A Bluebonnet Misfit Christmas: Sweet Historical Christian Western Romance (Mail Order Brides of Misfit Ranch Bluebonnet, Texas Book 2)

by Patricia PacJac Carroll

  Her breath caught in her throat, trapping her words.

  After an awkward silence, he continued. “I’m sorry I missed breakfast. I’d like to show you my building.”

  She wiped her eyes. “I’ll get my wrap.” Knees shaking, she ducked into her room. He’d come for her. He was probably just being nice. Wills was like that. She’d oblige him and then when he told her that he couldn’t marry her, she’d leave town.

  She snugged her wrap around her and left her room. “I ate breakfast.”

  “I tried to get back in time. Please forgive me.” Sincerity shone in his brown eyes.

  Her heart warmed and then cooled. She didn’t want him to think she was judging him. She had no place to judge anyone. “Oh, I didn’t mean it as a rebuke.”

  “Thanks. The road’s a bit muddy. I’ve got my horse if you don’t mind riding across to the building.”

  “I know how to ride. I grew up on the ranches around here. My pa was a foreman then lost that job because he drank too much. But he did manage to keep a roof over our heads and some food in our bellies.”

  He helped her into the saddle.

  She took a foot out of the stirrup and held out a hand. “Might as well ride with me and keep your boots clean.”

  He swung up behind her. “Might as well give Cornie something to talk about, heard she stirs things up in town.”

  Sally’s heart skipped a beat. “She’s already started. I expect you’ll get a visit from her any day so she can tell you what I am.”

  “Was.”

  “Well, to most of the folks in Bluebonnet, it’s what I still am.”

  He nudged the horse. “Sally, you’re the one who’s going to have to look at yourself differently and when you stop seeing yourself as a saloon girl, that will give others permission to see you differently as well.”

  “So, you’re a wiseman, too?”

  He chuckled. His breath tickled her ears while the warmth of his arms around her made her feel secure. All too soon, they stopped in front of the now vacant building. He swung down, lifted her from the saddle, and set her gently on the boardwalk.

  He grinned at her. “Wish that had been a longer ride.”

  Heat flushed her cheeks. “You have a fine building, Wills. Two stories even.”

  “Top floor is my living quarters.”

  “Oh.” Timidly, she followed him, grasping the wrap tight about her. Not because of the chill, but for what had to be said, but because she couldn’t stay and ruin his reputation.

  Wills unlocked the door and held it open. “I’ll put a big desk over by the west wall where I can look out the window.” He walked to the opposite wall. “Here, I’ll have bookshelves made. I still have to order law books for the state of Texas, but soon as they come—”

  Sally pointed to the west wall. “You need the bookshelves behind your desk. Save you from having to get up and go across the room. At least, that’s what I would do.” She walked around the room, admiring the wooden floor and bright interior.

  “Yeah, I think you’re right.” He walked to the back. “There’s another room. Not sure what I want to do with it.”

  She laughed. “I believe you’ll be so successful that you’ll have to hire another attorney.”

  Wills leaned against the wall and stared at her. “That so? I like the way you think.” He went to the stairs. “The kitchen is downstairs next to the spare room, and up here there are three nice-sized rooms. One can be a parlor, and the other two for bedrooms.”

  She remained on the first floor. “That’s nice.”

  “You can see the Brazos River from the window in the main bedroom. Real pretty view. Thought you might like to see it.”

  Her heart stuttered. “I’ll take your word for it.” She stared at the first step, not able to bring herself to look at him. Was he just like all the other men?

  The stairs creaked, and soon his hand lifted her chin. “Sally, I’d never hurt you in any way. I only want to show you the view.”

  She stared into his eyes. There was no malice. No lust. Only kindness and caring. With a start, she wondered if he did truly like her. Could he really have good intentions? “I’ll go up and look. I’m happy for you, Wills.”

  Forcing her fear to quiet, she walked up the steps. The parlor was beautiful and bright with a big window facing south. She stared at the view and could imagine it in the spring with vibrant leaves of varying greens.

  She felt Wills presence behind her.

  “I can’t wait to see it in the spring.”

  Closing her eyes, she nodded. “I just thought the same thing.”

