Splendor
“I must say, Sister, the accommodations at this hotel are much better than I anticipated.” Davinia touched the corners of her mouth with her napkin, glancing down at her empty plate. “The food is quite good. Almost as good as the meals we had in New York.”
“Yes, I believe you’re right. I didn’t expect fine china in a town such as this.” Selma sipped her tea, glancing around at the other diners. “There are more people in Splendor than I expected.”
“I agree. The fact we traveled here with those young women means there must be a number of eligible men here. At least young ones.”
Selma snickered. “Yes, Sister, I believe there must be a good number of single men.” Her gaze moved to the window next to them. Looking outside, her eyes widened. “Oh my. Look who is walking on the boardwalk across the street.”
Davinia squinted, focusing on a young man and his companions. “Why, it’s Mr. Cullin. I don’t recall him saying anything about coming this way, do you?”
Selma shook her head. “Not a word.”
“Well, I don’t like it. Neither he nor his friends can be trusted, Sister. I’m quite certain they’re drinkers and gamblers, and probably reprobates.”
“Now, Davinia. There’s no need to be so harsh. Mr. Cullin seems like a nice gentleman, and quite obviously from a good family.”
Davinia’s brows arched. “Those are the most dangerous kind, Sister. The ones you least expect can do the most harm.”
Selma’s hand flew to her mouth. “Oh, goodness. I do believe they’re coming into the hotel.”
“Perhaps they won’t notice us.” Davinia shifted in her seat, putting her back to the entrance. “Have they seen us?”
Selma’s cheeks darkened. “Why, yes, Sister. They have…and they’re coming toward us.”
“If it isn’t the lovely Ritter sisters.” Willard Cullin took off his hat, giving the ladies a slight bow. “Gentlemen, you remember the ladies from the train.”
His companions removed their hats, nodding at them.
“Mr. Cullin, it’s a pleasure to see you again.” Selma glanced at Davinia, pursing her lips at the scowl on her sister’s face. “We didn’t know you had left the train.”
Willard glanced at the men behind him. “We almost didn’t, Miss Selma. My friends convinced me to head north once we reached Salt Lake City. There are several ranchers around Splendor my companions would like to meet.”
“And what exactly is your business, Mr. Cullin?” Davinia did nothing to hide the derision in her voice.
Willard’s gaze narrowed on her, his eyes gleaming.
“Would you gentlemen like a table?” A young man dressed in white and black walked up to them.
“Yes, we’d appreciate it. Ladies, I’m certain we’ll see you again before leaving Splendor.” The men gave another slight bow before following the young man to their table.
“Davinia.” Selma’s gaze darted between her sister and Willard. “What is wrong with you?”
“We know nothing of his business. It seems wherever we travel, Mr. Cullin and his friends follow. Does that not seem strange to you?”
“A little, perhaps.” Selma did believe it odd, but didn’t dare give Davinia fuel for her temper. “I believe we should enjoy our time in Splendor, then continue with our plans. I don’t want Mr. Cullin’s appearance to ruin our journey.”
Davinia shook her head. “Oh, nothing will ruin our journey, Sister. On that I am certain.”
“The canyon is a couple miles up the trail, Dirk,” Mal called over his shoulder.
Nodding, Dirk kept his eyes roaming, looking for any sign of the missing horses. So far, they’d seen nothing.
Rosemary followed his gaze. “I thought all the horses for the army were in the pasture near the house.”
“They are. The missing horses are from a separate contract with another fort south of here. We’ll be taking them when we drive the cattle to Salt Lake. The fort is on the way to where the cattle buyers want to meet.”
“When are you planning to leave?”
“Depends.” Dirk didn’t want to tell her part of the decision had to do with Trask. Since Bull had a wife and child, Dirk planned to lead the drive. Now he wasn’t sure he could leave Rosemary if Trask wasn’t back behind bars. “First, we have to find the missing horses.”
