“I think I owe you an apology.”
Their words were exact and created the perfect duet.
Ty’s mouth spread into a grin. “Seems like we have the same thing on our mind.”
Did they? Ellie wondered. She flashed a nervous smile. Maybe his act of contrition would help her explain her earlier rudeness. “You go first.” Anxiety tugged at her innards, waiting to see what exactly he wanted her to forgive.
“Fine.” He took a deep breath. “I’m sorry I was bold enough to tell Doc Smith I was takin’ you to the dance.”
Her smile faded, her spirits sagged. That was it?
“Why do you look so sad?” he asked, scratching the side of his head. “I apologized.”
She turned away to hide the tears in her eyes. It certainly hadn’t been the “I’m sorry” she wanted. What about laughing at her and making her feel the fool? Evidently he sought a way out of taking her to the Fall Festival and thought that denying his admission to the doctor was it. Fine!
His hand grazed her shoulder, startling her. “Ellie, what did I do now?”
When she didn’t answer, he walked around to face her. His fingers cupped her chin and brought her eyes level with his—sky blue clouded with sincerity. “I can’t seem to do anything right. Please tell me what’s wrong.”
She backed away to escape his unintentional caress. Despite her mixed feelings, his touch still brought strange warmth to her body. Ellie took a deep breath, and shaped her lips so her exhaled air blew upward into her clouded eyes. She hated that her anger resulted in tears these days. She wanted to be mad, not pathetic.
After a nervous swallow, she clasped her hands, continuously wringing them. “I-I was expecting quite a different apology, not a feeble attempt to get out of taking me to the dance on Friday. Luckily for you, I think Pa’s illness will keep you from that sheer torture.” She concentrated on keeping the weepiness from her voice.
Ty’s brows rose, puzzled eyes stared back at her. He raised his hands, questioningly. “I—”
“Oh please don’t pretend you don’t know what I’m talking about. How could you possibly want to go to the dance with someone you find so funny?” She walked around him and stormed inside.
Ty ripped his hat from his head and slapped it against his thigh. “Damn, she’s gonna drive me nuts.”
What’d happened? He had no idea what he did to make her so mad again.
He replayed his actions in his head, a sincere apology, a friendly smile. What was so wrong with that? If he wanted an answer there was only one way to get it, ask her. But did he dare? Every time they spoke she ended up with a temper rivaling the blazing color of her hair. He exhaled loudly, somewhat excited by the mental picture of sunlight dancing in her copper locks.
Ty shook his head to rid the image and plopped his hat back on his head. This was definitely not the time to talk to her. He’d wait until she cooled down a bit before riling her again. He pulled his hat brim low to shade his eyes from the bright sun, stepped off the porch and walked toward the corral.
His still-saddled horse wandered the confines of the pen. Ty had been in such a hurry to see about Ben’s condition, he totally forgot about his mount.
Ty closed the gate behind him and crossed the enclosure to the animal. Still skittish, the black, measuring at least sixteen hands, had regal lines, a long flowing mane and a shiny tail that almost grazed the ground. At Ty’s approach, the stallion snorted and nodded his head nervously. There was still a streak of wild in him Ty admired.
Sort of like the one in Ellie.
He slowly extended his hand toward his un-named horse, allowing the animal to recognize his scent. The big black calmed, but his wide eyes remained apprehensive. Taking hold of the bridle, Ty steadied the stallion’s head and stroked his muzzle. “That’s it. Good boy. I’m goin’ have to call you something besides Blackie. That’s too common for a beauty like you.”
As he scratched the animal’s ear, Ty pondered what to call such a spirited steed. Totally black like a moonless night, the horse ran like the wind, and was strong and proud. Finding a name wasn’t as easy as it sounded.
Lately, nothing turned out as simple as it seemed. His mind traveled back to Ellie, and how something as effortless as an invitation blew up in his face. He must have been born in the shadow of a rain cloud. He exhaled a whoosh of air and returned to thinking of a better handle than “Blackie”.
How had he just described the black? Strong and proud? Those words rang true with Ellie, too. Yes sir, she was strong-willed and prideful.
