Caro crossed her arms, tilting her head to one side. “What about Sarah Murton?”
Isabella stepped next to her. “I told you he has no interest in her.”
“She’s right, Caro. Sarah Murton is the one pursuing Beau. Definitely not the other way around.” Selecting a roll of fabric to complement Caro’s blonde hair and violet eyes, she walked past her friend. “Have you told him why you’re here?”
Caro huffed out a breath. “Of course not.”
Setting the fabric down, Allie stared at her. “And why not?”
“Because it just isn’t done.” Caro dropped her gaze. “At least not where I grew up. It would be humiliating to state my intentions.”
“Especially after you turned down his proposal.” Isabella covered her mouth the instant she realized her mistake.
Allie’s eyes widened. “What? Beau asked you to marry him?”
Caro sent a disbelieving glance at Isabella, then nodded, her features showing the misery she felt at remembering that night. “I thought I needed the vibrancy and culture of a big city.” She walked over to a beautifully upholstered chair and sat down. “I’ve never felt as awful as when I told him I wasn’t ready to marry.”
Isabella walked over, placing a hand on her shoulder. “You have time to convince him you were wrong. Beau is a reasonable man. I’m certain he’ll give you another chance.”
“Yes, he’s reasonable, but he also has a great deal of pride. I wounded it a great deal by turning him down. It wouldn’t have mattered how I phrased it. Saying no to him was still a rejection.” She sucked in a ragged breath.
“Well, if our plan works, he won’t be able to stay away from you.”
Allie walked up to them, looking at Isabella. “What plan?”
Chapter Eight
Caro finished her hair, then checked herself in the mirror once more. Supper at Suzanne’s didn’t require the same attire as if they were meeting downstairs in the more upscale Eagle’s Nest restaurant in the St. James Hotel. Still, she wanted to look her best, even if her heart wasn’t in spending an evening with Isabella and Travis.
The last few days had been busy. Caro had negotiated a deal with Noah to use his wagon as often as needed until he could build her one. Gabe had taken her to the Pelletier ranch to purchase one horse to pull a wagon and one to ride. Both were now at Noah’s livery. Merritt and Gus had been working from dawn to dusk on repairs, already making substantial progress.
Through it all, she’d seen no sign of Beau.
“Caro, are you in there?”
She walked to the door, pulling it open to see Isabella waiting. “You didn’t have to come here.” She picked up her coat, gloves, and reticule, pulling the door closed as she joined Isabella in the hall. “I could’ve met you at Suzanne’s.”
They walked down the stairs to the lobby. “Travis wouldn’t hear of it. He’s thrilled about escorting two beautiful women to supper.”
“Good evening, Caroline.”
“Good evening, Travis. Thank you for including me tonight.”
Travis stepped up to them, linking their arms through his. “We’re glad you could join us. It will give me a chance to hear all about the progress at your new place.”
The St. James Hotel and Suzanne’s boardinghouse were at opposite ends of the main street. Walking past the Dixie Saloon, Caro couldn’t help but glance inside, hoping to see Beau. Disappointed when there was no sign of him, she looked across the street at the jail, noting the light coming through the window, spotting no one inside. She wondered where he was and what he was doing.
“Here we are.” Travis opened the door, stepping aside to let the women enter.
Suzanne walked up, smiling as she gave each of them a hug. “I have the table you requested, Travis.” Motioning for them to follow, she walked to a table in an alcove at the far end of the dining room. Before they took their seats, Caro startled at a familiar voice behind her.
“Sorry I’m late.” Beau glanced at Travis and Isabella, then shifted toward Caro, letting his gaze wander over her, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “Good evening, Caro. You look beautiful tonight.” He controlled the urge to lean down and brush a kiss across her cheek.
She shot a quick look at Isabella. “I didn’t know you were joining us tonight, Beau.”
“Travis invited me when we saw each other at the bank.” His gaze narrowed. “I hope it isn’t a problem.”
“Of course not. It’s a surprise, that’s all.”
