by Linda Broday
“You can’t go by the man’s reputation, Addie. Others call him a fair man.”
She stared at him like he’d just proclaimed that eating mice was healthy. “I’m sure you believe you know what’s best for me, but you don’t. I make my own decisions now. After facing death at my father’s hands, I think I’ve earned the right.”
“That’s not what I—”
Bodie looked just as mutinous. “We’re going! I’ll quit working for you if I have to, so you won’t be the boss of me anymore.”
“Settle down. Both of you.” Ridge stepped away and ran his fingers through his hair, trying to curb his temper and not being very successful. “We’ll make a damn picnic out of it, then! Bring our best tablecloth and plenty of fried chicken. And don’t forget the lemonade, pickles, and toothpicks.”
“Don’t be ridiculous.” Sparks shot from Addie’s eyes. “You could die.”
Ridge whirled. “So could you. Can’t you get that through your head? It’s dangerous being away from here with me. Hope’s Crossing offers safety of sorts.”
“I’ll take my chances.” Addie jerked up her knitting and stuffed it in the bag. “I’m going to bed.”
“Me too!” Bodie disappeared toward the back door, and a second later, a slam shook the house.
Great. Now he had both of them as mad as drowned cats.
“Addie—”
Almost at the parlor door, she turned to meet his gaze and retraced her steps. “You once said that you won’t ever own me. Don’t become my father.” Her voice softened. “I will consider you in all things, but in the end, I’ll make my own decisions. You need me.”
“That I do.” Ridge released a resigned breath and pulled her against him. “I need you like I need air. I don’t want to fight.”
“Me either. I’m just so scared of losing you.” She stood on tiptoe and pressed a kiss to his lips. His deep love for her shook him down to the core. He deepened the kiss and ran his hands down her sides, tracing every curve, swell, and valley before returning to cup her breasts.
“I can’t live without you,” he murmured against her mouth. “You’re part of me.”
Addie stepped back and took his hand. They turned down the lamps as they moved to the stairs, the cats following them up. In moments, Ridge had shut the felines out of the bedroom and frantically stripped off both their clothes.
“I’ve missed you. Make love to me, Ridge,” Addie whispered, placing his hand on her chest.
Desire licked up his spine like a searing flame. His heart hammering, he laid her on the bed and covered her with his body, his swollen hardness seeking her. Unlike their other times, this would be hot and fast. Slow had its place, but not now.
“Now, Ridge. I can’t wait.” Addie’s fingernails gently raked his back, trying to pull him inside. Her plea wasn’t wasted. One thrust took him inside the center of her being, and he set a pace to match their rapid breathing.
Her muscles clenched around him, creating delicious friction that drove him to heights he’d never known. “Addie!”
She lightly nipped her teeth across his chest, and desire raced through him like a wild rainstorm across prairieland. He wanted everything she had to give. Had to have her or he’d lose his damn mind.
Luckily for his sanity, the climb was swift, and the peak was one so intense it took his breath.
“Now!” she cried, shuddering beneath him, her muscles gripping and releasing around him.
His heart exploding, he spasmed and pulsed inside her. Mindless release shot him into a white space void of sound. He hung there, drifting through a quiet haze, relaxed and peaceful. In this beautiful place, no one hunted him or threatened to hang him.
Then he dropped back to reality, conscious of the weight of his body.
Gasping for air, his skin sweat slickened, he rolled off to the side and lay panting. He glanced over at Addie. She lay on her back, arms at her sides, eyes closed, breathing hard.
Ridge fumbled for her limp hand and squeezed. “I love you, Addie.”
The sheet rustled as she rolled to face him. “You complete me. I needed that desperately.”
“Happy to oblige. Anything for my lady.”
Addie traced the lines of his face, tears in her eyes. “There will come a time when I will never hear your voice, feel your touch, breathe your scent.” She took a shuddering breath. “And I cannot imagine the pain of what that might be like. That scares the bejesus out of me.”