Something snapped and he realized the obvious. That had to be it! He had hurt her to the quick when he laughed at her. It’d been his reaction to her wearing a gun. Oh Lord, he thought, another apology, but maybe this one was the right one. He still planned to wait until she simmered down a bit.
He turned his attention back to the black, and then it came to him like a bolt from the sky. His very own dilemma, in the shadow of a rain cloud, held the perfect name. “I like that,” Ty smiled. “Something darting through the dark of night describes you to a tee. Well, boy, how do you like Shadow as a name?”
As if understanding, the horse nodded his majestic head and whinnied.
“Shadow it is,” Ty chuckled, “and maybe after I set things right with Ellie, my name won’t be mud anymore.”
He led the black out of the corral and into the barn, and removed the animal’s saddle, bridle and blanket. The chill inside the barn predicted an early season change.
Ty shivered, wishing he’d grabbed a jacket from the bunkhouse. He began currying Shadow’s new winter growth, brushing it smooth and adding sheen to the inky color. In the eye of Ty’s mind, he saw the shine of a copper penny.
He threw the brush against a far wall, annoyed that everything he did brought Ellie to mind.
Shadow jerked in reaction to the noise, and Ty stroked the animal’s muzzle to calm him. His musings even affected his horse. Hopefully these bouts of lapsing into thoughts of her were temporary, like Ben’s bout of the ague.
Ty opened the stall, put Shadow inside and secured the gate. He filled a feedbag, hung it on the animal’s head and gave him a pat on the muzzle. His gasp resounded in the silent barn when he turned and saw Ellie standing right behind him.
She had changed into her denims and boots. The top three buttons of her shirt remained unfastened, revealing milky-white skin and just enough of her full bosom to make his breath catch in his throat.
“Put your eyes back in your head,” she said. “I didn’t mean to scare you.”
It was true, seeing her in those bottom-hugging pants and an unbuttoned shirt did frighten him, more than she knew. He swallowed hard. “You didn’t scare me, you surprised me.”
“Well, whatever, I need to talk to you.” She walked to a nearby hay bale and sat.
He leaned against the stall railings and crossed his arms, needing to keep distance between them. “I thought you were mad at me.”
Looking at her from a side view worsened matters. Her gaping shirt revealed the rounded crest of a firm breast. His heart rate inched up a few notches, and courtesy told him not to look. The request fell on deaf ears. He couldn’t tear his gaze away.
As if she sensed his stare, Ellie reached up and clutched her shirt, making a clucking noise at him. She swiveled around, crooking one knee up on the hay. “I’m not sure if I’m angry or confused.” She stared at the floor.
“About?”
She raised her gaze. “I acted like a fool earlier, and I’m sorry. You didn’t deserve to be treated like that.” She took a deep breath and exhaled. “Depending on Pa’s condition, what…what are your intentions about the dance?”
Ty stared straight ahead.
Ellie fidgeted, waiting for his response.
He looked at her, intending to respond, but words failed him. She played with her shirt button.
“You’re not the only one that’s confused.” He finally spoke. “After the way you acted in front o
f Doc Smith, I just figured you weren’t interested in going with me. I have no idea why I told him you were. Call me stupid.”
Her lips formed a thin line, and her jaw twitched. She drew both hands into fists, clutching them tight against her chest. “Oh, you just don’t understand, do you?”
Ty pushed his hat back and shook his head. “I reckon I don’t. I thought you were mad because I told Doc Smith I was escorting you, so I apologized. Then you got mad at me for that. Ellie, I’m as stumped as one of those dead trees we cut down last week. I think I know why you’re still irked at me, but I’d rather hear it directly from you.”
“If you insist,” she said, planting both feet firmly on the ground and standing. “I’ll tell you why I felt so angry. You made me feel like a fool when you laughed at me for wearing a gun. Why did you find that so amusing? Am I just a joke to you?” She began to pace.
