The Outlaw's Mail Order Bride

by Linda Broday

  Tobias fell into step with him. “You’re in a much happier mood, Colby. Glad to see it.”

  Clay glanced toward the bluff where his world had shifted amid thunder and lightning. “That was some gully washer last night. I guess all I needed was a good old thunderstorm.” And his wife’s satiny body beneath him.

  Two riders came through the town’s opening and he recognized Pete and Otis, the men he’d sent to track Tarver, Finch, and Abrams. He hurried toward them.

  They dismounted and Clay had never seen two more weary riders. Both were covered with mud.

  Pete attempted a smile but seemed to settle for a quick quirk of his mouth. “We found ’em all right. After we finished with ’em, they’re limping back to Creedmore. I don’t think you have to worry too much right now.”

  “Good.” The news gave Clay satisfaction. “You and Otis get some rest and eat.”

  He watched them make their way toward the watering trough for their mounts and went to give Tally the good news. She needed all she could get.

  If he could save her and those women in Deliverance Canyon, maybe it would atone for his mistake so long ago that continued to haunt him.

  Eighteen

  Four days passed with Montana’s leg continuing to worsen. If he didn’t get a doctor soon, he would die. However, Tally and Belle continued to do everything they knew to save him.

  On the fifth morning, Tally woke up with Clay on her mind. He’d spent as much time with her as he could. He’d picked flowers for her, toted water to her garden, and helped with Violet. But they hadn’t made love since the night of the storm, much to her regret.

  “This is ending today, one way or another,” she muttered to herself. “I can’t live like this.”

  She’d made a commitment to Clay and she meant to honor it. They were married and they needed to act married. If she didn’t grab this, the only thing left for her would be a life of loneliness, listening to the sound of her own heartbeat in the dark, praying dawn would come soon. She’d die a shriveled, old woman.

  This wasn’t about Rebel. It was about her, and a change was coming.

  After cleaning up the breakfast dishes and getting Violet out into the sunshine, she grabbed her shawl. She met Clay and Rebel coming from the new house. Rebel gave her a knowing stare and the lift of an eyebrow. The urge rose in Tally to claw her eyes out.

  Clay removed her hand from his arm. “You need to see about Montana, Rebel.”

  “Just a minute, Rebel.” Tally gave her a wide smile and took her aside. She put her mouth to the woman’s ear. “I don’t know when you’re going to give up and realize that Clay does not want you. His days and nights are about to get very full, if you know what I mean. So keep your grubby hands to yourself, honey.”

  Behind her, Clay cleared his throat and Tally caught his smile before he could hide it. Rebel gave her a look that could kill and flounced away.

  “There, I’m glad I could have that conversation with her. God bless poor, misguided people.” Tally’s smile faded and doubt set in. She took a deep breath. “Clay, can you talk?”

  “What’s on your mind?”

  “Clarity. It seems to me that marriage problems might be easier to work through if the couple is living in the same house. We made commitments to each other, and it’s time to honor those. We promised certain things and I want to be a real wife. It’s time you moved back into our house.” She hesitated a moment. “Will you?”

  “Can you give up some of that fierce independence and trust me a little?”

  “That’s a work in progress, but I’ll keep trying until I get there.” Tally moistened her dry lips. “I told you I’d sleep beside you and weather the storms. I need you, Clay.”

  “Are you sure?” His voice thickened. “Once I move back, I’ll be there for the duration.”

  “I’m sure.” She laid a hand on the side of his jaw. “My bed is very lonely.”

  “Then I reckon I need to fix that.” His voice roughened as he put a finger under her chin and pressed his lips to hers.

  For the next half hour, he moved back into the dugout. Violet couldn’t stop grinning and getting in the way. You’d think he’d been gone a month the way the child carried on.

  “And you won’t ever leave us.” She jostled his arm when she felt for his hand.

  “Nope, this is for good.” He glanced at Tally. God, she was beautiful! Sunlight streamed through the window, picking up the vibrant russet and gold of her hair with a radiance that stole his ability to think. The worry and hard glints had vanished from her blue eyes. They’d grown softer, reminding him of a winter sky—pale, pristine, the color so pure it make him ache.

