Forsaken Falls

by Shirleen Davies

  “Trust me. Miss Ruby is going to be the big break you’ve needed to get your clothes seen by more than the good women in this town. She travels to Big Pine almost every week, stays overnight, then returns. She’ll be wearing your dresses once this order is complete.”

  Sitting down in the chair next to her sewing machine, Allie picked up the next dress. “Well, it’s a good thing they ordered a good number of day dresses. The evening ones might cause a scandal.”

  Nodding, Nora glanced down at the dress in her lap. “But the men are going to love them.”

  Gabe pushed the front door open, standing aside so Nora could walk into the house. Taking off her hat, she set it on a shelf before heading toward the kitchen. “We’re home, Lena. What can I do to help with supper?”

  Walking out of the kitchen, Lena wiped her hands on a towel before kissing her husband, then looking at Nora. “Would you mind letting Jack know supper is ready?”

  “I’ll do it while you ladies get the food on the table.” Gabe walked up the stairs, his slow steps illustrating his exhaustion.

  Lena watched him until he reached the top landing, twisting the towel in her hands. “He’s working too much.”

  Nora settled a hand on her arm. “Gabe’s determined to identify the men responsible for shooting Sam and attacking the others. Dutch McFarlin came into the shop today to have Allie fix a rip in a jacket. He said there isn’t much anyone can do except warn people to be vigilant. Unless they attack again, we might never know who they are. Or why they attacked in the first place.” Walking into the kitchen, Nora slipped on an apron. “It doesn’t make sense.” Stepping to the stove, she lifted the cover off a pot, stirred the contents, then grabbed a bowl from the cupboard. “This smells wonderful, Lena.”

  The stress on her face relaxed a little. “It’s elk stew. I finally got Suzanne to write down her recipe.”

  Ladling stew into the bowl, Nora stopped, looking at Lena. “I have a package of men’s clothing ready to be delivered to Wyatt, Walt, Travis, and Sam. I’d planned to take it out tomorrow, but Allie needs me at the shop. I wondered if, well…”

  “I’d be happy to take the clothes to the ranch for you. I can stop by the shop in the morning.” She stopped for a moment, hearing voices in the dining room. “I know Jack would love to ride out with me, although I’m certain the men would much rather thank you in person. One man in particular.” Lifting a brow, her lips tilted up in amusement.

  Picking up the bowl filled with stew, Nora leaned a hip against the counter. “If it weren’t for Ruby bringing in her girls for fittings, I would take them out myself.”

  Lena snorted, waving a hand in the air. “Those girls won’t lift their heads out of bed until noon. You have plenty of time to get to the ranch and back.”

  Snickering, Nora walked toward the door. “Assuming Allie has all the dresses ready, which she doesn’t.” Sucking in a breath, she let out a sigh. “When Wyatt has time, I’m certain he’ll get in touch with me.”

  Lena watched her leave the kitchen, hoping Wyatt didn’t let Nora down. If she’d learned anything about her sister-in-law during the time they lived together, it was her tremendous inner strength—and complete vulnerability of her heart. It seemed to be the one chink in Nora’s carefully constructed armor. A crack Lena didn’t wish to see pierced.

  “Wagon’s coming.”

  Bull straightened from his work on the bunkhouse at the sound of the ranch hand’s voice. After the attack, Dax and Luke insisted guards be posted to shout an alert about approaching riders. Setting down his hammer, he shielded his eyes from the morning sun.

  “Looks like Lena and Jack.” Dirk stepped next to him, crossing his arms. “I’ll go to the house to let Rachel and Rosemary know.”

  Bull chuckled, knowing Dirk took any excuse he could to be with his wife a few extra minutes each day. He still marveled at how two completely different people could be so much in love, a fact no one disputed when Rosemary looked at her husband.

  Walking toward the approaching wagon, Bull returned Lena’s wave as she slowed down, pulling the lines until the horses stopped. “What brings you two out here?” Lifting his arms, he helped her down as Jack jumped off the other side.

  “Nora packed clothes to replace those lost in the fire.” She leaned over the side of the wagon, lifting out the package. “She would’ve brought them herself, but Allie has a big order and needed her help at the shop.”

