by Paty Jager
Jeremy grabbed one up and stuffed it in his mouth. Darcy wanted to, but waited to see if Gil took one. When he did she picked a piece up also.
“So you’re a marshal?” Clay pulled up a chair beside her. “You look might puny to be a marshal, not to mention you’re a girl.”
Gil squeezed her hand. She smiled. Between the two of them they related how she came to be marshal and why they were after Craven. While they talked, Ethan poured coffee, and Hank placed some blankets on the floor.
“We plan to only sleep a few hours and head to Baker City. We need to be on the train with Craven,” Gil looked at each of his brothers. “Where’s Zeke?”
“He’s off sparking the school teacher,” Clay said, wagging his eyebrows.
“It’s kind of late?” Darcy looked at the brother’s grinning faces and blushed.
“He don’t always come home.” Clay picked up Darcy’s hand. “What do you see in my little brother?”
She smiled at him and pulled her hand out of his grasp. “Love. Safety. Excitement.” She knew they hadn’t been expecting an answer like that. They all fell silent and looked at Gil as if they hadn’t really seen him before.
He cleared his throat. “Darcy and Jeremy need to get some sleep.”
Hank stood up and motioned to the bed closest to the stove. “Darcy, you take Zeke’s bed. It’s over there. Jeremy, you can take the blankets on the floor.”
She looked at Gil. “Where are you going to sleep?”
He smiled and squeezed the hand he held. “I’ll be fine. Go get some rest while I catch up on what’s been happening around here.” Gil pulled her to her feet and walked with her to the bed.
She knew everyone watched, but all she saw was his brown eyes filled with desire. He leaned close. “I’ll sneak in with you when I finish talking.” He placed his hands one on either side of her face and kissed her till her knees melted. She sat on the bed. He knelt and removed the kid slippers borrowed from Mrs. Danforth. With care, Gil lifted her legs onto the bed and placed a last kiss on her cheek before he pulled the covers up to her chin and walked away. Every nerve in her body tingled, but her heart told her she was safe, and she slipped into a blissful dream.
Gil stopped when he turned from the bed. His brothers were all staring at him like he’d grown horns.
“They act like that all the time,” Jeremy said, waving it off and flopping down on the blankets on the floor.
“It’s strange to see the youngest showing such a tender, loving side,” Ethan said, scowling and scratching his thatch of dark hair.
“Get use to it. She means a lot to me, and I plan on giving her a stable place to live.” They all looked at him as if he’d spouted blasphemy.
Clay looked at him. “She’s got you whipped!”
Gil punched him in the shoulder, and Clay grabbed him around the neck, grinding his knuckles into Gil’s head.
“Enough.” Ethan grabbed them both and led them outside. They took seats on upturned firewood and watched the stars twinkle in the night sky.
“I’m glad you’re back.” Ethan’s voice cracked with emotion.
“Me, too.” Gil looked at each of his brothers. Their eyes mirrored the feelings of sorrow for the lost years.
“Why did you leave?” Hank asked, picking up a stick and peeling the bark.
“I-I felt like you all thought I should have done more when Ma and Pa and Jessie were killed. I shouldn’t have been down at the stream trying to catch a frog to put in Laney Wilson’s lunch pail.”
The day came back to him in achingly vivid detail. The morning had dawned with a beautiful blue sky. The twitter of birds echoed through the tall trees. He remembered the way his mother felt his forehead when he said he didn’t feeling well. He’d feigned being sick so he wouldn’t have to go with his brothers to gather wood.
When the others had left, and Ma was busy making breakfast, he’d snuck out to the stream. He hunted for a big ugly toad, one with lots of warts or it wouldn’t have had the full effect on his prey.
It wasn’t until he headed back, he noticed the birds were quiet and the forest didn’t feel quite right. Walking into the clearing where the cabin sat, he’d noticed his brothers gathered together. They’d turned in unison and stared at him. He’d walked over and looked down at the bloody bodies of his ma and brother. Unbelieving, he’d followed the bloody trail and found his father. His gut twisted even now at the memory.