  The lazy contentment rippling under his skin reminded him of the night they’d watched the storm, wearing nothing but satisfied smiles. Violet’s small hand curling in his drew attention back to his daughter.

  The word lodged in his brain. But that’s who she was—his daughter.

  Violet’s grin stretched. “We all got someplace to belong, and this is where you’re supposed to be.”

  “That’s very true.” Clay picked her up and slung her over his shoulder. Bullet barked and jumped up on his leg.

  Violet giggled. “Where are you taking me?”

  He strode to the door. “I’m going to find a patch of yellow and purple wildflowers and let you pick some for your mama.”

  “I like to smell flowers. They must look awful pretty, sorta like God smiling.”

  It suddenly felt as if a fist had knocked the air out of him. His voice was raspy. “How did you know, baby girl?”

  Violet shrugged. “I just did. God smiles at me all the time.”

  Clay put an arm around Tally. They were a family, the ones who gave his life added meaning. But how long would this last? A black storm loomed on the horizon, and only one question remained: How bad would it be?

  * * *

  A plum-and-indigo twilight colored the rugged Texas landscape when Luke and Josie Legend finally returned. They led a caravan of wagons, six to be exact, each piled high with more lumber than Clay had ever seen at one time.

  He whooped and rode out to meet them. “You don’t know what a welcome sight you are. I never thought you’d bring all this at once.”

  A grin broke across Luke’s dark features, and the ex-outlaw rested his arms on his knees. “Sorry we’re so late. It took time to put all this together and bring enough manpower too. We’re going to stay and help you put this town together, board by board.”

  His brother, Houston, hollered from the second wagon. “Colby, you’re going to get your dream one way or another. Might damn well harelip the governor, though!”

  Thickness clogged Clay’s throat. He didn’t know what to say to these men who’d become like family to him. It took him a moment to find the words. At last, he spoke. “I’m sure your father had plenty to say about you taking these Lone Star men from the ranch.”

  “Nope.” Luke pushed back his hat and wiped his forehead with a shirtsleeve. “This was Stoker’s idea. An early Christmas present.”

  A dozen extra men and all that lumber was some gift, and Christmas was a long way off. On the other hand, Clay was relieved not to find Luke and Houston’s brother, Sam, among the bunch. Having a sheriff invade their hiding place was not something any outlaw wanted to see. Sam would’ve made them all more than a little skittish.

  Clay tipped his hat to Luke’s pretty blond wife. “Miss Josie, how are you faring? I figured with all the jostling in the wagon on these trips back and forth, you’d have had that baby by now.”

  She chuckled. “Nope. I think the little squirt is afraid to come out. He thinks we’ll put him right to work.”

  “Smart kid.” Clay laughed.

  “We still have plenty of time before the big event.” Josie sighed contentedly and wrapped her arm around her husband.
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  Houston hollered out, “Hey, Clay! Lara gave birth to our son, Crockett, a few days ago!”

  “You don’t say! A celebration is in order.” Clay had forged a lasting friendship with the oldest Legend brother the previous year when he’d helped drive two thousand longhorns up the trail to Dodge City and ran into more trouble than they bargained for. “What does Gracie say about her baby brother?”

  Houston’s smile couldn’t get any wider at mention of his daughter. “The little general has gotten even bossier than usual, if you can picture that.”

  “I can only imagine.” The child sure liked to shake her finger and give everyone what for.

  “How’s Tally?” Josie asked.

  “She’s just fine.” The leather creaked as Clay shifted in the saddle. “I’m sure you ladies will have plenty to talk about. Better get moving. We’ll sit down to supper soon.”

  The most god-awful sound reached his ears. It began as a horse whinny, then changed to the loudest braying he’d ever heard. He swung around to see another wagon coming alongside, this one pulled by a pair of braying mules. The woman driver wore a large, floppy hat and was smoking a cigar. What in God’s name?

