"Sounds good." Barclay concurred.
Once they'd entered town, they stopped by a church. A haggard looking man wearing a cleric's collar sat on the steps. Jared moved closer. "Hello. May I ask you a question, Reverend?"
"Yes. What is it?"
"You happen to see a party come into town, a dude on a black gelding, and three rough men?" To be polite and friendly, Jared dismounted and lowered himself to the step next to the preacher. "A young woman might have been riding double with one of them."
The man made a choking noise, then laughed. "See them? Sir, I married that young woman to the man you call a dude."
Healy whirled to the door of her hotel room, her hand on the knob. A six-gun cocked behind her. Slowly, she turned. Percy had his gun aimed at her heart. How could this be happening? To escape one monster, only to face another?
He took a step toward her.
What did Percy want? He'd come to her room. Had he meant to force himself on her? She thought of how best to handle this new threat. Percy couldn't be more than her own age of twenty. Would he respond to an offer of money, not that she had any? Not with her, but she could promise him a reward if he let her go.
Again, he moved closer, his gun steady in his dirty hand.
"What do you want, Percy? Money? Do you plan to hold me for ransom from my rich brother-in-law?"
That stopped him. His mouth fell open and his eyes widened. "Your sister's husband is rich?"
"Didn't you know? The Givens brothers are all wealthy." She backed against the door, ready to turn the knob and flee should the opportunity arise.
A calculating expression came over him. "I hadn't thought of that. I just figured I'd finish the job Skelly hired me for…to kill you."
Healy scanned the room for a weapon. The closest thing handy was the ceramic water pitcher and basin on the washstand in the corner by the door. She edged closer to them, making sure she could still reach the doorknob. "Killing me won't help your boss now, Percy. The marshal has Skelly's recorded confession. He'll be going to prison whether I live or die."
Percy frowned as if confused. "Yeah? Well, I'll do like you said and hold you for ransom then. First, though…" He ran his gaze over her hungrily. "Let's have some fun. Get undressed."
"I don't think I want to do that, Percy," she said, staying put.
"Why not? You said you weren't a virgin."
Healy decided he might not be the brightest coal in the fire. She simply needed to play her cards right. "I was lying, hoping Skelly would reject me for not being pure."
"Well, I won't reject you, honey. Now, get over here." He moved aside and gestured her toward the bed.
It occurred to her that she might be able to bluff him. She placed her fists on her hips and tried to look confident. "No. Go ahead and shoot me. This hotel is full of people. Someone will hear the shot. You'll be caught and strung up."
He blinked rapidly and his body tautened. Then he straightened. "I'm through playing with you, girl. We're gonna get down to business now. I'll give you two seconds to get over here before I shoot you."
She knew exactly what to do. Giving him a sassy smile, she said, "You come over here."
"Gonna play games, huh, girly? You ain't afraid to die?"
"Oh, yes. I'm scared." She reached up and began unbuttoning her bodice. One button. Two. "But if I'm going to die, I want to live a little first."
Percy grinned and rubbed his free hand down his jeans as if to rid it of sweat. "That sounds more like it."
Three buttons.
He licked his lips.
Healy ran a finger down inside her bodice between her bosoms. "You're going to have to get rid of that gun to do what I want you to do to me."
A bit of drool escaped the corner of his mouth and his gaze fastened on her chest. "Yeah, sure."
Smiling, she said, "You coming to get me or not?"
"Oh, yeah," he breathed and started toward her. But he didn't put down the six-gun like she'd hoped. Only at the last minute when he was within reach of her did he slide the weapon into his holster.
Healy undid one last button to keep his gaze off her face. As he lunged for her, she grabbed the pitcher and slammed it against his head as hard as she could.
Howling, he stumbled backwards and slid to the floor, holding his head.
Healy whirled toward the door. She had her hand on the knob when he tackled her from behind. "You little witch. I'll have you yet, and then I'll kill you."
She jabbed an elbow backward, hitting him in the gut. He grunted but didn't let go.
"For heaven's sake," she cried. "What do you think you're going be able to do with me like this? At least let me turn around." And grab the basin.
