Sadie slipped the pistol into her pocket. “It comes in handy. You all right, Greta?” “Yes, ma’am.” She swiped the back of her hand across her face. “I’ll be real good when he’s gone.”
“Rider’s here.” Mark poked his head into the room, then withdrew.
Luke sighed. “I’d best see him on his way.”
Praying for his younger brother’s safety, he walked Mark to a saddled horse. “Please, don’t make me have to tell Father I let you die.”
Mark gripped his hand. “I’ll see you day after tomorrow.”
“God go with you.” Luke stepped back and watched the boy gallop away.
“It’s hard.” Sadie slipped her hand in his. “These boys aren’t family to me, but my thoughts and prayers and fears go with every one of them.”
He squeezed her hand. “You’re a strong woman, Sadie Mathewson.”
She shrugged and pulled free. “I’d best finish the laundry that’s been soaking. It won’t wash itself.”
While she headed one way, Luke headed the other. There were chores to be done in the barn, and Mr. Brooks needed work to keep his hands from trouble. He commanded the man off the porch and into the barn, where he thrust a rake into his hands. “Take off that jacket and fork hay to the horses. You might as well earn your keep until the next stagecoach comes.”
For a second, it looked as if the only thing the man would fork would be Luke. But with a narrowing of his eyes, he turned his back and set to work.
The man would require some serious watching. Luke glanced toward the house. He’d be sleeping on the porch that evening right alongside the scoundrel.
Greta exited the house and joined Sadie at the clothesline. Brooks stopped working and stared.
“I already enjoyed her services once,” he said, sneering. “A woman like her don’t change overnight.”
“Anyone can change.” Although Luke had his doubts where Brooks was concerned. “She doesn’t want that life anymore. Respect it.”
Brooks spit into the dirt. “I might just go after the lovely widow instead.” He cut a slant-eyed look at Luke. “Unless you’ve laid your claim.”
“Women aren’t cattle.” Luke dumped feed into the milk cow’s trough. If he didn’t keep busy, he’d throttle the crude man. If he laid one hand on Sadie in lust or unkindness, it would be the last thing the man did.
“I’m surprised a woman as beautiful as the widow makes it out here.” Brooks leaned on the rake. “It’s a dangerous place.”
“Not so much with Eagle here.” The Indian stepped from the shadows. “I keep eye on widow and children.”
Brooks yelped and fell backward. His ankle hooked the rake, and he landed on his backside. He glared up at Eagle. “So, she’s an Injun lover.”
Eagle remained impassive. Luke, not so much. He dropped a bag of feed on Brooks’s stomach. “Pardon me. It slipped.”
He thought he saw something resembling humor in the Indian’s eyes, but it was there one second and gone the next. “Mr. Brooks will be sleeping on the porch tonight, Eagle. I think he’ll be needing company.”
“I watch him.”
Whistling a jaunty tune, Luke left the barn, knowing their unwelcome guest was in good hands. No one would bother Sadie with Luke and Eagle keeping an eye on her.
Chapter Six
It was with no small amount of relief that Sadie watched Mr. Brooks get on the stage. It was as if the very house sighed.
Luke helped place the dead man’s body on the back of the coach. The injured driver and Greta stayed behind, both to heal in their own way. As the coach rumbled away from the house, Sadie wiped her hands on her skirt, as if to rid herself of Mr. Brooks, and headed back into the house.
The driver, Mr. Weston, sat at a table, pain etched across his face. “I can’t abide another minute in that bed. Not that it isn’t comfortable—it is—but boredom will kill me before the infection.”
Sadie smiled and laid the back of her hand against his forehead. “You aren’t feverish. I’ll fetch you some coffee. Perhaps you wouldn’t mind shelling some peas?”
He frowned, but nodded. “I’ll do anything, even woman’s work.”
“There is no such thing,” Luke said, joining them. “Work is work.” He smiled at Sadie, sending her heart tumbling. “If you keep improving as you are, you’ll be on the next stage in three days.”
“That will be a blessing.”