  Houston grinned. “Oh, I almost forgot. Meet Dr. Marguerite Cuvier, or Dr. Mary as we call her. She’s recently moved from Indian Territory. She finally got her wish and made it to Texas.”

  Dr. Mary shifted her cigar and reached for Clay’s hand. “Nice to meet you. I hear you’re in need of a doctor in this new town. I’d like to settle here.”

  Uh-oh! Rebel’s new position hadn’t lasted long. Clay didn’t think she’d take this lying down. Still, treating Montana definitely hadn’t been to Rebel’s taste, and Dr. Mary appeared quite capable of holding her own. She appeared to have plenty of grit and didn’t look like she’d back down from anyone. A necklace made of bullets hung around her neck. Houston had described that string of spent ammunition to him last year on that cattle drive, and Clay was happy to see it at last. It was pretty unusual. The piece of jewelry would make a person think twice before tangling with her.

  “Drive on in and make yourselves at home,” Clay called. He galloped ahead to tell Tally they needed lots more food.

  And he wanted to be there to intervene when Rebel found out she’d been replaced—again.

  * * *

  Tally leaned against Clay, his breath fluttering the hair at her temple, as she watched the approaching caravan. He held Violet’s hand and Bullet sat at the girl’s feet. The wagons rolled to a stop and everyone climbed down. As soon as Luke helped Josie to the ground, she waddled over to hug Tally. Her condition made Tally a little nervous, her size making her look ready to pop any minute.

  “Luke tried to talk me into staying home, but I insisted on coming. I couldn’t wait to see you.” Josie turned to study Violet. “You’ve changed, girl. What’s happened?”

  “My…Mr. Clay taught me how to see with a long stick.” Violet beamed full of pride. “And I can walk holding on to the rope on the trails.” She pulled Josie down. “I found Montana and he’s hurt real bad. He’s my friend.”

  Tally draped an arm around Violet’s small shoulders, wondering what she’d been about to call Clay. Was she thinking of him as more than someone she lived with?

  Josie glanced at Tally, confusion on her face. “Isn’t Montana the outlaw who set the town on fire?”

  “Uh-huh, but he didn’t mean it.” Violet firmly took her stick with one hand, the other grasped Bullet’s fur, and she went off to explore the world that still held much mystery.

  Tally’s gaze followed the girl to the tent where Montana lay. “It’s a long story, Josie. That girl adores Montana. He saved her from getting snake bit.”

  “She doesn’t even resemble the same frightened child. It’s amazing.” Josie linked her arm through Tally’s. “We have some catching up to do. How are things between you and Clay?”

  “They’re good—now. I’ll tell you later. First, I need to round up more supper.” Tally had swung toward the supper that was cooking when Rebel raised her voice.

  “Lady, I don’t know who you think you are, but I’m the doctor here.” Fire shot from Rebel’s eyes as she blocked the entrance to the tent, barring Dr. Mary.

  The cigar-smoking doctor calmly studied Rebel. “I didn’t intend to take your place, miss. I hear the man inside is pretty bad off and you may have to amputate his leg.” Dr. Mary shrugged. “It takes a powerful arm to saw through a thick leg bone, but if you can handle it, then I’ll help Josie and Tally with supper.” She turned toward the bubbling pots at the campfire.

  Tally grinned, and her liking for the bullet-wearing doctor grew right then and there.

  “Wait. Don’t be so hasty.” Rebel ran after the doctor and yanked on her arm. “I was only filling in until you got here. I’m more than happy to turn the job over to you. I’ll just find something else to do that’s less…messy. Like trimming toenails and barbering. I can cut hair real good. These men are a shaggy lot. Why, it might take me a few months to whip them into shape, and by then, it’ll be time to start over.”

  This was getting more entertaining than a peephole in an outhouse. Rebel sure knew when to hold ’em and fold ’em. Tally needed to help Belle with supper, but she couldn’t tear herself away from the drama unfolding. Josie appeared to be just as riveted.

  Rebel clutched the doctor’s arm tightly. “I’ll even let you use the tent until you can get your own set up. No charge. Montana Black is all yours. I’d be obliged if you’d take him off my hands.”

