by Nan O'Berry
The minister stepped forward and took her hand.
Olivia’s eyes widened as watched his other close over top trapping her palm against his.
“My wife and I would love to attend. It is an excellent chance to get to know members of the community.”
“Excellent.” She pulled her hand free. “We shall see you all on Saturday.”
“By the way, Major,” Levi spoke. “My rider didn’t return with you.”
“Ah, no. He said his horse threw a shoe and he would be returning as soon as it was fixed.”
“Thank you.”
“Thank you.”The major nodded his head.
Olivia watched, puzzled by the glances between her husband and the major.
“Very well.” He took her arm. “We shall see all of you on Saturday.”
“Looking forward to it,” Pierson called.
Olivia straightened her shoulders and allowed her husband to lead her from the room.
Crossing the road toward their home, she leaned close. “Looking forward to it, he said,” she sneered. “Like a cat ready to pounce on his prey. I don’t think that man has any business in polite society.”
Levi’s brow arched. “Now dear, give the devil his due. Pierson is still part of the town. Perhaps, if he is treated well, he will begin to align himself with better manners.”
“Humph,” Olivia’s replied.
Clearly, this conversation was not over.
Chapter 11
Three days on the road brought with it its own misery of dust, dirt, and sweat. When Stone rode into to Three Rivers cloaked in the darkness his one thought was of a bath. His journey to Clay’s place had been uneventful, still he was surprised to see his long time friend with a pistol pinned to his hip. Clay brushed it off, yet he could see the worry in Emma’s eyes. They were looking forward to coming to the party and although they asked him to stay, he wanted to hurry back to see Charity. He did fill Clay in on the happenings in Three Rivers as Levi instructed him to do.
He pulled his horse to a halt before the express stable and wearily climbed down from the saddle.
The door to the bunkhouse opened and Jonas appeared. “Stone, I didn’t think you’d get here till tomorrow.” Coming out the door, he hurried toward him and opened the barn door wide. “How did your journey go?”
“Fine,” he lied and bent his head to undo the cinch. Pulling the saddle from his weary mount, he picked up a brush and tossed it to the other rider. “Give me a hand will ya? Rogue deserves a good brushing and an extra ration of oats.”
“Sure. Sure.”
Working together, he and Jonas soon had all the dust and dirt brushed from the horse’s coat.
“I’ll put him in the stall if you want to go see Levi before he retires?”
With a nod, Stone laid a hand on the horse’s neck and walked toward the house.
One lone kerosene lamp stood in the window of the kitchen as he wrapped his knuckles softly on the door. In a whispered tone he asked, “Mrs. Hawkins. It’s me, Stone.”
The sound of a chair scraping along the kitchen floor followed.
Stone stepped back as the door opened.
Instead of Mrs. Hawkins, Levi confronted him.
“Mr. Hawkins, sir,” Stone stammered. “I-I just got back.”
“Good to have you home. Come in, I feel we have much to discuss.” Stepping back from the door, Levi held it open so Stone could enter. Leading him to the table, he pulled a chair out for him to take. “Let me get you a cup of coffee.”
Stone lowered himself heavily into the chair. Every muscle in his body felt stiff from the hours in the saddle. “I rode back as fast as I could.”
“How are things out at Clay’s place?” Levi asked as he sat the mug of coffee in front of Stone.
Stone looked up gratefully and wrapped his hands around the warmth of the cup. He brought it to his lips and took a sip. The dark colored brew slid over his tongue like silk and warmed his throat all the way down to his belly. “Things are tense. I’ve never seen Clay wearing a firearm. I did fill the men in on the situation though. There is weariness, a sense of unease about the whole place. Even Emma’s brother keeps a rifle not too far from his grasp.”
“I was afraid of that. Did he have any information about the tribes on the reservation?”
Stone shook his head. “If he did, he didn’t have chance to tell me. Emma chattered like a magpie. I thought my ears were gonna fall off.”
Levi grinned. “It will be good to get all the ladies together, so they can get that out of their system.”
