by Linda Broday
Sierra looked at him with wide eyes. “Whatever do you mean, Sheriff Legend?” she drawled.
“You know very good and well what you do to me,” Sam growled. “You’re asking for trouble.”
“Oh my, I do hope so.” She grinned and kissed his cheek.
How in the hell had he gotten so lucky? And how could he sit there patiently while he wanted to whisk her away to her little schoolteacher house and bar the door. He watched her tuck a napkin into the neck of Hector’s clean shirt before leaning across the table to speak quietly to Becky Golden, looking all pretty with her blond hair and big brown eyes. The two already seemed fast friends. But how could anyone not love Sierra? She was one of those people everyone wanted to be with.
Him most of all.
Stoker cleared his throat behind Sam. “Don’t want to interrupt, but I need a few words.” He’d pulled his chair over next to Sam and dropped into it. “I love you, Sam. I’ve been a poor hand at saying that. I apologize for being absent when you most needed a father.
“I’m going to make that up to you, son,” Stoker continued. “I’m turning over a new leaf. No more drinking myself blind. I realized today how close I came to losing you and how much time I’ve wasted.” His voice broke. “Besides, I’ll soon have a grandson now. I can’t have Hector thinking his grandpa is some no-account drunk.”
Sam gazed at his father and tried to swallow. He knew how much the words had cost Stoker. “You don’t have to apologize, Pa. I always knew if I needed you, you’d come running. I’m glad you’re cutting back on the bourbon though. That stuff’ll kill you, and I’m not ready to bury you alongside Mother yet.”
“I’m not ready either.” Stoker laid a hand on Sam’s back. “I’m real glad you took the sheriff’s job over at Lost Point. I like having you near.”
“So you’re okay with it?”
His father let out a deep sigh. “Son, I’d rather you live here on the Lone Star, but I want you to do what makes you happy. It’s not far if I want to ride over and pay you a visit.”
Would wonders never cease? “Thanks, Pa.”
“I have a wedding gift, and I want no argument.” Stoker’s blustery voice softened. “Before you say anything, it’s not land or money. Fact of the matter, it doesn’t cost one cent, but it’s more valuable than all the land and cattle I own.”
“You sure know how to be mysterious, Pa.”
Stoker handed Sam a large envelope. “I think you’ll like it.”
Sierra finished talking to Becky and swiveled around to Stoker. “You’re always full of surprises, Stoker. Thank you for opening your arms and your heart to me. I’ve never known anyone like you.”
“I’ll be your father…if you’ll let me,” Stoker said gruffly.
Sam watched the woman he loved struggle not to cry.
“I accept. I never had much of a father, and now he’s gone.” She leaned to kiss his cheek. “Thank you for taking me in.”
“It’s no hardship to love you, dear.” Stoker patted her hand.
Under his father’s watchful eye, Sam broke the seal and removed two items, one of which was a letter. His heart stilled at sight of a woman’s delicate blue handkerchief. His fingers trembled as he held it to his face. He couldn’t stop a tear from trickling down his cheek.
“What is it, Sam?” Sierra asked.
“This belonged to my mother. It still smells like her. God, I miss her so much.” He reached for Sierra. “How I wish she was here.”
She gently rubbed his back. “She is here in spirit, sweetheart. I know it. Let’s see what she says.”
With a nod, Sam unfolded the letter from Hannah Legend and read aloud.
Dearest Sam,
If you’re reading this letter, then it means that this is your wedding day. I asked your father to give you this. I regret that I cannot be there to welcome your new bride into our family, as I know she will be a very special woman. I already know you love her, because you, my precious son, will never settle for anything less. I would tell her to be patient and gentle with you. I feel a need to warn the poor dear. Of my two boys, you have a stubborn streak a mile wide. Blame it on your father. You didn’t get that trait from me.
Sam’s mouth curled into a smile. Who was she kidding? Hannah Legend was one of the most stubborn women God ever put on the planet. She certainly gave Stoker a run for his money. He continued to read.
