by Kari Trumbo
The broth filled her belly and she lay her head back against the chair, rocking for a moment as the quiet of the night hemmed her in. Her skin pricked and her eyes flew open as she scanned the cabin around her. The weak lantern light that a moment before had been inviting now felt far too inadequate. There were no noises but for the soft snoring of Hugh in the loft, but the feeling remained. She lifted the lantern and slowly walked through the small cabin, but nothing was out of place.
You silly ninny. Afraid of the dark now, are you?
She sighed and tried to smile to wipe away the feeling still lingering in the room when something huge flew through the front window. A scream tore from her throat as the object sprayed glass through the room and ripped a hole in the seat of the wicker rocker she’d just been sitting in.
Chapter Twelve
HATTIE STARED AT THE shattered glass glinting off the dim lantern light and a shiver started somewhere near her shoulders and penetrated her whole body. The cabin shook as Hugh landed with a thump a few steps behind her. She gasped and turned as Hugh collected her in his strong, comforting arms. He wore only his undershirt and black cotton trousers. The heat from him seeped through the threadbare cotton of his shirt and into her cheek.
“Are you hurt? What happened?” His steady hand, warm on her back, coaxed the terror from her.
She shook her head and he led her to the couch then left her to check out the damage. His warmth evaporated into thin air, leaving a strange emptiness and distress in its place. He lifted the destroyed rocking chair, revealing a large stone on the floor. It was wrapped in string. Under the string was a note. Hugh pulled it from the binds and growled.
She didn’t want to know but if she didn’t find out, it would drive her mad. “What does it say.”
Hugh’s stormy eyes met hers, and she shivered with the intensity.
“It says, ‘We’re watching you.’”
She wrapped her arms tightly around her. The cabin had seemed so safe, so separate from Keystone and the people there. Now, the cabin was just as terrifying. She stood and raked her hands up and down her gooseflesh-covered arms. Someone had been watching her, someone had sat outside the window and waited until she stood. If they hadn’t waited, they would’ve injured her. Hugh strode over to her and turned her to face him. His hand tilted her chin and her breath caught in her throat. Would he kiss her? But he didn’t move.
“Hattie. We can do this. Whoever that is can’t sit there all the time. We’ll make it to Hill City.”
She pulled back from his hand and shook her head as she let her fear erupt. “I want to stay there, in Hill City. I don’t want to come back here. I never wanted to come here.”
Hugh sighed and his eyes turned soft once again. “If we don’t, then they could arrest me. You aren’t free yet. Not until the circuit judge says you are. Ros will push to get you back. She probably lost money on you.” She could picture him talking to a horse in that same gentle, pleading voice…or a child.
Fierce anger welled up to replace the fright. “Once we’re married, it shouldn’t matter. They can’t take a married woman, that note from yesterday said so.” A cold seeped into her skin that had nothing to do with the broken window and she couldn’t suppress a shiver.
He turned from her. “I wish that were so. I wish I could make that guarantee, but they could just as easily arrest me and take you back.”
No, it couldn’t be. He’d said marriage would solve the problem. She narrowed her eyes and tried to control the anger pouring through her. “Why didn’t you tell me that this morning, before I agreed?”
He scrubbed his hand over the back of his neck. “I wanted you to heal, not worry. But, I can’t stop you from worrying now. I don’t know how I’ll get you past whoever’s out there, but so help me, I will.”
“You’re so sure I’ll still have you after you kept it from me, that the whole marriage could be for nothing?”
He whipped around to face her, his eyes snapped like fireworks, and that hint of anger flexed through his shoulder muscles in a wave. “The choice is yours. I can’t make it for you, but Bullock isn’t coming if there’s a trial. All I have is the letter from your family saying you were taken. They’ll have Roy who’ll say you came of your own free will.”
“And that’s what it comes down to, isn’t it?” She pressed herself closer to him, forcing him to meet and hold her gaze. “I did go willingly. I wanted to go. I needed to go. But now, because I didn’t see what was ahead, we both have to pay the price. Will you hold that against me?”
He flinched then leaned over and grabbed the rock. He crossed the space of the cabin in two strides, throwing it back outside. “Do you have any other ideas? I’d rather not see you returned to Ros, but if that’s what you want, by all means, I can take you back.”
An icy chill ran down her spine and tingled through her fingers. She most certainly did not want to go back, ever. If she were taken now, it would be even worse for her than before, because she’d been free for a time. All the other women would take out their anger on her for trying to get out of that life. Some wanted to be there, others hated it but they also hated those who tried to escape even more. As if wanting something better was somehow dirtier than the acts they performed. Hattie tried to rub heat into her arms once again, but failed.
“No, I don’t. Marriage seems to be the only solution. So, now that you have my agreement, what about you? Do you agree with this foolish plan?”
He didn’t turn back to her like she’d hoped, instead he moved to the broken window. “On the contrary, I think it’s a fine plan. It just has to be executed properly.” She couldn’t see his face as he searched out the window into the dark, but there was no hint of sarcasm. His words were steady and his stance as solid as the granite slabs all around the cabin.
