Forsaken Falls

by Shirleen Davies

  “So you say.” He watched as JW’s nostrils flared. “I don’t recall ever meeting your wife. Did she die with Baylor?”

  “Hell no. A group of men raided our camp, set it on fire. My wife, Hattie, died in the flames.”

  Wyatt cringed, shifting his aim slightly as JW moved to the right. “Sorry she died, but I didn’t have anything to do with it.” He’d heard about a fire destroying a raider camp, but didn’t know which one or anything about casualties. “Were you the ones who shot at the men at the ranch and set it on fire?”

  “The same.” JW grinned.

  “I’m not sorry I killed a few of them. I’d suggest you give your men more training. Their night fighting skills need considerable improvement.”

  The grin on JW’s face faded. “My men are the best.”

  The sound of rustling leaves behind him stopped Wyatt’s response. He’d wondered when the second man would figure out he and JW were in a standoff.

  “Put the rifle down, Jackson.”

  Not moving, Wyatt shifted his aim from JW’s head to his chest. He preferred going for the sure kill. With a second man, he had to settle for dropping JW.

  “I don’t think so, Derrick.”

  “How do you know my name?”

  A wry grin split Wyatt’s face. “Wasn’t hard when you were shouting your names at each other.”

  “Doesn’t matter. Lower your rifle and put your arms behind you.”

  “I’ll lower it once JW is dead. I guarantee he’ll drop before me.” Wyatt watched as realization dawned on JW’s face. The man knew he’d die, regardless of what happened to Wyatt.

  JW flinched at the sound of horses moving through the bushes, his gun firing, the shot whizzing past Wyatt’s shoulder.

  Crouching, Wyatt took his shot, hitting JW in the chest. Lifting his arm, he aimed at Wyatt once more, staggering back as a series of shots riddled his body.

  Whirling around, Wyatt spotted Dirk, Travis, and several others from the ranch, their guns still trained on the two men. Behind him, Derrick lay on the ground, his breathing ragged.

  Straightening, Wyatt lowered his rifle, staring down at the men who’d taken Nora. The thought had him rushing to Derrick’s side. Kneeling, he grabbed his shoulders.

  “Where’s Nora?”

  Derrick’s eyes opened to slits. “Go to hell.”

  Shaking him, Wyatt repeated the question, getting a feral grin in response before Derrick wheezed out a final breath. Muttering a curse, he felt a hand grip his shoulder.

  “We’ll find her, Wyatt.” Dirk turned to the others. “Are any of you aware of a cabin, cave, anything close by where they could be holding Miss Evans?”

  The men whispered between themselves, shaking their heads.

  Standing, Wyatt removed his hat, running a hand through his hair. “There must be some place close. They wouldn’t have left her too far away.”

  Dirk shook his head. “Unless they meant to leave her once they killed you.”

  Cold fear ripped through Wyatt’s veins. Pushing away the ball of dread lodged in his gut, he turned toward the men.

  “We have to spread out.” He looked at Dirk. “Does Gabe know what’s happening?”

  “I sent one of the men to town to tell him where we’d be.”

  Wyatt whistled for Rogue. He slid the rifle into the scabbard and mounted within seconds of the stallion joining him. Reining his horse around, he took a look around, getting his bearings.

  “I’ll head south with a few men…” His words trailed off when he saw Gabe, Cash, and several others approaching, circling around them.

  “Have you found her?” No one could miss the worry in Gabe’s voice.

  Wyatt shook his head. “Not yet. Unfortunately, we killed the men who took her before we found out her location.” He looked at Cash, Beau, and Dutch. “Do any of you know of an abandoned cabin? Any place they could’ve taken her?”

  Gabe scrubbed a hand down his face. “Noah doesn’t go there much, but he has a cabin a mile from town. He keeps it stocked and rides out there at least once a week to check on it.”

  “Didn’t the Frey brothers keep a hunting cabin south of here?” Beau asked. “If I recall, it’s about three miles from my ranch, which makes it a good four miles away.”

  “I doubt she’s west of here.” Cash pointed toward the mountains. “There’s nothing on the other side of the falls except tall peaks.”

  “Hold up a minute.”

