He blinked, turning his gaze toward the river to give himself time to think. Was he seriously considering settling down?
Swallowing he looked back at her, “Truth is, I’ve never been one to have time for romance.” He watched as her shoulders drooped ever so slightly. “My mother used to tell me stories though, back when I was just a young boy—before she passed away—and there was always a knight riding in on his horse to rescue a young maiden. I think that’s where I got my notions of romance. What man wouldn’t want to be a night?”
She smiled, the simple gesture lighting up her whole face. “You rescued me.”
“I did,” he said with some realization. “Wasn’t on a horse though so it doesn’t count.”
She laughed, his intended response, and shook her head. “Still, it’s refreshing to know someone who at least believes in love. I have all but given up.”
The conversation wasn’t going anywhere he’d planned it would. In fact, he hadn’t planned anything for today aside from Dora’s pretty company, but he wasn’t sure he minded it so much. Getting a window into this woman’s thoughts wasn’t half bad.
“It’s not right to live chained to something—or someone—you don’t love.”
“I guess Hank’s death saved me from that.” She frowned. “I don't mean to sound cold.”
“I understand. He wasn’t someone you saw yourself loving.”
“No,” she said, shaking her head so that the lose tendrils of black hair hit lightly against her cheek. “There was nothing there—not in the letters we wrote at least. I believe I would know the spark of romance should I feel it.”
He felt the intensity of her gaze. It wasn’t brazen like so many women he’d come across in rowdy towns; it was honest, raw, hoping. It sunk into a deep place in his heart and wouldn’t let go, but his fear threatened to crowd it out. What did he know of settling down? Nothing.
“Tell me,” he said, picking up a river stone and running his fingers over the smooth surface, “What do you plan to do here?”
She looked slightly disappointed but he knew she wouldn't bring up her true feelings, not without assurance that he would return them. It gave him leverage but also room to hide. He wasn’t sure if that was a blessing or a curse at this point.
“I'm not sure. I’ve been fortunate enough to find the position at the hotel, but I don’t know how long I can stand to work there.”
“It’s not the easiest crowd, is it?”
“No, not at all.”
Her gaze was directed to the river and he took in her profile, her graceful neck, rounded jaw, and aquiline nose. She was delicate in a way he was not, in a way that he appreciated.
The next words he said cut him deeply, but he knew they needed to be said. He couldn’t be trusted with her delicate heart—with her emotions or affections—at least not if he wasn’t sure where he was headed in life.
“Well, I hope that it works out for you.” He hated himself even as he spoke. They were empty words, words of someone who didn’t care, which was the opposite of how he felt, but he couldn’t let her know that. He wouldn’t unless he meant to do something about it.
“Thank you,” she said, not meeting his gaze, and he knew his words had had the desired effect.
Chapter 5
Dora felt the weight of Raymond’s nonchalant words like they were an anvil chained to her neck. He’d made it all too clear that he had no interest in her. Or, if he had, he’d decided against acting on it. She had hoped—a dream she only now realized was foolish—that he would have proposed to her on that picnic.
“Of course Dora, you silly girl,” she said out loud to herself as she walked toward the front of the hotel. “He hardly knows you.”
She shook her head, knowing that she had placed expectations on something she couldn’t have known. Her thoughts were based on the sheer fact that she was attracted to the handsome cowboy and he had cared for her and even rescued her. But apparently that was where their connection ended.
Not for her, of course, but for him.
She should have known better. He was a nomad, a wandering man with no place to call home. Why would he suddenly find interest in her and change all of that? Change his whole life?
She pulled open the door to the hotel and walked in. Her eyes attempted to adjust to the dim interior when a man stepped in front of her.
“Are you Dora Sullivan?”
The gruff voice drew her eyes upward into the scowling face of a man nearly a foot taller than she was. His dirty, matted hair clung to his face and he had a nasty scar running the length of his face from his right eye to his jaw. He looked terrifying.
“I am,” she said, taking a step back.
“You were gonna marry my brother, Hank.”
Letting out a breath, she forced herself to relax slightly. “Oh, you’re Max then?”
“Yup,” he said, his gaze traveling over her in a way that made her skin crawl.
“I’m assuming you received my letter then.”
“Yup.” They stood there for nearly half a minute without talking before he said, “I talked with a lawyer.”
“What?” she tried to follow his logic but it wasn’t making any sense.
“A lawyer. Seems that, since my brother had you in a binding contract to be a mail order bride and I'm now the sole beneficiary of his estate—or something like that—I can take over that contract if I like.”
A chill rushed through Dora. What was Max saying?
“I’m gonna marry you,” he said, a half grin taking over his features. “Never thought I’d see the day when I got married. Guess I’ve got Hank to thank for dying and leaving me you.”
Everything in Dora rebelled. “You’ve got to be joking.”
He frowned. “I’m not. Take it up with the lawyer. I’ve got rights.”
“But don’t I have rights as well?”
He had the gall to laugh out loud for a long time at her words. “Sweetheart, you gave up those rights when you signed the marriage agreement with Hank.”