  “The Empress…Ruby Walsh,” he muttered, taking the package from her hands and escorting her up the steps.

  Lena’s steps faltered, looking up at him. “Why, yes. How did you know?”

  Pushing the front door open, he grinned. “Everyone around these parts has heard about Ruby’s order. The lady isn’t too quiet about where she spends her money.”

  Lena’s narrowed gaze searched his, the question in her eyes not subtle.

  “Hey, don’t look at me like that. I heard it from a couple ranch hands who visited her, uh…theater.”

  Lena smiled. Everyone knew Bull had eyes for only one woman…his wife, Lydia. Even before her, he’d never felt any desire to partake of the offers from women in the local saloons, preferring to spend his evenings playing cards instead of finding his fun in one of the upstairs rooms.

  “What I don’t understand is why she calls herself Empress. I thought her name was Ruby.” Bull shook his head, grimacing.

  The corners of Lena’s mouth curved up. “I have no idea, except she travels with a man who calls himself Sir Bruno Baker. Somehow, I doubt his title or that she’s an empress.”

  “I’ve got to hand it to the woman. Whether it is Empress or Miss Ruby, she’s got most people in these parts talking about her.”

  “Lena. Dirk said you were here.” Rachel glanced out the door to see Jack talking with Selina and Margaret. “I’m glad you brought Jack. The girls need a diversion from worrying about Sam.”

  Lena took the package from Bull’s hand, giving it to Rachel. “How is he doing?”

  “Better. Anxious to heal enough so he can rejoin the men.” She looked at the bundle Lena had given her. “What’s this?”

  “Nora sent some clothes for the men who lost theirs in the fire. I think she picked them up at the general store.”

  “How wonderful. The other men offered what they could, but most of them only keep a couple shirts and pants. There isn’t much to lend anyone else. I know the men will appreciate it. Can you stay for a while?” She indicated a couple chairs when Lena nodded, taking a seat next to her friend. “Would you like some tea?”

  Lena shook her head. “Thank you, but not right now. Jack hoped to see Sam before we leave, and I wanted to inquire about Travis and the other men. How are they doing?”

  “As you probably know, Isabella has spent considerable time here nursing Travis,” Rachel said, mentioning Lena’s close friend and the woman Travis had been courting for a long time. She now lived with Luke and Ginny, helping them with their infant son, Cooper.

  “I know. She’s been so worried about him. Maybe this will be the nudge he needs to see how important she is to him.”

  Rachel bit her lower lip. “I don’t think it has anything to do with his feelings for her. Like many others, the war and deaths of his family did things to his mind. I’m not sure he feels capable of taking care of a second wife and any children after all that’s happened.”

  “Isabella told me he lost his wife and daughter.”

  Nodding, Rachel looked out the front window, watching Jack laughing with the two girls. “Honestly, I don’t think he wants the responsibility. Not only for a family, but around here. He turned down Dax’s offer to head up the horse breeding and training part of the ranch. Travis told him to offer it to Wyatt.”

  Lena cocked her head to one side. “I thought Luke was in charge of it.”

  “He is, but he needs someone to head it all up when he’s off on business or working the cattle. Luke has a lot of respect for both Travis and Wyatt, and they respe
ct each other. In one way, the fire may have been somewhat of a blessing.”

  Lena’s gaze snapped to Rachel’s. “What do you mean?”

  “Dax and Luke have been talking about moving the horse part of the ranch here for a long time, but hesitated because they knew how much Travis and Walt liked their solitude. The destruction made the decision easier.”

  “Did Wyatt accept the job?”

  Rachel grinned. “He did. Bull, Dirk, and some of the other men are finishing the changes to the bunkhouse, which will include plenty of space for the added men. It’ll also put Wyatt closer to town.”

  “I know someone who will be quite happy about that. I’m just worried Wyatt believes he’s responsible for what happened that night.”

  “How could he? Wasn’t Wyatt in town with Nora?”

  Pursing her lips, Lena nodded, causing Rachel’s eyes to widen. “Nora believes he might think if he’d been at the ranch and not with her, he would’ve been able to prevent Sam and Travis from getting hurt.”

