by Debra Cowan
“One other thing I know, Riley, is that girl has guts. She’s trying her heart out and I think she can make it. I think you should give her a chance.”
He braced his hands on his hips, feeling as if he’d been penned into a castration chute like one of his bulls. “This isn’t about giving her a chance.”
“Isn’t it?”
“No.”
“I think you have other reasons for wanting her to leave.”
He snorted. “Like what?”
“You’re starting to feel something for her.”
He about swallowed his teeth. “I feel responsible for her. Her brother is one of my best friends—”
“I think you feel more for her. You were white as chalk when you brought her in here.”
“She was bleeding,” he growled.
“Yes.” Cora rose and stepped over to him, saying gently, “You call it what you want, hon, but I’ve got eyes. I can see what’s going on. I hope you do, too. Before it’s too late.”
“You’re wrong, Cora.”
“Give her a chance.” She walked over and slipped inside Susannah’s room, dismissing Riley as easy as how-do.
Frustration boiled to the surface and he grabbed his hat, stalking out. Cora was right about one thing, he fumed as he swung into the saddle and urged Whip into motion. He felt fear for Susannah and what could happen to her here.
Riley headed for the jail to tell Davis Lee what had occurred tonight. He wished the thoughts would fly out of his head, but he couldn’t escape Cora’s words.
You’re starting to feel something for that girl.
Something deep and reaching and damn scary. Responsibility had nothing to do with it. Riley realized it hadn’t for some time now. He’d resisted becoming involved with her, told himself he wasn’t involved. But he was.
He was hard-pressed to remember what Whirlwind had been like before she came, what he’d done. Endless days of ranch chores, working with the horses and cattle? He supposed so.
Maybe he couldn’t remember much of his life before Susannah, but he could damn sure remember his wife. Her death, his emptiness and the agonizing torture of feeling lost day after day.
The very real possibility that Susannah could’ve been seriously injured or killed drove through him like a blade. His thoughts froze with sudden clarity. The idea that she could fare here better than Maddie was deceptive and tempting. But he knew the truth. He couldn’t let himself get any closer to Susannah Phelps. Whatever was between them must stop now.
Susannah felt the edge of her bed give way with someone’s weight, and knew it was Cora.
“Are you awake?” her friend asked softly.
“Yes.” She tried to breathe past the disappointment that stabbed through her chest.
“How are you feeling?”
“The pain’s gone.” She’d heard more than the fevered urging in Riley’s voice when he spoke to Cora moments ago. She’d heard every word about sending her back to St. Louis. “I heard you two arguing.”
“Well, I wouldn’t say we were arguing. Exactly.”
Susannah gave her a look.
Cora smoothed a hand over her hair.
Why did it hurt so badly? Knowing that Riley didn’t want her here was nothing new, but she couldn’t deny the ragged pain in her heart. “He wants me to leave.”
The other woman muttered, “I knew I should’ve had a door put on your room.”
Susannah shook her head.
“He’s worried about you. You gave us both quite a scare. He’ll come around.”
“I don’t think so. You heard him.”
“I also know he’s gun-shy about some things. And stubborn as an overfed mule. It takes him awhile to admit he’s wrong, but he will.” Cora looked at her meaningfully, but Susannah didn’t respond.
It was time she faced facts. Ever since she’d come to Whirlwind, to him, ever since he’d told her he wouldn’t marry again, she’d believed he would change his mind.
“Want me to brush your hair?”
She worked up a smile. Thank goodness she had this woman, whose friendship seemed as steadfast as the sunrise. “That would be nice.”
Cora helped ease her up in bed and took down her hair, pulling the brush through the strands with slow, soothing strokes. Susannah’s brother believed Riley was the man to give her baby love and security. Maybe if she’d been someone else, that would have worked out. She saw now it never would.
On Sunday afternoon, Riley sat across from Davis Lee at a table in the Pearl for their usual weekly lunch. It had only been a day and a half since he’d seen Susannah, but the time had marked him. He hadn’t slept, there was an ache in his right shoulder that wouldn’t go away, and his boots didn’t feel right.
