Shaking his head, he chuckled, throwing Emily a sideways glance. “A guy drops your aunt one time—just once—and she doubts his manly strength from then on.”
“Honestly.” Cassidy rolled her eyes but felt her face growing hot.
Her gaze riveted to Dell’s head as he ran long fingers through the mass of dark hair molded into the shape of his hat and curling up at the ends. He needed a haircut pretty badly.
“I suppose I ought to find someone who’ll cut it for me,” he said self-consciously, as though reading her thoughts. “I don’t suppose you would…”
Horrified, Cassidy opened her mouth to refuse, but Emily interrupted her.
“Aunt Cass always used to cut my pa’s hair.”
“Emily!”
“Well, you did. Why can’t you—”
“Run along now. I’ll be in to pray with you shortly.”
“Yes ma’am,” she said with a heavy sigh.
“Good night, Emily,” Dell called with a wink, flashing the little girl a smile.
She grinned broadly back at him. “Night,” she replied, crawling into the wagon.
Slowly Cassidy met his gaze. His eyes pleaded in childlike innocence, amusement written plainly on his handsome face. He was enjoying this a little too much!
A sudden idea formed in her mind, and she couldn’t resist a slight smile. Perhaps this opportunity was providential. “Let’s make a deal.” She stood, her feet shoulder width apart. She folded her arms across her chest and tilted her head to one side.
Dell lifted an eyebrow. “Like a wager?”
“Certainly not a wager. I don’t gamble.”
“Of course you don’t gamble. I didn’t mean to imply anything improper.” He drew a short breath. “A bargain, then.”
She nodded. “Yes.”
Following her example, he folded his arms over his chest as well. “Let’s hear what you have to say.”
“I’ll give you a much-needed haircut…” Her voice rang with challenge. “If you attend the service with Emily and me tomorrow night.”
His eyes narrowed. “Hmm…You drive a hard bargain for a woman.” A short nod accompanied his next words. “You have a deal, Cassidy Sinclair.”
Stunned, she accepted the proffered hand. “I do? Are you sure?”
A wry grin played at Dell’s lips. “I guess it’s worth it,” he drawled. “You’re not backing out, are you?”
“Of course not. I’ll cut it right after breakfast, then. If you’re really sure.”
His eyes twinkled at her discomfiture. “I’m sure.” His voice was smooth like honey as he gripped her hand, sealing the bargain.
A tremor shot through Cassidy at the warmth of his touch, and she pulled away quickly. “Good night, Dell.”
He flashed her a heart-stopping grin and placed his Stetson hat atop his head. “I’ll see you in the morning.”
Cassidy couldn’t drag her eyes from him as he strode into the night, whistling to himself. Once he was out of sight, she clapped a frustrated hand to her forehead. The thought of being close enough to Dell to cut his hair sent shivers down her spine, and warmth crept through her belly. He had made it clear he wasn’t interested in the services, so it never occurred to her that he’d really accept. She’d only offered because she wanted another excuse to invite him to the meeting in a way that wouldn’t seem preachy.
With an angry toss of her head, she doused the campfire. How dare she have these thoughts and feelings about Dell when she’d signed a contract with Mr. St. John! Of course, she didn’t have to marry the rancher. She could simply keep house for him. Then she would be free to marry Dell. Marry Dell! What was she thinking? Dreaming like a schoolgirl—that’s what she was doing. It was just that every time he looked at her, he made her feel…beautiful.
Well, you aren’t beautiful, Cassidy Sinclair, she chided herself. And you’d better just forget about romantic notions and stick to the bargain.
Besides, Dell wasn’t interested in God right now. She couldn’t have these feelings for him. It just wasn’t right, was it?
Dell noticed a hesitation in Cassidy’s eyes when he approached the wagon. He felt a guilty sense of glee at her discomfiture. When she had given him the challenge, he knew she expected him to refuse. But something inside of him had recognized a good excuse to join the worshipers, and the refusal on his lips had turned to acceptance, surprising him almost as much as it had her.
Emily looked up dully from where she sat on the tongue of the wagon. Instead of greeting him with her usual exuberance, she leaned forward and tucked her chin in her hand. “Morning, Mr. Michaels.”
