by Bobbi Smith
"It hasn't been easy having Pa around again. Even though he served his time, it doesn't change the fact that he killed her," Brent said. "He almost got in a fight with some of his old friends over at the social tonight."
Is that why he came in here and started drinking?"
"Drinking is nothing new for Pa. He always drank. I was hoping the years in prison had dried him out, but when he got home he started looking around the house for liquor again," he said bitterly, then decided he'd been morbid enough for one night. He managed to smile at her. "Thanks for listening. I don't talk about any of this very often."
"Sometimes it helps to get things out. You have to let yourself relax a little."
He gave a short, harsh laugh. "Relax? I can't tell you the last time I had the chance to take it easy."
"About ten years ago, maybe?" she teased.
"That's about right." He chuckled.
"What do you do for fun?"
"Fun? I don't know what fun is anymore." He looked over at her. "What about you? What do you do for fun?"
Crystal admitted, "I don't have time for fun, either. I enjoy my job, but I never really have any time off-any time for myself."
"How did you come to be singing in saloons?"
"I'd love to sing in a church choir. It might guarantee me a place in heaven, but it wouldn't pay my bills here on earth," she said, smiling derisively.
"What about your family? Can't they help you?"
"I don't have any family," she said, denying her brother's very existence. As far as she was concerned, Dan was no relation of hers anymore. "You're really blessed that way."
There were times when Brent had his doubts about his family being a blessing, but he didn't say so.
"My parents died some years back, and I had to learn how to support myself."
"I'm glad you were working at the Six Gun," he said honestly, remembering their first encounter.
For a moment their gazes met across the table.
Then the sound of the piano player starting up her introductory tune shattered the intimacy.
"I have to go-it's almost time for my last performance." Crystal tore herself away from Brent.
"I'll be watching," he promised.
She gave him a quick smile as she hurried backstage.
Brent settled in to enjoy her performance. Crystal was wonderful. He was mesmerized by her talent and vivacity, and was struck once more by what an extraordinary woman she was.
When she finished singing, he was in no hurry to leave the saloon. He remained at his table, watching her make the rounds of the room, flirting easily with all the men. He was amazed by her ability to charm the cowboys without blatantly arousing them like the regular dance-hall girls did. The fact that she was a lady showed through.
Crystal was very aware that Brent had stayed on, and she was delighted. She wanted to spend more time with him.
When she saw one of the saloon girls approach Brent, she actually felt the sting of jealousy. And when Brent quickly sent the girl on her way, Crystal's smile brightened even more. As the evening wound down, she made her way back to rejoin him.
"You're still here." There was a questioning note in her voice.
"I was wondering if you'd like me to walk you home tonight?"
"That would be wonderful," she answered quickly. "Just give me a few minutes to change."
"Are you going out through the back door?"
"It's best that way."
"I'll meet you there."
Crystal couldn't remember ever being so excited about seeing anyone before. Outwardly she appeared calm as she made her way to her dressing room, but as soon as the door was closed, she rushed to strip off her red satin gown and don her sedate street clothes. She didn't want to make Brent wait too long. Once she'd finished changing, she let herself out the saloon's back door to find Brent standing patiently outside.
"I hope I didn't take too long," she said apologetically.
"You're worth the wait."
"Why, thank you, sir." She grinned at him.
"I'm just speaking the truth, ma'am." He chuckled. "Where are you staying?"
She told him the address of the boardinghouse, and they started off in that direction.
The streets of Diablo were dark and deserted, and that was fine with Brent. He wanted to enjoy the pleasure of Crystal's company without worrying about interruptions. He was completely aware of her beside him as they made their way to the boardinghouse.
"Do you come into town often?" she asked, wondering when she might see him again.
"No, but now that you're here, I'll make a special effort."
She smiled and glanced up at him. "Oh-look at the moon," she said in a quietly awed voice.
Brent looked up. The night sky was clear and starstudded, and there high above them was a silvery half moon.
"It's beautiful," Crystal told him. "I can see why your father chose that name for the ranch."
"You'll have to come for a visit. We'll be riding out late in the morning. Would you like to go with us?"
"Tomorrow?"
"Yes. You don't work on Sunday, do you?"
"No. I'd love to go."
"Good. We'll plan on it, then. I'll come for you around noon."
They reached the boardinghouse, and Brent escorted Crystal up the porch steps. A low-burning lamp in the sitting room window cast the only light on the porch.
Crystal looked up at Brent as they stopped before the front door, her eyes aglow with the pleasure of seeing him again. He was every bit as wonderful as she'd remembered him to be.
"Thank you for bringing me home."
"My pleasure," he assured her, "but I didn't get to play the hero for you tonight." 11 -
She gave him a shy smile. "In my book, once a hero, always a hero."
Unable to resist the temptation, Crystal rose up on tiptoe and pressed her-lips-to his.
Brent responded immediately. He needed no further invitation to deepen the kiss. He took her in his arms and held her close as his mouth moved hungrily over hers.
Excitement coursed through Crystal. Instinctively she linked her arms around his neck and moved even closer to him. It felt so right to be kissing him and holding him.
