“Why would I ask you to marry me?” he avoided responding. “Have you got something against marrying me and staying at the ranch?”
“Of course not. I just didn’t expect a proposal from you,” she anxiously confessed.
“Neither did I. That little trick gave me the idea. Sounds like a perfect solution for both of us. Well?” he pressed for her answer.
“I thought you recently said we didn’t know each other well enough to have such serious feelings and conversations. I thought we agreed to drop this subject. We hardly know each other, Lynx.”
“I didn’t agree to any such thing, Cal. Besides, once we’re married, we’ll have plenty of time to get acquainted.” His tawny eyes gleamed with passion and suspense. “Father won’t make you leave the ranch if you marry me. He’ll think you ran off to seek a job; I pursued you and convinced you to marry me so I could hold you captive. He’ll be thrilled by the idea. As soon as I finish these two…jobs I agreed to do, I’ll be coming home for good. It’ll be easier for us to live in the same house if we’re married,” he hinted suggestively.
“If you get killed, what then?” she speculated in dread.
“You win either way. Father would never cast out my loving widow,” he replied, then chuckled at her look of astonishment.
“It’s crazy, Lynx,” she muttered anxiously. He hadn’t declared any love for her, but maybe after they were married…
“I know, but it sure sounds enticing. I love challenges, Callie, and you’re one stimulating vixen to tame. Does it take that long to give a simple yes?” he teased roguishly when she eased into silence.
“It isn’t a simple question,” Cal blurted out.
“How about we analyze this matter carefully? One question at a time. Do you want to stay at the ranch?” Lynx began. Cal nodded. “Do you…Shall we say, find me desirable?” She flushed and nodded. “Are you at least deeply fond of me?” Her flush deepened in color, but she nodded. “Then why not marry me?”
She hesitated, then murmured hoarsely, “All right.”
“You sound like a person heading for the hangman’s noose. Is it so difficult to say, I want to marry you, Lynx,” he teased.
“I want to marry you, Lynx,” she complied, then grinned. “I also have a penchant for challenges, but I doubt anyone could tame you.”
“Then it’s settled. We’ll tie the knot as soon as we make home.”
“Are you positive you want to do this, Lynx?” she asked quietly.
“Yep,” he stated laughingly. “That should keep you bound to me and the ranch. Let’s get moving. I don’t want Deavers to catch up and alter our plans. My time’s fleeing fast. If we don’t hurry, I’ll lose any time with my bride.” A lazy grin crossed his features.
“You’re a rake, Lynx Cardone,” she chided him, warming to his insinuation. She watched the beguiling grin deepen on his bronzed face, then settle in his smoldering eyes.
“I know, but you love me anyway,” he remarked blithely.
“You’re right,” she concurred saucily, sticking out her tongue.
Lynx gazed at her, then pulled her into his arms. “I wonder what our first child, will look like when your red hair mixes with my blond,” he speculated happily.
His gaze was tender and seductive. He kissed the tip of her nose. “If he looks anything like you, he’ll be irresistible,” she said.
“And if she favors her mother, she’ll be utterly enchanting.”
His mouth closed over hers, sealing their bargain most provocatively. When senses began to enflame to a danger point, he pulled away and huskily warned, “If we don’t get moving, Deavers could find us in a most perilous position. You’re clouding my senses.”
“Are sure you’ll have to leave the ranch so quickly?” she asked, recalling last night in vivid and stirring detail.
He chuckled, restraining his passion by sheer force. “I promise to get home without delay, Cal. Just trust me and wait for me.”
There was an odd inflection to his voice, but she dismissed it. “Be careful, Lynx. I would die if anything happened to you,” she raggedly confessed, caressing his cheek.
“As long as I know you’re waiting for me in safety, then I can keep a clear head. I’ll be all right. I have lots of sons to make.”
Their gazes fused and locked. They laughed and embraced. “Since we can’t start them here, we’d better ride,” she boldly hinted, confidence born from his proposal and disarming mood.
