JOSIE WASN’T SURE WHY her heartbeat was slamming out of control... but she suspected it had something to do with whoever just walked into the barn. Only her family would come in here.
Slowly, she wiggled out of Wyatt’s arms and raised her head enough to peer toward the fast footsteps. James paced in one section of the barn as he ran his fingers through his hair. He hadn’t been drinking or he’d be bumping into things by now. Although it made her happy to see he wasn’t drunk as a skunk, she knew something bothered him greatly, especially since he never came into the barn. Well, at least that she knew about, anyway.
She dropped back beside Wyatt. “It’s James,” she whispered.
He cringed and rubbed his forehead.
She pointed toward the window and said softly, “Go out that way. It’s easy. I’ll try and distract my brother.”
Wyatt nodded and lifted to move, but then turned back toward her and kissed her on the lips first, before creeping toward the window.
Grinning, she stood and swiped the hay off her breeches and then ran her fingers through her hair to remove the straw there, too. She took careful steps toward her brother as she walked away from the spot where she and Wyatt had been. If she could get her brother to look toward the tack room, he wouldn’t see Wyatt sneaking out.
She reached a part of the barn where the floor squeaked. It was inevitable. She knew James would hear her. He spun around toward her, his eyes wide with surprise.
“What are you doing out there?” she asked walking toward him.
“I... I needed a quiet place to think.” He rubbed his neck.
“Well, I definitely know about that. But I’m still making more of my carts, so I’m not sure how much quiet time you’ll get.” She headed toward the tack room.
“Where are you going?” he snapped and grasped her arm, stopping her.
“To get my tools.”
“You keep them in the tack room? I’ve never seen them in there before.”
He was right, of course, and now she wondered why he knew that. He must come out here when she was at work. “True, but there’s one specific tool that I need and the last time I saw it, it was in there.”
“Josie, instead of working on your cart, would you talk to me? I... I need someone to confide in right now.”
This was certainly a surprise. James hadn’t wanted to talk like close siblings since he returned from the war. How could she tell him no now?
“All right, I’ll listen.” She moved over to an old crate and sat.
He resumed his pacing. “I’ve been thinking a lot these past few days – well, since Wyatt came back – and I’m wondering what you’d think if I decided to become a blacksmith.”
She must not be hearing correctly, and yet... She stood and moved toward her brother slowly, sniffing. No, he definitely wasn’t drunk because she couldn’t smell it on him. And he really appeared to be struggling with a problem. Her heartbeat skipped in happiness.
“Tell me this isn’t a joke.”
James chuckled. “No. I’m really thinking of doing that.”
“That’s a wonderful idea.” She grasped his hands and squeezed. “Why are you so hesitant about it?”
“Ma expects me to take over Pa’s business, but...” He sighed heavily. “I just don’t want to be a doctor.”
“James, you have to do what your heart tells you. I know you love horses, and I’ve seen you repair our buggy and wagon before. I think you’d make an incredible blacksmith.”
His smile widened. “Wyatt put the idea in my head, and since then, I’ve not thought of anything else. I haven’t drunk myself into a stupor, and I’m actually planning on how to become a blacksmith, but...” He paused and chewed on his bottom lip.
“But, what?” she urged.
“But I’ll need to use this barn for my shop until I can afford to build my own.”
Now she knew why James was so hesitant. He knew this was her barn – this was where she always disappeared to when she had the urge to build something. Her heart softened for her brother. He needed this barn more than she did, and maybe with Wyatt in her life, she wouldn’t need to be out here as much, anymore.
“Yes, you can have the barn. I’ll find somewhere else to store my unfinished inventions.”
“Thanks, Josie.” He hugged her tightly. “I’ll let you help me if you want.”
She stepped away from him and grinned. “You know, that actually sounds rather fun.”
He moved beside her and slipped an arm around her shoulders. “Now, I just need one more thing from you.”
