Brazen

by Bobbi Smith

  "Yes, but Turner didn't do it. He had an alibi. The sheriff still doesn't know who did it. That reward the Donovans offered hasn't brought in any good leads, but they know for sure it wasn't Turner. I don't know any more of the details. That's all the talk I've heard so far."

  "This wedding between the two of them will ruin everything," he snarled under his breath.

  "What, John?"

  "I was hoping to buy the Bar T.I'd heard some rumors that Jack was in financial trouble. I made him an offer for the ranch, but he said it wasn't for sale. I guess the Bar T wasn't, but his daughter was."

  "What are you talking about?"

  "Nothing."

  "But"

  "Shut up and come here."

  He grabbed Rosalie and pulled her roughly down to him. He was frustrated and in no mood to do any more talking. There was only one thing he wanted from her, and he wanted it now. She was nothing but a piece of meat to him.

  Rosalie mistook John's lust for love. Sometimes he was violent with her, but she'd come to expect that from him. She gave him the pleasure he sought. She believed that one day soon he would propose and then she would have the life she'd always wanted. She would be John's wife.

  Casey was quiet that evening as she sat at the dinner table with her father.

  "Are you all right?" Jack asked.

  "I was just thinking about everything that happened in town today. It's so hard to believe that in less than a month I'll be married and gone."

  Jack still felt guilty, but he knew they'd made the best of a difficult situation. There had been no other way to save the ranch and protect Casey. He'd needed that much peace of mind to face his own uncertain future.

  "I'm sorry I didn't feel well enough to go with you today. Did Michael go?"

  "No. Only his mother."

  "When are you going to see him again?"

  "At the wedding will be soon enough for me."

  "Don't you want to get to know him better?"

  "I'm sure once we're married, I'll get to know Michael real well. I won't have much choice."

  "I'm sorry things turned out this way."

  "It isn't your fault, Pa. You didn't force me. I made the choice to marry Michael."

  "Did Elizabeth say anything about how your house is coming along?"

  "The only thing she said was that Michael and some of the men started working on it today."

  "We'll take a ride over in the next day or two and see what they're doing. If it's going to be your house, you should probably be there as much as you can, to help arrange things the way you want them."

  "All right. There was something else I was thinking about, too, Pa."

  "What's that?"

  "Elizabeth was telling me what a rough time her husband is having."

  "I thought Frank was getting better." Jack was surprised by her statement.

  "Oh, she said he is getting stronger, but no matter what, he's never going to walk again. Elizabeth said he's having a real hard time accepting it."

  "What man wouldn't?"

  "Exactly. That's what got me to thinking. I saw a picture somewhere of a chair with wheels attached to it, so peo ple who couldn't walk could still get around. Do you think Dr. Murray would know how to get one of those?"

  "I don't know. We can ask the next time we're in town."

  "Or I could try to build one myself. I feel sorry for Elizabeth. If he could start getting around on his own a little, maybe he wouldn't feel like such a burden to everyone."

  "Why don't you go talk to Pete? He's real good at fixing things. Maybe he can come up with an idea that would work."

  "Thanks, Pa. I think I will."

  Casey hurriedly finish eating, then went to look for Pete.

  "Is something wrong?" the ranch hand asked when he came out of the bunkhouse to speak with her.

  "Nothing's wrong, but if you've got time, I do need your help with something."

  "Sure, Casey. What is it?" It wasn't often she asked for help doing anything, so Pete knew the request had to be important.

  She quickly explained what she wanted to do, and when she finished she found Pete was smiling at her.

  "You're smiling."

  "Yeah, I was just thinking-a few months ago you wouldn't have given the Donovans the time of day, and now you're about to marry Michael and you want to help his father. Things are definitely changing around here."

  "They sure are, and for the better, I hope."

  "Let's see what we can come up with."

