She intentionally caught the woman’s eye and gave her a glare. The woman must have known she was doing wrong because she blushed. It was doubtful much made her blush anymore. That soiled dove had some nerve.
Most of the men in there stared at Angel. She smiled sweetly at each of them, but Scarlett saw the slight annoyance in her. She was here for Dillon and no one else. Too bad Dillon was going to be busy for the next few weeks. It was downright sinful to try to catch the fancy of a married man.
When Dillon finally returned, his arms were laden with packages. He awkwardly handed her the two books and then went through the back and put the purchases in the wagon. He came back in with one package in his hand and sat next to her.
“She put up a fuss but I got most of your dresses back for you. Guess what she was wearing?”
“My burgundy dress?”
“The very one. I pretended not to notice. Good riddance, I say.” He gave her a heart-stopping grin.
That had been one of her best dresses, but she couldn’t help but grin back. “You’re right of course.”
He handed her the brown paper wrapped package.
She smiled with excitement. After she untied the string around it, she pulled back the paper. She immediately fingered the different types of fine lace in awe. She hadn’t known what to expect but nothing this nice. “It’s beautiful! How many did you buy? It looks very expensive.”
“One is French, another is Irish. I don’t know what the others are. Mrs. Blains ordered them and they never sold, so her husband gave me a deal I couldn’t refuse. He wanted it out of his store. Good fortune, I’d say.” His smile reached his eyes as he met her gaze and held it.
The intimate moment didn’t last long, as Angel oohed and ahhed over the lace. Scarlett quickly rewrapped the package and held it to her chest.
“I have a few things to finish up. Can you stand to be here just a little longer?”
“Of course.” She nodded.
“Good.” He put his apron on and went back to heating and shaping the metal.
* * *
As he returned to work, leaving her cuddling his gift to her chest, Dillon realized that Scarlett’s happiness was his happiness. Her joy in something so small as lace delighted him. She didn’t like that the saloon ladies were in the shop, but he wasn’t about to tell anyone they weren’t welcome.
He finished his work, took off his apron, washed his hands and face, and then asked Lou to harness the horses for him. Walking over to the sofa, he smiled at his wife. “It was nice having you here with me today. I’ll get you home so we can feed that mangy cat of yours.”
“Mangy?”
He laughed. “I suppose mangy isn’t the best word. Stray is a better word.”
“She’s no longer a stray. She has a home with you and me.”
A warm feeling flowed through him. It sounded to him that she was planning on staying. Now he needed to court her in some fashion. The lace had been a good first step. He leaned down and gathered her close as he carried her to the wagon. Her face had turned a delightful shade of red as she wrapped her arms around his neck. His heart began to beat faster as he realized she hadn’t tensed up, and he found himself desiring her. Too bad she wasn’t in any condition or ready for them to be together. Gently he set her up on the wagon bench and then tucked a blanket around her.
“I’ll have you home soon.” He climbed up and grabbed the reins, and they rode up to their house. Dillon jumped down and carried her inside. He almost tripped over Missy, and he grumbled good-naturedly about the mangy cat.
“I heard that!” Her voice was teasing, and he stared into her eyes. They sparkled as they had never before. Things were looking up.
“I’ll set you down on the sofa then I’ll make us something to eat. I don’t even know what we have stocked in the kitchen.” He set her down slowly and carefully, prolonging the contact with her soft warm body.
“I wish I could help. I’m a fair cook, you know, except for frying some things. My mother made sure we knew how to do anything on a ranch, including work considered a man’s job. She never wanted us to be put in a position that we had to rely on a man not of our choosing.”
“A wise woman to be sure. Do you consider me to be a man of your choosing?” He held his breath. He shouldn’t have asked if he didn’t want to know the answer. She’d chosen him sight unseen, and she hadn’t taken an instant liking to him.
Her lips twitched. “You’ll do.” She stared into his eyes and he could feel her changing opinion of him. He felt her smile all the way into his heart. It startled him. He’d escorted young ladies before, but no one ever had this effect on him.