It took a serious effort, but Brent managed to end the embrace and set her from him.
"I'd better go. I'll see you tomorrow," he said gruffly, and moved away.
Crystal had been caught up in the pleasure of his kiss. She looked up at him in confusion. She didn't understand why he was leaving so quickly. "Brent..."
"I'm being your hero again," he said, smiling gently. "Good night, Crystal." Brent leaned toward her and gave her one more quick, gentle kiss. He didn't trust himself to do more than that. "Sweet dreams."
With that he left her, disappearing into the night.
Crystal stood on the porch a moment longer, then turned and let herself into the house. She went to her room and got ready for bed. As she lay beneath the covers, the memory of Brent's passionate embrace stayed with her. She knew her dreams would be sweet indeed.
Brent took extra care to be quiet as he entered the hotel room and bedded down for the night. He didn't want to wake his father. He just wanted to enjoy the peace of the moment. He lay quietly star ing up at the ceiling, thinking about all that had happened.
Opal... Ruby... Crystal...
Brent smiled into the night.
Whatever name she went by, Brent found her delightful. He didn't know how he'd been lucky enough to meet up with her again, but he was glad he had. Crystal was every bit as beautiful as he'd remembered, and her kiss... There had been an innocent sweetness about it, mixed with undeniable passion. He smiled into the darkness at the memory of holding her in his arms.
As he went over the evening) ust past in his mind, Melinda slipped into his thoughts. Holding her in his arms had been nice enough, but nothing like the excitement of Crystal's embrace.
Crystal....
Brent had been drawn to her in some e
lemental way from the first moment they'd seen each other. She was every man's fantasy, and she was proving to be his, too.
Brent was looking forward to spending the day with her tomorrow. He hoped morning came quickly.
It was almost time for the morning service to begin, and the First Street Church was crowded.
Brent followed Abby and their father down the aisle. Because they were attending church, Abby was wearing a dress this morning. Brent thought she looked pretty, but he realized for the first time that the dress was a little snug on her. They would have to see about buying her some new clothes soon, now that they could afford them.
Brent saw Edmund and Iona sitting in the very front, but there were no seats available near them. Abby stopped at the first row they could find that had enough space for all three of them.
Brent was aware of the sidelong glances that were cast their way, but he ignored them. There was nothing he could do to change things. He just had to deal with everything the best he could.
As Brent took his seat, Melinda caught his eye. She was sitting across the aisle from them, with her mother and father. She gave him a brilliant smile. Brent managed a quick nod of acknowledgment in her direction, but respectfully turned his attention toward the front of the church to await the minister's entrance. He hadn't expected to see Melinda this morning and really didn't want to spend any time with her. There was only one woman he wanted to be with, and that was Crystal.
"I hope Reverend Crawford isn't too longwinded," Jack muttered to Brent. His head was pounding viciously from all his drinking the night before. He wanted nothing more than to get away from town and back to the Half-Moon.
Neither Brent nor Abby said anything in response, but each privately agreed with him. Abby wanted to change clothes and go home, and Brent was eager for the services to be over so he could see Crystal.
It grew quiet as the organist began to play a soft melody that signaled the beginning of the service.
"We'd better hurry, Ruby," said Anne Pals, the owner of the boardinghouse, as they came up the street, heading toward the church. "The music's already started."
Crystal quickened her pace to keep up. Anne had invited her to go along to the service this morning, and she had gladly accepted. Crystal glanced at the church, and she was impressed by the white wooden structure with its tall steeple. She followed Anne up the few steps that led to the double front doors.
As Crystal entered the church, a sense of peace filled her. Though the interior was starkly decorated, she found beauty in its simplicity. The walls were painted pristine white. Simple wooden benches provided seating for the worshipers. In front, off to the side, was the organ, and centered before the main aisle was the podium from which the minister would give his sermon, trying to save the souls entrusted to him. Crystal didn't envy the man his job. It had to be a most difficult calling.
It had been a long time since Crystal had attended church services, and she needed to pray. She realized some in the congregation might not approve of her being there, but she tried not to let that knowledge bother her. She had come to offer up her thanks to the Lord. It didn't matter what other people thought of her. It only mattered what God thought.
Anne led the way down the aisle, looking for a place where they could sit. Crystal followed. The older woman found two seats for them on a bench close to the front. Crystal gave Anne a warm smile as she settled in beside her. The peaceful atmosphere, coupled with the organ music, filled her with a quiet sense of serenity.
Brent sat silently, thinking about the day to come. He didn't pay a lot of attention to what was going on around him, until he caught sight of Crystal as she walked by on her way down the aisle with Anne Pals. A jolt of awareness shot through Brent as he watched Crystal take a seat just three rows ahead of him. She appeared every bit the lady this morning in her day gown, with her hair pinned back in a sedate bun. He let his gaze trace over her, studying the graceful line of her neck and the soft curve of her shoulders as she sat with her back to him.
"Is that Ruby?" Jack whispered to him, surprised to see the singer there.
"Yes."
They both fell silent and turned their attention to the front as the music stopped.
