by Linda Broday
She stood aside while he dismounted then put her arm around his waist and walked him to a blanket. Biting back a low oath, he lay down.
Clay took her aside. “Had a vicious fight with one of them outlaws, ma’am. Might’ve injured his ribs. Just pretty banged up all over, best I can tell.”
“Thank you for getting him back here, Clay. Now excuse me, I’ve got work to do.”
While the men removed Houston’s vest and torn, bloody shirt, she filled a bowl with water and grabbed a cloth. She never knew when the drovers left, only suddenly, she was alone with her husband. She ran her fingers over his chest and along each rib. Angry redness and swelling covered one side of his rib cage where a bruise was already forming. It would be as black as coal come morning. Scores of other similar marks marred his skin. Blood that didn’t continue to leak was drying everywhere.
“Oh, Houston, you promised.” She struggled to still her quavering voice and not let him see her worry.
Houston lifted a finger to her cheek and attempted a grin. “I kept my vow. I stayed alive…for you.”
Unshed tears filled her eyes. He meant more to her than her own life. Houston Legend was her North Star that always guided her to safety. Without him, she’d be lost and alone, crashing against jagged rocks.
Swallowing the lump in her throat, she spoke. “I can’t feel anything broken but I’m not a doctor. Likely your ribs are only cracked and bruised.”
But it was the nasty, still-oozing cut across his throat that made her quickly swallow a sob before it escaped. A little deeper and he’d have died. She’d come so close to losing him forever. She gently cleaned the injury and kissed it, very thankful the cut wasn’t worse. He would carry a scar, though, no matter how well it healed.
“Tell me what else hurts.”
He raised his scraped knuckles. “Here.”
She lifted his hand to her lips and kissed each knuckle.
“Here.” He indicated a long, ugly scratch along his bicep.
Lara left a trail of kisses up and down the scratch. She liked playing this game.
“Here.” He pointed to his split lip.
Bending, she gently placed her lips to his, being careful not to hurt him.
After a long kiss, she washed blood from his body and tended the multitude of cuts, scrapes, and scratches. He looked as though he’d fought a grizzly and come back a bloody mess. But he was her bloody mess.
Bits of her earlier conversation with the Ledbetter wives flooded back.
“A woman in love can’t bear to be apart from her husband. He’s all she thinks about,” Ruth had told her. “Each time he steps within eyesight my pulse races, heart pounds, and palms become sweaty. You simply know.”
Hannah had added softly, “I knew when mine kissed me and stood up for me against spiteful people who spread their hate. I will stand by his side, no matter what comes.”
“Imperfections don’t matter when you’re in love,” Sarah had said. “Everyone has flaws. Love is wholly accepting someone.”
Suddenly, Lara knew what the strange butterflies, yearnings, and constant thoughts meant.
She was in love with Houston Legend—bruises, blood, and all.
Thirty-one
The struggle to contain giddy laughter took all she had as Lara embraced the heated, rosy glow inside.
Houston frowned. “What’s so funny?”
“Nothing, sweetheart. Nothing at all.” She laid down the wet cloth that was stained with blood. “Just thinking about something those women next to us said.”
“What do you think about them?”
“They seemed awfully odd at first,” Lara answered. “The idea of four women married to the same man. But they’re most warm and gracious.”
“Hiram’s got it made. Four wives at his beck and call. A different one every night to warm his bed.” A mischievous light came into Houston’s eyes. “I might try that.”
“You do and you’ll find me gone, cowboy.” She didn’t smile.
He ran a finger across her lips. “Do I detect jealousy?”
His liquid touch made her shiver with longing. She leaned toward him. “You belong to me and I don’t ever intend to share.”
“Whew, that’s a relief!” Houston tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “I don’t think I could handle a whole mess of wives. You’re the only one I want, the only one I need, not only now but forever. I have this hunger inside that only you can meet.”
“Who knows what the future holds, dear.” Lara met his smoldering dark eyes. Though she yearned to tell him she loved him, she held back, unsure of how to voice what was in her heart.
“What’s that supposed to mean? You’re talking in riddles, wife.”
She couldn’t say more, couldn’t offer what might be false hope. Though her heart yearned to fill his needs, her body might rebel.
“I’ve got to find some cloth strips to bind your ribs. It’ll help with the pain,” she murmured and climbed up in the chuck wagon. A tingling in the pit of her stomach came with the new awareness that she had to do something soon to quiet this strong need to be his.
The pull of Houston Legend was like a thousand magnets, making him impossible to resist. Running exploring hands over his injured chest in search of broken bones only amplified that. She no longer wanted to hold back. She desired him as she had nothing else in her life.
Only…now he was hurt and in too much pain.
She located the box of medical supplies with her stash of long cloth strips. Grabbing the box, she bustled back to his side, surprised to see Quaid sitting with Houston.
Her brother grinned. “He’s going to be all right, isn’t he, sis? I poured him some coffee.”
Lara’s warm gaze drifted over the man she loved. “He’s going to be just fine. Appreciate you taking care of him.”
Houston grinned. “Not the same as a mess of wives, but I reckon Quaid will do in your stead.”