He still had flashes of seeing her on the ground, and he hadn’t been able to shake the sight of her blood on his arm. The ever-livin’ hell had been scared out of him. That Cora didn’t agree Susannah should leave Whirlwind stuck in his craw, so he hadn’t paid a visit yesterday. He wasn’t proud of the fact.
He didn’t know what to do about Susannah. He didn’t feel right staying away and he didn’t feel right calling on her.
“It was good to see Jericho.”
“Yeah,” Davis Lee said. “He appreciated the bed you offered him and his partner Friday night. They got on the trail again yesterday, didn’t want the McDougal gang to have much of a lead on them.”
Their cousin, Jericho Blue, was a Texas Ranger tracking the McDougal gang. He was the one who’d shown up at the jail looking for Davis Lee on Friday night during their dinner with Susannah. Jericho had wanted to say hello to his cousins, but he’d also wanted Davis Lee to know that he and his partner had been following the McDougal gang from Indian Territory and up through Dodge City before tracking them back down into Texas toward Abilene.
He and his partner had spent the night at the ranch, then come into town with Davis Lee to see if he had received any further notices about the McDougal gang. The two Rangers had headed out midmorning yesterday.
Davis Lee pushed away his empty plate and tugged over a saucer holding a piece of apricot pie. “So, how’s Susannah doing? She was a little quiet yesterday when I saw her.”
Riley shoved a forkful of mashed potatoes in his mouth.
Davis Lee sipped at his coffee. “Little brother?”
Riley swallowed, the potatoes tasting like paste. “I haven’t seen her. Today.”
If he thought his brother wouldn’t notice the pause between his words, he was wrong. Davis Lee’s eyes narrowed speculatively. “When did you see her?”
He lifted a bite of roast.
“Riley?”
He put it down, stared flatly at his brother. “On Friday night, after the doctor left.”
“Not since?”
“No.”
“Why not?”
Riley hesitated, not because he didn’t know how to tell Davis Lee that he wanted some distance between him and Susannah, but because he didn’t plan to tell him at all. He needed some space, certainly more than the few miles between his ranch and Cora’s house.
“Why are you staying away? You were the one to help her out after that coyote showed up. She cooked a nice dinner for you—”
“I know what happened. I was there, remember?”
“So why are you being so unneighborly?”
“I’m not.” Riley pushed his plate away, not interested in the rest of his food.
“Mother would say you are. I say you’re being an ass. Whatever your problems are with Susannah, she doesn’t deserve for you to ignore her, especially not with what she’s going through.” Davis Lee’s fork stabbed the air. “As Mother used to say, she would be mortified.”
Riley gave a brief smile at the memory of his mother. Lorelai Holt had taught her boys manners, to the point of excruciation sometimes. Their mother wouldn’t hold with Riley not being neighborly to Susannah, especially when they were supposed to be friends.
Which was the problem.
He didn’t know how to be around her without wanting more than friendship.
Simply going by to check on her didn’t constitute any declarations on his part. “I’ll go see her.”
“Today?”
Riley’s gaze met his brother’s. “Yes, today.”
“Good.” Davis Lee wiped his mouth with a napkin. “Head on over there. I’ll pay for lunch.”
Riley scowled. “All right.”
His brother reached over and picked up Riley’s cup, draining the last of his coffee. “See ya later.”
“Why don’t you just throw me out?”
“Will it get you moving any faster?”
Riley glared at him, pushed his chair back. It wasn’t just frustration gnawing at him, but also a gut-twisting fear at her close call on Friday night.
Still, Davis Lee was right. He should be ashamed of his reluctance to go see her, but he couldn’t seem to sidestep it. He shouldn’t ignore Susannah just because he wasn’t sure how to act around her.
“Tell her I asked after her,” Davis Lee said cheerily.
Riley slammed his hat down on his head and stalked out of the Pearl. He could walk to Cora’s, but he might as well take Whip.
