blue eyes were stormy when they finally met hers. “History has proved you’re not such a good judge of that.”

  Jessica gasped. His words dug beneath her skin like stubborn splinters.

  Regret splashed across his features, but he didn’t retract his well-aimed barb or apologize. Facing forward, he proceeded to ignore her, a muscle jerking in his unshaven jaw.

  Dizzy with hurt, she put her hat on and averted her face, staring unseeing at the passing scenery. Pain blossomed in the area around her heart. How could he do that? After she’d let him in, confessed her darkest moments, made herself vulnerable? The tenderness he’d shown her, the compassion…had it been a mirage?

  No. He hadn’t faked it. Sometime during the night, he must’ve thought through all she’d told him and come to the conclusion that she was to blame, after all.

  A small voice inside rebelled.

  I can’t go back there, God. I can’t live bearing this guilt, day in and day out.

  No matter what Grant Parker thinks of my actions.

  *

  Grant deserved to be thrashed for what he’d done.

  Consumed by his own misery, he’d lashed out at her in the worst possible way. He’d taken her private shame and used it to wound her. To force her attention elsewhere. If she’d continued to question him, he would’ve caved and told her about the jewels.

  He wouldn’t soon forget the hurt shimmering in her eyes. She’d remained quiet and unmoving, her focus turned inward, until they pulled off to the side around six o’clock for a break and quick supper. When it was time to head out, Will had climbed into Grant’s wagon, mumbling something about grouchy females. Grant had caught Caleb’s perplexed frown as Jessica made herself at home in his wagon.

  Directing the team onto Alice’s farm hours later, he told himself again it was best this way. They’d been growing too close. When the truth was finally revealed, she’d thank him.

  He refused to be like that snake Lee Cavanaugh, refused to willingly inflict further hurt.

  Caleb surprisingly didn’t question him. No doubt impatient to get home to his wife and sons, he didn’t disembark once Jessica had descended.

  Will yawned. “Let’s unpack tomorrow morning.”

  “Fine with me. I’ll see to the horses,” Grant said.

  The younger man gave him a hearty nod and ambled toward the cabin. When Jessica passed within inches of where Grant stood, he shot out a hand and grazed her upper arm with his fingertips. She jerked away, glaring at him.

  “What do you want?”

  Good. He could deal with her anger. What he couldn’t handle was her sadness, especially knowing he’d caused it.

  “Can I borrow Galahad?”

  “What for?”

  “I have an errand that can’t wait.”

  Emotion flashed, but she clamped it down, shrugging. “Do what you want.” Spinning on her heel, she left him there, aching for a different outcome.

  Any illusions of a promising future shattered, he parked the wagon inside the barn and unhitched the team. Once he had the animals brushed down, watered and fed, he saddled Galahad. The travel bag in his possession, he rode for town, praying Shane Timmons was in his office. He couldn’t pass another night with this terrible secret hanging over his head.

  The streets were empty. Most folks were snug in their homes at this late hour, preparing for bed. He hitched Galahad beside the sheriff’s mount. A light burned through the bare window.

  Seated at his desk, Shane looked up in surprise at Grant’s entrance.

  “I’ve been wanting to speak with you,” he said, laying down his pencil.

  Grant dropped the bag on his desk and folded his arms. “What about?”

  “It can wait.” He nodded to the bag. “What’s this?”

  “I found something hidden in the lining, and you’re not going to like it.”

  A frown line marring his forehead, the other man stood to inspect the contents. As the jewels spilled across the scarred desktop, Grant felt lik
e a man sentenced to be tossed into the ocean, a sack of rocks tied about his neck. He was doomed.

  He whistled. “When did you discover these?”

  “Last night at the campsite.”

  “Do you recognize them?” His gaze pinned him in place.

  “No.”

  Shane continued to inspect the various pieces until Grant thought he would crawl out of his skin. “So which cell is to be mine?” He strove for humor and failed. “I’d like a street view, if available.”

  Hands on his hips, the sheriff quirked a brow. “I have no cause to hold you, Parker.”

  Grant snorted, waved his hand over the bounty. “This isn’t reason enough?”

