Rogue Rapids

by Shirleen Davies

  Reaching the bottom, she glanced around, not seeing Mack but spotting her brother standing by the front door. A wave of disappointment so intense she had to steady herself on a nearby table washed through her.

  “Are you all right, Sylvia?” Dominic stepped beside her, grasping her arm, his eyes full of concern.

  Heat colored her cheeks at the worry on his face. She plastered on a fake smile. “I’m fine, Dom. A little clumsy is all.” Her gaze continued to dart around the dining room, reality smacking her in the face. Mack hadn’t come.

  Mack stood in the shadows across the street from the boardinghouse. Crossing his arms, he leaned against a post, staring through the window. Sylvia looked so beautiful tonight, tendrils of silky dark hair framing her face. Then again, she looked beautiful every night.

  He could see her look around the restaurant before casting a disappointed look at Dominic. Guilt sliced through Mack, knowing she searched for him.

  “I’m guessing you had no idea Sylvia came from money.”

  Mack startled at Cash’s voice, caught off-guard by his friend’s sudden appearance. He shook his head at allowing himself to become so distracted. Inattention to your surroundings could be dangerous for any lawman.

  “She told me her family owned a small spread in Texas. Made it sound like any average cattle ranch, living from one trail drive to another.”

  Cash leaned down, resting his hands on the top rail of the boardwalk. “Is her being from a wealthy family a problem for you? ‘Cause I’m telling you, if I weren’t already married to the best woman in Montana, it sure wouldn’t be a problem for me.”

  Mack chuckled at Cash’s shameless praise of Allie. The deputy hadn’t wasted any time letting the other single men in Splendor know he’d taken an interest in Alison McGrath not long after she’d arrived in town. His face sobered as he thought on Cash’s question.

  “Sylvia lied to me, Cash. Why didn’t she tell me the truth?” He couldn’t hide the extreme frustration at her lack of honesty.

  “Are you thinking of letting her go because of it?”

  He dropped his arms to his sides, straightening before scrubbing a hand down his face. “Thinking about it.”

  Cash narrowed his gaze on Mack. “You may want to think about it real hard. If you call off the courtship, she will barely catch a breath before others are at her door. Sylvia is a beauty and a real nice lady.” He clasped Mack’s shoulder. “Don’t let your pride lead you toward a big mistake.” Taking a step away, Cash looked up and down the street once more. “Guess it’s time for me to head home for supper. You might want to think about going to the boardinghouse for the same.”

  Mack watched him walk away, understanding the meaning of Cash’s words. He’d never considered himself a man who allowed pride to interfere with his decisions. The thought caused him to reconsider his decision to let Sylvia go. Maybe she had a good reason for not telling him the truth about her family.

  Taking a deep breath, he shoved aside his uncertainties and stepped down from the boardwalk. Keeping his gaze on Sylvia through the dusty restaurant window, he walked inside, making his way to the table.

  Removing his hat, he looked at her. “I apologize for being late, Miss Lucero. Is it still all right if I join you?” Any uncertainty he felt disappeared at the relieved expression on her face.

  “Of course it’s all right. I’m so glad you came.”

  The joy on her face caused a slight tinge of guilt to flash through him. It was a good decision to reconsider, shove aside his doubts and make an appearance, as she’d expected.

  Dominic stood, shaking Mack’s hand before indicating a chair next to Sylvia. After they’d both taken seats, her brother leaned forward.

  “Sylvia just told me you’ve been courting her.” He lifted a brow, his gaze boring into Mack’s.

  Clearing his throat, Mack nodded. “For three weeks now.” He glanced at Sylvia, unsure what else to say.

  “Don’t take this wrong, Mack, but Sylvia allowing herself to be courted by a lawman is a surprise. I always thought she’d marry one of the ranchers around Whiplash.”

  “Dom!” Her face heated in embarrassment. “We’re only courting. We’ve never discussed marriage.”

  Mack tilted his head, his brows lifting, silently telling her that wasn’t exactly true.

