To Marry a Texas Outlaw

by Linda Broday

  “You must wonder what you got yourself into. An insane woman causing trouble at every turn.” She smiled sadly up at him. “I physically attack you, force myself on you, and now try to drench you. Maybe you should take me to one of those places for loony people.”

  Luke hid a smile. “Nope. I’m not ready to give up on you.”

  “You probably should. Who knows? I may try to gut you next, like Josie did her husband.”

  “I’m not a bit worried.” He dragged his thumb across her cheek.

  “Then maybe it’s you in need of an asylum,” she said softly, stretching to kiss his cheek. “You can let me go now. I’m all right and we’re burning daylight.”

  The brush of her lips on his skin carried the heat of a brand. He wasn’t supposed to have the kind of feelings that twisted through him and settled in his heart.

  A man like him couldn’t care for any woman.

  Especially Rose.

  She pushed away and picked up the dishes. After Luke stowed them, they rode in blessed silence for an hour, putting them near their destination.

  The sun hovered high in the sky when Luke picked up a sound that made the hair on his neck rise. He pointed to a large stand of mesquite and silently mouthed Hide to Rose. They’d barely gotten concealed when the sun flashed against metal.

  He slid his Colt from its leather sheath and waited for what seemed an eternity.

  At last, a lone rider came into view. His hat was pulled low, but something about his silhouette was familiar. The horseman approached slowly. The cowboy leaned from the saddle, staring at the ground, looking for signs. He was tracking someone.

  But who?

  When the rider raised back up and adjusted in the saddle, Luke noticed the silver star pinned to his vest. A lawman. Now that changed things.

  Over in the brush, Major John snorted, giving them away. Luke set his sights on the lawman’s chest. “I’ll give you two seconds to toss your weapon, mister.”

  “I’m not looking for trouble.” The man eased his gun from the holster and let it drop to the ground.

  “Well, that’s good because I don’t reckon I am either.” Luke quietly ordered Rose to stay hidden, then rode from behind the mesquite thicket.

  The lawman turned, his face coming out of shadow. “Luke?”

  Recognition finally dawned. “Sam? What are you doing?”

  “Looking for you, brother.”

  “Any particular reason?”

  “Felt in my bones that you needed me. Pa got a telegram from a U.S. Marshal about a murder at Doan’s Crossing. He sent me to find you.”

  “Damn that Stoker. Every time he gets wind of something happening around here, he thinks I’m involved.” That was exactly why Luke had to stay away from the Lone Star. They couldn’t save him and trying would get them killed.

  “He… We care. Why are you riding that strange horse?”

  “My black’s taken at the moment.” When Rose came slowly from the thicket on Major John, Luke introduced her. “I found her tied up yesterday with no memory of how she got there. I needed something to call her so I came up with Rose. We crossed a posse yesterday searching for a woman matching Rose’s description who killed her husband. We convinced them to ride on.” He glanced at Rose and grinned, remembering the kiss that stripped him of the ability to form a thought.

  “Do you think Rose is the one they’re looking for?” Sam asked.

  “I don’t know at this point.”

  Rose stretched to shake Sam’s hand. “Luke told me a lot about you last night. I’m real glad to meet you.”

  “Same here.” Sam turned to Luke. “Where are you headed?”

  Luke’s gaze followed Rose as she turned back into the brush. Probably lost something. “Deliverance Canyon. Rose needs a change of clothes and I’m going to leave her with Tally while I get some answers.”

  Sam jerked his head toward the brand on the horses. “How did you happen to come by stock from the Lone Star?”

  Luke thumbed back his hat and wiped a trickle of sweat. “That’s another big mystery. They were hitched to a wagon there with Rose that had crates of high quality whiskey and brand-new rifles. I don’t know anything more. Have you heard any scuttlebutt about rustled horses by chance?”

  “Nope.” Sam pushed back his hat and wiped his face with his sleeve. “Pa wouldn’t have anyone working for him who’d be involved in anything concerning whiskey and rifles. They have to be stolen.”

