The Lawman's Apache Moon (Texas Lawmen Book 2)

by Debra Holt

  “I won’t let them hate you.” His eyes found hers and she felt his promise.

  “Look!” In the next moment, her eyes caught sight of the white buildings dotting the landscape ahead. The mountain range of the Sangre de Cristos loomed higher. Jace’s hand went back to the steering wheel as his gaze left hers. Angie experienced a moment of disappointment at the loss of its comfort but could see her destination coming into view… at last.

  “So, this is Santa Fe.” The statement was made with a big smile as the SUV exited the main highway and headed down into the heart of the city. Angie’s attention was avidly drawn to the unusual adobe structures in white and sienna colors. The bright flowers in window boxes and along garden paths molded into a welcoming atmosphere. The late afternoon sunlight cast shadows here and there, highlighting the white buildings against the landscape and bringing out the boldness of all the colors. She marveled at the red chiles hanging outside buildings and homes… more had them than not.

  “Why are there chiles hanging almost everywhere you look? Do you all love them that much?”

  Jace grinned. “Those are called ristras. They are believed to bring good luck upon the dwelling they hang from and on all who enter.”

  Angie liked that bit of lore. “I think I prefer them that way rather than in my food.”

  They shared a laugh at the remembrance of her reaction at lunch. She had evidently forgiven him.

  “I think this place may already be casting its magic over you, with its beauty. That’s good.”

  There was no hustle and bustle of a big city evident here. The colors of the items in the shop windows were vibrant and alive. Angie knew she had arrived in the element she sought. Her fingers itched to get hold of her sketchpad. She was eager to meet with her real estate agents and see the properties they had communicated about to her.

  “But I want to see more,” she lamented, turning to Jace when she noticed they were leaving the city center behind them.

  “There will be plenty of time for that beginning tomorrow. I need to get you settled and check in with my office. It’s back to reality for me,” he admitted in rueful tones.

  Angie supposed she could wait a few more hours to explore the intriguing places. She was already mentally planning tomorrow’s schedule.

  “Hopefully, we won’t be inundated with my family until late tomorrow. That will give us more time to get our stories straight.” Jace’s words brought a dose of reality.

  Angie nodded and looked down at her hands. The ring caught her attention as it had often done since he had placed it on her finger. This seemed a good time for her question.

  “This ring evidently has a special significance to you since it was around your neck. Care to tell me about it? It was certainly a stroke of luck that you had it so handy. And don’t tell me that it was all part of your plan.”

  Jace, obviously giving deep consideration to his thoughts, kept his eyes on the road.

  “Luck… my ancestors didn’t believe in luck.” He corrected her. “Fate would be closer, destiny even. But you are correct… it wasn’t part of the plan,” Jace admitted, with a hint of smile that faded at his next words. “The ring was handmade by my grandfather for his bride. It was passed on to my mother since they never had a son to give it to for his bride. She kept it for me. It was the only thing of hers with any value that she left behind when she died. My aunt gave it to me when I turned sixteen. I have worn it ever since.”

  Angie didn’t know how to respond to that bit of information. She felt a tug on her heart as she envisioned how much losing his mother at such an early age had affected him. He must have loved her a great deal.

  “It’s very important to you then. We can find another one tomorrow… something inexpensive and plain. This is a family heirloom and should be kept for your real bride.”

  Jace’s gaze met with hers. They were silent and dark in their regard of her. He looked away first.

  “It is safe right where it is. My family would expect nothing less than for my wife to wear it on her hand.”

  Something in the smoky depths of his eyes as he spoke took her breath away. Angie fell silent and allowed her own gaze to return to the view outside her window. Just when the silence threatened to become too heavy, another topic filtered into her mind. If nothing else, perhaps it would lighten the mood that had settled around them.

  “Are you really Santa Fe’s most eligible bachelor?”

  Jace jerked his head toward her. She almost laughed out loud at the expression creasing his brow. “Per Reverend Jackson, you are. Evidently, that’s a part of why we’re doing all this.” She waggled the hand with the wedding band in the air.