  He fingered the curls at the base of her neck.

  Tingles ran up and down her spine.

  Abruptly, he stopped and walked to the stairs. “I guess we should go. I don’t want people to get the wrong idea.”

  She studied his face. Was it for fear that other people might get the wrong idea, or himself? Tears pricked her eyes. Why must he toy with her hopes?

  He cocked his head and then walked to her. “What’s wrong? Have I said anything to scare you or make you sad?”

  She shook her head.

  “Sally?”

  She looked up at him.

  He stared into her eyes, long and deep, with tenderness. “I am beginning to regret that I tore up those letters. I came here to marry you. Maybe my reasons weren’t good, but I—”

  Sally put a finger to his lips. “You don’t owe me anything. I gave you your freedom, and I meant it.”

  He caught her hand and lightly kissed her fingers. “It’s not my freedom I want. It’s you. I want you to be my wife.”

  “But Wills it’s too fast.”

  “You take all the time you need. My mind is made up. Seeing the light play on your face, the blush of your cheeks, and the kind way you have with others. No, I want you as my wife. I’ll wait until you’re ready to have me as your husband.”

  Unsure whether to believe him or not, she needed to leave before she said something she’d not be able to get out of. “I better go back to Mya’s. She pays me a little to help her do the dishes and clean.”

  He nodded and walked out of the building. Soon they were on the horse again.

  Without meaning to, Sally leaned back against his chest and felt the warmth and protection she’d always wanted. Yet, it was all happening so quickly. Was Wills just feeling guilty again? Yet, the tender look in his eyes and the gentleness in his voice said that wasn’t the case.

  The horse stopped at Mya’s and Wills dismounted, reached for her, and held her in his arms. Even if it was for the briefest of moments, her heart clamored for her to stay with him.

  He held her hand. “I have a lot of work to do, but I’ll break for dinner. Will you have dinner with me?”

  “Oh, Wills. You have me so confused. I’m not—”

  “Listen to your heart, Sally. I’ll be by at six.” He let go her hand, got on his horse, and rode away. At the end of the street, he turned and waved.

  Her heart jumped, and she waved to him. Not wanting to make a spectacle of herself, she ran up the stairs and inside Mya’s. Either from exertion or her time with Wills, her heart beat wildly.

  ###

  Justin jolted awake. He’d fallen asleep in the chair in Amelia’s room. His gaze swept to her and relief shot through him when he saw that she was breathing easily. He got up and a blanket fell to the floor. Mrs. Clark must have covered him sometime in the night. That she hadn’t kicked him out of the house surprised him.

  He set it on the chair, went to Amelia, and put a hand to her forehead. No fever. Doc had said to watch for that.

  She stirred and opened her eyes. Stared at him, and smiled. “Hello, Sheriff Wellesley. Do you wake all the town’s residence with such tender mercies?”

  “Only my wife-to-be.” He kissed her forehead. “I have some things to do. You rest.”

  She pouted mischievously. “So soon? Is this how our honeymoon is going to be?”

  He took her ha
nd in his. “I promise, our honeymoon is going to be about you and me and nothing more.”

  Mrs. Clark came into the room. “Thought I heard you were awake. I’ve got eggs, bacon, and piping hot coffee for you, Justin.”

  Dropping Amelia’s hand, he nodded. “Thank you.”

  Mrs. Clark chuckled. “Relax, I haven’t changed my mind. You two just let me know the date.”

  “Christmas Eve.” Justin grinned at Amelia as they’d both answered at the same time.

  “I had better get busy on that dress then. Amelia, you are to rest today. Doc said you had a nasty bump on your head and you should take it easy. No arguments.”

  “Yes, Mother.” Amelia grinned and blew him a kiss.

  Embarrassed by the affection in front of Mrs. Clark, Justin nearly ran for the kitchen. After wolfing down the breakfast, he sincerely hoped Amelia had learned to cook like her mother. Finished, he went outside and stretched.

  First thing he needed to do was to go to Reed’s and see what he was going to do about Yancy. After checking with Spencer, he walked to the livery to get his horse, hoping the animal was there.

  Ben met him at the door.

  Justin’s heart sank. “He’s not missing again is he?”