  They all turned to look at Tat.

  “Seems to me there’s a place not far from here. Trappers built it years ago. I don’t believe it’s been used in a long time.”

  “Can you find it, Tat?” Wyatt asked, his gut telling him they’d identified the place.

  Glancing around, Tat studied the area, nodding. “There’s a trail off that way. Stay on it and we should come upon the cabin in a mile or so.”

  Gabe looked at his deputies, then the rest of the men. “We start there first.”

  Nora tugged at her bindings, refusing to accept she could do nothing to help Wyatt. JW and Derrick discussed where they were to meet him, knowing their conversation would never go beyond the walls of the cabin. She had every reason to believe they planned to leave her and never return.

  Before leaving, Derrick had checked the ropes holding her wrists and ankles in place. To her relief, he hadn’t looked closely enough to see where they had begun to fray. Nora waited until she heard the sound of their horses, then continued to pull on the ropes. When her arms tired, she pulled with her legs, repeating the sequence until exhaustion caused her to stop.

  Blowing out a breath, Nora looked around, knowing she could do nothing as long as the bindings held. Fear for Wyatt had her pulling at the ropes again, praying her strength held long enough to break the restraints. She couldn’t lay there and do nothing, knowing those men intended to kill him.

  Fear flashed through her at the sound of approaching horses. Had they killed Wyatt already? Were they bringing him back to the cabin? Tears formed in her eyes when she heard boots pounding up the steps. An instant later, the door flew open.

  Wyatt froze at the sight of her tied to the bed, dress askew, tears streaking her face. Rushing forward, he knelt, cupping her face in both hands.

  “Nora.” His voice shook as his gaze raked over her, looking for injuries.

  “You’re all right,” she choked out. “They were going to kill you.”

  Leaning down, he pressed a kiss to her lips. “Don’t you know I’m too cantankerous to die?” He reached up, working the knots holding her wrists while Gabe untied those around her ankles.

  “Gabe.” Her voice cracked, seeing the relief on his face.

  “How are you, sweetheart? Did they hurt you?”

  She shook her head, sitting up, rubbing her wrists. “They were after Wyatt.” Glancing toward the door, she saw Cash and the other men standing on the porch, watching.

  Stepping inside, Cash’s gaze moved over her. “Allie is beside herself with worry. As is Lena and everyone else who heard what happened.”

  “Thank you.” She looked at the others still standing at the door. “Thanks to all of you.”

  “Let’s get you home.” Wyatt lifted her into his arms.

  “You don’t need to carry me.”

  His gaze locking on hers, Wyatt nodded. “Yes, I do.”

  More than a week had passed without a word from Wyatt. He’d ridden back to Gabe’s house, Nora secured on his lap the entire time, holding her as if he’d never let her go. After placing her on the bed, he kissed her forehead, then left without another word. His behavior confused and infuriated her. Lena told her to give him time. She wondered how much longer to wait before riding to Redemption’s Edge and confronting him.

  Nora stayed home one full day, then returned to the shop, ready to resume her life and forget the horror JW and Derrick created. Allie put her right to work, somehow knowing keeping Nora busy would be the best way to put the events behind her.

&nbs
p; “We’re closing the shop at noon for a couple hours. Cash is coming by to take us next door.”

  Shaking her head, she didn’t look up. “I’m not real hungry. Why don’t the two of you go and I’ll keep the shop open?”

  Setting down the dress she worked on, Allie rose, coming to stand by Nora. “Nonsense. It’s Tuesday and we’re almost caught up on Ruby’s order. You’re coming with us. You haven’t left the shop, except to go home, since you returned. You need to get out, even if for a short while.”

  A grim smile crossed Nora’s face. Several people had come by to check on her, wishing her well, telling her if she needed anything to let them know. It seemed the entire town knew what happened and wanted to help. All except the one man she wanted to see.

  “He didn’t come to church, Allie. Gabe sent a rider out to the ranch, inviting him to Sunday supper. He didn’t send a response.” Drawing in a shaky breath, Nora glanced up. “After everything, he could’ve at least told me to my face he didn’t want to be more than friends.”