  “That is one of those labels we spoke of earlier. It doesn’t suit me.”

  Until he found a woman who could capture not only his eye, but his mind and his spirit… well, he would just keep moving on. Something that had been easy to do. That was until he had made a stop on a highway a few days back… hold on. He didn’t need anything to throw a wrench in this plan. He needed to remember that Angelina Lord was here for a brief time. Her world was the bright lights of New York, not sunrises in New Mexico.

  The road wound upward from the canyon floor into the mountains. Tall pines cast their shadows across the roadway, their scent filling the air coming through the window Angie had lowered. She was fascinated by their height. Here and there, through the towering trees, she could see a driveway or a house almost hidden from the road. They soon came to the end of the road where a high wooden gate blocked further access. It was connected between two white rock pillars with large copper lanterns hanging from them. With a touch of the remote button on the visor above his head, Jace waited while the gates opened.

  A few moments later, the SUV pulled into a circular drive next to an expanse of lawn that lay like a green oasis among the pines. An adobe home sat at the top part of the lawn. Jason shut off the engine and Angie turned to face him.

  “We’re here,” he said, allowing his seat belt to slide back from his shoulder.

  “Here? Where is here exactly?” Angie responded, her eyes taking in the quiet beauty. “Who lives here? Not your aunt!” Her eyes widened at the sudden thought.

  “No. This is where you’ll be staying while you’re here. Let me make sure the door is unlocked and get a few things situated. I’ll be right back.” Jace jumped out of the vehicle and headed down the stone walkway to the gated entrance of the house.

  Strange. Angie’s radar was beginning to hum at his odd behavior. She sat still for a moment or two more. However, waiting had never been her strong suit and the house intrigued her and drew her to exit the vehicle. A little investigation wouldn’t hurt.

  Angie liked the way the stone pathway crossed over a meandering stream as it rippled over smooth white stones before pooling into a pond in the center of the lawn. The pond was landscaped with larger boulders and flowers in bright reds and purples dotted its perimeter. Two large, brown wooden gates stood across her path. She lifted the heavy iron latch on one and it swung back under her touch. No turning back.

  The native stone walkway gave way to a honey-brown tiled entryway through a curved archway in the adobe wall. Ahead of her, in the center of the patio, were three large squared boulders. Sheets of water cascaded down the sides and into the reflecting pool at the base. The sound of water cascading over the boulders was such an inviting sound in the confines of the patio. The patio was surrounded on three sides by the home. Floor-to-ceiling glass-paned doorways looked out onto it from each room. There was a second story set over the section directly in front of her. A wide balcony ran the length of it. Huge hanging baskets filled with green ferns hung from its curved openings. An oasis. The owner had designed a perfect hideaway from the outside world.

  Angie moved slowly toward the double glass doors in front of her and stepped through into a lovely room. The white adobe walls and warm brown tile of the floor were highlighted with bright woven Native Indian rugs, and the heavy lighte
r brown leather couches and chairs complemented the feel of the room. A massive fireplace stood in the center wall with brightly colored pillows tossed on built-in settees on either side.

  Then her eyes were drawn upward to what was hanging above that fireplace. My painting! Or rather the painting she had wanted to be hers. How odd to find the painting that she had just been discussing earlier with Jace, here in this very home. Then another thought came to her. What if Jace had kept his promise and this was the home of J. B. Wolfe? What a wonderful surprise! Angie quickly moved forward for a closer examination of the painting. Was this a print or the real thing? It was indeed the original oil painting in all its glory.

  She didn’t hear the footsteps behind her; she jumped in surprise when he spoke.

  “Guess you aren’t very good at staying where I leave you.” Jason eyed her with a wariness in the depth of his gaze.

  “Jason Blackhawke… is this J.B. Wolfe’s home? I wish you had let me freshen up before meeting him. I want to make a good impression.” She was rambling in excited anticipation. “Is he here? I can’t believe this is the real painting. Isn’t it just too beautiful for words?”