  Shaking his whiskered head, Ben pointed inside. “No, and Spencer’s horse is back in his stall. Mighty strange things going on, Sheriff.”

  “Sure is. I’ll look into it when I get back.”

  “No one else’s horses have gone missing. Just yours and Spencer’s. Sure is perplexing. Thought maybe Yancy had taken it.”

  “Little chance of that.” At least, that was one thing Yancy couldn’t have done. Now anything that went wrong, Yancy’d be the first one folks thought of.

  Justin saddled his horse and rode toward Misfit Ranch. With the money from his father, Justin had bought land bordering the ranch, but he didn’t have the money to build a cabin for her. Amelia needed a place to call home.

  He recalled Wills saying that with his office building, he also got a small house on the next street over. Hoping the man would rent it to him until he could build a proper home, Justin purposed to ask him when he saw him next.

  Having a house in town would be good for Amelia. She’d be close to her mother if …. He shoved away bad thoughts, and the story Mrs. Clark had told.

  “We’ll have good long life together, Amelia.”

  Cardinals flitted from bush to bush making the morning bright with their red feathers against a brown and gray world. Soon, he came to the entrance to Reed’s ranch and rode down the road.

  Burkett was chopping wood. The unshaven man scowled at him as he rode past. He prayed the man wouldn’t cause Reed trouble, but from the looks of him that’s all he was. Sorrow for his wife plagued Justin.

  He reined his horse to a halt in front of the house, ran up the stairs, and knocked on the door.

  Aunt Nettie opened it and immediately hugged him. “Always so good to see my favorite nephew.”

  “Nettie, I came to see Reed and find out how Yancy’s doing.”

  She shut the door and took his coat. “The way it’s warming up, by the time you leave you won’t need this.”

  “I think you’re right.”

  “We put Yancy in the back bedroom. Doc said he’s not to get up for at least a couple of weeks. Poor boy, he’s in a lot of pain.”

  Hearing Yancy’s name darkened Justin’s day. “Well deserved, I’d say.”

  Nettie put a hand to his arm. “Yes, many will say that. But remember, he’s lost everything. Even Amelia.”

  Hearing his beloved’s name turned his dark thoughts to joy. “Nettie, Amelia and I are going to be married on Christmas Eve.”

  “Oh, Justin. I’m so happy for you. Let me know if we can help you in any way.”

  “I will. But for now, I need to talk to Reed and Yancy.”

  A door closed and footsteps echoed down the hall. “Did I hear my name?”

  Nettie ran to him. “Reed, Amelia and Justin are to wed on Christmas Eve.”

  His eyebrows shot up. “Congratulations. That’s not much time.”

  Justin grinned. “No, but seems like forever to me.”

  Reed’s face took on a grim look. “I guess you’re really here as Sheriff to see about Yancy.”

  “Yes sir. He took Amelia against her will.”

  “Yeah, I know. Broke our agreement again, too.”

  Justin walked toward the hallway leading to Yancy’s room. “Give the word and I’ll see that he goes to prison.”

  Reed shook his head. “No. I don’t want that. I gave my word to Judge Wallace. All our years of friendship and my word means too much to turn Yancy over. I’d like to still vouch for him if that’s possible.”

  Justin stopped, shocked at Reed’s declaration. He stared at Nettie. “That how you feel? Reed can’t be with you every minute, think you’ll be safe with Yancy around?”

  Nettie went to Reed. “Yes, we talked it over last night, and we both agree.”

  Justin nodded. “His leg might be broken now, but it will heal before his six months are over. And that’s if we don’t add more for the kidnapping.”

  Reed walked to Yancy’s door. “If Amelia wants to press charges, I’ll not stand in her way. Yancy needs to take responsibility for what he’s done.”

  Justin shook his head. “I hope you two aren’t making a mistake.”

  Reed knocked and opened the door.

  Yancy, his face pale and forehead beaded with drops of sweat, rested on the bed with his leg propped up by pillows. He didn’t appear to be awake.

  Justin had to admit, he looked pitiful.

  Reed jostled Yancy’s shoulder. “Sheriff is here.”

  After a few blinks, Yancy turned his pain-filled eyes toward him. “Is Amelia all right?”

