Seeing the pleasure on her face, he couldn’t help the desire to take some of it for himself. Drawing her into his arms, he lowered his mouth, kissing her until they were both breathing heavily, aching with need. He required Sarah’s touch as much as he did air to breathe, the feel of her body aligned with his, offering the comfort he craved. Letting his hands splay across her back, he tightened her to him, enjoying her soft curves. Her arms encircled his neck, pulling him down. Her soft moans ignited a fire inside him, while bringing reason back into his world. Ending the kiss, he set her aside, air coming in ragged breaths.
“It’s best we stop, lass. No sense starting what we can’t finish.” He nodded toward the school not fifty yards away.
Using shaky hands to smooth her dress, Sarah inhaled deeply. “You’re right. I don’t know what came over me, behaving such as this with the children so close by.”
Colin cast her a knowing smile, then tensed, remembering why he wanted to speak with her.
“Quinn’s been shot.”
“My God. What happened?” Gripping his hand tighter, she turned to face him, listening as he told her what he knew. “No one can identify either man?”
“They joined the game as Brodie and I walked outside. We weren’t gone long before we heard the shots. They couldn’t have played more than a hand before they accused Quinn of cheating and drew their guns. He didn’t have a chance to get his own out of the holster. I should have taken a better look at the men in the saloon when Brodie mentioned his concerns. Instead, I walked out, needing air.”
“And Brodie left with you.”
“We left Quinn alone.”
Moving her hands up his arms, she tightened her hold, staring into his tortured eyes. “It’s not your fault. How could you know what those men planned? If you’d stayed, you and Brodie may have been shot as well.”
“Not likely, Sarah. Quinn doesn’t cheat. There’s no doubt in my mind or Brodie’s that the gunmen ambushed him. They wouldn’t have had the guts to confront all three of us.”
“Why? You’ve done nothing to provoke an attack such as this.”
Colin turned away, breaking Sarah’s hold. Pacing a few steps from her, he turned, hands fisted on his hips. “There is one man with a reason to do this.”
“Who?”
“Your father.”
“Nae, Colin, you’re wrong.” Her voice hardened at his accusation. Although she and her father were estranged, she understood him well enough to know he’d never stoop to such means to get her back. “He would never hire men to gun another down. I’m certain of that.”
“You’re sure, Sarah? You’ve no doubts at all?”
“None. Although there is one other person who might be angry enough at your sudden appearance. However, he would’ve been recognized by everyone.”
“Who?”
“Wes Bell.”
“The man who wanted to court you, the one who made the agreement with your father to wed you?” Colin couldn’t keep the edge from his voice at the thought of another man with Sarah, wanting her the way he did. Although she’d waited a long time for him, Colin couldn’t help but wonder how much longer she would have held out with a wealthy rancher interested in her affections.
“He meant nothing to me, and I told him so. More than once.” Rubbing a hand across her forehead, she pushed strands of hair from her face, wishing she’d never mentioned Wes. “I shouldn’t have said anything. Wes might be angry I turned him down and that you came for me, but he wouldn’t kill an innocent man.”
“Why do you say that?”
“Because he’d confront you straight on. Try to talk you out of it. Maybe even try to, um…negotiate with you.”
“Are you trying to say Bell might try to pay me off, bribe me?” Colin stalked toward her, his face a mask. “Do you think for one minute I’d wait this long, ride hundreds of miles to claim you, then turn around and leave with my pockets full of money? Do you think so little of me?”
She took a step away, casting her gaze to the ground to still the anger at his words, then glared up at him. “That’s a ridiculous thing to say, Colin MacLaren, and you know it. I never should’ve mentioned Wes. Forget that I did.” Leaving him behind, she stormed toward the school, then stopped as a strong hand gripped her arm, turning her around.
“Come here.” Colin’s gentle tug drew her to him. Enfolding her in his arms, he rested his chin on top of her head. “Quinn’s been shot, is fighting for his life, and I have no idea as to who shot him or why. I need answers and I’ll listen to whatever you have to say.”
