by Unknown
Marlena exchanged a shrug with Harrison. “Do you have room for our packages?”
Dalton nodded and the three of them went to the back of the wagon. He and Marlena reached for the same box. “I’ve got it,” he said, gently tugging it from her grip, but she held firm and pulled it back into her arms.
“No, I’ll manage.”
He released the box. “Fine.”
As soon as she lifted the box from the wagon, she stumbled and spilled the package onto the ground. The lid fell off and slid across the dirt, revealing bolts of shimmering white lace and satin. Marlena scrambled for the lid and slapped it on top of the box, ending his perusal of the pieces that would make up her wedding gown. They eyed one another before she looked away.
“Harrison, would you mind?” she asked.
“Of course not, my dear,” he said before lifting the box and setting it into the back of Dalton’s buckboard.
Once the remaining contents were transferred, Dalton unhitched the mules and tied them to the back of his wagon.
“There’s only room for two on the bench,” he said. “Harrison, do you mind sitting in back?”
“Not at all.”
Dalton patted a spot for Indigo to lay in the back of the wagon while Harrison helped Marlena up into the seat. The dog leapt back there and plopped on his belly. Harrison climbed in and smiled at the mut.
“What a handsome fellow,” he said, reaching out to stroke Indigo’s head, but the dog snarled and growled, warning him away. Harrison snatched his hand back. “Whoa. Not a friendly sort, is he?”
“He’s wary of strangers,” Dalton replied before climbing up into the seat. The bench was small, forcing his and Marlena’s sides to press together. He set the horses in motion, listening to the rattling of wood and metal over rocks and divots.
“Indigo isn’t wary of me,” Marlena said beside him. “I’m a stranger.”
Dalton’s lips stretched in a sideways grin. “He’s also a very good judge of character.”
Her forehead wrinkled as she scowled. “Don’t impugn Harrison’s character. He’s good and honorable.”
Dalton shrugged. “Maybe Indigo senses my dislike for him then.”
Marlena looked over her shoulder, as if to be sure Harrison couldn’t hear their conversation. When she turned back to face him, her violet eyes were full of fury.
“Don’t be rude. Harrison has done nothing to you.”
“Hasn’t he?” Dalton stared at her until she met his gaze. “He’s a thief.”
She crossed her arms over her chest. “What are you talking about?”
“He’s got you, hasn’t he?”
“Ugh,” she said with a snort, shaking her head. “He didn’t have to steal me, Dalton. You gave me to him.”
He lifted an eyebrow. “What the hell does that mean? I did no such thing. Honestly, Marlena, none of this makes any sense to me. Why didn’t you read my letters? Why didn’t you write me? How I longed to hear from you.” He glanced at her with his heart lodged in his throat. “I really thought we…cared for each other.”
Her eyelashes fluttered rapidly, as if to ward off fresh tears, and she looked out into the desert. “I read your first letter, and believe me, before reading it I thought we cared for each other, too. Apparently, not in the same capacity.”
He studied her profile, the constant bobble of her throat, the straight rod of her back beside him, the wringing of her hands. It still didn’t make any sense. What in God’s name was she talking about? He knew damn well she’d returned his affections in Boston.
“That’s horseshit,” he said and she turned to him with narrowed eyes.
“Excuse me?”
“My feelings haven’t changed. They’re as strong today as they were in Boston. Just as I believe yours are. You expect me to believe I’m the only one feeling the passion between us, the heat where your hip is pressed against mine? You’re not painfully aware of our thighs touching, thinking how much better it would feel to have your skin on mine? You’re not remembering how it felt to touch each other and-”
“Stop it,” she growled. “I cannot believe how inappropriate you are. You’re not the man I thought you were.”
Dalton had little time to ponder her meaning because his name was called out by an over-excited little boy. The wagon rolled to a stop just as Maxwell Buford jumped from his own buckboard and ran up to him. No sooner had Dalton’s feet touched the ground than he was swooping up the child and squeezing him in his arms.
“Ah, little buckaroo,” he said. “You’re almost twice the size you were when I left.”
Maxwell pulled back to scowl at him. “You didn’t say goodbye.”