  She bit her lower lip, forcing her gaze away from Mack to focus on Dominic. “Well, we have mentioned it, but there’s been no decision. We’re, well…getting to know each other.”

  Dominic sensed a thread of tension between his sister and Mack, deciding to ignore it for now. “I’m sure you already know Sylvia is a woman with a mind of her own. I believe it’s why she left our ranch. To build her own life, not the one our father requires.”

  Mack’s features stilled. “Requires?” He looked at Sylvia.

  Shifting in her seat, she opened her mouth to explain, stopping when Tabitha walked up with three plates.

  “I saw you join them, Deputy Mackey, and decided to bring you the same as Sylvia and Mr. Lucero. It’s Suzanne’s venison roast.” Tabitha set down the plates.

  “The roast is perfect. Thank you.”

  Tabitha smiled. “Would you like coffee?”

  Mack nodded at her, his gaze returning to Sylvia when Tabitha left to fill a cup for him. “You were about to tell me about the life your father would require.”

  The fork stalled a few inches from her mouth. Lowering it, she licked her lips, wanting to ignore the fact her brother shared their table. She was closer to him than anyone else and knew he’d understand. Still, this was a conversation she and Mack needed to have alone.

  Her pleading gaze locked on his. “Would it be all right if we spoke of this later?”

  “Of course. As long as we do have the discussion, Sylvia.” His firm voice told her how serious the conversation was to him.

  Dominic glanced between them. Knowing Sylvia, she’d kept the specifics about their family from Mack. He didn’t blame her, but he did understand Mack wanting to know as much about her as possible before making a decision about continuing to court her. He’d do the same if he were in the man’s position.

  “Father brought a woman around for me to meet. Well, her and her family.” Dominic flashed Sylvia a smirk, getting the response he hoped for. Her face brightened into a smile.

  “As if you’d ever let Father choose someone for you.”

  “She seemed nice enough, but she wore this hat.” Dominic grimaced.

  “A hat?” She slid a bite of roast into her mouth.

  He nodded, the grimace still on his face. “It was pretty, well…awful.”

  This brought a deep chuckle from Mack.

  Dominic shrugged, swallowing his food with a sip of coffee. “Anyway, it’s what made me decide to find you.”

  Her eyes danced with amusement. “A hat made you decide to leave the ranch?”

  “Well, that and the woman wearing it.”

  Mack and Sylvia both laughed, the mood shifting as Dominic had hoped. They ate for a few minutes in silence before her gaze fastened on her brother.

  “How did you find me?”

  It took him a few minutes to explain his trip to Philadelphia and visiting Pettigrew’s, using his badge to get the information about her coming to Splendor.

  Sylvia’s eyes widened. “You’re a Texas Ranger, Dom?”

  Pride infused his grin. “I am. They accepted me a week before I left to find you.” His gaze narrowed, lips pressed into a thin line. “Father doesn’t know.” He took a sip of coffee, setting the cup down. “Which reminds me, I need to send a telegram to my captain, letting him know I’m in Splendor.”

  “How long can you stay?”

  Dominic saw the hope in her eyes. “As long as I can, Syl.” He glanced at Mack, wondering about the man’s intentions toward his sister. Tension still crackled between the two, and Dominic had no plans to leave until he knew Sylvia would be all right.

  Mack listened to the exchange, watching th
eir faces. He began to understand how close the two were and the battles each must have fought with their father. Although his reasons were different from theirs, Mack knew about being estranged from your family, being the one to ride away.

  “Suzanne said to make sure you all have a piece of her apple pie.” Tabitha set a slice in front of each of them. “I had a little earlier, and it’s wonderful.” She grinned at Sylvia. “More coffee?” When they all nodded, she filled their cups, leaving to seat new arrivals.

  “How long have you been in Splendor, Mack?” Dominic put a piece of pie into his mouth, groaning in pleasure.

  “A year.”

  Dominic took another bite. “Do you have other family around here?”

  “No.”

  When Mack didn’t say more, Dominic looked at Sylvia, lifting a brow. She hesitated a moment, unsure how much she should say, deciding a little information wouldn’t upset Mack.