“This can’t be.”
“Well it is, and you’ll get over it. I’ve talked with the preacher in town. He can marry us the end of the week. We won’t be stayin’ here long though. Gotta get out—um, gotta get on our way.”
Dora felt like she was in a nightmare. Would she wake up any moment and find out this had all been some nonsense made up by her imagination? She prayed that were the case.
Then Max stepped toward her, gripping her arm so she’d meet his gaze. “Look, darlin’ I’m the best thing that’s gonna happen to you, you hear? You ain’t got no hope unless you marry me so you’d better get used to the idea.”
Leaning away from the stench of his breath she merely nodded—it was all she could manage. Then, with a look over his shoulder he let her got and stepped out of the hotel, pulling his hat down low and yanking a rag up to cover the lower half of his face.
Her hopes sank. Even if she thought Max had no legal pull over her, she couldn’t afford a lawyer just as she couldn’t afford to leave town either. It was hopeless. She was stuck in Little River and would be forced to marry the cruel Max Mills.
Dear Lord, help me!
***
Raymond knew better than to go back to the hotel where he was sure to see Dora, but that was exactly the reason he would go back. He should stay away…but he knew he couldn’t. His callous words to her still haunted him. Was he really willing to let her stay in Little River while he left for who-knew-where? It was selfish of him, and yet his fear was leading the way, convincing him he wouldn’t be a good husband.
He walked up the creaking wooden steppes to the hotel and took a breath to steel himself as he walked in. It was darker inside, but his eyes adjusted quickly to the dimness. Looking around, he spotted Dora walking back to the kitchen. The hotel restaurant wasn’t too filled with patrons since the hour was mostly after supper. He wondered if he could steal her away for a word.
Fear clenched his gut. He hadn’t
planned out what he would say, just that he knew he had to talk to her. Had to see her again.
He boldly walked up to the kitchen door and peered inside. It was just Dora and the cook. “Excuse me?’
Dora whirled around, her eyes wide and a look of shock on her face that soon turned to pleasure. “Raymond.”
He grinned, shooting a look to the cook. “Mind if I talk to her for a moment.”
“Go right ahead,” he said, sighing in resignation.
Raymond grinned despite his nerves and Dora joined him as they walked to a quiet part of the hotel lobby.
“I’m surprised to see you here,” she said.
He frowned, swallowing. “I’m sorry—about the way I left before. I…” he wasn’t sure how he wanted to say this. Wasn’t sure what to say.
“Raymond, I have to tell you something.”
Her tone made him look up at her. “What is it? What’s wrong?”
She looked down, her hands clenched tightly in her lap. “Max Mills—Hank’s brother—came to see me today.”
It took him a second to remember who Hank was then it dawned on him—he was the man she had come out West to marry.
“All right,” he said, hesitantly.
“He claims that he has a legal right to…to marry me.”
The breath left Raymond’s lungs. “What?”
“I don't know, but he says he met with a lawyer and Hank’s contract with me is now his contract or something like that. I can’t afford to hire a lawyer to find out if that’s true and I’m afraid he’ll force me to marry him. He’s not a good man,” she added, her face becoming paler.
“That’s absurd. He can’t just claim he’s going to marry you.”
“But apparently he can.”
Raymond reached out and pulled her hands into the warmth of his own. “Look at me, Dora,” he said, waiting until she did. “I won’t let him force you to marry him. I’ll go to the sheriff if I have to, but I won’t let it happen.”
“But…why?”
He was shocked at her question. “Why? Because I care for you.” The words were out before he could stop them, but he realized quickly that he didn’t want to stop them. He was happy he’d finally said it, especially knowing that he meant it.
“Really?”
“Yes. I should have told you before, but I wasn’t sure…well, if I’m the type of guy that can say that to a woman.”
“What do you mean?”
He shrugged. “I’ve been a wanderer pretty much all my life. I don't know how to settle down but…for you I could try.”
The smile on her face warmed the deepest parts of him and, without hesitation he leaned forward and kissed her lightly on the cheek.
“Dora, we need your help here.” Cook said, stepping into the lobby for a moment.
“Coming,” she called out, but her eyes quickly returned to Raymond’s. “Can I see you tomorrow?”
“You can count on it,” he said, then watched her go.
He’d figure out how to stop Max no matter what—there was no way he was letting someone else get his girl. No way, no how.
Chapter 6
Dora pulled on her gloves as she walked down the stairs of the hotel to head outside for a walk. It was a lovely day and the fresh breeze would do her good. It would hopefully take her mind off the fact that she wasn’t sure what would happen with Max, but that she trusted Raymond to do as he’d said.
Her pulse still picked up at the thought of Raymond admitting his feelings for her. Could it be true? She still felt like she had imagined it all.
Just as she stepped outside though, a firm hand gripped her shoulder. “Tryin’ to run off with that fella I saw you with yesterday?”
She gasped, trying to tug her arm from Max’s vice like grip. “Let go of me.”
