The Wren

by Kristy McCaffrey

  She knew that was true, but a part of her didn’t want the night to end.

  “Why did you come back?” she asked, running a hand along the well-defined muscles of his shoulder. Looking down at their bodies, she liked the differences between his hard planes and her flowing curves. She had never thought of her body in such a way. It left her feeling feminine, almost delicate. The revelation was so new it was as if seeing herself for the first time.

  “I heard Davis had been here. I didn’t want you to be alone, dealing with whatever happened.” Turning his head, he kissed the nipple just below his cheek.

  “He knows everything,” she said, “but he denied planning the attack.”

  “You don’t have to face him alone. I’ll be right there beside you, if that’s what you want.”

  “What I want,” she breathed, “is for this night not to end.”

  He lightly nipped at her breast. “I think I’ve made pretty good use of our time.” He climbed the length of her until their faces met. “There was also another reason I came back. I heard Nathan had returned, and I was jealous.”

  “You were?” she asked, surprised. “He’s very nice, in a rugged sort of way, but I’ve never had any interest in him, or anyone else for that matter. After last night, you can’t doubt that.”

  “After last night, everything has changed.”

  Molly knew he was right and felt a little sad at the idea. Once Matt left this room, she feared they might never have the closeness of this time again.

  “I have to go.” He kissed her, but it quickly went beyond sweet and tender. Before it got out of hand, Matt pulled away. “I never thought leaving you would be this hard.” He moved to the side of the bed and searched for his clothing.

  When he had trousers on and a shirt hanging open across his torso, he leaned over her and dropped a quick kiss between her breasts. “Meet me downstairs later for breakfast.”

  “If I can walk,” she teased, touching his face one last time.

  Grinning, he quietly left her, limping only slightly as he carried his boots in one hand.

  * * *

  As Matt left Molly’s room, light from the approaching sunrise began to creep through the lace-covered window at the top of the stairs. A door opened in the next room and Nathan appeared, dressed and ready for the day. He laughed when he saw Matt.

  “Nathan.” Matt shook his hand. “It’s good to see you.” He knew his brief pang of jealousy concerning Nathan and Molly was misguided, but it had been there nonetheless.

  When his ma had sent word to his pa about Davis’ visit and Nathan’s sudden reappearance, Matt’s overwhelming desire to get to Molly finally broke his resolve. Even an endless ride in the rain wasn’t going to keep him from her.

  “You’ve always had great timing,” Matt said.

  “You’ve never complained about my timing before.” Nathan casually leaned one shoulder on the doorframe, folding his arms across his chest. “I doubt your sudden return during the night had much to do with me anyhow.”

  Matt glanced back at Molly’s closed door. “Don’t say anything yet,” he said quietly. “I’ve got some things to work out first.”

  “I’ll be damned,” Nathan murmured, “you’re gonna make it legal.”

  “Don’t look so surprised.” But Matt was astonished. Last night had blown him away, and while he had come to Molly fully intending to do the right thing, being without her simply wasn’t an option anymore. “A man’s gotta settle down sometime, even you.”

  Grinning, Nathan shook his head. “Haven’t met a woman to tempt me yet. Does Molly have a sister?”

  Matt ignored the question and started walking toward the stairs. “I need to get changed. See you at breakfast.”

  “If you don’t fall asleep first.”

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Molly entered the dining room and froze when Matt and Nathan abruptly stopped their conversation and stared at her.

  “Mornin’,” Matt said, smiling. She thought it wasn’t fair he should look so alert after the very sleepless night they’d had. And, of course, he also appeared devastatingly handsome. She tried to remain unresponsive, which proved impossibly difficult. Already her heartbeat had quickened to the pace of a stampede.

  Taking a seat at the end of the table, she said a bit self-consciously, “Good morning. Where’s Susanna?”

  “She takes it upon herself to run the ranch when the old man’s not around,” Matt replied. “So she’s been here and gone already.”

  “Oh.” Molly rested her hands in her lap. Her gaze drifted from the tablecloth to the ceiling. When she chanced a look at Nathan and he winked at her, she realized she’d had enough. “Well, I’ll just go to the kitchen and fetch something to eat. I hate to be a bother to Rosita.” In a rush, she left the room.