  Sam studied Rose, and Luke knew what he was thinking. Maybe she was up to her pretty little neck in rustling, murder, and God knew what else. But she hadn’t been lying about having no memory. No one can act that well.

  “Ever hear of Reno Kidd?” Luke asked.

  “A wanted poster on him came in a week ago. He’s a killer of the worst sort,” Sam said as Rose returned. “Murdered an entire family over in Indian Territory. Before that, about a dozen people.”

  Rose sucked in a breath. “That family might’ve been my kin.”

  “All we have are possibilities and maybes.” Luke covered her hand and found it a chunk of ice. “Don’t borrow trouble.”

  She nodded and swallowed hard. “I’m trying.”

  Luke caught Sam’s arched brow and knew what he was thinking. “I’m getting her to safety is all.”

  “Hey, no need to explain. Mind if I ride along with you to the canyon?” Sam asked.

  “Suit yourself.” Luke scanned the terrain. “You could prove useful if that posse doubles back. One reason I have to get Rose hidden as soon as possible.” He turned toward the ridge of buttes and urged his roan into a trot, making sure Rose stuck close to Sam.

  “Do you live on the Lone Star Ranch?” Rose asked Sam.

  “No, my wife and I live in Lost Point.” Sam pointed in the general direction. “I’m the sheriff. Before that I was a Texas Ranger.”

  “Doesn’t that make being brothers a bit difficult?” she asked.

  Luke let out a chuckle. “You can definitely say that. Before Sam knew we were brothers, he chased me all over Texas, trying to catch me.”

  “You led me on quite a merry chase,” Sam admitted. “Never saw anyone so slippery.”

  “And now?” Rose asked softly.

  Sam glanced at Luke. “Now, I’m trying to help clear his name.”

  “That’s wonderful. Sam, do you have any children?” she asked.

  “One adopted son and about to have a babe soon. My wife, Sierra, is excited to bring us another child and that could be any day now.” Sam smiled. “I don’t know about me with a newborn, though. I’ll probably drop the little thing on its head.”

  “I doubt that.” Luke felt a twinge of jealousy. He envied both of his brothers for being free to settle down and have families. He slowed, falling back. The trail widened, allowing the three of them to ride side by side with Rose in the middle.

  “What do you hear from Houston?” Luke asked. “I haven’t seen him since we came back from that cattle drive of his six months ago.”

  Sam pushed back his hat. “He’s built a house on a section of land away from headquarters. Lara’s loving it.”

  “I imagine things are more peaceful out from under Stoker’s thumb.” Luke thought of his powerful father, and his penchant for taking over everyone’s lives.

  “You can call him Pa, Luke,” Sam growled.

  “Nope. I can’t.” Luke met Rose’s glance and he knew she was thinking about their conversation last night.

  You have a family who loves you. Please don’t throw them away. Let them help, she’d pleaded. Then afterward had accused him of being even lonelier than her.

  It was hard for her to understand and no one but another outlaw would know this need to constantly move. Such a precaution kept him alive.

  Rose rode closer until her leg rubbed Luke’s. “I like y
our brother. He’s nice.”

  “Yeah, he is.” Luke was happy Sam rode with them. His younger brother made him feel warm inside, like he was welcome to visit anytime no matter what trouble came with him. Sam was the man Luke most wished he could be.

  A Legend through and through. One filled with honor and strength.

  But he wasn’t. He was Luke Weston and he shouldn’t forget that. Still, Rose had given him hope that he might one day claim the Legend name. Who’s to say it was impossible? He would never bet against the lady.

  They arrived at Deliverance Canyon in early afternoon and, after making sure no one was following, proceeded down the steep, narrow trail. Halfway down, Luke stopped and gave the loud caw of a crow. When an answering one came from below, he told Rose it was safe to proceed.

  “Why did you have to do that?” she asked.

  “If we don’t, Tally Shannon will put a bullet in us without a second thought,” Sam answered. “She’s one tough woman.”

  “Has to be.” Luke maneuvered through large clumps of broom weed and sage. “It’s the only way they stay alive.”