"Oh, I can think of something to do in this position all right." He fumbled with her skirt, trying to draw it upward and get underneath.
With his hands thus occupied, she twisted and brought her knee up between his legs. With a howl of pain, he jerked away and fell to the floor. Snagging her skirt with his fingers, he dragged her down with him.
She needed to catch someone's attention. Someone who could help or at least call the marshal. She could no longer reach the wash basin though. While Percy writhed on the floor, cursing and holding to his privates, she glanced around.
Spying the chamber pot under the bed, she grabbed it up, screamed as loud as she could and hurtled the fouled bit of pottery through the window.
Jared jumped up, his stomach dropping to his feet, along with his heart. "What? You married them?"
No. It couldn't be. Please don't let it be true.
"Was her name Healy Kimbrough?" he demanded.
"No." The preacher shaded his eyes with his hand as he stared at Jared. "Ruth. Same surname, though. Kimbrough. Do you know her?"
Jared's gaze darted from one building to another as if he could see through the wood and glass. He had to find her.
Beside him, Barclay answered, "Yes, sir. She's a relative. You have any idea where she might be now?"
"At the hotel." The preacher pointed. "Right over there."
"Jared—" Barclay began.
"I heard." Jared swung back onto his horse and aimed for the building the man had indicated.
Barclay wasted no more words, simply leaped on his horse and followed. They were halfway across the street when a woman screamed and a chamber pot flew out a window on the hotel's second floor, shattering both.
The cursing of a man followed the crash, along with the ranting of a woman.
"That's Healy," Jared said, dismounting at the same time. He took off at a run, not waiting for Barclay.
Jared took the hotel steps two at a time and burst into the lobby like a bronc trying to buck its rider. Not even pausing, he raced up the stairs, yelling Healy's name. Locating the correct room presented no problem. He knew he needed the corner room. If that wasn't enough, the racket Healy raised inside could likely be heard down the street at least a block.
Reaching the door, Jared yanked on the knob. Locked. He reared back just as Barclay caught up with him and, together, they kicked the wooden panel. It splintered. Before they could make another attempt, it opened.
"You're going to have to pay for that," Healy said, standing in the doorway.
Across the room, a man lay on the floor groaning, one hand between his legs, the other cradling his bleeding head.
"Healy!" Jared had her in his arms before she could say another word. "Are you all right?"
"I'm fine." She wrapped her arms around his neck and clung tightly. "Oh, Jared, you must have heard me praying for you to come. I'm so glad to see you."
Barclay pushed past them and snatched up the moaning man. His head bled profusely. Barclay sat him on the bed. "You're not hurt that badly. What went on here? Did you harm Healy?"
"Who's Healy?" the injured man asked.
"I am, Percy," she answered without letting go of Jared.
"No, you ain't," Percy objected. "You're Ruth."
"Ruth Healy Kimbroug
h," Jared said. "Don't you ever leave me again. I almost lost my mind."
Other people had come from their rooms to see what the ruckus was. Now, the U. S. Marshal shoved through the crowd. "I'm the marshal here. Let me in."
Jared, an arm still around Healy, stepped aside.
"Miss Kimbrough," he said, hands on his hips. "Is it your habit to cause trouble wherever you go?"
"Percy there started it." She pointed to the wounded man. "He tried to force himself on me. He planned to kidnap me and hold me for ransom. Or kill me."
Percy, pressing his hand to his bleeding head, had nothing to say to that. "Can someone fetch a doctor?"
"We'll see about that." The marshal took out his handcuffs. "Stand up and turn around."
Without another word, he marched Percy out the door and down the hallway.
"Show's over, folks," Jared told the bystanders, and shut the door. He would have kissed Healy had Barclay not reminded him they weren't alone by clearing his throat.
"Barclay, why don't you take a walk?" Jared asked.
"Just what I planned to do." Barclay grinned as he walked past them, pausing to kiss Healy's cheek. "Glad you're all right."
"Thank you. I doubted I would be a few times after Skelly took me yesterday." She lifted her gaze to Jared and her eyes warmed to a lavender hue. "I'm so thankful you got here."