“Isabella.” Travis pulled out her chair, Beau doing the same for Caro before both men sat down.
Beau looked at Travis. “Did you hear Gabe hired another new deputy?”
“Bull mentioned a Caleb Covington.”
“He also hired another man who served with him during the war. Adam Mackey. Caleb worked as a Texas Ranger, and Mack as a deputy in Kansas City. It’s a relief to have two more men.”
Suzanne approached with four cups of coffee, setting them down.
“I’m sure it’s necessary. The town is growing.” Isabella sat back, picking up her cup.
“Why don’t I take your orders? We have venison stew or roasted chicken tonight.”
After Suzanne took their orders and walked away, Travis crossed his arms, looking at Beau. “I heard Mack was shot on the trail between Big Pine and Splendor. Any idea who did it?”
Caro stiffened at the news. “Shot?”
Beau nodded. “Mack took a bullet in the shoulder. Unfortunately, he didn’t see anyone.”
Caro leaned toward him, a shiver running up her spine remembering when Noah and Bull were shot. “Gabe told me the Dawsons might be in Montana. Could it have been them?”
“Perhaps, but Sheriff Sterling hasn’t seen them around Big Pine, and Gabe’s certain they’ll ride through there before coming this way.” Beau sent her a reassuring nod. “It’s best to stay vigilant.”
“Here you are. I’ll be right back to refill your coffee.” Suzanne set down the plates, then hurried away, but not before noticing the somber expressions around the table, wondering what had them so concerned.
Caro moved the food around on her plate, taking an occasional bite, doing her best to ignore the man sitting next to her. She’d been gone much of the last few days, either at her new place or the Pelletier ranch. Her mind drifted to her time in San Francisco and the many nights she’d lain awake missing Beau.
She’d foolishly hoped returning to Splendor would erase the constant ache in her heart, the loneliness she felt at being away from him. A part of her had envisioned them going back to the way they were. Instead, she’d found a man who’d lost all interest in her and what they had. Caro knew he’d always be there for her, but the love they’d shared disappeared the same way she had when she made the decision to board the stage.
Glancing at Isabella, Caro’s heart warmed at the encouraging smile on her friend’s face. If they were alone, she had no doubt Isabella would remind her it would take time to break through the barrier he’d erected in her absence. The same as it had taken Caro time away to discover the depth of her love for Beau, he needed time to work through the anger he still carried at her leaving. Isabella had encouraged Caro to say something to him, tell him why she’d returned. Continuing to pick at her meal, casting an occasional glance at Beau, she finally accepted perhaps her friend was right.
Beau tucked into his meal, doing his best to ignore the beautiful woman sitting a foot away. It had been a mistake to accept Travis’s invitation. He’d been upfront, mentioning Caro would be joining them. Instead of declining, his need to see her had been stronger than his ability to refuse the invitation.
He’d been by her place a couple times to check on Merritt and Gus’s progress. Ty Murton had been right. The brothers knew what they were doing and worked fast. The first time he’d gone by, they’d already finished the front porch and were busy installing new windows. He’d been relieved, but also disappointed when he didn’t see Caro. Gus had told him she’
d gone with Gabe to the Pelletier ranch to purchase horses.
The second time he stopped, they were working on the front and back doors, also rebuilding the stoop outside the kitchen. Merritt figured they’d start work inside by the end of the week. Beau hadn’t asked about her that time. The less interest he showed in the woman, the better.
Finishing, he pushed his plate away, seeing Caro had made little progress on her own meal. “Not hungry?”
Her eyes lifted as her hand stilled in the middle of shoving potatoes to the side of the plate. “I think I’m more tired than hungry.” She shifted her gaze to Travis. “I’m sorry for my lack of appetite tonight.”
“Don’t think anything of it, Caroline. I’ve been known to miss a meal or two due to exhaustion.” Travis set down his fork and pushed his own plate away.
Standing, Beau moved behind Caro’s chair. “If you’re finished, I’ll walk you back to the hotel.”