For several minutes he stood in the street next to the paint, then finally swung into the saddle. Putting off the visit wouldn’t make it any easier. The other night, he hadn’t been able to breathe, but he had some distance now.
She didn’t have to know anything had changed.
He tied Whip to one of Cora’s porch columns and knocked on the door.
After a few seconds, it opened, and Cora smiled brightly at him. “Hello, Riley. Come in.”
He stepped inside, hearing voices coming from the direction of Susannah’s room. Male voices. Taking off his coat, he glanced at the older woman. “How many visitors does she have?”
“Three or four.” Cora’s hazel eyes looked clear today, the shadows of concern gone.
“How’s she doing?”
“Okay. She gets tired of lying abed, but she knows it’s the best thing.”
His feet seemed nailed to the floor. “What about the tea Dr. Butler left?”
“She’s drinking it faithfully, and it seems to help.” Cora stood nearly at eye level with him. “I thought sure we’d see you yesterday.”
“Was she expecting me? I hope not.”
“No, she didn’t say a word, but I was surprised you didn’t stop by.”
Riley ignored the twinge of irritation that Susannah hadn’t seemed to mind his absence. “Got caught up in some things at the ranch.”
“Hmm.” Cora’s gaze probed right through him, but she didn’t call him on the lie. “Come in and say hello.”
The woman turned and started toward Susannah’s room. The curtain was tucked behind a nail, out of the way. Riley stuck his head inside and found Susannah’s bed surrounded by men. All three of the Baldwins, plus Jake Ross and Tony Santos. Miguel would probably visit after school. Riley managed to squeeze behind J. T. Baldwin’s shoulder.
Susannah glanced from Russ to him. “Hello,” she said.
“Hey, Riley,” the men chorused.
She looked pale and beautiful in a blue wrapper that rose high on her elegant neck. Her hair was up and a blanket spread over her lap. The total lack of privacy and Cora’s watchful presence kept everything proper.
Her voice was friendly enough, but her eyes, the same color blue as her wrapper, were cool. Distant.
“I hear we have you to thank for rescuing Miz Susannah,” J.T. said.
“How are you feeling today?” The room seemed to press in on Riley. His gaze roamed her face as he tried to reassure himself she was fine.
“Already tired of being an invalid, but other than that, I’m all right.”
“It’s lucky Riley was here when that coyote showed up,” J.T. added.
Riley felt uncomfortable taking the credit for saving her when all he’d done was carry her inside. “Cora’s mare wasn’t about to let that animal get close to Susannah.”
“I saw a horse do that once. Dernedest thing I ever saw,” Jake Ross stated in his quiet voice.
“Riley told me coyotes won’t attack adult horses or cattle unless they’re sick,” Susannah said.
“That’s true,” J.T. confirmed. “And we’re thankful for it.”
“They can sure scare the heck out of you,” Tony said. “When I was about Miguel’s age, my cousin and I were walking in Mexico one night. We thought we heard a noise in a stand of trees and looked up to see two coyotes running straight at us. Almost as if they were racing to see which one could reach us first.”
Susannah gasped.
Riley rolled his eyes.
Russ Baldwin barked out a laugh. “Tony, that’s the biggest I’ve ever heard.”
“It happened, Russ!” Tony exclaimed.
“Did they decide you were too scrawny to eat?” Matt elbowed the swarthy, barrel-shaped man.
Tony grinned. “I guess so. They got about fifty feet away and veered off. Disappeared into the dark.”
Cora shook her head. “I didn’t know you were such a big yarn spinner, Tony.”
“I swear it’s true, Miz Cora.” J. T. Baldwin rubbed his hands together. “Well, then you’ll want to hear my story.”
“No, Pa,” Matt said.
“Don’t tell it,” Russ echoed before glancing at Susannah. “You’re the only one who can stop him.”
She smiled, though Riley saw it didn’t quite reach her eyes. Maybe she still didn’t feel well. “I want to hear it, J.T. Go ahead.”