“I’ll be back. Would you like some water?”
“I’ll be fine. I’m hungry is all.” Missy jumped up on her stomach and circled a few times until she found a comfortable spot before she lay down.
He walked into the kitchen and whistled as he made eggs, bacon, and biscuits. He flipped the last strip of bacon then abruptly stopped. When was the last time he’d whistled? His heart felt lighter today. Things were changing for the better, and he hoped it continued on the same path.
They ate together on the sofa and talked about their lives before they knew each other. She’d had a hard life filled with doubt, disappointment and sadness until she was adopted by Lynn and Smitty. He was tempted to ask about her wedding that never happened but decided not to. That other man’s loss was his gain.
He wiped his mouth with his napkin. “I don’t have anything for dessert I’m afraid.”
“That’s fine. I’m full. You cook very well.”
“I’ve had to cook for myself when I’m home.”
“Why didn’t you just hire someone?”
He took a deep breath. It wouldn’t do to get into this argument again. “I like my privacy. I have people around me all day long, and when I come home I want to be able to relax without someone wanting to wait on me.”
She nodded. “I guess I assumed that with a house so big you’d have to have someone to clean it. I also thought that might be the reason you took a wife. I misjudged you, and I’m sorry.” She appeared very contrite.
It was probably hard for her to apologize. She seemed unpracticed doing it. But she did it.
“I had big dreams of having a large family. As each new bedroom was built, I imagined a son or daughter sleeping in it. I just wanted what I never had. I was an apprentice to a very kind man, named Charlie. I learned just about everything I know from him. He died and I was going to take over his smithy, but then I heard about the beauty of Silver Falls. I still need to take you to see them. Its exquisiteness is incomparable. Anyway, I like being part of building a new town and getting to know everyone. I know having everyone in the smithy is a bit chaotic but I enjoy it, and I’m not going to ban the women from the saloon. I like it to be known as a place where all are welcome.”
She nodded. “No wonder they want you to be the mayor. You’re a good, kind man.”
The earth seemed to stand still at her words. Dillon leaned over and cradled her cheek in his big hand. He turned her head and brought his head down close to hers. He needed to taste her sweet lips, but he was nervous at the same time. He lifted his gaze, and discovered anticipation burning in her eyes. But he pulled back at the last minute. Nice and slow was the way to go.
Disappointment flashed across her face.
“Tell me about Dexter,” he found himself asking. Despite his resolve, he didn’t seem able to let it go. “Did you love him?”
Her eyes widened. “I’m not sure I even knew what love was. He was the most eligible bachelor in town, and it was like winning a prize. He never kissed me, and he only held my hand once.” She glanced down at her hands. “I don’t know why he proposed.” She shook her head. “Yes I do. We went on a picnic and while he napped, I loosened the wheel on the carriage. We were stuck there after dark, and his father made him propose. I’m ashamed of my actions now. Of course, I never told anyone why he proposed. I
acted like Queen Victoria of England, thinking I was so much better than the rest of the town, including the few friends I had. When he jilted me I was more embarrassed than heartbroken.” She sighed and peered at him. “I don’t know why I’m such a horrible person. You’re the first person I’ve been truly sorry for acting like a…a…”
“Spoiled brat?”
Tears filled her eyes. “Yes, like a spoiled brat.” She quickly turned her head. Her shoulders shook as she cried silently. Dillon figured she did a lot of silent crying. It was a big step for her to admit she was wrong.
He stood and gathered up the dirty dishes. “I need to get these done.” She didn’t look at him.
Chapter Eight
He hated her. Why wouldn’t he? She’d told him just how awful a person she was, and he’d walked away. It didn’t surprise her, but it hurt beyond anything she’d felt before. She had thought they were making strides toward each other, but they were probably further apart than when they began. It wasn’t his fault he didn’t want to be stuck with her. Why did she have to sprain her ankle? She couldn’t just up and leave. She’d bide her time and when she was healed she’d go, and leave him in the peace he deserved.
