Tracks To Love (Birdsong Series)

by Alice Addy

  Eve placed a kiss on the big sorrel’s nose and whispered loving words into his ear. He seemed to quiet some, and let out a huge sigh. When she was ready, Eve stood and took her aunt’s outstretched hand. Together, they walked with purpose, back to the Six Gun Saloon.

  Whiskey met his girls at the door and guided them to the bar, where he promptly poured a small drink for Eve and ordered her to drink it. She grimaced as she set the empty glass down and noticed Sam sitting comfortably at his poker table.

  He looked up and saw her ghastly expression, shrugged his shoulders with indifference, and returned to shuffling cards.

  Eve remembered. Sam Garrison had threatened to punish her. “I’ll hurt all those you love,” he’d said.

  The sudden sound of a gunshot echoed off the walls of the saloon. Ringo was gone and Eve felt the pain of that bullet as if it had torn through her heart, as well.

  Without a moment’s hesitation, Eve flew across the room, shrieking and screaming at the evil bastard turning up cards. “I’ll kill you, Sam Garrison! Do you hear me? I’ll kill you if it’s the last thing I do. How could you hurt an innocent horse? And don’t deny it. I know you did it. You told me you’d punish me by hurting those I love, and you knew how much I loved Ringo.” She grabbed the cards from his hand and threw them in his smug and disgusting face. “If I had a gun,” she said, “you’d be dead.”

  Sam laughed at her fury. He was actually enjoying this. “You silly, naive child,” he hissed. “If you were a man, you’d be as dead as that horse.”

  Whiskey pulled her away from the gambler and aimed his shotgun right at Sam’s chest. “Yer lower than a snake’s belly, you varmint. I speak fer Miss Frieda. You get yer things and hightail it out o’here, ‘fore I lose what little patience I still got. Don’t make the mistake of thinkin’ I don’t want to shoot yer worthless hide, cause it’d give me great pleasure to watch you die. Now, git!”

  Sam stood and stared at the three people standing so defiantly before him. “Believe me, you don’t want to do this. It’s a grave mistake. You’ll be sorry for this, I promise you. I’ve got big plans for this place and I don’t intend to give up on ‘em. Mark my words . . . someday, I will own this saloon. And nobody speaks to Sam Garrison this way, ole man. I’ll make sure you pay.”

  Frieda spoke up. “Sam, you’re fired. Now get the hell out of my saloon.”

  The gambler, shaking with rage, glared at the woman. He growled and spit on the spotless floor, before grabbing his things from his room and leaving the Six Gun for good.

  Frieda turned to Eve and hugged her good and tight. “Now, now baby. You have a good cry. It’s good for what ails you. You don’t have to sing tonight, if you don’t feel up to it. Go on upstairs and rest.”

  Eve collapsed across her bed and sobbed, huge gut wrenching sobs, until she had no more tears to shed. Not since she was taken from her mama had she cried, but losing Ringo was more than she could withstand. Staring up at the ceiling, she cursed the day she first laid eyes on the evil Sam Garrison.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  The days passed slowly and eventually, days turned into weeks that soon became months. Eve was waiting for the healing process to begin, but she felt little better than she had that awful day, two months earlier. She sang half-heartedly and the men could hear the despair in her voice. It was in every note she sang. Some of her friends brought small tokens of their admiration. She always smiled with gratitude, but all their best wishes couldn’t help her overcome her depression or ease the unending sense of loss. Eve was so filled with hate; there was no room for the healing to begin.

  One morning, while sitting around the table, the gals were gossiping. It was always their favorite form of recreation. Lisette was giggling. “I tell you, my friend, Cheri, says he drinks all the time and he’s seldom sober. He’s lost much of the stake he took with him from here . . . and I heard it was a lot of money. If you ask me, we’re well rid of that devil.”

  Meredith added her two cents worth. “He’s losin’ his looks, too. His once rock-hard stomach is now hanging over his belt,” she laughed. “Maybe he really did love the kid.”

  Eve overheard the conversation. “He didn’t love me or anyone else. He’s incapable of anything as good and decent as love. Sam Garrison wanted to own the Six Gun and me along with it. I’m certain if he hadn’t been run off, he’d have stopped at nothing to get what he wanted. Take my advice girls, and stay far away from him. The man’s pure evil.”

