by Linda Broday
“I wouldn’t be surprised if Sam and Houston haven’t tried to help their father escape,” one said. “Who would put a barrel here otherwise?”
“Climb up there and see if you see anyone,” urged the other.
The first one snorted. “Are you crazy? I’m no organ grinder’s damn monkey.”
Finally, they rolled the barrel around to the front of the house and disappeared.
When it seemed safe, Luke shinnied down and jumped to the ground. He returned to his hiding place. He had lots to think about.
Houston and Sam were waiting at the empty dwelling for a report.
“Well?” Sam asked once Luke got inside.
“Stoker talked. I listened for the most part.” Luke plowed his hands through his hair.
“And?” Houston pushed.
“I don’t know.” Luke sat down. “What kind of man would I be to let him lose everything he’s worked like hell for? They’ll confiscate this ranch and throw him in jail. I tell you what kind of man does that…the sorry kind.” He dragged in a lungful of air. “I’m not that low-down yet.”
“I’m sure Pa told you to sleep on it. You can make a decision come dawn,” Sam said at the door. “A few hours won’t make any difference. By the way, we brought some things in case you need a disguise. Put them on, and with all the ranch hands milling about twenty-four hours a day, coming and going from guard duty, the marshals will have heck trying to pick you out.”
With their leaving, the silence in the room pounded against Luke’s head. He slid his Colt from the holster and ran his thumb over the word scratched into the wood.
Legend.
The name was etched on this raw land as well. It spoke of everything he wasn’t. Luke didn’t know if he had what it took to wear the name. He couldn’t even say the right words to keep the woman he loved from riding off into danger, or tell his father how he felt, until it was too late.
He called himself every name he could think of. Was he worth anything, least of all saving? Death and blood riddled his soul. Bodies lined the trail behind him. Their ghosts rode in his saddle. He yearned for a refuge, a place to think, and only one came to mind.
After slipping on spurs, chaps, and a long, black duster, Luke hung a coil of rope over his shoulder and emerged from the house. He moved quietly, mixing in with the milling ranch hands. No one paid him any mind. Everyone seemed to focus on guard duty both at the gate and on the western edge of the property. He boldly walked right by a group of the marshals with his head down low. Though they glanced at him, none called out his name, and they resumed their conversation.
Thanks to the lack of pictures on the wanted posters, none of them knew what Luke Weston looked like. Once by them, he glanced up at the thick clouds that had moved across the moon. The night seemed perfect for his needs. When he reached the end of the row of the town’s establishments, he moved against the side of headquarters.
He pressed into the deep shadows of the big house and settled down to wait, taking note of the time between the patrolling marshals. They rode by every hour on the dot.
As he waited, a fog rolled in and turned the night into a thick soup. Now, there was no way anyone could see him. Satisfied, Luke removed his spurs and sauntered to the huge bronze star on its thick chains. The star had a ghostly appearance in the dark shadows, almost like it was a friend waiting just for him. The heavy chains were outstretched like arms, reaching to draw him into an embrace.
He stretched out in the damp grass. What was he going to do about this mess?
If Stoker could risk everything for him, Luke would do one last thing for his father and brothers. It would be his contribution to the family who’d taken him in.
To sleep beneath the star was supposed to reveal his worth. Slowly, peace filled him. Soon, his eyelids grew heavy and he relaxed, safe in the knowledge that no one could see him in the dark, soupy fog.
He slept, and dreamed of his mother. She told him not to turn himself in, to keep trying to find Ned Sweeney. “Stoker Legend can take care of himself,” she said. “Your father knows how to escape trouble. He has powerful politicians and lawyers at his beck and call. They’ll make sure he doesn’t go to jail. Trust this man we both love. And, Luke, never think you have no worth. From the moment you were born until I closed my eyes in sleep, you gave me joy and made me the proudest mother in the world. You have a rare combination—sensitive caring and toughness. No one is smarter or has more courage or determination to right wrongs.”
