Sierra Bride

by Jenna Kernan

  “It hardly looks like the same place,” she said to Mr. Potts.

  He nodded. “That’s a fact.”

  “I can never thank you enough for what you did for me.”

  “Only did as I was told. Mr. Pickett left you in my care. I don’t take that lightly.”

  “You’re a good friend.”

  His smile was nearly imperceptible. “I try.”

  She shivered at the memory of yesterday.

  “Which tree do you think it was?”

  “Passed it a while back. I notched it so as I could find it again. Mr. Pickett sent me for a piece of wood off it for whittling.”

  She grinned at this.

  “I wasn’t suppose to say, was I?”

  “He mentioned it to me. Is he a good whittler?”

  “Fair.”

  She wondered what he would fashion from the wood.

  They reached the train without trouble and she spoke to Sam’s cook, pleading for tea. The burly fellow scratched his head and then promised he’d see about getting some.

  Instead, he surprised her at lunch with a warm cup of cocoa. She didn’t have the heart to tell him she was disappointed and as a result got cocoa again at supper.

  As she sat alone in the posh comfort of the compartment, she tried to recall the last time she had dined alone. The boarding house was always a bustling, lively place. Now she sat in luxury and solitude like a pet parrot. She stared out into the darkness beyond the window and thought of Phoebe, wondering how her sister was getting on without her there.

  Cole Ellis arrived at two in the afternoon, riding a lathered horse. Sam met his partner in front of the mill.

  “So you caught one of them,” said Cole, responding to the message Sam had sent him yesterday.

  “Yeah, but he died.”

  Cole dismounted. “Did they damage the mill?”

  “No, but without the dam we can’t turn the wheel. I’ve got three shifts working the crosscut saws, but we can’t keep up with the demand.”

  “We’ll have to ship them in, then.”

  “You tell Crawford about Donahue?”

  “He’s on it. Got his people in San Francisco contacting the police.”

  “Police! Donahue owns half the damn force, plus keeps a private army of deputies.”

  “That what you call them—deputies? Thugs, you mean. Anyway, Crawford says we still have to file charges, in case anything else happens.”

  Sam snorted. “Fat lot of good that will do.”

  “Hey, you hired him.”

  “I thought you hired him.”

  Cole grinned. “Maybe I did.”

  Sam did not feel jovial after seeing his dam wash downstream. “I’m afraid to send men out of camp unless they’re well armed and in groups.”

  “That’s wise.”

  Sam flagged down one of his men and sent him for food, then he led Cole to the mill which was uncharacteristically silent. All the belts and wheels sat still in the empty room.

  “I got coffee on the stove,” said Sam.

  Cole poured a cup and took a swallow. “Tastes good.”

  The men sat in matching ladder-back chairs before the potbellied stove with their tin cups of black coffee.

  “Where’s the beauty?” asked Cole.

  “Her name’s Kate and I sent her back to the railcars under guard until I know it’s safe.”

  “Kate, huh? Seems too informal for her, too—I don’t know—ordinary, I guess. Katherine, maybe suits her better.”

  “You didn’t see her climb a tree yesterday.”

  Cole lowered the coffee and stared, disbelief evident in his expression.

  “Never been so scared. She was below the dam when it blew.”

  “Never?” The two men exchanged looks. Sam knew what Cole was thinking. The two of them on the mountain, freezing, starving and dying.

  “It’s different being afraid for someone else.” He likely shouldn’t have said that as it would get Cole thinking about Angela.

  His friend simply nodded his agreement, his face solemn. “Like that, is it? You falling in love with her?”

  Sam nodded. “Maybe so.”

  Cole winced. “You’ve only known her a few days.”

  He let his irritation spill over. “What’s that got to do with it?”

  “Sam, you’ve avoided this for as long as I’ve known you. Give me a minute to get used to the idea, is all.”

  “I’ve avoided it because I got no experience.”

  Cole laughed. “You’ve got more experience than any man I know.”

