High Mountain Drifter

by Jillian Hart

  "I heard that." Rose sidled up, keeping her voice low as Daisy, Iris and Magnolia chatted at the counter with Gemma. "I also heard a man's voice in the kitchen last night when I was trying to go back to sleep."

  "You're mistaken," Verbena couldn't help teasing. "It was the raccoon."

  "Right, you let him into the house, did you?" Rose's blue-green eyes twinkled playfully. "I hope he didn't stay too long."

  "Just long enough to thaw out by the fire." Her smile went wider, stretching across her whole face, beaming all through her. "He'd been outside in the single digit temperatures all day and half the night."

  "Well, it's important for raccoons to keep warm." Rose waggled her eyebrows. "What else did the raccoon do?"

  Oh, those kisses. Remembering, Verbena went squishy inside, melting at the tenderness she'd felt.

  "Yeah, that's what I thought." Rose winked. "Got a little snuggly with the gorgeous raccoon, did you? Wait, no need to answer. You're blushing as red as a beet."

  Verbena checked over her shoulder to make sure her other sisters were occupied. As they were all busy chatting and laughing with Gemma, she was in the clear. "There may have been kissing."

  "Ooh, wonderful. I'm so glad." Rose stopped teasing. She squeezed Verbena's hand gently. "You need a good man to love you, after what Ernest did to you."

  "It's scary." Down deep, beneath the joy, was that single truth. "Even if I know it can't go anywhere."

  "Hey!" Magnolia interrupted, sidling in, a blond bundle of energy. "What are we talking about? You know I'm nosy."

  "We're talking about you," Rose teased, giving Magnolia a shoulder-nudge. "We were saying how sorry we feel for poor Tyler wanting to marry you."

  "He doesn't know what he's getting into," Verbena teased, rolling her eyes.

  "That could be true." Magnolia beamed happily. "But after the wedding ceremony, it will be too late."

  Their laughter was interrupted by the jangle of the bell over the door. Everyone turned to stare at the unfamiliar woman who inched in to stand in the doorway. She was petite, maybe in her late twenties, wearing an old wool coat at least two sizes too large and a fraying knit cap over blond curls.

  "Hello," Gemma greeted her warmly from behind the counter. "Can I help you find something?"

  "Oh, I'm not here to shop, I'm so sorry." The woman had a dear face with apple cheeks and a rounded, carved chin. "I'm lost, I'm afraid. I tried following my directions, but I must have written them down wrong. I'm looking for the Rocking M Ranch."

  "Do you think she's answering Aumaleigh's add?" Verbena whispered.

  Both Rose and Magnolia nodded.

  "Well, we'd be happy to help you with that." Daisy took over, gave Gemma a final thank you and crossed the store, looking polished and lovely in her coat and the pretty blue dress ruffle swirling around her ankles. "We live next door to the Rocking M. It's not too far at all. Just a mile straight out of town. Let me see your directions and we'll get you headed the right way."

  "Oh, thank you. I'm ever so grateful." The woman pushed a stray lock out of her worried eyes. "Then you must know Miss McPhee?"

  "Yes, Aumaleigh," Daisy said, heading out the door with the woman. They stood on the boardwalk together. Daisy pointed and talked, the woman nodded, listening. It wasn't hard to spot the patch on the woman's coat sleeve or notice how wash worn the fabric was on the hem of her dress showing beneath the coat.

  That had been them, all five of them, not long ago. This time last year, they were scraping to pay off the last of the medical debt and still manage to pay room and board for all of them. Verbena gazed down at her dress, at the pretty wool fabric of the garment she'd bought readymade in Deer Springs. She wished with all her might that the woman there, with the patches and the burden of worry, would have a good turn in her future.

  "Should we do more to help her?" she asked Rose and Magnolia.

  "Well, I don't see her horse." Magnolia bit her lip, perhaps thinking of their past too. "I think she's on foot."

  "Oh." All the way from Deer Springs? Now Verbena felt really bad. She launched away from her sisters, buttoning her coat as she went. The bell chimed above her, cheerfully announcing her presence on the boardwalk.

  "Thank you so much," the woman was saying. "I'm sure I can find it now."

  "Well, I was just thinking--" Daisy started, but then stopped when she realized Verbena had said the same thing. They looked at each other and smiled.