How could he be so sure? Her whole life hinged on this one action but, perhaps, that was the problem. He faced possible imprisonment, but it would be a short stint, then he would be out. For her, the term was life. It was much easier to be cocksure when you didn’t have much to lose.
He turned from the window. “I’m sure of the plan because I felt it deep within my soul. As soon as I received the note I knew it was right. The only thing that didn’t sit right was wondering how to tell you what the note said.”
She tapped her foot against the floor. “When we’re through all this and I’m free, please tell me how you manage to speak with your soul. In the meantime, I will worry.”
“You don’t have to. Take it to the Lord and see if He calms your spirit, as well.”
The Lord? Her ma had told them of the Lord and made them learn the rosary but it had never become part of her. It had been little more than nonsense to her.
“You can talk to the air if you wish, but I won’t.”
A slight twitch at the side of Hugh’s eye was the only sign he was listening to her at all. The old reverend who’d led them to Deadwood had prayed with them on the way and her sisters had dutifully bowed their heads, but she doubted if any one of them had any idea what he spoke of any more than she did. If there was a God out there, He certainly hadn’t shown much interest in her family. If He was even there, she’d given Him no reason pay her any special attention anyway; that was a sure-fire way to get hurt.
***
Hugh dug around in his munitions box and pulled out his Colt and six bullets, sliding each one into the cylinder with care. He could feel the burn of Hattie’s stare against his back. Her fire was coming back and that was good, but they didn’t need to be squabbling just now.
He could picture her stiff stance in his mind, could almost see her tapping her foot.
“Are you going to stay down here? I had a few things I was hoping to get done while you slept.”
When he turned, she wouldn’t look him in the eye and a sick feeling took up residence in his gut. “And just what were you planning?” he whispered, holding his calm in check. Reminding himself not to draw conclusions. He’d been guilty of
that his whole life and it had caused more pain than he could reckon.
“If you must know, I was going to sew my clothes properly, but I can’t very well do it with you sitting down here.”
He closed his eyes and let the relief settle over him. She wasn’t hoping to search for something to drink, she just needed a bit of privacy. Thank you, Lord…
“I’m sorry, Hattie. I think it best we get the light out as soon as possible. Without the light, they can’t see in here.”
She threw up her arms. “And just when can I do it? I can’t exactly parade around—” Her neck moved ever so slightly as she swallowed back her words.
“I don’t expect you to. We haven’t seen anyone around the cabin during the day and my horse hasn’t sensed anyone. I’ll be outside tomorrow so you can get your sewing done then. I think we ought to try to leave the following day, though. The longer we wait, the harder it’ll be to get back here in time. It’s ten miles uphill to Hill City.”
She took a delicate breath and held it. Her skin had cleared and was now a soft creamy color, her eyes looked more blue with each passing day.
“I’ve slept all day. I finally have a little energy and now I must go back to bed,” she huffed, obviously put out. She blew out the lantern, bathing the cabin in darkness. “Are you planning to stay there all night?” Through the darkness, her fear clawed at him. A few days wasn’t enough time for her to trust him near her at night. He’d have to stay at least until he was reasonably certain Hattie was safe. “I’m not sure. Just try to rest. Sounds like you have a lot of work ahead of you tomorrow.”
“That I do… I have to sew my wedding dress.”
Her whispered words hit him with the power and accuracy of a marksman. Within the next few days at most, he’d be a married man.
Chapter Thirteen
HATTIE SAW THE FIRST creeping rays of light as dawn stole over the window basking the wall by her bed in a saffron glow. Slowly, everything in the small sleeping area became visible and she pushed herself stiffly out of the bed. What a long night. There had been no way for her to fall asleep. Not after the rock. Not after Hugh came flying down from above to save her. And certainly not after their talk about God.
She pulled on her corset, fastening the busk, then crossing the ties in back and tightening slowly, wiggling until it fit properly. She held her breath and tied them off quickly. Her dress slipped easily over her shoulders and, because it was too big, she didn’t have to worry about the buttons.
The wood slatted floor was cool against her stockinged feet, but she’d have the stove lit this morning before Hugh got up—and breakfast made too, if she could find where he kept everything. She hadn’t paid much attention the last few days since her appetite didn’t exist. Nosing around the kitchen, she found his stash of eggs and other provender. She smiled, pulling out six of them. Her stomach grumbled as she set them on the counter. Food finally sounded good and she’d prove to Hugh she was worth keeping around. Worth taking as a wife. A little flutter grew in her belly. Why should I be nervous?
She heard a soft exhale as she gathered the kindling for the stove and turned to see Hugh, stuffed awkwardly into the small chair where he’d sat sentry when he’d sent her to bed. At some point he’d fallen asleep. His dark hair fell softly over one eyebrow, too short to get in the way, but just long enough to tempt her to push it back up with the rest. He was not the strong man she’d grown accustomed to just then; his sleep made him vulnerable, accessible. He certainly wasn’t the first man she’d seen asleep, but he was by far the handsomest.
