“Good afternoon, Wyatt.”
He turned at Gabe’s voice, gripping the outstretched hand. “Gabe.”
“Glad you were able to make it.” Gabe walked to a cabinet, taking out a bottle of whiskey and two glasses. Filling each, he handed one to Wyatt. “The food will be ready in a bit. Have a seat.”
Wyatt held the glass in his hand, debating whether to drink it after having two with Cash.
“What you have is some of the finest whiskey in the country. Nora brought it with her when our father sent her out. Maybe some sort of apology for shipping her west without a word of warning to me.”
Letting out a breath, he held up the glass. “Must be expensive.”
“Probably. My father never has done anything halfway, including the liquor he kept for himself and guests.”
Staring at the liquid, Wyatt looked up at Gabe. “She mentioned you have the same father but different mothers.”
Sitting down, Gabe rubbed his chin, staring out the window. “It’s her story to tell, Wyatt, but she didn’t grow up like me and my brothers. She’s a wonderful woman who I love as much as my brothers.” Switching his gaze to Wyatt, he leaned forward. “Don’t mistake her sophistication and confident manner as a sign she has any experience with men. She doesn’t.”
He nodded, not responding. His own experience didn’t amount to much. Mostly the occasional saloon woman.
“Food’s on the table.”
Wyatt shifted, his breath catching when he saw Nora standing in the doorway. Setting down his still full glass, he stood, walking toward her.
“You look, well…beautiful.”
Her eyes brightened. “Thank you, Wyatt. You look quite dashing in your new shirt.”
Chuckling, he made a show of opening his coat. “And pants. I understand they’re courtesy of the woman standing in front of me. Thank you.”
“It’s the least I could do. Is the coat new?”
Wyatt looked at it, frowning. “Bull loaned it to me. It’s a little big, but…” Shrugging, he let his voice trail off.
“Well, it seems to fit fine to me.”
Hearing him clear his throat, both turned toward Gabe. “You were saying something about food, Nora?”
Slight color crept up her face. She’d forgotten about her brother standing a few feet away. “Um, yes. It’s on the table. Lena and Jack are waiting.”
Extending his arm, Wyatt escorted her to the dining room, pulling out her chair while Gabe did the same for Lena. Taking a seat next to Nora, Wyatt felt his insides quake at her nearness and at what he knew would be coming during their walk after supper. He pushed the unwanted thought aside.
Within minutes, they were eating and talking, Jack chattering about school, his teacher, and friends. Wyatt listened with half an ear, his attention focused on the woman beside him.
“How is Johann doing, Jack?” Lena looked at her son, seeing his brows furrow. “The baron’s son.”
Jack’s eyes widened. “You mean Joe.”
“Joe?” Gabe asked.
Jack’s head bobbed up and down. “He doesn’t like to be called Johann. Joe says it makes him sound like a weakling.”
Lena looked at Gabe, tilting her head to the side. “He’s a strapping young man. I doubt anyone would consider him a weakling.”
Nora looked at Lena. “Johann may just want to fit in with the other boys. It’s hard when you’re an outsider. Using the name Joe might be his way of trying to be just another boy.”
“Then he’s gotta change clothes.”
“Jack! Your grammar,” Lena admonished. “He’s got to change clothes.”
“Yes, Mama. Anyway, I don’t think his father will let him wear anything but what they wore in New York. He looks like a stuffed goose.”
Giggling, Nora swallowed the food she’d been chewing, picking up her glass to take a sip, glancing at Jack. “Maybe your mother can talk to his father.” Mindful of Lena’s scowl, she continued. “He could go to the general store or talk to Allie about some new clothes for Joe.”
“Could you do that, Mama?”
Lena pulled her hard glare from Nora to look at her son. “I could try. The baron is quite a formidable man with strong feelings about dress and appearances.”
The conversation continued through dessert and coffee, the topics ranging from the hunting trip the baron planned in a few weeks to the town social Lena and a few other women were arranging for the four mail order brides.
