Hunter's Moon (Hunter Family Saga; Half-Moon Ranch 1)

by Bobbi Smith

  Brent awoke first, but didn't stir. He lay quietly, watching Crystal sleep beside him. His gaze caressed her perfect features and then dropped lower to the sweet line of her throat and the soft curve of her shoulder. She had pulled the sheet up over her, so the rest was left to his imagination.

  As if sensing his gaze upon her, Crystal stirred in her sleep, and the cover fell partially away, leaving one slender leg uncovered. Brent remembered just how it had felt to have her legs wrapped around his waist as they'd made love.

  The sudden heat that filled him was overwhelming, and he willingly surrendered to its power.

  Crystal came awake slowly, rapturously, as Brent pressed a soft kiss to her lips.

  "Good morning," he said huskily.

  "Yes, it is," she agreed, and then she went on to show him just how wonderful a morning it really was.

  Brent had never known loving anyone could be so beautiful. Crystal was everything he'd ever dreamed of in a woman-and more. As they lay together in the aftermath of their passion, he faced their future and knew that although it wouldn't be easy, somehow, some way, he would protect her and keep her safe.

  It was late morning when they finally, reluctantly decided to forsake the privacy and comfort of the hotel room and return to the real world. Brent went to get the buckboard, while Crystal returned to the boardinghouse to pack her things.

  Anne welcomed her with a warm hug. She was delighted to hear that everything had turned out perfectly for them. When Brent arrived with the buckboard, Anne offered them a late breakfast, and they gratefully accepted. Over breakfast Crystal confided in Anne about her real name and explained how she'd used Ruby as a stage name. They settled up on what Crystal owed for the room and left a note with Anne for Ken Gilbert at the Lone Star, telling him of his singer's marriage and explaining that she wouldn't be returning to work. Anne promised to see it delivered to Ken at home that very day. After thanking Anne again for her kindness, they rode out of town for the Half-Moon, ready to begin their new life together.

  As they drove past the saloon, Crystal knew she wouldn't miss working there. She wanted only to be with Brent and to spend the rest of her life loving him.

  Even as Crystal rejoiced in her marriage, though, she realized her future still wasn't certain. Brent had not deserted her when he'd learned the truth about her past, but the danger was still there. He had told her that they would face it together. Crystal could only hope that Brent's strength would see her through.

  "We'd better stop and see Abby and Pa before we head home," Brent said when they reached HalfMoon land.

  "Home-I like the sound of that," Crystal said. It had been years since she'd had a home.

  "We'll be living at the cabin."

  "I know."

  "You don't mind?" He wanted to please her and would even have considered returning to the main house if she had wanted it that way.

  Crystal was surprised that he even asked. "I'm going to love living at the cabin with you. There are all kinds of wonderful things we can do there."

  "I know," Brent said, a hungry glow shining in his eyes.

  "Like wading in the stream," she said with a laugh to deter his more sensual thoughts.

  "I enjoy wading with you, but there are other things I like to do even better."

  "Like racing horses?"

  He laughed now, too. "That wasn't quite what I had in mind."

  "Oh." Crystal played the innocent. "I guess you'll have to show me what you like to do best when we get there."

  "I guess I will," he promised. "Are you ready to see Pa and Abby?"

  "Are you?" she countered.

  "The sooner we tell them, the sooner we can get on our way.

  They shared a look of understanding as he reined the team in before the house.

  Abby had seen the buckboard approaching and went out to greet them.

  "Crystal! What a surprise to see you again," Abby said politely.

  "Hello, Abby," she returned.

  Abby watched her brother as he jumped down and tied up the horses, then went to help Crystal descend. Something seemed different about him today, but she wasn't quite sure what.

  "What are you smiling about? You look like you've been up to something," Abby said astutely.

  "You always did know me too well," he told her with a grin. "I've been up to something, all right."

  "What?" She was instantly curious. It wasn't like Brent to act so mysterious.

  Brent drew Crystal with him as he went to stand before Abby.