Feeling her heart quicken, she stilled, not sure she’d heard him right.
Not hearing her answer, Beau placed his hands on her shoulders. “Caro? May I walk you back to the St. James?”
“Why, yes. That would be lovely.” Sucking in a breath, she cast a look at Isabella, noticing the sparkle in her eyes. “Thank you for a lovely supper.”
Turning to Travis, Beau reached into his pocket, pulling out some cash. “This is for Caro and me.”
Travis shook his head. “Save your money, Beau. Supper is on me tonight.”
After helping Caro into her coat, he took her hand, sliding it through his arm. As they stepped outside, he lifted his gaze to the cloudless sky, seeing a brilliant moon and broad swath of stars.
“I remember when we used to walk behind town on nights like this, disappear into the trees so we could be alone.” He guided her across the street and past the next block, where his small house sat empty, to an area behind town.
Caro’s throat tightened, her heart pounding painfully at the vivid reminder and where he led her. “We’d take a blanket, spread it out so we could watch the night sky.”
He chuckled. “Shooting stars.”
She glanced up at him, a warm glow spreading through her. “Animals calling to each other.”
Beau continued the game they used to play. “Water flowing in the creek.”
“Owls screeching, searching for prey.”
“A mother yelling for her child to come inside.” He settled his hand over hers, forgetting they were no longer a couple.
Taking a few steps into the cover of the trees, he stopped. Swallowing the knot of regret, he stared into the distance, letting the quiet settle over them. He couldn’t recall the last time he’d felt so at peace. Caro by his side had always felt right, as if they were always meant to be together. Listening, he could almost hear her heart pounding in her chest.
“I need to get you back to the hotel.” He started to turn, stopping when she refused to budge. His brows furrowed in question. “What is it?”
Caro bit her lower lip, her breathing unsteady as doubt began to take hold. She knew this was her chance, the perfect opportunity to confess why she’d returned. Before, fear and anxiety at what he’d say kept her quiet. Sucking in a steadying breath, she turned toward him.
“Is it all right if we take a few more minutes?”
Beau studied her. She had no idea what being close to her did to him. It had been a bad idea to stroll to their old spot, conjuring up memories when they’d never be able to create new ones.
“It’s dark, Caro. It would be best to head back now.” He began to turn, then froze at her next words.
“I came back because of you.”
Slowly, he shifted back toward her, his eyes cold and remote. “Then you made a mistake.”
She reached out to him, drawing her hand back when he moved away. “The mistake I made was leaving you.”
He stepped closer, his eyes boring into hers. “The mistake was me falling in love with the wrong woman.” The cold, passionless response had her taking a halting step backward.
Caro could feel moisture forming in her eyes, her bottom lip trembling, and prayed he didn’t notice. “Why are you so sure I’m the wrong woman?”
Crossing his arms, he planted his feet shoulder width apart, his eyes flashing in disbelief. “You turned down my offer of marriage, then got on the stage without a backward glance.” His voice was deceptively calm. “You never would have gotten on that stage if you loved me, Caro.” Dropping his arms, he shifted away.
“It wasn’t about love, Beau.” Her response was barely above a whisper.
“No? Then tell me what it was about.”
Finding it hard to hold his unyielding gaze, she turned away, pacing in a circle before turning to face him again. “I needed time to make my own decisions. My entire life has been about doing what my father and then my husband wanted. They expected their dreams to be mine, neither considering I might have a few of my own.” She wrapped her arms around her waist. “I don’t expect you to understand.”
“Oh, I understand, Caro. A wealthy, young widow with a list of places she wanted to see, people she wanted to meet. Splendor was a stop along the way, and like me, not a real part of your dreams.” Removing his hat, he ran a shaky hand through his hair. “You and I both know the part I played in your plans.”
Her eyes searched his, having no idea what he meant. “I don’t understand.”
“Are you sure? It seems clear to me.” He leaned down to within inches of her face. “You were a lonely woman, used to companionship, a man in your bed.” His voice hardened more with each word. “You needed the passion I provided. When you’d had enough time in my bed, you moved on.”