  Rachel shook her head, then stood. “That’s nonsense, and when Wyatt gets back from searching for the rest of the horses, I’ll make sure he knows it.”

  “Oh, I don’t think Nora would want you to step into the middle of it. She and Wyatt should sort this out themselves.”

  Walking to the window, Rachel looked outside, tapping a finger against her lips. “Maybe, but a little push wouldn’t hurt.” She turned toward Lena. “Don’t you think?”

  Joining her at the window, Lena shook her head. “Well, I’m not sure it’s a wise idea.”

  Her mouth curving up at the corners, Rachel shook off Lena’s doubt. “Just a small nudge. Enough for that young man to know he has a future, and it definitely should include Nora.”

  Chapter Twelve

  Splendor

  “Oh my!” Nora’s hand covered her mouth, eyes going wide. “I can’t believe Rachel plans to talk to Wyatt about me.” She lowered herself into a chair near the counter, staring up at Lena, glad Allie had gone upstairs to check on supper for Cash. “Did you tell her not to?”

  “I tried.” She placed a hand on Nora’s shoulder. “Rachel isn’t one to interfere. My thought is she’s going to make sure he doesn’t blame himself for what happened the night of the attack.” Looking around the shop, Lena pulled a chair next to Nora. “Has Ruby brought her ladies in for their fittings?”

  “Not yet, which is fine since we still had work to do on the dresses.” Nora gave her a wry grin. “If you stay for a while, you might be here when they arrive.”

  Lena stood, waving her hand in the air. “Not me. I just came by to let you know I gave Rachel the package and her comment about speaking with Wyatt.” Turning toward the door, she froze at the sight of it opening, Ruby making a dramatic entrance. Groaning, she looked back at Nora, who shrugged while stifling a chuckle.

  Ruby walked toward the women, oblivious to the unease her arrival caused. “Mrs. Evans.” She moved to within inches of Lena, her voice strong and loud. “I haven’t seen you in much too long.”

  Nodding, she took a slight step away. “Miss Ruby.”

  “I suppose Miss Evans told you we’re here to try on the dresses Mrs. Coulter is designing for us. Have you seen them yet?” Ruby looked beyond Nora to the area where Allie stored the clothes.

  “Um, no. I haven’t had the pleasure.”

  “Oh? Then you must stay while the girls try them on. You simply must see what that very talented woman has created.”

  Lena considered declining, stopping when Allie appeared at the bottom of the stairs. “Lena. I didn’t know you were here.” Hurrying toward her, she gave her friend a hug, stepping back when Ruby cleared her throat.

  “We’re here for the fittings, Mrs. Coulter. Are you ready for us?”

  Clasping her hands in front of her, Allie’s gaze shifted between each of the women standing behind their boss. Their expressions indicated varying emotions, including excitement, amusement, and indifference. One girl’s hair hung in loose tendrils, her face sullen, eyes fighting to stay open.

  “Ignore her.” Ruby nodded toward the woman. “She had an unexpected early afternoon visitor we couldn’t turn away.”

  The girl, who Allie guessed couldn’t have been more than sixteen, glared at Ruby, but kept her mouth shut.

  “Yes, we’re ready for you, Miss Ruby. I’ll take one of your girls and Miss Evans will take another.”

  Ruby held up her hand. “I prefer you do it, Mrs. Coulter.”

  Allie didn’t flinch, crossing her arms. “We’ll finish faster if we both mark alterations and hems. This method will get you and your girls back to the Grand Palace in plenty of time to freshen up before your customers arrive.”

  Tapping a foot on the floor, Ruby glanced out the window toward the St. James Hotel across the street. “Well, we do have a private performance tonight, and I want them to look their best.” Letting out an exaggerated sigh, she looked back at Allie. “All right, but I will select who goes with each one of you.”

  “Thank you, Miss Ruby. I can assure you, Miss Evans is quite capable. Shall we start?”

  Redemption’s Edge Ranch

  Wyatt listened to the men joking among themselves as they finished supper around the table inside the bunkhouse. His body ached after their grueling search for the wild horses, and his mind whirled after the surprise conversation with Rachel.

