Her eyes widened as she shook her head. “It wasn’t your fault,” Nora whispered, her voice faltering.
“I’m sorry you had to go through it. Your experience and Gabe’s sound quite different.”
Glancing away, she nodded. “Papa had no time for me after Mama died. Even though he had his true wife and other family, I believe he buried his heart with my mother. He never laughed, seldom seemed at peace as he did when she lived. I’ve never asked Gabe about his mother, but I feel as if she must be quite different than Mama.”
Wyatt had heard of marriages of convenience to consolidate wealth, power, or both. Perhaps Gabe’s parents had married for those reasons. Right now, he didn’t care. Nora’s belief she didn’t measure up to some standard bothered him more.
Stroking the back of his hand down her cheek, he slid a strand of hair behind her ear. “You need to know, I think you’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met.”
A deep blush crept up her neck, coloring her face. “I’m not—”
He touched a finger to her lips. “You are. I don’t know how you got the idea you aren’t, but trust me on this, Nora. I’ve never known a woman as stunning as you. And I’m not speaking only of your outward beauty. You’ve a big, kind heart, and you give of yourself without considering how helping someone can benefit you. If someone is in need, you’re there. You’re gracious and thoughtful, more so than I deserve.”
Her eyes began to fill with moisture. Blinking a few times, she did her best to keep the tears from streaming down her cheeks.
“That’s what I had planned to tell you last week.” He pursed his lips, his jaw tightening as he thought of the anger pulsing through him the previous Sunday. “I don’t know why a woman such as you would look twice at a ranch hand with a jaded past and thin future. I’m not worthy of you, Nora. Not at all.”
Her shocked expression had him shifting on the log. Licking her lips, she leaned up, placing a kiss on his chin. “You’re all I’ve ever wanted in a man, Wyatt. I can’t tell you why, but in just a short time, I knew how much I cared about you. It’s not considered proper for me to admit it, but you mean a great deal to me.”
Surprising Nora, and himself, he scooped her into his arms, resting her on his lap. Placing his forehead against hers, he breathed out a long sigh.
“Then we’ll talk no more about who is or isn’t good enough for the other.”
Nodding, she wrapped her arms around his neck.
“And no more talk about age—yours or mine. I wouldn’t care if you were ten years older, Nora.” He kissed her temple, letting his lips travel down her face before lifting his head. “We’ve a long way to go before we know if what we have will last, but I’m willing to give it time. Are you?”
Wyatt didn’t share his concern about never being able to provide for her the way she deserved or where they would live. For now, he pushed those worries aside. Having Nora in his arms again was all that mattered.
He held his breath as she stared into his eyes. When she continued to study him, a grain of fear began to grow in his chest, his breath halting. Still, he refused to say more until she answered his question. At last, her lips parted, her gaze softening.
“I’m more than willing.”
Tightening his arms around her, Wyatt covered Nora’s mouth with his, a sense of urgency controlling him. He felt a shudder pass through her when he deepened the kiss. Shifting her on his lap, he held her snugly, trailing kisses along her jaw and down the soft column of her neck, his body responding to an almost painful degree.
The feel of his lips on her skin sent shivers through her body. His warm breath caused her heart to race. She felt everything—his taut body aligned with hers, the pulsing muscles beneath the fabric of his shirt, the heat radiating between them.
When his mouth returned to reclaim her lips, she felt a jolt of sensation coiling deep in her stomach. She squirmed in his arms, trying to find a way to relieve the exquisite ache his touch created. Lifting her arms, she buried her hands in his thick, dark hair, moaning against his mouth. She could go on this way forever, never letting go as he continued the gentle assault.
Nora let out an involuntary moan when he lifted his head, his breath heavy, shuttering against her neck.
“We have to slow down, sweetheart.” He breathed the words out as if they were painful to say.
Blinking a few times to clear her head, she placed a hand on his chest, feeling his heart pounding. “Why?”
