Untamed Hearts

by Colleen O'Connell

  Again, the glasses raised and the toast completed with the drinking of champagne.

  Anita blinked back the emotional tears caused by her father’s words and Luke’s embrace.

  Although Jared had no intention of revealing he and Luke were brothers, he could not let the occasion pass without toasting his brother’s marriage. “I have recently met Luke and Anita,” he opened. “Seeing you two as happy as you are together is inspiring. Throughout the evening, I’ve even found the idea of marriage crossing my own thoughts. I can’t decide whether or not I should thank you.”

  Laughter filtered through the room, especially from the other unattached men in attendance.

  “Regardless,” he continued, “I wish you both the best in your life together.” He raised his glass to them, giving the slightest of nods to his brother. He turned his gaze to Taryn.

  She raised her own glass when she caught Jared’s penetrating gaze concentrating on her from across the room. He placed his glass to his mouth, his gaze never leaving her. She found her actions following his. Together they drank.

  When she glanced away she noticed Aunt Gwen’s gaze shifting between Jared and her. Her aunt had a brilliant smile on her face.

  ****

  Marcus left the party in frustration, returning to his office. Lighting the kerosene lamp on his desk, he extracted a file hidden behind a panel in one of his desk drawers. He opened it to reveal the many newspaper clippings he’d collected on King over the years. He had taken great pleasure in reading about King’s endless attempts to flee the law. It wasn’t enough he had forced King to keep on the move. Now with King back in Sacramento, Marcus wanted King to pay for Matt’s death. He bristled, knowing he had no reason for arresting King. He wanted to find something. Flipping through the articles, he paused to scan the stories. He remembered reading something about a bounty hunter after King. Where was it? Marcus neared the bottom of the stack when he came across it. He reread the article, scribbling down the name he sought. Miguel Ramirez. He would send word to the bounty hunter telling the man where he could find his prey.

  If King thought he could flaunt the fact he’d escaped justice by returning to Sacramento, Marcus would make him regret it.

  Chapter Nine

  Jared arrived at the Dalton ranch the morning following the engagement ball to begin work. His brother’s uproarious laughter greeted his entrance to Luke’s home.

  Jared leaned up against the doorframe with his arms crossed, good-naturedly waiting for Luke to control himself. He had anticipated his brother’s reaction to his ‘working’ for the Daltons. A smile of his own tugged at the corners of his mouth considering the situation.

  “I thought I’d choke trying to hold back laughing when Jonathan told me you’d accepted his offer of work,” Luke said while trying to restrain his humor. “Jonathan’s under the impression you’re some impoverished loner. Why didn’t you tell him the truth?”

  “Jonathan made a generous offer to a virtual stranger. I didn’t have the heart to embarrass him by telling him I didn’t need the work or money.”

  “I suppose it’s the reason I’ve stayed here these past years,” Luke admitted. “Jonathan’s a rare man. He instills a strong sense of loyalty.” He paused. “Does Taryn Ashford have anything to do with your agreeing to work on the ranch?”

  Jared hesitated, unwilling to admit she had everything to do with his acceptance of the job.

  Luke threw back his head, laughing harder at his discomfiture. “Come on,” Luke finally said, “I’ll introduce you to the men. We’ll see what you’re made of.”

  “Enough to still take you on if you keep this up,” he remarked, grinning.

  “Allow me this moment,” Luke pleaded, a snicker escaping him. “It’s too priceless.”

  Jared groaned in good humor as they mounted their horses, setting out to start the day.

  Taryn rode over the expanse of meadows on the property with her father when Jared and Luke passed them.

  “Good morning,” Jared and Luke greeted as one before continuing on their way.

  She turned her head to follow the men with her gaze.

  “Taryn.” Dennis drew her attention. “I think you should be careful of Mr. King.”

  “Why, Father?”

  “At the party last evening, I learned five years ago he killed the marshal’s brother over a game of cards.”

  She stared at her father, shaking her head. “It can’t be true.”