You’ve always had a restless spirit. Only the love of your life can change that. I suspect my new daughter will.
To both of you. Marriage can be a challenge, but oh, the rewards far outweigh any problems that arise. Always treat each other with respect and love. If you do this, you’ll have someone to stand beside and weather the storms with.
To my new daughter, I would say that you’re a very lucky woman. You’ll find no bigger heart in any man than Sam’s. He’s a diamond in the rough, though, and needs some corners sanded down. But you couldn’t get a better husband.
One of my biggest regrets is that I won’t get the pleasure of spoiling my grandchildren rotten. I do foresee many. You’ll make a wonderful father, Sam. Teach them how to be men and women you can be proud of. You have a great legacy to pass on—Legend courage, Legend honor, and Legend pride to instill in them.
Be happy always. Never settle for second best, and never compromise your principles. Those are the foundation upon which to build.
Now go kiss your bride, Sam, and spend the rest of your days being the husband I know you will be.
Much love and tenderness,
Your mother
Sam clutched the letter and handkerchief, struggling to swallow past a big lump blocking his airway. His mother’s gentle advice, her spirit, and her love, even from heaven, deeply touched him. Her foresight to do this so long ago, just for his special day, staggered him.
A sniffle drew his attention to Sierra. She brushed tears away with her hand, clearly as moved as Sam. He reached into his vest pocket, but Stoker beat him, handing Sierra a handkerchief. Sam put his arm around her, full of love for this woman who’d taught him so much.
“Your mother was an amazing person, Sam,” Sierra said with a sniffle. “If only I could’ve known her.”
“I wish you could’ve too, darlin’.” He glanced back at his father waiting behind them. “We’ll both treasure this gift forever, Pa. It means a great deal to us. But when did Mother write this?”
“Two months before she died.” Stoker cleared his throat. “She made me promise to give them to you and your wife on your wedding day. Left one for Houston too. I’d almost despaired of a reason to save them. You sure took your own sweet time,” he ended gruffly.
Sam scowled. “Houston is older than me.”
His father sighed again. “I know. But he’s also coming around.”
“I’ll always treasure Mother’s handkerchief and words.”
“I thought you might.” Stoker rose and grabbed his chair. “I’m glad you’re adopting Hector. He’s a smart boy. Don’t worry about him for a few days. I’m going to get acquainted with my grandson. Gotta get started on teaching him about the ranch. Now, let’s get back to the celebration. Houston has asked for a moment.”
After Sam and his father returned to their seats, Houston took Becky’s hand and stood. “Many of you know that I’ve been seeing someone very special for a while—”
“You could’ve knocked me over with a feather,” Stoker interrupted with a chuckle. “I’m sorry, go ahead, son.”
“Ruin the moment, Pa,” Houston joked with a grin. “Tonight, Miss Becky Golden and I are announcing our engagement.” Houston gazed deep into his love’s eyes. “Becky wants a May wedding, and I just want her. So this is a double celebration, I reckon you might say.”
Sam raised his glass high. “To you and Becky. May you find the same happiness and joy that Sierra and I have, br
other.” He and Sierra hurried around the table to congratulate them.
As Sam moved toward Houston, he stopped short. Luke sat with a sad, strange look on his face, and trying awfully hard to hide it.
Sam sat down next to him. “What’s the matter?”
“Don’t mind me, Sam. Go on over there.”
“Nope, I’m not budging until you talk.” He laid a hand on Luke’s shoulder. “Something’s wrong. Now spill it.”
“Thinking about someone is all. I’m not fit company.” Luke attempted a smile but didn’t make it and pushed back his chair. “Excuse me. I’ll congratulate our brother and Becky and get out of here. You and me have an early ride planned come morning.”
With his heart aching, Sam watched him say a few words to the happy couple and saunter from the room. If only he could change things for his brother. Luke had no plans for marriage, no letter from his mother reminding him he was cherished.
If the shoe was on the other foot, Sam knew how he’d feel.
Alone.
Unloved.
Probably unwanted as well. Hell!