She padded closer, as quietly as she could manage. He didn’t wake as she knelt in front of him, reaching for the gun so he wouldn’t be startled awake with it in his hand. As she touched the chilly steel of the sidearm, cold blue eyes opened. His gaze softened immediately and he held her stare, the slight raise of one side of his mouth telling her he knew she’d been staring at him. But still not enough to be a smile. He clicked open the cylinder and lifted it letting the bullets fall into his palm.
“I’m sorry you slept down in the chair, did you see anything?” Why could she never think of anything to say? It seemed that even days after her last drink her mind was addled.
“I didn’t mean to fall asleep here.” He rubbed the back of his hand over his forehead then flinched as he rubbed his neck and shoulder. He stood and, with a slight stretch, the thin undershirt fabric pulled taut over his lean waist. Stop it, you’re proving what Roy said was right. Good for nothing calico queen.
She whipped around back and stomped to the stove. If she weren’t careful, she’d snag her stockings on the floor. “The male body isn’t interesting in the slightest,” she grumbled to herself as Hugh let the door slap closed behind him, covering her grousing. The kindling proved good and dry and she soon had the small cook stove roaring, with the Arbuckle’s percolating and some eggs frying.
Hugh came back in after a few minutes and moved in right behind her, brushing her shoulder as he grabbed the coffee pot. He towered above her but she could feel his breath on her neck. He’d changed his clothes, and his warmth hemmed her in.
Since she was sewing today, she’d make sure he had clean clothes for their wedding, too.
“That smells right fine, Hattie. I’m glad you’re feeling up to cooking. I don’t know how to make much.”
She blazed hot under his compliments. “You cook well. I just wanted to do a little something for you for a change. You’ve done so much for me. I don’t know how I’ll ever repay you. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to.” She chattered on, nervous for reasons she couldn’t explain. She scraped the eggs out of the pan and onto two plates.
“I’m not doing this for the pay, Hattie. I’d think you know by now I’m doing this for family. Your family is also mine. That connects us.”
She felt a small connection growing with him in other ways, too, ways that frightened her a little. Blast Roy. If not for him, she’d have met Hugh under much different circumstances. And he wouldn’t have given you a second look. Oh, her thoughts were cruel, but true. He certainly would never entertain thoughts of marrying her. He had to be almost a decade older than her, though he’d never said. He probably wouldn’t have thought her much more than a child. He might still.
She rapped the spoon on the pan and slammed it on the table. Angry for even thinking about what could’ve been. Hugh didn’t belong strapped to her. He wouldn’t even like her. Their marriage would be a farce. How did a God-fearing man stand up before a God he revered and say those vows, yet not mean them? For her safety, that’s how.
He glanced up at her and his eyebrow rose in question at her sudden pique. She bit her tongue, it infuriated her even more, that he could read her so easily.
“What crossed your mind that suddenly you want to rip off the head of the spoon?” The side of his eyes crinkled.
“I don’t want you to have to marry me, Hugh. I want you to have the life I never will, with happiness and children. I want you to promise me you’ll get an annulment the moment the judge says I’m safe.” She wanted to reach for his arm, wanted confirmation, or maybe just to sit at his feet and beg him not to ruin his life on account of her. Her own was already destroyed.
A shadow passed over his eyes briefly. “I can’t do that to you. And I won’t. We’ll be married, go through the trial together, then when we’re home and you can make a sound decision, we’ll decide if we stay married or part. Together.”
“Hugh, please. My reputation is already ruined. I don’t care if people laugh at me and mock me, they already will. I’d rather they not mock you.” The muscle by his eye remained still. Hugh wasn’t angry with her for saying her piece. He stood and, though she faced him, he turned her body toward him, the soft brush of his hand on her shoulder caught her breath and held it hostage. She no longer wanted to bolt from his touch. There was none gentler.
“Hattie. I would do this for you, but not only for you. I do it for me and for my family. Family is all I have
and no one will hurt them.” His mouth was but a few inches from hers and his soft words held a terrible threat, but not for her. She would soon be part of this family; important to Hugh. She wanted to agree, to tell him yes, that she would accept, but the words lodged somewhere within her and she could only stare at the pulse of his heart on the base of his neck where his shirt lay unbuttoned. Would he move in closer? Would he show her he desired her—or maybe he didn’t?
She blinked to clear her head. “I believe you.”
“Do ya, now?” A slight accent kissed his words as if that phrase had been passed down from generations before.
“I do.” She felt the sweet knot tightening in her belly. Those words would soon seal her fate, and his.
Chapter Fourteen
THE WINDOW DREW HER like a moth to flame and she caught herself staring outside for the third time. The only thing tugging her gaze away was the needle poking her skin; a consequence of her distraction. Hugh was outside, his shirt plastered to his well-muscled shoulders as he moved sections of wood to chop. He’d worked up quite a sweat. She kept telling herself the indomitable heat was the reason she fanned herself, but that was a little white lie. As far as men went, she would get a fine one.
She stood, sucking on her sore finger, and took a look at her handiwork. She’d had to use string to measure herself, then use the string to determine how much she’d need to take in the stays. The same string was a perfect measure for the dress, but allowed a little extra room so the effect was a fitted bodice, not a tight one.
