“Hell,” Jared swore, pacing across the room, “I went there to tell her I didn’t want her to marry Thompson. Her mother walked in on us. I never did tell her. He raked his hand through his hair. “Taryn knows it now, but her father still has his doubts.” He expelled a weary sigh. “I’m afraid if I can’t resolve this issue, the strain of it will affect our marriage.”
“I can’t imagine that occurring. Taryn comes alive when you’re around.”
Jared accepted his brother’s observation. “In the past, I accepted rumors as a part of my profession. Until now, it didn’t matter to me one way or another as to what people said. But she and I will never have a chance for a future together if my name is continually linked to deeds in which I’m innocent. I don’t need any more enemies.”
“Jared, what enemy did you think I was in the Grand Marquis hallway?” Luke asked.
Jared sighed; glad to release some of his concerns. “A bounty hunter. His name’s Miguel Ramirez.”
“Is there any justification to his pursuit?”
Jared nodded. “Some. Before I came out here, I escaped from a Mexican jail. In the process, I killed one of their officials.”
“What was the charge against you placing you in a Mexican jail to begin with?”
Jared shrugged. “I didn’t wait around to find out.”
“I believed your only problem was with Rhodes,” Luke said, massaging the sudden tension in the back of his neck. “Can you be sure the Mexican police sent someone after you?”
Jared shook his head. “I’ve already seen Ramirez on the way out here. He’s never seen me before, so I was able to get away before he caught onto what I was doing.”
Luke took a deep breath. “Is he any good as a bounty hunter?”
“He has a relentless reputation. If he catches up with me, I don’t want Taryn hurt because of my past.” Jared avoided entanglements of the heart because of his profession. He never wanted to take the chance of losing his edge if he became preoccupied with a woman. He and Luke contemplated how he could solve his problems.
****
Passing through the main area of town, Taryn paused, hearing the sound of her name called out. She shielded her eyes against the sun and turned toward the sound. Anita waved from her carriage across the street. Taryn waited for another coach to go by then rushed across the street, reaching Anita’s carriage as her friend stepped down. Taryn hugged Anita. “I’ve missed you. When did you get back?”
Anita pulled back standing at arm’s length. “We returned last night. I visited my mother who told me you married Jared. I think it’s wonderful! I wish I could have been here.”
A smile touched Taryn’s mouth. Anita’s presence did wonders to release her pent-up tension. Her friend’s excitement over what most considered a disaster was a refreshing change. In the past weeks, each time Taryn ventured out either with or without Jared, she felt the condemnation of the town. People would cease their conversations when she passed or extended glances loaded with derisive superiority. At first, Taryn thought herself to be overly anxious concerning her situation, but it became more obvious each time she came in contact with the townspeople. While the women were scornful, the men assessed her with blatant eagerness. “Be glad you weren’t here to witness our marriage.”
“I understand the circumstances were not very pleasant,” Anita said, her tone compassionate.
“I envisioned my wedding day differently. I don’t imagine Jared found that it met his expectations either.”
“Well, with you and Jared married now, I can tell you.”
Taryn paused, bewilderment in her gaze. “Tell me what?” She stepped aside to allow Beatrice Masters to enter Marie’s dress shop. The woman gave Taryn a dismissive glance, pulling her skirt aside as if she didn’t even want to come in contact with her. Taryn found it difficult to ignore the cold actions of the woman. She turned her attention back to Anita.
Anita’s gaze seared through the back of Beatrice Master’s head. The homely girl held her large nose in the air, her thin lips pursed, causing her pinched face to look even more unattractive. “I have to admit,” Anita shared with her, “I secretly hoped you would not marry Brad.”
“You did?”
Anita nodded. “Brad is nice,” she offered, “but Jared gets along so well with Luke, and you and I get along. I think you two are a much better fit. He loves you in a way I don’t think Brad ever would have. What we need to do is sit somewhere and catch up.”
