The Stagecoach Bride

by Stephannie Beman

  She frowned. What did that mean? How would they be dead? She leaned forward, wondering if they’d say anything about this plan they had.

  “At least we wouldn’t have to cater to Charles’ woman like a bunch of nursemaids,” Wade grumbled. There was a big clank. “You should have seen that trollop pawing Mic this morning.”

  Her jaw dropped. Trollop? Was Wade really calling her a trollop? Her face warmed with shame and anger. How dare he? It was obvious to anyone that she had no intention of being familiar with Mic. Wade had no right to spread such rumors about her!

  “That’s enough, Wade!” Mic barked. “Miss Lillian Christian is a guest in my home, just as all of you are. I expect you to behave yourselves or I will show you what I learned while living with the Lakota.”

  “She—”

  “We all understand you’re angry, but Miss Christian has nothing to do with this! She’s an innocent woman! What would your Jane think of you abusing her in such a cruel way?”

  “We can’t ask her now, can we?” he snarled. “And it’s all his fault!”

  The door slammed, rocking the entire house.

  Lillian remained still, holding her breath. She knew all of this was important, but she didn’t know how.

  “Leave him, Noah,” Mic said. “Where’s Lillian?”

  There was a long pause. She furrowed her eyebrows and thought of everything she’d told him. Did she tell him her name? She had referred to herself by her last name. Did she let her first name slip? She didn’t think she’d be that careless but with everything happening, it was possible she did it without thinking.

  “I see.”

  Noah’s soft voice asked another question she couldn’t quite hear. She really wished he’d speak up!

  Mic chuckled. “Go tend to your animals.”

  The door opened and closed softly this time.

  There was a long silence before Mic spoke again, “You can come down now. Wade won’t be back for a while.”

  She hesitated, not sure if she should let him know she was here. The thought crossed her mind that she could pretend she ran off into the forest. It’d be easy to escape, considering all the trees. But she wasn’t a fool. If an animal didn’t get her, she’d end up lost and probably die of starvation. The mile-long trip up the side of the mountain wasn’t a straight path. There was no way she’d be able to find her way back. And even if she did, she didn’t have a horse to ride back with.

  Besides, it wasn’t like she was sneaking around eavesdropping on their conversation. Wade knew she was in the cabin. With a resigned sigh, she took the skillet and cautiously went down the steps, peering down to gauge Mic’s mood.

  He stood at the stove where two large pots sat on the burners. His back was to her as he tended the fire. “Sorry about my brother. He’s going through a difficult time. ”

  She slowly went down the rest of the steps, the skillet clutched to her chest. “Were you working out my ransom?”

  “Noah brought Charles’ answer with him.”

  Her grip tightened on the skillet and she took a tentative step forward. “And?”

  He turned toward her, looking very tired. “Why did you choose Charles, Uzizitka? Do you love him? Do care about him? What did he promise you?”

  “I didn’t choose him. Well, not in the way you think. He posted an ad for a mail-order bride, and I answered it. I don’t know anything about him except that he’s managed well with his ranch.” She shrugged. “Love has nothing to do with it. At least not yet. I can’t fall in love with a man from a letter telling me to come out here. I hope to. I’d like to think love is possible, even when the couple agrees to marry sight unseen.”

  She blushed, thinking it was such a foolish notion, something Robert had scolded her for, but she couldn’t stop the glimmer of hope whenever she thought of marriage. If he could hear her now, he’d laugh his head off. She wondered briefly if Mic would taunt or laugh at her too.

  He stared at her, his eyes sad, and shook his head. “You have no idea what you’ve stumbled into, my cikala wiwayaka. And I’m really sorry for my part in this. I will do what I can to make it up to you. ”

  “You’ll take me to Charles Gray without demanding a ransom?”

  He closed his eyes, an expression of pain on his face. “If that is what you truly want, I’ll take you to Charles Gray. But you should know that he refused to pay the ransom. ” He lifted the steaming pot of water off the stove and poured it into the tub. “He refused to give back what he stole from us in exchange for you, Uzizitka. ”

  She studied his expression, trying to determine if he was telling her the truth or not.