A large hand rested on his shoulder, as he shuddered. “I shouldn’t have played sick or run off. I could have got a gun to Pa or kept the Indians busy until you all returned. Or, I should have died with them.” He looked up into the eyes of his brothers. He didn’t find the recrimination he’d believed they harbored all those years ago. Only their sympathy and acceptance. Something he hadn’t done for himself.
“We didn’t blame you. We were all so stunned by what happened we just didn’t know what to say or do. When we finally realized you were gone, we looked all over and couldn’t find a clue to where you went.” Hank squeezed the hand still resting on his shoulder. “We knew you’d be back some day. I’m glad the day finally came.”
“Yeah, we’ve been wondering when you’d come back and help out around here,” Clay said, slapping him on the back.
“I don’t want to work at the mine, I like ranching.” Gil looked at Clay and Hank. It was gratifying to know they were ready to take him back in like he’d never been gone.
Always the leader and one to take charge, Ethan interrupted the family togetherness. “How you planning on capturing this man Craven?” he asked.
Gil hadn’t got all the particulars figured out, but he knew it would come to him. “I’m not certain. I’ve been thinking on it and by the time we get to Baker City I’ll know.”
“That sounds kind of risky.” Ethan looked bigger and more imposing sitting on a log in the moonlight than he had in the small confines of the cabin. “You should have a plan made up and maybe take a couple of us along.”
“And have Darcy stay here,” added Clay.
Gil laughed. “The only way to keep that woman in one place would be to lock her up. I’m not sure even that would work.” He turned to Clay. “And don’t try none of that sweet talking you did with ma, it won’t work on Darcy. She has a mind of her own and when it’s made up, nothing can shake her loose of an idea.”
“Is this plan going to keep her out of harm’s way?” Ethan asked.
Gil’s face heated. His plan called for her to sit on the train next to Craven. He knew his brothers would think him a lunatic if he told them that.
“Craven had Darcy as a hostage for awhile today. He didn’t know who she was ’cuz she was dressed like a dance hall girl.” He thought of her in the low-cut dress and wanted to race back in the cabin and run his hands over her creamy skin. “Craven’s only had dealings with her when she pretended to be a young man. He doesn’t know it’s her when she’s all fancied up. I figure on getting her all dressed up, and she and I will be on the train. I’ll cause a commotion and get his attention, she’ll grab the money, and we’ll get out of there. Craven will follow, and we’ll take him back to Galena.” Gil knew it was a little shaky, but they could do it.
“I think we should come along. He doesn’t know us. We could grab him and the money and have Darcy place him under arrest. Then we can all take him back to Galena with the money.” Hank rubbed his hands together. “It makes the most sense.”
“I don’t need your help. We’ll be fine.” Gil yawned. “What have you all been up to, and why aren’t you sharing your beds with a wife?”
Gil listened as they each told how they left the mine for a while and what women they were currently interested in. Exhaustion caught up to him, and he nearly fell off the log.
“Get some sleep, you only got a couple of hours before daylight,” Hank tapped him on the shoulder. “Take my bed.”
“I got one.” Gil stumbled into the cabin, sat down on the edge of the bed where Darcy slept and took
off his boots. He shucked down to his under drawers and climbed in next to her. She scooted to him, and he wrapped his arms around her.
They would bring Craven back and get married. He had a few niggling doubts in the back of his mind about settling down, but if anyone could make him want to stay in one place it was the feisty woman sleeping in his arms.
Chapter 18
Sun filtered through the drab curtains pulled across the windows. Darcy blinked at the ray of light hitting her in the eyes and started to stretch. The warmth of a body next to her, and the weight of an arm draped across her stomach made her smile. Gil had snuck into her bed during the night.
A chorus of snores and heavy breathing reminded her they weren’t alone. From the sounds, everyone but her was fast asleep.
She squirmed to her side and watched Gil. The last time they slept together, circumstances had made it necessary for her to leave in a hurry. This time she wasn’t in a hurry and could watch him sleep.