Dell smiled. He’d never seen the little girl so subdued. Hoping to cheer her, he reached out and ruffled her hair. “Hey, kiddo. You in trouble again?”
She shook her head.
Dell frowned.
“What’s wrong, honey?” he asked, placing a hand on her forehead. He glanced at Cassidy. “She feels feverish.”
Cassidy wiped her hands on a towel and walked the short distance to her niece. Cupping Emily’s chin, she looked into the little girl’s flushed face. “She certainly does,” she said, a worried frown creasing her brow.
“Aunt Cass, I don’t feel good.”
“Sweetie, do you feel like having breakfast?”
Emily shook her head miserably. “May I lie down?”
“Of course. Come along, and I’ll get you all tucked in.” Cassidy helped a shaky Emily to her feet and walked around to the back of the wagon. “I’ll be with you in a little while,” she told Dell over her shoulder.
When she returned twenty minutes later, the worried frown was still in place. “I wish there was a doctor among us.”
“Sit,” Dell ordered, handing her a tin cup filled with coffee. “What seems to be the ailment?”
“She complains of a headache and sore throat. Plus—”
“The fever,” Dell finished.
Cassidy nodded, her shoulders sagging. His heart went out to her. She had already lost her brother. It was inconceivable that she should lose Emily, too.
“Two children have died from sickness since we set out just a few weeks ago. Oh Dell, I can’t bear the thought of losing Emily. She’s all the family I have left in the world.” Large tears rolled down her cheeks.
Enfolding her in his arms, he stroked her hair. “Emily will be fine, Cass. I’m sure by tomorrow she’ll be back to running around making trouble again.”
Cassidy pulled away and gazed hopefully into his eyes. “Oh, I hope you’re right. Sickness just comes on so sudden out here, and there’s nothing anyone can do about it. W–what if it’s cholera?”
“Do you want me to get Reverend Marcus to come and pray with you?”
Surprise lit her jade green eyes. “Why, yes. If you wouldn’t mind.”
“I’ll be right back, then,” he replied.
A moment later, Dell interrupted the preacher’s breakfast with the news of Emily’s illness.
Without hesitation, Reverend Marcus grabbed his Bible and kissed his wife good-bye. “I’ll be back when I’m no longer needed.”
Mrs. Marcus reached up and patted her husband’s face. “Take your time, and come back when the Lord releases you. And tell Cassidy if she needs anything to let me know.”
Admiration flickered inside Dell, and an odd sense of longing filled his heart.
Reverend Marcus clamped his black hat atop his head. “Let’s go.”
While the men strode toward Cassidy’s wagon, the preacher began to pray. “Father, I ask for Your healing touch for little Emily. And while You work the cure, please give Miss Sinclair peace.”
Stirred by the simple prayer, Dell surprised himself by muttering an “amen.”
Cassidy was pacing before the wagon as they reached her. Relief lit her face when she spied the reverend. She quickly ushered him into the wagon while Dell watched from outside.
Emily stirred as they prayed, and her glassy eyes fluttered open. “Reverend,” she whisp
ered.
“Hello, Emily,” the kind man replied, taking a freckled hand in his.
“Preach really good tonight, ‘cause Dell’s coming to the meeting.”
“He is?”
Emily nodded wearily. “Aunt Cass is going to cut his hair….”
The preacher’s eyes twinkled as he threw Dell a grin. “Well, that is an answer to prayer.”
“Uh-huh,” Emily said, eyes fluttering shut.
“I’m going to go now, sweetie. But God is taking care of you. Do you believe that?”
Again Emily nodded, a small, trembly smile touching her lips. She fell asleep before the preacher climbed down from the wagon.
Dell shifted his feet as the minister glanced his way.
“We’ll expect to see you this evening,” he said.
“I suppose so.” Dell swallowed hard.
“I’ll reserve a seat for you right close then, so you’re sure to hear every word.”
“Sure, Reverend. You do that.”
“Well, I’d better go prepare something especially good for tonight, per Emily’s request.”
