Owen’s eyes lit up. “What are you saying?”
“I love you brother and I am positive you’ll come to be a very successful cattle rancher. However, that’s not who I am. I’m not a rancher. I’m a lawman. I know it’s not what you want to hear.”
As expected Owen was prepared to argue, but Colton stopped him. “Maybe in the future I will feel differently. I’m not ruling it out. For starters, I will help you set up a cattle ranch. I’ll take time to work with you once I recover.”
Anger flashed in his brother’s eyes. “You put your life on the line for this town,” he yelled pointing toward the door. “For what? I don’t want you to die because some idiot decides to shoot you out of spite or because he’s too drunk to know better.”
“I understand. But you know what? Any of us can die any day, at any time. I know this is hard for you to understand. I love my work. I don’t want to give it up.”
“Not even the thought that you could leave Isabel widowed or any future children fatherless?”
Owen was playing dirty and Colton had to fight not to lose his temper. “Enough. I’m informing you of what my plans are. I will be building a house here in town and plan to remain sheriff.”
Too angry to speak, Owen stalked to the door and walked out.
Colton remained seated mulling over how to ensure his brother understood. They would always be there for each other, which was a comfort to him. Owen was angry because he cared and caring for someone always brought out the strongest of emotions.
There would always be the possibility of death. His job was dangerous and becoming more so as time passed. Laurel Creek was growing and more travelers came through.
However, it was his calling.
Chapter 15
The town seemed deserted the next afternoon. Isabel made her way to the seamstress shop to speak to Fern. They’d yet to sit down and discuss what had occurred between her and Owen. If there were any plans for a courtship, Isabel wanted to ensure to have first hand knowledge. The wind blew steadily, a sure sign that the weather would begin to cool soon. She pulled her shawl tighter and peered down the center of town.
Colton would return to work soon and she wasn’t sure how she felt about it. It wasn’t the first time there had been trouble in town, but the last two episodes had made everyone anxious.
The outlaw gang on the outskirts of town and the bank robber’s gang attack on Colton had been much to close to one another. Hopefully it wasn’t a sign of times to come.
Just then, she noticed Owen walking toward her and she waited for him to catch up.
He seemed upset, angry even. “Is something wrong?” she asked when he neared. “Is Colton all right?”
“He’s well enough to go to work,” Owen replied still frowning. “He’s headed to the jailhouse. Claims he’s going to spend the day sitting at his desk.”
Isabel peered past him. “I’m sure he won’t be up to doing much more than that.” Of course Owen was worried about his brother. Everyone was. The attack was proof of how dangerous Colton’s job was. “Do you wish me to speak to him?”
It surprised her when Owen nodded. “Listen Isabel, I know this may be overstepping, but I want my brother to work with me on starting a cattle ranch. Can you convince him to quit and do that?”
“Oh I’m not sure I have any say in what he does. I mean... ” She wasn’t sure what to say. She and Colton were not formally engaged and as far as what his plans were, they’d not gotten the opportunity to discuss the topic. If she were to be honest, it had not occurred to her that Colton would do anything other than be the town’s sheriff. It was obvious he loved what he did. He seemed born to be a lawman. Then again, they had never discussed anything so personal. Even when he’d been injured, during her visits they’d mostly discussed past occurrences in town and superficial things.
“I’ll speak to him, but don’t expect much. Colton will do what he feels is right for him and this town.” Isabel peered up into Owen’s eyes. “We’ll have to accept his decision and pray continuously for his safety.”
Owen nodded, but Isabel could tell by his grim expression her reply wasn’t what he wanted to hear.
A month later
The children shuffled out the schoolhouse’s front door, some rushing out to play, others, the ones who had chores waiting at home moving much slower. Isabel smiled when one particular pair of boys spoke in low tones; their heads close, as they no doubt conspired some sort of trouble.
“Boys.” Isabel got their attention. “Don’t you dare bother Mrs. Whitley’s cats.” Both looked to her with feigned innocence. “And don’t throw rocks at Old Man Miller’s rooster.”
The boys exchanged surprised glances. Tommy slid a slow gaze to her. “We won’t Miss Isabel. But the rooster chases us at times.”
“It wouldn’t if you went home directly instead of goading the poor creature.”
Their plans foiled, the boys walked out seeming deflated. She knew better. They’d concoct a new form of mischief within minutes.
“Miss Ward.” Ellie, one of her pupils, tugged at Isabel’s skirts. The child’s vivid blue eyes looking to her with so much innocence it made Isabel’s heart tighten.
“Yes Ellie?”
The child sniffed causing her older sister Emily to come to her side and take her hand. It was Emily who spoke next. “Mama says you are to marry Sheriff Blake. She said when you do, you’ll no longer be our teacher.” The last word hitched as Emily attempted to keep from crying, however her chin quivered. Ellie on the other hand began to wail.
“Oh my goodness girls. Come here.” Isabel wrapped her arms around both their thin shoulders. “I am not going anywhere.”
Ellie stopped mid-wail. “Really?”