"I am too," Barclay said, "although I'm not at all sure you needed us. You had matters pretty well in hand."
"Go," Jared said.
Barclay went.
"Healy." Jared drew her closer, although it didn't take much. With his hands on her arms, he pressed his forehead to hers. "Love, you scared ten years off my life."
"I think Skelly scared ten off mine, so we're even."
Edging away slightly, he placed his lips on hers and savored the softness, the sweet flavor and the enthusiastic way she kissed him back. "I don't want you ever to so much as step out of my sight."
"That might be awkward when I go to the privy."
Jared laughed. "You are crazy, you know that?"
"And you like me anyway?" she asked.
"No."
She stiffened and tried to pull away. "No?"
"I love you," he murmured. "I believe I always will. You have to marry me. Otherwise, I'll die."
Her eyes lit up, then narrowed them and she asked, "Is that your idea of a proposal?"
Getting down on one knee, he gazed up at her. "Will you marry me? Please?"
"Oh, Jared." Her eyes clouded with so many emotions he couldn't read them all, and tears spilled down her cheeks. "Of course, I'll marry you. It's all I've wanted for months. I tried really hard not to love you. I told myself over and over that I couldn't. Shouldn't. But I do."
"That's what I hoped to hear." He rose to his feet, drawing her into his arms again. "I know where there's a preacher with nothing to do. Let's go find him."
She jerked back. "Are you crazy? Cynara would kill me if I got married without her."
Jared rolled his eyes. "I suppose that means we have to wait until we get home? Speaking of home, I have no house to take you to now. It's mostly burned."
"I know. Skelly had his men set fire to it."
"Where is the bastard, anyway?" he asked.
"In jail."
"I have a few things to say to him." Taking her hand, he led her from the room, not even bothering to lock the door.
Halfway to their destination, they met Barclay, Chips and Blackie.
"Are you all right, Miss Kimbrough?" Chips hurried to her, Blackie hot on his heels.
"Can I do anything for you, Miss?" Blackie asked.
Barclay broke out laughing.
"What are you laughing at?" Jared asked, putting his arm around Healy to make sure the two men knew she belonged to him.
"You'd find it humorous too," Barclay said, "if you were standing where I am, watching the three of you yahoos vying for one girl's hand."
"There's no vying to be done," Jared stated emphatically. "Healy's my fiancé now. I just asked her to marry me and she said yes."
"Is that true?" Chips asked, disappointment followed by acceptance clear on his face. "I'm happy for you, Miss Kimbrough. Real happy."
"Yeah," Blackie said with less enthusiasm. "I'm happy for you too."
"Thank you. I do love him with all my heart if that makes you feel better," she said.
Blackie gave a half-shrug. Chips nodded.
"I'm thrilled." Barclay moved in, drew Healy toward him and kissed her cheek. "Congratulations, brother. Condolences to you, Healy."
Jared drew his fist back as if to hit him, and Barclay threw up his hands. "Joking. Joking," Barclay shouted.
Jared growled, then smiled. "Thanks, Barc."
Barclay shook his brother's hand. "Cynara's going to be over the moon. When we get home, we'll start on that house of yours. The foundations are still good and some of the walls aren't too bad. We can replace the logs and have another roofing party, but it may take until spring."
"Oh," Healy squealed and hopped up and down on her heels. "I've always wanted a spring wedding."
Jared groaned. "That's months away. Next year."
"Yes," she said, "but the wedding would be so lovely on the porch of the new house and everyone standing on the lawn watching. I'd be able to have flowers too, and there'd be time for my folks to come."
Again, Jared groaned.
"You fellas gonna need any help?" Chips asked.
Barclay turned to him and Blackie. "Yes. You two need jobs?"
"I do," Chips said, looking hopeful.
"I'll have to return to Cheyenne eventually," Blackie said, "but I can stay long enough to help out."
"Good. There's room for you in the bunkhouse, and we pay top dollar." Barclay looked to Jared. "What do you say we have some dinner? I'm buying. It's close enough to noon, and I'm hungry. Then we can head home."
