“Don’t.” He could feel himself beginning to fade, and fumbled in his chest pocket for the bloodstained paper, which he handed to Cara. “You were right, Cara. I’m nothing but a low-life saloon gambler. But I came in here for a reason today. I wanted to win this for you.”
She read the signed paper, then looked at him in astonishment. “You…won back my father’s ranch?”
“You said you wanted a place where your boys can grow and learn.” He was babbling, he knew, but there was so much he wanted to tell her. “I figure Misery’s as good a place as any. At least it was good for us.”
“Oh, Yale. How can I…?” Cara’s voice trembled with emotion. “How can I ever thank you?”
“You can marry me.”
“Marry…?”
He lifted a finger to her lips to still her words. “I know I’m no prize. I’m just a no-good drinking, gambling fool.”
“I said that in the heat of anger. Besides, you’re my no-good drinking, gambling fool.”
His eyes took on that blank look that brought terror to her heart. He was slipping away. She could feel it. Her tears were falling faster now as she clutched at him. “Oh, Yale. Please stay with me. Don’t leave me now that you’ve finally said the only thing I’ve wanted to hear. Please don’t leave me, Yale. I love you so much. I’ve always loved you.”
But Yale was beyond seeing or hearing anything. He’d slipped into that long, dark tunnel of unconsciousness.
That was how Gabe and his deputy found them when they stormed into the Red Dog, with a long line of soldiers trailing behind them. Jack Slade and the others were all shouting at once, trying to explain about the outlaws, one of whom was dead and two wounded.
But all Gabe saw was his brother, lying in a pool of blood, while Cara and her two sons knelt by his side, refusing to leave even when old Doc Honeywell arrived with his black bag and ordered Yale carried to his surgery down the street.
Yale sat on a wooden bench on the back porch of his brother’s cabin, watching the sun setting behind the peaks of the Black Hills. He was surrounded by pillows, at Cara’s insistence. In his hand was a glass of whiskey, which the doctor himself had said would help ease the pain.
Cody and Seth were in a small, fenced enclosure with Billie, examining a young heifer she’d just acquired from a rancher.
Yale turned to his brother. “Looks like your wife’s going to start that herd of cattle sooner than expected.”
Gabe merely smiled. “There’s just no stopping my Billie.” He paused a moment, then decided to take the plunge. “I had a long talk with Justin Greenleaf, over in the jail, before the soldiers took him away. He told me how you saved his life, and how he introduced you to Fenner and the gang in the Badlands. He admitted that you were never considered part of the gang. He claims that you never participated in any of their crimes. And the reason Fenner came after you was because he considered you a traitor.”
Yale tensed, waiting for what was to come.
For the first time Gabe smiled. “I just came back from talking to Judge Hathaway. He sees no reason to prosecute you, since every man in the Red Dog heard Fenner claim you weren’t part of his gang.” He climbed the porch steps and extended his hand. “You’re a free man, Yale. The past is where it belongs, in the past. I’m really glad you’re back. I hope this time you’re home to stay.”
Yale clasped his brother’s handshake. “Thanks, Gabe. That means a lot to me.”
When Gabe walked away Yale stared down into the amber liquid in his glass, wondering at the powerful emotions swirling inside him. Whatever resentment he’d once felt for his straight-arrow brother had dissolved. The feelings that had surfaced were so strong, so new, he couldn’t define them. But this was much more than friendship. It was the sort of family love and loyalty his mother had urged, before her death so many years ago.
Cara stepped outside and walked over to sit beside him, touching a hand to his forehead. In her eyes was a look of concern. “How are you feeling, Yale?”
He took her hand in his and lifted it to his lips. Keeping his eyes steady on hers he whispered, “I can’t remember when I’ve ever felt better.”
“The pain of your gunshots…?”
“It’s unimportant. But there’s something we need to settle.” He saw the look of uncertainty in her eyes and gave her one of his heart-stopping smiles. “I seem to recall asking you to marry me, but I can’t remember your answer.”
She flushed. “I was afraid when you were recovered, you might regret your impulsive behavior.”
“Cara, I’ve been impulsive and reckless all my life. And I’ll admit to being regretful over some of the things I’ve done. But asking you to marry me isn’t one of them. We’ve lost so much time. I don’t want to waste another day. Can you find it in your heart to forgive all the wild things I’ve done and consider marrying me?”
She could feel the tears welling up and blinked hard to hold them at bay. She didn’t want tears to mar this special moment.
She leaned close, brushing her lips over his. “I was never permitted to be impulsive. All my life had to be carefully planned. But who’s to say this isn’t part of some grand plan? What else could explain the strange twist of fate that brought us back together after a lifetime of separation? Oh, Yale. We’ve been given a second chance. And this time, I won’t let anyone stop me.” She wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him fiercely. “I love you. Only you. And I want to be your wife.”
He gave a sigh that seemed to well up from deep inside. “I was so afraid I’d made a terrible mess of things.”
She framed his face with her hands. “Let’s tell the boys. They’ll be so happy.”
As she started to pull away he drew her back, covering her mouth with his. “We’ll tell them. In a minute. For now, just let me hold you, Cara.”