  Allie knelt beside her, noting how well the welts on her wrists had healed. “You know Cash and I like Wyatt. He’s a good man. Maybe he isn’t ready for the responsibility of a family. Isabella has been waiting a long time for Travis to come to his senses. I’m beginning to think Wyatt may be a lot like him. He cares a great deal, but can’t make the commitment.”

  “Or he might have realized his feelings for me aren’t as strong as he once thought. The entire town sees him as a hero.” Nora lifted a brow as she looked at Allie. “Including all the single women. They come in here and talk about him in ways, well…you know what I mean.”

  “Not everyone knows he’s courting you. They wouldn’t say such things if they did.”

  “Was courting me, Allie. Rachel and Ginny have been in here. Both were surprised I hadn’t heard from him, and they see him every day.”

  The front door opened. “Are you ladies ready?” Cash walked in, leaning down to kiss Allie.

  “I don’t know…” Nora shook her head.

  Cash grabbed the back of her chair, pulling it away from the table. “No excuses. You’re coming with us. Allie says you haven’t been anywhere except the shop. That changes today.” Taking her hand, he helped her up, then smiled.

  “What has you so happy?” Allie asked.

  “I’m going to have the two prettiest women in Splendor at my table.” Opening the door, he closed it behind them. Looking up, then down the street, he took their arms, starting across.

  Allie cocked her head. “Aren’t we going to McCalls for dinner?”

  “A little change. We’re going to the Eagle’s Nest. Gabe mentioned the chef is doing something special today he thought we’d like to try.”

  “Are you sure, Cash?” Nora asked. “A meal at the Eagle’s Nest is at least twice what McCalls charges.”

  “I think I can handle it. Even on the tiny salary Gabe pays me.” Escorting them up the steps, he opened the door.

  Thomas walked up, a huge smile on his face. Looking between the three of them, his gaze settled on Cash. “Your table is ready, Mr. Coulter. Please, follow me.”

  Nora kept her head down, still debating whether to return to the shop, letting Cash and Allie have a special meal alone. Following them toward the far corner, she glanced up, her jaw dropping.

  The table had been set for six. Wyatt, dressed in his finest attire, stood a couple feet away. Gabe and Lena were on the other side of the table.

  “What is this?” She looked at each of them, her gaze settling on Wyatt.

  Walking to her, he pulled out a chair. “Would you care to sit next to me?”

  Her world began to slow as her heart pounded. She refused to hope Wyatt being here meant he still cared.

  “Of course.” Sitting down, she watched as the others took their seats. All except Wyatt. “Aren’t you joining us?”

  “I am. First, I have something to say.” Wyatt let out a shaky breath before lowering himself to one knee.

  Her eyes widened, heart near bursting out of her chest. She found it hard to breathe. Harder to take her eyes off Wyatt.

  “I’m no good at this, Nora. God knows, you deserve someone better.” He swallowed, forcing himself to continue. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a small pouch. “The truth is, I’m no good without you.” Opening the pouch, he pulled out a gold band with a small amethyst in the center. “This belonged to my sister.” He stared down at it. “I know it’s not a proper wedding band, but until I can get one…” His voice trailed off when he looked up, seeing tears streaming down her cheeks. “I guess this isn’t the best way to ask you to marry me.”

  Shaking her head, Nora swiped moisture from her face. “Yes.”

  He sent a puzzled glance at Gabe, who shrugged. “Is that a yes, this wasn’t the best way to ask?”

  Shaking her head again, she reached out, cupping his hands in hers. “It’s yes, Wyatt. I’d be honored to marry you.” Forgetting all semblance of propriety, she threw her arms around his neck. “I love you,” she whispered against his ear.

  Pulling back, Wyatt searched her face, seeing everything he’d ever wanted right in front of him. “I love you, too, sweetheart.”

  Epilogue

  Two weeks later…

  Walter Evans stormed through the house, something he’d become quite good at since returning from his hunting trip to learn of Nora’s betrothal. He’d even ridden out to the Pelletier ranch, confronting Wyatt about how he intended to support his daughter and where they planned to live.