  He’d barely put Rogue away when she joined him by the corral, asking if he had time to talk. Wyatt thought she might have more chores for him or a question about the wild horses they had recovered from Diablo’s herd. Instead, Rachel let him know how much she and her family appreciated what he’d done to save the men the night of the attack.

  Wyatt murmured a humble response, thinking their conversation over. To his surprise, she’d slipped her arm through his, leading him on a short stroll. They hadn’t gone far before she asked if he harbored any guilt about being gone when the attack occurred. His first reaction had been to deny it, but seeing her expression, hearing the sincerity in her voice, he knew he couldn’t lie.

  “I should’ve been with them. Maybe I could’ve prevented Sam from getting shot or Travis from being trapped as the house burned. If I hadn’t gone to town…” His voice trailed off, his throat clogging with anger.

  Dropping her arm from his, Rachel took a step away. “Listen to me, Wyatt. No one here blames you for taking an evening in town. I know for a fact both Sam and Travis are grateful for what you did.”

  Removing his hat, he threaded fingers through his hair, shaking his head. “I could’ve done more if I’d been there.”

  Stepping closer, she stared into his haunted eyes. “Dax and Luke could’ve done more if they’d been there, too, but they weren’t. You can’t think of what might’ve happened if you hadn’t taken Nora to supper.” She noticed his eyes widen, his jaw tense. “No one is to blame for anything, except the outlaws. You work long hours and deserve to have time to yourself. Don’t let the attack change the direction you were headed.”

  A couple hours later, he still couldn’t get Rachel’s warning out of his mind. He’d been struggling with what to do about Nora. One evening with her had done more to bolster his spirits than hundreds of nights spent alone or in the company of the other ranch hands. Her smile, laughter, and easy banter gave him a sense of peace he hadn’t known since before the war. Even so, he couldn’t help believing she could do so much better than him.

  “Jackson?”

  His shouted name caused Wyatt to look up, seeing the men staring at him. “Yeah?”

  “You planning to go back out tomorrow to look for Diablo?” Walt cocked his head, waiting.

  Wyatt shook his head. “Not unless Dax or Luke ask us to. We cut six of the mares from his herd. I’d think he’d take the rest and get as far away from here as possible. Besides, tomorrow is Sunday.” Until the words slipped through his lips, he hadn’t made up his mind about church or going to Gabe’s for supper. The thought of staying at the r
anch, knowing Nora would be expecting him, provided his answer.

  “You got plans in town tomorrow, Jackson?” Tat crossed his arms, leaning back in his chair, smirking.

  Standing, Wyatt picked up his plate, walking over to the basin filled with water. “Not that it’s your business, but I do.”

  “Those plans wouldn’t include stopping by Ruby’s Grand Palace, would they?”

  “No, Tat, they wouldn’t. Besides, I doubt the Palace is open on Sundays.”

  “I’m betting Ruby would open it up to anyone with the money to pay. For a ticket to the performance, I mean.” Tat chuckled, along with most of the men. “You want to give it a try, Wyatt, me and some of the boys might be persuaded to ride along with you.”

  Setting his clean plate and fork aside, he wiped his damp hands down his pants as he turned to face Tat. “It’s tempting, but I’m not planning a trip to the Palace anytime soon. You boys go ahead, though.”

  Walking toward his cot, his gaze landed on a package with his name scrawled across the top. Picking it up, he looked at the others. “Anyone know who left this here?”

  Walt looked at the package on his cot. “Rachel brought them in for us to replace what we lost in the fire. Miss Evans put the packages together.”

  Nora. Wyatt’s breath caught. “She bought clothes for the four of us?”

  Walt nodded. “That’s what Rachel said. Open it and see for yourself.”

  Setting the package down, Wyatt tore it open to see a pair of pants and three shirts. Including the one he’d worn for the last week, he now had four shirts, more than he’d owned in years.

  “Nice of her to think of us, don’t you think, Wyatt?”

  Nodding, he blew out a breath. “Yeah, Walt. Real nice.” Sitting down, he slid his hand across the fabric of a shirt, warmth spreading through his chest. He knew she’d bought clothes for all four of them, yet he couldn’t help thinking about her picking out the items for him, wondering if she took special care selecting the shirts.