  He stepped closer to her, tugging on a stray lock of her hair in a manner she was beginning to get used to. “Enjoy your bath, Lillian.”

  Her lower lip trembled as he left the cabin, shutting the door quietly behind him. Did Charles refuse to give them the money they wanted or was Mic lying to her? Perhaps Charles hadn’t even answered Mic yet. She ran her fingers along the skillet, barely feeling its cool, hard bottom as she struggled to make sense of what Mic just told her.

  She didn’t know what to believe. Mic seemed so sincere, seemed like the kind of person she could trust. He had no reason to keep her here. She understood that the ransom meant a lot to him. If he could get the money he wanted, he’d let her go in a heartbeat. This, she believed. Deep down, she knew it. But why would Charles refuse to give money in exchange for her? Did he think so little of her? Was money the only reason people wanted or did anything? Was that all they cared about? If so, then neither Mic nor Charles were any better than her brother and his friend.

  Chapter Six

  It didn’t take long for Mic to find Wade. He’d left a trail a less experienced tracker could have followed with ease. Mic had been trained by one of the best. Jim Elk Horn had been his father’s friend and a comfort for the young, widowed Margaret and her infant son when an accident had taken his father’s life.

  Jim had helped around the large ranch, showing the young Mic the ways of his people. It was Jim who’d taught him to sew the moccasins he now wore and walk through the forest like a ghost, leaving no discernible trace for others to follow. It was Jim who’d taught him about hunting and respect for the natural world around him, to see the hidden and hear the unspoken.

  And it was Jim who’d brought fifteen-year-old Mic and seven-year-old Wade to the large rock overhang jutted out of the slope, allowing for a beautiful look at the sweeping valley below. He’d shown them the land they would one day own.

  Wade sat there now, his gaze staring off into the distance. “I don’t need a lecture, Mic.”

  “No, you don’t. What you need is a slap upside the head,” Mic joked, sitting beside his brother. “What’s wrong with you? You’ve been up in arms since we took Miss Christian from the stage. You’ve terrorized and ridiculed her as if this was her fault. It’s not like you. ”

  “She belongs to Charles.”

  Mic frowned. The way his brother said it held more meaning than the words implied. “He doesn’t own her. Not yet.”

  “But he will. He’s laid claim to her and he will come for her.” Wade turned to him, his gaze intense. “You are putting a lot of trust in this woman. Are you sure she’s worthy of it? Because it could cost you your life. Our lives.”

  “That was the plan. Take something of his and hold for ransom until he met our demands. What would you have me do differently?”

  “Stick to the plan you outlined! You weren’t supposed to bring her to your home, Mic. What were you thinking?”

  What was he thinking? He’d seen a frightened woman heading into a bad situation and reacted as he always did. He’d tried to help her, ease her suffering, and protect her, even as he ruined her life. “I wasn’t—”

  “You weren’t supposed to get involved, Mic! You weren’t supposed to play knight in shining armor. You were supposed to help me kidnap her and then take Noah home. She’s seen you and Noah now. She can describe you bo
th, and Charles will know who you are.”

  Mic shook his head. “Like he doesn’t already know I’m involved?” Charles had to know he was involved, would always be involved as long as his family was in danger. “I’m your older brother, Wade, and the Nichols stay together. The only reason we’re safe here is because no one knows where I live. No one knows the name on the deed is my father’s name. Trust me. ”

  Wade snorted. “I do. But can you trust her with your life? With our lives? Charles will get her the second you let her go and she’ll lead them right to your door.”

  “Only if you keep terrorizing her, Wade.”

  “Every time I see her, I see. . . ”

  “I know. I miss her too. Take a few days, check on what livestock is left, and get your head straight. We’ll get out of this mess. I promise. ”

  “And the woman?”

  “Kindness and patience will win more than a hard hand.”