  “Your uncle provided the information,” Dennis confirmed. “I know you became somewhat friendly with Mr. King, but I don’t want you hurt because of it.”

  She straightened in the saddle. “Mr. King would never hurt me, Father.”

  Dennis considered his daughter before speaking. “Taryn, you haven’t changed your mind about marrying Brad, have you?”

  “Of course not. Do you think I would disappoint any of you?” She had given them all enough concern back in Chicago after taking an endless time to make up her mind. Her decision had made them all happy. She couldn’t ruin their happiness by having ungrounded doubts. “I made my decision to marry Brad. I intend to see it through.”

  Dennis smiled. “Your mother always said Brad is what you needed to settle down.”

  “I suppose he is.”

  Dennis’ expression grew somber. “Don’t let him change you. I’ve always loved the spirit you possess.”

  Her pensiveness improved, a bright smile replacing her wan expression as she glanced toward her father. They had always shared a close relationship. He had been the one to teach her to ride and respect horses. They’d spent many afternoons riding together. Her father had always listened to her, respected her viewpoints and intelligence. “I’m sure whatever spirit I possess, Father, you are responsible for it.”

  “I hope so.” Dennis shifted his gaze in the distance, a gleam coming into his eyes. “Do you have enough spirit in you to race?”

  Always up for a challenge, she grinned. “I hate to take advantage of your years.”

  “I see I’ll have to teach you what age can do,” Dennis returned with zest. “I’ll wait for you on the hill up ahead of us.” He spurred his horse forward.

  Quick to follow, she laughed in enjoyment urging her horse onward.

  ****

  Late evening, Jared walked down the Grand Marquis’ hallway toward his room. His senses alerted, he spun around to confront the shadowy figure. Grabbing the man’s shirtfront, he slammed him back against the wall. Already with pistol in hand, he cocked it in front of the man’s face.

  “Whoa!” Luke held up his hands. “I only came to talk.”

  Jared lowered his gun, releasing his hold, and placing his gun back in its holster. “Christ, Luke, don’t ever walk up behind me!”

  Luke let out the breath he’d been holding. “Who’s after you?”

  “No one I can’t handle.”

  Once inside his room, he lit the kerosene lamp and crossed to the mahogany service table. He poured two glasses of port from one of three crystal decanters and handed one to Luke.

  Luke took a sip of the port, appreciating its quality. “I came to talk more about Rhodes. I didn’t want to risk being overheard on the ranch by one of the men.”

  The two sat across from each other in a set of maroon velvet chairs. Luke took a drink of whiskey before beginning. He examined the spacious room. His observation complete, he focused on Jared. “You already know Rhodes is the marshal now,” Luke began. “He received the post two years ago. He received the post because no one offered dispute. I think too many feared the responsibility, and the possibility of danger involved with the job. Since he’s been in the position, he’s let the power of the office rule his thinking.”

  “Rhodes has always been ruled by power,” Jared commented.

  “Then it’s only gotten worse. He believes he’s infallible in his decisions and his actions.”

  Jared sneered. “So why hasn’t anyone done anything about him?”

  Lu
ke shook his head. “Fear of change perhaps. No one wants to take the initiative.”

  Jared stared at his brother. “What about you?”

  “I considered it,” Luke admitted, “but I enjoy what I do. I have no desire for the marshal’s post. Even the sheriff, Andrew Donahue, doesn’t want it. Unfortunately, it allows Rhodes to retain the position and use it to his own benefit.” Luke paused, his gaze sliding to Jared. “Unless you’d be interested?”

  “Don’t get any ideas,” he warned, realizing Luke touched on the topic revealing the real reason for his visit.

  “No more than a suggestion.” Luke dropped the subject. “Speaking of which, is there any further development between you and Taryn?” A smile formed on his face.

  “What does she have to do with what we were discussing?” Jared pulled out his timepiece, avoiding his brother’s question.

  Luke took the hint. “I take it you don’t want to talk about Taryn. If you ask me…”

  “I’m not asking.”