Beatrice’s mother, Agatha Masters, stood at the end of the walkway talking with one of her neighbors. Again, as Anita and Taryn approached, the conversation ceased. Before they walked beyond hearing distance, the two older women resumed their conversation.
“Her parents must be livid with her,” Agatha Masters said with expressive guile. “Who can blame them? Their shame must be unbearable.”
The other woman nodded her agreement.
Anita threw the women a burning glare. “Don’t pay attention to what Agatha Masters says, Taryn. She’d be calling it a godsend if Beatrice could find herself in such a situation.” Agatha hissed with outrage. Pleased her remark reached the right ears, Anita smiled without turning around to see Agatha’s face. “Why don’t we talk more over coffee,” Anita suggested, linking her arm with Taryn and progressing down the walkway away from the women.
Sitting at a small table on the upper tier in the lobby of the Grand Marquis, their coffee before them, the two settled in for a comfortable conversation.
Anita admired the rings Jared gave Taryn. “They’re beautiful.”
“Our wedding bands came in yesterday.” The rings on her finger still managed to overwhelm her.
“So,” Anita said, “in the absence of any pretense, will you tell me the details of how you two met?”
Taryn leaned back in the teal blue, wing-back chair, laughing. She confided everything to Anita beginning with her first meeting with Jared, their ensuing relationship, and concluding with the night of Dean Breck’s murder. “Jared’s been attempting to discover the truth of the matter. I’ve offered to help him, but he keeps avoiding the subject every time I raise it.”
“Maybe he’s trying to protect you?”
“I know he is, and I love him for it,” Taryn said, “but I also know I could help somehow if he’d accept the assistance. The sooner we discover the truth, the sooner we can get on with our lives.” She changed the subject, not wishing to focus the entire conversation on her. “Tell me, how was your honeymoon?”
Anita beamed. “We had the most exciting time,” she enthused. “You were right about the limited leg room in the Silver Palace sleepers. Luke felt it monumentally uncomfortable, but I was thoroughly entertained by his threats to kick his foot right through the wall of the car.”
“How was New York?” Taryn asked, taking a sip of her coffee.
“There was so much to do and see, but I’ll admit it is nice to be home. Well, almost nice,” she corrected, before explaining. “I went to see my parents this morning. My mother is already hinting about grandchildren. I’m married mere weeks, and she’s talking grandchildren! She went on and on about it in front of my father this morning. I was beyond embarrassed. Prior to my marriage, mother didn’t breathe a word about such delicate subjects. Now, she finds it the most natural of conversations over breakfast.”
Taryn laughed. “I don’t think my mother would ever find it natural to talk about that business I remember asking her about it when I was younger. She told me one day I would feel butterflies in my stomach and then a child would result. After our conversation, I stopped chasing butterflies altogether. I believed they were seeking to find a way into my stomach to hatch a child.” She burst out laughing.
Anita choked on the swallow of coffee as laughter erupted from her throat. “Butterflies!” Anita giggled. “My mother described it as a bee’s sting.”
Once their laughter subsided, Taryn leaned forward, grinning in gratitude. “Anita, I’m glad you’re back.”
>
In leaving the Dalton property after talking to Luke, Jared passed the main house. As he did so, Etta hailed him from the sweeping veranda.
Riding up, he dismounted, tipping his hat. “Good afternoon, Etta.” Holding the reins of his horse in one hand, he leaned an elbow against the white wooden handrail at the bottom of the stairs leading up to the veranda.
“Mr. King, how delightful to see you! I was telling Gwen I haven’t seen you since our train trip out here.”
“I’ve been remiss in my regard. I take it your decision to journey here has proven enjoyable for you?”
“Other than marrying my Bill, it was the best decision I’ve ever made. How are you?”
“I’m managing.”
“If I can help in any way…”
Thank you, Etta.” he said, a smile on his face.
Gwen and Madeline walked out onto the veranda from a side door, one carrying a tray of beverages; the other, a tray of sandwiches.
He tipped his hat to the two. “Good afternoon, ladies.”
Gwen smiled in greeting. “Hello, Jared. Would you care to join us for lunch?”