“What’s that?”
“You have to help me tell Ma.”
Inwardly, she groaned. It was hard to talk to a woman who wanted her life perfect and her children’s lives perfect. Their mother hated change, and she definitely disliked conflict.
“Well, all right, but I’ll be honest with you. Telling Ma does not sound enjoyable at all.”
He laughed as they walked out of the barn.
Josie glanced behind them, hoping that Wyatt had been able to get out. Thankfully, she didn’t see him, but she noticed there was a little light coming from the tack room, and a shadow moved inside.
She held her breath as fear chilled her bones. James was hiding something – or someone. Now she knew she had to see what it was. But right now, she’d let James think she didn’t know anything, so she followed him out of the barn and into the house.
NINE
Everyone at work was quiet today, especially Elizabeth. Of course, they all had a right to be. Someone was still killing women who were newly engaged. Josie would be worried, except she wasn’t engaged, so she didn’t think she would be next on the list to die. But Salina had been a friend to the other waitresses. With her gone, it made a huge difference.
Although the train’s passengers kept Josie busy today, she had so much on her mind. James never gave her a moment to return back to the barn. Instead, he felt that he needed to make up for lost time with his sister. It irritated her that he was hiding something from her, but she tried to act as if everything was normal.
Their mother, however, was not normal. James’ blacksmith announcement didn’t sit well with the older woman. She shot down his ideas and told him that he couldn’t do it – that he didn’t have the intelligence or the stamina. It hurt Josie that her own mother couldn’t have more faith in James. Before the war, he had impressed everyone, so Josie knew he had it in him. He could do anything if he wanted it badly enough.
After Ma had retired for the night, Josie assured James that he could be a blacksmith – or anything he wanted to be. All he needed was confidence. She promised him that she’d do all she could to help him succeed.
Yawning, she tried to make herself wake up as she served the train’s passengers. Due to her long night talking to her brother, she’d slept in and had to hurry in order to make it to the hotel on time. It irritated her that she hadn’t been able to sneak into the barn to discover who her brother was hiding in there.
The lunch rush helped to push her thoughts to the back of her mind. Once the dining area was empty again, she meandered around the room feeling exhausted. Smiling lazily, she thought of Wyatt, and their passionate kiss inside the barn. They couldn’t keep sneaking around. Just as he’d mentioned, they would eventually get caught. So then, what was he going to do about it? They never reached that topic in their conversation before passion had taken over.
“Josette?”
Josie whipped around to see Adam and Elizabeth walking her way. Both of them wore disappointed frowns. Her heart dropped. Had she done something wrong?
“Josette,” Adam began, “I first must tell you that your cart idea is brilliant. I’ve never seen anything like it.”
Joy began to pour inside of her, and yet... by the look of his saddened face, she knew something bad was going to come out of his mouth very soon.
“However,” he continued, “I noticed that the wheels are scratching up my floor.” He shook his h
ead. “I’ll admit, I’m very picky about the appearance of my hotel, which means I cannot have my dining room floor scratched up.” He patted her shoulder. “I hope you understand.”
Josie slowly inhaled, trying not to let the news crush her – but it was. She felt like crying, but she held strong. “Yes, Adam. Of course, I understand.”
Elizabeth took Josie’s hands in hers and gave them a reassuring squeeze. “Perhaps you can keep working on the cart to make it better. I thought it was a wonderful idea, if it wasn’t for the squeaky wheels, of course.”
“Thank you both.” Josie tried to smile. “I promise I’ll keep working to make the cart perfect.”
Adam nodded. “I know you will. I’ve been impressed with your inventions.”
Josie’s throat tightened. She didn’t dare speak, so she nodded instead and watched her cousin and Adam leave the dining area. She quickly turned toward the window as tears stung her eyes. Blinking rapidly, she willed herself not to cry.
From out in the hallway, she heard a familiar voice. Her spirits lifted as she swung around. Her heartbeat picked up a faster rhythm.