  “He’s originally from New York, Dom.” Sylvia’s sweet smile moved from her brother to Mack, seeing a flash of something on his face before it disappeared.

  “A Yankee, huh?”

  Mack gave a curt nod, adding nothing more.

  The gesture wasn’t lost on Dominic. Finishing his pie, he pushed the plate away, drinking the last of his coffee.

  “If you don’t mind, Syl, I’m going to find a game of cards at the Dixie.” Reaching into a pocket, he pulled out money, setting it on the table. “I’d like you to meet me at the St. James for breakfast in the morning, unless you have other plans.”

  Sylvia glanced at Mack, his expression neutral. Before learning about her family’s wealth, he would’ve mentioned how they always attended church together on Sunday mornings. Tonight, he said nothing, moving his gaze between her and Dominic. She cocked her head at Mack, hoping for some reaction, disappointed when he ignored her silent question.

  “We, uh…usually have breakfast early before going to church. Would you like to join us?”

  Dominic pushed away from the table but didn’t stand. “Us?”

  “My friends, May, Tabitha, and Deborah walk to church with me. I’ve been sitting with Mack the last few weeks.”

  “I won’t be able to make it to church tomorrow. I’ll be working at the jail.” Mack didn’t sound apologetic or notice the brief look of disappointment on Sylvia’s face.

  She refused to let him know how the distance he’d begun to put between them hurt. Forcing a smile, she turned away from him to face Dominic.

  “Would you mind meeting us here tomorrow morning for breakfast?”

  Standing, he looked down at her. “Only if you’ll allow me to escort you and your friends to church.” He flashed her the charming grin she’d seen numerous times when he flirted with young women in Whiplash.

  “Wonderful. I’m anxious to introduce you to my friends. All except Tabitha, who you’ve already met.”

  “Tabitha?” He didn’t remember meeting any of her friends tonight.

  “The woman serving us.” She nodded toward where Tabitha stood next to another table, talking to three cowboys. They could hear her sparkling laughter across the room.

  Dominic’s eyes lit at the knowledge. “Well then, I’ll definitely be here tomorrow morning.” He looked at Mack. “I’m sure we’ll be seeing each other again before I leave.”

  Standing, Mack shook Dominic’s hand. “Enjoy your evening. I may join you at the Dixie.”

  “I’ll buy you a drink.” He gave Sylvia a playful smile. “See you in the morning.”

  Waiting until Dominic left, Mack walked behind her chair. “You and I need to talk.”

  The cool evening breeze washed over Sylvia’s cheeks when they left the warm interior of the restaurant and stepped outside. It wouldn’t be long before the first snow would fall, blanketing the streets in a thin veil of white.

  Anticipation overtook her at the thought it wouldn’t be long before the entire town would be covered in snow. Sylvia couldn’t wait to celebrate Christmas. Until that afternoon, she believed the holiday would be spent with Mack. Doubt now clouded that certainty.

  She’d arrived in Splendor the previous winter, surprised at how simple it had been to adjust to the cold weather and often blustery winds. Deborah had the worst time, while Tabitha, May, and Sylvia loved the beauty of a Montana winter.

  Everything was new and exciting, so different from growing up in Texas where each day seemed the same as the last. Being with Mack had given her yet another perspective on the land she had come to love.

  He’d introduced her to so much, Rogue Rapids being the most spectacular. She wondered if any other man would’ve taken such pleasure in sharing his private places.

  Sylvia also wondered if any other man would’ve been as honest about his feelings concerning love and marriage. Mack had shared what his fiancée and family had done, how they’d betrayed him.

  It wasn’t quite dark as they stepped off the boardwalk, continuing toward the school. A wave of guilt hit her. Mack had been completely honest, holding nothing back, but she hadn’t.

  Neither spoke as they walked to their favorite spot along the creek near the back of the school. Noah had completed the bench Mack ordered, the two men placing it under a stand of maple trees next to the water.