So he was right! How would another apology help now? If only he hadn’t unsaddled Shadow. He’d jump on and ride out this horrible situation. He had no idea how to respond without getting in deeper. He had laughed because it was ridiculous to see her wearing a gun, but that surely wasn’t the answer she wanted. Stalling for time, and trying to pick his words wisely, he plucked a piece of hay from the floor and tore it into small pieces.
“Well…I’m waiting.” She folded her arms and tapped the toe of her boot on the floor.
“I-I didn’t think you were a joke. It was just…a shock. Everyone else laughed and I got caught up in the moment, I reckon.”
“You reckon?”
He scrunched his face. “That wasn’t what I wanted to say. I meant…I don’t really know why I laughed. It’s just that I never expected you to walk out of the barn with a six-shooter slung low on your hip. Where did you get it? You don’t even know how to use one.”
“That’s what you think.” She put her hands on her hips and leaned toward him. “You don’t know everything, Tyler Bishop. For your information, it’s a Smith & Wesson twenty-two caliber and it fires seven shots. I bought it with my own money and I’ve been practicing at the old mine.”
“What the heck were you thinking?” he asked, tapping his temple. “Don’t you know how dangerous it is to be out by yourself?”
She cocked her head and pulled herself up to her full height. “That’s exactly why I need a gun. You aren’t with me every minute of the day and I need to know how to protect myself. So, I went into town, bought it, and found a place where gunfire couldn’t be heard on the ranch.”
“Why didn’t you ask me to teach you?”
“Ha! And have you tell me what a foolish idea it was? Or remind me that ladies don’t wear guns? You know that’s what you would have done.”
She was right. He probably would have. She shouldn’t wear a gun. Like Ben had said, it just invited trouble. But he had no intention of arguing the point with her now; instead he decided to change the subject—somewhat.
“So, just how good are you?”
“I could probably give you a good run for your money,” she bragged. “Of course I’m assuming, because I’ve never seen you draw down on anyone.”
He started to laugh, but remembered that was what got him into hot water in the first place. He bit his lip to stifle a growing grin.
“Well? She waited. “You think you could beat me to the draw?”
“Let’s just say I’m fast enough that you would be on the losing end if you wagered against me.” For emphasis, his hand moved to the butt of the revolver hanging on his hip and he whipped out the gun, twirled it around and dropped it back into place.
She rolled her eyes at his display. “I’m willing to put my money where my mouth is,” she said, cockily. “I dare you to match your talents with mine. There’s still plenty of daylight left to ride up to the mine and settle this.”
He held both hands up. “Whoa, you sound like you’re challenging me to a duel.”
She raised one shoulder in a sexy shrug. “In a way, I guess I am. Are you chicken?”
“What about your pa?”
She paused for a moment. “I’ll give him his next dose of medicine and ask Cook to keep an eye on him.”
It was evident Ellie wasn’t going to give up the challenge. “Why do we have to go clear up to the mine?” he asked. “Let’s ride out on the south forty and set up a target.”
“What if the hands hear us and think something else is going on?”
“It’s about time for replacements to ride out. I’ll let them know that for an hour or so they’ll hear some gunfire. As long as they know what’s happening, things will be fine.”
“Sounds good to me,” Ellie said with a big grin. “You spread the word and I’ll go see to Pa, get my gun, and meet you back here.” She turned on her heel and hurried toward the house.
Ty reached beneath the brim of his hat and massaged his brow. “How do I get into these situations?” he muttered.
Chapter Eleven
Ellie tapped Pa on the shoulder. “I hate to disturb you, but you need to take your medicine again, then you can go back to sleep.”
She placed a hand behind his head, helped him into a semi-sitting position and put the glass to his lips. He thirstily emptied it, as if the fever had pulled every bit of moisture from his body; even then she curled her nose wondering how he stood the awful taste.
“How are you feeling?” She set the glass aside and plumped his pillow.
“Some better, but I can’t get past being sleepy.”
“I’m sure it’s the medicine. You rest and get well, Pa. Cook is making you some of her tasty chicken soup. In the meantime, is there anything else I can get for you?”
He shook his head, his eyes already half-lidded.