  “Something old Jim would say. But she isn’t a horse and you’re not trying to break her.” Wade stood, slapping his hat against his leg. “What do you know about her, Mic? The wanted poster calls her a thief. If she’s stolen from Charles, we know what will happen to her.”

  “She’ll end up dead.” Mic took off his hat and rubbed his forehead. “But I promised I’d take her to him if she wanted.”

  “And you never break your promises.” Wade shook his head. “It’s madness. It’s a death sentence.”

  Mic gazed out over the land, his father’s land. “I know, which is why I don’t think I can do it. I can’t send her to him, not after all he’s done to destroy my family. Not when I know what he will do to her.” He stood and met his brother’s eyes. “It’s Jane all over again. Lillian is running from something, something that terrifies her. I can feel it.”

  Wade shook his head and put his hat back on, heading back toward the cabin. “Just don’t ask me to marry another one of your women. I already took Jane off your hands.”

  Mic grinned and followed Wade through the forest track. “Stole her,” he corrected with a grin. “Like a cattle rustler coming in the night to take my fair Jane from me. But I’m glad you did. She was meant for you.”

  “How can you be so damned accepting of everything?”

  Mic stopped. Is that what Wade thought? He just accepted everything that happened, like their mother had, like Noah did? “What would you have me do, Wade? Fight everyone? Push everyone who cares away? Would you have me cry in my whiskey? Maybe scream to the heavens how unfair life is? Or curse the Almighty for the deeds of one man?”

  Wade shot him a look. “Something—anything—would be nice.”

  “Sometimes you are blind.” Mic pushed past Wade, moving swiftly through the trees to the cabin clearing. He stepped out behind the barn and headed for Noah.

  Noah, who was stirring something in a large pot over an open flame, looked up at them. “I didn’t burn it.”

  Mic smiled, ruffling the boy’s hair. “You did good.” He looked into the pot. Stew again. It was the one meal Noah could cook. “Has Lillian come out yet?”

  Noah shook his head. “She’s taking a long time and I can’t go in until she’s done.”

  “She’s probably still in the bath,” Wade said, joining them. “It’s a woman thing.”

  Glancing at the cabin, Mic noticed the door slightly ajar and a flash of skin. Lillian was watching them.

  Wade took a seat beside Noah and grunted. “We don’t have to wait for your woman to come before we eat, do we, Mic? I’m starved.”

  Mic sighed. His brother was looking to get hit and Mic didn’t think it would be him doing the hitting. Lillian had looked ready to use the skillet as a weapon earlier and he’d be shocked if she didn’t use it on Wade’s skull. Maybe it would knock some sense into him.

  “Go ahead and eat,” Mic said. “I’ll see if she wants to join us.”

  Wade sighed. “Yeah, go get your lady friend.”

  Mic shook his head and started for the cabin. He had a feeling that he was going to have to retrieve Lillian over the next few days, at least until she could handle Wade’s abrasive, unhelpful humor. Maybe one day she would see the brother he’d grown up with.

  He knocked before pushing the door the rest of the way open. It seemed strange to be knocking on his own door and entering his home as if it belonged to another. It was his fault she was here and not in a dank cave with Wade.

  Lillian stepped further back into the room and bumped into the potbelly stove. She let out a slight yelp and rubbed her behind as she scooted away from it. She cleared her throat. “Did you want me to go out there to eat or stay in here?”

  He frowned, wondering why she was still wearing the clothes she’d been wearing in the coach, although it was clear that she’d bathed away her travels. “Why didn’t you change clothes?”

  “Oh,” she stepped away from the potbelly stove and crossed her arms. “None of the clothes I have in the trunk are appropriate for being here. They’re too…” She shrugged. “This place is a lot different from Virginia.”

  She was adorable when she was uncertain. But under all that, there was something that bothered him. The way she scrunched up her nose when she thought something she might say would offend him and the way her teeth worried her bottom lip as she waited for his response made him think she was use to the abusive nature of others.

  “I see.” And he did, far more than she realized. “Would you like to join us?”

  “Well... ” She glanced out the window to where his brothers were eating. “Can I eat in here?”