  Silence met her question. She turned back to look at the man standing a few feet from her. He looked like a man in some sort of shock. There was a feeling of uncertainty in his stance that she sensed and that was unusual in and of itself. He had always exhibited such self-assurance and almost an eerie calm about his being that could be unnerving. But he seemed caught off guard in some way. She narrowed her gaze on him.

  “I’m J. B. Wolfe.”

  The words dropped like leaden pellets between them. At first, Angie wasn’t sure she had heard correctly. Her expression had to have indicated as much as he hastened to explain.

  “I paint… for a stress reliever. When I started, I just used my mother’s maiden name… Wolfe. Thus…”

  “Jason… Blackhawke…Wolfe.” She finished for him, finding her voice and a functioning brain. She wasn’t smiling. “J. B. Wolfe. You certainly must have enjoyed yourself, letting me go on and on about this painting and so badly wanting to meet him… you. I really prattled on and made a fool of myself. And your ego got quite a boost, too.”

  Jace found the impetus to move at last and came to stand just in front of her, causing her to look upwards to meet his quiet gaze. But she wasn’t finished.

  “And just who does this amazing house belong to? Or should I guess?”

  “You… er, us… me.” He took a deep breath and paused. “I guess I’m not doing this very well, but I…”

  “Already, he sounds like a nervous young bridegroom.”

  The new male voice brought both of their heads around in startled awareness. They were not alone any longer. In fact, there was a small knot of four people standing just inside the open doorway, all eyes regarding the pair.

  Jace found his voice first. Angie was amazed at how calm he sounded. Her own heart was racing a mile a minute with a feeling of dread.

  “Aunt Victoria, Uncle Tomas, Marita and Glenn… I did not expect you all so soon. Come in and meet—” He was cut off.

  “Your wife.” The older woman finished for him. Her eyes seared Angie to where she stood. She advanced toward them. “I was told this first by Mildred Jackson, not by my nephew. Imagine my surprise.”

  Her eyes were deep chocolate pools that were shooting sparks in a face that was both wise and proud. Angie’s artist mind locked on that description right away. She was short, shorter than Angie, yet her back was ramrod straight and her carriage made her appear taller. Jace’s aunt wore a deep plum colored blouse with long sleeves and an intricately carved cameo broach at the throat of the high neck. A full skirt in shades of lavenders, purples, and black swirls fell just above small feet encased in soft leather flats. Her salt and pepper hair was braided, forming a natural crown on top of her head. A simple gold wedding band adorned her hands as they were clasped in front of her.

  This was the proud matriarch of the family. Angie could not escape her probing eyes. She just knew any moment the woman would declare her a fake and expose her for the lying outsider she was. Her feet would not allow her to move when the fleeting thought of running away crossed her mind. As if the thought had been telegraphed to the tall man beside her, a protective arm found its way around her shoulders and she was drawn into the warmth of his side.

  “Sorry, Aunt, things happened with a swiftness that surprised even us.” Jace’s tone was low and almost deferential.

  That bit of information registered in one part of Angie’s brain. Or did only she detect a possible small note of uncertainty in his deep voice? Angie felt the woman reach for her left hand and the woman’s gaze focused on the ring. His aunt’s eyes softened a bit when next she looked up into Angie’s. She looked over at her nephew and her other hand reached for one of his. Her eyes searched his face slowly. Jace held her gaze with his own. None of the others in the room dared to move. Was anyone else holding their breath?

  “She wears the ring held so close to your heart all these years. You love this woman you have chosen to walk this earth with.” It wasn’t a question.

  Could everyone hear the pounding of her heart in the deafening silence of the room? Angie was almost certain they could. The woman’s words were strange to her ears but obviously not to the man beside her.

  “Yes… I do, Aunt.” Jason’s words were low and the husky tone made Angie’s pulses go haywire. She flashed her eyes at him, but he did not look at her. His intent gaze remained locked on his aunt’s. Evidently, the older woman saw something quite clearly that Angie could not.