"Sounds good to me." Jared looked at Healy. "How about you, honey?"
"I could definitely eat." She rubbed her stomach. "And I'm so eager to go home. I can't wait to tell Cynara the news and see the babies."
"Me too," Jared said.
"Home." Pride and longing filled Healy's voice. Throwing her arms in the air, she whirled around and around in the street, shouting, "I'm going to live at High Mountain."
Her skirts flew out around her, first one direction, then, as she stopped suddenly, they switched directions. She looked at Jared and tears of joy filled her eyes. Lowering her arms, she pressed her hands to her heart. Her voice softened, full of awe and joy.
"I'm going to be Gage's mama."
Chapter Fifteen
A fresh coat of soft antique white paint glowed from the plastered inner walls of the bedroom Healy would share with Jared.
That night.
A shiver of anticipation skimmed down her back and she moved closer to the fire flickering and popping in the stone fireplace with its marble mantle. Drawing a deep breath, her nostrils flared at the scent from vases filled with fragrant lilacs and wild sweet peas, along with the delicious odor of roast pork drifting in from the pig spitted over an open fire out doors and basted with herbs and Oysters' special sauce.
Like the life Healy and Jared would share after today, everything Healy saw was new—the refinished house, the furniture they had chosen together, her cream-colored silk and lace gown that hugged her corseted figure and trailed behind her. Outside, spring grasses and wildflowers carpeted the yard and the meadow beyond. Newly leafed willows and cottonwood trees swayed in the breeze along the stream meandering through the meadow, and overhead, the sun shone high in the never-ending Montana sky.
Healy drank it all in, doing her best to consign every memory of this moment, this day, in her heart and mind. Was Jared doing the same?
From the open window came the chatter and laughter of family and friends, come to witness the exchange of vows as she and Jared bonded their lives together for the remainder of their lives. Going to the window, she looked
down on the festive scene. Colors of every hue, like spring flowers, ebbed and flowed over the lawn as women in Sunday finery mingled, met and parted. Trees branches creaked from the movement of the swings Jared had hung for the roofing party last November and continued to entertain children.
Covered tables shaded by ponderosa pines groaned beneath the weight of plates, platters and pans supplied by citizens of Cutthroat, Montana in celebration of today's events. Gayly wrapped packages mounded the top of a separate table and overflowed onto the ground, where children shook them to guess at the contents.
Peeking out from behind lace curtains, Healy searched for a glimpse of her groom. Eagerness to see him, if only for an instant, tempted her to leave the sanctuary of her room and seek him out. She needed to feel his arms around her and hear him tell her once more how much he loved her. Dear, sweet Jared.
And Gage, where was he? With Cynara and Ma Givens, or did Jared have him? Warmth and joy filled her with anticipation. She couldn't wait to become Jared's wife and Gage's mama. How blessed she felt, how thankful to have come here to High Mountain and won a permanent place in this breathtakingly beautifull and. And in Jared's heart. Never again, would they be parted. And she and her sister would live side by side forever.
On the lawn below, she spotted Melanie with Rory looking up at her. She waved and Melanie waved back. She and Healy had become friendly in the past few months.
In a small group under a tree stood Chips, Blackie and Anna. Skelly's wife had blossomed under the care of the Givens family. Gone was the haunted, frightened look in her eyes. Healy smiled as Anna grinned up at Oysters beside her. Since Anna had come to High Mountain, insisting on earning her bread by doing housekeeping and helping Oysters, the two had become friends.
Below the window, an archway twined with garlands of conifer branches framed the front door on the broad porch. To one side waited Jared, his brothers beside him and his son Gage in his arms. Across from them, Cynara, resplendent in a new dress of lavender silk, winked at the nervous groom. Framed by the arch, Reverend Heinrichs held his Bible and beamed at the crowd waiting below.
Off to one side, Geoffrey, Cutthroat's blacksmith and fiddle player, watched for the signal to begin playing. Laughter and chatter filled the air.
Jared (Bachelors And Babies Book 7) Page 17
