Mail-Order Bride Ink: Dear Mr. Diamond

by Kit Morgan

  She quickly shook her head. “Nothing.” But it wasn’t. She was falling for Jace Diamond.

  Priscilla approached. “Is everyone finished? Is the shift over?”

  “It’s far too hot to continue.” Mahulda whipped out a fan and flipped it open. “We should start again first thing in the morning. We’ll have it done in a few days, I’m sure.”

  “Yes, then we can start a committee on what to do with the lot,” Mercy said. “Unless we stick with Sophie’s idea for a garden.”

  Priscilla wiped her brow with her handkerchief. “Sheriff, did you want to speak with me?”

  “Yes, I do.” He turned to Katie. “Wait here, please.” He motioned Priscilla to follow him and they walked out of earshot before he spoke with her, his eyes flicking to Katie occasionally. He was still watchful. But that didn’t make her feel any better. His reaction to Gran Mercy’s quip was proof he wasn’t interested, just annoyed. Did that mean protecting her was a bother? She wiped a tear as it escaped.

  “Is something wrong, dear?” Mercy asked.

  “No, Mrs. Vander, I’m fine.”

  “The poor thing looks broken-hearted to me,” Maude commented.

  Mahulda eyed the sheriff. “Maybe we ought to start making wedding plans.”

  “Oh, no, Mrs. Brock!” Katie shook her head. “I’m not marrying the sheriff, remember?”

  The old woman narrowed her eyes at him. “Well, if you ask me, you should be. You are his mail-order bride, after all.”

  “No, ma’am, I’m not. The Mad Matchmaker must have done it.”

  “Hmph! Amateur.” Mahulda scoffed, then strolled off to inspect a wagon full of debris.

  Katie watched her go. She knew Gran Mercy wasn’t all there, but Mrs. Brock too? Well, they were quite old.

  By the time Jace was through with Priscilla, Katie had forced herself into indifference. It was either that or cry. She’d kept her disappointment at bay the last day or so, having spilled enough of it the day she arrived. But it hit again when she saw Jace’s reaction to the matrons’ talk of matrimony. Now she was wondering if staying in Independence was such a good idea. She was falling in love, and love hurt, at least according to Beryl and her parents’ stories.

  “How are you holding up?” he asked when he returned.

  “Fine.”

  He studied her a moment. “You don’t sound fine.”

  “I am.”

  His hands went to his hips. “No, you’re not. What is it?”

  “I … I just need some water.”

  “Let’s get you some.” He spotted his canteen in the wheelbarrow they’d been using, retrieved it, gave it a shake and frowned. “Empty. We’ll have to get more.”

  “That’s all right. I’ll have some when I return to the Vanders’.”

  “You’ll have some now. Come with me.” He took her hand, led her out of the debris and began walking down the street.

  “Where are we going?”

  “Gruber’s Café. It’s time for that pie I promised, and you can have some water and some coffee. Both will make you feel better.”

  Pie and coffee sounded wonderful. So was Jace holding her hand. She glanced around to see if anyone noticed, but no one followed them from the cleanup site and what few folks were around didn’t pay them any mind. She took a deep breath.

  “Are you all right?” he asked softly.

  No! She wanted to scream. “I’m fine.”

  He let go of her hand and wrapped her arm through his.

  Her mind reeled. “What are you doing?”

  “What does it look like? I’m escorting you to the café.”

  “But … what will people think?”

  “That I’m escorting you to the café.”

  “Yes, but we’re not courting!”

  He stopped and looked at her, but said nothing and continued on.

  She went with him, more confused than ever. Of course it made sense to walk arm in arm – people did it whether courting or not. Still, any hope that he might want more than a casual acquaintance was a load to bear. She’d tried to keep her heart safe, she really did, but no man had ever made her feel this way. She didn’t want it taken away at the drop of a hat.

  They went inside the café and sat. They were the only two patrons at the moment, but that would change as more folks came in to refresh themselves from their work at the cleanup site. A young, dark-haired girl approached their table. Katie noticed her eyes light up – was she enamored with the sheriff?