  Rose smiled. “I’m sure she’s not that bad. I can’t wait to meet her.”

  A few minutes later, when Tally swung a rifle her way, Rose’s face told a different story. She gripped Luke’s arm so tightly he wasn’t sure he could pry her fingers loose. Rose wasn’t scared of Reno’s men and would’ve whipped them to the Gulf of Mexico and back if he hadn’t stopped her, but she seemed frightened of flame-haired Tally, with the gun belt around her waist and a brand-like tattoo on her cheek.

  “I told you never to bring anyone here,” Tally grated, raising the weapon. “I ought to shoot you.”

  “Don’t you dare!” yelled a woman named Holly Beth as she flew toward them. “I’ll never speak to you again. Luke and Sam are our friends. Besides, she’s a woman.”

  Luke stepped forward. “Tally, we could sure use your help. Rose needs to hide. She’s lost her memory and lawmen are looking for her.”

  “What did she do?”

  “We don’t exactly know. A posse says she murdered her husband but I’m not sold.”

  “If they followed you here, I’ll kill you, Weston.”

  He pushed away her rifle with a forefinger. “Hell, Tally, how careless do you think I am? Sam and I always make sure we’re not trailed before we come down here.” He lowered his voice. “We know what’s at stake. We’d never jeopardize any of you.”

  “People grow careless over time.” Tally glared, but she removed her finger from the trigger and some of the bluster went out of her.

  His gaze flew to a newly dug grave with a pitiful little wooden marker. Everything stilled inside him. His chest constricted as he forced out the question. “Who died?”

  “Estelle. She got sick and couldn’t recover. Don’t know what she had.” Tally pushed back a strand of hair.

  Damn it to hell! He’d known living down here came with risks but he wasn’t prepared for death. If they’d had access to a doctor, Estelle would probably have had half a chance. He dragged air into his lungs.

  The rest of the women pressed around them. A young girl about seven or eight caught his attention. She was new. Taking slow, measured steps, she went to Tally and slipped her hand into the leader’s palm. Tally bent to speak in her ear. Judging from the way the child held her head, and walked as though afraid of falling, Luke suspected she couldn’t see.

  He had a hard time swallowing. “You have a new face among you, Tally. Who’s your little friend?”

  “Violet.” Tally smiled down at her and smoothed her blond curls. “I couldn’t leave her in that place. Being blind is no reason to stick someone in a hellhole.”

  Sam pierced Tally with a stare. “I’ve never asked and you’ve never said, but I suspect you have someone on the inside who lets you know about these things.”

  “I do.” Tally narrowed her gaze. “You’ll never get her name from my lips.”

  “My brother and I aren’t fools. Whoever she is, she’s a saint in my book.” Luke drew Rose forward and made the introductions.

  “You’ve lost weight. Go kill something.” Tally shoved Luke toward Sam. Sliding a protective arm around Rose and clutching Violet’s little hand, she disappeared into one of several crude dwellings perched amid the rocks. The rest of the women followed.

  Rose and Tally were so much alike it scared the spit out of Luke.

  His chest tightened as he watched the small procession of courageous women. Rose was safe. They’d protect her.

  After a few minutes, he and Sam moved the horses to the stream that followed the canyon.

  “I’m glad Tally didn’t shoot us.” Sam squatted on his heels next to the water. “She seems angrier each time I come. I think this life is getting to her, and the group keeps growing. Violet’s so young. What’s going to become of her if anything happens to Tally?”

  “Who knows? Being stuck down here has to be hard on all of them. They’re barely existing and little better than wild animals at that. They can’t even go into town because of the tattoos on their faces that give Creedmore Lunatic Asylum ownership over them.” Luke knelt and scooped water into his mouth. “I just hope Rose doesn’t talk them into giving her a gun. That would be a mistake.” He let out a worried sigh. With her high-strung temperament, a gun in her hands would amount to bigger trouble than he could handle. “Wouldn’t put a damn thing past that woman,” he grumbled.

  Sam punched his arm. “I swear. You shouldn’t talk about her that way. I’ve never seen anyone with a sweeter disposition.”

