“Just the fact that he’s avoiding the woman he’s supposed to be marrying is enough to set off some warning signals, don’t you think?” Annie said. “I won’t be surprised when you break things off with him. But I do worry about what his reaction might be.”
“That’s so true,” Theresa added, nodding, her eyes moving between her two companions. “If all this was happening last year, I would have told you Jonah would be heartbroken, probably lock himself in that cabin of his and cry until it’s out of his system. But now?” She shook her head slowly. “I wonder if he wouldn’t actually be violent toward you. You should try to be in public if you decide to stop the betrothal. I don’t think he’s going to take it well.”
She turned her eyes to Annie with a curious look. “What do you think?”
Melissa already knew Annie was going to agree with Theresa. What Theresa was saying was correct. It was something that couldn’t be denied.
“Never in my life would I have expected to tell you ladies that I’m afraid of him,” she breathed softly, just loud enough for Annie and Theresa to hear. She leaned in slightly. “I’m not. Not really. Not yet. But it seems to be going down a negative road that I think is going to lead to that. I don’t want to head into a marriage expecting doom and gloom.”
“Of course not,” Theresa agreed. “No woman wants that.”
“I don’t think a man would either,” Annie strengthened the opinion.
“Maybe you should have Rich and Nate with you,” Theresa supplied. “If not both, then at least one. They won’t let him hurt a hair on your head.”
Melissa felt bad thinking that Jonah might physically harm her if she told him she wanted to end the betrothal. He had to know it was coming. His behavior before he started avoiding her was no better than it was now.
“Let’s get back to the ranch,” she said. “I want to see what Cook is making for dinner. And see where Nate and Rich are. Maybe I’ll talk to them if they aren’t very busy.”
“Well, you’ve got plenty of time to think about what you want to say,” Theresa said. “Nate left this morning to take a trip out of town. He won’t be back for a day or two. I think Rich went with him, didn’t he, Annie?”
The oldest Winchester brother, Richard, was married to Annie. Nate, the second born, was Theresa’s husband. Melissa was the youngest of the brood, the one and only girl, and the baby of the family. Her older brothers spent a good deal of their time making sure their little sister was safe and sound at all times.
Knowing this, Melissa wanted to be careful about how she approached the situation with Jonah. Rich and Nate were smart men in control of their emotions. But Jonah could also be a sarcastic, snarky cad, and her brothers wouldn’t tolerate anything like that for too long. It was just the way they were. And knowing their little sister was betrothed to the man would outrage them even more.
She would have to be careful.
“I will spend the time it takes for them to come back thinking what I want to say then,” Melissa said in response to Annie’s affirmative nod. “And maybe I’ll get a chance to ask him what is going on with those strangers. And to relay the message I was told to give him.”
Annie visibly shuddered. “I can’t believe you have to do that, Melissa. So frightening. I don’t think I could do it. I really don’t.”
Melissa gave her a small grin. “You’re braver than you look, Annie. Besides, you will never have to. You picked right from the very beginning.”
The other ladies laughed. They proceeded to call to Aileen, asking her to round up the children and bring them along. It was time to go home.
Melissa held the hand of one of her nephews, thinking about how if she broke off her engagement to Jonah, she would have to look for new love if she expected to ever have children of her own.
And children were something she desperately wanted.
4
Sheriff Robert Knox rode his horse, Bolt, much slower than a lightning bolt might normally go. He was taking it fairly easily.
Knox had been on the job with law enforcement for over ten years, joining at the tender age of nineteen. He was the second sheriff of the entire town of Sutton and was now being transferred to the smaller town of Shady Forks.
Knox knew everything about solving crimes from the ground up and was keen to learn all the new modern technology that would help solve strange and unresolved crimes. Still, his heart yearned for a calmer life than he’d had in Sutton, and he was glad he was making the change. Sutton was a lot bigger, more like a city. It had over 14,000 people living and working in it. The abrupt change to a town with only about 3,000 was enough to give anyone pause.