With merry laughter ringing, they mounted up and headed off again. With luck, they could make the ranch by tomorrow evening. He would stop by the next town and send Rankin a telegram. This news should entice his father home by Tuesday night. He wanted Rankin there for the hasty wedding, and he needed to explain a few things…
Chapter Ten
Lynx and Calinda rode hard all day with few stops. When they did halt, it was mostly for the horses to rest or drink. Nearing six o’clock, they entered the town of Comanche, shortly before the telegraph office was to close. Lynx tied their reins to the hitching post, then guided Calinda inside the small building. She collapsed wearily into a chair while Lynx wrote two telegrams, one to Rankin in Graham and one to Ranger Clark. He waited patiently as the agent sent the messages over the wire. He paid the man, thanked him, and turned to collect his woman.
Calinda’s head was resting against the wall, her eyes closed. Her respiration was so steady that he thought she had fallen asleep. He nudged her and called her name, “Cal?”
She stirred, her eyes fluttering open. “Yes?”
“Let’s get some hot food before we head out again,” he suggested, helping her to rise.
“Head out?” she wailed. “Aren’t we going to spend the night here?” When he reluctantly shook his head, she grimaced. “But we’ve been riding hard all day; I’m exhausted. I need a bath and some sleep.”
“Sorry, pelirrojo, but we’re overdue now,” he reasoned, smiling.
“Can’t your schedule be changed?” she pleaded.
“You’ve already delayed it by six days. We’ll eat and rest, then move on. You’ll have plenty of time to laze around when we get home. You want to wait in the hotel restaurant or go with me to see about our horses?” he asked, leading her outside to talk privately.
“I’m sticking with you, Cardone,” she quickly stated. “But I don’t see why we can’t get a bath and sleep for at least a few hours,” she added peevishly, frowning at him. “You didn’t allow much rest last night,” she pointedly refreshed his obviously lagging memory.
“You know why, Cal; you’re not thinking clearly,” he chided.
“I’m too tired and dirty to think at all,” she came back at him.
“I promised to be in Junction last Friday night. Here it is Monday, and I’m on my way to the ranch with you. By the time we get home, marry, and I head out, it will be Wednesday. If I break my neck, I’ll be lucky to reach Junction by this coming Friday.”
“What difference does it make, Lynx?” she questioned irritably.
“I promised to do a job there, four days ago,” he replied.
“You have the ranch; why do you need to work for other people?”
“That isn’t the point. I gave my word to help a friend.”
“A man doesn’t marry every day. Under the circumstances, can’t you break it or change it?” she wheedled.
He sighed heavily, then stated unrelentingly, “No, Cal; I can’t. A man’s word is his bond and respect; without them, he’s worthless. I’m doing all I can to solve two problems at the same time. Don’t be selfish and stubborn; please,” he added to soften his demands.
“You’re not being fair,” she gently scolded, inhaling wearily.
“You’re the one who isn’t being fair, Cal. First you pack up and run off into danger; then, you treat me like this after I toss everything aside to rescue you, escort you home, and marry you. I made promises before all your problems cropped up to delay them. I’m doing my damndest to help and protect yo
u first.”
“We’ve been through this before. I promise to be a good girl from now on. Will a few hour’s rest be that terrible?”
“Then be good and stop pressuring me,” he coaxed fretfully.
“All right. Even if you drive us into the ground, I won’t say another word,” she declared sassily. “Let’s eat; I’m starved. You did say we have time to fill our tummies?” she sarcastically stated.
He groaned in exasperation. “Fine,” he agreed crisply.
Lynx walked away from her, seizing the horses’ reins to lead them to the stable for rest and care. He began strolling down the street, the horses following him. Cal watched him, then rushed forward.
“You beast! You’re mean and cruel, Lynx,” she accused.
He glanced over at her and grinned roguishly. “Then perhaps you should give my proposal further consideration. If you prefer, stay here and rest, then take the stage home. I could head for Junction tonight, then you can give me your answer when I make it home.”
Cal halted in her tracks, but he kept walking. Leave her alone in this strange town? Risk Deavers catching up with her? Delay their marriage? Perhaps change his mind altogether? Was he that annoyed with her or merely that rushed? Falling for his crafty ploy to put some energy into her fatigued body, she ran to catch up to him. She grabbed his arm and forced him to stop. “Are you serious?” she demanded, eyes glittering in doubt. “Your proposal was a trick all along!”
