His brows furrowed. “Time?”
“Enough so you can truly love another woman. Enough so you can live with your guilt over Sadie. When that happens, I hope you’ll still want me.”
Big Pine, Montana
Chad Devlin gathered his winnings from the last hand of cards, pleased at his three-hour winning streak. He’d already earned enough to keep him going for a long time, allowing him to ride about anywhere he wanted. So far, Big Pine filled every need.
“I haven’t seen this much luck in a coon’s age.” The older rancher banged an empty glass on the table, signaling for more whiskey. “Hope you aren’t planning to stay in these parts long.”
Chad’s mouth tilted into a wry grin. “Might stay for a while. Might not.”
The rancher muttered a curse, downing another shot of whiskey.
He’d chosen a table at the back of the saloon and a chair angled so he could see anyone entering or leaving. Chad never allowed himself the luxury of feeling comfortable. The quirk had saved him more than once.
“Where you from?”
He eyed the rancher. The man spoke way too much. “Around.”
“You looking for work?”
Chad smirked. “Not if I keep winning.”
The rancher chuckled, then quieted, the game moving forward without further interruption. After another two hours, Chad piled his winnings in front of him, gratified and relieved the other men had already left. He checked the clock above the bar. Two o’clock in the morning. He hadn’t realized how much time had passed.
Sending a look at the saloon girl standing at the bar, the one he always chose, Chad nodded toward the stairs. Giving him a sultry grin, she strutted to the stairs, waiting for him to join her.
“You ready, sweetheart,” he murmured against her ear at the same time his arm snaked around her waist. “Because I’m feeling in particular need tonight.”
She giggled, turning to kiss him full on the mouth. “I’m always ready when it’s you, Chad.”
Nuzzling her neck, he tightened his hold as they walked down the hall and into a room near the back. Kicking the door closed, the outlaw shoved her onto the bed.
“I’m glad you’re ready, darlin’, because this is going to be a real long night.”
Splendor
May stretched, noticing the early morning sun peeking through the curtains of her bedroom window. She thought of her new job, excitement rolling through her. An instant later, it died.
Last night, her heart had shattered and she had no idea how to fix the pain. Caleb hadn’t replied to her comments his heart needed to heal after Regina’s death and move beyond his guilt over Sadie before he could love again.
Instead, he’d held her to him, tightening his hold until May had been the one to push away. She knew many couples married for companionship, having children, or for financial reasons.
They were friends, respected and cared about each other. A good foundation for building a successful marriage.
May wanted more. She longed for the kind of relationship Sylvia and Mack shared. When together, no one could mistake their love or total devotion.
It had been a risk, ending the courtship until Caleb could decide the extent of his feelings. She loved him, and every instinct in May screamed he felt the same about her. But continued pain and guilt kept him from accepting his true feelings.
Deep and lasting love showed whenever he spoke of Regina. A faraway look shifted his expression, eyes glistened, and there’d be a hitch in his voice when he described her.
May knew she’d never compare to the vibrant young woman who’d owned his heart. How could she? He’d created a memory so perfect no woman would ever be able rise above it.
She needed to be loved for herself because she was worthy of desire and passion from the man she adored. May had no wish to displace Regina in his heart. She wanted her own space, the same as he’d given Isaac.
A knock had her rising. “Yes?”
“It’s Sylvia.”
May’s brows drew together for an instant before her eyes widened. Padding to the door, she drew it open, holding it wide. Motioning Sylvia to come inside, she closed the door.
“You aren’t dressed. Did you forget about our plans for breakfast? A celebration of your new job.”
Despite the hurt in her chest from what happened between her and Caleb the night before, May’s lips tilted upward. “I’m sorry. So much has happened the last few days, I forgot. It won’t take me long to get ready.”
She bent over a bowl on the table, washing her face before brushing her hair. When she turned around, Sylvia had laid a chemise and dress on the bed. Slipping into them and her shoes, she grabbed her coat and reticule.