Wrapping her arms around his waist, she relaxed, letting her face nestle against his chest. “Well, there is one other possibility.”
“And what is that?”
“The war. We see many men coming west, trying to forget the carnage back east. Some are good and build new lives. Others have made killing a way of life. Perhaps the shooting was as the people said. Two men accusing Quinn of cheating and looking for an excuse to kill. If the sheriff were here, you’d get more help. Walker is a good man, as are most of his deputies.”
“We met him on our way here. He and his men were searching for bank robbers.” Colin thought back to the men they’d met not long before reaching River City. “Regardless, we’ll get no help from him. We’ll have to figure it out on our own.”
Looking up, she gripped the front of his shirt. “Let’s leave, Colin, and forget about finding the men who shot him. As soon as Quinn can travel, we’ll go home—to our home.”
“It sounds good, but that still leaves two men out there who kill at will. They can’t go unpunished.”
“But—”
He touched a finger to her lips. “While Quinn recovers, Brodie and I will try to learn who did this. If we have no success, we’ll make a decision. All right?” He didn’t want to leave without bringing the men to justice. At the same time, Sarah’s idea made sense. They had no idea who did it and little hope of finding out. They turned at the sound of laughter and yelling from the direction of the schoolhouse.
“Appears Geneen has let the children go home. We should start back.” Sarah reached for his hand. “We’ll figure this all out, Colin. Now, take me to see Quinn, then Geneen and I will bring supper to you and Brodie.”
“Afternoon, Wes, Walt. What can I get you?” The bartender stood with his hands braced on the bar.
“Two whiskeys. I’m also looking for information. Do you know where I can find Colin MacLaren?”
Setting the drinks in front of them, the bartender cocked his head. “What do you want with him?”
“I’d say that’s my business.” Wes sipped his whiskey, waiting.
“And I’d say it’s mine since people seem to be trying to kill the MacLarens in my saloon.”
“I heard about the shooting, but I had nothing to do with it. It’s a civil discussion I want with MacLaren, nothing more.”
“In that case, you’ll find him at the clinic or the hotel.”
Finishing their drinks, Wes and Walt set their glasses down and started for the door.
“One more spot you might look. Miss MacGregor’s place.”
Sarah sat with Quinn for over an hour while Colin and Brodie took another turn around town, hoping to uncover any lead that would help them find the men responsible for the shooting.
While they were gone, Sarah talked with Quinn, telling stories as she would a child, trying to get him to open his eyes. Gripping a pitcher to pour a glass of water, she heard a groan. When she looked back, his eyes were open to slits, staring at her.
“Quinn. We’ve been so worried about you.”
His lips moved, but nothing came out. Shutting his eyes tight, he groaned and tried to push up.
“You need to stay still. You’ve been shot.”
Ignoring her, he tried once more to sit up, then fell back with a deep moan.
“You are a stubborn man, Quinn MacLaren. This time, however, you’ll do as I say and stay down. I’m going for the docto
r.”
Returning a few minutes later with the doctor in tow, they found Quinn asleep.
“Did he speak to you, Sarah?”
She shook her head. “He moaned some and tried to sit up, then fell back.”
“How about I sit with him a while and give you time to go home and fix supper?”
“Geneen’s been cooking most of the day, but she’ll need help bringing it all over here. If you’re certain, I’ll go help her.”
It took no time at all for the two women to pack plates, the stew, and biscuits into baskets. By the time they returned, Colin and Brodie sat with Quinn as the doctor watched, leaning against a nearby wall.
“We’ll take those, Sarah.” Colin stood, taking a basket, placing a kiss on her cheek.
“Has he stirred again?”
“Nae,” Colin sighed.
“He will. You weren’t here before, but he tried to sit up. He’s going to make it, Colin. I’m certain of it.”
“This all smells real good, lassies.” Brodie took a peek into the stew pot, breathing in the rich aroma.
“Now, Geneen and I don’t want to haul any of this back to the house, so I expect you to eat it all.” Sarah filled plates with chicken stew and biscuits. “Doc, there’s broth here for Quinn, if he’s up to it.”