The older man grinned, hooking a thumb toward his sons. “These two were just little fellas. I was riding home late one night from Abilene and kept thinking I saw something out of the corner of my eye. I finally spied a coyote loping along with me, several yards away. He didn’t seem inclined to attack, just to run. I hurried my mount on a little and the coyote kept up, so I gave the gelding free rein. That coyote ran apace with us for a while, then about the time I thought my horse might be winded, that flea-bitten critter charged ahead as if he hadn’t even been trying!”
“So you were racing a coyote, J.T.?” Riley asked wryly.
“Yep.” The big man crossed his arms and grinned at Susannah. “Now, that’s a story, ain’t it?”
“Yes, it certainly is.”
“Maybe you should change your story, Susannah.” Riley tried not to care that she wouldn’t direct any of her warmth toward him. “You heard Prissy cry out and saved her from the coyote.”
“That could’ve really happened,” Matt said. “She needs something that sounds exaggerated. Like Pa’s.”
Susannah nailed Riley with a look that said not everyone shared his opinion of her inability to get along here.
Cora rose from her chair beside the bed. “Don’t want to be unsociable, gents, but it’s probably time for Susannah to rest now.”
“We’ll be back to see you, Miz Susannah,” Russ said.
The others nodded in agreement.
“Thank you all for coming. You brightened my day.”
“Not as much as you brightened ours.” J. T. Baldwin pressed a light kiss to her hand. “We’re mighty glad you’re all right, little lady.”
“Thank you.”
Cora stepped around Riley and gave him a meaningful poke in the back, then herded the other men out. After one last look from the doorway, she disappeared.
“You don’t have to stay.” Susannah rearranged the blanket across her lap.
“I wanted to check on you.”
“I’m fine, as you can see.” She aimed a brittle smile his way.
Her color was better and she didn’t appear to be in pain. “How’s the tea from Dr. Butler?”
“I think it’s working. I rest a lot, but haven’t had any more pain.”
“Good.”
The silence stretched into an awkward moment. Susannah stared up at him with clear blue eyes, studying him.
Riley fought a sudden urge to squirm. Was
she upset that he hadn’t come by yesterday? “The man who stopped by Davis Lee’s office on Friday night was our cousin, Jericho Blue. He’s a Texas Ranger.”
“Yes, Davis Lee told me when he stopped by yesterday. Your cousin is tracking the McDougal gang.”
Riley nodded, glancing around the small room. The scent of woman and vanilla drifted around him. Two dresses hung neatly on the wall pegs; the lacy edge of a shift peeked out from behind them. A pair of tiny black kid shoes sat next to the wall. “Do you need anything? A newspaper? Some apricot pie from Pearl’s? Would you like to play checkers?”
She stared hard at him. “I’m surprised to see you.”
“Why?”
She looked down, her lips firming. He noticed that her body stiffened, and he could feel irritation pouring off her.
“Davis Lee asked after you. He hopes you’re doing well.”
She played with her fingers, still not looking at him. “Your brother is wonderful.”
Riley didn’t really care for the enthusiastic way she talked about Davis Lee. “Are you sure I can’t get you something?”
“I heard what you said. The other night right in that room.” She tilted her chin, looking him in the eye. “And don’t pretend you don’t know what I’m talking about.”
He chewed on the inside of his cheek. “I didn’t mean for you to overhear.”
“But you’re not sorry?”
“I’m sorry if I hurt your feelings.”
“Why won’t you give me a chance?”
“Susannah—”
“I know about your wife. I know that’s why you think I can’t make a life here, but I’m not her, Riley.”
His jaw set. “Did Adam and Cora tell you everything about Maddie?”
“Yes, but I spoke to Cora again after you and I went to Abilene that day. You acted so strange when I said I’d soon be able to drive myself. You became so adamant when you talked about the weather, and I wanted to know why.”
“So now you know?”
“Yes.”
“Then why can’t you understand? There are just too many things that can happen.”
She sighed. “Don’t you think I know that?”
“Then why won’t you go home? This has to be very difficult for you, being away from your family, coming to a land that’s far from tamed.”