“Yes.” Isabel smiled at the child, doing her best to reassure her. Truthfully, she’d not broached the subject with Colton. In the last weeks, he’d come over twice weekly to visit. They’d sat in the parlor and discussed all manner of things. However, it had been hard for her to bring up the subject of both their jobs.
For one, she wasn’t sure how she’d keep her sanity while being married to a lawman whose life would be on the line daily. Secondly, it was not normal for a wife to continue to work. Most schoolmarms were single women.
She was the only one who could teach in Laurel since there wasn’t an overabundance of women as of yet. Perhaps in the future as the town grew, a new teacher could be hired.
However, as it stood, single women didn’t remain so for long after arriving in a town filled with single men desperate for wives.
Once she got the girls out the door, Isabel surveyed the classroom. It was in a wonderful state of disarray. Isabel hummed as she straightened the wooden desks into neat rows that would end up askew by the end of the following school day.
She knew Colton had arrived before actually seeing him. His large body filled the doorway just perfectly.
The man was comfortable and assured, never seeming at all nervous when in her presence, a total opposite of the inner chaos she experienced. Butterflies took flight in her stomach and then there was the breathlessness, which was quite embarrassing.
“I would offer to help, but it seems you’re finished.” The cadence of his deep voice set another group of butterflies free.
“Yes. It seems I am.” Isabel tried her best to speak normally, hoping she didn’t sound like a breathless ninny.
Why was it so hard to have a conversation with him? Up until they’d began courting, she’d never had a problem talking with him. But now every time he was near all she could think about was that he’d be her husband. Her mind then pictured that they’d be sharing a home, a life…a bed.
Isabel cleared her throat at the last thought. “I’m surprised to see you here so early. You don’t normally come around until supper time.”
She managed to keep her hands steady while putting books on a low shelf. The soft press of his large hand on her shoulder made Isabel jump. The man moved like a cat.
“The books are done. Seems like everything is in its place. Although the chalkboard could stand a good cleaning.” She couldn’t stop babbling. Even when he moved closer and closer, she continued on unable to stop herself. “No, I’ll worry about it in the morning.”
The corners of his lips lifted just a little and for the life of her, she couldn’t keep from staring at them.
“Why are you so nervous around me?” he asked, leaning in much too close.
Of course her treacherous heart thundered and Isabel wondered if he could hear it. “I’m not. That’s silly.” The breathlessness of her voice was annoying.
“You are,” he insisted. Before she could protest again, his mouth covered hers and his arms encircled her waist.
Isabel gave into the kiss, immediately wrapping her arms around his neck and pressing her body against his much stronger one. The kiss wasn’t like the usual soft goodnight pecks. No, this one was totally different. It was passionate, his entire body quaking as he pulled her against him. Isabel had to grasp his shoulders as her knees threatened to give out from the passion in his kiss.
A deep rumble of a groan emanated from Colton as his lips traveled across hers and his hands slid up her back. There wasn’t anywhere on earth she wished to be but in his arms. As a matter of fact, if the kiss continued for hours, it would not be enough for her.
Both were breathless by the time Colton lifted away. His darkened eyes met hers for what seemed an eternity before he pressed his forehead to hers. “I don’t like that you’re nervous around me. I want us to continue to be friends, like before. To be comfortable around one another.”
“It’s just that it feels so different now. You’re not just the Sheriff of Laurel Creek, you are my soon to be husband.” Isabel swallowed and took his hand. “I want to talk about things, our future.”
An expression of wariness crossed his handsome features as he nodded. “We should.”
He led her to a pair of chairs next to a window where Isabel often ate at or met with any parents who came to discuss their children’s studies. She’d never considered that she and her future husband would ever inhabit the space. After they sat and Colton stretched out his leg that had yet to fully heal, being there with him felt comfortable.
“Tell me what’s on your mind,” he asked leaning an elbow on the table. The sun that shined through the window highlighted the golden streaks in his hair.
“How do you feel about my wanting to continue to teach after we marry?” Isabel ensured to keep an even tone. It was best not to let him know she was prepared to argue her stance at remaining a teacher until blue in the face.
First he studied her and then his gaze moved across the classroom until finally resting on the chalkboard where math lessons remained. “I don’t have any reason to ask you to quit. Of course, we’ll have to decide what to do about it once we have children.” The corners of his lips lifted and her heart tumbled once again.
Isabel hadn’t expected for him to be so agreeable, she blinked several times before coming up with something else to say. “Very well. That’s acceptable. What about a house? Where are we to live?”
This time he ran a hand across the back of his neck. Obviously not comfortable with whatever he was about to say. “I have savings and am planning to build a house. However we’ll live at my small house until then.”
Isabel leaned forward unable to keep from touching him and took one of his hands. “Father told me you are aware of my rather large inheritance. Can we use that money to build the house? We’ll have enough left in case you ever decide to retire from that horrible job of yours.”
“It’s not horrible.” He met her gaze with a frank expression. “I know it can be dangerous at times, but we both know it’s not the usual way of life here in Laurel Creek.”
Isabel nodded. “I know it’s what you’re meant to do and as much as I’d like to agree with Owen, ultimately I wish you to be happy.”