  She nearly pushed the old Mexican woman to the floor in her hurry to get breakfast. “Oh, Rosita! I’m so sorry.” She helped to steady the woman.

  “Why you in such a hurry?” Rosita asked, catching her breath.

  “I was just coming to get something to eat.”

  The Mexican woman held out the plate of food. “Well, here you go. I was just bringing it to you.”

  Taking the plate, Molly paused. “Thank you.” Thinking hard, she glanced at the long wooden table that frequently fed the ranch hands. “Maybe I’ll just eat in here.” Sitting down, she started to spoon the scrambled eggs into her mouth.

  “I get you some coffee.” Rosita returned to the table and poured the hot liquid into a ceramic cup decorated with flowers and swirly things. Molly stared at the design for a time.

  “Why you in here?” the older woman asked finally.

  “I’ve always enjoyed your company, Rosita.”

  She waved that off, smiling. “You lie so bad.”

  “I’m not lying,” Molly replied, a little indignant.

  “Señor Matt return last night.” Rosita watched her, then nodded. “That’s it. Sí, that’s it.”

  “That’s what?”

  “He say his foot bother him, but he come back to see you.”

  Molly stuffed a biscuit into her mouth. “Possibly,” she mumbled around the food.

  Rosita laughed, returning to the dishes she had been washing. “I like you.” She waved a soapy finger at her. “You are good for him.”

  Sighing, Molly gave up on her breakfast. She’d had her fill anyway. Did everyone in this house know about her and Matt? That Susanna might be aware left her feeling acutely embarrassed. Good Lord, the things Matt had done to her. Her face warmed and her body hummed with the inevitable reaction. She wondered if she would ever be able to occupy the same room as him again without imagining every naked inch of his trim and muscular frame. She doubted that was what Susanna had meant when she had told Molly to follow her heart.

  “We have company,” Susanna’s voice beckoned from the front entryway.

  Rosita peeked down the hallway before moving out of sight. “It is Señora McAllister,” she uttered under her breath. “She got a pretty young woman with her.” Then, more urgently, she added, “You better get out there and hook your claws into Señor Matt before that woman push her way where she no belong.”

  Molly’s heart sank. The day was fast losing its luster, she thought dourly. With longing she looked at the back door, an image of Pecos and the vast prairies beckoning her. But then, that would leave Matt with the pretty young woman, undoubtedly Mrs. McAllister’s daughter. The very woman handpicked to be Matt’s wife.

  With very little enthusiasm, Molly walked to the parlor. Matt and Nathan stood to her left, casually leaning a hand on a chair or a hip on the edge of a table. They didn’t appear inclined to linger around for much conversation, giving Molly a tiny sliver of hope that this visit wouldn’t last long.

  Mrs. McAllister sat on the couch with her daughter, a lovely young woman with blonde hair pinned in ringlets atop her head. She wore what looked to be an expensive satin gown in a dark green shade. Susanna sat across
from them, her back to Matt and Nathan.

  “Molly,” Susanna held a hand out to her, “please come and join us.”

  Molly sat in a chair next to Matt’s mother.

  “Why, Molly Hart,” Mrs. McAllister commented, “I had no idea you were still here.” Her tone bordered on snide.

  Molly decided then and there she disliked the woman immensely.

  “Let me introduce my daughter, Lizzie.”

  Molly nodded, forcing a half-smile on her lips.

  “I’m pleased to meet you,” Lizzie replied, her smooth skin free of freckles. She sat very rigid, her back so straight Molly thought a slight nudge would surely tip her over. She was certainly very pretty, but appeared misplaced in this land of dust, rain and desolation.

  Unbidden, an image of Lizzie living with the Comanche flashed through Molly’s mind, making her smile. The smell alone would have killed her.

  “You’ve been away for a while, Lizzie,” Susanna said. “It must be hard to readjust to life here. I would imagine things are much slower here than in Richmond.”

