They arrived at Walt’s ranch with the question of their marriage, still hanging between them.
Rocks outlined the path to the house. Matthew opened the door for Julia who held Hope.
“We’re here,” he called as he closed the door.
Walt was the first one to greet them. He had dyed brown hair with gray at the sides. The color was very much like Matthew’s own.
“Julia. I’m so happy you’ve finally come to see us.”
“Walt.” She lifted an eyebrow. “I don’t know if I should scold you or thank you. Probably a little of both. You should never have done what you did behind Matthew’s back. Regardless of how much you think he needed your help. He is a fully grown man and can choose to be alone for the rest of his life if he wants to be.
“As to thanking you, well I would never have Hope if you hadn’t brought me here. I love her more than I ever thought it was possible to love someone. For that, I thank you.”
Julia lifted the blanket so he could see Hope. The baby was awake and looked up at him. He tickled her under her chin, she smiled and made a gurgling sound. Another conquest under her belt.
“She is the prettiest little thing.” Walt looked up at Matthew and Julia.
Julia took the baby back. “She looks like her mama.”
“Sad thing about her mama. I’m sorry as I can be about that, but I’m glad you were there to help this little one. Without you, they both would have died.” Walt put his thumbs through his suspenders. “You can thank me for that.”
Julia stood between Matthew and Walt, which was a good thing because Matthew looked ready to kill.
“Don’t turn this into something we should be thanking you for. You took our lives and played God with them.” Matthew’s nostrils flared and he clenched and unclenched his fist.
“Not God, just a matchmaker. You needed help.” Walt’s voice rose with every word. “You weren’t doing anything about it on your own.”
“Stop yelling the both of you,” Julia admonished them. “You’re upsetting Hope.”
The men looked down at the baby who was indeed looking like she was about to holler.
Julia swayed with her and cooed to her. “You’re fine little one. I’ve got you. I won’t let any of these big bad men hurt you…or each other.” She cocked an eyebrow and studied at each man in turn.
She saw Matthew watch holding the baby. What was keeping him from recognizing this marriage? Just Walt? The fact that it was being foisted upon him? Stubbornness? Amelia?
She saw Walt smile.
Matthew frowned.
Walt grinned.
CHAPTER 11
Matthew introduced her to his brothers. “Julia, these are my brothers, Will and George. Dan you already know.”
She nodded toward the darker blonde man. “Dan, it’s good to see you under better circumstances.”
“I agree.” He cocked his eyebrow. “Although the last time you didn’t have a baby, as I recall.”
“That’s right you wouldn’t know since Matthew hasn’t been coming on Sundays.” She gazed down at her precious bundle. “Her father abandoned her, so Matthew and I are raising her for now”
Next a gorgeous man with golden blonde hair and blue eyes stepped forward.
“I’m George.” He took her hand and kissed it. “Very pleased to make your acquaintance.”
Julia gave a slight bow of her head. “And I yours, George.”
Last was Will, a handsome young man with dark brown hair and sparkling gray eyes.
“Julia, I’m pleased to finally meet you.” Will kissed her hand as George had. “We’ve heard a lot about you.”
“Not all bad, I hope.”
“No. Not all.”
She raised an eyebrow and looked at Matthew.
“What?” He shrugged. “If you can’t complain to your family, who can you complain to?”
“We can’t figure out why he’s complaining at all. You’re beautiful, charming, and a nurse to boot.” George turned to Matthew. “When will you come across someone with all those attributes again? You should be snatching Julia up and thanking your lucky stars.”
“You mean thanking me,” said Walt, as he entered the room.
“No more on that topic today, old man,” said Matthew. “Today is just for visiting and eating and getting to know each other.
“Agreed,” said Walt. “And to that end, I’ve come to tell you dinner is ready.”
They all followed Walt to the dining room.
The cook had prepared a lovely beef roast for dinner. Along with it was a salad of garden greens, fresh peas, mashed potatoes, some of the smoothest gravy she’d ever seen. Hers nearly always had a lump or two. They talked about the ranch they ran together. She learned Matthew was part owner in the ranch as were all the brothers. All in all dinner was a lovely affair and soon it was time to leave for home.
“Thank you all for a wonderful day.” Julia gave each brother, and even Walt, a kiss on the cheek.
Each of the men gave Hope a little kiss goodbye, too.
Dan helped Julia into the buggy while Matthew held Hope. He gave her the baby after she’d gotten herself settled before climbing into the other side and flicking the reins.
Julia loved the evenings like this. The air was cool and the stars were so bright here. They were quiet on the way back to the hotel. Neither seemed to want to disturb the darkness surrounding them.
Hope had no such qualms and proceeded to cry until Julia talked to her and soothed her.
“Do you suppose she can feel the tension?”
“I don’t know.” Matthew answered and gave the reins a flick of his wrist.
“Experts say that animals can so why not humans? And especially babies who rely on their senses much more than the rest of us do. That would explain why she was so upset when people argue around her. We must remember not to do so in front of her. She’s much too young to be that upset all the time.”
“We don’t argue all the time.”
“You’re right,” she agreed. “Only when we’re talking.”
“Hmpft.”