Sadie’s smile faded. Three days and she may have to face the fact of Luke leaving…again. Surrounded as she’d been by people, she didn’t relish being alone. She loved her children, and they kept her busy, but they weren’t the same as having an adult to talk to. Or a man who made her feel things she hadn’t felt in years.
After plunking a bowl of peas in front of Mr. Weston, she stomped out the back door and headed for the creek. The unease in her heart called for the very thing she didn’t want…time alone.
She chose a flat rock from the ground at her feet and sent it skipping across the water’s surface. Were her feelings for Luke mere loneliness, or something more? She hadn’t known him long, but she did know he filled an empty spot inside her. Was it enough to leave all she knew to follow him when he left? Would he laugh at her feelings and leave her stranded in the city?
The next rock skipped harder, making it to the opposite shore. She didn’t have the luxury of thinking only of herself. She had children to consider.
“He didn’t mean anything by it.”
She turned and spotted Luke leaning against a tree. “Who?”
“Mr. Weston.”
She waved off his comment and chose another rock. “I didn’t take offense.”
“Then why did you storm off?”
“I didn’t. This is where I come to think.”
He joined her at the water’s edge and chose a stone of his own. “I’m a good listener.”
She studied his face. The way a dark curl wouldn’t stay in place and fell over one eye, giving him a rakish look. The way his blue eyes sparkled with mischief or darkened when he was deep in thought. How could she tell him the thought of him leaving filled her with dread?
Instead, she shrugged. “Just planning my future.”
“You don’t plan on staying? With the arrival of more and more settlers, this area will be part of a town soon. Perhaps you could open that boardinghouse you talked about.”
“I have thought of that.” She skipped one more rock then sat on a fallen tree trunk. “But with the renegade Indians, I have to consider whether staying is safe for my children.”
“Do you like it here?” He sat next to her.
“Not as much as Frank did. Sometimes the wind howling across the prairie sends chills down my spine. It’s the most lonesome sound I’ve ever heard. Then”—she glanced across the creek, through the sparse trees—“when the wildflowers are in bloom, it’s the prettiest place I can imagine living.”
“I can see why the decision of whether to stay or not is difficult.”
He had no idea. If he asked her to leave with him, she wouldn’t give it a second thought. “Perhaps.” She stood. “I’d best get back and check on Greta.”
“I’ll walk with you.” His shoulder brushed hers as he got to his feet.
Her pulse raced. Her gaze collided with his.
“Sadie.” He lowered his head, his voice husky. “I wish…” He placed his lips on hers, stealing her thought and her breath.
What did he wish? He straightened and pulled away. Did she dare hope he had feelings for her?
He sighed and took her hand in his. “I do like the serenity of this place.”
It seemed as if a huge but was missing from his sentence. Perhaps it was unfair of Sadie to wish him to stay. He was a doctor. A doctor was needed in the city, not keeping a lonely widow company. But oh my, she had enjoyed his kiss. The feel of his lips on hers had stirred emotions that had lain dormant for a very long time. She didn’t want them to go asleep again.
She withdrew her hand an
d increased her pace. It was time to set foolish notions aside and forget a life not meant for her. She ran a trading post and Pony Express stop. Nothing more. When she was no longer needed here, then, and only then, would she consider a different way of life.
Decision made, she yanked open the back door and rushed upstairs, almost bowling over Greta in the process. “Excuse me.”
“Are you all right, Mrs. Mathewson?” The girl’s pretty face wrinkled with concern.
“Call me Sadie, please, and yes, I’m just fine.”
“You ain’t pining, are you? My mama always told me that pining over a man was a waste of time.”
“Your mama was correct.” Sadie entered her bedroom and closed the door. Pining, indeed. She wasn’t a fresh-faced young girl with stars in her eyes. She plopped across the bed. Dear Lord, what was she doing? She closed her eyes and prayed for guidance.
Women had to be the most confusing creatures. Luke watched Sadie race up the stairs as if her skirts were on fire.
“Sit down, Doc, and let me tell you a story.” Weston waved at the chair across from him.