  Laurie jumped in. “I forgot to tell you, Eve. That real nice, young cowboy, Ty Fenton, was asking about you last night. I hope you don’t mind, but I told him what happened to you, and after cussin’ a blue streak, he told me to tell you to be ready at eleven this morning. He’s coming by for you and he intends to take you for a long ride in his wagon. That don’t sound proper, if you ask me,” she teased. She smiled at the thought of Eve ever doing anything improper.

  “Eleven? He’ll be here any minute! Look at me! I’m a wreck. Lisette, will you help me with my hair? Please?”

  “Well, since you said please and I’m a softie for true love—sure, honey. Come over here and bring me that brush.”

  The women heard Ty’s voice coming from the other room. He was talking with Whiskey—buttering up the old man, no doubt. They all sashayed into the room as one . . . and stopped dead in their tracks. There stood Ty with an enormous bouquet of flowers, a small box wrapped in shiny paper, and a large box with a big bow. Gifts. He had brought gifts.

  Lisette leaned over and whispered into Eve’s ear. “This one’s a keeper, kid. Go get him.” She gave Eve a little nudge, causing her to stumble into Ty’s waiting arms. Even with his arms loaded down with presents, he managed to keep her from falling.

  Feeling absolutely mortified, Eve took one look into his marvelous face, and sighed. For several moments, she was content to have his strong arms around her waist and feel his sweet breath warm against her face. It was comforting and felt so right.

  Finally, collecting herself, she begged his pardon. “I’m sorry. It must have been the rug that tripped me.” She tossed an accusing glare at Lisette. “You can let go of me now, Mr. Fenton,” she said, reluctantly.

  “Do I have to?” Ty grinned, mischievously.

  “Yes, son. I do believe you do.” Whiskey stood watching this young man holding his little girl a little too close. “Now, you want to tell us what you’re a doin’ here, so early in the mornin’?”

  Ty straightened and carefully placed his gifts on the bar. “Yes, sir. I’m here to take Miss Eve on a ride in this fine Kansas air. It seems to me, she needs to relax and start getting her health back, after all that’s happened recently. That’s what I intend to do—right after I give you this here box of the finest cigars in Hays City. You do smoke ‘em, I guess?”

  The big man grinned and nodded as he reached out and took possession of the small box.

  “These flowers are for Mrs. Birdsong, if she’s around. They need to be put in water.”

  “I’ll gladly accept those beautiful posies, son,” Frieda announced from the top of the stairs. As she approached the cowboy, she smiled and wrapped her arms around the colorful bouquet, holding them just under her nose. “Mmmm. They sure do smell good. Thank you.”

  Ty was well pleased with the response he’d received from his gifts, and he allowed himself to relax a little. Now he could concentrate on Eve. “I brought you a box of chocolates, ma’am. You probably don’t eat candy, but I thought . . .”

  “Oh,” Eve squealed, as she quickly took the box from Ty’s hands. “How did you know that chocolates were my very favorite thing in the whole world?” She already had the bow off and the lid open. Inhaling the luscious and decadent aroma of the chocolate, she offered a piece to each of the girls.

  “Take your pick, but just one,” she instructed, then she turned to her admirer.

  “Oh, Ty,” she managed to say with her mouth full of chocolate raspberry crème. “These are absolutely perfect. Thank y
ou so much. And in answer to your question, I’d simply love to go riding with you. It’s a beautiful day, after all.”

  Everyone was laughing and stuffing their mouths with chocolates or cigars. It had been quite a spell since the sound of happiness rang through the Six Gun Saloon, and they owed it all to this handsome young cowboy.

  Eve’s genuine look of happiness was not wasted on Frieda or Whiskey. For too long now, she had been desolate, despite their best intentions. This polite young man was an answer to their prayers.

  “Whoopee!” Ty hollered. “Let’s get going—times a wastin’.” Ty grabbed Eve’s hand and started for the door.

  “Now, wait just a minute there, Ty,” Frieda yelled. “There are a few formalities that must be followed. I need to know where you’re taking my niece, how long you’ll be gone, and I want to let you know that she means everything to me. You will return her to us in exactly the same state in which you found her. Is that understood, young man?”