Reverend Crawford appeared before the congregation. The minister walked slowly to the pulpit. He had a reputation as a fire-and-brimstone preacher, and Brent wondered what the topic of his sermon would be today.
He found out quickly.
"Judge not, lest ye be judged!" the reverend roared, wanting to make sure everyone was awake and paying attention. He waited a moment in silence as he let his sharp-eyed gaze sweep over the congregation. He went on, "Who here has led a perfect life? Who here has never sinned? Stand up! I want to see you now!"
A low murmur went through the crowd, but no one dared to rise.
"You're still sitting," he said. "Are you telling me you're sinners?"
"Amen, Reverend," a man called out from the back.
Others echoed his sentiment.
Reverend Crawford smiled, and the smile transformed him. He no longer appeared cold and condemning. He was now warm and welcoming.
"So you have sinned..."
"Amen, Reverend."
There was a long, quiet pause. Then he spoke again.
"You are forgiven," he said softly as he looked out over the congregation. "Jesus died for our sins, so that we might live. Think about the power of his love. How many of us would willingly sacrifice ourselves for another? How many of us love so deeply and so profoundly? Love is God's greatest gift to us. Always remember His words-`Love one another as I have loved you.'"
Melinda listened to the preacher's words and smiled to herself as she took a quick look in Brent's direction. He was sitting there looking so handsome that her heartbeat quickened.
She wanted to "love one another," all right. She wanted to love Brent.
Melinda wished the minister would hurry up and end his sermon, so she could go practice what he'd been preaching.
Jack listened to the sermon, but doubted the truth of Reverend Crawford's words. Had his sins been forgiven? Considering how he'd been treated at the social the night before, he didn't think his "friends" in town had forgiven him. He scowled, thinking of the night before and trying to remember all that had happened. He remembered leaving the dance and drinking at the Lone Star, but not much else. The pain of his hangover pounded at him. He closed his eyes for a moment, wishing that the sermon were over so he could leave.
Crystal was deeply moved by the minister's profound remarks. She needed to believe that she could be forgiven for what she'd done. She had only been defending herself, but even so, she had taken a man's life....
She suppressed a shudder and tried to forget that fateful night. She was in Diablo now, starting her life anew. There were many things to be thankful forand having the opportunity to spend the rest of the day with Brent was one of them. Crystal wasn't going to let anything ruin these next hours. It had been so long since she'd had the chance to just relax and try to enjoy herself, she wondered if she even knew how anymore.
Reverend Crawford spoke a little longer, then dismissed the congregation with a blessing and the admonition to love as Jesus had loved.
Everyone filed from the church, greeting one another and making smalltalk.
"I thought we'd never get out of there," Jack complained as they started down the steps. "Let's go.
No, not yet. There's someone I have to speak with first." Brent moved off to the side.
"Who? Melinda?" Jack asked.
Abby offered up a silent prayerful plea that it wasn't Melinda.
"No, Ruby." He used her working name to avoid confusion. He planned to tell his father her real name later.
"You want to talk to Ruby? Why?"
"Who's Ruby?" Abby interrupted.
"She's a friend," Brent answered. "I met her in San Antonio and then found out last night that she's working here in Diablo now. I invited her out to the ranch today for a vi
sit."
Abby was astonished. Brent had never done anything like that before.
When did you do that?" Jack asked. He didn't remember Brent having any conversation with Ruby about making a trip to the Half-Moon.
"After I put you to bed at the hotel, I went back to the Lone Star to see her."
Abby was staring at her brother as if he'd lost his mind. "And you're going to bring her to our home?"
"That's right."
"A woman who works at a place like the Lone Star?" Abby was shocked. It wasn't like Brent to bring any woman home, and especially not one who worked in a saloon.
"It's not what you think," Brent admonished, seeing her reaction. "Ruby is a singer-that's all."
"And she's here at church? Where is she? I want to meet her." Abby was suddenly curious about this woman who so intrigued her brother. This Ruby couldn't be respectable, but then again, if Brent cared about her...
"You're just about to meet her. She should be coming out any minute now," Brent said, watching the folks leaving the church.
"You tell Ruby I'll see her in a little while. Right now I'm going on back to the hotel to get packed up so we can leave," Jack told them, eager to get away. The townsfolk he had known for years were walking past him without speaking to him, or even acknowledging him.
"We'll meet you back there."
Brent waited with Abby off to the side of the church entrance for Crystal to come out. Before Crystal could exit, though, Melinda appeared before them.
"I am so glad you had time to attend services this morning, Brent. I was hoping I'd get to see you again before you had to go back to the ranch," Melinda cooed, gazing up at him in open adoration and completely ignoring Abby. Even though the other girl had donned a dress this morning, Melinda wanted nothing to do with her. She was only after Brent. "I had a wonderful time with you at the dance last night."
"I'm glad." Brent peered past her, trying to catch sight of Crystal.
"Are you heading back home soon?" Melinda asked brazenly.
"Yes, it's time to go back to work." He gave her his attention for a moment, but then saw Crystal come out of the church. "Excuse me, Melinda."
Brent walked off without another word, leaving Abby to deal with Melinda.