Knox was lucky in that he had bosses in Sutton that understood the kind of person he was. It also helped that they were fully aware that crimes happen even in the smallest of towns. Each place deserved a top law enforcement officer, didn’t it?
He could see the beginning of the business district ahead, where the shops stretched out on the left and right of the main road. He was struck by the sheer beauty of the land around the beginning of Shady Forks. Whatever mud had caused the name, it wasn’t there anymore. There were trees and bushes lining many storefronts, providing shade for the horses that stood at the troughs ready to drink. Some parts of narrow side roads were arched over with trees.
Flowers had been planted in beds in front of and beside other shops and stores. Paint had been splashed on the outside walls of several buildings, giving them a bright and cheery color all around.
As if to top it all off, the cross at the top of the church pierced into the bright blue sky, and he got the impression if a cloud rolled by, it might get sliced in half.
He lowered his eyes, feeling somber. He swept his gaze across the right-hand side of the street, looking for the jailhouse or something to indicate where the jailhouse might be. Then he searched the left side.
“Excuse me,” he called out, catching the attention of a group of women sitting outside the beauty parlor, waving fans in their faces. “Can you tell me where the jailhouse is?”
The three women gazed at him, openly admiring. It was a reaction Knox was used to. It was a common theme among his fellow deputies and sheriffs that he was the “good looking one”. That’s how he was inadvertently described by his colleagues because of the looks and stares he garnered from women no matter where he went.
“You just keep going up the street, sir,” one of them said, her eyes focused directly on him.
“It’s up that way on your left,” another supplied, lifting her entire arm and stretching it out, so she was pointing down the street. “You can’t miss it. You really can’t.” She lifted one corner of her mouth. The other ladies smiled wide.
Knox could only hope the reason for her smirk would become known to him soon enough.
“Thank you,” he said, lifting his hat from his head, revealing black hair that contrasted so sharply with the bright ice blue of his eyes. He saw the women react visibly, gasping and sitting back. “Much obliged.”
He plopped his hat back down and hurried his horse along. The attention he got from women was something he was used to. He’d never taken advantage of it, not to any great degree. There was nothing he could do about the looks the Good Lord gave him. He was just grateful it hadn’t gone in the other direction.
He did spot the jail and understood why the woman had reacted that way. The jailhouse was practically in the middle of the street. The two main roads merged at one point, creating the fork the city had been named for. The jailhouse was easily seen as it was straight ahead of him.
He rode up to the front and dismounted, landing on the hard ground and making his spurs clink. He pulled the horse to the trough and threw the reins over the hitching rail that stretched out in front of the building.
“Here you go,” he murmured, patting Bolt on his large neck. “You get yourself something to drink. I’ll bring you back some carrots.”
The horse nuzzled him gently, running his enormous nose
under Knox’s hand, making him chuckle.
“No time to play right now, boy. I’ll be back, I promise. You stay here and don’t let anyone steal you away, you understand me?”
He gave the horse a look of affection, smiling, and turned away to go up the four steps to the deck in front of the jailhouse entrance. Two double doors stood in front of him, both closed, the upper half just thick panes of glass. A shade was pulled down in front of both, so it was impossible to see in.
This was Knox’s new post as sheriff. He was the head honcho. But still, it felt like he was invading someone else’s privacy when he opened the door and went in.
He had worn his uniform and badge, just to make sure there would be no mistake about who he was. He had heard good things about the deputies working in Shady Forks for the good of the community. He hoped they would see that his intentions were also good.
There were three men in the building, which was two stories high. There appeared to be offices on the second level, as well as stacked cells, four along the bottom of the back wall and four on the upper floor.
“Sheriff Knox?” the closest man said as he stood up. He reached over his desk, extending his hand. Knox took it and shook.
“Yes, that’s right. And you are?”
“Bill Baxter. Head deputy around here. Was acting sheriff until they sent you.”
