She knew she and Lance had been friends for years. When she’d spent time at their house with Nelda, he’d always been like a big brother to her. But now she’d messed the friendship up by beginning to think of him as more than a friend, though he’d never given her any indication he wanted anything more.
No matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t prevent these new feelings from cropping up. Ever since he put his arm around her the day he’d rescued her from Shawn Parnell, her heart fluttered every time his arm accidently brushed hers. Lately, it did strange things when she simply looked at him. Not only that, but now she’d begun to let her imaginative thoughts run wild when she was snuggled in her bed at night. Thoughts that no respectable woman should be having about a man. Thoughts that she wondered if any normal woman had ever had. Thoughts and dreams about having that man in the bed beside her. Not just for one night, but for always.
Stabbing a green bean, she popped it into her mouth and a tear slid down her cheek. Why am I so upset because he didn’t come back to eat, and why in the world did I let my feelings change for him in the first place? We’re good friends. That’s all we’ll ever be. I’m his second little sister, and I might as well accept that.
A knock on the back door made her jump. Dropping her fork, she moved across the room and opened it. Her breath caught in her throat when she saw Lance standing there with his hat in his hand. She was too surprised to speak.
He gave her a half grin. “I’m sorry I’m so late, but I hope there might be a little left over. I’m hungry.”
“I might find something.” She stood aside and he came in. “Of course it would’ve been better when it was hot.”
“I guess I need to tell you why I’m so late. I was on my…”
She interrupted and her voice wasn’t very pleasant. “Don’t bother explaining. It’s getting late and you’re here now. You need to eat so we can all get to bed.” She moved to the shelf and took a plate, but before she filled it she asked, “Do you want to eat here or do you want to take it with you?”
He glanced at the table. “Since I see you’re eating, I might as well join you.” He hesitated, then added, “That is, if you don’t mind.”
She didn’t answer, but filled his plate and placed it on the table. Then she said, still in her snappy voice, “The coffee still feels hot. I assume you want a cup.”
“Please.”
As they took their seats at the table, Lance said again, “I’m sorry it took so long to get back, Grace. There was a break-in.”
She started to stop him, but realized what he’d said. Her voice was only curious when she asked, “What happened?”
He picked up a chicken leg. “I caught Kemp Newton and Dade Weber in Miss Purdy’s dress shop trying to get her money.”
Her hand flew to her throat. “Where was Miss Purdy?”
“They tied her up and put her in her apartment.”
“Is she all right?”
“She’s mad as a fighting bull, but otherwise she’s fine.”
Grace looked at him, and in spite of all she could do her eyes misted. “I’m sorry I was so snappy about your being late, Lance. I guess I was put out because we all expected you earlier.”
He put his fork down, reached across the table and took her hand. “Sometimes my job requires me to change my plans in a hurry, therefore you have nothing to apologize for, Grace.”
She blushed.
“Now, that’s more like it.” He let her hand go. “I’ve never seen a woman who could blush any more charmingly than you.”
After gathering her wits, Grace asked, “What are you going to do about Kemp and his friend?”
“They’ll stay in jail until Judge Hobbs gets here to hold a trial. It wouldn’t surprise me if they had to go to prison for a while. This was a pretty serious offense.”
She frowned. “I don’t think Kemp meant Miss Purdy any harm. I’m sure the other man pushed him into robbing her.”
“I did hear Kemp trying to resist the man and Miss Purdy said Kemp wouldn’t let Weber hurt her.”
“Surely the judge will take that into consideration.”
“Maybe so.”
They finished eating and Lance stood. “Thank you for waiting for me to eat and for feeding me, Grace. The food was good as usual, as was the company.”
She blushed again and muttered, “Anytime, Lance.”
“Then I’ll see you tomorrow when you bring food for the prisoners. Plan on eating with me if you can.” He picked up his hat and headed to the door. “Come lock this behind me. I don’t want anyone bursting in on you.”