“If you want to marry me any time soon, Cal, it has to be Wednesday. No matter how I feel about you, I’m keeping my word. If you can’t accept that, you don’t know me or love me at all. You’ll be safe here until the stage arrives. If we can’t make the ranch late tomorrow and marry Wednesday, then I’m wasting my time by going home. I’m putting you first as long as I can. Well, which do you want: me or sleep?” he challenged.
“I don’t know why, but you,” she confessed, frowning.
“Good,” he responded, smiling at her and tenderly caressing her cheek. “Come along, woman. One day we’ll look back on today and laugh. You’re a demanding vixen, pelirrojo.”
“What does pelirrojo mean?” she bravely inquired.
He chuckled. “Redhead. In case you ever need to use it, ‘yo te quiero’ means ‘I love you,’” he slyly added, winking at her.
They left the animals to be fed, watered, and rubbed down. They headed for the hotel to eat a hot meal. Lynx didn’t permit her to linger over it, even though she tried to stall. As they remounted, Cal groaned. “My fanny and back are killing me. It’s obvious you’re used to driving mindless cattle, not people.”
“I’ll rub ’em good when we get home. You can stretch out on my bed and relax while I ease those pains and aches. Or I could give you a rub-down in the tub,” he hinted seductively.
“With a promise like that to urge me on, let’s get going.” She knew she couldn’t change his mind, so she wisely relented.
They laughed and rode out of Comanche. They moved steadily through the night, then halted at dawn to catch a short nap. Lynx knew he couldn’t push her any harder or faster. But an hour later, he had her up and going again, amidst grumbles and pleas.
When Calinda realized they were heading straight to the ranch, she argued his plans once more. She wanted to stop at the hotel in Fort Worth, to bathe and change clothes. Cal told him she couldn’t arrive at the ranch filthy and exhausted. When Lynx adamantly refused, she scolded him and pleaded for some consideration. When he wouldn’t budge, she sank into peevish silence for the rest of the journey.
It was nine o’clock when they reached the Cardone house. A flurry of talk and actions commenced instantly. Charlie hurried over to take care of their horses and to greet them on their safe return. Rankin came outside, staring at them with a mixture of confusion and pleasure, his probing gaze going from one to the other.
Salina was about to rush out to greet Lynx, but faltered when she saw Calinda at his side. Her eyes widened in disbelief. How had Lynx found her? How had she gotten away from Clint? Rage filled Salina at the sight of her thwarted plans. She whirled and returned to the kitchen to complete her chores before they entered the house. She would flee to her room and stroke her fury into cautious calm while she made new plans for this vexing girl.
Numerous questions rolled past Rankin’s lips before Lynx could answer the first one. When Rankin halted breathlessly, Lynx said, “Calinda’s exhausted, Father. I’ve been pushing her hard. We’ll let her bathe and turn in. I’ll explain everything.”
“You all right, Cal?” Rankin asked worriedly.
“I’m fine, sir, just numb and sleepy. I’m sorry for the trouble,” she apologized, smiling faintly.
“What trouble?” Rankin asked, intrigued.
“I’ll explain later. You want me to get you some food, Cal?”
“Just some sherry after I bathe. I’m too tired to eat.”
“You go to the water-shed; I’ll fetch you some night clothes,” Lynx offered unthinkingly.
She blushed. “We aren’t married yet, Lynx. I’ll fetch them.”
“You two are getting married? No joking?” Rankin pressed, hoping his surprise plans hadn’t been made unwisely.
“Si. Mañana.” Lynx and Rankin exchanged a curious look which Calinda noticed but didn’t analyze.
Cal went to get a clean gown and wrapper. She left for the water-shed as the two men entered the house to talk. She didn’t linger in the water, but bathed quickly. After dressing, she sneaked into the house and up the stairs. She was asleep the moment her drowsy head and sore body touched the comfortable bed.
When Lynx tapped lightly on her door, she didn’t answer it or call out. He peeked inside. He smiled to himself, then downed her sherry in one swallow. He joined his father, a serious talk long overdue.
Rankin opened the conversation. “I must admit I’m delighted with your plans, son. But I’m a little confused and surprised. Why the rush? Where did you and Cal go?” Since the telegram had stated Lynx would explain everything, Rankin hadn’t questioned him since his unexpected return at mid-day.