“I didn’t realize you were serious about the party. Let me know if I can help.”
Lena shook her head. “You’re busy at Allie’s, Nora. I could use your help with the big Fourth of July party, though.”
“I’d love to help you.”
“If everyone’s finished, I’ll clear the table.” Lena stood, as did Nora. “No, Nora. I can do this. You spend time with Wyatt.”
“Well…” She looked at him, seeing him nod. “We did plan to take a walk.”
Lena picked up some dishes, smiling. “Then get off with you.”
Slow to move, Wyatt pushed back his chair and stood, his chest tightening. The moment he’d been dreading had arrived.
Chapter Fourteen
Stepping outside, Nora slipped her arm through Wyatt’s. “Where would you like to walk?”
Anywhere with you, he wanted to say. “Gabe mentioned a creek behind the house.”
“I love it there. It’s running pretty good with all the melting snow.” She led him around the house to a small path that meandered through dense shrubs and tall pines before the sound of running water caught their attention. “The creek is right up ahead.”
When they reached the water, Nora nodded toward a fallen log. “When the weather is good, I sit there and read my dime novels.”
He followed her to the log, taking a seat beside her. “Are you enjoying them?”
“The ones you loaned me?”
Wyatt nodded, wanting to take hold of her hand, knowing he shouldn’t. Touching her would only make his task more difficult. “Yes.”
“They’re wonderful.” Then her face stilled. “You must have lost all your books in the fire. Would you like the ones you loaned me back?”
“No. You keep them.” His jaw tightened as he looked at the moving water. Wyatt wanted to prolong their time together. After today, he didn’t know if he’d ever be alone with her again.
She clasped her hands in her lap. “I heard the Pelletiers are expanding the bunkhouse.”
He nodded. “A few more days and the work will be done.”
They sat in silence for several minutes, watching the water rush along then pool in eddies.
“My father and I used to fish in a creek about this size.” Wyatt didn’t know why he shared the memory. She had a way of putting him at ease, even at a time like this. “We’d clean the fish we caught and Mother would fry them up, along with cornbread in bacon fat.” He looked down at his hands, then back at the creek. Even though Nora watched him, he never let his gaze wander to her. “Those were the best meals I’d ever tasted.”
“They sound like wonderful, loving people, Wyatt. I’m so sorry you lost them.”
His pained gaze shot to hers before his expression softened. The same as always, her soft green eyes drew him in, making him believe his world could be made right. Lifting a hand, he stroked the back of his fingers down her cheek, hearing a shaky sigh release through her slightly parted lips.
Leaning into him, she grasped his wrist in a light hold, keeping his hand against her cheek as her gaze searched his. Lowering his head, Wyatt stopped a scant inch from her mouth, giving Nora time to pull away. When she didn’t, he brushed his lips across hers once, then again. Stunned by the soft feel and taste, he settled his mouth over hers, taking whatever she offered.
Slipping an arm behind her back, he held her still, deepening the kiss. Her response spoke of little experience, yet she didn’t hesitate to wrap her arms around his neck, pulling him to her. She felt tiny in his arms. Until now
, he hadn’t realized how fragile she’d feel, how much he wanted to protect her from the pain and indignities of life.
Lifting her, Wyatt settled Nora across his lap, never breaking their kiss. Her arms tightened around his neck, telling him she wanted him as much as he needed her. Rubbing a splayed hand across her back, he drew her close, feeling a shiver run up her spine. Never had he wanted a woman as he did Nora. Never had he thought this depth of desire could capture him, turning rational thought into an irrepressible need.
Wyatt felt his body heat as she shifted against him. A part of him knew she didn’t understand what those slight movements did to him, how they torched an already raging passion. He needed to stop before their mutual desire carried them too far, to a point there’d be no turning back.
Breaking the kiss, he rested his forehead against hers, sucking in a ragged breath. They were so close, he felt her heart pounding against his chest. He never wanted to let her go, yet knew he must.