  Most evenings when they walked, Mack would hold her hand or put an arm around her waist. Tonight, he did neither, keeping at least a foot between them from the moment they left the boardinghouse until he gestured to the bench.

  “Sit down, Sylvia.”

  She lifted her chin. “I’d rather stand.”

  He shrugged, ignoring her defiant pose. “If that’s what you want.” Mack took a seat on one end of the bench, stretching out his legs and crossing his arms. “Tell me why you lied about your family.”

  Chapter Sixteen

  Miller Ranch

  Norman Miller shouted another round of orders to his foreman, Buster, anger pulsing through him. “I want men along the border of our ranch and the Smith ranch at all times. I don’t want those sheepherders coming onto our land to protect their herd.”

  Buster rubbed his stubbled jaw. “We’ll need to hire more men, boss.”

  “Then hire them.” Norman scowled at the man who knew him better than anyone.

  Curtis had sent a rider to let his father know his sons had been hauled to jail after they’d been threatened by what all considered to be their meek neighbors. Thanks to a visit from the sheriff and two deputies, Norman already knew the details of their arrest.

  Ebenezer and Elija were known for turning away at any perceived wrong. They weren’t men who stood up to others, believing words worked better than bullets. When faced with ruination, even men such as the Smiths could be pushed to violence.

  “What do you want to do about the rest?” Buster crossed his arms, ready for another explosion.

  Running a hand through his hair, he murmured a string of curses. “Hell if I know. I can’t stop the sheriff and his men from questioning my ranch hands. The man is thorough. I’d do the same in Gabe’s position.”

  “Yep, you would, but that doesn’t solve our problem.”

  Norman shot a dark look at Buster. “Continue doing what we discussed and hire more men. And send someone to fetch my sons. I want to talk to them tonight.”

  “It’s already pretty late, boss.”

  “I don’t care if it’s midnight. Send them to me tonight.”

  After Buster left, he walked to the window, watching the foreman take his usual long strides toward the corral. In spite of the looming darkness, a few men continued to work with the horses. Stopping next to one of them, they talked a moment before the cowhand grabbed the reins to his horse, mounted, and rode off.

  Scrubbing both hands down his face, he lowered himself into the desk chair, settling his arms on top. This entire situation had gotten well out of hand. Norman knew what the outcome would be if the attacks on the Smiths continued. The two brothers didn’t have the money to sustain persistent slaughter of their herd.<
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  The thought should’ve brought him a measure of satisfaction. With the Smiths gone, their land would go up for auction. No matter the way it came about, Norman meant to be the first in line.

  Splendor

  Sylvia didn’t sit next to Mack, preferring to stand, giving herself whatever advantage possible. There was no one to blame except herself for the tension between them.

  Before Dominic arrived in town, she and Mack had been getting along well. Very well, if she ignored the fact he still stood firm on his stance about love. Except for that one important part, she’d never expected to have this kind of bond with any man. She didn’t want to lose it.

  Blowing out a slow breath, Sylvia accepted it might already be too late to reverse the damage caused by her lack of honesty. It might be different if Mack hadn’t been adamant about his thoughts on lying and betrayal from the beginning. They were words he linked together when he spoke just one of them.

  She understood why he tolerated nothing less than complete honesty. He hadn’t taken the betrayal of his fiancée and cousin well. He’d also never confronted either them or his family, who’d stayed silent while the couple ripped out Mack’s heart. Yes, Sylvia could definitely understand his stance on being truthful.

  Shoving aside the remorse, she controlled her features, holding his gaze. “First, I’m sorry I didn’t tell you the complete truth about my family.”

  He didn’t move, continuing to stare at her.

  “My grandfather arrived in the country from Spain as a young man. With determination and hard work, he built the Lucero ranch, starting with a few acres, building it to thousands before his death. When my father took over, he continued what grandfather started, quadrupling the size by the time my oldest brother, Cruz, turned eighteen. He’s twenty-four now.”

  Stopping a moment to judge the effect her words had on Mack, she squared her shoulders, letting out a breath when his expression didn’t change. It continued to be as devoid of emotion as he had been when she started.