  "Why don't you take her?" Verbena said, gesturing toward the buggy they'd all ridden in. "We'll walk over and meet Hailie when school gets out. It won't take you long to run to the ranch and back. We can meet right here. It will give Hailie and me a chance to plan her next new dress."

  "You've decided to make her another one?"

  "You know me, when I start sewing, I'm unstoppable." Plus it would be one less thing on Daisy's plate, especially with the wedding coming up.

  "It's a good plan," Magnolia chimed in, tumbling onto the boardwalk followed by Rose and Iris. "We hope you get the job."

  "Yes, it's nice to work for Aumaleigh," Verbena piped up. "I've helped out in the ranch's kitchen before, and everyone is really nice."

  "Really?" The woman rocked with relief. Her tensed shoulders relaxed. "Well, that's wonderful to hear. But I don't want to trouble you for a ride. That's not what I meant, I just got lost, and if I keep this up, I'll run out of daylight."

  "It's our pleasure," Daisy said, giving Verbena a wink. "Besides, we like to check up on our aunt. You never know what she's up to, likely working too hard. So, really, I'm going in that direction anyway."

  "Well, if you're sure." The woman hesitated, then followed Daisy to the buggy.

  "She seems nice," Rose said when the buggy, drawn by Marvin, rolled away. "I hope she gets the job."

  "Me, too," Verbena agreed. "For both her sake and Aumaleigh's. She does work too hard. We should do something about that."

  "We've been so busy worrying about Ernest, it's taken over everything else." Magnolia shook her head. "It's time we move our attention to something more deserving."

  "Aumaleigh," Rose agreed, with a nod. "Poor Aumaleigh. She won't know what hit her."

  "That's right, but I'm looking forward to it." Verbena wrapped her scarf higher around her neck and pivoted, heading in the direction of the little schoolhouse. "And don't feel sorry for her. We're allowed to mettle in her life. She's one of us now."

  "Again, poor Aumaleigh," Rose teased, merrily, so Verbena was laughing when she spotted him.

  Astride one of his big, beautiful geldings, sitting the saddle like a man born to ride, he was breathtaking. His black Stetson was angled, hiding half his face, but the visible curve of cheek and jaw, the hint of a dimple rendered her breathless. When he smiled, she did too. Last night flooded back--the closeness, the togetherness, the breathlessness of attraction.

  "Howdy there, ladies." He tipped his hat, revealing more of the granite-hard planes of his face and his perfect smile. He didn't exactly look like the same Zane Reed, bounty hunter, for the gruffness was tempered. His ruggedness seemed more masculine instead of untamed. "The marshals have been by and Ernest is safely on his way. Milo is going with them as far as Deer Springs."

  "Is he worried or something?" Magnolia wanted to know.

  "No, Milo wants to be thorough." Zane leaned back in his saddle and focused his attention on Verbena. His intense gaze traced the outer curve of her face, fastened on her mouth. Clearly he was remembering last night too. He shrugged one wide shoulder. "Ernest isn't the most dangerous man, but he is wily. More educated than the average outlaw. Milo wants to make sure the marshals don't underestimate him. It must be nice for you ladies to be out and about without a guard."

  "Yes," Magnolia answered, chatting away. "We felt sorry for the cowboys, dragging them wherever we went. Like we're all that exciting."

  "Well, maybe you are," Rose teased.

  While her sisters bantered, Verbena curled her hand around the railing, drawn
by the man, captivated. She knew practically nothing about him. What part of the country had he been born in? What his father used to do for a living before he was arrested? What did Zane like to do on his time off? What were his dreams? She knew so little, and yet, maybe she knew what mattered.

  She knew his soul, felt it in her own. He was the man she could have loved for the rest of her life.

  "...Yes, I definitely think that's a good idea," Rose was saying most impishly. Clearly she and Magnolia had been talking all along. "Brilliant idea, Magnolia."

  "Yes, it is, if I do say so myself," Magnolia agreed cheerily. "We must have Zane to supper tonight."

  "Tonight?" He swiveled his dark gray gaze toward them.

  "A home-cooked meal is the least we can do for you," Rose said, tossing Zane her best smile. "We'll have fried chicken. Our ma's recipe is the absolute best. It's why Pa proposed to her. She made him a picnic supper and he proposed after the first bite. It's that good. You just don't want to miss chicken like that."