“Well, if you think of anything you need, Cook will be here. I’m…” She thought for a moment. Anything about her and guns was the last thing Pa needed to know. “I’m going to be outside in the barn for a bit.” She crossed her fingers behind her back to counteract the lie. If God kept count, there was no way she’d make it to heaven.
With Pa medicated and tucked back under the covers, Ellie hurried to her armoire. She flung open the doors to retrieve her gun, but instead her gaze rested on her new dress. Funny, the question she went to the barn to ask never got answered. It got lost in the heated discussion about females and guns. Somehow at the moment, the dance didn’t seem all that important. Besides, with Pa sick, it remained to be seen if she should even consider going that far from home.
Ellie pushed her gown aside and reached into the far corner. Her fingers locked around the smooth leather of her holster and, with caution, she withdrew her loaded weapon. She donned a jacket then draped the gun belt on her shoulder and tiptoed down the hall.
Just outside her father’s room, she paused for a moment. Upon hearing his snores, she quickly passed his open door and went into the kitchen.
Cook turned from the stove. Her mouth gaped when she spied the gun Ellie carried. “My goodness, child. What are you doing with that?”
“It’s a long story. I’ll tell you later, but don’t worry. I know how to use it.”
Ellie left the puzzled woman before she had a chance to respond and hurried out the back door.
She crossed the distance to the barn in giant steps, pleased to find Ty had saddled both their horses.
“Thanks for saving us some time. I’ll strap on my gun and we’ll be on our way.” Excitement tingled through her. For the first time she’d wear her sidearm instead of stashing it in a saddle bag. She fastened the holster buckle and bent to secure the rawhide strap around her leg. As exhilarating as the moment felt, her mind questioned her sanity.
“Let me have a look at that.” Ty held out his hand.
Being careful not to put her finger on the trigger, Ellie withdrew the weapon and handed it to him. “It’s one of the newest from the mercantile.” She chuckled to herself at the recollection of Percy’s face when she denied wanting to see the new arrivals. Some day she’d have to apologize
to him.
Ellie hovered over Ty while he carefully weighed the gun in one hand and admired the shiny metal and smooth grips. He pinched the sites, turned and aimed at the back wall, then lowered the gun and handed it back to her. “Pretty nice. Are you sure you know how to draw, site and shoot. This isn’t like a rifle, you know?”
“I’m sure,” Ellie said, rolling her eyes. “It has quite a different kick, but like I said, I’ve been practicing.”
“Then mount up and let’s get goin’.” Ty hefted himself astride Shadow.
She mounted and followed him out of the barn, annoyed he still refused to see her as anything other than a helpless female. She’d show him.
Once outside, Ty spurred his stallion into a run. The bag of tin cans tied to his saddle horn rattled as he left Ellie lagging behind. She dug her heels into Chessie’s side, but it was no use. The chestnut mare couldn’t match Shadow’s speed, besides, the faster pace sent cold air biting into Ellie’s cheeks. She slowed Chessie to a walk.
Ty noticed, reined his mount and waited for Ellie to catch up. He swiveled in the saddle and called out, “C’mon, we don’t have all day.”
Ellie wasn’t in a hurry. She wanted to make the time spent with him last, and if the truth be known, she didn’t mind stalling a bit to avoid the “show down”. She drew Chessie up alongside Shadow.
“I didn’t know we were in such a hurry. Why can’t we just enjoy the ride?”
“I did enjoy the ride,” he answered with a smug look on his face. “You should have joined me.”
She sneered. “All right, you’re an expert rider and a magnificent shot. I get your message. Has anyone ever told you you’re a conceited jackass?”
But a handsome one. It irked her she couldn’t seem to stay mad at him for any length of time.
He bent and patted the side of Shadow’s neck. “There’s a fine line between conceit and confidence. I’m confident because I know I’m good.”
There was no use pursing a conversation about his skills. He obviously had a pretty high opinion of himself, but maybe it was warranted. Her nervous stomach rolled as she turned her attention to the incredible scenery. She pulled the collar of her sheepskin-lined jacket up past her chilled cheeks and wondered what she had gotten herself into.
Ellie's Legacy Page 10