“Thank you, no. I need to be getting back.” Pausing, he gazed directly at Madeline. “Mrs. Ashford, would you and your husband care to dine with Taryn and I this evening.”
Gwen and Etta smiled turning their gaze as one to Maddie, waiting for her response.
Madeline’s smile was tentative. “Your invitation is very kind, Mr. King, but I’m not sure Mr. Ashford would wish to accept.”
He nodded. “Perhaps another time.” He bid them a good day, mounting his steed.
“Mr. King,” Madeline called out to detain him. When she captured his attention, she smiled. “On second thought, we’d be happy to accept your invitation.”
He felt his heart lighten at Mrs. Ashford’s change of mind. He didn’t know what caused it but wasn’t going to question the reason. “Seven o’clock at Breck’s?”
“I look forward to it.”
Tipping his hat again, he rode off, his spirits revived.
Gwen turned to Maddie. “However are you going to get Dennis to go to dinner?”
“I’m not going to tell him we’re dining with anyone else,” Madeline said. “A little surprise will do him good.”
Gwen’s brow arched. “I’m proud of you, Maddie.”
Madeline glowed, pleased with herself. “Dennis’ stubbornness has gone on long enough. If he and I don’t support their marriage or support Jared as a member of this family, no one else ever will. I hope it goes well tonight. I can’t say what Dennis will do.”
Etta reached over, squeezing Maddie’s hand in reassurance. “Whatever may happen, I’m sure you’ll manage it with aplomb.”
****
Taryn returned to their hotel room after her talk with Anita. She scarcely walked through the doorway when Jared pulled her into his arms. She wrapped her arms around his neck, returning his kiss with enthusiasm. After long moments, she pulled back, a seductive smile on her face. “You’re in a good mood.” Her fingers reached for the buttons of his shirt.
He longed to make love to Taryn right then and there but refrained, conscious of their dinner plans with her parents. She slid the palms of her hands down the front of his chest creating a jarring sensation in his loins, but he pulled her hands back with difficulty. He accepted her kiss. “Taryn, I’ve made dinner plans for us.”
Her voice thickened with rising passion. “Let’s cancel them.”
Jared closed his eyes, fighting the desire to agree with her. “We can’t.” He took her by the shoulders, gently holding her at arm’s length. “We’re dining with your parents at Breck’s.”
“What?” All passion drained at the thought of sitting across from her father’s condemning scowl all evening. “My father agreed to meet us?”
“Your mother accepted my invitation for both of them.”
Taryn began pacing. “My father won’t come. My mother may be willing to forgive and forget, but my father won’t.”
He stood, taking her in his arms to halt her fluttering. “Don’t you want to settle our differences with your father?”
“Of course I do.” She bit her lip. “He won’t come.”
“Then we’ll have a nice evening with your mother.”
An hour and a half later, dressed for the evening, Taryn withdrew from the bedroom in a violet gown trimmed in lace, smiling with pleasure when Jared came into view. Standing at the window with his back to her, she took a moment to appreciate his appearance. The fine cut of his dark navy coat fit smoothly across his broad shoulders with the matching trousers hinting at the powerful legs beneath the cloth.
Sensing her presence, he turned. The gown she wore complemented her coloring. A creation of curls swirled and pinned atop her head tempted the eye. She was an absolute vision of beauty. His feet carried him over to her without conscious thought.
“Do I look all right?” Her parents had seen her in similar attire hundreds of times before, but somehow, tonight it became more important to present her best.
“You leave me searching for words.”
She pursed her mouth. “Is it so difficult?”
He found her question amusing, but he understood nerves were driving her question. He had no intention of making light of her discomfort. “Yes, when there are no words to capture your beauty.”
Taryn beamed hearing his praise. “You are very distinguished yourself this evening, Jared.”
He kissed her gently, too afraid if he pulled her into his arms, they would never leave. “We have to go.”