  “Good afternoon, Sheriff Diamond.” She glanced at Katie and back. “What can I get for you?”

  That would be a yes, Katie thought.

  “Two pieces of cherry pie.” He looked at Katie. “You like cherry?”

  “Yes,” she said with a smile.

  “Plus a glass of water and two cups of coffee. Thanks, Darcy.”

  Darcy grinned at Jace, gave Katie an awkward look and hurried off.

  Katie massaged her temples. How many other admirers did he have in town? Perhaps he was a confirmed bachelor, a lawman whose job was too dangerous to allow a wife and children …

  “Headache? You were out in the sun too long.”

  She stopped rubbing her temples and stared at him. “I’ll be fine.”

  “If you’re feeling poorly, it’s nothing you should ignore. I’ve seen strong men brought down by the sun.”

  She did have a headache, but she wasn’t sure if it was from the heat or him. This, of course, gave her a new dilemma to work through: could she stay in the same town with a man she was falling in love with? How could she keep herself from feeling this way? Was it love? How did one tell? She wished Beryl was here. She’d know. Beryl was the smartest person alive as far as Katie was concerned. She often knew things no one else did.

  Darcy brought them each a cup of coffee and Katie a glass of water. “Cream and sugar?”

  “Please,” Jace said.

  Darcy went to the counter, brought the items, then disappeared into the kitchen.

  “Darcy’s a sweet girl,” Jace commented.

  Katie stared at him a moment before her eyes drifted to the kitchen. Did he have eyes for the young girl? She wasn’t much younger than Katie herself, and had been here long before Katie showed up. Was he waiting for Darcy to come of age?

  “You need to eat, then lie down,” he advised. “You don’t look so good.”

  “I don’t feel so good, either.”

  He shook his head. “It’s my fault. I’m sorry, Katie – I thought you were handling the work fine.”

  “I was.” Him, she couldn’t handle.

  “No, not if you have a headache. You were in the sun too long.” He pushed the water glass toward her. “Drink up, then I’ll have Darcy get you some more.”

  She reached for her glass as their eyes locked. The concern in his was hard to miss. Her throat grew thick. She’d never thought much about what it would be like to have a man love and cherish her, but after a few days with Jace she knew she wanted it more than anything. What started as an escape from a life without love had turned into a dawning of what she truly sought. It was one thing to think about it, another to experience.

  “Katie,” he said softly. “What’s the matter?”

  Jace’s eyes were so full of concern she couldn’t help the tears falling. She wasn’t just falling in love with Jace Diamond. She already had.

  Jace wanted to reach across the table and take her hand. Really, he wanted to pull her into his arms. Her eyes were locked with his, her surprised expression dampened by tears. What was she thinking? Had she remembered something important? Or was it something else? “Katie, honey?” The endearment slipped out, but he didn’t care.

  Darcy brought their pie, stared wide-eyed at Katie, then slowly turned to him. “W-will there be anything else?”

  “No, we’re fine. Though we could use more napkins.”

  She nodded, scurried off and fetched some. As soon as she handed them to him, he nodded his thanks and offered one
to Katie. “Here.”

  She took it, sniffled and wiped her face. “I’m sorry,” she said. “I don’t know what came over me.”

  He sensed she did know. “You’re overwhelmed, tired. Forgive me for letting you work so long.”

  “Letting me?” she said with a laugh. “We worked as long as everyone else.”

  “Some started before we did.”

  “It’s not your fault.” She blew her nose and set the napkin aside. “I must look a mess.”

  He smiled – she looked perfect. “No, you’re fine. But should I take you to see the doc?”

  “No, really, it’s nothing.”

  But he could tell it wasn’t. He hated feeling helpless, especially when he couldn’t take care of someone, and this was no exception. He was the cause of much of what happened to her, through no fault of his own, and he couldn’t shake the feeling of responsibility. He wanted to make this right but didn’t know how. He also knew this went beyond a sense of duty – he liked Katie Haverdash a lot. She’d worked hard out there and he admired her for it. He hoped her hands didn’t blister.