Lifting her once more, he settled Nora next to him on the log, slipping a strand of hair behind her ear. Her glassy, wide eyes searched his as her tongue darted out, licking her lips. The one small gesture caused his body to tighten to a painful degree. Once again, it reminded him of her lack of experience or understanding what might have happened if he hadn’t ended the kiss.
“Is something wrong, Wyatt?” The anxious tone in her voice caused gut-wrenching anguish to shoot through him. He hadn’t known her long, knew next to nothing about her, yet the last few minutes told him how desolate his life would be without her. It still didn’t change what had to be done.
Allowing a weary sigh to escape his lips, he stroked her cheek once again. “We should be heading back.”
Biting her lower lip, she nodded, standing before he could help her up. “Of course you’re right.” Forcing a smile, she clasped her hands in front of her, taking a few steps toward the trail.
“Nora, we need to talk before we get to the house.” When she didn’t stop, he covered the small distance between them in a couple steps. Moving in front of her, he settled his hands on her shoulders. “Please, Nora. There are things I need to say.”
Swallowing, she met his gaze, clearing her throat. “Will I like what you have to tell me?”
Her question stopped all he’d planned to say. Closing his eyes, Wyatt shook his head. “No. I don’t believe you will.”
Intense pain ripped through Nora’s chest. Wyatt’s words, so similar to what her father uttered right after her mother died, caused her body to shake. Without hearing more, she knew what he planned to say, the same as she knew what her father had to say all those years ago. She held up a hand, shaking her head.
“Please, don’t say any more, Wyatt. Don’t tell me what we did was a mistake or you regret it. I’m certain it meant little to you. Besides, it was just a kiss.” She tried to push past him, stopping when he gripped her arm.
“There are things I must say, Nora.”
Whirling around to face him, her nostrils flared, eyes sparking in anger. “No, you don’t. I already understand.”
Blinking in confusion, he shook his head. “What do you think you understand?”
Pain, confusion, and a spark of something else crossed her face before she shook her head. “It’s not important. Please, Wyatt. Let’s just go back and forget anything happened. We’ll never speak of it again.”
His voice softened. “Not until you tell me what you believe you understand.”
Her lower lip quivering, Nora swiped at eyes damp with building tears. “I know you blame me for what happened at the ranch.”
“Nora—”
She rushed on before he could say more, refusing to let him stop her. “If you hadn’t taken time to come to town, have supper with me, you would’ve been there to protect the others.”
Wyatt stilled at her words, dropping his hand from her arm.
“Beyond that, we both know I’m not what you want. There’s no reason someone like you would ever consider being with a woman like me.”
Again, her words tore through him. “Nora, you’re wrong. It’s not what you think.”
Taking a step away, she wrapped her arms around her waist, forcing herself to meet his gaze. “Don’t, Wyatt. We should at least be honest with each other. I won’t lie to myself or allow you to lie to me. Both of us know you deserve a woman closer to your age. Someone young, beautiful, vibrant. A woman you’d be proud to have on your arm. I’ve never pretended to be anything I’m not, and I’m none of those. So, please, let’s speak of it no more.”
She didn’t wait for him to respond before turning away, running down the path to the house, never looking back.
“Nora, wait. You have it all wrong.” His shouted words didn’t stop her hurried pace. Trying to catch up, he slowed when she lifted her skirt, bounding up the steps and into the house, shutting the door behind her.
Wyatt couldn’t move from his spot several yards from the porch. None of what she said made sense.
Ripping off his hat, he ran a shaky hand through his hair, then scrubbed it down his face. He’d gone about this all wrong and made a mess of it, starting with kissing her. A kiss better than any he’d ever experienced, and one that never should have happened.
Staring at the house, he couldn’t make up his mind about what to do next. Did he stay, force her to listen to him, or leave, give her time to settle down? Maybe then she’d listen to his reasons and not some silly nonsense she’d conjured up in her head. He didn’t get the chance to decide before the door opened and Gabe stormed outside, face red, voice hard.
