The Preacher's Outlaw Bride

by Mildred Colvin

  KodyAnne crossed her arms and met Mike’s searching gaze with a steady one of her own. “Who taught me how to pick locks, Mike? I’m still pretty good at picking pockets, too. Do you know where I learned that? Have you forgotten our childhood? Maybe you’ve forgotten who I am.”

  “Who you were.” Mike’s expression softened. “You aren’t the little girl I remember. You’re a woman now, and you don’t have to pick locks or pockets to stay alive. If you’d marry me like your father wanted, you wouldn’t even have to work at the diner. I’ll take care of you.”

  KodyAnne rolled her eyes, but he didn’t seem to notice.

  He grinned. “You’ll need to give up your outlaw ways, though. A minister’s wife needs to set a good example for the congregation and the town. No sense in letting anyone know about our past.”

  “My past isn’t part of me now, Mike.” KodyAnne let out a huff of air. “I don’t go around breaking into places anymore. This is different. This is for my family.” Her throat constricted. “For my papa.”

  He shrugged. “I know you’re trying to get to that locked box your uncle left your father. I understand that, but you can go through probate and get it released to you. It’ll take time, but I’ll help you with it.”

  She shook her head. He didn’t understand. She’d get her box later, but she wouldn’t involve the crooked court system to do it. Papa had told her about what happened to his father’s estate. Besides, there was no need to wait so long when all she had to do was walk in when no one was around and take what was hers. She wouldn’t bother anything else, and she’d make sure the next time Mike was at his house.

  She smiled up at him while she slipped her pick back into her purse. It wasn’t his fault he didn’t understand. “That’s all right, Mike. Maybe we can talk about it later.”

  She placed her hand on his chest, still watching his expression. “You aren’t going to tell anyone about me almost opening this door, are you?”

  He shook his head. “No, I wouldn’t have, anyway. I’m not proud of my beginnings. I’d rather no one around here knows. I’ve been meaning to ask you to keep it a secret for me. You will, won’t you?”

  Her soft laugh brought a smile to his lips. “I guess we can’t even blackmail each other for fear our own misdeeds would come to light. I won’t tell. I know you won’t either. We were children back then. It’s no one’s business what we did to survive.”

  He kept staring into her eyes. Her heart had settled down but now picked up speed again. She loved standing so close to him she could feel his warmth. She moved her hand on his chest no more than an inch and felt his rapid heartbeat through her fingertips.

  His gaze dropped to her lips.

  She watched his face blur as he moved so close she had to close her eyes. His lips were warm and softer than she expected. She clutched his shoulder to steady herself from the love that filled her heart and swirled around her, making her dizzy. She would never do anything to hurt Mike. He felt the same about her. He told her so every day in his concern and caring. His protection and insistence on marrying her. No, maybe that wasn’t love, but honor and the determination to fulfill a dying man’s last request.

  KodyAnne forgot about not getting married as that kiss ended and without breaking contact, Mike pressed another against her lips. Kissing Mike was better than she’d imagined, only when this kiss ended, he stepped back, and she missed him. Maybe she should agree to marry him.

  Mike smiled at her. “I’ll walk you back to the boardinghouse.”

  She nodded. His strong arm slipped around her waist, and she welcomed the support as much as the continued contact with the man she loved. She’d never known how all-consuming a couple of sweet kisses could be.

  Chapter 13

  “Here you are.” KodyAnne set generous wedges of cherry pie and a cup of coffee in front of two men sitting at a table in the diner. “Enjoy your dessert.”

  “Thank you, miss. Looks real good.”

  She turned from their sounds of appreciation, intending to go back toward the kitchen, when movement out the window caught her eye. Charlotte leaned on her broom next door where she was supposed to be sweeping the boardwalk. A young man stood within touching distance, and Charlotte was smiling. What was going on? Charlotte never smiled at men.

  KodyAnne swung toward the door intent on rescuing her little sister when it opened. Three work-dusty farmers tromped in, stopping her progress. They headed toward an empty table while she looked from the job she had to do to the window and her sister outside. Charlotte laughed and waved a hand toward the man as if—as if she were flirting. No! She couldn’t be.