“It seems strange to have three days off in a row.” Leaving the room, they talked while descending the stairs, walking outside to a clear morning.
Sylvia’s mouth twisted. “How is the chef treating you after the changes?”
“He wants someone in the kitchen who doesn’t offer suggestions, who stays quiet and just works. I can only stay quiet so long...” May shrugged.
Laughing, Sylvia walked to an open table at McCall’s and sat down. Giving Betts their order, she leaned forward, grinning.
“So, you must tell me all about your conversation with Caleb.” Her joy faded at the wounded expression on May’s face. Glancing around, she lowered her voice. “What happened?”
Licking her lips, May described the night before, why she’d ended the courtship. “I’d hoped he might dismiss my concerns, assure me he could love again.”
“He didn’t.”
May shook her head. “Caleb cares a great deal, but love? He might never be able to open his heart to any woman. Not the way he did for Regina.”
Betts placed plates in front of them, making certain they needed nothing more, then left. May stared at the food, as did Sylvia, her enthusiasm for celebrating her friend’s new position gone.
Reaching out, Sylvia touched May’s arm. “I’m so sorry. I know how much you love him. I also understand how awful it feels to realize the man you care so much about may never share your feelings.”
May had watched Sylvia and Mack go through their own struggles, hoping she never had to endure the same disillusionment she’d witnessed on her friend’s face. It had been heartbreaking.
Shrugging, May continued to stare at her food. “It’s up to Caleb now. We promised to stay friends.” She pressed her lips together, slowly raising her head, the despair on her face almost more than Sylvia could bear. “The truth is I’ll never be able to watch if he calls on someone else and marries.”
“He won’t.” Sylvia’s determined voice gave May hope. “Caleb isn’t interested in any woman except you. Once he’s able to allow someone into his heart, it’s going to be you.”
“How could you know that?”
Lifting her fork, Sylvia scooped up a bite of scrambled eggs. “Caleb doesn’t even look at other women. When you’re around, you have his complete attention. When you aren’t, he’s constantly looking around, hoping he’ll see you.” She placed the food into her mouth, chewing slowly, then swallowing, pointing her fork at May. “After church, he almost exploded when he saw you on Dom’s arm as he escorted you outside.”
Brows furrowing, she again glanced at her breakfast, still not interested in eating. “Then why didn’t he find me afterward?”
“Isaac didn’t feel well, so Caleb rushed him home. Believe me, if his son hadn’t complained of a stomach ache, he would’ve found you. Which reminds me. Isaac talks about you all the time. Isabella laughed about it when she described making lunch for him and Isaac kept telling her May could do it.”
A brow rose a fraction. “I could do what?”
Sylvia chuckled. “Anything, everything. You make the best pastries, cook the best suppers, and play all the games with him. The boy is smitten with you, as is his father. It’s just a matter of time before Caleb realizes all he’ll lose if he lets you go. Remember, he doesn’t want to wat
ch you being courted by another man as much as you don’t want to watch him with another woman.”
“Are you saying I should accept being called on by someone else?”
Sylvia shook her head. “Absolutely not. Although it wouldn’t hurt for him to see you with other eligible men. Such as having supper with Mack, Dom, and me. Or being seen with Hex or Zeke Boudreaux. He just needs to learn how desirable you are to other men. Caleb is a smart man who’s struggling with his past. Besides, Mack and I will be on your side.”
May leaned forward. “I don’t want to cause trouble between Caleb and Mack.”
“You won’t. Once Mack learns what happened last night, he won’t let his closest friend lose his chance for happiness. It was the same for us. Caleb made clear he thought Mack was being an idiot and would kick himself later if he let me get away.” Sylvia shrugged, a sassy smile on her face. “Sometimes you just need a nudge from the right person to see what’s already in front of you. Believe me, Mack knows how to nudge.”
“No tricks, though.”