  “We aren’t sure if this bag even belongs to you.”

  “I thought you’d seize the opportunity to keep me away from the O’Malleys.”

  “A guilty man wouldn’t have brought this in. A dishonest man would’ve kept it for himself.”

  “That’s just it. We don’t know what kind of man I am.”

  Sinking onto his chair, Shane motioned for Grant to take a seat. “I’ve come up with a theory. Wanna hear it?”

  “Do I have a choice?”

  “Let’s say I’m out rounding up bad guys and get knocked on the head, losing most of my memories in the process. Am I then going to become a wholly different man? Lying, cheating, stealing. Would amnesia alter my basic personality?”

  Grant rubbed at a stubborn stain on his pant leg, mulling over his words.

  Steepling his hands atop his chest, the sheriff continued, “I’m having a tough time accepting that prior to your accident, you were a base-minded opportunist out for number one, and now you’re suddenly a law-abiding citizen. That’s why, when I heard you were interested in the livery job, I had a chat with Warring.”

  His head came up. “How did you know about that?”

  “Same way I know Jessica kissed you in the middle of Main Street.”

  That spontaneous kiss on the cheek? “No secrets in small towns.”

  “That’s right.”

  “Warring’s not inclined to take a chance on me. And with this most recent development, I can understand why.”

  “He’s changed his mind. You can start tomorrow if you’re so inclined.” Pushing his chair back, he began to replace the jewels. “I’ll keep this with me overnight, then place it in the bank’s safe first thing tomorrow morning. Looks like I’ll be posting more letters.”

  Removing the folded paper from his pocket, he held it out. “I’ve remembered someone who I suspect might be linked to my former life. There’s a crude sketch, as well as a list of details.”

  Unfolding it, Shane scanned the information. “I’ll check his likeness against my stuff here, then send it out with my other correspondence.” When Grant didn’t move, he waved to the door. “You’re free to go, Parker.”

  Grant had come here expecting to be locked up. Not only was he going to remain free, but the sheriff had used his influence to get him a job. “Why would you help me?”

  “Everyone deserves a chance to prove themselves.” He flicked him a glance. “Besides, you can’t leave town without money. I figure this is the best way to be rid of you.”

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  She was waiting for him on the porch.

  His mind like a dry wheat field on fire, thoughts churning and melding before he could fully process them, he’d ridden without thought to his surroundings. Fortunately, Galahad knew the way home. After settling him in the barn, Grant trudged across the short grass, his tread heavy on the steps.

  She stood off to his right, using the railing for support.

  “Will went home.”

  A sign of good faith. “You waited up to tell me that?”

  “Don’t flatter yourself,” she scoffed.

  He climbed another step. Moonlight washed her features in dreamlike radiance, her unbound hair like crimson waves of silk. She was still in her traveling clothes, the scooped-neck blouse with flowing sleeves tucked into a plain navy blue skirt. She looked like a prim schoolteacher in the outfit. Funny. Jessica was anything but prim.

  “Couldn’t sleep, then?” he said, his arms too empty without her in them.

  “Something like that.”

  He reached the top step. “Well, I’m exhausted.” If he lingered, he wasn’t sure he’d make wise decisions. “I’m going to bed.”

  Jessica was suddenly blocking his way. Face lifted, eyes troubled, she fisted her hands at her sides. “You hurt me. More than I can express.”

  He bowed his head. “I know, and I’m sorry. I should never have said what I did.”

  A soft sigh shimmered between them. “That’s the thing, Grant. It’s not in your nature to lash out. Something happened between the time we said good-night last night and this morning. I want to know what it was.”

  After everything she’d done for him, he owed her an explanation. The word would eventually get out, anyway.

  Meeting her searching gaze, he said, “I discovered valuables in my bag. Deliberately stashed in the lining.”

  She sucked in a sharp breath. “What sort of valuables?”

  He described the pieces. “There’s too much for it to have come from one source.”

  Understanding dawned. “You took them to Shane, didn’t you? That’s where you’ve been?”

  “He’s going to store them at the bank until he finds out more.” He kneaded his stiff neck muscles to keep from reaching out to her. The need to hold her was like a fire in his blood. “I’ll understand if you want me to find another place to stay.”