Across the room, Sierra met his gaze and smiled, sending a silent message. He rose and moved to her side, slipping an arm around her waist. “Let’s offer our best wishes and leave. What do you say, soon-to-be Mrs. Legend?”
“I say yes. Do you think Luke will be all right though?” She sent a concerned glance toward the door.
“He’ll be fine. Just too much family overload and bad memories.”
A few minutes later, after offering their best wishes, Sam drew Sierra close for the short walk to her small house. When they reached the door, he swept her into his arms and carried her over the threshold. With one foot, he kicked the door shut.
“Sam, you were supposed to wait until after we’re married to carry me inside,” Sierra moaned.
“So I’ll do it twice. Besides, how do you know about this rule, lady? I thought mountain folk didn’t pay attention to this sort of thing.”
“It was a custom amongst some of the trappers,” she explained. “Their wives told me.”
Sam set her down. “Why don’t we make it a ritual for every night?”
With a giggle, Sierra kissed the hollow of his throat. “I might get too fat, and you won’t be able to lift me.”
“Silly woman.” Sam couldn’t see this slender woman getting fat. Nope.
He didn’t light a lamp. Didn’t need to. He knew Sierra’s body like the back of his hand, and the silver moonbeams streaming through the window provided all the light they’d need. Besides, he’d just have to blow it out in a second anyway, and he was all for saving time.
“Come here.” He pulled her against his chest, feeling her wild heartbeat. The kiss Sam pressed to her lips spoke of deep hunger he doubted he could ever satisfy.
“I couldn’t wait to get you behind a locked door,” he growled, nuzzling her neck while he worked at her buttons. “Where did you get such a scandalous dress? I couldn’t keep my eyes off you. I wanted to kiss you, run my hands over your body, make mad, passionate love to you right there in the dining room. And whip every man who stared at you.”
“Heavens, I’m sure glad you didn’t.” Sierra giggled. “Can you imagine the stir we’d have made?”
“Yep.” His lips found hers again. “Only thing that curbed my impatience.”
As he released the last button, the dress slithered to the floor. The rest took very little time. He kissed her silky shoulders.
“Sam, I felt the same way about you. You’re the most handsome man I’ve ever seen.” Sierra ran her fingers through his thick dark hair. “Your tanned skin against that white shirt made me ache with want. So dark and lean. But it was the smoldering flame in those beautiful gray eyes that made me tingle all over. I can’t believe I’m going to be your wife. That you would want someone like me when you could have your pick from dozens of others.”
“None of them are you. You’re the only one who has what I want.” Sweeping her up, he carried her to the bed where she propped her head on her arm and watched him undress.
“Are you really sure about this new job, Sam?”
He shed the last of his clothing. “Please stop asking, Miss Worrier. I can’t think of anything more fulfilling than helping that town and those people get back on their feet. I have lots of ideas rolling around in my head.” He lay on his side next to her and lifted a tendril of her hair, caressing it between his thumb and forefinger. “I want to draw new settlers, set up a stage line, and make Lost Point a thriving community.”
“I’m glad.” She kissed the hard planes of his chest and licked each nipple, drawing Sam’s moan. Sierra raised her head. “I’ll help. We’ll make it a wonderful place to live.”
“No more talking,” he growled, rolling on top of her. “I’m going to show you a few tricks I know, and before the night is over, you’ll be one very happy almost-wife.”
“But are you sure you’re up to it with all your bruises and scrapes and raw knuckles?”
Sam laughed. “Even if I was half dead, it wouldn’t stop me from doing what I’m about to. Are you scared?”
Sierra’s fingers tenderly brushed back his hair. “Hush and kiss me.”
Forty-four
The first fringes of daylight stole through the window like a thief, and already Sam was up and dressed. He turned to kiss his sleeping beauty, only to find her awake, watching him. The cast-iron bed creaked when he sat down on the edge.
“Good morning, darlin’.” Sam captured her lips, tracing the curve of her hip. “Sorry I woke you.”