  “Not with bedding them!”

  Cole’s smile faded. “You talking about marriage?”

  “Maybe.” Sam shook his head and glanced back to Cole.

  “Big step. Best be sure, first.”

  “I am sure, sure that I’ll screw it up. I ain’t got a notion how to make a home for her with suppertime and kids and flowers in vases.” He kicked the leg of the stove.

  “And you want that kind of life?”

  “I’d rather face an earthquake in a mine shaft.”

  Cole leveled a cool eye on Sam, not letting him dodge the question. “Not what I asked you.”

  Sam pressed his lips together, scowled at his friend and admitted his yearnings aloud. “Yes, damn it. I want it.”

  Sam glared at Cole. “But not everyone can have what you got, you know?”

  “What?”

  “A family.”

  “No, but I think you can.” Cole gave him a long look. “She has a reputation.”

  “So do I.”

  “Hers might make you look like the prize-winning goat at the fair. She married money before.”

  Sam met Cole’s look of concern with a cold stare. Only their long friendship kept him from taking a swing at him.

  “Cole, we both know that I’ve done a lot worse than marry for money, so don’t even think she ain’t good enough for me.”

  “You have no cause to apologize.”

  Sam snorted.

  “You know,” said Cole. “It’s the women who make houses into homes. Kate will know what to do.”

  “Except she’s already got a home and she told me outright that she wasn’t interested in marrying again. Not that I blame her.”

  Cole sat forward, cradling his half-finished coffee in his hands between his legs. “Why’s that?”

  “You remember her first husband?”

  “He got exactly what he deserved.”

  “He mistreated her, Cole. He hurt her bad.”

  Cole’s expression turned stormy. “Reason enough to be wary of marriage, bad experience like that.”

  Sam picked a blade of grass off the heel of his boot and rolled it between his thumb and forefinger. “I’m afraid I remind her of that bastard.”

  “You’re not like him. She must see that.”

  “Ain’t I? We both made a fortune. We both can’t get enough of her. And, apparently, we both spend a good deal of time ordering her around.”

  “She’s gun-shy. She’ll come around.”

  “Her opinion of marriage ain’t changed because of me. She sees it as some kind of jail sentence.”

  “Last time we spoke, you felt much the same.”

  Sam dropped the grass blade and stared at Cole. “I never had nothing against it. I just can’t see it working out, but I can’t seem to walk away, neither.”

  “You need to give her some time to get to know you. If you two share this feeling, she’ll want to stay. But let her get used to the idea or you’ll scare her off.”

  Sam cradled his forehead in his palm.

  “I’ve seen you take some chances that took real guts. Maybe this is no different.”

  “Feels different.”

  Cole’s smile seemed wise. “That’s good.”

  “Then why do I want to punch something?”

  Cole laughed. “If you love her, Sam, you can’t do anything else but take the gamble, because not being with her will scare you more than ta
king a chance.”

  Chapter Nineteen

  K ate woke at the low vibration, causing the bed to shudder. It took a moment to recall her surroundings. She was thankful she left one of the wall lamps burning low.

  Sam had not returned—had he?

  She peered about and recognized the engine’s low rumble. The train was readying for departure.

  “Sam?”

  The room was empty. She went to the window and peeked beneath the blind but saw only darkness. Kate pulled on her robe but did not tie it.

  The train would not leave without Sam. That meant he was aboard. She hurried into her slippers and headed for the next car, certain she would find him there and if not, she would await him. Yes, he’d like that.

  The door slid open and she paused in the chilly night air, then hurried between the cars, bursting into the next room.

  “Sam?” She came through the narrow hall past the necessary and stepped out into the main room where her hurried step screeched to a halt.

  There sat Sam, smoking a cigar beside the man she’d met at the station, his partner. The man bolted to his feet at her entrance looking as shocked as if a grizzly bear had charged into the coach.

