Trace had stopped by after dark on the day he and Cade had ridden off together. She touched her fingers to her lips. The day Cade told her he loved her, held her, and kissed her with such conviction.
“He didn’t think what he needed to do could wait, Miss Laura, so he rode on to Anaconda after I showed him some of the evidence that Jack is mining on those properties he’s been buying. He wanted me to tell you he’d be back in a few days.”
Cade had asked her to trust him. He’d told her that he loved her. There was nothing that kept her from believing what he’d said.
“Anaconda? That’s several days away. I don’t understand what mining has to do with my property.” Laura had looked at Trace with a frown.
“You will, once he gets back. He’s a good man, and has your best interest in mind.”
Before she could ask more, Trace had said he needed to get home to his wife, leaving her to ponder what Cade was doing. Why hadn’t he returned? Four days had passed. She couldn’t help but think that something had happened to him, and each time her thoughts strayed in that direction, her stomach churned with nausea and fear. She couldn’t lose another man she loved.
Sally held little Paul over her shoulder, and patted her baby’s back when he began to fuss.
“I think he may need his linens changed,” Sally said. “I’m going to go to the wagon for a minute.”
“I’ll be all right here,” Laura said with a smile.
Sally nodded. “I’ll be right back.”
If her stomach hadn’t been in knots before, it surely was now. Standing with Sally had given her some measure of security among all these people, many of whom whispered and stared at her with disapproval when they passed by. She’d already endured listening to several people’s remarks that she shouldn’t be mingling among decent folks. Standing alone, all the old insecurities washed over her again. She was about to follow Sally, when a familiar voice called out behind her.
“Why is the prettiest girl at this event standing off all by herself? If no one else has claimed her, then I will.”
Laura spun around, her heart nearly jumping from her chest. Her gaping mouth quickly replaced the wide smile on her face.
“Cade?”
Her eyes roamed over the man who hadn’t left her thoughts and dreams. Dressed in black trousers and a white shirt, he also wore a black jacket. The clothes instantly transformed him from looking like a gunslinger into an affluent businessman, even if his gun belt was strapped around his hip.
“You look mighty fine in that dress, Mrs. Engelman.” He grinned broadly.
He yanked his hat from his head, his eyes glued to her. In the next instant, she rushed to him, and threw her arms around his neck. Cade swept her into a tight embrace, lifting her off her feet. His breath at her neck sent chills racing down her spine.
“I’m so sorry I’m late, Laura,” he murmured into her hair, drawing in a deep breath.
“You’re here now,” she whispered. Relief swept over her, and replaced the anxiety that had filled her a moment ago. Her worst fears hadn’t come true. He hadn’t been hurt, and was here, alive and well. Even if he was late, he’d kept his promise.
Cade set her on her feet, and cupped her face between his hands. In the next instant, his mouth was on hers. Self-conscious for only a second that they stood where folks could see, Laura tightened her arms around his neck and leaned into him.
“I’ve missed you,” he spoke against her lips, then renewed his kiss.
Laura’s insides flooded with warmth, and the noise around her ceased. There was nothing else, no one else but Cade, and the tender way his fingers touched her cheeks as he kissed her.
When he eased up and loosened his hold, she was breathless, and struggling for air.
“There is so much I need to tell you, Laura,” he rasped. His hand slid behind her head, and drew her to him for another kiss. A look of fear passed through his eyes. “And I won’t put it off any longer.”
He gripped her hand tight to where it nearly hurt. Laura offered a tentative smile.
“All right,” she said, and swallowed her sudden apprehension. She’d never seen this kind of dread in his eyes before.
“I love you, Laura. After you hear what I’m gonna say, you might hate me, but I just want you to know, everything I’ve done, it’s to protect you and your farm.”
She frowned. A short distance away, someone giggled. Laura glanced up, and groaned. Walking near them were Mathilda Comfrey and her friend.
“So, apparently the rumors are true,” Mathilda spoke loudly, glancing toward Laura. Her nose twitched as if she smelled something unpleasant.