“I’m sorry.” Knox wasn’t sure what to say at that point.
Baxter shook his head. “No, no. Not at all. Didn’t want the position. Nothing much happens here in Shady Forks, though we’ve had some trouble since our founders first staked ground here. I’m just not a man keen on authority and power. Deputy is perfect for me. Protecting the people I care about, that’s how I see it. Plus, if anyone gets shot first, it’s usually the sheriff.” He gave Knox a huge grin.
Knox got a good feeling from the man right away. He glanced to the side, taking in the other two men, one of whom was in a room upstairs, and the other was seated at a desk with his back to the two men.
“That’s George Finley right there,” Baxter pointed to the man with his back to them. He moved his gaze up to the second floor. “Daniel Creswell up there. Both fine deputies, easy to work with. We don’t have much trouble here at the jailhouse.”
“How often do people get brought in? Are there daily fights, say, at the saloon?”
Knox had a million questions he wanted to ask about Shady Forks. He wanted to talk to someone who knew the place like the back of his hand. That meant asking all the right questions, even if it seemed a little alienating to be so inquisitive.
He was a little surprised and also relieved to see Baxter shake his head. “Nah. Not daily, that’s for sure. Maybe once a weekend? Shady Forks hasn’t seen any excitement for at least a year.”
“I take it you’ve lived here a long time?” Knox asked.
Baxter nodded. “Yes, sir. Born and raised.”
“Will you tell me about the people here? Get me introduced to the town? I like to know what I can reasonably expect.”
“You betcha,” Baxter nodded, standing up. “Lemme grab my hat, and I’ll show you around town.”
5
Knox rode slowly next to Deputy Baxter, observing everything around him. He prided himself on the fact that he had an excellent memory. It wouldn’t take more than once or twice around town for him to know his way and who owned what property.
They passed the mayor’s house, which was large, white, and surrounded by huge trees and green grass. It looked well taken care of, like most of the town. There were a few houses that looked in need of repair. A few shops with debris scattered out front needed to be cleared off. But all in all, it was a pleasant little town that fairly exuded peace and harmony. Knox knew better than to assume there would never be trouble. But from what he saw at that moment, he couldn’t imagine anything happening that would be all that interesting.
He didn’t know whether to be pleased or disappointed that life would probably be peaceful in Shady Forks. It would be better than where he came from.
“So…” Baxter got his attention by clearing his throat and speaking, “I hear ya come from Sutton. What’s it like there? Bigger than here, right?”
Knox felt his stomach tighten as anxiety rolled through his body. “Yeah. I needed a change.”
“Well, ya got one,” Baxter murmured, turning his head and peering out over the horizon. They’d come to the end of the main road and had to turn to the left or right to go out into the country, where ranchers and farmers lived. They’d stopped their horses on the side of the road, riding up under a gigantic tree that gave them shade from the hot sun.
“You have any family there?”
Knox was quiet for a moment. He would have to get to know these deputies. They would need to trust him if they were to protect the town properly. It was unfortunate he was a fairly private man who didn’t like his business spread around.
It would be different here in a smaller town. He had to count on that.
“No family,” he replied in a low voice. “Ma and Pa went on a trip when I was young and didn’t come back. Never found out what happened to them. No brothers or sisters. I was raised by my Uncle Daniel. He was the sheriff in Sutton for a while, and I took over for him.”
“He still there?”
Knox glanced at the deputy. “He’s with the angels now. Died last year.”
“Sorry to hear that.”
Knox gave the man an appreciative nod. “Thanks. I gotta say I miss the old man. Taught me everything I know.”
“I reckon we can head back to town, and I’ll take ya to the saloon. You gotta meet Oxford. He runs the place. He’s the man to know if you want any local gossip. Everything goes through that place that happens in this town.”
