In all their years together, it had been rare that Nick’s anger had been turned toward her, yet she felt the sting of his words as if he’d slapped her.
The man she loved as a brother, respected more than anyone she’d ever known, had always wanted the best for her. He’d gone without, not allowing himself to fall in love or build a family because of the obligation he felt toward her. Even though her past and future remained grounded in being a saloon owner, she was proud of the opportunities Nick had given her. She was proud of him. .
All she had achieved was due to Nick. Without him, she would’ve ended up like Deborah and the other girls, making a living on her back. She owed Nick everything.
Taking a seat on the bed, she covered her face with her hands.
“Give it more time. Talk to Gabe. You might be surprised at what he’ll say,” he encouraged.
Dropping her hands, her red-rimmed eyes gazed up at Nick as she shook her head. “No. I’ll not marry Gabe if he has doubts about me. He’s too good a man to feel forced into a marriage out of a sense of duty. I’d rather leave Splendor, settle in a place where no one knows us. I’ll tell people Jack’s father died during the war.” Her pleading eyes searched his. “There’s no reason they wouldn’t believe me.”
“And what will you do if Willie finds you? He’s a man who hungers for control above all else. He’ll look for you, and once found, drag both you and Jack back here, if only to make a point. He will not let you go, Lena.” Nick didn’t voice his concerns about Willie’s mental state. For the longest time, he’d thought the man wasn’t right in the head, but he had no other proof beyond a gut feeling. God help him, if Lena decided to marry him, Nick knew he’d find a way to kill Willie and make his body disappear.
“And what do I do if I refuse Willie and Gabe doesn’t want us? I can handle the scorn, but Jack? He won’t understand, and he’ll take the worst of it. A bad decision I made years ago will cause him to suffer, and there will be nothing I can do to stop it.” Her eyes gleamed with tears as her voice broke.
Grasping her shoulders, he knelt before her, his voice low, controlled. “If you had not made that decision, you wouldn’t have Jack. Tell me you’d give him up if you could go back and change what happened.”
Shaking her head, she swiped at the tears streaming down her face. “I can’t.”
“Of course not. Tell Willie no. Explain everything to Gabe and give him a chance to trust you. If he still walks away and you’re determined to marry for Jack’s sake, I’ll be your husband.”
She shot a shocked look at Nick. “I would never let you do that. You’ve given up enough for Jack and me, and I will not have you sacrificing yourself any further. Besides, you’re like a brother.” She offered him a weak smile. “No matter how handsome you are, how much you’re worth, or what a wonderful man you are, I could never, ever share a bed with you.”
Nick’s head tilted back as he roared with laughter. “Well spoken, Lena. And I feel the same.” His expression became serious. “But I’d do it for you.”
She touched his cheek, warmed by the offer. “I know you would.”
Pushing himself up, he stood over her. “Give it a few more days. You can keep Jack home another day or two, then send him back. One of us will meet him after school each day to thwart further attacks by these bullies, at least until I can teach him how to defend himself.”
“Don’t you mean teach them a lesson?”
“Well, yes. I can’t have my nephew be seen as weak, can I?” He reached out his hand, helping her stand. “Now get dressed. I’ll escort you to the Dixie.” His finger lifted her chin. “We will resolve this, Lena. And we’ll do it without you accepting that madman’s offer of marriage.”
~~~~~
Chapter Twenty-One
Cash spotted Blackheart in a small corral near the barn. Knocking on the door, then shouting as he walked around Luke’s old cabin yielded no sign of Gabe. Taking off his hat, he slapped it against his thigh to get rid of the rain, which had pelleted him on and off during the ride from Splendor. Adjusting his duster, Cash saw the trail behind the house. On a hunch, he followed it toward the sound of water not far away.
“I thought you might be out here.” Cash stopped at the edge of Wildfire Creek, watching as Gabe reeled in a fish that appeared to be about as long as his forearm.