  "Abby, Crystal and I got married last night."

  "You're married?" Abby looked from Brent to Crystal and back again. She had known Brent cared more for Crystal than he had for any other woman, but he wasn't the impulsive sort. She'd never thought he would marry so quickly-or so unexpectedly.

  "That's right. You've finally got a sister."

  For a moment Crystal was uneasy. She wasn't quite sure how Abby was going to react to the news.

  "My brother must love you very much," Abby said finally. One look at Brent's face revealed that. She hugged Crystal. "Papa's down at the stable if you want to go tell him."

  Brent was grinning as he watched the two women he loved go inside. If ever he had set himself up for trouble, it was now, with those two. He had a feeling there would never be a dull moment at the ranch with Abby and Crystal together on a regular basis.

  Feeling more lighthearted than he had in a long time, Brent went in search of his father. Brent had spent as little time as possible with Jack since he'd learned about the Half-Moon being in debt again. He knew it was best to avoid him, but this news was too important to keep to himself.

  "Pa!" Brent called out as he entered the stable.

  "Back here."

  Brent found his father in a stall, checking on one of the thoroughbreds.

  "To what do I owe this honor?" Jack asked cynically.

  "I've got some news for you."

  "Yeah?"

  "Crystal and I got married last night."

  "Crystal married you?"

  Brent ignored the sharp bite of his father's sarcasm. "That's right. She's up at the house with Abby. We just stopped by to tell you on our way out to the cabin."

  "I can't say much for your taste in horseflesh," Jack began.

  Brent tensed at his insult.

  "But at least I know now that you've got good taste in women," Jack finished. After a pause, he added, "I guess you weren't all that worried about the ranch being in debt if you took on another mouth to feed."

  "I'm worried, all right, but not about Crystal. Marrying her is the smartest thing I've ever done."

  Before Jack could come back with any sarcastic remarks, Brent walked away.

  Brent's good mood returned when he went inside the house and heard Abby and Crystal talking with Frances in the kitchen. The sound of Crystal's lighthearted laughter did him good. No one had laughed that way in the house since his mother had died. He went to join them.

  "There he is now," Frances said in delight. "Congratulations on your marriage, Brent."

  "Thanks, Frances."

  "I'm surprised a girl as sweet as Crystal would have you," she teased him.

  "So am I.I'm one lucky man, that's for sure," he agreed. Then looking at Crystal, he asked, "Are you about ready to go?"

  "Whenever you are."

  "If you can give me just a minute or two, I'll pack up some extra food to take with you," Frances offered.

  "Thanks."

  "Crystal, I hope you will be very happy," Abby said.

  "Thanks, Abby. You're sweet." It had been so long since Crystal had had anyone try to help her or take care of her that she felt a bit awkward.

  Abby hadn't been called "sweet" by anybody in a long time, and she wasn't quite sure what to make of it. So she frowned. "You're family now," she offered.

  Crystal looked over at Brent and smiled. "I know."

  "Here's the food for you," Frances said as she came out of the kitchen with a full bas
ket. "If you need anything else, you just tell Brent, and I'll take care of it for you."

  Brent and Crystal thanked Frances for her help, and they all started outside. Brent was surprised to find his father coming up to the house.

  "Hello, Jack," Crystal said brightly.

  "I understand you went and married my son?" he demanded.

  "I did, and I'm glad of it," she answered.

  "I told him he had good taste in women."

  "Thank you."

  "No need to thank me, Crystal. It's just the truth. Welcome to the family."

  "It's my pleasure, Jack. Believe me," she said, and on a sudden impulse she went to her father-in-law and kissed him on the cheek.

  Jack was startled and deeply touched by her kind gesture, but he covered his emotions by being gruff and curt. "Brent, you take care of this girl."

  "You don't have to worry, Pa. I plan to do just that," he said.

  Brent stowed the basket in back, then helped Crystal climb up to the seat. He untied the team, then joined her there, and they were ready to ride out.