  “Would you please settle down, Father? It won’t do you any good to stress yourself about the marriage. It’s done. She’s now Mrs. Wyatt Jackson, and in a few minutes, we’re going to be besieged by half the town looking to congratulate them.” Gabe handed Walter a whiskey. “Drink this. It will lift your spirits.”

  “She’ll be living in a cabin, Gabriel.”

  “It’s a house on the street behind the millinery. And it’s a nice place. I lived in it myself before Lena and I married.”

  Walter tossed back the whiskey, shaking his head. “It’s a shack.”

  Gabe choked on his drink. “It would make Nora and Wyatt very happy if you’d accept the life they’ve chosen. If you could make the choice again, wouldn’t you live in a shack with Anna Marie over a palace with a woman you didn’t love?” Gabe had given a lot of thought to what his father had shared. Although he had loved his mother, he understood what his father had felt at being separated from the one person who brought him happiness. Gabe would feel the same if Lena weren’t in his life. Picking up the bottle, he refilled his father’s glass.

  Holding it up, Walter studied the amber liquid, shaking his head. “She’ll live in a shack with a ranch hand and work at a millinery. Your mother would’ve hated it.”

  Gabe smiled. “I’d wager Anna Marie would’ve loved it.”

  Chuckling, Walter touched his glass to Gabe’s. “How true.” Taking a sip, he turned when the door opened and a flood of people entered the house. “Are you certain having the reception here was a good idea?”

  Setting down his glass, Gabe nodded. “Absolutely. Now, come on. It’s time to say hello to your new son-in-law.”

  “I did that at the church.”

  “Well, Father, it’s time to do it again.” Heading outside, Gabe couldn’t help but smile when he saw Wyatt helping Nora from the carriage Baron Klaussner insisted they use.

  “She’s beautiful, Gabe.” Lena slid her arm through his, watching as people walked up to the couple to give their congratulations. “Oh, this is perfect.” She nodded toward a wagon carrying the four mail order brides. “This is the perfect place for single men and women to meet.”

  Shaking his head, Gabe kissed her, then started down the steps.

  “Where are you going?” Lena asked, her brows drawing together.

  “To warn the single men.”

  Within a short time, the house and yard were full of people, the tables groaning under the weig
ht of food. A small area had been cleared for dancers, the band playing a mix of lively tunes and slower ballads.

  Wyatt stood off to one side with Cash, Gabe, Beau, Noah, and Bull, watching as his bride moved from one group to another, joy radiating from her face.

  “Do you think Dutch has any idea what he’s doing?” Beau asked, watching as his fellow deputy talked to Deborah Chestro and May Bacon, two of the young women Lena had brought to town.

  “Stirring up trouble is my guess.” Noah sipped his punch, wincing at the sweet taste. “He has no more interest in marriage than any of us did.”

  “Before it all happened to us.” Cash smiled. All six of them had come to Splendor as single men, intending to stay that way. How their lives had changed.

  Wyatt’s gaze moved to the other side of the room where Travis talked with Sylvia Lucero, another of the four young women new to Splendor. A few feet away, Isabella laughed at something Baron Klaussner said.

  Bull looked at Wyatt. “Do you think Travis is ever going to realize what’s right in front of him?”

  Shaking his head, Wyatt thought of the few times Travis had spoken of Isabella. “I don’t know.”

  “Hope the man figures it out before Klaussner steps in and takes his place. It’d be a shame for him to lose such a fine woman.”

  Wyatt glanced at Bull, wondering if he knew something more about Klaussner. “Do you think he’s interested?”

  Bull swirled the punch around in his glass. “All I can see is the way he looks at Isabella. That’s the look of a man seeing something he wants. She’s a widow, he’s a widower. They both have money. It could make sense.”

  Wyatt didn’t have time to dwell on the logic of Bull’s observation before Nora joined them, slipping her arm through his.

  “You look serious.” She kissed his cheek, smiling at the look on his face.

  He leaned closer, whispering into her ear. “Just wondering about Travis and Isabella.”

  Looking across the room, she noticed one talking to Sylvia and one to the baron. “You’re closer to him than me. What do you think?”

  Wyatt shook his head, breathing in the fresh scent of vanilla and roses. “Right now, I don’t care. I’m just glad I figured out what mattered to me before you left for New York.”