At the door he turned to look at her. Neither said anything for a moment, then without warning Lance leaned down and kissed her. Not on the forehead or the cheek as a brother should, but full on the mouth. He then winked at her, put on his hat and left a stunned Grace standing in the doorway staring after him.
Chapter 10
Esther came down stairs and found Benita at the front desk. “Hello, sweetheart.”
“Benita whirled around. “Mama, are you sure you should be up?”
“Sheldon said I could get up for a little while today if I felt like it and I do.”
Benita stood and hugged her. “I’m glad you didn’t die, Mama.”
Esther laughed. “I’m glad, too. Now, where are Joel and Sheldon?”
“Joel is fishing with Teddy Olsen and Papa went to see Mr. Brown at the Mercantile. He got sick.”
“I see.” Inside she hoped Oliver Brown didn’t have the measles, but he probably did. It seemed that everyone who got sick lately had them. She didn’t want Benita to see she was concerned so she said, “I figure he’ll be tied up for a while. Why don’t you and I go and see what we can find to make for supper. I’m sure everyone is getting hungry.”
“Do you feel like it, Mama?”
“Yes, darling, I do. Sheldon said I just had a touch of pneumonia, not the measles.”
They went into the kitchen and cooked some beef and decided to stew potatoes.
“Let’s cook some corn,” Benita said. “Papa likes corn.”
“I like corn, too,” Joel said as he came in the back door.
Esther smiled at them. “Then we’ll cook some corn for Doc and Joel.”
By the time everything was finished, the doctor came back.
“What in the world are you doing in the kitchen cooking?”
“I feel much better and the children were getting hungry. I figured you would be, too.”
“I am a little. It’s been a busy day.”
“How’s Mr. Brown.”
Sheldon shook his head. “Why don’t I go put my bag in my office and then we’ll talk.”
She gathered from his evasive words that things weren’t good at the mercantile. She also knew he didn’t want to talk about it in front of the children. She would respect that, though she was anxious to know what was going on.
After they ate supper and the kitchen was clean, the children went to their rooms. Sheldon smiled at his wife. “Could we sit on the back porch were nobody can see us and have a cup of coffee together?”
“I’d like that, Sheldon. Go on out and I’ll bring the coffee.”
“No, Esther. You’re still recuperating and you need to sit down. I’ll get the coffee.”
They chatted about several things then Esther turned to him. “May I ask you a question, Sheldon?”
“Of course, my dear.”
“I know you never had children, and I was wondering how you felt about being a father to Benita and Joel.”
“I thought you knew I love being a father to them. Why are you asking that?”
“I needed to be sure.”
“Well, sweetheart, relax. I love the kids. It didn’t take me long to realize they felt like they were really mine.”
“They love you, too. If they didn’t, they wouldn’t call you Papa.”
He grinned. “I’m beginning to think they do love me, and I like them calling me Papa.”
He raised an eyebrow. “Don’t tell me you have another child tucked away somewhere and haven’t told me about it.”
Esther took a deep breath. “I do have one. One you don’t know about, Sheldon.”
He turned toward her. Puzzlement covered his face. “What the hell are you talking about, Esther?”
“To be such a wonderful doctor, you’re not very observant.” When he only stared at her, she add, “I’m pregnant, Sheldon. We’re going to have a baby.”
* * * *
Grace stepped into the jail with a basket of food for the arrested men. She had no doubt that Effie had put in enough for Lance, too. Secretly, she hoped he’d remember asking her to eat with him when he came by last night. Seeing Jed Wainwright sitting across from Lance’s desk, she knew there would be no sharing dinner with Lance today. She didn’t know if she was pleased or upset by this. Maybe it was for the best. She was still a little shaken because of the unexpected kiss, though she knew it was probably an impulse thing for him. At least he had kissed her and it was something she would always remember.
Jed tipped his hat at her. “Hello, Grace.”