“What the hell did you say to her?”
Wyatt shook his head, unable to meet Gabe’s piercing gaze. Hearing boots descend the stairs, he planted his feet shoulder width apart, ready for any punishment her brother decided to dole out.
Instead, Gabe stopped a couple feet away, crossing his arms as he waited.
Realizing he’d be going nowhere until Gabe got what he wanted, Wyatt shifted slightly, placing his hat back on his head.
“I told her we needed to talk. I never got a chance to say much else before she stormed into the house and slammed the door.”
Gabe’s eyes narrowed. “There had to have been more for her to be so upset.”
“There is, but it’s between Nora and me.” How could he explain to Gabe what Nora said when he didn’t understand it himself? The part about her not being pretty or young enough made his blood boil. She acted as if she didn’t deserve him, when the opposite was true. As far as him blaming her for being away from the ranch, that was pure nonsense.
Gabe snorted. “I doubt she’ll give you another chance.”
“Oh, she’ll give me another chance all right. I’ll make sure of it.” Walking past Gabe, he grabbed Rogue’s reins, swinging into the saddle. “Tell Lena thanks for supper.”
“And what do you want me to tell Nora?”
He thought a moment, then glared down at Gabe. “Tell her this isn’t over.”
“He’s alone on the trail. Now’s our chance.” Derrick watched from behind the dense foliage with JW, ready to finish this once and for all.
JW had sent the two men who’d been watching Wyatt back to join the others while he and Derrick took care of business. After watching him and his lady, JW now had another idea.
“Not yet. I have another plan. One that will be much more satisfying.”
Derrick studied his face, eyes narrowing, understanding what JW wanted. “Are you out of your mind? We should end this now, ride home before anyone figures out who shot up and set fire to the ranch. Come on. We can still catch up to him.” Starting to walk toward the horses, he stopped when JW grabbed his arm.
“We do this my way, Derrick. It was my wife and cousin who died. I get to decide how this ends.”
Tearing his arm away from JW’s grasp, he rounded on him. “So you plan to take the woman. Then what? Torture or kill her? We don’t do that to women, and I won’t be a part of it.”
“
Hattie deserves justice.” His voice sounded as unforgiving as Derrick’s.
“Not that kind. If she were alive, she’d tell you so herself.” He took a step away, staring at his closest friend, the man who’d married the woman they both loved. “Let’s do what we came here to do and go home. Tonight’s our chance to get justice for Hattie and Ned.”
JW blew out a frustrated breath, shaking his head. “You’re right. Take the men and ride on. I’ll handle this my way, then meet you back home.”
Spewing a string of expletives, Derrick stormed several feet away. Placing fisted hands on his hips, he hung his head, staring at the ground. After a few moments, he turned around.
“I’m not leaving you. We’ve stood by each other our entire lives and I won’t stop now. If this has to be done your way, that’s how we’ll do it.”
Wyatt stopped at the fork in the trail. If he rode right, he’d be in his own bunk within the hour. Going left would take him to Splendor. And the Dixie. Reining toward the whiskey he knew would be waiting, Wyatt didn’t hurry. He had plenty of time to think on what happened with Nora. Plenty of time to chastise himself for the mess he’d created.
Halting outside the saloon, he tossed the reins over the rail and headed inside. Nodding to the bartender, he signaled for a drink.
Wyatt didn’t look around to see if he recognized anyone. Instead, he rested his arms on the bar, staring down at the marred surface. When the bartender set a glass before him, Wyatt took hold of the bottle.
“Leave it.”
Over the next ten minutes, he tossed back one shot after another, losing count after a while.
“May want to slow down a bit if you want to make it back to the ranch atop your saddle.” Dutch McFarlin, one of Gabe’s deputies and an ex-Pinkerton man, took a spot next to him, leaning against the bar.
Ignoring Dutch, Wyatt grasped the bottle, tipping it up, swallowing several gulps.
Forsaken Falls Page 13