  "That's right," Magnolia seconded. "Besides, you'll need to come by for the cupcakes anyway, so why not stay for supper. Right, Verbena?"

  Sisters. She rolled her eyes. Did they always have to meddle? "Apparently you two have decided for me."

  "Yes, we have." Magnolia didn't seem ashamed of it. Neither did Rose. "We're deciding for Iris and Daisy too."

  "We want to get to know Zane better." Rose looked him up and down with sisterly approval.

  Honestly. It was on the tip of her tongue to say no, she knew how to handle her older sisters, she had a lifetime's practice at it, but Zane looked amused. Well, hadn't he been intending to come over sometime today anyway?

  "Guess I'll see you ladies in a couple hours then." He tipped his hat, the corners of his mouth amused. "I do like fried chicken."

  He reined his gelding along, the proud horse tossed them all an uncertain glance as if he was not sure at all about women, especially cheerful ones, and plodded forward with great dignity, taking Zane away from her. All in black, the man was as dark as the afternoon shadows but no longer seemed a part of that darkness. He rode in the light, in the kiss of the sun.

  "Wow," Rose breathed. "He's really serious about you. You can see it in his eyes."

  "No kidding." Magnolia linked her arm with Verbena's. "This is exciting. At first you're sort of scared of him, but as you get to know him, he's really nice."

  "I've noticed that." And that was all she intended to say on the subject. She was going to see him tonight, that was what mattered. Not the fact that he was leaving tomorrow. She'd take it one moment at a time, one day at a time. It was her only choice.

  * * *

  Ernest Craddock pulled the thin, cheap wool blanket a little higher, trying to ward off the frigid chill coming off the stone wall behind him. The Deer Springs jail was no luxury hotel, but he'd had worse places to sleep. For instance, that frozen ground tucked beneath the rock outcropping where the bounty hunter had found him.

  He wouldn’t be here except that uncivilized Zane Reed and the miserable piece of trash of a woman he still hadn't managed to get his hands on. Furious, he gritted his teeth until his molars screamed in agony.

  He shifted on the thin mattress, strengthened by the image of Verbena tied to the bunk bed in that mountain cabin, the long length of her bare white thigh, the fear trembling through her, the knowledge that she was about to die in her eyes. And yet she'd gotten away from him. Rage washed over him and he breathed heavily, measured, waiting for it to subside. The fury remained, refusing to budge.

  She was his. He loved her, and she didn't love him back. He fisted his hands, wanting to lash out at her, but she wasn't here in this cell with him. Back in Chicago, he knew he had to have her the first moment he'd spotted her in his store. Didn't he deserve the most beautiful woman of them all?

  She'd looked good on his arm wherever they went. She proved to be sweet and polite and easily manipulated, although she probably saw it as being agreeable. Isn't that what a man needed in a woman he intended to wed? She was supposed to do his bidding, bend to his will.

  Well, he'd show her his will. She could refuse him, run away to this backwoods territory and even hire that dog of a bounty hunter to find him, but she didn't get the last word. That was his right, and she couldn't escape. She didn't know that yet, but she would learn.

  "Yeah, he's a real wild cat, that one." In the front office, one of the marshals was laughing over a cup of coffee. He could hear the clink of the pot on the stove, the pouring sound of the liquid, smell the bitter brew.

  "That one would pass out if you said boo." Another lawman laughed. The clanging bang of a stove's iron door interrupted, drowning out the rest of the discussion.

  Ernest leaned forward, patiently waiting, trying to figure out if playing it weak and beat down had worked. He could outsmart anyone, given enough time and information

  "I figured when we first talked to the sheriff that we were bringing in a vicious killer." The first marshal gave a soft laugh.

  "Me, too. I was expecting him to at least put up a fight," said the second. "Maybe have to bind him and gag him."

  "But that spineless city slicker didn't make a peep." The marshal paused for some coffee, giving a loud slurp.

  "You talkin' about Craddock?" A different voice. Maybe the local sheriff?

  "Yeah, that pip squeak." The second marshal laughed. "Cowered the whole ride here, cried out every time we looked at him. A flight risk? Please, he's more likely to die of fright first."