  Tally hid her grin. Rebel was quick to get rid of anything that spelled real work. True, Dr. Mary had exaggerated some, but Montana was still a very sick man, requiring a lot of care.

  “Only if you’re sure.” Dr. Mary pried Rebel’s fingers loose. “I wouldn’t want to put you out and you’ve already gotten started.”

  “No, please.” Rebel’s wild eyes darted, pleading. “I barely got set up. It stinks bad enough in my tent to gag a maggot. I’ve already thrown up twice this afternoon. I’m just not cut out for this doctoring business. There’s no blood or amputations in cutting nails and hair. That’s got to be my calling.”

  “Put that way, I guess the only thing for me to do is take care of this poor, sick man.” Dr. Mary patted Rebel’s hand. “If you need something to settle that stomach, come see me.”

  “I will. Oh, I will.” Rebel headed for the group of men at a fast trot.

  Tally turned to Josie. “I wish we’d had Dr. Mary when Rebel first rode in. Come, let me introduce you to Tobias and Belle January. They’re already like family, and I love them dearly.”

  Belle glanced up from stirring one of the pots and laid down her big wooden spoon. “You ladies are two peas in a pod. I can see how happy you are just being together.”

  Tally introduced Josie. “I met this woman last year and knew I’d found a lasting friend. Josie went through quite an experience with Luke, and now they’re about to have a new addition to their family.”

  “Do you mind if I lay my hand on your belly?” Belle asked.

  Josie smiled. “Not at all. He’s sure squirming today. Not sure why he’s so restless.”

  Belle rested a gnarled hand on Josie’s stomach and worry crossed the old woman’s face. Tally wondered what she thought, but she wouldn’t ask in front of Josie. Belle composed herself quickly and winked, giving Josie a smile. “I think he’ll be here very soon.”

  “Oh no, ma’am.” Josie’s eyes widened as she sat down. “He can’t come until I get back to the Lone Star. Luke’s father, Stoker, will kill me. Besides, I have my heart set on Dr. Jenkins to help me.”

  Tally met Belle’s worried glance and gently warned, “Josie, have you ever considered that your plans could change? Babies have a way of coming whenever they choose.”

  She hoped not, though. Whatever would they do if things took a turn? Ho
w would they keep a babe alive that had been born too soon? Tally had complete faith in Belle’s sense about these things though. The woman had lived way too long not to know what she was talking about.

  “Nope, this one is going to follow the schedule, and my calendar says he’s not coming for another two months.” Josie’s glance slid to Luke and softened. He’d hunkered down on his heels with Clay, Jack, and Ridge, drawing in the dirt. Houston strode toward them.

  Tally supposed the men were discussing the buildings soon to go up. The happiness on Luke’s face made her heart swell. Like Clay, he’d gone through things no man should have to and cheated death more times than he had a right. The look of peace her old friend now wore had come very slowly. Just this once, she prayed, please let Belle be wrong. Don’t let anything ruin the perfect life he and Josie had found.

  Best to keep busy. Tally turned to the blissful blond woman who’d stolen Luke’s heart. “Josie, we’d best see to supper. Our men will be starving.”

  Before they took a step, Violet came from the doctor tent, holding her stick in front of her, feeling her way. Bullet rose from his spot near the opening and nudged the girl’s hand. A smile formed on her face and she gave the dog a hug. Love burst in Tally’s chest as she watched her sightless daughter make her way toward the men, using the sound of their voices to guide her. Violet had bravery and spunk—and Clay had helped her find it.

  Their life was pretty darn good, too. But for how long?

  The secrets she kept could ruin what they’d found. Clay would have to know sooner or later. She rubbed her eyes to rid them of the haunting images of what she’d done. Dear God!

  This unforgiving Texas land either made a person stronger or crippled their spirit. There were no half-measures or promises. Somehow, someway, Tally would find strength to fight. Having Clay back in the dugout strengthened her sagging resolve. She was his wife and it didn’t hurt to remind him of his vows. Herself too. She’d lost sight of what she’d promised.