by Anna Schmidt
He tossed Nick one end of his rope. “Tie it around that boulder,” he instructed as he did the same with the other end. Working quickly, he and Nick set a trap for the gang. If they came riding in fast, even if the horses noticed the barricade set just below a horse’s knees, by then it would be too late. The horses would panic and rear, throwing their riders to the ground—or at the very least leave the riders fighting for control, unable to react to the posse quick enough.
“Let’s go,” Cody shouted after checking the tension and security of the ropes a second time. Nick followed him up the steep incline to a position just above the entrance. Cody signaled Drake and the other men, and they took their positions. While they waited, Cody studied his surroundings. Where was Johnson?
Nick nudged him. In the distance, they heard riders, coming fast. Cody drew his gun and held it up, a signal to the others to be ready. Ty Drake grinned from his post.
The capture went off exactly as planned. The horses panicked, as did their riders, and within minutes, Cody, Drake, and the others had them surrounded, disarmed, and tied together with the rope that had been their undoing in the first place.
“Got this under control, Daniels,” Drake said as one of his men loaded the saddlebags containing the bank’s money onto Cody and Nick’s horses. He glanced at Nick. “You two best head on back to town. I hear this man’s to be a father one day soon—wouldn’t do to have the little lady worry unnecessarily.” He clapped Nick on the shoulder, then shook hands with Cody before turning his attention back to his prisoners. “Well now, look at that,” Drake drawled. “Seems to me we got more men than horses. Likely some will have to walk.” He rubbed his beard and studied the horizon as if considering the choice. “Ten—maybe twelve miles—to the fort.” He climbed into the saddle and instructed his deputies to do the same. “Let’s head out, boys,” he shouted.
Cody and Nick watched them go, Drake and his deputies riding while the outlaws shuffled along behind, trying to keep up with the pace Drake set for them.
“Good work, Nick,” Cody said as they rode back to Juniper.
“But it’s not over, is it?”
“Sure it is. We got the money back, and the robbers are under arrest.”
“What about Victor Johnson?”
“I’ll get him,” Cody said through gritted teeth and spurred his horse to a faster pace. “Come on, Hopkins. You need to let Grace see you in one piece.”
“And I reckon you might be hoping Lily will coming running to welcome her hero home?” Nick laughed as he galloped ahead of Cody, sending up a cloud of dust that had Cody swearing even as he grinned.
* * *
The mood inside the hotel was tense. Everyone had been cooped up for too long, children complaining as their pleas to be allowed to play outside went unaddressed. Worried parents hovered around Aidan and Frank Tucker, the streets outside the hotel unusually quiet and deserted. In one corner, Abigail told and retold her ordeal to anyone willing to listen. By now, it sounded as if she had rescued Cody rather than the other way around. Everyone was waiting to learn if the outlaws were still in the area or if the posse had won.
Lily stood near one of the lobby windows, watching for any sign of Cody’s return. Grace sat nearby, having insisted on being moved out of the back room so she could be part of whatever was going on. Her newborn son slept peacefully in a makeshift cradle Miss Kaufmann had concocted out of a wash tub layered with pillows. Emma sat with Aidan, his shoulder bandaged and obviously painful, while Miss K tried without much success to assure the masses of people crowded into the lobby and dining room that everything was under control.
“They’re back,” Lily shouted as she ran to the door, ignoring warnings of possible danger. Leaving the door open, she ran the length of the veranda and on down the street to meet Cody and Nick. They had stopped outside the bank and were handing saddlebags to the banker and his assistant.
“Cody!” Lily shouted, not caring in the slightest how it might look for her to be running down the middle of the street calling his given name.
Cody slid from his saddle and held out his arms to her. “We got ’em, Lily,” he said as he gathered her close. “It’s over.”
“Victor?”
She felt him tense and had her answer. Victor was still out there somewhere.
She stepped back so she could look up at him. “Are you hurt?”