“Pray God that’s a long time from now.” He lifted her hand to his lips.
“Ridge, I’m going to work hard at storing away memories for such a day. I’m going to love you full-out with every fiber of my being. I don’t know how this trip to Mobeetie will end, but I’m not ready to lose you yet. I’m not. I’m so scared.”
“Please try to let me do the worrying.” He toyed with her hair. “I never thought I’d meet a woman like you, as fine and pretty and smart. I never imagined you were out there waiting for me. The happiest day of my life was when I married you and we started a journey together.” He swallowed hard. “I want to tell you these things now in case…”
He couldn’t finish the sentence for the emotion clogging his throat. Panic rose for a moment, blocking out reason. Maybe she was right. They could run. This could be a trap, the judge’s way to lure him into the open.
All his reasons for going vanished. What the hell was he doing?
Struggling to breathe, Ridge pushed off the bed and went to the window to stare out at the blackness. But all he saw was a large blood moon hanging in the sky.
An omen. But an omen of what?
Thirty-Nine
By morning, Ridge had put the blood moon out of his mind. Lovemaking had been an excellent distraction, and they’d spent the better part of the night satisfying and loving each other. Now it was time to get back to taking care of his family. And the best way to do that was facing Judge Horace Greely.
The back door opened. “Morning,” Bodie mumbled, his wet hair slicked back.
Addie took the eggs from the skillet. “That’s great timing. Breakfast is served.”
“I ain’t very hungry.” He took a cup from the shelf and poured coffee.
Ridge did a double take. “Addie, check him for a fever.”
“There ain’t nothing wrong. I feel fine.” Bodie took a sip. “Fine as frog hair, as a matter of fact.”
Addie sat down. “I wish I’d have known that before I cooked all these eggs.”
“Sorry. Maybe I’ll eat ’em later.” He took his coffee and went back outside.
“Ridge, what’s wrong with him?”
“I’ll find out after I eat.” But Ridge already knew what it was—worry. Bodie couldn’t face losing another good person from his life. “The kid is trying to sort through all this.”
“Let’s take him into town with us. He might like to see Sawyer and Henry.”
For someone just getting their day started, Addie presented quite a picture. Her hair lay in a wealth of golden curls and waves, and her eyes seemed greener than usual. There was a flush to her skin as well. He’d like to capture her likeness and hang it on the wall.
Ridge laid down his fork, a husky tone in his voice. “I have to say that lovemaking certainly agrees with you. I’ve never seen you lovelier than you are right now.”
She sat quietly for a moment, blinking back tears. “Thank you, dear. You look rather handsome yourself.”
They would only have one more morning like this. Then this fairy-tale marriage might come to an end. Suddenly, he wasn’t hungry either.
* * *
Later that morning, they rode into town, and Addie stopped in at the mercantile for a few things.
“Got a letter for you, Mrs. Steele.” Owen Vaughn reached into a mail slot and handed her an envelope.
“Oh my goodness,
I wonder who wrote it.” Addie scanned it for a return address but found none. She carefully tore the envelope open, her attention flying to the signature at the end. Shiloh Duke. Her heart lifted. She went to sit on a bench outside to read in the sunlight.
Dear Addie,
I pray this finds you and Mr. Steele well and in good spirits. I’m in a Colorado mining town, singing in a real fancy place. Folks flock every night to listen to me. They call me their songbird and I like that. I’m very careful in making acquaintances, so don’t worry. I sure ain’t looking for love. Anyhow, the miners here only have one thing on their minds and I’m staying clear of them. Don’t need what they’re selling. I make enough to live on with something left over and am finding that I enjoy my life. Tell Bodie that I believe in the power of dreams. Nightmares can’t find me here. I’ll write more soon.
Yours truly,
Shiloh
Addie folded the letter, digesting the news. How wonderful to know that Shiloh was alive and well. The young woman sounded very satisfied with her lot now. Addie wished she could write back to her, but evidently Shiloh wasn’t ready to reveal her location. Addie hoped she would one day though. She didn’t want to lose touch with the girl and had a sudden yearning to tell her about the school-teaching position and the kids that would be starting school in two weeks.