“I can tell you agree with me.”
“Hope, you tell your mama that I don’t agree with her but I don’t want to argue with her, so I’m not saying anything.”
Julia burst out laughing. “You’re seriously using her to ‘talk’ to me. That’s rich.”
“Well, I don’t want to fight with you, so I figure it’s best to talk to you through Hope. Safer for all of us that way.”
“That won’t stop us from arguing. You do realize that, don’t you?”
“Well I figure if I can keep you laughing, I’ve won half the battle.”
This new tactic was sweet. He was showing an effort and it made her very happy. “You’re a strange man, Matthew Reynolds. A very strange man.” She continued to chuckle.
They reached the hotel, and Matthew carried the satchel while Julia carried Hope.
Julia unlocked the door and opened it. “Will you come in? There is usually coffee made in the kitchen or I can make tea.” Before he could say no, she hurried on. “Actually, it would be a great help if you could watch Hope for me while I clean her bottles and get us the drinks. Would you mind?”
“No. No, of course, not. Any time with Hope is precious and I’ll not be passing up the chance to be with her and tea would be wonderful.”
Julia took Hope’s three bottles to the hotel kitchen, boiled water in a large pan and put the bottles into the water. She let them soak while she made the tea.
When the bottles were done, she put them upside down on the dish rack to dry and put the tea, with cream and sugar on a tray and took it back to her room.
She was fumbling with the door when Matthew opened it nearly sending her tumbling into the room.
“Oh, sorry. I heard you and knew you would have your arms full.”
“No, it’s fine. Thank you.” She set the tray on the table in front of the sofa and automatically fixed Matthew’s t
ea with cream and two sugars. Just like he liked it.
“You remembered.” He took the cup from her.
She smiled. “I haven’t been gone that long. I’m not likely to forget how you take your tea in just a few days.”
He looked down at his cup. “No, I suppose not.”
“When are you talking to the judge?” She tried to keep her voice light but her question was a dismal failure.
“You made me realize I can’t petition him for custody until I’ve made a decision about our marriage.”
“A choice would be a good thing. Then, one way or another, we can both get on with our lives. Whether it’s together or apart.”
“I don’t want to lose you, or Hope. I’ve grown accustomed to having you both around. I’m lonely in the house without you.”
Excitement ran through her body. Julia put down her tea and folded her napkin in her lap. “I miss you, too, but I can’t come back without the promise of being really married. Not just in name only. I want children of my own. Children that can’t be taken away from me.” She got up and paced the small room in front of the sofa table. Back and forth twice before she spoke. “I live in fear Hope’s father will come for her. I know I said she needs to know who her father is, but this is how I feel. I can’t deny my heart.”
“I’m sorry, Julia.” He got up and went to her, taking her hand in his. “I’m not ready to make that commitment. I need more time. I was engaged once to a woman named Amelia. She left me at the altar and I know it’s not logical, but I can’t seem to get past the fear that you’ll leave me, too.”
She let him hold her hand, actually craved his touch. “You’ve got all the time in the world. I’m not going anywhere. As long as Hope needs me, I’m here to stay.”
“I’m giving myself a deadline of two weeks. If I can’t commit to a marriage in that time, I’ll file for the annulment.”
Two weeks. She didn’t need any more time, but she’d wait a little longer. Perhaps that was the wrong thing to do. Perhaps she should force a decision but her heart said to give him the time. Julia looked down at their clasped hands. “You know what I hope you’ll decide, so I won’t say anything more about it.”
He let go of her hand. “I should go, so you can get some rest while she sleeps. May I kiss you goodnight?”
She nodded. “I would like that very much.”
He took her in his arms, brought her close and kissed her deeply. His tongue pressed her lips and she opened, relishing his taste—cream, sugar and tea.
The kiss was long and passionate. They were of one mind, only wanting to get closer to each other. Julia wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed her breasts against his chest, cursing her corset for not letting her feel his chest against her.
Moisture pooled in her nether regions, and she wanted him to fill her. If he knew what she desired he’d be appalled at her wantonness.
Finally he broke the kiss. He cupped her jaw and kissed her cheek. “You are an amazing woman, Julia. Amazing and probably too good for the likes of me.”
She wondered at his words and wished he’d say more. “I suggest you let me make that decision.”
“But first I need to decide.”
“Yes,” she reached up, touched his face and moved around to the back of his neck. She brought his lips down to hers, whispering, “You do.” She kissed him, slowly, lovingly. She put her heart into this kiss and hoped he felt the love. Hoped he understood what she was saying.
He groaned. “Julia, I…God…what you do to me.”
She pulled back. “Thank you for the outing. We enjoyed it. But we all need to retire to our separate beds. You need to go home, before I forget and invite you to join me in my bed.”
“Julia.” He raised his hand to her cheek.
She had to fight to remain still and not nestle her cheek into his palm. She brought her hand gently down the side of his face. “Good night, Matthew.”
He dropped his hands to his sides. “Good night. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Julia closed the door behind him, then leaned her back against it and smiled. He was weakening.