  Ty stood petrified. “Of course, ma’am. I wouldn’t think of insulting Miss Eve in that way. We’ll be riding down toward the river and follow the old road to the flat rise, just beyond. I guess we’ll be gone for two or three hours.” Then, he thought he should make an offer, although somewhat begrudgingly, “Would you and Mr. Whiskey like to accompany us?”

  Frieda had difficulty repressing her smile. The young man was trying so hard. “No, but thank you for your sincere offer. Just keep in mind what I say, and take good care of our girl.” She took a long serious look at Ty, just to reinforce what she had said.

  “Have fun, children,” she said as she looked into Eve’s beautiful face. Her child had grown into a lovely woman and would someday be leaving her and the home she’d known for so many years. And that’s the way it should be, she thought to herself as she strolled away, clutching her bouquet to her breast.

  Whiskey stood behind the bar, enjoying his cigar. He winked at Ty and turned away to finish filling some bottles.

  Ty and Eve had been gone about half an hour before they spoke. “Your Aunt and Whiskey sure do lay great store in you, Miss Eve. I want you to know I’d never do anything that would anger either one of them.”

  She smiled at the cute cowboy. “I would advise you, Mr. Fenton, not to anger me, either. I can be pretty fierce if I choose to be.”

  “Aw shucks, Eve. I’d never do anything to displease you. I’ve been kinda sweet on you for months, now. At first it was your singing and dancing that I most admired, but after I got to know you better, I took notice of your good heart and your love of life. They call it passion, and I believe you are full of it.”

  Eve laughed. “You’re so nice, Ty. Sometimes I feel like I’ve known you all my life. You’re so comfortable to be with.”

  Ty pulled back on the team and brought the wagon to a sudden stop. “Comfortable! Well that’s a heck of thing to say to a man. I don’t want you thinking of me as comfortable.”

  “Really? How would you like me to think of you, Ty?”

  He thought for a moment, “Well, good-lookin’ would be a nice start . . . smart and funny would be all right, too. A man wants the lady he admires to think he’s strong and brave and can take care of her. You know . . . provide for her and their children—if there are any.” He could feel his ears turning red and his cheeks were burning from embarrassment.

  Eve’s eyes grew huge at what Ty had revealed. “You admire me, Ty?”

  He slapped the rumps of the team and the wagon jolted forward once again. “Yeah, I guess I do,” he muttered, looking straight ahead.

  Seeing his discomfort at speaking of such private things, Eve couldn’t resist teasing him further. Giggling, she asked, “You want to provide for me and our children?”

  “You know I do, Eve. Now, let’s rest a spell and talk of other things.” He had to regain his senses. Ty knew he had said too much and divulged his most secret desires too soon.

  “Yes, Ty . . . darlin’,” she whispered.

  The two young people rode on in silence until they arrived at their destination, just above the river.

  “We’re here,” Ty announced.

  Looking out over the valley, Eve was taken with its pristine beauty. “I never knew this view was hidden up here. It’s simply magnificent.”

  Ty agreed. “It certainly is magnificent.” But Ty wasn’t looking at the landscape. He only had eyes for his companion. Her bonnet was crowning her beautiful hair, admirably. Only a few of the delicate curls had escaped their confinement. The sun glinted off their number. Her face was slightly flushed from the sun, making her eyes stand out and sparkle with good humor. As he reached up to assist Eve from the seat, he noticed her delicate foot and trim ankle peeking out from under her skirts. He had, of course, taken notice of their perfection when seeing her perform at the Six Gun, but it all seemed different and new out here, more intimate. For the first time, they were alone.

  “Eve,” he sighed, as he searched for courage. “Eve, would you be offended if I kissed you?”

  “Yes, please kiss me, Ty. I think I would like that very much.” She closed her eyes and puckered her lips, tilting her head up toward his.

  Ty started to chuckle.

  Eve opened her eyes and took exception to his levity at something so serious and important. “Why do men always laugh at me when I prepare for a kiss?” She felt foolish to the extreme. “Why do you ask, if your only intent is to laugh at me?” Her anger was building by the moment.

  Ty took hold of her stubborn little shoulders and turned her to face him. “Oh, Eve. You’re priceless. I’m not really laughing at you; it’s just that you look so darn cute all scrunched up like that. Who taught you to kiss like that, anyway?”