Her naïve question made him smile. “Because I don’t believe you’re ready for what would happen next if we continue.” Wyatt leaned back, amusement on his face as her eyes widened. “I’ve only so much control when it comes to you.” He saw the instant she understood his meaning.
Lifting Nora off his lap, he placed her beside him on the log, taking a deep, slow breath. Leaning over, he helped straighten her dress, tucking strands of hair behind her ears before cupping her face with both hands. Staring into her eyes, he placed a sweet, soft kiss on her lips, then dropped his hands.
Her body still pulsed from his touch as she watched him stand. Straightening his shirt, he held out a hand.
“We should go back to the house before Gabe comes looking for us.”
Before she could place her hand in his, they heard Gabe calling for them. “You have remarkable timing, Mr. Jackson.” Taking his hand, she stood, glancing over his shoulder to see two men walking toward them. One was Gabe. Her face paled when she recognized the man with him.
“Oh no.”
Wyatt’s brows furrowed at the sudden distress on her face. “What is it, sweetheart?” Turning, he spotted a man almost as tall as Gabe with similar colored hair and an aristocratic bearing common among those of upper society. It didn’t take much for him to realize the man walking toward him was Nora’s father.
Putting an arm around her waist, he held her against him, taking a protective step forward as the men stopped a few feet away.
“Wyatt, this is Nora’s and my father, Mr. Walter Evans. Father, this is Mr. Wyatt Jackson.”
Nora looked up at Wyatt, then stepped out of his grip. “Father, I didn’t know you were traveling west.” She made no move to hug or touch him.
Walter stared at her, his hard gaze unreadable in a face devoid of expression. “Nora.” Like his daughter, he made no move to touch her. Instead, he held out his hand toward Wyatt. “Mr. Jackson.”
Glancing at Nora, Wyatt took the man’s hand. “Mr. Evans. It’s a pleasure.”
Walter didn’t spare him another glance before turning to look at Nora. “I need to speak with you and Gabe. Come with me.” Whirling around, he started for the house, sure his daughter would follow.
“I’ll be in when Wyatt and I are finished talking.”
Nora’s words stalled his pace. Halting, he turned back to look at her. “Now, Nora.”
“If you’ve come to order me around as you’ve done before, this will be a short trip, Father. I’ll not be treated as a child.”
She’d never seen his face redden as it did now, his nostrils flaring. “Must I remind you who provides your funds, Nora?”
“I doubt you’ll ever let me forget, Father.” Crossing her arms, she planted her feet. “Please wait for me in Gabe’s study. I’ll be in shortly.”
Something flickered in Walter’s eyes as he looked at his daughter. “This is important, Nora. I’ll expect you within five minutes.”
The three watched the older man leave, Gabe chuckling. He looked at Nora. “Have you always stood up to Father?”
A sheepish grin tilted the corners of her mouth. “Never. Have you?”
“When I left college to join the Union Army, then when I came west with Noah. He isn’t used to being defied. I’ll get him a drink and wait in the study.”
“Thank you, Gabe. We won’t be long. Do you have any idea why he wants to speak with us?”
“No. I can assure you, though, he wouldn’t have made the long trip if what he had to say could be done in a t
elegram.” Gabe walked back up the path, leaving Nora alone with Wyatt.
“So, that’s your father.” Wyatt settled an arm around her shoulders, drawing her into his side.
“I’m afraid so.”
Leaning down, he kissed her forehead. “Has he always been so domineering?”
“Always. At least with me. He was kind and gentle with my mother.” Leaning against him, she breathed out a sigh. “I suppose I should join them.”
Dropping his arm, he took her hand in his, walking back to the house. “Maybe it would be best if I rode back to the ranch. I’m sure you’ll want to spend some time alone with him.”
“Please, don’t leave just yet, Wyatt.”
As they reached the front steps, he turned her toward him, settling his hands on her waist. “I’ll stay for supper, then leave.” Bending down, he kissed her lips before escorting her inside.
Walter stood at the window in Gabe’s study, looking out at Nora and Wyatt. “How long has this been going on?”