He drifted, seemingly on a fluffy cloud. Sometime later, he felt soft lips pressed to his, and the feeling of Josie’s presence surrounded him. He loved this dream.
She whispered, “I hope you discover the worth we all see inside you. I love you so much, Luke. I always will. I pray I have your child growing inside me and you can be with me forever.”
Josie smoothed back his hair, soothing his ragged spirit. “I wish we could’ve held on to the treasure we found. My love for you will never die, but spread across the heavens. When you gaze up at the stars, you’ll find me there.”
Josie’s sadness matched his own. He tried to reach out, to pull her next to him, but clutched empty air.
Sometime before dawn, certain truths filled him. He mattered. He wasn’t the bad son he’d believed. He’d done a lot of good in his life. He’d helped the poor, given shoes to orphanages, saved Noah—other children too. Luke Weston was respected and welcomed in countless homes.
Another truth hit home that shook him to the core and a weight lifted from him to admit the truth.
He didn’t just love Josie Morgan, he worshipped her. She was embedded deep into the fabric of his soul and she mattered more to him than anyone since Angelina. So much the reality made him tremble.
He wasn’t supposed to care for anyone.
He wasn’t supposed to let anyone in where the darkness dwelled.
He wasn’t supposed to love again.
But heaven help him, he did. He loved Josie Morgan with all his heart, even with her strange quirks and headstrong ways.
The thought wound through him like a clinging vine. He was a fool to have fought her. She was his light, his world, his everything. And he’d tossed her aside.
Light had begun to filter through his eyelids when Luke felt someone lie next to him. He opened his eyes to see Sam and Houston spread out on each side.
His hermanos.
These men were so much more than brothers. They were his best friends. They shared more than blood, more than a name. They shared a heart.
He now knew he was worthy of saving. Most of all, worthy of being loved. For however long remained, he’d spend it with them and Josie. If she’d still have him. Hell, she might shoot him on the spot and he deserved a bullet for being a fool.
One thing was as clear as the fragrant air of the Lone Star—he could not live without her.
Whatever came, they’d face it…together.
An urgency gripped Luke to find and tell her before she left. He propped himself on an elbow to stand when he noticed a cameo laying on his chest. He knew without turning it over that Josie’s name was etched on the back.
He shot a glance at his brothers. “Which one of you put this here?”
Sam rose. “It wasn’t us. Josie laid it on you.”
“I thought she was a dream.” Oh God, she’d already left. Panic raced through him. Luke jerked his head toward the huge crossbar, narrowing his eyes, straining for a glimpse of her. He’d go after her. He’d ask her to stay. He’d tell her he loved her. Just give him one more chance.
“Nope, not a dream,” Houston said. “We saw her.”
She’d been real and had come to say goodbye.
Josie was gone.
Thirty-two
A sob tore through Luke. He’d lost the woman he loved.
Luke leaped to his feet. He couldn�
�t waste precious time. “I’ve got to bring her back.”
“First things first, brother.” Sam stood and pulled Houston up from the damp grass. “We caught someone sneaking onto the ranch last night. Claims he came looking for you.”
“Who is it?” He didn’t have time to humor someone hoping to make a name for himself. He had to find Josie.
“Calls himself Brenner McCall,” Houston said.
What the hell did McCall want? Luke had to ride out, not spend it with a man who’d tried to kill him, who’d lied and pretended to be a friend when he felt no loyalty to anyone. Luke had a lot to say to him, but not now.
“I know him.” Luke bit back a curse. “Where is he?”
Sam shifted. “We tied him up in a horse stall until we could decide what to do with him.”
“Well?” Houston asked.
“Well, what?” Did his brother want an answer about Brenner or Josie?
Houston punched his arm. “Quit playing dumb. Are you turning yourself in or not?”