  Kate gasped at his wide-eyed sweep of her dishabille. She drew the edges of the robe together too late, for he had already seen much of her charms through the sheer lace gown. Why hadn’t it occurred to her that someone else might be with him?

  Because she’d been so anxious to see Sam, nothing else crossed her mind.

  “Oh, Katie, sweetheart. I’ll be along in a few minutes,” said Sam.

  Kate’s cheeks burned as she backed up, her arms clamped before her.

  “I’m sorry,” she whispered, turned and fled. She reached the bed and sank into the mattress, wishing she could disappear. She pressed her scabby palms to her burning face. How could she be so stupid?

  A mistress waited in bed for her benefactor. She didn’t go dancing about half-naked before his partner. What would he do when he came in?

  Luke would have been furious. She straightened as if soaked in ice water and then began to shake.

  “He’s not Luke,” she whispered, praying that she was right. But the fear gnawed at her, filling her mind with doubt.

  Cole sank back to his seat with a low whistle. Then he looked at Sam.

  Sam pointed a finger at him. “Don’t say anything that I’ll have to kill you over.”

  Cole shook his head, indicating he wouldn’t, and now seemed unable to say anything.

  “Well?” said Sam.

  “You’re a lucky man.”

  Sam scowled.

  “If you don’t marry her, you’re a fool.”

  “You don’t marry a woman because she looks fetching in white lace.”

  “Seems reason enough right now.”

  Sam rose. “See you in the morning.”

  Cole followed Sam to his feet. “I’ll tell the engineer you’re ready to roll and see about ordering up those rail ties.”

  Sam walked him to the door.

  “I need you to make a stop at a jewelry store.”

  Cole made a face.

  Sam swallowed, knowing Cole would tease him, but felt this was right.

  “Buy an engagement ring for me?”

  “I’m already married.” His friend didn’t even crack a smile. “Besides, that’s something a man should pick out for himself.”

  “Just buy the biggest damn one you can find.”

  “Okay, partner.”

  Cole shook his hand and headed out.

  Sam opened the door to the sleep compartment and found the room as quiet as a crypt. She could not possibly have fallen asleep so fast. He crept toward the bed and found her lying on her back, her head turned to the side and her eyes closed.

  Golden lamplight gilded her hair and skin. Her slim arm rested on top of the coverlet. Her unnatural stillness concerned him for a moment until he realized the game. She was pretending to be asleep.

  He sat on the bed, leaning over her to rest one hand on either side of her shoulders.

  “Kate, I know you’re awake.”

  She blinked her eyes open and stared up at him. Was she clenching her jaw?

  “Kate?” He couldn’t keep the concern from his voice. “I’m sorry I left you alone all day. Are you all right?”

  The tears came so fast it was like seeing the dam break all over again. Only this time, instead of hitting him in the gut, the flood hit him straight in the heart.

  He gathered her up. “What’s wrong, honey?”

  Her words came fast, frantic and edged with panic. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know you had company. I embarrassed you. Please forgive me, Sam.”

  He held her at arm’s length so he could look at her. What was going on?

  “I like to show you off, Katie. Just not quite so much of you all at once.”

  She buried her face in her hands.

  “That’s my friend, Cole. You met him, remember? He’s been my partner. We crossed the country together.”

  She made a whimpering sound.

  “He don’t mind. He’s got a wife and all. Nothing he ain’t seen before, I’d imagine.”

  She blinked up at him, sending more tears cascading down her lovely face. “You forgive me?”

  “Anything.”

  She drew a breath, clasping her hands before her bosom. This caused her charms to swell to near bursting. Sam’s eyes bugged and he tried to recall that he strove to comfort her. Damn all that lace.

  She lunged at him, throwing herself into his arms and pressing her wonderful bosom tight to his chest.

  He closed his eyes and enfolded her in his embrace.

  He could read a trace vein of quartz and follow it to gold like a bloodhound after spoor. But to read the signals a woman sent seemed near impossible.