With one more glance up the stairs, Luke sat. “I’m listening.”
“When I was a bit younger than you, I had my eye on a farmer’s daughter. Now, you can’t tell by looking at me, but I’m a rich banker’s son. Let me tell you, my father did not want me courting a girl he thought was below me.”
Luke narrowed his eyes. “I feel as if you know me.”
“I know your father.” Weston grinned. “A good doctor, but a hard-hearted man. Anyway, I defied my father and asked that pretty little gal to marry me. I was disowned. Despite that, I had fifteen of the best years of my life with that gal before the Lord took her home.” He rested his elbows on the table. “What I’m telling you, son, is to follow your heart, not the wishes of another.”
“I’m not planning on getting married any time soon.” Luke crossed his arms. “So why are you telling me all this?”
“Because I spoke with your father before setting out on the stage. He told me to tell you that if you and your younger brother aren’t home by week’s end, he’s coming to fetch you.”
Luke wasn’t a boy in short pants to be dragged home by his ear. “I’ll go home when I’m ready.” Which would be when no one here needed him anymore. He glanced again at the floor over his head. Sadie didn’t need him. She’d managed fine before he arrived, and she would be fine when he left.
Still, her kiss gave him hope that maybe she cared for him. Dare he ask her?
“I see your thoughts in your eyes, Doc. You’re undecided. That means that little lady upstairs doesn’t hold as much weight with you as she needs to.” Weston pushed to his feet, leaving the basket of shelled peas on the table. “Search your heart.” He turned and made his way slowly up the stairs.
Greta glared at Luke as she retrieved the bowl from the table. Without explaining her expression, she disappeared into the kitchen.
Yep, women were mysterious creatures. Luke pushed to his feet and headed to the barn where a man could work away from the myriad of emotions that drove the fairer gender.
Like a ghost, Eagle appeared from a stall. He didn’t speak but set to work mucking out the stalls.
Luke shrugged and, enjoying the company of someone who didn’t require him to make an effort at conversation, pitched fresh hay into an empty stall in preparation for the arrival of the next rider.
The Indian’s presence did bring a lot of questions to Luke’s mind, but he wasn’t one to pry. If the other man wanted to talk, then he would when the time was right. Otherwise, Luke was grateful for his strong, silent presence that had helped keep Mr. Brooks from doing harm.
He glanced out the barn door as a rider approached. Not seeing Sadie exit the house, he propped his pitchfork against the wall and went to greet the rider, taking a fresh horse for the rider dashing from the house.
The newly arrived young man, covered in dirt and several grazes that needed tending to, slid from his horse. “Them Injuns just about got me. I jumped from my horse and slid down a ravine. When they passed, I retrieved my horse, and here I am.”
“Go on in the house and get cleaned up. You, be careful,” he told the boy ready to leave. “Staying alive is better than being brave.”
He glanced the way the rider had come. With the threat of Indians still close, he searched for Ruth and Josiah, relieved to find them picking vegetables in the garden. It might be time to post a guard around the clock. Weston could do that while he recuperated. Sitting on the porch with a rifle on his knees wouldn’t take too much out of the man.
He led the spent horse to the barn and handed him to the waiting Eagle. “Renegades still creating havoc. I hope you plan on sticking around a while.”
Eagle nodded. “As long as the widow needs me.”
“Why?” Luke tilted his head. “Why the interest in her?”
“She a good woman. She not bother my people. She let me sleep in barn. I help her.”
“Don’t you have anywhere else to be?”
“No.” He removed the horse’s saddle. “I refuse to wed again after my woman die. The tribe ask me to leave until I think right.”
If Luke’s guess was correct, it would be a long time before Eagle “thought right.” He clapped the man on the shoulder. “I’m sure you’re welcome as long as you want to stay. Will you help if renegades come?”
Eagle nodded and led the tired horse to the clean stall.
With Eagle, Weston, and Luke, that gave them three guns, four if he counted Sadie. It might be enough to keep the place safe. It might also be time for target practice. If Greta couldn’t shoot, she’d have to learn, and fast. Josiah, too.
