Sweetwater (Birdsong Series)

by Addy, Alice

  “Blake, I want . . . I want . . . I don’t know what’s happening,” she gasped, while writhing on the bed, with her hands fisted in the sheets.

  “Let it happen, sweetheart. Go with your senses,” he murmured to her, while he continued to bring her closer to the edge. Suddenly, he could feel her tense up and her body started to tremble.

  “Ooh, Blake . . .” she screamed.

  Quickly, he muffled the sounds of her release with a kiss, sucking her mouth into his, savoring its taste, while Emily experienced the overwhelming sensation of sexual gratification, for the very first time.

  As they recovered, wrapped around one another on the soft bed, Emily got lost in thought. “Blake?”

  “Mmm?”

  “Why didn’t you . . . you know?” Emily didn’t know what to call it, but she knew that Blake had not found his own release. She knew that he had stopped before the act of love was completed.

  He chuckled, softly. “I’ll probably be asking myself that question for many years to come. Heaven knows I wanted to. I still do, but as eager as you were to experience everything, tonight, I didn’t want to rush you. When I make love to you, I want it to mean something—something permanent. I want to marry you, Emmie, and I know you’re not ready for that.”

  “But I do love you, Blake, or I wouldn’t have come to your room.”

  “You may love me, but are you willing to leave the hotel, this town perhaps, and follow me anywhere I go?”

  Emily started to fret. “I love you, really, but I can’t leave Hays City.”

  Blake was getting irritated. After what they had just experienced, she still wanted that damn farm. “It’s that farm, isn’t it? How do you know they haven’t torn it down or moved in with all ten children? Face it, Emmie. This is a fool’s errand you’re on. I’ve told you before. I’ll give you a farm, if you’ll just marry me. I’ll even live on it with you.”

  Emily bristled at Blake’s generous offer. “That’s mighty generous of you, Doc, but your farm isn’t my farm.”

  “Hell, Emmie. Sometimes I think you’re daft. Your farm isn’t your farm. It belongs to some stranger that you haven’t even met. He’s not willing to sell it to you, so you might as well forget it! You’re wasting precious time while waiting for something that isn’t going to happen.”

  Sitting up in the big bed, Emily suddenly felt naked and embarrassed to be in the company of this man, whom she felt she barely knew. “Don’t you yell at me, Dr. Donovan. Just because I’ve allowed you some privileges, doesn’t mean you own me, and you can’t tell me what to do. I’ve talked to the owner, for your information, and he’s thinking things over. So there! I’m leaving. Shut your eyes.”

  Blake shut his eyes tightly and only peeked once or twice. “You’ve got your feathers all ruffled, now, sweetheart. I’m sorry if I said something I shouldn’t have. Can I look now?” He peeked.

  “NO!”

  “Well, all right. It sure takes you a while to get dressed. Need help?” He grinned and peeked again.

  “NO!”

  “Emmie, I’ve already seen the most private parts of you, and you can be assured, you’re beautiful all over. It’s kind of silly to be shy now, don’t you think?”

  “Well,” she huffed as she struggled to button the last button on her skirt. “You can look now, I suppose.”

  Blake opened his eyes and took in the sight of this woman, so recently loved. She absolutely glowed. His breath caught. He was in total awe of her. “Emmie, you’re stunning. I’ve never seen another woman that compares to your beauty. Thank you for letting me love you.”

  Emily giggled at his well-meant compliment. “Thank you, I think. I know my hair is a disheveled mess, and I can see that my skirt is a rumpled disaster . . . and yet, you think I’m beautiful. I think that deserves a kiss, doctor.”

  She walked slowly back to the bed and carefully bent down to bestow a polite kiss on the handsome face smiling up at her. Emily was no dummy. She knew what he was thinking and perhaps planning. She kept up her guard, having no intention of falling back into his warm bed. What she didn’t expect was the effect that one kiss would have on her. He tasted so good. Emily could happily drown in that kiss, if it were possible. It lasted a couple of seconds too long for her to pretend it was just a friendly token of her esteem.

  Blake’s arms reached up and very easily pulled her back down on the mattress, next to him. “Stay, darling. Stay in my arms, forever. It’s where you belong, and my heart rests easy with you here. I need you, Emmie.”