“I don’t know how much he’ll get down, but I’ll eat whatever you have, Miss MacGregor.” The doctor took the plate Geneen held out to him.
They ate in silence, the only sound was the clicking of utensils on plates and occasional labored breathing from Quinn. Each moan or movement had them all watching, hoping he’d wake again.
“Looks like you men finished every bit.” Sarah set the lid back on the pot as Geneen collected the empty plates. Packing their belongings, her movements stilled at the sound of a groan.
“Quinn? Quinn, lad, can you hear me?” Colin stood over him, hands resting lightly on his shoulders, watching as Quinn’s eyes fluttered, then opened.
“Colin…” Even hoarse, Quinn’s voice was still the best sound any of them had ever heard.
“I’m here, as is Brodie, Sarah, Geneen, and the doctor.”
“We almost lost you, young man.” The doctor looked him over, checking his heart rate and breathing.
Clearing his throat, Quinn tried to speak. “Water?” he rasped out before being overcome by a wheezing cough.
Waiting for the convulsions to pass, Sarah handed the doctor a glass of water. Supporting Quinn’s head, he lifted it, holding the glass to his lips.
“A small amount,” Doc warned, pulling it away when he tried to take too much.
“How…” He swallowed. “How long have I been here?”
“Almost a full day. Do you remember getting shot last night?” Colin asked.
“Shot?” Quinn closed his eyes, trying to think. “At the saloon…”
Colin nodded. “Aye. A man accused you of cheating. Called you out.”
Quinn pursed his lips, his eyes glazing before they closed. The others thought he’d lost consciousness until he let out a slow hiss. “I remember…” His eyes drifted shut.
The doctor glanced around the room. “He needs his rest. I’ll send word when he wakes again.”
“I’m not leaving, Doc.” Colin pulled up a chair and began to sit when Brodie spoke up.
“Why don’t you walk Sarah and Geneen home? I’ll stay with him.” Turning the chair around, Brodie straddled it, resting his arms on the back. “Go on with you. Come back when you’re ready.”
“Send word if he wakes or there’s a change.”
Brodie nodded, never taking his gaze off Quinn.
“We’ve been to the hotel and Sarah’s place. If he isn’t at the clinic, I say we head back, try to find him again another day.” Walt crushed the cheroot he’d been smoking under the heel of his boot.
“If he’s not at the clinic, we’ll go back to the saloon, then start over. I’m not riding back until I’ve spoken with him.”
“Well, I’ll be damned. Look who’s walking our way with two of the MacGregor women. Appears you’ll get your chance after all.”
Paying little attention to their surroundings, Sarah carried on a conversation with Colin and Geneen, oblivious to the men coming toward them. Seeing the two men, Colin turned to Sarah.
“Do you know them?”
Sarah had no time to respond before Wes and Walt were upon them.
“Good evening.” Wes tipped his hat at Sarah and Geneen, paying particular attention to the man with them. “I don’t believe we’ve met. I’m Wes Bell.” Holding out his hand, he noted the holster with what appeared to be a .45 slung low on Colin’s hip.
“Colin MacLaren.”
“Ah, the mysterious fiancé Sarah mentioned to me. I see you are real after all.”
“Very.”
“I wonder, Mr. MacLaren, if you and I might have a word.”
“As you can see, I’m escorting the women home.”
“I have no issue waiting. I’ll be at the saloon when you’re finished.” Not waiting for Colin to answer, he looked at Sarah. “Good evening, ladies.”
Leaning into Colin, Sarah let out the breath she’d been holding.
“What do you think he wants?” Colin draped one arm over her shoulders, offering his other arm to Geneen.
“Honestly, I don’t know, unless it’s what you and I discussed before.”
“I wouldn’t trust anything Wes says. He’s been after Sarah far too long to give up because you’ve come for her.” Geneen glanced over her shoulder, seeing the men retreat toward the saloon. “He’s a devil, that one.” The disgust in her voice emphasized her deep dislike for the man.