It was just his bad luck of the draw that he’d ended up with her. She swallowed hard. The pain in her heart might just crush her. She’d have to be brave and let him go. If Angel was the woman he’d rather have… She cried harder and then she got hold of herself and put on the blank face she used to hide all of her feelings. She’d been so horrible to so many people, she wasn’t sure she knew how to be nice, truly nice to anyone anymore. Going back home wasn’t the best option. Everyone would be disappointed in her plus she had no friends.
There was no use feeling sorry for herself. She had done this. She had behaved terribly, and she had no excuses. What a fool she was. It was too late now for her and Dillon, and she wasn’t sure what to do. She couldn’t let him catch wind of her plan. Her ankle would be fine in a few days, and she’d be left alone in this big house again.
Dillon came from the kitchen and carried her to her own room. He unbuttoned her dress for her and handed over her nightgown and then left without a word. She sat on the bed feeling as though she was dying inside. It was too much of a struggle for her to get undressed so she lay down on the bed in her dress and waited for sleep to come. Unfortunately, it didn’t.
When morning light filtered through the window, her door opened and Dillon walked in. His hair was disheveled and he had circles under his eyes. It seemed he hadn’t gotten any sleep either, and that was her fault. She was poison.
“You didn’t put your nightgown on.”
“No.”
He didn’t ask why. He just pulled another dress out from the wardrobe and handed it to her. He sat behind her and helped to get her undressed. He wasn’t as slow and gentle as he’d been before but she understood. He then helped her to dress. As soon as he was done, he left the room.
Her heart shattered. He really didn’t want anything to do with her. She grabbed her hairbrush and brushed her hair until it gleamed. She then put it up using her hair pins. He hadn’t brought her water to wash with. Even Missy looked miserable.
He brought her to the smithy without so much as a word and then he set her on the sofa. This time she had her book with her. She tried to read, but her thoughts kept drifting to Dillon. She couldn’t keep her gaze from following his every move. He did something to her insides. She felt as though butterflies were flying in her stomach. Her heart skipped a beat if he happened to meet her gaze, but he never looked at her for long. She was enthralled with him. The way he tilted his head a tiny bit as he sketched out a plan for something he was going to make was endearing. He rolled up his sleeves, and the hair on his arms seemed so masculine. His grin was worth trying to win.
Sadly, she wasn’t on the receiving end of his grins. Even Lolly’s eyes narrowed at her as though she knew that Scarlett was out of Dillon’s good graces. Lolly was oh, so sweet to him, and she received a few grins from him. Scarlett’s heart sank.
Somewhere along the line, her heart had become entangled with him. But he wasn’t a prize to win. He was the man she cared deeply for, and she had never known she was capable of such strong feelings.
He handed her a makeshift tray of food and then walked over to sit with his friends. It was embarrassing and insulting. Heat flooded her face, and she glanced away. She could feel the gaze of everyone in the shop on her. Her heart dropped, and the pain was unbearable.
Whether they stayed together wasn’t her decision. She’d never been in control at all. Now that her feelings had become involved, it was his decision and he seemed inclined to ignore her. Why couldn’t she get anything right? She’d always known she was unlovable, but she’d hoped for love anyway. She took a deep breath, pushed the food away, and pretended to read Ivanhoe.
Dillon came and took her tray. He cocked a brow at her but she couldn’t meet his gaze. It was too embarrassing. Everyone probably already knew how he felt. She wished she was younger and could run to her pa just to feel his comforting arms around her. But she wasn’t a girl anymore; she was a shunned wife.
As she moved her ankle back and forth, she could feel it was stronger. Perhaps if she had a walking stick she could make it back to the house. He deserved better than her and it seemed as though he finally realized it.