  “All right,” Luke said with a laugh. “I’m going.” He swallowed the last of his drink coming to his feet. “One other thing,” he said in recollection, placing his glass down, “Anita wants Taryn and Brad to see Breck’s. We’re going to make a night of it this Friday if you want to meet us there.”

  “I don’t have any desire to revisit Breck’s after five years.” Jared remarked, shaking his head.

  “Well, if you change your mind, the offer is still open.”

  ****

  Friday morning Taryn woke, anticipating the day. She planned to shop in the afternoon with Anita to assist her in choosing her trousseau. They were scheduled to go to Breck’s Casino for the evening to enjoy a late supper and entertainment. It would be a full day. She jumped out of bed to start her morning. Dressing in a simple pleated green and gold skirt, loose blouse, and hip level Norfolk jacket, she came downstairs, her mood carefree.

  She found Brad in the library. “Good morning.” Surrounded by the floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, Brad sat in one of the leather chairs reading a book on finance. She leaned over the arm of the chair, kissing his cheek. “Where is everyone?”

  Brad placed the book down on the table beside his chair. “Your mother and aunt are down at the lake. Your father and uncle are doing some sort of farm work. I have been patiently waiting for you to wake. It’s almost noon.”

  She chuckled. “It is rather late, isn’t it? I wanted to sleep in so I would feel fresh tonight when we go to Breck’s. Anita has been telling me all about it. I can’t wait to go!”

  Brad’s smile widened. “Then what should we do today to keep you occupied?”

  “Brad, did you forget? I’ll be spending the afternoon with Anita to help her choose her wedding trousseau.”

  Brad’s smile slipped. He stood, walked over near the cherry wood desk, and absently played with the gold letter opener.

  She walked over, placing her hands on Brad’s shoulders, a cajoling smile on her face. “Don’t be cross. I’ll be getting ideas for my trousseau too.”

  “I want to spend time alone with you. Are you sure you can’t go shopping with Anita another day?”

  “There isn’t another day Anita and I can do this. It has to be today.”

  “I suppose I can find something to do while you’re gone,” Brad conceded.

  “Why don’t you help my father and uncle with whatever they’re doing?” She noticed Brad blanch at the idea of ranch work. “It would give you the opportunity for my uncle to get to know you better. I’m certain my father would like for you to join them.”

  “Perhaps you’re right.”

  Anita’s voice rang out from the foyer. “There’s Anita.” Taryn walked toward the doorway.

  Brad took her wrist. “Why don’t you tell her you don’t feel well?”

  “I can’t,” she said, laughing as she extracted her wrist. “I have to go.”

  “Not before you give me a kiss to hold me through the day without you.”

  Her eyes lit up with humor. “Are you ready then?” Wrapping her arms around his neck, she placed her mouth on Brad’s.

  When the kiss concluded, Brad’s disbelief played across his features. His tone turned abrupt. “Where did you learn to kiss in that manner?”

  Taryn gazed up at Brad, uncertain as to what he meant. Apprehension seized her. She had kissed Brad the way she had learned by example from Jared’s kisses. “You said you wanted a kiss to remember. I shouldn’t keep Anita waiting. I’ll see you later today.” She hurried from the room having no desire for Brad to question her further about the kiss.

  Brad stared after her, still pondering on the kiss they’d shared. He left the house, walking to the pasture where Dennis Ashford and Jonathan Dalton were breaking in a new horse. Brad deemed it a waste of time for grown men to sweat on top of a horse trying to control the untamed animal. Jonathan Dalton rode the stallion, straining with the reins. Dennis Ashford shouted instructions from the fence where they stood.

  Dennis hooted with laughter when the horse bucked Jonathan. “He had you, John!” Jonathan righted himself on the steed. “Tighten up on the reins!”

  Brad frowned at Dennis Ashford’s outburst. He’d never experienced this side of Taryn’s father. At the bank, the man was a stoic businessman. A man respected for his position and knowledge. It was inconceivable the same man would now be acting in such a fashion. It wasn’t the first time Brad had been in the man’s company. Back in Chicago, because of his relationship with Taryn, Brad had been around Dennis Ashford outside the bank’s walls. Although less formal than at the bank, Dennis had never behaved as he had been doing since their arrival in Sacramento.