Dalton felt his throat thicken. “Sorry, kid. I’m not much good at them.” Reginald was by his side then, so Dalton set the boy down to shake the father’s hand. “Thank you for your order. I know you’re putting yourself out there doing business with me.”
“Nonsense,” Reginald dismissed with a wave. “I’ll pay a fair wage for a fair product, no matter who it comes from. Let’s see what you’ve got to show for yourself.”
They went to the back of the wagon and untied the mules. Harrison offered to hold their leads while Dalton uncovered the chest of drawers he’d made for Reginald. It had seven drawers all made of hickory wood, clawed feet, dark pokerwork etchings on the flanks and drawer fronts, and seven handles made of pure silver. Reginald whistled while his eyes roved up and down the piece.
“You made that?” he asked and Dalton nodded. “I think you found your calling, son. It’s a much safer line of work as well.”
“I don’t know about that,” Dalton joked. “Some of those splinters hurt like hell.”
“It’s a fine masterpiece,” Harrison agreed from behind and Dalton said his thanks.
“Let’s get her in your cart.”
Reginald and Dalton moved the chest, covered and secured it, shaking hands one last time. Maxwell ran to Dalton and tugged on the bottom of his coat.
“Show me the trick,” he said and Dalton felt his cheeks flush.
“Aww, little man. I don’t think so. Not today.”
“Please,” Maxwell begged. “I haven’t seen you in over a year. Please show me?” He turned to Marlena and Harrison. “Last year, Dalton killed five men all by himself. They tried to steal me from my ma and pa but Dalton cut ‘em down. He’s the best shooter I ever saw.”
Harrison laughed. “That’s a nice fish story, my boy.”
Maxwell’s chest puffed indignantly. “It’s not a story. It’s true. Tell him, Pa.”
Reginald nodded. “It’s true.”
Harrison started with a look of surprise and respect, but Marlena’s was soft and tender. Dalton cleared his throat and changed the subject.
“Some other time, Max. I’ve got to get these two up to Gold Hill, now.”
After a final embrace, each person returned to their wagon. As they passed one another, going in opposite directions, Max shot him a mischievous smirk and pulled a coin from his pocket. Dalton sighed and rolled his eyes, knowing full well he would indulge the boy.
“Hey, Dalton,” Max cried. “Catch!”
He tossed the coin in the air and Dalton drew his pistol, cocking and firing in one smooth motion. All eyes watched as the coin’s direction suddenly reversed in mid-air, showing he’d hit it with his bullet. It landed in the back of the buckboard behind Marlena and she reached down to grab it, holding it up to the sun to reveal a hole in the middle of the coin.
“Did he hit it?” Maxwell cried as his wagon rolled away. She flashed him a smile and held up the coin.
“He did!”
Maxwell whooped and then settled in his seat beside his father. Marlena lifted an eyebrow at Dalton. “What happened to tricks being a waste of ammo?”
He shrugged, grinning. “One bullet to make the kid smile. I don’t consider that waste.”
“I’m glad to see you left the hired gun business behind. It will prevent many nights of worry
ing...for your mother.”
Dalton eyed her as they entered Gold Hill and Ellie’s boarding house came into view. “I still see the real you, Marlena. You can’t hide your feelings from me. I know you care for me.”
She said nothing until the wagon stopped.
“Don’t concern yourself with that, Dalton. I’ve already learned to live without you.”
Harrison jumped from the back of the wagon and assisted Marlena to the ground, where she briskly ascended the porch steps and disappeared into the house. Dalton helped Harrison unload their goods and drove absently up the road to Virginia City. It was too late to begin the trek back to Tahoe. Her parting words haunted him the entire drive and even into his sleep.
Chapter 20
A crisp breeze blew across Marlena’s neck and she tightened the shawl around her shoulders. She and Jess had just returned from another visit to the orphanage and the early afternoon sun was high, but not warm. Lila, Jess and Sarah sat on the back porch with her, watching the children play games in the carpet of golden leaves in front of the barn. Ellie wandered toward them, fresh from the orchard with a basket of peaches and she handed one to each woman. They ate and chatted. Laughter filled the air.