Throughout the ride, neither mentioned Rosemary’s past nor the ordeal Dirk lived through after his wife’s murder. The stories were a lot to absorb. Their experiences didn’t change the obstacles Dirk saw before them.
At thirty, Dirk felt used, washed up, with little to offer a young woman of twenty. He knew she’d be better off with someone closer to her age who wasn’t as jaded and distrustful. Tat had been attracted to her since she’d arrived at the ranch, not bothering to hide his interest. Rosemary had always been friendly, never encouraging Tat’s advances. Her aloof manner never discouraged him, though. Dirk wondered if the time had come to persuade her to seek a future with someone else.
“Here we are.” Mal had shifted to look behind him, pointing ahead.
Within minutes, they’d entered the canyon, Rosemary’s eyes going wide at the majestic sight.
“I had no idea something so beautiful was hidden a few miles from the house. You’ve never been here before?” she asked Dirk.
He shook his head. “Never had a reason to ride over here. We usually send Mal and some of the boys.”
“Looks like an old cabin up ahead.”
Dirk followed her gaze, seeing an old, weather-beaten cabin with a rock fireplace on the side. “Mal tells a story about pioneers who moved here at least thirty years ago. Several families started out from around St. Louis, seeking a better life. One family made it this far, determined they weren’t going to let the elements beat them. Over time, it became known as Courage Canyon.”
“What happened to the family?”
“According to Mal, they made it through the first winter. In the spring and summer, they built a place not far from where the Pelletier house now sits. Rumor has it Pat Hanes bought it from them while he was a Texas Ranger.”
Rosemary’s lips parted. “The man who died and left the ranch to Dax and Luke?”
Dirk nodded. “That’s the rumor.”
“Have you ever asked them?”
“Yep. They never heard who Pat acquired the ranch from, and never dug any further into it, although they’d heard the tale of Courage Canyon. Maybe someday they’ll talk to Horace Clausen at the bank about it. There must be records somewhere.”
A beautiful smile curved the corners of Rosemary’s mouth. “It’s a wonderful story, though.”
Dirk nodded. “Yes, it is.”
“Found them.” Tat’s shout had them riding forward to join him and Mal. “They’re all here.”
“Good work, men. Get them together and we’ll head back.”
“Not until we’ve eaten, Dirk.” Rosemary patted the saddlebag on her right. “I can’t imagine a better place to rest for a bit.”
Shaking his head, Dirk looked at the men. “You heard the lady. We’ll eat, then get the horses back to the herd.”
An hour later, they moved the horses out of the canyon and along the trail. When they reached the spot where they’d go north toward the herd, Dirk and Rosemary headed east toward the ranch.
“You sure you don’t want to ride along with us, Dirk? It might be safer than going the rest of the way by yourself.”
“I’m certain, Mal. We’re about two miles from the ranch and we’ve seen no sign of anyone following or watching.”
Mal glanced at Rosemary, who didn’t seem concerned, then nodded. “All right. We’ll see you later today.”
Dirk kept the pace steady, continuing to watch the area around them. They hadn’t gotten far when Rosemary’s horse stumbled, then began to favor one side.
“Rein up, Rosemary. I want to check her hooves.” Dirk slid to the ground, then helped her out of the saddle, lingering an extra few seconds befo
re letting his hands drop from her waist.
“Let’s see what we have.” Lifting the right front leg, Dirk picked out a large stone from the mare’s hoof. “She’ll be all right, but you’ll need to ride with me.”
Unlike the last time they rode together, he settled her in front of him this time, wrapping his arms around her waist.
“Are you all right?” he breathed against her cheek, feeling her body tighten.
“Yes. Fine.”
Dirk realized it had been a mistake to have her in this position. Before, he felt her chest against his back, her arms around his waist. This time, the warmth and weight of her between his thighs had his body hardening. He tried to ignore how good she felt, concentrating on watching the hills around them. It didn’t work. When she shifted, he couldn’t hold back a groan.
“I’m sorry. Did I hurt you?”