  Brad had previously imagined their personalities were very much the same. It had been a deciding factor in his pursuit of Taryn. Dennis Ashford’s influential position at the bank could prove very beneficial to Brad’s career plans. As his son-in-law, he would be considered for advancement before another.

  “I could get used to this life out here,” Dennis voiced aloud. “It’s invigorating isn’t it, Brad? I can’t remember when I’ve felt so relaxed or enjoyed myself more.”

  “I thought the same thing, sir,” Brad agreed, smiling. In reality, Brad longed to be back in Chicago working at his job at the bank rather than standing along some pasture fence. He turned his gaze back to Jonathan Dalton on the horse.

  The stallion bucked Jonathan off its back. Jonathan picked himself up off the ground, dusting himself off. Walking over to the fence, he laughed. “I’ve never seen an animal more stubborn.”

  “I’d like to give him a try.”

  Brad’s mouth dropped open at Dennis’ comment. A ranch hand brought the horse around for Dennis to mount. This was a banker of high standing? He acted as if he’d been born in a saddle!

  The horse threw Dennis. Brad saw his best opportunity for advancement jeopardized. If the man had the stupidity to die after such a stunt, Brad would have no better chance of obtaining higher standing than any other lower level person at the bank. When Dennis picked himself up from the dirt unharmed, Brad breathed a sigh of relief.

  Dennis walked over to where they stood, laughing as hard as Jonathan had at his failed attempt. “Any chance you’d like to try, Brad?”

  Brad shook his head. “No, I don’t think so.” He wasn’t about to climb up on some wild beast of an animal. “I have no doubt I’d wind up with my face in the dirt as well.” Covered with dust and sweat, Jonathan Dalton and Dennis Ashford talked of making a second attempt to control the animal.

  Madeline and Gwen walked up to the group.

  “It’s obvious you haven’t had much luck,” Gwen commented with a laugh taking in Jonathan’s and Dennis’ disheveled appearance.

  “The horse has thrown us both,” Dennis admitted. “Maddie, why don’t you try to break in the horse?” He burst out laughing at his wife’s incredulous countenance.

  Madeline smiled at Dennis’ joke. “I have a good mind to meet your challenge, Dennis. What wou
ld you do if I were able to tame the horse’s wild streak when you could not?”

  “I wouldn’t be surprised, Maddie. You’ve managed to tame some of my wild streak. Although I think there are still traces of it,” he added, pulling his wife into his arms.

  “Dennis!” Madeline exclaimed in admonishment, although she put her arms around his neck, her eyes lighting up in enjoyment of their banter.

  “I don’t know about the rest of you,” Jonathan said, “but I could use something cold to drink. It’s obvious this horse has gotten the better of us today. Maybe Luke or Jared can break him in.”

  “Ride with me,” Dennis suggested to Maddie as he pulled himself up onto the horse’s back.

  “Dennis, don’t be ridiculous. I’m not a young girl anymore.”

  With a devilish smirk, Dennis reared his horse around, leaned down, and scooped his wife up to sit before him. Madeline squealed in surprise. “You’re still young to me, Maddie.”

  Madeline’s smile shone on her face. “I don’t know what’s gotten into you since we’ve arrived here, Dennis, but I think I like it.”

  “We’ll meet you back at the house,” Dennis called over his shoulder to the others as he urged the horse forward into a gallop.

  Gwen laughed in delight. She turned to Jonathan. “Go on ahead. I’ll walk back with Brad.” Gwen turned to Brad. “I haven’t had much chance to talk with you, Brad. Tell me, what you do at your bank?”

  Brad smiled, warming to the conversation. “I head the accounting department.”

  “Taryn tells me you’re very ambitious.”

  Ambitious to a fault, the compliment pleased Brad. “I intend to be a principal at the bank one day.”