Leaning a hip against his desk, Gabe took a sip of whiskey, letting it burn a path down his throat. He never expected to see his father in Splendor. Gabe didn’t begrudge his appearance without notice, but he did resent his high-handed tactics, the way he ordered Nora about. He hoped this would be a short visit.
“They’ve known each other a few months. He’s been courting her for a short while.”
Walter turned toward him, a derisive glare on his face. “If I’m not mistaken, he works on a ranch.”
“Wyatt is in charge of the horse breeding and training part of the Pelletier ranch.”
Walter sipped his whiskey. “I’ve heard of them. The largest landowners in western Montana. Confederates, I believe.”
“Ex-Confederates, Father. You’ll find we have people from both sides living in Splendor.”
“What about Jackson? Did he fight for the South?”
“A lieutenant in the Confederacy. He served under Cash Coulter, one of my deputies.”
Walking to the cabinet, Walter refilled his glass. “A ranch hand and a Confederate. It won’t be hard for Nora to leave him behind.”
Gabe stiffened. “Excuse me, Father, but I believe Nora is more than old enough to decide what man she wants in her life.”
Walter raised a brow. “Not if she wants my continued support. I would’ve made the same decision regarding you if you hadn’t already inherited my brother’s businesses and estate.”
His jaw hardening, Gabe pushed away from the desk. “What do you mean?”
“Your wife, Gabriel. I’ve learned quite a bit about Magdelena Campanel since you first wrote me about her. She grew up in saloons. Has owned several with her partner, Nicholas Barnett.”
Working to keep his anger under control, Gabe kept his distance. “If you’re implying they were more than partners, you’d be wrong.”
“We both know she isn’t a suitable match for you.”
“Who do you think would’ve been, Father?” Gabe poured another drink, taking a sip.
Walter glanced back out the window, seeing Wyatt kiss Nora. “Caroline Iverson. The woman your mother and I selected for you.”
Choking on the whiskey, he lowered the glass. “Caro lives in Splendor and is married to Beauregard Davis, an ex-Confederate and another one of my deputies.” Although it passed in an instant, Gabe enjoyed the stunned look on his father’s face. “I’m certain I wrote you about her marriage.”
“I suppose a widow of her means has needs other than those of a first bride. It’s of little consequence now. You’ve made your choice, and so has Caroline. Who I’m concerned about now is Nora.”
“You have no need to be concerned about her. She lives here with Lena, Jack, and me. Even if you stop your support, I’ll make certain she’s taken care of.” Finishing his drink, Gabe set the empty glass on his desk. “Besides, she’s working at the millinery in town.”
“What?” His father’s eyes widened. “A daughter of mine working as a commoner?”
Shaking his head, Gabe chuckled at the ridiculous belief. “That is an archaic notion, Father. Everyone is a commoner out here. I’m a sheriff, Lena operates our hotel, and Nora works for a good friend who designs dresses.”
“Appearances are important, Gabriel.”
“Not out here.”
Both turned as the door opened. Nora walked into the room, noting the strained expressions on each man’s face. “You asked me to join you.” She sat down, glancing between the men.
Walter stared at her for a moment before switching his gaze to Gabe. “I’ve come a long way to discuss a rather difficult subject.”
He paced across the room, picking up the decanter of whiskey and filling his glass. Holding the bottle out to Gabe, he set it down when his son shook his head. Lowering himself into a chair, he rested his arms on his legs, rolling the glass between his fingers.
Gabe took a seat across from him. “What is it you want to discuss, Father?”
Walter looked up, his eyes carrying a haunted look. “It’s your mother, Gabriel. She’s dead.”
Chapter Nineteen
Gabe pushed up from the chair, scrubbing a hand down his face as he walked to the window. Staring outside, he didn’t speak as his chest rose and fell with each shaky breath. After a few moments, he turned around to face his father.
“How?”
Walter shook his head, rubbing a hand across his forehead, showing some sense of emotion for the first time. “I’m afraid it wasn’t pleasant, son.”