“Hi, Jed. Did Amelia and Aaron come into town with you?”
“Amelia did, but she left Aaron with her mother. She’s still skittish about bringing the baby in crowds. We know the measles outbreak is about over, but she doesn’t want to take a chance and neither do I.”
“I can’t blame either of you for that.” She sat the basket on the end of Lance’s desk. “I hope there’ll be enough for you as well as the prisoners.”
Lance smiled and stood. “I’m sure there will be. I’d ask you to join me, but Jed was saying he and Amelia plan to come to the hotel for dinner so she can talk with you.”
Grace looked at Jed. “Where is she now?”
“She went to the mercantile to see Wilma.”
“Then I’ll see you and Amelia later at the hotel.” She turned to leave.
“Thanks for bringing this, Grace.” Lance was still smiling at her.
As she went out the door she heard Jed ask, “What’s going on between you and Grace?”
Though she would’ve loved to, she didn’t hear Lance’s answer. She guessed she’d never know what he said.
She jumped when a voice behind her said, “Hello, Grace.”
She turned to see Lillian Purdy coming toward the jail. “Hello, Miss Purdy. I heard about the attempted robbery at your shop. I’m so sorry it happened. How are you doing?”
“I’m just fine physically, but I’m getting angrier and angrier every time I think of that ruffian pushing his way into my business and trying to get my money. I work hard, and I can’t afford for some drunk to take what I’ve earned when he don’t plan to do a thing with it except buy spirits.”
“Everybody knows Kemp Newton is the town drunk, but I’m surprised he tried to rob you. I’ve never known him to be violent to anyone.”
“He didn’t want to rob me, but that other man pushed him into it. He tied to resist, but he was too drunk, and I don’t think he really knew what was going on.”
“I guess when he needs his liquor, he’ll do what anybody tells him to do.”
“At least he had sense enough about him to keep the man from hitting me. That’s why I want to talk to the sheriff again today.”
“Oh?”
“Yes. I want to see if he can keep Kemp in jail for a few days, then let him go and just keep the other man locked up until the judge comes to town. After all, they didn’t get my money and I wasn’t hurt and like I said, I don’t think Kemp meant any harm.”
Grace knew Lance well enough to know he wouldn’t bend the law. Not even for Kemp. He’d make sure the man stood trial just like his partner. She didn’t tell Miss Purdy this, though. The lady would find out as soon as she asked Lance to let Kemp go. “I’m sure the sheriff will listen to you, Miss Purdy, but I have no idea what he’ll do.”
“Well, it was nice to see you, Grace.”
“Nice to see you, too, Miss Purdy.
Lillian opened the jailhouse door and stepped inside, and Grace continued down the boardwalk.
As she came to Brown’s Mercantile, she decided she’d go inside. She owed Wilma a visit and she wanted to speak to Amelia. It would be nice to see two of her best friends at the same time.
* * * *
Lance looked across his desk at Jed. “What do you mean?”
“Just what I said. What’s going on between you and Grace Hunter?”
“I’m not sure I know what you’re talking about when you….”
Jed interrupted. “Don’t hand me that, Lance. It doesn’t take an overly smart person to see the sparks flying between the two of you. Not very easy to miss those looks you gave her when she came in.”
Lance still didn’t want to admit to his friend there was an attraction to Grace. “I’ve known Grace ever since she was a kid. She and my sister, Nelda were friends along with Amelia and Wilma. Since the two of them lived on ranches and since both Grace’s family and mine lived in town, she spent a lot of time at our house. There’s nothing more between us than a special friendship. I’m a happy single man and I intend to stay that way for a long time yet.”