It occurred to Yale that he’d carried her image in his heart for a lifetime. And now, at last, they could look to the future. Together.
Together. What a beautiful word.
He wondered if this was how that Prodigal Son had felt when he’d returned home after a lifetime of wandering. Aware of what he’d almost lost, and finally, completely at peace with himself and the world around him.
Epilogue
“Figured we’d find you out here.” With Aaron beside him Gabe stepped around back of the crumbling barn that stood on the property that had once been known as the McKinnon ranch. Now it was called the Conover place, and a neat new cabin had been built. The yard was teeming with townspeople who had come for the wedding of two of the town’s leading citizens.
“There’s been a lot of talk lately about how free you’ve been with your money.” Gabe studied his younger brother, standing in the midst of a crowd of men, wearing a brand-new black suit and wide-brimmed hat.
“That so?” Yale’s head came up.
“The story I heard is that you loaned Olaf Swensen the money to add on to his store, and build a cabin for Lars and his wife and family.”
Yale shrugged. “That’s no risk. They’re good for the money.”
“There’s another rumor going around. It seems Cody and Seth got an assayer’s report back, and some nuggets they had in their pockets tested for gold. Some folks say you’ve already staked a claim on their behalf up in the Black Hills.”
Yale gave one of his famous grins. “Just my luck to be adopting a couple of rich little boys.”
Gabe arched a brow. “The rumor is that you might become the bank of Misery.”
At that Yale laughed and slapped his brother’s back. “Maybe I will. After all, gambling’s been good to me. I don’t mind lending it. But my real job is going to be as a gentleman rancher. I gave my word to Cara and the boys. Come on now. Help me celebrate my big day.”
Jack Slade and his regulars from the Red Dog were passing around a jug, and enjoying the fine cigars from a box that Yale had set on a bale of hay. He handed one to his brother, and one to Aaron Smiler.
“You’re looking
real fine, Yale.” Aaron leaned forward as the groom-to-be held a match to his cigar. Then he blew out a wreath of smoke and accepted a tumbler of whiskey from Jack Slade. “How’re your nerves holding up?”
Yale held out a hand. “You’re talking to a gambler, Aaron. I’ve got nerves of steel.”
Just then the match burned his fingers and he let out a yelp before dropping it to the ground. “All right. I’ll admit, I’ve never been in a game as important as this one.”
Aaron and Gabe burst into gales of laughter.
“Does he remind you of anybody?” Gabe asked.
“You bet. You, on your wedding day.” Aaron turned to Yale. “Your brother was like a bear in a briar patch that day. I thought he was going to take off someone’s head.”
Yale turned to Gabe. “What did you do to settle down?”
Gabe smiled and flicked ash from the expensive cigar. “That’s easy. I went to see Billie.”
Yale’s brows shot up. “She let you?”
“Hell.” Gabe gave a grunt of laughter. “She had no choice. After I bullied my way through the line of females surrounding her, I was ready to take on a gang of outlaws. But one look at Billie, and I knew I’d live through the rest of the day, no matter how many people I had to meet and greet.”
Yale was shaking his head. “Why do women have to make such a big thing out of a wedding?”
Aaron chuckled. “Son, it’s been going on for as long as there were men losing their hearts, not to mention their common sense, to women.” He glanced over. “Not having second thoughts, are you?”
Yale seemed genuinely surprised by the question. “I’ve loved Cara for a lifetime. I’d walk over hot coals in bare feet for her. Hell, I’d even give up drinking and gambling for her.”
Aaron shared a laugh with Gabe. “I’m sure she’ll be bringing that up very soon now.”
Yale stubbed out his cigar and refused an offer of whiskey before beginning to pace. Suddenly he stopped and turned away, heading toward the cabin.
“Where’re you going?” Gabe called.
Over his shoulder Yale said, “If it worked for you, I’m hoping it’ll work for me. I need to see Cara. And I need to see her now.”
“Ten dollars says the women from town won’t even let him inside the cabin.” Jack Slade reached into his pocket and withdrew a roll of money.
Within minutes the others were making bets.
He turned to Gabe and Aaron. “Want some of this action?”
Gabe shook his head. “You’re talking to a man of the law. You know I never engage in gambling.” He started toward the cabin. “I think I’ll tag along and see if my brother’s sweet-talk can work this time.”
Moving by his side Aaron whispered, “A dollar says he can.”
Gabe grinned. “You’re on, old man.” He threw his arm around Aaron’s shoulder. “Let’s see who wins.”
“Oh, Cara.” Billie finished fastening the tiny row of mother-of-pearl buttons that paraded down the front of the pale pink gown, then stood back to admire the beautiful bride.
On Cara’s feet were soft kid slippers. Instead of a veil she had pinned Yale’s beautiful jeweled comb in her thick cloud of dark hair.
“Why didn’t you accept Inga Swensen’s offer of a white gown and veil?”
“Because this is the gown Yale bought me.” She touched a hand to the comb in her hair, remembering that heart-wrenching night of her youth, when Yale had walked out of her life. “And this has very special meaning to us both.”