  "I wouldn't be so sure," the third voice said gruffly. A man not to be fooled. "Milo Gray is a fine sheriff. If he says to be cautious, I'd listen if I were you, or you're likely to find a knife in your back or a bullet in your head. Now I'm heading over to the diner. You boys want to join me for supper?"

  "No, we're eating at the hotel." The first marshal answered. "Good night, Sheriff."

  "See you boys in the morning." Boots knelled across the room, the door squealed open and smacked shut.

  "Well, these local lawmen, they don't know what a violent criminal is." The second marshal chuckled. "This coffee is terrible. Are you ready to head to the hotel?"

  "Yep. See you deputies in the morning." The marshals left, assured of their superiority.

  Excellent. Ernest smiled. He didn't feel the chill from the cell wall as he leaned against it and threw off the blanket. He felt invincible. Those marshals couldn't hold him. Not for long. He planned to kill them, steal one of their horses and ride straight back the way he'd come. Verbena would be his first stop. He'd been looking forward to her for so long, he wanted to take the time to really enjoy it.

  And when he was done, he'd settle a few scores. Maybe look up Milo Gray and that bounty hunter, dispatch them neatly and head south, buy himself a new life, build a new identity. Maybe he'd even get himself a little wife.

  Chapter Twenty

  He'd never been asked to supper in a fancy house like this, much less in the sole company of a pack of women--even if they were women he actually liked. Zane felt awkward and a little nervous as he crossed the front porch. He would have said no to the invitation, but Verbena wanted him to come. He'd read it in her eyes.

  Since he couldn't stand to let her down, he was here. In truth, it would be a good way to spend time with her. He straightened his collar, gathered his courage and raised his fist to the door, but didn't knock. Through the glass panes of the window, he spotted Verbena hurrying down the hallway, lamplight gleaming coppery in her hair, laughing as she dashed away from him toward the kitchen.

  She looked miraculous, a vision so stunning it hurt to see. A sapphire blue dress skimmed her willowy figure, swishing along with her dancing gait. He ached, wishing for her. She skidded to a stop at the end of the hallway, in the light of the kitchen, gesturing with her lean, graceful arms as she spoke to whichever sisters were just out of his sight.

  Yes, he'd done a good thing hunting Craddock and Klemp. It almost made him forget the man he was dow
n deep, made him feel he'd done something good in his life. His throat ached with emotions he didn't dare let himself admit to or the dreams for her he had to keep buried.

  Tonight wasn't about him. What mattered was her. How happy she looked. She sparkled like a rare gem. His chest filled with those pesky, weak emotions again. He did his best to ignore them, not to feel a thing.

  He adjusted the small crate he carried in one arm. Through the window, down the hall, Verbena gave a spin as if showing off her dress. The skirt twirled out, and she danced out of his sight. He could hear the faint, lilting cadence of women's voices, words indistinguishable, but the tone was merry.

  Maybe that was a good sign for the evening. Even then, this wasn't going to be easy. He was out of his element here, about to face down five women by himself--women who were nice to him, but still. Hunting down murderous outlaws didn't rattle him. Waiting here on the doorstep was likely to give him a heart attack. Best to get it over with. Gathering up his courage, he rapped his knuckles on the door. Sweat broke out on the back of his neck at the sound of a lady's gait tapping close.

  "Mr. Reed." The middle-aged woman who opened the door surprised him. Aumaleigh McPhee. In a buttery yellow wool dress, it was easy to see she'd been as stunning as Verbena, back in her prime. She smiled up at him relaxed, at ease. "Judging by the look on your face, you didn't expect to see me here."

  "No." That was the plain truth. Six women, he thought, and swallowed down a frisson of panic. The walls of the house seemed to close in on him. "It's good to see you, Miss McPhee."

  "Aumaleigh, please." She opened the door wider, gesturing him in. "I think we can be on a first name basis, as I'll be grateful to you forever."

  "Just doing my job." He shrugged, crossed through the door, felt very aware of his size, every inch of his six foot four frame. Way too big and bulky for this fancy foyer. He closed the door. "I hear you knew Klemp."

  "Yes, it was a shock to realize he'd do something so horrible." Sadness flashed across her face. "My mother was unfair to him, but, still, to think he kidnapped one of my nieces. It makes me sick."