Without thinking, her hand connected with his cheek. “How dare you reduce what I felt for you to something so vile and crude.”
“The truth hurts, doesn’t it, sweetheart?” He spat the last word out, not bothering to acknowledge the sting of her assault. “I’ll bet few men have ever been honest with you. Well, I’m not one of those men. We were good together, Caro. Better than good. But it’s over. I have no desire to repeat the mistakes of my past.”
Her body shook as his disgust with her became clear. Taking an unsteady step away, she swiped at the moisture on her face, then turned her back to him. After several shaky breaths, she willed herself to find the strength to accept his ire.
“I’m going to spend a little more time out here. Please, do not wait for me.”
Beau closed his eyes, pinching the bridge of his nose. “I’m not going back without you.”
Spinning around, she glared at him. “I’m not going anywhere with you. As you so elegantly reminded me, I’ve gotten everything I wanted from you. Your services are no longer required.”
Until he heard those words, he’d thought she could no longer cause him more pain. He took a step toward her. “Caro…”
“You’re right. The past can’t be repeated. We had our time and now it’s over.” When her voice began to break, she sucked in a deep breath before continuing. “Please, Beau. Go back without me.”
He shook his head. “I won’t leave you out here alone.” He nodded to a large tree about twenty feet away. “I’ll wait over there until you’re ready, then I’ll follow you back to the hotel.” Beau held up a hand when she began to protest. “That’s my only offer. I’m not leaving without you.”
“Fine.” Swiping at another tear, she pulled her coat tight around her, wrapping her arms around her waist. Without another word, she walked toward the hotel, putting as much distance between them as she could.
Feeling her body shake, Caro pushed down the urge to run. She would not let him see how deeply his words hurt, nor would she apologize for her hurtful response. They’d broken whatever tenuous connection they still had, crossing a line no amount of apologies could ever change.
True to his word, Beau stayed several feet behind her until she disappeared into the hotel. Caro hadn’t looked back, didn’t want him to see the pain on her fac
e. All she wanted was to get to her room, close the door, and cry until she had no tears left. As much as she’d grieved for her late husband, the ache in her heart tonight was increased by tenfold.
He’d been wrong. She’d never experienced the same desire or passion for her husband as she felt for Beau. Never before felt as if she couldn’t breathe when he stepped into a room, his intense gaze focused on her. Beau’s face was the last image she saw before falling asleep each night, and the first that came to her mind each morning. Although no one knew, her time in San Francisco had been pure misery. She’d thought about him day and night, comparing all men to him. None came close to stealing her heart the way he had.
Closing the door to her room, Caro took off her coat, tossing it on a chair, then removed her hat. She could feel her hands shaking, her body trembling with each motion. Pulling a nightgown out of a drawer, she changed clothes, her movements stiff. Sitting at the dresser, she drew the brush through her hair, braiding it without thought, not daring to look at her reflection in the mirror.
After a few minutes, she walked to the bed, turned the wick down on the oil lamp, then blew out the flickering flame. Settling under the covers, she stared at the ceiling, unable to stop his hateful accusations from repeating over and over in her mind.
Caro had decisions to make, and they needed to be made soon. Thanksgiving wasn’t far away, which meant snow would begin blanketing the ground any day. If she stayed, there would be no leaving Splendor until spring. The thought made her pause. Staying would mean moving into the house before Christmas, living miles from town with no one close by if she needed help.
Beau planned to build in the spring, which meant he’d be living in his small house behind the jail until his place was completed in late summer. Her heart squeezed. After tonight, even if he did live on his land, she could never depend on him to help her. He had made his feelings for her quite clear. He might not hate her, but he had no desire to spend any more time around her than necessary.
Caro had fallen in love with the house the instant Horace Clausen’s wagon pulled to a stop in front of it. She hated the thought of leaving it unfinished. Furniture had already been ordered. Even after the hurtful events of this evening, Caro felt a reluctant smile tug at the corners of her mouth.
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