Addie rose and went to visit her mother. Little Nico met her at the door. “Add!”
Smiling, Ingrid came from the small kitchen, her hair in a loose arrangement on top of her head that was very becoming. “Addie, you don’t have to knock. This is your home too.” She studied Addie’s face. “What’s wrong?”
“Oh, Mama. I’m afraid for Ridge.” Addie sank into her mother’s embrace. God, how she’d missed her mama’s soft shoulder. She needed the comfort.
“Let’s sit down and you can tell me what this is about.” Ingrid picked up Nico and they sat at the table. Nico laid his head on Ingrid’s chest and stared at Addie.
She told her mother about Judge Greely and her worst fears. “Bodie says as long as Ridge is determined to go, he’s coming too. Ridge stood thinking at the window a long time last night, and I suspect a part of him doesn’t want to go through with this. Mama, I don’t know if I can stand it if the judge throws out Shiloh’s confession and arrests him. They might put him in prison”—she tried to steady herself—“or hang him.”
If that happened, she didn’t know how she could possibly teach school. It would be impossible to focus.
“Child, you have to be brave. Support his decision and try not to let him see your worry.” Ingrid handed her a handkerchief and Addie blew her nose. “I’ve never seen a man love anyone like he does you. Don’t expect the worst. This may very well be a godsend, everything Ridge has wanted.”
“I know, and I’m trying. It’s impossible to see hope when the risk is this great.” But she’d do anything for him, even wear a smile when her heart was breaking.
* * *
Two days later, Ridge walked from the hotel in Mobeetie to the courthouse with Addie, flanked by Bodie and Jack. He felt naked without his Colts and holster he’d left behind in the room. He paused on the courthouse steps and took Bodie aside. “I’m not good with saying how I feel, but our time together has been some of the best I’ve ever spent. I’ve loved teaching you and watching you grow into a fine man.” Ridge drew him into a hug, fighting the break in his voice. “You’ve been like a son.”
Bodie sobbed silently, tears wetting his cheeks. “Thank you for taking me in and seeing that I have worth.”
Damn! Ridge blinked hard. “Wasn’t that hard to see. If the judge doesn’t grant my petition—” His voice broke. “In case he doesn’t, go home with Addie and stay in Hope’s Crossing. There’ll be lots of men willing to give you work.”
“Yes, sir. I’ll take care of Addie too.”
“Thanks. Now go on inside with Jack. I need a private word with Addie.” Ridge waited until they moved away. Then, with the clouds threatening to spill rain, he took her hands and cleared his throat. “If this doesn’t turn out right, promise me you’ll go on and live your life the best you can without me. The house and land are yours. Don’t keep your heart closed. Find someone else to give you children, to protect you from the darkness.”
Tears spilled down Addie’s face. She clung to him. “I’ll never love anyone else. You can’t make me promise that!”
“You’re right, I can’t.” He reached into his vest for a handkerchief and handed it to her. “All I can do is hope you will listen and let your heart heal.”
Her fingers tightened around his arm. “This isn’t over yet. Stop talking like it is.”
“I just want you to be prepared.” How could he tell her to do that when he hadn’t prepared himself? He stood to lose everything he’d ever wanted. How could he take a chance he’d leave here in shackles?
Part of him yearned to grab Addie and Bodie and run as far and fast as he could. Yet the glimmer of hope shining through the cloud of doubt kept him rooted. He couldn’t pass up a chance to be free.
Free. The word echoed inside his head and sent an anguished cry through his heart. Ridge took a deep breath, pulled his shoulders back. It was time to roll the dice.
He led Addie inside to a seat at the front of the half-empty courtroom and sat next to Jack and Bodie. The sheriff and two deputies standing at the door to the judge’s chambers drew his attention, and his heart clenched in momentary panic. Judging by the way Addie gripped his hand, she must’ve also seen the stern-faced sheriff.