His dark eyebrows wiggled up and down as he dreamed. A new growth of whiskers darkened his face. She rubbed a finger over the stubble on his cheek, feeling the scratchiness and listening to the raspy sound. She’d never felt a man’s unshaved face before. Anticipation hummed in her mid-section. This wasn’t the time or the place for such thoughts, but his closeness fanned flames of desire.
Darcy trailed a finger down his nose and over his lips. She gently rubbed her thumb back and forth across the full lips, while her hand cradled his cheek. Memories of all the kisses they’d shared flowed through her, causing her to tremble. She closed her eyes, savoring the feeling.
When she opened her eyes, Gil watched her. He turned his head, kissing her palm. Her body quivered. By the darkening of his eyes, she could tell he felt her excitement.
She snuggled next to him as his arms came around her. His whiskers scratched when he trailed soft kisses across her face and down her neck. Darcy twined her arms around his neck, kissing him full on the lips. His hands slid down inside her trousers and drawers as he deepened the kiss. He cupped her bottom, pulling it against him.
“That’s enough over there,” Ethan said, dropping his boots on the floor and waking the rest of the household.
Darcy pulled back. She’d forgotten they weren’t alone. What would Jeremy think waking and finding her sleeping with Gil? And his brothers? This wasn’t a good example for her younger brother or her future family. Gil pulled her back into his arms. His body shook as he hid his face in her neck and chuckled.
“I don’t find this funny,” she hissed into his ear.
He kissed her chastely on the cheek and slipped out of bed.
She watched him pull his trousers on over his drawers and walk to the washbasin. He splashed water on his face and toweled off before turning to his oldest brother.
Darcy watched the exchange of glances between the two and wondered if she would ever understand the looks and gestures between them. It seemed Gil sleeping in her bed didn’t bother the men, and Jeremy didn’t glare at her either.
She scratched her head and looked around. They all looked at her expectantly.
“What?” She threw the covers back and sat up. Her body was fully clothed, and she needed a trip to the outhouse.
“Do you cook?” Clay asked and was hit in the chest by Hank. “What? She’s female. I would like something better’n what you cook.”
“She cooks real good. Worked in a restaurant once,” Jeremy chimed in. They all shot her a big grin and started gathering wood and stoking the cook stove.
“Don’t we need to get headed after Craven?” she asked, slipping into the borrowed kid slippers.
“If he’s headed for the train, like you think, it only goes through Baker City on Sundays and Thursdays. Today is Wednesday, so I doubt he’s doing anything, but cleaning up and resting.” Hank smiled at her. “So you got time to make us breakfast.
“I gotta use the outhouse.” She stood and headed out to find the necessary.
Gil watched her walk out. She’d tolerated his family better than he’d expected. He’d worried she’d feel awkward around all the men. But she acted like she’d lived her whole life with a pack of heathens.
“I like her,” Clay said, patting Gil on the back and setting out ingredients to make biscuits.
“If she cooks as good as she puts you in your place, we should be having one hell of a breakfast,” Hank said, hauling out some pheasant eggs.
“Oh, she does. Darcy can do just about anything.” Jeremy grabbed the tin plates on a shelf and started setting the table.
Gil grabbed the coffee pot and headed to the door.
“No, you don’t.” Ethan grabbed a bucket by the door. “I’ll get the water. You aren’t going out there and detaining our cook.”
Gil’s face heated, and they all laughed. He’d thought about waiting by the outhouse and escorting Darcy back to the cabin in a round-about way.
Ethan left to get the water, and Darcy returned a few minutes later. She glanced his direction and blushed. Her shyness this morning made his heart hammer in his chest. They worked side by side to make breakfast. She threw together mouthwatering biscuits while he cooked the eggs.
“Where did you find these eggs?” Jeremy asked, scooping a spoonful into his mouth.
“Out by the mine. I heard a pheasant hen making noise and followed her.” Hank winked at the others over Jeremy’s head. “I found her squatting on a nest made out of dead grass. I picked her up and squeezed her until I popped enough eggs out of her for breakfast.”