“No.” Luke filled both lungs with the fresh morning air and stared out over Lone Star land that stretched as far as he could see. Then he turned his gaze to the Texas flag fluttering overhead. “No, I’m going to find the man who calls himself Ned Sweeney and beat a confession out of him. I’m not going to hang for his crime.”
Sam draped his arm around Luke’s shoulder as they strolled to the back door of headquarters. The sky was beginning to lighten, but it was still dark enough to escape the attention of the marshals. “Exactly what we were waiting to hear. We’ll go with you and scour every inch of this state. We’ll find the slippery murderer.”
There it was again—family loyalty. For a moment, Luke struggled to speak. At last, he managed, “Thanks.”
But he wanted to say much more. That one word was inadequate for what he felt. He inhaled a shaky breath as they reached the kitchen door.
“This McCall fellow, he came to ask for your help in finding Josie Morgan.” Sam turned the knob.
Luke froze. Of course. But what was the damn connection? He doubted McCall would tell him. “Afraid I can’t help him. She’s long gone. And why I’m standing here talking to you instead of saddling Major John, I don’t know. I’ve got to go after her.” He whirled to find his horse.
“Hold on. Wait just a damn minute.” Houston turned him back around. “Josie is still here.”
“Houston, I heard her tell me goodbye,” Luke argued. He opened his hand that held the cameo. “She left this.”
“Did you fall from that tree and crack your thick skull?” Sam asked. “Listen to us, dammit. We stopped Josie from leaving. We locked her in the tack room in the barn.”
All the pain, sorrow, and frantic need to race after her left. He’d gotten another chance.
“Well, why didn’t you say so? All this time you let me believe I’d lost her. I oughta whip you both to within an inch of your life.” Anger then relief swept through Luke. She was going to be one mad señorita. He didn’t want to be in his brothers’ shoes. “Does she have her gun?”
Sam’s face froze. “I didn’t take it. Did you, Houston?”
“I thought you did,” Houston answered.
Great. She was mad and she had her gun. Plus, she could draw and shoot almost as well as Luke.
“One question—why did you stop her from leaving?”
With a shrug, Houston said, “We know you love her. She loves you back.”
It appeared Stoker wasn’t the only one with tricks up his sleeve.
“You two better lay low until I can calm her down.” Hopefully, saying he loved her would help her forget how mad she was. He’d say it anyway. He’d say it a thousand times and maybe she’d forgive him. Luke took a step and turned. “Which stall is Brenner in?”
“Very last one on the right. Oh, and, Luke, the ranch hands fed your horse enough beer to float a ship and Major John isn’t feeling too good.” Sam went through the door. “I smell coffee.”
Hell!
* * *
Luke slipped into the dark barn without making a sound. Once inside, he paused to listen. He heard nothing but the rustle of straw. In the dimness, he saw a few horses sticking their heads from their stalls.
Brenner could wait. Everything could wait—except Josie.
He moved to the tack room and placed his ear against the door. No sound came from inside. Maybe she’d fallen asleep. Or maybe she was lying in wait to shoot whoever opened the door.
“Josie, it’s Luke,” he said low. “Don’t shoot.”
Still nothing. He turned the key sticking from the padlock. When he swung the door back, she burst out at him with the gun raised.
He caught her hand and pried the weapon from her fingers. A shot would’ve brought every marshal on the place. “Dammit, Josie. I told you who I was. I had nothing to do with locking you in here.”
“I know. That was for letting me ride away, if your brothers hadn’t stopped me.” She sniffled. “I thought you had some feelings for me. At least a little.”
“Does being in love with you count?” he asked softly. “I want you to stay.”
Josie’s hair was tangled and in disarray and dirt covered one cheek, but she was the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen. She stood with pants-clad legs braced apart, her breath heaving. He’d never wanted her more.
He pulled her lush body against him. The gun fell from his grasp as he folded his arms around her. He could feel her heart pounding.