“May, I’m not talking tricks. All I’m saying is you can’t hide in your room when you aren’t at the restaurant. Caleb needs to see you continuing with your life, spending time with friends, being involved in the town.” Sylvia’s eyes brightened. “The ladies will be putting up decorations in the church soon. Several of the deputies have offered to help, including Caleb. Christmas is a week away, and like you, he already accepted my invitation to come to supper at our house. Dom will be there. So will Hex and Zeke. All that male attention will drive Caleb crazy. Then there’s Isaac. That little boy isn’t going to let you get more than a few feet away at Christmas, especially if you bring a tray of pastries.”
Finishing her breakfast, Sylvia set down her fork, giving May a conspiratorial grin. “Yes, this could be a very interesting Christmas.”
Chapter Fourteen
Charles waited outside the bedroom, not wanting to bother Clare, yet not ready to let her return to the St. James. The last few days of her recuperation had gone well. She could’ve left his house days ago, but he’d convinced her to stay, ignoring what convention allowed.
While she’d slept, he’d worked at the clinic. After several questions from Clay, Charles explained the past he and Clare shared, announcing his decision to never let her go again.
“I’m ready.” She stepped out of the bedroom, the few belongings Charles had retrieved from her room at the hotel in a small satchel.
Walking to her, Charles took the bag, then set it on the floor. Taking her hands in his, he searched Clare’s face.
“You don’t have to leave. Stay here, with me.” He couldn’t bear the thought of returning from the clinic to an empty house.
Raising a hand, she stroked fingers down his cheek. “You know I can’t. Now that I’m healed, it wouldn’t be proper.”
He didn’t know why he couldn’t say the words, ask Clare to marry him and put an end to their misery. Charles had loved her his entire life, never believing he’d get a second chance. There had been a couple other women, but none who stole his heart the way she had. He’d chosen to stay a bachelor, putting all his time into his work. A lifetime alone. He found it more difficult than expected to say the words.
“Then stay a few more days, Clare. You don’t have to leave today.”
She waited, hoping he’d ask the question she longed to hear. When he didn’t, she shook her head. “It won’t be any easier in a few days.”
Shoulders slumping, he reached down to grasp the satchel. “If you’re certain.”
She gave a reluctant nod. “It’s for the best, Charles.” It wasn’t, but that was what she had to believe.
“All right.”
Leaving the house, she slid her arm through his, praying he’d say the words that would make her stay. Slipping between the buildings, they crossed the street to the St. James.
It shouldn’t bother her as much as it did. Having finally found the man who should’ve been her husband, Clare wouldn’t be leaving Splendor. They’d share meals, go on buggy rides, and attend church. It wouldn’t be as if they wouldn’t be together, just not as she’d hoped.
Entering the hotel, he accompanied her upstairs to her room, stopping outside the door. Taking the key from her hand, Charles unlocked and pushed the door open before stepping aside. Knowing he couldn’t follow her, Clare reached out, taking the satchel.
“Thank you for everything, Charles. Will I see you for supper?”
Clearing his throat, he nodded. “I’ll call for you after I leave the clinic.” Leaning forward, he kissed her cheek. “If you need anything…” His voice faded as he straightened.
Letting out a slow breath, she nodded. “Well, I should let you go.”
Gripping the door, she moved to close it as Charles turned to leave. An instant later, his hand slapped against the door, stopping it just before it clicked shut.
Moving past her, Charles grasped her shoulders. “I’m sorry, but I can’t let you go, not even a block away.” He locked his determined gaze on hers. “I love you. Marry me, Clare.”
Tears sprung to her eyes, a sob lodging in her throat.
Worry etched Charles’s face. “What’s wrong, sweetheart?”
Shaking her head, she swiped at the moisture on her face. “I’ve waited so long to hear those words.” Fighting another sob, Clare slid her arms around his neck, nodding. “I love you so much, Charles. Yes, I’ll marry you.”
The man stood in the shadows of an alcove several rooms away from Clare’s. The touching scene he’d witnessed meant nothing to him. Except the revelation of their impending marriage would make his job harder.