“No more thinking about stuff like that, mister,” Lara scolded, shaking her finger.
“Uh-oh! I think you’re in big trouble, Houston. I know that tone.” The boy got to his feet. “I should’ve been with you tonight. I grew up with a gun in my hand—all of us did.”
Houston glanced up. “You already proved you can shoot, son. I just needed a good man I can trust to watch Farley and stay with Lara. That’s the only reason I kept you behind.”
Quaid nodded and took a wide stance. Lara could tell how Houston’s words pleased her brother. “Guess I’ll take my turn for guard duty.”
“Keep a sharp eye out,” Houston warned. “Don’t take any chances.”
“I won’t.” The boy went to his horse.
Lara watched her brother ride away, wishing growing up wasn’t so difficult. Like Virgil, Quaid yearned to make his mark, to be a man. This untamed land demanded that of boys. They had to give up childish notions and be tough as fast as they could. Her heart ached for all her brothers. Often boys were cut down before they filled men’s shoes.
Both twins had already been wounded. Next time they might not be so lucky.
“I’m worried, Houston.” Lara’s fingertips brushed his chest as she reached around to get the edge of the strip from behind.
His dark eyes met hers. “Me too. They’re coming for us.”
“I know.” The binding slipped from Lara’s trembling fingers. One a day was what Yuma had vowed, and she knew better than most how vicious the man could be. Get in his way and he’d cut you down in a heartbeat. He always got what he wanted.
And God in heaven, Yuma Blackstone wanted her and would kill anyone who got in the way.
What for?
A sob tried to rise as fear traveled the length of her before twisting into knots in her stomach.
“Trust me to protect you.” Houston raised her chin with a forefinger and kisse
d her.
“I do trust you to keep us safe. I do. It’s just that I’ve seen plenty of times when people in the right didn’t win. I’ve often heard that justice is blind.”
“Not this time. Have faith and believe that good will win out. Can you do that for me?”
“Yes.” Lara touched a muscle that quivered in his jaw. This husband of hers carried convictions lodged so deep inside that seemed to give him strength beyond the normal man. He made it impossible for her not to believe.
What she wouldn’t give to be able to spend a quiet day with him. They’d go on a picnic beside a lazy river. Just the two of them with nothing more pressing than when to eat the delicious fried chicken she’d bring. On impulse, she pressed her lips to his. His arms came around her, locking her in his embrace. She didn’t care who saw. She only cared about this honorable man who’d struck a bargain and married her sight unseen.
“Watch it, darlin’,” he growled when their lips parted. “Keep this up and I’ll forget I’m a patient man.”
Giddy joy brought a giggle. At this moment, even with the danger and the smell of death in the air, she felt young again and carefree.
With a happy sigh, Lara wound an arm around his neck. This was what she’d longed for since she was a girl with a yarn doll in her arms.
A husband and a babe to fill her heart with love.
But could she keep them? Or would Yuma rip them from her life just because he could?
As though sensing she was in her mother’s thoughts, Gracie whimpered and let out a sharp cry.
Lara pushed away. “Let me check on our daughter. I’ll be right back.”
“I’m not going anywhere.”
Hurrying to tend the babe before the child woke fully, Lara prayed this wouldn’t take long. She scolded herself for letting Houston distract her from caring for his wounds.
Gracie quieted as soon as Lara patted her back. Waiting a few minutes more to make sure she wouldn’t wake, Lara was satisfied and returned to the fire and the man whose heart called to her.
“I think it was just a bad dream.” Lara’s glance found Houston pulling on the binding, trying to remove it. “Stop that!”
“Forget this blasted wrapping. I’ve got to see to the men.”
When he tried to rise, Lara held him down. “You’re in no shape, Houston. Clay and Pony can handle things.”
He sat back with a long sigh. “I’m the boss. If something happens to another…”
Lara dropped down beside him and lightly touched her lips to his. “You can’t be everything to everyone. You’ve given instructions down to the letter and they know to follow them.” She didn’t remind him that he could be right there and still Yuma could take one of the drovers, if he took a mind to. It would do no good to tell Houston something he already knew.
She picked up the edge of the strip. “You know, when I was a little girl, a man lived nearby. His name was Clarence. No matter what anyone needed, he always jumped in and provided it before waiting to see if the person could help themselves.”
“Does this story have a moral?” he drawled.
“You can’t be everything to everyone. Let your men be men. They’re not children. I know Emmett’s loss weighs heavy—it does on my heart too—but trust your drovers to follow the rules you’ve laid down.”
He lifted a strand of her hair and rubbed it between his thumb and forefinger. “When did you get to be so smart?”
“Lord knows I’m a long way from that.” She tied off the binding and rested her cheek on his chest.
A groan slipped from his mouth. “We need to be alone, my love. Just you and I. Somewhere away from all these watchful eyes and gossiping tongues. These drovers are like a bunch of widow women.”
His deep voice rumbled, arousing a slew of excited quivers. Lara captured her bottom lip between her teeth. It was time.
She stood and reached for his hand. “Come.”