Lynx stroked the two days of stubble on his face, then ran his fingers through his mussed hair of ripened wheat. “Fix us a brandy while I get comfortable,” he entreated. He removed his spurs, hat, and guns, hanging them on the hooks by the door. He dropped into a chair and accepted the glass from his father.
Rankin sat down near him and waited impatiently for the news. “I don’t quite know where to begin, Father; there’s so much to tell,” Lynx stated mysteriously. As he stalled to choose his words, Rankin suggested he begin with their sudden marriage plans.
“Calinda…Now there’s a fetching and exasperating problem. You’ve been trying to get something going between us ever since her curious arrival. You’ve been after me for years to marry, settle down here, and give you a grandson for the Cardone line. As you hinted the last time I was home, Calinda Braxton is the perfect choice, for many reasons,” Lynx told his father.
Their gazes touched and spoke mutely, knowing Lynx’s meaning and agreeing with it. “Is that why you’re marrying her?” Rankin asked.
“Hell, I don’t know myself. I hadn’t imagined Lynx Cardone settling down with a wife anytime soon. But she’s here now, and a marriage can solve many problems for all of us.” Lynx drew in a long breath, then released it, aware of the weighty burden on his shoulders.
Rankin observed his son; for a man known for his self-assurance and control, Lynx looked edgy and indecisive. “Are you doing this for us, or do you love her?” Rankin boldly inquired.
Lynx stiffened noticeably. Just in case he was misjudging Calinda and her motives, he couldn’t confess such powerful emotions this early. He had been wrong about Brax and hurt his father deeply. Now, he was accepting Brax’s child into his life. “She’s a beautiful and spunky lady. I find her desirable and intriguing. She’s bright and charming, easy and fun to be around. She’s proven she has the mettle and stamina for living out here. From what I�
�ve witnessed, she’ll make a good mother and a pleasing wife. She has a lot to offer. It seems logical. As for loving her, I’m not sure I would recognize that emotion in me.”
“Does she love you?” Rankin dauntlessly continued.
“I think so,” his son muttered in response, sounding wishful.
“Why else would Cal go off with you?” Rankin reasoned. “Cal’s a lady, and ladies don’t usually act so boldly or impulsively.”
“She didn’t,” Lynx informed him. “She packed and left; I tracked her down.” Lynx carefully allowed the incident to unfold for his startled father, explaining how he had convinced her to marry him and to stay put on the ranch. He even told him the phony story he and Calina had created for Rankin, then swore his father to secrecy. “With a home and family here, she won’t take off again. With us, the house, and children to occupy her time and hands, she’ll forget about Brax and the past. Besides, I honestly don’t want her hurt anymore.”
“Then you’re sure she’s genuine?” Rankin said happily.
“Unless she’s the best actress around, I think she is. But I sure would like to know who sent that letter and why,” he said, a look of puzzlement filling his eyes.
“You’re positive there was a letter? And that she burned it?”
“Yes,” Lynx readily answered. He explained about her telegram to Jones, then added he would investigate it further.
“If Brax has wheedled Jones’ help and friendship, he won’t tell you anything, son. Running off like that is mighty queer.”
“If there’s a man alive I can trust, it’s Major Jones.” Lynx stared his father in the eye as he finally disclosed his secret identity as a Texas Ranger. While Rankin was speechless, Lynx continued with tales of his past, present, and imminent assignments. He let his father know he had two remaining missions to carry out before he would be coming home to settle down permanently.
“Why didn’t you tell me? Does Cal know?” Rankin asked, stunned and thrilled. His son, the famous Ranger who used the coded star? Pride and respect flooded Rankin’s heart.
“Cal doesn’t know anything about me. She thinks I’m a famous gunslinger and carefree rogue. She won’t learn anything until my work is over, if then. It might be best to keep my identity a secret, in case the Rangers need me again in the future. You can’t tell anyone, Father, not even hint at it. I’m sorry I couldn’t tell you sooner, but my role was safer and stronger with my father treating me as the rebellious son. If you’d gone around with that proud smile, it could have been dangerous for me and my missions.”
First Love Wild Love Page 21