Gabe nodded at the intrusion, not taking his gaze off the catch he hoped to have for supper. If he landed this one, he’d have three trout, plenty enough to offer Cash a decent meal. Making the last few turns of the reel, he hauled the fish to shore, admiring the size and color.
“I haven’t eaten all day. You’ll stay for supper so you can tell me what brought you all the way out here.” Securing the fish to his stringer, he grabbed the pole, making his way to Cash. “Hope this isn’t some type of emergency.”
Cash hated to intrude on Gabe’s time away, and he wouldn’t if the three matters he had to discuss weren’t so urgent. He knew how to handle the one situation, but the other called for Gabe and no one else.
“I can stay, but you’re not going to like any of the news I’ve brought.”
Gabe retraced the trail to the cabin. Almost three days of doing whatever he wanted, which included a good deal of fishing—with little success until today—had been what he needed. Taking a few minutes to clean and prepare the fish while Cash got a pan hot on the stove, Gabe’s concern grew. He knew it must be urgent to bring him all the way from town, especially knowing he’d have to make the ride back in the dark.
Setting a plate of fried fish, biscuits, and a jar of peaches Rachel had given him on the table, they sat down.
“All right. What’s so urgent?” Gabe peeled the tender white meat from the bones, placing a forkful in his mouth, enjoying the delicate flavor.
“I’ve got Tommy Pennington in jail, and he’ll stay there.”
Pennington should’ve been arrested after his first attack on Dolly weeks before. She’d refused to press charges, saying it was more her fault than his. Gabe knew her words were a lie and suspected it had more to do with losing the much needed income.
“What are the charges?”
Cash swallowed, then took a sip of coffee. “He beat Dolly again. Bad. Al found her and called Beau and me. I’ll spare you the details, but Doc won’t let her leave the clinic.”
Gabe stopped chewing, choking down his mouthful of fish as anger boiled through him. “Will she press charges this time?”
“Al told her if she didn’t, he would. He found her when she refused to come down for breakfast or lunch. He told Amos, who said he’d fire her if she didn’t speak up against Pennington.”
“Finally,” Gabe ground out. “These gals need to come to us when they’ve been abused. Not hide in their rooms in fear.”
“I hate to say it, but I understand why they don’t. A lot of bosses aren’t like Amos or Nick. They’ll side with the customer, assume it’s the woman’s fault, and dock their pay or even fire them. It’s good all the gals at the Rose know what happened and saw how Amos and Al handled it. Maybe they’ll speak up sooner next time.”
“We don’t want a next time, but I agree. How long will she be laid up?” Gabe stood, grabbing the coffee pot and filling their cups.
“At least three weeks, maybe longer. Doc says she has some broken ribs. She’s not taking it too well. Beau and I are going to help her, and I’ll bet Bull and a couple others will toss in some money when they hear about it. Doc’s going to mention it to the preacher’s wife, but…” Cash raised his eyebrows in question.
Gabe understood Cash’s skepticism. The church women tolerated the saloons, but that’s all. He felt certain they’d burn the Dixie and Rose down if they could. “I’ll help, and I’m certain Nick and Lena will want to assist. What else?”
“I heard you and Nick were negotiating with Amos to buy the Rose.”
“Yes, but it isn’t news any of us want shared until the sale is final.”
“Understandable. Anyw
ay, Amos has another offer, and apparently, the men who want it sent their gunman twice to speak with him.” Cash had seen the man in town, not knowing the reason for his visit until the day before. “This time, he came right out and told Amos not to accept any other offer or he wouldn’t be alive long enough to collect the money.”
Gabe let out a string of curses. “Is the other offer from Carlyle?”
“And his partner. Amos ignored them and accepted your offer. Nick asked me to let you know Del Utley, the attorney, is drawing up the contract. As soon as it’s final, Amos will be leaving town. The sooner the better in my mind.”
Gabe nodded, his mind already working on how to protect Amos until he left.
“Is that it?”
Cash pursed his lips, grasping the almost cold cup of coffee between both hands. He glanced up at Gabe, his face grim.
“Tell me.”