Thirty-two
Houston’s breath caught somewhere in his chest. He knew what it cost for Lara to take the initiative. That she did seemed to signal that she’d begun to heal.
He met her pretty emerald eyes that glistened by the light of the campfire. She was the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen. She was the one person in the world meant for him, and he would cherish every second of every day with her. Heart hammering loudly in his ears, he managed to murmur, “Your every wish is my command, darling wife.”
A comfortable silence enveloped them as he rose and took her hand. Together they strolled to the bed that awaited. He checked on Gracie and Henry while she crawled onto the blankets beneath the chuck wagon and got situated.
Finally, clenching his jaw against the agony, Houston slid into place next to her and pulled her against him. When their bodies fit together like a pair of spoons, he covered them and let one arm drape across her stomach. He pushed aside her hair and kissed the back of her neck.
She’d come such a long way in so short a time, allowing him to cuddle her in this manner, with her flush against him. Overcome with emotion, he pressed a kiss to her temple. Her curves fit perfectly into his, so much that they seemed to share one heartbeat. He prayed his body wouldn’t betray him, wouldn’t show the depths of his desire. Yet it appeared determined to show proof despite his desperate attempt to quell the response.
“Thank you, sweetheart,” Lara murmured. “Am I hurting your ribs?”
“No,” he lied. Truth was, he and pain were old acquaintances. Yet, he’d gladly suffer anything to be close to her. “Are you comfortable? If I’m hogging the blanket, just tell me.”
“This feels heavenly.” Lara sighed and stroked his arm. “While I waited for you tonight, not knowing if you’d come back or not, it struck me once more how fragile life is and how fast it can end. Each time you go out, I worry that I’ll never see you again, but tonight the reality was even more powerful. When I saw you were hurt, my heart stopped beating for a full moment and I wasn’t sure it would start back.”
“I’m sorry I scared you.”
“Clay didn’t tell me much. Something about a fight. Was it with Yuma?” Lara twisted to face him, sending knifing agony to his ribs. He bit his lip, drawing blood. Thank goodness for darkness, because he knew his face had to be ashen.
“Partly.” He prayed she wouldn’t ask more.
She gasped. “You fought more than one?”
Damn, he should’ve known she’d not let it lie. “Afraid so.” He told her about the group of outlaws, and a few details about Ghost.
“That man could’ve easily killed you!” Lara tenderly kissed him.
Houston sighed. “Except he didn’t. Lie back and rest.”
She did…for a full second. She rose onto her elbow again. “We’ve got no choice but to send Henry back to Texas. Since our friends are headed that way, it’s the perfect opportunity to keep him safe.”
But was that the safest thing? Yuma’s words to his men stuck in his head. He’d ordered them to leave the Ledbetters alone and focus on Houston and Lara. So yes, they had to be the best and safest option. Still, misgivings nagged.
“I agree.” Houston met her eyes and stroked her hair. “I’ll talk to them tomorrow. I’ll feel better with him out of danger. Yuma isn’t going to bother the Ledbetters. He wants us too bad.” Houston debated on sending Lara and Gracie too. But she’d been very firm about staying when he’d brought it up before and it didn’t sit well to force her to go. She’d had to deal with too much force in her life. Still, he had to ask one more time.
“I’d send all my brothers if I could. But their wagon is full to the brim.” Lara snuggled against him and laid her head on his chest.
“I want you to consider going too, Lara.”
“No,” she answered almost before he got the words out. “There’s nothing to consider. Didn’t you hear me say their wagon is full and spilli
ng over the sides? Don’t pawn me off on them. Please.”
Houston touched the curve of her jaw. “I’ll never pawn you off.”
“Then, let’s talk about something else.”
The strong beat of her heart kept time with Houston’s. “I’ve noticed a change in you lately.”
“The work, the fresh air, and being with you has made a lot of difference. Thank you for bringing me. It allowed us to get to know each other without the pressure of living in the same house. Out here we go our separate ways through the day and come together for our nightly ritual.”
That such simple things helped heal her came as a surprise. He called daily routines living. Maybe that was the secret. Maybe it didn’t take any grand scheme to restore self-worth and confidence about yourself. Maybe just fresh air and release from the pressures of being the perfect husband, the perfect wife, had provided enough space to learn what they wanted from each other. He’d discovered he could trust again. He could open his heart to her.
“Lara, I love whatever it was, though I’ve pondered the wisdom of my decision many times over.” Houston lifted a strand of copper hair, rubbing the silk between his fingers. “I brought you and Gracie to a place of great danger.”
“You had no way to know Yuma would be out here.” She raised her head to kiss the hollow of his throat.
“I sliced his face tonight.” The minute the words slipped from Houston’s mouth he wished he could call them back.
Silence fell around them. At last she spoke. “I’m glad.”
“I made a large X on his cheek. He’ll remember this night for the rest of his rotten, godforsaken life.”
Lara smoothed the blanket that covered them. “He deserves it. I never told you about the night of the attack.”
“You don’t have to, darlin’.”
“I want to get it out. I’ve never breathed a word of this, but I need to tell someone. Until I do, it’s a festering sore that won’t heal.”