He moved back to the house where the others were gathering for lunch. “Right after you eat, I need everyone to go to the backyard for target practice. Ruth can learn to load the guns.”
Sadie’s eyes widened. “You’re expecting trouble.”
“It’s best to be prepared.” He pulled Sadie to the side. “The rider resting in the front room had a run-in with the renegades. It’s only a matter of time before they come back here. I’m going to have Weston and Eagle on full-time guard duty.”
She paled. “So, it’ll come to shots being fired.” She shook her head and stood straighter. “We’re up to the task. I always feared the day would come.”
He put his hands on her shoulders. “I’ll keep you safe, Sadie. I promise. You and your children.”
Her gaze searched his. “Who will keep you safe, Luke?”
Chapter Seven
Sadie aimed the rifle and blasted the block of wood sitting on top of a log. She didn’t need the practice. Frank had taught her to shoot years ago, and ammunition was precious on the prairie. With a sigh, she set the rifle on the ground and watched Josiah take aim while Ruth and Greta stuck their fingers in their ears.
“Don’t close your eyes, son,” Luke said. “You need to see what you’re shooting at.”
“I’m going to shoot Indians.” The boy’s cheeks reddened. “No offense, Mr. Eagle.”
Eagle’s lips twitched and he gave a small nod as he stepped next to Greta and adjusted her hands. The girl turned the color of a ripe tomato.
Sadie narrowed her eyes. Eagle was a handsome man with his copper skin and hair the color of a raven’s wing. But did Greta know the trouble that would come if she gave her heart to the Indian? Perhaps she wouldn’t care after the past she’d lived, how people looked at her. An interesting situation for sure, and as fraught with uncertainty as Sadie’s feelings were for Luke.
“I don’t like guns.” Ruth crossed her arms and pouted.
“Neither do I, sweetie, but they’re necessary out here. You need to practice loading. When you’re older, I’ll teach you to shoot.”
“I want Dr. Stetson to teach me.”
Sadie clamped her lips shut. She wouldn’t mind Luke’s arms wrapped around her as he helped her aim, either, but she didn’t expect to hear the sentiment from he
r child’s mouth.
While the rest continued target practice, she went to meet the arriving rider and wake the sleeping one inside. Minutes later, she headed back to where the air vibrated with gunshots. She couldn’t help but wonder if the noise would attract the undesirable.
She carried a bucket and dipper to each person, letting them drink their fill before leaning against the fence to watch again. Greta had taken to giggling and batting her eyelashes at Eagle. The man’s features remained set in stone, but only a man made from marble could remain impassive for long under the girl’s attention.
“Why so serious?” Luke joined her.
“Wondering what’s going on inside Greta’s head. She seems smitten with Eagle.”
“Hmm.” He gazed upon the pair. “The man’s in mourning, but he definitely doesn’t seem in a hurry to go back to his tribe.”
“I don’t mind him being here. He’s a big help, but I worry that Greta may be leaving one bad life for another.”
He bumped her playfully with his shoulder. “Stop being such a mother hen. She’s an adult. If Eagle wants her, he’ll do right by her. I don’t think he’ll ask her to live as a squaw.”
Still, Sadie intended to speak to Greta at the first opportunity. “Mr. Weston is healing nicely.”
“Yes, he’ll be ready to leave on the stage that comes through tomorrow.”
She took a deep breath. “What about you? Will you leave?”
He stared across the prairie, silent for several seconds before answering. “I don’t think so. Not until the threat of an attack is past. I can’t leave you undefended.”
At least he cared enough for that. She swallowed down the pain. “The threat may never go away, Luke.”
He gave her an intense look. “I’ll stay until I know you’re safe. I promise you.”
Oh, how she wanted him to stay because he loved her. But she wouldn’t ask. She would take what time she had and be grateful.
“I’d best clean the guns.”
Sadie nodded. “I want to talk to Greta.” She pushed away from the fence and motioned for the girl to join her in the kitchen.
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