“You didn’t.” She let her fingers trail down his chest. “I doubt if either of us slept. You didn’t fib. You definitely made me a very happy soon-to-be wife.”
The news pleased him. Hearing the smile in her voice caused his heart to race. She’d come a long way from the woman he’d met in the pounding rain.
“I hate to leave you, but—”
“You have to see what Luke wants to show you. It’s important. I’ll get to know our son and finish our wedding preparations while you’re gone. I have to find something to wear.”
“Have I told you how much I love you?”
Sierra grinned. “At least a hundred times.” She pushed back the covers. “I want to walk you to the corral. Can you wait a minute while I make myself decent?”
“Darlin’, I’ll always wait for you.”
* * *
Luke had the horses saddled by the time Sam and Sierra reached the corral. The door to headquarters opened. Stoker and Houston came toward them side by side, walking with long strides. They reminded Sam of twin avenging angels in their hand-tooled gun belts with their holsters hanging low. Either man alone would put the fear of God in anyone, but together, they were the epitome of unbeatable strength.
He and Luke seemed to be getting quite a send-off. Sam couldn’t help a grin. “You didn’t have to do this, Pa. We’ll be back. I just want to show him that old dugout down in the gulch.”
“Not me, Sam,” Luke said quietly. “I’m riding on when you head for home.”
Sam stared at his father. “You knew about this?”
“He left a note under my door.” Stoker pinned Luke with a stare. “On this ranch, we do not leave without a proper good-bye.”
Luke opened a bulging saddlebag to drop something inside. “I don’t do good-byes.”
Stoker held the black gelding’s headstall. “Luke, you’re my son, and I’m damn proud to say it. Stay here. We’ll fight this thing together. As a family. As it should be. I’ll put all my resources to work in clearing your name. You don’t have to go.”
Luke glanced away and cleared his throat. Sam suspected his brother wanted to take their father up on it, but that damn Legend pride wouldn’t let him.
“Thanks, but I have to do this myself.” Luke went to h
is father, clasping his hand. “I created this mess, and it’s up to me to fix it. I’ll never bring shame to this family. I want to earn the right to be called Luke Legend. And until I do, I’ll stay away. If I don’t go, I’ll draw nothing but trouble, men seeking to make a name for themselves by killing me. Leaving is the only way.”
Houston clasped Luke’s hand and pulled him close. “Don’t be a stranger, brother. If you need a hot meal or a place to rest, you know you’re always welcome. We’re your family, by God, and don’t you forget it.”
“Thanks, Houston.” Luke’s gaze found Sierra. “Dulce, don’t let Sam boss you around. You’ve got a good head on your shoulders. I expect to see you in the family way next time I’m by.” He winked.
She pulled away from Sam and looked up at Luke with tears in her eyes. “Be safe. You and I are kindred souls—I felt that from the first. Everything you need is here.”
“All except for the man I have to track down.” Luke’s words were hard.
“Where will you go?” A little sob caught in her throat, the sound tearing at Sam. He put an arm around her waist to let her know she could always lean on him.
“To find my freedom.” Luke kissed her forehead, then stuck a foot in the stirrup. “We’re burning daylight, Sam,” he said gruffly.
The fact that his brother hadn’t had anyone to say good-bye to in a long while made Sam’s heart ache. Luke didn’t know the impact he’d made on their lives. And he didn’t know how much they needed him.
Sam kissed Sierra one more time and assured her he’d be back soon.
“Quit daydreaming, Sam, and let’s ride,” Luke barked, interrupting his thoughts.
“Waiting for you,” Sam answered. Sparing one last glance at the barn, he galloped after Luke, taking a southwestern track toward some distant hills.
Three hours later, Luke stopped. “It’s a little hard from here. You’ll see a drop-off another twenty yards or so, and I’ll have to give them a signal once we start down.”
Them who? Sam glanced around and saw nothing but mesquite and cacti. Certainly no canyon. “What is this place?” He’d thought there wasn’t a bit of Texas ground left he hadn’t ridden over.