“Not a scratch. How’s Aidan?” He wrapped his arm around her shoulders as they walked toward the hotel together, Nick already on the veranda ahead of them.
“He’s fine. Grace had her baby! It’s a healthy boy.”
Her news was confirmed by a whoop of pure joy coming from the hotel, followed by laughter from those gathered there.
“A son,” Cody murmured. “Well, that’s good news. Doc was back in time, then.”
“Not exactly.”
A wagon’s approach from the opposite end of town caught Cody’s attention. Doc and his wife rolled slowly into town, clearly mystified by the empty plaza. Cody glanced at Lily.
“If Doc wasn’t here, then who delivered the baby?”
Lily shrugged. “Good thing Grace grew up on a farm and had some idea how these things go. I couldn’t have done it without her.”
“You?”
“Well, you don’t have to sound so surprised,” she said, giving his chest a playful slap and grinning. “Not that I plan to make a habit of it, but if I do say so myself, Grace and I managed just fine. Come see for yourself.”
She tugged his arm as she led the way inside the hotel. Nick was holding his son and grinning like a man who’d just discovered gold. “It’s a boy,” he announced when he saw Cody. “Born on the Fourth of July! That has to be special, don’t you think?”
Cody grinned. “Congratulations. Grace, are you doing all right?”
“Thanks to Lily, we’re both just fine.”
“I’ll be the judge of that,” Doc muttered as he stepped past the circle of people surrounding Grace and Nick and set down his bag.
Leaving Doc to examine the newborn and Grace, the throng of townspeople surrounded Cody, who kept one arm firmly around Lily’s shoulders. “It’s over, folks. Go enjoy your celebration,” he announced. “I understand there’s ice cream?”
With a whoop, the children raced for the door. Unconvinced the danger was completely over, their mothers followed close on their heels, admonishing them to be careful. The men stayed, clearly hoping for details of the chase and capture. They ignored Lily as they pelted Cody with demands for details.
She couldn’t help but be impressed with his patience and the way he answered the same question again and again. But at the same time, what she wanted—needed—was to be alone with him. Between the robbery and the unexpected arrival of Grace’s baby, it had been quite a day, and they still had Miss Kaufmann’s farewell party that evening.
“Excuse me, gentlemen,” Lily said when she heard a fourth man ask for Cody’s assurance that their money had been returned to the bank. “I believe Sheriff Daniels has answered your questions.”
The men glanced at each other and then at Cody. One man grinned. “Sorry, Sheriff. Just wanted to be sure.” He shook hands with Cody and then herded the others back outside to join their families. Lily heard the band start playing again, the music mixed with the laughter of children. Nearby, Doc had his stethoscope pressed to Grace’s chest while Nick studied the baby in the washtub as if he couldn’t quite believe what he was seeing.
“Come on,” Lily said, taking Cody’s hand and leading him through the kitchen and on into the yard behind the hotel. “Alone at last,” she said with a nervous laugh. Suddenly, she was shy. She wanted so much for him to kiss her, but here in broad daylight?
He stepped closer, his palm smoothing her hair away from her forehead. “You are one amazing woman, Lily Travis,” he said, his voice low and raspy with emotion.
“Have I told you lately I love you?”
“Not lately enough,” she replied, cupping his cheek with her hand.
He leaned closer, his lips brushing her forehead. “I love you,” he whispered.
“Sorry? I’m not sure I heard that.”
He chuckled. “I love you.”
Her heart hammered. There was nothing she wanted more than to spend the rest of her life with Cody. But Victor was still out there somewhere, and now that Cody had foiled his plans, he would want revenge. She knew him that well, at least.
As if he’d read her thoughts, Cody tilted her chin so she was looking at him. “Lily, don’t let Victor spoil things for us.”
“But…”
“No,” he murmured as he kissed her. It was a kiss that left her knees shaking and made her cling to him for balance. “At that party tonight, I’m claiming every dance, okay?”