  Justin nodded. “She’s got a bump on her head and was freezing, but Doc said she should make a full recovery.”

  He pushed himself up. “Tell Amelia I’m sorry. No excuse for what I did.” Wincing, he rested back on the pillow.

  “Reed and Nettie say it’s all right that you stay here and work out your time on their ranch. It will be up to Amelia and her parents if they press charges for the kidnapping.”

  Yancy nodded. “I deserve anything I got coming to me.”

  Justin disliked Yancy, but he wasn’t one to beat a man when he was down. “For now, you stay here and let your leg heal. If anything changes, I’ll let Reed know.” He turned to go.

  “Sheriff. She loves you. I hope you’ll marry her and be good to her.”

  Justin turned. He expected to see the usual conniving wolf-like grin on Yancy’s face, instead, Yancy looked sincere. “I plan to do just that.”

  Justin left Yancy’s room and walked into the living quarters.

  Reed followed him. “Not saying I can trust Yancy, but he does seem to have changed. Could just be the pain talking, but there’s a different look in his eye. I’m going to ride in and see if Pastor Jim might pay him a visit.”

  Justin put his hat and coat on. “That’s a good idea. Sometimes the Lord can talk best to us when we can’t do anything but look up.”

  Reed and Nettie followed him outside. “We’ll be there for the wedding. You and Amelia have our blessings.”

  “Thanks, Reed, Nettie.” Feeling like things were coming together, Justin went to get on his horse. “My horse. He’s gone.”

  Reed’s face turned dark. “Burkett. He is a problem. I’ll help you saddle Shadow. I’d go with you, but I can’t leave Yancy.”

  “I understand. I’ll find him. More than likely he’s headed for a saloon.”

  Reed nodded. “Yeah, I paid him yesterday. Start with the Cattlemen’s. I’m sure he’ll try to double his money at the gaming tables.”

  “Right, that’ll be my first stop.”

  In minutes, he and Reed had the big black horse saddled. Justin mounted. “I’ll bring him back to you.”

  Nettie waved. “Oh, bring Amelia with you, and we can wo
rk on her wedding plans.”

  Justin nodded, wheeled the black horse around, and galloped down the road. That Burkett, he was going to get what was coming to him. The law would see to it.

  Chapter 16

  Wills left Sally at Mya’s and felt like celebrating. She hadn’t said yes yet, but in his heart, he knew it was only a matter of time. He got on his horse and reined him toward Saloon Street. He was almost there when a man galloped in on what looked like Justin’s horse.

  After a closer look, anger fired in his gut when he saw that it was Burkett. What was he doing here? And why was he headed to the saloons?

  “Come on, horse. Let’s see where he’s going.” Staying behind the man, Wills tapped his hand on the rope. He pitied Mrs. Burkett. Apparently, the man had no desire to change.

  Burkett stopped outside The Cattlemen’s Saloon, slapped the horse on the rump, and strode inside.

  The horse trotted down the street to the livery.

  “Crazy man. What is he thinking?” Yet, Wills knew. He’d been hounded by the wolf before and knew the gnawing bite of the need for whiskey. His feelings toward Burkett wavered between raw anger and pity.

  He dismounted and tied his horse to the rail. For a moment, he regretted not carrying a pistol. Memories of the night he’d killed Carly dispelled those thoughts. He took his rope and entered the saloon. He didn’t have to look far for the man. Drink in hand, Burkett had already seated himself at the gaming table.

  Wills started for him, when someone grabbed his arm.

  “I don’t want any trouble.” Harold stabbed a glare at him.

  “Wasn’t going to cause any.”

  “Tell that to your face. You and that rope have retribution written all over them. I know what you did for his woman and that was decent of you. But some men never change.”

  Wills shook off the saloon owner’s hand. “And you’re all right with selling drinks to him?”

  “His money’s good, and if I didn’t, he’d just buy it somewhere else.”

  Wills knew what he was saying was true.

  “I’ll buy you a drink.” He ushered him to the bar.

  “Sarsaparilla. I used to be like him.” Wills followed him to the polished high-dollar bar. “Guess I feel sorry for him. For his wife.”