  Yeah, about as cuddly as a rattlesnake. Luke smothered a chuckle, then quickly sobered.

  Come to think of it, she’d been pretty damn nice in his arms in the dark of night.

  A low fire flickering across her pretty features…

  Her soft breath mingling with his…

  His lips pressed to hers…

  Seven

  Rose glanced around Tally’s makeshift home, and at the flowers in a can and the jars on a shelf that made the abode livable.

  “We have several options for you to consider, Rose.” Tally Shannon laid out two very different sets of clothing—a dress, or pants and a shirt.

  Rose felt a kinship with this woman. Tally’s brusque attitude had vanished when they’d entered the two-room dwelling. The survivors had fashioned it from rough mesquite and scrub oak plus whatever else they could manage to scrounge. A small rug lay on the dirt floor, probably to give it a homey feel. Little things did matter. The weathered door appeared made from the bed of a wagon. All the other shelters had only blankets hanging over the entrance, so the fact that Tally’s didn’t spoke of her standing as a leader.

  Little Violet perched on the end of the bed. Rose couldn’t imagine being blind. It was bad enough to forget her name, where she came from. If she lost her vision, she’d flat go crazy.

  As sounds of the other women in the next room drifted in the air, Rose wasted no time making her choice. “The pants. I need the freedom to move.”

  A plan had already formed in her head. Luke would be furious, but she wasn’t going to let that stop her. This was her life hanging in the balance. “I hate to ask because I know how badly you need to defend yourselves, but do you have an extra gun? And how about a hat?”

  Without a word, Tally opened a trunk and removed a six-shooter. “I don’t know how well this fires. I haven’t tested it recently, but you’re welcome to it. Out here, a woman being chased needs protection. You do know how to shoot?”

  “I wish I knew. So much about myself is missing. I guess I’ll find out.” Rose closed her hand around the revolver. The weight seemed right in her palm, and there was a blue cast to the metal. “I think I was familiar with weapons, wherever I came from. This feels right.”

  Suddenly, an image swam in her mind. She saw a hand outstretch
ed, holding a gun. Orange flame spat from the barrel. A hole opened in a man’s chest and he dropped to the dirt. Before she saw the shooter’s face, the vision faded.

  Rose closed her eyes, trying with all her might to pull back the fragment. Had she seen herself? Or someone else?

  “What’s wrong?” Tally asked. “You’re pale.”

  “I just had a flash.” She shared what she’d witnessed with the copper-haired beauty.

  “Maybe everything is coming back.” Tally rested a hand on Violet’s small back. The girl smiled up, her eyes full of adoration.

  “I hope so,” Rose murmured. “I may not have weeks or months to sit around twiddling my stupid thumbs waiting for a cure. I may die before I even know why this happened.” Rose flipped open the chamber of the revolver and found it empty. “I’ll need a few cartridges if you can spare them.”

  “Of course.” Tally impatiently shoved back a copper strand of hair from her face. “I’d give anything if I couldn’t remember the hellhole I came from. In the dark of night, I still hear the tortured screams echoing through that place.” The pretty woman touched the diamond-shaped tattoo on her cheek.

  Rose laid her hand on Tally’s arm. “I can’t imagine the pain of what you went through.”

  Violet whimpered and clawed at the quilt, trying to burrow underneath. The child didn’t wear the mark, thank goodness, but hearing the talk must’ve triggered some deep fear. Tally pulled Violet into her arms. Tears bubbled in the eyes of the hard-shelled leader as she clutched the girl tightly, murmuring soft words in her ear. Violet soon settled.

  Anger, frustration, and sorrow swept through Rose. “Luke said Violet is new. How did she get here?”

  “A friend who works on the inside brought her.” Tally rested her face against Violet’s hair.

  “I’m glad.”

  “An evil man runs that place. One day, I’ll make him and everyone else pay.” The gritty hardness in Tally’s voice made Rose shiver.

  No doubt she would. She’d never bet against Tally Shannon. Anyone who did would be a fool of the highest order, and not long for this world.