  "We'll see you later," Brent said as he urged the team on.

  Abby stood with her father, watching them ride away.

  "I can't believe Brent's married," Abby said in amazement.

  "It's about time," Jack said in a growl.

  "I guess he just had to wait until the right woman came along," she said in defense of her brother. "And I think Crystal is the right woman for him."

  "He could have done worse, that's for sure," Jack remarked.

  "Yes, he could have," she agreed as she thought of Melinda in town.

  Jack left Abby and returned to his work in the stable.

  Crystal was filled with delight when the cabin came into view.

  Home! She was home...

  A deep, abiding warmth filled her, and she looked over at Brent to find his gaze upon her.

  "What were you thinking?" he asked.

  "We're home, Brent," she said softly.

  "Yes, we are."

  He stopped the buckboard before the cabin and helped her down.

  "Wait one moment, Mrs. Hunter," he said, taking her into his arms again to carry her over this threshold, too.

  "But you've already done it once!" Crystal laughed.

  "Darling, I'll use any excuse I can to hold you."

  "Well, Mr. Hunter, you don't need an excuse," she told him in a seductive voice.

  Her tone ignited the carefully banked heat of his passion. He didn't pause in the main room, but carried her straight to the bed. He was glad the front door had closed behind them, for he had no intention of going back to shut it.

  "What about the horses?" She gasped in delight as he lay upon the soft mattress with her.

  "What about them?"

  And then he silenced any more questions she might have had with his kiss.

  "I love you, Crystal."

  Caught up in the frenzy of their tumultuous desire, they made passionate love. Ecstasy swept over them as they came together in a blinding rush. They reached the heights together and gloried in the rapture that was theirs.

  Crystal lay nestled against Brent's side, her head resting on his shoulder.

  "I never knew I could be this happy." She sighed.

  "Neither did I," he agreed.

  Brent had not realized how empty his existence had been until now. The love he had found with her made his whole life worthwhile. Somehow he would find a way to protect her and keep her safe.

  "I've been thinking about what you told me," Brent began slowly.

  Crystal would have loved to have lived on in the dream world of Brent's embrace, but she'd known there could be no hiding from reality forever.

  "And I think the best thing would be for us to talk to Sam Larkin in town."

  "Who's Sam Larkin?" she asked cautiously.

  "He's a lawyer. He could help us."

  Brent's use of the term "us" filled Crystal with warmth, but even with his support she was fearful of telling anyone else the truth about her past.

  "Brent, I don't know..." she began. "What if we told him and there was nothing he could do?"

  Would her worst fears be realized? Would she end up in prison?

  At the thought of going to prison, a chill went through her soul. She couldn't go to prison! Not pregnant, as she was! She couldn't have their child in prison.

  Brent sensed her turmoil and drew her close. He cradled her to him. "I'll protect you with my life, Crystal. You're my wife. I'll keep you safe. I promise."

  "I have to think about it," she whispered.

  He kissed her gently, wanting to calm her fears. "We'll do whatever you want to do."

  "Oh, Brent." Crystal's voice was choked with emotion as she hugged him close. "I love you so much, and I'm so afraid we might lose what we have."

  Brent rose up over her and looked down at her, his expression fiercely protective. "I love you, Crystal. Nothing is going to separate us-nothing."

  He made love to her again, this time tenderly and sweetly. He showed her with his every caress and kiss, just how much he cherished her. Crystal was his world. He wanted only her happiness.

  Diablo, at last.

  Dan rode slowly down the main street of town, looking for the Lone Star Saloon. It had been a long search, but he believed he had finally caught up with Crystal this time. He'd heard some talk at the last town he'd stopped in about a pretty little lady named Ruby who was singing at the Lone Star and drawing in good crowds. Except for the red hair, everything the man had said made the woman sound just like Opal from San Antonio.

  Dan was tempted to barge right into the saloon and start asking questions, but he had learned his lesson. He was going to take a room at the hotel and stay there until it was almost time for her performance. If this was Crystal, he didn't want to risk her catching sight of him ahead of time and escaping him again.