They should’ve snuck into the doctor’s house and poisoned her. Or smothered Clare in her sleep. He’d argued about not waiting, getting it done, but his thoughts had been cast aside, as always.
New plans had to be made. The doctor and Clare were going to marry, and by the looks of them, he didn’t believe they’d wait long. Well, he couldn’t wait long, either.
They’d been stuck in this frontier outpost for too long already. Finally, they could see an end to their months of planning. It wouldn’t be as easy as they’d first discussed, but the rewards would be beyond anything the two had expected.
Waiting until the couple disappeared inside her room, he let out a slow breath, stepping out of the alcove. His mind whirled at the possibilities for taking the life of the only person standing in the way of all their dreams. Taking the stairs to the next floor, he mentally thought about what needed to be done. Quick, quiet, and with absolutely no trace. That was how he’d take the life of stately Clare Billings without a bit of remorse.
Caleb strode down the boardwalk, stopping to talk to townsfolk and peeking into businesses while sending furtive glances at the boardinghouse.
The discussion with May the night before left him cold, empty in a way he hadn’t experienced since losing Regina. Caleb wished he’d been able to deny May’s words about his late fiancée. He couldn’t. The pain of loss had lessened since her death, yet he still felt a piercing ache whenever he thought of Regina. He did still love her, would always love her, and if he were being honest, he had no idea how to get past it.
Worse, he still carried around a sizable amount of guilt over leaving Sadie without telling her goodbye, telling her how she might reach him. When he’d left the Rangers to pursue the killers as a bounty hunter, he’d let his ex-captain know his plans.
When the man requested he stay in touch, he’d agreed to send a telegram to the Austin headquarters every few weeks. Even though he’d left the Rangers, Caleb would do whatever he could for the man who’d taken a chance on him after the war. He hadn’t given the same courtesy to Sadie. Hadn’t taken a few minutes to stop at the saloon, letting her know she could reach him through the captain. A grave mistake he’d always regret.
Caleb had stared at the ceiling all night, unable to sleep, his mind drifting between Regina, Sadie, and May. The first two were dead. T
he last, very much alive.
Climbing out of bed long before sunup, he’d dressed, drinking three cups of strong coffee while staring out his front window. When Isabella arrived earlier than usual, he’d left for the jail, hoping for a glimpse of May.
After two turns around town, there’d been no sign of her. Remembering she had Tuesdays off, he’d expected to see her out running errands.
“Anything interesting this morning?” Mack caught up with him in front of the St. James, keeping pace as they continued along the boardwalk toward the boardinghouse.
Still glancing around, Caleb shook his head. “Nothing.”
“Well, darn.”
Caleb’s brow arched. “You looking for some excitement?”
Mack shrugged. “Nothing big. I’d even welcome a few drunks we could haul off to jail.”
“I don’t think you’re going to get that before noon on any day.”
Mack snorted in disgust. “I suppose you’re right.” He glanced into the Dixie as they walked past. The lone customer slumped against the bar, his breakfast of whiskey before him. “Some people do drink before noon. Looks like Enoch Weaver is starting early today.”
Caleb followed Mack’s gaze, seeing the fifty-something man in his usual dark coat, white shirt, black bow tie, and flat-brimmed black hat. “He’s a decent man. Too bad he’s going to kill himself with whiskey.”
“And he’s a quiet drunk. I don’t believe we’ve ever had to haul him into jail.”
Chuckling, Caleb continued walking. “Like I said, no excitement so far.”
Reaching the end of the boardwalk, they stopped. Mack didn’t miss the way Caleb stared inside the boardinghouse window. “How’d it go with May last night?”
Caleb’s features hardened. “Not well.”
Turning away, they crossed the street, boots sinking into the melting snow and the deep mud below. The mucky ground wouldn’t have been so bad if the sun hadn’t burned down on town the last two days. Today, it sucked at their boots, making it hard to move around the numerous wagons and riders. Reaching the telegraph office, they stomped their boots on the wood planks of the boardwalk.
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