There was a strange look to him when he studied her. As if he’d not expected her agreeing to his continuing to work as the sheriff. “Owen spoke to you about it?”
“Oh yes,” Isabel nodded. “He was most adamant that I convince you to resign as sheriff and we both move out to your land and live peacefully as ranchers.” Laughter bubbled as she spoke. “Imagine me as a rancher’s wife, unable to visit my friends regularly or do much more than search for eggs.”
“Search for eggs? You do know how to fetch eggs don’t you?” Colton looked at her in mock horror, his mouth open and eyes wide.
“Of course I do,” Isabel lied. She’d never stepped foot in a chicken coop in her life. However, she was an intelligent teacher, how hard could it be?
When he pressed a kiss to the back of her hand, her attention was immediately back to him. “Isabel, there is something I haven’t done that I need to do. I’ve been remiss and I do apologize for it.”
He stood and pulled her to stand. Just as she was about to ask what he was doing, he lowered to one knee before her. “Isabel Ward, I can’t imagine my life without you in it.” There was unmistakable heat in his eyes when lifting to hers. “Would you do me the honor of accepting my proposal of marriage?”
At once her knees turned to jelly and she feared falling. However, the love in Colton’s gaze gave her strength as her vision blurred and she nodded emphatically. “Yes, of course I’ll marry you.” He stood and once again pulled her into his arms, covering her mouth with his.
There was a shift within her and at once the sensation of being where she belonged filled every single inch of her body. He was hers, the one constant part of her life. He straightened and gazed down at her.
“I love you Colton. Always have.”
One of his wide shoulders lifted and lowered. “I know.”
He laughed when she hit the uninjured one and huffed playfully. “You certainly are sure of yourself.” Isabel couldn’t help but join in and chuckle. “I suppose I’ve never been good at disguising my feelings.”
“No, it’s easy to tell what’s on your mind by your expressions.”
When they walked toward the door, Isabel slipped her hand through his arm. There was a reassuring comfort when she walked beside Colton. He was so very strong and so very handsome. The wedding day couldn’t come soon enough as far as she was concerned.
Chapter 16
“Not too much longer and you’ll be a married man,” Frank said, eyeing Colton over his ever present cup of coffee. “Things won’t be the same, ya know?”
He’d heard the same comment for the last few days. Whatever bothered Frank, the man would not say until he was good and ready.
“I’m not leaving my position if that’s what’s bothering you,” Colton said and went to the doorway. “Talked it over with Isabel and she understands.”
Frank grunted. “That won’t stop you from being cautious, taking less chances. Could be bad, could be good.”
He walked out the doorway and stood under the overhang to look to the left. Across the street at the saloon, two men stood talking. Seemed as if one was trying to convince the other to go inside. Don’t go in, Colton thought. If a man was reluctant to enter, it was usually because he had a wife at home that wouldn’t be too keen on the idea. It could also be his upbringing that brought shame for stepping past the threshold. He didn’t recognize either of the men, which meant they were either passing through, or one of the new families that had arrived with the wagon train just a month earlier.
Just then Pastor Ward appeared. He walked directly to the men and shook their hands. A smile curved Colton’s lips as both moved away from the saloon to stand closer to the house next door. The men didn’t fool the pastor for one second. He looked up at the second-floor window of the saloon and frowned at a girl who’d been hanging out trying to get the men’s attention. The woman instantly ducked back inside.
Moments later the pastor and the two men crossed the street to the hotel. No doubt they’d been invited to share a bowl of Mrs. Ellis’ chicken a
nd dumplings.
Once again the woman peered out the window, she watched the men walk away and then began looking up and down the street. Upon seeing him, she waved. “Good day Sheriff Blake. When’s the wedding?”
“Soon Sally,” he called back. None of the women would be invited of course, but that didn’t stop them from asking and making small talk whenever they spotted either him or Isabel.
Frank came to the doorway and looked at the woman who’d gone back to watching for men. “Bet your wife won’t be keen on you speaking to them.”
“She speaks to Sally and Clarissa all the time,” Colton replied with a scowl. “Why don’t you just spit it out? What’s on your mind?”
Instead of replying Frank kicked a rock and followed it’s path as it landed a few feet away. “Nothing really. Just that, I’m wondering if I’m ever getting married.”
The man’s face reddened and Colton almost smiled. But he understood the wistful look and the pang in one’s chest at wondering the same thing himself over the years.
“Several families have moved here recently. I hear there’s several women of marriageable age.”
Frank shrugged, but he looked in the direction of where the wagon train had settled. “Doubt any would want a deputy for a husband.”
“I don’t know. You’ve got a steady job, good standing in the community, and you’re not too ugly.”
His deputy grunted in reply. “I suppose we can ride out to see if they need anything. It’s part of our job after all.”
“You’re right. We should,” Colton said looking forward to the ride. He knew Gallivant would be ready for some freedom from the corral.
They mounted within the hour and headed north of town. About an hour from town, a horseman approached. Colton instantly recognized his brother.
“Owen, haven’t known you to head to town so often,” Colton said in greeting. “Where you headed?”
Isabel, An Independent Bride Page 11