  “No.” She shook her head, moonlight glimmering in her locks. “No. I don’t want you to leave.” Before he could guess what she was about, she wrapped her arms around his neck and leaned into him. “You’re innocent, Grant.”

  Her lips grazed the sensitive skin above his collar. He shivered. Not from the drop in air temperature, but because of her soft curves, her sweet, sweet scent, her overwhelming faith in his goodness. Resting his hands on either side of her waist, his cheek skimmed hers before he buried his face in her hair.

  “I hate myself for hurting you.”

  Her fingers danced along his nape, explored the breadth of his upper back. “It’s okay. It’s forgotten.”

  “I was cruel, and that’s not okay.”

  Shifting, forcing him to lift his head, she framed his roughened cheeks. Her palms were cool, soothing. “I forgive you.”

  He swallowed hard. “Jessica.”

  His inner voice of reason muted, he mirrored her stance, skimming trembling fingers over her pronounced cheekbones and the smooth curve of her jaw. Her gaze locked on to his. There was an absence of fear in her. No hesitation. Only a shared awe of what was unfurling between them.

  Settling his hand beneath her hair, he cupped her nape and dipped his head. He brushed his mouth against hers once. “I don’t want to hurt you ever again,” he murmured, struggling to rein in emotions threatening to boil over.

  She exhaled, her warm breath mingling with his as she tunneled her fingers into his hair. “I trust you, Grant.”

  Her words were a gift. One he didn’t deserve.

  When he didn’t move, adrift in an impossible internal battle, she tugged his head down. Her kiss was tentative, searching. Any lingering doubts scattered like dandelion seeds on the wind. A rumbling sound of surrender vibrating in his throat, he crushed her to him, holding her fast. Her embrace was purity and joy and hope, and he clung to those ideals with a hint of desperation.

  I can never leave her.

  They each possessed what the other required. When he was fire, she cooled him. When she was angry, he mellowed her. They balanced each other.

  You promised not to hurt her. What will she do if you’re already committed to someone else?

  It was as if a bucket of ice had pelted him. Jerking away, his breathing ragged, he stared at her kiss-swollen lips and mussed hair.

  “We can’t do this.”

  She
didn’t fight him. Sorrow stole over her and, hugging her middle, she looked lost. “Because of your past? Or because of me? Because of my poor judgment with Lee?”

  “No!” Gripping her shoulders, he shook his head. “Don’t start questioning yourself again.” He gentled his hold. “You and I both know the future isn’t mine to do with what I please. Not until I get answers.”

  Worrying her lower lip, she slowly nodded.

  “I might never be free of the past. And I won’t ask you to wait for answers that may never come.”

  “You’re right. This can’t happen again.” Backing away from him, she edged toward the door. “Good night, Grant.”

  Head held high, she left him alone in the inescapable solitude of night, once again asking God why and getting no answer in return.

  *

  Jessica squared her shoulders and entered the Plum Café. It was the first time she’d been in since the new owner so ruthlessly and abruptly canceled her and Jane’s agreement. She really wasn’t in the mood to see him today. Glancing around the eatery, which was practically devoid of customers midafternoon, she spotted Caroline’s elegant form in the far corner, along with two other girls on the committee.

  Winding her way through the tables, she greeted them. Caroline’s china cup clinked against the saucer. “Thanks for agreeing to join us on short notice.”

  Pauline and Laura looked up from the ribbons fanned across the linen tablecloth.

  Jessica sank into the last empty chair. “Why aren’t we doing this at your house?”

  “Mother is having the parlor repapered.”

  “I thought she had it done last year.”

  “Oh, she did.” Her smile was brittle. “She found one she liked better.”

  Laura sighed. “Must be nice, getting whatever you want.”

  Pauline nudged her in the ribs and shushed her.

  Caroline shrugged. “And yet, she’s never satisfied.”

  The waitress emerged from the kitchen to take Jessica’s order. Curious to test their desserts for herself, she ordered a slice of their spice cake and hot tea. When the waitress had gone, the other girls snickered. “Wasted money, if you ask me,” Pauline said.