“No,” he ground out, ignoring the fire building in him. A minute later, she shifted again, making him wonder if she was taunting him, trying to make him crazy.
“Rosemary, sit still.”
“Oh. Sorry.” Her tone wasn’t the least bit apologetic. When she moved again, he reined Banshee to a stop. “What’s wrong?”
Dirk didn’t answer as he swung his leg over to dismount, then grasped her waist to bring her down beside him.
“Dirk—”
She didn’t finish as his mouth descended upon hers in a crushing kiss that had her moaning. His lips played against hers, encouraging her until she opened. Within seconds, heat flowed through them, igniting the passion they’d ignored for too long. Wrapping his arms around her, he pulled her close, his mouth slanting across hers, deepening the kiss even more.
Rosemary moaned as his hands roamed her back, settling on the soft curve of her hips. Pulling his mouth from hers, he trailed light kisses along her jaw, down her neck, to the hollow of her throat. A quiver of sensation ripped through her, a tightness deep in her belly, making her feel as if she were on fire. Her head fell back, allowing him better access.
As his mouth continued its sensuous journey back to her mouth, she felt a sense of urgency, of need she didn’t quite understand.
“Dirk…” she breathed out, not sure what she was asking.
“I have you, sweetheart.” His breath caught on a groan as he slipped his arms behind her, lifting, carrying her off the trail. Finding a secluded spot, he laid her down, his mouth covering hers again as he stretched out beside her.
She felt his fingers play with the hem of her skirt before a warm hand moved up her leg to her thigh. His body was aligned with hers, his hands driving her insane, yet he still wasn’t close enough. Reaching between them, her fingers worked the buttons on his shirt, opening one, then another before his hand settled over hers.
“Rosemary.” His voice was ragged, needy. “Make sure this is what you want before you go any further.”
Pulling her hand from his grasp, her breathing fast and uneven, she nodded, moving her hands back to the front of his shirt. Dirk didn’t protest before his mouth descended on hers, his hands resuming their journey up her leg. As he moved closer to what he sought, he broke the kiss once more.
“There’ll be no regrets.”
She shook her head, eyes glistening with passion. “No regrets.”
Lying in his arms, Rosemary couldn’t remember a time she’d been so happy, so content. They were on a bed of leaves and twigs, yet she didn’t care. They’d made love until they couldn’t speak or move, their bodies tired and replete.
“I didn’t intend for this to happen.” Dirk kissed her forehead, his hand resting possessively on her stomach.
Her chest tightened, remembering his words. “I have no regrets, Dirk.”
“Neither do I, sweetheart. It’s just…” His throat constricted, not knowing what else to say.
“What do we do now?” She tried to make her voice light. The last thing she wanted was to make him feel trapped. Instead, she felt the rumble in his chest when he chuckled.
“Yeah.”
Afraid to voice her question, she drew in an uneven breath, searching for courage. “What do you want to happen?”
His hand stroked her hair, then cupped her chin, lifting it so her eyes met his. “I want you, Rosemary. I just don’t know if I’m what’s best for you.”
Shifting, she supported herself with her arm, looking down at him. “You’re exactly who I want. Don’t try talking yourself out of it now.” She offered a shaky smile, having no idea how he’d react. To her surprise, he laughed.
“I’m so much older.”
“I don’t care.”
“People back home believe I murdered my wife.”
“I know you didn’t.”
Closing his eyes, he inhaled a deep breath, then opened them. “I have no home to offer you.”
“We’ll live in the shack in Courage Canyon.”
Another chuckle rumbled in his chest. “You aren’t going to let me talk you out of this, are you?”
Rosemary shook her head. “No, I’m not.”
They were silent as she rested her head on his chest, a deep sigh escaping.
“Don’t you have any doubts, Rosemary?”
She thought a minute, playing with the crisp hairs on his chest. “One.”
He stilled, his breath hitching. “Tell me.”