Knox shifted in the saddle, thankful the conversation had quickly turned away from his personal life. He was grateful to have avoided any question about a woman in his life. Eventually, all the deputies would know he had no woman and had never been in love. He’d been attracted to plenty of beautiful women. He was a man, after all. But with every encounter came a problem, something about the woman that either couldn’t be changed or wouldn’t be changed. No woman had ever struck him as being worthy of any possible struggle that might ensue from a relationship.
He didn’t mind it. He didn’t feel like he was missing out on anything. Maybe if he ever felt real love, he would know what he was missing.
He narrowed his eyes, squinting down the street. The Dancing Bull was in the distance on the right, and there was a crowd of men standing around outside. The first thought to come to Knox’s mind was that there was a fight going on, and the men were blocking their view of it.
“Ol’ Clayton’s back to his old tricks, I see,” Baxter said.
Knox glanced at him.
“What do you mean? Who’s Clayton?”
“Clayton Banks. He heads up the town council. A real high-brow businessman. Every now and then, he advocates for something that has to do with the town, so he goes out and starts preachin’ like the pastor, except not about God.”
Knox grunted. “A politician, huh? Seems like he’d have more of a voice if he wasn’t in such a small town.”
“I’m kinda glad he’s here, to tell ya the truth. He has brought some of the nicer businesses here, brought in money, and got people to donate so that we can have some of the best festivals and holidays anywhere in Wyoming. Take it to the bank.”
“So he doesn’t stir up trouble, or he does? I don’t know a whole lot of politicians that don’t end up causin’ trouble the more they open their mouths.”
Baxter raised his eyebrows and shrugged. “I’m sure he’s got his enemies. He’s respected around these parts, though, and really does speak for the people. You’ll find him with the Winchesters a lot. That family is really prominent here. I’m sure you’ll meet them. Richard and his wife, Annie. They got a couple kids. Nate Winchester and his wife, Theresa. She’s a recent addition to Shady Forks but a great w
oman. Melissa is the sister. Gonna marry a local lumberjack.”
Knox knew there must be a good reason for Deputy Baxter to mention that family instead of the mayor, who actually was a politician. He gave the man a curious look.
“You think I’ll be dealing with the Winchesters a lot?”
Baxter stared at him for a moment before blinking rapidly. “Oh, uh, no, that’s not what I meant. They’re not corrupt. They don’t cause trouble. You’ll just have to see all that for yourself.”
The sheriff and deputy rode up to the crowd and dismounted, leading their horses closer.
“All right, what’s going on here?” Baxter called out loudly. The men turned their heads, saw who he was, and made an opening that led to a man standing on a wooden box. Knox scanned him, from the fancy top hat on his head over the smart suit he was wearing to his shiny shoes.
Won’t be shiny for long, he thought.
“Clayton,” Baxter said in a friendly voice, gesturing for Knox to follow him as he went toward the well-dressed man. “What’s the cause now?”
“Afternoon, Deputy,” Clayton said in what Knox took to be a slightly European accent. He narrowed his eyes and studied the man as he spoke. “I’m not trying to start trouble with the law in this town. I’m just calling for a petition that we be notified when an important member of the town is replaced by a stranger.”
Baxter halted in place. Knox glanced at him, noticing his eyes had widened, and he had a stunned look on his face. Clayton stared at him for a moment and then moved his eyes to Knox, who stepped out from behind him.
“You were saying?” he asked in a mild tone. There was no need to fuel any fires when they would be best put out. “Do I take it you’re upset that the old sheriff left and was abruptly replaced? Is that what you’re talking about?”
Clayton nodded. He didn’t look worried or afraid. To his credit, he looked a little embarrassed.
“Like I said, not trying to start trouble. I just like to know when changes are made. I think the townsfolk should be notified ahead of time and given the choice to make changes of their own. Like electing a new sheriff from the people already in town instead of getting in someone from out of town.” He stopped and cleared his throat. “But, seeing as you are already here, Sheriff, please let me be one of the first to welcome you to our town. I know you’ll find this to be a very nice place to live. You and your family will be happy, I’m sure.”
A Bride's Dilemma Page 2