“Disgraceful that she would carry on like that with a man in broad daylight, and in public, no less. No doubt plenty of that kind of scandalous behavior goes on out at her farm.”
“Frankly, no one is shocked at her behavior. She’s already killed her husband, and is now living in sin.”
Laura inhaled a deep breath. Cade stepped in front of her, but she moved quickly around him. It was time she confronted these nasty women herself. She glared from Mathilda to her friend.
“What I do is no one’s business but my own,” she said through gritted teeth. “I’ve had just about enough of the rumors that Jack Kincaid has spread about me since my husband died last year.”
She took a step forward, one hand on her hip, her eyes narrowed. Mathilda’s mouth gaped open.
“He’s been telling vicious lies about me, just because I won’t be bought by him, like everyone else in this town.”
The other woman sniggered. She twisted the ribbon of her sunbonnet between her fingers, and glanced smugly from Laura to Cade.
“It’s so interesting that you would say that about Jack Kincaid, Mrs. Engelman.”
Laura renewed her glare. “And why is that? I haven’t let his money influence my actions, but it appears that you have.”
Mathilda laughed. Her eyes rested on Cade, who stood just behind her.
“Walk away, Laura,” he said in a low tone, the tension and threat in his voice nearly palpable. Laura glanced over her shoulder at him. She’d never seen the kind of hate that flashed in his eyes when he glared at the women.
The two women laughed. “You have no idea, do you, Laura?” Mathilda said, then stared at Cade, raising her chin in triumph.
“Idea about what?” Laura nearly shouted.
“Jack Kincaid.” Mathilda’s friend said smugly. “He’s living right under your roof. Well, I supposed it would be proper to say, Jack Kincaid, Junior.” Her eyes traveled appreciatively over Cade. “I suppose the son is a lot more appealing than the father.”
Laura blinked, and shook her head in confusion. Her pulse pounded at her temples, making the women’s words sound shrill and far away. Cade clamped his hand around her arm and pulled her with him. She stumbled after him, her mind blank, trying to tune out the laughter that followed them.
Cade headed toward the shade of a large elm tree, when Laura stopped, and yanked her arm from his grip. She stared up at the man she fancied herself in love with. The world nearly tilted. Jack . . . Kincaid . . . Cade . . .
No, it couldn’t be true.
Chapter Eighteen
Cade reached for her, but she backed away. She looked ready to bolt like a wild mustang.
“Please hear me out, Laura,” he said. Every inch of him wanted to grab her, and pull her to him, but he stayed rooted to one spot.
His worst fears had come true. He was about to lose her. His body tensed, ready to explode with the rage he tried to suppress. This was the worst way Laura could have found out the truth about him. The truth he was just about to tell her. Those meddling ninnies had ruined any chance he had to explain himself properly.
Laura stood, staring at him with shock and bewilderment. The hurt displayed in her eyes was more than he could bear.
“I love you, Laura. I didn’t want you to find out like this,” he tried again, and took a tentative step toward her. “Can we p
lease go somewhere quiet, and talk?”
Her head darted around, looking into the distance. Her arm wrapped tightly around her middle, as if she was trying to keep herself together.
“I . . . I can’t talk to you right now.”
Her voice cracked when she spoke. Moisture pooled in her eyes, her face filled with disappointment. Cade’s hand reached out to her again. She instantly tensed, and shook her head.
“Don’t,” she said. “Just, leave me be.”
She backed up another step, then turned fully, and rushed off. Cade swore under his breath. He threw his hat on the ground, kicked at the dirt, and ran a hand through his hair. Then he stared after her again.
He cursed himself over and over. This was all his fault. He should have been honest with her from the beginning. His hand trembled when he ran it across his face. His father had won again, dammit. He let out a frustrated sigh.
Jack Kincaid had moved his cattle business to Montana from Texas six years ago, and Cade hadn’t used his given name since then. Jack had always used his wealth to his advantage, intimidating and threatening people who got in his way. Cade himself had been one of Jack’s henchmen while they still lived in Texas. The day he’d turned fifteen, his father had recruited him into the “family business,” since he was the only child.