“You should take Brodie when you talk with Wes. Geneen’s right about not trusting him. I don’t believe he’d kill anyone, but he’s not above using other methods to get what he wants.” Sarah shivered, even though the night held no chill.
“I don’t want to leave Quinn alone. I’ll meet with Bell alone, hear him out so I know what the man’s about. It may be about you. It may not. We won’t know until I talk with him.” He tightened his hold on Sarah, placing a kiss on her temple. “He won’t do anything to me at the saloon. There would be too many witnesses.”
“That didn’t stop the men from shooting Quinn.” Sarah paused outside her house, crossing her arms, worry etched on her face.
“No one knew those men. I’m certain most everyone in town knows Bell.”
“I can sit with Quinn if you want to take Brodie,” Geneen offered.
“And I can go with her.”
Exasperated with both women, Colin walked up the steps and opened the front door. “Wait inside while I speak with Bell.”
“You’ll come back when you’re done, let me know what he said?” Sarah realized there’d be no changing his mind.
Circling her waist, he took her in his arms, lowering his mouth to hers. They could’ve stayed like that for hours, tasting each other, letting the passion build, but now was not the time. Loosening his hold, he touched his forehead to hers.
“I’ll come back. Now, in with you. Let me find out what the man wants.”
Chapter Twelve
Enjoying the cool night air, Colin took long strides toward the saloon. He felt no danger at meeting Wes alone. Stepping inside, he spotted both men at a table near the end of the bar. Nodding a greeting to the bartender, he pulled out a chair, sitting so he had a good view of the other patrons.
“Glad you could join us, MacLaren. Whiskey?”
Colin nodded. Taking the glass from Wes, he held it up. “To Sarah’s happiness.” The toast had Wes’s eyes narrowing into slits, although he recovered within seconds, holding up his glass.
Taking a long swallow, he set the glass down with a thump. “Her happiness is why I want to speak with you.” He glanced at Walt. “Why don’t you find a card game while MacLaren and I talk?” Filling his and Colin’s glasses as Walt walked away, Wes leaned forward, resting his arms on the table. “Has she mentioned m
y interest in her?”
“You don’t mince words, do you, Bell?”
“I’ve never seen any reason to and certainly not when it comes to Sarah. My interest in her is no secret, extending to offering marriage.”
“She turned you down and for good reason. Sarah and I promised ourselves to each other years ago. Now I’ve come to claim her and she’s willingly agreed. We’ll be leaving for my ranch as soon as my cousin heals.” Never taking his gaze off Wes, Colin rolled the glass between his fingers, wondering where the conversation would go next.
“Yes, I heard about the shooting. A real tragedy.” His voice was more mocking than sincere, his eyes showing none of the compassion the words implied.
“He’ll pull through, then we’ll be on our way. Now, what is it you want to say to me?” Colin had grown impatient. He wanted to check on Quinn, see if he’d awakened.
“I believe it’s the remains of a young girl’s infatuation that has Sarah agreeing to your suit. She’s left her family, gave up a teaching job she loves, and has agreed to move hundreds of miles away. For what? A dream that doesn’t exist. Sarah deserves better.”
“And you believe you can provide her with what she deserves?” Colin sat back, crossing his arms.
“I do. She’d want for nothing and stay near her family. Most importantly, she’d fulfill her father’s wishes that she and I marry.”
“Do you love her?”
Wes chuckled at the question. “Love? Let’s say I have a strong fondness for her, which is more than many marriages are based on. I do have considerable wealth, a strong standing in the community, and the ability to provide for her in ways I’m certain are beyond your means. Love means nothing when you cannot offer what’s important.”
Colin sipped at his whiskey, pondering Bell’s words. Some were nonsense, although others were true. The MacLarens had land, cattle, horses, and a strong family. All assets in building a lasting legacy. Their ranch encompassed close to two thousand acres. His da and uncles had plans to add more, and if successful, they’d have three thousand acres within another year. That’s where their wealth lay, not in money in the bank or precious gems. They were a simple people, valuing family and honor above all else. His doubts began on those last few thoughts.
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