  Mic followed the path of her gaze. It was probably the safer option if she didn’t go out there. But he would leave the decision in her hands. She needed some control over her life, as limited as it would be for a while. “It’s up to you, Uzizitka.”

  “Really?” She eyed him warily, as if she didn’t believe him.

  He smiled at her. “You might be trapped here for a time, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be comfortable.”

  She glanced out the window again. “I won’t be comfortable out there. I’d rather eat in here.”

  Tipping his hat to her. “As the lady wishes.” He headed for his brothers.

  Wade looked up from his meal then toward the house. “Not coming?”

  “Do you blame her? You’re not the best company.”

  Wade ladled out two bowls and handed them to Mic.

  He grinned and nodded his head in gratitude. Wade wasn’t a bad man. There was something about Lillian, or more specifically about Lillian being Charles’ intended, that set him off. Perhaps he would lighten up as the days passed.

  He returned to the cabin, seeing Lillian’s face peeking out the window. He pushed the door open with his foot.

  “What did they say?” she asked, turning to him.

  He set the two bowls on the table. “Wade was wondering why you weren’t coming.”

  She grimaced. “I think he knows why.” She stepped toward the table and sat down. “I’d offer to help cook, but I don’t know anything about it.”

  Mic removed his coat and hat, setting them at the end of the bench before taking a seat at the table. “What can you do?”

  She accepted the spoon he offered her and shrugged. “Not much of anything around here. Reading, some arithmetic, drawing, playing a piano. Do any of those help?”

  He glanced around the room. “I’d have to say piano playing is out of the question since I don’t have one. Maybe you could teach Noah his letters and some arithmetic. He’s a quick learner.”

  She nodded. “Alright. I’ll be happy to do what I can to teach him what he needs to know.”

  “I have some simple chores around here. If you’re willing to learn, I’ll show you how.”

  She dipped the spoon into the bowl, her motions more refined and graceful than his own. “What kind of chores?”

  “Keeping the house clean, gathering eggs from the chicken coop, caring for the garden, and milking the cow.” He took a bite of th
e stew. It was one of Noah’s better concoctions. “Noah cares for the animals around here. Wade is usually out protecting the cattle from predators. ”

  She glanced around the cabin. “There isn’t much to clean, so that part is easy. But I don’t know the first thing about the other things you mentioned.” She ate the stew and offered a tentative smile. “It’s good.”

  “Noah will be happy to hear that. He takes pride in his stew. Of course, that’s all he can cook.”

  “It’s better than what I can do.” She took another bite, slowly chewing before asking, “How old is Noah?”

  Mic smiled at her, fascinated by the propriety that dictated her every action. “Sixteen.”

  “And Wade?”

  He took a bite before answering. “Twenty-three.”

  She hesitated but finally asked, “And you?” Her gaze lowered to her bowl, her cheeks pink.

  “I turn thirty in four months.” He stood. “I’m going to get more stew. Would you like some more before it’s gone?”

  “No, I’m fine, thanks.”

  He headed outside, noting Wade’s raised brow. “Shut up.”

  “I didn’t say anything.”

  Mic grunted and dished out another bowl of the cooling stew. “Where’d Noah go?”

  Wade shook his head and pointed toward the barn. “Looking after his herd of orphans. I’ll bed in there for the night. I’d like to get an early start tomorrow.”

  Mic nodded, almost glad Wade would be far from Lillian. The day was coming when Wade would say something that would set her off and she’d take more than a chunk of hair from his hard head. He returned to the cabin, settling in his seat before taking a bite of the thickening, cool goop. “Why did you decide to be a mail-order bride, Miss Christian?”

  Her already too straight posture stiffened more, if that was possible, and she fidgeted on the bench. Several seconds passed before she said, “It was time for me to leave home.” She finished the rest of her stew and hurried to her feet. “Should I start cleaning? I can start with the dishes.”

  “In a moment, Uzizitka.” He nodded toward the bench she’d vacated so abruptly. “Would you sit with me a little longer?”