  “Miss.” One of the farmers called out.

  KodyAnne turned at the sound. Sure enough, he was looking at her. She sighed and smoothed her apron, frustrated that she was the only waitress today. One last look out the window gave her a clear view of the man with Charlotte. He had dark, curling hair that could use a trim. A short, neat mustache and looks good enough to capture any woman’s attention. Charlotte didn’t appear to be in immediate danger. She breathed in and out. Her sister would be fine. What harm could come in a public place?

  She pasted a smile on her face and crossed to the customers’ table. “Our special includes thick slices of beef roast smothered with creamy gravy with a side of mashed potatoes and green beans. What can I get for you gentlemen today?”

  While they ordered, Charlotte’s unusual behavior hovered at the edge of her mind. As soon as she wrote the last man’s order, she took a side trip to the front window and looked out. Charlotte was alone sweeping the boardwalk as if nothing unusual had happened. KodyAnne shook her head, but the image of her sister flirting with a man was not so easily dislodged. She hadn’t dreamed it. Something was going on with Char, and she would have to find out what.

  She took the order to the back counter for Melanie to fill as the door opened again. More customers. She’d have to wait until later to deal with Charlotte.

  KodyAnne set steaming plates of the special around a full table and turned when the door opened, letting in what she hoped was the last customer for the day. Her heart leapt toward the appealing man who stepped inside. Michael.

  His eyes swept the room and settled on her face while his lips curved. “Got something good to eat?”

  “Of course.” She moved toward him. “Roast beef and gravy with mashed potatoes and green beans. Or Melanie might butter you a slice of bread.”

  He chuckled. “I’ll take the full meal. It sounds good.”

  “One special coming up.” She turned to take the order to Melanie when he stopped her.

  “Make that two specials. Clint should be along shortly.”

  “The sheriff?”

  “Yes, he’s still allowed to eat here, isn’t he?” Michael raised his eyebrows.

  Okay, that look on his face the same as said what she already knew. She needed to get over this grudge she’d already carried too far. Maybe telling herself she forgave him wasn’t enough. Could be, she’d have to start acting like it, too. She shrugged and grinned. “Of course, we serve all kind here.”

  Michael shook his head as she turned toward the kitchen.

  “Melanie, I need two more specials and that should be it. If you don’t mind, I’ll put the closed sign in the door.” KodyAnne poured two glasses of water.

  Melanie brushed loose strands of hair from her face with the back of her hand as she looked up from the stove. “Yes, please do. Is your sis still coming to help us clean up?”

  “She’d better.” The image of Charlotte flirting with that man filled KodyAnne’s mind. She’d soon know what was going on with her little sister, but first she had to serve Michael and the sheriff and clean the diner.

  She carried the water to their table and set the glasses down as the sheriff came in. He nodded. She stepped back and crossed to the door as he pulled a chair out and sat down at the table with Michael. KodyAnne flipped the sign over and looked out the window at the serene little town.r />
  Not much happened in Willow Springs after the sun started going down. She liked living in town. She’d grown up on the farm, and she loved it, but there was nothing there for her anymore. Only Wrangler and a few chickens. Tyler was probably staying at the house. If she could see him and know he was all right, she’d feel better. He’d been to the funeral, but where was he now? She let out a sigh and turned toward the kitchen. Melanie should have the plates ready. Lord, please take care of Tyler and see that he gets enough to eat. Help us get this mess straightened out so his name’s cleared. She glanced toward the sheriff as she walked past. His and mine both.

  She picked up the two plates and carried them to her customers. “Here you go, gentlemen. Melanie’s best cooking.”

  Michael grinned at her as she set his food before him. “You say that no matter what she cooks.”

  “Of course. It doesn’t matter what Melanie cooks, it’s always the best.” She laughed then turned at the sound of the bell on the door. Not another customer. Her breath rushed out and she turned toward her sister. “Charlotte, it’s about time you got here. There’s a pan of dishes waiting for you.”