“You look just like you did when we were little more than children.” Kitty, in her usual buckskins, stood to one side. “No wonder Yale loved you all these years.”
“You knew?” Cara looked up in surprise.
Kitty grinned. “I think everybody in Misery who had any sense at all knew he was sweet on you.”
Billie walked to the window to watch as more wagons rolled into the yard. “I can’t believe the women of Misery wouldn’t let me fix your wedding supper.”
“That’s because you work so hard, Billie.” Cara kissed her cheek. “They wanted you to have the whole day to relax with your family. You deserve it.”
Billie shrugged, knowing Cara was right, but wishing she could take charge as she always did. Planks set across saw horses groaned under the weight of hams and pheasants and pot roasts, as well as cakes and pies and fancy cookies.
Children played tag around the wagons and carriages parked in front of the cabin while the older boys and girls grinned and teased and flirted. The men of Misery wisely got out of the way, while the womenfolk took over the day.
While she watched, she saw Yale striding up to the porch. On his face was a look she’d come to recognize.
Billie hurried across the room to bar the door, but was too late.
The door was thrown open, and Yale stood in the doorway, looking so fierce, both she and Kitty backed up.
“You don’t belong here,” Billie said.
“That’s right.” Kitty took a step forward. “Go wait with the men until your bride is ready to be seen.”
“Kitty.” Yale picked her up and swung her around, kissing her soundly. “I love you. You’re my little sister. But right now, if you don’t get out of this room, I’ll have to throw you and Billie out.” He set her on her feet and gave her a steely look. “Do you understand?”
The two young women glanced at Cara, who merely smiled and nodded her head.
“All right.” Kitty laid a hand on his arm. “But the preacher is already fretting about the time.”
“We’ll worry about the time.” He winked at Cody and Seth, dressed in brand-new black pants and crisp white shirts, who had come bounding into the room when they’d caught sight of him. “It’s our wedding day, not his.”
“Are we getting married, too?” Seth asked innocently.
“You bet.”
Yale watched until the two women walked from the room, then beckoned the two boys inside before closing the door and leaning against it.
Cara took a halting step toward them, then stopped at the look on his face. “Is something wrong?”
Yale shook his head, his gaze never leaving hers. “Everything is so right now. I just needed to see you. To prove to myself this was really happening. I woke up this morning wondering if this was another dream. I’ve had so many through the years. And always, when I woke to the reality of my life, the loss would be so much worse.” He stepped closer, to touch a hand to her cheek. “I couldn’t bear losing you again, Cara.”
She reached up to cover his hand with hers. “I’m not going anywhere without you, Yale.”
“How about us?” Cody tugged on his sleeve for attention.
“We’re about to become a family, son.” Yale’s voice was low with passion. “You know what that means?”
“I…think so.”
“It means that from now on we stick together. No matter what.”
“Can we…” Seth paused, summoning his courage. “After today, can we call you pa?”
Yale knelt down, so that his eyes were level with the little boy’s. “You don’t have to. You already have a pa in heaven. But if you’d like to call me that, I’d consider it quite an honor.”
Seth circled his little arms around Yale’s neck, and Yale gathered him close to his chest as he got to his feet, keeping hold of Cody’s hand.
Seeing them, Cara felt her heart hitch.
Cody looked up at his mother. “Ma, what’s a legend?”
“A legend.” She thought a minute. “A myth. Something that’s been told and retold until it becomes famous. Where did you hear that word, Cody?”
“The first time was in the barbershop in Bison Fork. I heard a cowboy say that when we walked in. Today, while Seth and I were chasing some boys in a game, one of them said it again. He said that our new pa is a legend. Is he, Ma?”
She turned to the man beside her, and felt her cheeks grow warm at the way he was watching her. Then she wisely shook her head. “He’s just a
man, Cody. A funny, irreverent, reckless man, who has taught us all the meaning of love.”
Yale winked and caught her hand in his, lifting it to his lips. “I’m the one who’s been learning about love. From all of you.”
There was a furious pounding on their door, and the muffled voice of Kitty, telling them it was time for the ceremony to begin.
Yale turned to Cara. “Ready?”
She nodded and looped her arm through his as they stepped out of the cabin into the front yard, where family and friends waited to witness their vows.
As he stood before the preacher with Seth in his arms, and Cody holding his hand, Yale turned to his bride, seeing the girl she’d been, and the lovely woman she’d become. She’d been engraved on his heart for a lifetime. Thoughts of her had filled his days; dreams of her his nights. And now, finally, his thoughts, his dreams, were about to become reality.
Color flooded her cheeks and he felt his heart overflowing with love for Cara. His Cara. Their love had stood the test of time. He had no doubt that it would last. For a lifetime and beyond.
ISBN: 978-1-4603-6032-3
BADLANDS LEGEND
Copyright © 2002 by Ruth Ryan Langan
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All characters in this book have no existence outside the imagination of the author and have no relation whatsoever to anyone bearing the same name or names. They are not even distantly inspired by any individual known or unknown to the author, and all incidents are pure invention.
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