  “Nobody,” she said, barely audibly.

  “What was that? I couldn’t hear what you said.”

  “Nobody. I said, NOBODY!” I’ve never been kissed before.” She could have crawled under a rock.

  “Never? Not even from Mr. Skunk Gambler?”

  “No,” she grumbled, “especially not Sam. I’ve been waiting for that special first kiss—and I thought that today would be the day, but you’ve gone and ruined it all. Thanks a lot, Ty. You know, you’re not nearly as romantic as I first thought,” she complained.

  Before she could say anything more, Ty’s arms encircled her waist and he pulled her into his arms. Gently tilting her face up to his, he brushed his lips across hers, so very gently—just a whisper of a kiss. Then, feeling her breath catch, he pressed his lips against hers. They were warm and plump, only slightly moist, and tasted of chocolates.

  “Mmm,” he moaned. He felt her tremble in his arms as she returned his passion. His tongue explored across the top of her bottom lip until she acquiesced and parted her mouth, allowing him entrance. He feasted on her mouth, taking in the luscious confines of its interior. She tasted sweet.

  He traveled on, up her cheek and to her closed eyelids, kissing each several times, for good measure. His lips traveled to her tiny little ears, where he nibbled, causing her to giggle. He dragged his lips down her neck and kissed and nipped at that very special area where the neck joins the shoulder. He couldn’t get enough of her. He was getting light-headed from the fragrance of her hair, her body, her very essence.

  Coming up for air, he murmured, “My, God, Eve. You’re a temptress, natural born. I will never be satisfied with another woman. You’re magnificent.” He was staring at her as if he had never seen her before.

  “Did I kiss all right, Ty?”

  He sat her apart from him and started to laugh. “Oh, Eve. If you kissed any better, I would never be able to return you to your home untouched, and Whiskey would have to shoot me. You know, maybe it would be worth dying for, at that.”

  Shocked, Eve said, “Don’t tease about things like that. I couldn’t live if someone shot you. I’ve just found you.”

  “And I’ve just found you, Eve, and I don’t intend to let you go. You need me to watch out for you. I hope that meets with your appr
oval?”

  It warmed Eve’s heart to know he wanted to do that for her. Knowing that Ty would stand by her side against whatever may come, caused her heart to skip a beat. “That’s odd,” she said.

  “Odd? I don’t know what’s odd about a man wanting to take care of the woman he loves.”

  “I’m very independent, Ty. You might as well know it now. I don’t usually like people telling me what I can and cannot do, but for some reason, I kind of like the thought of you watching out for me—Wait a minute! Did you say you loved me? Honest?”

  Ty chuckled at the startled expression on her face. “I did, Eve Birdsong. I love you. What do you think about that?”

  “I think we should kiss on it,” she announced. She stood on tiptoe and placed her hands on each side of his handsome face. Pulling him down to her level, she proceeded to devour his lips.

  “Wow, Eve. You sure do learn fast.”

  The ride back to town took twice as long as the ride out. Eve snuggled up close to Ty and relaxed in the comfort of the strong arm he’d thrown round her shoulder. She couldn’t remember ever being so content and so utterly happy, in her entire life. Ty Fenton was her man. She knew it without a doubt, and she couldn’t wait to tell Aunt Frieda. She had been correct. When the right person comes along to claim your heart, you know it in an instant, and that’s just what happened to her. She loved Ty with ever fiber of her being and nothing was ever going to spoil it. She wanted to sing with joy.

  Eve had been quiet for some time now. Ty glanced down and noticed her long lashes fanning out across her pink cheeks. She was sleeping with her head resting upon his chest. Her beauty left him breathless. This young woman was perfection and for now, she was all his. What had he done in his life to deserve such a gift? For the next hour he contemplated their future, together. It held the promise of being more than he had ever dreamed. Considering his poor beginnings and his rough childhood, he was indeed a very lucky man.

  As he steered the wagon onto Main Street, he noticed a crowd had gathered in front of the Six Gun. Perhaps it was a just premonition, but Ty had a very bad feeling. He gently nudged Eve to awaken her, and cautiously, they approached the saloon.