But not Marlena’s.
Her thoughts were of Dalton and their talk the day before, leaving her all worked up inside. Why did he insist on coaxing her feelings to the surface? She’d felt all of it again – the love, the joy, the heartache, the anger, and even the humiliation. But she couldn’t see the point of it. He was married to Rosa. Why torture Marlena with such raw and painful memories?
And his jealousy toward Harrison had nearly knocked her from the wagon. That he had the audacity to criticize or comment on who she’d chosen to marry after he’d abandoned her set her temper boiling, and if Harrison hadn’t been present Dalton would have felt the sting of her sharp tongue. Did he expect her to remain alone forever? Did he find joy knowing she still yearned for him, a man she couldn’t have? It was cruel of him to rustle up all of the old feelings when he had been responsible for killing their love. She’d spent the night in tears, finally crying herself to a restless sleep and felt no better for it today. Not even the children’s laughter was able to lift her spirits.
Harrison rounded the corner on horseback, trotting toward the barn, but he dismounted in front of the back porch when he saw the women there.
“Good afternoon, ladies,” he said as he strode toward them. “Ruby, dear. I’ve brought you a little something.” He plucked a yellow flower from his breast pocket and handed it over. “Your first three concerts were received better than we’d hoped,” he continued. “Tonight’s performance is already sold out, and Piper’s would like to book ten more concerts.”
“Ten!” Marlena exclaimed. “Does that mean we’ll be staying a few weeks longer?”
He laughed. “No, dearest. We can’t cancel the Carson and Reno appearances. I’m afraid you’ll have ten fewer days of rest here.”
Marlena frowned. “But Harrison, I requested those days off to spend time with my family, and what about the wedding? I’ll hardly have time to breathe with that schedule.”
“That’s too much money to turn down, Ruby,” Sarah said. “You’ll have to make do, I’m afraid.”
“I have every confidence you’ll manage, my dear,” Harrison said. “Your talents are a marvel.”
He smiled and stuffed his hands in his pockets. Sarah nodded as if the matter was settled. Marlena scanned their faces and felt her face harden. Sarah may have control over the schedule, but Marlena would not be moved on this point.
“No,” she said with a confident air, coming to her feet.
Sarah lifted an eyebrow and leveled her eyes at Marlena. “No?”
“That’s what I said.” Marlena punctuated her resolve with a nod of her head. “I haven’t seen my family in six years and I’ve only weeks to make up for that lost time. Cancel the extra shows, Harrison. I won’t perform.”
Harrison looked between Marlena and Sarah. When Sarah made no move to counter Marlena’s order he nodded and climbed onto the saddle, riding back toward Virginia City. Marlena reclaimed her seat, catching a brief glimpse of Jess’s smug smile as Barrett ran over to them.
“Ma, can we go in the spring?”
“Oh, yes! Can we?” the other children echoed. Heath jumped up and down beside his brother, though his arm was wrapped around Lila’s daughter, Tula. The eldest, also belonging to Morgan and Lila, was a strapping six-year-old named Loyal, and he stepped forward.
“I’ll look after them, Mother,” he said, and Lila exchanged a look with Jess.
“What do you think?”
Marlena stood. “Won’t it be a bit of a chilly walk on the way back?”
“It’s not far,” Tula said.
“And we do it all the time,” Barrett added.
“Why don’t we all go?” Ellie chimed. “It’s the perfect weather for it, and it’s just up the hill.”
Sarah glanced around, confused. “What do you all do at the spring?”
Ellie laughed. “Why, soak, of course, darlin’. It’s very medicinal. Does wonders for aching bones and sore muscles.”
“We don’t soak,” Heath said. “We swim.”
“Splash, mostly,” Loyal said.
The two mothers looked around the group before exchanging a shrug. “All right. Fine,” Lila said and the kids cheered. “Now, run inside and change into your swimming clothes.”
Ellie stood and reached for Marlena. “I’ve got some spare clothes if you want to go in.”
Marlena studied the proprietress. “Are you?”
“Oh, yes. Absolutely.”