Her glowing smile faltered. Taking a steadying breath, she nodded. Before they left the hotel to travel the short distance to Breck’s to meet her parents, Taryn needed clarification. “Why did you choose to have us dine at Breck’s restaurant? I would think you would want to choose anywhere, but there.”
“Breck’s is one of the finest restaurants in the city, and with luck, it will prove a point.”
“How we’ve lost our senses?”
He grinned. “The point I’m hoping to make is to show anyone who might care, we have no reason to avoid Breck’s.”
Chapter Twenty-One
Entering the restaurant, Anita’s father, Walt, walked up to them.
“Mr. Adams,” Taryn greeted, “how nice to see you.” Following Dean Breck’s death, Walt attained the management of the establishment. His large, stocky frame and fierce appearance belied the man underneath who was as good-natured and easygoing as Anita herself.
Walt Adams’ frowning countenance broke away into a smile as he greeted them. “Taryn, how beautiful you look.” Turning to Jared, Walt extended his hand. Jared’s gaze was wary as he shook Walt’s hand. Walt whacked him on his upper arm. “Rest easy, lad. There are a few of us who don’t believe you were responsible for Dean’s death.”
“I appreciate it, Mr. Adams.”
“You two go enjoy your supper.”
They were shown to a table by the large windows overlooking the park. Sitting on the same side of the table for four, they ordered wine while they waited for her parents to arrive.
“What time is it?” Taryn played with the stem of her wine glass.
“They still have a few minutes.”
She clasped her chilled hands together in her lap. “He won’t come.” Jared placed a calming hand over hers, a gesture she felt as grateful for his tenderness as she did his warmth.
The Ashfords walked into the large restaurant, briefly spoke with Walt Adams before they were escorted to the table.
Jared felt Taryn tense even more, her back going stiff. She entwined her fingers with his for support. He turned to see the Ashfords approaching. The shocked expression on Dennis Ashford’s face indicated his unawareness they would be dining together. Madeline Ashford’s searching glance toward her husband, confirmed Jared’s assumption. She had used another pretext to bring him to the restaurant. Uncertain what Taryn’s father would do, Jared felt his guard go up. He st
ood, greeting them both.
Madeline side-stepped around him to kiss Taryn upon the cheek, squeezing her shoulders to bolster her daughter’s nerves. Piercing Dennis with a penetrating stare, Madeline waited.
“Madeline?”
“Sit, Dennis. People are beginning to stare.”
The four sat down in silent unison.
“I’m sorry, Dennis, to have deceived you so.” Madeline broke the awkward moment. “But this is enough. You need to put your personal feelings aside.”
“This is neither the time nor the place to discuss this situation.”
Madeline scoffed at Dennis’ evasion. “Why not discuss it? Everyone else in town is doing so. Or don’t you care anymore?”
Taryn inwardly applauded her mother’s pluck. Her mother might be prudish in some ways, but when necessary, she applied no such reservations.
Dennis seethed. “Of course, I care.”
Madeline stood her ground. “Then tell her so, because you haven’t been acting as if you do.”
Dennis turned his gaze, frowning across the table at Taryn and Jared. His first words were to the gunman, words angry but controlled. “Mr. King, I will admit when you pulled me aside at the festival, I respected your integrity. However, you must realize your marriage has not salvaged much of anything. Maddie’s right,” he conceded. “The gossip is still occurring and, in all likelihood, will continue.”
Jared felt grateful the man was at least willing to speak to them. “There’s not much we can do about what others think or say.”
“No, I don’t suppose there is.” Dennis assessed them. “You two will have to face that on your own.”
“We will,” Taryn assured her father.
The tense lines of Dennis’ expression softened. Her hand entwined with King’s on the table presenting a united front against him. “Taryn, is spending your life with this man what you want?”
She squeezed Jared’s hand in hers. “Yes, it is.”
Dennis turned a sharpened gaze to Jared. “Does marriage have a place in your life, especially considering the circumstances?”
“This marriage fits into my life. Regardless of the circumstances, as I’ve told you, I still would have married your daughter.”
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