  Charlotte wrinkled her nose, but her eyes shone and her mouth curved up. “Sounds like fun.”

  KodyAnne stared after her sister. Charlotte hated doing the dishes at home. Something was definitely wrong with her.

  As she walked past the table where the two men sat, she averted her face. At least, that was normal.

  KodyAnne shrugged and set a chair on top of a table, working as far from Michael and the sheriff as she could. She’d sweep and mop half of the dining room and get the second half after they left.

  The men’s voices sounded as a low rumble in the background, and she didn’t pay much attention to them. Not that she could ever ignore Michael. He was too much a part of her life. Even throughout the years they were apart, he was never far from her thoughts. She’d looked for him every time they went to town. Every boy his age drew her attention until Tyler teased her about being smitten with anything in pants. She’d told him, and the whole family, about Michael. After that, they’d helped her look, but they’d never found him—until now. She didn’t want him to get away a second time. She’d have to settle for being his friend, though, because she couldn’t marry him. After the kisses they’d shared that would be hard to do, but she had to try. At least, she had them to remember. Michael’s nature was to protect and help. That’s one of the things that made him a good preacher. He cared about people, and he cared about her. But he didn’t love her. Not like a husband should love his wife. Not the way she loved him.

  Her breath caught in her throat, and she stopped the mop in mid-stroke to cover her lips with her fingers. She loved Michael. Forever, she would love him. Just as Melanie loved her husband. She said his name was Joseph. They’d been married such a short time when he disappeared. Melanie said she couldn’t believe he’d run away from her, although that seemed the logical explanation.

  KodyAnne peeked past her mop toward Michael. He’d never abandon her. Even if he didn’t love her as much as she loved him, he would stay with her and that was why she couldn’t marry him. She loved him too much to tie him down where he didn’t really want to be.

  “Yep, they lost a couple of chickens.” The sheriff’s odd statement penetrated her thoughts.

  “What makes you think the thief doesn’t have four legs?” Michael reached for his glass of water. “Or maybe slithers along on the ground.”

  The sheriff laughed. “He might slither, but he’s only got two legs. I’ll stake my reputation on that.”

  KodyAnne gave a soft snort and turned quickly back to her mopping. They didn’t seem to notice. She rolled her eyes. His reputation. The man didn’t know a good man from an outlaw. Michael was right. He wouldn’t be able to tell a chicken thief from a coyote.

  “A coyote doesn’t leave a man’s footprints in the dirt.”

  KodyAnne sucked in her breath and swung toward the sheriff, but he wasn’t looking at her. She let her breath out. For a moment there, she thought he’d heard her, that maybe she’d spoken out loud.

  “Wouldn’t think so much about it, but we’re talking about Widow Jenkins’s place. She lives on the edge of town where she keeps a few chickens and a goat. She can’t afford to lose any of her livestock. The few eggs and what little milk she gets help support her. Only a scoundrel would take from a poor widow.”

  “So who do you think did it? Kids who don’t have enough to keep them busy? Taking a couple of chickens isn’t exactly armed robbery.” Michael scraped his plate for the last bite of gravy then set his fork down.

  “If it was a kid, it was a full-grown young man.” The sheriff shrugged. “I don’t have a suspect, but my guess is someone was hungry and wanted an easy and cheap meal.”

  KodyAnne finished her job, returned the mop to the bucket, and scooted it aside while she began setting chairs on tables in the half of the room where the men sat. Maybe they’d get the hint and leave. She still wanted to talk to Charlotte. Maybe that man she’d been flirting with had taken the Widow Jenkins’s chickens. KodyAnne shuddered at the thought of Char associating with such a man.

  “KodyAnne, thanks. Tell Melanie her cooking’s real good, just like always.” Michael spoke from behind her.

  She turned and met his gaze. The chair she had half lifted to the table grew heavy. She slowly lowered it. “You’re welcome.”

  He took the chair from her and set it on the table. “When can we go riding again? Pistol’s missing you.”