Marlena turned to Lila, who shook her head. “I’ll have to feed Ella soon.”
Next to Jess, who snorted. “Not a chance. I’d be boiled alive. Besides, I want to work on your dress. I’ve almost got the pieces cut. After the embroidery it will be a simple matter of sewing the seams with my machine back home.”
Marlena’s lips pursed as she waffled back and forth. She didn’t want to leave all of the sewing to Jess, but there was no doubt her muscles were tense, thanks to Dalton. A good hot soak sounded most welcome. “Very well. I’ll join you, Ellie. Sarah, care to indulge?”
Sarah grimaced. “Don’t be ridiculous.”
Marlena shrugged and went inside. Less than a half hour later, in oversized undergarments and with her hair braided and piled high, she settled into the steaming water. The foul stench of sulfur wafted beneath her nose, bringing back memories with it. She and Jess would often soak in the hot springs surrounding the area during her youth. Her eyes closed, relishing the heat on her cool skin, but the bliss was short-lived. Heath jumped into the spring, sending a wave outward to cover all within its radius. Marlena gasped as hot water sloshed over her head.
“Heath!” She called, wiping the water from her eyes. When she caught his mischievous look, she scowled and lowered her voice to a menacing tone. “You’re in big trouble, mister! Get over here right this instant.”
His features fell and tiny teardrops rushed to his eyes as he waded across the space toward her. The other children fell silent, their eyes wide and waiting to see what punishment she would enact. As he stopped before her, she lifted an eyebrow.
“Raise your arms,” she demanded. “High above your head.” He nibbled on his bottom lip as he obeyed. “Now, don’t move a muscle or this could go very, very badly for you.”
He stood stock still, arms reaching toward the clouds, fear turning his skin white. And that is when Marlena reached out and buried her fingers in his armpits, tickling and kneading the fatty baby flesh while he squirmed and howled. He dropped his arms, batting her hands away and she gave him another stern look.
“Hey. I said not to move. Put those arms back up.” Giggles rippled out of him as he bent his arms at the elbow to raise only his hands. “I said put ‘em up. All the way.” The other children squealed and laughed as Heath hesitantly raised his arms only to endure another
assault that had tears streaming down his cheeks. Marlena’s belly hurt from all of the laughter by the time she finished torturing him. She planted a hard kiss on his cheek and sent him swimming away.
No sooner had he gone than she felt another wave of water splash over her head. She turned to find Barrett there, poised and ready to be tickled.
“Oh, you think this is a game, do you?” she said, before charging him. Soon, all of the kids splashed her as she attacked them, and by the time they got out of the water, everybody, including Ellie, was well and truly soaked.
The cold air swooped down on them and Marlena shivered as she wrapped each child in a towel. The last towel was soaking wet, but she wrapped herself in it anyway, more to preserve her modesty.
“Let’s hurry so we don’t catch our deaths,” she called, leading a sprint back to the boarding house.
Lila stood waiting for them on the back porch. “Come on! I’ve got three hot baths in the bathroom. In and out so everyone gets a chance to warm!”
The kids dropped their wet clothing in the mud room before clambering up the stairs. As Marlena stepped inside, she untied her hair and reached for a dry towel. Lila gasped and Marlena stood up straight.
“What?” she asked, wiping her face dry before rubbing the towel over her hair.
“Um…” Lila’s eyes darted around the mud room, looking anywhere but at Marlena.
“What’s the matter, Lila?”
Ellie finally arrived at the house and stood wide-eyed in the doorway. “Oh, my,” she muttered.
Marlena frowned and looked between the two women. “What on earth is the matter with you two?”
Lila cleared her throat. “Maybe you’d better come with me.”
The three went into the kitchen and up the back stairs to the second floor until they reached Marlena’s room. She nibbled nervously on her lower lip along the way. When the door was shut safely behind them, she caught sight of her reflection in the mirror and stifled a yelp with the palm of her hand. She reached back for a handful of her hair as if to confirm the reality. All her wealth of tresses was patched in varying shades of pink.
Her palms flanked her head. “The water. The sulfur. I didn’t think! Oh, my God. What am I going to do?”