  Their lips remained locked together in love and desire. Their breathing synced as one, as well as the beating of their two hearts. For a while, they were truly one being. Finally, after having obtained their blissful release, sleep conquered the lovers and settled softly over them, allowing them to dream the dreams of people in love.

  *

  “It’s the strangest thing,” Patty said. “I had to go out and bring in the wood to start up the stove, when I noticed the door. Someone’s been trying to force the lock. It’s clearly been tampered with. Who do you suppose would do that?”

  Cassie shrugged her shoulders. “Maybe it happened a long time ago and you’re just now noticing it.”

  “No. I don’t think so. I’ll ask Emily when she comes down. Where is she anyway? Usually, she’s up at the crack of dawn. And where is Doc?” Patty smiled, slyly. “You don’t suppose . . .?”

  “Patty! You know Emily wouldn’t do anything like that.”

  “Humpf! I know that Emily Falkenrath is a red-blooded American woman and she’s young and healthy. What else does she need? Doc is one handsome man and he’s obviously crazy in love with her. I know what I’d do . . . so, yes . . . I’m saying exactly what you think. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we had another wedding here, soon?”

  Cassie’s eyes grew round in surprise. “No. It would be most awful. Neither you nor I know the smallest thing about gardening. What would we eat or serve the guests? Dora is going to be busy cooking and taking care of Whiskey. Can you grow things?”

  Patty laughed. “Emily doesn’t have to move away. If she married the doc, they’d probably live right here, in town. Things wouldn’t have to change too much. In the meantime, she could teach you.”

  “What?” Cassie shrieked, as she covered her face with her hands in abject horror. “I’d have to get in the dirt! I’d ruin my nails.” She looked at her perfectly white and well cared for hands. “I can’t imagine my hands pulling weeds. I couldn’t do it.” She shook her head. “No, I would not be able to get down in the dirt the way Emily does.”

  “Did I hear my name mentioned?” Emily strode into the kitchen looking lovelier than usual. “You don’t want to get in the dark, rich, soil and play with me, Cassie?” She smiled. “I think I’m hurt,” she said, sticking out her lower lip in a sad little pout, while her eyes twinkled in merriment.

  Cassie turned three shades of red. “I’m sorry, but we were just hypnotizing how things would have to change here, at the hotel, if you married the doc.”

  Emily giggled and looked to Patty who appeared to be slightly embarrassed, herself. “Can you translate that for me, Patty?”

  “Cassie’s new word for the day is hypothesizing. As I was just saying . . . you and Blake seemed to be getting along very well, and I wouldn’t be surprised if the two of you got married someday. Cassie was worried about the gardens. I think you heard her reaction to learning how to grow all those luscious vegetables of yours.”

  Emily smiled, sincerely. “Well, never fear, dear Cassie. I have no intention of marrying the good-looking doctor now or later, but I do have every intention of buying my farm. When that day arrives, I am afraid I will be moving out of town.”

  Patty thought this over for a moment and then her face brightened. “That would be perfect. You could grow all the fruits and vegetables needed, on your farm, and the hotel would buy them. Several times a week, Whiskey could take the wagon out and load up. We’d have to take care of the flowe
rs here, of course, but I’m sure we would all pitch in, yes, Cassie?”

  “I suppose so,” the young woman muttered reluctantly, still admiring her beautiful soft hands. “Adam likes my hands,” she uttered under her breath.

  “Good morning to the three most beautiful women in Kansas. It is indeed a glorious morning, don’t you agree?” Blake burst into the warm kitchen. “What’s on the menu? I could eat the backside of a horse, this morning.” He glanced over at Emily and winked, then, proceeded to pull out a chair for her.

  “Miss . . . would you care to take a seat next to mine?”

  Emily knew that two pair of inquisitive eyes were aimed directly at them, so she decided to play along with this insufferable, but adorable, man. “How gallant of you, sir. I would, indeed.”

  The happy couple looked up at the kitchen staff, expecting to be fed. “Well?” Emily smiled. “What are you waiting for?”

  Patty answered with a smile of her own. “I need to attend the front desk. This is still a hotel. Cassie, get to those four rooms. We’ve got reservations coming in on the next train.”