Just then Cassidy stepped up to them. “Good-bye,” she said, shaking the preacher’s hand, “and thanks for coming.”
“Anytime.” He focused his attention back on Dell. “I’ll see you later.” Stuffing his hands into his pockets, he strolled away, whistling a hymn.
Dell glanced at Cassidy’s face, studying the exquisite curve of her chin and the softness of her full lips. Large, luminous eyes gave her an air of vulnerability, and he couldn’t help thinking how the delicateness of her face contrasted with her sturdy build. Even though he stood taller than most men, Cassidy almost met him eye-to-eye. She wasn’t fat, but neither was she scrawny. Her small waist accented her curved hips. One thing was for certain—he couldn’t get her out of his mind. He hadn’t thought about a woman this way for a long time.
Her head shifted slightly until her eyes met his gaze.
Clearing her throat, she motioned for him to sit. “I’ll get you some breakfast.”
“You sit, Cass.” He took the spoon from her hand. “Let me serve you today.”
He dipped the cinnamon-laced oatmeal into two bowls and handed one to her.
“Thank you.”
They ate in relative and unaccustomed silence.
Finally Dell cleared his throat. “Why don’t you go sit with Emily? If she gets to feeling better, you can cut my hair later.”
“Yes, I think I will,” she replied. Throwing him a grateful smile, she set down her half-empty bowl and climbed back into the wagon.
Dell wiped the dishes and left the camp. He smiled as a thought came to him.
There was no question about it. He was smitten with Cassidy Sinclair.
Cassidy woke to a light tapping outside of the wagon. She reached over and placed a gentle hand on Emily’s forehead. Drenched in sweat, the little girl was cool to the touch.
“Thank You, Lord,” Cassidy whispered and crawled to the flap.
Dell stood staring up at her. Those eyes—bluer than the cloudless sky—squinted in the bright sun.
“How is she?”
“Still asleep, but her fever’s broken.”
Noting the relief on his face, she smiled. “You’re fond of Emily, aren’t you?”
“Secret’s out, eh?” He grinned, reaching to help her down.
Without thought, she slid effortlessly into his arms. Heat rose to her cheeks when he didn’t let go. She felt his muscles twitch as her hands pressed flat against his chest. Raising her eyes to meet his, Cassidy caught her breath at the intensity of his gaze.
“You know what?” His voice was low and husky, sending shivers through her.
“Wh–what?”
“I think we’re finally getting this right.”
“This?”
“No more tumbling to the ground. ‘Course, that wasn’t so bad either.”
“Dell!”
“I can’t help it,” he said, his face coming closer to hers. “With you in my arms, all rational thought escapes me.”
His breath was warm on her face, and her eyes shifted to his mouth. It curved into a smile, then formed her name. “Cassidy,” he whispered.
Swallowing hard, she closed her eyes and waited.
“Hello, Miss Sinclair. Mr. Michaels.” A singsong voice broke through the mist, and Cassidy’s eyes flew open. She stared, horrified, as the Pike sisters strolled by, curiosity plainly written on their pinched faces.
“Miss Pike.” With Cassidy still in his arms, Dell nodded first to one and then the other. “Miss Pike. Beautiful day, isn’t it?” He flashed a wide smile, showing perfect white teeth.
The two spinsters blushed to the roots of their hair. “We…uh…heard little Emily was sick and wondered if there was something we could do.”
Cassidy squirmed in Dell’s grasp, but his arms tightened about her. “That’s very thoughtful of you both,” she replied. “But she appears to be over the worst of it.”
With a quick glance at Dell’s arms wrapped around Cassidy, the two women gave a simultaneous nod and walked quickly past, whispering to each other.
“Thought they’d never leave,” he murmured. “Now where were we?” His gaze roved dangerously over her face, resting on her lips.
“Oh no you don’t, mister.” Cassidy pushed her way out of his arms. “Don’t you dare kiss me in public view.”
“So you wouldn’t mind in private?”
With a gasp at his play on words, Cassidy looked him squarely in the eye. “This isn’t a proper topic of conversation,” she said firmly. “I have a contract with Mr. St. John, and I intend to hold to my end of the bargain. Shame on you for being so disloyal to the man who sent you to find him a wife!”