There were folded papers on the table near the sofa. She reached for them and carefully unfolded them. She had to hold in the gasp that tried to escape. It was plans for another house and it appeared as though it was going to be right next to where she lived. In the bottom left corner Dillon’s New Home was written in pencil. A lump formed in her throat as she folded the plans back up. He’d never meant for them to live together.
Her stomach grew queasy, and tears pricked at the backs of her eyes. She didn’t have a single friend she could confide in. She’d never been any good at making friends. Staring down at her book, she tried not to cry. It wouldn’t be seemly.
“Are you feeling all right? You look a bit pale,” Dillon called out to her from the other side of the shop.
She didn’t look at him. She just nodded, taking slow, deep breaths all the while. She’d become the town joke.
It wasn’t long before a frantic farmer rushed in begging Dillon to come to his farm to fix his plow. Dillon sighed and then nodded. Grabbing his hat and tools, he gave Homer instructions and left without saying a word to her. It was the last straw. There was only so much humiliation a person could take.
She waited until Homer and Lou were busy before she grabbed what would serve as a walking stick and left. It would be too taxing to go up the hill, so she headed for the falls. Maybe the sound of the rushing water would soothe her. The pain was much worse than she imagined but she couldn’t go back. She walked until she ran out of boardwalk and then carefully stepped down into the dirt.
Why hadn’t he just married one of the women in town? He had many who would have been delighted. But he’d wanted to do her father a favor. Some favor.
The tall trees swayed in the wind, and the birds chattered noisily. She walked along the path to the falls that she’d seen before until she came to the small clearing. She sat for a bit and admired the sheer beauty of her surroundings. Restless, she stood up again and decided to go on to the next falls. The pain in her heart was more than the pain in her ankle. She needed to get farther away. Much farther.
Her mind whirled as she walked. She heard laughter up ahead and almost turned back, but her curiosity won out. It was the girls from the saloon, bathing and having fun under the next waterfall. What was it like to laugh with such abandon?
She decided to sit on a rock not too far away. She could catch glimpses of the women as she listened to them.
“Oh you’re so lucky, Angel. He is such a handsome man,” a brunette said.
“He’s a brawny one and well-built if you know what I mean.” Everyone laughed at Angel’s response.
She drew in a quick bre
ath. Who were they talking about? She hoped it was another man. It had to be another man.
“Dillon is such a sweetheart. You got the prize of the town, Angel.”
“It’s a shame he’s married, but it’s not a real marriage. There are always challenges, but it’s not like I’m sharing him with his wife. He mentioned he was building a house for himself,” Angel bragged.
“His wife is pretty enough,” the brunette commented.
“Aye, she is but he can’t stand her. A mail order bride, he said. They don’t all end with happy marriages. I think I can be with him, and as soon as she leaves, we can make it official.”
“Angel, I think you’re dreaming. He’ll still be married.”
“That is a problem isn’t it?” Angel sighed. “We’d best get back to the saloon.”
Scarlett listened to them splash each other for a moment before they all scurried out of the water. She hadn’t found the peace and quiet she’d searched for. What she’d overheard was too upsetting. She hadn’t thought that Dillon was stepping out on her. But apparently he was.
She’d held back her feelings as long as she could, and now she burst into tears. She put her fist in her mouth to mute her sobs. Her shoulders shook violently, and she didn’t think she’d ever stop. There were too many emotions in her. So many dreams that had died and all of her hopes were dashed. She couldn’t go back to Dillon. She just couldn’t.
She got up and walked to the falls. This one was higher than the last. What a beautiful sight, but it didn’t help her mood much. She looked to the side of the falls and saw a cabin deep in the woods. Did anyone live there? Did she dare find out? It was either that or go back to Dillon, and she knew her heart wouldn’t be able to handle seeing him right now.
* * *
Dillon furrowed his brow. “What do mean she’s gone? Gone where? When did she leave?” He tried to rein in his temper. It wouldn’t help anyone if he gave in to his anger.
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