  Turning back, she said to the two pranksters still sitting at the table, “Bon appétit!” Then, she swiftly left the room.

  After a moment’s silence, Blake laughed out loud. “The flower and vegetable gardens at this hotel are magnificent, as is the food, but the service is lousy!”

  “I couldn’t agree more. I think you should speak with an owner and complain most vociferously,” Emily giggled. She felt his gaze upon her lips and his hand upon her knee.

  “Miss, I need better service if you wish me to recommend this hotel to my friends and acquaintances. Could you be persuaded to attend to my needs?”

  “You’re a bad guest, sir. I think you need to be taught a lesson . . . tonight . . . and in private.”

  “Ooh la la!” Blake shouted. “I do love the French!”

  “In that case, you go fetch the eggs, and I’ll go out and pick some peppers. I’ll cook you up a French omelet.”

  “Ome—what?” he asked.

  “It’s one of Patty’s specialties. It’s scrambled eggs,” she laughed.

  Blake grabbed the egg basket and headed out toward the hen house, and Emily grabbed her vegetable basket. As the door closed behind her, something caught her shawl.

  “Oh, now what?” Emily tugged on her wrap carefully, not wanting to rip the delicate yarn, when she noticed it was caught on the splintered wood surrounding the lock.

  “That’s strange,” she mused. Then as quickly as comprehension dawned, she lost her color. “Blake! Blake, come here,” she yelled.

  Immediately, Blake came running, basket flying out at his side, eggs spilling to the ground. “”Emmie. What’s wrong?” He knew that she’d found trouble. Breathless upon arrival, he panted. “What’s going on?”

  Emily simply pointed to the damaged door and her shawl, still caught on the splintered wood. Her whole body was quaking with fear and Blake immediately knew the significance of this damaged door. He looked closer.

  “Whoever did this, was definitely trying to gain access to the hotel.”

  Blake looked at the ground just outside the door, hoping to discover tracks of some kind. “I don’t see anything in the yard, but we’re not going to take any chances. I’ve got to check on old Hattie Forsyth this morning, but I’ll be back before lunchtime. I’ll change the lock and repair the door as good as new. We’ll reinforce it from the inside as well, just to ensure that no one can get in without our knowing.”

  Emily nodded and placed her hand on Blake’s arm. “Thank you. I know I may be making a fuss over nothing, but that man was up to no good. I shudder to think of someone getting in here. Cassie is so vulnerable.”

  “Darling. You all are in danger and I vow to protect you. Whiskey will be back soon, too. A man would have to be just plain stupid to cause trouble with both of us here. Don’t worry, but until then, keep an eye out for strangers lurking about. Talk to Patty and Cassie and let them know that none of you women are to leave the hotel alone.”

  Emily nodded. “Do you still want those eggs?”

  Blake smiled. “I’m running late. Hattie will think I forgot her. Just feed me more at noon.” Then he leaned over and kissed Emily on the top of her head. “I love you,” he whispered as he turned and walked away.

  The lovely lady touched her fingers to her lips and smiled. “Well, I’d better get to work. This could be a long day,” she said to herself.

  * * *

  “Dammit, Dusty. I was almost inside, when that dang girl checked the door. Scared the livin’ daylights out of me. I knowed she saw me, but I don’t think she could see my face clear. I’m just gonna grab her in the daytime. She’s gonna be less scared and I can take her by surprise,” Lucas grinned, showing a mouthful of yellow and black teeth. Dental hygiene had never been a priority with the man. “She’s worth her weight in gold, I tell ya’. She’s so damn purdy and all.”

  “I don’t like this, Lucas. I say we ride on out of here. We don’t need to get tied up with her again. She’s bad luck. I feel it in my bones. Besides . . . she’s my blood kin. I don’t like the idea of just sellin’ her to the highest bidder. This is gonna go bad. I know it.”

  “Aw, shut the hell up, you little weasel. I don’t know why I keep ya’ around. She’s just your half sister anyways. Think of all that money we can get for her. Too bad she’s found herself a feller. She’d be worth a whole lot more, if’n she was untouched.”