  Pete led the way to the stable to rummage through their cast-off items. They found two large wheels they thought might work for bearing most of the weight, but they still needed smaller ones for balance in front. They would also need a small platform in the front for Frank to rest his feet on.

  "What chair did you plan to use?" he asked. "Whatever you pick, it's got to be a sturdy one. Frank Donovan is a big man."

  "We've got one up at the house that should work. I don't think Pa will mind if I take it."

  "Let's get it and see what we can put together."

  "Do you think it will take us long?"

  "We want to make sure we do this right, but with any luck, maybe we can be finished by tomorrow. How soon did you plan to give it to him?"

  "I haven't thought that far ahead," she admitted. "I don't even know if he'll want to see me. The last time I was there, he stayed upstairs in his bedroom the whole time."

  "Once he realizes what you've brought him, Frank Donovan will be real glad to see you. Let's get to work."

  They went to get the chair from the house and brought it down to the stable. Then they set to work.

  Casey silently prayed that they would be successful. She wanted to find a way to make life better for Elizabeth. Elizabeth had been so kind to her. Now she wanted to return the gesture. She prayed the chair would work.

  "All right, let's by this out," Pete directed, sitting down in the wheelchair they'd just finished building. They'd labored over the creation long into the night and had gone back to work on it right after breakfast the following morning. It was nearly noon now, and they hoped their hard work was about to pay off.

  "Should I push you?" Casey asked as she came to stand behind him.

  "Yes, let's see if this works."

  Casey gripped the back of the chair and started to push it forward. To their delight, the chair moved with relative ease.

  "We did it," she said excitedly, thrilled that she would be helping Frank and Elizabeth. "It works."

  "Yes, it does. Now let's see if I can make it roll on my own."

  Casey moved away to watch Pete shove the wheels forward by hand. It was awkward for him, but he did manage to wheel himself around the stable.

  Pete looked up at her as he stopped before her. "I think Frank Donovan's going to be real happy with this chair."

  "I hope so. Thanks, Pete. I couldn't have done it without you."

  "I'm just glad we had everything we needed to make it right. Do you want me to load it up in the buckboard for you?"

  "Yes. I'll go find Pa while you do that, to see if he wants to ride to the Circle D with me."

  A short time later, Casey and Jack were on their way to the Donovan ranch.

  "Elizabeth," Frank called out from his chair by the window in the parlor. "Someone's coming."

  Elizabeth came down from upstairs at his call.

  "I wonder who it is." As she came into the parlor to look out the window, she smiled in delight. "Why, it's Cassandra and her father. I wonder what they're doing here."

  "Just what I didn't need, another visit from Jack Turner," Frank growled. Though they had called a truce, he still didn't like appearing weak before Jack. Jack could hide his infirmity, but there was no disguising Frank's useless legs.

  "You might as well get used to it. Once Casey and Michael are married, I'm sure we'll be seeing a lot more of him."

  Frank only mumbled to himself as she went outside to welcome them.

  "Hello, Cassandra,
Jack. What brings you to the Circle D?" Elizabeth asked.

  "I have something for you," Casey began, smiling as she jumped down from the driver's bench and walked around to the back of the buckboard. "A present."

  "Oh? What is it?" Elizabeth asked, curious. She couldn't imagine what Cassandra could be bringing her in a buckboard. Her first good look at the wheelchair stunned her. "Where did you get it?"

  "We made it. Pete, our foreman, worked with me on it. I remembered what you told me about your husband not being able to get around anymore. Pete's real good at building things, so I talked to him, and we decided to make the wheelchair for you."

  Elizabeth stared in awe as Cassandra climbed up in the back of the buckboard and pushed the chair toward her.

  "It actually moves," she breathed. Tears burned in her eyes and deep emotion filled her.

  "That's right. You can push it, or your husband can wheel it around by himself."

  Jack came and lifted the chair down for them. Casey hopped down from the back of the buckboard.