  “I’m off tomorrow. So is Char. We were thinking about going then if it’s all right with you.” If only her heart wouldn’t pound so hard when he was near. She splayed her fingers over the base of her throat so he wouldn’t see the pulse and know how she felt about him. “If you’re busy, we could go without you.”

  He grinned. “I’m not that busy.”

  “Which means you still don’t trust me.” She gave an exaggerated sigh.

  “Or maybe I want to spend time with you.” The corners of his eyes crinkled.

  If only what he said were true. Then again, why would he lie to her? A man of God shouldn’t do such a thing. He could enjoy her company without being in love with her, after all. Oh, it didn’t matter. Thinking too much led to confusion, especially when she wanted what she couldn’t have.

  She glanced at the door as the sheriff went outside. “So you and the sheriff have decided I’m not a dangerous outlaw after all?”

  “We never thought you were.” Michael sighed. “Clint’s only doing his job, Andy. From what I’ve seen, he’s doing you a favor asking you to stay here in town until this is settled. You’ve got a place to stay and a job you seem to like. Although, I think you should marry me instead.”

  She shook her head. “I know this is better than the farm. With Charlotte out of school for the summer, I suppose the three of us could’ve worked hard enough to keep from starving, but that’s all we’d do out there. We aren’t any better at farming than Papa was. Without Mama, the place went downhill, and that’s the way it stayed. If Tyler doesn’t want it, maybe we should think about selling.”

  She looked around the diner. She worked hard to help Melanie keep it clean and to see that every patron was waited on quickly and got the food he or she wanted. Melanie was a good cook. Everyone in town knew it. But without help she couldn’t run her diner. KodyAnne had a part in that now, and she liked her job.

  Her gaze landed on Charlotte as she moved around the kitchen. Char liked being in town, too. Maybe more than she should.

  She turned back and met Michael’s watchful eyes. He seemed to be able to read her more than she liked. She grinned at him. “I’d better get this floor cleaned before Melanie comes out here and sends you packing.”

  “Okay, I’ll see you tomorrow. How about before breakfast? Can you get out of bed that early?” Michael took a couple of backward steps toward the door. His grin told KodyAnne he was teasing.

  “How
’s six o’clock sound to you? Char and I are used to seeing the sun come up.”

  “Sounds fine.” He nodded before turning and striding to the door.

  KodyAnne watched him go.

  ~*~

  “Char, did I see you talking to a man today out on the boardwalk?” KodyAnne sat on the edge of the bed in their room brushing her hair, but kept her eyes trained on her sister’s face.

  A telltale flush crept up her neck before she turned away. “I don’t know. I suppose someone might’ve spoken to me while I was sweeping the walk.”

  KodyAnne shook her head. “Oh, Char, don’t try that with me. Remember, I know you better than anyone else does. In the first place, you don’t talk to men. Never. Until today.”

  “That isn’t true.” Charlotte swung around, her brows drawn together. “I do, too—I can—I talk if I want to.”

  “To men?Since when?” KodyAnne raised her hands on both sides. “Or is this someone special you’ve decided is safe to talk to? Remember, I know some of why you don’t like men.”

  Tears sprang to Charlotte’s eyes. “Kody, don’t.” She held her hands to her mouth and turned her back toward her sister. “I don’t want to remember. Do you think I enjoy being afraid?”

  “No, of course not.” KodyAnne sprang from the bed and placed her hairbrush on the dresser. She slipped her arms around Charlotte’s shaking shoulders. “You were little when your father—” She took a deep breath. “You’re a long way from him. He won’t hurt you ever again. You don’t have to be afraid.”

  “I know.” Charlotte sucked in air. “I tell myself that every day. But every time I come face to face with a man and he looks at me, I remember.”

  KodyAnne hugged her sister. “Char, what’s different about this man? I saw you laughing and even flirting with him. I don’t understand. Please, tell me why.”

  Charlotte’s head came up, and a smile touched her lips. She shrugged. “I don’t know. He’s different. He isn’t really a man, Kody. He’s only eighteen. Maybe that’s it. I’m not afraid of boys.”