  “Yes, it has been an adjustment. Mama just couldn’t wait to bring me here for a visit, however, so I hope you don’t mind us stopping in.”

  “Not at all,” Susanna replied warmly.

  “I’m glad to see your foot is healing, Matthew,” Mrs. McAllister commented.

  “Almost good as new,” Matt said.

  “And Mr. Blackmore,” Mrs. McAllister continued, “are you a Ranger as well?”

  “Yes, ma’am. Although I’m takin’ a leave at the moment to visit my sister in California.”

  “My, that’s a long way from here. Where does your family hail from?”

  “Missouri.”

  “How nice.”

  “If you’ll excuse us, ladies,” Matt said, “we really ought to see to some chores.”

  “Of course,” Mrs. McAllister replied.

  Out of the corner of her eye, Molly watched Matt and Nathan depart. She had to restrain herself from following, so strong was the desire to accompany them.

  “Well, Molly, we’ve heard talk about you,” Mrs. McAllister said, lifting her cup off the saucer to sip her coffee. “How dreadful what happened to your family all those years ago.”

  “Thank you,” Molly said reflexively, wondering who had been talking about her.

  “You’re lucky to be alive. How long do you plan to stay here with the Ryans?”

  “Molly is like family to us,” Susanna interjected. “We’ve contacted her sisters and are awaiting a reply. Then she’ll decide what to do.”

  “Yes, it’s important to be with one’s family, isn’t it?” Mrs. McAllister said. “I’m so happy to have Lizzie back with me.” She smiled at her daughter. “Perhaps you’d like to see the men working, dear. It will remind you of what it’s like to live on a ranch.”

  “Some fresh air certainly would be nice,” Susanna said. “Elizabeth, why don’t you and I have coffee on the porch? I’m sure Molly won’t mind taking Lizzie around.”

  “Splendid,” the older woman replied.

  Molly’s spirit sagged. Her day had just been plucked clean by a swarm of vultures. She could only hope she wouldn’t be stuck with Lizzie McAllister for long.

  * * *

  “It’s so quiet out here,” Lizzie commented, opening a parasol that matched her gown as they walked to the stables.

  Molly looked to the sky. No rain in sight, but apparently Lizzie thought otherwise. Molly bundled her dark hair at the base of her neck and tied it with a rawhide cord, then pushed a hat on her head. “Do you ride?” she asked.

  “Of course,” Lizzie replied. “Although it’s been a while since I’ve ridden the wild, mangy horses back here. In the east, women ride side-saddle.”

  “Hmm.” Molly couldn’t envision any practical reason for that. “Would you like to ride one of the Ryans’ wild, mangy horses?”

  “Maybe later.” She wrinkled her nose as she stepped around a pile of horse droppings. “I suppose it was obvious but my mama has this crazy notion to marry me off to Matthew Ryan, so I suppose I ought to seek him out and tempt him with my womanly attributes. You understand, don’t you?”

  Not one bit, Molly fumed.

  Lizzie put an arm out to stop their progress. “Tell me. My mama says you’ve known the Ryan family a long time. What’s Matthew like? What kind of man is he?”

  Molly stared at this gussied-up society lady and had no idea what to say. She could lie and say Matt was a lazy, immoral, two-timing scoundrel, but he didn’t deserve such blemishes on his character, no matter what her motive. On the other hand, if she told the truth, that he was tender and caring, responsible, just and hard-working, and made love with a focus that stole her breath, then Lizzie would probably fall in love with him right then and there.

  The same way Molly had.

  She loved him.

  Well, of course she did. After last night, how could she not?

  “He’s a good man,” she finally said. “A finer man you’ll never meet.”

  “Well, that’s a relief,” Lizzie said, a giddy laugh escaping her. “And what about Logan?”

  “What about him?” Molly asked, confused.

  “What’s he like?”

  “The same. Are you planning to pursue them both?”

  “One or the other, my mama doesn’t care.”

  “Well, don’t you care?”

  “Of course I do,” Lizzie replied. “But I’ll never survive out here on my own. Mama can’t run our ranch much longer, and I honestly have no idea what to do. The sooner I marry, the better.”