  "Shall we give it to him now?" Casey asked

  "Oh, yes. This is wonderful, Cassandra Jack. Thank you." Her words were heartfelt. "Let's go inside. Frank is downstairs in the parlor today."

  Casey was a little nervous about seeing her future father-in-law. Frank Donovan had always been an intim idating man, and her encounter with him on the night she'd agreed to marry his son hadn't changed her opinion.

  Elizabeth ushered Cassandra into the house, and Jack followed carrying the wheelchair.

  "Frank Cassandra's come to see you and she's brought you something," Elizabeth announced as they entered the parlor.

  Frank looked over from his chair by the window.

  "Mr. Donovan-" Casey began.

  He gave her a stem look. "If you're marrying my son in a few weeks, it's time for you to start calling me Frank."

  Jack appeared behind her and set the wheelchair down.

  "What's that?" Frank demanded.

  "A present. Cassandra made it for you," Elizabeth explained, taking charge.

  "What the hell kind of present is that?"

  Elizabeth pushed the chair forward so he could get a good look at it.

  Frank glared at the chair, then looked up at Casey. "You made it?"

  She nodded. "Our foreman helped me. Do you want to sit in it?"

  "No," he snapped, not wanting to be seen as an invalid. As long as he sat still, he could pretend to himself that no one knew he was a useless shell of a man.

  "Oh, well. Maybe you'll want to try it out later." Casey realized it was not easy for him to admit he needed it.

  "Or maybe I won't!" Frank snarled.

  Jack was irritated by Frank's reaction and immediately came to his daughter's defense.

  "Frank, I always thought you were a stupid ass, and you've just proved it." He wanted to use worse language, but he controlled himself because Elizabeth was present. "My daughter worked hard to make you this gift. She was only trying to help."

  Michael entered the house just then, to hear the very end of Jack's remarks.

  "What's wrong?" Michael asked, coming into the parlor. He'd ridden in from the building site to get more supplies and had seen the buckboard out front.

  "Nothing is wrong," Elizabeth said. "Cassandra brought your father a present, and now that you're here to help, everything is fine." She hadn't approved of her husband's reaction, but she'd understood it.

  As Elizabeth spoke, Frank and Jack glared at each other.

  "Where did you find this?" Michael asked Casey.

  "She made it for me," Frank answered.

  "You did?" He was impressed.

  "I thought your pa might want to get around on his own."

  "I'm sure he does," Michael said, looking at his father. "Casey, why don't you wait out on the porch with your father for a minute while I help him change seats?"

  "That's a good idea," Elizabeth agreed, thankful that Michael had shown up and was taking charge. She'd been embarrassed by Frank's reaction to Cassandra's gift. She led the way outside to give her husband the privacy he needed.

  Michael rolled the wheelchair next to his father's chair.

  "I think you're going to like this."

  "We'll see." Frank refused to allow himself to feel hopeful.

  "Put your arms around my neck, and I'll shift you over," Michael directed.

  Frank did as he was told. Michael lifted him into the waiting wheelchair and got him settled in.

  "There," Michael said in satisfaction as he handed Frank the blanket he liked to keep tucked over his legs. "Give the chair a try. Let's see if you can get it moving."

  Frank reached down and gave the two big wheels a push.

  The chair moved.

  "It works." He looked up at his son, his eyes brimming with emotion.

  "That's right." Michael saw the look on his father's face and swallowed tightly against his own powerful reaction. It wasn't the same as seeing him get up and walk again, but at least his father could move on his own.

  "There's somebody I need to thank." Frank was having a little trouble trying to figure out how to maneuver, but he finally managed to negotiate the parlor and wheel himself down the front hall. He had some difficulty opening the front door, but at last he got it open enough to call out to Casey. "Casey"

  Elizabeth, Jack and Casey had been standing in the shade at the far end of the porch. At his call, they walked to meet him.

  "Casey," Frank said, meeting her gaze. "Thank you."

  His words were from the heart, and for the first time since he was shot, he smiled.