Cade had done Jack’s dirty work ever since, but when he met Jonah’s mother, it had been the push he’d needed to get away from his father. He’d had plenty of money in the bank, so he’d packed up his gear, and moved to the trading post owned by Wawesteka’s father, cutting all ties with Jack Kincaid. Or so he’d thought.
Anger surged through him. Years ago, he’d promised his mother that he wasn’t going to follow in his father’s footsteps. For a time after her death, even his father seemed to have changed his ways.
“Four years in jail oughta be enough to make you realize that you can’t go against me, son. When you get out, we’ll start fresh.”
Cade cursed again. The old man wasn’t going to win this time. He’d made sure of that.
He’s already won.
Those gaggling hens ruined everything. He had to talk to Laura, and make her see that what he’d done, keeping his identity a secret, was to protect her.
Dammit! She had to hear him out, and at least give him a chance to explain. She’d told him she loved him. There had to be a shred of hope that she’d listen to him. Cade reached for his hat on the ground, and headed in the direction Laura had gone.
He didn’t have far to go. She stood with her back to him, beside the wagon he recognized as belonging to her friend, Sally. Trace Hawley and his wife, Katherine, were with her, as well as Sally and a man Cade hadn’t seen before. No doubt he was Sally’s husband.
Sally handed her baby to the other woman, and wrapped her arm around Laura’s shoulder. Cade weaved between several other buggies to get closer.
Jonah stood with Sally’s husband, holding a ball. The man nodded at that moment, and the two headed away from the rig. Anger flared up in Cade. He should be the one playing ball with his son, not some stranger. For now, it might be best to have Jonah entertained while he tried to salvage what he could with Laura.
“If you want, I’ll take you home, Laura.” Sally’s voice drifted to Cade. He swore under his breath. He was gonna make this right somehow.
“I don’t want to ruin this day for you, Sally. I’ll be all right. I just need a moment to get over the shock.”
Sally lifted her head toward her brother. The glare in her eyes was only too obvious.
“You knew who he was, and you didn’t say anything?”
Trace leaned toward his sister. “What was I supposed to say? I know he’s Jack Kincaid, Jr, but he’s gone by the name Cade for as long as I’ve known him. I didn’t know he hadn’t told Laura his full name.”
To Laura, he said, “He’s not like his father. He was, at first, when they came to Montana, but he’s changed.”
“How do you know that?” Sally said, her voice rising.
“He was one of his father’s gunmen,” Trace said in a calm voice, directing his words at Laura. “He and I met at an auction in Anaconda. He got into a fight with one of his own men for beating up on a man who outbid him on a horse. He and I struck up a conversation when it was over. Once I got to know him a bit better, I could tell he wanted out. He didn’t agree with his father’s methods of strong-arming folks. When he met the woman he eventually married, he cut all ties with Jack Kincaid and the Diamond K. Shortly after, he was set up for the murder of the man who killed her.”
“Why didn’t he tell me who he really is?” Laura whispered. Cade had to strain his ears to hear her. “He’s been playing me for a fool all this time.”
Trace placed a hand on her arm. “I can’t help but think he had a very good reason, Miss Laura.” Trace looked up at that moment, and his eyes met Cade’s. “I really think you should ask him yourself.”
Cade headed toward the small group. He was done having another man speak for him. Laura wheeled around. She swiped a quick hand across her cheek, and faced him squarely.
“Can you please hear me out?” Cade slowed his steps. The last thing he needed was for her to run off again.
Trace reached for his wife’s elbow. He nodded to Cade. “Give them some space to talk, Sally,” he called to his sister, and headed in the direction where the other man and Jonah had gone.
Sally glared at him, but followed her brother without an argument.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” Laura asked, more forcefully than when she’d asked the question the first time. Her eyes glistened with accusation.
Cade took a step toward her. She backed up, but bumped into the buggy. He inhaled a deep breath, and reached for her arm.