  The younger man stood up and scratched his stomach, looking like he needed a good meal. “Fine. Whatever you say, old man. Right now, I’m goin’ to the Tumbleweed and get drunk and find me a redhead for the night. I’ll see you when I see you.” He stomped out of the dirty shack they’d found abandoned, down by the rail crossing.

  Dusty remembered the early days back in Sedalia, Missouri. His ma had been right pretty, once. She’d had the blackest hair and the bluest eyes of anyone he’d ever seen . . . and he remembered the sound of her tinkling laughter. She loved to laugh, and she loved him. It wasn’t until his pa had been shot down, in the street, that their lives changed forever.

  His pa was a good man, but he loved to drink whiskey and play cards. He was good at drinking, but not so good at playing five-card stud. More than once, he’d lost everything they owned. The last night of his life, he’d been cheated. Everyone knew it, but they were too afraid to confront the gambler. As John Falkenrath stood up, he spit on the man raking in his ill-gotten gains. As it was impolite to shoot up one’s own domicile, the gambler insisted his pa step out into the street. John had no choice.

  Dusty stepped up on the sidewalk in front of the Tumbleweed Saloon. “Damn it, pa. Look at me,” he muttered. He was twenty-eight and living like a wanted desperado, always looking over his shoulder, avoiding the law, and never making friends. He hated Lucas. He wished him dead. Dusty kicked the door open and practically growled his intent. “A whiskey and Barbara Ann.” This was his life.

  Blake stood back and inspected the new lock and the door repairs. “I think this will hold for now, but I’ll not rest easy until we find out who did this,” he told Patty. “I’ve got a suspicion that it has something to do with Emmie and that drunk she ran into. Patty, I’m afraid for her safety, but I don’t want to scare her more by being too cautious. Could you keep an extra close watch on her for a while?”

  Patty’s knees were starting to tremble with fear of the unknown, but she nodded, bravely. “Don’t give it another thought, Doc,” she declared with a little too much bravado. “Cassie and I can do what’s needed to be done around here. You go and do whatever you have to do. Everything will turn out just fine. You’ll see.” She swallowed hard, praying she was right. “Maybe Cassie can get that handsome soldier of hers to come and stand guard,” she laughed.

  “Sounds good to me, Patricia.”

  “What? Did you call me Patricia?” She pretended offense.

  “I surely did, ma’am. It’s a right prett
y name, I think,” he chuckled, knowing full well he was baiting the lovely redhead. He figured she needed to be distracted from the seriousness of the predicament they had found themselves in.

  Narrowing her vibrant green eyes, she calmly stated, “No one ever paid you to think, Doc. My name is Patty.” With that, she swished her full skirts through the door and retreated to her friendly and very inviting lobby, boasting of the European elegance found in abundance.

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  The wagon rolled to a stop in front of the Birdsong Hotel, and a very happy and surprisingly spry Whiskey jumped down to secure the team. He threw the reins over the hitching rail and practically ran back to help his wife, Dora, down from her perch, high above the ground. It was heartening to witness these two mature people so obviously in love with one another. Their faces beamed with happiness at their newfound joy.

  Patty was the first out on the porch. She called for the rest of the staff to come running. “Cassie . . . Emily . . . out front. We’ve got special guests.”

  “Special guests? This time of day?” Emily answered back. The train wasn’t due for several hours yet, and there were no unexpected reservations that she knew of. Wiping the soil from her hands, she ran toward the front of the hotel.

  Upon rounding the corner of the porch, still covered in rich, black garden soil, she ran straight into Cassie, knocking them both to the ground. The women screamed in surprise, and immediately fell into fits of laughter as they looked up and saw an unusually amused Whiskey and Dora, staring down at them.

  “Well,” Dora chuckled, “It’s good to see nothin’s changed whilst we’ve been gone.”

  Whiskey gave the giggling girls each a hand, and pulled them to their feet. “It sure is good to be back. The place looks dandy. We stayed at the finest hotel in Phoenix, but it weren’t near as nice as this ‘un. The train took Dora and me back through Texas and up through Oklahoma. It sure is a big country, but there ain’t nothin’ as wonderful as comin’ home. I ain’t never leavin’ it again.”