  The sooner, the better. Would Matt really marry a woman like this? Or even Logan?

  Matt had come to her last night and loved her relentlessly till the first light of day, but Molly had no idea what to think about it. She certainly didn’t want to hook her claws into him, obligating him to be with her. If that were the case, then she was no better than Miss McAllister.

  The two of them walked around the stables to a holding pen. Matt sat on the fence while Nathan worked with a beautiful snowy white mare, leading her around with a rope.

  Distracted by the sight of the horse, Molly stepped onto the bottom rung of the fence to bring her closer to Matt’s level. “She’s magnificent,” she said, mesmerized by the animal.

  Matt grinned down at her, nodding also to Lizzie. “She’s Nathan’s. A mate for Black, if she ever shows any interest.”

  “He’s put them together?”

  “Yeah.” Matt pushed his hat back, balancing easily where he sat. “But so far she’s playin’ hard to get. So now Nate’s trying to saddle break her.”

  “What’s her name?”

  “Winter.”

  “Has anyone ridden her yet?” Molly asked.

  Matt shook his head, then he glared at her. “Please don’t tell me you’ve a mind to.”

  “Well, I handled some ornery horses during my time with—.” She suddenly remembered Lizzie. “During the last few years,” she finished.

  Matt watched her closely, his eyes glittering with intensity and she knew exactly what he was thinking.

  Smiling back, certain she blushed, she wished they could be alone.

  Knowing he and Nathan could easily spend all day with the horse, Molly reluctantly hopped down. “Let me know if he needs some help.” Hands on hips, she asked Lizzie, “You want a tour of the barn or something?”

  “No, thank you. I believe I’ll just stay here and watch Mr. Blackmore for a while.”

  Molly tried not to roll her eyes. Lizzie clearly had no desire to stand in the hot sun and watch the taming of a feisty animal, but she obviously felt she should spend time with Matt.

  “Watch out for barn snakes,” Matt yelled. Her eyes met his as she walked away and smirked.

  “Snakes?” Lizzie asked.

  Matt’s laughter faded away as Molly went to the stables to fetch Pecos.

  She had just finished brushing her horse’s brown hide when she heard M
att shouting. “Get out of the way, she’s gonna jump the fence!”

  Quickly opening Pecos’ stall, Molly hopped onto her, bareback, and rode out of the stable just as Matt and Nathan were running for their horses.

  “What the hell are you doing?” Matt demanded when he saw her.

  “I can get her.” Kicking Pecos into a dead run, she was gone before Matt could finish his colorful response.

  * * *

  Cursing loudly, Matt saddled his horse while Nathan did the same. Molly had too much of a head start.

  Lizzie came running after them. “Can I help? What can I do?”

  Matt hardly glanced at her as he swung onto his mount.

  “Thanks, Miss McAllister,” Nathan offered, looking down at her. “We’ll be fine. I’m sure we’ll be back before supper.”

  Not if Molly breaks her neck, we won’t, Matt thought angrily. He and Nathan set a fast pace, following the still-lingering trail of dust left in Pecos’ wake. But, after several minutes of quickly covering a flat expanse of prairie land, they reined in at the edge of a short bluff leading down to a weather-worn arroyo.

  Matt scanned the area, wondering where the hell one woman and two horses could disappear to, when Nathan pointed to the southeast. “There.”

  Pecos was traversing an incline sideways while Molly leaned back, attempting to balance them down the hill. Nathan’s white mare continued to run farther ahead, the leather reins dangling to the ground as the animal moved with amazing speed through the bottom of the ravine. Stout junipers and jagged-looking mesquite didn’t slow her much, if at all.

  Matt turned his horse and urged it toward the edge Molly had just occupied, all the while keeping his eyes on her. As she reached the bottom of the valley, he watched in disbelief as she unhooked her skirt and pulled it over her head, tossing it to the ground. Next came her blouse. She now wore nothing but the long, thin chemise, bunched up at the waist and revealing slender legs barely covered by knickers.

  That alone would have pissed him off, but it was what he suspected she planned to do that sparked his anger into a rage.