“After Melissa’s betrayal, I’m afraid you’ll never be able to trust me.” She raised her head enough to see the struggle on his face. “I can see you aren’t certain, either.” Her voice trembled, a wave of fear ripping at her heart when he didn’t answer. Pushing up, she stood, picking leaves out of her hair. Straightening her clothing, she closed her dress, her hands trembling as she worked the buttons. “We should start back before they begin to worry.” Turning, she headed for the horses.
“Rosemary. Wait.” Jumping up, he grabbed his shirt, then followed. “Stop.”
Reaching Banshee, she felt strong hands on her shoulders, turning her to face him. At first, she couldn’t meet his gaze. Blinking the moisture away, she glanced up.
He looked down at her, his emotions no longer hidden behind a mask of distrust. “I love you.”
Blinking didn’t stop the tears this time. Letting them fall, she cupped his hands with hers. “I love you, too.”
Brushing a kiss across her lips, he smiled. “Then I’ll find a way to forget my past, or at least not let it guide my future.”
“Promise?”
Letting out a pent-up breath, he nodded, hoping he was true to his word. “Promise.”
Chapter Seventeen
“Dirk, I can’t stay at the ranch any longer. I need to return to the clinic.” Rosemary looked up from where she worked at the kitchen counter, preparing a pie for supper. She needed to finish before the men came in for dinner.
It had been several days since they’d returned from the canyon. Although they’d said nothing to the others, everyone noticed the change between them. Rachel and Ginny had cornered her the night before, asking if she and Dirk were together. They’d been thrilled when she’d said yes.
Rosemary hoped she answered correctly. Even though they’d declared their love, he’d made no assurances of a future together.
“I know you’re ready to get your life back, but it still isn’t safe. There’s been no word about Trask or the men riding with him. Gabe would’ve sent us a message if he’d heard anything.”
Crossing his arms over his chest, Dirk tried to hide his agitation. She’d mentioned returning to the clinic before they’d left for the canyon, then had said nothing else until this morning. He wondered if she regretted what they’d done, needing distance from him.
Worse, he couldn’t push away the slight thread of doubt eating at him, wondering if it wasn’t the work she missed as much as Clay McCord. The direction of his thoughts angered him, knowing they were irrational. Still, they clung to him, like a shadow he couldn’t evade.
She turned toward him, wiping her hands on a towel. “I know, and that’s
why I believe it’s safe to return to work. If Trask were still after me, he would’ve shown up by now, don’t you think?”
Walking to her, he placed his hands on her shoulders. “You can’t outguess a man like Trask. Who knows what goes through the mind of someone who’s blackmailed and threatened people to get what he wants. Maybe he won’t ever come after you, Rosemary. Then again, maybe he’s waiting in town for you to arrive at the clinic. I wish there was a good answer.”
Pursing her lips, she rested her head against his chest, breathing in Dirk’s unique scent. She’d know it anywhere—the heady aroma conveying the promise of love, security, and forever. Looking up, her gaze met his.
“I know you worry about me, and I’d feel the same if you were in danger.”
Wrapping his arms around her, he kissed her forehead, tucking her head under his chin. “Would it help to consider how much Rachel and Ginny depend on you right now?”
Rosemary nodded against his chest. “Rachel’s baby is due anytime, and with Cooper, Ginny wouldn’t be able to offer much help. And Lydia…” Rosemary chuckled, thinking of Bull’s wife. “She has baby Joshua, who’s six months old, plus Margaret and Selina most days. And she’s begun schooling the children while Ginny is taking care of Cooper.”
“Which means you’re needed here more than ever.”
“The hard part is I’ll always be needed here. With the orphans and babies, the work doesn’t stop. It’s hard because they are my family now, but in my heart, I want to complete my training as a nurse.”
“And you will. Trask is a temporary obstacle, Rosemary. It won’t be like this forever.”
“I know you’re right. It will be better once Rachel has the baby.”
Dirk leaned away, kissing the tip of her nose. “And Trask is located.”
She nodded. “And Trask is located.”
Courage Canyon Page 16