“You were about to let me kiss you,” he reminded her with a slow drawl.
“I most certainly was not going to let you kiss me.”
Dell looked stunned but amused. “Do I still get my haircut?”
With only a moment’s hesitation, Cassidy nodded. “Sit. I’ll get my shears.”
She climbed into the wagon and opened her sewing kit, retrieving her scissors. “Oh Lord. Keep me strong.” She cast a glance at the sleeping child and started to climb down.
“Need some help?” Dell called, his voice thick with amusement.
“I think not.” Gathering her skirts about her, she carefully climbed backward out of the wagon.
“Are you still mad?” Dell asked when she returned.
“Yes. How could you embarrass me in front of the wagon train’s source of information? By nightfall the entire camp will know about this.”
“Hmm,” Dell said. “You are mad. Am I safe while you stand over me with a sharp object?”
“I assure you, you’re safe—from bodily injury anyway.” She smiled mischievously. “Of course, there are no guarantees I won’t accidentally cut your hair crooked.”
Dell gave her a worried frown. “Hey, now. You wouldn’t mess up my hair just because I found myself irresistibly drawn to your beauty and tried to steal a kiss, would you?”
How could he tease her about her looks?
“Beauty, huh?” she quipped. “Let’s not make this into a fairy tale.”
He frowned, but she gave him no chance to speak. “As to whether or not you get a decent haircut…that depends on how well you behave yourself.”
“I’ll be the perfect gentleman.” He placed his left hand over his heart and raised his right hand. “So help me God.”
“Hmmph. Considering your relationship with God—or rather your lack of one—that doesn’t exactly reassure me,” she retorted. “Now let’s get this over with. You have a promise to keep to my niece.”
The worshipers sat on the ground around the glowing campfire, listening to Reverend Marcus’s full, rich voice sharing enthusiastically from his worn, black Bible.
Filled with nervous energy, Dell shifted uncomfortably and resisted the urge to bolt from the service. He hadn�
�t attended a church service since Anna died, and even in this open setting, he felt out of place.
He barely heard a word Reverend Marcus spoke as his mind stayed riveted to memories of the day he walked away from God. The God who took Anna and left him with four children to raise alone. It wasn’t right. Anna was the gentlest and kindest creature he’d ever known, and the world was a cruel place without her. God should have known how much he needed her. And what of the children? The youngest, four-year-old Jack, had never known his mother. Dell had begged God to spare her life, but He hadn’t. She hemorrhaged and was gone without ever laying eyes on their fourth child.
“Dell?” The preacher’s gentle voice broke through his hypnotic state, and Dell lifted his head, noting through his daze that everyone was gone but him.
Tears streamed down his face.
“It wasn’t God’s fault. He kept His end of the bargain. It was mine. I couldn’t control myself—couldn’t keep my hands off her. She kept having babies until finally…” He took in great gulps of air as sobs racked his body. “When our third child was born, she was having such a difficult time of it, and we were afraid we would lose her. I promised if God would just let her live, I’d never touch her again. And then I…I killed her.” A groan came from somewhere deep inside him. He jammed his fist into his gut to ease the ache. “Why didn’t I keep my end of the deal?”
Reverend Marcus placed a hand on Dell’s shoulder. “God doesn’t bargain with man, son. His ways are too high for that.”
“But He pulled her through when I made a deal with Him and took her when I broke my side of the agreement.”
The older man lowered himself to the ground next to Dell. “The rain falls on the righteous and the unrighteous, son. There are no guarantees in this life.”
Dell frowned. Here he was pouring his heart out to this man, and he was quoting vague scripture verses? Was that supposed to comfort him? Bitterly, he wiped his eyes and stood. He should have known better. There was no peace to be had at a Bible meeting. “Thanks for your time, Reverend.”
“Wait. Do you understand what I just quoted to you?”
“‘Fraid not.” Dell’s lips twisted into a bitter smile.
“It means no one is exempt from life. Your wife could have just as easily died from an Indian attack or a fire.”
Brides of Kansas Page 4