“I hope this won’t take long,” Bodie murmured. “My heart can’t take the wait.”
Ridge wanted to say his couldn’t either, but he wouldn’t let the boy see his nerves. “It’ll be over soon, son. Hang in there.”
Jack leaned close. “Don’t pay any mind to Greely’s reputation. Trust that this will end right.”
The words had barely left his mouth before the door to the judge’s chambers opened and a black-robed older man stepped out. He looked around with dark, piercing eyes. Someone said, “All rise.”
It had begun.
“Court’s in session.” The gray-haired judge heard two cases before Ridge’s. One man got five years in prison for horse stealing and was taken away by the sheriff. The other was a prostitute and she got time served for fighting. With a black eye, scratches all over her face, and copper hair that looked like wire, she was the roughest-looking woman Ridge had ever seen. He’d rather tangle with a bobcat. For a moment, he wondered what the other party looked like and if they’d fared any better.
Bodie squirmed, and Ridge felt the same impatience.
Finally, Judge Greely glanced over his round spectacles. “Ridge Steele.”
“Good luck,” Addie whispered.
Jack stood, explaining who he was. The judge motioned him and Ridge forward. “Thank you for hearing our petition, Judge Greely.”
The judge scowled at Ridge. “I read Miss Shiloh Duke’s statement and found the events of the night on July 22, 1877 in need of some clarifying. Did you coerce that young woman into proclaiming your innocence?”
“Absolutely not.” Shock that the judge would ask such a thing raced up his spine. Dammit, Greely was going to throw out the testimony. He should’ve listened to Bodie.
Jack cleared his throat. “Sir, the lady wrote that statement in my office in front of me, and I guarantee you that no one made her do it. She wasn’t in fear for her life. In fact, she was very relaxed and happy to undo the lie she’d told years previous. Her conscience had bothered her.”
“Is that opinion or fact, Mr. Bowdre?”
A tinge of anger showed in Jack’s answer. “Both. Your Honor, I have two witnesses here in the courtroom right now who’ll vouch for that and be more than happy to testify how Miss Duke came to be at the Steele house.”
“Where is Miss Duke now? Why isn’
t she here?”
Ridge’s heart sank even further.
“We don’t know her whereabouts at present,” Jack answered. “She came through Hope’s Crossing on her way west. She’s starting a new life. Her father forced her to do horrible things and used her to settle gambling debts. Now she’s free to live as she wants.”
“I would like to have spoken to her.” Greely swatted a fly that landed on his desk. “Steele, what was your former profession, and what were you doing in the woods that night?”
Jack whispered, “Relax, don’t let him intimidate you.” Ridge had news for Jack. Greely already scared him into the middle of next week.
“A preacher, sir. I had a church in a nearby town and was on my way home after visiting a parishioner’s sick child.” Ridge didn’t flinch from the judge’s sharp, dark eyes. “I heard Shiloh—Miss Duke—cry out in what sounded like pain and went to see if I could help.”
“How long did you preach?”
“Two years, sir.”
“Quite a few outlaws claim to be preachers to get their crimes erased. Is that what you’re doing?”
“No, absolutely not.”
“Are you preaching the Good Book now?”
Ridge forced himself to remain still under Greely’s skeptical stare. The sheriff took a step toward him from his post. “I lost my faith in God, Your Honor. I gave up the pulpit and haven’t preached a word since that night. I couldn’t see how the good Lord would let someone frame me for such unspeakable crimes. I was just riding by, minding my own business, stopped to help someone in need, and found myself with a noose around my neck and a hostile crowd wanting me dead. I am not using religion to get the slate cleared.” Ridge inhaled a quick breath. “No, Your Honor.”
Jack seized a moment of quiet. “Ridge Steele has committed no crimes since coming to live in Hope’s Crossing.” His voice rang out with clear conviction. “I don’t know a finer man to ride with, and I consider him head and shoulders above the best.”