  Ken was disappointed. Ruby had been gone from the Lone Star for little more than a week, and already there had been a dropoff in business. Some of his customers had been downright angry when they'd learned she had quit. He wasn't angry, but he did miss her and the excitement she'd brought to the place. Her beauty and singing talent and the way she'd charmed all the boys had made him smile every night.

  Of course, Ken didn't blame her for quitting-not after that shoot-out. Nobody had died, thank God, but it had been a rough night. Ken hoped he didn't have another one like that for a long time to come.

  "Evening, friend, what can I get you?" Ken asked as a stranger came in and approached the bar.

  "Whiskey," the man replied.

  Ken served him and took the money he shoved across the bar in payment. "You're new in these parts, aren't you?"

  "Just passing through. I heard talk in San Miguel that this was the place to stop if you wanted to play poker, have a good drink, and enjoy some fine entertainment."

  "That's right. Enjoy yourself."

  According to what Dan had been told, the woman named Ruby performed her first show at eight o'clock. It was almost that now, so he took his whiskey and went to sit at a deserted table in the far back corner of the room.

  Dan lingered there anxiously, waiting and watching for some sign of Crystal.

  "Ready for another drink?" a saloon girl asked as she came to flirt with him.

  "No, I'm fine, thanks." He dismissed her without a thought. He didn't want to be distracted. He had only Crystal on his mind right now.

  "Is there anything else I can get you?" The girl's question and voice were suggestive.

  If Dan hadn't been so determined to find his sister that very night, he might have let himself relax and enjoy a bit of female company. But the weeks of fruitless searching had left him tense and on edge. She had escaped him once in San Antonio. If this was Crystal, she wasn't going to escape him again.

  "Not now."

  The girl looked disappointed by his rejection. She moved off to try her luck with some of the other customers.

  Dan c
hecked his pocket watch and saw that it was now after eight. He grew even edgier, waiting for the moment when the entertainer would finally appear onstage.

  The piano player made his way over to the piano a short time later and began playing a raucous tune, but no singer appeared onstage. Curious and growing a bit angry, Dan got up and returned to the bar.

  "The talk in San Miguel said you had a singer named Ruby working here. I was looking forward to hearing her tonight. Is she going to come out later?"

  Ken was ready for his question. He'd answered the same one numerous times this past week. "I hate to tell you this, but our Ruby left us."

  "She's gone?"

  Ken quickly went on to explain how she'd quit the week before.

  "That's too bad. And she's been gone for a whole week?" Dan asked, his mind racing as he tried to figure out where Crystal might have fled next.

  "Oh, Ruby's not gone in the sense that she's left town. No, our little Ruby got lucky. She married Brent Hunter, one of the local ranchers. His spread, the Half-Moon, is one of the biggest around these parts."

  Dan used his best poker face to keep from betraying his turbulent emotions. One moment he'd been ready to scream in rage, and now he was suddenly filled with hope again.

  "Well, it's too bad she's gone. I heard she was good."

  "Oh, Ruby was good, all right-real good. A lot of the boys are mad because she quit, but we'll find somebody else to take her place in time. Of course, it'll be hard to find anybody as good as Ruby. She was special."

  Dan got a refill on his whiskey and went to join a poker game. He wanted to learn everything he could about the Half-Moon, but he had to be subtle. He would see what he could find out from the other gamblers. He just hoped he was on the trail of the right woman.

  It was after midnight when Dan returned to his hotel room. He'd won a nice sum that night, and he'd also gotten all the information he needed. First thing in the morning, he'd be heading to the Half-Moon.

  Dan didn't sleep well. He was too tense, too excited. He lay in bed remembering all that had happened the last time he and Crystal were together.

  Soon-very soon-he would see her again.

  Frances was the only one at the house when she saw a strange man riding in the next morning. No one ever just happened by the Half-Moon, so she guessed he was there for a reason, and she went out to meet him.