“Laura, I love you. I didn’t want to tell you who I was, because, without knowing me first, you’d have just run me off your property. Don’t say you wouldn’t have.”
He met her stare. She was going to see that he was telling the truth. He took another tentative half-step closer. His hold on her eased when the tension in her body increased.
“I’ve gone by the name Cade for years. I wanted to distance myself from my father. When I found out that his men shot me, and they were the ones harassing you, I held back because I knew you’d think I was part of his plan.”
“What makes you so sure I don’t think that now?” she challenged. “All his other schemes to get me to sell my farm haven’t worked, so he brought you in to pretend that you care for me so I’ll let my guard down.”
Cade’s lips widened in a tense smile. He laughed scornfully. “Well, it’s certainly what my old man had in mind, after he found out his men nearly killed me.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Her eyes narrowed. She tried to pull her arm away, but he tugged back, drawing her closer to him.
“It means that my father thinks I’m trying to sweet-talk you into selling out. When I confronted him about harassing you, he threatened me with Jonah’s safety if I didn’t come back to the Diamond K. I let him think he’s got me scared enough to do his bidding. As long as he’s under that impression, he won’t feel the need to send any more of his henchmen to cause trouble for you.”
“Why should I believe that you’re not after my farm? You’ve done nothing but lie to me.” Her lips quivered, but she raised her chin.
Cade’s jaw clenched. “I’ve told you the truth about everything that you’ve asked me,” he said in a low tone. “And I sure as hell am telling you the truth when I say I love you.”
“But you left out one important detail. Your real name.”
She swiped at some lose strands of hair on her face. Her eyes glazed over with hurt and betrayal. She wrung her hands in front of her, dropping her gaze momentarily. Cade seized on the indecision that was written on her face when she looked up again. He stepped closer, his palm sliding up her arm.
“Laura, on the day I left with Trace, I said that I needed to tell you something. I asked you to tru
st me, remember?” His eyebrows rose expectantly.
Laura laughed bitterly. “And why did you decide to come clean all of a sudden?”
Cade took hold of her other arm. He pulled her toward him, their faces inches apart.
“I can’t protect you if I’m not at your farm. If Jack thinks I failed, he’ll come after you again. I had to keep my name from you to make sure you weren’t going to run me off.” He broke eye contact and stared at his boots for a second. “And because I was scared to death that you’d do exactly that.” He looked at her again. “I realized how much I love you the day we went fishing, and I couldn’t stand to keep the truth from you anymore. It’s been killing me, Laura,” he added through clenched teeth. “If Trace hadn’t shown up, I was ready to tell you that evening.”
She dropped her gaze. Cade released one arm, and lifted her chin with his fingers.
“I know why Jack wants your property,” he said in a low tone. “It became clear to me that morning by the creek.”
She looked up at him again, her forehead wrinkled. Cade reached into his shirt pocket. His fingers made contact with the engagement band, but he continued to search until he found the tiny nugget he’d stashed there. He pulled it out.
“I didn’t just find a chunk of quartz in the creek that day. I also found this.” He held the pebble up for her to see, and added in a hushed tone, “And there’s plenty more where that came from.”
Laura’s eyes widened. He dropped the yellow piece of rock into her palm.
“Gold?” she whispered in astonishment. “”I thought all the gold in Montana Territory had been mined out years ago.”
“Apparently not. And Jack somehow sniffed it out. That’s why he’s been buying up homesteads along the hills that have water coming out of the mountains. He told me he wanted your place for water rights, but I didn’t believe him for a second.”
Laura stared quietly at the small piece of gold in her hand, then up at him. “Well, you and your father could be rich, or should I say, increase your wealth ten-fold.”
“Dammit, Laura,” Cade growled. “I don’t care about any of that. I care about you.” He inhaled a deep breath. “Mark my word. Jack will find some way to try and lay claim to that water source on your property. I made sure he’ll never be able to do that, unless you choose to sell out.”
In His Touch: Blemished Brides Book 2 Page 13