* * *
Blaine Carstairs stared down at the ore in his hand. Silver. It looked like a lot of the metal. Now he was worth a goodly sum. He hadn’t known how big the strike was, but he’d gotten enough so far to get a bigger house and now to be able to take care of Hope. He’d just need that pretty nurse for a little while.
She was probably attached to Hope by now, but he’d take the little derringer he’d gotten for Norma to protect herself when he was gone. Just in case he needed it to persuade the nurse to come with him.
He returned to his new home. He’d used every last penny he had to bury Norma. She hadn’t known about the silver. He found the vein just before she died. She was gone now, but he still had Hope. The time had come to collect her but he needed that nurse to come, too.
Blaine wasn’t stupid enough to think he could care for the baby by himself. What would he do with her when he worked his claim? No, the woman had to come, too. She was to blame for Norma not being there to care for Hope, so she would just have to take Norma’s place. He wouldn’t mind if she took Norma’s place in all things. She sure was a pretty woman.
He’d watched her, Julia was her name, leave the doc’s house with the baby and a suitcase. Then she’d gone to The Tombstone Hotel with that man, Ben King.
Now, six weeks after Norma’s death he could finally take action. He’d taken that long to get the silver to the assayer and find out what it was worth. Turned out he was a rich man. Not as rich as Ben King, but wealthy enough to buy a better house. And now he had enough money for another wife. Until then he would have Julia.
He watched her and the doc come back to the hotel that evening. The doc stayed for a while and then left. The woman was now alone. Just her and Hope.
Blaine walked into the hotel. “I’d like Mrs. Reynolds room, please.”
“I’m sorry, sir, but we don’t give out that information.”
“I’m her baby’s father.” Blaine knew that everyone in the hotel must know about Julia and the baby.
“Wait here, sir. I’ll go see if Mrs. Reynolds is receiving visitors.”
The clerk walked away.
Once he was out of site, Blaine looked at the guest register and found Julia’s name and room number, 104. He turned the register around just as the clerk returned.
If the man noticed anything he hid it well.
“Mrs. Reynolds asks that you wait here. She’ll be right out.”
A few minutes later, Julia came into the lobby, carrying the baby.
She smiled. “I knew you couldn’t stay away. Would you like to hold your daughter?”
Blaine hesitated. “I don’t know, Mrs. Reynolds. I just wanted to make sure she’s all right and being taken care of.”
“She is, and please, call me Julia.”
“Julia…I would like to look at her.”
She opened the baby’s blanket. Hope was sleeping.
He opened the blanket more to count her fingers and toes and then ran his finger down her cheek. When he saw how dirty he was, even after washing and he snatched away his hand from his daughter.
“Are you taking her, Mr. Carstairs? Have you made arrangements?”
“I have, but they won’t be final for a couple of days and I came to ask if you’d keep her just a little longer.”
“Of course. I’ll keep her as long as you want.”
“Good. That’s real fine, Mrs. Reynolds. I thank you kindly. I’ll be back in a few days.”
“See you then.”
He saw the tears in the woman’s eyes and knew she’d become attached to the baby. That was good. She wouldn’t mind coming along to care for Hope. This would be easier than he thought.
Late that same night, he came to the back of the hotel. As quiet as he could be, he used a crowbar on the back door. At the screeching sound the crowbar made, he stopped and listened before entering the ho
tel. He went to room 104, and knocked.
The woman answered the door.
He heard Hope crying in the background and knew he hadn’t woken her.
“Mrs. Reynolds, I’m taking Hope home with me. Now.”
She shook her head. “Mr. Carstairs, it’s the middle of the night. Can’t you wait until the morning?”
“No ma’am. Too many people mill about in the morning. I don’t want them to see us.” He pulled the pistol from under his coat and stepped over the threshold. “Get her ready and get yourself clothes, too.”
“Mr. Carstairs. Blaine, you can’t be serious.” She pointed at his gun. “You won’t use that the sound would wake up Ben, in the next suite.”
“Wouldn’t I? You took my Norma from me. What have I got to lose?”
“You have Hope. She’s your daughter.”
“Exactly.” He waved his gun. “And I can’t raise her on my own. I need a woman and that’s going to be you. Now get your clothes, and hers. Only what fits in one bag.”
Julia did as he said. She packed all of Hopes clothes, diapers, and three bottles. For herself, she packed one dress and one chemise. The valise had no room for anything else.
“I’m ready.”
She was still in her night gown and robe, but that couldn’t be helped. He didn’t want to wait for her to dress.
“You carry the baby, and I’ll get the bag. I’ll have the gun on you the whole time, so don’t get any ideas.”
She gave him a curt nod. “I wouldn’t think of doing anything that would put Hope in danger.”
“Good. Let’s go.”
They walked out the back of the hotel to where he had a buggy waiting.
“You can put down your gun Mr. Carstairs. I won’t leave Hope alone with you. I’m coming willingly.”
“You are? Why?” He was genuinely perplexed. Was the baby really that important to her?
“Because I love your daughter and I don’t want to see anything bad happen to her.”
“All right. I’ll hold her while you get in.”
Julia nodded and gave the baby to him. He held her for the first time and Julia saw his expression go from one of desperation, to quiet joy. He smiled when he looked down at the baby.
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