  Jace reached across the table, took her hand and inspected the palm. She let him, a startled look on her face. Several blisters had already popped, leaving the exposed skin raw and red. “You’re hurt.”

  “No.”

  “Yes, look. Forget the pie – I’m taking you to Doc Stone. He can put some salve on those.”

  She shook her head.

  “Katie, let me take care of you.” Why was she being so stubborn?

  Darcy came to their table again. “Is something wrong with the pie?” Then she noticed Katie’s blistered hand in his. “Oh, that looks painful.”

  “Yes. Could you pack up our pies? We need to go see Doc Stone.” He was through asking Katie about this – she needed medical attention now!

  “Would you like a damp cloth to wrap your hand in?” Darcy offered.

  “Yes, thank you.” Katie sounded resigned to it.

  Darcy nodded and hurried off, returning quickly with a washcloth and some wax paper. She wrapped the pie slices while Jace wrapped Katie’s hand. To hold her hand, to be able to take care of her in some small way, felt glorious. “There. Better?”

  She stared at him and nodded.

  With the pie in a paper bag, Jace paid their bill and they left. He’d been attracted to women before, but not like this. Come to think of it, he’d had to protect women before too, but not like this. With Katie it was more than protecting her body – it was like he had to protect her soul. How had this woman gotten so under his skin in just a few short days? And how was he going to get her out? A better question was, should he?

  He closed his eyes at the thought. Would he be throwing away something he’d wanted for a long time –the call to be all he could be as a Ranger, a man of action? The pull was strong and he’d been offered a chance to see how far he could go. But now he also had a chance at a wife, a family. Which was more important?

  Chapter Sixteen

  Doc Stone applied salve to Katie’s blisters. She winced now and then, causing Jace to do so as well. She noted how he watched the doctor tend her as if checking for mistakes. They were just broken blisters, for crying out loud. But, she admitted, they did sting like the dickens.

  Finally Doc wrapped a bandage around the area. “You can take this off tomorrow, but I want the ointment to soak in a little. Then keep the area clean and dry, and they should heal up fine.” He glanced at Jace. “Unless you plan on working on the pile again?”

  “I will, but Miss Haverdash is done.”

  Her jaw dropped. “I can work!”

  “I’d rather you didn’t. Besides, I can investigate more easily if you weren’t there.”

  She frowned but couldn’t argue that point.

  “He’s right, you know.” Doc Stone turned back to Jace. “Did you find anything today?”

  “No. I questioned Priscilla, but she can’t remember anything that could help. I’m afraid we’re back where we started.”

  “The Mad Matchmaker?” Katie guessed.

  Jace looked at her like she was mad. “The man that shot at you.”

  “Oh, yes, him.” She flexed her right hand, checking how much give the bandage allowed. Thankfully she’d done far less damage to her left hand. “Thank you, Dr. Stone. It feels better already.”

  “You’re welcome.” He rose and motioned her to do the same. “I hate to say this, but I’m glad Priscilla couldn’t remember any more. I know that doesn’t help you, but I think it helps her. She’s been through enough already.”

  Katie nodded. “Both she and Sophie, but I think Priscilla had it much worse.”

  “Given her own fiancé betrayed her, then yes. Coming back and saving the two women doesn’t erase that he tried to murder them in the first place.”

  “I should say not,” Katie replied softly. “How torn she must feel.”

  “And angry,” Jace added.

  “Either way, I’m glad that’s over,” the doctor said. “The sooner that charred mess is cleared away too, the better. I like the idea of a garden of some sort – new life growing where someone so selfishly tried to take some.”

  Katie smiled. “That’s a nice way of putting it.”

  He shrugged. “I’m a doctor – saving lives is what I do. Try to, at least.”

  “He’s being modest,” Jace said. “He does a darn good job.” He slapped Doc on the back, then smiled at her. “Ready to go home?”

  “Yes. I’m very tired.”

  His eyes filled with concern and he offered her his hand. “Then let’s go.”