She tipped his hat back so she could see his face more clearly. “Whatever you say, Sheriff Daniels.”
He laughed. “Well, there’s a first—Lily Travis taking orders from me?”
“Maybe in the past you gave the wrong orders.”
He narrowed his eyes at her. “I see. Well, how about this one. Kiss me, Lily.”
Uncaring of who might be watching, she raised herself on tiptoe and fit her lips to his, pressing her tongue to his teeth until he opened to her.
“Anything else?” she murmured when they parted, their breaths coming in gasps of desire.
“Marry me.”
“Yes,” she whispered. She touched her fingers to his throat and felt the beating of his pulse. Or perhaps it was her own heart she felt—or could it be both their hearts beating as one?
Chapter 15
The celebration for Emma and Miss Kaufmann was subdued given the events of the day. While no one had died, Aidan and two others had been injured, reminding everyone of the fragility of life on what was still the frontier.
Ty Drake had sent a wire telling Cody that the outlaws had been placed in the custody of the Army and were being held in Santa Fe to answer for crimes they had committed throughout the territory. There had been no sign of Victor Johnson, and Drake had been unable to gather any information from the gang leader.
Putting all that aside, Cody set his mind on the evening’s festivities. Lily wore a pink calico dress, and she’d pinned up her hair in a way that made him long to pull the combs holding it free and let it spill into his open hands. He had never seen her looking more beautiful—or more happy. As others congratulated her on her role in delivering Nick and Grace’s baby, she blushed and smiled in a way that made her glow. Cody stood near the refreshment table watching her, knowing she hadn’t yet realized he was there, enjoying this moment to observe her unawares.
Emma at her side, Lily fussed over Grace and the baby, making sure both were protected from the summer breeze drifting in through the open windows. At one point, she lifted the baby, showing him off to others gathered around and teasing Nick about the need to give the child a name. The image took Cody’s breath away, for what he saw was Lily holding their child—and the future he was determined to have with her.
She looked up then, and as if her gaze was pulled by an invisible cord, saw him. Her smile faltered, replaced by an expression he knew was mirrored on his face—longing, desire, love. He crossed the room, threading his way through other guests, but never taking his eyes off Lily.
“You look…” They said the words in unison and then smiled.
“You first,” she said.
“Why, Miss Lily, are you fishing for a compliment?” he teased.
She arched an eyebrow. “Forgive me, Sheriff Daniels, I was under the impression you were about to offer one.”
He found he had no patience for banter. He held out his arms to her. “Dance with me?”
She stepped toward him, and they joined other couples who swirled around the center of the dining room that had been cleared for the occasion. She looked up at him, one hand linked with his and the other resting lightly on his shoulder. She was smiling, her eyes shimmering like a deep pool of water after a spring rain. He could hardly believe his good fortune.
Nearby, Nick danced with Emma while Grace rocked the baby and looked on approvingly.
“No doubt Grace insisted Nick ask Emma to dance,” Lily said. “I do wish Aidan would realize what a jewel she is.”
“I thought he promoted her to take Bonnie Kaufmann’s position,” Cody replied.
“Oh, he knows Emma is the best choice for that. I just wish he would realize she’s also the best choice for him.”
Cody grinned. “Matchmaking, are you?”
“Grace has found happiness, and so have I. It seems only fitting that Emma should as well.”
“You’re happy, then?” He really didn’t want to talk about Grace and Emma.
The slight frown that had marred her forehead eased. She met his gaze. “I am happier than I ever thought possible,” she said softly.
He tightened his hold on her. “Let’s take a walk,” he suggested.
“Why? What’s happened?” The frown was back, and he realized his own expression had sobered, alarming her.
“Because I can’t very well kiss you the way I want to here in front of all these people, and frankly, Lily, if I don’t kiss you in the next few minutes, I won’t be responsible for my actions.”
“Oh,” she said, her frown changed to a shy smile. “Well, in that case…” She linked her arm through his as they walked toward the front door.