Stone’s smile quickly faded. He glanced at his boots, then over to Levi. “Any word from Brett?”
Levi could read the worry in his voice. He shook his head. “No. I don’t expect him back until tomorrow. Maybe he’s learned a few things up the line.”
“Maybe,” Stone muttered and took another long drink of his coffee. Rising, he pulled his hat from the table. “If you don’t mind, sir, I’m got some business up the street.” Stone couldn’t help but notice the twitch of Levi’s lips as the man fought a smile.
“No, not at all,” Levi agreed. “Tell Charity I said, hello.”
Stone nodded.
Heading out the door, he moved through the twilight, drawn to the music and light of the Crystal Dawn. Stone stopped at the door and noticed a line of ponies tied to the rail. “Business must be good tonight.” He grasped the swinging doors and moved through.
“Howdy, Stone,” a red head named Ruby called as she walked by carrying a tray of drinks for a table.
“Miss Ruby.” Stone nodded. Weaving past the chairs and tables, he made his way to the bar. Staking a claim to a spot, he hooked his boot heel against the rail and pushed his hat back from his head.
“Stone,” McMasters greeted him and made his way down the bar to his end. “What brings you to the Crystal Dawn? I know it’s not a drink.”
Both men smiled.
“Actually, sir, I was hoping to get a saparilla. I’ve had my share of coffee.”
McMaster’s grinned and with a nod turned to retrieve the non alcoholic beverage. “Here you go.”
Stone glanced at it and then took a long sip. Putting the bottle down, he slowly swallowed the beverage.
“Looks like you put in a lot of miles on horseback.”
Stone glanced at McMasters. “Yep. Mrs. Hawkins wanted something done.”
McMasters grinned and poured a neat two fingers worth. “She’s a formidable woman. I suggest you do as she says.”
Stone ducked his head and chuckled before he looked up. He watched the owner of the Crystal Dawn study the amber liquid inside the glass.
“If you are looking for a certain young lady, she’s in the back helping to clean glasses.”
“Thanks.”Stone lifted his bottle and finished the drink.
“Stone.”
He paused and looked up at McMasters.
“Don’t you ever mistreat her. If you do, I’ll come for you.”
Stone gave a nod. “I hear you, sir. Trust me, I would never hurt Charity.”
McMaster’s nodded. “Meet me around back.”
Stone hurried out the door and made his way around back. The door to the kitchen opened and he caught sight of the swamper tossing out a pan of dirty water.
“Evening.”
Mike came to a halt and narrowed his glance. “Stone. That you?”
He stepped into the light. “Yes, sir, I come back here to see Charity. Mr. McMasters was coming to let me in.”
“Mike, that Stone?” McMasters asked from further inside the building.
“Yep.” Mike pushed the door wide. “Come on in, Stone.”
Sweeping his hat from his head, Stone stepped into the back room of the saloon.
Charity stood at the counter, tendrils of dark hair swirled around her damp skin. Her apron damp from her task of cleaning glasses, yet to Stone; she was a vision of beauty.
“Charity.”
His whispered word brought her to his
side and into his arms.
“You may not want to do this,” Stone whispered to her ear as she hugged him close. “I’ve been riding for days.”
“I don’t care,” she answered him. Turning her head, she pressed her lips to his cheek.
He pulled her close and held her tight for a moment then with reluctance, released his hold.“You smell wonderful.”
She laughed. “I smell like stale liquor and beer.”
He shook his head. “No, vanilla and sunshine.” He leaned close and drank the scent of her shampoo. “Roses,” he added. “Your hair smells like roses.” He noticed the slight blush on her cheeks.
“I missed you, Stone.”
“And I missed you.”
They stood for a moment staring into each other’s eyes. To Stone, it seemed that time stood still. The only thing that rang true was Charity and holding her.
“S’cuse me,” Mike mumbled and walked out.
The closing of the door signaled they were alone.