Jeremy looked up, his eyes wide. “Can you do that with chickens, too?”
The table erupted in laughter.
“He’s foolin’ with you,” Darcy said, patting his head. Pride surged through Gil. She would make a loving mother. The thought seemed to flow from him to Darcy. She looked up and their gazes met. Blushing cheeks enhanced her shy smile.
She’d blushed twice in one morning. When he first met her, he didn’t think there was anything shy about her. He liked this gentle side of Darcy. It made her even more special.
When the meal was over, Ethan ushered them out the door. “Get going so you got time to work on your plan.” He gave Darcy a hug. “Listen to what Gil tells you, he’s had more experience with unsavory people.” He turned to Gil. “If she comes back with any bruises or bumps, you’ll answer to me.”
“I’ll take care of her, don’t worry.” Gil put an arm around Darcy. “And she’ll listen.” He glared at her and squeezed. “Right?”
She turned her big gray eyes up to him and said without faltering. “I’ll do whatever you say.”
It felt like she knocked the wind out of him. Her innocent look and undying devotion put a lump in his throat. He hoped he could live up to all he saw in her eyes.
Gil shook hands with each of his brothers. They in turn gave him a quick hug. They humbled him with their easy acceptance of his return and their statement they didn’t blame him for what happened years earlier.
He’d been a fool to run away. That he saw clearly. He mounted his horse and looked down at the gathering. Hank and Clay each hugged Darcy before Ethan placed her behind Gil. Her arms wrapped around his waist and squeezed. Gil put a hand over her clasped hands and looked at his brothers.
“Thank you,” he choked out as emotions he’d long suppressed bubbled to his throat.
“You’re always welcome here,” Ethan said, running a hand through his hair. “As well as any of your family.” He shook hands with Jeremy and winked at Darcy.
Gil smiled and turned the horse away from the cabin.
“Don’t be a stranger,” Hank hollered as they entered the trees on the far side of the clearing.
They traveled a good part of the day through wooded areas and canyons, steadily descending toward the valley below. Gil had many scenarios running through his head on how they’d capture Craven and then retrieve the gold and take both back to Galena. None of them would be favorable to Darcy. He grimaced and urged his horse out in
to the open valley floor. Ahead of them spread the busy town of Baker City.
*****
Darcy heard the town before she actually saw it. The sound of people and wagons in great quantity reminded her of visits to Portland and Oregon City. She looked around Gil. The railroad station loomed straight ahead. She couldn’t believe he rode straight to the station. What if Craven stood around waiting for a train?
“Is it a good idea to ride right up to the station?” She scanned the people on the platform.
“The train doesn’t leave until tomorrow. I want to see if he’s even been here. He could have changed direction and headed to Pendleton to catch the train. If he plans to head out on tomorrow’s train he would have asked about times and tickets. Don’t worry, he’s probably sleeping and eating until then.”
“How do you know so much about the train schedule?” He seemed to have an answer to everything.
“The ranches I worked sent cattle by rail to the east.” He took hold of her arm. “Slide down, and we’ll see if he’s been around.”
She slid off the rump of the horse. Her legs wobbled like mush. She took hold of Gil’s arm when he swung down to the ground. Together they approached the station agent.
“Was there a bald headed man with a yellow mustache and pot belly here asking about schedules and tickets?” Gil asked when the man looked up from a ledger.
“Yeah, he got a ticket for tomorrow.” He looked at Gil and down at Darcy. “You and your little brother need a ticket?”
Darcy bristled at the comment and would have let the man know what she thought, if Gil hadn’t placed a hand on her arm.
“This is my betrothed. We would like three tickets, for the morning train.” Gil took her hand and kissed it while the man looked stricken.
“Believe me you won’t recognize her tomorrow.” Gil winked at the man and took the tickets.
“What did you mean by that?” Darcy asked, looking back at the station agent.
“I mean we’re going to get you done up like a real lady so Craven doesn’t recognize you when you sit next to him on the train.”