The minute they were outside, he grasped her hand and pulled her into the shadows. It was impossible to say who made the first move. All Cody knew was that she was there in his arms, her mouth open under his, her tongue and his engaged in a dance far more satisfying than the one they’d shared moments earlier.
“Lily,” he murmured as he pressed her to the wall, allowing his body to outline hers. Suddenly, he realized that her cheeks were damp beneath the kisses he feathered over them, and he tasted tears. He stepped away. “Why on earth are you crying?”
“I could have lost you today,” she said, her voice shaking. “We might never have had the chance to…”
He held her close, his chin resting on her soft hair. “Shhh. I’m right here. I’ve already spoken to Ty Drake about one of his deputies taking over as sheriff here, and I’ve filed the papers to run for the position as territorial representative. So as soon as I know Victor Johnson is in custody and no threat to you or anyone else, we can—”
“I don’t want to wait,” she admitted.
“Lily, I can’t marry you until—”
“You mean you won’t.” Her expression was defiant.
Cody took half a step away from her. “I won’t put you in needless danger. Victor Johnson is still out there somewhere.”
She blew out a frustrated breath and leaned against him. “I know,” she murmured.
“He’s not just a threat to you, Lily. Think of what he did to Abigail and that waitress in Santa Fe. He’s dangerous, even more so now that we foiled the robbery.”
For a long moment, they were silent.
“And what if we don’t wait? What if…” she said.
He tightened his hold on her, knowing what she was suggesting. “I want you, Lily, more than you can possibly imagine. But we shouldn’t. Your reputation could be ruined.”
“Isn’t it my choice to make?” She stepped back so that she could look directly at him. “Cody, I am fully aware of what I’m suggesting. Certainly my stepfather and Victor made sure I was educated in that arena, even if it was against my will.”
“I am not those men,” Cody growled.
“I know that,” she hurried to assure him. “Don’t you understand? They only knew how to take what they wanted, and in the process, they robbed me of my ability to trust. But what I feel for you i
s so different from anything I’ve ever known.
“And yet, what if we marry and I find I simply can’t…that the memories of what they did are too ingrained in me to ever allow someone good and kind and loving like you…” Her eyes glistened with unshed tears, and her lower lip trembled. “You must think me horrible.”
“I think you are anything but horrible, Lily. You are brave and caring and scared.” He was so torn, wanting to protect her and make sure no man—especially not him—ever caused her pain again. At the same time, he wanted to show her what real love might feel like, how the act of true love might be the balm needed to erase all those painful memories. Cody wrestled with what his head told him might be a mistake but his heart begged for him to consider. “Look, ever since Jake died, things have been anything but normal for us.”
“I know,” she agreed. “It seems like maybe it’s time for a new normal. I feel like one is out there but just out of reach.”
“Honey, today was full of upsets.”
“But that doesn’t change anything. It only makes me want us to be together more.”
The door to the hotel opened, and another couple found a place in the shadows on the opposite end of the veranda.
“Come on. Let’s walk over to my office. At least there we can talk this through without worrying about being interrupted.”
She nodded.
Hand in hand, they crossed the plaza. He opened the door and allowed her to go ahead of him into the dark space. Once he’d shut the door, he was at a loss as to what he might do next. He reached for the lantern. She covered his hand to stop him.
“There’s enough light from the street,” she said as she perched on the edge of the single chair near his desk.
“I could make tea,” he offered with a nervous laugh. “Might calm our nerves.”
“Or you could kiss me,” she replied, giving him a light tap on his lips, but immediately after she did that, all pretense of teasing disappeared. “Today taught me one hard lesson—we may not have tomorrow.”
He drew her to her feet and slowly removed the combs and pins from her hair, drawing in a breath as the mass of its platinum beauty tumbled down over her shoulders. He placed the hair ornaments on his desk and cupped her cheeks in his palms. “I love you so much, Lily,” he whispered as their lips met.