Her mysterious eyes made Luke think of heaven. “I thought I lost you.” Shaking with how close he’d come, he ground his lips to hers in a kiss that blazed with heat and raw need.
In that moment, he knew he’d never get enough of this wild and crazy woman.
Overcome with hunger, Luke backed her against a wall and deepened the kiss, letting his mouth relay the depth of his love. His hands slid down her body before returning to her breasts. Damn the layers of fabric that stood between them. He needed to run his fingers across her silky skin. Given where they were, he could only settle for this much. He raked a thumbnail across her swollen nipples that begged for attention.
Josie gasped, desperately trying to unfasten his pants.
A voice yelled, bouncing off the barn walls. “Hey, I need to take a piss. Come untie me.”
Damn Brenner! Luke dragged his mouth from Josie’s.
“Who is that, Luke?” she asked.
“We need to talk, but I have a problem to deal with at the moment.” He nuzzled her neck. “Try to leave and I’ll hunt you down. You belong to me, lady,” he growled.
“Oh, Luke, you’re a funny man. Don’t you know by now? You’re my only love.” Josie tenderly laid her palm on the side of his jaw.
He kissed her once more and picked up her gun from the floor, sticking it into her holster. “This won’t take long.” He patted her saucy bottom and aimed her toward the door. “Go get some breakfast.”
Without glancing back, Luke strode down the row of stalls to the empty one on the right. With Brenner tied up, he wouldn’t need his Colt.
Brenner McCall sat in a corner on the straw. “Weston. About time. What’s going on here? Why was I trussed up like a Christmas goose?”
“Keep your voice down. Marshals have arrested Stoker and they’re holding him not far from here.” Luke cut the ropes. “I heard you were looking for me.” Luke pierced the old outlaw with a stare. “How did you know to find me here?”
“Imagine my surprise, boy, to find out that you’re one of the Legends.” Brenner rubbed his wrists. “You could’ve told me.”
“Not your business.” How the old outlaw had found out, Luke didn’t know. He grabbed Brenner’s shirt front and yanked the man to his feet. “Why are you looking for Josie Morgan? Consider your answer carefully. I’m a hair away from killing you.”
A thick cry
came from behind. Luke turned to see Josie standing with her gun pointed at them.
“Hello…Pa.” Thick sarcasm colored her voice.
Thirty-three
At first glance, Josie projected calm and control, but Luke noticed the quiver of her hand and chin. He wanted to go to her and take her in his arms, but she didn’t appear to issue an invitation.
“Do you know Brenner McCall?” he asked.
“Sorry as I am to say it, I do know the bastard.” Josie dragged in a breath. “He’s my low-down father.”
“I’ve been looking for you everywhere, daughter.” Brenner tried to move forward but Josie stopped him short with a wave of the gun. “I feared Reno might’ve killed you,” Brenner muttered.
Luke winced, watching Josie’s soft features harden to stone. She bore no resemblance to the woman he’d held in his arms mere minutes ago. Hurt filled her eyes.
“As though you’d care a fig about that. You were only worried about shutting me up in case Reno didn’t. I know plenty to tell. You’re a sorry piece of shit. You know that?” Josie gave a sarcastic snort. “I just didn’t know how rotten you were until that night at Doan’s Crossing.”
A rock plummeted to the bottom of Luke’s stomach. Had her memory just returned? Or had it never left? Had she been playing him for a fool all this time? He knew her skill at playing roles. It’s quite possible he’d fallen for a ruse from the outset.
“Josie, honey, when exactly did your memory come back?” Luke dreaded her answer but he had to know.
She must’ve seen the doubt mirrored in his eyes. “Oh no, not you too,” she cried.
* * *
Memories flooded over Josie so fast she could barely make sense of them. Her knees tried to buckle. She braced herself against the side of the stall. She knew everything now. But seeing the doubt fill Luke’s eyes hurt her to the core. She set aside her own need to process her returning memory for later. Right now, she needed to focus on the man she loved.