Placing his hand beneath her chin, Stone lifted her face and leaned forward to capture her lips. Charity moaned with pleasure and leaned into the kiss. Brushing past her lips, he blazed a trail across her cheek to the dangerous zone just below her ear. Beneath the brush of his mouth, he could feel the dance of her heart. “Charity, my Charity,” he groaned and held her closer.
“I was so worried about you,” she admitted.
He drew both hands along the side of her cheeks and let his fingers thread through her silken locks. Her hands found his arms and they stared into each other’s eyes.
“It’s getting harder and harder to leave you.” He swallowed past the lump in his throat. “Ah, Charity, I-I,” he swallowed. “God forbid, I am in love with you. If you think me a fool, don’t say it. Let me live in this make believe fantasy for the rest of my life. If I was to lose you, I don’t think I could find a reason to go on living.”
Her eyes filled with tears. “I love you,” she whispered.
His heart swelled with pride. Unable to form the words, he pressed his lips once again to hers. Her fingers tightened on his arms. Their kiss ending, he pulled her tight to his chest. “There is but one thing to do,” he murmured. He could feel her heart beating against his. “Marry me.”
Charity’s fingers clutched his shirt. “Oh, Stone, are you sure? You know what the people of this town think. You will be whispered about.”
“I don’t care. I know I have one more ride to make, but as soon as I am through, we are going to do this up right.” He let her go and looked down at her astonished face. “Say you will marry me, Charity.”
She blinked. “I would love nothing more. Yes, yes, Stone, I will marry you.”
Something in her voice made him still. “Why do I hear a ‘however’.”
Her smile trembled. “I think, we should tread lightly.”
Confused, angry, he turned away and thought about her words.
“Please,” she begged. “It’s not that I don’t love you. Oh, I do. More than heaven and earth, but I want us to talk to Mr. and Mrs. Hawkins about our decision. I think, considering the events of late, we need to consider others feelings.”
He stared at her. His mind went over and around the words she’d spoken. All he could think to ask was, “Others? Mine don’t count?”
Charity moved toward him and pressed her hand on to the spot where his heart had ceased to beat. “Yours count more than anything. But, if the town won’t consider us without scandal, I won’t sully your name.”
“My name be damned, Charity. I love you. We can leave here and we’ll begin someplace new. Some place where they have never heard of Pierson, Mc Masters, or the Crystal Dawn.”
Her smile grew. “If that’s what it takes, I will follow you.”
He took her hand. His hopes rose high. “Then, it is a yes?”
She nodded.
His arms swallowed her in another tight hold. “You won’t regret this, Charity. I promise.”
“And we’ll talk with Mr. and Mrs. Hawkins?”
He nodded. “After the holiday party.” One more kiss and with reluctance, Stone let her go. “I’ve got to get back.”
She nodded. “I have to finish the glasses.”
He grinned. “Tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow.”
Walking back to the bunkhouse, he opened the door surprised to find more than one rider awake.
“Howdy, Stone,” several remarked as he hung his hat on the peg by the door.
“Boys,” he returned the greeting.
Walking over to his bunk, he slid his gunbelt off and hung it over the post. “Thought you all would be in bed.”
“Not yet, we’re sitting here holding a Powwow.”
“A powwow?” Stone paused and tilted his head. “Over what?”
“Talking about our new visitors,” Jonas remarked.
With a groan of fatigue, Stone moved to his bed. He lowered himself to the bunk and pulled off his boots. “Visitors?”
“Yep, got us a party of soldiers from Fort Valor and a new preacher man.”
Stone pulled his shirt from his trousers and struggled to get it over his head. He tossed his shirt across the foot of his bed. “Interesting.”
One of the other riders snorted and then added, “You should see how our girls look at them.”
Stone glanced at the speaker.
The cowboy grabbed his kerchief, stretched it over his head like a bonnet, holding it beneath his chin, and batted his eyes. He raised his voice to a higher level and spoke, “Oh, aren’t they just the most handsome things!”
Around the table, the riders roared with laughter.
Stone shook his head. “You’ll just have to be on your best behavior,” he scolded them.