  “And you…” She spoke as her shrewd gaze moved back upon Angie. “You will take this walk with our Jason?”

  Angie did not expect this. What was she supposed to say? He never told her this was part of the bargain. She was expected to meet this woman’s gaze… who she knew was probably a human lie detector… and say what? Did she love this man beside her? A man she did not even know existed until a week ago? This person who made her so angry at times she wanted to pour pitchers of water over his head? Who could make her laugh even though she tried so hard not to? Who was a mystery with layers she might never discover… just like the surprise of the painting and his identity… what could she say?

  “Yes.” One word whispered forth.

  Angie had no idea where it had come from, but it was out there for the world to hear. It scared her because it felt so right to say it. How could that be? The woman’s face creased into a slow smile. She took their hands and placed them together. Angie felt the warmth of Jace’s close around hers. Was that a faint squeeze of reassurance? Or did she imagine it? She didn’t dare look at him.

  “Then this marriage is blessed in our family.”

  With that pronouncement, it felt as though a great weight had lifted from the occupants of the room, breaths were taken in and exhaled, huge smiles broke out.

  “Just don’t stand there, brother of mine. Kiss your bride.” The encouragement came from the younger woman in the group.

  Surely not again. Jason would not follow through with this request; but he was a man of many surprises.

  His hand still held hers but the other one rose to cup her chin… holding it steady. His gaze went from dark gray to silver as his eyes slid over her startled expression. His head lowered towards her. Through lowered lashes, her gaze fixed on his mouth as it moved downward. Just before he claimed hers, there was a brief wink of an eyelash. His touch seared through her at the merest connection of their lips… just as before. The lightness soon gave way to a more enticing exploration of hers. Somewhere in the recesses of her fevered mind, she reminded herself she had wanted an adventure. Was he it? Angie stood in a strange land, in a strange place, in front of strangers and the only thing familiar to her was this man whose touch sent her senses scattering to the winds by merely touching his lips to hers.

  Nervous laughter brought her back to the moment, and everything came back into swift focus. At
the same moment, Jace’s head lifted and his lips left hers. She felt the strange and yet undeniable feeling of disappointment as he removed his hand. A mixture of emotions clouded her eyes. His own became unreadable as he looked at the group.

  “Now where are my manners?” His smile encompassed them all. “A good host must provide food and drink.”

  “Nonsense.” This time it was his uncle who spoke up. “We’re going to leave and let you two have some privacy. You know this one,” he explained, his head nodding in his wife’s direction. “She would not give us peace until she brought us all over here so she could see your bride for herself. Now we’ll take Momma home and let your bride settle in.” He moved his arms in a rounding up motion in the air, shooing the group around and back to the patio.

  “We’ll talk soon,” Marita tossed to the pair as her husband tugged her along, lifting his hand in a parting wave at the pair. “It’s nice to almost meet you, Angelina.” Jace’s sister managed to add before the patio gate closed behind them. Once more the house was bathed in silence.

  “I think that went well.” Jace spoke finally, his hands stuffed into his pockets, his tone thoughtful as he moved back inside the living room.

  Angie slowly followed. “I wish I could share your enthusiasm.” Her words were full of self-disgust. “They seem like good people. I hate deceiving them like this.”

  Jace looked at her, still maintaining a distance between the two of them. His tone gave little away of what, if anything, he was feeling.

  “The hard part is over. Aunt Victoria and Uncle Tomas have given their blessing. Now you get on with your plans here. We won’t have to see them any more often than we want. After all, that’s the good thing about the honeymoon period, right? People tend to leave the loving couple alone?”

  Loving couple. There was more to this whole situation than she had bargained… especially when it came to those kisses. It couldn’t become a habit.

  Jace could read her mind. “I guess we didn’t think of everything. But displays of affection are normal with newlyweds, correct?” He tried to make light of the whole situation, but she knew it even felt flat to his own ears. “Let’s get you settled in. I’ll bring in the luggage and show you to your room.”