“The real reason I’m here is Nick asked me to come and get you.”
Gabe leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. “Does he need help with the hotel work? Maybe wielding a shovel?” he joked.
“Lena might marry Carlyle.”
Ever since her discussion with Nick and his emphatic conviction she couldn’t marry Willie, Lena had struggled. She’d let Nick believe his argument had persuaded her to abandon the possibility of marrying him, but she couldn’t shake the grim reality it might be her only way to keep Jack safe without pushing Gabe to honor his proposal.
Gabe had left, angry and feeling deceived, leaving no word on his whereabouts. She didn’t know when or if he’d return. If he did, would he still want her? She’d had her chance and lost it, all because of fear he’d reject her once he learned the truth.
It had been three days, the amount of time Willie said he’d give her to make a decision. Nick had already seen him ride in, leaving his horse at a post down the street. He’d be looking for her soon. If she denied him, he’d start a campaign to destroy her, as well as Nick. His threats had been clear and she would be his main target.
Lost in thought as she rested her arms on the bar, her back to the entrance, Lena didn’t hear the doors swing open, or the sound of boots coming up behind her. She flinched as a prickling feeling crept up her spine. Glancing toward the mirror behind the bar, she gasped, seeing Willie’s reflection, a sneer returning her shocked expression. Fisting her hands at her sides, she took several steps away, rounding on him.
“What are you doing here?”
“I would think that would be obvious. I’ve come to learn your decision.” Willie stepped closer, letting his gaze wander from her silk slippered feet upward until it settled on her lush lips.
Stepping away, she crossed her arms, glancing at Paul on the other side of the bar, ready to intervene. Finding her courage, she glared at him, eyes flickering with indignation.
“I’ve made no decision.” She looked away, unable to stomach the sight of the man she hated with all her heart.
“Of course you have, my dear. You’re just not ready to voice it.” Willie leaned closer, confident of her answer. “As I said before, I need your decision tonight, Lena. Now, what will it be?”
“I’d advise you to step away from my fiancée. Better yet, why don’t you take your sorry ass and ride it out of town.” Gabe strolled in, his feral gaze fixing on Willie, his hand resting on the butt of his gun.
Lena whipped around, letting out a relieved breath. “Gabe…” She started to move toward him, then stopped when he shot her a hard look.
“Later. Willie and I have some business to finish.” Gabe stepped between Willie and Lena, his face a mask. “Did I not make myself clear?” He could see Carlyle’s Adam’s apple spasm, beads of sweat forming on his brow. Gabe’s hand snaked out without warning, grasping Willie by the collar and yanking him closer. “Get out of town, Carlyle. Never set foot in Splendor again, and never, ever, get anywhere close to Lena.” He held him close another minute, then pushed him backwards, Willie’s back slamming into the edge of a table.
Straightening, he adjusted his shirt, sending a lethal scowl at Lena. “This isn’t over.” Before he could utter another word, Gabe’s fist connected with his jaw, sending Willie crashing to the floor.
“You don’t seem to hear so well, Carlyle.” Bending to grab Willie’s arm, he twisted it behind his back, marching him to the door before shoving him outside, leaving him sprawled on the boardwalk. Gabe’s expression didn’t change as he turned back to Lena. “Grab a coat. You’re coming with me.”
Her shaky legs moved toward him, her resolve strengthening with each step. “I’m not going anywhere with you until I know why.”
“A whiskey, Paul,” Gabe ordered before shifting his gaze to her. “We’re going someplace we can talk in private, without fear of interruption. I’m leaving as soon as I drink this.” He held up his glass and took a sip. “Be ready by then.”
She settled her hands on her hips. “Or what?”
He pushed his hat back from his forehead. “Do you really want to know?”
Her tongue darted out to moisten her lips before she spun away, stomping toward the office. A moment later, she returned, slipping into a heavy wool coat as she approached him.
Tossing back the rest of the whiskey, he stalked toward the door, certain she’d follow. Looking around, he felt a sense of relief at seeing Willie’s horse gone.