“Yeah, best behavior.” The rider sitting next to him rolled his eyes heavenward. “This is from a man who doesn’t have to worry about someone to dance with.”
“This is one time, I hope the whole Arapaho nation rises up,” Jonas groaned.
“Yeah,” another agreed. “Then the whole bunch of ‘em will be sent out of town.”
The men broke into groups, some settled down to watch a card game or checkers. Some went on with small talk; they snorted and chuckled amongst themselves.
Stone let them have their due, mainly because they were right; courting Charity gave him a sense of purpose. To the riders, he appeared to be man, no longer just one of the boys. There was a distance forming, he could sense it as well as see it, just like it had with Clay and Ransom. Stone took a deep breath and listened to the conversations around him. Now that he had convinced Charity to join him; he’d soon be leaving them and starting out on his own. He just needed to find the right time to talk to Levi. Maybe tomorrow, he’d broach the subject.
He got out of his trousers, then tossing back the blankets climbed between them. Placing his hands behind his head, he lay quiet and listened as the riders slowly began to turn in. When the last of the lamp light was extinguished, he called out, “Night boys.”
“Night, Stone,” they answered in unison.
Saturday morning, the group gathered together to help ready the Hawkins home for the festivities. Tables were moved to provide places for the cakes and punch.
Mrs. Hawkins and Anna worked on the last minute pastries.
Levi called Stone into the parlor, “Help me with this sideboard.”
Moving to one end, Stone stood ready to move the heavy mahogany piece where it was needed.
“You see Charity?”
Stone nodded. “Yes sir, you want this against the wall?”
“Yes. Ready? Lift.”
Stone locked his elbows and they lifted together. Walking carefully, they moved it against the wall.
“Let’s put it down here.” They set down the piece and Levi gave a small groan. “I forget how heavy this is.”
Stone grinned. “I am glad we don’t have to move it often.”
Taking a moment to catch his breath, Levi glanced over to S
tone. “So, things okay? With Charity, I mean.”
Stone looked down at the floor before gazing back. “We need to talk with you and Mrs. Hawkins sometime after the party.”
Levi arched a brow. “Sounds serious.”
Stone pretended to brush away a speck of dust. “I’m leaving the express.”
The big clock on the mantle ticked away the seconds as he waited for Levi to speak.
“I am sorry to hear this.”
“I am marrying Charity.”
To Stone’s amazement, Levi smiled. “Then that is reason to celebrate, why the glum face?”
Stone pressed his lips together and gave a shake of his head. “She is afraid.”
“Ah, of what the townspeople will say.”
He nodded. “If the uproar is too great, we will be leaving Three Rivers. I can’t live without her, Mr. Hawkins.”
Levi moved and placed a fatherly hand upon Stone’s shoulder. “Put that out of your mind. Charity is a wonderful girl. Both Mrs. Hawkins and I think highly of her.”
Stone relaxed. “Will you both tell her that, please?”
Levi gave a slight chuckle. “Yes, we can. I’ll talk to mother. Let’s make plans to meet Sunday after service.”
A weight seemed to be lifted off his shoulders and Stone nodded his agreement.
“Now, let’s get these rugs rolled up and the floors swept. I don’t want anyone slipping while the dance is going on.”
By late afternoon the house was in a state of readiness. Ransom and Dell had arrived and Stone helped to carry their bags up to the second floor. Anna readily agreed to give up her bedroom for the married couple. She would be bedding down in her parents room so that Clay and Emma could stay in the unused room.
With the ladies talking in the kitchen, Stone, Ransom, and Clay moved to the stable where they could discuss things uninterrupted.
“Good to be back,” Clay said as he walked over to place a hand on one of the horses owned by the express.
“Seems like a lifetime ago,” Ransom agreed.
They grew quiet.
Stone could feel the unwanted stares from the former express men. He moved toward the stall and grabbed a brush. He didn’t meet their gaze as he slipped into the stall and began moving the brush over the horses hide.