Wyatt walked into the dining area and removed his hat. When his gaze met hers, she released a heady sigh. He was so very handsome wearing brown... or any color, really. But the brown emphasized his tanned skin. However, it was his eyes that she loved staring into, and his mouth that she wanted on hers.
The closer he walked toward her, the wider his smile stretched. He stopped in front of her and winked.
“Darlin’,” he said softly, “you do know that you cannot hide your feelings very well, right?”
She released another sigh and shook her head. “I don’t want to any longer.”
“Do you want to let everyone know that we are courting?”
“Are we?” Her heart bounced with excitement.
Nodding, he took her hand in his and linked their fingers. “Let’s take a walk outside.”
“Oh, yes. I need something to cheer me up.”
“What’s wrong?”
“Adam just told me that my cart is scratching up the dining room floor. So, until I can get that repaired, he doesn’t want me using my cart in here.”
“Oh, Josie. I’m sorry, but I have faith that you’ll be able to make it work.” Wyatt winked.
She held onto his arm with the other hand while their fingers were entwined. When the other waitresses saw Josie with Wyatt, they gasped, and some even giggled, and as always, some whispered behind their hands. Josie didn’t mind at all now. She couldn’t wait until the whole world knew she was in love with this wonderful Texas Ranger.
They strode along the broad wrap-around porch, passing the rocking chairs with a few hotel patrons sitting on them. They eyed Josie and Wyatt and smiled.
“You were on my mind all night,” he said, stopping by the railing. He faced her and took both of her hands in his. “If it’s all right with you, I want to talk to your mother and brother tonight.”
“At the same time?”
“Why not?”
She snorted a laugh. “Because after James told my mother about wanting to be a blacksmith last night, my mother went to bed with the vapors.”
“That doesn’t sound encouraging.”
“I’m sure it won’t bother her for long. She’s always wanted James to take over Pa’s practice.”
“Do you think she blames me for convincing him to become something different?”
“If she does, she’s a fool. I think James will make a perfect blacksmith... as long as he stays sober. Thank you for giving him the idea. You are the perfect friend.”
“I’d like to be the perfect friend for you, too.”
She held her breath. Friend? But, didn’t he just say he wanted to court her? “I, um... well, I suppose we can be friends...”
Slowly, she pulled her hands away. Suddenly, his eyes widened in panic and he grasped her hands again. This time, he brought them to his mouth. He placed a kiss on the back of each hand.
“No, you don’t understand. I want to court you, but I also want to be your friend. I want you to confide in me about everything, just as I will with you. Communication is the key to a lasting marriage.”
She breathed easier now. “I told you that I don’t have many friends, so it’ll be refreshing to have another one.”
“Who are your friends?” He kissed the back of her hands again – slower this time, staring deeply into her eyes.
“Annie, although I think of her as an older sister. Oh, and Eunice, who is Annie’s younger sister.” Pausing, she tried to think of the women she worked with. “My cousin, Elizabeth, but she’s been so busy with the hotel and taking care of her sweet daughter, Rose, and being a wife to her loving husband that we really haven’t had time to do anything together.”
“Is that all?”
She nodded as a frown took over her face. “Yes.” She glanced back at the hotel and peered through the window. She could see inside the dining area, and the waitresses were watching Josie and Wyatt. “Most of the town thinks I’m... crazy.”
Wyatt gathered her in his arms. Surprise washed over her that he would be so open with his affections. She rested her hands on his broad shoulders and gazed into his mesmerizing grayish-blue eyes.
“We’ll make them eat their words, won’t we?” he said. “When they see how much I love you, they’ll realize what a gem you are.”
Surprise washed over her. Had she heard him correctly?