Walking back to the chair, Gabe sat down, leaning forward. “I want to know.”
Glancing at Nora, who hadn’t spoken since his announcement, he began in a measured pace. “I’d been away on a rather lengthy business trip. While away, Florence decided to have the housekeeper do a very thorough cleaning of my room.” He looked at Nora. “Everyone in the household knew we hadn’t shared a room in many years.”
She nodded her understanding, hands clasped tightly in her lap.
Walter looked straight ahead, not focusing on either of them. “The housekeeper reorganized everything, including the clothes in a bureau. In doing so, she discovered a journal, one I kept hidden in the bottom drawer. You see, I’d met Nora’s mother, Anna Marie, long before my father announced the marriage he’d arranged between Florence and myself. At first, I refused to go along with it, telling my father I loved another woman and intended to marry her. I’d never seen him so angry, but I persevered, certain once he understood the depth of my feelings, he’d allow me to be with the woman I loved. Instead, he discovered where she lived.”
Standing, he grabbed the whiskey, filling his glass, then swallowing the entire contents. Turning toward Gabe, he set the glass down, his arms hanging at his sides.
“He paid off her parents. Before I knew what he’d done, Anna Marie had left New York, sent off to live with some distant relative. Her parents refused to give me any information. After several months without word from her, and numerous threats from my father, I agreed to marry Florence. That is when I began to keep the journal.”
“You never loved Mother. I suspected as much.”
“No, Gabriel, I didn’t. Florence wanted the match and decided no matter what it took, she could make it a success. You must understand. Success in her mind meant she performed her duties as a wife and mother, fulfilled her social obligations, and kept a comfortable home. Not once could I complain about anything she did. Florence was a remarkable woman who I cared about, but never loved. Not the way I loved Anna Marie.”
When the silence stretched on, Nora looked at their father. “How did you find my mother?”
He choked out a bitter laugh. “In a bookstore. Our love of reading was something we had in common. I looked up and found her staring at me. At the time, Florence and I weren’t doing well. Gabriel was an infant. Florence had a hard time coping with being a mother—falling into fits of despair, drinking several glasses of sherry throughout the day, taking little care of herself. She picked f
ights for no apparent reason until we barely spoke. We already had a nanny for Gabriel, so I knew he was in good hands. Although her mother had moved into the house, and upon much reflection, I hired a woman to watch over Florence day and night. Her mother encouraged me to give her time and space, so I moved to my men’s club, stopping by the house after work several times each week. On the other days, I’d patronize various bookstores. For whatever reason, seeing Anna Marie after so much time seemed fated.”
Pinching the bridge of his nose, his gaze moved about the room, focusing on nothing in particular. “Both of you know the rest. Anna Marie and I began seeing each other, continuing even after I moved back into the house. Divorce wasn’t an option, but giving up Anna Marie wasn’t one, either.” Lowering himself back into a chair, he buried his face in his hands.
“Mother never suspected?” Gabe’s question held no malice or judgment.
“I don’t believe so. I never intended to hurt her. As you know, Gabriel, most of the men in our circle kept mistresses, so it wouldn’t have been out of the realm of possibility. If Florence suspected, she never let on.”
“You seemed to spend a great deal of time with us. How did you manage?” Nora licked her lips, her body beginning to tremble.
“Florence didn’t care much about my schedule. Her life revolved around our sons and her social engagements. Since we had separate rooms, I was able to come and go as I pleased.”
“But you had three more sons while you were seeing my mother.”
Walter’s jaw tensed, his throat working. “Yes. I fulfilled my duty.” He looked at Gabe. “I’m sorry, Gabriel, but it’s true. It doesn’t mean I don’t love you and your brothers. I do, but your mother never had my heart. I’d given it to Anna Marie and never took it back.
“Regardless, Florence discovered the journal. The story becomes rather murky after that. The housekeeper said your mother had it for several days, locking herself in her room for hours. I can only conclude she read every word.” He looked at Nora. “She found out about your mother.”
Forsaken Falls Page 17