Stopping between Blackheart and Joker, he waited to help her mount.
“I don’t need your help.” Lena pushed past him, grabbing the reins as she placed one foot in the stirrup. Bouncing once, then twice, she created the momentum needed for swinging her right leg over the saddle. Adjusting her skirt, she sent Gabe a smug expression.
Pursing his lips to keep a smile from forming, he walked around Blackheart, mounted, and started to ride north.
“Where are we going?”
Ignoring her question, he glanced over his shoulder. “Keep up or you’ll lose me in the dark.”
They rode for an hour, her stiff posture relaxing as she let herself feel Joker’s rhythm. Taking a trail Lena had never noticed before, they wound north, then west, then north again until they came to a creek.
“Not much further.” Gabe didn’t wait for a response, reining Blackheart along the edge of the water, continuing north.
Lena saw the flickering of lights ahead moments before they rode into a clearing, a beautiful cabin centered on the land.
“Where are we?”
“This is the house Luke built before he met Ginny. He’s been letting me use it.” Without further explanation, Gabe slid to the ground, walking Blackheart into the barn. “Are you coming?” he shot over his shoulder when he saw her still sitting astride Joker.
Feeling her face heat, she dismounted, following him, coming to a stop alongside his horse.
“We’ll take care of the horses before going inside.”
“You mean, unsaddle them?” Her incredulous voice almost made Gabe laugh.
“That’s what you generally do when you’ve finished a ride.” He put his saddle on one of the stands Luke had built, then removed the bridle. Noticing she hadn’t moved, he placed the bridle on a hook. “Don’t tell me you’ve never taken care of a horse.”
His question angered and embarrassed her. The truth was, Nick had always paid someone to prepare her horse for a ride, taking care of him when she returned. She had no idea what to do next.
He walked up next to her, letting his arm graze hers, hearing her sharp intake of breath.
“Here. I’ll show you.”
Standing next to him, feeling warmth radiate off his body, she watched, fascinated by his quick, sure movements. Within minutes, they were placing each horse in a stall.
“Come on. I’ll make some coffee.”
The cabin seemed bigger on the inside and cozier than she expected. “Luke built this?”
“With help from men at the ranch. He only had weeks to get it done before the first snow fell. Go ahead. Look around.” Hearing her walk away,
he let out a relieved breath, glad for a few minutes to collect his thoughts.
He’d felt a surge of rage when he spotted Willie so close to Lena, then heard his threatening words, insisting she marry him. It took all his willpower to control his emotions until he could confront the man, registering the look of fear on Lena’s face at the same time.
He’d wanted to take her in his arms, tell her they’d work it out, but dealing with Willie came first. Now they had a chance to talk. Gabe needed to hear her explanation to decide if he could put her deception behind him enough to find a future with her and Jack.
“It’s lovely.” Stepping next to him, she accepted the cup he offered. She held it tight, wrapping both hands around it as she tried to still her shaking.
“Let’s sit down.” He held out a chair, then sat across from her. “Tell me everything, Lena. And don’t leave anything out.”
He listened, not interrupting as she explained her history with Willie, her decision to shield Jackson from his father by having him live with Isabella, and his threats if she didn’t marry him.
“I have no choice. He’ll take Jackson if I don’t marry him.”
“You do have a choice.” Gabe reached across the table to cover her hands with his.
“There’s no way out of this and Willie knows it.”
“The way out of this is for you to marry me and let me adopt Jackson. Carlyle won’t be able to touch you or him after that.” Gabe’s chest tightened at the thought she’d marry Willie to save her child and not for love. He wanted her to accept his offer. He loved her—always would, no matter all the secrets she’d kept from him.
“After all I’ve done, you’d still marry me?”
“I’ve known since the first moment I spotted you stepping off the stage in Splendor that you were who I wanted. No matter how hard I’ve tried to talk myself out of it, I can’t help how I feel about you.” He let go of her hands. “If you don’t feel the same, we can still marry to protect Jack. Maybe in time…”
Dixie Moon Page 23