Slowly, she shook her head. “Wyatt? Did you just tell me—”
“Yes. I love you, Josette Allen.” He chuckled softly. “I think I always have, but in a different way because you were my friend’s little sister. When you were younger, I enjoyed teasing you as you traipsed around in your boy’s breeches with your beautiful long hair flowing over your shoulders. I liked the way you laughed, and the way you made me laugh. I looked forward to seeing what contraption you’d make next because I knew you were going to astound me.”
A lump formed in her throat and tears stung her eyes. “And all that time,” she whispered, “I was in love with you, but I knew you’d never look at me as a woman.” She licked her suddenly dried lips. “And then when you married Marjorie, my heart was shattered because I knew I’d never get to love you the way I’ve always wanted.”
Sighing, he tilted his head. “Can I tell you a secret about Marjorie?”
She nodded.
“I never felt about her the way I feel about you. She was a lovely, genteel woman from a fine family. But she wouldn’t let me kiss her very much. She never wanted to talk about things that were on her mind.” He shrugged. “She never made me laugh. Not once.”
Happiness welled inside of Josie and she melted against him, keeping her gaze locked to his beautiful eyes. “Wyatt, I can’t believe how much I love you right now.”
He caressed her cheek. “Yes, I think I know. I can tell by your expression.”
“Would it be improper if I kissed you right now?” she whispered.
“Probably. Perhaps we should wait until after we’ve told your family.”
“All right.”
He hooked her hand around his elbow and slowly walked her back toward the hotel’s front door. “What have you been doing today?” she wondered.
“Going with Colonel Gordon through town and asking questions.”
“Have you asked Mary Watson yet?”
“Not yet. I wanted to take some time and spend it with my best girl first.”
Her heartbeat fluttered. He said the nicest things. “And I’m very happy you did.”
They walked inside. The first people she saw were Elizabeth and Adam who were chatting with some of the hotel’s guests. Elizabeth saw Josie and Wyatt first. Her eyes grew wide and her mouth hung open. But seconds later, her face beamed with a smile and she nodded her approval.
Adam had the same response, but he moved beside his wife and slipped his arm around her waist as he gave Josie and Wyatt a wide grin.
Wy
att walked her back into the dining area before stopping. His gaze held hers once again.
“I really don’t want to let you go, but I have people to question.”
Josie nodded. “And I have people to feed.”
“Yes, you do.” He winked.
“Wyatt? Would you mind if I told my friend Eunice about us? She’s been telling me for a few years now that I’m going to find the man of my dreams. Needless to say, I didn’t believe her since you were the man of my dreams and I never thought it possible for you to love me.”
He touched the tip of her nose. “And now you know differently.”
“Indeed, I do.”
“Yes, you can tell her, but do it right after work and then meet me at your house so we can tell your family.”
“I will.” She squeezed his hands.
“I shall see you tonight, my darlin’ woman.”
“And I shall see you tonight, my handsome dream-man.”
He walked away laughing, which of course, made her chuckle. It was difficult to believe that her life was on the right track and that she would soon have her happy ending.
As much as she wanted to float around the room, she knew it was time to get back to work. The train would be coming in soon, and she still had to set some of the tables.
Keeping her mind focused on her job, she chatted with the train passengers more, laughed more... and couldn’t stop smiling. Right after one of the busy shifts, Abigail walked up to Josie and smiled.
Josie wondered what was wrong with the other woman since Abigail had never gone out of her way to stand beside her. Perhaps she wasn’t looking at Josie after all. Taking a quick peek over her shoulder, she tried to see who Abigail could be looking at, but nobody was there. Josie turned back to meet Abigail’s smiling gaze again.
“Josette,” the other waitress finally said, “I know we haven’t talked much, but I was wondering if you’ll let me use your cart for this next shift.”
Josie really needed to clean her ears out. For certain she had heard wrong. “You... want to use the cart?”
“Yes. I think it’s a marvelous idea, and I cannot wait until Mr. Brody makes us all one.”
Secrets of the Past (Kansas Crossroads Book) Page 7