  Casey returned his smile, delighted that he was pleased. "You're welcome. I hope it helps you."

  "It already has," he answered tightly.

  Michael had been standing back, watching all that transpired. He hadn't seen his father smile in weeks, and he was jarred by the strong emotions that this one smile roused in him.

  "Casey," Michael began. "Thank you."

  "I'm glad it works for him," Casey said.

  "So am I." He was impressed by her thoughtfulness, and he truly was grateful, too.

  Jack was satisfied with the way things had turned out. He looked at Casey. "You about ready to go?"

  "Yes, Pa."

  "Would you like to stay and visit for a while?" Elizabeth invited.

  "Another time," Jack answered. He had a feeling Frank needed some time alone right now.

  "All right." Elizabeth went to Cassandra and gave her a heartfelt hug. "This is the best gift we've ever received. Thank you."

  Casey hugged her back. "You're welcome."

  Michael walked with Casey down to the buckboard. He stood there with her as she climbed up on her own to take her seat.

  "Can you meet me at the river later?" he asked her quietly. He wanted to have a chance to talk to her privately and to thank her.

  She was surprised by his invitation and almost asked him if she'd be spared a dunking if she showed up at the river, but she could tell he was quite serious this time. "Yes. What time?"

  "Is six good?"

  "I'll be there."

  "See you then."

  Michael backed away from the buckboard as her father climbed up beside her and took up the reins.

  Elizabeth stood beside Frank, and together they watched the Turners drive away. Michael came back up to join them on the porch, studying the wheelchair with interest.

  "I had no idea Casey would do anything like this."

  "I think Cassandra is a very special young woman."

  "You're right," Frank agreed in a choked voice. "She is.

  "Do you want me to push you back inside?" Michael offered.

  Frank looked at his son, his eyes bright. "No. Just hold the door. I'm going to do this myself."

  And he did.

  "That was a good idea you had, Casey," Jack said quietly on the ride back to the Bar T. "Very good."

  "I'm glad Frank liked it. I'll have to let Pete know how everything turned
out."

  "Did I hear you say you were going to see Michael later?"

  "Yes. He wants me to meet him down by the river at six o'clock."

  "Do you want someone to ride along with you?"

  "No, I'll be all right."

  "Are you sure?"

  "He's my fiance."

  "I know."

  "Are you worrying about my honor, Pa?" Casey grinned at him. "You didn't worry the other night when I went to dinner with him at the Circle D."

  "That was dinner with his parents close by. This is the two of you meeting down by the river alone."

  "Well, there's nothing for you to worry about. Remember, this is Michael Donovan we're talking about. My honor is safe with him."

  Jack looked at her adoringly. She was his whole world, and he wanted her to be happy. "I know, but you're still my daughter."

  "I love you, Pa," Casey told him simply.

  "I love you, too."

  Tender emotion filled Jack. His love for her was allencompassing. He only hoped that in the future she could find it in her heart to forgive him for not telling her the full truth about the state of his health.

  There's at least three more hours of daylight. Why did we quit early?" Nick asked Michael as they rode back to the ranch house later that afternoon.

  "I'm meeting Casey at six, and I wanted to have time to get cleaned up."

  "Where are you meeting her?"

  "Our usual place," he said, giving Nick a sidelong glance.

  "The river?"

  "Exactly."

  "You know, you could have gone down to the river and washed up there. It wouldn't have been anything new if she'd found you that way," Nick taunted with a grin.

  Thanks for the idea, but I think it's safer for me to take a bath at home."

  "You're probably right."

  They both laughed as they continued on toward home.

  Casey rode out to the rendezvous spot and found Michael already there, waiting for her. He was sitting high up on the bank, watching her.

  "Are you staying this far back from the water because you don't trust me?" she asked with a smile as she dismounted and tied up her horse.

  "You could say that," Michael answered with an easy grin. Getting to his feet, he walked toward her. "I'm glad you came."