Jed chuckled. “Go ahead and deny it, if you have to. I was the same way once.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Lance, when I brought that last bunch of criminals in to your jail, I planned to get myself cleaned up, go over to the saloon, pick up a woman and a bottle and have myself a night I could remember. Then I ran into that tiny, blue-eyed blond and my whole life changed. Oh, I fought it for a while. Even after we were married, I couldn’t accept the fact that Rafe Donahue’s daughter could possibly love me. She was a girl who had everything she’d ever wanted. There was no way she’d be satisfied to be married to a half-breed former bounty hunter for the rest of her life. Now look at us.”
“Everyone knows how much Amelia loves you, Jed.”
“I know that, too, now. But it took almost losing her for me to admit how much I loved her and to realize I couldn’t live without her.”
“You’re talking about when Venable kidnaped her, aren’t you?”
Jed nodded. “I knew then I’d walk through Hell with a smile on my face for that woman. I also knew if I got her back from him, there was no way I’d ever let her go, no matter what.”
“You’re a lucky man. You’ve got the kind of life all of us want for ourselves.”
“Then if you find Grace is the woman you want, don’t blow it by acting as if she could never love you back.” Before Lance could answer, Jed changed the subject and added, “Now I’m ready to discuss what I came in here for.”
Lance was glad to stop talking about Grace before he said something he didn’t want to admit. At least not this early in their relationship. “And what was that?”
“What do you know about the Parnell man who has moved into Sam McCormick’s place?”
“I know he has a teenaged son that likes to come to town, get drunk and start trouble. Then his pa comes in and pays him out of that trouble.”
“That’s it?”
“The man, Nelson is a gambler and the son is like a lot of young men who are trying to impress their fathers as well as everybody else in town.” Lance frowned. “Why the interest in this family, Jed?”
“I realize it’s none of my business, but it’s close to the portion of the Circle 2 where Curt lives. He said the other day he noticed a man and Parnell sitting on their horses on a ridge that looks down on the big grazing pasture. I just don’t know what they were up to, but I don’t want any trouble.”
“The other man was probably a man they call Rocky. Anyway, that’s what Parnell called him when they came in here to get the son out of jail. Rocky didn’t say a word, but Nelson Parnell said enough for both of them.”
“I figure a gambler must have some reason to be in t
his area other than the games in the Wildcat. I don’t think there’s a lot of money to be made gambling in this town.”
Lance nodded. “I agree and I’ll certainly keep my eyes and ears open. I’ve only met Parnell and his son. Rocky has never spoken in my presence.”
“I guess that’s about all I have to say. I just wanted to make you aware of something strange going on, if you weren’t already.”
“I appreciate it, Jed. As I said, I’ll see what I can find out. I’ll also see if Fielding has any more information. He did tell me that McCormick came in and signed his ranch over to Parnell.”
“He told me that, too.” Jed stood, put on his hat. “I appreciate your time, Lance, but now I’ve got to go see if my wife is through shopping. I’m not trying to tell you what to do, but do yourself a favor and think about what I said concerning your affection for Grace. I’m sure if you feel like your looks tell me you do, you won’t be sorry.”
There was no time for either of them to say anything else because Lillian Purdy opened the door and walked into the jail office.
Jed tipped his hat, nodded to her, then went out onto the street.
* * * *
Grace found Wilma with Amelia in Brown’s Mercantile at the table containing baby clothes. Stanley Brown was behind the counter, but he only nodded at her when she came in. She knew he’d not say a word about the three of them gathering to chat while he waited on the other customers. Not only did Jed Wainwright and his family spend a lot of money at the mercantile, but the Circle 2 Ranch that Jed and Curt Allison owned was the store’s biggest customer. She figured Stanley would never upset Amelia by calling Wilma away from her friends.
“Hi, Grace,” Wilma greeted her. “It’s good to see you.”
“Are you not working today?” Amelia asked.
“I am. I took food to the jail for the prisoners and Jed told me you were here. I thought I’d stop by and say hello to both of you.”
“I’m glad you did.” Wilma smiled.
Amelia cocked an eye. “Who’s in jail now?”
Grace's Dream Page 9