  She took it with her undamaged hand and let him pull her to her feet. It was an innocent touch, but she warmed all over. How could she continue to be around this man and keep her heart in check? It was bad enough she had such strong feelings for him – she couldn’t afford them getting any stronger.

  They left the doctor’s and had barely started across the street when a shot rang out, followed by another ricochet. Katie’s scream was cut off by a mouthful of dust as Jace pulled her to the ground and covered her with his body.

  “Stay low,” he hissed in her ear. He slowly rose halfway, gun drawn. The shot had come from somewhere behind them, if her guess was right. Across the street a cast-iron ladle attached to some string swung back and forth from a nail above a rain barrel beneath it. The bullet had to have hit it.

  Doc Stone ran out of his office, rifle in hand. “Come inside!”

  Jace grabbed her hand and, putting her in front of him to shield her, took her back into the doctor’s office.

  She spun on Jace. “What was that?!”

  “What did it sound like?” He went to the window and peeked out. “Keep her here, Ephraim. I’m going after them.”

  “With what? By the time you get your horse from the livery, they’ll be long gone.”

  “Then I’ll go on foot.” He ran out the door.

  Katie stared after him. “Why would someone do this?”

  Doc Stone sighed. “I don’t know, Miss Haverdash, but I’m beginning to wonder if it’s someone Jace knows.”

  “What?” She turned and saw the doctor was putting on a gun belt.

  “It’s a thought. Maybe because you’re his mail-order bride, they’re trying to get to him by shooting at you.” He picked up a revolver from a table and holstered it.

  “What? But that’s ridiculous – he never sent for me in the first place.”

  “They might not know that.”

  Her face fell. “That’s right. How would they?”

  “Exactly.” He went to the window and peered out. “I don’t see anyone. Folks must have heard the shot and taken cover.” He turned around. “You should do the same. You’re welcome to lie down in my patient room – no windows.”

  “Thank you, I … I think I will.” Her voice was shaky and she rubbed her arms.

  “Come, I’ll fetch you a blanket.” He steered her into the room she and Priscilla occupied the other da
y and motioned to the bed. She sat as he went to a hutch, opened a drawer near the bottom and pulled out a blanket. “Here.”

  She took it. “I don’t think I can sleep.”

  “I’ll be right outside, standing guard.” He patted his gun belt. “Jace can tell you I’m pretty good with one of these. I learned from my hometown sheriff.” He turned toward the door. “Can I get you anything?”

  “No, I’m fine.”

  “Very well, get some sleep if you can. I have a feeling you’ll be here for a while.”

  Katie sighed. The only place she wanted to be right now was in Jace Diamond’s arms.

  Jace ran as fast as he could toward where the shot came from. He darted behind buildings and trees at the occasional sound of running feet, but those were probably townsfolk making tracks in case of more gunfire. When he reached the edge of town, he went into the surrounding woods but couldn’t find a trail. Most peculiar. At least last time he had one to follow – this time there was nothing.

  He searched the area for over an hour, but it was as if the culprit had vanished in a puff of smoke. He returned to the doctor’s place, tired, dirty and mad as a rattler.

  “Find anything?” Ephraim asked as he entered. He was sitting behind his desk

  Jace threw his hat on the desk. “No tracks, no evidence that someone lit out of town on horseback, nothing.” He sighed. “Maybe there’s two of them.”

  “What?” Ephraim got to his feet.

  Jace glanced around. “And they’re still around, hiding somewhere.”

  Ephraim glanced at the door to the patient room. “She’s sleeping,” he said softly.

  Jace nodded. “Thank you for looking after her. I’m much obliged.”

  “Any time.” He crossed his arms and leaned against the desk. “What’ll you do now?”

  “Keep searching. Sebastian Cord and Mr. Hilton weren’t the only ones to stay at Mrs. Bee’s boarding house more than once. There could be others that knew of those plates and think they’re still hidden somewhere in town. That’s the only thing I can come up with.”

  “Another person overcome by greed hoping to get a share. That makes sense.”

  “Exactly. Problem is, why be so obvious about it?” Jace rubbed his chin.