  She drew back and he had to force himself to release her.

  Kate was all smiles now and gladness.

  “Kate? What just happened?”

  “Nothing. I was certain you’d be furious at me for my mistake.”

  Sam thought a moment and suddenly it made sense. The feigned sleep, the fear in her eyes.

  “This is about him, again, isn’t it?”

  Now she looked worried. She was right, this time. No man wanted to be constantly reminded of another lover. He scowled and she inched away. It occurred to him that she was struggling to read him in the same way he labored to understand her.

  “It’s all right, Kate. I wasn’t mad about what happened earlier and I’m not mad now. But you got to judge me on what I do, not on what that bastard would have done.”

  She nodded solemnly and then graced him with a tentative smile. “I missed you.”

  He grinned at her. “How much?”

  She flipped back the coverlet.

  The railcar jumped.

  Kate gripped the blankets. “What was that?”

  “Decoupling our cars. Cole’s taking the rest back down for lumber.” And an engagement ring. “He’ll be back in the morning and we’ll continue up the line.”

  “Oh.” She released her death grip on the bedding. “So we’re alone?”

  “Except for the Pinkertons surrounding the cars. You’re safe.”

  Kate’s smile was full of promise. “Not too safe, I hope.”

  Sam felt a rush of heat that had nothing to do with the cozy bed and everything to do with the warm, willing woman sheathed in sheer lace.

  He had his boots and gun belt off a moment later, and then peeled down to his long johns which required unbuttoning. He sat on the bed and struggled with the buttons. Just when he decided to tear the fabric, he heard a giggle.

  Kate knelt behind him on the bed, her warm fingers dancing over his neck to delve into the nest of curly hair covering his chest. When her fingertips brushed over his nipples, he sucked in a breath as if preparing to dive into deep water and pressed his back against her. Her clever fingers released the buttons of his underthings. She kissed his neck as
she drew the cotton fabric over his shoulder, her hot mouth burning along the flesh she exposed. He groaned and she giggled again.

  That was enough of this. He vowed that the next sound she made would be not a laugh but a tortured little cry of hunger. He dragged off the last remaining garment and kicked it clear across the room.

  Then he turned toward her to find her still kneeling, the image of female perfection swathed in lace. He could see her rosy nipples through the gossamer gown and the dark thatch of hair at the juncture of her thighs. He clasped her hips, finding her skin warm and supple. From his position, seated on the edge of the bed, he found himself at eye level with her breasts. The flimsy nightgown was no barrier at all to his questing lips. When he took her nipple in his mouth, she gave a cry and fell forward, arching to offer herself to him. Now it was his turn to smile.

  His hands slid under the gown, stroking up her soft thighs and then moving over the graceful swell of her buttocks. He was halted by the ribbons tying the front of her night rail. He left the sweet delight of her breast to clasp the troublesome ribbon in his teeth and pull until the bow released. The garment gaped and Sam’s hands continued to stroke from her navel to the flat plain of her breastbone, kissing and licking his way along.

  Kate arched over his arm as he revealed her torso. He dragged the nightgown from her body, leaving her naked in his arms. When she tried to lie back upon the bed he drew her close, bringing her before him as he sat on the edge of the bed. He slowly released his hold so she slid along him until her knees met his thighs. Just as she was about to straddle his legs, he stopped her, gripping her tight. Then he used one hand to stroke her lovely bottom and slide his fingers between the clefts of her backside. He growled his pleasure at discovering the wet, slick skin there. He tipped his head and smiled up at her. He used two fingers to slide inside her. She gasped, arching to allow him better access.

  “Do you want me again, Kate?” he asked.

  She nodded.

  “As bad as I want you?”

  She nodded again.

  He drew his fingers out and held her a moment longer. Then he released his hold by slow degrees, allowing her to slide down his body until the tip of his erection grazed her wet folds. He stopped her again. She made a sound of frustration and tried to wiggle from his grasp.