“How’s about this,” he said, leaning closer. “We’re going to the church to get married—today.”
“What?” she yanked harder but he wouldn’t let go of her arm. His fingers would leave bruises, she was sure of it.
“No. I’m not going to marry you. I’m sorry—but I don’t believe in the validity of the documents you claim you have or the lawyer you talked to.” She’d been bold, but she didn’t regret it. This was the gumption she’d tried so hard for!
“I don’t think so. And you want to know why?”
Fear coursed through her at the look in his eyes. “W-why?”
“Because I’ve got no problem putting a bullet through that man-friend of yours.”
Dora felt the fire leave her at Max’s words. He would hurt Raymond? No! She couldn’t let him do that. She cared for Raymond too much and she couldn’t see him come to harm. She just couldn’t.
“No, please—”
“So, you’ll stop fightin’ me?”
She swallowed. Could she go through with this? It would mean separation from Raymond, but that would also ensure his safety. It was the only way.
“Y-yes. But—you have to promise not to harm Raymond. Do you promise?”
“Yeah, I guess.”
“If I go with you to the church you won’t harm him,” she said again.
He nodded, his grip relaxing slightly. “I won’t touch him.”
“Fine,” she said, swallowing down her fear and the devastation that came with her words.
***
Raymond pounded up the steps to the hotel. He was still burning mad from what Dora had said about this Max fellow saying he had a right to marry her. It was completely foolish and he knew it, but he realized Dora wasn’t in a position to see that. How could she?
After they’d talked, he gone to the sheriff first thing. The man had heard his story and then, after asking several questions and taking notes, he pulled out a stack of wanted papers. There, nestled among them, was one for a Max Mills. Wanted for murder.
Raymond’s blood had run cold, but he’d held off going to see her that night. He’d already disturbed her once during her work and he didn’t want to jeopardize her job. At least not yet.
The sheriff had assured him he would scour the town for the man, sure that he was hiding somewhere within the town’s limits, and Raymond had left, feeling accomplished. Now all that was left was to tell Dora how he’d solved the problem and…well, he was going to ask her to marry him.
A grin split his face. Raymond Ellis was going to settle down.
He walked up to the desk and the older man behind it. “Hello, can you tell me what room Dora Sullivan occupies?”
The man narrowed his gaze.
“I don’t mean to go into her room,” Raymond added quickly, “I just wanted to see if she’d like to take a walk.” He was blabbing and felt foolish, but the man’s gaze made him want to fully explain himself.
“She’s gone.”
Raymond’s eyes widened. “What?”
“Saw her dragged off by some tall man not too long ago. Looked like they were heading toward the north end of town.”
Raymond searched his memory. North. What was—the church was that way!
“Thanks,” he called out behind him though he was already leaving.
He took off toward the church but skidded to a stop at the sheriff’s office. After explaining what was going on, the man and his deputy joined him and they raced to the church.
“Hold up now, son,” the older man said, placing a hand on his arm when they stopped in front of the building. “We go in first.”
Raymond wanted to argue—he wanted to get to Dora as soon as possible—but he also realized the sheriff knew exactly what he was doing. He nodded once.
The deputy took the side door and the sheriff the back, with Raymond right behind him. When they burst into the room Raymond’s heart jumped. Dora was at the front of the church with Max standing next to her, a startled preacher in front of them both.
Was he too late?
***
Dora knew with every bone in her body that this was wrong. She didn’t want to marry Max, but she had no choice. But, as they
were about to start the ceremony, the doors burst open and men started shouting.
Startled, she and the preacher dropped to the ground leaving Max standing.
“I said put those hands up,” a hard masculine voice said.
From her vantage point on the floor she looked up and saw the defeat on Max’s face. Slowly, he lifted his hands and her hopes soared. She was saved!
He was rushed off by two men and suddenly Raymond was there, his arms encircling her waist and drawing her toward himself.
“W-what happened?” she asked, her voice muffled against his shoulder.
He pulled back far enough to see her. “I found out last night that Max Mills is a wanted man.”
She gasped. If only she’d known!
“I came to see you at the hotel but the manager said you’d left with Max. I got the sheriff and…here I am.”
“I can’t believe it,” she said, tears filling her eyes. “I almost married him—but it was because he said he’d hurt you.”
Raymond laughed. “Well, he’s not going to hurt anyone. Not anymore.”
Dora could hardly believe it. Here she was, only hours after she thought all hope was lost and that she would be married to Max, but instead she was in Raymond’s arms.
“You were coming to see me?” she asked, a coy smile lighting her face.
“Well,” he said, pulling her closer, “I wanted to ask you something.”
“Oh?” she said, her eyebrows arching.
“Yes. It seems that there’s something about Little River that calls to me. Or maybe it’s someone.”
His grin was intoxicating. “What are you saying, Raymond?”
“I’m saying that I think I’m ready to settle down…and I can’t think of a better town—or a more beautiful woman—with which to spend my days.”
[2016] Widow Finds Love Page 53
